The Kalarthri: An Epic Fantasy Action Adventure (The Way to Freedom Series Book 1) by H. M. Clarke

Author:H. M. Clarke [Clarke, H. M.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Sentinel Publishing
Published: 2013-12-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Night Wanders

Kalena spent the first part of a sleepless night tossing and turning in her bed, her ears straining to hear any commotion outside in the corridor. Adhamh had tried to speak to her several times during the evening but Kalena had shut him out. She did not want to hear his recriminations – or hear his pity.

After her umpteenth turn and toss, Kalena flung her sheets back in despair and slipped out of bed. There was no chance that she was ever going to get a wink of sleep, not with so many poisonous thoughts running through her head.

Dwelling constantly on her own stupidity was the main culprit. Her recklessness has most probably denied Holm the experience of talking with a Hatar. That thought then set Kalena thinking. If the same had happened to her after her Krytal, would she lose her inborn talent to speak to and hear the thoughts of others? Or would it just kill the crystal implanted in her head?

Kill was a harsh word to use on a piece of pretty rock but Kalena had the impression from all the people she had spoken to that the crystals were somehow alive. The one group of people that would know for sure were the Pydarki but Kalena had not met one since her own crystal was implanted.

Grumbling to herself, Kalena kicked on a pair of rough woolen leggings, and pulled a jumper over her nightshirt. If she was going to stay up she might as well be warm.

The coals in the brazier had died down leaving the room in near darkness. Kalena hobbled over to it while pulling up her socks, grabbing a small metal stoker and a small flask on the way. Uncorking the flask with her teeth, she wrinkled her nose as the harsh smell of paraffin assaulted her nostrils from the open flask mouth. She then added a dash of the flask’s contents to the brazier to stir a little life back into the coals as she stoked them.

The smell of paraffin filled the room but the glowing warmth from the now brightly burning coals soothed her troubled mind. Kalena scooped a few more coals from the coal box and added them to the brazier until she was satisfied with the amount of heat before dropping into the chair at her desk.

What would she do if Holm’s crystal was damaged beyond repair (surely the Pydarki should be able to do something to restore the crystal) and was sent to work in administration? The life of a Quartermasters Clerk was not the most advantageous position to be in.

If Holm’s crystal turns out to be damaged what punishment would she receive? The worst punishment Kalena could think of was if she was given into Captain Jerant’s keeping.

The mere thought of his name made Kalena reach up and touch the side of her face where the Captain had slapped her. Kalena fancied she could still feel the stinging imprint of his hand even though it happened months ago.

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