Read Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 109

"Just hand it to me you fool," yelled Mandigal in irritation.

  The Attendant's eyes narrowed as he folded his arms across his chest. "What could you possibly need this for?" he asked.

  "That is not your concern. Provide me with the document and we will both leave here peacefully," suggested Mandigal, his patience wearing thin.

  "If the information is that vital, why do you not simply go and ask them?"

  "The Council is much too busy to answer such trivial questions. I am doing us all a favour by allow the Elders to deal with the important matters at hand," replied Mandigal.

  The Attendant showed his suspicion, but finally gave in and turned to the bookcase behind him. The room was filled with scrolls, books, parchments and weathered tomes. He climbed onto a creaky stool that trembled under his weight and pulled out a thin scroll from a large pile. He then moved back towards Mandigal, handing him the scroll rather unceremoniously.

  "Thank you," said Mandigal, trying his best to hide his agitation. He stormed away from the pompous attendant and into one of the quieter rooms of the library. He had already been in Duathnin too long and was no closer to finding the conspirator.

  The room he walked into was empty, but for the small desk, covered in tattered parchment and a low burning candle. He closed the door behind him and took a seat. Quickly unravelling the scroll, he began to scan the list. The shadow of the dull candlelight grew fainter as the hours flew by. The scroll contained a list of all the letters and reports that the Council of Elders had sent out in the last month and where they were headed.

  Mandigal took in each detail, focusing in on the references to Bithi Oppos and Sielvu Suifi. "This is hopeless," he cried out into the room. He tossed the scroll away. How was he going to find this traitor within the Council? The list had been his last hope in finding some evidence. Some hint that one of the Elders was keeping in contact with a Dargonian agent. But there was nothing. The most suspicious thing he had found was a letter from Yhu to a spinster in Thandolin, requesting four ounces of teardrop sapphires. Whoever this person was, they knew how to conceal their actions.

  He had to quickly think of something. Messages from Errollan had been flowing into Duathnin each day, and from the details it would not be long until the Honour Guard would be forced to take firm action. Ludvic remained in Andron, overseeing the defence of Dunhelm and the West, leaving Errollan and Harrinus to prepare the nation for a counter attack. However, with Dieter still refusing to marshal the armies, their efforts were not proving fruitful.

  Mandigal rose from his chair and snuffed out the candle. He had one last idea. If this did not work he would have to leave Karmena and focus on the safekeeping of Feldom. As he made his way out of the library he prayed for guidance in the coming hours.