The Baldari (Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

that had followed appeared to have taken a toll on the older man.  While Ash’urn’s mind appeared as sharp and insightful as ever, and he had wisdom that rivaled Daim’s and a knowledge base that might be even more extensive, for the first time Rigo worried that age might be winning its battle against him.  Apparently even Shara had been concerned enough to raise her own worries to Nycoh.
    “One of the Baldari carried a short torch-like object with one of the power crystals on the top.  It was said to be glowing with a light purple light.”  Ardra looked at Daim as she finished the description.  The importance of the color was not lost on the others.  “Did you see anything like that when you encountered the invading force in southern Kellmore?” she asked.
    Jeen shook her head.  “None of us were looking, and the number of Baldari was larger than we had encountered before.”  She looked at Nycoh, who shook her head negatively as well.
    “Nonetheless, Ardra’s revelation is a pretty clear indication the Baldari have some familiarity with magic,” Daim pointed out.  “Perhaps they have learned something from the materials they have stolen in previous attacks, although we don’t have the ability to create such a barrier, so that seems hard to fathom.”
    “They are still coming from the south?” Rigo asked.  In his mind they needed to discover where the warriors originated and pursue them back to their homeland.  This had to end.  For far too long they had been free to hit and run as they wished.
    “We assume so,” Ardra said.  “As usual they fled back into the Wastelands, and those present weren’t prepared to follow them into the unknown dangers there.  The tracks were followed far enough to see they turned south at one point, but that could have been to mislead us.  We believe, however, they originate from south of the great mountains.  That’s where your people tracked those that Nycoh destroyed as having come from, isn’t it?”
    Rigo nodded.  “We followed their tracks back to the Great Central River.  Mitty’s claim that they came up the river somehow appears to be verified.  The tracks appeared at the edge of the river, just north of the mountains.  The river there passes between steep rock cliffs with no banks to travel upon.  They would have had to ride upon the water, yet there was no indication of boats or any other kind of craft.  It remains a mystery how it was done.”
    “We are going to have to track them through the Ruins,” Daim said.  “A group of wizards is going to have to see if the trail of the group that attacked Fernwah can be followed.  Even if not, it is imperative we know what lies along the southern edge of the Ruins close to Sedfair.  The southern border of the country itself is well mapped from what you’ve told me, and there is no sign they have found a way across the mountains within the country itself.”
    “We will need patrols all along the southern borders,” Ash’urn suggested.  “They came up the Great River and turned west, but they could have just as easily turned into Lopal.  For that matter, the eastern side of Lopal has multiple breaks in the mountains.  I once considered making my way through those mountains and heading to the south myself.”
    Rigo looked at Ash’urn.  He remembered.  That was where Ash’urn had been headed when he, Kaler, and Daria had first encountered him.
    Ardra nodded.  “The borders will need to be patrolled.  That is where they are coming from, and we need to know they are coming.”
    “Even if we know, what can we do?” Jeen said.  “Even Nycoh and a squad of our strongest wizards weren’t able to penetrate their barrier.”
    “The barrier appears to protect them as they travel,” Ardra acknowledged, “but once they reach their destination they shed it and are vulnerable.  Once discovered they can easily be followed, and a large force of wizards and Casters alerted to be on hand