The Tomes Of Magic Read Online Free Page A

aspiring Emperor had already checked the other four spots and now the cave was the only one left. He wrinkled his nose as the scent of orc filled his nostrils. Ugh, he thought, those foul creatures have returned . His men cautiously moved toward the entrance of the cave, hoping Leoth would take the lead. He sighed and stepped forward as he pulled his hammer off his back. The others quickened their pace to keep up with him as he entered the cave. A loud screech echoed through the cave, sending his troops running. He turned after them and snarled before opening his mouth to yell at them. His words were cut short when he felt something against his back. With a quick turn, he was facing his opponent. The man before him fit the description of one of the three magicians from earlier.
    “We have no quarrel with you, W arlord. Leave us to our business and we shall leave you to yours,” Septimus said as he drew his staff back.
    “Then you are not hostile?” Leoth asked, somewhat taken aback.
    “Not unless you refuse us the tomes we are desperately searching for.”
    “There are no tomes here that are worth my men’s lives. Do you seek a specific book?”
    “We seek the Tomes of Magic and their trail led us here. Also, if you know of the whereabouts of the Staff of Kings, we are looking for that as well.”
    “I know little of these tomes you speak of, but I have heard tales of the staff. It is possible that the books are located here, but the staff is not. You cannot take the staff without a sizable army, magician.”
    Septimus let out a sigh and lowered his staff. Leoth glanced at the Warlock’s companions. The man with a half skeletal face gave him a shiver down his spine, but the female seemed out of place. He lowered his hammer to the floor as he considered the man’s words. It had not occurred to him that they were on the island for reasons other than trying to overthrow him. I must find out more of these tomes , he thought. The Warlock appeared to be weighing options in his mind. Leoth began to wish that Cassandra had come with him. He had always felt she had a cooler head for negotiations. At times, he wondered if she were more fit for leading than he. So much so that he had brought it up on more than one occasion. She always denied it, even though he knew it to be true.
    “Perhaps we can work out a deal,” Leoth said.
    “It is worth a try. We need an army, but what do you need?” Septimus asked.
    “Not here, we will go to the Hall of the Emperor.”
    “If you plan on calling yourself an Emperor then you might want to build a fortress. Since you appear to be lacking one, your hall will do fine.”
    Leoth was unsure whether to be grateful of his suggestion or annoyed by his latter comment. He thought it best to focus on the task at hand, though it did make sense to construct a fortress. The newly styled Emperor motioned for the others to follow him. His men pulled their weapons as he exited the cave with the magicians in tow. A quick glance from Leoth had them scrambling to get their weapons sheathed. He smiled as he led the entire group down the path to the hall. The path branched off as they got closer to Kellim. They took the road leading away from the town, which seemed to ease the nerves of the three magicians. For the most part, everyone kept to themselves. Leoth’s men were still wary of the outsiders and the others were lost in thought. The trek was slightly over an hour, but the silence did not end until the hall was in sight.
    “That is your house?” Talia asked as she looked up what appeared to be an older style hall.
    “Aye, that is where my wife and I live. It isn’t as glorious as it once was, but it has served our purposes well,” Leoth replied.
    The others stayed silent as they got closer to the hall. It was mostly made of wood with a small amount of stone to reinforce it. It had thatched roofing that needed to be replaced in numerous locations. As they entered he main hall, they noticed