The Uprising (Stonecrusher Legacy Book 1) by David K. MacDowell

Author:David K. MacDowell [MacDowell, David K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2023-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Members of my clan will escort Tempress and me to the goat pens before the morning shift change. I told Tempress I’d do what it takes to keep her safe, but I think the brown corduroy frock is a bit much.

At least they didn’t make me shave my beard.

The goat pens are one level above our shantytown in the stronghold and are empty of Brackenbuell dwarves, according to Gharrad. We should have an easy time getting there.

“Damn, Wal. You look good.” Mal busts a gut laughing. “Earth tones are your color. I mean, you’re still butt-ugly, so keep your head down. Maybe we should hold hands to really sell it.”

He’s such an idiot.

Mom hands me her leather hooded shawl. “We need him to be inconspicuous. Holding hands will draw people’s attention. My shawl will be enough.”

Akaryia smirks over her shoulder. “Besides, Mallick, I’m sure everyone knows what Henna looks like. They’d be suspicious if they saw you with a different girl.” Akaryia delivers that one with a straight face.

A second of silence before the house erupts in laughter.

Mom tries to settle the house down. “Let’s stay focused, but I think we all agree Akaryia wins the joke battle with that zinger. Hit the mark dead on, did it, Mal?” Mom’s teasing keeps us chuckling.

Mallick’s face is red to his ears. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but Nerak’s right. We need to focus on more important things than my love life. How do you want to move, Akaryia?”

Akaryia stands in the middle of our room to address everyone present.

“Normally, I’d recommend splitting up and meandering to our target destination. It’s easier to avoid prying eyes. However, we have maybe a half-hour before the stronghold wakes up, so we need to move quickly. Nerak, when do the shifts change in the mines?”

“Within forty-five minutes.”

Akaryia gestures at Mom. “There we go. We need to take the most direct route. Mallick, if anyone approaches, you do the talking. If anyone asks, you’re on goat duty.”

“There’s no way it will go that easy,” I object.

“You’re probably right, Waldorf, but it’s the best plan we have. Hopefully, you’ll pass as your mother and the princess will pass for one of Mallick’s twin sisters, Kal or Ker. As long as no one looks too closely, you’ll be fine.”

Nerak adds, “Remember to keep your kerchiefs over your faces. You’ll have a better chance. Use your shawls as well.”

Akaryia nods as she walks to the door. “Then let’s go. Szara and Thera, you’re out first, then Atha and I will follow after a count of thirty. Everyone is looking for Brackenbuell dwarves. We run interference. You two keep moving.”

We’re interrupted by a gentle rap on the tin door, followed by Ker’s whisper, “It’s us.”

I pick up the bucket of stones and let the twins in.

“Did we miss anything?” Kal asks.

Mallick’s twin sisters are identical, from their curly brown hair to their slightly crooked noses. Even Mallick’s family has a hard time telling them apart if they’re being sneaky.

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