City of Gold Read Free Page A

Everybody just stop ! You talk about me like I’m invisible. It’s been thirteen days since El Dorado’s ambush. Two weeks of councils . Two weeks of bickering . Two weeks of arguing over how to best deploy me like a game piece. Enough! Every second we delay, Jade is dragged closer to El Dorado. I want to help, I really do; but I’m not abandoning Jade to that fate. I’m going after her, with or without this committee’s approval.” Cody slammed The Code onto the table. “And don’t even think about trying to stop me.”
    For a moment the unexpected tirade lingered in the air. The unusually tender voice of Cia was the first to venture into the silence. “We have not forgotten Jade. I swear upon this royal crown that we will do everything in our power to rescue her. But you must understand, you are very special. You have been given a marvelous gift—but it is always the greatest men who pay the highest price in troubled times.”
    “I never asked for this,” Cody said bitterly, still standing defiantly.
    “But you received it, nonetheless. The moment you placed your hand on that Book, your life became destined for a higher purpose. The only question is—how will you respond? The fate of our world hangs on how you, and you alone, answer that question.”

3
    A Beautiful Voice
    SHARP PAIN JOLTED THROUGH CODY’S FOREARM as his fist slammed against the wall. Ouch! He had stormed out of the council, paying no heed when Dace called after him. He was in no mood to talk—with anyone. Why can’t anyone understand? Suddenly Jade’s image filled his mind as clear as if she were there in the flesh.
    Cody forced open his eyes; the vision brought unbearable pain—and guilt.
    Somebody shouted his name from across the hall. Cody sprinted down the corridor and rounded the corner. He needed privacy. He didn’t care that he was being childish. He skidded to a halt. Several voices sounded from around the bend; Cody recognized one as the grating voice of the irritating, nosey editor of the Under-Earth Rumblings : Fincher Tople. From the other direction, the shadow of the original pursuer approached.
    Cody glanced around desperately. There was only a lone, windowless door staking claim to the lengthy hallway. He jerked the doorknob—it was locked.
    Both the shadow and the voices continued their steady collision course toward him. Cody dropped to his knees. “ Sellunga .” A gooey, silver substance bubbled out of the keyhole. Cody cupped his hand, allowing the molten material to spill out onto his palm. He scrunched his eyebrows together. As he did, the silver matter thickened like dripping water into an icicle. “ Gai di gasme .” He grinned—being the Book Keeper definitely had its perks. He twisted the newly formed key and hustled through the door, latching the lock behind him. He was safe. And alone.
    The room overloaded his senses. Like a long forsaken attic, it was a congested stockpile of trinkets and neglected objects. Dust blanketed the room like morning snow after a wild blizzard. The ceiling curved in a majestic arc and was adorned with a collage of detailed artwork that time had faded beyond recognition.
    Cody strolled deeper into the chamber, examining the vast assortment of treasures. He paused before an elegant royal coat on a hanger. The purple tone gave the robe a kingly appearance. Cody pulled it over his shoulders. He couldn’t help but walk with an exaggerated strut—he needed to find a mirror.
    “All, hail, Lord Cody Clemenson! Noble Book Keeper and powerful creator! All foes quake before him!” he exclaimed in a booming voice.
    “Hail!” said a gentle voice in response. The unexpected sound sent Cody leaping into the air. Blushing beet red, he yanked off the coat. He lost his balance and stumbled into the coat hanger behind him, sending it clattering to the floor.
    Standing before him, wearing her gentle smile, was Princess Eva.
    “Eva! I didn’t see you…you scared me! What are you doing