Defenders of The Sacred Land: Book One of The Sacred Land Saga Read Online Free

interrogation.”
    “No, not yet, I don’t sense he is a threat; besides, if he grows too suspicious, he will slip out of town during the night.”
    “How can you be sure, Sylvalora? I shudder to think of where he might have taken them if we had not come along. I think I’ll put him under guard just as well.”
    “Nonsense, do not waste your time. If I am right, I am sure he will be gone by morning.”
    “And what if he sends word that we have come to Brookhaven, what then?”
    Sylvalora smirked. “You worry far too much, my lady. There is nothing for him to report that is not already known.”
    Lady Shey nodded. “You are right. I just hope I can convince the town elders to let me take Dorenn with us.”
    Sylvalora’s face softened. “The opportunity will arise. All you have to do is recognize it.”

Chapter 2: The Tiger’s Head Inn
     
    As Fadral’s wagon and Lady Shey’s entourage appeared over Watch Hill directly above the village of Brookhaven, dusk descended, bathing the hamlet with fading light. Dorenn watched the home fires burning as they cast soft amber hues from open-shuddered windows. Tempting aromas of baking bread mingled with the scent of roasted chicken and slow marinated beef tantalized Dorenn’s appetite. He breathed in the sweet smell of burning mountain pine as it wafted into the crisp evening air. Near the center square of the village stood the Tiger’s Head Inn, towering above all other nearby rooftops. If he squinted, he could glimpse the dark smoke outlined in the dusky sky as it rose from the inn’s two chimneys. Most of the inn’s windows remained dark except for the common room, indicating to Dorenn that the patrons were feasting and drinking. Somehow, the inn appeared strange to Dorenn from this distance, perhaps because the lack of light created an eerie darkness surrounding the streets of the inn. Attendants would soon light the two braziers at both sides of the front double doors to illuminate the entrance walkway.
    As they approached the village gate, Dorenn saw that old Thaq, the city guard, had fallen asleep again. The guard always insisted on using the proper procedure for new arrivals, whether he knew them personally or not, so Dorenn was relieved that he slumbered.
    The temperature dropped sharply after sunset. Tatrice snuggled closer to Dorenn for warmth. He pulled her in tight, resting his chin on her head.
    As the wagon made its way along the main cobblestone street toward the village square, the hair on the back of Dorenn’s neck stood up, alerting him that something unnatural stirred. He nervously glanced about, but, except for a few harmless villagers, the streets were empty. A cold shiver ran up Dorenn’s spine, causing him to flinch.
    “What is it, Dorenn?” Tatrice asked.
    Dorenn suppressed the feeling. “Nothing, I’m just getting a bit chilly.”
    Tatrice settled back under his arm, putting her head on his chest again. “I will hold you tighter then.”
    Many of the villagers tended to their evening meals within their warm homes. Dorenn was thankful it was suppertime. The occupants were too busy to notice Lady Shey’s carriage on the cobblestone streets. She would draw a crowd soon enough, he knew, once word spread around the village of her arrival.
    When they reached the inn, the left wagon wheel of Fadral’s wagon made a jolting screech as he pulled the wooden lever at his left and applied the rear break. Durn, the inn’s stable master, hurried beside the wagon to take the reins.
    Fadral handed over the reins to the able stable master. “Now, be careful, Durn. Remember how Tulip bit you the last time you stabled her.”
    “Aye, I plan to be a bit gentler with her this time,” Durn stated. Fadral nodded and winked at the same time.
    Lady Shey’s coach came to a stop outside the front walkway to the inn. Her driver moved with impressive haste to open the coach door as she stepped out onto the street immediately followed by a young woman dressed in