Read Online Mindbender by David A. Wells - Free Book Online

The weight of worry that had burdened him since he last saw his wife and sister lifted and relief flooded into his soul.
    They were alive.
    Everything else paled in the face of that one simple truth. He turned his attention to the second message. It was more hastily written.
    “The Reishi Army Regency has invaded through the Gate. They are led by three wizards and they have a scourgling. Since the Gates are open, I can only assume that Phane has recovered the Stone. There is great fear within the ranks of your army. Please send word when you see this message.”
    If the first message lifted his spirits, the second troubled him deeply. A scourgling under the control of an advancing army would be nearly unstoppable. Alone, it might be contained, but with troops behind it, the Ruathan Army would have little chance against it.
    He floated in the Mage’s workshop for a time, thinking about his options. There was so much to do and all of it was important. He decided to finish with his clairvoyance before pondering his next move. With a thought, he brought his focus into the sleeping room. There were three Rangers sound asleep awaiting his message.
    Alexander picked one and gently moved into the sleeping man’s consciousness and manifested in his dreams. He found himself standing on a trail in the Great Forest. The Ranger rounded a corner riding hard and came to an abrupt stop in front of Alexander. He dismounted and approached tentatively.
    “Ranger, I am Alexander, and I come with messages for the Guild Mage and General Valentine,” Alexander said.
    “Lord Alexander, I’m happy to see you,” the Ranger said. “What messages can I deliver?”
    “I have recovered the Sovereign Stone, and much to my surprise, it has bonded with me,” Alexander said. “The Gates opened when the Stone came back into the world but I closed them as soon as possible and they are now under my control. The invading army will receive no reinforcements through the Gate. Fellenden has been invaded by Zuhl. I am on Ithilian seeking an alliance. I will send word before I return.”
    “I will deliver your message, Lord Alexander. Your words will give our soldiers hope,” the Ranger said.
    “In the battles that come, protect the people. Buildings can be rebuilt,” Alexander said and then extracted his awareness from the mind of the sleeping Ranger. He floated up and saw the man come awake and hastily pull on his boots.
    Alexander thought of Fellenden and his focus shifted across the entire Seven Isles. The world rushed by impossibly fast and then he was floating high above the island. A great army filled the gently rolling fields surrounding the Gate. They had separated into two forces—two legions surrounded the Gate and eight legions had moved a small distance before making camp for the evening. Alexander wondered what Zuhl wanted with Fellenden. He feared that he would find out all too soon.
    Next, he shifted his focus to the Angellica and came to float high over her mast. She was holding position between Ruatha and the Reishi Isle. Alexander pushed into the interior of the ship and found Captain Targa sleeping in his quarters. He gently entered the man’s dreams and instructed him to make best speed for Southport. He also told him to inform Kevin of the invasion force that had arrived through the Gate.
    He saved his final target for last because he was worried about having his awareness scattered into the firmament. He knew that the fortress island was guarded by magic. If Isabel was there and he tried to look in on her, he would fail. So he focused his awareness on Slyder. Again he moved with terrific speed, stopping abruptly just outside the fortress island. Perched on the railing of a balcony was Slyder.
    Alexander carefully drew closer until he was floating just a few feet from the balcony. He peered through the windows and saw Isabel and Abigail sitting at a table with a young woman with wispy dirty-blond hair. They were talking like