Source Of The River Read Free Page B

is it, girl?” he asked as tenderly
as he could manage.
    “She’s not feeling well,” Kassie replied. “It’s
that magic. She senses something in the storm.”
    “An evil spirit?” Darvil asked. “That’s the only
thing that could account for this.” He bent forward and patted his daughter’s
head. “Let Papa help you to bed,” he said, helping her to her feet.
    Kaiya nodded slowly and rested her head on her
father’s shoulder. Together they ascended the stairs to Kaiya’s room.
    After helping her into bed, Darvil said, “You know
I love you, girl. I didn’t mean those things I said about having you married
off.”
    Weakly, Kaiya replied, “I know, Papa.” The pain in
her head intensified, and tears filled her eyes.
    Kassie made her way up the stairs with a bowl of
cool water and a cloth for Kaiya’s forehead. Gently, she patted her daughter’s
face with the damp cloth, hoping to soothe her pain. The storm continued to
rage outside, and the wind howled as if crying out for help.
    With a sudden jolt, Kaiya bolted upright in her
bed. Kassie jumped back, startled.
    “What is it?”
    “The wind,” Kaiya replied, her gray eyes beginning
to shine with magic. “It’s calling to me.”
    “Let it call,” Darvil replied. “You need your
rest.” He quickly went over to the window and fastened the shutters.
    “Rest, dear,” Kassie said softly, still patting
Kaiya’s face with the cloth.
    Kaiya settled back into her bed, squeezing her
eyes shut. Just breathe , she thought. This will pass. The wind
continued to call, and she fought the urge to run out into the storm. She knew
there was no danger for her, but she did not wish to frighten her parents.
    Somewhere nearby, a presence had awakened. Though
she did not know exactly what it was, Kaiya knew it was evil by nature. A dark
spirit had come into the Wrathful Mountains, and its purpose was unclear.
    Despite the evil presence, Kaiya felt no fear.
With the wind as her ally, she knew she would be safe from harm. Her family,
though, might not be so lucky. Danger was about to descend upon the dwarves of
the mountain.
     

Chapter 4
    T elorithan took
a seat in his former master’s library to await his arrival. He smoothed out the
wrinkles in his long red robe and casually twirled a silver strand of hair on
his finger. The mirror above the fireplace attracted his attention, giving him
yet another opportunity to admire himself. There could never be another as
beautiful as me, he thought. His blue eyes sparkled, accentuated by the
bronze-toned skin of his face. I am truly perfection.
    Though he had been sitting only a few minutes, he
began to tap his finger against the arm of his chair. Patience was not a virtue
he possessed. When he wanted something, he wanted it immediately, and nothing
could stand in his way. Today he came seeking his mentor’s advice in hopes that
the old elf would be able to assist in his latest endeavor.
    Finally, Yiranor entered the library wearing his
usual red-black robe, his face showing his advanced age. He smiled warmly at
his former apprentice. “So delightful to see you, Telorithan. It’s always a
pleasure to have you visit.”
    Remaining in his seat, Telorithan nodded. “Yes,” he
replied dismissively. “Tell me, do you have any knowledge of the process of
soul binding?”
    Yiranor was momentarily shocked by the question,
his mouth dropping open in reply. Telorithan raised his eyebrows, awaiting a
response. Slowly, Yiranor regained his composure and took a seat opposite his
guest.
    “It’s a banned practice. Please tell me you aren’t
wasting your talents on such nonsense.” His dark eyes regarded his former pupil
suspiciously.
    “Always the teacher,” Telorithan replied, shaking
his head. “As a matter of fact, I have been doing some research in that field.
I have had success with animal specimens, and I’m planning to expand my
research to include elven subjects.”
    Yiranor, who was taking a sip of tea, coughed