Forest of Ruin by Kelley Armstrong Read Free Book Online

“I’ll report to the prince that you wear his band, and he will rest easier.” She squeezed Moria’s hand. “Take care, little Keeper.” And then to Gavril, she said, “As for you, I would say to take care of her, but I’m not sure that is wise.”
    â€œI am perfectly capable of looking out for her.”
    â€œNot what I mean.” Her gaze lifted to Gavril’s. “I’ve said I count the prince as a friend. And anyone with eyes can see the depth of his regard for the Keeper. Watch yourself.”
    â€œI’ve said I’ll not harm her nor allow harm to come to her, and I do not require the threat of Tyrus’s vengeance—”
    â€œI cannot tell if you are as obtuse as you seem or only play the part.”
    Gavril’s eyes flashed. “I understand you perfectly, and I will take care of the Keeper.”
    Sabre sighed. “You understand me not at all. Foolish child.”
    She stood, and they watched her lope off into the darkness. Then Gavril opened his pack and took out dried fruit, fish, and rice balls. Moria did not consider refusing. It would do no good, and regardless of Gavril’s promises, she was not convinced she’d get proper meals once inside Alvar Kitsune’s camp.
    They were finishing the meal when Moria reached for the last rice ball and her cloak fell open, and she realized the ends of the prayer band again dangled past her short sleeve. She gave them an impatient tuck up again.
    â€œThis is what I mean, Keeper,” Gavril said. “It is not as easily hidden as you seem to think. If my father finds it . . .”
    â€œHe’ll not.”
    â€œI’d rather avoid taking the chance and—”
    â€œShhh.”
    Gavril glowered at her. “Don’t shush me.”
    Moria slapped a hand over Gavril’s mouth. Before he could wrench it off, she pointed to the east, where she’d seen movement in the long grass. He caught it, too, and then he did push her away, yanking his blade as both of them rose, weapons ready.
    Four figures stood in the distance. Four armed men, withswords and cudgels. Not warriors, then, despite the blades.
    â€œSabre’s father’s men?” Moria whispered.
    Gavril shook his head, and Moria lifted her dagger to hurl at the first man who moved. None did. Then two more appeared beside the others. Gavril swung toward them, his sword raised, and Moria spun just as yet another two men stepped into the clearing. Big men. Rough men. Armed men.
    â€œThe traitor and his whore,” one said, stepping forward. “The goddess has smiled upon us tonight.”

SIX
    â€œS tay your dagger, Keeper,” Gavril murmured as Moria flexed her throwing hand.
    â€œI can fell—”
    â€œOnly one, which will then leave you unarmed.”
    â€œYou can give me your dagger, Kitsune,” Moria said. “And I’ll take down two.”
    â€œI gladly would, but the odds are still against us. Heavily against us.”
    Moria surveyed the bandits encircling them. She now counted eleven, possibly more behind them, lost in the night.
    â€œListen to your lover,” the lead man called. “You cannot escape this alive. Letting us return you to the emperor is your only choice. He has not yet reinstituted executions. He may only exile you. Torture you, yes. Perhaps enough that you’ll wish you were dead. Yet there is a chance of survival. Strike against us, and there is none.”
    He was right. Moreover, while Moria still worried what punishment the emperor might need to inflict on them for appearances’ sake, that would not include execution. Not when Emperor Tatsu was the one who’d sent them here in the first place.
    â€œLower that dagger, whore,” the bandit leader said. “We’ll take your weapons.”
    â€œI would ask you not to call her that,” Gavril said, his voice low.
    â€œOh, that’s very sweet. The traitor loves his