{"id":141,"date":"2012-06-28T14:12:46","date_gmt":"2012-06-28T18:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/?p=141"},"modified":"2012-06-28T14:13:03","modified_gmt":"2012-06-28T18:13:03","slug":"zervakan-free-fantasy-novel-chapter-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/?p=141","title":{"rendered":"ZERVAKAN – Free Fantasy Novel – Chapter 23"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\"\"<\/a>
Cover by TJ Lomas.<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n[Posting this chapter a day early since I’ll be laying on a beach tomorrow and staying as far away from a computer as possible.]<\/p>\n

I’m posting a chapter from my latest fantasy novel for free every Monday and Friday (click Zervakan<\/a> above for a synopsis and to start from the beginning). It’s in a “pre-published state,” meaning you might find the occasional spelling\/grammar mistake. If you do, please leave a comment below or email me at robsteiner01 [at] gmail [dot] com.<\/p>\n

If you’re uncomfortable getting something for nothing, you can hit the PayPal Donate<\/a> button in the Tip Jar section to the right. If you donate more than $3, I’ll send you a non-DRM ebook once the book is published (summer 2012). If you donate more than $20, I’ll send you a printed copy.<\/p>\n

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy it!<\/em>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ZERVAKAN<\/h1>\n

by Rob Steiner<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 23<\/h2>\n

Despite the chaos of the Tuathans flooding into the Heiron, Dylan was able to make his way through the arches and up to the tower\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s library level.\u00c2\u00a0 General Myndehr and several Shadarlak went with him, and for once Dylan was glad for their presence.\u00c2\u00a0 They kept him from getting crushed by the tall Tuathans crowding through the arches.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan had always been nervous in large crowds of tall people\u00e2\u20ac\u201dit was a natural Orlenian fear\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut large crowds of panicked<\/em> tall people pushed him to the edge of his self-control.<\/p>\n

The crowds thinned around the seventh level, as most sought the refuge of the various floors rather than continue all the way to the top of the Heiron.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan walked quickly toward the library at the end of the long, ornate hall.\u00c2\u00a0 Several women priests wearing scarlet sashes stood near the door, and they said something in Tuatha, putting their hands up to stop Dylan.\u00c2\u00a0 He could not understand what they were saying, so he turned to Lee and asked, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Abraeu?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Lee shook his head.\u00c2\u00a0 Through the door and past the priests, Dylan saw Melahara across the room standing at one of the windows looking down.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Melahara,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan shouted.<\/p>\n

She turned and frowned when she saw Dylan.\u00c2\u00a0 A book case had been blocking Ollis Gray from Dylan\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s view, and Ollis poked his head from around the shelves to see who was yelling.\u00c2\u00a0 The frown he gave Dylan made Melahara\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s seem like a mother\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s smile for her newborn.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have almost forty men armed with revolvers and sabers,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan yelled to them through the priests standing in his way.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Let me help.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Lee said in his ear, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Excellency, not even a company of Shadarlak could withstand lightning strikes.\u00c2\u00a0 There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s nothing we can\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sit in this bloody tower forever,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan growled.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We need them to get through this, and they could obviously use any help we can give them.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

As Dylan said this, Melahara approached the priests barring his entry.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It is all right, let them pass.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

The priests gave Melahara a wary look, then moved aside to let Dylan, Lee, Myndehr, and the five Shadarlak enter the library.\u00c2\u00a0 Melahara said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I am sorry you and your men got caught up in this battle, Dylan Edoss.\u00c2\u00a0 We did not think the Fomorians could attack Fedalan so soon.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153How can we help?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan asked.<\/p>\n

Ollis strode toward Dylan and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What makes you think your men can do anything against what\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s out there?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

General Myndehr said heatedly, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153My Shadarlak are the best trained soldiers in all the\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Follow me,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis said, then turned and strode back to the window.\u00c2\u00a0 Myndehr gave Dylan a questioning glance.\u00c2\u00a0 He rolled his eyes and followed Ollis.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan was getting tired of the Tuathan leader\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lack of respect.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan may not be the official Speaker anymore, but he was a guest in their city.\u00c2\u00a0 He would have thought a political leader like Ollis, even one so isolated in the Beldamark, would have a bit more diplomatic skill.<\/p>\n

Ollis pointed down to the ground and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Are your men trained for that?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Myndehr looked down, and her eyes widened in shocked horror.\u00c2\u00a0 Embarrassingly, Dylan was not tall enough to peer down at the ground, so he stood on a nearby chair without bothering to ask permission.\u00c2\u00a0 Lack of diplomacy could go both ways.<\/p>\n

The sight below almost made him stumble off the chair.\u00c2\u00a0 What was once a green field of grass fifty paces wide surrounding the Heiron, was now a mass of writhing, snake-like tentacles similar to what had attacked the train in Doare.\u00c2\u00a0 Amidst the tentacles were misshapen figures darting about the field.\u00c2\u00a0 Some of the figures looked like dogs with extra limbs and their own spiked tentacles.\u00c2\u00a0 None of the beasts looked exactly the same, and all had shapes and colors that could have only come from the dreams of madmen.\u00c2\u00a0 The mass of monsters and tentacles stretched from the foot of the Heiron to the buildings of Fedalan fifty paces away.\u00c2\u00a0 Amazingly, none of the tentacles or monsters touched the Heiron doors, maintaining a ten foot distance from the tower.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t they attacking?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan asked when he found his voice again.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Heiron is imbued with Ahura\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s essence,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Melahara said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Tainted cannot touch it, nor can Fomorians use Angra to penetrate it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where did those things come from?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Cursh asked.\u00c2\u00a0 His pale, sickened face matched how Dylan felt.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They are the Tainted,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis said as he stared down at the terrors below.\u00c2\u00a0 For once his voice held something other than annoyance.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan thought it might have been sorrow.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They were once natural animals from the forest.\u00c2\u00a0 Some were even people.\u00c2\u00a0 Harrowers cannot create anything, but they can certainly destroy, as is their nature.\u00c2\u00a0 They take a part of Ahura\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s creation and use the power of Angra to warp it into something that was not meant to exist.\u00c2\u00a0 Better to die a painful death than become one of the Tainted; at least you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d be dead.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can they be killed?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d General Myndehr asked.\u00c2\u00a0 She continued staring at the Tainted forms, and her face was more grim than Dylan had ever seen it.\u00c2\u00a0 If he was not mistaken, he would have thought she was afraid for the first time in her life.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not by guns or swords,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis said, turning away from the window and staring at Dylan.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Like I said, Edoss, your men are useless in this fight.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So what is<\/em> your plan?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan asked.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You tell me I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m no use to you, so you must have a way to break this siege on your own, yes?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ollis narrowed his eyes at Dylan, and his bald forehead reddened.\u00c2\u00a0 Before he could say anything, Melahara said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have options that we are considering.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Then I suggest you consider them a little quicker,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Whoever is controlling those things has herded your people into one location.\u00c2\u00a0 Now we are holed up in a place from which there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no escape.\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the perfect scenario for a slaughter.\u00c2\u00a0 Whoever is controlling those things surely knows he can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t penetrate this tower, and I doubt he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d go through all this trouble to force you here without knowing a way to come in and get you.\u00c2\u00a0 Or at least force you out when you begin starving.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ollis continued to glare at Dylan, but his glare now contained a hint of worry.\u00c2\u00a0 He quickly glanced at Melahara, then said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We must open the Jars.\u00c2\u00a0 It is the only way.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That is exactly what they want us to do,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Eblin said from the doorway as she limped into the library, leaning heavily on her staff.\u00c2\u00a0 Behind her walked Fatimah, who looked like she was about to fall over from exhaustion at any moment.\u00c2\u00a0 Supporting her was Taran Abraeu, half of his white shirt stained in dark red blood.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Doctor?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Lee said.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m fine.\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not my blood.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you mean \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcit is what they want us to do?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis asked Eblin, ignoring Taran and Fatimah.<\/p>\n

Eblin limped forward until she was at the window and looking down at the writhing Tainted below.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If we open the Jars within the Heiron, the Furies will break through the charms holding the Tainted outside.\u00c2\u00a0 When that happens, the Tainted will be able to attack, and the Fomorians will rain down lightning and Ahura knows what else on our heads.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ollis opened his mouth to say something, then closed it as he thought about what Eblin said.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan had no idea what they were talking about, and decided he did not wish to know.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153However, there may be another way,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Eblin said.\u00c2\u00a0 Putting her hand on Fatimah\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shoulder, she said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Go on, priest, tell them what you did.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Fatimah looked up at Melahara and Ollis through weary, half-closed eyelids.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sorry,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d she said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153but I studied the Book last night without my Master present.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Both Melahara and Ollis frowned, but said nothing.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I found an incantation that enabled me to create a shield around myself and others.\u00c2\u00a0 A shield that cannot be penetrated by Tainted or Angra.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153That\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s impossible,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No Tuathan has the strength right now for such a\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I saw her do it,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Abraeu said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She saved the lives of six priests with her shield.\u00c2\u00a0 After she collapsed, two other priests copied what she did and Wielded an even bigger shield.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Fatimah gave Taran a weak smile, then said to Melahara and Ollis, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They had to copy the shield because this fool ran out to save Rylan Jordak after he was mauled by two of the Tainted.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Dylan stared at Abraeu with a new respect.\u00c2\u00a0 He had not figured the doctor to be the type to run onto a hot battlefield,\u00c2\u00a0 even though he was General Abraeu’s son.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan realized he should not have judged a man\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s fighting courage before he had actually seen him in a fight.\u00c2\u00a0 He had seen the loudest braggarts run at the first sound of gunfire, while it was the quiet ones that often stood their ground.<\/p>\n

Melahara asked Abraeu, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What do you mean \u00e2\u20ac\u02dccopied?\u00e2\u20ac\u2122\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Abraeu shrugged.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They said the same words and did the same actions.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Where are these two priests?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis asked, glancing behind Abraeu and Fatimah.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t regained consciousness yet,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Fatimah said, leaning against a tall bookshelf.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153At least not by the time we left them in the hospital.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Eblin said to Melahara and Ollis, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Our cautious approach to relearning how to Wield the Aspects will not serve us now.\u00c2\u00a0 If two priests can simply copy another\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwithout spending days learning the incantations\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthen we can teach all of our priests to create the shield.\u00c2\u00a0 Even the lay Tuathans.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Melahara sighed.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But it will mean every Tuathan who Wields the shield will fall unconscious immediately afterwards.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not if one priest Wields the shield into existence,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Fatimah said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153and then another simply maintains it.\u00c2\u00a0 Maintenance takes only a fraction of the Aspects as the initial Wielding.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Eblin raised an eyebrow at Fatimah.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It is a good thing someone has been studying ahead of her assigned lessons…\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Fatimah lowered her eyes, but Ollis said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153She\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s right.\u00c2\u00a0 If a few priests do the initial Wielding, then the remaining priests can maintain it while the people in the Heiron escape.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Escape to where?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Melahara asked.<\/p>\n

Dylan said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Compact will take you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Melahara glanced at Ollis, but she could not catch his eye before Ollis said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have no authority to make such an offer, Edoss.\u00c2\u00a0 Your government will not comply with anything you promise us.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They will,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Throughout this entire journey I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve seen things that have changed my beliefs forever.\u00c2\u00a0 Once my people see what you can do, they will understand that you are our only hope to defeat these Fomorians and harrowers when they come after the Compact.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Speaker is right,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d General Myndehr said abruptly.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan looked at her, saw that she held her head high and gave Ollis Gray the same glare she would have given one of her captains if he questioned her orders.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I have been a committed Pathist all my life.\u00c2\u00a0 The things I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve seen have made me…question some of the things I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been taught.\u00c2\u00a0 Skepticism is a good thing, but it must not blind us to the reality before our eyes.\u00c2\u00a0 It will be difficult at first, but I believe our people will accept you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ollis narrowed his eyes doubtfully.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Even if that were true, how do we get to your territory?\u00c2\u00a0 It is hundreds of miles from here across sea and land, separated from us by a nation that is more hostile to us than the Compact.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Edellian superstitions about the Mystics attributed to them everything from foul weather to disease.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan would worry about getting the Tuathans through Edellia when the time came, but right now he had to get them to break the siege and escape the Heiron.\u00c2\u00a0 The Tuatha were the only hope the Compact and the continent had against the Angra harrowers out there.\u00c2\u00a0 Lee was right, the Shadarlak and the Compact army could not withstand lightning strikes, no matter how well trained they were.\u00c2\u00a0 This was a different war that required different weapons.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I will find a way to get you to the Compact,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You need to figure out how to get your people out of the Heiron.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Melahara frowned, but said nothing.\u00c2\u00a0 She glanced at Ollis who said to Dylan, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153There is a way for us to defeat the Fomorians attacking us, but it would involve doing something that\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ollis,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Melahara said threateningly, but Ollis ignored her.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153\u00e2\u20ac\u201dmost on the Master Circle refuse to do.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What is it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan asked.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They are called the Delving Jars\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Ollis Gray,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Melahara shouted, surprising everyone in the room at the sound of her voice.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You know you are forbidden to speak of this outside the Circle.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ollis took a step toward Melahara, who stood her ground.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We just lost over a hundred Heshmen tonight.\u00c2\u00a0 How many more do we have to lose before you realize we are in a fight for our survival?\u00c2\u00a0 How many more Tuathan lives will it take for you to accept that we must do what we have to do to survive?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought you said these Jars would break the charms on the Heiron and let the harrowers attack it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan said.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not if we open them outside the Heiron,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis said.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What are these Jars?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dylan asked.\u00c2\u00a0 Eblin only smiled at Dylan.\u00c2\u00a0 Ollis and Melahara ignored him, staring at each other like two circling wolves.<\/p>\n

Taran Abraeu cleared his throat and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve read some legends of the Delving Jars.\u00c2\u00a0 They contain the very essence of Angra.\u00c2\u00a0 Chaos and death.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 He glanced at Fatimah, who only stared at Abraeu.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not mistaken, there are three jars.\u00c2\u00a0 When a jar is opened, the Furies within will do whatever the opener asks, as long as the task embodies the essence of Angra.\u00c2\u00a0 You could not open a jar and ask the Fury for a bumper crop, but you could ask it to make your neighbor’s crops whither and die.\u00c2\u00a0 Or the population of an entire city.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Abraeu looked at Fatimah, and asked, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Am I correct?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Fatimah said nothing, but Eblin said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You are close, Dr. Abraeu, but not entirely correct.\u00c2\u00a0 I can say that the Delving Jars were captured by our ancestors a thousand years ago before the Fomorians could use them.\u00c2\u00a0 They have been sitting in our vaults ever since.\u00c2\u00a0 To open the Jars would be to give up our identity.\u00c2\u00a0 Better we perish as a people than become like those whom we fight.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you put the question to the people?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis asked Eblin.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t you ask them<\/em> whether they want to use the Jars to destroy our enemies, or whether they want to sit and watch their families starve to death in the Heiron?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Eblin gave Ollis a sad smile, then said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I will admit that I am tempted to use the Jars.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Melahara gasped, but Eblin continued.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153But we do not know what will happen once the Furies are released.\u00c2\u00a0 We do know that if we release them within the Heiron, the Aspects that protect us will fall.\u00c2\u00a0 And so may the Aspects around the Beldamark, which protect this land from the uninvited.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know that will happen,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ollis grumbled under his breath, shaking his head like he had said the same thing dozens of times.<\/p>\n

Dylan said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcuninvited\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 are already here.\u00c2\u00a0 I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think you have you a choice now.\u00c2\u00a0 If these jars are the only thing that will save your people, then you must use them.\u00c2\u00a0 If you die, the continent will fall to these Fomorians.\u00c2\u00a0 Isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t that what Ahura created you to prevent?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Eblin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lips tightened into a thin line.\u00c2\u00a0 She shifted her gaze to Melahara, who only stared outside and down at the shifting masses of the Tainted.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan also looked down at the horror below.\u00c2\u00a0 The moon and the stars illuminated glistening beasts and their tentacles, and the orange glow from the fires burning throughout the city cast the creatures in an abyssal light.\u00c2\u00a0 It was a sickly, undulating sea of gray, black, red, and yellow forms.\u00c2\u00a0 Dylan felt more nauseas looking down at it than he ever had looking up at the Angra ring.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153We must convene the Circle,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Melahara said in a quiet voice.\u00c2\u00a0 Then she swept her gaze from Eblin to Ollis to Dylan.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We will abide by the Circle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s decision.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cover by TJ Lomas. [Posting this chapter a day early since I’ll be laying on a beach tomorrow and staying as far away from a computer as possible.] I’m posting a chapter from my latest fantasy novel for free every Monday and Friday (click Zervakan above for a synopsis and to start from the beginning). […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,28,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-free-stuff","category-novels","category-zervakan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=141"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}