Even Gods Must Fall by Christian Warren Freed Read Free Book Online Page B

rigid ways. Rekka never bothered thinking of her relationship lasting beyond the approaching battle. There was a good chance many, if not all, of their ragged group would be dead before the end. A life in the north with Dorl hadn’t become a possibility until she’d been banished from her village of Teng through a series of unfortunate events.
    Nothol smiled warmly. “It keeps him on his toes. Don’t tell him I ever said this, and I’ll deny it if you do, but I need Dorl around. He’s watched my back for years and that’s an irreplaceable feeling.”
    “He cares deeply for you,” she said.
    “Let’s not get mushy. Emotional types don’t last long in this profession.” Of course, we’re not likely to last much longer anyway. What have we gotten ourselves into, I wonder? “Just know that I will do everything I can to keep his scruffy hide alive. No matter the cost.”
    The usually glib sell sword went back to his dinner without another word, leaving Rekka quietly analyzing the evolving dynamic of the group. They were an odd collection, each unique in their skill set. Normally none would be seen together but necessity and increased engagements forged them into a deadly weapon. Briefly, she wondered what her life would be like if she’d elected not to leave Trennaron.
    The sudden commotion on the far side of camp broke her thoughts. Her head snapped up. Hands reached for her sword. She squinted in the dying light, relaxing only slightly upon spying Boen’s massive frame rumbling back into camp. He was out of breath and exuded danger. The Gaimosian brought dire news. She sensed his adrenaline and knew he ached for the sweet release only battle offered.
    “We’re in trouble,” he said between ragged breaths.
    Bahr looked to his friend. “How close?”
    “Not far.” Boen shook his head. “I don’t know how they’re tracking us, either. Every time we stop they seem to make a straight line towards our position.”
    Heads turned towards the wizard. Sensing their consternation, Anienam lacked the answers they desperately wanted. The truth was he was just as confused. Each night he cast a web of spells intended on confusing their stalkers. It was old magic, from the high days of Ipn Shal and the Mages. The powers able to counter it were few. Anienam reluctantly came to accept that their enemy was imbued with the taint of the Dae’shan. It was the only possibility that made sense. But how to explain that to the others when it was merely a stray thought without evidence?
    “I don’t understand either,” he said reluctantly. “My magic is stronger than any other in this part of the world. We should be safe, practically invisible to any prying eyes.”
    “But we’re not, wizard,” Bahr said. “And if they can unerringly follow us across the wilderness how secure are we at night? What stops Skaning from bursting into the perimeter and slaying us in our sleep?”
    “Bahr, the situation is more convoluted than you make it appear,” Anienam replied. “There are many forms of magic in play. I recognize its taint on the air. Our enemies aren’t capable of producing such talent on their own. We must assume they are being aided by the very worst the dark gods have to offer.”
    “You didn’t answer the question,” Boen growled.
    “How would you have me answer when all I have is speculation?”
    The Gaimosian pointed an accusatory finger. “With a straight answer for once. No more damned riddles. We’re too far along on this quest for child’s play. I don’t mind dying but I need to know all of the facts before I willingly sacrifice my life. You owe us that much.”
    Anienam hesitated. The last in a long line of magic wielders, he alone was the heir to the wealth of knowledge from Ipn Shal. Many secrets were nestled deep within his mind. Secrets that no other living being should know lest the world was plunged into war again. He’d tried to follow his father’s advice. Tried to live up to the majesty of