The Lord of Illusion - 3 Read Online Free

stands at Dorian’s side.”
    “Then we have an advantage,” said Cecily.
    “Perhaps. But of what use? The Rebellion did not plan this takeover. We wouldn’t have. Too risky. And we were right. The elven lords have gathered together for the first time in our history. They suspected the theft of the scepters. They suspected that one of their own, Lord Mor’ded of Firehame, was in truth a half-breed. Now they know for certain.”
    Lady Cecily and Giles looked horrified. Drystan only felt confused. “Should we not be celebrating? With half-breeds on the thrones of Firehame and Verdanthame, and the possession of the scepters of Dewhame, Stonehame, and Bladehame here in Wales, only two scepters remain within the elven lords’ hands. Surely the might of five will conquer the two?”
    Lord North rose one heavy brow, and Giles quickly answered. “We wish it could be that simple, Drystan. But the Imperial Lords still retain their powers, even without the scepters. And we have only three half-breeds who can wield them.”
    “Four,” murmured Cecily.
    “I forbid it.”
    “Giles. If I am needed to wield it, then I must.”
    “You are too o—”
    “Oh, you wouldn’t dare say it!”
    Giles lapsed into disgruntled silence.
    Lord North cleared his throat. “I am afraid it may be our only option, Beaumont. The elven lords are gathering an army to lay siege to Verdanthame. Lord Mor’ded—or should I say, our half-breed General Dominic Raikes, who has assumed the disguise of Lord Mor’ded—refused to join the war. His neighbor, elven lord Breden, who lost whatever wits he might have had, has longed for an excuse to invade Firehame. With the elven lords’ suspicions about Mor’ded confirmed, they have given their blessing. Since Firehame shares a border with Verdanthame, the eastern half of England is in chaos.”
    Drystan glanced at Cecily. Her skin looked as white as parchment. Breden of Dewhame was her father, and he’d been rendered completely insane when Cecily had stolen his blue scepter. He knew she did not regret it, but it crushed a part of her soul when the madman she hoped to love as a true father had tried to kill her, and forced her hand to retaliate against him.
    Her voice did not betray her inner feelings. “What would you have me do?”
    Lord North leaned forward. “Return with me to England. With the scepter.”
    Giles made a strangled noise.
    “You can at least hold Breden of Dewhame at bay, for without the scepter his powers might not prevail with your use of it against him.”
    “I forbid it,” said Giles once again, but this time without any hope in his deep voice.
    “She should be safe,” continued North, “with the scepters returned to Firehame.”
    “Until Verdanthame is overrun. Then there will be five elven lords who will march against the sovereignty.” Giles stood, unable to contain his agitation any longer. “Admit it, Lord North. Our tactics were wrong. Stealing the scepters was not the way to free England. They do not hold as much power as we hoped. We will lose this confrontation and set our efforts for freedom back a hundred years.”
    Drystan tried to keep up with the numbers the men threw about, then decided not to bother. This war would not be won by numbers and armies. It would be won with a key. He spoke into the heavy silence following Giles’s prediction. “I must respectfully disagree, Father. The scepters hold more power than anyone could have guessed.”
    Giles strode over to the window, staring at the scattering of falling snow, his breath frosting the glass. “I do not have as much faith in your visions as you do.”
    Drystan frowned. So, that’s why Giles did not question him about his discovery. After all these years, he had only been humoring him? Did he even believe that the scepters spoke to Drystan?
    But apparently the leader of the Rebellion did, because he turned to Drystan and pierced him with that intent gaze. “They still send you visions of this