Greyrawk (Book 2) by Jim Greenfield Read Free Book Online Page B

are not a peaceful people. War raged throughout their history, both civil war and wars against other races. They are a patient people but they will not be merciful to their enemies. More than one race had been reduced to near extinction by the armies of the Celaeri. They will be a mighty people again. The cost may be the blood of Cresidians. Once they are established it will take a mighty force to defeat them."
    "Can we send messages to the king of that region?" asked Kerreth.
    "King Haldane of Cresida lives in the city of Andara at the southernmost port of Amloth. He seldom troubles with the northern nobility leaving them to settle quarrels themselves. He will not be concerned with the Celaeri until they are on his doorstep or they harm the trade of Andara and its wealth. Then it will be too late. The armies of Men will not stop the Celaeri this time even if all the kingdoms of Anavar and Amloth band together. You must understand the danger, Kerreth. Can you call all the Zidar to join us? Or Anetheans? Daerlans? Turucks? The Celaeri will be content in Cresida for a while, but I fear they will take measures to make sure they are not pushed aside again."
    "Who in Cresida can help us? We will need more than the six of us if the Celaeri return in numbers. We may not prove to be more effective than if you go alone."
    "Anyone of Talos Company would be of tremendous help to me. We can organize the defense of the Cresida cities. The most powerful northern noble is Dacu Belderag, a man of some repute as a warrior and leader, but little renown for a magnanimous spirit."
    "Well, we should start with him," said Kerreth. "Where's Dvorak?"
    "He's over at the Great Elk Inn," said Hobart. "Fresh stew today."
    "You're not keeping him company?"
    "No. The Anethean stew is much too hot. The roots they toss in make my mouth tingle and my stomach grumble. Dvorak is welcome to it; little bothers his stomach."
    "Go and fetch him, Hobart," said Kerreth. "I will find Elberra. We will meet in one hour to discuss Loric's quest."
    "It's not a quest, really. More a preventative measure, than a search. I really don't want to find the Celaeri that would be too much work."
    "We expected no less from you," said Moria sweetly.
     
    An hour later they occupied Kerreth's room. Dvorak Annis slumped in a chair, his latest feast inducing him to slumber. Elberra Turan was clearly distressed. The Anethean paced the room, her wings snapping in her anxiety. She glared down at Loric who smiled back. Elberra snarled and bared her pointed teeth.
    "I do not wish to cause you distress, Elberra," said Loric. "But I must go and I need everyone who is willing."
    "Yes! Willing!" said Elberra. "If I do not go I am not supportive of the Talos Company. I am singled out for being selfish."
    "Not at all," said Kerreth. "If you do not wish to go, that is your decision. We will be stronger with you than without you, but you are not forced to go."
    "And if someone is killed, it will be my fault for weakening the company. Can no one else join us - Blackthorne? Taina? Darkin Root? Navir?"
    "No. The rest are too far away. I don't expect Taina to join us for months yet. I have no word from Blackthorne. Only the gods know where Navir is. Our only other help is him." Kerreth jerked his thumb over his shoulder at the spectral shape of Prince James of Eslenda.
    "He's of no use. Hasn't even spoken to us yet. Why do we have a ghost following us around? He's the reason why my kin won't come here to meet you."
    "Give him time," said Kerreth. "He seems more interested in what we are doing lately."
    "Will he be interested in watching us die?" asked Hobart. "Maybe he'll talk to us if we're ghosts too."
    "We aren't going to die," said Kerreth.
    "Kerreth, you do not appreciate the danger of the Celaeri yet," said Loric. "This may be our last adventure. A full blood Celaeri is faster and stronger than any other race, even Zidar. They are difficult to defeat singly. With an army they would be