Lord of Shadows by Alix Rickloff Read Free Book Online

suggested.
    “Do they imagine women they’ve never met? I don’t believe it could be so, Sabrina.” Her name like a caress.
    Butterflies threatened to explode out her stomach. Smoothing her apron, she cleared her throat with nursely efficiency. “I should be getting back to my duties.” Patted his shoulder like she might a child, though the masculine frame beneath her fingers was decidedly un-childlike, and she was certain he felt her trembling. “You were more dead than alive when the villagers brought you to us. It will take time for you to recover your memory, but I’m sure it will happen.”
    He gazed down on his calloused palm, the slash of old cuts evident even there. Closing his fist, he shrugged. “You’ve seen my scars,” he replied, hunching his shoulders as if warding off a blow. “Perhaps it’s best if I don’t.”

    “I’ve made up my mind.” Ard-siúr held up a hand before Sister Brigh could argue—again. “And that’s final.”
    From her inconspicuous seat behind Sister Ainnir, Sabrina clamped her lips together, smothering a smile. She couldn’t help it. She loved seeing the cranky old priestess stymied every once in a while.
    Sister Ainnir’s low-pitched voice responded to Ard-siúr’s resolve. “We can’t make him remain if he chooses to go.”
    “No, we can’t force him to stay, Sister Ainnir,” Ard-siúr agreed. “But we can make it clear that his injuries still impair his mind. And while he may feel he’s fully healed, his body can weaken without warning. Dizziness. Fatigue. Headaches. Until he recovers his memory, it would be better for him to remain.”
    “But his continued presence disrupts our routine,” Sister Anne chirped. “Already rumors circulate among us. He’s a wanted brigand. A smuggler. A murderer. Each story more hair-raising than the last.”
    “Wouldn’t be surprised,” Sister Brigh sniffed. “You just have to look at him to see he’s a dangerous rogue likely to slit your throat. No respectable gentleman carries scarring like that.”
    It was true. The man’s body spoke of untold violence and a sinister past as dark as his eyes. But Sabrina had seen no signs of murderous intent. Felt no fear in his presence other than the fear that she was making a fool of herself.
    Sister Brigh’s assumptions were taken up with worried agreement by the others. Argument ensued, voices competing for dominance as each brought their views before Ard-siúr.
    Sabrina burrowed deeper into her chair. Why she’d been included in this afternoon’s meeting had not been made clear—possibly because Sister Ainnir’s work in the hospital fell more and more to Sabrina as the elderly priestess’s health waned—but she didn’t want anyone to suddenly question her right to be included. That “anyone” most likely to be Sister Brigh, who questioned every decision and took every opportunity to challenge Ard-siúr’s authority.
    Ard-siúr’s quiet control cut through the squabbling. “All your concerns are understandable and duly noted, but my decision is made.” Ard-siúr’s pointed stare directed squarely at Sister Brigh. There followed the rustle of skirts, the babble of conversation. “You may go, my sisters.”
    Sabrina eased out of her chair. Took up her place at the end of the line of chattering women.
    “Hold a moment, Sabrina,” Ard-siúr said with a hand upon her arm. Waiting until the flock of women withdrew before ushering her back to her seat. Leaning against her desk, arms folded, lips tipped in amusement. “Do you agree with my decision? Or, like Sister Brigh and the others, do you think I should have sent the poor man on his way?”
    The head of the order asked her opinion? This was a first. And a hopeful portent. Perhaps her elevation to full priestess drew close. She hesitated, weighing her words. It wouldn’t do to queer things now with some rash, unthinking response. “I believe, Ard-siúr, you acted in the only way you could. That is to say, all