Ways of Power 1: Power Rises by R. M. Willis Read Free Book Online Page B

has been with their people for thousands of years. As such, he would like it returned."
    "Go on," Rancoth said, curious to know what this had to do with him. He didn't own any necklaces at all.
    It was Adroman's turn now. "I wasn't aware of all of this until arriving just a few minutes before you did. The person that the former Elfkin Chieftess loaned the necklace to was your mother. She was fascinated by their Gaian magic and wanted to study it. As you may or may not know, your mother and I hired a deflector to place an enchantment on our home so that only a member of our family could enter, and once inside could allow someone else admittance."
    Rancoth wasn't sure where this was going, but he could speculate, and he wasn't at all sure he liked it. His heart pounding in his chest was starting to make him light headed. "Please continue." His voice cracked.
    "Once again, son, I must ask too much of you. Grecrum asked me when I arrived if I could retrieve the artifact for him, but I cannot. If I were to go into that house again, I would never come out. If you are willing to go, I will shift you as far as the front yard, and then wait outside to bring you back." There was no desperation in his voice, and Rancoth knew that Adroman was simply stating the facts.
    He really would die if he entered their home again; there was no doubting it. Despite the pain between them, Rancoth had no desire to see his father dead. He was after all his father, and the only family he had left, however absent he may have been.
    Rancoth turned his attention back to Grecrum. "What would happen if you simply told Dal'Asaid that the necklace was lost, or irretrievable?"
    "To be honest with you, I don't know. I can tell you this, however. When your mother accepted it, it was with the understanding that she would return it one day. And the Elfkin people had not expected to wait as long as they have. I wouldn't say that there has been tension between our two peoples over it, but they do want it back.”
    Well, there was nothing left for it; he couldn't very well allow his mother to break her promise to a whole race of people, simply because he wasn't comfortable with the idea of returning to the nightmare that once was his home. It was, after all, his fault she never got to return it herself. What a sick twist of fate this is, he thought.
    "I need some time to think. How much longer will the new Elfkin Chief wait?" Rancoth asked, hoping he would not have to make this trip tonight.
    Grecrum smiled. "Take all the time you need, my young friend. They've waited fifteen years; a little while longer won't hurt them."
    Just then Sahrisa walked in, still wearing the low- cut blue dress. Rancoth thought that one or two more buttons had been undone in front. Perhaps it was just his imagination.
    "You summoned me, Arch Mage?" It was obvious that Grecrum had called her in with his mind, and the smile on his face grew as she entered the room.
    "Yes, Sahrisa. I do believe it's time for dinner."
    Sahrisa's smile could be seen clear up into her eyes. She truly loved her life and what she did for a living. "Excellent, what would everyone like?"
    "Nothing for me, thank you, Sahrisa. I have very little appetite this evening, and a great deal to think about. Good night." With that Rancoth stood, nodded at Grecrum, and looked his father in the eyes for a few moments before walking rather quickly from the room.
     

9
     
    Rancoth spent the next three days either with Dorbin or visiting pubs in the various quarters of the city. He had, of course, made up his mind about what he would do before ever even leaving the dining room that night; he just wanted some time to himself before taking on the task.
    He knew, however, that he couldn't delay the inevitable. It was late in the evening on the third night when Rancoth approached the base of the tower steps, deciding that it was time to let Grecrum know his decision.
    He had spent the day in a particularly seedy establishment in the