Read Online Earth's Magic by Pamela F. Service - Free Book Online

that their ancestors were more deeply affected by radiation during the Devastation. Most people are leery of them, I suspect, simply because they are different. They aren’t automatically evil, though some may have been so warped by the mutations that they have become that way. This is onething Arthur needs to focus on, if we survive this war: bringing the muties into his realm—the ones who want to be, that is.”
    Heather laughed and pulled him back onto the trail to town. “I guess so, since, in a sense, everyone alive today, except you and Arthur, is something of a mutie. After all, it was darker skin that helped our ancestors survive the radiation.”
    “Except me and Arthur and
Morgan,”
he corrected.
    She nodded. “See, more proof that evil and good have nothing to do with mutation or skin color. Come on, we don’t want to miss the King’s war council. You being his aged advisor and all.”
    Merlin grinned at her, feeling his love for this girl bubble though him like fine wine. He followed her back up the rough trail.
    When they reached the large room that served as the King’s council chambers, the gathering had just begun. Arthur’s council, a loose group of his top officers and advisors, had already heard from Brendon, though growls from Otto had forced the young man to cut out some of the poetic flourishes. The men and women were now gathered around the table studying the map of Britain.
    “Ah, Merlin,” Arthur said as the two walked in. “Before we get too deep into strategy, perhaps you could tell us about the new information you have picked up.”
    Heather settled into a seat next to Welly, while Merlin walked to the head of the table. He looked around uneasily at the assembly, knowing that many here would not feel comfortable with discussion of Otherworlds and mind-talking. But at this point, he simply had to go ahead.
    He cleared his throat. “It seems that though we will be facing a battle somewhere in Britain, it may be part of a worldwide conflict. No doubt some of you have heard that we have a mentallink to certain psychically sensitive people around the world.” He deliberately avoided looking at Heather. “Everywhere that still supports human life on this planet is reporting an increase in threat from the darker forces of their Otherworlds.” There was some muttering at this, but the King raised his hand for silence, and Merlin continued.
    “I have reason to believe, good reason, that the pivotal battle will be here, though I can’t as yet say exactly where or when.” More muttering, which he spoke over. “But, regardless, we need to be sure of our allies, and they need to be sure of their readiness. And we won’t be alone in this, I believe. The forces of Faerie have a stake in the outcome of this conflict as well and could be powerful allies.”
    Sounds of surprise and doubt sparked through the room. Otto spoke up. “And how are we supposed to work with these ‘powerful allies’ when all we have to go by are fairy stories?”
    Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Fairy stories, such as Blanche? But you are right, Otto. The two worlds have been growing so far apart; there is little contact anymore. But there are ways. Some portals remain between our world and theirs, though far fewer than there used to be.” He glanced at Arthur, who nodded for him to continue.
    “I propose we send an emissary into Faerie to talk with them and gauge their level of support. Ideally, it should be someone who can pass easily between the two worlds.”
    “That would be you?” someone asked.
    Merlin shook his head. “No, I have other tasks in this. I suggest that it be Troll. He is of their world and can find the smallest portals that are hidden to the rest of us.”
    Sitting on the outside of the group, Troll seemed to swell to twice his size with pride. “Troll can do! Know secret ways. Know important folk to talk to.”
    Arthur smiled. “Excellent idea. Troll, I appoint you Royal Emissary to Faerie.