The Longsword Chronicles: Book 02 - Sword and Circle by GJ Kelly

Author:GJ Kelly
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-05-23T05:00:00+00:00

oOo

15. Pinned

“The road to Jarn runs from here through the southern woodlands of Callodon,” Allazar explained to the Gorian refugees as they gathered by the wagons at the wells next morning. “It’s about, oh, a week’s ride or thereabouts, perhaps a little longer since we’re in no desperate hurry.”

“Will there be food and water?” a voice in the throng asked.

“I’m sure there’ll be good hunting along the way, and if nothing else, we can all look forward to some decent rabbit stew, of that I’m certain.” Allazar smiled across their heads at Gawain who stood quietly listening with Elayeen. “We also have the remains of our supplies here in the wagons as you can see. There’s room enough for the ladies in your party to travel in comfort, with a couple of spaces for the less stout amongst you.”

“We’ll take it in turns,” Jaxon announced, “Turn and turn about when we pause to water the horses,” and there were nods of agreement.

The day had dawned clear and cool, but the sea breezes had begun swirling and the wind seemed to be swinging slowly to the east, threatening a blustery afternoon if not a wet one to come. Gawain turned away from the crowd to check his pack and saddle, and then Elayeen’s, leaving Allazar and Jaxon to prepare the Gorians for travel. All around was bustle, quiet and determined and well-organised, the Callodon military contingent striking camp with practiced ease.

Elayeen stood holding her bow, her hands clasped about the weapon resting lightly on her right boot, broken fingers sticking out uncomfortably.

“You know, miheth, they’ve never seen an elfin before. You could sling the bow over your back and still be breathtaking. At least it wouldn’t strain your poor fingers.”

She smiled and her head swivelled towards Gawain. The way she looked straight forward and moved her head was still a little unsettling, made even more so by her near-invisible pupils. Even Gawain, with all his love for her, now found something a little unnerving in her steady gaze, something penetrating, which he felt hadn’t been there yesterday.

“My poor fingers received attention from Healer Turlock this morning, miheth. Everything else received attention from you last night.”

“Elayeen!” Gawain gasped in mock astonishment, emphasising the three syllables of her name, “By the Teeth, girl, have you no shame?”

She giggled happily. “None. Besides, there are none close enough to hear us.”

Gawain’s pulse quickened and he stared up at her standing on the boardwalk while he tightened the straps holding her cloak to the back of her saddle. “Is your sight clearer this morning then?”

Elayeen nodded. “I can see with greater detail now. Hands have fingers and are no longer simple blobs. Heads have their proper shape too now. Gingerbread men are becoming people of light and shade.”

Gawain held up his right hand, as if in greeting, and waggled his fingers. To his delight, Elayeen laughed. “Stop it, G’wain, people will think you are mad! Or worse, they will think you are taking advantage of your poor blind wife, with her poor broken fingers.

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