The Huntress (Legend and Lore Book 2) Read Free Page A

that is continuously plagued by lindworms,” Amala told to her. “It has been three months since I was there last. Let us hope it is still standing.”  
    Liv had not yet seen another lindworm and she felt her stomach churning at the thought that she soon would. At every stop they had made the past two days, she had been continuously going through her book, trying to learn both defensive and offensive spells that she thought would help against the reptilian creatures.  
    They were closing in on the mountains fast. The Black Mountains loomed high into the sky, the angle of the sun causing them to cast the land in front of them into shadow.  
    Amala urged her horse into a faster gallop and Liv followed. Liv had always snuck off for a ride whenever she had free time, but she had certainly travelled slower when she had been on her own. Even still, she was glad she was used to riding, because Amala was relentless with the speed.  
    Not that she was complaining. She liked that they were on their way to actually help people from a very real danger. She was with a beautiful woman, whose company she enjoyed more every day.
    Amala was like no one Liv had ever met before. Not just because of her exotic look, but because she did not treat Liv any better than others—they were on common ground. She was not a peasant and Liv was not the princess. They were equals, and that was something Liv had never felt before.  
    Back home everyone was so formal, so phony with their friendliness, wanting to get closer to the princess. Out here she was liked for the person she was, not because of her higher status. No one here knew who she really was and she preferred to keep it that way.  
    She did not like the lie, but she did not regard herself as a princess now. She was a witch, first and foremost, and she was helping Amala on her mission to keep people safe. Why did anyone need to know she was a princess? They would regard her differently. They would not be able to trust her as their equal. It was better to keep quiet about it. Even to Amala, no matter how much it bothered her.
    The day was slowly turning into evening, darkness seeping over the landscape. It made their road even darker as they had reached the mountain shadows and were riding into the little village a bit up the mountainside. The village lay on a flat expanse, trees cleared back around it, yet still surrounding the village all the same.  
    “See why this village attracts the lindworms?” Amala nodded to the trees as they let their horses walk slowly up the road and into the village. “Surrounded by forest on all sides. Lindworms thrive in the woods, especially when there’s people and food right in the middle of it.”  
    “But they seem to be all right,” Liv offered, looking out over the quiet houses. “Nothing is broken. All looks calm.”  
    “I have taught them a manner of protecting themselves,” Amala replied. “They do not carry swords here, but I taught them to use what they have. Knives and pitchforks, mostly. But it can be enough if you’re swift and strong.”  
    Liv glanced over at her. “Maybe you could teach me some of that fighting? I might be a witch, but being able to physically defend myself would be nice.”  
    “Sure, I can do that. Even have an extra sword.” Amala patted her saddle gently, but the sword she was talking about was wrapped in a blanket and strapped to the back of the saddle. “Now, this village actually has an inn. It only has three rooms, but they don’t have many visitors here, so nothing else can be expected. We’ll have somewhere to stay and food to eat. The woman living there makes marvellous stew.”  
    Liv smiled at that, her stomach rumbling in agreement. Chuckling, she stopped her horse when Amala did and jumped down.  
    “Hi, there!” A man came towards them, greeting Amala warmly. “Let me get your horses settled, ladies. You two go in and my wife will have food on the table for you.”  
    “Thank