Bonded: Book One of the ShadowLight Saga, an Epic Fantasy Adventure Read Online Free Page B

stranger, only to find her face motionless . He
combed the crowd, but none revealed they had either spoken or heard the young
woman.
    "And what of Hallad’s crime?" Thyre demanded.
    "What do you say wife?" The godhi replied, his
countenance darkening.
    "It was Hallad who shot the shadow-spawn, or swan
maiden, either way, he brought the wrath of the gods, and as a result my Emma
is gone. By the testimony of his own friends, he moved to protect this creature
and not his own sister. If we do not punish him for this crime, because he is
your son, the gods will take their revenge on our entire village." Her
mouth twitched as if she tried to restrain a smirk.
    Hallad had always known his mother was a ruthless woman, but
to turn on her own son? He’d known the Hall would demand recompense for the
night’s events, though he never dreamed his own mother would suggest it.
    "My son," said the godhi. "Do you know what
the punishment for treason against your kin, attempting to slay those who
control your own fate and endangering your village is?"
    "Ja, father, I do." Hallad lowered his eyes,
unable to look into his father’s face.
    "What say you to these crimes?"
    The muscles in Hallad’s jaw tightened. His teeth ground
together. He could not deny the accusations, for in part they rang true. He
thought of Emma. From a young age, Hallad’s duty forced him to learn to read
runes, master sword skill, study politics and war craft. His time spent with
tutors left him friendless. In rare moments, free of his responsibilities,
Hallad had often found himself alone. Except for Emma. She would appear with
her face bright as sunlight to ease his solitude. The only other friend he had
accused him of this crime. And now, because of his inaction, Emma was gone.
    "Guilty," said Hallad.
    "Guilty," repeated Thyre.
    "Guilty," echoed the crowd, until the longhouse
swelled with the word.
    Avarr bowed his head. Erik’s face paled with shock. The young
woman pressed silently at Hallad’s side, her presence sparking a smidgen of
comfort as his emotions whirled. He caught her eyes as she stared at him, her
compassion apparent. In that moment he realized her eyes were not black, but
the deepest of blue.
    Slowly, the godhi lifted his head, probing his son with
anxious eyes.
    "The Hall pronounces you guilty of treason against your
kin, attempted slaying of a deity and endangerment to this village. Your
sentence is death by the gallows."
     

Chapter 5
     
     
    Tied to the central pole of the livestock barn, Hallad
struggled against the ropes binding his wrists. They had taken the young woman
to another annex of the barn and the separation caused a pang in his chest. He
called out to her, but only the knock of hammers against wood replied as the
villagers prepared for the inquest in the village square.
    And the gallows , Hallad thought.
    Hallad worked at his bindings, remembering the young woman’s
sword tucked in his belt, hidden safely within the folds of his mantle.
    I didn’t even have a chance to ask father about his
signet.
    Momentary grief overtook him, but he shook loose of its
grip. He had to break free, get to the woman and keep her safe. If he managed
to release one hand, he could reach the hilt.
    A crack sounded at the door,
followed by footsteps.
    Unable to look backward to
see who had entered, Hallad called, "Who’s there?"
    The footfalls continued,
coming faster.
    "Who enters?" He asked more forcefully.
    "Shush."
    From behind a hand covered his mouth and a knife sliced
through his bonds. Hallad spun around. His father stood before him. A dark cape
concealed his clothing, disguising his station. His grimness commanded silence
as he drew his hand away.
    "Your mother warned me of this day." The old godhi
contemplated his only son with sorrow.
    "My mother—"
    "Nei, son. Not Thyre. Your mother, Isla. You never knew
of her. I should have told you sooner, but," the old man paused, his face
sagging, "but I am an old fool."
    Avarr's shoulders shrunk