Squire by Tamora Pierce Read Free Book Online Page A

This young man’s words stung a little. She knew that Raoul wanted her Yamani experience on the Great Progress. She also knew many would see it as the standard-bearer did. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” she replied. “If you’ll excuse me?” She took a firmer grip on Peachblossom’s reins. The gelding watched the young man with too much interest for her comfort.
    The standard-bearer gripped her arm. “Watch your step, squire” he informed her. “Just because Wyldon didn’t have the brass to get rid of you doesn’t mean we won’t.”
    Kel flexed her bicep. He stared at her as muscle swelled under his fingers, forcing them open. With a quick jerk Kel freed herself. “Excuse me,” she repeated, and walked off with her charges, keeping Peachblossom away from the standard-bearer.
    Of course he’s resentful, she thought as she joined the column. I’ve taken his place with my lord - or what he sees as his place. There’s nothing I can do about that.
    “You spoke to Lerant of Eldorne.” Qasim appeared at her side to offer Kel a piece of cheese.
    “No, thank you,” she said politely, turning down the food. She added, “He talked, actually. I listened.”
    “He is a good fighter, and devoted to my lord,” Qasim explained, eating the cheese. “He took an arrow for Lord Raoul last year, when we fought bandits in the Tusaine hills. He was unhappy to learn my lord took a squire.” He offered some cheese to Jump, who gobbled it.
    “It’s all right,” Kel said.
    “There is more to it,” the Bazhir told her softly.
    “He applied for a warrior’s post in the army, the navy, even as a man-at-arms, though his birth entitles him to better. No one would take a son of House Eldorne after his aunt’s high treason. They feared the king’s displeasure. My lord Raoul heard of it, and brought Lerant into the Own.”
    Kel felt a twinge of sympathy. She knew what it was like to be unwanted. Lerant’s jealousy was understandable, even if it wasn’t likeable. “Thank you,” she told Qasim. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
    “He will come around,” Qasim assured her as the Own mounted up. “His is a good heart, though temper makes him sharp. He regrets it later. You will see.”
    Kel led Amberfire to Lord Raoul, steadying his mare as he swung into the saddle. “Thanks, Kel,” he said as he accepted the reins.
    Kel remounted Hoshi. Of course she understood Lerant’s feelings. There was no treason in her family, but hadn’t Lord Raoul rescued her, all the same?
    three
CENTAURS
    Smoke rose over the wooden stockade that surrounded the town of Haresfield. The wind carried scents of burned, wet wood and cooked meat. Kel knew those odors; she had smelled them often in raided Yamani and Tortallan villages.
    They picketed their horses with those of the squad sent to the town earlier, in a field within view of the walls. The servingmen remained to guard them. Raoul explained to Kel that he didn’t want the Owns tracks to blot out those left by the bandits. Anyone who entered or left the town had to skirt the broad space of trampled mud and grass before the gate, leaving the ground untouched until the raiders’ signs could be properly read. Third Company entered Haresfield on either side of the gate. Once inside, the men formed their squads. Assigned areas by Captain Flyndan, they dispersed to survey the damage.
    The headman, a priestess of the Goddess, the blacksmith, and Sergeant Balim, whose squad had arrived before dawn, met Raoul in the square. They led Raoul and Flyndan through the town, showing the damage. Kel followed silently.
    Inside its untouched, fifteen-foot stockade wall a third of Haresfield had burned to the ground. Other buildings stood, but fire damage made them unsafe. The blazes had weakened support beams: roofs sagged, upper floors drooped into lower ones. Smoke drifted everywhere, burning Kel’s eyes and filling her nose with the reek of ash and burned flesh. Her stomach had already tried to reject