Queens of Ruin: Chronicles of Mahon Book Two by Brenda Murphy

Author:Brenda Murphy [Murphy, Brenda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Quinby Sideshow Publications
Published: 2022-05-25T16:00:00+00:00

5

The roar of the waterfall echoed around them. The last rays of the sun glinted off the spray. Mara studied the narrow path that disappeared behind the heavy curtain of falling water. No wider than the span of her hand with no handholds, it would be a difficult trek even without the heavy flow of water and the odd chunks of ice that crashed over the falls at random intervals.

“The most obvious is not the way.” Gwen pointed to a trail above their heads. Subtle handholds and steps were worn into the rock wall. “This is the way. It leads into a natural break in the rock and then behind the falls.” She glanced over her shoulder. “We’ll just make it if we hurry. It’s treacherous after nightfall.”

Gwen wedged her hand into the first handhold. She pulled herself up using her legs to propel herself to the next set of grips and footholds. Mara waited until she was two lengths ahead of her before she started to climb. She listened for sounds of Reika climbing behind her.

Her warrior mate had been quiet since their interaction with the shade. Mara turned the events of the afternoon over in her mind as she climbed. Had Reika been shocked? Or dismayed at Mara’s use of her power? Or how she had handled Morgan’s ending? Gwen disappeared over the edge of the wall. Mara hurried after her.

Behind her, Reika’s harsh breathing and continued mumbled swearing told her everything she needed to know about her comfort with the climb.

“Not much farther, my love,” Mara called over her shoulder.

“Castor's holy trousers. Who would create such a difficult entrance to reenforce a castle? How could you move a party of troops through here?”

“One that has lived a very long time and whose warriors can climb like spiders,” Gwen called from the ledge.

Mara clasped Gwen’s hand and let her assist her as she clambered over the last bit. A stiff wind blew a burst of mist from the waterfall, wetting the rocks and the ledge. She peered over the edge. Reika made steady progress. Small puffs of her breath were visible in the cool air. Gwen came and stood near her. Together they watched her lover make the final ascent. Mara chewed her lip as Reika’s trembling hands grasped the stones just below her.

Gwen lifted her chin and inclined her head toward Reika.

Wordlessly they reached down and clasped Reika’s wrists, set their feet, and hauled her over the edge.

“For all that’s good, please tell me we don’t have any more climbs like that.” Reika braced her hands on her knees, her shoulders rising and falling with her gasps.

“Nothing like that. From here it is a path, well-worn and wide. It leads directly under the castle.” Gwen pointed to the opening across from them. “A yearling could do it.” She took a small bag from her belt, opened the drawstring, and held it out to Mara. “Honey bite, Mara?”

“Good. This warrior likes her feet in stirrups or on flat ground.

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