AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hence why Kormac’s father made the change. We also no longer have arranged marriages. Although, that took several tragedies before Kormac managed to put a stop to it.”
The warlord raised slightly in her esteem. “There is still a way to go.”
“Yes, however, you can’t rebuild a house in a day. Now, I assume by the items in your hand you’ve come to make that sketch.”
“If you don’t mind…”
Lomar sat cross-legged on the floor, hands on his knees, chest straight so she had a clear view of the glowing medallion.
The sketch didn’t take long, the symbols fairly easy to reproduce, but as she put the sheets aside to dry, she didn’t findherself in a hurry to leave. “Do you mind if I ask you about that cave where you think the affliction began?”
“What about it?”
“Describe it.”
“Not much to tell. It was definitely man-made, the arch around the doorway carved with symbols we couldn’t read. It had been blocked with stones mortared into place. Inside, there was more writing in the outer chamber, then a tunnel that lit up as we traversed it.”
“Lit up how?”
Lomar shrugged. “Not by fire, if that’s what you’re asking. The ceiling simply illuminated as we neared.”
“Most likely a spell,” she murmured.
“The chamber at the end of the tunnel also had light when we entered, braziers that didn’t have fire and didn’t emit heat. The room was a good size, vaulted ceiling, many paces across. There was nothing inside it, though. No bodies, furniture, or objects of any sort. Although, it is possible they were removed by those who first discovered the cave. The walls had more of the writing, but the focal point appeared to be a section of glass with something embedded within.”
“So you didn’t remove anything?”
“No, why?”
“Often curses are attached to objects.”
“I did cut myself on the glass. I ran my fingers over it and a chip in it caught my flesh and made me bleed. The same happened to Simon, the other fellow infected.”
And there was the method of transference. “The warlord didn’t touch it?”
“No, but even if he had, he’s got protection.”
“Oh? He didn’t mention that.”
Lomar slapped his forearm. “It’s the bracers he wears, passed down from warlord to warlord. They glow when he comes closeto me. They have some of the same sigils as the medallion.” Lomar pointed to it hanging on his chest.
She’d not noticed the warlord’s arms emitting light, but then again, he wore a long-sleeved shirt of thick material. “Interesting. I wonder if they were made specifically to counter the threat you encountered.”
“I’d be more interested in knowing if there are more of these.” Lomar clutched the medallion. “It will be hard to fight this new enemy if we have to worry about the minds of those who try.”
“That’s actually a great idea. Do you know where they store retired armor? Perhaps a treasure vault? Are there any antique shops in the town?” She also made a mental note to ask Amelia about the possibility of recreating the rune on the medallion and activating it.
“I don’t know how much old armor we have stored. Unusable pieces are usually melted and reforged, but I do know of a place in town, not a store though. Lady Frieda. She lives in a house that’s been in her family for generations. It’s full of stuff, and I mean full,” Lomar stated with an exaggerated widening of his eyes. “If anyone has a relic with these symbols, it would be her.”
“I’ll have to check her out. Thank you.” Fionna rose with her parchment and Lomar offered her a faint smile.
“It is I who thank you. These past weeks I’d convinced myself I should spare everyone and end my life, but you have given me hope.”
She could have dashed it by saying there were no guarantees, but she couldn’t be that cruel to a man obviously suffering. “I will do my best, but it might not happen as quick as you’d like. I must research the situation a bit further, lest I make things worse.”
“Do what you must, fair lady.” He cocked his head. “Me thinks you are in trouble.”
“Fionna!” She heard the warlord bellow from outside the cell.
