The Winterstone Plague (The Carrion Cycle) Read Free Page A

do with your time in our peaceful village?”
    The curvature of Father Haym’s lips could have represented either a smile or a smirk. “Of course not, child. You misunderstand my intentions.”
    The old man took in the crowd with a wave of his free hand. “I have only come to talk among those who would listen to my words.”
    “There is certainly no harm in—”
    “I also seek to bring a message to your people.”
    “A message?” Valthian frowned. “What sort of message?”
    There was no mistaking the expression on the old man’s weathered face this time. His jaw was clenched; his teeth were bared.
    “Many towns in this nation have fallen victim to plague.”
    “I have only heard mention of two—”
    Abytheos laughed; the sound echoed through the throng of onlookers.
    “There have been many more than two, dear boy.”
    “Oh? Is that the truth?”
    “Indeed it is! And I fear that I have some unsavory news to report.”
    Valthian’s frown deepened. “What is that, Father?”
    “Solstice is the next to fall!”
    Valthian drew his sword, motioning for Tomas to do the same. The hilt rested comfortably in one hand, the deep red rubies that were his birthstones glinted even in the dim light of a cloudy day.  He pointed the straight, wide double-edged blade at the old man’s neck in warning.
    “What is this?” Abytheos asked. “A man of the cloth arrives to warn you of horrors to come and this is the thanks he receives?”
    “You just cursed my people!”
    “I have done no such thing. I am not the one who seeks to destroy you! I am not your enemy, my lord !”
    Valthian felt his skin crawl. He did not like this so-called man of the cloth one bit. He resisted the urge to point the sword at the old one’s back and escort him to the village gates, but he couldn’t. This father had made his way into a peaceful place, nearly frightened a crowd into doing gods knew what, and threatened everyone living inside the walls of Solstice with death. He would have to be dealt with accordingly. But first, he must reassure the people.
    “Please pay no mind to this man’s words,” Valthian called, turning to face the crowd. “He only seeks to incite violence by playing against your worst fears. Our town has always believed in keeping the peace. Do not let a single unwelcomed guest change that.”
    An elderly woman stepped forward. Her clothing was dirty and torn in several places. Her skin was tanned from long years plowing the fields her husband had left to her after his death only two years ago. Valthian knew her well.
    “M’lord?”
    “Danna Wolheim; how may I be of assistance?”
    “I feel we should consider the priest’s words, if you’ll pardon my speaking against you. He has an honest enough face, I guess is what I mean.”
    “Ma’am,” Valthian replied, smiling warmly. “We do not know if he is truly a priest, or if his words have merit. Please be assured that I take all threats against our way of life seriously. I will take him to my father for questioning, and if he is able to show proof of his claims, you will be of the first to know. I make this promise to you on the honor of my house.”
    “Thank you, m’lord.”
    Valthian nodded and turned back to the one who had stirred up so much trouble this morning. “You are to go with my brother. Do as he says and nothing more. You are to meet with Philip De’Fathi, a lord of Vintermore and the mayor of Solstice. I have someone else to escort at the moment, but I will rejoin you shortly.”
    “It’s all right,” Elyna said, placing a hand on Valthian’s shoulder. “I can see myself home.”
    “Are you sure, my dear?”
    “Yes,” she replied. “I will ask Danna to walk with me.”
    Valthian nodded. “It appears that you will have two escorts after all, father .”
    “The more the merrier,” Abytheos hissed. “Isn’t that what they say these days?”
    “I suppose it is.”
    Valthian took a moment to disburse the crowd, reassuring them all