Epic Of Ahiram (Book 1) by Michael Joseph Murano Read Free Book Online

of course.”
    “Ahiram told you about Karadon?”
    “Karadon, that’s a nice name. I like that. No, your brother would never betray your secrets.”
    “Then, how—”
    “Hoda, I was a young woman once. I know you enjoy Syreen’s company, but everyone has been talking about her dashing mysterious cousin. Then out of the blue, you want to visit her, and you’re tense and impatient. So, off you go, but remember—”
    “Yes, Mother, don’t you worry. Father would have to meet him first. What am I saying? I just met him.”
    Hoda ran out of the house before her mother could reply. She crossed the short distance to Byblos by walking on the beach, constantly on the lookout for the mysterious stranger, but he was nowhere to be seen. Syreen opened the door and the two friends went into the expansive kitchen.
    “No one is here now,” said Syreen as they sat around a large table by a window that overlooked an enclosed garden. “My parents have gone to a function at the Temple with our three maids, so we can speak freely. Tell me what you found out while I prepare tea. Would you like a piece of namoorah? It’s fresh from this morning.”
    Hoda could not help but smile at the mention of the treat. “No, thanks, Syreen. I’m not hungry.”
    “Did something happen with the medallion?” prompted her friend.
    Hoda related how her brother had suddenly became so very sick and recovered just as quickly once she returned the medallion to him.
    “Then I guess there is no time for tea,” said Syreen, taking the pot of water off the stove. “Hoda, my source told me that if this were to happen, if Ahiram were to fall ill when you took the medallion away, then I must take you to him at once. Your entire village is in mortal danger. We must go now.”
    “Really?” whispered Hoda. “I didn’t think it would be this serious.”
    “Come with me,” said her friend.
    They went back to the young woman’s room, where she snatched a scarf and resolutely faced Hoda. “I need to blindfold you. I am sorry.”
    “What? What do you mean?”
    “I cannot show you the way to my contact. He likes his privacy.”
    “But Syreen, I won’t talk—you know me.”
    “Sorry, Hoda, his orders. You need to talk to him, and I will take you there, but I have to blindfold you first.”
    Hoda sighed and gave her consent. Expertly, Syreen tied the scarf around her eyes. As they left the room, Hoda felt that her life would never be the same. The echo of her footsteps on the marble reminded her of the sound of an anchor being lifted just before a ship leaves beloved shores for an unknown voyage.

“Some say Baher-Ghafé means ‘the slumbering giant who keeps watch in his dreams.’ The name is ancient, predating the Wars of Riharon and the coming of Tanniin. Sureï the Sorcerer told me the mighty Baal stood on the shores of this little village, after having subdued Yem, and ordered him to sleep.”
    – Teachings of Oreg, High Priest of Baal

    Syreen led her blindfolded friend down a corridor Hoda did not know existed, then down some stairs. The air was damp, and she heard water trickling all around her.
    “Where is the water coming from?” asked Hoda, a tremor in her voice. “Are we walking under the sea?”
    Syreen laughed, for she knew what her friend was thinking.
    “The first time I took this passage, I was blindfolded too, and also thought I was below the Great Sea on my way to the eternal abode of the dead.”
    “Well, this is unnerving.”
    “To say the least, but it is a short passage, and we’re coming to the end of it. Careful now, there’s a step ahead of you.”
    They began walking onto a hard surface with hot air wafting about them. Hoda breathed a sigh of relief when she no longer heard the sound of water. Syreen led them through a maze of left and right turns. Throughout their journey, Syreen would direct her friend to bend down, lower her head, cross over a crevice, or climb onto a step. Eventually, they reached the top of