The Gems of Raga-Tor (Elemental Legends Book 1) by CA Morgan Read Free Book Online

under the pier. Still annoyed that he had taken a useless plunge into the bay, he tossed both tunic and trousers into the fire that showed no signs of dying down. The fire brightened briefly as the red-orange flames engulfed the fibers.
    The warm water from the basin soothed his skin, which felt drawn and tight from the salt water. When he had washed his body, he bent over and put his head into the bowl to wash the salty brine from his wavy, raven locks. With a worn, grayed towel he dried the rivulets that ran down from his head. Tossing the towel aside, he fell into bed restless and disturbed until the wee hours of the morning, when exhausted sleep finally overtook him.

    It was nearly nine bells, when Eris came downstairs and sat down at his usual table. He ordered up twice his normal breakfast and glanced around to see who was sharing the room with him. No one of any consequence, and he was glad the red beard was not among them. Moments later loud voices filled the staircase passage as his friend, Raj, and several other outriders seemed to tumble into the room.
    “Glad to see you survived your trip to the wharf. Mind if I join you?” Raj asked with a grin as he approached.
    “No. Go ahead,” Eris answered. He watched the others continue out the door.
    “You know,” Raj said, sitting down on the opposite bench, “you’re going to have to start helping me with the wenches in this place.”
    “Why?”
    “I can't handle them all. They’re starting to cast lots for me. Rumor has it you turned down Kaitay. What's the matter with you, Pann? She’s the most comely of the bunch.”
    “I was preoccupied with other matters. The trip to the wharf wasn’t as smooth as expected,” Eris said with a shrug and took a mug from a serving boy. “Besides, more for you. Try two at a time.”
    “Now, that's a thought. Mayhap you prefer another sort of entertainment?” Raj suggested with a wink. “I know of a place where—”
    “No, no. The wenches suit me just fine, when I've a mind for them,” Eris said and drank down half the mug. He smiled a bit. A new tap on a fresh barrel was a good way to start the day.
    “Suit yourself.” Raj smoothed his long, blond hair back and tied it with a length of leather. “Just thought I'd let you know that now that we are heroes for the week, the price is a lot cheaper.”
    “No doubt,” Eris agreed. “Listen, I have a question for you.” He paused as his breakfast was served and Raj helped himself to a wedge of warm bread. “What do you know about the lore of elemental sorcery?”
    Raj gave a snort.
    “Where did that come from? From bedding wenches to cosmic philosophy? Such a tough question so early in the morning makes my head hurt.” He stuffed the bread into his mouth.
    “It won't if you don't know anything.”
    “Why do you ask?”
    “I came across someone last night who claims he’s a first-level elemental.”
    Raj gave a low whistle. His gray-blue eyes scanned the room. He leaned closer to Eris and stared hard at his face.
    “Are you drunk?”
    “What?”
    “Shh, listen! No one talks about them, at least not in my land. And if one has found you, then my advice is to run like hell and get out of here before it’s too late. Don’t your people fear them?”
    Eris shrugged. “We don't have any opinion one way or another. I guess we tend not to believe in these superstitions. None appear in our history that I know of.”
    “Ahh, but I think you believe, or think you have seen something. The eyes don’t lie, Eris. You know something, but keep it to yourself. Elementals bring nothing but death to us ordinary men, and I’d still like to father a son someday, when I’m ready to settle down,” Raj said. His voice lowered to a whisper. “Bekku-Tor, first-elemental of earth, nearly annihilated my people with his earthquakes and rockslides centuries ago. Only the gods know why. It’s forbidden for us to even say these names for fear one or all will return.”
    “If