The Vlakan King (Book 3) Read Online Free

sense of self-preservation ready at all times.
    "Enter my home," purred a voice seemingly rising from the floor around them.
    "Thank you," said Lockwell. He and Machel entered the dimly lit large room; the two Celaeri soldiers remained outside the room. All the lights were near the entrance; the deepest part of the room was enveloped in darkness. Lockwell thought he could hear movement in the room but he could see nothing except the phantasms of his mind dancing around him. He did however, smell blood, both fresh and stale. He tried to touch his magic just to reassure himself but he did not sense it. His pulsed quickened. He had entered another realm that the outside world could not penetrate.
    "I am Natale Galamog as you know. Welcome to my home. I seldom receive foreign visitors. Who are you?" The voice was not unpleasant but the words seemed shaped oddly like a guttural hum. And there were the sounds of her lips slightly sticking together as she spoke. The sound did not relax them.
    "I am Lockwell, a wizard and servant of Ioane Adan, Queen of the Celaeri. With me is Machel Moet, also a servant of Queen Ioane."
    "Ah, it is well then. I sensed the mark of Moruga upon you both. Moruga reveled in his creation of the Celaeri. I never desired to create. Ah, but I dissemble. You are here in response to my inquiry from the late winter?"
    "Yes, Lady Galamog. Queen Ioane wishes to enter an agreement with you for the resources required for your needs. Machel Moet will lead the Celaeri company that will join your soldiers."
    "Excellent. I require your soldiers to come to Anavar by the end of the moon's cycle. There is a tower west of Toraba in a place called Erast. Do you know it?"
    "The Tower of Erast? It's an accursed place."
    "Yes it is. I knew Erast when he lived and I do not fear his curses. You should not fear them Lockwell for you are a strong wizard. Perhaps Machel Moet should be concerned; however, the danger is small. But be at ease, Celaeri. I am sending a sorcerer named Pashar Bei to command the tower. He is of singular skill and will keep the curses of Erast from bothering you. I will send you to him after our discussion. Speak with Pashar Bei of the details of our agreement; I care little of details. Keep your agreement and I shall be pleased. Deliver to Pashar Bei your Celaeri soldiers for the western front."
    "We shall do so, Lady Galamog. May we be allowed to see you?"
    A throaty chuckle bubbled up from the darkness.
    "Ah, Lockwell, while your question flatters me I do not wish to expend the strength right now to display myself in a form you would appreciate. I favor a slim woman still holding her youth with golden hair with black eyes when I walk among the living. Use your imagination. If you beheld me as I am right now, I do not believe your reaction would be courteous. Thus I spare you the stain of dishonor you would bring to our working arrangement. I'm sure you will understand?"
    "Yes, Lady Galamog. I see the wisdom of your words. We shall go and prepare the completion of our side of the bargain."
    "Lady, may we be dismissed?" asked Machel Moet.
    There was silence.
    "Where is my tribute?"
    "We have brought word from Queen Ioane that..." began Lockwell.
    "Yes, yes. But the agreement must be sealed with tribute. What did you bring?" Her voice was subtly harsher.
    "Nothing Lady Galamog," said Machel Moet.
    "Hmm. I dislike disappointment and you two are necessary to complete my goals. This is distressing. What about the two soldiers beyond my door?" Her voice purred over them and the darkness spread around the room. They could not make out her shape and the sound of movement was everywhere.
    "Do you need them?" Her voice was very close, her spiced breath washed over them. "Are they necessary? Do you need them?"
    "What do you mean?" asked Machel Moet. Lockwell grabbed his arm in warning.
    "No, Lady Galamog," said Lockwell. "We do not need them."
    "Thank you for your tribute."
    The blackness covered the entire room