Read Online The Lord of Shadows Rises by James Terzian - Free Book Online

would be making ourselves a bigger target. Let them expend themselves in finding us, that way they’ll need more resources to try and take us out. Brute force isn't the only way to fight.”
    “Luray said subterfuge and cleverness is a greater weapon than brute force, and I agree with that completely,” Alexander agreed.
    Master Thompson stood. “Yes, Luray was the most tactically minded of the current Masters. Before retiring I have one last thing to do so I can sleep better. Please step forward, Lenora.”
    Lenora rose and approached the Master, unsure of what he was about to do.
    “Lenora, as of now you’re my successor in the Muay Thai style,” said the Master as he handed her his own medallion. “Use this artifact to let you know how many of us are left. Alexander will teach you how to use it."
    Lenora was visibly shaken. “Are you planning on dying, Master?” she asked quietly.
    Master Thompson closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s very possible. We have lost two just recently and Luray a few months ago.”
    Alexander walked forward. “Which ones have been murdered?” he asked.
    “I just found out that Master Shin of the Wu Shi academy, Master of the Shaolin Fist and Monkey Kung Fu, was killed, and Master Estefan of Brazil, Master of Jijutsu, before him,” said the Master.
    “Did Master Shin manage to select his successor in time?” asked Alexander
    “Yes. Before he passed, he chose a young monk named Guan Jiao, who's considered a prodigy in the style. He is both honorable and level-headed.”
    Lenora bowed her head. “Thank you, Master, for this honor; I shall do all I can to help protect this world from the Lord of Shadows’ evil,” she declared, her voice strong with determination.
    Alexander turned to her and bowed. “I shall assist you, Master Lenora,” he said, causing Master Thompson to smile.
    ***
    In the temple on the mountain, five figures were standing in a circle clothed in black cloaks and hoods.
    “Good, all my generals are here,” the Voice noted. Two cubes now sat in their places on the pedestals. The crack in the Norse statue had grown further with the addition of the second cube. “I'm at two-fifths of my power thanks to the recent extermination of Master Shin and the burning of his precious academy. I can feel myself growing ever stronger."
    Kyral walked up and smirked. “Too bad the only one who failed to get a key was Nicolson.”
    Luray’s murderer growled. “Say that to my face, you little punk!” he shouted as he pulled out his sword.
    Kyral pulled out his dagger and licked the blade. “Please, like you can even touch me, let alone beat me."
    Kevin removed two pikes from his holster and addressed the pair, “Will you two show some respect to your Lord and stop your pathetic bickering?” his deep voice containing a threatening tone.
    “He had an easy opponent,” said Kyral with a sneer.
    Kevin slammed his pike down on the ground, cracking a tile on the temple floor. “Fool! Each guardian must be approached with caution. You both fought like amateurs against your opponents.”
    Kyral snickered. “Like you did any better, Kevin of the Wind."
    “I'll admit that I was caught off guard by Master Shin’s skills. Truly a worthy and honorable enemy,” said Kevin touching the scar he got from the fight with Shin. “Respecting one’s enemy is the first step to defeating them.”
    Kyral growled. “You always had a silver tongue, Kevin, but each of us has a kill.” He smirked, very satisfied with himself.
    “Silence! I have let you three have your debate. Stop your pettiness and get me the third key!” screamed the Voice.
    A figure walked out of the circle. “Allow me to retrieve it, Master,” said a female voice.
    “I've got someone more suitable for the task, Shun Xian,” said the Voice.
    The female bowed and retreated. “Of course, Master, but my claws haven’t tasted blood since the murder of the Bolshevik family at their dojo in Siberia,” she said