The Seventh Magic (Book 3) by Brian Rathbone Read Free Book Online Page B

apparent. What he saw couldn't be real, yet it did not dissolve away like the remnants of dreams. It persisted. Second and third thoughts would not be put aside as he approached. Part of his plan depended on the ferals seeing him coming and moving out of his way. The skies ahead were filled with dragons, but all were now facing the other direction, intent on something he could not see.
    Now his battle cry sounded weak and shrill. The dragons ahead did not react, as if completely oblivious to his existence. In the next instant, the skies were afire. Lightning spiderwebbed, reaching out and promising a deadly embrace. The air stank of fear and smoke.
    Through gaps in the ferals, Jessub saw beings of light astride a pulsating dragon. Those gaps just as suddenly closed, and though Jessub pulled up, it was too late. Ferals did not hear him until the last instant, and those that fled obstructed his flight path. His battle cry now a scream, Jessub flew into the malevolence. Dodging from side to side as best he could, Jessub could not avoid them all. In an instant, the howler's wingtip struck a feral in the abdomen, sending him spinning out of control. Not knowing if his aircraft was whole and near to passing out from the forces applied, Jessub did his best to maintain control. If he lost consciousness, he lost everything. Then came an undeniable command, one so powerful, it pulled him from the edge and urged him away. With the fog cleared from his mind, he flew.
     
    * * *
     
    Sinjin Volker had never felt so useless. He'd had almost no impact on events at the Noonspire. He and Kendra hadn't even gotten close to the giant crystal, and he'd had no chance at all of saving his mother. He saw what she did. It had been her choice. It was very like his mother to sacrifice herself to save the people who would miss her most. He cursed her at that moment but only because it hurt. Life had done everything it could to come between them, and he might never see her again. The Noonspire had imprisoned the powerful for thousands of years, and he had no reason to believe his mother would be any different.
    Beside him, Kendra brooded. She hadn't said a word in hours. It was her way, and he gave her the time and space to think. When she needed him, she'd tell him; of that he had no doubt. Valterius flew without input. As long as they moved away from the Jaga and toward open sea, Sinjin would not protest. He'd lost sight of the others and hoped to be reunited with them soon. They needed a plan, some way to save his mother. He spared a thought for Allette and Trinda, but it was his mother who really mattered. It was a selfish thought, but he did not feel guilty for having it.
    Not far from the shoreline, they saw a familiar silhouette. Kyrien flew to greet them, Pelivor on his back and something, or rather someone, clutched in his claws.
    "I didn't know," Pelivor said when they got closer. "That wasn't at all what we had planned."
    "It's her way," Sinjin said. Those simple words seemed to impale Pelivor. He said nothing in response. "Do not blame yourself. It's not what she wants. It's not what I want."
    "It hurts." Pelivor had tears in his eyes.
    "I know," Sinjin said. "I know.
    A long silence hung in the air.
    "Who?" Kendra asked, pointing at Kyrien's claws.
    "Bryn," Pelivor said. The fact that he said no more spoke volumes.
    "Have you seen anyone else?"
    "They went east," Pelivor said.
    "Thank you," Sinjin said. "We'll go meet up with them."
    Kyrien interrupted him then, roaring at Valterius and Gerhonda. Both roared back in unison. Before Sinjin could say another word, Valterius turned back toward the Firstland. Gerhonda did the same, and little could be heard over his wife's cursing. The only thing soothing Sinjin's guilt over leaving the others behind was that Kyrien flew in the direction Pelivor said they had gone. All he could do was hope they survived.
     
    * * *
     
    Along a rocky shoreline east of the Midlands plateau, Jehregard landed.