Heart of the Wolf Part Two by Cheree Alsop

Author:Cheree Alsop
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, adventure, action, fantasy, epic, wolf, dragon
Publisher: Cheree Alsop

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They reached Torhold at nightfall. The Kaidan city was made up of huts covered in hides that could be taken down and moved. Mothers, wives, and children waited anxiously at the outskirts of the huge village for the warriors to return. Kaidans jumped off their horses and swept their loved ones into their arms. Cries of happiness and relief filled the air. The families of the few that had fallen at the pass and at the battle with the Aniran soldiers waited quietly with tears on their cheeks. Fade’s heart went out to them.

“Serves them right,” Voyn muttered behind him. “That’s what they get for betraying me.”

King Hayden speared him with a look. “Have you learned nothing?”

Voyn held up his manacles. “I’ve learned that I never want to wear these again. They chafe worse than scabies. I’d like to put some on that chief and see what he thinks about them.”

Hayden shook his head and turned away from the prince.

Mordan guided his horse next to the royal family. “Your hut is in the heart of Torhold. The horses are corralled to the north, reachable only through traversing the length of our village. Any attempts to escape would be futile and potentially fatal given that any Kaidan here will kill Anirans on sight, especially in light of the warriors that fell to your steel. Do not go anywhere without an escort. Your hut will be heavily guarded, more to protect you than to keep you from escaping.”

“What is the point of keeping us here?” King Hayden asked.

Mordan looked at Fade. “There is work to be done.” He dismounted and handed his horse’s reins to a Kaidan boy. At his gesture, the Anirans did the same. Mordan unlocked their manacles. “Keep your wits about you and you will survive your stay in Torhold. If all goes as Chief Nesteken wishes, you won’t be here long.” He said the last sentence with his eyes on Fade. There was something deeper in the warrior’s searching gaze.

Fade wondered if the commander felt jilted at not being asked to participate in the Trials at Ranin’s side, or if he wanted the young warrior to fail. Perhaps there were others he felt would be better able to lead. Fade gave up that line of thought. Politics had never been his strength. He would do what he had promised and hope that Ranin’s Gods would see fit for him to survive.

Mordan led them through the village. Hatred showed on the faces of the Kaidans they passed. It was apparent even on the faces of the children that the lighter-skinned Anirans from the south were viewed as enemies. Fade felt Kelianna’s fingers tremble in his at the hostility around them. He pulled her closer; she gave him a small, grateful smile.

Warriors already surrounded a hut set near the middle of the village. Mordan escorted them inside. Fives pallets thick with furs lined the walls, and a small fire crackled in the middle of the hut. A thin line of smoke wafted up to a hole in the middle of the domed ceiling that allowed it to escape.

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