Maylin's Gate (Book 3) by Matthew Ballard Read Free Book Online Page A

into the emperor's throne room."
    "Who?"
    "You've seen him. When we caught you at the forest's edge."
    "I remember many sorcerers," she said.
    "Do you remember Aren?"
    Her stomach sank. "I remember."
    "Aren handed the emperor something," Arber said. "It was trapped in Trace's palm, but I saw a flash of silver."
    "Did you see him use it?"
    Arber's shoulders sagged. "No. I'm sorry. The beatings started again soon after that, and I didn't see the emperor until the next day." Arber set the key on the table.
    She picked up the key and stared hoping it might speak. "I wonder if it unlocks a door in the emperor's palace."
    Arber shrugged. "There's no way of telling for sure. I doubt Trace would tell you."
    She held the key near the light from a nearby candle.
    An engraving ran along the key's barrel. "Arber, look at this." Her eyes widened and she leaned forward examining the key.
    Arber bent over and squinted at the engraving. "I don't recognize those words."
    "Neither do I. Maybe it's an ancient Ayralen dialect?"
    "Those symbols are strange. Henri LaCasse might recognize them."
    Her head snapped up surprised to hear the Ayralen scholar's name. "Is he in Freehold?"
    Arber nodded. "I saw him a couple of weeks ago. He made it out of Ayralen."
    "Do you know where I can find him?" She said.
    "I'm not sure where he's staying. The last time I saw him, he was working with Sir Alcott on a new project."
    "Why doesn't that surprise me," she said. "Those two could've been separated at birth."
    Arber raised an eyebrow half suppressing a grin.
    She smiled realizing too late what she'd said.
    Arber sighed and leaned over fondling the pendant lying beside the heartwood seed. "I bet Trace knows what it means." Arber let go a short bitter laugh. "A lot of good that will do us."
    "It couldn't hurt to ask him." She stole a quick glance toward Arber. "Right?"
    "I suppose not, but could you trust anything he told you?" Arber said. "His information might lead you to the middle of the desert."
    She couldn't argue, but what choice did she have?
    Arber pushed away from the desk and stood. "I think we've taken this as far as we can Danielle. I'm sorry I couldn't provide more help."
    "Sorry? You found the key," she said.
    "I suppose I did." Arber half-covered a yawn.
    "I'm sorry Arber. I didn't mean to keep you here so late."
    "It's no trouble, but if we're done here, I'll take my leave." Arber nodded and turned to leave.
    "Arber. Can you wait another minute please?"
    Arber paused and turned around to face her. "Is something else bothering you?"
    "I've been meaning to ask you something, but what with the investigation I haven't had a chance."
    "What's wrong?"
    She exhaled and gazed into her friend's eyes. "I'd like you to take the guardian's mantle. I —"
    Arber's hand raised cutting her off. "Danielle, there's no need for that. I've burned plenty of bridges."
    She shook her head. "You're a good man Arber. A man of principles. You embody the very essence of what it means to be a guardian."
    Arber's face reddened. "I don't know about that. I'm sure Keely would have a different description for me."
    "Keely's been after me for weeks to ask you," she said.
    Arber's eyes widened. "Keely?"
    "She said and I quote, 'If you don't give him the guardian's mantle soon, I'll give it to him myself.'" She folded her arms and grinned.
    "Is that so?" Arber half-grinned. "It's more than I deserve."
    "The truth is, I need you Arber," she said.
    "What could you possibly need from me?"
    "The heartwood is somewhere in the desert," she said. "I'm sure of it, and you know more about the desert than anyone. I'd like you to travel there with me."
    Arber stared into Lora's Sphere for several long seconds before nodding once. "It would be an honor to travel by your side. I'll protect you with my life."
    "Thank you." She took Arber's hand in hers and guided him toward Lora's Sphere. "I haven't given anyone Lora's power so I'm not quite sure it will work. But, Ronan's given Elan's power