A World Within Read online

  Daniel spotted the two pantheras among the trees and brush bordering the outskirts of the city of Corsica. That fact did not go unnoticed by Marissa or Nathaniel. Something had definitely happened to this curious boy named Daniel.

  The great cats ran to meet them as Marissa’s group backed out of the city. Some of the citizens of Corsica had followed them from a distance to see what would become of those harboring the infamous Captain Blackborne. The mercenaries had not followed, but Marissa assumed they would be back at some point to claim their bounty.

  “Bon, Jale! It’s good to see both of you,” Daniel said.

  Bon’s deep voice rumbled. “And you my young friend.” He surveyed the group, taking note of the addition of Captain Blackborne and the mountain-sized Percival. “Princess, you have made some changes to our group.”

  “A story best told as we proceed through the Deadwood, my friend,” she said as she looked back toward Corsica.

  “I see,” Bon said. “I have some new developments to share as well. Let’s be on our way.” Bon and Jale took up the front position with Marissa as they proceeded into the tree-line border of the territory known as the Deadwood. The others followed with Nathaniel and Percival taking up the rear guard.

  “Into The Deadwood?” Percival said. “That’s a bad sign.”

  “Don’t worry, old friend,” Nathaniel said. “Not many things we’ll encounter would tangle with the likes of you.”

  BLACKMAIL

  Within the Hall of Vision, Mortis stood gazing at Daniel and the group of warriors traveling with him. Strom’s massive black head and neck craned over the Vision Pool to see the image as well. He half considered taking a quick snap at the deathly boy. But Mortis still held his brethren and their eggs within his trap.

  “This whelp is why my dragons and our eggs are held captive here?”

  “Do not be deceived by his appearance, dragon,” Mortis said. “The boy has great power.”

  “Greater than yours?”

  Mortis turned away from the Vision Pool allowing the comment to pass. “I want you to hurt the boy, destroy him if possible. But at the very least, I want you to take something dear to him and lure him away from the others.”

  “For what purpose?”

  “The warriors traveling with him are of no consequence, but they would fight for him with their lives. And their presence strengthens him in ways you do not comprehend,” Mortis said. “I want him to think for himself.”

  Strom snorted at the suggestion that there might be something beyond his vast intellect. “My only concern is my dragons. You could release the others and I would be that much more certain to destroy the boy and his companions.”

  “Nice try, but I’m sure you can handle this job well enough on your own. If you’re able to destroy him, I’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

  Strom realized the insult implied and growled deep within his great body. He stomped out of the chamber through the large doors and made his way toward the entrance he and the others had come into the fortress by. His massive reptilian body took up all of the available space within the hall, making the trek difficult. Mortis did not even bother to watch him go.