Into The Abyss (Demons of Astlan) by J. Langland Read Free Book Online Page A

the table.  The room was partially full.  Howard and Levi were sitting at the table across the room and Willis, Bromagni and Cleo were at the third table in the room.  Yrgeddin and Warren had yet to show up for dinner.  On the far wall, from which she came, stood Grubeck, with his soup tureen, slouching boredly over the table from which he worked. 
    Rex looked up at Jenn and smiled, Alvea also smiled to her, but it was obvious to Jenn that the girl was more interested in making sure Rex didn't look too closely at Jenn.  Alvea was actually pretty nice, but she was jealous of what she considered hers, and she considered Rex to be hers.  "Nothing like a droll experiment to draw out one's appetite, is there?" Rex asked Jenn as she sat down.
    "I still can't believe Master Lenamare actually brought in something that huge and ferocious this afternoon."
    "Well, he is an extraordinarily gifted wizard of the highest caliber."  Alvea said in her best imitation of Jehenna's sultry voice.
    "Truly …" sniffed Rex imitating Master Lenamare.
    "Even so, I think even he was a bit surprised when the demon blasted him."
    "Blasted him?  Damn near knocked the shit out of him, you mean," Rex said pointedly.
    "Well, giving him the benefit of the doubt, he did manage to hang on, and bring it in."
    "Gods, can you believe it? A fourth order demon.  There hasn't been a new one that powerful in practically ages.  And, we helped bind it."  Alvea voiced the general feeling of awe the students felt at their accomplishment.  "The creature must surely be centuries old.  It was immensely powerful."
    "I have to admit, I really never believed old Lenamare and Jehenna could rake in anything so powerful, let alone without more preparation."  Rex conceded.
    "I know. I'm still so excited.  I never expected to see one like that until I was old and gray," Jenn said.
    "It almost makes one believe Lenamare's incredible ego might be justified," Rex said, wistfully.
    "Hierelan forbid.  Nothing could be that big," laughed Jennifer.
    "So, what's he going to do with it?" asked Alvea. "Now that he's got it."
    "Who knows, I mean, you don't just use a fourth order demon to bring in well water," Jenn said, still grinning.
    "Lenamare might," giggled Alvea.  They all laughed at that.
    "Actually, if what my friends in town say is true; we may need it."  Rex looked at the two girls seriously.
    "What do they say ?" asked Jenn
    "Exador's coming."
    "Ooh.  Well, that wouldn't be good.  How sure are you?"
    "Just rumors, but Exador and Lenamare have never gotten along, and I could see Exador deciding that he wanted Lenamare's school."  Rex looked knowingly over at Alvea.  Alvea had a serious expression on her face now.  She knew of Exador, her home town was only a few miles from Exador's tower, and like all of the people near it, she knew of his passionate desires and expansionist machinations. 
    This was the first Jenn and Alvea had heard of this.  It was slightly disturbing that Rex hadn't told them sooner of these rumors.  He knew they’d want to know.  Alvea had told them all stories of Exador and his men. Jenn certainly didn't relish the thought of falling into the hands of Exador or his men.  Not, of course, that she or Alvea meant anything to him.  He had no idea they even existed, it was simply the reputed brutality of Exador's legions that scared her.
    Jenn looked over at Alvea, she’d need to talk with her later.  Being from the south, she didn't know much more about Exador than she'd heard from rumors and stories since she'd arrived here six years ago.  In addition to Alvea’s stories, she’d heard other stories from Grubeck and other older students, who had known of Exador's and Lenamare's conflicts of interest.
    The talk around the table died as the three quickly began eating, hoping to take their minds off the rumor.  If true, it could mean a serious interruption to their studies, which would be a good break.  However, if true, then they