Hearts in Exile by Mysti Parker

Author:Mysti Parker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, dragon, fantasy romance, island, fight, fantasy world, high priestess, captain igrorio everlyn, dragon keeper, hearts in exile, loralee munroviel, mysti parker, serenya crowe, sir robert, tallenmere
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

* * * *

The fog finally lifted by the time we got Clive’s body settled in a cart, ready to take back to Leogard. Silent and solemn, numbed with grief, we spent the rest of the day helping Ravenwing find and disarm traps. At least staying busy kept me focused on something besides the pain in my chest.

We found no other bandits, and we left the ones who’d ambushed us where they lay. They could rot on the ground beside the dragon bones and feed the vultures for all we cared.

Captain Munroviel came up to me as we watered our horses at the river’s edge. “Igrorio, losing Clive like that ...” His voice wavered, and he took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “You did well, son. Very well. We could have lost several more had you not acted so quickly.”

“Thank you, sir, but I hope you understand if I don’t take as much pride in that as you do.”

I had a hard time looking him in the eye, but I forced myself to.

He met my gaze with an understanding one. “You probably blame yourself, but Clive acted on his own, and no one knew about the trap.”

I stared down at the water’s edge. All I could think of was the empty bunk waiting for his return, the laughter and ridiculous jokes we’d never hear again, and how heartbroken Loralee’s youngest sister would be when we returned. He’d been right there, just a few feet away. I could have grabbed his horse’s reins or butted him back with my shield. I’d seen the look in his eyes. I knew a moment before he sprang ahead that he was making a mistake. My failure to act soon enough caused his death.

The captain’s voice broke through my inner battle. “... so, we’ll take his body back to Leogard, while Sir Arendyl leads the rest of the men to Hope.”

“I’m sorry?”

A sad smile crossed the captain’s face. “I said you, Brydon, and Francis will come with me to escort Clive’s body back to Leogard, while Sir Arendyl continues on with the rest of the men.”

“Of course. Yes, sir.”

I had no desire to return, to be a harbinger of death. They’d look at me and know I failed.

“We’ll camp here tonight and leave at sunup,” the captain said.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.