Temple Hill - Drew Karpyshyn [85]
It was pointless to argue. Corin knew how stubborn Lhasha could be; now he understood where she got it from. Fendel also spoke the truth. With a mage by his side-even a minor spellcaster-his odds of success were much higher.
Corin shrugged. "So be it. We'll go together."
Fendel gave a curt nod then turned his attention back to the map.
"Look here," the gnome said, pointing a gnarled finger at a point on the page. "If I remember right, we can get into the sub-tunnels through a secret door somewhere around here. If the cult's info on Xiliath is accurate, the sub-tunnels should then take us straight under his treasure room."
Corin took a closer look and saw the route as the gnome traced it with his gnarled finger-a straight line running beneath the larger network of caves, right through the heart of the area Azlar had marked on his own map as Xiliath's lair.
The sub-tunnels are well hidden,'' Fendel continued. "If we're lucky, even Xiliath himself might not know about them. No guards, no alarms. In and out in a matter of minutes, and no one the wiser."
"As soon as night falls, we'll go in," Fendel added. "That'll give me some time to get my things together, make sure this potion from the cult can really do what they claim, and memorize a few spells. Plus, it'll give you a chance to rest. When was the last time you slept? I've seen liches who looked more alive than you."
"I got some rest a couple nights ago. A few hours. Before Lhasha and I went to the warehouse." Two straight days without sleep. Corin had gone much longer on forced marches with the White Shields. That night he and Lhasha broke into the warehouse seemed a long, long way from where he was now.
The gnome nodded. "It shows. If you don't get some rest you won't be much use when we go after Lhasha."
Everything Fendel said was true, arguing would only waste time and energy. For Lhasha's sake, Corin consented to his orders. "I'll lie down. But I doubt I can sleep."
Fendel rummaged around his workshop again, and produced a crystal flask of clear liquid. Take a swig of this. Itll knock you out. One gulp, no more. I don't want you waking up a tenday from now."
Corin took the bottle from Fendel's hand and popped the stopper out.
"Better he down first," Fendel warned. "It works fast."
Heeding the gnome's advice, the soldier went into the small bedroom attached to the back of Fendel's workshop and stretched out on the bed in the corner. His feet dangled off the end of the tiny mattress, but at least it was comfortable. He could hear Fendel rummaging around in the workshop.
"Now, where did I stash my spellbooks?" the gnome muttered as the door separating the bedroom and the workshop slowly closed, drawn shut by the springs Fendel had installed on its hinges.
Corin took a sniff of the liquid. Odorless. He raised the flask to his lips. One long drink, two coughing gasps of surprise as the liquid burned down his throat, a three-count while he waited for the potion to take effect-and Corin knew no more.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
By the light streaming through the window when he awoke, Corin knew it was early evening. He had slept For nearly twelve hours, but he wasn't stiff or sore at all. Fendel's elixir had left him feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and even the cuts and bruises from his fight with Graal had all but vanished. He got to his feet and went back into the workshop to find Fendel.
The gnome glanced over from his workbench to the stirring warrior.
"Feeling better?" He didn't bother to wait for the answer he already knew. "I have something for you."
Clasped in his wrinkled, grimy hands was a gleaming metal arm. The light from the setting sun glinted off the fingers