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pushing the door nearly closed. Father Liksalot?
Took off. There was a rumor that His Eminence was part of a coup planned to take
over the throne. The good Father didn t want any part of it. Thought he might be able to
warn your father while he was out on the roundup. He pointed his knife at the bread
cooling on a side table. Bring me a couple of those long rolls there and I ll make you
some sandwiches to eat before you go.
Gareth brought him a handful and dumped them down next to the roast.
Hungry, are you? Big John teased.
Chrys and I haven t eaten since breakfast.
Big John tore a roll open, stuffed it with steaming meat and added a dollop of a
sauce redolent with herbs and spices. Here. Run this down to your lady while I make a
couple more.
Gareth took the sandwich, wrapped it in a couple of heavy linen napkins and
disappeared down the narrow stairs. As an afterthought he returned and carried the
packs down to the cellar, depositing them next to Chrys. I ll be back in a couple of
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Chrysanthemum
minutes, he promised. Eat while you can. It s nearly full dark and we ll need to leave
as soon as we finish eating.
Chrys devoured the sandwich with relish. She couldn t remember ever eating
anything that tasted so good. The flavors of hot bread, tender juicy meat and tart savory
sauce had her mouth watering. She chewed contentedly, despite the danger they were
in. Eat hearty tonight for tomorrow you couldn t be sure what life would bring.
Gareth reappeared with more food before her sandwich was gone. Big John told
me that Father Liksalot has gone in search of my father. Do you want another
sandwich?
She shook her head. I just don t have room for more right now. Can t we take them
with us?
If I can find another pack. He set the extra sandwiches on a low table and
prowled off in search of the camping gear. There was a muffled thump. In a few
moments, he returned with jumbled pile of stuff and dumped it on the floor. He shook
out a heavy canvas bag and started packing. I found a small tent and a tarp. And two
new lightweight bedrolls. No air bed but we don t have any way to inflate one
anyway. He stuffed in a smaller bag that clanked when he moved it. Cooking gear.
We might want something warm, even if it s just water.
Where are we going?
She was shivering and though she didn t complain, he could see that she was both
cold and afraid. He disappeared up the stairs for a second and reappeared with two
heavy coats. Big John found these for us. I figure we ll head for a small cave I know
about for tonight. Tomorrow, we ll cut across the High Plains toward the Dread Forest.
We ll probably camp tomorrow night on the edge of Sher Wood.
She took the coat he offered and slipped it on. What do you want me to do?
Rest while I finish packing this stuff. Then we ll take off. He winked at her. If
you need a bathroom, there s a tiny one around that corner, he offered, nodding off to
the right. It has a light and no window, so you won t be in the dark.
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Anny Cook
She ignored his teasing and went to avail herself of the facilities. No telling when
she might see a real bathroom again. While she washed her hands, she peered at herself
in the blurry mirror. Her hair was a mess. Between the struggle with the guard and the
ride on the powerbike, her braid had long ago given up the ghost. Gathering her hair
up as best she could, she braided it again in one long plait and tucked it under the coat
collar. It would have to do.
Turning the light out, she returned to the section of the cellar where she left Gareth.
He was waiting for her with his coat on and everything packed. Standing next to him
was a short man, dusted with flour and smelling of herbs and spices. He was pressing a
wineskin on Gareth. Take it, son. You ll need something to keep you warm.
With a sigh, Gareth slung it around his neck. It s not as if we don t already have
enough to carry, John.
You ll manage. Remember what I told you. Stay away from Brigid s Spring. The
wizard that lives there is vicious and he d take your lady away from you in a snap.
When you get to Piebald Crossing give the blacksmith that token I gave you. He ll help
you however he can.
He led them over to a door Chrys hadn t even noticed, lifted the bar down and
swung it open. You know where this comes out, Gary. Watch out for the guards.
They re hunting for you now with a vengeance.
Gareth ducked through the low doorway and started down the tunnel, hunched
over with his heavy load. Thanks for your help, John, he called softly.
Chrys impulsively leaned down and kissed John s forehead. Thank you for being
here. Then, with a little shudder, she scurried after Gareth into the dark, narrow tunnel
which no doubt had many spiders, but at least thank goodness was at ground level.
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Chrysanthemum
Chapter Six
In which Percival takes a Virgin
Percival sat patiently with his great wings folded flat waiting for the petite water
sprite to notice him. He was sure that when she did, the entire area would know about
it from her shrieking. In fact, she totally surprised him. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] - zanotowane.pl
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