Secrets of the Stonechaser (The Law of Eight Book 1) Read Free Page A

enough along, and could risk the Yellow Highroad without worrying about pursuit. They came out of the brush around midday and found the highway connecting Palehorse to Ryvetsk, the small city nestled in the center of the Yellow Plains.
    Nerris was tying his brown hair back into a ponytail when Rade called him up. Nerris spurred his mount to catch up with the old man, whose gaze was locked in a continuous scan of the horizon.
    “We’re no longer followed,” Nerris assured him. “No one living even knew what we looked like or how many we were. And Mikaren laid a false trail.”
    Rade grunted. “I’ll rest easier when we’re back at camp.”
    “That will be soon enough.”
    “I had it from someone in the last village that Lady Qabala sacked and burned Ryvetsk,” Rade said. “She now marches to Palehorse, and we should intercept her soon.”
    “I’m glad I was away, then.”
    Rade cast him an unreadable look. “You didn’t want your share of the spoils?”
    “I’m a mercenary,” Nerris said. “I fight when I want. Pillaging is something I want no part of.”
    “I see the stories of the Thrillseekers’ honor hold up,” Rade said. “That’s why I was surprised to find you as an assassin.”
    “Was there something you wanted?”
    “I wanted to apologize for what happened last night,” Rade said. “I should have understood what happened between you and King Lahnen would be an uncomfortable subject. Killing someone that way cannot be easy, for one of your kind.”
    “Assassination isn’t really a habit of mine,” Nerris said. “I don’t often hire my sword out for such tasks. This was only the second time. No harm done, Rade. But if you feel you wronged me, you can repay me with information. Many know the names of the Thrillseekers. But how did you know my father’s name?”
    “I knew him,” Rade said, “back when we were still young, during the Enslavement War.”
    “He died shortly before I was born.”
    Rade nodded. “Yes. So you know your heritage?”
    “My mother was part of the extended royal family of Faerna. Dist, Jhareth, and I found that out some years ago when we visited Faerlin. But of my father, I still know little.”
    “I see. I suppose that makes sense. His activities back then earned the wrath of some powerful people. They wouldn’t have wanted his exploits to be widely known.”
    “How did you know my father during the Enslavement War? You would have been on opposite sides.”
    Rade shrugged. “How have you come to be here in Yagolhan, paving the way for a revolution? You never know where the luck of life will drop you, Nerris. It is interesting indeed that you are here. I’ll have to think on this.”
    “I take it you’re not going to tell me the nature of your relationship.”
    “I don’t know if it’s my place.” Rade glanced behind them, where Chalis and Mikaren chatted in hushed, hyper voices. “I think you’re winning some followers of your own.”
    Nerris chuckled. “Let them talk. I’m used to it.”
    Try as he might, Nerris could never keep his identity hidden for long. Nerris was not an uncommon name for a Faernan, but when his surname inevitably came out, people reacted. For almost ten years, he had traveled with his friends in a band known as the Thrillseekers. In that time, their deeds and legend grew, spreading like wildfire over the continent of Tormalia until they were akin to modern folk heroes. He did not seek the overbearing attention which came with all that, but he had to admit to himself he did not hate it either.
    He allowed himself to drift to the rear, past the curious sidelong glances of Mikaren and Chalis. He reflected on his companions as he kept a careful eye on the road behind them. Each had been carefully chosen for this mission, once the plan was laid out. All of them were fierce and intelligent warriors, but had other skills as well. Mikaren and Chalis had been foresters before joining up, their main concern being the escape from