The Castes and the OutCastes: The Complete Trilogy by Davis Ashura

Author:Davis Ashura [Ashura, Davis]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fantasy
Publisher: DuSum Publishing
Published: 2016-07-12T06:00:00+00:00

“How much further to Hammer?” Jessira asked.

“A few more days,” Rukh answered as he stirred their meager fire. In the Wildness, they couldn’t afford anything larger. Blending hid much but not everything.

They camped near a marsh. Every day, more signs of spring’s imminent arrival could be read. The world was slowly coming back to life. Unfortunately, the warmer weather also meant the bog stank. Rukh imagined he could see a fog of sulfurous fumes rising like a foul mist from the surrounding core grass. Also, the ground underneath was thick and wet, sucking at their feet and slowing their travel. He’d almost lost a boot in it the other day. Luckily, another day should see them clear of the marsh.

“I know it’s only been seven weeks, but it feels like seven months since we left Stronghold,” Jessira said.

Rukh stared into the flames. He was thankful for Jessira’s presence, but guilty that she was with him in the first place. He lifted his head and met her eyes. “I’m sorry I brought you out here.”

“I thought we already went over this,” Jessira said, a resolute tone in her voice. She stared at him, forcing him to meet the challenge in her eyes. “It was my choice, remember? You didn’t tie me down and force me. I came here of my own accord.” Silence fell between them until Jessira spoke once again. “What happens after Hammer?” she asked.

Rukh shrugged. “I’m not sure. I never thought about it.”

“Will you come back to Stronghold?” she asked.

Traveling the Wildness for the rest of his life was what he had originally intended when he had first made the decision to leave Stronghold. But that was before Jessira had chosen to accompany him. He couldn’t keep her away from her family and home. “I’ll go back,” he said, staring into the fire. He glanced up and caught her smile of gratitude. His stomach did a little flip when she reached out to squeeze his hand.

“Thank you,” Jessira said.

Rukh stared into the fire once more. “How do you think your people will react?” he asked.

She misunderstood his question. “I think you won’t have nearly as difficult a time as you did before the Trials. You’ll be fine.”

“I mean you,” Rukh corrected. “How will they react to you? You left with me. You broke your engagement to Disbar. How will they treat you?”

“It probably won’t be easy,” she said with a grimace. “Disbar is an ass, and I’m sure he’s doing his best to ruin my reputation.”

Rukh smiled. “At least he’s an ass who will never be your husband.”

Jessira chuckled. “There is that,” she said. Silence fell again until Jessira shivered. “My feet are freezing,” she complained.

Rukh glanced her way. “Put them closer to the fire,” he suggested. “And why aren’t you wearing your boots?”

“Muscle cramps,” Jessira answered. “And they’re sore.” She gave him a hopeful look. “Can you rub them?”

Rukh shuffled away from her. “No.”

She looked affronted. “Why not?”

Rukh sighed. “Because your feet probably smell awful.”

“I just washed

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