Men of Anderas II: Dak the Protector Read Free Page A

be
gone."
    He made no attempt to disguise the rage and
frustration of the past months. "Do your worst witch ! Turn
me into a toad! Strike me dead! Death will be a welcome
embrace!"
    He finally noticed that Murdock and the
entire mob of miscreants had backed further and further away from
the platform. The first trickle of fear slithered across his
skin.
    Damn! What if she really is a witch, you
idiot? These assholes obviously know something you don't !
    "Your anger is justified; Anderan," she
consoled in a soft voice for his ears alone, "but I expected better
behavior from you. Well, it is unimportant now."
    Dak watched warily, fear of her unknown
powers thundering in his increased heart rate, as she reached into
the gold metallic bag strapped to her waist. When she did nothing
more than lift a length of silver chain with a small amulet of
white stone suspended from it, he released his trapped breath.
    “My crystal will assure your cooperation."
She stretched toward Dak's head with the chain and frowned when he
reared as far away from her hands as the rock allowed. "There's no
need for you to fight me," she whispered, "I won't harm you. The
stone will also take care of your … physical problem." She glanced
back at his groin and blushed at the pulsing proof of his
virility.
    "If you think that tiny piece of rock….”
Whatever else Dak had to say died when the chain slipped over his
head and his mental capabilities scattered like so many dead
leaves.
    "You may remove his manacles, now," she told
Murdock with a slight smile, "and bring him some clothes. He won't
give you any further trouble."
    When the manacles fell from his wrists, Dak
grabbed the piece of cool rock resting on his chest. He couldn't
lift it. Must have gone too long without proper circulation? He may be weak as a kitten but since she put it on she could take
it off.
    Dak slipped into the pants a guard brought
for him, grateful that his unexpected arousal no longer pulsed with
life. The woman handed Murdock a sack that clinked with the solid
sound of gold in exchange for a small stack of papers. Giving her
time to finish the sale gave him time to compose his
thoughts. He was having trouble keeping his mind focused on what
was happening. Must be the heat .
    She turned to him with a slight smile. "Are
you ready?"
    Yes! I'm ready for you to remove this
damn rock !
    "Yes, Lady," Dak answered softly. “What
the bloody hell is wrong with you? That's not what you were going
to say to her !
    "Excellent. It's too late today to arrange
for transport. I have a room ready where you can bathe and rest."
She turned without another word and climbed down to the dusty
street. Gathering up her discarded cloak, she motioned for Dak to
follow her. Without knowing why or how--he did just as she bid.

Chapter Two
    From her position near the door, Kierin
watched the man sitting armpit deep in hot water. The harsh soap
provided by the innkeeper of this hovel definitely improved his
appearance. Once she trimmed his beard and hair and healed his
injuries, he would be passable.
    "By what name are you called?” She asked to
break the uneasy silence. Now that her plan was in motion she
wasn't sure just how to proceed. The first step, obviously, was to
gain his trust.
    "Dak."
    The blazing fury lighting his deep brown
eyes gave lie to the soft tone of his voice. While the amulet
controlled his physical actions and his ability to resist her
instructions, the anger still flourished in his mind. His thoughts
were his own. That aspect had never occurred to her. After all, the
stones were created for use on large animals, not humans. He was a
proud man, this Anderan she owned.
    No. Not owned. One person has no right to
own another. I'll release him as soon as he gives me what I need,
so he's just borrowed .
    "I can't trust you not to escape, can I?”
Kierin fought the wave of guilt threatening to devour her.
    "I will escape, Lady."
    The pain she sensed beneath his soft reply
brought the sting