The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 2 Blood Honor and Dreams by Melissa Myers Read Free Book Online Page A

sleep can I ask a
question?” Shade said quickly, noting how the rogue’s eyes were
already closing.
    “Go for it,” Charm said quietly as he shifted
his position, seeking a more comfortable way to rest.
    “It’s an abrupt change of topic I know, but
I’m wondering if you noticed the same as I did while you were in
the city or if I was mistaken.” He paused and watched the rogue’s
eyes flicker back open. He hadn’t been sure Charm was still
awake.
    “Ask, I’m tired,” Charm urged.
    “On a basic level did the Blights seem to
react like goblins to you? I thought I noticed a lot of similar
behavior. We had issues with the goblins in Morcath a few years
back and I got to know them better than I ever would have wanted
to. When they were afraid, they found the deepest darkest hole to
crawl in. They lived in hives there, communities of several dozen.
They would fight among themselves but never anything serious, just
scrapping. From what I saw of the Blights they seemed to act the
same way on a basic level.” He watched Charm for a reaction as he
finished and the rogue seemed to be in contemplation.
    “I suppose they did, now that you mention it.
They do live in hives as you call it, and they do tend to prefer
subterranean areas. They are thick under the palace. Why?” Charm
said, his grey eyes filled with interest.
    “I think I know how to clear out Eldagar,”
Shade said quietly, and smiled faintly.
    “You know how to clear a massive amount of
Blights from a city that has never fallen?” Charm asked
skeptically.
    Smiling wider Shade nodded. “Yes I do, but go
ahead and rest. We can talk it over once you have slept.”
    Charm’s eyes narrowed slightly and he seemed
on the point of arguing. He was obviously curious but in the end
fatigue won out. Nodding his acceptance, he leaned back in the seat
and closed his eyes again.
    With another smile, Shade turned his
attention to the flight ahead and working out the minor details of
his plan. It was an unconventional one to be sure, but it would
work.

Chapter 3
     
    Sanctuary
     
     
    Jala tried to focus on the road ahead but her
eyes kept trailing back to Valor. His tall bay horse was prancing
sideways down the road with every point of it glittering in the
sunlight. Bright emeralds flashed from the bridle and saddle, with
smaller diamonds sparkling among them. His saddle blanket was heavy
black silk with silver thread embroidery and she was positive the
bit in the horse’s mouth was solid gold. Between the horse’s
regalia and Valor’s own perfectly tailored suit of black and silver
she felt like she was riding with royalty.
    “You have a beautiful horse, Valor,” she said
at last, unable to keep silent about the spectacle any longer. “Is
his bit actually gold?”
    Finn gave a shake of his head at her and
rolled his eyes. “You will regret that,” he muttered under his
breath.
    Valor turned his attention back from the
crowded streets and smiled at her. “Did you not have a chance to
see Vanguard at the spring games?” he asked, and gave her a look
that suggested she had missed one of the most important events of
her life. “And, no, the bit isn’t solid gold. That is far too soft
a metal. It’s plated,” he said, patting the horse on the neck.
    “I suppose I must have missed seeing you
joust,” she admitted with a shrug. She was positive she would have
noticed a knight with a gem encrusted horse on the field. The
bridle alone was worth enough to feed a large city for a week. She
had only gone to the first day of the Joust and then spent the rest
of the games wandering through the markets. On the day she had
gone, the armor and horses had been impressive but nothing like
what Valor wore now.
    “Well we will have to make sure you see it
this year. The Joust truly is the best part of the Spring Games.
It’s what most come to see you know.” He patted the horse’s neck
again and smiled proudly. “And Vanguard is the best horse on the
field there.