“ Then you will die or be our slaves ; the latter choice only delaying your demise .” As he finished speaking , each member of Grona ’ s band felt a wave of evil wash over and through their bodies . They trembled , wanting to speak out against such a fear , yet whilst mouths opened , all attempts to speak proved to be futile . They tried to move , wanting to escape , but desperate legs refused to obey . Control of their bodies returned slowly but when eventually released from such power they sank to the rocky ground . With eyes as wide as platters they looked at each other , one by one . A shake of heads and slowly they rose , their legs unsteady .
“ What do you want from us ?” Lowis said ; his mind racing with possibilities . Without thinking his hand strayed to the hilt of his sword , but just as quickly he pulled his sword arm away .
“ There is a danger in your world . It could affect ours . You must stop it .” “ And you , whatever your name is , cannot ?” Grona said . “ My name is Soul Abastor . Why we cannot deal with this threat is of no concern to you . Your world is threatened ; you can , and will deal with it . If you stay here you will soon die and without our agreement it is impossible to leave . What other choice do you have ?”
“ So , we meet the infamous Abastor at last . Didn ’ t I hear that you were offering gold as so many ships were disappearing ? Or was that a ruse ?” Grona spat the words out .
“ Only a few ships had sunk to the bottom of the seas due to bad weather . It isn ’ t called Shipwreck Bay for nothing , Grona . Yet , I confess that the numbers have been exaggerated ; one lure or another would seduce you in joining us , and here you stand .”
Ammett looked up at the shape flowing above him . “ How many souls are there ?”
“ There are ten true souls and over a hundred novices . All of us have minds immensely superior to yours .” The sarcasm failed to stick .
“ So bloody superior , that you can ’ t do your own dirty work ,” Terryn said .
“ Are you telling us everything ?” Ammett said . 21