Castle Walls by D Jordan Redhawk Read Free Book Online

where our herbal supplies are and see to Minkhat's shoulder." Dismissing her new charge, Ros returned her attention to the performers. "Let's start from the top. Gemma, Sati, close up the gap and we'll try it with five people."
    Sameer, the troupe's only dwarf, put down the length of rope he'd been repairing. Climbing off a log, he ambled toward Katerin with an awkward gait. "This way," he ordered, his voice surprisingly mellow compared to his craggy appearance.
    The princess followed, Minkhat trailing slightly behind.
    Bright sunlight met the trio, the muggy warmth of the tent chased away by a mild breeze. Sighing, the brunette wiped sweat from her forehead, enjoying the cooling wind. Arriving at the cook wagon, Sameer clambered up the three steps and began struggling with the latch.
    Katerin watched for long moments, becoming concerned as she watched him fight with the simple mechanism. He was obviously not quite tall or strong enough to open it with ease. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw the swarthy man would be of no assistance as he gazed idly back at her.
    Vexed, the brunette tsked. What was Ros thinking? she demanded. The little fellow can't do this! Stepping forward to intercede, she felt a hand wrap about her upper arm, pulling her back. Head whipping about, black eyes fearful and frustrated, Katerin saw Minkhat holding a finger to his lips and shaking his head. As her heart slowed, she heard the latch finally give way and the dwarf's lusty sigh of satisfaction.
    "There we go," he said, a wide smile creasing his face as the door swung open. In moments, he was in the wagon, shoving boxes and rough-hewn sacks aside as he rummaged about.
    Minkhat released the woman, winking at her as he pulled up a nearby stool and settled down.
    Still uncertain, Katerin kept her expression neutral as Sameer found what he was looking for. Wood grated on wood as he pushed a medium sized chest towards the door. Opening the lid, he waved at it with a flourish and bowed. "All of our healing supplies - at your disposal, Lady Katerin."
    Despite irritation at forcing the dwarf to work so much harder than a normal man, the brunette smiled, dropping into a curtsey. "Thank you, kind sir." His answering chuckle caused her smile to widen.
    Sameer climbed down the steps. "That's all we have. We've not had anyone skilled in the healing arts for some time. If you need anything else or would like to restock what we have, let Ros know," he chattered. "She'll purchase what we need at the next village."
    "Thank you for your assistance, Sameer," Katerin said. "I shall go over what we have."
    Minkhat finally spoke. "Thanks, Sammie," he said with a wave and a sardonic grin.
    The dwarf's eyes flashed in feigned anger. "That's Sameer to you , 'Minkie.'" With a final wave at the pair, he returned to the tent.
    When he was far enough away, Katerin turned and glared at the man on the stool. "Why wouldn't you let me help him? He was obviously unsuited to the task; it would have been far easier to do it myself."
    Holding his hands up and leaning backwards, Minkhat said, "Because he'd have been insufferable for the remainder of the day. And you," he continued, pointing at her, "would have made an enemy."
    The brunette blinked, trying to comprehend. Finally, she murmured, "I don't understand."
    "Obviously," the man muttered. At her sharp glance, he shook his head with a smile. "No, I mean no insult, Katerin." Warm brown eyes studied her. "You've not spent much time with commoners, have you?"
    Swallowing, Katerin looked away, not wanting to give the man any more information than he could already discern.
    "No matter. Let me tell you the way of it with people such as Sameer." Minkhat's eyes became unfocused with thought. "You spoke truly that he wasn't suited to the task at hand. But do you believe he'd enjoy being treated as a child his entire life? Would you?"
    "What?" Surprise lit Katerin's eyes. I'd not thought of it in those terms. "Certainly not." She