Pixilated Read Online Free Page B

cadet
fled.
    Downstairs, some ten minutes later, Kree
found his horse in the marshaling yard as he had ordered. Chana
Falconer, whom the men called, Lady Bird, held the reins.
    "Come to help?" Kree held out his hand.
    The crusty swordswoman tossed the reins to
him. "You don’t need help making a fool of yourself. I hear you’ve
been doing a fine job all day."
    "Good to know I’m still conversation fodder.
Who’d believe it?"
    Chana stared at him, fists propped on her
slim hips. "She is a trifle young for you, don’t you think?"
    A Sister of the Sword, Chana was the
garrison’s current sword-master. She had served his father as a
tracker. The upshot was she had known him from his youth and still
thought he needed feminine guidance. Most times, he humored her.
"She’s in stasis." He’d give a lot to have that comment back. He
was the fucking captain. He didn’t need to explain his actions.
"And you are out of line, Sister. We are talking about Lathan’s
daughter."
    "I know who we’re talking about. Do
you?"
    "If you have something to say, spit it out.
You know how I hate riddles."
    "Kayseri Bruin is not injured. She is
infatuated with you. She has been for years. She wants you chasing
out into the night after her."
    Kree swung into the saddle giving the sister
a curt nod. "I live to serve."
    "Do you hear him?" Chana said into the air.
"I am trying to keep him from making a complete arse of his self,
and he gives me Temple-talk for, ‘I’ll do as I damn-well please.’
Kree, be reasonable, just once in your stubborn life!"
    Ah. There it was his given name. Testimony
to just how foolish Chana found his present course. "I gave Katie
the damned horse. She is my responsibility."
    Sister Chana threw her hands in the air and
walked away muttering, "Blind, stupid, stubborn man. Might as well
give advice to a fence post."
     
    ***
     
    Kayseri urged Mistral through the woods at a
trot. When the wind tugged the ribbon from her hair, her tight
curls streamed free behind her. Moonlight painted the landscape in
a silvery glow. It was glorious. Dunking the cadet in the river had
not been part of her plan, but she didn't regret it. He deserved a
soaking for costing her that kiss.
    Slowing Mistral to a walk, she surveyed the
area for a likely spot to fake her accident. She would sham a
sprained ankle, and then Kree would carry her. If she let Mistral
run free, she could ride back on his saddle. His strong protective
arms would be around her the whole way. She shivered, delighted by
the prospect.
    Kayseri never doubted Kree would come
looking for her. His sense of responsibility made a riding accident
the perfect lure. Too bad, she’d had to spin so much mischief to
make it happen. Mischief attracted trouble the way magnets
attracted iron, but what other choice did she have. She shook off
her concern. Nothing bad happened in her father's woods. She really
believed that until an elf lurched out from between the trees.
    "Help me," he cried out in High Thallasi,
before he pitched forward, sprawling on the ground.
    She urged her horse near. As soon as she
came within arm’s reach, the elf surged to his feet and grabbed at
the reins. Mistral danced away, and Kayseri saw that even if he had
succeeded in grabbing her reins, he could not hold them. Holding on
to consciousness taxed the poor elf’s strength. Losing his battle,
the elf slumped to the ground. Kayseri dismounted and crouched
beside him, noting a deep gash on his forehead. She eased him onto
his back and set her canteen to his lips. The cool water revived
him enough to gaze at her with pain-glazed eyes.
    "They have abducted my princess. I must
recover her." He tried to push himself up, failed, and fell back
with a moan.
    Kayseri fetched her saddlebag to elevate his
head.
    "You must help me."
    "My Captain is on his way." Kayseri forced
more water between his lips. "He’ll know how to help you."
    The elf closed his eyes. "I am Eldren of
Thallasi, Son-heir of the Fourth House,