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

toward the river behind his divinely insisted upon companion.
    The deer shook its head and grow led twice, which meant no .
    “ Jurloe, elven captain in Stillwood I slew back when I was yet to be cursed. I did not see him among the specters when---“ Kendari saw the small horned head shake, meaning he had guessed wrong again.
    The deer drank from the riverbed, sidestepping away from the Nadderi elf if he got within ten feet or so.
    “How about you ? Did I kill you to eat, your parent s perhaps? I hate venison actually, nevermind.”
    Growling mixed with water dripping from the raised face of the deer hinted at its displeasure and understanding of every word this cursed elf spoke.
    “Irramas! The priest in Shalokahn, it must be. I cut your he ad off right in your own temple after you paid three assasins to kill me and I brought you their ears. About a century and a half past? ”
    Face still in the water now, the deer shook its head and growled bubbles , twice .
    “I have killed thousands, you realize. This may well take years to piece together. If your goddess is so merciful, then why can’t you speak? Stupid animal .” Kendari knelt next to the river, cupped his hands, and drank of the refreshing water .
    Hi s whole body fell into the river , drenched, knocked over by the quick rush of the deer that slammed its head into his shoulder.
    Sploosh!
    Kendari stood, blades out, Shiver popping and crackling as its heat turned the moisture into steam. His blessed off hand sword from Cristoff held in reverse, his stance knee deep in the Garalan was perfect. The deer stared at him, head cocked to the side, ten feet awa y and taunting him with just a look . They had incurred a few chases recently, and the deer had shown how much faster it was on foot than the cursed elven swordsman each time.
    “You are dinner , I assure you now . I will find a taste for venison. Perhaps not tonight, but you will have to sleep eventually. I will sell your parts to merchants, I will keep a hoof as a reminder , but I will cook you over an open flame and enjoy every bite .” Kendari stewed, dripping wet, staring at the deer that rebelled against his every comment and command . He paused, hoping to feint the animal with words and stillness.
    He ran, diving out of the river, onto land , and sprinting a sword pointed lunge toward the four legged animal. When he reached the spot the deer had been, it had leapt off and was now twenty feet to the west, near the horse. It growled again, staring at the frustrated elf that had been trying to kill it for nearly two weeks.
    “ I will find out who you were and I will kill you again ! Then when she sends you once more, we will see if you have improved on your communication. Don’t think the horse will help you either , he is smarter than you, he fears me . ” Kendari stared his green eyes into the brown eyes of this irritating animal.
    The deer ran off to the south, over a hill in the darkening sky. Kendari and the horse watched, then it was gone.
    “Finally, some rest.” He sheathed his swords and went for the water skins on the horse to fill them, boots sloshing as he walked.
    “ Naahhahhyye !”
    Kendari drew his off hand blade halfway out and stared at the black steed, eye to eye. “Don’t you start now, I have had about enough .”
    “If Seirena wished revenge upon me beyond this curse, she is well on her way. This little voyage to Vin Armon had better pay off, for your sakes, or my blades will be---“
    H e paused, the horse looked south at the hill, they had both heard it. The sound of men shouting, laughing, yelling to one another. The sun fell fast to the east, then the deer stood atop the hill, beckoning in a silent pose for the horse and Kendari to see it.
    “I am not going. I care not for any more signs, strange behaving animals, or even the climb up that hill. Tell your smaller idiot friend I am not going.” Kendari continued with the waterskins, shaking his own head now that he realize