Sunlord by Ronan Frost Read Free Book Online Page B

refuse to fight them
for fear of invoking the wraith of the spirit world. They think
that the Sunlords are invincible and to fight is useless."
    "Aye, many of my comrades in the Council thought as
they do. But your fear must be overcome, for that is the greatest
barrier."
    "Capac and Huso are the only hunters who have killed
a Sunlord," mused the Elder half to himself. "They said once it was
dead voices still emerged from it, like it spirit was still alive.
But this didn't bother Capac, and Huso, well, he follows Capac like
a puppy. Those are the only hunters who dare raise weapons against
the gods from the sun."
    "You must introduce me to this Capac."
    "You have met him briefly when you first awoke a week
ago. He was the Eloprin who was with me when you first spoke to
us."
    Ashian's brow furrowed. "I cannot recall his face. I
was still half-asleep when I spoke."
    "Well, you will get a chance to speak to him soon. He
is returning from a week-long hunting trip this evening. He was out
with Huso to see if the Sunlords are amassing against us."
    "Why should they be?"
    "Capac killed two of their number and I'm sure they
won't let it pass unheeded."
    Ashian agreed. "When the rebels attacked the Sunlords
they were killed within five hours. Traders from the Old Coast Road
reported that very little was left of them."
    "They shall not find us so easily. These rebels are
unsuited for warfare and it is not surprising they don't last long.
We came across a small band of rebels a few weeks ago blundering
through the jungle."
    "Did you give them aid?"
    "No, they would be a burden. Our tribe was on the run
and we didn't need to look after a bunch of wild Currachs would
couldn't be trusted."
    "Then why trust me? Why did Nobilor bring me
back?"
    The Elder chuckled softly. "It must have been your
lucky day, for Nobilor has no love for the Currach. He must have
taken pity upon your form. Either that or the wood sprites worked
some of their magic."
    Ashian smiled. "Wood sprites? No, it was Abas, the
One God."
    The Elder scratched his neck absently. "The forest is
alive with spirits. One day you will come to learn the Marshad
Teachings."
    "It sounds fascinating, and I would love to talk to
you about my Religion. But there is the Currach in me coming out,
chattering about Religion when there are more important
concerns."
    The Elder sobered. "You really want to go to the
stars and fight the Sunlords there?"
    "Will you help me?" Ashian asked simply.
    "It is not up to me, but my hunters. If any wish to
travel with you that is their business, and I admire their courage.
As to me, I am too old to gallivant to the sun. I must get my tribe
back in strength before the winter storms."
    "But don't you see," exasperated Ashian. "If we don't
do something then the planet might not be here before the winter
storms! Your hunters must help me."
    "Hey, keep your voice down. But I ask you, if a man
from another race wandered into your city and wanted you to travel
with him to the end of the world, even to your death, you would
hesitate. We are a simple people but are not willing to be pushed
into anything."
    "I meant no offence," covered Ashian. "I'm sorry,
it's just that every day I sit here I feel I should be doing
something. As I sleep I think of all the Currach who have no doubt
fallen that day, the rebels, the farmers, the citizens."
    "You take pride in your city, don't you."
    "Of course," returned Ashian. "It is the heart of
Currach culture and its streets are the lifeblood of Abas."
    "Strange beliefs," chortled the Elder. "Everyone
knows the holy spirits reside in the forest."
    Ashian was about to reply when a shouting rang out.
The Elder stood immediately to see what had happened.
    "Capac has returned," came the explanation from a
small excited Eloprin boy who ran messenger through the
village.
    "He is early. Come, Ashian, and let's hear his
tale."
    They met with Capac and Huso as the two hunters
stepped into the forest clearing. Their faces were black with