Songbird by Colleen Helme Read Free Book Online Page A

can’t be trusted because they wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone who didn’t agree with them.”
    “That’s not true!” Teya said, hurt and outraged that he would believe this. “Those are lies. Kalorians love peace and treasure life.”
    “All Kalorians?” Bran asked. “There must be a few who don’t feel that way. Not everyone loves peace, and ruthless ambition is everywhere.”
    Teya couldn’t deny his reasoning, but she also couldn’t believe one of her own would use magic to destroy others. “I was only ten when I was kidnapped. My memories of home are filled with love and contentment. I was happy there. It was only after I was taken that I learned anger and hate.”
    She held his gaze, challenging him to disagree, and continued. “That didn’t come from my people, and none of them wore a kundar .” Sudden comprehension dawned. “You aren’t planning to take this off, are you?” She fingered the collar. “Are you afraid of me? Of what I might do without the kundar on?”
    “Why shouldn’t I be concerned?” he answered. “After everything I’ve heard, I would be a fool not to consider your power. You’re right. You have learned anger and hate. You’ve been a slave for ten years. Without the kundar , how do I know you won’t seek revenge?”
    “Why should you care what I do to the king? He deserves to die.” As the words left her mouth, she realized how vindictive that sounded, and knew it wasn’t the best thing to say to gain his trust. She softened her voice, hoping he would understand. “But I wouldn’t go back now. Not before I returned to my people. You got me out of there, and because of that, I would honor our bargain.”
    He didn’t reply, and it seemed as though a wall had gone up between them. How could she blame him for his caution? In his place she would probably feel the same way. Fatigue overcame her and she let out a big sigh. “Why do you think my people would help you anyway?”
    “Once I explained the situation, they could give me an idea of who might be involved in making the elixir, especially if it bothers them as much as it bothers you. I know the king has made it his business to capture or kill the Kalorians, but no one really knows where they come from. I’ve heard rumors that they’ve disappeared, but no one seems to know anything. I just want to talk with them, and I thought that if I brought you back, they would be more willing to help me.”
    She glanced at him sharply. “Oh, I get it. You’re using me as a bargaining tool.”
    “I guess you could say that if you like.” His eyes narrowed. “Do you want to go back to your people or not?”
    “Of course I do.”
    “Then we’re helping each other.”
    Silence stretched between them. Now that she knew he didn’t trust her magic it was hard to tell him what she wanted. But if he didn’t take it off now, she wasn’t sure he ever would. “I can take you to them, but the kundar limits my sense of direction. I know they’re out there somewhere, but I can’t sense them like I could without it. If you want me to find them, you’ll need to take it off.”
    “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” he asked, skepticism in his tone.
    “I promise I won’t hurt you. After you risked your life to help me escape, how could I?” He didn’t respond, so she continued with the truth. “I’m afraid if you don’t take it off now you never will. I can’t risk it. If there’s a chance of getting caught again, I have to know I can use my magic to defend myself. I won’t go back.” She paused, then caught his gaze. “I’d rather die first.”
    Her declaration hit a nerve with Bran, and he rubbed a hand through his hair before responding. “I need to think about this. Why don’t you rest for a bit? I’ll keep watch.”
    Without waiting for a response, he fled the cabin, probably eager to get away from her. She wanted to call him back to dispel his fears, but what more could she say? Only time would