Daughter of Hauk (The Raven Chronicles Book 1) by KateMarie Collins Read Free Book Online Page B

and gave her directions to the bathhouse.
                  A few hours later, Mialee joined Barek down in the common room for dinner. The meat was well cooked, but not anything special. Still, after the meager rations they’d stopped and gathered on the road, the meal was more than adequate. Her eyes scanned the room while they ate.
                  “Did some checking around town after I got done in the bathhouse. No word about fugitives that would match you and me, but there’s not much info coming out of Tanisal right now apparently. Someone even mentioned that the city was closing itself off to merchants. Most folks believe they’re preparing for a war of some kind, but don’t know with whom,” Mialee spoke low.
                  “With me, that’s who. Even if they don’t know it yet.” Barek took a long drink of his ale. “Did you find out anything about the orcs in these parts?”
                  “Not much. Though someone mentioned the owner of this inn has a half-orc whelp running with him. Not very old, but they say he’s got the makings of a good fighter once he grows up a bit. Supposed to be a new enclave of orcs to the east about a day or two from here, as well.”
                  “Any idea where we can find this owner and his whelp?”
                  “No…they run around with several others and are in and out of town constantly. More out of it than in.”
                  Barek nodded, though he didn’t agree with the idea himself. Having a known base of operations just gave your enemy an easy place to look for you.
                  “What about horses? Any chance we can find some of those before we leave? It would make travel much faster.”
                  “Already done. We can pick them up in the stables in the morning. I talked with the local shop owner about some fresh supplies.” She paused, “There’s a local magic shop as well, so I picked up some healing potions. With Arwenna not with us…” Her voice trailed off.
                  He put a massive hand over her smaller one in comfort. “I know. I miss them all as well. We’ll find a way to bring them back. And, if we can’t, we’ll make damn certain that some others join them.”
                  After much prodding, Barek finally gave in and visited the bathhouse at Mialee’s insistence. Muttering under his breath something about how all half-orcs smell bad, clean or dirty, he lowered himself into the water. After a few moments, the warmth overtook his weary muscles and he drifted off to sleep.
                  He stood under his bridge. It was a nice spot, with all the comforts of home. Well, it was comfortable for him anyhow. “Barek!” A familiar voice called out from above him.
                  Barek came around and looked up. Senyan was on the bridge beckoning to him. He clamored up the bank, shouting questions. “How’d you escape? Where have you been? How’d you get here? Were you able to save any of the others?” He paused and looked at Senyan expectantly.
                  “No, they weren’t able to be saved. They’ve been buried back in Tanisal.” Senyan took a deep breath and stared Barek in the eye. “Barek, you cannot do this. Any army you bring will only die. There is great evil in that city, demonic evil. Let me give you a fresh start! I can lead you and Mialee to a hoard that would make a dragon envious! Just let go of the anger, let them stay dead, and you can go back to your quiet life under this bridge with more treasure than you could ever imagine!” His voice was quiet, but insistent.
                  Barek blinked at Senyan and shook his head. “Don’t ask me that. Arwenna’s saved my behind too many times, brought me back from the dead more than once. Y’Dürkie and Rhiannon have watched my back in too many fights.