The Exodus Sagas: Book IV - Of Moons and Myth by Jason R Jones Read Free Book Online

escort.
    “ Yay! Yay! Yay!” The knights, their squires, and the little minstrels all stomped, clapped, and shouted.
    Saberrak stood during all the cheers and walked past Zen, patting him hard on the shoulder which spilled his wine a bit into his lap. Gwenneth did the same, yet not as hard. She leaned over to Azenairk and whispered.
    “ Had you worried for a moment there ?”
    “Aye.”
    “Saberrak and I handled it, just as you asked. The escort was unavoidable without drawing suspicion though. Stop doubting, my bearded friend.” Gwenne smiled as the wind took her long black hair around them both.
    “Yer right, yer right. I get it, got it, sorry and all.” Zen smiled up to his arcane wielding friend.
    “We leave in two hours, are you ready?”
    “As ready as I will ever be I s’pose then. You?”
    “You know the answer to that, Zen. We are always ready.” Her confidence shone through her sincere smile. She noticed James staring up at her, a dumbfound look upon his face. She smiled back to him and then kissed Zen on the cheek. “See you down at the north bridge.”
    Azenairk turned as red as the strawberries in front of him. He looked to Shinayne who shrugged and continued to eat and drink in peace. Then to James, who was staring back at him, straightfaced and serious.
    “What was that for then?” James asked direct, very demanding in fact. He turned his head away and took his glass of water.
    “Luck I s’pose, why? Ye be needin’ one? I can ask her, hey Gwenneth---“
    James spit his water all over his food, choking, coughing, drawing stares fro m a few gathered pygmy singers and two squires. “ No, no…don’t---“
    “Yes Zen?” Gwenneth smiled.
    “James here was wonderin’ bout’ a kiss for luck too, ye’ know.” Zen smiled, his flush face returning to normal.
    “ No, I was….no…not---“ His coughing took over.
    “Is that so?” Gwenneth walked back and leaned toward James Andellis. She looked at his trim brown beard, short waves of hair, then his deep blue eyes that turned right into hers, not inches away. The room quieted.
    He could not speak, her green eyes captivated him, her wry smile, her fair skin and dark contrasting hair on the breeze. His throat tightened, water trapped still, he held his cough lest he would likely shower her face with what remained of his refreshing drink.
    “Maybe if he asked a lady himself , nicely .” Gwenne stared, his face was red, his eyes were tearing she thought. She waited.
    James could not speak, his cough stifled barely. If he moved his mouth the moment would be surely destroyed. Silently, he closed his eyes and leaned in toward her. He thought of her lips, her skin, he felt it inside without question.
    Gwenneth’s lips were an inch away from his, then she looked around, everyone was staring. Her face went flush and she stood back straight .
    “I do apologize for interrupting your meal, please, continue .” She waved her hand , curtsied, and turned away despite the groans of disappointment from the little folk.
    James opened his eyes and coughed into his hand. She was gone, already walking out the balcony tow ard the bridge. He hung his head as everyone went back to their conversations and meal.
    “Nice work James, nicely done there. She done froze ye’ then, and ye’ had yer chance.” Z en chuckled and bit into the egg s and pork on his plate, cold but still delicious .
    “I was choking, not afraid . Why would you think I wanted to kiss her---“
    “Ahhh, James, knight o’ the falcon o ’ Chazzrynn , don’t be tryin’ to scuddle yer way past me then. Hah! Remember , son , I be twice yer’ age nearly, and me eyes be workin’ just fine at sixty three years o’ life. Vundren, bless this boy to have the courage to take the woman he---“ His humorous prayer was cut short .
    “You are intolerable at the moment, my stocky priest . I think I need to get ready.” James smiled, tried to hide it with wiping his mouth, and left the