The Clandestine Circle Read Online Free Page A

and wool.
    The second official, a portly man who served as head of the city council, vehemently waved a thick hand at the volcano. “Chan Dar, I doubt the lava will endanger your farms. I’ve already sent professionals to study the possible paths of flow from the dome. It is their considered opinion that the lava will come south down into the guard camp and overwhelm the breastworks. If that happens, we could lose part of the city wall and the guild district. You, as a guild master, should be concerned—”
    Chan Dar snorted and interrupted his esteemed colleague.“I hardly think one dwarf and an overbearing draconian constitute a professional opinion.”
    “And what makes you think your opinions are any better?” Lutran the Elder said heatedly. “At least they have experience working in the mountains.”
    “Gentlemen,” soothed a tall man in one of the scarlet uniforms. “Farm or city, we are all part of Sanction, and wherever the lava goes, we will be there to fight it.”
    Chan Dar refused to be placated. “But it’s going to explode any minute. We need to evacuate—”
    “It’s not going to blow for at least a week or two, you idiot. There’s plenty of time to …” began Lutran, clearly exasperated.
    “Says who? Your so-called experts?” said Chan Dar scathingly. He suddenly turned to the man in gold. “Lord Bight, you must do something immediately.”
    Lord Bight stirred slightly, as if drawn from a deep meditation. He turned his head, and Linsha caught her breath at the sight of his profile silhouetted against the backdrop of the smoking volcano. Hogan Bight was a tall, powerfully built man, with chiseled features that stood out sharp and elegant against the red of the volcano and the blue of the sky. His hair and beard, both golden brown, were closely trimmed, and his eyes, framed by curved brows, glowed like sunlight through amber.
    “The dome on the side of the volcano is not going to bother us in the next day or two,” he said in a voice deep and resonant. “Do not worry. I have already ordered crews to the dike to strengthen the erosion damage. I will monitor the activity, and when the time draws near, I will be here to control the flow.” His manner toward them was tolerant, patient, like a parent calming fussing children.
    The city officials exchanged glares, then bowed low. Linsha gave her head an imperceptible shake. Those two were so involved in their petty arguments, they did not care how a mere man subdued a volcano, nor were they dazzled by the wonder of it. All they wanted were their walls and their cows kept safe.
    As if he had seen her movement, Lord Bight turned completely around and gave her the full regard of his piercing gaze.
    She returned his stare openly, frankly, her own eyes as green as spring grass. “Your Excellency,” she said in as steady a voice as she could muster.

T he other men noticed Linsha for the first time, and she quickly saluted the two officers, Commander Ian Durne and his aide, Captain Alphonse Dewald.
    “Sir,” she addressed Commander Durne. “I have a message for Lord Bight from the harbormaster.”
    “Tell me,” Lord Bight demanded.
    Linsha felt sweat trickle down her backbone. She was sweltering in her heavy red tunic, and nervous excitement only added to the heat. Now she was face-to-face with the controversial Lord Hogan Bight, and she did not want to make a fool of herself. She turned slightly toward him and repeated the harbormaster’s message.
    Loud voices of consternation burst out from the other men and cut her off before she finished.
    “A runaway!” Lutran the Elder cried. “In our harbor?” How did such a thing get past the defenses?”
    The farmer looked grave. “And everyone on board dead?An ill omen!”
    Captain Dewald demanded, “Who is in charge of your patrol? Are they still on the dock?”
    Linsha pursed her lips, annoyed that she was unable to finish her message over the noise. She raised her hand and said, “Excuse