The Lords of Anavar Read Free Page A

Jealousy?"
    "No. Macelan changed over the years. He was a bitter man who felt he deserved more praise from people. However, he was feared more than adored, and adoration was what he sought. The people of the land ran from the sight of him. He began to revenge himself upon them in little ways. Sick animals, fouled water and the like incited the people against him. He fled into Curesia, to the mountains and there set off the spell that killed his pursuers and he was never seen again. It is rumored that he vowed to return to the land and crush it under his heel."
    "Do you believe it?"
    "We are summoned because such a sign was revealed. I am sure of it."
    The wagon bounced one last time before moving onto the smooth roads of Osaha. The small shacks of the countryside slowly gave up to brick and mortar dwellings crowded together as the wagon neared the center of town. They slowed as other vehicles and horses moved in to congest the streets. Shouts of the drivers accompanied the jostling of the wagons and carts. The voices died down when Gerrand was recognized in the wagon. The bystanders bowed to the sorcerer. He waved his hand jerkily.
    "Just like the High Priestess," said Faeya Ryr. "No wonder she fears you."
    "Fears me? Ridiculous."
    "It would explain Torby Mola's interest in you. The High Priestess wants you watched. What are you up to, Gerrand?"
    "Nothing, nothing." He threw up his hands. "I am an old man. Why do people care what I think?"
    "I remember you griping about the lack of respect you receive from the Council. You have plenty of respect here. Why is this different?"
    He turned to her. "Are you trying to point out my faults?"
    "It is a good custom prior to marriage. There would be no surprises later."
    "Marriage? Were you actually serious?"
    "Gerrand, I am hurt. Do you think I flirt with everyone?"
    "I do not know. I only see you with me, rarely in other company."
    "Trust me. I have eyes only for you." She smiled at him.
    "Now I'm worried."
    She hit his shoulder.
    "Why I try to be serious with you is beyond me."
    "You are beyond me, Faeya Ryr. You are young and pretty and I cannot see your interest in an old, old man."
    "It is the fact that you are a man that makes your comment believable. Do not place such value in appearances. I thought you might have learned something over eight hundred years, but then as you say, you are a man."
    "You are quite cruel. You would be a formidable opponent."
    "There's another of your habits. When cornered, resort to flattery. Now be quiet, we are here. I don't want the captain to overhear us. He is friendly with Torby Mola."
    "Why does everything have to do with Torby Mola?"
    "You are the wise man, O Ancient One. You tell me."
    "I am afraid, Faeya Ryr, that your discourse on relationships and marriage have scared my wits into hiding and I cannot recall them at this time. For future reference, do not touch upon such topics if you are to require my mind, for the two do not mix well."
    "You are a most unusual case, my dear Gerrand. One that will require much in depth study."
    "Oh, why did I agree to this journey? An old man needs to stay home and comfortable."
    A servant opened the door to the coach and Faeya Ryr stepped onto the back of another servant kneeling in the mud. Gerrand followed her; the servant's back bowing under the weight of the sorcerer. He stepped over to a plank walkway and followed Faeya Ryr into a building with no windows. However, glass covered the ocean wall of the building, allowing more light than Gerrand expected into the interior. A rugged man with graying hair and a trimmed beard greeted them. He stood a hand taller than Gerrand and still carried much of his youthful muscle. He scowled at them.
    "You are Faeya Ryr? Then this is Gerrand?" He looked closely at the sorcerer. "Not at all what I expected."
    "What did you expect?" asked Gerrand gruffly.
    "Someone taller," said the man. He raised his hand in greeting. "I am Captain Har Tonle. My ship is ready to sail