Fate Defied: The Silent Tempest, Book 3 by E. J. Godwin Read Free Book Online Page A

Ekendoré at least three days ago, after which Hené would immediately have sent out several scouts of his own.
    Early the next day they encountered a small contingent of Raéni heading south along the snow-covered road Gegré-Léiff. Their own scouts were among them, having met in Wellfené, just to the north near the source of the Telquayen. Garda had indeed received the message from Spierel, as well as one Tenlar had sent earlier from Gebi. It was good news to Soren, who had begun to fear that the Hodyn had waylaid the messengers. The two scouts returned to the main party, while the Raéni from Ekendoré departed for Léiff.
    The bitter cold held, and the icy breeze stung their faces as they crossed the frozen Telquayen and rejoined the road north of Wellfené. The following dawn brought a slight change to the air, however, and as they turned west toward Ekendoré the temperature rose steadily. Around noon two Raéni on horseback approached, and though the valley beyond looked as peaceful as ever, the soldiers halted before them wearing grim faces.
    Soren jumped off the runners as the others stopped to rest. “What news from Ekendoré?”
    A short, sturdy woman dropped from the saddle, and Caleb’s eyebrows rose. It was Wirden, who along with Soren’s father had demanded his exile at Udan. A red-stained bandage peeked through the dark bangs under her hood, and she approached Soren with a slight limp, her companion following. She seemed not to recognize Caleb and gave her attention exclusively to the Master Raén.
    “None from Ekendoré, Lord Soren,” she answered. “But if you ask what news from Udan , I must answer differently. Udan fell to the Hodyn—three days ago.”
    Silent shock registered on their faces. Caleb’s insides twisted: the reality of war was beginning to hit home. Then the Raéni poured out a barrage of questions and exclamations.
    Soren silenced it with a shout, then faced Wirden. “Didn’t Garda relay our messages to Rewba?”
    “She did, but it wasn’t much help. The enemy cut our best fighters to ribbons with those ‘fire weapons,’ or whatever you call them. Caught us totally by surprise.”
    “They approached the fort without being seen?” blurted one of the Raéni. “Where were your scouts?”
    “That’s exactly what we can’t figure out,” she said. “We sent them out to search the entire region as soon as we got your message. They found no sign of the Hodyn. Then early in the evening—four days ago, now—we heard news that hundreds of the enemy had assembled less than five miles to the east. They were at our walls within a few hours.”
    Wirden shook her head, as if in disbelief of her own words. “They only used a few of these evil weapons, but the Hodyn rallied around them. Before long we knew Udan was doomed. Lord Rewba chose six Raéni, including myself, to escape and warn Ekendoré. Only three of us reached the city.” She gestured at the young man at her side. “Toár here saw the fortress fall, and escaped with Lord Rewba and a handful of others after we did.”
    “Rewba’s alive?” Soren asked. “Where is he?”
    “At the palace, my lord,” Toár answered, bowing his head and speaking with the formality common of new recruits. “He already met with the Overseer, of course, and hopes for your timely return. Lord Hené sent a force north of the Quayen to bivouac along the road for our defense, and to give first warning. He sent Wirden and I to catch up to the Raéni scouts he dispatched to Léiff before he heard about Udan.”
    “We met them yesterday. They knew nothing about the attack.” Soren peered beneath Wirden’s hood. “Though I don’t understand why he would send an injured Raén on such a mission.”
    “I insisted,” she said quietly. “I wished to atone for my behavior in Udan.”
    Soren’s eyes hardened. “For my part, you are forgiven. But I’m not the only one you owe an apology to.”
    At last she turned to Caleb. He had been