Crucible by Mercedes Lackey Read Free Book Online Page B

at his joke, and offered a bow as he stumbled backward into the street.
    â€œWatch out!”
    Navin whipped around and saw a galloping team of horses pulling a carriage, and rushing straight at him. He froze, watching as they charged at him, only a few yards away now. The driver pulled hard on the reins, trying to get them to turn, but they were moving too quickly. Navin closed his eyes and relaxed, ready to accept his fate.
    Something struck him in the side, and he tumbled to the edge of the road, rolling in the dirt and mud several times before sliding to a stop. He snapped his eyes open and looked around, trying to see what had hit him. A gray form that looked like a gigantic dog turned a corner in the distance, but it was too blurry for him to make out anything more of the creature. After rubbing his eyes, the animal—or whatever it was—was gone.
    The driver finally stopped his team and jumped off the carriage, rushing over to Navin. The former bard continued staring at the corner where the gray creature had disappeared.
Did I imagine it? I must have. It was just an alcohol-induced hallucination. I probably just slipped in the mud and rolled aside on my own.
    As he shook his head, he became aware of the bone-numbing chill seeping through his wet, muddy clothes. He graciously accepted the driver’s help to get back on his feet.
    â€œYou all right? Looks like you had one too many. Come on now, my house isn’t far. You could use a fire and a warm meal, I’d wager. It’s the least I can do after almost running you down. We’ll get you a good place torest and get some warm food in your belly to chase off that chill.”
    The driver escorted Navin up to the driver’s bench, helping him climb into the seat. The older man sprang up next to him and clucked at the horses while snapping the reins. They began trotting down the street. Navin turned back and looked one last time at the corner, but he saw nothing.
    :You must create.:
    â€œWhat did you say?” Navin turned to the driver and asked, shouting to be heard over the clopping of the horse hooves on the ground.
    â€œNothing, lad. Probably just a bit of ringing from the tumble you took. Don’t worry, me and mine will get you back on your feet in no time.”
    Navin shook his head. He knew he’d heard someone.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    Navin stayed the night, but he decided to leave the next day before he overstayed his welcome. The stranger had shown him nothing but kindness, and he didn’t want to return the favor by draining the wine cellar and chasing off servants.
    So it was that he found himself on the road again, heading south. The direction wasn’t important, as long as he continued to put distance between Haven and himself. Perhaps with distance or time spent in a foreign land, the memories would start to fade.
    Over the course of the day, Navin kept off the main road—close enough to navigate by it but far enough away to not have to exchange pleasantries with other travelers. As night started to fall, he turned to the west, heading deeper into the wilderness for at least an hour. Out here, he could be in peace.
    After lighting a fire, Navin went through the motions of eating, practiced so long that he never thought about them. He didn’t even bother seasoning the food, knowing he wouldn’t taste it anyway. He watched as the firefaded to embers, poking it with a stick once in a while until the pit was filled with ash. When there was just a flicker of light, he began to sing.
    It was a wordless song, birthed deep in his stomach and rolling up past his throat in smooth, light tones. The music was deep and carried through the woods, echoing the sadness that Navin felt too strongly to acknowledge. His throat caught on a note, but he continued singing, closing his eyes and letting it flow through him rather than using conscious thought. After the third time his throat caught, he stopped, feeling the