Tinkermage by Kenny Soward

Author:Kenny Soward
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Ragnarok Publications
Published: 2014-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

Niksabella Nur bounced atop her pony, head swiveling in every direction, taking in the world as she’d never seen it before. The dirt road, the Western Road, the grass fields to either side, and always the snow-capped Northern Utenes rising imposingly on their right. Not that she’d never looked in this direction or thought Hightower was the only place on Sullenor, but her previous views had come from inside the city looking out: the Hightower Heights, or the end of Hightower Lane, or while having tea on Fritzy’s balcony. But to see the road through the eyes of a traveler, to know they were on their way to some mysterious destination on a dangerous quest, gave it an entirely new meaning.

It was early evening, close to nightfall. Niksabella’s spirit was so alive she felt like shouting, much like the urge she’d had to chase her brother and his friends to Bombrick’s in what seemed like ages ago. She was having a taste of the real world, the world beyond her formerly solitary existence of waking and working, working and sleeping. And while she knew the work had been valuable, these constantly changing perspectives made her wonder how much of life she’d really missed. She had Termund to thank for that.

He rode next to her, his dark, curly hair bouncing atop the shoulders of his hard, leather coat. His riding attire wasn’t much different than his regular dress except that now, everything had a road-worn look about it in addition to his upgrading to thick riding gloves and boots. The sword buckled to his side and crossbow mounted on his saddle made him decidedly more ominous, yet he seemed right at home with the weapons. His pony was a stunning brown creature that seemed to read his mind, maneuvering with hardly a gesture or word. Perfectly proper and brave, that was Termund. Her Termund.

As much as she’d gotten used to having him around, his many mysterious facets made her feel quite simple. And she had told him as much. He disagreed, of course. “Any greatness you see in me rests solely in your pretty head, sweet lady,” he had told her. And perhaps after being on the road for a time, she’d be free of any lingering doubts.

“You look happy, Nika,” he said to her now.

“I am,” she admitted.

“Like a gnomeling enjoying her first nameday confection, and let me say, that makes me happy.”

“Well, m’lord, I’m happy it amuses you. I have to admit, I am overcome somewhat. Leaving Hightower, putting all the trouble of my life behind me… it’s like a weight lifted. My heart feels… less burdened. Especially with my recursive mirror in hand and my brother all better.”

“Nikselpik, yes, he has recovered well indeed. An interesting chap, your brother.”

“Putting it mildly.”

“He’s full of fight, just like his sister. But a few days on the road, warming your butt against a fire while your front side freezes, that’ll cool anyone’s hot blood.”

Niksabella frowned. “I hope not. I like it out here.

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