The Lord of Illusion - 3 Read Online Free Page A

white witch?”
    “Yes, my lord. And at last, they have helped me to find her.” He pulled out the journal, opened it to the proper page, and showed it to North. “I believe this is her descendant, who carries the birthmark upon her skin.”
    Lord North took the book, staring intently at the entry. “A slave? Hmm. And this mark, you say it is some sort of key to Elfhame?”
    “My vision shows the white witch witnessing the arrival of the elven lords through the gateway between our worlds. And then she brands something on her child. Some clue to what she had seen. If there is a way to open that gate, I believe it exists in that birthmark passed down in the Ashton line. And I intend to find this woman.”
    Giles spun. “You? No. We need an experienced spy for such a task.”
    North ignored him. “Ever since Lord Thomas Althorp found the source of magic and the doorway to Elfhame, we have tried to find a way to open it. The elven lords’ dragon-steeds have always referred to their masters as mad. They profess that the elven are generally a peaceful people. We hoped if we could open the door, we could send them back where they belong.”
    “Or release a scourge of them into our world to conquer the whole of it.”
    “Giles,” interjected Cecily. “Must you anticipate doom with every breath?”
    “It has kept my loved ones alive.”
    Drystan heard the scuffling of feet through the hall as background accompaniment to their words. He leaned forward, his attention focusing on the man who could grant his wish. “That is my same thought, Lord North. Based on my research—the thousands of records I’ve read long into the night, I believe the key to our freedom may lie within the opening of that doorway, and may rest upon the clue this girl can provide.”
    The leader of the Rebellion absentmindedly rubbed his chin, the lace of his sleeves waving to and fro, staring at Drystan as if truly seeing him for the first time. “You are a bookish lad. And you look as if a stiff wind could knock you off your feet.”
    “You aren’t actually considering sending him to England?” said Giles. “The lad has barely slept in the past ten years! At last he has found what the scepters wanted, and now that he has an opportunity to finally lead a normal life—”
    “Do you truly believe that?” interrupted Drystan. He spoke calmly, quietly, for despite Giles’s protests, it appeared Lord North was seriously considering Drystan’s proposal. “They will not allow me to rest. I can feel them even now, pushing me… prodding me to find this girl. And I swear to you all, I am the only one who will be able to manage her.”
    “What do you mean?” asked Cecily.
    Drystan colored. “It is not just a matter of finding this brand and deciphering it. Indeed, the mark may mean nothing to us, and the girl may hold some clue to it. I can’t… I can’t explain any more than that. I do not understand it all myself, for the scepters have never made it clear. But I know I am the only one who will be able to reach her.”
    Cecily’s faceted blue eyes probed Drystan until he had to resist the urge to squirm. “She is the girl of your dreams,” she whispered, her words laden with understanding.
    Drystan nodded abruptly.
    She picked up the rose-patterned teacup and took a sip. “You must send Drystan, Lord North.”
    Giles looked ready to tear his hair out. “I cannot allow you to go to Firehame and Drystan to Dreamhame. I cannot be in two places at once. How will I protect you both?”
    Lord North grunted. “You have an extraordinary sensibility about your loved ones, Giles Beaumont. Haven’t you taught the lad to protect himself?”
    “He knows how to use a pistol and a sword, if that’s your meaning.”
    “Good. It’s decided then. You will all sail back with me on the morrow. And we shall bring the scepters with us, Beaumont, for although they have not won us our freedom as we hoped, at least they might help us in this war. We are