Hemlock And The Dread Sorceress (Book 3) by B. Throwsnaill Read Free Book Online

gone.
    “Back here,” said a voice from behind her.
    She turned in a flash, hands going down toward her sabres, but the sight of a smiling Otticus calmed her nerves.
    “It’s the new teleporting magic Renevos has been researching ever since that encounter with the rainbow cat.  He figured out how to enhance our tattoos with a low range version of the spell.  I’m the first one to get it.  It’s kind of a test.  So far , it works great.”
    “That’s amazing,” Hemlock said.  “You’ll be very difficult to fight with that power.”
    “Only drawback is it’s tiring to use.  I can only do it so many times, and if I’m tired, it’s too much to use.”
    “Still, that’s an encouraging development.  I hope things go well and all of the First Circle can use that power soon.”
    “Yea, me too,” said Otticus without sounding very convincing.  It was clear to Hemlock that he was enjoying the distinction of being the sole bearer of the new tattoo.
    “Thanks for telling me about it.  I have to go.  See you soon.”
    “Bye, Hemlock,” said the young warrior, turning back toward the front doors.
    Hemlock considered taking the rear stair s up to the council chamber, but something held her back.
    It’s not my place to use those stairs, anymore.
    She slowly walked up the main stair s, pausing briefly at each floor to look around.  She found herself experiencing a heretofore unappreciated affection for the tower and the wizards within it.  An inner voice again raised concern about the fate of the wizards after she left for the distant world where her mother and Falignus awaited.  But, again, she felt a wave of surety that it was the correct course of action, although the ambiguity of her own motivations still troubled her.
    What will I do when I find Falignus?
    She didn’t have an answer to that question.
    Soon, the council chamber door beckoned, and her thoughts turned to the matters at hand.
    The council members were seated around the large onyx table, awaiting her.  A strong scent of soothing incense filled the air—no doubt at the behest of Gwineval, who had grown fond of the scent during his stay with the Tanna Varrans.  There were no observers in the bleachers above the meeting floor.  Apparently, it was a closed session.
    She looked at the friendly faces and took comfort in their apparent goodwill.  Memories of Jalis and his plots were still fresh in her mind.  In addition to her friends, Gwineval, Miara and Renevos, three newer faces greeted her.  First was Brannor, the new leader of the First Circle combat wizards.  He was known as a hardworking fighter who built his strength by tirelessly exercising until he was a match for any fighter in the tower.  On one side of Gwineval sat Caetor, leader of the Fourth Circle.  He was an expert in invisibility and other obscuring spells.  On the other side of Gwineval was Lalpa, the leader of the Sixth Circle of magic.  In contrast to the departed Colberth, Lalpa was a disorganized man, but possessed a brilliant analytical mind that eclipsed that of his predecessor.
    Gwineval’s serpentine eyes immediately caught Hemlock’s attention as he moved to bring the meeting to order, though it was just a formality since the room had gone silent when Hemlock entered.
    “Welcome, Hemlock.  Please sit,” he said, pointing toward a seat—Falignus’ old seat.
    “I’ve briefed the others on the information brought to us from the mountains.”
    They sat in silence for a moment then Gwineval continued . “I suppose I will start the discussion if nobody else has a suggestion about what must be done.  I think we should marshal a force of wizards and set out to drive Jalis from the mountains.”
    “Do we care that much about the mountains?” Hemlock asked.  “Or is the goal to destroy Jalis, the Seekers and the rest of the rogue wizards?”
    “Both goals are significant, ” said Miara gravely. “The mountains provide vital mineral resources for our