Ward Against Darkness (Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer) Read Online Free Page A

difficult to see the distinctive fine features.
    He squinted. To his right, a man and a woman squeezed onto a tall-backed chair were wrapped in an intimate embrace. So was the couple…no, trio…a few feet from them, lounging on a pile of cushions on the floor.
    Oh my! He jerked his attention to the ceiling. It seemed inappropriate to be staring, even if they were in a public room. Or, rather, a slightly public room. He had no idea what this place was and wasn’t sure he wanted to know.
    Lyla wove her way through the people and furniture to a raised section at the back. A man, who could have been the Dark Son himself, sat on a low ornate chair surrounded by cushions and backed by packed bookshelves. Only a few years older than Ward, his sculpted features and fair skin proved his nobility even if he didn’t have the typical fair hair. Like Celia, he was breathtakingly beautiful, and his shoulder-length hair was so black it shimmered with a hint of blue, but unlike Celia, his eyes were dark, depthless pools. Midnight without stars or moon.
    The man smiled. It was pleasant enough, welcoming, but a chill still swept over Ward. Something about this man screamed danger—more danger than Celia, her family, and the Assassins’ Guild, combined. This had to be the master of the house Macerio.
    The thought of lying to this man made Ward’s insides twist. The thought of staying made them twist even more.
    “You’ve brought guests, Lyla.” The man’s tone was dark, and Ward sensed that an incorrect answer meant bad things would happen. The man’s gaze landed on Celia, and he raised one sculpted eyebrow. “And interesting guests at that.”
    Lyla’s lips curled into a hint of a smile. “The final apprentice-hopeful has arrived.”
    Macerio turned to Ward, examining him from his toes up to his face, as if the man could see inside Ward’s soul and discover every secret. “There’s not much to you.”
    Ward shifted, feeling on display. His mind whirled through all the possible types of apprentices this man could be looking for.
    Allette placed a hand on Ward’s arm. “But there is something.”
    “He did bring proof of his ability.” Lyla sat on the cushions beside Macerio. “That’s more than your other apprentice-hopefuls have done.”
    “It is, although, a little presumptuous if you thought I’d select you over the others because of it.” Macerio patted the cushion beside him. “Still, an interesting start to the competition. And I like a good game.”
    “Game?” Goddess above, the man terrified him, and he couldn’t figure out why. All he knew was that lying to this man seemed like a bad idea. A really bad idea.
    “I can only have one apprentice.” Macerio patted the cushion again. “Sit, both of you.”
    “It’s been a difficult journey. Perhaps we could discuss it in the morning,” Celia said.
    Ward threw her a grateful smile. Ending the interview before it began. Perfect!
    Macerio’s gaze flicked to Celia then back to Ward as if she were insignificant, a child speaking in the company of adults. “Some wine and a little food will ease the stress of your travels. You must tell me about the creation of your pet.”
    Ward glanced at Celia for help. She grabbed his elbow, sending a shock of pain up his infected arm, and nudged him forward. Guess there wasn’t any getting out this. Wonderful.
    They crossed to the cushions and sat. There, see. Not so bad. They were just sitting. They’d have some kind of pleasant conversation then go back to their rooms. He squeezed the moneypouch at his hip, the quintaro and envelope a reminder that he could do this. He’d stolen a magical key, faced off with an Innecroestri, stopped a terrible ritual, and so far managed to evade a dozen bounty hunters. This was no problem.
    Macerio clapped his hands, and servants entered with food and drink.
    “It would seem you’re more advanced in your studies than Lauro indicated,” he said.
    “I try.” A servant handed Ward a