Read Online Aakuta: the Dark Mage by Richard S. Tuttle - Free Book Online Page A

“We suspect that Larst will be chosen. As First Minister, he has the edge over everyone else. Still, he has demanded that the selection not be rushed, as it was the last time. Every town and village has been asked for their input. I suppose that General Didyk is not happy with the choice, as Larst favors peaceful relations between Omunga and the Sakovans.”
    “Which is why we must find out why the general is in Khadora,” added HawkShadow.”
    “Do either of you know how to use an air tunnel?” inquired Lord Marak.
    “Yes,” answered StarWind. “We use it daily to keep in touch with StarCity.”
    “Then I see no problems with your plan,” declared the Torak lord. “We will be leaving here in about a week. We will travel with two cortes of Torak troops to within a day’s ride of Khadoratung. After that, we will only have one squad as an escort. Shall I have Torak uniforms issued to you?”
    “Is it unusual for citizens to ride with soldiers on the road?” asked HawkShadow.
    “It is done often,” replied Marak. “Travelers will seek the protection of a squad on the roads. As long as the squad is not on an urgent mission, it is usually acceptable.”
    “Than I would prefer traveling that way,” HawkShadow responded. “It will allow us a freer hand and not bring any suspicion upon the Torak clan if anyone questions our activities.”
    * * *
    Zygor and Brakas entered through the gates of the Vessi estate. The Marshal of the Vessi clan met them in front of the mansion.
    “Is Lord Samert available?” asked Brakas.
    “He is,” nodded Marshal Ednardo. “Follow me.”
    Zygor and Brakas followed the marshal into the mansion. They were seated in the meeting room, and the marshal left. Moments later, he returned with Lord Samert.
    “I heard there was trouble in Fakara?” greeted the lord of the Vessi clan. “Rumors say that Grulak is dead.”
    “Grulak is dead,” Brakas replied. “The free tribes are causing unforeseen problems.”
    “I fail to see that as my problem,” shrugged the lord. “It would appear that Grulak’s grand plans died with him.”
    “Grulak’s plans may have died,” smirked Brakas, “but have yours?”
    “What do you mean?” questioned the lord.
    “Only a fool would believe that you were prepared to assist Grulak out of compassion,” snarled Brakas. “You were helping him so that you could increase your holdings in Khadora and profit from the plunder of your neighbors. Has that desire fled you upon the news of Grulak’s death?”
    “Are you proposing yourself as a replacement for Grulak?” inquired Lord Samert. “I heard that the Jiadin were scattered over all of Fakara.”
    “They are,” shrugged Brakas. “Do you really need a hundred thousand men to expand your influence? Most estates in Khadora have armies of five hundred men. You need but a fraction of the Jiadin to expand beyond your wildest dreams.”
    “Be careful what you imagine my dreams to be,” retorted Lord Samert. “What are you proposing?”
    Brakas gazed at the marshal as he spoke, “How many men would you need to crush your neighbors?”
    “Our army is strong,” the marshal replied after a moment of hesitation “Still, we could use a few hundred good men. Are you proposing to supply us with mercenaries?”
    “In a manner of speaking,” Brakas replied. “Although I suppose that I think on a grander scale than you do. I can supply you with five thousand warriors.”
    “Five thousand?” gasped Lord Samert. “We could never afford them.”
    “But you can,” Brakas replied swiftly. “They will cost you nothing.”
    “Nothing?” echoed the marshal with unconcealed suspicion. “What is your game?”
    “My men will only take a share of the spoils,” Brakas smiled innocently. “With five thousand men, you can expand well beyond your borders. Khadora is a rich country, and Fakara is very poor. A small share of Khadoran spoils will appear as a king’s ransom in Fakara. Thus, my men will