Viper (Isles of Storm and Sorrow) by Hogan Bex

Author:Hogan, Bex
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: amazon

The tunnel winds endlessly through the mountain. I walk beside the wall, running my fingers along slime-covered rock, trying not to stumble over stones I can’t see. We don’t speak, all sensing that silence is our friend at this point, just in case anyone else has sought sanctuary in the darkness.

It’s several hours before the first glimmer of light tells us the opening is nearby, and when we finally emerge from the tunnel and on to another cliff face it’s early morning. The air feels wonderfully fresh after being in such dank murkiness and carries salt on it that clings to my lips. We are near the sea, just as Bronn said we would be.

Our descent is far easier than the way up. Once we’ve scrambled down from the ledge, waging war on the thicket of thorns covering it from prying eyes, we take a dusty path towards the town. A quick check of my compass tells me we’re facing west, nothing but the vast expanse of ocean in front of us until the Western Isles – a thought that makes me prickle with unease as I remember Grace’s claims. I tuck the compass into my pocket, glad to still have one of my birthday gifts. Bronn’s dagger is somewhere at the palace. The King may as well have buried it in my back after selling me out to my father.

The betrayal still stings, even though it shouldn’t. Our dinner together left me in little doubt of what kind of man the King is. I just hadn’t wanted to believe he was such a coward that he’d rather make a deal with his enemy to protect his own skin than work with a willing ally to restore peace. And now I’m gambling everything on his son. Bronn is right: I don’t know anything about Torin, have no real reason to believe he’ll help, only a momentary connection forged in the melding of flesh. I could be making a terrible mistake.

We walk for about an hour and hear the town long before we see it. Though it’s still early the thrum of voices reaches us, and I glance over at Bronn.

He’s frowning. ‘Thought this side of the island might be quieter. Obviously not.’

‘The more people, the more cover,’ Grace says.

‘Maybe.’ Bronn isn’t happy. ‘We’ll split up. I’ll sort out boats; you two send word to Torin you’re on your way. The sooner we’re off land the better.’

And once we’re back at sea he’ll be gone. The thought makes my insides tangle together. But if he’s determined to leave, then there’s something I want to do before he goes.

I fall into step beside Grace, and pull her back a little, so Bronn can’t hear me. ‘Can you take care of the message on your own? I have an errand to run.’

She gives me a curious look, but nods.

If the main port had seemed busy, this is mayhem. Hundreds of people have flocked here, hoping to land unnoticed on this quiet part of the isle.

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