Not Magic Enough and Setting Boundaries Boxed Set (The Coming Storm) Read Free Page B

could move it, they must first right it.
    Even so, it wouldn’t be an easy task. It would take all of his strength and more to achieve it.
    “Do you want to do this?” Delae asked.
    He shook his head. “They are your people.”
    Relieved, Delae turned briskly to the others.
    This just might be possible.
    “Dan,” she called, “get the horses moving forward, slow and steady. Pull them back as soon as the wagon starts to break free of the mud, as soon as it starts to go. Pell, Tad, I’ll need you with myself and Dorovan.”
    The four of them bent to the wagon, dug their fingers into the thick mud to find the edge of the wagon bed. She only hoped the rails above would hold as the Elven-bred pulled against them.
    Her gaze turned to the Elf beside her.
    Somehow, it didn’t surprise Dorovan to find Delae crouched down beside him and them in the mud to lend what strength she had to lifting the massive wagon. He could only admire her – one who wouldn’t spare herself.
    “Now,” she shouted and the man Dan called to the draft horses, shaking the reins to get them pulling.
    Charis needed no instruction, throwing his great weight against the traces.
    At the side of the wagon, Delae, Dorovan, Tad and Pell heaved.
    There was a pause and then they felt it begin to move, to shift. With a wet, sucking sound, it pulled free.
    All of them leaped back as Delae shouted, “Stop!”
    The wagon tilted free of the mud, paused for a moment teetering on its side and then it fell back to all four wheels with a crash, a rail broken, a little the worse for wear, but whole enough to get the remainder of the travelers back to the homestead.
    Delae shivered with the cold and turned to Dorovan.
    “Our thanks,” she said, softly. “I can offer you hospitality, shelter and food for your help, if nothing else, but also as my duty as landowner. It won’t be Elven fare, but it will be hot and there’ll be a warm bed.”
    It was the least she could do.
    For a moment Dorovan hesitated - despite the wind cutting through his clothing, the cold, and his heaviness of spirit. It was a long way yet to Talaena, though, and the respite from the storm would be more than welcome.
    “I can guarantee you privacy and peace,” she said, very gently, reaching out to touch his hand with just her fingertips, no more. “No one should be out in a storm such as this, Dorovan. The food will be plain but good and warm. There will be a hot bath, a bed for you and a stall for your horse with plenty of oats.”
    The gesture touched him. Her blue eyes were calm, steady. The offer was a kind and honest one.
    It was no more or less than any Elven Enclave would offer and he was far from home. In gratitude, Dorovan inclined his head.

Chapter Two
     
    It was late into the night by the time they reached the homestead but torches now burned at the entrance to the courtyard and in every holder but those on the west side of the quadrangle - welcoming beacons in the thickening storm. Delae was relieved to see them, even more to feel the thick walls of the quadrangle cut the fierce and bitter winds so she didn’t have to hold on just to stay on Besra’s back.
    Such as it was, it was home.
    Morlis hurried out to greet them with Petra and Hallis on his heels.
    All three paused to see the Elf in their midst but a stern look and a sharp, “Oats for Dorovan’s horse, Morlis, please. How fare our guests - Petra, Hallis?” broke their hesitation.
    With a glance askance at Dorovan, Morlis hurried to help untack the horses.
    Charis followed at the man’s heels happily enough at the promise of oats, judging by the flick of his ears.
    “They do well enough, lady,” Petra said, with curious glances at the strange figure in their midst, “the man is recovering his senses but I’ve only allowed him watered wine with a care for his head. The little one’s arm is set. There’s food in the kitchen.”
    “Will you help the others to their quarters?” Delae said. “Hallis, will you