Shrouded Sky (The Veils of Lore Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

so without the heavy, sodden boots she was wearing, but as he held her he realized how badly she was trembling, no longer out of anger toward him, for she did not seem aware he was even there, but from a chill that vibrated through her skin. He pulled her more securely against his chest.
    “God,” he groaned. “I hope I don’t have to bury you like the last one.”
     

CHAPTER 4
    Tygg watched silently from the trees as the Pedant lifted the unconscious girl onto the horse. His mouth watered with anticipation. He had been bred to hate men like this one. To slaughter them on sight. Unfortunately, this was not a man he could hate.
    Tygg navigated closer, slipping quietly from cedar to juniperto pine. He was well skilled in the art of stealth, all Taubastet warriors were, but while Tygg’s senses were made for the night, those of the Pedant now leading the horse toward him were not. Tygg stopped and watched as the man approached. Should he make his presence known, he thought with amusement, or wait until the man had reached shelter? Tygg chuckled to himself. The nearby outpost would offer the Sovereign’s man somesanctuary, but it was only by treaty, not by design. Sturdy timbers could not keep out a Taubastet that wanted in. Tygg was Taubastet. And he always wanted in.
    The setting sun illuminated the Pedant’s fair hair, just one of the many features that set him apart from the Taubastets. For generations sentinels like this one had been favorite prey amongst the warriors of Tygg’s tribe, but after centuries of war a treaty had finally been signed. Tygg knew it was only a temporary respite. Taubastet warriors would still hunt men, just as Syddians would still hunt cat. Tygg had been known to hunt. He had even hunted the Syddian now walking toward him. But he no longer desired this man’s life, not in the usual sense at least.
    He parted the shrubbery and steppedonto the path. As expected, the Pedant continued toward him. The man clearly did not see the tall, painted warrior standing but feet in front of him. But that did not surprise Tygg. Taubastets were gifted in the art of camouflage: their thick black manes were spiked like fronds, their catlike eyes blackened by kohl, and their olive skin muted by tawny-colored leathers that protected chests, legs, and loins. Tygg smiled, careful not to reveal a flash of teeth. If the fool walking toward him had been a deer, Tygg could have cut out its heart in an instant. As it was, he would only bloody the man’s pride when he saw him appear from seemingly nowhere.
    “Aye-ee, Or’n,” Tygg said with a laugh.
    Orryn jumped, annoyance hissing through his teeth. “Curse it, Tygg. How many times have I told you to give warning at least?”
    “I prefer an element of surprise,” Tygg said. “More enjoyment that way.” He stroked the horse’s nose and tilted his head toward the limp form in the saddle. “What have you there?”
    Orryn scowled. “You know full well what I have—an Imela. Found her in the usual place, with the usual injuries.”
    Tygg eyed the jagged wound that gaped beyond the bandage. “I think her injury is not so usual.”
    “Try not to think too hard,” Orryn said. “You might strain something.”
    “My, but you are of a sort, Or’n,” Tygg said. He narrowed his eyes. “You are not well?”
    “I’m fine,” Orryn growled.
    “I think not. Your hands tremble. Your brow glistens. It is not like you.” Tygg grinned. “Afraid on account of me perhaps?”
    Orryn yanked the reins and shoved past him. “Save your humor, Tygg. I have neither the time nor the interest.”
    Tygg stepped around Orryn, halting him in his tracks. His amusement faded. “You cannot help her, Or’n. She is in need of a healer.”
    “Of course I can help her,” Orryn said. “I’ve been trained to tend the wounded. You know that.”
    “The infection has reached her blood. I can smell it.”
    Orryn glanced at the girl’s leg.
    “I will take her if you wish it,”