Everville: The Rise of Mallory by Roy Huff Read Free Book Online Page B

all realms. If we don’t find a way to stop him soon, it will be too late. The only way is if I can reach The Third Pillar of Truth. Varstock is the only Keeper that knows where it is. We need his help,” Owen said with urgency.
    “He’s not going to help you,” the eunuch slipped.
    “So you do know where he is,” Asher replied.
    “Now I’ve said too much. Please leave me. My master will be disappointed if he finds out I’ve told you,” the eunuch continued.
    “Listen. I understand your concern, but the situation is very grave. We must speak with him. Your life, Varstock’s life, our lives, and everyone else’s in this realm are at risk if we don’t stop Mallory soon. Please, help us,” Owen pleaded.
    Owen was about to take another dose, but the eunuch capitulated.
    “Fine, but he’s not going to be happy.”
    They were guided through a complex series of passageways. Even with the elixir, it was likely they wouldn’t have been able to find it on their own. Deeper and deeper into the mountain they went until they arrived at an inconspicuous depression on the side of a dirt wall. The eunuch pushed through, and an expertly camouflaged door opened.
    “What’s this?” Varstock said angrily.
    “Please don’t be upset. They made me do it.”
    “Get out of here right this instant. Get out! Get out!”
    “Wait, Varstock. A great evil has taken root, an evil far greater than Them and the armies in The Other In Between. If we don’t stop it soon, it will be too late,” Owen pleaded.
    The Keeper Varstock had done away with all forms of power and connection. He no longer possessed access to a portal or any objects with unique properties; only the power of his presence remained. He had isolated himself in order to prevent others from finding him and to prevent the temptation of intervening in world affairs on the behalf of others.
    “Listen, I have no way to help you. I have no portal. I have nothing. I live a simple life,” Varstock replied.
    “But there is a way. I was told by The Second Pillar of Truth that I must find The Third Pillar in order to stop Mallory. The Keeper Carwyn has sent us here to find you. Mallory represents a far greater evil than Everville has ever known. All we need is for you to tell us the location of The Third Pillar of Truth,” Owen begged.
    Varstock sat down on his stool. He had gotten rid of his staff and the garb that is worn by other Keepers. He wore an old tattered cloth covering that made him resemble a beggar. He stroked his chin and was deep in reflection.
    Varstock sighed.
    “Let me get you some stew,” he said.
    Owen looked at Asher and the others somewhat perplexed at his off topic statement, but he thought it was at least progress that Varstock was willing to sit with them.
    “Sure. That would be great,” Owen replied.
    Varstock signaled to the eunuch to get some stew from the small kitchen in the back. A few moments later, the eunuch brought a tray holding four bowls of stew, which he then placed in front of each of them.
    Grenmar and Felix were the first to start eating.
    “Mmmm,” said Felix.
    “I’m glad you like it. It’s made from quidring droppings and mountain lizard tongue,” Varstock said.
    Owen paused for a second after hearing the contents, but Asher dug in.
    “It’s delicious,” replied Felix.
    Asher’s facial expressions confirmed the sentiment, so Owen reluctantly took a small sip.
    Soon, all four of them were eating the soup, failing to notice Varstock had stepped out of the room.
    Owen looked up.
    “Oh no! He left,” Owen said.
    Moments later, Varstock returned with a small parchment.
    “You didn’t think I had left, did you?” he asked.
    Varstock laid the parchment on the table, and Owen and the others saw that it contained a map of the surrounding region. He took out a piece of black chalk made from the soil of the mountain and marked two x’s on the map.
    “We are here, and way over here lies The Third Pillar of Truth. You will