The Sin War Box Set: Birthright, Scales of the Serpent, and The Veiled Prophet Read Online Free Page B

had to grow accustomed. He hoped that Mendeln would return soon from wherever Achilios had dragged him. Even then, it was likely that the two brothers would have to make part of the journey home in the rain. The sudden accumulation above hinted at a particularly powerful storm brewing, but Uldyssian hoped that perhaps it would hold for a time before unleashing its full force. If he and Mendeln could at least make it past the low fork, where the trail often flooded, then they would be all right the rest of the way.
    Hands clutching the reins, he sat on the wagon eyeing the direction in which Serenthia had indicated the pair had gone. Both Mendeln and Achilios surely had sense enough to see what he did and react properly…at least, Achilios did.
    As he waited, his mind drifted back to a face framed in gold. Even though Uldyssian had seen her only two brief times, he knew that he would not soon forget the vision of her. It had been due to not merely her beauty—memorable enough by itself—but the manner in which she had talked and acted. There had been that about the noblewoman that had instinctively made Uldyssian want to protect her as he had no other, not even his brother at the time of their family’s deaths.
    Lylia . The farmer ran the name over and over in his thoughts, savoring the almost musical beauty of it.
    The sky rumbled, finally jarring him back to the present. Recalling Mendeln, Uldyssian stood up in the hope of getting a better view. Surely the two had to be almost back in Seram by now.
    A flash of green caught his attention, but not the green that made up part of the hunter’s woodland garments. Rather, it was an emerald green that instantly caused Uldyssian to jolt to attention, his brother and friend utterly forgotten.
    Lylia slowly strode into the woods beyond, leaving the safety of the village. From her passive expression, it seemed very likely that she did not even notice the potential threat from the sky. In this region, the storms could suddenly grow so vicious as to uproot trees without warning.
    Leaping down, Uldyssian secured the wagon, then headed after her. Although the farmer mostly ran after Lylia out of concern, excitement also filled him. He had no illusions about his chances with one of her blood, but at the same time his heart pounded at the thought of at least speaking with the noblewoman again.
    Uldyssian caught sight of her again just as the wind doubled. Despite the worsening conditions, Lylia still appeared not to notice. Her lips were pursed and her gaze was fixed groundward.
    Despite the swift pace Uldyssian kept, he did not manage to catch up to her until well into the woods. The towering farmer started to reach out a meaty hand, then thought better of it. He did not want to take any chance of frightening her more than he had to. Whatever weighed on her thoughts clearly weighed heavily.
    Seeing no other option, Uldyssian cleared his throat.
    Lylia straightened sharply, then looked behind her. “Oh! ’Tis you!”
    “Forgive me, my lady—”
    A shy smile immediately came to her lips. “I told you. To you, I am Lylia. What I once was, I can never be again.” As his expression turned to one of confusion, she added, “But what do I call you, sir farmer?”
    He had not realized that he had never introduced himself. “I am Uldyssian, son of Diomedes.” A rattle of thunder reminded him of their current circumstances. “My—Lylia, you shouldn’t be out here. There’s what seems to be a fierce storm brewing! Best if you seek shelter, likely in the tavern. It’s one of the strongest of buildings in Seram.”
    “A storm?” She glanced skyward and for the first time appeared to register the change. The clouds had thickened to the point that day had almost turned to night.
    Daring her disdain, he finally took hold of Lylia by the wrist. “There doesn’t look to be much time!”
    But Lylia instead turned her gaze in another direction…and a breath later let out a small