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Kareste: A Short Story

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There was no time for thought. Brand leaped to meet them, stepping between the creatures and Kareste who seemed transfixed. He held both staffs upraised in defense. And then he yelled the charm. The serpents hissed. They slid and coiled and arched before him, tongues angrily flicking the air. He chanted louder, and from behind him the girl also spoke. Having heard and learned the words, she added her voice to his. What Aranloth would say to that, Brand did not know, yet the serpents reluctantly slid back into the column of water. There they twined among themselves as they rode and swam the current, plummeting out of sight. He ceased chanting. So did Kareste. Yet they both knew the charm was losing its force, or else having touched some item …show more content…

“Twice now you have saved me. That puts me in your debt, for once only have I saved you.” “We need not speak of debt, you and I,” Brand answered. “They say that adversity bonds people together. But adversity or no, I like you anyway. But if you would repay me, one thing alone I ask.” “What’s that?” “Tell me the truth. Now, once and for all. And swiftly. There’s more going on you said when we first met than a battle for Cardoroth. I gave those words less heed than I should have, for just now I felt … something when I picked up the broken staff. And a name, maybe, I could put to it. One out of dim legend.” She eyed him without speaking, but at length she sighed. “Very well. I’ll tell you what I know, and more maybe of what I guess. We have little time. The harakgar will allow us small respite, yet while we rest, without trying to take the staff away, they will endure our presence the better, I think. And rest we must, for when we go they’ll not hold back their power. Rather, I think it will increase the closer we get to the outside world.” They sat down on the mosaicked flagging before the ancient chairs. Strange they would have looked, in that ancient and domed room, where once great councils and ceremonies were held. But to them, in their tiredness, a seat was a seat and they dared not sit on the

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