Champion of the Scarlet Wolf Book Two by Ginn Hale

Author:Ginn Hale [Hale, Ginn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blind Eye Books
Published: 2014-12-18T06:03:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Elezar knew that he would have to take action, even if it meant betraying Skellan. He suspected that the knowledge had lurked in the back of his mind from the first moment that he’d seen Atreau dragging Bois into the mess hall. But he’d avoided acknowledging the decision all through the evening. He’d wanted some other option.

But as he watched Skellan carefully lay his collection of beetle casings on his windowsill while his two dressers looked on in utter dismay, he realized that Skellan was too true to himself, too committed to his own values, to be swayed by anyone else’s opinion. That trait made him honest and refreshing, but it also rendered him nearly incapable of negotiating the ugly and underhanded dealings of politics.

The younger of the two dressers picked up Skellan’s tattered coat then gave a gasp when he discovered the dead mouse in the pocket.

Skellan glanced to the man and shrugged.

“Cloud imps,” Skellan said as if that explained everything. Then he returned to his study of the night sky outside his window.

The attendant grimaced at the tiny, stiff body in his hand and then sidled to the fireplace and hurled the mouse into the flames. The second dresser approached Skellan.

“Would you rather wear emerald or scarlet for this evening’s gathering, Count Radulf?”

“I put my full faith in you, Pilife, to make me seem a sophisticated fellow.” Skellan favored the man with a smile.

“Yes, sir.” The dresser straightened slightly and Elezar understood his pride. It felt touching and breathtaking to have Skellan’s complete trust. “The scarlet then, sir. You will look majestic.”

Skellan broke into a wide grin then looked to Elezar. “I’m going to look majestic, my man! You’d best prepare your mind for my most amazing transformation yet!”

That won a laugh from both dressers and they set to work at once while Elezar looked on. He’d grown so comfortable and so fond of the sight of Skellan—so attached to touching him and taking both pleasure and comfort in holding him in his arms every night—he didn’t want to think that he could sacrifice all of that. Yet something had to be done with Bois and it had to be done fast before he lost his nerve.

Elezar didn’t linger overly long amidst the dancing and chatter of the garrison’s impromptu guests. Once he’d escorted Skellan—dressed afresh in scarlet and gold—to be welcomed, toasted, and share jests with Cire and Lady Hylanya, he excused himself. He cast a stern glance to Skellan’s personal guards. They saluted but then returned to tracking Skellan’s quick motions. Both men now eyed Skellan like a pair of young gamblers who’d just realized they’d taken on a cardsharp.

Elezar had been tempted to commiserate with the two of them—knowing that Skellan wasn’t the sort to make their positions easy—but he couldn’t set a precedent for overlooking failure. They’d each lost a day’s pay and taken a knock to the back of their fool skulls. Elezar had no doubt that his own mother would have

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