The Soul Sphere: Book 01 - The Shattered Sphere by David Adams Page A

scoffed.
    “With time it will.”
    “Solek is well-trained in the skills of war. He would not be so foolish as to attack this stronghold, and we have ways to withstand a siege.”
    “Your majesty,” said Demetrius, “I am a military man myself, and I served under King Rodaan for more than twenty years. I could not take Arna’s Forge even if I was given five thousand men. But I have faced Solek’s magic and his army, and if he turns his eye to your hall, it will fall.”
    The king blew out a breath, making the hairs of his mustache flutter. He saw the earnest look on Demetrius’ face—on all their faces—and calmed himself before he responded. “I sense you intended no insult, so I will take no offense at what you have said. No one wishes for war, and even though I think he would break himself in the attempt, I will not wish for Solek and his forces to throw themselves against this rock. But you did not come here to debate the safety of these walls. Why do you think this Soul Sphere really exists, and why in my lands?”
    Tala stepped forward and showed the piece of the Sphere she possessed. “We have fought for two shards already, and they were indeed guarded by the Dark One’s servants. These shards mended themselves when placed together, just as legend foretells. The Sphere is real, and it retains at least some of its magic—we hope all. Solek feared it enough to hide and guard the shards. That alone makes it worth pursuing.”
    “And do you expect me to help in this foolish game? To send dwarves on a merry chase outside these walls?”
    “No, your majesty,” said Rowan, “though your help would be welcome. This is a task for a small group that might hope to move unnoticed, not an army. We ask only that we be allowed to travel unhindered through your lands as we continue our search.”
    “Unhindered it will be, and unaided as well. I will do nothing to aid either side in a war I am no part of. Beldring will bring you a letter with my seal, guaranteeing your safety as long as you do not threaten dwarves or their homes.”
    “Thank you, your majesty,” said Rowan with a bow. “We came seeking nothing else.”
    “And that is what you will have. Trouble me no more.”
    Beldring led them from the throne room, the king’s withering stare never leaving them until the door closed behind them. The guards resumed their duties keeping watch over the visitors, while Beldring went back into the throne room. When he returned, he bore a letter bearing the king’s mark.
    “Thank you,” Rowan said as Beldring handed him the scroll.
    Beldring nodded. “I wish you well on your journey. May your gods be with you.”
    An hour later they were being greeted by Alexis. She studied the letter with a look of relief. “I feared he would not allow it.”
    “He is overconfident in his stone walls,” said Demetrius, “and feels the fight is not his. He did give us his leave though, if grudgingly.”
    “We should ride out of sight of the city. If the horses are recognized as being from Lorgras, he may change his mind.”
    “The foothills to the west should provide enough cover for us. We can go north for a time before turning east.” He turned to Tala. “We are going east, aren’t we?”
    She took a moment to use her magic, as always holding the piece of the Sphere. “I sense great distance. Alexis, let me hold your shard.”
    Alexis dug it out and handed it over to Tala, who had placed the first piece back in her pouch, not wanting the two shards to come into contact. Again she cast her spell, taking a bit longer this time, concentration etched on her face. “It is to the east, in the Garden Valley. Near where the Aetos and Trawnor Mountains come together.” She gave the piece back to Alexis. “I still want to keep these apart. Demetrius has the other.”
    The sun faded and night fell as they made their way carefully around Arna’s Forge and turned east. They traveled near the northern foot of the Aetos