Prologue Fire Wing - Ahriel

 

The queen Marla, of only seventeen, is the sovereign of a nation resplendent. Ahriel afemale angel at his side since he was born, with a mission to guide her and protect her, andkeep the balance in the human kingdoms. But when he discovers a conspiracy to starta bloody war, Ahriel is betrayed and imprisoned, with wings unused, in the dreadfulGorlian prison, a primitive world, wild and brutal, where no one has managed to escapeever. Ahriel must learn not only to survive in Gorlian, but also to see things fromthe human point of view ... at ground level.

Chapter I

Marla Queen was leaning on the spacious balcony of the throne room, watching fight his angel, when he receivednews of the assassination of Count Aren. The messenger whispered in his ear, so that no one else could hear,but her lips slightly pursed. That was his only reaction.It said the matter with anyone else.When the messenger retired, Queen Marla continued in the same position, leaning over the balcony, as if thenews had been entirely inconsequential.Marla Queen was seventeen, and it was the sovereign of a nation resplendent, but surrounded by kingsambitious wishing to expand their territory.Marla had learned as a child not to show her feelings, because they know I had spies in thecourt. Everyone knew he did not trust anyone. Except, perhaps, in his angel.Down in the courtyard, two figures were fighting in a swordfight. One of them was a fierce barbarian who hadcome from the eastern plains to try to achieve fame as a fighter in Karishia Games, thecapital of the kingdom. In the three months I had been fighting had not lost a single battle. When jumpingto sand, all shouting his name, enraged.

But when I walked through the streets of the city, exhibitingits powerful muscles, people turned away in its path, intimidated.He had made his fortune in the Games and was admired and respected. One night at a party, had said thatwould be able to defeat the Queen Angel Marla. He was drunk when he said it, but, anyway, the newsthe challenge had run across Karishia, and he had no choice but to get to the palace a challengeshape.Everyone knew that the angel did not like fighting in fights trivial. But the barbarian was famous, and the challenge wasaroused much excitement. Marla herself had asked combated.And there she was. He covered her body with golden armor, shining like the sun itself. Her black hair,collected in a complicated braids hairstyle, he spilled his shoulders, straight and proud.

There extended their great white wings, and his shadow seemed to cover everything. It was almost as high as the huge barbarian,but infinitely more beautiful. His name was Ahriel.The mercenary growled, lifted the sword and lunged at her. Ahriel waited, serious and serene, with muscles intension. He moved swiftly at the last moment and turned away from the path of the barbarian, who almost lost thebalance.There had been a very graceful movement on their part. The audience laughed, and the barbarian growled. But Ahrielnot smile.- Why do not you use your wings, bow tie? The mercenary spat.

Why not fly? No one had ever dared to speak that way to Marla Queen Angel, but the barbarian was furious,and had been wounded in his pride this man.-We would not be equal Ahriel said softly, his voice was clear and deep as theringing of a bell.The barbarian grunted again and lunged at her with a wild cry.

On this occasion, Ahriel not pull away. Theswords clashed. Sparks flew.The slashes were powerful fighter, no doubt, but the angel moved his gun with elegance andalmost superhuman security, as if fully convinced of doing the right thing in eachtimes.

 

And so it must be, since, moments later, the barbarian's sword went flying through the air and landedon the tiled patio with a loud clang. There was silence in disbelief.The barbarian, stunned, fell to his knees before the angel.There were some timid applause. Ahriel was always very reserved. Everyone admired and feared, but she did notI had friends. Except maybe the queen Marla.-Obi-whispered the Barbarian.Ahriel wings retreated but did not respond. He had nothing to say.The fighter did not dare look around. He was defeated in a humiliating manner. Although the angel notwas wroth with him, his absolute imperturbability, that it showed the violent fury of the barbarian, hadturned defeat into something much more embarrassing for him. No screaming, no fuss, no noise, the woman withwhite feathered wings he had made a fool in front of everyone. Soon all Karishia known until theevery detail of that fight.His career was over.The barbarian looked up to watch the Angel. She was not smiling. There was no expression on his face. The Wrestlerwarned the absolute perfection of her features and thought that people could seem beautiful. No more than amarble statue, he told the Barbarian. Pure and perfect, but cold and lifeless.-Kill me-Ahriel asked.She shook her head. He sheathed his sword again, spread his wings, and with a mighty impulse, rose inthe air. All saw fly, resplendent with sunlight reflecting on his golden armor. It was amagnificent spectacle.Ahriel, however, did not linger in flourishes. He opened his wings a little more and stayed airborne,Marla before the Queen, who was still leaning on the balcony.-Regards, Ahriel She smiled. Well fought.'Lady,' the angel bowed to the sovereign Karish.-Now you must rest, but I guess you will not have problem to pass me later. AlwaysI enjoy your company.-If you wish.Ahriel goodbye to the queen Marla and rose to the highest in the palace domes. Soon the lost ofview. The queen withdrew from the balcony, followed by his entourage. Viewers were dispersed patio.Moments later, there was only barbaric, sunken and dejected on the broad stone tiles.Ahriel had changed his golden armor for a simple white robe. His sword was, however,pinned to his side.Now she sat before the queen Marla, in his private chambers. Very few people had permission toenter there. Ahriel was required to do, whenever necessary.Marla Queen looked at her, pensive, toying with the medallion around his neck and alwayswearing, because it was a gift from Ahriel.The two women were very different. Ahriel was imposing, tall, calm, confident and glowing like agoddess. Marla was small, redhead, impatient. Over the years, he had learned to control his nervousness, as itit was life.Ahriel had taught him. Ahriel had been next to his crib when he was born.Very few, human land, knew where were the angels. Some claimed they descendedclouds. Most believed they were just creatures of legend.For this reason, among many, there was such a stir in court the day when Marla was born and nothing less than aangel introduced at the palace, requesting old King Briand audience. They talked in private, and none of thetwo did anyone partaker of what was discussed at that meeting unusual. But thereafter, AhrielMarla accompanied, to protect and serve faithfully throughout his life as a princess, first, and asKarish sovereign after the death of his father.Marla had grown up under the shadow of the great wings of Ahriel. The angel had hardly changed in thoseseventeen, but long since the queen had left childhood behind.Ahriel had noticed it. I appreciate, once again, in the eyes of the Queen when she said, her voicelow but dispassionate:-Ahriel, there is a reason why I wanted to talk to you: have slain the Earl Aren, Ambassador of the KingdomSaria.Ahriel frowned slightly, but said nothing.

Just wait, because I knew there was Marlafinished speaking.'It was when he returned to the king Saria to offer my proposed alliance. The sarianos have found theirbody. Someone had plunged a dagger into the heart-Marla paused, then added slowly. AKarishia forged knife. A dagger expensive, belonging, no doubt, someone from the nobility.'I understand,' said Ahriel.Marla looked at his angel a look of concern.-Someone is trying to blame us for the murder of Count. Even if the king of Sariaaccept my version, do not know if that would avoid that we declare war, Ahriel. Aren was Countwanted. In Saria strange rumors circulating. They say ambition Karish expand to neighboring kingdoms.Gods know we've spent centuries defending the ambitions of the neighboring kingdoms!-I know, ma'am Ahriel reassured.The queen could not sit around any longer. He got up and began pacing up and down, nervous,thinking intensely.-Those stupid rumors ... he finally said. Sarianos merchants Attacks on our land ... and themurder of Count Aren, who worked for peace between all realms. Someone is trying to provoke thewar, but ... who?-Could be radical sarianos, ma'am. Or the imperialist core Ura. Or players from other realms.Marla frowned.'Anyway, Ahriel, the departure of the count was done in the utmost secrecy, and the path to follow.-That means you have a traitor closer to you than it would be desirable-Ahriel spoke gravely,but also with dispassion. And, if you work for someone looking for a war between kingdoms, you mayyou to be their next target.Marla said nothing. He was standing by the window and watched as dusk fell over the city ofKarishia.Do not be afraid, madam, 'said the angel softly. I'll find him. And eventually the rest of his days in Gorlian,because it deserves a better fate.Marla said nothing, just sighed almost imperceptibly. Ahriel briefly bowed his head and left theroom.Ahriel found Kab, the captain of the guard, into the stables. Kab was a strong and robust, butparticularly astute, who had fought a thousand battles Karish. He had begun working as a mercenaryto the late King Briand, Maria's father, when he was very young. His loyalty to Karish andrulers was indisputable.

-Ahriel Kab said when the angel came into the barn. What a surprise!She seemed to glow with its own light in that dark and dirty place, appreciated Kab when he fixed his eyespenetrating it. Blinked, saying it would be a trick of the light. Although most people still thoughtthat angels were spirits, not flesh and bone, the inhabitants of the palace who had the chance toclosely contemplate Ahriel had found that she was corporeal, material. At first glance seemedoverwhelming, almost a divine creature. Over time, Kab had learned that angels were not so differentof humans, after all. From their point of view, angels differed from them only in the wings, thebeauty and pride.Ahriel moved without hesitation among the piles of manure. His face showed no trace of emotion.-Kab, I need to talk to you. Queen Affairs.The captain looked at the angel a moment and sighed. He patted the back of his favorite mare, who looked exhausted aftera good run, and followed Ahriel to the outside.-There is a conspiracy to bring the kingdom to a war against the angel Saria-reported when both, far fromprying ears, strolled through the courtyard. Perhaps these plans pass for threatening the life of the queen.Kab nodded.'I've heard the rumors.-They are more than rumors.

Aren Count has been killed on the way to Saria.Kab stared.-Then it's more serious than I expected.-There is a spy in the palace ...-There are many spies in the palace.-This is good, and is next to the queen.Kab stroked his chin thoughtfully.'I suppose you're right. I did not even know that the earl was gone. And believe me, I know enough of whathappens around here.- Any ideas?Kab shook his head.-All men and women of my guard are karishanos and loyal to the Queen Marla. You know and keep an eye on theservants know that none of them would be able to find out anything she wanted to keep secret. And, secondlyhand, the count had no relationship with anyone while he was here, on the advice of the queen. Except for a ...He stroked his chin thoughtfully.The young bard concluded. It Sariano, you know?-Saria has declared war Marla Queen sighed.They had gathered in one of the oldest rooms of the palace. The tapestries covered the walls notwere priceless. They had been woven on the occasion of the founding of the kingdom, several centuries ago.-Let us hope that the conflict is resolved quickly and return the balance to our land Ahriel said.- The balance! Marla repeated. You're always talking about the balance, Ahriel. But our world has neverKnown balance.-Still there are different realms. That means that none of them has managed to oppress others.Marla stopped to stare at his angel.- I really think that if someone was proclaimed emperor of all the kingdoms, would be to oppress theirsubjects?-I think, madam, that if the Emperor is chosen by mutual agreement, that does not have to happen. But hatredand suspicions are too rooted in human hearts. There would agree. Nobodyaccept an emperor who was not their land.'You seem to know very well, Ahriel.-I am a warrior, but that is not usual in my town. The angels are, essentially,observers. We do not intervene in human affairs except when they threaten to upset the balance.-I know, I know, you told me so many times ... But I did not call to talk about balance, Ahriel.We must end this war before it starts and avoid a long war that would bleed to ourpeople, and for that I designed a plan to assassinate the king ... Ravard of Saria.A sound, something like a gasp was heard in the hall. Marla had not caught, but the fineAhriel ear had heard clearly. With a boost from his powerful wings arrived at the other end of theroom in an instant, and drew one of the tapestries.She met brown eyes that looked with fear.

-Kendal Ahriel said.The bard turned and ran.Ahriel had expected. Perfectly knew the existence of this secret passage, and had securedKendal discovered that as well. He had several days watching him and had detected furtive behavior,but needed proof. He had prepared a false meeting with the queen in the hall of tapestries.He had made sure that Kendal found out, as if by chance. And there it was.Ahriel wings retracted everything he could for his tall figure could easily pass through the narrowpassage. The boy ran in front of her, but Ahriel knew there was no escape: Kab would be waiting toside.Suddenly, he lost it and stopped hearing his footsteps in the dark. Went ahead and ran into astocky.- Ahriel! It was the voice of Kab. May I know what are you doing here? Where have you gotten the kid?Ahriel not respond. He turned to the captain to retrace his steps.-There may be gone Kab growled.-He has not, 'said the angel, who looked better than human in the darkness. Look at this, there is acrossroads. A hallway to the right and to the left. How could we ignore them?Kab grunted and disappeared down the tunnel to the right. Ahriel turned onto the left.After a while he heard a breath, and knew he had reached his prey. He understood immediatelywhy.The tunnel was a dead end. It was probably a false passage, to mislead potential pursuers,and the right path was the one who had taken Kab. In any case, Kendal had fallen into the trap.Ahriel then saw the boy. He was curled up against the wall, and had not noticed him,because the angel was silent as a shadow. I reach towards Kendal and grabbed his shirt. The Bardcried, startled.-Do not move Ahriel said coldly.I saw in the dark, while Kendal is made to the idea that had been captured. She wore noweapon. - What will you do with me? -Were afraid to ask.Ahriel not answer.'Please,' said the bard. I need to know. What will happen?'That depends on how much you're willing to tell Ahriel said, pushing for him to walk in front ofher back to the main corridor. But I would say that your involvement in the murder of Count Aren going to costface. - What!? The boy blurted, stunned. But I do not ...!He paused and looked at the angel.-You can not be on their side, right? She asked suddenly. A deceived you too.Ahriel not respond.-I did not betray the Count Aren, was my friend! The boy protested. Saria not want war!-Silence Ahriel said coldly.He had not raised his voice, but it was necessary. Kendal, intimidated, obeyed.But when they were about to leave the tunnel blind, the young bard added softly:-Karish not been threatened by other kingdoms. Nobody would dare attack a country whose queen is protectedby angels.Ahriel not reply.At that time it was visible the tunnel entrance, and saw the imposing silhouette of Kab silhouetted against it.Kendal squirmed and tried to escape, but Ahriel held him with an iron hand.- Well, well! Said the captain. So you caught the little rat sniffs behind the doors!The boy turned back to Ahriel, and she could see that her eyes were open and was shakingof pure terror.'Please, ma'am, you have to believe me ... she whispered hurriedly. You lied. It takes yearsmoving threads to seize the kingdom of Saria!Kab grabbed the boy and pulled him brutally Angel.-Shut up and miserable ...

Do not bother the lady turned to the angel. The queen must be waiting.Do not worry about this bastard. I'll take care of it.Ahriel nodded, but stood for a moment in the hall, watching the captain of the guard dragged theboy, who was struggling with all his might, to the opposite end of the tunnel, which ended in the basement ...next to the dungeons.I was about to turn away when he heard the desperate cry even Kendal:- Lady! Captain Earl murdered!There was a bang and a whimper. Ahriel turned to see what had happened, and saw the boy dragging Kabsprawled unconscious in a heap. Also noticed, thanks to his extraordinary sense of sight, thestrange look he gave the captain.And he felt a strange uneasiness.

Chapter II

 

Who was going to tell the queen sighed. A boy so young ...

And sang like angels, if I mayexpression ...- Have you confessed?

Not yet, but it will. Kab is with him.Ahriel nodded. That strange feeling of uneasiness did not quite abandon.- Do you trust Kab, ma'am?The queen immediately turned toward her.-Of course. Why did you ask that question?Ahriel shrugged.-We live in strange days. We must be wary of everything.Marla gave him a sharp look.You're right, Ahriel. And that kid is the perfect example of Saria double game. Proclaim to the fourwinds that want to establish a partnership with Karish, even though more than half of sarianos hate us.They send a pacifist Count deal with us ... and a spy to control the pacifist.

When Countreturns home, the spy informs those sarianos murderers, who kill in our land and leave the body inSaria karishano pinned with a dagger in the heart. King raises his fist and curses Karish and declares thewar, but to the rest of the kingdoms, we appear guilty, do you realize? The confession ofboy could put things in place.'In that case, I hope Kab not exceed the young bard.- Why?'Because, if the boy is tortured, he confesses confesses, the other kings will think that you have been forcedto.-I never thought the queen admitted. So, you better get down to see how things are going.Ahriel nodded and, without a word, left the room.Moments later descended the spiral staircase leading to the dungeons. A hideous scream thereceived, and the angel shuddered to recognize the voice of Kendal. He forced himself to stay calm.'Impartiality, justice, serenity ', she reminded herself.

He walked down the hall safely.The prisoners peered through the tiny barred window to see whoapproached, but when he turned to look at Ahriel, retreated, intimidated, to the bottom of their cells.Perhaps in the clean angel look, saw reflected the blackness of his own soul, as if it were a mirror.He stopped at the cell door Kendal. I was going to come, when the boy's voice, hoarse and breathy,but clearly audible, said:- I saw you! You went after the count that night. You're a murderer!Ahriel indignantly laid his hand on the doorknob, but the laughter of Kab and then he heard thestopped:-Yes, it is true, but no one will know, and you know why? Because no one will believe you, boy. And in prisonGorlian nobody cares more an earl or count less. So you should work, or else ...Ahriel opened the door shut. Kendal huddled against the wall. He was chained, and Ahriel saw hispale face had a few bruises. Kab turned to her.The angel read the truth in the eyes of the captain of the guard.

-You,' he said. You murdered the Count Aren.In one swift motion, Kab pulled the sword from the sheath, but when downloaded with the angel, steelshe was waiting for him. Kab's sword flew into the air and bounced off the floor tiles. EyesCaptain turned toward the door, but Ahriel and sword stood between him and freedom, and the angelremained firm as a marble statue. Kab looked at her defiantly.-You know. What do you do now?For answer, Ahriel unloaded his sword. Instinctively, Kab covered his face with his hand, but thefailed coup. However, a sharp clang echoed through the dungeon.

Kab opened his eyes and saw the swordof Ahriel had broken, in one stroke, the chains that imprisoned Kendal.'Go,' said the angel only.Kab's eyes turned toward the corner where lay his sword. But the edge of the weapon touched Ahriel ofnew skin.The young bard sat up, trembling. He tried to take a few steps. He turned to Ahriel, but she did not look.'Thanks' he said.Ahriel not respond. His eyes remained fixed on Kab, who, much to his regret, he flinched, intimidatedby the force of his gaze.Kendal hesitated. Finally, she slipped behind Ahriel and left the cell. The two heard him running down thepassageway to freedom.

-A queen is not going to like Kab growled.'I'm sure Ahriel replied impassively.He picked up the sword of the captain and left the cell, closing the door behind him. After ensuring thatKab could not escape, he went to the queen's chambers.As he climbed the stairs, thinking about the strange turn that things had taken. Never been theall convinced of the guilt of the bard. And although he had thought he could trust Kab, the truth was thatthere were many indications that they suspect him because of him. As, for example, the fact that it was theKab who put himself on the trail of Kendal. Or the unexplained absence of the captain the night of the murder.And of course, the boy's accusations in the passage, when he was captured.But now it was all under control. Handed over to the sarianos Kab and peace back to the kingdom.

And althoughThis time the bad apple had reached the heart of the palace, had fortunately Ahriellocate achieved rub off before the rest of the basket. Although the angel appeared before the queen with his usual calm and impassive face, she knew well, andimmediately perceived brightness of triumph in his eyes.- What happens, Ahriel?-I have found the true murderer of Count Aren she replied calmly.Marla stared at. He covered it with a cloth a little crystal ball that had been contemplating androse.

- What do you mean?Ahriel frowned slightly. He did not like to play with those objects Marla superstitious, but untilthe time had failed to separate it from those extravagant distractions.However, the issue that hadbrought here was more important, and focused on him.The bard was innocent. The person who murdered the Count Aren is far from being a Sariano, and, of course,is closer to you than you think.-Sit down and tell me everything calmly invited the queen.Ahriel obeyed mechanically.'Thanks' he murmured. Lady, do not know where to start ... What I said the bard ... The truth is that nosuspected him ... If I had been more careful ...-If you have discovered, you have done such a bad job. But, tell me, who ...?

 

-Kab, ma'am.Marla put her hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp.-But Ahriel, you must be wrong ... How can you believe what he says a spy Sariano, for very youngto be?-The same has confessed Kab, ma'am.-I think I need a glass of wine murmured the queen, pale.Ahriel said nothing. He went deep in thought until Marla was offered a drink.-We will be good for both.-Yes, thank Ahriel said.They drank in silence, until the Queen said:- Does anyone know more?The young bard. Fortunately, I arrived in time to prevent an innocent man unjustly punished.- Have you released?-Yes. Now, Kab takes its place in the cell.Marla nodded thoughtfully.'But why should I? What would I gain by it?-That has me very intrigued Ahriel admitted. Kab has always been faithful to Karish, there's no doubt, and notdo anything you do not ...

Ahriel not finish the sentence. He stopped suddenly and looked at Marla, and did not like what he saw in her eyes. Theyoung man watched intently, as if waiting for something, a calculating gleam in his eye, whilecurled his medallion chain around his fingers.'I'm sorry, she apologized Ahriel.- The wine! Exclaimed the angel.He rose to his feet, but his legs failed him and he fell to the ground with a crash. He tried to rise, but themuscles would not obey him.-Has been slow to make fact-Marla said. Although I know that the angels are physically strongerthat we humans.Ahriel managed to turn his head. He saw the queen beside her, watching her. He tried to speak, but his mouth wasparalyzed.- Why ... why ...? She managed.Marla did not respond. He kept looking at her thoughtfully. His hand closed on the locket.- You know what this means? You know too much, Ahriel. So far I have been very useful: the otherkingdoms fear me because I have a personal guardian angel like. But it strikes me that I can hire you to anotherway. I will say that I have sent to Saria. When the people see that you do not return, I will believe that the traitorssarianos you have prisoner. It's a perfect excuse to start a war, do not you think? Better than thatCount stupid. Something like, we will not stop until we returned to our angel. All karishanoswill be happy to come to the rescue. And the other realms confront fear me, if the other angels arehappens to come to avenge his warrior.-You know ... not going to do it, could say Ahriel.-I do, but they do not. Most people have never seen an angel closely. How will they knownone of your ways?- Po ... r ... q-what ...? Ahriel repeated, desolate.Marla leaned in front of her and looked into her eyes.-You could have stayed with me, my angel. But I never liked the idea of ​​an empire by force, no, youalways talking about that damn balance ... without realizing that this is the only way to do things! Mynaive father believed in peace between kingdoms ... when all other kings were willing to crush to addKarish lands to their own. Well, it's time to do things differently. Venceremos toSaria with the help of the other realms. And when you fall ... fall Saria others.Ahriel was listening all, helpless, thinking that all this had to be the product of anightmare. And while the angels did not dream, she had spent enough time among humans to know thata bad dream should not be very different from what I was living. He remembered the words ofKendal in the passage,

-I lied. It takes years moving threads to seize the kingdom of Saria! ». Thenhad believed that the boy was referring to Kab, so that statement had seemed absurd, but nowunderstood it clearly: the young bard had tried to warn him that Marla was cheating.Probably she and Kab had sought from the beginning for a scapegoat, and Kendal had elected to beSariano and friend of the earl. And had sown Ahriel path of false leads that llevasen to him.Marla joined.- Did you say that Kab is locked in the dungeons? Very funny. I'll send someone to get him. Andcapture them back to that stupid bard. Just like you ... know too.The angel opened his mouth to say something, but the potion finished grab your mind and threw the mostdarkness.When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a damp, dark cell.

It took a while to understand whatwas happening.Marla Queen, whom she had educated and protected from birth, had cheated and betrayed. Andnot only her, but all Karish, even to the other realms. For some unknown reason, Marla wanted to allCoast Saria crush the kingdom, and therefore had pulled strings to provoke a war and to convince the otherthe warlike monarchs King Ravard of Saria had unfairly attributed the murder of Count Karish Aren. AndNow, Marla Saria accuse of kidnapping Ahriel.«Why, why?" Asked the angel, desolate. "I've taught since I was a child that the waris chaotic and that every creature has a right to live in peace. What happened to the little Marla? ».He tried to rise, but the effects of poisoned wine had not yet completely dissipated. Itdropped, discouraged. He breathed deeply and resigned himself to waiting until you volviesen forces. When wererecovered out of there and then ...So what?He thought back to his own, but he wondered how he would explain to the other angels who hadfailed in its mission, and that the balance of the continent was about to break into a thousand pieces, like a fragilecrystal. He realized that it would be worthless to go home and look them in the face.What other options did I have? Marla Facing?? I could not. He had taken an oath ...Ahriel had known ever since he could remember, it was destined to be a warrior angel. Therelearned the art of fighting and had put his sword in the service of justice and balance. Never had employedlow dirty tricks or gimmicks. He had always fought face to face, nobly and with honor.The education of Princess Marla had been his first vital mission. Ahriel had always known that afterthat came other, since angels were much longer-lived than humans, and she would still be younglong after the children of Marla die. It was an important mission, but deceptively simple.

Marlasovereign should be a good and fair, as was his father, King Briand. If an angel was training sincebirth, Marla did not have to be tempted into the path of hatred and ambition. And balance prevailamong humans, for another generation.Ahriel had sworn to serve and educate Marla, and protect it with your life. But Marla had denied everythingAhriel had taught him. Despite the anxieties of the angel, the young queen was proving despise the idealsthat governed the life of his mentor ... and for seventeen years he had managed to convince her otherwise.How had he done? At the bottom of his heart, Ahriel knew I should have guessed, for multipleevidence that Marla had his own ideas about justice and balance. But he had left running,believing that it was good that she think for herself, rather than blindly obey. Nowunderstood that should have been harder on her, cutting the roots of these dangerous ideas."I've lost her," thought Ahriel, desolate. "I've lost. I've failed her and mine. "What should I do? Marla could not face, because it was his ward and had sworn to defend. Butseconding in its ambitious war plans went against his most sacred principles. The angels wereobservers and rarely fought, but when they did always fought for ideals of justice, equality andbalance.No, Ahriel not know which way to go. And she was not used to not knowing.Ahriel closed his eyes. I was confused and lost. Never before had he felt so. His soul was a whirlwind offeelings he had never experienced before: anger, fear, pain, helplessness, remorse ... but worsewas that awful feeling of failure.He thought that if the balance of the continent had sunk because of him, it would be better to let othermore competent angels she occupy restoring it.

Deep breath and tried to relax. He managed to appease the beating of his heart and his mind got leavewhite. Gradually, was going into a trance, and after a while his spirit floated above the ocean confusingcontradictory feelings within him.Ahriel drifted. When you wake up from the trance, would have dispelled the doubts and the pain would have subsided.When I returned in itself, would see everything from a different perspective.I could not tell how long he remained in this way, not moving, not thinking, not feeling.Probably it took several hours, but no longer perceived the angel over time. When he awoke, hourslater wished he had not ever.

Kab brutally returned to reality. Entered the cell accompanied by a dark figure, but not Ahrielhad the strength to lift his head and find out who the unknown. Kab tried to her feet, but the bodyof Ahriel was still under the influence of narcotics, and his legs did not respond. Then left her on the ground,upside down.The stranger approached and leaned over her. Ahriel was vaguely aware of their movements. His mindsuddenly cleared, alerted by rubbing hands of the stranger on his wings. Their feathers curledautomatically.Nobody touched his wings. And less than a human.He wanted to move, but could not. He tried to speak, but his tongue seemed a dry cloth in her mouth. And then he feltsomething moving between its wings, something cold and slimy. Ahriel let out a low moan of terror. He answereda sort of hiss: a snake coiled its rings around the birth of their wings. But it was notCurrent snake, there was something strange about her. Ahriel could clearly perceive that oozed hatred and evil, andthat feeling is going to transmit to each of its feathers, and the entire surface of your skin.Then the stranger spoke a few words in a language unknown to Ahriel. She immediately saw thepower that emanated from his hands and transmitted to the odious snake. It was a twisted and dark energy.

Ahrielcould have countered with their own power, conditions have been found, and now regretted nothave fought with more energy against the narcotic the first time he woke up in the cell. ThenI thought things could not get worse than they were.Now he realized his mistake. Too late.The serpent issued a final hiss angrily and turned stiff and cold as steel. Ahriel no longer felt her move,but felt his presence there, surrounding their wings at the point where they joined her back. That thing hurt him,much damage, burned like ice on your skin producing intense and excruciating pain.- That's it? Kab asked.'Yes,' said the stranger softly. He got up and left her, and Ahriel thought desperately, that thetwo men would leave and leave there with that horrible torture device chaining their wings.He tried to speak, and finally his lips let out a desperate plea:-Qui ... tádmelo.Kab launched a scornful laugh.-Qui ... tadme ... this ... please, could say Ahriel.Only the ruthless response obtained by sound of the cell door closing shut and leave her alonewith their pain.Ahriel blinked and tried to move. Groaned. He felt his skin burning, as ulcerated by some kind of acid,though he knew what he had on, whatever it was, he had not any injury occurred.But it hurt. It hurt a lot, as if his skin could not bear contact with the thing.He tried to think clearly. The strange character who had done this could be a necromancer orpriest of some evil god. He shivered. He still refused to believe that Marla had contacts withindividuals of that ilk. Although ... yeah, that explained everything. She had fallen under the influence ofsome evil cult that employed black magic for dark ends.

They had corrupted his soul.He tried to get up, ignoring the pain. Marla had to rescue. He must ...He lost his balance and fell down again. Then, horrified, realized why Kab had brought tonecromancer to his cell, and what he had done.That which burned his skin, and he had previously been a snake wrapped around the birth of their wings,had become a trap, a trap closed with black magic.They had fixed wings.He tried to calm himself as he regained strength and tried to forget the pain of his contact withthat thing.During the hours worked to rouse themselves to regain mobility of the wings.First he used the power of his aura, but the artifact reacted violently, producing more pain, andunderstood that only a black magic similar to that created it achieved the headgate.

Even so, he tried toget it out by force. Nor did it.Ahriel, tormented by grief and despair, was weaker and weaker while doing everythingpossible to free its wings. When, exhausted, fell back on the ground, hammering one idea your mind.She would never fly.For an angel, that was worse than death.The pain persecuted and tortured until he managed to lose consciousness again. Therefore, not Ahrielnoticed the presence of men who entered the dungeon, hours later, to get her out.

Chapter III

When Ahriel regained consciousness, the first thing he felt was the awful pain produced the stocks thathad caught their wings.The second was the cold.He opened his eyes slowly. The light hurt his eyes. A cold wind through her. "WhereI am? "he asked. He sat up carefully. He was still weak, but the effects of the narcotic were subsiding.He raised his head and looked around.Before her, under a dim twilight, stretched a barren landscape and misty that reached the samehorizon. The skin of the earth was pure rock, rocky, barren, and only twisted and sharp peaks of thealter this bleak mountains. Ahriel shuddered. There was nothing alive in that place, eventhat the wind whistling in his ears furiously, should make efforts to be considered as such.Ahriel frowned. I did not know that place. In his seventeen years of service in Karish had come allthe kingdom, and does not remember ever having seen such a landscape.

-Why have brought me here?" He asked. Eravery aware that it was out of the cell on their own feet. After some thought, meant thatMarla had decided to send her away to not interfere with his plans."Oh, but I'm not staying here," said the angel.

-I have a mission."In his mind returned, with complete clarity, all the details of what had happened after the murder of CountAren. When reminded the man who had crippled wings, a shiver went down her spine, and the stocksseemed to oppress more. Ahriel felt the pain more intensely, and could not suppress a groan.-I have to save Marla from the clutches of those miserable murmured.The sound of his own voice a little comforted. He tried to get up. His legs trembled still, but notwas that what made Ahriel fall back to the ground with a crash. The Angel tried to get up again andstaggered. He realized then that although the legs seemed to have regained strength, had difficultybalance now that I could not move the wings. He sighed. He sat back on the floor and thought about hisnext move.Was invalid and unarmed in the middle of a desert. If he could fly, your first reaction would have beenrise high in the air to scout and find out in which direction was Karishia.

Now, nothad no choice but to walk.She sighed again and slowly stood up. He tried to keep his balance. Then he took a couple of steps,hesitantly. He fell again, bruising knees. He got up. Again and again.Until finally managed to get used to walking that way, unable to use their wings to keep thebalance because, although the wings were still there, now they were just a dead weight on his back.Then he paused to scan the horizon. He had a clear vision that characterized all the angels, and coulddistinguish a column of smoke rising on the horizon, between the mountains. Staggering, he went tothere.Night fell on it when it reached the base of the ridge. The night was dark, no stars. Ahrielhad to give up to keep walking. He sat in the lee of a huge rock, wrapped in his thin robewhite and curled up on the floor, shivering. It was very cold, and the stocks would not let him stick the wings to the bodyto wrap around them and thus enter into heat.Shivering, Ahriel fell into a light sleep. However, his senses were alert, if someoneapproached, however careful go quietly stand in, was awake long before he could reachher.Hours later, thunder made her jump up, instinctively, even before we could wake ofeverything. When he took charge of the situation, the fact alone does not follow the least reassured. Heavy andDark clouds covered the night sky, and the air was laden with moisture. But did not carry the freshness ofrain, but a musty odor, rotten and sticky.

Ahriel rushed for cover, and found an opening in therock just as the sky began to download on earth a heavy rainstorm. Ahriel warnedimmediately that what fell was a sickening muddy water. He was glad to have been driven by instinct andhave sought refuge. The mud would have stuck to their wings, their feathers to dry petrifying. But the paingave him the stocks quickly reminded that, however, could not fly.He turned to look at the shelter, and realized that was deeper than it had first assumedbeginning. That bothered her, and said I should not have gone in there without checking if the cave was inhabitedor not. It was the place, they said, which produced a strange effect on her. That, and the stocks that was painfullyclinging to his back, and he tried in vain to forget. In other circumstances would not have made that mistake.He put his hand to his belt and remembered that he was unarmed. He breathed deeply. He sensed something besides putrid odorrain.As had been assumed, there was something alive in that cavern.He tried to compose himself. I was totally helpless. Though I could not fly and his movements stillawkward until you get used to do without the wings for balance, though he was weak and unarmed, evencould defend themselves if attacked.Or so he thought, until he saw the creature lunged at her from the darkness.

It was a huge worm, or so it seemed. Misshapen body dragged her long legs on nasty pinkthat seemed to have been placed randomly in the air and groped for something to adhere to. The Beastadvanced multiple moving appendages on his face blind, groping the walls of the tunnel, revealing adrooling mouth twisted and frightening.Ahriel froze. I've never seen anything like it, but above all, he had never felt anything like itthat transmitting the creature above the anger and hunger, over his murderous intent, that poorbeast felt an indescribable pain. Ahriel quickly understood why: the being seemed to have left the delusionalcreation of a madman. It was as if someone had wanted to mold with some kind of clay figure and had lefthalf. It was a misshapen creature, imperfect, incomplete. And his misshapen body caused him excruciating pain.It was this discovery which prevented Ahriel react before the monstrous worm hurl theirappendages on it. Angel jumped back, but could not help that one of the slimy tentacles hit herwith extraordinary strength, throwing the rocks. Ahriel moaned in pain. He crawled as he could after therocks, toward the exit. Groping appendages worm cave behind her.Ahriel dragged on, desperately trying to escape. When the first drops of rain muddyfell on his head felt also that one of the tentacles coiled around his ankle. Tried Ahrielpull away, but the creature pulled her in, pulling her toward his mouth. The angel clung to a ledge. TheWorm pulled harder, and Ahriel heard something break, felt a sharp pain in the ankle and knew that ithad fractured. He grabbed a stone and hit her appendix that held. Being not seem to notice, butAhriel insisted until the creature let out a screeching sound and released.Ahriel as he crawled out of the cave. Worm paws heard splashing in the mud andrealized he was following. He got up and limped tried to win the game in that race for itslife. The worm was slow and heavy, but she could not take much more, and knew that, if he did something, soonreach. He stumbled and fell in the mud, but not stopped. He crawled up his hands encountereda rock formation. He looked up and saw at the foot of a mountain. He began to climb up, and continuedso without looking back, and did not stop when the rocks tore his robe muddy, or when your fingers andknees began to bleed. Only when his hands slipped and she fell on a flat rock, exhausted,granted a moment of rest. No need to look to know that the child was no longer pursued.Ahriel breath. The rain was still falling heavily on her, she was hurt, dirty, tired andhungry, but, at least, was still alive.

-What kind of creature was that?" He said, with a shudder

.-What kind of place is this? '.He lifted his head to look around. The thick curtain of rain hampered visibility, but Ahriel reacheddistinguish a flash of light just beyond.He got up and limped followed.It was a fire. The angel also saw the four figures who sat around him, the shelter of aoutcrop guarding the flame of the rain. Breath, relieved, and walked.There were three men and one woman. They saw her come out of the darkness, and watched with suspicion. Ahrieltried to lift up their wings, but the stocks stopped him. Anyway, they were covered in mud and had no ormuch less look as impressive as usual.'Greetings,' she said.The others did not respond. They kept looking at her questioningly, but it took much more than that forAhriel her feel uncomfortable.'Greetings,' he repeated. My name Ahriel, and would appreciate reservaseis me dry and warm place next tofire, so you can rest and heal my wounds.The four finally reacted. Two of them exchanged a quick glance, the third stared at hershamelessly and women managed a wry smile.- What will you give in return? Asked seemed to be the leader, a braided beard guy smiletoothless.

Ahriel was puzzled. Nobody had ever asked anything for a bit of entertainment.

Everyoneknew that angels were fighting for good and justice, and some superstitious thought they brought good luck.Wherever he went, the men felt very honored to host it at home, and the women asked himbless her babies.Studied more closely to the group, and realized that they seemed anything but honest. They wore clothestattered, wore their hair long and shaggy and although crude weapons displayed, all wood, itseyes had a sinister smile shine so perverse.'Perhaps I have not explained well-said more coolly. I have asked you to welcome me tonight.He advanced to the firelight bathed her figure, but he did limp, and his entry was not tootriumphant. However, appreciated by the change in their expressions that they had already noticed her wings.'Perhaps you did not you understand,' said one of the men, staring at her with a twinkle calculatorin his eyes. I have wondered why we are going to give in return.'I have nothing to give you. So I ask ...-Let her approach interrupted the leader, with a smile.-But, Yuba ...We're not going to leave the poor lady left for dead on this storm, right? Replied the callYuba, with a sinister smile.The woman laughed contemptuously, and Ahriel was about to reply that she was no "poorlady "and was not at all" abandoned to their fate ', but she bit her tongue and moved to stand next tofire. She pretended not to notice the looks that those individuals going about their wings, now soiled with mud.-It seems that you manage well here, 'said the woman.Ahriel brief look at him, but said nothing.- You always this cocky?'I'm not conceited,' she said softly. I'm an angel. I am.The woman laughed again. But then straightened Ahriel as moved by a spring.Someone had touched their wings.He turned quickly and saw that two of the three men were after her. She felt that she stoodand also approached her. Ahriel breath. She had let her guard down because she was tired and hurt, and nowhad surrounded and wielding their weapons: sticks, stakes and arrows.'Do not move,' said one of them muttered. Who are you?-Like I said she said. I'm an angel.All the more reason for the kill growled another.- Are you crazy? Yuba replied. The King of the Swamp will pay very well for such a creature.-That if it escapes before flying with its wings.-But you can not move them said another. Have not you noticed?The guy grabbed roughly one Ahriel wings, and she uttered a cry of warning. But mannot let go. The angel squirmed and lightning speed, beat his opponent, who was thrown intoback and fell dramatically over the muddy ground.The other retreated a little, and Ahriel breath. This was ridiculous.

Never before had put ina group of human distress. Of course, never before found so exhausted, physically and psychologically, andhad lost the ability to fly. Not to mention the broken ankle.Still, it was ridiculous.-You do not know who you face said, calmly. For less than this you could spend the rest of your daysin Gorlian.Those words, far from intimidating, the enraged, much more than I would have expected Ahriel. Itpounced on her. One of them threw a stone to the head of the angel. She ducked, but the stonehit painfully on the shoulder, and the woman took that moment to throw a rope around his neck. Pulledit, and the angel put his hands to his throat, feeling suffocated. He tried to pull away, but she did notcollected more rope.'Very funny, angelita Yuba said. But that very funny. I know that a visit to the King of the Swamp is not going toresultarte nice, but, sorry, not going to kill you to get rid of it.Ahriel was not listening. One of her captors had grabbed by the left wing. Nobody hadever dared to ...But then he remembered the man who had set the trap and shuddered.And decided it had humiliated enough.He gathered strength and, with a sudden movement that they did not expect, kicked into the hands of thewoman, who dropped the rope with a groan of pain. Ahriel then turned Yuba, which had fallenTherefore, and menacingly brandishing a club. Ignoring the pain, Ahriel struck the arm of hisopponent and the stick went flying through the air.The four looked at her with respect.'I've decided I do not want your hospitality,' she said coldly.And slowly, limping, went out again in the rain.He did not turn to see what made the three men and the woman. He had earned his hatred for life, but he knewAlso they would not dare to openly attack again. But try to stick a knife in the backwhen asleep.Even heard among the din of the rain, the voice of women:

- Never get out of here! Do you hear me? Never! And when this place not through with you as you showarrogant!Ahriel not listen.He kept walking, ignoring the pain in his ankle and his shoulder and looking simply to refer thestorm or morning came, and meanwhile searched the shadows around, looking for a placesheltered place to rest and recuperate. If he sank into a healing sleep when awakened theirwounds have healed, but that meant sleeping so deeply that could awaken in the stomach of agiant worm without having heard it coming.So Ahriel continued on, hoping to reach some place that offered him a minimum of trust.Walked long hours in the rain, sharp cliffs climbed, crawled uphill and slid down the mountain.When tired, cold, hunger, thirst and pain became unbearable, Ahriel collapsed full lengthon a mud puddle, and stayed there.His last thoughts before losing consciousness, were to Marla.

Chapter IV

Ahriel woke up in a warm, dry place. For a moment he thought he had been the victim of one of those baddreams that plagued humans at night. But the pain produced the stocks that gripped its wingsrecalled that this was real, very real.Fortunately, Ahriel was well trained and, even though he was completely clear, had not yeteyes open and had made no movement. I could sense the presence of another person in the room, andbelieved that it would still sound asleep.He set to work the rest of their senses to learn more about the situation in which he found himself.She was lying on a hard cot and a blanket covering his body rough and thin, that seemed made of some kindskin. He listened and mentally analyzed the sounds coming to her. The steps, fast, safe andenergetic, certainly belonged to a man, but not very big. But those steps were irregular, andAhriel concluded that there was little room to move and certainly was avoiding obstacles. A sounddeaf and muttered a curse under his breath came to confirm his theory was a man, a young man, and had justtrip over something.Continued to analyze the sounds. He caught the crackling of a fire, the sound of rain pounding on the roof, onecouple leaks a little further ... He heard the young man threw something in a clay pot, and the smell ofstew came to her clearly. He could not identify what was made, but caught a faint smell of siltthat maybe it was the type of water used.Ahriel weighed his alternatives. In case you had to fight, his opponent certainly did not seem verydifficult to overcome. Although Ahriel not know if he was armed, and he had not heard the sound it produced a swordhitting against the thigh of a man in motion. But the young man could carry a dagger. By the waymove, Ahriel had deduced it was very quick and fast. And you had to count on the fact that, at thatroom so small, he would move more easily than she, who had to have the dead weight of its wingsto the back.He wondered if this room would be part of a larger home, and if there would be more people in it.He waited a while, but did not hear anyone enter. The boy pulled the pot from the fire and poured the stew into a bowl.While eating, Ahriel advantage to open some eyes and peer through narrowed eyelids.He discovered that he was in a shack manufactured from flotsam and jetsam, and that the room was tinyvarious objects filled with wood and clay. But above all, he looked at the young man who ate sitting on the floor withlegs crossed.Had the same appearance as the people who had attacked in the cave ragged shaggyscruffy. However, as Ahriel had guessed, it was big. It looked more like a bag of bones.That yours thinness made him look taller than he was.Ahriel also noticed in his face, partially hidden by a beard revolt. He appreciated that his faceelongated gave him some foxy expression.The angel continued watching until finished eating and placed the bowl in a corner. I saw him rise,stretch like a cat and move casually towards her. She closed her eyes as she felt him coming, but theyoung man just took something that was near the cot. Ahriel heard him turn around and walk away again into the fire.He opened his eyes again ...And his eye fell ... with other eyes, dark and inquisitive, who watched with curiosity.'Good morning,' said the man.

 

 

Ahriel joined lightning speed, shoved him and placed in a defensive position. The younghad caught, and that meant it was more stealthy, fast and observant than most humanswith which the angel had occasion to treat.- Who are you? He demanded Ahriel.The young man grinned mockingly.-The person who saved you when you were thrown out there, completely soaked, wounded and deadcold. Is not that enough?-In certain circumstances, the angel replied coolly. Who are you?The man's face hardened.-Well. My name is Bran. You're in my house, and I'm asking the questions. Who are you?I'm not at home by choice she pointed out.Bran shrugged.'Very well. You can leave if you want. I'm not going to stop. But I think Tora and yours have leftgame tonight, and the Mad Mac is still at large. In addition, the Butcher has expanded its territory to thenorth, and that what about here more than I would like. Not to mention the fact that the King of the Swamp andcertainly know you're here, and I'm convinced that will have much interest in meeting you. Ah! And by the way,still raining heavily.Ahriel relaxed just a little.- You expect me to believe I'm safe in here?-No place is completely safe here. But yes, it is safer to walk outdoors.Ahriel said nothing. He was still staring at the man, trying to decide if it was legit.-I suppose you're wondering why I saved your life, 'he added. Now you should have givenrealized that here no one gives anything for nothing. And I'm no different. So if you thought for a momentI helped you out of pity, out of kindness or whatever ... forget it, okay? I do not want you to have an ideawrong of me.'Do not I have. What do you want then?, Why did you help me?Bran shrugged again.-Out of curiosity. Yes, I know that curiosity is not healthy, especially in a place like this. And the truth, I have notsurvived as long as they stuck where it does not belong. In fact, when I saw you lying there I was about to givearound, but then I saw your wings, and well, my attention, so ...

- Where am I? Angel-cut.-In the Northern Sector. Northwest of the Cordillera and not far from the Swamp.- What range? What swamp?-The Cordillera said the man, losing patience. La Cienega. Only one ridge andbog, and can not see any other in what's left of your life, so go making her the idea.- What makes you think I'd stay here forever?-The fact that, as everyone knows, no one has ever escaped from the prison of Gorlian.The name fell on Ahriel as a bludgeon. He turned to his partner and stared.- What did you say? He asked, though he had heard perfectly.-I said Gorlian. What's up, do not you know where you've gone?Ahriel not respond. He was lost in a frantic whirlwind of thoughts that struggled tocontrol.In his later years at Karish, Ahriel had sent many criminals there, but neverpersonally gone to prison. She was confined to lock them in the dungeons of the palace and the next day,simply, they were gone. Ahriel knew there was a series of guardians who take care of theconvicted, but had not seen very often, and had never spoken to them. The truth was that he had nono idea where it was located Correctional Gorlian.

 

But that made no sense. If you were in Gorlian, where were the cells, the bars?, Wherewas the main building?, why criminals went free?He looked Bran.'You lie,' he said. Gorlian is a prison, not a wasteland.The young man laughed sarcastically.-And of course, you know it like the back of your hand.Ahriel not respond.-This place is a prison-damn the man continued. And if it is a wasteland: a barrenand died in the south and a stinking swamp in the north. Both are divided by the Cordillera, a jumble of rockssharp and treacherous. Here there is virtually nothing grows, and is plagued by what we call, for want of another namebest, beasts or monsters: monstrous creatures and instincts hateful murderers. Nobody knows where they haveout these beings, who created and how they have appeared here, but the Desert, Swamp and the Cordillera arefull of them. Our relationship with them is simple: either we eat, or eat us.Ahriel recalled his encounter with the worm cave and suppressed a shudder.We live as wild-concluded Bran. We are the dregs of society, and no one remembersus. Now we can not steal, kill or decent rip people: we steal, kill and estafamos betweenus. In our struggle for survival we learn not to trust anyone. Partnerships are short and endbeing betrayed in favor of their own advantage. In the end, only the strong survive and the brightest, notlong time. Although it does not matter: Gorlian always reach new occupants ... like you.Ahriel left him with alacrity.-I should not be here, 'he said. Marla Queen ...-Do not say that name here, said Bran. Do not, unless it is to curse. She waswho created this prison.-To punish criminals.The human's eyes flashed dangerously, and crossed his face a crooked smile.- Really? Do you know how many innocent people have ended his days here? Do not? Anyone who daresstand in the way of Queen Marla Gorlian be in before you know it ...Ahriel could not help remembering Kendal. He wondered how long it would have taken the young bard in thatlugar.Se up, determined, and headed for the door.- Where are you going?I'm going to get out of here.'You're mad. You can not leave here. He paused and glanced at Ahriel wings. Although suchtime flying ...

I can no longer fly, she replied dryly, but leave here. Lead me to the prison guards.-There are no guards. Nobody cares about this place. Have not you heard? We dumped here and then we forget.But you can not escape. Gorlian limits ... not carry over. Many have tried before you,but none of them ever has.They were human, she replied softly.'I've seen that you're not. But what makes you think you're better than us? I rescued you thereout, and I'm a human.He was wounded Ahriel replied. Since I'm not. Can they do that the humans?The young man opened his mouth to reply, but stared at her and found that all his wounds hadhealed spontaneously. He watched her from head to toe as she walked the room with his eyes, lookingwarm clothes and a weapon that may help.-I know what you said finally. You're an angel.Ahriel saw no need to respond.

 

-And I've only heard of one-Bran continued: the guardian angel of the queen Marla. It's you, right?Ahriel turned to him, pointing furs hanging from a ledge on the wall.- What animal belonged?-A two-headed monster misplaced. But listen ...Ahriel skin turned from in disgust and left the hut without a word. The cursed humanbreath and went after her.Outside, the rain had subsided, but the scenery was still as bleak. Advanced Ahriel determined. Youhard to believe that Marla had knowledge of that awful place to send their criminals. No doubt some ofthey deserved such a fate, but, as I said Bran, other ...Ahriel shook his head. Those were dark men, as the individual who had placed the stocks in thewings, and were necromancers, dark monks or worshipers of the shadows, which undoubtedly exerted a badinfluence on his protégé. And she, Ahriel, had not known him in time, but could still make amends.Just had to get out of there, back to Karishia, clean up and restore the kingdom Marla to the path of good. Only ...-If you're really the Queen Angel Marla, you are not welcome here, 'said the man's voice behind her.Ahriel not answer.-Your queen has ruined the lives of all men and women of Gorlian insisted the young man. Everyone will wantyou dead.'I will not stay here long. His partner shrugged. 'As you wish. I cantake you to the limits of Gorlian for you to see for yourself. Ahriel turned to him.- And do you ask me to change? Bran smiled.-You learn she said. I'll explain: As you have seen, I'm not very big. And withoutBut I have been here a long time. I managed to survive thanks to my cunning, and the fact that so far Igone off, but I've managed to everyone I know. But the truth is that I know themall better than they think he smiled. I'm worth it to keep throwing.-Get to the point Ahriel said. You talk too much.'News travels fast in Gorlian' he continued. I know I beat up guys Yuba. Aagainst four and came out winning. That means, angel, you're in trouble. Yuba want revenge and, on the other hand, theKing of the Swamp will be interested in having you control. You may be good but you will not last here if youall against you. What I propose is this: I teach you how to survive in Gorlian and take you to the limitsfrom prison. If you find a way to escape, take me with you. If not ... say, simply, that Ineed a favor.- Would you stop that? How do you know that I will fulfill my part of the bargain?I know little of the angels, but I do know that you have a high sense of honor and duty-smiled again-. If it's true what they say about you, no wonder it is Marla rid of you. What I do notunderstand is why we took so long to see you here.Ahriel ignored the comment.'So, if I can not leave here, I'll owe you a favor. What do you mean by that?-It's my way of surviving. I always know what people need and where to get it. Most of thepeople here owes me.-But they will return the favor ...The man shook his head.-Some consider me as to what things must. Not only know what people need, butAlso ... and this is the most important ... secrets that would not be willing to tell: vulnerabilities, plans,strategies, information hiding ... I use to my advantage. Haggling. Make deals ...-Scams and extort-understood the angel, looking disgusted.Again, Bran shrugged.-If you have a minimum sense of honor, no need trys to you too. I think what you have proposed sounds reasonable. What do you say?

 

Ahriel mused. Stoop felt that if he accepted work with a trickster like this, but had torecognize that he was in a strange world and must survive in it ... to get back to Marla.He turned to the man and offered his hand.

-I accept.

He smiled, and shook it.-You will not regret. By the way ...

I still do not know your name?.

-My name is Ahriel.

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