Treva's Children Read Online Free Page A

Treva's Children
Book: Treva's Children Read Online Free
Author: David L Burkhead
Pages:
Go to
they may hunt.  You will tell them.  Let no one disobey on pain of death.”
    Relief flooded Talisa.  Her people were safe, for now. “Yes, Lady.” She hesitated a moment more then, “Lady, is it permitted to ask your name?”
    “I have been called by many names,” the woman said. “You may simply call me Mistress.”
    Talisa bowed her head. “Yes, Mistress.”
    “Now go, reassure those people that you still live lest they do something foolish.  Tell them that, for now, they may collect the fruit of the trees near that clearing.  The fish are plentiful in the streams and need to be thinned.  They may take them to eat so long as they do not waste.  Then, when you have done this, return here.”
    Talisa bowed. “Yes, Mistress.”
    Tears fell down Talisa’s cheeks as she turned away from Mistress toward the light of the fires.  Safe.  Her people were safe.

    Embron looked up from tending the fire as Talisa  stepped out of the woods. "Milady!"
    He leapt to his feet and dashed to her, almost bowling her over.  He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her into the air, spinning around once. "Milady, I thought you dead."
    "If you would set me down, Huntsman, I will explain."
    Looking chagrined, he set her on her feet, then stepped back.  Talisa opened her mouth to speak but before she could, Embron dropped to one knee and bowed his head. "Forgive my presumption, Baroness."
    Talisa stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Rise, Embron.  There is no presumption.  Gather the others and I will explain."
    As Embron went to call the others, Talisa turned her eyes to the camp.  Several lean-tos made of deadfall and grass formed a rude circle.  Talisa nodded at that.  Embron had done well.  If Mistress truly served Treva of the Wilds, then she would frown on harm to her garden.
    The fire at the center of the circle had burned down to coals.  Above it, tied to sticks, roasted several trout.  Talisa's throat clutched as she remembered her dream of the evening before.
    Embron gathered the others.  As they passed her to gather on the grass, several reached out furtive hands to touch her, as if not believing she were real.  She smiled and nodded to each one.
    When the last had settled in the group, Embron stood. "Milady, what happened?  I thought..."
    Talisa nodded. "I know.  I thought I went to my death.  The lady of this place, Mistress, said that she did not claim my death, but my life.  I am sworn to serve her now."
    "But...the King?"
    "Aerioch is no more," Talisa said. "The King, if he still lives, has no kingdom, no crown.  I have never broken oath.  Not to husband.  Not to crown.  Death releases all oaths, the death of a kingdom.  So Mistress has said.  So I believe."
    Banev stood.  She hugged herself, looking very frightened. "So what do we do, Milady?"
    Talisa swept a hand, indicating the shelters. "For now, rest.  Mistress permits you to stay for a time so long as you take only what she permits and hunt only what and when she instructs." She pointed to the trees. "You may take the fruit." She stretched a hand toward the brook. "You may take the fish.  I presume she'll give other instruction later."
    "Milady," Embron reached out a hand to her. "We could just leave.  This Mistress demands too much for an accidental intrusion.  Let's leave.  With the trail broken, the Schahi won't find us again.  I'd rather brave the snow."
    "No, Embron.  I will not be forsworn.  Also--" Talisa put her hands on her hips and leaned forward. "You have not seen her power.  I have only seen a small part of it.  But I do not doubt that if we anger her we will all die."

    Talisa returned to where she had left Mistress.
    Mistress scowled at her. “You did not eat.”
    Talisa shrugged. “You did not say I could.”
    Mistress’s scowl deepened. “Is that the way you keep your oath?  To do as you are bid and no more?”
    “I am sorry, Mistress,” Talisa said. “I do not know what is
Go to

Readers choose