We Lie With Death by Devin Madson

We Lie With Death by Devin Madson

Author:Devin Madson [Madson, Devin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780356514109
Google: lNfVDwAAQBAJ
Amazon: 0316536385
Publisher: Hachette UK
Published: 2021-01-12T00:00:00+00:00


16. MIKO

It took days to climb down out of the mountains, snatches of sea view replaced with the occasional glimpse of the Tzitzi River, snaking its way across the land to the north. Were Grace Bahain’s men watching it? Waiting for me? Or were they still behind us somewhere, chasing us across the landscape?

The first town we stumbled upon sat nestled at the foot of the mountains, its bustling market and well-kept roads proof one of the area’s well-known fur routes ran through it. That made it a more dangerous place to stop than a smaller village, but we had been walking for days in the rain and the very thought of an inn made my cold, clammy skin yearn for the touch of dry clothes and warm sheets.

“We should find somewhere to sleep the night,” I said, slowing my pace as buildings rose around us. “And get some proper food.” My stomach squelched along with the mud beneath my stolen sandals.

With his long-legged gait, Rah caught up and replied in a rumble of Levanti.

“I don’t think anyone will be looking for us here,” I returned, guessing what he had said. “Although you stand out a bit.”

I glanced at my stoic companion. He was taller than most Kisians, and although many days without shaving his head had left a nap of wavy dark hair that hid his branding, even Kisian clothes could not hide the dark colour of his skin. Shishi too was sopping wet, her underside no longer the colour of gold but of mud.

The promise of a dry sleeping mat, warmth, and food drained slowly away, leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. Any innkeeper would take one of the jewelled pins in my hair in return for food and mats for the night, but not with a dog leaving muddy prints everywhere.

An inn lantern came into view—a bright, hopeful sun piercing the grey evening with its promises. Not the sort of inn catering to the nobility, but what was a little noise and dirt when hot food and anonymity were on offer?

I gnawed my lip, aware of Rah’s tilted head in the corner of my vision.

“New plan.” I walked on, my resolve stiffening at the smell of food. Rah followed, he and Shishi turning with me from the main road into a narrow street beside the inn’s yard. A wooden gate sat open. Inside, a long stable house abutted the main building, sluicing water from its own slanted roof onto the yard stones, obscuring the stable hands sitting within. Only their laughter teased through, along with a twinkle of lantern light.

“All right, stay here,” I said, gesturing stay as much to Rah as to Shishi. “I’ll be right back.”

With a nod, Rah dropped into a crouch, his hand upon Shishi’s sodden coat. Leaving them, I returned along the alley, glancing back only once to be sure they hadn’t followed. Neither had, at least not with their feet. Their eyes seemed to track me even after I took the corner and knew myself out of sight.



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