The Reawakened by Jeri Smith-Ready

Author:Jeri Smith-Ready
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: LUNA
Published: 2012-08-25T04:00:00+00:00

23

Tiros

Sura shivered in the shadow of the Tiron watchtower, where Cougars stood ready to shoot arrows into her and her traveling companions. It reminded her of the Descendant garrison near Asermos.

Between the watchtowers stood four powerfully built, solemn-faced young men with swords and knives unsheathed. Kara stopped and bowed in greeting. They nodded in return, each of them watching one of the visitors. The center guards—the two with the swords—wore bear claws on leather cords around their necks. The outer two wore long, thin carved wooden claws— Wolverine, Sura guessed. She tried not to stare at the fetishes, a sight she hadn’t seen in years; Kalindons didn’t wear them, and Asermons weren’t allowed.

“State your name, Animal, home and business,” the taller and older of the Bears said. “Now.”

Kara introduced them, then added, “We’re here to see Vara, and to deliver pigeons.”

“And meloxa,” Dravek said.

The four men jerked their heads to look his way. “How much meloxa?” said the Bear who had spoken before.

“Enough to go around.” Etarek unfastened a flask from the mule’s pack and tossed it to him. The Bear caught it deftly in one large hand, then unscrewed the cap and took a cautious whiff. He smiled.

“I’m Krios. Go on in.” He nodded at the younger Bear. “Take the Snakes to Vara, then show the others where they can get tents.”

“Wait.” Sura looked at Krios. “Has there been any word from Asermos about Rhia and Mali?”

“Rhia escaped. She’s not here, though.” He shook his head. “Last we heard, Mali was still in prison.”

Etarek touched her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

She tried to give him a grateful smile, but her feelings were tied in a knot. At least Rhia had broken free, which meant Lycas was safer. But her heart twisted at the thought of her mother in chains, and she resolved to continue her quest to reach the second phase. With a mentor here in Tiros to guide her in her new magic, she would pose less of a danger to others than Dravek had. Or so she hoped.

They entered the village between the watchtowers. Sura forced her gaze to remain forward and resisted the temptation to look up. In Asermos, the soldiers preferred it that way.

They passed rows of tents and poorly constructed shanties on the outskirts of town. Refugees, no doubt. She kept her breath shallow to minimize the smell of squalor. At least they have their freedom, she reminded herself.

They came to a small white stone house near the center of town. The curtains in the sole window were drawn, though the sun hadn’t set.

“Vara’s house.” The Bear pointed to the wooden door. “Wait until I leave before you go in.” He hurried off, beckoning Kara and Etarek to follow him.

Dravek and Sura stepped onto the narrow porch stairs. He knocked on the door, and when he lowered his arm, their knuckles bumped. Her pulse leaped at the brief touch. One of his fingers reached out and brushed her palm.

The door opened, and a tall woman stared down at them.

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