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

not."
                Danic grinned. "I find you quite enchanting, either way."
                "Actually, I was born in Horth, over in the northern Amazon Empire. I've never been to the Elven Empire," she said. "But I haven't lived in the Amazon Empire for quite a long time."
                That did not answer whether she was a Forest Elf or High Elf. If she was High Elf, why mention she's never been to the Elven Empire? No High Elf would ever even want to go to the Elven Empire. The Forest Elves would kill them on sight, if they were lucky. A Forest Elf's fate at the hands of the High Elves was far worse.
                A Forest Elf that's never been to the Elven Empire?
                If he had use of his magic, Danic could easily determine if she was magical or not. He would know if she was a Forest Elf or High Elf. When he was young, Danic was taught magic. He was quite talented, too. And so powerful he frightened the powers that be. His is family was famous for their magic power, and one mage in particular who tried to enslave the world with his magic. Danic showed the same level of talent and power, and the same dark side his ancestor displayed. So for the safety of all, they suppressed his magical talents. Fortunately, he was equally skilled with weapons.
                "I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to live in the Empire, either," Danic said.
                Lady Taara paused, looking surprised, and then laughed.  He joined her, glad she saw the humor.
                He knew little about the far off Amazon Empire, except that Amazons were well known for their brazen behavior. At least the warriors were. The only men inside the Empire were slaves held for breeding purposes. Some event that he was not privy to had caused the women of the Empire to kill or expel all of their men almost three centuries back. Protected by powerful magic, high mountains, and the world's largest army, they had lived relatively unmolested ever since.
                Amazon female warriors were common enough as mercenaries. The nobility of the Deserts Sultanates, Jarlands, and Tyrians also preferred them for harem guards, paying high wages for their services. They were known to be reliable and loyal, as long as they were paid on time. Mostly, they were known as wild carousers in taverns.
                "The Empire's loss is my gain," he said. "I think you're a Forest Elf."
                "Perhaps," she smiled. Danic thought, maybe for a brief moment, there’d been an evil glint to her exotic eyes.. Then she laughed. "Yes, I am Forest Elf in ancestry. Like I've said, though, I've never been to the Elven Empire and I do not owe them any loyalty."
                That could only mean one thing. Taara's parents were outcasts. Expelled from the Elven Empire. Which meant she was neither Forest Elf or High Elf, and had to avoid both.
                "What is your pleasure?"
                Taara laughed low in her throat at the question. "Wine, Sir Danic, white wine." However, her eyes betrayed her true desires. He hoped, especially since white wine would be the most expensive drink in the tavern. If they even had any. Much to his surprise the serving girl didn't even flinch when he ordered it.
                Two glasses of cool white wine were soon brought. It proved to be to both their liking.
                "I'm surprised to find such a quaint vintage here," Taara said with a smile of approval.
                "You and me both, but not as surprised as finding such a beautiful, exotic woman as yourself."
                Running her foot up the inside of his leg, "You mean that?"
                Danic was ecstatic. She was actually trying to seduce him! He knew he was a bit unpolished when it came to women of quality. Indeed, he rarely had dealings with them since taking up the life