Blood of the Guardian Read Free Page A

weight. As soon as the first person caught sight of them descending the stairs, conversations abruptly stopped. Emotions surged with a combination of awe and fear. Nass emerged, adding a putrid layer to the ceiling, which probably seemed like pipe and fireplace smoke to all the normal people here.
    “Crows, Nolan,” Alec said. “You sure know how to ruin a good time.”
    Nolan forced a smile. He hated attention, especially from a whole room. He trembled from his weakness, and the stares made his hands slimy with moisture. A warm flush rose up his neck.
    A group of gypsies sat away from the others in a far corner. Nolan paused, nearly making Alec stumble. The beautiful gypsy girl who had caused so much trouble, the one who had angered the crowd, locked eyes with him. What in Brim’s light was she doing here?
    “Nolan?” Alec grunted. “Any day now.”
    Nolan pushed on Alec’s shoulder more than he needed and was rewarded with a satisfying grunt from his friend.
    “I can drop you,” Alec threatened.
    Nolan chuckled. He could, but he wouldn’t.
    Kat and Greer waited at the bar. As soon as Greer noticed Nolan and Alec descending, he jumped from his stool and met them halfway up the stairs. He slid under Nolan’s other side, draping Nolan’s arm over his shoulders. To those around them, Greer appeared as a frail, old man. But in truth, Nolan’s weight meant nothing to him.
    Alec sighed in relief but still pretended to help Greer support Nolan’s weight.
    “Are you certain you should be up so soon, Master Nolan?” Greer asked.
    “No, but I should see to those ships.”
    “Ah, yes. The ships. News just reached us,” Greer said. “However, wouldn’t that be the responsibility of the Duke of Renfrew?”
    Nolan had met the duke when he first arrived in Renfrew. “Is he sober enough to do anything?”
    “Not likely,” Greer said with a scowl.
    “Well, at least we can represent the king.”
    Greer helped Nolan the rest of the way down the stairs and brought him to the stool next to Kat. Nolan collapsed in the seat, nearly losing the blanket around his waist. He refastened the knot, not wanting another reason to attract attention.
    Kat quickly looked from him and fixed on the rows of bottles behind the bar.
    “You have the stones?” Greer asked.
    “I’ve got them.” The stones’ invisible energy radiated from the bag.
    “I suggest we get you into the light’s influence as soon as possible,” Greer said.
    “But the warehouse … ”
    “I’ll find something else.” Greer touched his arm reassuringly. “It might take a few moments. Perhaps we should take you back upstairs?”
    “Darkness no! I’ve been in bed long enough. I’ll wait right here.” The stares around Nolan intensified.
    Greer bowed. “I could use Master Alec’s assistance.”
    “Fine,” Nolan snapped. “Just hurry up.” He hesitated before adding, “Please.” His head still throbbed, and the staring pub-goers were making him cross.
    Alec slipped the bag from Nolan’s shoulder, and Nolan felt the stones’ presence leave him instantly. His body wilted, the stool feeling as if it couldn’t support him. He groaned, wondering if he should have waited in bed.
    Kat pushed him a drink but didn’t look at him as she did.
    Nolan lifted the glass, and it shook in his hand. He set it back down and ran a hand over his chin. “Have you seen the ships yet?”
    “We saw them at a distance,” she said, her eyes still set forward. “Don’t know which news has been more exciting here in Renfrew: the incoming ships or having you tucked away in this inn. Don’t think the innkeeper has minded too much. He’s gained business.”
    She motioned toward the crowded pub. The people watched them but pretended to do other things. One group played a card game, yet not one had laid down a card. Another group held empty mugs. And the gypsies huddled in conversation, all except for that woman. She blatantly stared. The corners of her mouth curled