Hemlock And The Dead God's Legacy (Book 2) by B. Throwsnaill Page A

intensely for the well-being of the Tanna Varrans after their impending disconnection from the City.  It was a land that she had grown to love despite its harshness—and perhaps because of it.  She thought her affection for Tored was based on similar sentiment.
    They were able to repeat the cycle of flight, landing and magical recharge eight times before the shadows grew long, and the telltale mists of the restless spirits of the land began to coalesce around them.
    Tored led the group toward a non-descript ravine wherein lay a cave entrance that was fronted by a stout doorframe and a sturdy, iron-shod door.  Tored recovered a key from under a nearby rock and unlocked the door.  The key was replaced, and the group entered, ignited torches, and shut the door behind them with a resounding thud.
    The stale air and humidity enveloped the group as they proceeded down a natural passage that was well worn.
    Hemlock had taken to chatting with Taros Sundar, and he had quickly learned to restrain his angry talk about Umra Vyle, for her sake.
    Hemlock was attracted to the younger Taros Sundar in a way she had never felt for his brother, Taros Ranvok.  She was surprised—and it was an attraction of personality more than physicality.  His merriment, which managed to surface through the weight of the recent events that had everyone’s spirits pinned beneath them, had made her laugh on more than one occasion.
    Her attraction made her mind return to Falignus, and the portrait of the young, innocent boy that had lived happily before being cast aside by the machinations of his father, Zaringer.
    S he also kept her eye on Tored as they walked, making sure to wander into his vicinity on occasion, giving him the opportunity to speak with her should he choose to do so—which he did not.
    But, finally, as they approached a large cavern lit by green lichen clinging to its walls in great abundance, Tored did approach Hemlock.  He motioned to Umra Vyle and Taros Sundar to join them.  The latter two approached, looking uneasy in each other’s vicinity.
    “We have reached the chamber where parties normally camp, but something feels amiss.  There are gaps in the lichen that I do not remember, and there is a strange scent in the air.”
    “I agree.  Something does seem different.  I suggest that we fan out and patrol the area before bedding down,” said Umra Vyle.
    “Let’s enter the cavern with care, establish that it is secured, and then sent out patrols, as Umra Vyle suggests.  Renevos and the wizards can guard the cavern.  Hemlock, I’d like you to take Faud with you, and backtrack along the way we came, ensuring that we are not being followed.”
    “What’s the likelihood of that?” she asked, sensing that her role was merely to keep Faud out of trouble.
    Tored gave her a hard look that was softened by an understanding expression when he thought the others weren’t looking.  “Faud will demand to be included in a patrol.  This arrangement will be best,” he said, simply.
    Hemlock nodded with some reluctance.
    So, in a few moments, Hemlock found herself walking alone with Faud.
    Great . Thanks, Tored.
    They walked in silence for several minutes.  For once, Faud did not seem inclined to converse, and Hemlock was relieved.  But then, fearing that he was mired in some dark depression that reminded her too much of her concerns for Tored, she compelled herself to start a conversation.
    “Faud, what happened with the birds?  You realize how serious that was, right?”
    When Faud responded, his voice carried an odd tone of indifference.  “The screeching of those creatures inflamed me to the point where death seemed preferable to enduring it for another second.”
    Hemlock decided to venture into sensitive territory . “You’ve seen your share of death, I hear.”
    Faud turned to her and his deep brown eyes seemed guarded , yet yearned to express themselves.
    “Yes .”
    “So have I,” she replied.
    “I lost