Amidst The Rising Shadows (Book 3) Read Free Page A

Roselyn asked.
    Sarah nodded. “I think so,” she said, glancing at the Hythariam around her, and failed to suppress a shutter.
    Roselyn followed her line of sight, “Is it the eyes?”
    “They are just so similar to the Drake.”
    “You just need some time,” Gavril said.
    Sarah nodded, forcing her angst aside; she needed to do this.
    “Please, if you will follow me,” Gavril said and led them inside the building.
    Gavril led them through the atrium and continued down a long hallway. The echoes of voices in a heated discussion could be heard coming from the room at the end of the hallway. There were two Hythariam in brown uniforms standing guard.
    “They’ve already been in session for a while,” Verona said.
    “Doesn’t sound like much of a discussion if people are shouting,” Roselyn said.
    They entered a grand oval chamber that had thirty-foot windows stretching to the ceiling. The center was open with two platforms where a few men and a Hythariam had gathered. The smooth white benches curved with the room and were filled with occupants. Sarah recognized Colind with his long white hair and eyes of silver. His jaw was set, and he appeared to be only staring at the space in front of him.
    “We have evidence of armies gathering near Khamearra,” said a dark-haired Hythariam. His maroon shirt was set off by the green cord tied above his elbows.
    “There is little doubt that the High King has learned of the Free Nations Army gathering near Rexel, with similar forces massing at the smaller kingdoms, but I remind you that is but one of the threats we face,” another Hythariam said. His long, silky-white hair moved in a wave as he addressed the room full of people.
    “The one speaking is Iranus. He is one of the leaders of the Hythariam,” Verona whispered.
    As they entered the room a slow murmur gained in intensity as many turned in their direction. Colind glanced up, and as his eyes found hers he stood up.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, as you’ve no doubt have surmised we have been joined by Lady Sarah of the House Faergrace. Please, my Lady, would you join me up here?” Colind asked.
    The invitation was clearly for her alone, but the others took the liberty of staying at her side as she walked to the head of the chamber. Braden gave a low growl as one of the Hythariam attempted to block their access to the floor after Sarah had passed. She smiled inwardly and appreciated the support.
    “Your Grace, I am Iranus, one of three elected leaders of the Hythariam people, and I bid you welcome to Hathenwood,” Iranus said with a slight bow.
    “Thank you, but as we are not in my father’s court or any other on Safanar, then as a show of respect to the Hythariam, I would propose that you address me by my name, and I shall do the same with you,” Sarah said.
    She glanced around and calmed herself down as so many golden-eyed Hythariam stared back at her. She had no fear of crowds; being a princess she often had to endure the scrutiny of her father's court, even when she was cast aside after her father married another. The mixed expressions around the room were as she had feared. Some blamed her for their current predicament while others appeared to have no judgment at all.
    Colind approached and took her hand in his, “I am relieved to see you looking so well, my Lady.”
    Sarah could see the strain behind Colind’s eyes, “I think we can both agree that we hoped it would be under different circumstances, my Lord.”
    Colind nodded and squeezed her hand gently.
    The dark-haired Hythariam cleared his throat, “I am a bit concerned by the presence of one who has been infected with the foreign Nanites. Are we sure she is not still under their influence?”
    Roselyn stepped up next to her and addressed the room, “I’m happy to report that there is no trace of the rogue Nanites left in Sarah’s system. She is healthy and free from the influence of the Drake.”
    Iranus nodded, “That should allay any fears for