Riven (The Arinthian Line Book 2) by Sever Bronny Read Free Book Online

us still visit, however.”
    The clouds dropped, almost rolling just above the tree-tops. The wind increased once again, and Mya glanced upward.
    Augum snuck a sidelong look at her, studying her long jet hair as it rippled in the breeze. When her gaze returned to the table, he hurriedly looked away, only to find Leera watching him. She did not look upset, but there was something in her eyes that made him feel guilty.
    Bridget reached for dessert, consisting of green strawberries and a comb of dark honey. “Mr. Stone, where has Mrs. Stone gone to? Is she exploring the old city?”
    “Anna seeks the other portals.”
    Bridget froze with a strawberry at her lips. “Other portals, sir?”
    “Before the knowledge was forgotten, those possessing a scion had the power to create a portal to Ley. Four portals are known to have been built, one you already know of.”
    “Castle Arinthian,” Augum said, thinking of the stone fountain with the figure of a hairless Leyan. He recalled Mrs. Stone using her scion to unlock it.
    “Another has long since been destroyed. But there are yet two others. I have told Anna where to find them.”
    “Does she want to destroy all of them?” Leera asked, scraping the honeycomb with a fingernail.
    “This I do not know, Leera Jones.”
    “Oh, I get it,” Leera said, waving a honeyed finger around, dripping everywhere and drawing a look from Bridget and Sydo “She wants to prevent Sparkstone from entering using the other scions.”
    “A correct conclusion, Leera Jones. A portal can only be opened with the scion that created it.”
    Augum wondered if destroying the remaining portals would really prevent Sparkstone’s entrance. Obviously, the Leyans themselves traveled to Solia using other means. If it was possible for Sparkstone to use the same method, Augum was sure his father would find it. After all, if there was a trait the man certainly did not lack, it was determination.
    A glint came into Sydo’s eye. “Sir, will you be teaching us other ancient spells?”
    “As per Anna’s instructions, I will not, Sydo Ridian. However, Anna has asked me to continue your training with standard spells. Sydo Ridian, you will practice the 1st degree with me. Mya Liaxh, you will continue your training with herbs. Bridget Burns, Augum Stone, Leera Jones—you will begin your 2nd degree training with Oba Sassone. He will be here soon.”
    Augum exchanged a look with Leera and Bridget, excited they were going to meet another Leyan. Would he look anything like Thomas?
    The trio finished eating in thoughtful silence, on the lookout for Oba Sassone. They did not have to wait long before a tall Leyan emerged from the trees.

Oba Sassone
    Oba Sassone possessed the same kind of solid black eyes as Thomas and appeared just as young and hairless. But unlike Thomas, his physique was that of a seasoned gladiator, skin dark metallic, muscles rippling with veins. He wore brown pants and a tattered long-sleeved shirt the color of red wine, unbuttoned. Two curved blades hung from his hip, one on each side.
    “You have come, Oba Sassone,” Thomas said.
    “Come has Oba,” the man replied in a thick accent, night eyes sweeping over Augum and the others. “Vow you break for childlings?”
    “Yes.”
    Oba grunted.
    “I believe the time has come for us to share our knowledge with the mortal world once again.”
    Oba raised his chin. “Invited young Oba to Ley Thomas Stone has. Trust his wisdom Oba does. Consequences Oba accepts.”
    Thomas nodded slowly. “So be it.”
    “It be so.” Oba Sassone turned his broad back on them and sauntered over to a clearing, not far from Sydo’s statue. This, evidently, was the signal for them to begin training again. Augum, Bridget and Leera followed Oba, Sydo went with Thomas, and Mya returned to her collection of herbs and plants.
    “He talks funny,” Leera whispered.
    “And what did he mean by ‘consequences’?” Augum replied before Bridget gave them a silencing