The Talismans of Shannara
Chapter One
Dusk 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 hush that comes with day's end
stilled the earth, and leaves and grass shivered with expectation
at the coming of night.
At the mouth of the Mermidon where it emptied into the Rainbow Lake,
Southwatch rose blackly, impenetrable and voiceless. The wind brushed
the waters of the lake and river, yet did not approach the obelisk, as
if anxious to hurry on to some place more inviting. The air shimmered
about the dark tower, heat radiating from its stone in waves, forming
spectral images that darted and flew. A solitary hunter at the water's
edge glanced up apprehensively as he passed and continued swiftly on.
Within, the Shadowen went about their tasks in ghostly silence, cowled
and faceless and filled with purpose.
Rimmer Dall stood at a window looking out on the darkening
countryside, watching the color fade from the earth as the night
crept stealthily out of the east ... read full excerpt from: Talismans of Shannara ebook
