Dark Alliance (Dark Rising Book 3) by DeAnna Browne

Author:DeAnna Browne [Browne, DeAnna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781948884280
Publisher: Celtic Moon Press
Published: 2019-05-05T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

The tail of twilight began to fall in the jungle, and Becca slapped at the bloodthirsty insect hoping for another bite. Tired, sweaty, and hungry they continued trudging through the jungle.

The youngest among them kept the highest spirits. Granted, Becca, despite Darion’s questioning look, gave Navina most of the food and water. It wasn’t completely selfless. If she struggled, it would make Becca and Darion’s job harder.

As the smell of a campfire reached them, Becca’s hope renewed. “Is that a town?”

“Or someone camping.” Darion stopped for a moment. “Either way, we need to be careful. Let’s approach quietly.” He looked at Navina, who had been talking most of the trip.

“Maybe we can get supplies before nightfall,” Becca whispered. They couldn’t hike in the dark. Well, maybe with Darion’s witchlight, but she didn’t want to chance a twisted ankle with Navina. And the canopy above them kept out any chance of moonlight.

They followed the smell and found a small village, not even big enough to be considered a town. About five homes and a couple of barns or large structures with some horses and other livestock. Darion handed Becca something small, a necklace. A gold pentagram rested in her palm, a second one dangled from his fingers.

“Where did you get these?” She hated to think he spent money on them.

He looked ashamed for a moment. “I stole them from Isabella. She was making some extras for the congregation. Maybe they thought we’d join.”

“That’s a disturbing thought, but why?”

“I figure the best way to blend in and explain our situation is to pass for believers making a pilgrimage.”

“Where’s mine?” Navina asked.

“Sorry. You’re young and we’re poor, they should understand.” He put the necklace over his head.

As they approached a home, they found a man working outside with the horses. He had the thick muscular build of someone living on the land. Keeping his back to them, he continued brushing the horses. “Stop where you are.”

Becca stopped Navina with an arm, keeping the girl slightly behind them.

Turning, the man had a weary expression on his weathered face. “We don’t like strangers here.”

Putting up her shields and keeping a hand on Navina, Becca noticed he was missing the gold necklace.

Darion showed his empty hands. “We’re just passing through, looking for water and food if you have any?”

The man looked them over, his eyes resting on Navina and Becca. “What do you have to trade for?”

“I have silver coins.” Darion slowly reached in his pocket pulling out two coins.

“Anything else I may want?”

Becca’s skin crawled, his gaze heavy and dirty.

“We don’t want trouble. Just something to get us on our way.” Darion kept his hands spread out. Some may think to show he didn’t have a weapon, but Becca knew his hands could be deadly.

“There is a stream down the way.” The man gestured to the south east. “You’ll have to come inside for food.”

Becca fought her repulsion for this man and touched his mind. His thoughts were dark and lusty just as she imagined.

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