“Yes, we understand the terms; however, we’ve since discovered that the boy left the Maladorn Scroll inside the Craedenza.”
“Excellent! You’ve located my scroll, so you should have no trouble bringing it to me before the sun sets this day.”
“We have a slight problem, one that will result in a delay. For by law, since the Craedenza is under threat, no man or woman can step foot on the Craedenza foundation unless they are oath-bound. And no person under oath to the Craedenza can remove a scroll from the premises.”
“Then someone will simply have to break that law.” Vindrake’s eyes flashed with impatience. “Bring the scroll to me, or not only will I kill Alora, I will also turn the people of Glaenshire into wendts—one citizen at a time, beginning with the children.”
As if to make his threat more believable, he reached into the pocket of his cloak and withdrew Uncle Charles’ gun. Alora was so exhausted she didn’t even flinch when he aimed the gun her general direction. Mera’s expression remained nonplussed, but Alora felt her terror spike.
Uncle Charles must have explained about the gun, or she wouldn’t even know to fear it.
“One cannot break this law any more than one could decide to flap one’s arms and fly, for it is enforced by the power of the Craedenza.” Crossing her arms she glared up at him, like a Chihuahua squaring off against a German Shepherd.
“You are denying me my scroll?”
“All of us are anxious for you to take the Maladorn Scroll and be on your way. But blood was spilt on the very foundation of the Craedenza, awakening its ancient magick. There must be one full day—from sunrise to sunrise—with no violence against Glaenshire, so the Craedenza will sleep again. Then any citizen of Tenavae can enter the Craedenza. When the magick rests, you could retrieve the scroll yourself, if you so desired.”
“So this magick, by which my warriors perished at the Craedenza, is not a ward from some shaman?”
Meravelle shook her head. “It is no simple shaman magick. You’ve witnessed the power of the Craedenza—you understand it cannot be overcome.”
His fingers clenched into tight fists. “No! This is a trick... a ploy! Stone Clan seeks to delay me so they can prepare a counterattack.”
“Stone Clan will not attack. You are a judge, so you know I speak the truth.”
“I know only that you believe your own words. I know not if Morvaen has shared his true plan with you.”
Vindrake strode to Alora’s side and bent to grip her arm, wrenching her painfully to her feet, though her legs wouldn’t support her weight. Cold metal jammed against her neck, as her stomach heaved yet again.
“Tell Graely and Morvaen that I will not leave Alora alone for even a breath. And tell them I know how to use this other-world weapon, and I won’t hesitate to kill Alora. Graely knows he would lose his son as well.”
“I’ll give them your message.” Grim-faced, Mera turned to go.
“You will deliver my scroll when the sun rises,” Vindrake shouted. “Come alone.”
Her shoulders stiffened, but she didn’t turn back to face him. “I’ll give them your message.”
~18~
It had been too long since he’d slept, and Doc was at the end of his very short rope.
“Get out of my way, Laethan. We’re wasting time.”
Though he’d come to respect the Tenavae doctor for both his skill and his knowledge, the man was extremely stubborn and arrogant. “Do you think I’m a coward?” Doc demanded.
“No, I don’t. However, I didn’t believe you were senseless, either. Yet here you are, ready to throw your life away,” Laethan replied, in a too-loud voice that attracted Janice’s attention.
Great! Now he’s got my wife involved. Just what I need.
Janice froze in the middle of her task of tidying up the room, marching to join them with her hands on her hips and a what-do-you-think-you’re-doing frown on her face.
“What’s going on, A.J.? You’re throwing your life away? Our life? The one that just started a few months ago? I mean, I hate to sound like Karen, but I’m not fond of my husband dying.”
“Listen, I won’t die. But even if I did, you and Beth would be taken care of. I’ve got good life insurance.”
“You can ensure life in this realm? How is this done? Can one become immortal?” Laethan looked ready to buy a policy.
“No. We buy a policy that provides money to the people we leave behind when we die.”