Wilde's Meadow (Darkness Falls #3) by Krystal Wade Read Free Book Online

spins up and away from me. She reveals a shiny, green leaf, then winks. Such a powerful piece of magic, and she’s playing—flirting almost. I can’t help but giggle.
    Gavin looks up, eyes wide, skin glowing with warm light, then rushes around the other soldiers still too enamored by magic to care about our arrival. “Leaders Maher, I knew you could not be far.”
    He peers around Arland and grins at me, displaying a mouth full of white teeth. “Thank you for sending magic. We met up with a handful of coscarthas about half a mile back. As soon as the sprites arrived, they took care of everything.”
    “Kate? Is that Kate?” Kent, a boy I trained back at Watchers Hall, pushes his way out of the crowd, his sister Muriel in tow.
    Why are they here? They’re so young, so inexperienced, and they’ve already been through enough. I know Arland wanted to send them on scouting missions oh-so-long ago, but things have changed. We’re not scouting for an occasional stray daemon at Arland’s base near the Clearing; we’re seeking out enemy strongholds in hopes to take them down. We’re searching out a powerful god for me to kill. These two kids have already watched so many they know die. They watched me die. They deserve to be comforted in a base.
    Arland glances back, warning me with his narrowed eyes. “ Be strong, Kate. They are old enough to fight, and we need their talent to win this war. ”
    “ Look at them though. They’re too excited to be here. They don’t understand the finality of war. They can’t. ”
    “ Of course they do. They have experienced it, but being successful is more important. Now, remember not to show your fear. ”
    “ Fine.” Shifting on Mirain’s saddle, I force a smile and wait for the pair to reach us.
    Kent fists his hand and holds it over his heart as he passes Arland.
    Straightening, he mimics the gesture.
    “We thought we might never see you again,” Muriel blurts, breathing heavily, palm pressed to her chest.
    “ I knew I would see you again.” Kent glares at his sister.
    “ I forgot about my competition. Maybe he cares not for your Bound status? ” Climbing from Bowen, Arland winks then walks toward the large group of soldiers. “ I need to arrange duty assignments. Enjoy your time with them .”
    “Would you two like to help me tie up the horses?” I slide from Mirain.
    Kent takes a step closer to me, an eager grin spreading across his face. “We tied ours over there.” He points to his right. “There is a stream. Would you like me to take Mirain?”
    His nearness makes me question my concern for him. Kent is taller than me, his arms are defined—nothing near the muscular strength of Arland, but more defined than most thirteen-year-olds—and his confidence rivals that of many men twice his age.
    I shake my head, reminding myself he’s just a boy. Just a young , innocent boy. “I will lead her and Bowen, but you should help the other Leaders with their animals. Muriel, can you please help Cadman?” I attempt to sound strong, older, fearless. I’m not sure how well it works, but both young soldiers do as instructed and head in the direction of the stream.
    Perth and Flanna stride toward Arland and the others, then take places next to him, but my sister and Cadman stop beside me.
    “Can I stay with you?” Brit asks, grabbing Bowen’s reins from my grip.
    Something tells me Brit doesn’t want to stand in front of all the soldiers; she doesn’t want responsibility for anyone’s life … I’m not sure I blame her. “Okay. I just need to tell Cadman something, then we can tie the horses with the others.”
    Cadman clasps his arms behind his back and holds my gaze with his knowing eyes. “Yes, ma’am?”
    “Check for shifters. We don’t need any more attacks from within,” I whisper, hoping no one overhears. I don’t want to cause a panic. Not here. Not ever.
    Cadman smiles, a proud smile. “I will begin making rounds now.”
    He turns and walks alongside