Sorceress (Book 2) by Jim Bernheimer Read Free Book Online Page A

doesn’t have a single thing to do with this stall, but I’d appreciate it if you’d do a good job just the same. Tonight, it’s about an old scout who sees potential in a recruit, who will be leaving this island soon. I want to make certain you know what the stakes are while the worst that can happen is a few hours of extra duty in the stalls.”
    Danella snapped to attention and saluted, bringing her arm level across her chest, palm down.
    “At ease, Lynch. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to return to my office and enjoy a fine glass of wine. I like to reward myself on those rare occasions when I feel like I’ve done something that could make a difference. Finish your task to the best of your abilities and return to your barracks. Have a pleasant evening, Danella.”
    “You too, ma’am.”
    As General Jyslin reached the exit to the fifth year stables, she stopped and stood with her back facing Danella. “Before I leave, how about a test to see how quickly you can apply tonight’s lesson? Can you tell me the color of the stone on the necklace I’m wearing?”
    Majherri looked at Danella and saw her face twist in an effort to recall the answer. Her mouth opened on twice, but no words came out. Finally, he saw her admit defeat. “No, ma’am. I don’t recall your necklace.”
    “Good answer. My question is a ruse. I’m not wearing a necklace this evening,” General Jyslin answered. “Always report the truth as you saw it. If you have to guess, make certain your commander knows it is a guess. What you don’t see may also be just as important as what you did. Safe journeys to you and all who ride with you, fire maiden.”
     
    “And the point of bringing that woman up is?” Danella said in the same haughty tone she’d been using with Rider Garrett. “Her legend is built on a lie. Soon everyone will know that she never killed the Master. All she accomplished is the death of her unicorn. She’s just a bitter old woman, clinging to falsehoods and trophies in her office. The Master will have his revenge!”
    Majherri snorted and sent an image of the maidens dressed in their ceremonial white robes, lining the grassland by the dock to welcome the new recruits. He was asking what she would do with all those who would stand with the general and High-King Barris.
    “Most will abandon her when the truth comes out. Those who do not will regret their choice.”
    He sincerely doubted that, and sent her an image of a time when she’d attempted a foolish stunt and had been injured instead. Before they’d been separated, he’d use this image to tell her she was being stupid, but in a humorous manner. No good-natured feelings flowed across the bond at this time.
    This angered his rider greatly, and she hissed, “We’ll see if you feel that way soon, Majherri.”
    He responded with a vivid image of him riding across the island…with Kayleigh on his back. Danella’s hiss turned into a full scream, and that same numbness he’d felt before, when she was controlling him, descended, slamming into him like a boulder hurled from a catapult.
    Still, he found a tiny corner of his mind where he could think for himself. He’d fought his first of many engagements across their bond. If wielding power over him tired her, Majherri would see to it that Danella was exhausted. He was a scout also, and his mission was clear. He would gather information about the curse inhabiting their bond. Using that knowledge, he planned to test Danella’s resolve on all fronts.

Chapter 4- Grounded in Earth
     
    Once they’d arrived at the camp, Kayleigh said her farewell to Brownie and watched as one of the soldiers led the horse away. The recovered possessions belonging to the other trainees was cause for some celebration, but Kayleigh’s return created mixed reactions amongst the unicorns and riders. No one was certain what to make of her bonding with Rheysurrah. Marcia was still fuming. Laurel and Amanda were happy. The trio of earth