Birthrights (Revisions to the Truth) by J. Kyle McNeal

Author:J. Kyle McNeal [McNeal, J. Kyle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Yellow Wood Press
Published: 2017-11-07T00:00:00+00:00

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“What are we delivering?” Tedel asked as Lily led him away from the Tarried Tinker. She wasn’t carrying a package or letter he could see.

“Just come on.” She held the leash attached to his neck restraint, but the rope between them dangled loose.

Tedel followed her through the streets of Colodor, nagged by the feeling that something was wrong. Where’s the package? He kept his eyes trained on the street, as was expected of slaves, but took in as much as he could with his peripheral vision. Then the realization hit him. He stopped. The rope between them grew taut and jerked out of Lily’s hand. I’m the package! He’s sold me, and she’s delivering me to a new master. He forgot decorum and looked about in a panic. There’s nothing I can do. People are everywhere.

Lily stooped to retrieve the leash as if she hadn’t realized Tedel stopping was what had caused her to drop it in the first place.

I must escape. But with these shackles, I wouldn’t even make it to the city wall, much less over it. He realized people were staring and dropped his eyes to the ground. When she started again, he followed, searching for his opportunity. Does she have the key? She must. I don’t want to hurt her, but if she won’t give me the key…

He cursed Whym as they walked. If not for his reassurances, I’d have already escaped. He started to run through scenarios in his mind. The more he pondered the situation, the more certain he was Lily had the key. He’d started incorporating that assumption into his planning. First, I have to get rid of these shackles. Then, I’ll need a change of clothes. If I can find a clothing store with no customers, I bet I could overpower the clerk even still chained. But I’ll need to keep them quiet. One scream, and I’m finished.

They were passing an expansive open area to their right, with small circles of trees spaced between snow-covered fields. He worried they might have already passed the last grouping of shops before their destination. He risked speaking when no one else was close. “Lily, how far away are we?”

“A ways still.” She stopped and looked back at him, frowning at the shackles on his ankles. “Do they hurt?”

Seph had secured the restraints well—tight enough to reduce the friction, but not so tight as to dig into the scars. “Not much,” Tedel said then looked at the concern on her face. I can’t harm Lily. No matter what, I have to make certain she’s safe.

“How ‘bout we take a rest?” Lily suggested. “Papa said to stay on the main street, but if I don’t tell him…” She didn’t finish the thought but angled toward the open area. “Mama used to bring me here before her legs swelled. I know a pretty place by the stream.”

They soon reached the large rock that was their destination. The stream was frozen, the trees around the rock bare of leaves, but the area was quiet and secluded.

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