Ties of Blood by D.W. Jackson Read Free Book Online Page A

thought that they were allowing too much space between the wagons, leaving more than enough room for three riders side by side to ride through. The lapse in security nagged at her but she held her tongue not wanting to cause a problem with the caravaners.
    The three companions set away from the caravan’s main fire making one of their own, so they could talk in privacy. Their plan didn’t work out well as soon people started to migrate to their fire shortly after it was built. Most of them were younger and were more interested in talking to Eloen than anything but thanks to Ballard playing the overprotective brother she was spared from anyone making bold advances thought there were more than a few subtle ones thrown her way.
    Ballard fished for any information he could without being obvious about his lack of knowledge of the area. They learned that the caravan was headed to a rather large trading town. It was located between many of the larger mines in the country so it was an ideal place from many of the blacksmiths so it was aptly named Smithtown. The caravan expected to reach the town in a few days but Eloen knew that without even riding hard they should be able to get their within a day.
    Ballard and Darryl agreed to share the watch with the caravan guards but at least they had made sure to be scheduled at different times so she wouldn’t be left alone. It wasn’t that she was afraid for herself but killing one of the caravaners because they were a little too insistent didn’t seem like something that would go over well with the caravan master.
    As the moon began to climb into the sky everyone began finding the security of their beds. Darryl had the first watch so he met up with the caravan head guard leaving Eloen and Ballard alone.
    “What do you think about Smithtown?” Eloen whispered softly trying to keep her voice from carrying in the too far in the silence of the night.
    “If it’s as large as they say we should be able to find out information if they passed this way.”
    “How are we supposed to go about asking questions without drawing attention to ourselves?”
    Ballard gave her a sly wink. “How else, we visit the taverns. A couple of drinks and a few carefully placed statements can get people to talk about anything you want to. Why do you think I spend so much time in the taverns?”
    “I thought it was so that could see if you could drink yourself blind.” Eloen said smirking.
    “That too, but it is a great place to gather information. You wouldn’t believe how much men love to talk once they get a few drinks in them. Most of it is nothing more than bragging, but say the right thing and they will tell you everything you want to know. It just takes a little skill.”
    “I shall leave that to you then, oh master of the tavern.” Eloen said giving a mocking half bow.
    “Good, just don’t complain too much when I don’t look my best the following morning.”
    “I would never do that, but I won’t stop Darryl yelling in your ear either.” Eloen said laughing.
    “I knew that son of a goat wasn’t talking normally.” Ballard said furrowing his brow. “I just thought my hangover was worse than normal. Remind me throw him over the next bridge we cross.”
    Knowing that it would be an early wakeup Eloen and Ballard turned in for the night. Laying in her bedroll Eloen thought about Thad. He had been the center of her dreams since she he had been captured by the Ablaians. It wasn’t all bad though sometimes she dreamed they were back in Southpass hidden and talking about the possibly of getting married.
    Thinking back to the time she had spent with Thad, she smiled to herself. She hoped that they could find some hint of his whereabouts in Smithtown, but didn’t want to let her hopes get up. There were still too many unknowns to even think they would be able to rescue him, but she knew she had to try. She decided instead to focus on what she knew she could find in a large town, and a hot bath