Castle Walls by D Jordan Redhawk Read Free Book Online Page A

considered Sameer, how life would be for a commoner of that stature, how her life would have been in his place. To always be looked down upon as less, regardless of intelligence or skill - a tedious existence indeed. And to forever be denied the opportunity to prove myself…
    Seeing comprehension, the swarthy man smiled. "You understand how he would be insufferable for the remainder of the day?"
    The brunette grinned sheepishly. "Aye. I can."
    "And how you've brightened his day considerably with your acceptance?"
    "Again, aye." With a slight bow of her head, Katerin said, "Thank you for my lesson. I'll not forget it."
    Minkhat raised an eyebrow, keenly studying her until he realized she was amused rather than annoyed. "You're welcome," he responded, nodding.
    "Now, turn about on that stool and take off your shirt," the woman ordered in a matter-of-fact tone.
    Obediently, he did as he was told.
     
    From the welcome shade of her awning, Ros watched her troupe in the waning light of afternoon. She'd long since removed her black over tunic, the pale blue shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbow, neck lacings open. Her long legs were propped up on the stool before her, feet crossed at the ankles, and she held a rolled up parchment in one hand.
    Supper was being served and her people were clustered about the central cookfire, chattering and laughing. Despite Minkhat's stubborn injury, it had been a decent rehearsal and merited cheerfulness. The dark man had reported that Katerin had been gentle and knowledgeable in her treatment of his shoulder.
    Her hazel eyes lighted on the new arrivals, studying them. Ilia was still uneasy, she being the less gregarious of the two. The blonde's smile was hesitant, her movements gentle and understated. She seemed to have been a gangly youth, all elbows and feet, her adult form still awkward and clumsy from adolescence. Katerin, on the other hand, appeared to be dealing well with the heady mix of the performers, treating each with pleasantness.
    Watching the brunette's face melt into a laugh at something said, Ros' lips twitched to match it. Aye, she's a beauty. I'll give her that. It's too bad she's… Shaking her tousled head, she banished the thought. Enough of that! You've got much more on your trencher to deal with.
    Sighing, Ros considered her next step. She'd already begun with integrating the pair into her troupe, insuring that the score of people would insist they were from Aimsbury. Now, to get Ilia firmly established with the clowning and lute, to lend respectability to the lie with her obvious experience. Katerin was going to be tougher, though. Perhaps she'd allow her hair to be cut, to aid in her disguise.
    Her stomach rumbled. Aye, perhaps. But not now. Slapping the rolled parchment against her leg, she dropped her feet from the stool and rose. With a negligent toss, the paper landed on a nearby table, unfurling to show a portrayal of a woman billowing fire from her mouth. Supper first, a night of enjoyment with my family. Tomorrow's another day and another show.
    Ros left the shade beside her wagon, striding towards the fire and food, smiling and returning the calls of her friends.
     
    It was dark when Katerin returned to the owner's wagon. She'd waited as long as possible, drawing performers out in conversation as she attempted to stall. That Ros had told her she'd be safe didn't help ease her heart. It was the obvious weariness of her handmaiden, Ilia unwilling to leave her mistress' side, which finally decided the brunette. With a gentle smile, she urged the blonde to bed, walking her part of the way and watching until she was safely inside her wagon.
    Katerin inhaled the night air deeply, turning to scan the encampment. She could see only Abdullah, a hulking beast who played the circus strong man, on first watch at the fire. He sang quietly, his voice a sweet alto that belied his size, as he poked at the fire. Everyone else had gone to bed.
    Her dark eyes finally reached Ros'