The Nemisin Star by Elaina J Davidson Read Free Book Online Page A

matched.”
    “Therefore the
advantage factor. It is a psychological battle more than anything
else.” Tristamil sucked at his teeth. “I can use the same tactics
on Tymall.”
    Torrullin did
not respond. The young man’s mind began to discern ploys and plans.
A prepared mind could deal with a battle of blades.
    “Are they
here? On Valaris?”
    “Now they
are.”
    “Can you find
them?”
    Torrullin
wandered aimlessly, hands behind his back. “As Destroyer, yes, but
I am loathe to do so. The advantage becomes his.” He came to a
halt. “As Destroyer I can stop him.”
    “Do so,”
Tristamil whispered. “No Dragon holds you back now.”
    “If only it
was that simple. I have been given full support by the Lady of Life
to kill indiscriminately in order to stop this Darak Or. As
Destroyer I cut a swathe of death and destruction through the
living and murder the creature wherever I find him and it would be
over. The Lady’s task is to resurrect the deserving.”
    “My god. That
is pure …”
    “… evil?
Indeed. I cannot do it, as much as I desire to finish with
Margus.”
    “Now I
understand why you and Saska are far apart, and why you refused to
take him on other worlds.”
    “That is not
the only reason.” Torrullin ran a hand through his hair, mussing it
enough to appear vulnerable. “I do not want to murder my son.”
    The other son
began to comprehend hidden demons. “Who do you turn to, father? You
must feel so alone.”
    “I prefer
being alone.”
    “Surely Saska
–”
    Torrullin
barked a laugh. “Saska? How do I talk to my wife? I see her as the
Lady of Death. She has become the last person I can turn to.” His
face shuttered. “Now leave it alone.”
    “I am here for
you.”
    Torrullin
closed his eyes. “Thank you, but your heart will drive a wedge
between us soon.”
    “Not on the
deep level, never.”
    Torrullin
brought himself under control, although his eyes glittered when he
turned them back on his son. “I do so love you.”
    “And I you,”
Tristamil said, wishing his father would trust him more.
    “I trust you,
Tris. I trust Vannis and Quilla. I am blessed.”
    “What of
Taranis?”
    “I trust my
father, yes, but not with my feelings.”
    “Why not?”
Tristamil was astonished.
    “You are a
son; would you reveal to me your innermost feelings?”
    Tristamil
pulled a face.
    Torrullin
smiled. “The nature of man. We want to be like our fathers, yet we
are mortally afraid of finding it true and thus we hold back, delay
the moment, until one day … well, that day has not come for me, or
for you.”
    Tristamil
shook his head. “I never thought about it.”
    “You should
not have to, you are young yet.”
    “You will
never be like Taranis, I think.”
    “And I hope
you will never be like me.”
     
     
    Western
Valaris
    Luan
     
    Tristamil
tracked Skye to Luan.
    She left the
valley, prevailing on a Valleur to take her home. It hurt that she
left. He did not know how to make this right and doubted there was
an answer.
    Skye was on
the beach, walking slowly, a million sals away. He caught up to her
and could only look. Her feet were covered in beach sand, red from
walking in the water, and he noticed she held a pretty shell. Her
eyes barely focused. He called repeatedly before she faced him,
jerking a little when she realised he was there.
    What had she
been thinking to take her so far away?
    “Skye, it’s
not safe here.”
    “If it’s safe
for others, it is for me.” Her tone was determined.
    She would be
obstinate and he had not the time to argue. “Tonight, Tymall and
myself battle it out in Linir. I would like to have you near, at
the Keep. I need to know you are safe. Please.”
    Her eyes grew
round. “Tonight?”
    “Nemisin’s
night. A vision was given.”
    “Caballa?” she
asked.
    He gave a
strange smile. No, not Caballa, but he was not about to discuss his
father. He bent towards her. “I should be practising swordplay, not
arguing with you here or begging you