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

thing—he didn’t die.  He changed somehow, but he still lives in the same realm that my mother does.”
    “So you mean to retrieve him?”
    “Yes.”
    Gwineval pounded the stone table . “This is absolute, utter madness!”
    Hemlock shook her head and looked away.
    Miara rose and Hemlock heard her speak calming words to Gwineval.  Eventually, he was coaxed back into his chair and the discussion continued.
    “How would you accomplish the travel, Hemlock?” asked Miara.
    “Penelope the griffin can travel between worlds.”
    “But can she take three?  And then four upon return?”
    Hemlock felt a wave of uncertainty.  She was confident Penelope could carry three, for the griffin was large and Mercuria was very slightly built.  But four seemed to be a stretch even for the great beast.
    “I don’t know about the return trip,” Hemlock said.
    “Hemlock, you have to understand the threat that Jalis now represents.  When you left last time, he was just a possible threat.  But now, with DuLoc directly aiding and guiding him, he might well defeat the City before you get back,” said Lalpa.
    “I doubt that will happen unless you wizards make a mistake.  Tored and I estimate we’ll be gone for a few weeks of City time, at most.  That will be a few days in the other realm.”
    “How do you know it won’t take longer to recover Falignus?  What if he is unwilling to return?  Or what if you’re wrong and he is dead?” said Gwineval.
    “I’m not wrong about him being alive.  And I know he’ll return to me.  He always loved the City and won’t want it to fall to DuLoc.”
    “Hemlock, what if Falignus joins with DuLoc?  He was our enemy, remember?”
    “It’s complicated between us.  Suffice it to say, I know he won’t betray me,” said Hemlock.
    “So , what would you have us do in your absence?” asked Renevos.
    “I don’t know.  Do you think it still makes sense to attack?”
    “We must do what we must.  If you leave, perhaps we should negotiate with Jalis and DuLoc,” said Gwineval.
    “Gwineval, I know you’re mad, but that’s just silly.  You’d be playing right into their hands.”
    “Perhaps, but maybe we’d be better off falling in line than resisting.  At least DuLoc seems to offer a well-orchestrated strategy, while we flail about according to your whims!”
    “ We’re not allying with Jalis, Gwineval,” said Miara sternly.  “Hemlock, why not join our attack on Jalis first then go on your expedition?”
    “I’m sorry, but so much of what I do is based on instinct.  I realize it’s hard to have faith in me, but I just know that I need to leave now.  There won’t be time to do it if I wait.”
    “It would only be a week or two!” said Gwineval.
    “I’m sorry.  I can’t wait.  It has to be now.  It’s like we’re all part of a song.  If some of the notes falter, the entire melody is lost.  It feels like that when I think about the future.  This has to be done immediately.”
    Hemlock wasn’t sure why she felt so strongly about the timing of her departure, since she had only come up with the idea the prior day, but she had a strong feeling about it and had never been more certain about a choice in her life.
    “So , what should we do?” said Gwineval, sounding defeated.
    “I still think you should attack,” said Hemlock.
    “What would we be doing if we were Jalis?” said Renevos.
    “A good question.  If I were him , I would be looking at the southern farmlands next.  First, starve the City of raw materials then go after the food supply,” said Lalpa.
    “Yes,” said Miara, “there is logic in that.  If Jalis has already fortified the mountains, he’d probably welcome an attack there.  Especially if his forces were already on the move in the south, but with a less secure position there.”
    “Have we heard anything unusual from the south?” asked Gwineval.
    “No, but Jalis did a remarkable job of covering his tracks in the mountains before