Crowning Fantasy Book 1 by Coral Russell Read Free Book Online Page A

"Stay here until I come back."
    By now Gumus knew every inch of Free Port. He headed to the shadier parts of town, under the buildings in dark corners, places of desperation. Anger rolled off of him in waves and he used it to scare the Elyun and Manskliga. Other than paying passage, no one knew of a way to get on board a ship. They were locked up tight to prevent stowaways.
    In the darkness under a building a purple flame flickered close to the ground. "Ho, there!"
    Gumus grunted in reply.
    The purple flame swirled higher in the air until it lit the face of the Asistan Ti they'd first come across at the oasis. "What did I do to deserve being dismissed by someone so unfortunate as you?"
    "You have nothing I want."
    Child-like laughter rang out. "You're so wrong. I have valuable information. Now, in exchange, what have you got that I want?"
    "Nothing, the Vartalf stole everything."
    "Wrong again! Are you still traveling with that lovely Mikachiari? From the look on your face I would say you are. Good, we can make a deal. Tell me where she is and I'll see you get on the boat to Dong Tochi."
    Gumus swelled with hatred for this little, petty being. He growled in answer, taking a swig of anger from the Cinsel Iliski. Why not just take what I need like everyone else? He moved forward his torso glowing.
    A purple flame shot through the air and burned a streak across Gumus's bicep. Pain coursed through his entire arm making him drop to one knee.
    The Asistan Ti sighed. "I don't believe you have what it takes to be Aventyrare. Before you get any more big, stupid ideas let me give you a hint. I have seen another Kertenkele. He works on the boat going to Dong Tochi. I'll wait while that information penetrates your flea-sized brain."
    Gumus grabbed a handful of sand and flung it at the Asistan Ti as he launched himself in his direction. Another purple flame coursed across his leg. 
    "Modi!" cursed the Black hat Asistan Ti. "It's a simple exchange. I take you to the Kertenkele and you tell me where I can find the Mikachiari. Not just any, mind you, the one you are traveling with. I'll take care of the rest."
    Panting, Gumus hung his head. "Take me to my brother first and then I'll tell you."
    There was a beat of silence before the Asistan Ti answered, "Fine. You know I will turn you into charcoal where you stand if you try and back out. And then, I'll just find her myself."
    "Why not do it now?"
    "Because I'm bored. Meet me by the docks at sunset. Don't be late."
    ***
    M ikachiari sat right where Gumus left her. She had long since finished the fish and was scanning the area. When she saw Gumus Mina brightened. When he drew closer and she noticed his limp and burnt arm, she raced to him.
    "What happened?"
    "I'm okay. Sit down." Gumus positioned her back on the bench and sat in front. "I may have found a way to get you on the ship but it will be difficult." He explained what happened and what he'd told the Asistan Ti about handing her over. He didn't want Mina surprised or to mistrust him by playing down the seriousness of the situation or his part in it.
    As Gumus spoke and searched her face and eyes for comprehension he realized he didn't have the faintest idea what she was thinking, how her mind worked, or, Gudina help him, if she understood half of what he was saying. Gumus paused in his explanation. W hy am I doing this? Why have I tied myself to her? It would have been far easier to accept his punishment at the hands of his brothers and gone wherever Kertenkele went in the next life. Even though he hadn't lived a full life, hundreds of years, dying was beginning to look easier than living.
    "We try again." Mina said, pointing to the gate that led to Sanddyner.
    "No. I can't. I don't have the strength. I was sentenced to die. I don't know a way to reverse what I have become. In that sense Onyx Ay's decision was correct. I will get you on the ship, somehow." He didn't voice the rest of his thoughts. After she was gone he'd have to take