The Barrier: The Teorran of Time: Teen Fantasy Action Adventure Novel by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page B

cradled the boy and watched the horrific scene replay in his mind. He swayed with the rocking and tossing of the ship. Shouts came from above mingled with cries of pain and anguish. Several more loud echoing shudders rippled through the hull.
    With a horrendous crack the heavy main mast shattered into thousands of wooden shards and sprayed across the deck.  Three more crew members were taken into the sea. Cries faded into the dark sky. Only the raging winds and torrents of rain slamming into the battered wood were heard. Tears stained his pale freckled face.
    "Are you doing some kind of magic?" Riddick asked.
    "No, not magic. Healing of the soul," he replied. "I see with my heart, not my eyes. When the beast took my sight, I turned to my heart for healing, and when I saw again, it was through different eyes. I see the souls of people now, and their courage and strengths. You for instance are a noble leader with a capacity to love. You are destined for important things. You are this one's soul brother,"
    Riddick didn't say anything but he knew he was right. Ole Baggins continued his whisperings and checked Shaz’s forehead. Shaz was sweating heavily, his breathing irregular and strained.
    "This one," said the old man, "is an important one. The spirits are with him now."
    After several more minutes, Shaz's breathing steadied and the color in his face returned. Ole Baggins made his way to William, balancing with the rocking and swaying of the waves. The old man held his hand on William's forehead and whispered the same strange words.

CHAPTER THREE
    Treason
     

     
     
     
     
    Azrak kicked a stone as he padded over the harsh desert floor. Trenches carved into the landscape made for excellent vantage points. He was, however, not on familiar ground. He was in the Ebonhoards territory, a ferocious clan of gryphtons that had little regard for life. The sun was hot and his mouth dry. Several lengths ahead, hid a hoard of gryphton soldiers. His shadow formed over the warriors as he reached where they were hiding. 
    "What are you doing, Kosaf? You will obey my orders," Azrak said.
    "I obey no one," growled Kosaf.
    "You think that taking orders from the shadow is better than me?"
    "Maybe it's time for a new leader."
    A low growl escaped Azrak’s throat as he peered into the black eyes of one of his hoard leaders. The renegade gryphton stared back.
    "So you think you're a better leader than me? How long do you think you will last under the protection of the shadow? The shadow doesn't care about you. It will leave you for dead the moment you are of no use, and for what, a trinket of gold or silver?"
    "You offer nothing but a lifetime of servitude under a weak and dying king. The shadow offers a good price for my loyalty," Kosaf said banging on his chest.
    The gryphtons roared and cheered as they banged on their chests in agreement.
    "You have led a raid against the Ebonhoards, and have angered them needlessly. They will attack our prides for revenge," Azrak said.
    The soldiers looked from Azrak to Kosaf and back. Their confused looks gave Azrak hope that he could persuade them to return to the armada.
    "The raid is past and gone, and cannot be changed. Why should we care about the Ebonhoards? They are no match for the shadow." Kosaf turned to the soldiers and puffed out his chest, slammed his battle ax against his armor and shouted, "Warriors hear my voice!" 
    The hoard grunted and growled, some jumped, and some raised their weapons high above their heads.
    "We are hunters and warriors, not thieves and murderers. Kosaf would have you become slaves to the shadow. I know his heart," Azrack said.
    "So, you say," sneered Kosaf.
    "Brothers, hear my voice, for honor," Azrack commanded.
    He leaped down into the trench. Azrack lifted his chin upward, and walked through the crowd of gryphton warriors, who were garbed in battle armor, and heavy traveling cloaks. Large wings set deep into their backs lifted slightly, ruffling in the gentle