The Oath of the Blade (The Seven Signs Book 5) by D.W. Hawkins

Author:D.W. Hawkins [Hawkins, D.W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laconic Press, LLC
Published: 2019-08-26T22:00:00+00:00

***

Neera’s Square was named for one of the most infamous concubines in Sheran history. The sculpture of a naked woman dominated the space, arms stretched to the sky in a state of enthusiastic dance. A thin ribbon of bronze—polished every third day by the local fraternity—wound her in decorative swirls, covering her more explicit parts. The flagstones surrounding her were different shades of gray, and offerings of all kinds were scattered near her feet.

A silhouette waited by the foot of the massive statue, but before D’Jenn could signal and walk in that direction, another dark form trotted out of the night. The two embraced, eyes darting around the square, and departed together down one of the side streets. D’Jenn relaxed and returned to staring at the darkness.

Dormael uttered a quiet laugh. “Calm down, cousin. You’re jumpy this morning.”

“I’ve been jumpy since we landed here, try to get used to it.” D’Jenn softened his words with a wry grin. “The only reason you’re so relaxed is you’re still half-asleep.”

“I told you,” Dormael said, stifling a yawn, “my stomach was growling all night, and my dreams were…vivid. I kept waking.”

A pang of sympathy flashed through D’Jenn—he’d been experiencing the same thing. “Didn’t you spend weeks in animal form once? Did something like this happen before?”

“I’ve spent lots of time in animal form, but no.” Dormael squinted at the predawn gloom. “Maybe it’s the long, sustained flight. All I know is how hungry I feel.”

D’Jenn smiled. “The effects will fade with time.”

“And food.”

D’Jenn snickered. “And that.”

“Where’s Koromin’s woman?” Dormael peered at the square. “She should be here by now.”

“Probably got here early to watch us.” D’Jenn glanced around, but couldn’t see any other people. “It’s what I would do.”

D’Jenn shifted the satchel on his shoulder—a gift from Jac. He’d given them each a few changes of clothing and enough money to get by for a few days. He’d included a pair of thin-bladed daggers for each of them, which had made Dormael smile. The man had an unhealthy obsession with collecting knives.

Dormael nodded at a distant form who appeared from the early morning darkness and walked toward the square. The newcomer moved with feminine grace, but when she got closer, it was clear she was wearing a flowing dress beneath her cloak. She went to the statue, placed her hand on its shin, and dropped something at its feet. After a long pause and a glance in their direction, she walked away.

“What is that all about?” Dormael flicked his chin at the departing woman. “What’s special about this place?”

D’Jenn sighed through his nose. “People come here and leave offerings to their lost loves or meet with their forbidden ones.”

“Forbidden?” Dormael raised an eyebrow. “You mean they come here to step out on their spouses.”

“I suppose.” D’Jenn leaned against the wall of the building. “Neera is revered in the Sister Cities as much as the gods themselves. They have many little holdovers like that—exalted figures from before the coming of the Church Victorious.”

“I haven’t seen many chapels, come to think of it.

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