The Dragon's Test (Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

messenger, a neophyte of two years, look at it.”
    “It is from the king,” Dimwater said as she took it in hand and looked over its contents.
    “The senate chamber has been laid to waste,” Marlin said. “At least, that is what my messenger told me.”
    Dimwater nodded. “So, the seats of white have been destroyed,” Dimwater said.
    “The king’s account is not overly detailed,” Marlin continued. “But it is enough to see that Erik and Al are not esteemed as enemies of the king.”
    “That is good,” Dimwater noted as she continued to read the letter. “King Mathias is asking for volunteers from the temple to prepare to be transferred to Drakei Glazei,” she said as she neared the end of the letter.
    Marlin nodded. “Specifically, he asks for half of my warriors.”
    “Do you intend to send them?”
    Marlin sighed and leaned forward on the handrail. “Traditionally the warriors of Valtuu Temple do not engage in political conflicts. Since our foundation, we have let the nobles see to themselves while we take care of the temple. Our duties have ever been somewhat autonomous from the kingdom, as we serve the Ancients and distance ourselves from the affairs of men. However, it does not appear wise to deny the king his request. Before Erik destroyed the senate, perhaps we could have abstained, but not now.”
    “It would be seen as standing against the king,” Dimwater noted with a decisive nod.
    “It would,” he agreed. “While we are certainly not aga inst the king in any respect, we can’t afford to allow others to think that Valtuu Temple would defy the king. I will send him more than what he has requested, just so others may see our overwhelming support.”
    “ The temple will be more vulnerable then,” Dimwater said.
    “I know,” Marlin replied. His shoulders slumped and he tapped his fingers on the rail in front of him. “To deny the king could spark a feud that we cannot afford, and to deliver what he asks is to invite those who seek the book to throw themselves at our walls until they break through.”
    “The letter did not mention what Al and Erik were doing now,” Lady Dimwater said.
    “Well, it wouldn’t mention Erik,” Marlin said with a finger up in the air. “The king believes it was Lepkin.”
    “Yes, but you know what I mean,” Dimwater countered. Her tone conveyed she was not in the mood for pointless debate.
    Marlin shrugged. “I had my chief messenger write back asking about them, but we have no response as of yet. I don’t expect one for some time.”
    “Well, for our sakes I hope they are making the return journey,” Dimwater said.
    “As do I,” Marlin agreed. “But we must plan as if they will not be back for some time. With Al going to get the scale from his brother, it may take quite a while yet before we see them emerge from the forest.”
    “Now I see what weighs upon your heart,” Dimwater said. “I may not be able to see your aura, but the expression on your face is plain.”
    “I assume you will stay with us until Erik returns,” Marlin said.
    Dimwater smiled and looked back over her shoulder longingly. “I lost Lepkin once,” she said. “I will not leave his side again in this life. I am here until Lepkin wakes and is recovered, no matter how long that may take.”
    “That lifts a bit of the burden from me,” Marlin said. “It will be good to have you by my side if the demons come looking for the book.”
    “I will be here,” she promised. “When do your warriors leave?”
    “They leave at first light,” Marlin said. “It is the soonest they could prepare for the journey. I want the kingdom to know that Valtuu Temple stands firmly with the king. A slow response would have been only marginally better than no response at all.”
    Dimwater nodded knowingly. “Then, knowing the Blacktongues, I should expect we will see them the day after tomorrow, just after your warriors are far enough away not to be recalled quickly.”
    Marlin nodded.