The Lord of Shadows Rises by James Terzian Read Free Book Online Page B

spies have again located him, my Lord.”
    “Where is he, Kyral?” asked the voice in irritation.
    “He's in the city of New York,” said Kyral. “He is learning Muay Thai with one of the Guardians in charge of a key."
    “Did you find any of the other Masters?” asked the voice.
    Kyral nodded his head. “We found another, Americo Estefan in Brazil, but he's well-guarded by his disciple, who is proficient in Brazilian Jujitsu and Capoeira. The others we have so far been unable to locate, my Lord."
    “Very well. Kyral, take who you need and deal with Master Estefan. Bring me the key. Do not fail me," said the voice.
    Kyral bowed and replied. “Of course, my Lord.” Drawing his triangular-shaped throwing knife and his sharp ninja stars from his clothing his eyes glinted. “I'm not the best at Ninjutsu for nothing. He shall die quickly, my Lord." He held the two weapons between his fingers, a bloodthirsty smirk present on his face. His arms moved fluidly, in patterns that would seem random to any witness, but as he finished a black portal appeared before him. Walking forwards and disappearing, ten more shadows exited the temple and followed him through the portal.
    “I’m getting tired of these constant failures, he had better succeed,” growled the Voice as lightning shot down, striking the middle of the room.
    ***
    In a temple well-hidden, deep in the Amazon jungle, a dark-skinned man with prayer beads around his neck was walking alongside a young man. The tanned, black-haired youngster appeared to be around fifteen years of age, and sported a pair of spiked black gloves.“Mason, I sense an ominous presence. You must leave at once. You've completed your training and are now the Master,” said the man, the concern apparent in his voice.
    “But, Master Estefan, why?” asked the young teen, confused as to why his Master would now choose to send him away.
    The man put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “When I was mediating, I had a vision. It seems you have a great mission to accomplish. A blond-haired boy, not much older than yourself, will present you with a medallion like this one," said the master taking out a medallion and handing it to his student. “I want you to train him in our fighting style so he can protect the world from evil.” said the Master.
    “Master, let me help!” implored the student.
    “I told you this day would come, my student. Now go,” said the Master, a stern look across his face.
    The tanned teen hugged his Master and fled with the medallion in hand through the back exit of the temple. Estefan’s gaze softened as his watched his young student depart. Turning around he readied himself to face his enemy.
    Exiting the front of the temple, a dagger immediately grazed Estefan’s cheek, drawing blood. Estefan still remained calm. “I’ll take you down, foolish assassin,” said the Master as he blocked a series of throwing stars with his hands His gloves of tough leather successfully protecting his hands.
    Estefan looked around, a smirk beginning to appear on his face. “I was picked as a Guardian because I'm in tune with nature,” he informed his attacker. As he spoke three jaguars bounded from the jungle and stood, ready to attack, next to the Master. “They are aware of when I need assistance.
    “I'm so scared of your kitties, old man. I’ll make a coat for myself,” Kyral said, as he crouched confidently unseen on a high branch. His confidence was short lived though, as he was forced to jump from his perch to narrowly avoid a tree branch swung in his direction by an angry monkey. Another of the Master’s assistants it seemed.
    Landing in the clearing below he was immediately charged by the Master. Kyral’s skill set didn’t involve physical combat but rather more hit-and-run tactics from a distance. “It seems you are truly worthy of fighting,” said Kyral as he successfully blocked a kick, the surprising power of the Mater sending him backwards. I have to get some