The Wayfarer King Read Online Free Page A

concentrated on dissipating the flood of emotion that had taken her by surprise. What devastating loss had this poor child suffered? Feanna took a corner of her apron and dabbed at her eyes, gathering her wits and flushing the child’s pain from her mind before finally turning back to face her visitors. “She isn’t your daughter, is she?”
    “No, m’lady,” Adro said. “Jilly’s parents hired me to accompany them from Sohan to Tern, but we were overrun by beyonders on the way. Sadly, her parents were both slain. Jilly has no family left, and she doesn’t know of any aunts or uncles. A buck like me wouldn’t make a suitable father for a little girl. The Lordover Saliria said you might be able to help.”
    The Lordover Saliria who had just taken her wheat field sent another orphan to her? What a bastard. Feanna pressed her lips together and ran a gentle hand across Jilly’s back, careful not to shift b efore touching her. “Jilly, I’m sorry about your parents.” Looking into those soulful brown eyes, Feanna knew she couldn’t turn the child away. “You’re not alone, sweetheart. Other children have gone through a similar loss, and some of them live here with me. You’re welcome to stay here too.” She held out her hands, inviting Jilly to come to her.
    Jilly lifted her head from Adro’s shoulder. Her eyes were glassy, her expression numb. She held her arms out limply. Feanna took the girl from her guardian and held her close. Jilly laid her cheek against Feanna’s shoulder.
    “Has she any belongings? Clothes, shoes or toys?”
    Adro bent his head. “The bags got scattered and torn apart in the fighting. Didn’t think to collect any of it. I could ride back to the site, try to retrieve some stuff for her.”
    “That would be very helpful, Adro. Thank you. May I offer you something to eat?” Feanna didn’t have the time or inclination to entertain at the moment, but to feed the man who’d saved this child was the least she could do.
    “Thank you, m’lady, but I’ve asked enough of you for one day.” He extended his hand, and Feanna shook it. Shifting, she felt his shame over failing to protect his charges. She also felt his attraction to her, a feeling she didn’t often experience. Although she felt lonely from time to time and wished for the romance her marriage hadn’t given her, she had more important concerns now: the children.
    “I’ll ride out and try to gather some of her belongings.”
    “There’s no rush,” Feanna said. “I can find something for her to wear in the meantime. Be careful, Adro.”
    He smiled. Twin dimples gave him a charming, boyish appearance that was at odds with the otherwise roughened visage. “Yes, m’lady. I will.” He ran a hand over Jilly’s hair, and his smile disappeared. “Sorry, sweetheart. Miss Feanna will take good care of you.” With a bow, Adro bid them good-bye and left.
    Feanna went into the house and closed the door quietly.
    She sat with Jilly on the sofa, cuddling her close. She shifted and laid her hand on Jilly’s leg. Despite the pain, she wanted to keep tabs on what the girl was feeling. If Jilly became overwhelmed, Feanna would send the other children to their room while her newest orphan grew accustomed to her new surroundings.
    Iriel put her hand on Jilly’s head. “My mama and papa were killed by beyonders too,” she said quietly. “I’m going to be a Viragon Sister when I grow up. Then I’m going to find the rest of the beyonders and slay them so this never happens to children again.”
    Jilly lifted her head and looked at Iriel. Through her contact, Feanna felt hope like sunshine peeking through the dark clouds of a terrible storm. Then Jilly settled back against Feanna’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
    That first night, Feanna poured each of the children a small cup of milk as they gathered in the kitchen. “Have you said your prayers?” she asked.
    The girls nodded dutifully, but Trevick said nothing. He tossed his