Alaric's Bow: A Book of the Amari by Collins KateMarie

Author:Collins, KateMarie [Collins, KateMarie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Solstice Shadows
Published: 2015-11-29T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Dawn broke at some point, but it only changed the shade of grey in the clouds. The rainy season had hit Dunegan’s western lands hard. Four months of steady rain, varied only by severity and wind. They’d spent three years in this country, moving every six months or so. Never spending too much time in one village to raise suspicion about Fin. Or any of them for that matter.

Alaric still wasn’t thrilled with where Emile wanted them to go next. Lorien. But he hadn’t steered them wrong yet. Held up his end of their bargain. It had taken a year to bury the rumor of the lost prince of the Islands. Another for “Islander” to become synonymous with his new name, and skill with a bow. This last year, they’d finally gotten settled in. Trystian had taken up with a young woman in Evenshire, their latest home. Things were encouraging. There were no Amari to be seen. And that meant no slavers waiting to turn Fin into a pet. Or chain Alaric and send him back to face his brother.

Outside of Fin and Emile, no one knew his parentage. He had no clue if Trystian and Gwen knew. If they did, nothing was said. He didn’t have the outward signs, did no magic.

Unless you counted his aim. He had grown deadly with his bow, using his marksmanship to both keep them fed and earn their keep as they moved around. The beard was gone, his brown hair longer. Six years on the run now, and his body had changed. He was no longer some soft prince, used to feather beds and savory meals. He was leaner now, more muscle than fat. Wary and suspicious of everyone they met. And, as always, watching out for Fin’s safety.

He leaned against the window frame now, alert. Wishing the rain would let up enough they could get back on the road. The others slept on cots behind him. They’d left Evenshire a week ago, after Trystian’s lady had begun asking questions. About Fin, Emile. Why he traveled with such companions, took on such danger to protect one person. Emile was fairly certain it was jealousy, but didn’t want to wait to have that confirmed. Trystian could’ve stayed if he wanted to. Instead, he bid his lady good-bye. Told her he’d be back one day, when his task was complete. Alaric knew his companion would keep that vow. He wasn’t so certain about the lady.

They got as far as the inn, the last bit of Dunegan hospitality before crossing over to Lorien. The capital was a good month or more west. He prayed Emile would choose to go around the city. Somehow, he doubted it.

“Is it dawn yet?” Fin called out softly from behind him.

Turning, Alaric glanced at her. Her red hair half unbraided, she lay on her cot. Not ready to get up, really, but done sleeping.

“I think so. The clouds are lighter.” He kept his voice low so he didn’t wake the others.

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