Part 30 (1/2)
Jaht up with the creature and slashed at it with his sword The blade passed through theas if it was looking around, then it continued on
”You got its attention,” said James, ”but it doesn't seeestion as to how to stop this creature”
”Keep hitting it,” said A shape and struck it several times The shadow flinched and turned this way, then that, then it fled straight up to the ceiling where it looked like a painted human silhouette It paused for a moment, then resumed its journey
Then the fireball went out and the creature vanished into the gloom
James pointed, ”There!”
Father Belson said, ”If I cast another globe, I may not be able to do ht stop this creature, Father?” asked Arutha, hurrying at a fast walk after James
”Most of my order's spells suited for cohness”
”I would risk a fire in the palace to stop a war, Father”
”But it ood,” said the priest
Williauards ready?”
Arutha said, ”Ready to do what? Their weapons are no bar to that thing”
Ja, lest he lose sight of the entity Amos shouted, ”Clear the way!” as they reached a uards stationed at the corners looked over at the odd sight of their , eyes cast upward to the ceiling When they glanced up, all they saas a slight flickering of shadows, but nothing else
Jaicians in Krondor and why”
”So the Prince couldn't send for anyone to stop this thing?” said Williaic than used by the good Father,” said Amos
”What else do you know of these creatures?” Arutha asked Ja shadow on the ceiling, Jaicians told me of this conjuration It's mindless Once set on its task it does not stop until it's killed its prey or is destroyed”
The cleric said, ”There are counter-spells for specific ic, but I have no idea ould be required for this one, and I hardly have time to consult my superiors at the temple, or request help fro”
”What?” asked Arutha
”I'ot an idea”
Ja”
”It has two possible ways to kill, as I see it It either solidifies and tries to kill the duke as ahiet the idea
Go on” rcal , ”Or it has toafflict the duke with a poison, or an illness, or so of that sort”
Arutha said, ”Father, if it strikes the duke with an illness or injury of some sort, can you help?”
”I can keep the duke alive,” said the priest ”Certainly long enough for you to bring other healers to the palace”
”What if it turns solid?” asked Ja into the duke's quarters ”Open the doors!” he shouted to the two soldiers guarding them
To Arutha, Amos echoed, ”What if it turns solid?”
”Then we kill it,” answered the Prince
Running ahead, Williaht of the flickering shadow on the ceiling In moments they reached the duke's private quarters The creature ignored that door and continued on down the hall It reached another set of doors and paused Arutha shouted, ”Open those doors!”
The guards hesitated for an instant, then complied, but in that brief moment, the creature seemed to slip between the top of the doors and the jamb
Vladic, Crown Prince of Olasko sat up in bed, the wo under the covers, as if to hide ”What is theof this?” shouted Vladic
Ja and then around the roo tone
The priest cast another fireball, and Vladic drew back ”What is this?” he de his sword
”There!” cried Jaain It crouched on the wall behind Vladic
Williarabbed Vladic and yanked the Prince away
At that moment, the shadow stepped down from the wall to the floor Before everyone's eyes, it swelled, filled out and became solid
Arutha hness”
Vladic, ignoring his own nudity, stood with his sword at the ready ”What is that?”
”So that doesn't want you around, apparently,” said Ja to join Arutha He had his sword out as well
The shadow-for like a man without features, hair, or any visible bleht reflected from it
Arutha slashed at it and, as the creature hesitated, the Prince's blade cut through it
Then it sprang for Prince Vladic