Stonebearer's Betrayal by Jodi L. Milner

Author:Jodi L. Milner [Milner, Jodi L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Immortal Works
Published: 2018-11-13T00:00:00+00:00

Jarand carefully considered what they knew as their small group followed Bremin up the hill on the west side of Burk’s Gap. Bremin had insisted they leave the horses behind with the innkeeper since this place had a reputation for horses to go missing even in broad daylight.

If Master Sopan’s information was right, Katira would be in one of two inns high in the grimy fingernails of the city. The further they ventured from the main street, the darker the passes became.

“Can Master Sopan be trusted?” With so much at stake, Jarand couldn’t bear the thought of being misled or delayed.

“I don’t think he would intentionally lead us astray.” Bremin’s gaze darted to the shadows of the alley ways as they passed. His hand hovered near the hidden sheath where he kept his long knife. “His loyalty earns him good coin. He’ll be rewarded when this is over. It’s the others who have me on edge. Gargan and his friends have been untold trouble in the past.”

The man’s unease unsettled Jarand. He bound his stone to his palm and checked his sword. “What kind of trouble?” Using power here would attract the unwelcome attention of the guard, but if it meant the difference between life and death, he would gladly risk it.

“Trouble enough for the Tower to remove the companionship stationed here for good.”

Mirelle pulled her cloak tighter around her. She would never admit to being afraid, but this place unnerved her. Her unease whispered through their bond.

When they reached the first inn, Mirelle and Elan hung back in the shadows while Bremin darted to the stables. Jarand peered through the window. At this late hour, only a handful of patrons occupied the great room. An elderly fellow snoozed in a rocking chair by the fire while three men tossed dice at the heavy round table in the center of the room. Bremin returned, shaking his head. “No sign of them here.”

The other inn hid deep within streets snaking higher up the hill. They took a few wrong turns before stumbling into its small courtyard. No light peeked through the shuttered windows. A single tin lantern hung at the front door. Sour smelling piles of refuse littered the gutters running alongside the walk.

A stiff mountain breeze whistled its way up the hill, carrying with it an icy chill which bit through their clothes. Elan shivered and Jarand could hear his teeth chattering.

Bremin waved from the side of the inn next to the entrance to the stable. A stable boy snored on a pile of dry hay inside the door and didn’t notice when they crept inside. They found a pair of ragged and tired horses still wearing saddles in the last two stalls. Dried sweat matted their coats.

Elan touched the first horse’s flank with a gentle hand and the horse snickered and twitched its ears. “These look like the horses I saw.”

Mirelle produced a tiny light and willed it to hover at the tip of her finger. She ran her hands along the edge of the saddle and down to the stirrup.

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