And now they had to deal with what had happened...           Chapter 24.        Tobimar staggered as he placed yet another gasping body – a child, no more than ten in human terms, with delicately pointed ears and long silvery hair smeared with blood – on the altar. I can't fall now. We aren't even near done. He called on his meditations, the training Khoros had given him, released the reserves of his soul. Strength flowed back into his body, clarity to his thoughts. There'll be a price for that, later… [ Continue reading... ]

  Well, Tobimar and Poplock had found a problem with their interview...   -----       Chapter 23.        "My thanks, and those of the city, again, Tobimar," Toron said, sinking into one of the massive split-backed Sauran chairs with the air of one who knows he will soon be forced to rise, and relished the moment of stillness.        Poplock hung on a bit tighter as Tobimar gave an embarrassed wave and shrug. "We've just done what anyone would have," the young Human protested.        "If only it [ Continue reading... ]

  So Kyri was about to set out with a new, mysterious travelling companion...     -----       Chapter 22.      "Shadestriding," the wizard said, standing on the Great Road, "is a delicate business indeed. For this reason, it is vastly preferred that the one who strides the shades of reality be followed and assisted by those who can watch for the inevitable hazards and both warn of them, and – at least for a time – deal with them."        The head tilted, showing that he was looking at her to verify [ Continue reading... ]