Queen of Shadows (Four Horsemen of Sarai Book 3) by J. M. Thomas

Author:J. M. Thomas [Thomas, J. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-04-27T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7 – Focus

The view from the top of the inn was magnificent. Just enough trees had been cut back to reveal the valley below. Sitting atop the roof, Danye still felt nestled by the remaining tall pines. The rolling blue hills in the misty, cool morning stole his breath every time he took a moment to glance toward them.

Not that he glanced often, for he wasn’t overly fond of the height from which he was working, but he did appreciate the distant landscape. At least, he appreciated it until his eyes wandered closer, and his stomach realized how far down the ground was from where he stood.

A hailstorm a few weeks ago had left the poor roof in a sad state, even though it was still relatively new. Erys was somewhere, getting more nails. At the rate it was going, it seemed Erys had gone and asked Kestra to make new nails on the forge. Danye itched to get off the roof as soon as possible and back to the ground where people belonged. He was ready to enjoy the slightly less majestic view from the ground.

As if to spite him, a cool breeze swept across the inn’s roof. Danye looked around for something to do to keep himself busy. Lining up more tiles, only to have the breeze dishevel them before he could nail them down, was a waste of effort he wasn’t willing to engage. And he didn’t want to climb down the ladder only to clamber his way back up when Erys returned. The things I do for you, Brother.

Danye was just about to heave a sigh when he heard a sound on the ladder. However, instead of Erys’ aristocratic brow protruding above the roof’s edge with a bucket of nails in tow, a pleasant, smiling face appeared. The young woman lifted her basket and set it on the shingles before coming up the rest of the way. She stepped off the ladder onto the roof, her long, patterned skirt held in one hand as she accepted Danye’s assistance with the other.

“I brought tea steeped in milk to cut the chill.” She pulled out a thick, lidded ceramic jar and opened it to reveal its contents. A puff of steam rose from the mug, bringing the scent of orange rinds and tea to Danye’s nostrils.

He breathed in the aroma with a mumbled “thanks” and searched his memory in vain for her name. She smiled and pulled out a second mug before taking a sip from its contents. A sliced loaf of honeyed bread was the last thing to appear from the little basket, and Danye decided to forget trying to remember her name and start afresh.

“I’m Danye,” he held out a hand from where he’d clasped the mug.

“I know!” Her smile was contagious. He felt the corners of his own mouth pulling upward. “And I’m Liah.” She tucked a stray strand of soft brown hair back into the braid that circled her head. “The view is nice from up here.

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