Page 25 of Dragon Eternal (Dragon Kings 4)
“Everyone,” Tomar said with a solemn nod. His brows drew together. “We’re supposed to be having fun. I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
Merrill flashed him a smile and lifted his tankard in a salute. “Apologies, my friend. I’m trying to learn the city.”
“I can tell you everything you want to know. Ask me anything.”
“What can you tell me about the Divine?”
“Ask me anything but that.” Tomar burped again.
Merrill quirked a brow. “You said you knew everything.”
“The Divine rules from the citadel that sits on the top level. I’ve never spoken to anyone who has actually seen the Divine.”
“So you don’t know what he looks like?”
Tomar ran a hand through his hair. “Not a clue.”
“Are you sure he rules the city?”
Tomar started laughing. “Without a doubt.”
“He’s never seen, but the priests are. Some might begin to believe they govern Stonemore.”
A hard look moved through Tomar’s blue eyes. “They would be foolish to think that.”
Tomar’s happy mood had fled. Merrill needed to change the subject and quickly. “Have you always patrolled the upper levels?”
“That’s earned,” he said with a cocky grin. “Those patrols aren’t just given out. Only the best soldiers, the most loyal, are assigned those duties.”
“Do any of you live up there?”
Tomar threw back his head and laughed, drawing the attention of others in the pub. He was still chuckling when he took a drink of ale.
“I take that to mean no,” Merrill replied.
“Where did you say you were from again?”
Merrill had been evasive before. Tomar might not have traveled, but that didn’t mean others hadn’t. “Verra far from here.”
Tomar eyed him a moment. “You look like you could hold your own in battle.”
“If the need arises.”
“It’s too bad you aren’t one of us. You could join the army. We can always use good men.”
Merrill leaned forward on the table. “Is there that much need for soldiers?”
“Not too much anymore. At one time, there were many other cities around. Some near, some far.”
“What happened?”
Tomar chuckled. “We happened to them.”
“You attacked?”
“We did.”
Unease snaked down Merrill’s spine. “Why?”
“They were inferior. We are the strongest. We proved that by destroying them. Those who survived the attacks came to Stonemore. We’ve proven how great the city is.”
Merrill wanted to puke. Or punch something. Hitting something would certainly make him feel better. Now he knew why the homeless and starving overran the streets of Stonemore. Whoever had ordered the attack had taken people from their comfortable existences and jobs and forced them into destitution.
“We’re a power now,” Tomar continued solemnly. “We always were, but we’ve proven it to others. Those with magic know to stay far from our city. If they come here, they die.”
Merrill forced his jaw to unclench. “That’s a hard line.”
“I take it you come from a place that doesn’t mind those kinds of people?”
“As long as they doona harm me, I’m all right with it.”
Tomar glanced around before leaning close to whisper, “Keep that thought to yourself. I like you, Merrill, but if others hear you, you’ll be punished.”
“Because my views are different?”
“Why do you think those other cities were annihilated?”
