Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley Read Free Book Online Page A

died
     
    Then they mounted… On their horses
    As they started… Back through town
    First they burned… Those crying children
    And the dwelling… To the ground
     
    Now a young… Man sadly wanders
    Round the place… Where the dwelling stood
    And the people… Of that village
    Call that place… The Haunted Wood
     
    *****
     
    The play went on to tell how—after the gruesome death of his entire family—Thacius had trained hard every day, how he had rallied the good people of Atlaug against the Grindocs, and how they had finally gained their hard-won peace.
    The narrator finished his epic tale with Thacius finding his true love in the midst of war, being crowned the first King of Atlaug, and happily living out his remaining days surrounded by his many beautiful daughters.
    The elaborate performance ended with the knowledge that one of the first King’s ancient blood still ruled over the people of Dimthe Leard.
     
    *****
     
    “Are you gonna be okay, Princess?” Duhrias wrapped her up in his arms and kissed the top of her head. “It was beautiful, wasn’t it?”
    Lala nodded. “Tragically so, yes.”
    “The haunting story of Dimthe Leard’s first King—Thacius.”
    “Yes…” She sniffed. “And I will ever after shed tears within my heart for that valiant man.”
    “As will I,” Duhrias whispered. “But it ended well, did it not?”
    Lala wiped her eyes as she gazed up at her loving River Spirit. “Yes. I am glad he had so many daughters. After losing his whole family like that… I’m glad he found love, and that Father blessed him with so many replacements for his precious sisters.”
    “Replacements for his sisters?” Duhrias tilted his head to the side. “Is that how you saw it?”
    Lala shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose so, yeah. I mean… it just sort of made sense to me like that. He had three sisters, right?”
    Duhrias nodded.
    “He ended up having twelve daughters—four for each little sister he lost.”
    “Perhaps,” Duhrias mumbled. “I mean… he set four guards to each daughter.”
    “Yes, but I believe that was because four Grindocs killed his family. Four skilled guards for every female in his household—zero chance of Grindocs ever getting to them.”
    “Perhaps.” He pulled her back to him. “One thing I know for sure… King Thacius was the most honorable man who has ever lived.”
    “Yes,” Lala said. “After hearing his story, I am hard pressed to believe any noble could ever match his great heart.”
    “Agreed.” He hugged her and gazed out upon the lavender. “Naga would love to hear that story. You know how curious she is about such things.”
    Lala smiled. “Yes. The next time we visit Dimthe Leard, we must ask the King when the next performance will be. I’m definitely taking Obaasan with us.”
    Duhrias only smiled and closed his eyes, as he rested his cheek atop Lala’s head.

Chapter 5
    Jinn
    (JINN)
     
     
     
    “So glad you made it back in time, Empress.” Yui softly kissed her cheek. “I was afraid you would miss the big day.”
    Jenevier kissed him in return. “What big day are you speaking of, my most beautiful Shinobi?”
    “Mistress, please do not tell me you forgot Lala’s Kougai—her reveal.”
    “Of course I haven’t forgotten such a thing.” She half rolled her eyes. “What kind of grandmother would I be if I forgot the traditional ritual display of my only grandchild’s magical Shinobi powers?”
    “You are a marvelous Obaasan, to be sure.” He gently twirled one of her curls around his finger. “Now, Naga.” He smiled softly. “Lala and Duhrias left for the village a few days ago. Tenshi took Mika there yesterday. Your darling son and his lovely wife wished to spend the past evening with the in-laws. Oh, and if I am not very much mistaken…” He glanced out the nearby window. “…that little windstorm blowing around out there could only be Kin Ryu. Goemon promised me a ride on his majestic golden