A Whisper After Midnight by Christian Warren Freed Read Free Book Online Page A

Fedro was a largely forgotten village. Originally intended as a way station for travelers seeking to go over the mountains, the town quickly sprouted up and grew too far beyond its original intent. Bandits and thieves lined the streets hoping to fleece unsuspecting men and women. Worse, they often set ambushes in the foothills. The Murdes Mountains were lawless, a fact Bahr was counting on. The less law enforcement in the area the better. He knew Harnin would already have bounty hunters and worse scouring the neighboring kingdoms.
    Smoke rose from a hundred chimneys, choking the air with subtle pollution. The roads were wet and muddy, sprinkled with light snow. Trees and bushes lined them, giving Fedro a small touch of class. Most of the houses were made from pine, though a few brick homes were interspersed. Bahr suggested they were most likely the homes of merchants and factors. Most people weren’t rich enough to afford brick.
    Bahr guided them down the two-lane road past the shanty guard houses and into the heart of Fedro. They’d left Groge about a kilometer back in a heavy stand of oaks with enough food and water to last the next two days. He hadn’t put up an argument but stood with sad eyes as the others continued on.
    The size of the group drew stares and gawkers, more than Bahr or Anienam felt comfortable with. They’d been counting on secrecy but only succeeded in drawing attention to themselves. Bahr cursed, knowing he should have left the wagon with Groge and broken the group down into twos and threes. So many newcomers at once were bound to draw the wrong kinds of attention. Too late for that, he pushed them on to the nearest inn.
    They’d been on the road for weeks without a rest and a good night’s sleep with a roof over their heads was just what they needed to recharge. Leaving Nothol and Dorl to secure stable space for the horses and a berth for the wagon, he, Maleela, Anienam, and Skuld went in to get rooms and pay for their meals. Boen and Rekka went out through Fedro to scout the streets and identify potential escape routes should the need arise. Only broken Ionascu declined to accompany anyone and remained in the wagon bed, curled up under a pile of blankets.
    Dawn broke by the time they gathered together for breakfast in the common room. The smell of bacon cooking assaulted their senses, making stomachs growl. Heaps of apples and fresh cheese were brought out along with pitchers of ice cold mountain water and freshly made dark bread with jam. Bahr paid a little extra in order to have eggs as well, knowing they needed the protein. The group’s mood instantly improved and soon the room was alive with genuine laughter. Every care seemed forgotten, for the moment.
    The door opened suddenly, allowing a small child in, accompanied by a strong gust of wind. He walked right up to their table as if he’d known they were going to be there. “You are the Sea Wolf,” he stated to Bahr. “I have been sent with a message. The Old Mother wishes to see you. She has necessary knowledge to aid you in your quest.”
    “Go away, boy. We’ve no need for cheap parlor tricks this morn,” Boen frowned.
    Anienam waved a cautious hand at the Gaimosian. “Careful, Boen. This boy is more than he appears. You’re a taken , aren’t you?”
    The child cocked his head, studying the wizard. Recognition flashed in his dull, brown eyes. “We have met before, old one. Long ago, in a distant land. Does this new body throw you off? Perhaps you’d recall my previous form? An elderly man with no right eye in Alloenis.”
    “What devilry is this?” Bahr snarled, reaching for his sword.
    “Patience, Bahr. This is a very rare creature. They are known as taken , ancient souls that travel from body to body.”
    “Demons!”
    The taken laughed, a terrible hissing sound escaping grit teeth. “Your knowledge of the world is limited, Sea Wolf. My kind has walked these lands since the first dawn. We are neither angel nor demon. We