The Elfmaid's Curse (The Elfmaid Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free

door. A half empty mug of ale sat before him all but forgotten, while a pretty blonde tavern girl sat on his lap, her face buried in his neck kissing and nibbling. Her silk dress was all but pulled off by Danic's pawing of her shapely body. Stepping inside, Carl paused to admire her exposed beauty a moment.
                "Carl!" Danic cried out happily. "Where have you been?"
                Danic looked considerably better, having shaved and bathed since last Carl saw him.
                Grinning from ear to ear, Carl answered, "Comforting a poor, lonely beauty."
                The big Tyrian plopped down on the bench opposite Danic. Both men had shed their armor, but not their weapons. The bartender, an old acquaintance, watched the valuable armor behind the bar. They would retrieve it before retiring for the night.
                "I'll bet you an ale that I've had more women than you today," Danic said.
                "Ha! Where's that ale, lad," Carl cried. "I've taken three since we rode in this noon."
                "Five. I've had five," Danic said, winking. "And they were all extremely grateful."
                "Ouch! Just cut my heart out here!" Carl said. "Don't torture your friend like this."
                "Buy me my ale, and maybe I'll have mercy and not give you all the details." Danic said, laughing at Carl's consternation and squeezed the pretty blonde on his lap, who squealed with delight. It wasn't often Danic out-caroused the big barbarian. Kissing the blonde's warm pink lips, "Maybe you'll be number six."
                She kissed him hard on the ear, "After me, you wouldn't need a seventh."
                "You hear that, Carl? I've finally found a woman worthy of my talents and appetites!"
                Carl gave her an appraising look. "She doesn't look comatose to me."
                Winking at the blonde, "His jealousy never ceases to amaze me."
                "Gods be praised!" Carl whispered. "Danic, take a look at what just arrived."
                The blonde standing just inside the door seemed hesitant for second. A haughty look quickly returned to her flawless face, her stance proud and confident. She seemed to be looking for someone, scanning the room slowly.
                "A Goddess if I ever saw one," Danic said, a look of near awe covering his face.
                Her blue silken dress brought out her eyes, while doing little to hide all of her dangerous curses. Her arms were bare, but her skirt fell to her ankles.
                "That one's no tavern girl, my friend," Carl said.
                "Ten crowns copper says I'll bed her within the hour," Danic said.
                Danic felt hunger building as he looked her over. She was a shapely beauty, with a thick luxurious mane of waist length golden blonde hair and the brightest sapphire blue eyes he'd ever seen. Everything about her — her graceful carriage, her air of confident arrogance — screamed noble. He especially took note of all the gold jewelry she wore. Not a wise thing to do in a place like that. Not a wise thing to do in Elfhaven, period.
                "I'll take that bet," Carl said.
                "What about me?" the blonde tavern girl asked in a tiny voice.
                Danic slipped her a crown copper. "Go away."
                With an angry snort, she left in a swirl of silky blonde hair and cheap perfume.
                "I swear, Danic, you know how to make a wench feel special," Carl chuckled.
                Danic shrugged.
                "And I'll have that beauty feeling special shortly," he said as he left.
                She noticed him as he moved toward her. He could tell she was sizing him up, and liked what she saw. Noble or not, he figured she would not be