The Hunted (Stonecrusher Legacy Book 2) by David K. MacDowell

Author:David K. MacDowell [MacDowell, David K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2023-08-28T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Tempress

“Folks, the battle of the farm was a shameful loss. The gnomes murdered two innocents and razed their farm to the ground. The gnomes were the culprits, but we share in that blame.”

The guilt of those deaths and the destruction of their home weighs heavy on my mind. “Fylson, ensure the humans have a proper burial. Include a grave marker. Humans seem to like that, and if anyone looks for them, it will tell them of their deaths.”

“It shall be done, Princess.” Fylson and Taredd walk away, already in discussion.

“That’s kind of you, Princess,” Tasserion remarks. “My men can help as well.”

“Thank you, Commander, but they can take care of it. They died because they helped us, so it’s the least we can do.”

“As you wish, Princess.” Tasserion glances about, mildly distracted.

“What’s on your mind, Commander?”

“I’m wondering what to do with these animals. You’ve accumulated a substantial menagerie in your first few days of freedom. It reminds me of when you were younger. I don’t suppose we’re saving them for food?”

Men. Always thinking about food.

I chuckle. “That’s not the plan. We rescued the goats and battle rams from Brackenbuell stronghold because their lives were no better than ours. We bonded over our shared plight—all of us were barely fed, caged, and ignored. No one deserves to live like that. So, we helped each other escape.”

“But they’re goats, Princess.”

“Mongolesku is no mere goat. He’s a legend, and we have an understanding.”

Tasserion grins, amused. “You do, do you?”

“Indeed. He was grossly neglected when we met. As any healer worth their salt would, I healed him of his many ailments. Now he protects me.”

“You collect protectors that are fiercely loyal, Princess.” Tasserion gestures at Waldorf.

“So it would seem.”

“And the rest of your herd?”

“It’s a package deal. Save one, save the flock. The moose are captured mounts from Father’s hunters, and the donkey, pigs, and chickens are from the farmers’ barn. The twins saved them when the building caught on fire. If we left them in the wild, they’d be dead in days from coyotes or worse.” He's not winning this battle.

Tasserion twirls his mustache. “I’m sure we can help wrangle them back to our camp. It’s only an hour away.”

“Excellent. Once we free the marmosets, we can head out.”

“Ahshula marmosets? How did gnomes get their hands on fey creatures?”

“Father’s responsible.”

“He used the portal for that?”

“That’s what Arbane said. Disgusting, I know.”

Tasserion shakes his head. “Truly. Breaking the trust bond between the fey realm and the elf kingdom is unconscionable. I’m surprised there are no repercussions.”

“Who knows what’s happening in Ahn’Ziu right now? My immediate concern is saving them.”

Soldiers build makeshift tables from wood scraps and stumps, creating a disassembly line. Forty-five minutes later, all marmosets are awake and alive, bundled in someone’s cloak hood, a blanket, or saddlebags.

An hour after, a soundwave of cheering washes over our column as we ride into Commander Tasserion’s field camp.

Blue and silver tents of varying sizes sprawl out across the clearing. Silver fringe and flags on finials flap in the breeze.

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