Seirsha of Errinton by Shari L. Tapscott

Author:Shari L. Tapscott [Tapscott, Shari L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BluA
Published: 2016-01-07T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Now that Father has publicly announced our attack on the feral dragons, I am no longer safe in the village. The people are furious and frightened. The men worry their women and children will not be able to survive without them here, and the women and children worry about their men. And we all worry about the dragons’ wrath.

Heartsick, I wish Adrinel would return. I need her council. She’s never gone this long. Something must have happened to her.

No. I will not even consider it.

I have also been assigned a personal guard, Dryal. He is tall and handsome with blond hair and a strong jaw—the perfect specimen of a dragon slayer. Dryal’s presence is Father’s idea of a carefully plotted distraction—another sign he doesn’t know me as well as he thinks he does.

Despite Dryal’s pleasing features, he is unfriendly and looks put out by his new duty. He is less a guard and more a keeper. Every day he stands outside my door when I am in my chambers, and he accompanies me when I leave. I am never alone.

I haven’t seen Rigel for two weeks. The seclusion gnaws at me, eating me away from the inside. I’m edgy, nervous.

The door opens and Bea enters my chambers. “Oh, you’re already dressed.”

“I couldn’t sleep.” I blow on the parchment in front of me, drying the ink.

Without a word, I hand her the paper. We don’t speak of it—she knows to whom it goes. I’m afraid Dryal’s orders include eavesdropping along with guarding. He and I both know he’s not here for my safety.

Bea takes the parchment and tucks it into a pocket at the side of her apron. She lights a fire in the hearth, sets a pot of water to boil, and gathers my nightclothes for the laundry. Once finished, she sits at the desk I just occupied. She takes my quill and scratches on a new piece of parchment.

“The army will leave in a few days,” I say as I glance at the closed door. “How is Antone?”

Bea continues to write. “He is well. We’re so proud of him for being chosen. What an honor it is.”

“A great honor.” I try to make it sound as if I believe it. Somehow, Bea is able to keep the bitterness out of her voice much better than I am.

Finally, she finishes writing, and I read over her shoulder, thankful she was interested in learning to read and write when we were children.

My family left with Archer and Pippa early yesterday morning. They should be to the border late tonight, and then they will cross into Lauramore the next morning. Pippa says her parents will give them refuge.

I take the quill from her. When do you leave?

My heart aches. I will miss my friend and the family I love as if they were my own, but this is for the best. Father chose Antone as a punishment. He’s not meant to return alive.

Kendal has been tending a sick boy. He wants to check on him again tonight, and then we will leave for Thernrow in the morning.

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