Read Online The Path of the Storm by James Maxwell - Free Book Online Page A

brother gravely.
    "Killian?" Amber said.
    "Evrin doesn't think so," Ella said. "And the crossing happened some time ago. If it was Killian, where is he?"
    Miro didn't know what had existed between them, but he was sure Ella didn't want to be reminded of the man who had entered the portal, never to return. "The fact that we were attacked at the wedding and now Evrin tells us someone crossed… It can't be coincidence." He paused. "Is this it? Are we facing our ancient enemy?"
    Ella looked up at Miro. "If Evrin doesn't know, then nor do we. I'm going to see if I can join Rogan's ship to Seranthia and meet Evrin there."
    "What about your things?" Miro said.
    Ella hoisted the bag on her shoulder. "An enchantress always has her tools with her."
    Amber patted her own satchel. "We've learned the hard way."
    "You'd better hurry," Miro said.
    "Please, take care," Ella said. "You don't know what you'll find out there. Just get the cure, and come back in one piece."
    Ella quickly hugged Miro and Amber in turn, and then she left.
    Miro and Amber were again silent for a time, both watching the galleon being loaded.
    "Miro," Amber said. "You don't need to do this."
    Miro turned to Amber in surprise. "What are you talking about?"
    "It's dangerous."
    "Amber, if there's even the smallest chance of finding a cure, I have to try. Layla's better than any of our healers and I trust her to look after Tomas while I'm gone, but I also trust her when she says we need a cure. This is more important than anything else. Evrin's message only confirms it."
    "He's my son…" Amber said.
    Miro rounded on her. "He's my son too! Get that straight. I don't want to ever hear you doubt me again. Never, do you hear me?"
    "Is this really our only hope?"
    "We can't just wait for Tomas's condition to worsen. I can't just sit by and do nothing."
    "I can't either," Amber said, "but I have to. I have to stay here while you go. I have to stay here in case Tomas needs me. But what if you need me?"
    "I always need you," Miro said, attempting a smile. "Look, I promise I'll return. Nothing will stop me. I promise. Now go."
    "I don't want to."
    "Go, Amber. Please. It's hard enough saying goodbye."
    Amber looked down. When she looked up again her eyes shone with tears. "Goodbye."
    "Don't say it like that. I'll be back before you know it. Now go."
    They kissed, and then Miro squeezed Amber's hand and sent her away with a gentle push.
    As he watched her departing back he took a few deep breaths to calm himself. By the time his wife was gone from sight, Miro was once more in control.
    Looking on the busy ship, Miro decided it was time to meet the captain.
    As he approached the galleon, feeling the wooden planks of the dock move gently beneath his feet, some of the sailors carrying barrels and sacks looked at him curiously. Many bore the stocky look of the free cities but there were also those with the curly locks of the Halrana and even the darker skin of the southern nations. One of the sailors touched a finger to his forehead, but he did it in a way that made Miro unsure if the man was mocking him.
    The galleon soon dominated his vision, with brawny sailors swarming the decks and rigging like birds on a tree. The vessel's name was attached to her side, the big brass letters screwed to the wood tarnished by her many voyages. The Delphin , she was called.
    Miro stood at the foot of the gangway, wondering how he would find the captain, when he heard a throat clear behind him.
    Two men stood side by side. One was slim and well-dressed, if slightly shabbily, in a white shirt, black vest, and tight crimson trousers. He had long greying hair tied back in a ponytail and red eyes, as if he hadn't slept well.
    "Lord Marshal?" the slim man said, in a voice clearly refined. "My apologies if that's not correct, I can never get my head around Alturan titles." He smiled and shook Miro's hand. "I'm Captain Roslen Meredith."
    "Thank you for agreeing to the voyage, Captain," Miro said.
    "Wait