Leviathan (Lost Civilizations: 2) Read Free Page B

barrens. Now, I want to know Lord Uriah’s true reasons for coming.”
    Joash nodded, uncertain what Herrek wanted him to say.
    The tall warrior regarded him. “You’ve done well these last few days.”
    Joash mumbled a reply.
    Herrek stared toward the distant Kragehul Steppes. “You did especially well on the beach against the giants.”
    A lump rose in Joash’s throat.
    “Your quick thinking saved lives,” Herrek said.
    Joash wasn’t used to praise like this. He basked in it, and felt guilty at the death of better men than he was.
    “I thank you for saving my life,” Herrek said.
    Joash’s face felt red-hot as he mumbled words.
    “Many brave men died on the beach,” Herrek said. “Othniel, Emmal, Karim—” The warrior’s features became grimly stern. “You, Groom, acted as a warrior does. I heard how you drew a knife on the sailors to make them rescue us. That was nobly done. Yes, you forced others to act like men, a captain’s action. Your courage, and quick thinking, gave me the chance to save Elonites, and to slay the hated foeman.”
    “You are the Giant-Slayer,” Joash whispered.
    Herrek’s eyes seemed to shine. “Gaut Windrunner stood deep in the water, and the wave splashed salt in his eyes.” A fierce grin twisted Herrek’s mouth. “If only I’d slain more.”
    “There were too many.”
    “If only I’d slain the ones in the crypt,” Herrek said, as if he hadn’t heard Joash. He took a deep breath, and regarded his groom. The warrior held out his big hand. Joash took it. They shook as Herrek clapped Joash on the shoulder.
    “As I promised in the crypt,” Herrek said, “I will begin to teach you the sword. You’ve earned it.”
    “Thank you, Warrior.”
    Herrek rose stiffly. Joash jumped up.
    Lord Uriah strode toward them, his white cloak billowing in the breeze. One of his big hands clutched his sword pommel. As usual, an ale odor hung about him. Lord Uriah was over five hundred years old. He had a close-cropped white beard and rugged features.
    Lord Uriah asked briskly, “Are your wounds painful?”
    Herrek shrugged.
    “Ah, Warrior, you’re too proud.”
    Herrek said nothing.
    Lord Uriah told Joash, “You look stiff, too, Groom, just like your lord. And now, you wish to learn the sword, eh? Is that what I heard?”
    “Yes, Lord,” Joash said, surprised that Lord Uriah could hear so well.
    Lord Uriah nodded. “You will accompany me to the Tiras .”
    “Should I join you as well, Lord?” Herrek asked.
    “No, just Joash,” Lord Uriah said.
    Herrek’s handsome features stiffened.
    Lord Uriah must have noticed, for he waited.
    “I know, Lord,” Herrek began, “that issues of great importance lay before us. Adah, a lore master as well as a singer, helped us on our quest to the crypt. She gave us information that I’m surprised you failed to tell us. Then, there is the matter of my own groom, how he happened to show critical hidden abilities. As I’ve pondered these things, my conclusion is that none of this just happened.” A tight smile curved Herrek’s lips. “Our ancient foes gather terrible weapons from the past. I am no longer content to remain ignorant, to act as your bodyguard, and no more. Tarag treated me as if I was a child. Giants have mocked me, and slain my comrades. Now, I demand to know what is being done to thwart these evil children of the Accursed.”
    “You demand?” Lord Uriah asked, slowly, showing that perhaps he’d drunk too much ale.
    “I demand,” Herrek said.
    “You have no right.”
    “I marched to the crypt. Even more, I slew a giant. I have more than a right.”
    “You do not understand what you ask of me,” Lord Uriah said.
    “I do not ask ,” Herrek said.
    “…You speak like an arrogant man, my grandson, like one who overly trusts his spear-arm. That is how the Nephilim live.”
    “It is wrong to cheat the workman of his wages,” Herrek quoted.
    Lord Uriah scratched his beard. “The First Born move openly...” He