Read Online Two Renegade Realms (Realm Walkers Book 2) by Donita K. Paul - Free Book Online Page B

stances, Cantor attempted to remember how useful the man could be, how generous, how loyal, resourceful, and funny.
    Then, as if to deliberately test Cantor’s limits of understanding, the mage took a hamper from his robe and sat on the dark soil of the lake’s shore. He pulled out several glassvials and took samples of the soil and water. With a pen, he carefully labeled his collection.
    Cantor turned from Dukmee’s scientific gatherings and looked toward Bridger. The dragon put his hand across his brow as if protecting his eyes from the sun and peered out over the dark expanse. “Does anything live in that lake?”
    A smile quirked Neekoh’s lips. “You mean anything like toombalians?”
    Bridger puffed out his cheeks. A ring-shaped cloud of smoke escaped his pursed lips. The circle floated over to come down over Neekoh’s head and settle for a moment around his neck. “I mean,” said Bridger in a cool tone, “anything at all.”
    Cantor stepped between the two, casually blocking any direct contact. He wondered at the rise of impatience in Bridger. His friend rarely displayed anything but the most genial attitude.
    “So, Dukmee.” Cantor turned the conversation. “Are we likely to run into relatives of the toombalians?”
    The scholar held up a finger, indicating they must wait a moment for his answer. He finished writing on one of his tubes and packed it with the others in a cushioned box. “Possible, but doubtful. After all, if one hasn’t been reported for an eon, then either they didn’t exist to begin with or their species has died out. I think we’d best worry about crossing this lake.”
    Cantor turned to Bridger, sitting with a discontented look on his face and stroking Jesha.
    “Bridge, would you be a boat for us?”
    “Maybe. Depends on what kind of boat. I won’t be a sailboat. Too many odd pieces. The sails are most uncomfortable.”
    Cantor nodded toward the skiff Neekoh had dragged over. “Like this one?”
    Stilllooking grumpy, the dragon approached the small vessel and looked it over. “Sure. I can do this easily.”
    “I’ll go with Neekoh.” Dukmee looked up from his work. “I’m done here. Bixby, are you coming with me or going with Bridger?”
    Neekoh took hold of the bow and shoved the skiff into the dark waters. “Two passengers to a boat.” He jumped into the wooden craft. “That puts your girl with the giant.”
    “I’m not a giant.” A hiss of annoyance carried the words through Cantor’s pressed lips.
    Neekoh sat down, the cheer on his face unmarred by Cantor’s retort. He shrugged and answered, “I didn’t know. I’ve never seen a giant and I’ve never seen anyone as big as you. I thought you were a giant, but since you say you are not, I look forward to meeting someone even larger.”
    Bixby tossed Cantor a warning glare, then turned her attention to the unsophisticated man. “It’s all right, Neekoh. We know you didn’t mean to be insulting. Cantor is a realm walker.”
    “And,” added Dukmee, “there are no true giants.”
    Bridger and Neekoh chorused, “Really?”
    “Really.”
    “Let’s just hope there are no true toombalians.” Bridger stretched out his wings, making Bixby and Cantor duck. “Sorry, just getting the kinks out before I shift. I haven’t flown in a while, and that’s not good for my circulation. Now I’m going to be a boat. Shifting is good for my overall fitness, but staying boatish for a time is not.”
    “It will only take a day or so to cross,” said Neekoh. “I’ve never had any trouble on the water.” He gave a look to Bridger that Cantor took to be an apology. “I’ve never seen anything living in this lake except some plants.”
    Cantor glowered atthe little man, just to remind him to be more circumspect in what he said. “What is to be our course?”
    “Straight away from here. Keep your back to this lighted shore. Just as the glow slides beneath the horizon, look to the shimmer of the water before you. That