Cairn and Covenant by August Li

Author:August Li [Li, August]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-09-09T16:00:00+00:00

MYRDDIN SAT with Dirk and Quinn outside the warlord’s hut, where Octavian had been living since they’d claimed the Rosecairn. True to his word, Octavian had taken a torch to the torture room as soon as he’d been able to rise, and he’d cleared out the other buildings. Now they housed between four and six beds for the men, but Myrddin suspected Octavian wanted to tear them all down and start fresh. He couldn’t disagree with tearing away everything Lavock had built, all evidence of the man’s existence at Rosecairn.

They were discussing riding to the creek on the eastern edge of the camp to have their midday meal by the water and maybe do some fishing. They’d recently returned from guarding a manor house to the south and apprehending the bandits attempting to burglarize it again, and so they found themselves between jobs.

“Not so long ago, riding out there wouldn’t have been safe,” Quinn said without looking up from the scrap of wood he worked with his knife. “I must say, it’s nice bein’ paid for my work and sleeping in my own bed without worrying I’ll be killed in it. What about it, Myrddin? Planning to stay?”

“I don’t have a better prospect at the moment,” Myrddin said, smiling at the new green appearing between the mountain stones. “As long as the work stays steady.”

Dirk snorted, and Myrddin knew he’d have tormented him about his commitment to Octavian if they’d been alone. He’d even taken to calling Octavian “the wife,” though nothing could be further from accuracy. They’d never discussed exclusivity, and Myrddin didn’t mind. It hardly made their time together less enjoyable or their friendship less strong. “No one has chained you to your hut,” Myrddin said to Dirk.

Dirk rolled his eyes and signed, You wouldn’t be able to put your boots on without me.

“So it’s an act of charity,” Myrddin said.

Of pity, Dirk said. Though some women around here would be a nice change.

“You spent two days at the brothel after our last job.” Myrddin spoke instead of signing, as it felt less like cutting Quinn out of the conversation altogether.

Dirk sighed. It would be easier, and cheaper to find a friend like what you have, someone to have fun with now and then, but without the hassle of feeding and supporting them. Without them trying to keep you from others.

Myrddin did sign his next words. You fancy the wrong people, my friend. Ladies do not view things as men do. You’ll never find a woman who will enter into such an arrangement. Either stick with whores or find yourself a wife.

Dirk looked stricken. What, just one? How come you don’t have to choose? You have the little wife, Sylvain, and anyone else you fancy. It’s like there’s a reward for being unnatural. And you get it for free!

Just then, Octavian came up to them, followed by a young man Myrddin had never seen before, and he would have remembered the willowy lad with the rich, dark skin, warm eyes, and pretty face.

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