The Quest (The Hidden Realm Book 5) by A. Giannetti Read Free Book Online Page B

Anthea seemed to have the best chance of success. When Elerian suddenly presented his back, Dacien impulsively struck him on the head with the heavy ball fixed to the end of his dagger handle.
    “Now I have you,” shouted Ascilius triumphantly as Elerian went limp. He promptly froze when Dacien suddenly seized the right braid of his beard in his left hand and rested the keen edge of his dagger against it.
    “You will stop this mad battle now, Ascilius, or lose half your beard,” said Dacien firmly. The threat coupled with the stern look in Dacien’s gray eyes calmed the Dwarf at once.
    “We must act quickly then,” Ascilius replied in a more staid voice. “It is imperative that we bind this fool before he wakes, for in his fey mood, he may decide to use magic against us.” Taking a cord from his pack, Ascilius, with Dacien’s help, quickly bound Elerian’s wrists and ankles, taking extra care to secure his long fingers. When Elerian stirred in the midst of their efforts, Ascilius promptly rapped him on the head with Fulmen’s handle. As Elerian sank back into unconsciousness, the Dwarf’s dark eyes gleamed with pleasure, as if he had derived a great deal of enjoyment from the action that he had just taken.
    “Have a care Ascilius!” warned Dacien in an alarmed voice. “Your strength is such that you could easily slay him or scramble his wits with your heavy handed blows! We will need his help if we are to have any chance of recuing my sister.”
    “He is in no danger from my love taps,” replied Ascilius in an unconcerned voice. “You have seen for yourself the thickness of his skull.”
    After a wad of cloth and a gag ensured that no spell would pass Elerian’s lips, Ascilius sat him down with his back to one of the walls of the passageway. Before long, Elerian regained consciousness again and at once began struggling furiously until another tap from Fulmen, lighter than the last, caused him to see stars.
    “Before I release you, you will promise not to harm either Dacien or me,” said Ascilius in a stern voice. “You will also agree to travel with Dacien and me on foot and in your own form when we set off to rescue Anthea.”
    Eyes incandescent with fury Elerian glared at the Dwarf who still held Fulmen’s handle in his right hand, ready to deliver another blow if it was needed. Realizing that, for now, he was in Ascilius’s power Elerian struggled to bring his rage under control. He was not able to vanquish it completely, but his mind cleared to the point where thought was once more possible.
    “Pretend to agree with him,” prompted that part of his mind that was still subject to his anger. “When you are free, you can strike him down and do as you will.” As he considered that suggestion, through the red haze that permeated his mind like a crimson fog, Elerian suddenly saw Anthea’s fair face, a measuring look in her cool blue eyes.
    “Even if I could bring myself to break my word, Anthea would not approve, even if it saved her life,” he thought dejectedly to himself, for there was no mistaking the thought behind that penetrating glance. “For now, at least, I must acquiesce to this obstinate creature before me. Familiar as I am with the stubbornness of his race, I know that he will make good on his promise to keep me here until I give in, even if it should take a year.” His eyes filled with resentment and subdued anger, Elerian nodded his head in acceptance to Ascilius. The Dwarf, confident that Elerian would never break his word, promptly removed his gag before loosening the ropes binding his limbs.
    “If I do not arrive in time to save Anthea my promise not to harm you will not save the two of you from my wrath,” said Elerian coldly to Ascilius and Dacien as soon as he could speak. With a great effort, Ascilius curbed the anger instantly engendered by Elerian’s threat.
    “It is fear for Anthea’s life which makes him speak thus,” he cautioned himself. “I will tread lightly