Read DESTINY BECKONS :: SIX

“We shall mourn this day.” Torus, great war chief of the River-Plains Clan, stated with heartfelt sorrow. “With Haas gone, we have next to little hope…”

“He may still be alive.” Iola protested, her tear filled eyes pleading at all who had assembled in the chief’s abode for that sombre meeting.

“Esamos, the governor of the city of Sidusca decreed the public execution of Haas and the other captives…” Torus replied grimly. “And it is three days since our scout, Belen, reported this. Our great shaman and Elder… your grandfather… I am sorry to say…”

“Say no more, my chieftain.” Iola exhaled heavily. “I believe in my heart that my grandfather is alive… I think he beckons to me. I must go, alone if needs be…”

“Then you will forfeit your life, Iola.” Goren, firstborn to Torus, shook his dark maned head. “I will go with you, with a score of our best warriors.”

“We cannot risk open war with Sidusca.” One of the elders, Lorena, had a stern look in her steel grey eyes. “We haven’t a tenth of the might they possess.”

“No one else has to come.” Iola looked around at the gathering. “I can do this… I will do this.”

“You will need help.” Lorena's expression softened at the younger woman. “Subtle and experienced help.”

“Where can I find…”

“A mile to the east from here…” Torus offered. “…there lies a tavern, a sorry unkempt place. Sellswords and mercenaries throng there. Hire the services of one, one who knows the city of Sidusca well.”

“I… if I must.” Iola bit her lip with uncertainty. “But I haven’t any…”

“Here.” Torus held a small leather pouch to her. “Six pieces of gold, their usual price for three days work.”

Iola took the pouch and hefted its weight. Her mind was conflicted, but she knew that she had to do this. Her grandfather was all the family she had. And there was also something else that drove her, something she couldn’t quite grasp right then.

“And be wary of the mercenary you choose.” The chieftain called out to her as she walked away from his great hall. “Most are no different from the cut-purses they offer to protect you from.”

“Look, little one. The southern gate.” Dacia’s voice invaded her thoughts. “We are almost there.”

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THE STARLIGHT SHINING SAGA 1

DESTINY BECKONS

CARLTON ISAAC

This book is a work of fiction. The names of characters and places, and the incidents taking place are fictitious creations from the author’s imagination. Any resemblance whatsoever to actual events or locations, or to persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, shape or appearance, or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without exclusive written permission from the author.

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ASIN: B08TC76CPH

Publication Date: January 18, 2021.

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