The Broken Council (The Guardian Chronicles 1) by Steven R. Burke Read Free Book Online

elves.   They really needed to focus on putting some serious distance between
them and their attackers before stopping for a rest.   After what seemed to be hours of traveling in
a northeastern course, they came upon a small clearing where the princess
called for a halt.   It was obvious by now
that they were no longer being pursued.
    “We
are truly grateful to you for the timely assistance you gave us back there,”
General Yukio said with a gracious smile.   “Do you know what happened to the men I sent to the Elgore Bridge?”
    “They
were waylaid by the very beasts you killed.   None of your troops survived the ambush,” she reported sadly.   She had a very sincere look on her face that
made it clear she had truly wanted to help their dead companions.   “I am sorry that I was not able to help them.
Their deaths will be avenged.”   The men
had never witnessed an elf being nice or even polite to anyone of a different
race.   Their interactions with elves had
always been terse at best.   She looked as
though she truly cared about them. That made them all very suspicious and downright
nervous.
    “We
are indebted to you for your kindness.   We know that men are not welcome in the forest without prior permission,
so we will be leaving now.   We do not
wish to inconvenience you any further.   We will report to Queen Thejar of your selfless actions and will return
with a reward as a token of our gratitude,” the general stated with a slight
bow.   He knew that they were trespassing
and that their presence was being watched by unseen eyes.   This
forest has eyes…I must get my men out of here. I do not know what this
treacherous elven princess wants with us.
    “General
Yukio, send your men back to report to your queen the events that have
transpired.   She will need to know that
the southern wolves are migrating north.   I request that you stay here with me,” she said without any hint of what
exactly she meant by her strange request.   “I have matters I need to discuss with an emissary of the race of men,
and you are the perfect candidate.”   She
waited patiently for his reply with an unfathomable look on her smooth face.
    “Commander,
please lead the men back to the queen and report what has taken place.   Make sure you tell her about the wolves and
let her know that I will be returning shortly with a more detailed report,” he
said with a grin.   “Let her know that I
am meeting with a member of the elven royal family and that I will return as
soon as our meeting has ended.”   He could
see a smirk creep across the face of his commander and gave him a quick
wink.   The commander understood that
political issues were not the only things these two would be discussing.   The soldiers saluted their general and then
spurred their horses toward the northern edge of the forest.   They wanted out of the eerie woods as fast as
their steeds could carry them.
    The
princess and the general silently watched as the soldiers galloped off through
the trees.   After what seemed to be
several minutes, they turned to look at one another.   I do
not understand it, but I know that my destiny is bound to this man.   I feel that without him I will never be whole
as long as I live. What’s wrong with me?   More importantly, why am I following the advice of a guardian?  
    The
general easily read her thoughts and smiled.   She is just as confused as I am;
maybe that is why she is not bothering to shield thoughts from me.
    “What
exactly did you want to talk about, Milady?” Yukio questioned slyly.   “I do not think that it is politics or the
safety of trade routes along the Blaine River.”   He was smiling smugly now.   He
knew what she had in mind from reading her thoughts.   He could also tell that she did not know that
he had the ability to read minds, which was working to his advantage.   He liked using that particular ability
because of the edge it gave him in any