Awake the Cullers (History of Ondar) Read Free Page B

correct?”
    “Why should it matter to anyone who I travel with?”
    “The woman in question was involved in an altercation with one of our citizens.”
    “Well that certainly doesn’t sound like her, unless she was provoked, of course.” He looked pointedly at the burned man.
    The officer followed his look with a grimace, not bothering to defend the man. “Be that as it may, we do not allow Suriaxians in this town. You and your companions will have to leave immediately.”
    “Wait, you aren’t going to arrest her?” the burned man complained. “She’s dangerous, a menace.” The rest of his objections faded away as the officer moved him out of ear shot, back down the stairs.
    “Of course,” Kern answered and closed the door. “I must say Marce, your social skills are parallel to none.” She grinned ruefully.
    “What did he do to you?” Thomas demanded, standing angrily. Marcy’s face flashed with uncertainty.
    “Obviously nothing Marcy couldn’t handle,” Kern said. “Those were some nice burns you gave him. Have you been practicing?”
    “Some,” she looked away.
    “Good,” he said, surprising her. When the Night of Blue Fire came, they were both affected, but Kern gave up his powers, turning his back on Venerith and forsaking his Suriaxian citizenship. Since that time, Marcy avoided talking about the fire or her own continued use of it. Whether she thought he may be jealous she kept the power he lost, or if she felt guilty for not doing the same, he couldn’t tell. Either way, it didn’t matter to him. He did not want that kind of power, but he did not begrudge her for keeping it. He didn’t even know if it would be possible for her to do as he did, should she wish to. The power was hers. She might as well use it. “It may come in handy in the Southern Plains.”
    “So we are crossing the border? She asked.
    Thomas folded up the map and threw his bag over his shoulder. “Yes, Kern and I decided it is the best way to learn if the raiders are something more before they have a chance to make it farther north.”
    Kern grabbed his own bag and put his few belongings in it. Marcy handed them each a canteen, and they were off.
     
    *   *   *
     
    Lynnalin sipped her tea and stretched out her toes. Rand and Casther sat on the other side of the fire . They were checking their weapons and supplies. Zanden stoked the flames and turned the meat over the heat. Everyone was more subdued, tonight. This was the first night since crossing the border. Zanden pulled off the meat and took a bite. The fire crackled in the quiet night. Lynnalin flipped through her spell book and scrolls, taking inventory of everything she had. Some of the scrolls were a little advanced, even for her, but she felt fairly confident she could pull them off if the need arose. She organized the scrolls in order of ones she may need to access the quickest and put them back in her bag. Checking all her potions, she readied her bag for the morning. They were only two days north of the last village attacked, meaning they could run into trouble at any time. Volunteering to take the first watch, she puffed up her blanket and positioned herself to where she could see all the camp and much of the surrounding area. She hadn’t cast any spells today, so it could be the last time for awhile she could share in the watches. Frequent spell casting required time to recover else she risked losing focus and miscasting, or just forgetting her spells entirely. Everyone understood this, so on days when she used her magic, the others split the watches, allowing her the extra sleep she needed. But Lynnalin did not want to take advantage of her role in the group. She could pull her own weight. Sharing in the watches helped her prove that. One by one the others fell asleep. She listened to their even breathing, drawing runes in the dirt by her leg to pass the time. In the distance she heard night birds flying after their prey. Bushes rustled softly. Then