Pool of Radiance_ Ruins of Myth Drannor - Carrie Bebris [87]
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
On previous visits to the Speculum, the party had not even noticed the Gate of Antarn. Under Anorrweyn’s blessing, however, they clearly saw the solid pair of wooden doors that barred access to the building’s winding exterior staircase. As soon as they neared the tip of the dragon’s tail, the ancient oak doors creaked open to grant them entry.
Before proceeding, Kestrel cast a wary glance at the sky. “Let’s be quick about this.” Already, the sun dipped low. In an hour’s time dusk would settle on the city. She’d no wish to stand exposed on the roof of the Speculum at all, let alone once darkness fell. Already, shadows gathered on rooftops and behind clouds.
The spiraling stone staircase proved narrow and in poor repair. Ballistae had smashed many of the steps, leaving some sections impossible to surmount without Kestrel’s rope and grappling hook. They climbed single-file, with Kestrel leading the way and Durwyn bringing up the rear. Kestrel repeatedly studied the sky, unable to shake the feeling that someone watched them from above.
“Do you see something?” Corran, immediately behind her, also raised his gaze heavenward.
“No. Not yet.” She searched the clouds a moment longer. How often did Pelendralaar leave his lair to swoop through the skies? “This just seems too easy.”
“Tell that to Durwyn.” Even in his new lightweight armor, the big man was having trouble picking his way along the narrow, rubble-strewn staircase. He sent scree cascading with every other step. Kestrel observed the steep incline and smaller width of the stairs yet ahead-and the craters where steps used to be-and prayed the warrior would maintain his balance. Even she had trouble finding footing in some places.
Kestrel heard Ghleanna’s voice call from behind Corran. “How do we find the ‘focal point’ the baelnorn mentioned once we reach the top?”
“No idea,” Corran confessed, to Kestrel’s surprise. She could not recall a previous instance of the paladin admitting to ignorance, “I’m hoping Anorrweyn will be waiting for us when we get there.”
Kestrel paused and glanced around. They had climbed about a third of the way to the top and reached an elevation that provided a panoramic view of the Heights. Shadows dappled the structures below and grew longer with each passing minute. The setting sun also played tricks on her eyes-she could have sworn she saw movement on the ledge of a nearby building, but on second look she saw only grim statues perched watchfully along the rooftop. Gargoyles. She’d heard stories of the winged, horned beasts animating and taking flight, but she’d never put any stock in the accounts. Nursery tales, meant to scare children into staying indoors after dark. That’s all she’d ever believed them to be.
She was starting to reconsider that opinion.
They climbed higher. The faint breeze that had tousled her hair now became a steady wind. The sun dipped behind the horizon, leaving only its upper hemisphere visible. Kestrel hated this time of day-twilight made the eyes play tricks. Were they halfway up the staircase, or further? Was that movement just now, off to the left? Though dusk could often prove a thief’s best friend, right now she wished for full dark rather than the murky, ambiguous half-light.
She stopped once more and listened to the wind. She’d swear on Quinn’s grave that she heard low, guttural voices followed by the flapping of wings. Was that too an illusion, a trick of the atmosphere? “Do you hear that?” she asked Corran.
The paladin never had a chance to answer.
A woosh from above was all the warning they had before a pair of gargoyles swooped down at them. Kestrel ducked instinctively, while Corran raised his shield to block the sharp stone claws that reached toward him. The creatures shrieked at the failure of their surprise attack, then circled for another run.
“What in blazes was that?” Durwyn asked.