In Defence of the Crown (The Aielund Saga Book 2) by Stephen L. Nowland

Author:Stephen L. Nowland [Nowland, Stephen L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-03-11T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Their journey back through the sewers was brief, a fact Aiden was silently grateful for. Maggie, who had re-joined them as they left, suggested they take the first ladder up to the streets, but Ronan didn’t want to be seen so close to the guild’s temporary base in case it led the authorities back there. Despite his verbal sparring with the diminutive guild leader, he clearly still had close ties to the organisation and its people in his heart, if not his mind.

They emerged into the brilliant glare of the afternoon sun shining down on the snow-covered cobblestones, in a part of the city Aiden did not recognise. Few people could be seen on the narrow street they now stood upon, so he figured Ronan had chosen this place for its obscurity.

“We’re in the southern part of the city, not far from the main gate,” the sailor explained to their inquiring looks. “It’ll take us about half an hour to get back to the inn from here.”

“I think we can figure it out if we need to,” Maggie grumbled, rubbing her hands together for warmth. “The first thing I’m going to do is have a bath… and buy new boots.”

“Yeah I wasn’t going to say anything but you smell pretty bad,” Ronan remarked.

“We all stink,” Sayana pointed out.

“Bath house it is, then,” the sailor replied laconically, leading them around the corner and down the street. Shortly thereafter, Aiden took the time to soak in a warm bath and scrub away the grime, as well as the stench of stale alcohol that lingered from the previous night’s entertainment. Once they were done, they arrived back at the inn feeling refreshed and it came as a surprise when Sayana almost collapsed against the doorway.

“Are you okay?” Aiden asked of her, noticing that up close, she seemed to be covered in a fine film of sweat. “Was that display back in the thieves’ guild too much for you?”

“Maybe it was,” Sayana replied evasively, leaning against the outside wall of the inn to catch her breath. “I’m… having difficulty in the city,” she added, barely audible over the background clamour from the inn.

“How, exactly?” Aiden quietly asked, moving next to her to lean casually against the wall.

“Remember how I was when I first entered Bracksford?”

“As I recall, you were afraid that people were going to attack you, or yell at you for being different,” Aiden recounted, suddenly realizing what her problem was. “There’s a lot more people in this place for you to fear, is that it? I thought you’d be over that by now.”

“I was slowly getting used to being around so many people, but then we were attacked in the alleyways that night and I came to understand just how dangerous this city can be,” she explained in a quiet voice. “I’m trying to stay alert all the time, but there are so many people, and trouble could come from anywhere at any time.” Even as she spoke, Sayana gripped the edge of the wall behind her with one hand.

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.