The Cyber Chronicles - Book I: Queen of Arlin Read Free Page A

where I have conjured it. I searched the
universe for this thing, and it cost much, yet I am happy for you
to use it. When your war is won and the Death Zone destroyed I
shall return for it, but until then it is yours."
    "What is
it?"
    "You will see
that for yourself, but do not doubt that it will defeat your
enemies, no matter what you may think. Do not be deceived by its
appearance. It is a powerful weapon."
    Tassin disliked
the mystery, but Manutim she forgave, he had always been an enigma
himself. "Thank you, good wizard, your help is much needed and
appreciated. I trust in your judgement, and if you say that this
thing is the answer to my troubles, then it must be so. Take this
as a token of my gratitude." She slid a ring from her finger, set
with a green-streaked blue stone, and held it out to him.
    Manutim's
slender fingers closed around it like a spider clasping its prey,
and he raised it to the light to examine it. "I require no payment,
My Queen, but I shall treasure this gift since it is you who gave
it."
    Tassin smiled,
turning away to find a suitable stone to use as a mounting block.
"I must hurry back. I am filled with curiosity about your gift, and
it is not safe for me here."
    Manutim
pocketed the ring. "In your dungeon you will find a casket. Press
the button on its side, and within a few moments it will open and
your new weapon will be revealed. I must leave, so you will not see
me for a while. When I return, your war will be over, and the Death
Zone destroyed."
    The wizard
turned and walked into the forest, vanishing amongst the shadows as
swiftly and silently as he had appeared. Tassin stared after him,
then led Falcon to a rock and mounted, guiding him along the faint,
moon-silvered trail that twisted like a tarnished serpent between
the trees, dappled with flecks of shadow. The dark forest's silence
pressed in upon her, oppressive and pregnant with unknown dangers.
As she drew near its edge, Falcon tossed his head and sidestepped,
ignoring her soothing murmurs and communicating his unease to her.
She wanted to give him his head and race from the wood, but good
sense prevailed, for an overhanging branch was too likely to sweep
her from the saddle. The shadows took on a sinister air, and every
looming tree seemed like a dark warrior with woody hands
outstretched to snatch her from the saddle.
    Black figures
burst from the undergrowth and leapt into her path, naked swords
gleaming in their fists. Falcon stopped, tremors of anticipation
running through him as he awaited her command. A suave, smug voice
spoke from the darkness beside her, making her jump and whip
around.
    "So, my pretty,
it seems that I have won. There is no escape, you are now
mine."
    Torrian stepped
from the trees beside the path, a smirk on his strong-featured
face, which, though considered handsome, was somewhat coarse. She
forced herself to smile, and spoke in a gasping voice.
    "You overcome
me, Torrian. I knew that you would be the one to win through and
gain my hand, and I am glad to be proven right."
    "So this was
all to test my mettle? How romantic. I approve, my dear Tassin. I
had not known that you were the type of woman to sacrifice four
thousand men to test your suitor." He chuckled.
    Tassin hid a
shudder. "My palfrey trembles with fear, and I think he may bolt if
your men do not hold him."
    Torrian eyed
the warhorse. "He is a goodly size for a palfrey, and armoured
too."
    "And yet a
palfrey is all he is, for you know full well that no mere woman
could ride a warhorse, though his appearance is intended to mislead
those too slow of wit to realise this."
    The King
hesitated, then gave the order to his men, who approached, lowered
their swords and reached for Falcon's reins. As soon as they were
near enough, Tassin loosed the reins, grasped the pommel, and
shouted, "Falcon, attack!"
    The stallion
reared with a scream of rage, his forefeet lashing out to strike
two soldiers, smashing them to the ground. As he dropped to all
fours he