The Tomni'Tai Scroll (Book 1) by Sam Ferguson Read Free Book Online

Jenedina whispered as she pointed out a dark haired man sitting at a table. “The man walking toward him now is Stefan. He’s the one for you.”
    Sebina was silent as she surveyed Stefan. He had a lean but muscular build, his hair was light golden brown, and his eyes were as blue as the ocean. She smiled in approval as his name lightly fell from her lips. The two men rose from their seats at the table as the young women approached them.
    “Jenedina, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Mandhar smiled as he bowed his head and kissed her hand in greeting. “Although I must confess, I started to worry that you would not come back.”
    “Don’t be silly. Besides, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spend the evening with men like you,” Jenedina replied with a teasing grin.
    Mandhar smiled in response and then turned his gaze to Sebina. “You must be Sebina,” he stated.
    “Yes I am,” she replied.
    “It is a pleasure to be in the presence of such a beautiful desert flower,” Stefan said softly.
    “Thank you,” was all that Sebina could say in response. The raucous patrons around her seemed to disappear as she gazed into Stefan’s eyes. She could feel a definite charm radiating from him. Her heart began to beat softly now, her head became a little lighter, and she started to giggle. Stefan smiled and gestured for everyone to seat themselves.
    The four of them passed the time merrily as they ate some food and the two merchants spoke of their travels. The young women were all but hypnotized by the tales of faraway cities. Neither Jenedina nor Sebina had ever been outside of Rasselin, and so any other city sounded completely enthralling.
    Their conversation went on for hours. Patrons came and went as Mandhar and Stefan continued to trade tales of cities visited, encounters with marauders, and great sea voyages. The four of them were so engrossed in the conversation that none of them noticed one of the patrons seated alone at a nearby table. He was a large man, wearing a midnight-blue cloak with the hood pulled over his head to hide his face from view. He ate little and drank less while the four continued talking.
    Kai had entered the Tiger’s Eye Inn only a few moments after his sister. The table where he sat gave him a clear view of the two men at his sister’s table from under his hood, but he was careful not to draw attention by watching them too intently. Instead, he listened to the conversation. More than a few times he was almost ready to end the charade and make his presence known, but the conversation seemed to be innocent enough. So, Kai sat there, listening to Stefan and Mandhar’s incessant tales. It was well after eight before he heard the words he was waiting for.
     “I’m sorry,” Sebina sighed, “it has been wonderful and I really enjoyed meeting you both, but I must be going.”
    “Sebina, don’t be a spoiler,” Jenedina. She nudged Sebina with her foot under the table. “I’m sure you can stay a little longer.”
    “Why yes, the night has just barely begun!” Mandhar smiled as he leaned back in his chair with a big wave of his hand.
    Kai stiffened slightly in his chair.
    “No, I must go. I am sorry.” Sebina looked down at the floor, a little embarrassed to be the reason that ended the night early.
    “It is alright,” Stefan interjected. “A lady cannot stay out too late in the night. It isn’t proper, or safe for that matter.”
    Kai loosened up a bit and relaxed back into the back of his chair.
    “As it is,” Stefan continued, “Mandhar and I should walk you both home.”
    Kai stiffened up again. He hadn’t expected this. Now he had to figure out how to shadow the four of them and still slip back into his house without being caught by his sister. Kai quickly withdrew from the dining hall and exited the Tiger’s Eye, being careful to keep his back to his sister’s table.
    “Of course, we can escort you both properly. Come, tonight we should be able to see a good