{"id":1846,"date":"2026-01-03T21:56:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T21:56:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/heritage-of-shannara-04-brooks-terry\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T21:56:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T21:56:06","slug":"heritage-of-shannara-04-brooks-terry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/heritage-of-shannara-04-brooks-terry\/","title":{"rendered":"Heritage of Shannara 04 – Brooks, Terry"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Book Preview<\/h3>\n
\n

\nTalismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nTerry Brooks<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBusk settled down about the Four Lands, a slow graying<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof light, a gradual lengthening of shadows. The swelter<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof the late summer’s day began to fade as the sun’s red<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfireball sank into the west and the hot, stale air cooled. The<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhush that comes with day’s end stilled the earth, and leaves<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand grass shivered with expectation at the coming of night.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAt the mouth of the Mermidon where it emptied into the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\nRainbow<\/span>\n<\/placename>\n <\/span>\n\nLake<\/span>\n<\/placetype>\n, Southwatch rose blackly, impenetrable and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nvoiceless. The wind brushed the waters of the lake and river,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nyet did not approach the obelisk, as if anxious to hurry on to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsome place mere inviting. The air shimmered about the dark<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntower, heat radiating from its stone in waves, forming spectral<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nimages that darted and flew. A solitary hunter at the water’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nedge glanced up apprehensively as he passed and continued<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nswiftly on.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWithin, the Shadowen went about their tasks in ghostly si-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlence, cowled and faceless and filled with purpose.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nRimmer Dall stood at a window looking out on the darken-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning countryside, watching the color fade from the earth as the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnight crept stealthily out of the east to gather in its own.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe night, our mother, our comfort.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe stood with his hands clasped behind his back, rigid<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwithin his dark robes, cowl pulled back from his rawboned,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nred-bearded face. He looked hard and empty of feeling, and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad he cared he would have been pleased. But it had been a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlong time since his appearance had mattered to the First<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSeeker\u2014a long time since he had bothered even to wonder.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n2<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis outside was of no consequence; he could be anything he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nchose. What burned within mattered. That gave him life.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis eyes glittered as he looked beyond what he was seeing<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto what one day would be.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo what was promised.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe shifted slightly, alone with his thoughts in the tower’s si-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlence. The others did not exist for him, wraiths without sub-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstance. Below, deep within the bowels of the tower, he could<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhear the sounds of the magic at work, the deep hum of its<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbreathing, the rumble of its heart. He listened for it without<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthinking now, a habit that brought reassurance to his troubled<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmind. The power was theirs, brought from the ether into sub-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstance, given shape and form, lent purpose. It was the gift of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Shadowen, and it belonged to them alone.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDruids and others notwithstanding.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe tried a faint smile, but his mouth refused to put up with<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nit and it disappeared in the tight line of his lips. His gloved left<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhand squirmed within the clasp of the bare fingers of his right.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPower for power, strength for strength. On his breast, the silver<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwolf’s-head insignia glittered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThrum, thrum, came the sound of the magic working down<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbelow.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nRimmer Dall turned back into the grayness of the room\u2014a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nroom that until recently had held Coil Ohmsford prisoner. Now<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Valeman was gone\u2014escaped, he believed; but let go in fact<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand made prisoner another way. Gone to find his brother. Par.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe one with the real magic.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe one who would be his.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe First Seeker moved away from the window and seated<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhimself at the bare wooden table, the weight of his big frame<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncausing the spindly chair to creak. His hands folded on the ta-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nble before him and his craggy face lowered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAll the Ohmsfords were back in the Pour Lands, all the sci-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nons of Shannara, returned from their quests. Walker Boh had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncome back from Eldwist despite Pe Ell, the Black Elfstone re-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngained, its magic fathomed, Paranor brought back into the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nworld of men, and Walker himself become the first of the new<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDruids. Wren Elessedil had come back from Morrowindl with<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArborlon and the Elves, the magic of the Elfstones discovered<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>3<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nanew, her own identity and heritage revealed. Two out of three<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof Allanon’s charges fulfilled. Two out of three steps taken.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar’s was to be the last, of course. Find the Sword of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShannara. Find the Sword and it will reveal the truth.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nGames played by old men and shades, Rimmer Dall mused.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nCharges and quests, searches for truth. Well, he knew the truth<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbetter than they, and the truth was that none of this mattered<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbecause in the end the magic was all and the magic belonged<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto the Shadowen.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt grated on him that despite his efforts to prevent it, both<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Elves and Paranor were back. Those he had sent to keep<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Shannara scions from succeeding had failed. The price<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof their failure had been death, but that did little to assuage his<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nannoyance. Perhaps he should have been angry\u2014perhaps even<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\na little worried. But Rimmer Dall was confident in his power,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncertain of his control over events and time, assured that the fu-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nture was still his to determine. Though Teel and Pe EU had dis-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nappointed him, there were others who would not.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThrum, thrum, the magic whispered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd so …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nRimmer Dall’s lips pursed. A little time was all that was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nneeded. A little time to let events he had already set in motion<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfollow their course, and then it would be too late for the Druid<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndead and their schemes. Keep the Dark Uncle and the girl<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\napart. Don’t let them share their knowledge. Don’t let them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\njoin forces.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDon’t let them find the Valemen.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat was needed was a distraction, something that would<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nkeep them otherwise occupied. Or better still, something that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould put an end to them. Armies, of course, to grind down<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Elves and the free-bom alike. Federation soldiers and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShadowen Creepers and whatever else he could muster to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsweep these fools from his life. But something more, some-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthing special for the Shannara children with all their magics<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand Druid charms.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe considered the matter for a long time, the gray twilight<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nchanging to night about him. The moon rose in the east, a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nscythe against the black, and the stars brightened into sharp<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npinpricks of silver. Their glow penetrated the darkness where<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe First Seeker sat and transformed his face into a skull.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n4\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nYes, he nodded finally.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Dark Uncle was obsessed with his Druid heritage. Send<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhim something to play against that weakness, something that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould confuse and frustrate him. Send him the Four Horse-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmen.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the girl. Wren Elessedil had lost her protector and ad-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nviser. Give her someone to fill that void. Give her one of his<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nown choosing, one who would soothe and comfort her, who<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould ease her fears, then betray her and strip her of every-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthing.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe others were no serious threat\u2014not even the leader of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe free-bom and the Highlander. They could do nothing with-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nout the Ohmsford heirs. If the Dark Uncle was imprisoned in<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis Keep and the Elf Queen’s brief reign ended, the Druid<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nshade’s carefully constructed plans would collapse about him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAllanon would sink back into the Hadeshorn with the rest of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis ghost kin, consigned to the past where he belonged.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nYes, the others were insignificant.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut he would deal with them anyway.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd even if all his efforts failed, even if he could do noth-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning more than chase them about, harry them as a dog would its<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nprey, still that would be sufficient if in the end Par Ohmsford’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsoul fell to him. He needed only that to put an end to all of the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhopes of his enemies. Only that. It was a short walk to the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nprecipice, and the Valeman was already moving toward it. His<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbrother would be the staked goat that would bring him, that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould draw him like a wolf at hunt. Coil Ohmsford was deep<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nunder the spell of the Mirrorshroud by now, a slave to the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmagic from which the cloak was formed. He had stolen it to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndisguise himself, never guessing that Rimmer Dall had in-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntended as much, never suspecting that it was a deadly snare to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nturn him to the First Seeker’s own grim purpose. Coil<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOhmsford would hunt his brother down and force a confronta-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntion. He would do so because the cloak would let him do noth-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning less, settling a madness within him that only his brother’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndeath could assuage. Par would be forced to fight. And be-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncause he lacked the magic of the Sword of Shannara, because<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis conventional weapons would not be enough to stop the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShadowen-kind his brother had become, and because he would<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>5<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbe terrified that this was yet another trick, he would use the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwishsong’s magic.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPerhaps he would kill his own brother, but this time kill him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nin truth, and then discover\u2014when it was too late to change<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthings back\u2014what he had done.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd perhaps not. Perhaps he would let his brother escape\u2014<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand be led to his doom.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe First Seeker shrugged. Either way, the result would be<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe same. Either way the Valeman was finished. Use of the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmagic and the series of shocks that would surely result from<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndoing so would unbalance him. It would free the magic from<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis control and let him become Rimmer Dall’s tool. Rimmer<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDall was certain of it. He could be so because unlike the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShannara scions and their mentor he understood the Elven<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmagic, his magic by blood and right. He understood what it<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwas and how it worked. He knew what Par did not\u2014what was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhappening to the wishsong, why it behaved as it did, how it<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad slipped its leash to become a wild thing that hunted as it<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nchose.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar was close. He was very close.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe danger of grappling with the beast is that you will be-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncome it.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe was almost one of them.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSoon it would happen.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThere was, of course, the possibility that the Valeman would<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndiscover the truth about the Sword of Shannara before then.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWas the weapon he carried, the one Rimmer Dall had given up<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nso easily, the talisman he sought or a fake? Par Ohmsford still<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndidn’t know. It was a calculated risk that he would not find<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nout. Yet even if he did, what good would it do him? Swords<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwere two-edged and could cut either way. The truth might do<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar more harm than good …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nRimmer Dall rose and walked again to the window, a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nshadow in the night’s blackness, folded and wrapped against<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe light. The Druids didn’t understand; they never had.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAllanon was an anachronism before he had even become what<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nBremen<\/span>
\n<\/state>
\n intended him to be. Druids\u2014they used the magic like<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfools played with fire: astounded at its possibilities, yet terri-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfied of its risks. No wonder the flames had burned them so of-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nten. But that did not prevent them from refusing their<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmysterious gift. They were so quick to judge others who<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsought to wield the power\u2014the Shadowen foremost\u2014to see<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthem as the enemy and destroy them.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAs they had destroyed themselves.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut there was symmetry and meaning in the Shadowen vi-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsion of life, and the magic was no toy with which they played<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbut the heart of who and what they were, embraced, protected,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand worshipped. No half measures in which life’s accessibility<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwas denied or self-serving cautions issued to assure that none<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould share in the use. No admonitions or warnings. No<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngamesplaying. The Shadowen simply were what the magic<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould make them, and the magic when accepted so would<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmake them anything.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe tree-tips of the forests and the cliffs of the Runne were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndark humps against the flat, silver-laced surface of the Rain-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbow <\/span>
\nLake<\/span>
\n. Rimmer Dall gazed out upon the world, and he saw<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhat the Druids had never been able to see.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThat it belonged to those strong enough to take it, hold it,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand shape it. That it was meant to be used.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis eyes burned the color of blood.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was ironic that the Ohmsfords had served the Druids for<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nso long, carrying out their charges, going on their quests, fol-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlowing their visions to truths that never were. The stories were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlegend. Shea and Flick, Wil, Brin and Jair, and now Par. It had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nall been for nothing. But here is where it would end. For Par<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould serve the Shadowen and by doing so put an end forever<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto the Ohmsford-Druid ties.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Par. Par. Par.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nRimmer Dall whispered his name soothingly to the night. It<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwas a litany that filled his mind with visions of power that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnothing could withstand.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nFor a long time he stood at the window and allowed himself<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto dream of the future.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen abruptly he wheeled away and went down into the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntower’s depths to feed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nII<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe cellar beneath the gristmill was thick with shadows,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe faint streamers of light let through by gaps in the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfloorboards disappearing rapidly into twilight. Chased<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfrom his safe hole through the empty catacombs, pinned finally<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nagainst the blocked trapdoor through which he had thought to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nescape. Par Ohmsford crouched like an animal brought to bay,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Sword of Shannara clutched protectively before him as the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nintruder who had harried him to this end stopped abruptly and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nreached up to lower the cowl that hid his face.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Lad,” a familiar voice whispered. “It’s me.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe cloak’s hood was down about the other’s shoulders,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand a dark head was laid bare. But still the shadows were too<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngreat …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe figure stepped forward tentatively, the hand with the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlong knife lowering. “Par? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe intruder’s features were caught suddenly in a hazy wash<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof gray light, and Par exhaled sharply.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Padishar!” he exclaimed in relief. “Is it really you? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe long knife disappeared back beneath the cloak, and the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nother’s laugh was low and unexpected. “In the flesh. Shades,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI thought I’d never find you! I’ve been searching for days, the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhole of Tyrsis end to end, every last hideaway, every burrow,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand each time only Federation and Shadowen Seekers wait-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe came forward to the bottom of the stairs, smiling<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbroadly, arms outstretched. “Come here, lad. Let me see you.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar lowered the Sword of Shannara and came down the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsteps in weary gratitude. “I thought you were … I was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nafraid …”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd then Padishar had his arms about him, embracing him,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nclapping him on the back, and then lifting him off the floor as<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nif he were sackcloth.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Par Ohmsford!” he greeted, setting the Valeman down fi-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnally, hands gripping his shoulders as he held him at arm’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlength to study him. The familiar smile was bright and care-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nless. He laughed again. “You look a wreck!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar grimaced. “You don’t look so well-kept yourself.” There<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwere scars from battle wounds on the big man’s face and neck,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnew since they had parted. Par shook his head, overwhelmed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I guess I knew you had escaped the Pit, but it’s good seeing<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nyou here to prove it.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Hah, there’s been a lot happen since then, Valeman, I can<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntell you that!” Padishar’s lank hair was tousled, and the skin<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nabout his eyes was dark from lack of sleep. He glanced<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nabout. “You’re alone? I didn’t expect that. Where’s your<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbrother? Where’s Damson? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar’s smile faded. “Coil …” he began and couldn’t finish.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Padishar, I can’t…” His hands tightened about the Sword of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShannara, as if by doing so he might retrieve the lifeline for<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhich he suddenly found need. “Damson went out this mom-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning. She hasn’t come back.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar’s eyes narrowed. “Out? Out where, lad? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Searching for a way to escape the city. Or in the absence<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof that, another hiding place. The Federation have found us ev-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nerywhere. But you know. You’ve seen them yourself. Padishar,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhow long have you been looking for us? How did you manage<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto find this place? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe big hands fell away. “Luck, mostly. I tried all the places<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI thought you might be, the newer ones, the ones Damson had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlaid out for us during the previous year. This is an old one, five<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nyears gone since it was prepared and not used in the last three.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI only remembered it after I’d given up on everything else.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe started suddenly. “Lad!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\non the Sword in Par’s hands. “Is that it? The Sword of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShannara? Have you found it, then? How did you get it out of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Pit? Where … ?”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut suddenly there was a scuffling of boots on wooden steps<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>9<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfrom the darkness behind, a clanking of weapons, and a raising<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof voices. Padishar whirled. The sounds were unmistakable.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArmed men were descending the back stairs to the room Par<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad just vacated, come through the same door that had brought<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar. Without slowing, they swept into the tunnels beyond,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nguided by torches that smoked and sputtered brightly in the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnear black.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar wheeled back, grabbed Par’s arm, and dragged him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntowards the trapdoor. “Federation. I must have been followed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr they were watching the mill.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar stumbled, trying to pull back. “Padishar, the door\u2014”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Patience, lad,” the other cut him short, hauling him bodily<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto the top of the stairs. “We’ll be out before they reach us.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe slammed into the door and staggered back, a look of dis-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbelief on his rough face.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I tried to warn you,” Par hissed, freeing himself, glancing<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nback toward the pursuit. The Sword of Shannara lifted menac-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ningly. “Is there another way out? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar’s answer was to throw himself against the trapdoor<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nrepeatedly, using all of his strength and size to batter through<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nit. The door refused to budge, and while some of its boards<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncracked and splintered beneath the hammering they did not<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngive way.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Shades!” the outlaw leader spit.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nFederation soldiers emptied out of the passageway into the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nroom. A black-cloaked Seeker led them. They caught sight of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar and Par frozen on the trapdoor steps and came for<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthem. Broadsword in one hand, long knife in the other,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar wheeled back down the steps to meet the rush. The<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfirst few to reach him were cut down instantly. The rest<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nslowed, turned wary, feinting and lunging cautiously, trying to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncripple him from the side. Par stood at his back, thrusting at<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthose who sought to do^ so. Slowly the two backed their way<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nup the stairs and out of reach so that their attackers were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nforced to come at them head on.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was a losing fight. There were twenty if there was one.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOne good rush and it would be all over.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar’s head bumped sharply against the trapdoor. He turned<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlong enough to shove at it one final time. Still blocked. He felt<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\na well of despair open up inside. They were trapped.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe knew he would have to use the wishsong.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBelow, Padishar launched himself at their attackers and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndrove them back a dozen steps.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar summoned the magic and felt the music rise to his lips,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstrangely dark and bitter-tasting. It hadn’t been the same since<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis escape from the Pit. Nothing had. The Federation soldiers<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nrallied in a counterattack that forced Padishar back up the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstairs. Sweat gleamed on the outlaw’s strong face.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen abruptly something shifted above and the trapdoor<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nflew open. Par cried out to Padishar, and heedless of anything<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nelse they rushed up the steps, through the opening, and into the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmill.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDamson Rhee was there, red hair flying out from her<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncloaked form as she sped toward a gap in the sideboards of the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmill wall, calling for them to follow. Dark forms appeared sud-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndenly to block her way, yelling for others. Damson wheeled<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ninto them, quick as a cat. Fire sprang from her empty hand,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nscattering into shards that flew into her attackers’ faces. She<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwent spinning through them, the street magic flicking right and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nleft, clearing a path. Par and Padishar raced to follow, howling<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlike madmen. The soldiers tried in vain to regroup. None<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nreached Par. Fighting as if possessed, Padishar killed them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhere they stood.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen they were outside on the streets, breathing the humid<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnight air, sweat streaking their faces, breath hissing like steam.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDarkness had fallen in a twilight haze of grit and dust that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhung thickly in the narrow walled corridors. People ran<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nscreaming as Federation soldiers appeared from all directions,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nshouting and cursing, throwing aside any who stood in their<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nway.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWithout a word. Damson charged down an alleyway, leading<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar and Par into a blackened tunnel stinking of garbage<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand excrement. Pursuit was instant, but cumbersome. Damson<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntook them through a cross alley and into the side door of a tav-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nern. They pushed through the dimly lit interior, past men<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhunched over tables and slumped in chairs, around kegs, and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npast a serving bar, then out the front door.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nA shabby, slat-board porch with a low-hanging roof<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstretched away to either side. The street was deserted.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara 11<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Damson, what kept you? ” Par hissed at her as they ran.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“That trapdoor …”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“My fault, Valeman,” she snapped angrily. “I blocked the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndoor with some machinery to hide it. I thought it would be<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsafer for you. I was wrong. But I didn’t bring the soldiers.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey must have found the place on their own. Or followed<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar.” The big man started to speak, but she cut him short.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Quick, now. They’re coming.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd from out of the shadows in front and behind them, the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndark forms of Federation soldiers poured into the street. Dam-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nson spun about, cut back toward the far row of buildings, and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntook them down an alleyway so tight it was a close squeeze<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\njust to pass through. Howls of rage chased after them.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“We have to get back to the <\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\nTyrsian Way<\/span>
\n<\/address>\n

<\/street>
\n!” she gasped<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbreathlessly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey burst through an entry to a market, skidding on food<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nleavings, grappling with bins. A pair of high doors barred then-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nway. Damson struggled futilely to free the latched crossbar,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand finally Padishar shattered it completely with a powerful<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nkick.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSoldiers met them as they burst free, swords drawn.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar swept into them and sent them flying. Two went<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndown and did not move. The rest scattered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSudden movement to Par’s left caused him to turn. A Seeker<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nrose up out of the night, wolf’s head gleaming on his dark<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncloak. Par sent the wishsong’s magic into it in the form of a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmonstrous serpent, and the Seeker tumbled back, shrieking.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDown the street they ran, cutting crosswise to a second<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstreet and then a third. Par’s stamina was being tested now, his<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbreathing so ragged it threatened to choke him, his throat dry<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwith dust and fear. He was still weak from his battle in the Pit,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnot yet fully recovered from the damage caused by the magic’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nuse. He clutched the Sword of Shannara to his breast protec-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntively, the weight of it growing with every step.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey rounded a comer and paused in the lee of a stable<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nentry, listening to the tumult about them grow.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“They couldn’t have followed me!” Padishar declared sud-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndenly, spitting blood through cracked lips.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDamson shook her head. “I don’t understand it, Padishar.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n12\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey’ve known all the safe holes, been there at each, waiting.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nEven this one,”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe outlaw chief’s eyes gleamed suddenly with recognition.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I should have seen it earlier. It was that Shadowen, the one<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwho killed Hirehone, the one that pretended to be the Dwarf!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar’s head jerked up. “Somehow he discovered our safe holes<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand gave them all away, just as he did the Jut!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Wait! What Dwarf?” Par demanded in confusion.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut Damson was moving again, drawing the other two after,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncharging down a walkway and through a square connecting<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhalf-a-dozen cross streets. They pushed wearily on through the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nheat and gloom, moving closer to the <\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\nTyrsian Way<\/span>
\n<\/address>\n

<\/street>
\n, to the city’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmain street. Par’s mind whirled with questions as he staggered<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndeterminedly on. A Dwarf gave them away? Steff or Teel\u2014or<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsomeone else? He tried to spit the dryness from his throat.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat had happened at the Jut? And where, he wondered sud-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndenly, was Morgan Leah?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nA line of soldiers appeared suddenly to block the way<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nahead. Damson quickly pushed Padishar and Par into the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbuilding shadows. Crowded against the darkened wall, she<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npulled their heads close.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I found the Mole,” she whispered hurriedly, glancing right<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand left as new shouts rose. “He waits at the leatherworks on<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nTyrsian Way<\/span>
\n<\/address>\n

<\/street>
\n to take us down into the tunnels and out of the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncity.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“He escaped!” breathed Par.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I told you he was resourceful.” Damson coughed and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsmiled. “But we have to reach him if he’s to do us any good\u2014<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nacross the <\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\nTyrsian Way<\/span>
\n<\/address>\n

<\/street>
\n and down a short distance from those<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsoldiers. If we get separated, don’t stop. Keep going.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen before anyone could object, she was off again, darting<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfrom their cover into an alleyway between shuttered stores.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar managed a quick, angry objection, and then charged<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nafter her. Par followed. They emerged from the alleyway into<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe street beyond and turned toward the <\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\nTyrsian Way<\/span>
\n<\/address>\n

<\/street>
\n. Soldiers<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nappeared before them, just a handful, searching the night.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar flew at them in fury, broadsword swinging with a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nglint of wicked silver light. Damson took Par left past the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfighters. More soldiers appeared, and suddenly they were ev-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nerywhere, surging from the dark in knots, milling about wildly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>13<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe moon had gone behind a cloud bank, and the streetlamps<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwere unlit. It was so dark that it was impossible to tell friend<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfrom foe. Damson and Par struggled through the melee, twist-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning free of hands that sought to grab them, shoving away from<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbodies that blocked their path. They heard Padishar’s battle<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncry, then a furious clash of blades.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAhead, the night erupted suddenly in a brilliant orange flash<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nas something exploded at the center of the Way.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“The Mole!” Damson hissed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey charged toward the light, a pillar of fire that flared into<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe darkness with a whoosh. Bodies rushed past, going in every<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndirection. Par was spun about, and suddenly he was separated<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfrom Damson. He turned back to find her and went down in<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\na tangle of arms and legs as a fleeing soldier collided with<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhim. The Valeman struggled up, calling her name frantically.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Sword of Shannara reflected the orange fire as he turned<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfirst one way and then the other, crying out.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen Padishar had him, appearing out of nowhere to lift him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\noff his feet, sling him over one shoulder, and break for the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsafety of the darkened buildings. Swords cut at them, but<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar was quick and strong, and no one was his match this<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnight. The leader of the free-bom launched himself through the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlast of the milling Federation soldiers and onto the walkway<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat ran the length of the buildings on the far side of the Way.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDown the walk he charged, leaping bins and kegs, kicking<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\naside benches, darting past the supporting posts of overhangs<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand the debris of the workday.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe leatherworks sat silent and empty-seeming ahead.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar reached it on a dead run and went through the door<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nas if it weren’t there, blunt shoulder lowering to hammer the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nportal completely off its hinges.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nInside, he swung Par down and wheeled about in fury.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThere was no sign of Damson.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Damson!” he howled.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nFederation soldiers were closing on the leatherworks from<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nevery direction.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar’s face was streaked red and black with blood and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndust. “Mole!” he cried out in desperation.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nA furry face poked out of the shadows at the rear of the fac-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n14\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntory. “Over here,” the Mole’s calm voice advised. “Quickly,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nplease.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar hesitated, still looking for Damson, but Padishar<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsnatched hold of his tunic and dragged him away. “No time,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlad!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole’s bright eyes gleamed as they reached him, and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe inquisitive face lifted expectantly. “Lovely Damson … ?”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhe began, but Padishar quickly shook his head. The Mole<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nblinked, then swung away wordlessly. He took them through a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndoor leading to a series of storage rooms, then down a stairway<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto a cellar. Along a wall that seemed sealed at every juncture,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhe found a panel that released at a touch, and without a back-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nward glance he took them through.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey found themselves on a landing joined to a stairway<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat ran down the city’s sewers. The Mole was home again. He<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntrundled down into the dank, cool catacombs, the light barely<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsufficient to enable Padishar and Par to follow. At the bottom<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof the stairs he passed a sooty blackened torch to the outlaw<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nleader, who knelt wordlessly to light it.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“We should have gone back for her!” Par hissed at Padishar<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nin fury.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe other’s battle-scarred face rose from the shadows, look-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning as if it were chiseled from stone. The look he gave Par was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nterrifying. “Be silent, Valeman, before I forget who you are.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe sparked a flint and produced a small flame at the pitch-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncoated torch head, and the three started down into the sewer<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntunnels. The Mole scurried steadily ahead through the smoky<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngloom, picking his way with a practiced step, leading them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndeeper beneath the city and away from its walls. The shouts of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npursuit had died completely, and Par supposed that even if the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nFederation soldiers had been able to find the hidden entry, they<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould have quickly lost their way in the tunnels. He realized<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsuddenly that he was still holding the Sword of Shannara and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nafter a moment’s deliberation slipped it carefully back into its<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsheath.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe minutes passed, and with every step they took Par de-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nspaired of ever seeing Damson Rhee again. He was desperate<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto help her, but the look on Padishar’s face had convinced him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat for the moment at least he must hold his tongue. Certainly<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar must be as anxious for her as he was.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>15<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey crossed a stone walkway that bridged a sluggish flow<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand passed into a tunnel whose ceiling was so low they were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nforced to crouch almost to hands and knees. At its end, the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nceiling lifted again, and they navigated a confluence of tunnels<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto a door. The Mole touched something that released a heavy<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlock, and the door opened to admit them.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nInside they found a collection of ancient furniture and old<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndiscards that if not the same ones the Mole had been in danger<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof losing in his flight from the Federation a week ago were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncertainly duplicates. The stuffed animals sat in an orderly row<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\non an old leather couch, button eyes staring blankly at them as<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthey entered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole crossed at once, cooing softly, “Brave Chalt,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsweet Everlind, my Westra, and little Lida.” Other names were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmurmured, too low to catch. “Hello, my children. Are you<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwell? ” He kissed them one after the other and rearranged them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncarefully. “No, no, the black things won’t find you here, I<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npromise.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar passed the torch he was carrying to Par, crossed to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\na basin, and began splashing cold water on his sweat-encrusted<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nface. When he was finished, he remained standing there. His<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhands braced on the table that held the basin, and his head<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhung wearily.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Mole, we have to find out what happened to Damson.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole turned. “Lovely Damson? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“She was right next to me,” Par tried to explain, “and then<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe soldiers got between us\u2014”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I know,” Padishar interrupted, glancing up. “It wasn’t your<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfault. Wasn’t anybody’s. Maybe she even got away, but there<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwere so many …” He exhaled sharply. “Mole, we have to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nknow if they have her.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole blinked lazily and the sharp eyes gleamed. “These<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntunnels go beneath the Federation prisons. Some go right into<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe walls. I can look. And listen.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar’s gaze was steady. “The Gatehouse to the Pit as<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwell. Mole.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThere was a long silence. Par went cold all over. Not Dam-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nson. Not there.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I want to go with him,” he offered quietly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“No.” Padishar shook his head for emphasis. “The Mole<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwill travel quicker and more quietly.” His eyes were filled with<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndespair as they found Par’s own. “I want to go as much as you<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndo, lad. She is …”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe hesitated to continue, and Par nodded. “She told me.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey stared at each other in silence.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole crossed the room on cat’s feet, squinting in the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nglare of the light from the torch Par still held. “Wait here until<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI come back,” he directed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd then he was gone.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nIll<\/span>
\n<\/state>
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n^f t had been a long and arduous journey that brought Par<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI Ohmsford from his now long-ago meeting at the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n4w Hadeshom with the shade of Allanon to this present<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nplace and time, and as he stood in the Mole’s underground lair<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstaring at the ruins and discards of other people’s lives he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncould not help wondering how much it mirrored his own.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDamson.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe squeezed his eyes shut against the tears that threatened<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto come. He could not face what losing her would cost. He<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwas only beginning to realize how much she meant to him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Par,” Padishar spoke his name gently. “Come wash up, lad.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou’re exhausted.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar agreed. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbeaten down in every way possible, the strength drained from<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhim, the last of his hope shredded like paper under a knife.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe found candles set about and lit them off the torch before<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nextinguishing it. Then he moved to the basin and began to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwash, slowly, ritualistically, cleansing himself of grime and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsweat as if by doing so he was erasing all the bad things that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad befallen him in his search for the Sword of Shannara.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Sword was still strapped to his back. He stopped halfway<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthrough his bathing and removed it, setting it against an old bu-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nreau with a cracked mirror. He stared at it as he might an en-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nemy. The Sword of Shannara\u2014or was it? He still didn’t know.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis charge from Allanon had been to find the Sword, and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthough once he had believed he had done so, now he was faced<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwith the possibility that he had failed. His charge had been all<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbut forgotten in the aftermath of Coil’s death and the struggle to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n27<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n18\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstay alive in the catacombs of Tyrsis. He wondered how many<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof Allanon’s charges had been forgotten or ignored. He won-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndered if Walker or Wren had changed their minds.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe finished washing, dried himself, and turned to find<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar seated at a three-legged table whose missing limb had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbeen replaced by an upended crate. The leader of the free-bom<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwas eating bread and cheese and washing it down with ale. He<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbeckoned Par to a place that had been set for him, to a waiting<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nplate of food, and the Valeman walked over wordlessly, sat<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndown, and began to eat.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe was hungrier than he had thought he would be and con-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsumed the meal in minutes. All about him, the candles sput-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntered and flared in the near darkness like fireflies on a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmoonless night. The silence was broken by the distant sound<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof water dripping.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“How long have you known the Mole? ” he asked Padishar,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnot liking the empty feeling the quiet fostered within him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar pursed his lips. His face was scratched and cut so<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbadly that he looked like a badly formed puzzle. “About a year.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDamson took me to meet him one day in the park after nightfall.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI don’t know how she met him.” He glanced over at the stuffed<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nanimals. “Peculiar fellow, but taken with her, sure enough.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar nodded wordlessly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar leaned back in his chair, causing it to creak. ‘Tell<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nme about the Sword, lad,” he urged, moving the ale cup in front<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof him, twisting it between his fingers. “Is it the real thing? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar smiled in spite of himself. “Good question, Padishar. I<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwish I knew.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen he told the leader of me free-bom what had befallen him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsince they had struggled together to escape the Pit\u2014how Dam-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nson had found the Ohmsford brothers in the People’s Park, how<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthey had met the Mole, how they had determined to go back<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndown into the Pit a final time to gain possession of the Sword,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhow he had encountered Rimmer Dall within the vault and been<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhanded what was said to be the ancient talisman with no struggle<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nat all, how Coil had been lost, and finally how Damson and he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad been running and hiding throughout Tyrsis ever since.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat Par didn’t tell Padishar was how Rimmer Dall had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwarned him that, like the First Seeker, Par, too, was a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShadowen. Because if it was the truth …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I carry it, Padishar,” he finished, dismissing the prospect,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngesturing instead toward the dusty blade where it leaned against<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe bureau, “because I keep thinking that sooner or later I’ll be<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nable to figure out whether or not it is real.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar frowned darkly. “There’s a trick being played here<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsomewhere. Rimmer Dall’s no friend to anyone. Either the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nblade is a fake or he has good reason to believe that you can’t<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmake use of it.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIf I’m a Shadowen …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar swallowed against his fear. “I know. And so far I can’t.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI keep testing it, trying to invoke its magic, but nothing hap-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npens.” He paused. “Only once, when I was in the Pit, after<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nCoil … I picked up the Sword from where I had dropped it,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand the touch of it burned me like live coals. Just for a min-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nute.” He was thinking it through again, remembering. “The<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwishsong’s magic was still live. I was still holding that fire<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsword. Then the magic disappeared, and the Sword of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShannara became cool to the touch again.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe big man nodded. “That’s it, then, lad. Something about<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe wishsong’s magic interferes with use of the Sword of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nShannara. It makes some sense, doesn’t it? Why not a clash of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmagics? If it’s so, Rimmer Dall could give you the Sword and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnever have to worry one whit.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar shook his head. “But how would he know it would<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwork that way? ” He was thinking now that it was more likely<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe First Seeker knew the Sword was useless to a Shadowen.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“And what about Allanon? Wouldn’t he know as well? Why<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould he send me in search of the Sword if I can’t use it? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar had no answers to any of these questions, of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncourse, so for a moment the two simply stared at each other.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen the big man said, “I’m sorry about your brother.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar looked away momentarily, then back again. “It was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDamson who kept me from …” He caught his breath sharply.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Who helped me get past the pain when I thought it was too<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmuch to bear.” He smiled faintly, sadly at the other. “I love<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nher, Padishar. We have to get her back.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar nodded. “If she’s lost, lad. We don’t know anything<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfor sure.” His voice sounded uncertain, and his eyes were wor-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nried and distant.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n20 The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Losing Coil is as much as I can stand.” Par would not let<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis gaze drop.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I know. We’ll see her safely back, I promise.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar reached for the ale jug, poured a healthy measure<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ninto his own cup, and, as an afterthought, added a small amount<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto Par’s. He drank deeply and set the cup down carefully. Par<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsaw that he had said as much as he wanted to on the matter.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Tell me of Morgan,” Par asked quietly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Ah, the Highlander.” Padishar brightened immediately.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Saved my life in the Pit after you and your brother escaped.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSaved it again\u2014along with everyone else’s\u2014at the Jut. Bad<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbusiness, that.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd he proceeded to relate what had happened\u2014how the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSword of Leah had been shattered in their escape from the Pit<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand its Shadowen, how the Federation had tracked them to the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJut and laid siege, how the Creepers had come, how Morgan<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad divined that Teel was a Shadowen, how the Highlander,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSteff, and he had tracked Teel deep into the caves behind the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJut where Morgan had faced Teel alone and found just enough<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof his broken Sword’s magic to destroy her, how the free-born<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad slipped away from the Federation trap, and how Morgan<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhad left them then to go back to Culhaven and the Dwarves so<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat he might keep his promise to the dying Steff.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“I gave him my promise that I would go in search of you,”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar concluded. “But I was forced to lie quiet at Firerim<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nReach first while my broken arm mended. Six weeks. Still ten-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nder, though I don’t show it. We were supposed to meet Axhind<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand his Rock Trolls at the Jannisson two weeks past, but I got<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nword to them to make it eight.” He sighed. “So much time lost<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand so little of it to lose. It’s one step forward and two back.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnyway, I finally healed enough to keep my end of the bargain<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand come find you.” He laughed wryly. “It wasn’t easy. Every-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhere I looked the Federation was waiting.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Teel, then, you think? ” Par asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe other nodded. “Had to be, lad. Killed Hirehone after<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstealing his identity and his secrets. Hirehone was trusted; he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nknew the safe holes. Teel\u2014the Shadowen\u2014must have gotten<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat information from him, drained it from his mind.” He spat.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Black things! And Rimmer Dall would pretend to be your<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfriend! What lies!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara 21<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr worse, the truth. Par thought, but didn’t say it. Par feared<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat his affinity with the First Seeker, whatever its nature, let<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nRimmer Dall glean the secrets he would otherwise keep<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhidden\u2014even those he was not immediately privy to, those<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nkept by his friends and companions.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was a wild thought. Too wild to be believed. But then<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmuch of what he had encountered these past few weeks was of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe same sort, wasn’t it?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBetter to believe that it was all Teel, he told himself.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Anyway,” Padishar was saying, “I’ve set guards to watch the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nReach ever since we settled there, because Hirehone knew of it<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nas well, and that means the Shadowen may know too. But so far<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nall’s been quiet. A week hence we keep the meeting with the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nTrolls, and if they agree to join we have an army to be reckoned<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwith, the beginning of a true resistance, the core of a fire that<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwill bum right through the Federation and set us free at last.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“At the Jannisson still? ” Par asked, thinking of other things.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“We leave as soon as I return with you. And Damson,” he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nadded quickly, firmly. “A week is time enough to do it all.” He<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndidn’t sound entirely sure.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“But Morgan’s not come back yet? ” Par pressed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar shook his head slowly. “Don’t worry about your<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfriend, lad. He’s tough as leather and swift as light. And deter-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmined. Wherever he is, whatever he’s doing, he’ll be fine.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWe’ll see him one day soon.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOddly enough. Par was inclined to agree. If ever there was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsomeone who could find a way out of any mess, it was Mor-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ngan Leah. He pictured his friend’s clever eyes, his ready smile,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe hint of mischief in his voice, and found that he missed him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nvery much. Another of his journey’s casualties, lost somewhere<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nalong the way, stripped from him like excess baggage. Except<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe analogy was wrong\u2014his friends and his brother had given<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntheir lives to keep him ‘safe. All of them, at one time or an-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nother. And what had he given them in return? What had he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndone to justify such sacrifice?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat good had he accomplished?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis eyes fell once more upon the Sword of Shannara, trac-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning the lines of the upraised hand with its burning torch. Truth.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Sword of Shannara was a talisman for truth. And the truth<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n22 The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhe most needed to discover just now was whether this blade<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfor which so much had been given up was real.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHow could he do that?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAcross from him Padishar stretched and yawned. “Time to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nget some rest. Par Ohmsford,” he advised, rising. “We need<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nour strength for what lies ahead.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe moved to the couch on which the stuffed animals were<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nseated, gathered them up perfunctorily, and plopped them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndown on a nearby chair. Turning back to the couch, he settled<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhimself comfortably on the worn leather cushions, boots hang-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ning off one end, head cradled in the crook of one arm. In mo-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nments he was snoring.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar stayed awake for a time watching him, letting the dark<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthoughts settle in his mind, keeping his resolve from scattering<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlike leaves in a wind storm. He was afraid, but the fear was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnothing new. It was the eroding of hope that unsettled him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmost, the crumbling of his certainty that whatever happened he<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould find a way to deal with it. He was beginning to wonder<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nif that was so anymore.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe rose finally and went to the chair where Padishar had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndumped the stuffed animals. Carefully he gathered them up\u2014<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nChalt, Lida, Westra, Everlind and the others\u2014and carried them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto where the Sword of Shannara leaned up against the bureau.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOne by one, he arranged them about the Sword, placing them<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nat watch\u2014as if by doing so they might aid him in keeping the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndemons from his sleep.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhen he was finished, he walked to the back of the Mole’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlair, found some discarded cushions and old blankets, made<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhimself a pallet in a comer dominated by a collection of old<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npaintings, and lay down.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe was still listening to the sound of water dripping when<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhe finally drifted off to sleep.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhen he woke again, he was alone. The couch where<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar had been sleeping was empty and the Mole’s chambers<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwere silent. All of the candles were extinguished save for one.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar blinked against the sharp pinprick of light, then peered<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nabout into the gloom, wondering where Padishar had gone. He<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nrose, stretched, walked to the candle, used it to light the others,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand watched the darkness shrink to scattered shadows.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe had no idea how long he had slept; time lost all meaning<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>23<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwithin these catacombs. He was hungry again, so he made<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhimself a meal from some bread, cheese, fruit, and ale, and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nconsumed it at the three-legged table. As he ate, he stared fix-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nedly across the room at the Sword of Shannara, propped in the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncomer, surrounded by the Mole’s children.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSpeak to me, he thought. Why won’t you speak to me?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe finished eating, shoving the food in his mouth without<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntasting it, drinking the ale without interest, his eyes and his<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmind focused on the Sword. He pushed back from the table,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwalked over to the blade, lifted it away from its resting place,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand carried it back to his chair. He balanced it on his knees for<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\na time, staring down at it. Then finally he pulled it free of its<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nscabbard and held it up before him, turning it this way and<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat, letting the candlelight reflect off its polished surface.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis eyes glittered with frustration.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nTalisman or trickster\u2014which are you?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIf the former, something was decidedly wrong between<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthem. He was the descendant of Shea Ohmsford and his Elven<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nblood was as good as that of his famous ancestor, he should<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhave been able to call up the power of the Sword with ease. If<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nit was the Sword in truth, of course. Otherwise … He shook<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis head angrily. No, this was the Sword of Shannara. It was.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe could feel it in his bones. Everything he knew of the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSword, everything he had learned of it, all the songs he had<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsung of it over the years, told him that this was it. Rimmer<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDall would not have given him an imitation; the First Seeker<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwas too eager that Par accept his guidance in the matter of his<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmagic to risk alienating him with a lie that would eventually<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nbe discovered. Whatever else Rimmer Dall might be, he was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nclever\u2014far too clever to play such a simple game …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar left the thought unfinished, not as certain as he wanted<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nto be that he was right. Still, it felt right, his reasoning sound,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis sense of things balanced, Rimmer Dall wanted him to ac-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncept that he was a Shadowen. A Shadowen could not use the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nElven magic of the blade because …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBecause why?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe truth would destroy him, perhaps, and his own magic<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwould not allow it?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut when the Sword of Shannara had burned him in the Pit<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nafter he had destroyed Coil and the Shadowen with him, hadn’t<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n24\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nit been the blade’s magic that had reacted to his rather than the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nother way around? Which magic was resisting which?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe gritted his teeth, his hands clenching tightly about the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSword’s carved handle. The raised hand with its torch pressed<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nagainst his palm, the lines sharp and clear. What was the prob-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlem between them? Why couldn’t he find the answer?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe shoved the blade back into its scabbard and sat unmoving<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nin the candle-lit silence, thinking. AUanon had given him the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncharge to find the Sword of Shannara. Him, not Wren or Walker,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand they had Elven Shannara blood as well, didn’t they?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAUanon had sent him. Familiar questions repeated themselves in<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis mind. Wouldn’t the Druid have known if such a charge was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npointless? Even as a shade, wouldn’t he have been able to sense<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthat Par’s magic was a danger, that Par himself was the enemy?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nUnless Rimmer Dall was right and the Shadowen weren’t the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nenemy\u2014the Druids were. Or perhaps they were all enemies of a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsort, combatants for control of the magic, Shadowen and Druid,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nboth fighting to fill that void that had been created at AUanon’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndeath, that vacuum left by the fading of the last real magic.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWas that possible?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar’s brow furrowed. He ran his fingers along the Sword’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npommel and down the bindings of the scabbard.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhy was the truth so difficult to discover?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe found himself wondering what had become of all the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nothers who had started out on the journey to the Hadeshom.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSteff and Teel were dead. Morgan was missing. Where was<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nCogline? What had become of him after the meeting with<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAllanon and the giving of the charges? Par found himself<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwishing suddenly that he could speak with the old man about<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Sword. Surely Cogline would be able to make some sense<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof all this. And what of Wren and that giant Rover? What of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWalker Boh? Had they changed their minds and gone on to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfulfill their charges as he had?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAs he thought he had.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis eyes, staring into the space before him, lowered again to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Sword. There was one thing more. Now that he had posses-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsion of the blade\u2014perhaps\u2014what was he supposed to do with<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nit? Giving AUanon the benefit of the doubt on who was good<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nand who was bad and whether Par was doing the right thing,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhat purpose was the Sword of Shannara supposed to serve?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>25<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat truth was it supposed to reveal?<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe was sick of questions without answers, of secrets being<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nkept from him, of lies and twisted half-truths that circled him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlike scavengers waiting to feast. If he could break just a single<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlink of this chain of uncertainty and confusion that bound him,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nif he could sever but a single tie …<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe door slipped open across the room, and Padishar ap-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npeared through the opening. ‘There you are,” he announced<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncheerfully. “Rested, I hope? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar nodded, the Sword still balanced on his knees. Padishar<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nglanced down at it as he crossed the room. Par let his grip<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nloosen. “What time is it? ” he asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Midday. The Mole hasn’t come back. I went out because I<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthought I might be able to leam something about Damson on<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nmy own. Ask a few questions. Poke my nose in a few holes.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe shook his head. “It was a waste of time. If the Federation<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhas her, they’re keeping it quiet.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe slumped down on the sofa, looking worn and discour-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\naged, “If he isn’t back by nightfall, I’ll go out again.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar leaned forward. “Not without me.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar glanced at him and grunted. “I suppose not. Well,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nValeman, perhaps we can at least avoid another trip down into<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Pit …”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe stopped, aware suddenly of what that implied, then<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlooked away uncomfortably. Par lifted the Sword of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfrom his knees and placed it next to him on the floor. “She<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntold me that you were her father, Padishar.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe big man stared at him wordlessly for a moment, then<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nsmiled faintly. “Love seems to cause all sons of foolish talk.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe rose and walked to the table. “I’ll have something to eat<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nnow, I think.” He wheeled about abruptly, and his voice was as<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhard as stone. “Don’t ever repeat what you just said. Not to<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nanyone. Ever.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe waited until Par nodded, then turned his attention to put-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nting together a meal. He ate from the same scraps of food as<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Valeman, adding a bit of dried beef he scavenged from a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfood locker. Par watched him without comment, wondering<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhow long father and daughter had kept their secret, thinking<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhow hard it must have been for both of them. Padishar’s chis-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n26\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>The Talismans of Shannara<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\neled features lowered into shadow as he ate, but his eyes glit-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntered like bits of white fire.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhen he was finished, he faced Par once more. “She<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npromised\u2014she swore\u2014never to tell anyone.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar looked down at his clasped hands. “She told me be-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncause we both needed to have some reason to trust the other.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWe were sharing secrets to gain that trust. It was right before<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwe went down into the Pit that last time.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar sighed. “If they find out who she is\u2014”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“No,” Par interrupted quickly. “We’ll have her back before<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthen.” He met the other’s penetrating gaze. “We will,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar Creel nodded. “We will, indeed. Par Ohmsford. We<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwill, indeed.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was several hours later when the Mole appeared sound-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlessly through the entryway, sliding out of the dark Hke one of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nits shadows, eyes blinking against the candlelight. His fur<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nstood on end, bristling from his worn clothes and giving him<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe look of a prickly scrub. Wordlessly he moved to extinguish<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nseveral of the lights, leaving the larger part of his chambers<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nshrouded once more in the darkness with which he was com-<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfortable. He scooted past to where his children sat clustered on<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe floor, cooed softly to them for a moment, gathered them up<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntenderly, and carried them back to the sofa.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe was still arranging them when Padishar’s patience ran out.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“What did you find out? ” the big man demanded heatedly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n‘Tell us, if you think you can spare the time!”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole shifted without turning. “She is a prisoner.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar felt the blood drain from his face. He glanced quickly at<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar and found the big man on his feet, hands clenched.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Where? ” Padishar whispered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole took a moment to finish settling Chalt against a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ncushion and then turned. “In the old Legion barracks at the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nback of the inner wall. Lovely Damson is kept in the south<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwatchtower, all alone.” He shuffled his feet. “It took me a long<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ntime to find her.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar came forward and knelt so that they were at eye<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlevel. The scratches on his face were as red as fire. “Have<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthey …” He groped for the words. “Is she all right? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Talismans of Shannara\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>27<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole shook his head. “I could not reach her.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPar came forward as well. “You didn’t see her? “<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“No.” The Mole blinked. “But she is there. I climbed<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthrough the tower walls. She was just on the other side. I could<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhear her breathe through the stone. She was sleeping.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Valeman and the leader of the free-born exchanged a<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nquick glance. “How closely is she watched? ” Padishar pressed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole brought his hands to his eyes and rubbed gently<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwith his knuckles. “Soldiers stand watch at. her door, at the<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nfoot of the stairs leading up, at the gate leading in. They patrol<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe halls and walkways. There are many.” He blinked. “There<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nare Shadowen as well.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar sagged back. “They know,” he whispered harshly.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“No,” Par disagreed. “Not yet.” He waited for Padishar’s<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\neyes to meet his own. “If they did, they wouldn’t let her sleep.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey’re not sure. They’ll wait for Rimmer Dall\u2014just as they<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\ndid before.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar stared at him wordlessly for a moment, a glimmer<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nof hope showing on his rough features. “You might be right.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSo we have to get her out before that happens.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“You and me,” Par said quietly. “We both go.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe leader of the free-bom nodded, and an understanding<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npassed between them that was more profound than anything<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwords could have expressed. Padishar rose and they faced each<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nother in the gloom of the Mole’s shabby chambers, resolve<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhardening them against what most certainly lay ahead. Par<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\npushed aside the unanswered questions and the confusion over<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nthe Sword of Shannara. He buried his doubts over the use of<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhis own magic. Where Damson was concerned, he would do<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nwhatever it took to get her free. Nothing else mattered.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“We will need to get close to her,” Padishar declared softly,<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nlooking down at the Mole. “As close as we can without being<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nseen.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mole nodded solemnly. “I know a way.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe big man reached out to touch his shoulder. “You will<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nhave to come with us.”<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n“Lovely Damson is my best friend,” the Mole said.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPadishar nodded and took his hand away. He turned to Par.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Read the full book by downloading it below.<\/p>\n

DOWNLOAD EPUB<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Preview Talismans of Shannara Terry Brooks \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 I \u00a0 Busk settled down about the Four Lands, a slow graying of light, a gradual lengthening of shadows. The swelter of the late summer’s day began to fade as the sun’s red fireball sank into the west and the hot, stale air cooled. The … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1845,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[96],"class_list":["post-1846","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-terry-brooks"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1846","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1846"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1846\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1846"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1846"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}