Storm of Sharks Read Online Free

all the trials and
terrors he’d faced, his fortunes seemed to be on the turn. He had an army of
brutal warriors at his disposal and powerful allies in the Crows, who seemed to both
respect
and
fear him. And somewhere, deep within the Strakenberg mines, the
ancient artefact known as the Wyrmstaff remained hidden. With such a staff in his grasp,
who knew what magicks he could unlock? What host he might be able to command? Hector had
prisoners within the cells beneath the palace, prisoners who
knew
where that
staff was. It was only a matter of time before he held it. His enemies could call for
his head all they wanted: he was safe in Icegarden.
    ‘And what if the word from the Crowlord
is true, my lord? Does that not affect your plans?’
    Hector winced, Ringlin’s words like a
knife to his back. He knew full well what his Boarguard referred to. News had reached
Icegarden on Flint’s dark wings, information that Hector was struggling to
comprehend: Drew Ferran, the last of the Grey Wolves of Westland and the first real
friend he had truly known, was alive. A severed hand was all that had been recovered of
the Wolf in the Horselord city of Cape Gala; the remainder of Drew’s body had
never been found. Most believed he’d been eaten alive by the undead horde who had
swarmed the citadel, while a rumour persisted that he’d escaped. That rumour had
gained momentum in recent weeks, strengthened by numerous sightings.
    ‘Whispers of the demented and
desperate, nothing more,’ said Hector, trying to dismiss the matter with as much
flippancy as he could muster.
    ‘You can’t believe that,’
replied Ringlin. ‘This came from men of Riven who faced the Werewolf in Stormdale,
soldiers loyal to you. Lord Flint’s own brother fought him on the
battlements.’
    ‘They must have been
mistaken.’
    ‘How easy is it to mistake a
lycanthrope?’ asked Ringlin, forgetting himself for a moment. ‘Remind me
again how many Werewolves still live?’
    Ordinarily, the rogue might have expected a
withering look from his master, but on the matter of Drew’s reappearance Hector
couldn’t hide his mixed emotions. When in his mind Drew had been dead, his
decisions had been so much easier.With his friend gone and the
Wolf’s Council broken, the path he had to take through life seemed quite clear .
He was to forge his own, a new path that ultimately led to him taking power not just
over the Dalelands but further afield, right across Lyssia. If Drew did indeed still
live, how would he react to the choices the young Boarlord had made? Hector avoided
Ringlin’s gaze, as his bare feet gingerly crossed the cold flags towards the
stairwell.
    ‘There are other lycanthropes who may
yet live in this world, Ringlin. The White Wolves of Shadowhaven roamed the north not
that long ago. Perhaps it was one of Queen Amelie’s kin that the Crows and Rats
faced in Stormdale.’
    Ringlin paused, considering his words.
‘As I understand it, my lord, Flint was quite specific when describing the
creature that fought alongside the Staglords. If Drew
does
live – and
that hasn’t been confirmed, I know – then what would you do? How would
your actions tally with your old friend?’
    Hector finally turned back to his Boarguard,
sneering. ‘For a reformed footpad, you certainly have a way with words. Where did
you learn such insight and diplomacy?’
    ‘On the streets, for the most
part,’ Ringlin said, before adding, ‘and in your esteemed service, of
course. You didn’t answer the question, my lord. What if Drew lives? Do you fear
he’d disapprove of the path you’ve taken?’
    ‘Wherever my friend’s been,
should he rise from the dead and return to the fray, I’m confident I can make him
understand the reasons for my actions. Do you think I’ve anything to feel shame
for, Ringlin? Speak freely.’
    The informal chats between them had
increased in frequencysince their arrival in Icegarden. Hector truly
trusted the tall soldier’s counsel,