Golden Box Book Publishing GBBP Magazine, June, 2017 | Page 23

order you to attempt an unknown task, which is almost certainly
doomed to failure. And I believe in Ammett, his intuition is
seldom wrong.” He pointed at the imposing figure of Abastor. “He
is not telling us the truth, yet what can we do for the bastard holds
us in his sway? You have felt his irresistible power. I believe that
if I stay here, then I will die here, and I am not yet ready to meet
the gods. Are you?”
His men looked from one to another. “Okay with me.” “Yes!”
Lowis and Terryn replied immediately. Ammett ignored Grona
and looked hard at Abastor. “No matter the unknown evil, your
methods are vile. I swear that in this life, or the next, I will have
my revenge if you dare play us false.” Raising his sword he thrust
it through the misty body of Abastor. “Maybe next time you won’t
be so lucky Soul?”
Ammett quickly realised that the Soul had ignored his actions
and was already drifting into a tunnel. They could hear voices
ahead as they followed. In less than a minute they walked into a
large cavern, filled with young men and women. On entering, the
sounds died away. Ammett felt that even his insides were being
scrutinised. A table filled one end of the cavern. Wispy figures
emerged from other chambers, taking their places around the
table. He saw Abastor beckoning them towards four seats at one
end.
As Abastor stood up his body completely solidified, the bodies
of the other nine souls likewise.
“It has been many years since all ten Souls, and you novices,
have joined together for the Gathering. I thank you for giving up
your precious time but I believe that some of you already know
the reason. The others will receive the details after our meal. In
the meantime I want you to welcome and honour our guests.
Although they have been brought here against their wishes they
have agreed to help in our cause.”
Abastor looked at Grona, seeing the contempt in his eyes. I
hope his reputation does not flatter him, he thought.
“For the benefit of our guests, I believe that they need to know
a little more about the Gathering.” Turning towards Grona’s men,
Abastor continued. “The ten Souls are chosen from the novices;
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