Seeker (The Source Chronicles Book 1) by MJ Blehart Read Free Book Online Page B

lanterns, and reached up now to adjust it to fully cover his head and face.
    The Baron-Administrator sighed audibly, and gestured to his escorting constables.  Every night he lit the lanterns, extinguishing them just as unceremoniously every morning.  He would go from street to street, until all the lamps in his district had been lit. 
    This so-called ‘great honor’ became more and more burdensome as they years wore on.  Not for the first time, he debated just whom he should ‘honor’ with it next.
    ******
    Dak guided them, his torch providing the only light in this tunnel.
    The passage was dark and narrow, the mounts devoid of torches.  It was dusty, though occasionally water would drop from the ceiling, leaking from small cracks in the aqueduct above.  It smelled of disuse, mildew, mold, and damp clay; not unpleasant, but certainly not inviting, either.
    Lyrra-Sharron followed close behind him.  She had draped over herself a large but non-descript brown cloak, the hood up.  She had severely tied back her curly hair.  She carried a bundle over her shoulders, where her rapier was hidden.  She was armed only with several knives, and wore a plain dress over her armor.
    Next came three of her Raiders, and the two minor merchants from Gara-Sharron, who had met them at the rendezvous point.  Each was a firm supporter, having been suppliers of torches, sacks, barrels and other necessities for her bases. 
    Bringing up the rear were Andim Noros and Kallan Val-Sharron.  Dak had been very adamant that she must have personal guards along, and these two were the logical choice. 
    She had left one of her most loyal soldiers, Nadav Rivarr, in command.  He was rather young, a long acquaintance and son of a nobleman.  Nadav had spent a year on the road, and caught up her when he’d returned.  Thus far he had shown wisdom and experience belying his years, and she wanted to see how well he could manage in her absence.  She could always use another trusted second.
    As they continued along the passage, her mind drifted some.  She recalled how they had come to be known as the Falcon Raiders. 
    Lyrra-Sharron had not named them, but her original second had suggested they always leave behind a calling card.  It was a small favor with the soaring silver falcon on a black field.  It had been her late brother’s arms.
    The Falcon Raiders had been making a mockery of the army all over the land, and had made enough of a name for themselves to keep every merchant and common brigand throughout the kingdom on guard.
    She took a moment to think about her men.  Almost all men, she reminded herself, remembering five women in particular.  Those five had been the wives of soldiers, but were now the widows of soldiers. 
    They came from all walks of life.  Sailors, merchants, ex-soldiers, criminals, peasants, even a few noblemen, like Nadav Rivarr.  They weren’t accepted into their ranks and just sent out on raids and patrols, either.  Every man and woman of the Falcon Raiders had spent time being trained in the use of multiple weapons, and hours were devoted daily for drilling and practice bouts.  They were well armed and well skilled.
    Getting them to join often took very little.  Small bribes sometimes, veiled threats, the occasional indecent proposal, but most often it was the story of the simple truths she had learned.  Lyrra-Sharron had a purpose and a goal, and nothing would stop her from achieving her objective. 
    Her mind returned to the passageway as Dak stopped.  Lyrra-Sharron held up her hand to halt and silence the others.  He passed her the torch, then drew a long dagger.  He slowly pushed open the service door, then stepped out.
    She waited.  This always made her nervous.  Moments later, he came back in, nodding his head to affirm it was safe.
    He strode out again.  She passed back the torch, then did the same.
    One by one, they left the service passage, walking into a narrow alley.  Dak still had his