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Richard Awlinsons

Avatar Trilogy


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SHADOWDALE

Copyright 1989 TSR, Inc. AH Rights Reserve.

This !oo" is protecte #ner the copyright $%&s o' the (nite St%tes o' A)eric%. Any repro#ction or other#n%#thori*e #se o' the )%teri%$ or %rt&or" cont%ine herein to prohi!ite &itho#t the e+pre &ritten per)ission o'TSR, Inc.

R%no) Ho#se %n %$$ %-$i%te co)p%nies h%ve &or$&ie istri!#tion rights in the !oo" tr%e 'or Eng$ish $%ng#%gepro#cts o' TSR, Inc.

Distri!#te to the !oo" %n ho!!y tr%e in the (nite ingo) !y TSR Lt. Distri!#te to the toy %n ho!!y tr%e !yregion%$ istri!#tor.

/OR0OTTE REALS is % registere tr%e)%r" o&ne !y TSR, Inc. The TSR $ogo is % tr%e)%r" o&ne !y TSR, Inc

/irst 2rinting3 Apri$, 1989

2rinte in the (nite St%tes o' A)eric%.

Li!r%ry o' Congress C%t%$og C%r #)!er3 8845167986

IS3 :;8:846:4:

A$$ ch%r%cters in the !oo" %re


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BOOKI:SHADOWDALE


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PROLOGUE

He$), He o' the (ns$eeping Eyes, 0o o' 0#%ri%ns, stoo vigi$%nt, &%tching his 'e$$o& gos. The %sse)!$%ge&%s co)p$ete. Every go, e)igo, %n e$e)ent%$ &%s in %tten%nce. The &%$$s o' the gre%t p%ntheon th%t hostethe gos h% $ong %go v%nishe, !#t the &ino&s re)%ine, h%nging on the e)pty %ir, %n thro#gh the) He$)

$oo"e o#t onto % #niverse cr#)!$ing into ec%y. The p%ntheon, &ith its )%ny #n


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&ho g%spe %s they &%tche. He$), &ho h% never !een !orne o@ his 'eet !e'ore, grit his teeth he$p$ess$y %s hest%re into % p%tch o' %r"ness gre%ter th%n %ny %r"ness ever seen, % %r"ness th%t $ive %n so#ght to cons#)e, %%r"ness th%t &%s the %nger o' Lor Ao.

St%n yo# &ith yo#r 'e$$o&s %n not yo#r $iege, goo He$)Thro#gh gritte teeth, the go respone. Aye.S#en$y He$) &%s c%st o&n, his escent too #ic" %n too !r#t%$ to !e tr%c"e !y the senses o' the other

gos. $ooie %n !r#ise !y the i)p%ct, He$) str#gg$e to rise %n %g%in '%ce his $or, !#t the t%s" &%s !eyonhi). His 'e$$o& gos )%e no )ove to he$p hi), nor i they )eet his i)p$oring eyes %s he 'e$$, '%ce o&n, to thestone ?oor o' the p%ntheon.

Occ%sion%$ ?%shes o' $ight reve%$e !$%c" !%ns o' energy th%t )ove ever c$oser to the gos.o $onger &i$$ yo# sit in yo#r cryst%$ to&ers, $oo"ing o&n #pon the Re%$)s %s i' they h% !een cre%te si)p$y

to %)#se yo#.E+i$e, %ne )#r)#re !re%th$ess$y.Aye, s%i Lor yr"#$, 0o o' the De%, % chi$$


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As the 0oess o' %gic st%re %t the ro$$ing c$o#s, she c%#ght % g$i)pse o' so)ething g$o&ing in the %ir.When she trie to 'oc#s on the !e%) th%t see)e to h%ng 'ro) the c$o#s, she 'e$t i**y. IB) sti$$ %$e 'ro) AoBs%tt%c", she tho#ght, %n trie %g%in to see &h%t &%s ?ic"ering 'ro) the s"y to the gro#n ne%r the r#ine c%st$e. In %)o)ent, her vision c$e%re %n she recogni*e the &%vering i)%ge !e'ore her.

A Ce$esti%$ St%ir&%y.The st%ir&%y, &hich ch%nge its sh%pe contin#%$$y %s ystr% &%tche it, &%s % co))on p%th 'or the gos to

tr%ve$ !et&een their ho)es in the 2$%nes %n the Re%$)s. Tho#gh ystr% h% r%re$y #se the !riges to /%er#n, she"ne& th%t there &ere )%ny o' the) thro#gho#t the Re%$)s %n th%t they $e to % ne+#s in the he%vens. The ne+#s,in t#rn, $e to %$$ o' the gosB ho)es.

The st%ir&%y ch%nge 'ro) % $ong &ooen spir%$ to % !e%#ti'#$ )%r!$e $%er %s ystr%, sti$$ !$e%ry4eye,&%tche it. Then the goess s#en$y re%$i*e &hy it &%s so h%r 'or her to 'oc#s on the Ce$esti%$ St%ir&%y3 It &%son$y visi!$e to gos or )ort%$s o' very gre%t po&er. She &%s no& neither.

Th%t re%$i*%tion sp#rre the '%$$en goess to %ction, %n she set %!o#t to recover the sh%r o' po&er she h%hien &ith one o' her '%ith'#$ in the Re%$)s in the ho#rs !e'ore AoBs s#))ons. ystr% st%rte to c%st % spe$$ to$oc%te her c%che o' po&er. Even in her ne!#$o#s 'or), the 0oess o' %gic e%si$y co)p$ete the co)p$ic%tegest#res %n spo"e the inc%nt%tion necess%ry 'or the spe$$. #t &hen she &%s one c%sting, nothing h%ppene.

o ystr% crie, %n her voice echoe over the hi$$s. Fo# c%nnot ro! )e o' )y %rt, Ao. I &i$$ not st%n 'orthis

The goess trie to c%st the spe$$ %g%in. A pi$$%r o' green energy er#pte 'ro) the gro#n %n )ove #ic"$yto eng#$' ystr%. She scre%)e %s the energy str#c" her ins#!st%nti%$ 'or). o$ts o' green $ight shot thro#gh the)isty !$#e4&hite c$o# th%t &%s the 0oess o' %gic, c%#sing ystr% to scre%) in p%in. Her vision reste on the!$%c" c$o#s s&ir$ing %ro#n the g$o&ing Ce$esti%$ St%ir&%y in the secons !e'ore she $ost %$$ conscio#sness.

At the top o' the st%ir&%y, %t the ne+#s o' the 2$%nes, Lor He$), 0o o' 0#%ri%ns, &%tche %s ystr% &%s"noc"e #nconscio#s !y the )is


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IAWAKENINGS

In henti$ eep, the he%viest r%in'%$$ the city h% s#@ere in %$)ost % ye%r eng#$'e the n%rro& streets, !#t

Tr%nn#s i%$ton i not notice. othing co#$ ist#r! his s$#)!er. The sh#tters o' the s)%$$ rente roo) he sh%re&ith the !e%#ti'#$ !#t $one$y Ange$i#e C%nt%r%n, &i'e o' the )ost &e%$thy i)porter o' spices 'or the city, #%"e#nnotice %g%inst the 'orces th%t r%ge o#tsie. On$y % coo$ !ree*e th%t see)e to s#en$y %c#ire 'or) %nco%$esce in the %r"ness thre%tene to &%"e hi), %n then on$y &hen it h% %$re%y ?o%te %cross the roo) to thes$eeping )%n %n v%nishe !et&een his p%rt$y opene $ips.

Th#ner ro%re, %n Tr%nn#s re%)e o' % %r"so)e p$%ce &here on$y the cries o' the ying !ro#ght &%r)th tothe resient $or, &ho &%s hi)se$' % sh%o&y they si)p$y !ore the i$$#sion &ith the pr%ctice gr%ce on$y c#tthro%ts %n thieves co#$ h%vet%#ght the). In henti$ eep, the sh%o&s $ive %n !re%the, %n )onsters ch%ttere in sh%rp, high4pitche tones'ro) their %r" hiing p$%ces. Str%nge$y, he &%s $e't %$one %n %$$o&e p%ss%ge thro#gh the %ngero#s $%!yrinth %s i'the &%y h% !een c$e%re !e'ore hi) !y % her%$ none &o#$ %re st%n %g%inst.

Thro#gho#t his o#rney, Tr%nn#s tho#ght o' the re%). He i)%gine the streets &ere s$ic" &ith the !$oo o' hisene)ies, %n the r%in th%t 'e$$ c%resse hi) $i"e the te%rs o' their &io&s. Lightning str#c" %n $oose % section o' %&%$$ ne%r!y, %n e!ris cr%she to the gro#n %ro#n hi). An sti$$ the c$eric tr%ve$e on, o!$ivio#s to everythinge+cept the siren c%$$ th%t g%ve strength to his &e%ry $egs, p#rpose to his soen !r%in, %n esire to his e%enehe%rt. Tr%nn#s on$y &onere &hy he, % $o&$y priest in the servit#e o' %ne, h% !een given this vision, !$esse&ith this esire.

Ahe% $%y the Te)p$e o' %ne, %n Tr%nn#s stoppe 'or % )o)ent, )es)eri*e !y the sight. The D%r" Te)p$e&%s % si$ho#ette %g%inst the night s"y, its i)posing to&ers #tting #p&%r $i"e !$%c" serr%te !$%es &%iting toi)p%$e %n #ns#specting ene)y. Even &hen $ightning ?%she %n the &or$ &%s c%st in sh%rp $ight, the te)p$e &%s!$%c", reve%$ing not % sing$e crevice in its gr%nite '%c%e. R#)ors %!o#ne th%t the te)p$e h% !een constr#cte inAcheron, %neBs %r" i)ension, then !ro#ght to henti$ eep, stone !y stone, % river o' !$oo %n s#@ering the g$#e

th%t ce)ente the te)p$e together.Tr%nn#s &%s s#rprise to


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/ro) the p%rti%$$y st%ning &%$$s, Tr%nn#s "ne& th%t he &%s c$ose to the throne roo) o' his $or, %n he stoppe%s the o!ect o' his #est rose #p !e'ore hi). The !$%c" throne o' %ne h% !een $e't #nto#che. So't, &hite )istsri'te to&%r Tr%nn#s, %n ph%nto) sh%pes gent$y encirc$e the priestBs &rists %s he &%s $e 'or&%r &itho#t 'orce#nti$ he stoo irect$y !e'ore the throne. It &%s % throne on$y % gi%nt co#$ h%ve reste in co)'ort%!$y, %n !esie its%t % rep$ic%, this one constr#cte 'or the #se o' % )%n.

The e&e$4encr#ste g%#nt$et 'ro) Tr%nn#sBs re%) reste #pon the s)%$$er throne.Tr%nn#s s)i$e, %n 'or the


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The yo#ng &o)%n i))ei%te$y e+%)ine her !oo"s, %n &%s re$ieve to its !$oo4re )%ne h% risen &ith the &ins even in the%r"est ho#rs o' )orning. Fet, th%t night, the horse re'#se to !re%" its s$o&, )e%s#re p%ce %s they tr%verse the


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A gre%t, !$#e4&hite !%$$ o'


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IITHESUMMONING

e$e)vor &%$"e thro#gh the streets o' Ar%!e$, the gre%t &%$$s th%t protecte it 'ro) inv%sions ti)e %n %g%in

so)eho& %$&%ys in vie&. A$tho#gh he &o#$ never %)it it, the &%$$s )%e hi) egy, their v%#nte pro)ise o'sec#rity $itt$e )ore th%n the !%rs o' % c%ge to the &%rrior.The so#ns o' the h#st$e %n !#st$e o' % typic%$ %y in the )erch%nt city %s highs#n %ppro%che


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=#st !e'ore e$e)vor t#rne %&%y 'ro) the &ino&, the sight o' his o&n re?ection once %g%in c%#ght his g%*e.The &%rrior st#ie his '%ce3 piercing, %$)ost $#)inescent green eyes, set eep %g%inst % %r"$y t%nne '%ceconsisting o' % strong !ro&, str%ight nose, %n pr%ctic%$$y s#%re %&. His '%ce &%s 'r%)e !y % &i$ )%ne o' e!onh%ir &ith on$y % 'e& stre%"s o' gr%y to reve%$ th%t he h% &%$"e the Re%$)s 'or over thirty s#))ers. In the p$%ces&here his !%re s"in &%s not protecte !y his c$othing, it &%s p$%in th%t his chest %n %r)s &ere covere !y thic"!$%c" h%ir. He &ore ch%in )%i$ %n $e%thers, %n c%rrie % s&or h%$' the $ength o' his !oy in % she%th s$#ng !ehinhis !%c".

Ho, g#%rs)%ne$e)vor t#rne %n reg%re the s$ip o' % gir$ &ho h% ch%$$enge hi). She &%s no )ore th%n


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e$e)vor tho#ght o' the ice cre%t#re th%t stoo g#%r over the Ring o' Winter. He i nothing %s the cre%t#re$iter%$$y 'ro*e the !$oo o' his co)p%nions, their scre%)s ening %!r#pt$y %s ice


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The g#%rs re)%ine si$ent.Light h% s#en$y !eco)e % precio#s co))oity, %n the c$eric he%r the so#n o' sc#rrying r%ts 'ro)

so)e&here o&n the h%$$&%y. ehin the) he he%r the so#n o' )%ssive oors s&inging sh#t. The echo &%se%'ening in the )ist o' the corriorBs si$ence.

The g#%rs h% t%"en ?%)ing torches 'ro) the &%$$s, %n the he%t 'ro) the torch !ehin Aon &%s )%"ing hi)#nco)'ort%!$e.

The on$y so#ns no& &ere the 'oot'%$$s o' the gro#p %s they p$#nge %he%. An tho#gh the !ro% sho#$ers o'the g#%r !e'ore hi) !$oc"e AonBs vie& o' &h%t $%y %he%, he h% % '%ir ie%.

A #ngeon Aon sho#te in the re$%tive s%'ety o' his o&n he%. These !#@oons h%ve $e )e to % #ngeonThen Aon 'e$t the h%ns o' the g#%rs on hi), %n !e'ore he co#$ re%ct, he &%s thro&n 'or&%r. His $e%n yet

)#sc#$%r !oy %!sor!e )ost o' the '%$$ %s he ro$$e %n spr%ng into %


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This &%y, one o' the) s%i %s they gr%!!e AonBs %r) %n r%gge hi) 'ro) the ce$$.

Cyric )%e his &%y !%c" to his roo) %t the ight Wo$' Inn &ith % &e%riness in his so#$. A$tho#gh he h% )%ethe ecision th%t his %ys o' thieving &ere $ong !ehin hi), he contin#e to thin" $i"e % thie', to )ove %n %ct $i"e %thie'. On$y in the he%t o' !%tt$e, &hen his '#$$ concentr%tion &%s neee to ens#re his s#rviv%$, &%s he %!$e to resistthe p#$$ o' his 'or)er $i'e.

Even no&, &ith evening c$osing in, Cyric too" the i)$y $it !%c" st%irs to his roo), %n on$y % tr#$y "eeno!server &o#$ !e %!$e to etect %ny so#ns )%e !y the short4h%ire, $e%n sh%o& o' % )%n &ho gr%ce'#$$y )ove'or&%r to the secon ?oor $%ning.

Recent events h% !een istressing. He h% co)e to Ar%!e$ to !egin %ne&, %n yet it h% !eco)e necess%ry to#ti$i*e his s"i$$s %s % thie' to #ncover the evience %g%inst nights!rige. o& his %ys &ere spent en%cting thesi)p$e #ties o' % g#%rs)%n, the )in$ess tei#) % re$ent$ess$y epressing reco)pense 'or his tro#!$es. The!o#nty origin%$$y pro)ise !y Evon Str%$%n% h% !een h%$ve !ec%#se o' nights!rigeBs esc%pe.

Str%$%n% h% %ppro%che Cyric %n e$e)vor !ec%#se they &ere o#tsiers, ne&$y %rrive in to&n %n pro!%!$y#n"no&n to the tr%itors. A$tho#gh Cyric h% no re%$ intention o' oining the g#%rs)en o' Ar%!e$, Str%$%n% )%e this% stip#$%tion. Str%$%n% insiste on the %#thenticity o' % signe contr%ct to prove th%t Cyric &%s % g#%rs)%n %n to%$$%y the s#spicions o' their #%rry, &ho &%s !e$ieve to h%ve in his h%n %+e, %ggers, !o&, %rro&s, %n c$o%" o'isp$%ce)ent h% not !een to#che. He chec"e the h%ir he h% %tt%che to the &ino& 'r%)e %n s%& th%t it h%not !een !ro"en. /in%$$y, he re$%+e s$ight$y.

Then Cyric notice the sh%pe, ro#gh$y the si*e o' % )%n, th%t s#en$y %ppe%re o#tsie the &ino&. The&ino& i)p$oe %n Cyric ?#ng hi)se$' !%c"&%r, %tte)pting to %voi the ?#rry o' r%*or4sh%rp g$%ss 'r%g)ents

th%t r%ine into the roo).Cyric he%r his %ss%i$%nt rop o&n into the roo) !e'ore the $%st o' the sh%ttere g$%ss 'e$$. He i)%gine hisopponent on$y )o)ents !e'ore, &%iting in the roo) %!ove CyricBs, $istening 'or the so#ns o' the 'or)er thie'Bs


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%rriv%$. Cyric c#rse hi)se$' 'or %opting % ro#tine> it &%s o!vio#s the %ss%i$%nt )#st h%ve !een &%tching Cyric 'or%ys.

A s$ight r#sh o' %ir %t his right %$erte Cyric to %nger %s he rose. He )ove to the $e't, !%re$y %voiing % "ni'ethr#st to his !%c". Witho#t t#rning. Cyric cr%she his e$!o& into the '%ce o' his 'oe, then ove %cross the !e to theopposite sie o' the roo). His short s&or &%s in his h%n !e'ore he $%ne, '%cing the irection o' the sh%ttere&ino&.

There &%s no one in the roo). Thro#gh the estroye &ino& 'r%)e, Cyric o!serve the rope his %tt%c"er h%#se. It sng !%c" %n 'orth $i"e % pen#$#), entering the roo), then e+iting %g%in. Fet the )%n &ho h% #se it&%s no&here to !e 'o#n.

A r#sh o' %ir %g%in %$erte Cyric, %n he )ove #ic"$y. In the &%$$ !esie hi) he s%& % %gger )%teri%$i*e.Invisi!i$ity, Cyric note c%$)$y. Fet so)ething &%s &rong. Invisi!i$ity on$y protecte its #ser #nti$ he %tt%c"e. In

this c%se, his %vers%ry h% !eco)e invisi!$e %s he %tt%c"e.Cyric "ne& he h% very $itt$e ch%nce o' s#rviv%$. Sti$$, % grin &ier th%n %ny he h% "no&n in recent ti)es spre%

%cross CyricBs '%ce.The thie' )ove #ic"$y, c#tting %n %re% !e'ore hi) &ith his !$%e %t %$$ ti)es, connecting &ith nothing !#t %ir,

shi'ting irection const%nt$y. With his 'ree h%n, Cyric pic"e #p str%y ite)s in the roo) %n tosse the) in r%no)irections, &%iting to he%r so)ething hit the #nseen %ss%ssin.

The ege o' the !espre% p#$$e s$ight$y, %n % thre% 'ro) it rose #p into the %ir, see)ing$y %tt%che tonothing, yet o!vio#s$y hoo"e to the c$othing o' the invisi!$e ene)y. Cyric t#rne his !%c" on his %tt%c"er %n )ove%&%y, then s#en$y 'e$$ into % cro#ch.

The %tt%c"erBs thr#st &%s high, %n Cyric #ic"$y re%che #p %n 'e$t his


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Ho$ 'or !#t % )o)ent, goo Tensy$, %n I &i$$ h%ve % go$ piece 'or yo#.=oin #s, %re" c%$$e 'ro) the street. E$se yo#r petty $itt$e $i'e %)ong the h%r4&or"ing &i$$ !e sh%ttere in %

'ortnight. IB) not %!ove e+posing yo# to get &h%t I &%nt, Cyric. Re)e)!er this.IB$$ re)e)!er, Cyric s%i so't$y, then t#rne his !%c" %n &ent to the oor. I %$&%ys re)e)!er.Cyric opene the oor to the !oy, ignoring the g%ping e+pression o' s#rprise on Tensy$Bs '%ce %s he s%& the

sh%ttere &ino& %n the c$e%r signs o' % recent !%tt$e in the s)%$$ roo).


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IIICONVERGENCE

inightBs he% c$e%re #ic"$y %'ter she $e't the '%r), %n she got % rie into Ar%!e$ &ith % s)%$$ c%r%v%n,

&hich &%s % co))on sight on the ro% to the city, even in ti)es o' tro#!$e. Sti$$, none o' the tr%ve$ers she )et co#$te$$ her %nything ne& %!o#t the events o' the p%st t&o &ee"s, tho#gh %$$ h% stories o' )%gic gone )% or the#nrest in n%t#re. Once the c%r%v%n re%che the city, inight &ent o@ in se%rch o' her o&n %ns&ers.

She spent the %y &%nering the streets o' Ar%!e$, %tte)pting to veri'y rehn%nBs t%$es o' the gos %n the ost%te o' )%gic in the Re%$)s. inight "ne& th%t she co#$ spen %s )#ch ti)e %s she &%nte in the se%rch 'or%ns&ers, %s she sti$$ h% the h%nso)e$y


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A )o)ent $%ter Aon &%s on the ?oor, the i)p%ct o' the serving tr%y sti$$ ringing in his e%rs. /ine %vice yo#g%ve )e, yo# $o#t De)%n e#%$ p%y /%ir tre%t)ent %s % person %n not )ere$y % serving &ench to !e og$e %t%n 'on$e !y the rich r#n"%rs in their '%ncy c$othes &ho p%ss thro#gh these oors

Aon %tte)pte to sh%"e so)e sense into his r%tt$e !r%in %n '%i$e. Fes, the &ors cert%in$y so#ne $i"ehis...

The convers%tion &%s not % s#ccess the c$eric s%i #iet$y.The serving gir$ tre)!$e &ith r%ge. I $ost )y p$%ce in $ine to !eco)e the ne+t


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conitione post#re o' the


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Rest, e$e)vor s%i si)p$y, !r#shing the gir$Bs h%ir 'ro) her eyes. Then C%it$%n s#en$y gr%!!e his )%ssiveh%n &ith %n iron grip th%t )%e the


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The streets o' Ar%!e$ &ere eserte, %n inight &onere !rie?y i' % c#r'e& h% !een in e@ect. She h%&%nere 'ro) the co#rse the serving gir$ %t the 2rie o' Ar%!e$ h% $%i o#t 'or her, %n soon 'o#n herse$' $ost.inight "ne& th%t this &%s 'or the !etter, %s it g%ve her ti)e to c%$) o&n !e'ore she 'o#n herse$' in the co)p%nyo' others %t the Sc%r$et Spe%r.

inight to#che the pen%nt G ystr%Bs tr#st G %s she tho#ght o' the !$#e ?%)e r%gon th%t h%)%teri%$i*e %t the 2rie o' Ar%!e$. She h% trie to thro& % si)p$e spe$$ o' $evit%tion to i)press e$e)vor, !#tso)eho& the spe$$ h% !een %$tere. An tho#gh inight h% re)%ine visi!$y c%$), %n c$%i)e creit 'or ther%gon %s i' it &%s &h%t she h% intene to cre%te, she h% !een terri

% horse th%t &%s the very i)%ge o' the one she h% !een sep%r%te 'ro) o#tsie the city o' Ar%!e$. He%rt r%cing,inight &%tche %s Th#r!r%n stoppe %n $oo"e over his sho#$er. inight s%#ntere to his sie, s)i$ing %s %p$%n !eg%n to 'or) in her )in. 2erh%ps Th#r!r%n &o#$ !e %!$e to %ssist inight in proving to th%t over!e%ring'oo$ e$e)vor th%t she &%s not % &o)%n to he tri?e &ith, %$tho#gh Th#r!r%n hi)se$' &o#$ not h%ve c%re 'or theirection her tho#ghts h% t%"en.

ore speci


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to e$e)vor 'or his generosity in $etting hi) st%y the night, !#t he h% $e%rne it &%s #n&ise to voice s#chsenti)ents to the )%n. He &o#$


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This ti)e e$e)vor i $%#gh, % he%rty $%#gh th%t &%s c#t short %s he notice the isg#ises th%t pe%"e o#t'ro) the p%c"%ges th%t s%t !esie CyricBs )o#nt. He e+%)ine the p%c"%ges to


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IVRAINSWILD

%ne h% not !een i$e in the t&o &ee"s since the ti)e o' Arriv%$, %s his &orshipers no& c%$$e the night he &%s

thro&n 'ro) the he%vens. A$)ost const%nt %ctivity &%s neee to %vert his %ttention 'ro) his istressing$y )ort%$st%te, %n on the 'e& occ%sions &hen he %$$o&e hi)se$' to t#rn his %ttentions in&%r %n e+%)ine the 'r%i$ )ort%$she$$ th%t necessity h% 'orce hi) to %ss#)e, the $%c" Lor !ec%)e $ost in the en$ess intric%cies o' the )%chineth%t g%ve hi) )ove)ent %n voice.

S#ch gi'ts %n )ir%c$es he 'o#n &ithin the s#!)icroscopic %re%s s#rro#ning the corte+ An &hen hei))erse his conscio#sness in !#t % sing$e ce$$ o' the !oyBs en$ess stre%) o' !$oo %n %$$o&e the p%th o' hise+p$or%tions to !e ecie !y the !oy itse$'. %ne 'e$t % r%pt#re th%t riv%$e gohoo itse$'.

It &%s then he #nerstoo the tr%p %n 'orce hi)se$' to p#$$ %&%y. He p$%ce !%rric%es &ithin the !r%in o' the!oy he &%s 'orce to inh%!it, %n 'orti


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When it &%s over, the grotes#e cre%t#re gigg$e %n 'e his o&n g$o&ing eyes into its g%ping )%&s, re%y tos$eep no& th%t it h% 'e%ste. ystr% &%s s#rprise to he h% not yet ecie &h%t the ne+t )ove sho#$ !e.%ne t#rne sh%rp$y %s % !$%c" r%ven ?e& into the #ngeon %t % )in4!ogg$ing spee, %n then !ec%)e his

serv%nt, $%c"thorne.Lor %ne, I h%ve )#ch to report. I !e$ieve I h%ve $oc%te the h#)%n in Ar%!e$ th%t ho$s % gi't 'ro) ystr%.

She &e%rs it %s % !$#e4&hite st%r4sh%pe pen%nt.%ne s)i$e. The pen%nt $%c"thorne escri!e &%s ientic%$ to the sy)!o$ ystr% h% &orn in the 2$%nes.

etter sti$$, $%c"thorne s%i, the )%gic4#ser &ho &e%rs the pen%nt is co)ing here.


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The p%rty $e't Ar%!e$ sep%r%te$y. Aon ep%rte the city


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(nconscio#s$y, her


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C%it$%n i %s she &%s to$, &itho#t #estion. /ro) her v%nt%ge, c$ose to the gro#n, $oo"ing o#t p%ste$e)vorBs !oots, she spotte )ore o' the ogs in the 'orest G so)e &%iting o#tsie the s)%$$ c$e%ring> others%tt%c"ing the &hite4s"inne cre%t#res. One o' the spier ho#ns, r%cing c$ose to the gro#n, see)e to !e co)ingirect$y 'or C%it$%n. She s#ee*e her eyes sh#t %n t#c"e her he% o&n, then o@ere % pr%yer to her )istress 'ortheir e$iver%nce.

inight prep%re to #n$e%sh % spe$$ in their e'ense, %n %$so pr%ye th%t it &o#$ not go %&ry. %gic )issi$es)ight not h%ve the po&er to stop the !e%st, %n inight inBt %re thro& %nything %s po&er'#$ %s %


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An icy co$ r%in st%rte to '%$$ %n &%s seeping thro#gh the c%nopy o' trees. inight 'e$t % !iting sens%tion %sthe tiny rop$ets str#c" her s"in %n the &ins str#gg$e to 'orce her !%c".

Aon, he%rt po#ning, )in r%cing %s he he$ on 'or e%r $i'e, re%$i*e th%t his $#ngs &erenBt r%&ing %ir %n histen#o#s grip on the horse !ene%th hi) &%s giving &%y. He h% given the !e%st % ose o' his potion o' spee, thesing$e ite) he h% &ithhe$ #ring e$e)vorBs c%re'#$ inventory o' everyoneBs !e$ongings. Aon "ne& th%t it &%s&rong to $ie %!o#t s#ch things, !#t he %$so "ne& th%t the potion h% !een % !oon 'ro) the goess S#ne, %n it&o#$ !e her &iso) %$one th%t g#ie his h%n in its #se.

Ho&ever, &hen the spier ho#ns gro#pe to %tt%c", %n Aon receive no sign 'ro) the goess, he p%nic"e%n too" )%tters into his o&n h%ns. He 'e the potion to the horse !#t it &%s %$re%y )oving !e'ore he co#$ #se)ore th%n % 'e& rops on hi)se$'. The s)%$$ vi%$ then ?e& o#t o' his h%ns %s he he$ on 'or e%r $i'e.

o&, %s the horseBs spee sto$e the !re%th 'ro) his $#ngs %n he ne%re #nconscio#sness, Aon s%& % vision G% !e%#ti'#$ &o)%nBs '%ce, c%rve 'ro) the ?eeting spec"s o' $ight %n co$or th%t s#rro#ne hi) in the vorte+ o'spee. The &o)%nBs h%ns re%che o#t %n to#che the sies o' his '%ce, gent$y p#shing hi) this &%y %n th%t, %s i'to '#$$y e+p$ore the &oners S#ne h% !esto&e #pon hi).

HeBs not h#rt too !%$y, inight s%i.Aon !$in"e, %n the i$$#sion o' )otion !eg%n to '%e. I tho#ght yo# &ere S#ne, he s%i.He see)s %$e, e$e)vor s%i.Aye, Cyric s%i. #t is th%t %nything ne&The &or$ %!r#pt$y c%)e into 'oc#s, %n Aon 'o#n hi)se$' st%ring #p into the '%ces o' his co)p%nions. They

%ppe%re to !e in % 'orest, %$tho#gh Aon &%s cert%in there &%s nothing !#t ?%t$%ns %$ong the &%y to the c%st$e.Tiny ?ic"ers o' sc%r$et r%i%nce sho&e thro#gh the !r%nches o' the trees %!ove the), %$tho#gh so)e o' the)%ppe%re #ite str%nge.

inight, yo# G yo# s%ve )e Aon s%i in %)%*e)ent, % s)i$e crossing his '%ce.Fo# 'e$$ o@ yo#r horse, inight s%i. AonBs s%$e %n s#pp$ies &ere stre&n %!o#t on the ro% !esie hi).

inight re%$i*e the c$eric )#st h%ve !een ho$ing on to the s%$e, %n it &%s the !ons th%t he$ it in p$%ce th%tsh%ttere #ner the str%in o' the horseBs spee.

Horror s#rge thro#gh the c$eric. y '%ce ItBs not G(n%)%ge, Cyric s%i &e%ri$y. S%)e %s %$&%ys. o& give )e %n e+p$%n%tion 'or &h%t &e &itnesse.I onBt #nerst%n..., Aon s%i, %tte)pting to %ppe%r %s innocent %s possi!$e.Fo# roe $i"e the &in, Aon. Fo# see)e )ore % !$#r o' )otion th%n % rier %n )o#nt, e$e)vor s%i. I

tho#ght yo#r )%gics h% '%i$e yo#.I &o#$nBt phr%se it #ite th%t &%y, Aon s%i.I onBt c%re ho& yo# &o#$ phr%se it. Wh%t %re yo# ho$ing !%c" 'ro) #sinight )ove 'or&%r, %n he$pe the c$eric to his 'eet. DonBt !e % 'oo$, e$e)vor, she s%i. ItBs o!vio#s he

c%nBt e+p$%in &h%t h%ppene, %ny )ore th%n %ny o' #s c%n e+p$%in the )%ness the Re%$)s h%ve !een in'ecte &ithsince the gos 'e$$.

e$e)vor shoo" his he%. Sh%$$ &e goAon noe gr%te'#$$y, %n everyone e+cept inight ret#rne to their )o#nts.Th%t &%s % )ist%"e, Aon. inight spo"e in h#she tones. The c$eric &%s %!o#t to spe%" &hen inight c#t

hi) o@. It too" )e % 'e& )o)ents to #nerst%n. Fo# h%ve potions, onBt yo#Aon $o&ere his he%. I h% one. ItBs gone no&.inight 'ro&ne. Any other s#rprisesAon !ec%)e %$%r)e. o, inight I s&e%r to S#ne herse$'(sing )%gic )ight sen yo# to S#ne '%ster th%n yo#B &%nt, Aon. In '%ct, yo# co#$ h%ve "i$$e %$$ o' #s.inight noe.2$e%se onBt te$$ e$e)vor &h%t I i. HeB s"in )e %$ive Aon &hispere.inight s)i$e. We c%nBt h%ve th%t, she s%i, %n &%$"e %&%y 'ro) the c$eric.Cert%in$y not, Aon s%i &ith % !r%v%o he i not 'ee$. He !ent o&n %n !eg%n to g%ther his !e$ongings.Co)e, C%it$%n s%i to the c$eric. We )#st !e o@ to the c%st$e right %&%y#t &eBre sti$$ $ost, Aon crie.Then, %s i' in %ns&er to the c$ericBs &ors, the trees !eg%n to shrive$ %n )e$t. Within secons, the ro% &%s

%g%in c$e%r %n the r%in h% stoppe.S#ne !e pr%ise the c$eric s%i, %n r#she to oin the others.ec%#se his horse &%s gone, Aon &%s 'orce to rie &ith e$e)vor. His initi%$ pre'erence h% !een to rie &ith

inight, so they )ight contin#e their convers%tion 'ro) e%r$ier th%t %'ternoon, !#t inight n%rro&e her eyes to

s$its %n Aon %!%none the notion. C%it$%n roe &ith the )%gic4#ser inste%. ec%#se !oth p%c"horses h% !een"i$$e, the p%rty &%s 'orce to c%rry their re)%ining s#pp$ies on the !%c"s o' the re)%ining )o#nts.inight $e her horse, &hich c%rrie C%it$%n, on 'oot #nti$ they &ere % )i$e c$e%r o' the r#in%tion. The once

$iving 'orest h% %$re%y $%pse into %n %v%nce st%te o' ec%y. inight g#esse th%t !y )orning the 'orest &o#$!e nothing )ore th%n the #st %n ry e%rth it h% !een !e'ore their %ppro%ch.

The heroes )%e c%)p !ene%th the st%rs, %n %te the 'oo th%t h% not !een in'este !y %nts or $ost to the%rc%ne $egions th%t h% %tt%c"e the), then reste !ene%th the night s"y. They &o#$ go on. There &ere noissenting votes.

Tho#gh he i not s#ggest t#rning !%c", it &%s c$e%r th%t Cyric &%s &orrie %!o#t the str%nge events th%t h%p$%g#e the) %$$ %y. Inste% o' isc#ssing the !%tt$e, ho&ever, the thie' g%there his !$%n"ets %n &ent to s$eepi))ei%te$y %'ter inner.

=#st !e'ore he %tte)pte to s$eep, e$e)vor &%tche %s C%it$%n s%t %$one, st%ring o@ %t the hori*on. The gir$h% s%i very $itt$e %'ter the %tt%c" in the 'orest, %n the


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$e%ve Ar%!e$. He neee %vent#re. He neee to $e%ve the orere, civi$i*e $i'e o' the city !ehin. #t there &%s%nother re%son he chose to co)e.

She c%n c#re yo#, e$e)vor.The so)e!re%tht%"ing, others )ere$y !e%#ti'#$.

#t the


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y the gos the thie' sho#te %s yr)een e$ivere %n open


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VTHECOLONNADE

Cyric, $%st to t%"e the &%tch, g%*e %t the !e%#ti'#$ p%ste$ pin" o' the e%r$y )orning s"y. 0ent$e stro"es o' ochre

see)e to set his e@orts &ere '%i$#res, #st %s theyh% !een since the ti)e o' Arriv%$.

inight co#$ see the s#ns, even thro#gh the '%!ric o' her c$o%". She &%tche in '%scin%tion %s they convergein % %**$ing %rr%y o' $ight irect$y overhe%. Then they &ere one %n the he%t &in$e to nor)%$ $eve$s %$)osti))ei%te$y. The crisis &%s see)ing$y %t %n en.

The he%t h% its e@ect on the %vent#rers, ho&ever, %n even %s they prep%re to $e%ve, %rg#)ents !ro"e o#tover &hich o' the s#ns h% !een re%$, %n &hich irection they &%nte to tr%ve$. At $ength they s#rrenere toCyricBs #n'%i$ing instincts %n % se)!$%nce o' nor)%$cy &%s restore to the o#rney.

A'ter % ti)e, the ?%t$%ns g%ve &%y to $#sh, ro$$ing hi$$s to the e%st, %n the i)posing spires o' the )o#nt%ins o'0no$$ 2%ss in the '%r ist%nce. The heroes $e't the )%in ro% %n &ere p$e%s%nt$y s#rprise to


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e$ inight sho#te, %n s#en$y % &hir$poo$ 'or)e %n % h%n )%e o' s&ir$ing, spr%ying &%ter $i'tee$e)vor 'ro) the poo$ %n eposite hi) on % s)%$$ !ench. Aon r%ce to the )%nBs sie. inight !ro#ght theirc$othing %s e$e)vor !eg%n to stir.

He sho#$ !e


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e$e)vor $oo"e %ro#n s#spicio#s$y.#t there &%s nothing, the thie' s%i %n "ne$t o&n in 'ront o' C%it$%n, to &ho) he h% #ttere sc%rce$y %

&or #ring their entire o#rney. /or &h%t itBs &orth, C%it$%n, yo# h%ve )y p$ege, once %g%in, to resc#e yo#r $%y'ro) the c%st$e.

Cyric $oo"e to e$e)vor. So)e !e$ieve th%t o#r $ives %re preestine, th%t &e h%ve $itt$e contro$ over the)%n )ight %s &e$$ s#rrener to &h%tever '%te thro&s %t #s. H%ve yo# ever 'e$t th%t &%y

ot %t %$$, e$e)vor s%i. o one r#$es )y estiny !#t )e.Cyric re%che o#t %n gr%spe the he i not "no& th%t she &%s sti$$ &ith the p%rty.IB$$ o@er )y $enience once )ore. 2$ege yo#rse$' to )y c%#se. He$p )e #nite the gos %g%inst Lor Ao, so &e)%y ret%"e the he%vens. Do this %n %$$ &i$$ !e 'orgiven. /%i$ to t%"e the opport#nity I o@er %n I s&e%r I &i$$ in?ictthe tor)ents o' the %)ne #pon these h#)%ns &ho see" to 'ree yo# 'ro) )y gr%sp

There &%s % noise !ehin the). Lor %ne%ne t#rne to greet Te)p#s $%c"thorne. The )%gic4#ser h% p%$e, %$)ost ivory s"in, &ith $ong, et4!$%c" h%ir

th%t he &ore in % t%i$. He &ore % !re%stp$%te )%e o' p#re !$%c" stee$, &ith % !$oo4re e&e$ the si*e o' % )%nBs


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%ne sighe. A pity th%t yo# &i$$ !e e% soon. A'ter %$$, ho& )%ny )ore ti)es c%n yo# en#re the h%"e%sh%rThe tor)ents it in?icts on yo# %s it vio$%tes yo#r essence )#st !e !eyon !e$ie'.

ystr% i not stir.I &i$$ they h% to go to the c%st$e right %&%y.

#t ystr%Bs co))%ns h% to !e 'o$$o&e to the $etter, so C%it$%n si$ent$y repe%te the &ors to the spe$$, %n&%s $i'te into the night s"y. Cyric inBt even he%r her stir. An espite her e+hi$%r%tion %t the e+perience o' s%i$ingthro#gh the %ir, C%it$%n never 'orgot the so)!er re%son 'or her night.

The goess neee her.A$ong &ith ystr%Bs s#))ons, C%it$%n h% receive % co)p$e+ series o' i)%ges, %n !y 'o$$o&ing the re%$ $i'e

co#nterp%rts o' these i)%ges she soon %rrive %t C%st$e i$gr%ve %n entere it #netecte. C%it$%n sense %cons#))%te evi$ in the p$%ce, %$tho#gh the #sty corriors she tr%ve$e thro#gh see)e h%r)$ess eno#gh.Event#%$$y the gir$ 'o#n the ch%)!er &here she s%& the o, g$o&ing 'or) o' the 0oess o' %gic.

ystr% i not %ppe%r the $e%st !it h#)%n. The goess h% !een sh%c"$e to the &%$$ o' the #ngeon &ithstr%nge, p#$s%ting ch%ins, %n she hovere %cross the roo) 'ro) C%it$%n $i"e % ghost.

A horri!$y e'or)e )%n &%s in the ch%)!er, %s &e$$. He stoo in the center o' the roo), st%ring into %norn%te$y c%rve t#! th%t he$ %r", !$%c" &%ter. C%it$%n s%& th%t his 'e%t#res &ere p%rt h#)%n, p%rt %ni)%$, %n p%rte)on. T#rning s#en$y, the e'or)e )%n g$%nce in the gir$Bs irection, !#t she st%ye hien in the sh%o&s. It&%s %s i' he he%r her enter the #ngeon or so)eho& sense her presence.

The %r" )%n t#rne to ystr% %n s)i$e. I o &ish the s#n &o#$ rise, so those piti'#$ h#)%ns co#$ co)e%n entert%in )e.

TheyB$$ o )ore th%n entert%in yo#, %ne, ystr% s%i.C%it$%n %$)ost g%spe. The e'or)e )%n &%s Lor %ne, 0o o' Stri'e He )#st h%ve t%"en %n %v%t%r, $i"e

Ty)or% i in Ar%!e$.It &%s then th%t C%it$%n "ne& &h%t &%s e+pecte o' her, %n she reoice in the "no&$ege o' her #$ti)%te '%te.

e'ore her, %ne sho#te %t the goess, h#r$ing vi$e thre%ts %g%inst her, i)p$oring the c%ptive goess to oin hi)in so)e )% p$%n he h% evise. ystr% i not respon, %n C%it$%n 'e%re th%t the goessBs essence &%s&in$ing, th%t the goess )ight ie. Then she shoo" herse$' 'ro) s#ch tho#ghts %n &%ite 'or %ne to t#rn %&%y$ong eno#gh 'or her to cross the ist%nce th%t sep%r%te her 'ro) the 0oess o' %gic.

Then it &o#$ !e ystr%Bs t#rn to reoice.


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VINEWACHERON

As the heroes creste the


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Aon &%s not convince. I' C%it$%nBs )istress &%s he$ prisoner here !y !rig%ns, h#)%n or other&ise, &esho#$ st%y $ong eno#gh to


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ystr% on$y s)i$e, !$#e4&hite ?%)es cr%c"$ing thro#gho#t her essence. ot %$$, she s%i, %n then &%s si$ent.%ne stoo no )ore th%n % 'oot %&%y 'ro) the 0oess o' %gic %n st%re %t her ever4ch%nging 'or). The

h%"e%sh%r &i$$ )%"e yo# % $itt$e $ess s)#g, the go s%i, !#t he &%s %'r%i ystr% h% hien so)ething 'ro) hi),so)e other reserve o' po&er.

The s#r'%ce o' the scrying poo$ !#!!$e, e)%ning %neBs %ttention.The D%r" Lor $oo"e into the poo$, %n % cr#e$ s)i$e crosse his e'or)e '%ce. Fo#r &o#$4!e s%viors sho#$

%t $e%st !e re&%re 'or their e@orts, onBt yo# thin" %ne trie to c%st % spe$$ on the &%ter o' the scrying poo$. A!#rst o' $ight er#pte 'ro) his h%ns, %n si+ g$o&ing %rts ?e& &i$$y %ro#n the roo). The 0o o' Stri'e crie o#t%s %$$ the )%gic )issi$es str#c" hi) %t once.

%gic h%s !eco)e #nst%!$e since &e $e't the he%vens, the $%c" Lor gro&$e, ho$ing his %r) &here the)issi$es h% hit hi). =oin )e, ystr%, %n &e co#$ )%"e the %rt st%!$e %g%in.

The 0oess o' %gic re)%ine si$ent.o )%tter, %ne s%i %s he st%rte the inc%nt%tion once )ore. The )%gic%$ ch%os %@ects &e gos '%r $ess

th%n it oes yo#r )ort%$ &orshipers. I &i$$ event#%$$y s#ccee.%ne c%st the spe$$ %g%in, %n this ti)e it &or"e. The &%ter gre& hot, set itse$' to !oi$ing, then !ec%)e ste%)

%n re'or)e into sp%r"$ing c$e%r $i#i. The i)%ges the &%ter re?ecte h% ch%nge r%)%tic%$$y %n %ne&%tche &ith interest %s the st%ge 'or the ne+t p%rt o' his p$%n &%s set. He ippe his go!$et into the &%ter %n $et it


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e$e)vorHe $oo"e #p to !eho$ % !e%#ti'#$ h%$$ th%t h% rep$%ce the 'orest. The !oo"s v%nishe, %n h#nres o' )en

%n &o)en stoo in the h%$$. They &ere per'ect$y sti$$, st%ning high #pon p$%t'or)s or peest%$s. y their g%r! %ntheir st%nce, e$e)vor &%s cert%in they &ere &%rriors. E%ch &%s !%the in % co$#)n o' $ight, %$tho#gh the $ight h%no so#rce %n )e$te into the %r"ness %!ove their he%s.

e$e)vor Over here, !oy the s%)e '%)i$i%r voice c%$$e.The


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In the h%$$&%y, the


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herse$' con'ronting %n increi!$e )%tri+ o' energy, % !e%#ti'#$ &e%ve o' po&er th%t spre% itse$' %cross the #niverse%n p#$se &ith %


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A'ter e$e)vor esc%pe thro#gh the te%r in the c%rpet, it st%rte to c$ose in %ro#n Cyric, %n it &in$e #nti$ it&%s the si*e o' % $%rge chest. The thie' trie to s$ice the r#g &ith his s&or, !#t it &%s no #se> the !$%e si)p$y!o#nce o@ e%ch ti)e he str#c" %t the tr%p. The c%rpet contin#e to shrin" #nti$ Cyric 'e$t it con'or) to the sh%pe o'his !oy %n s#ee*e &ith s#ch press#re th%t he !$%c"e o#t. When he %&o"e, he &%s in one o' the !%c" %$$eys o'henti$ eep, !eing "ic"e %&%"e !y % &%tch)%n, #st %s he h% !een reg#$%r$y in his chi$hoo.

ove %$ong, one o' the $%c" 0#%r s%i. Or e$se nothing !#t stee$ &i$$


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The &o)%n st%rte to scre%) !#t J#ic"s%$ p#she her %g%inst % &%$$ %n p#t his h%n over her )o#th. He re&his "ni'e %n p$%ce it %g%inst her thro%t. J#iet no&. A#ntie. I &o#$nBt &%nt to h%ve to "i$$ yo# right %&%y. esies,this is henti$ eep. I' yo#r scre%)s o r%& so)eone here, theyB$$ on$y &%nt % sh%re o' yo#r )oney.

%re" gr%!!e the &o)%nBs p#rse %n ri?e thro#gh it. Then he noe &ith % p%ine e+pression.A$%s, this is not eno#gh, %re" s%i, %n )otione 'or Cyric to )ove 'or&%r. J#ic"s%$ !%c"e %&%y 'ro) the

&o)%n, !#t "ept his !$%e e+tene to&%r her %s he i.I h%ve nothing e$se she crie. ercyI &o#$ respect yo#r re#est, %re" s%i s%$y, $o&ering his he%. #t I c%nnot eny the yo#ng ones their

p$e%s#re.Cyric re& his !$%e. J#ic"s%$ p$%ce his h%n on the !oyBs chest %n snic"ere. Fo#B$$ never !e %!$e to "i$$ her,

Cyric. An then %re" &i$$ !e st#c" &ith yo# %s %n %pprentice 'orever. The !$on thie' )ove to&%r the &o)%n%g%in. Fo# )ight %s &e$$ $et )e "i$$ her, %re".

St%n %&%y Cyric s%i, %n J#ic"s%$ t#rne to '%ce hi).There &ere te%rs in the &o)%nBs eyes. He$p )e, she crie, her h%ns sh%"ing.Ah, s#ch % i$e))%, %re" s%i. Who sh%$$ spi$$ this innocent !$ooCyric t#rne sh%rp$y. There is no innocence in this &or$%re" r%ise %n eye!ro&. #t &h%t cri)e h%s this &o)%n co))itteShe h#rt the gir$.%re" shr#gge. So IBve h#rt her )%ny ti)es )yse$'. She inBt see) to !e co)p$%ining. %re" $%#ghe. I

thin" J#ic"s%$ sho#$ "i$$ the &o)%n. A'ter %$$, Cyric, yo# h%ve never sho&e )e th%t yo#Bre re%y to !einepenent, %n the ThievesB 0#i$ )ight not %pprove.

Fo#Bre $ying Cyric sho#te. With e%ch step J#ic"s%$ too" to&%r the &o)%n, Cyric s%& his ch%nce 'orinepenence s$ipping '%rther %&%y.

A )o)ent, %re" s%i, r%ising his h%n to J#ic"s%$, then t#rning to Cyric, Does she eserve to ie, #st soyo# c%n h%ve yo#r 'reeo)

I "no& her. She is... Cyric shoo" his he%. She is %rrog%nce %n v%nity. 2rivi$ege %n pre#ice. Content toignore the poor %n the neey, re%y to $et #s ie !e'ore she &o#$ r%ise % h%n to he$p. She is ist%nt %n cr#e$,e+cept &hen her he% is on the !$oc". Then she cries 'or )ercy, 'or 'orgiveness. I h%ve seen her type !e'ore. She is%$$ th%t I espise.

An she h%s no reee)ing #%$ities She is not c%p%!$e o' $ove or "inness There is no ch%nce she )ightch%nge her &%ys %re" s%i.

one %t %$$, Cyric s%i.J#ite %n %rg#)ent, %re" s%i. #t I %) not s&%ye. J#ic"s%$, "i$$ her.The &o)%n g%spe %n trie to r#n, !#t J#ic"s%$ &%s '%r too '%st 'or her. She h%nBt t%"en t&o steps !e'ore the

!$on thie' &%s #pon her %n her thro%t &%s s$it. The &o)%n co$$%pse into the %$$ey. J#ic"s%$ s)i$e. 2erh%ps ne+tti)e, Cyric.

Cyric $oo"e into J#ic"s%$Bs eyes %n 'e$t %s i' he h% e$ve into t&in poo$s o' )%ness. I eserve )y'reeo), Cyric gro&$e %n re& his "ni'e.

Then prove it to )e, %re" s%i. Sho& )e yo#r &orth %n I &i$$ %&%r yo# yo#r inepenence. I &i$$ give yo#

s%'e p%ss%ge 'ro) the city i' yo# &%nt it, %n I &i$$ )%"e the ThievesB 0#i$ recogni*e yo# %s % '#$$ )e)!er. Fo#r $i'e&i$$ !e yo#r o&n, to o &ith %s yo# &i$$.Cyric sh#ere. Everything IBve re%)e, he s%i %!sent$y.#t on$y yo# c%n )%"e the re%) % re%$ity, %re" s%i. o& !e % goo !oy %n "i$$ J#ic"s%$ there.Cyric $oo"e !%c" to J#ic"s%$ %n s%& th%t the !$on thie' &%s no& ho$ing % s&or th%t he i not h%ve on$y

secons e%r$ier. Ho&ever, inste% o' re%ying to %tt%c", CyricBs riv%$ stoo in % e'ensive post#re %n $oo"e very'rightene.

2#t %&%y yo#r "ni'e, J#ic"s%$ s%i in % voice th%t &%s not his o&n. DonBt yo# recogni*e )eCyric he$ his gro#n. On$y too &e$$. An onBt try to con'#se )e !y isg#ising yo#r voice. I "no& %$$ yo#r

tric"s.J#ic"s%$ shoo" his he%. This isnBt re%$ Cyric "ne& he sho#$ h%ve recogni*e the voice J#ic"s%$ &%s #sing

!#t he co#$nBt concentr%te on it. The !$on thie' too" % step !%c"&%r. ItBs %n i$$#sion, Cyric. I onBt "no& &h%t yo#thin" yo# see in 'ront o' yo#, !#t itBs )e, e$e)vor.

Cyric str#gg$e to p$%ce the n%)e or the voice, !#t it &%s i-c#$t to thin".Fo#Bve got to


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The


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S#ne see)e to re% his tho#ghts. Fo# h%ve not ie, 'oo$ish !oy. ot yet. I h%ve !ro#ght yo# here 'or the)ost !%sic o' re%sons3 I %) in $ove &ith yo#. Fo#, %!ove %$$ )y &orshipers, %re %$$ th%t I esire.

Aon &%s speech$ess, %n so he !ro#ght the ch%$ice to his $ips %n 'e$t the s&eet nect%r r#n its co#rse thro#ghhis !oy. 0oess, s#re$y I %) not &orthy G

S#ne s)i$e %n isro!e !e'ore hi), sheing %


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VIIMSTRA

inight &%s on her "nees, recovering 'ro) the shoc" o' her spe$$c%sting, &hen Aon %ppe%re !esie her. The

co#rty%r o' C%st$e i$gr%ve isp$%ye no vestige o' the !%tt$e th%t h% t%"en p$%ce in its con


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e$e)vor tightene his grip on the s&or &ith his one goo %r).The h%"e%sh%r stoppe.Over % h#nre i)%ges o' the h%iry h#)%n )oving 'or&%r, s&or in h%n, registere in the h%"e%sh%rBs !r%in.

The !e%st &%s


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H%nging !%c" her he%, the goess in#$ge in % )o)ent o' %!so$#te r%pt#re %s % portion o' the po&er sheh% &ie$e in the 2$%nes co#rse thro#gh her !oy. As it h% !een !e'ore the ti)e o' Arriv%$, ystr%Bs &i$$ &%s %g%ineno#gh to !ring )%gic into e+istence, %n tho#gh she &%s sti$$ consier%!$y &e%"er th%n she &%s !e'ore Ao c%st hero#t o' the he%vens, ystr% &%s %g%in $in"e to the &e%ve o' )%gic th%t s#rro#ne /%er#n. The 'ee$ing &%s g$orio#s.

Let #s p#t so)e ist%nce !et&een o#rse$ves %n this p$%ce, ystr% s%i %s she %resse her resc#ers. ThenI &i$$ te$$ yo# %$$ yo# &ish to "no&.

o)ents $%ter, the heroes 'e$t the &%r)th o' s#n$ight %s they %ppro%che the g%te o' C%st$e i$gr%ve, %n they&ere !$ine 'or % )o)ent %s they $e't the %r" r#ins. They &%$"e 'ro) the c%st$e &ith % $e%en #%$ity to theirstep, %s i' %ring the c%st$e to thro& one $%st !%rr%ge o' )%ness their &%y. #t the c%st$e &%s !$e%" %n $i'e$ess.

ystr% $oo"e %t the s"y. She co#$ see the sp%r"$ing Ce$esti%$ St%ir&%y %s it rose to&%r the he%vens, its%spects 're#ent$y ch%nging. At ti)es the goess h% % v%g#e i)pression o' %


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e$e)vor $oo"e to Cyric, &ho )ere$y shr#gge. y c#riosity roots )e to the spot, Cyric s%i in % h%$')oc"ing tone.

e$e)vor g%ve #p. Wh%t is it yo# h%ve to s%y, goessThe Re%$)s %re in ch%os, ystr% s%i.Th%t )#ch &e "no&.e$ inight s%i.#t o yo# "no& &hy ystr% s%i stern$y. e$e)vor &%s si$ent.ystr% contin#e. There is % po&er gre%ter th%n even the gos. This 'orce, &hich h#)%ns %re not )e%nt to

"no& %!o#t, h%s c%st the gos o#t o' the he%vens. Lor He$), 0o o' 0#%ri%ns, !$oc"s the g%te&%y to the 2$%nes,"eeping #s in the Re%$)s. Whi$e &e %re here, &e )#st t%"e h#)%n hosts, %v%t%rs, or e$se &e %re $itt$e )ore th%n&%nering spirits.

We %re p%ying the pen%$ty 'or the cri)es o' t&o o' o#r n#)!er. Lor %ne %n Lor yr"#$ sto$e the T%!$ets o'/%te. At $e%st one o' these t%!$ets h%s !een hien in the Re%$)s, %$tho#gh I o not "no& &here. We h%ve !eench%rge &ith the #ty o'


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se%re his s"in. The g#%ri%n sng %


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T%"e the pen%nt to E$)inster... E$)inster &i$$ he$p yo#.He$p )e inight crie. He$p )e to o &h%tAn i)%ge o' the T%!$ets o' /%te !#rne itse$' into inightBs )e)ory. /or)e 'ro) c$%y, the %ncient t%!$ets &ere

$ess th%n t&o 'eet high, s)%$$ eno#gh to !e c%rrie %n e%si$y conce%$e 'ro) prying eyes. R#nes &ere c%rve intothe), reporting the n%)es %n #ties o' %$$ the gos. E%ch r#ne sp%r"$e &ith % !$#e4&hite g$o&.

The i)%ge o' the t%!$ets v%nishe %s the sh%'t o' $ight &ithre& into the &e%ve, t%"ing ystr%Bs shi))ering'or) &ith it.

0oess, inight &hispere. DonBt $e%ve )e. There &%s no rep$y, !#t thro#gh the pris)%tic sphere,inight co#$ see the )%gic%$ &e%ve is%ppe%r. Then the ch%os stoppe %ro#n the), %n the heroes s%& He$)st%n !e'ore his g%te, cross his %r)s, %n is%ppe%r. It &%s %s i' he &%s never there %t %$$.


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VIIINOTALWASHUMAN

Te)p#s $%c"thorne c$e%re the )%in ch%)!er o' %neBs ne& te)p$e in henti$ eep &henever his $%c" Lor

&%s not in %tten%nce. $%c"thorne &%s responsi!$e 'or overseeing the %y4to4%y oper%tions o' the D%r" Te)p$e,%n he h% person%$$y s#pervise the constr#ction o' the secon, s)%$$er ch%)!er to the re%r o' the te)p$e. Then,once the &or"ers h% co)p$ete the roo), the )%ge h% s$%in the) %s &e$$. o one )#st "no&, %ne h% s%i,%n $%c"thorne &o#$ give his $i'e to protect the secrets o' %neBs Ch%)!er o' eit%tion. In tr#th, it &%s % he !eg%n to )%"e p$%ns, #nti$


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The c$eric $oo"e 'ro) the )%gic4#ser to e$e)vor to Cyric, !#t no one s%i % &or. Aon )o#nte his horse%n )ove to inightBs sie. Fo# %re tr#$y !$esse to !e given % )ission $i"e this. Th%n" yo# 'or %s"ing )e to %iyo#. I &i$$ )ost cert%in$y %cco)p%ny yo#.

Cyric $%#ghe %s he


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She %ppro%che e$e)vor %n Aon, %n the t&o &ere sti$$ !ic"ering.We sp$it it #p e#%$ e$e)vor sn%r$e.#t this is e#%$ Fo#, )e. inight, Cyric, %n S#ne, &itho#t &ho) GFo#Bre not going to st%rt %!o#t S#ne %g%in#t G/o#r &%ys, inight s%i coo$$y, %n !oth )en t#rne. Do &h%t yo# $i"e &ith yo#r sh%re, Aon, 0ive it to yo#r

ch#rch i' yo# &i$$.AonBs sho#$ers s$#)pe. I &%snBt !eing greey...e$e)vor see)e re%y to #estion this.2erh%ps yo# nee so)e rest, inight s%i, %n the yo#ng c$eric noe.Aye, perh%ps this is so.Aon &%$"e %&%y, the ?ic"ering $ight o' his torch sho&ing hi) the tr%i$ th%t $e to the c%)p


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Cyric retr%ce his steps, his he% h#ng $o&, % s$o& tie o' %nger rising &ithin hi) %s the $%#ghter o' the co#p$e'o$$o&e hi), t%#nting hi) even %s he )%e his &%y to the c%)p


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e$, onBt GItBs %$$ !een 'or nothing he scre%)e %s he t#rne his !%c" on the )%gic4#ser.Aon )ove 'or&%r. Wh%t &i$$ &e e%te$e)vor $oo"e over his sho#$er. His eyes %n teeth see)e #n#s#%$$y !right, %s i' they &ere c%tching the


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A secon $eg e)erge, repe%ting the process, %s the thing th%t &%s so)eho& !eco)ing e$e)vor spr%ng 'ro)the she$$ o' the !e%st. The


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In the ch%)!er %!ove, %ne &%s !e$$o&ing incoherent$y in % tong#e $%c"thorne h% never he%r !e'ore. Thee)iss%ry $istene %s he c$i)!e the stone steps c%re'#$$y %n pr%ctice the ro#tine he h% he$pe Lor %ne inst%$$%s % '%i$4s%'e %g%inst intr#ers3 right 'oot on the


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inightBs horse covere the ist%nce #ic"$y, !#t the so!!ing &o)%n i not see) to t%"e notice o' the%ppro%ching riers. As Cyric %n inight got c$ose to her, they s%& th%t the !$oo on her p%$e !$#e s"irt h% t#rne%n #g$y !ro&n. The &o)%nBs !%re $egs &ere eep$y t%nne, %n her h%ns, even %s they )ove %cross the !oy o' %'%$$en )%n, see)e h%r %n c%$$o#se. Her h%ir &%s !$on %n thic"$y )%tte to her '%ce. She cr%$e the )%n toher !re%st, roc"ing hi) gent$y.

Are yo# h#rt inight s%i %s she c$i)!e o&n 'ro) her )o#nt %n %ppro%che the &o)%n. The )%gic4#serre%$i*e th%t the &o)%n !e'ore her &%s yo#nger th%n she


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s$%shes )ove c$oser to his chest, so Cyric too" his ch%nce %n gr%!!e the gir$Bs &rist &ith one h%n, her thro%t&ith the other.

On$y % chi$, the thie' tho#ght, %n her 'ree h%n r%"e %cross his #nprotecte '%ce, her n%i$s !iting into his?esh. Cyric t&iste the h%n &ith the %gger #nti$ he he%r the so#n o' !ones sn%pping, %n p#she the gir$ %&%y,'orcing her %g%inst the h%r gro#n. Her s"#$$ )%e % high, cr%c"ing so#n, %n her eyes s#en$y g$%*e over %sthe


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An o$ )%n e+ite 'ro) the port%$, % $%rge st%@ in his $e't h%n. His '%ce, %$tho#gh $ine &ith &rin"$es, he$ %sh%rpness th%t spo"e vo$#)es on his !%re$y cont%ine %nnoy%nce. ene%th his 'ro&n, the )%nBs p#re &hite !e%rre%che o&n to p$%y %g%inst his chest. The )%n &ore % $%rge h%t %n % si)p$e gr%y c$o%". He $oo"e to inight.

Why h%ve ye s#))one )e he s%i.inightBs eyes &iene. I inBt s#))on yo#The o$ )%n $oo"e #p %t the gro&ing ri't in the s"y. Str%nge $ights h% !eg#n to p$%y %cross the opening. Eyes

n%rro&ing, he pointe to the ri't. Are ye responsi!$e 'or thisI inBt )e%n to GR%ising his h%n to inic%te si$ence, the o$ )%n shoo" his he% %n t#rne 'ro) inight. There %re '%r e%sier

&%ys o' getting )y %ttention, ye sho#$ "no&. Fe co#$ h%ve co)e to Sh%o&%$e, 'or e+%)p$e.E$)inster inight crie, %n s#en$y the &ins c#t her o@ 'ro) the o$ s%ge. The #st c$e%re, %n she

c%#ght % g$i)pse o' )ove)ent 'ro) E$)insterBs irection. The gr%y )ist p%rte %n reve%$e the see)ing$y 'r%ntic)ove)ent o' h%ns, co#p$e &ith the s%geBs #n)ist%"%!$e voice rising to $eve$s th%t c#t thro#gh the &ins. Then the)ist eng#$'e E$)inster once )ore. A )o)ent $%ter % section o' the )ist '%e %n the s%ge stoo !e'ore her.

Do ye "no& &h%t th%t is E$)inster s%i, his i)p%tience %$$ too evient %s he gest#re %t the gro&ing ri't inthe s"y. He i not &%it 'or % rep$y. Th%t is the irect e@ect o' 0eryonBs De%th Spe$$. Spe$$s o' this sort %re irect$y'or!ien, %$tho#gh it is i-c#$t to p#nish tr%nsgressors %s they %re #s#%$$y e% !e'ore the spe$$ re%ches thisst%ge E$)inster $et o#t % eep !re%th. esies th%t, 0eryon hi)se$' ie over


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%ne noe %n !ec%)e si$ent %s he st%re o@ into sp%ce. $%c"thorne inBt )ove, %s he h% not yet !eenis)isse. %ne %n his e)iss%ry st%ye $i"e this 'or c$ose to thirty )in#tes !e'ore $%c"thorneBs $eg cr%)pe %nhe invo$#nt%ri$y shi'te his &eight. %ne $oo"e #p s$o&$y.

$%c"thorne, %ne s%i, %s i' he h% 'orgotten %!o#t the other )%nBs presence. Rong$%th nights!rige.Fes, )i$orI &ish to h%ve nights!rige $e% one o' the contingents 'ro) the Cit%e$ o' the R%ven in the %tt%c" on

Sh%o&%$e. He h%s )#ch to %tone 'or, %n he )%y !e &i$$ing to o &h%t others %re not %n &itho#t hesit%tion,%ne s%i.

There )%y !e so)e resent)ent on the p%rt o' his troops, Lor %ne. He is seen %s h%ving '%i$e the city G#t he h%snBt '%i$e )e %ne s%i. ot yet, %ny&%y. 0o %!o#t yo#r #ty %n o not #estion )e %g%in.$%c"thorne $o&ere his eyes.De$iver )y &or on this )%tter person%$$y, %ne s%i. Whi$e yo# %re there, s#rvey the re%iness o' o#r troops

%n the hiring o' )ercen%ries.Ho& sho#$ I tr%ve$, Lor %ne(se the e)iss%ry spe$$, yo# 'oo$. Th%t is &hy I t%#ght it to yo#.$%c"thorne &%ite.Fo# )%y go, %ne s%i.$%c"thorne 'ro&ne %s he spre% his %r)s &ie %n recite the e)iss%ry spe$$. The )%ge "ne& th%t, &ith the

inst%!i$ity o' )%gic in the Re%$)s, it &%s on$y % )%tter o' ti)e !e'ore the spe$$ '%i$e. He )ight !e str#c" in the 'or)o' % r%ven or ch%nge into so)ething '%r &orse. It co#$ even "i$$ hi). #t %s the )%gic4#ser


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!TILVERTON

e$e)vor &or"e $ong into the night to


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I inBt try to


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inight stoo tre)!$ing 'or % )o)ent, then she ret#rne to the inn %n s%t !esie Cyric.2erh%ps he nees ti)e, Aon s%i, s$ight$y $o#er th%n he sho#$ h%ve.He c%n h%ve % $i'eti)e, inight s%i, her h%rsh e+pression '%$$ing %&%y %s the oor opene %n she rose to

her 'eet. A &hite4h%ire )%n &ho h% seen )ore th%n


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their eyes v%c%nt, st%ring %t so)ething on$y they co#$ see. He %$so 'o#n the gre%test concentr%tion o' s)ith shopshe h% ever seen in one %re%, tho#gh they &ere gener%$$y eserte.

When e$e)vor


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The sp$inters $e't !y the %rro& points rose to the s#r'%ce o' e$e)vorBs s"in, %n 2hy$%nn% %ssiste R#$$ inre)oving the) &ith her !%re h%ns. e$e)vor c#rse hi)se$' %s he &ince %t the p%in.

Then it &%s over. R#$$Bs !oy re$%+e, %$)ost %s i' he h% !een co)p$ete$y r%ine o' energy, %n e$e)vors$#)pe 'or&%r on the cot. The


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'o#nt%in o' p%in %n !itterness 'ro) &hich the peop$e o' Ti$verton h% r#n" 'ree$y, %n it cost the) %$$ sense o' oy%n re%son.

As Aon st%$"e the streets o' Ti$verton, t%$"ing to %nyone he co#$ no &ors &ere necess%ry. eetings $i"e this h% their o&n s#!t$e $%ng#%ge, %n e$e)vor "ne& th%t in the)orning he &o#$ $e%ve Ti$verton %n not thin" o' the &o)%n %g%in.

He &%s '%ir$y cert%in she &o#$ vie& their night o' p%ssion in )#ch the s%)e &%y.

e$e)vor opene the !eroo) oor %n re& !%c" %s he s%& 2hy$%nn% st%ning %$ the en o' the corrior. Theh#ge &ino& h% !een opene, %n the )oon$ight !%the her n%"e 'or), $ighting %n %#r% %ro#n her %s she spre%&ie her %r)s %n %$$o&e the !i$$o&ing c#rt%ins to c%ress her %s she %nce in the coo$ night &in.

The


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0et %&%y e$e)vor sho#te %s he s$%))e the priestess %g%inst the '%r &%$$ %n r%ise his s&or. The $oo"o' 'e%r in her eyes &%s %$)ost )ore then he co#$ !e%r. o& he scre%)e %s he 'e$t the '%)i$i%r %gonies !egin top$%y #pon his so#$.

He &%s s%ving 2hy$%nn% 'ro) the %c"%$&ere, !#t he &%s receiving nothing 'or the heroic %ct.I h%ve erre. Fo# %re not one o' )y "in. Fo# %re %cc#rse. Torrence g$%nce %t 2hy$%nn%, then ret#rne his

g%*e to e$e)vor. Fo# c%nnot s%ve her, c#rse one. She &i$$ p%y 'or yo#r tric"ery &ith her $i'ee$e)vor s$o&$y t#rne, his s"in %r" %n cr%&$ing &ith !$%c", t&isting h%irs. He roppe his s&or %n strippe

o@ the )%i$ 'roc". His %r)s &ere sti$$ c%#ght %!ove his he% &hen his ?esh e+p$oe %n the gre%t !e%st he he$&ithin hi) $e%pe %t the %c"%$&ere, p#shing it o#t the &ino&. The si$ver4h%ire cre%t#re ho&$e %s the !e%sts )etin )i%ir %n p$#))ete to the gro#n.

D%&n &%s !re%"ing, %n Aon &%s shoc"e 'ro) his introspection !y the scre%)s o' the ying.The c$eric %ppro%che the so#rce o' the screeches &ith gro&ing %pprehension> the scre%)s he he%r &ere not

the so#ns % h#)%n &o#$ )%"e. An %s he re& c$oser, he s%& th%t )%ny to&ns'o$" h% !een r%&n !y the noise,%s i' the so#ns h% pierce the vei$ o' $eth%rgy th%t h#ng over the), %$$o&ing %&%reness to se%r %cross their )ins.The co))oners stoo st%ring %t % night)%re.

The &%tchers &ere %t either en o' the %$$ey, %n Aon co#$ on$y g$i)pse %n occ%sion%$ !$#r o' )ove)ent 'ro)the %re% !eyon G % ?%sh o' g$%ring &hite> % h#ge !$%c" 'or) %rting 'or&%r, then retre%ting %s it $et o#t %ninh#)%n ro%r. There &ere t&o


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e$e)vor s#ee*e his eyes tight$y sh#t. He co#$ not !e%r to see the isg#st %n 'e%r o' the co))oners in theeyes o' his 'riens.

e$, $oo" %t )e, inight s%i stern$y. Fo# o&e )e % e!t 'or s%ving yo#. Loo" %t )e.e$e)vor st%rte %s % sheet #n'#r$e in the %ir %!ove hi) %n gent$y sett$e on top o' hi). He $oo"e #p %n

s%& AonBs '%ce %s the c$eric p#$$e the sheet over his !%c". e$e)vor g%there the sheet to hi) %n rose to %cro#ch. inight %n Cyric &ere !esie hi).

There &%s concern in their eyes. othing e$se.y... %r)ors %n )%i$s %re #pst%irs.IB$$ get the), Cyric o@ere. He too" the steps s$o&$y, his sie sti$$ sore 'ro) ho$ing the !o& r%&n 'or so $ong.e$e)vor st#ie inightBs '%ce. Are yo# not... revo$te !y &h%t yo#Bve seeninight to#che his '%ce. Why inBt yo# te$$ #sIBve never to$ %nyone.Cyric ret#rne &ith e$e)vorBs ge%r. He set it !esie the


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)e%ts %n !re%s 'or the p%rty. When they re%che the inn, inight %cco)p%nie e$e)vor insie so they )ightretrieve their 'e& possessions. Cyric %n Aon &%ite o#tsie, ne%r the innBs 'ront oor.

The yo#ng )%n &ith p%$e gr%y eyes s%t #nnotice in the sh%o&s !esie the oor. There &%s %n #nco)'ort%!$esi$ence !et&een Cyric %n Aon. Loo"ing o#t %t the )%in street o' Ti$verton, Cyric s%& % gro#p o' riers %ppro%ching'ro) the irection o' the te)p$e. A ?oor!o%r cre%"e, %n Cyric t#rne #st in ti)e to see the gr%y4eye )%n rise #p'ro) the sh%o&s !ehin Aon, &ie$ing % "ni'e. Cyric &%s %$re%y )oving %s the c$eric t#rne, !#t the !$%e s$icethro#gh the %ir, too #ic" 'or even the thie' to stop. A spr%y o' !$oo !$osso)e onto the &%$$ %s the "ni'e str#c"Aon in the '%ce.

Cyric p#$$e the #nconscio#s c$eric !%c" &ith one h%n %s the gr%y4eye )%n prep%re to stri"e %g%in. The thie'%$re%y h% his %gger in his 'ree h%n, %n he thr#st 'or&%r, i)p%$ing their %tt%c"er.

I ie 'or the g$ory o' 0on, the gr%y4eye )%n s%i %n 'e$$ !%c" into his ch%ir.e$e)vor %n inight %ppe%re in the oor&%y. T%"e hi), Cyric s%i %s he shove Aon to&%r e$e)vor.

The c$ericBs '%ce &%s covere &ith !$oo. inight )ove to he$p e$e)vor &ith their &o#ne, #nconscio#s 'rien,%n Cyric r%n 'or the horses.

The gr%y4eye )%n c$#tche %t his sto)%ch %s he $e%ne !%c" in his ch%ir. 2hy$%nn% &%rne #s, he s%i %npointe %t e$e)vor. She to$ #s th%t Lor 0on h% sent % )onster into o#r )ist to test #s. On$y !y "i$$ing it c%n&e prove o#rse$ves &orthy o' the presence o' Lor 0on, the Woner!ringer...

The gr%y4eye )%n 'e$$ o#t o' the ch%ir %n s%n" to his "nees, his !%c" scr%ping %g%inst the &%$$.Cyric $oo"e to the ro%. The riers 'ro) the te)p$e &ere %ppro%ching %n &o#$ !e #pon the) in )o)ents.

We h%ve to $e%ve no&, e$, he s%i %n t#rne his )o#nt %&%y 'ro) the Te)p$e o' 0on, to&%r the ro% to thenorth %n Sh%o&%$e.

With % s&i'tness !orn o' esper%tion, e$e)vor he%ve Aon over his sho#$er %n c$i)!e to his )o#nt.inight gr%!!e the c$ericBs !e$ongings %s she r%n to her horse. The to&ns'o$" &ere sti$$ on their hee$s &hen theheroes re%che the ro% %n he%e o#t %cross the Stone$%ns.

The heroes roe $ong into the night, their p#rs#ers never '%r !ehin. e$e)vorBs p$%n &%s si)p$e3 the riers&ere not prep%re 'or % $engthy o#rney, so they &o#$ h%ve to s$op or t#rn !%c" %t so)e point. Losing the p#rs#ers&%s si)p$y % )%tter o' en#r%nce.

It &%s %&n, %n the riers 'ro) Ti$verton &ere '%$$ing !ehin !y % consier%!$e ist%nce, &hen the heroesc%)e %cross % s)%$$ $%"e ne%r the )o#nt%ins o' the Sh%o& 0%p. The &%ter &%s s#rro#ne !y % sc%ttering o' trees,tire sentine$s th%t $onge to re%ch o&n %n coo$ the)se$ves in the sp%r"$ing &%ter. e$e)vor "ne& th%t the p%rtyco#$nBt %@or to stop, tho#gh he %$)ost 'e$$ to the te)pt%tion o' the coo$ &%ter. As they roe !y the $%"e, the


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Cyric "ne& it &%s % )ir%c$e th%t they h% s#rvive this $ong. An i' the pe%"s st%rte to shi't %g%in, the%vent#rers &o#$ !e !#rie in % river o' isp$%ce e%rth, roc"s, %n trees $ong !e'ore they co#$ get o#t o' theSh%o& 0%p.

WeB !etter stop 'or % )in#te, inight s%i, h%c"ing %n co#ghing. We c%n get o#r !e%rings %n )%"e s#re&eBre going in the right irection.

Aye, e$e)vor &hee*e. It see)s s%'e eno#gh %t the )o)ent.The heroes stoppe %n $et their horses rest 'or % )o)ent. They se%rche the )ist 'or so)e recogni*%!$e

$%n)%r", so)ething to g#ie the) north thro#gh the estr#ction. The )ist &%s too thic", tho#gh, %n it &%s%$re%y getting %r", so they h% to sett$e 'or CyricBs !est g#ess.

I thin" &eBre he%ing in the right irection, the thie' s%i %s the heroes )o#nte %n got re%y to )ove. Weh%ve no choice !#t to 'o$$o& &h%t &e thin" is the ro% thro#gh the g%p.

inight $%#ghe. Th%t cert%in$y &or"e in th%t !i*%rre 'orest o#tsie o' Ar%!e$.As Cyric %n e$e)vor sco&$e %n "ic"e their horses into )otion, inight scre%)e. A r%t &ith g$%ring re

eyes %n % h#ge !$o%te !oy shot %t her o#t o' the )ist. The )%gic4#ser str#c" the cre%t#re, &hich &%s %s !ig %s %)%nBs 'ore%r), %n it s#e%$e $o#$y. The r%t 'e$$ to the gro#n &ith % th#)p %n r%n %&%y.

Then the heroes he%r % so#n th%t )%e even e$e)vor sh%"e. A$$ %ro#n the) &ere $o#, high4pitches#e%$s. The cries echoe in the roc"s %n sent shivers o&n the %vent#rersB spines. There )#st !e %t $e%st t&oh#nre o' the), Cyric tho#ght %s the


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The peop$e o' Ti$verton, inight s%i &ith concern. The ones &ho &ere ch%sing #s.They neee % !it o' pers#%ing to t#rn !%c". We $ost t&o o' o#r )en oing so, !#t they $ost % o*en o' theirs,

Th#r!r%n s%i. Th%t pers#%e the).Cyric shoo" his he%. The 'oo$s, he tho#ght. Dying 'or % go &ho oesnBt c%re %!o#t the).y the &%y, Th#r!r%n s%i. A$ong the ro% &e $e%rne th%t % s#% o' %ss%ssins is on the &%y 'ro) henti$

eep to isp%tch the $ot o' yo#. They %re %neBs e$ite 'orce, tr%ine pr%ctic%$$y 'ro) !irth.Cyric re& % sh%rp !re%th. They &e%r !one4&hite %r)ors, %n their s"in is !$e%che. The sy)!o$ o' %ne is

p%inte in !$%c" #pon their '%ces. The thie' sh#ere. I &%s %$)ost so$ into their orer %s % chi$. I' they


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!IISPIDERHAUNTWOODS

in$y re)ove yo#r 'oot 'ro) )y '%ce, Th#r!r%n s%i %n re%che 'or his s&or.

It &%s #st !e'ore )orning'e%st, %n the !%$ )%n 'o#n hi)se$' !eing ro#se 'ro) % short n%p !y % series o'"ic"s to the !%c". He &%s then greete !y the sight o' e$e)vorBs !oot $oo)ing over his s"#$$.Tr%itors Wh%tBs this %!o#t the 'o#r o' #s, o' %$$ the !eings &ho &%$" these Re%$)s, !eing tr%itors e$e)vor

sho#te.S#specte tr%itors, Th#r!r%n s%i. o& p$e%se re)ove yo#r 'oot !e'ore I h%c" it o@ %t the %n"$ee$e)vor stoo !%c" 'ro) the !%$ )%n. Th#r!r%n rose, %n % sy)phony o' )o%ns %n cr%c"$es so#ne %s

he irone the "in"s 'ro) his !%c", nec", %n sho#$ers. The %vent#rers %n Th#r!r%nBs p%rty &ere c%)pe %t theo#ts"irts o' Spierh%#nt Woos.

Ho& %re yo#r co)p%nions, e$ Th#r!r%n s%i %s he got #p to get so)e 'oo.They $ive.Th#r!r%n noe. An inight Is she &e$$ We h%ve the )%tter o' %n o#tst%ning e!t Ge$e)vorBs s&or $e't its she%th !e'ore Th#r!r%n co#$ #tter %nother &or. Consier it c%nce$$e.Th#r!r%n 'ro&ne. I #st &%nt )y h%ir !%c".e$e)vor $oo"e %ro#n the c%)p. The te$$t%$e s"itter o' his s&or $e%ving its she%th h% c%#ght the %ttention

o' %t $e%st si+ )en, &ho no& stoo &ith &e%pons to the 'ore, &%iting 'or % &or 'ro) their $e%er.Oh, e$e)vor s%i, %n rep$%ce the s&or. Is th%t %$$

Th#r!r%n scr%tche his !%$ p%te. ItBs eno#gh, he s%i. A$tho#gh )y )istresses see) to $i"e this $oo".e$e)vor $%#ghe, %n s%t !esie Th#r!r%n %s he %te. Cyric, &ho h% !een &%"ene !y the %rg#)ent, )%e

his &%y to the


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Fes, p$e%se Aon s%i, %ny concerns he )ight h%ve h% %!o#t yr)een Lh%$ %n her $%c"eys no& v%n#ishe!y his h#nger. As the c$eric s%t #p, tho#gh, he 'e$t % sh%rp t#g %$ong the $e't sie o' his '%ce %n % eep !#rningsens%tion. So)ething &%r) %n &et ro$$e o&n his chee". O, Aon tho#ght. It isnBt #n#s#%$$y &%r) this e%r$y inthe )orning. I &oner &hy IB) sho#$ !e s&e%ting so. Then he $oo"e %t the gir$.

0i$$i%nBs sho#$ers &ere r%&n #p tight, %n her "nees h% gro#n together %s she $oo"e %&%y 'ro) Aon.Wh%tBs &rong the c$eric s%i.IB$$ get the he%$er, 0i$$i%n s%i %n rose to her 'eet.Aon r%n his h%n %cross his '%ce. The s&e%t &%s even &orse. IB) % he%$er. IB) % c$eric in the service o' S#ne.

A) I 'everish0i$$i%n g$%nce !%c" %t the c$eric, then #ic"$y $oo"e %&%y.2$e%se, &h%tBs &rong Aon s%i, %n re%che 'or the gir$. Then he s%& th%t there &%s !$oo on his h%n. It

&%snBt s&e%t he h% &ipe 'ro) his '%ce %t %$$.AonBs !re%thing s$o&e, %n he 'e$t %s i' % h#ge &eight &ere pressing o&n on his chest. His s"in gre& co$.

His he% !eg%n to s&i).0ive )e yo#r !o&$, he s%i.0i$$i%n $oo"e to the others in the c%)p %n c%$$e o#t to one o' the). inight s%& th%t Aon &%s %&%"e %n

#)pe to her 'eet.0ive it to )e Aon crie, %n &renche the !o&$ 'ro) her h%ns, spi$$ing the contents to the gro#n. His

h%ns &ere tre)!$ing %s he shine the )et%$ !o&$ &ith his s$eeve, then r%ise it to his '%ce %n $oo"e into thec#rve )irror.

o.0i$$i%n &%s no $onger !y his sie. There &ere cr%shing 'ootsteps. inight %n % c$eric &e%ring the sy)!o$ o'

Ty)or% stoo !e'ore Aon.It c%nnot !e, Aon s%i.The c$eric o' Ty)or% h% !een grinning 'ro) e%r to e%r &hen he %ppro%che, th%n"'#$ th%t the yo#ng S#nite h%

risen 'ro) his s$eep &ith no i$$ e@ects. Once he s%& the e+pression on AonBs '%ce, tho#gh, his s)i$e #ic"$y '%e.S#ne, p$e%se..., Aon s%i.The )#sc$es in the he%$erBs '%ce tense. He s#en$y #nerstoo. We i &h%t &e co#$, he s%i so)!er$y.inight p#t her h%n on AonBs sho#$er %n $oo"e %t Cyric %n e$e)vor, &ho &ere sitting together %cross

the c%)p.Aon s%i nothing. He si)p$y st%re %t his re?ection.We %re too '%r 'ro) Ar%!e$ %n the goess Ty)or% 'or he%$ing )%gic to &or", the c$eric contin#e. There

&ere no potions. We h% to re$y on the s%$ves %n n%t#r%$ )eic%tions I co#$ cre%te.The ri) o' the thin )et%$ !o&$ !eg%n to c#r$ in AonBs grip.Wh%tBs i)port%nt is th%t yo#Bre %$ive, %n perh%ps one o' yo#r o&n '%ith &i$$ !e %!$e to he$p yo# &here &e

co#$ not.The )et%$ t&iste.Fo# )#st $et )e e+%)ine yo#. Fo#Bre !$eeing %g%in. Fo#Bve torn the stitches.inight re%che o&n %n too" the !o&$ 'ro) AonBs h%n. IB) sorry, she &hispere.

The he%$er !ent $o&, to&e$ing %&%y the !$oo 'ro) AonBs '%ce. The %)%ge &%s not %s !% %s he h% 'e%re,tho#gh, %s on$y % 'e& o' the stitches h% !een torn. As the c$eric $oo"e %t the sc%r, he &ishe theyB !een in % city&hen he 'o#n the S#nite. At $e%st he co#$ h%ve )%e % c$e%ner o! o' the stitching &ith the proper too$s.

AonBs


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Th#r!r%n s#rge thro#gh his co)p%ny, r%$$ying his peop$e %n h#rrying the) to&%r the &oos. e'ore theyco#$ get %&%y, tho#gh, t&o o' his )en &ere i)p%$e !y the spi"es, %n three horses &ere g#tte. The on$yre)%ining )e)!ers o' the co)p%ny !o$te into the %r"ness o' the Spierh%#nt Woos. Spe%rs contin#e to sh%tterthe p$%in, %n h#ge %v%$%nches o' g$%ss 'e$$ 'ro) the )o#nt%ins to the northe%st.

As she got c$ose to the &oos, inight iscovere th%t Aon &%s )issing. As she sc%nne the p$%in 'ro) theege o' the &oos, she s%& the c$ericBs rier$ess )o#nt r%cing %)ist the spe%rs. inight ch%rge to&%r thereneg%e %ni)%$ %n c%#ght #p &ith it in the center o' the p$%in.

A


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Th#r!r%n noe, %n re%che o#t to he$p her o&n. She 'ro&ne %n $e%pe over %n p%st hi), $%ning in %gr%ce'#$ cro#ch. #t %s her 'eet str#c" the e%rth, irect$y in the center o' % t%ng$e o' roots th%t r%i%te 'ro) thespot, there &%s % h%rsh, &et so#n %n the gro#n g%ve &%y #st % !it. e'ore the gir$ co#$ #tter % &or o' &%rning,the roots !#rst 'ro) the gro#n in % sho&er o' isp$%ce e%rth.

Eight $i)!s in %$$ !#rst #p to gr%! 0i$$i%n, %$$ o' the) t%$$, spin$y, %n pitch4!$%c". E%ch $i)! h% 'o#r oints, %nthey c#$)in%te in % r%*or4sh%rp tip the si*e o' % $%rge s&or. The v%st #ner!e$$y o' the cre%t#re th%t the gir$ stoo#pon )ove 'ro) the e%rth, pitching her o@ !%$%nce !e'ore she co#$ $e%p 'ro) the tr%p. Then the cre%t#reBs he%!#rst 'ro) the gro#n, %n she s%& its !$%*ing re eyes %n 'o#r %gge pincers.

The $egs o' the gi%nt spier co$$%pse in&%r, i)p%$ing 0i$$i%n 'ro) eight i@erent irections. Then the spier?ippe over, %n the &oos c%)e %$ive. A$$ %ro#n the tr%ve$ers, the "notte roots reve%$e the)se$ves. Another)%n h% !een st%ning on the !e$$y o' one o' the spiers %n )et the s%)e '%te %s the gir$.

Cyric %n rion stoo !%c" to !%c", %ggers r%&n. One o' the spiers %tt%c"e CyricBs )o#nt, inecting it &ith% poison 'ro) its )%ni!$es th%t p%r%$y*e the horse. The spier roppe the %ni)%$ %n &%ite 'or the poison to %ct!e'ore it c%rte the horse o@ to its &e!. Cyric c#rse %s he re%$i*e )ost o' his s#pp$ies, inc$#ing his h%n %+es,&ere on the horse, !#t he &%snBt %!o#t to try %n resc#e his c$othes 'ro) the spier th%t stoo g#%r over his ying)o#nt.

The spiers &ere every&here, %n the s)%$$est o' the) &%s the si*e o' % $%rge og. Cyric st%re into the eyes o'one o' the cre%t#res %s it %v%nce. Its $egs &ere % p%te green, %n its !oy &%s !$%c" &ith h#ge or%nge !$otches onits sie. The pre%tory g%*e o' the spier !ro#ght % s)i$e to CyricBs '%ce %s he $%#nche % %gger into one o' thecre%t#reBs #n!$in"ing eyes.

CyricBs !$%e 'o#n its )%r" %n &%s enve$ope in the #ivering )%ss o' the spierBs eye. The eye co$$%psein&%r, 'o$$o&ing the !$%e, !#t the spier contin#e to %v%nce.

0os Cyric crie, %n $e%pe to % $o&4h%nging !r%nch. The gi%nt spier s#rge 'or&%r, sn%pping %t the %ir&here the thie' h% stoo on$y )o)ents !e'ore. As he c$i)!e higher into the tree, Cyric he%r % scre%) %n $oo"eo&n.

The &o#ne spier h% pierce rionBs sie &ith one o' its $egs> the %ggers he he$ &ere $itt$e e'ense%g%inst the horror. The spier $i'te % secon $eg, prep%ring to r#n its victi) thro#gh %g%in. rionBs he% 'e$$ !%c" %she str#gg$e, %n he $oo"e #p %t Cyric.

Cyric co#$ see th%t rionBs $ips &ere )oving, !egging hi) 'or he$p.Cyric hesit%te, &eighing his options. He "ne& the )%n &%s %$re%y ying 'ro) the cre%t#reBs poisons. There

&%s $itt$e he co#$ o !#t ie !esie hi).The spier str#c" &ith its secon $eg. Li'e '%e 'ro) rionBs eyes %s Cyric &%tche.At the other en o' the c$e%ring, inight &%tche %s three spiers ch%rge. e$e)vor, e$%n*, %n We$ch stoo

!esie her, %n Aon stoo )otion$ess !ehin the), see)ing$y o!$ivio#s to the thre%t th%t &%s !%rre$ing o&n onthe).

T&o o' the spiers &ere h#ge %n '%t, &ith !$%c" %n re !oies %n !$o%te cri)son $egs. The thir &%sco)p$ete$y !$%c", &ith s$ee" sh%rp $egs %n % gre%ter %gi$ity th%n the others. The n%rro& g%ps !et&een the trees i$itt$e to s$o& this one, %s it pitche %t %n %ng$e, c$i)!ing %cross the sies o' the trees to get %t its prey.

The s$ee" spier #)pe %t the heroes, %n e$e)vor sn%ppe o@ three o' its $i)!s &ith % sing$e s&ing o' his

s&or. The


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/i'ty y%rs %&%y, e$e)vor rose to his 'eet. The so#ns o' the spiers eng#$'e his senses. Their $i)!s cr%c"$e,%n the petri the other &erepro!%!$y %$$ e%. Then the h#ge &hite spier r#she 'or&%r, %n e$e)vor severe one o' its $egs #st %s %notherpierce the %ir !esie his '%ce. Then % thir $eg )ove %$ong his %r)or, opening the te)pere !re%stp$%te %n)%"ing % sh%$$o& g%sh %cross his chest.

With horri!$e c$%rity, e$e)vor s%& the 'o#rth $eg s%i$ing %t hi). In %n inst%nt, the $eg &o#$ pierce his chest,%n the spier &o#$ r%g his t&itching !oy to its h#ngry )%ni!$es. Then, % piercing !$#e4&hite p%in shot thro#ghthe


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$%c"thorne scre%)e %n he$ o#t one p%rti%$$y tr%ns'or)e %r) to his go. He$p )e, &%s %$$ the )%ge h%ti)e to s%y !e'ore he i)p$oe in % sho&er o' !$%c" sp%r"s. Where $%c"thorne h% stoo on$y % )o)ent !e'ore, %s)%$$ !$%c" ge) roppe to the ?oor ne+t to his !re%stp$%te %n sh%ttere.

%ne &%tche in co)p$ete shoc". The spe$$, he s%i %!sent$y %s he st#)!$e !%c" into the sh%o&s ne%r theentr%nce to his priv%te ch%)!er.

The g#%rs &ho r#she into the roo) inBt see their go %s he stoo in the sh%o&s. They $oo"e o&n %t the$ettere re)%ins o' Te)p#s $%c"thorne %n shoo" their he%s.

I s#ppose th%t h% to h%ppen sooner or $%ter, one o' the g#%rs s%i.Aye, the other g#%r s%i. Any iiot "no&s th%t )%gic is #nst%!$e.%ne r#she 'or&%r %n "i$$e !oth g#%rs !e'ore they even "ne& he &%s there. Then %ne t#rne %n

strippe o@ his !$ooie %r)or. A )o)ent $%ter, he &%s sitting #pon his throne, st%ring %t $%c"thorneBs r#ine!re%stp$%te on the ?oor.

I &i$$ not grieve, the go ecie coo$$y. $%c"thorne &%s )ere$y % h#)%n. A p%&n. His $oss is regrett%!$e, !#the c%n !e rep$%ce.

Then %ne tho#ght o' his en$ess t%$"s &ith $%c"thorne. He re)e)!ere the str%nge e)otions th%t co#rsethro#gh hi) &hen he h% re%$i*e th%t $%c"thorne h% s%ve hi), %n %ie in his recovery.

The $%c" Lor $oo"e %t his h%ns %n notice he &%s tre)!$ing. Then the 0o o' Stri'e scre%)e % cry o'grie', $o# %n $ong. A$$ over %neBs D%r" Te)p$e, peop$e covere their e%rs %n shivere %t the so#n o' the $%c"LorBs p%in.

When his scre%) ene, the 0o o' Stri'e $oo"e o&n thro#gh te%r4c$o#e eyes %n s%& %


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!IIISHADOWDALE

The ti)e 'or evening'e%st h% p%sse, !#t the tr%ve$ers &%$"e on, eter)ine to re%ch Sh%o&%$e !e'ore the

night &%s thro#gh. The spe$$ th%t h% spirite the) 'ro) cert%in e%th in Spierh%#nt Woos h% eposite the%vent#rers %$)ost t&o %ysB o#rney %he% on their ro#te.inight, e$e)vor, %n Th#r!r%n &%$"e together, %s i Cyric %n the other s#rviving )e)!ers o' the

Co)p%ny o' D%&n, Is%%c %n ogt. Aon &%$"e %$one, thin"ing o' everything he h% $ost.They ie !r%ve$y, e$e)vor s%i to Th#r!r%n %t one point.Th%t is $itt$e co)'ort, Th#r!r%n s%i, )e)ories o' the $%st #est he h% sh%re &ith e$e)vor eging into his

tho#ghts. It h% !een )%ny ye%rs %go, !#t the res#$ts h% !een )#ch the s%)e3 Th#r!r%n %n e$e)vor h% $ive.Everyone e$se h% ie.

Cyric h% % con'#se, h%gg%r $oo" %s he &%$"e thro#gh the %$e. It &%s %s i' heB !een 'orce to con'rontso)e gre%t tr#th, %n the "no&$ege h% $e't hi) &e%" %n tre)!$ing. When he spo"e, it &%s in % so't, %$)ost#%vering voice.

Aon, on the other h%n, inBt spe%" %t %$$. There &%s nothing 'or hi) to o %s he &%$"e, nothing to


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As they got c$oser to the T&iste To&er, the heroes co#$ see th%t torches $ine the stone &%$$s o' the s#%re,s#%t !#i$ing. The torches &ere p%tterne o$y, tho#gh, %n they 'o$$o&e the o c#rv%t#res o' the to&er %s theyspir%$e #p one sie o' the !#i$ing, v%nishe, then re%ppe%re higher %n higher #nti$ the $ights g%ve &%y tosh%o&y )ist th%t even the #n#s#%$$y !right )oon co#$ not penetr%te.

ore g#%rs &%ite %t the entr%nce to the to&er. The g#%rs spo"e 'or )o)ent &ith the heroes %r)e escort.Then one g#%r, pro!%!$y % c%pt%in o' the &%tch, &hist$e $ong %n $o#. As the heroes %n the g#%rs &%ite 'or&h%tever or &hoever it &%s th%t the c%pt%in h% s#))one, Aon t#rne %n st%rte to &%ner o@ o&n the street.A g#%r r#she to intercept the c$eric, then steere hi) !%c" &ith the others. Aon s#$$en$y co)p$ie.

A yo#ng )%n resse in the $ivery o' % her%$ %ppe%re %t the oor. He &%s sti$$ !$e%ry eye &ith s$eep, !#t he$istene to the g#%rs)%n %s po$ite$y %s he co#$, hiing his y%&ns !ehin % r#Ke s$eeve &hen possi!$e.

The her%$ $e e$e)vor, Th#r!r%n, %n the others thro#gh % $ong corrior, %n soon they stoo !e'ore %he%vy &ooen oor &ith three sep%r%te $oc"ing syste)s. Cyric c%s#%$$y st#ie the $oc"s %s e$e)vor gr#)!$ei)p%tient$y. /in%$$y the oor &%s opene %n the her%$, % t%$$, $e%n )%n &ith s%$ty !ro&n h%ir %n % thic" )#st%che%n !e%r, t#rne to %ress the tr%ve$ers.

Lor o#rngry) &i$$ see yo# in here, he s%i si)p$y. e$e)vor c%#ght % g$i)pse o' the poor$y $it interior o' theroo). As he h% 'e%re, it &%s so)e type o' ce$$ &ith !%re ?oors %n ch%ins h%nging 'ro) the &%$$s. The


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H%&"sg#%r &i$$ $e% yo#r e$eg%tion to E$)inster %'ter )orning'e%st. Tonight yo# %re )y g#ests. o#rngry)y%&ne. o& i' yo# &i$$ e+c#se #s, I !e$ieve there &ere other re%sons I &%s &o"en 'ro) the tener e)!r%ce o'sore$y neee s$eep. We &i$$ spe%" '#rther co)e )orning.

E%ch o' the %vent#rers &ere then $e to priv%te ch%)!ers, &here ste%)ing !%ths %n so't !es $%y in &%it.inight &ent o#t to get so)e %ir, %n %'ter &%$"ing %ro#n ne%r the to&er, she ret#rne to her roo) to st#y herspe$$s. #t %s she opene her oor, she he%r % s$ight sp$%sh. So)eone &%s in her roo), &%iting 'or her to ret#rn.

She thr#st open the oor %n ?%she her $%ntern into the !eroo). There &%s % st%rt$e ye$p %s the $%nterni$$#)in%te % $%rge )%n $e%ping o#t o' the roo)Bs !%tht#!. He r%n 'or his c$othes %n &e%pons, &hich $%y in % he%pne%r!y.

y the gos, e$e)vor )#ttere %s he s%& &ho the intr#er &%s. inight.e$e)vor shoo" hi)se$' o@ $i"e % c%t, then pic"e #p % to&e$. He ginger$y rie his chest, &here the c#t he

receive


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IB) sorry yo# !othere. Fo#B$$ h%ve to co)e !%c" $%ter. E$)inster is con#cting %n e+peri)ent. Fo# "no& ho&$itt$e it t%"es to %ro#se his %nger i' he is interr#pte in s#ch )o)ents. o& I s#ggest yo# peop$e )ove on, #n$ess yo#&ish to


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H%&"sg#%r re& hi)se$' to %ttention. E$)inster, Lor o#rngry) &o#$ h%ve % &or or t&o &ith yo# %!o#tthe e'enses yo# h%ve c$#ttere the T&iste To&er &ith.

Wo#$ he no& E$)inster s%i. Where is he Sho& hi) in.The )#sc$es in H%&"sg#%rBs '%ce t&itche. HeBs not here.Th%t oes present % pro!$e), oes it notH%&"sg#%rBs '%ce &%s t#rning re. He sent )e to 'etch yo#, goo sir./etch A) I % og, then An %'ter %$$ the he$p IBve given th%t )%n0oo E$)inster, yo# t#rn )y &ors %g%inst )eThe s%ge tho#ght %!o#t it 'or % )o)ent. I s#ppose I o %t th%t. #t I c%nnot $e%ve here to%y. There %re

e$e)ents %t &or" th%t I )#st &%tch c%re'#$$y. E$)inster gest#re %t H%&"sg#%r. Co)e c$ose, he s%i. I h%ve %)ess%ge 'or o#r $iege.

The eges o' H%&"sg#%rBs )o#th t&itche %s he %ppro%che. Fo#Bre not going to t%ttoo it on )y ?esh, %reyo#

O' co#rse not, E$)inster s%i.Or ch%nge )e into so)e #ne%rth$y !e%st, then set )e to the &ins th%t I )%y repe%t the )ess%ge to %$$ I )%y

Aon see)e to c%re $ess %n $ess 'or his o&n s#rviv%$, %n he &o#$ !e the $%st )%n %ny so$ier&o#$ &%nt g#%ring his !%c".

H%$'&%y to the T&iste To&er, Cyric st%rte to #estion his o&n re%sons 'or %iing the e'ense o' the to&n.There &%s nothing 'or hi) here, e+cept perh%ps % #ic" e%th. I' th%t &ere %$$ he esire, there &ere e%sier &%ys to


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oth e$e)vor %n H%&"sg#%r !ro"e into !r%ying $%#ghter %t the %$e$orBs co))ents. Cyric #st shoo" hishe%. At $e%st e$e)vor &%snBt !eing )orose %ny)ore. In '%ct, the


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A!o#t &h%tIn Ar%!e$, &hen yo# s%i I %cte on )y o&n. Fo# &ere right. The 0#i$ oesnBt c%re &hether or not yo# ever

ret#rn. It &%s on$y )e th%t &%nte yo# !%c". TheyB h%ve 'orgotten $ong %go th%t yo# ever e+iste h% it not !een'or )y insistence th%t &e try to r%& yo# !%c".

An no&o& I no $onger c%re, %re" s%i. Fo# %re nothing to )e. o )%tter &h%t the o#tco)e o' this !%tt$e, I never

&%nt to see yo# %g%in. Fo#r $i'e is yo#r o&n. Do %s yo# &i$$.Cyric s%i nothing.The e@ects o' the potion %re isorienting. Fo# )ight e+perience so)e e$iri#) !e'ore yo#r 'ever !re%"s.

%re" too" the $oc"et %n $e't it !esie Cyric on the !e. I &o#$nBt &%nt yo# to is)iss o#r convers%tion %s % 'everre%) in the )orning.

%re"Bs h%n h% #st c$ose over the oor"no! &hen he he%r )ove)ent 'ro) CyricBs !e. L%y !%c" o&n,Cyric. Fo#B$$ h#rt yo#rse$', he s%i, #st %s CyricBs %gger entere his !%c".

The thie' &%tche %s his 'or)er )entor 'e$$ to the ?oor. o)ents $%ter o#rngry) %n H%&"sg#%r %ppe%re %tCyricBs oor, %$ong &ith % p%ir o' g#%rs.

A spy, Cyric s%i ho%rse$y. Trie to poison )e... C%)e !%c" to #estion )e in ret#rn 'or the %ntiote. I "i$$ehi) %n too" it. o#rngry) noe. Fo# h%ve serve )e &e$$ %$re%y, it see)s.

The !oy &%s re)ove, %n Cyric c$i)!e !%c" into !e. /or % ti)e, he &%s poise on the !rin" o' '%nt%sy %sthe poison 'ro) the $oc"et co#rse thro#gh his syste). He see)e to !e tr%ppe, h%$' %&%"e, h%$' %s$eep, %nvisions r%n thro#gh his he%.

He &%s % chi$ on the streets o' henti$ eep, %$one, r#nning 'ro) his p%rents %s they so#ght to se$$ hi) intos$%very to p%y o@ their e!ts. Then he &%s st%ning !e'ore %re" %n the ThievesB 0#i$ %s they p%sse #ge)enton hi), % r%gge, !$ooie yo#th they h% 'o#n on the streets, ro!!ing to s#rvive> their #ge)ent )%e hi) % p%rto' the 0#i$.

#t o' co#rse %re" t#rne %&%y &hen Cyric neee hi) the )ost G &hen he &%s )%r"e 'or e+ec#tion !y the0#i$ %n 'orce to ?ee henti$ eep.

T#rning %&%y.A$&%ys t#rning %&%y.Ho#rs p%sse %n Cyric rose 'ro) the !e. The re h%*e $i'te 'ro) !e'ore his eyes. His !$oo h% coo$e, his

!re%thing !ec%)e reg#$%r. He &%s too e+h%#ste to st%y %&%"e, so he si)p$y co$$%pse on the !e %g%in %ns#rrenere to the tener e)!r%ce o' eep, re%)$ess s$eep.

IB) 'ree, he &hispere in the %r"ness. /ree...

Aon $e't E$)insterBs %!oe $%te %t night, %t the s%)e ti)e %s the scri!e, Lh%eo. The o$ )%n h% %ct#%$$ysho&n concern over Lh%eoBs &e$$4!eing %s he sent the )%n o@ to cont%ct the nights o' yth Dr%nnor. %gic%$co))#nic%tion &ith the e%st h% !een !$oc"e, %n %r)e &ith E$)insterBs &%rs, the scri!e &o#$ h%ve to tr%ve$!y horse to e$iver the )ess%ge to the nights.

Ti$$ &e )eet %g%in, E$)inster s%i, %n &%tche his scri!e rie o@.

On the other h%n, Aon si)p$y &%$"e %&%y, &itho#t r%ising % sing$e &or or gest#re 'ro) the s%ge. He &%sh%$'&%y o&n the &%$" !e'ore inight c%#ght #p to hi), %n g%ve hi) % s)%$$ p#rse o' go$.Wh%t is this 'or Aon s%i.inight s)i$e. Fo#r


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his !ones %n % r%ging


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She )#st h%ve s)e$$e the go$ on yo#, =h%e$e s%i, %n Aon s#en$y #nerstoo ReneeBs tr#e p#rpose inthe !%r. o)ents $%ter, he &%s on the street once )ore, his %nger thre%tening to cons#)e hi). In the ist%nce hes%& the spires o' % te)p$e, %n he )%e his &%y to it, p%ssing the s%)e p%tro$ %g%in.

The he%$ers o' the te)p$e, he tho#ght. 2erh%ps their potions &o#$ !e po&er'#$ eno#gh to re)ove the sc%r.Ty)or%Bs te)p$e in Sh%o&%$e &%s '%r i@erent 'ro) her te)p$e in Ar%!e$. Aon p%sse !et&een % )ighty set

o' pi$$%rs th%t !#rne &ith s)%$$ &%tch


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Aye.inight $et o#t % eep !re%th. I &%s right, then. We h%ve nothing $o isc#ss.She re%che 'or the oor, !#t e$e)vor c%$$e to her. y re&%r, he s%i. E$)inster pro)ise there &o#$ !e

% re&%r, !#t he inBt s%y &h%t it &o#$ !e.inightBs $ips tre)!$e in the %r"ness. I to$ hi) %!o#t the c#rse, e$. He !e$ieves it c%n !e $i'te.The c#rse..., e$e)vor s%i %!sent$y. Then it &%s % goo ecision to st%y.inightBs h%ir 'e$$ !e'ore her '%ce.HeB h%ve one it %ny&%y, %)n yo#...She opene the oor. inight e$e)vor c%$$e.Aye, she s%i.Fo# sti$$ $ove )e, e$e)vor s%i. IB "no& i' yo# inBt. Th%tBs )y re&%r 'or co)ing this '%r &ith yo#,

re)e)!erinightBs &ho$e !oy sti@ene. Fes, she s%i so't$y. Is th%t %$$A$$ th%t )%tters.inight c$ose the oor !ehin her %n $e't e$e)vor to st%re into the %r"ness.


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!IVRUMORSO"WAR

o#rngry) $e%rne o' the vicio#s %tt%c" %g%inst the Te)p$e o' Ty)or% in the ho#rs !e'ore %&n. E$)inster h%

!een s#))one, %n )et his $iege %t the g%te&%y to the te)p$e. Aon &%s sti$$ there &hen the s%ge %rrive.The !%r. Stor) Si$verh%n, soon sho&e #p, too. She &ore the sy)!o$ o' the H%rpers, % si$ver )oon %n %si$ver h%rp %g%inst % !%c"rop o' roy%$ !$#e. The night &ins c%#ght her &i$ si$ver h%ir, !$o&ing it high into the %ir,giving her the %ppe%r%nce o' % venge'#$ %pp%rition r%ther th%n % h#)%n &o)%n. Her %r)or &%s the !right si$ver o'the D%$es, %n she )ove p%st her $iege %n the s%ge &itho#t % &or o' greeting.

o#rngry) i not %tte)pt to stop her. Inste% he oine her in the esecr%te te)p$e, %n they s#rveye theestr#ction %n the c%rn%ge in respect'#$ si$ence. The sy)!o$ o' %ne, p%inte in the !$oo o' the victi)s, c%#ghttheir %ttention inst%nt$y. L%ter, %s Stor) spo"e to the g#%rs &ho h% 'o#n the estr#ction, Aon p#t 'orth thetheory th%t it &%s the the't o' the he%$ing potions th%t h% pro)pte the %tt%c"> the e!i$it%ting e@ects s#ch %n%ss%#$t &o#$ h%ve on the )or%$e o' Sh%o&%$eBs '%ith'#$ &%s pro!%!$y %$so % consier%tion. Stor) Si$verh%nreg%re the c$eric very s#spicio#s$y, %s she &o#$ %ny o#tsier present #ring s#ch % tr%gey.

The !$oo #pon his h%ns he c%)e !y in honest service, $%ying o#t the e%, E$)inster s%i. There is no)%$ice in this one. HeBs innocent.

Stor) t#rne to o#rngry), seething &ith '#ry over the %tt%c". The H%rpers sh%$$ rie &ith yo#, Lor. Together&e &i$$ %venge this co&%r$y %ct.

Then she &%s gone, her grie' %t the tr%gey thre%tening to over&he$) her stee$y continence. o#rngry) set his

)en to the gris$y t%s" o' ienti


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As the %y &ore on, e$e)vor &%s sent to r%$$y the )%ny s)iths &ho h% !een &or"ing 'or %ys h%))ering o#tshie$s, s&ors, %ggers, %n %r)or 'or those &ho &o#$


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/or Sh%o&%$e % voice c%$$e irect$y !ehin Cyric. He t#rne, %n /orester r%ise his &e%pon highoverhe% %s he ch%nte &ith the others.

Aye, Cyric s%i %t $%st, %n %$$ 'e$$ si$ent. /or Sh%o&%$e. o& get !%c" to &or".The e@orts o' the so$iers reo#!$e, %n in the '%r ist%nce Cyric s%& the


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nights!rige h% s%i nothing.The o#rney 'ro) the Cit%e$ o' the R%ven to Tesh&%ve h% !een tr

01 shadowdale

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