Read Online 97 (Rise of the Battle Bred) by V. L. Holt - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: V. L. Holt
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spoke.
“I can see someone’s path here,” He said.
Jacob’s head jerked up. “What?”
“As soon as we hit the town’s boundaries, the main streets, I could see a path. It’s everywhere,” He was carefully meting out the information, trying to gauge his father’s reaction. How much he would tell him remained to be seen.
Jacob entered William’s room with a step.
“Just one path, or any others?”
“Just one,” William swallowed, but didn’t reveal anything else yet. He thought of the pink swirling all over, and the paths intersecting in the hallways at school. She was a senior; she’d been attending the school for four years. The pink was layered brighter in places she spent a lot of time in, so naturally the library, (her favorite subject was English, after all) and the bike rack outside the school glowed with her essence.
“Eventually you’ll probably meet him. It’s a small town. Interesting that you see this one now. I could only see my parents’ paths and your mother’s.”
Jacob’s eyes closed as he seemed to be recalling his wife. He shook his head. “The Old Ones say that there is a genetic component to this ability. Something about the rods and cones in our eyes being attuned to DNA strands in others. Of course, the early Warriors didn’t know about genetics and physiology.” He smiled.
“Her,” William said. “I already met her. She lives on our street; she goes to my school.”
Jacob lowered himself to a stranded folding chair in his son’s room. “Well, I’ll be. Is she pretty?” Jacob grinned at him.
William was unsure how to respond to his father’s teasing. This was unusual for him. Then again, planning on engaging the Lochspawn was unusual too. It seemed to bring a side out in his father that was more carefree, more vital. He gave a short nod.
Jacob’s smile grew broader. He must have sensed William’s discomfort, however, because he said nothing more and stood to leave.
“I’ll fight with you,” William told his father.
Jacob didn’t look back as he left the room. “Oh, I know you would, son. I know you would. But you’re not going to if I have anything to do with it.”
17
Zarastrid’s Log Day 260
Year of Our Loch 107
Due to Zainel’s efforts, we were able to save all but three lives. We lost two mothers and one babe. Zainel spent an entire day pacing and moaning while holding the lone babe that didn’t survive its birth. The mothers are all resting now, but very somber. A morose fog has settled over the Coven.
Such losses were not anticipated.
I deem it safe to approach Agnes’ cell today. The Coven appreciated the concessions I made with regard to giving equal attention to the others during the birthings. Zeko stopped breathing down my neck when I showed such restraint. (Which is to say, no attention to Agnes whatsoever.) I expect she will flay me with her wrath.
I hired a woman in the closest village to sew a special cloth for the babe. I hope Agnes accepts my feeble gift.
Zeko inspected every baby, pinching thighs, counting fingers and toes and judging the strength of their grips. He is pleased with the results.
Zyrick watches from afar, and plays with his powders and packages from the Far East. He has only limited interest in our Pact, preferring to pursue his ambitions of discovering a weapon so horrible as to render its owner undefeatable.
Zimini’s cell configuration allows for a central courtyard where the women have fellowshipped one another over the past 200 days. Now he is constructing homes of a sort. The women have shown no desire to return to their previous lives. They will be rewarded for their contribution to the Coven’s Pact by having small homes where they can raise the boys. One mother will be chosen to raise the extra infant, but for the time being, he is being passed around to whoever is the least tired.
I will go to see Agnes now. I wonder if she will forgive me?
18
William shook me roughly, and the
“I can see someone’s path here,” He said.
Jacob’s head jerked up. “What?”
“As soon as we hit the town’s boundaries, the main streets, I could see a path. It’s everywhere,” He was carefully meting out the information, trying to gauge his father’s reaction. How much he would tell him remained to be seen.
Jacob entered William’s room with a step.
“Just one path, or any others?”
“Just one,” William swallowed, but didn’t reveal anything else yet. He thought of the pink swirling all over, and the paths intersecting in the hallways at school. She was a senior; she’d been attending the school for four years. The pink was layered brighter in places she spent a lot of time in, so naturally the library, (her favorite subject was English, after all) and the bike rack outside the school glowed with her essence.
“Eventually you’ll probably meet him. It’s a small town. Interesting that you see this one now. I could only see my parents’ paths and your mother’s.”
Jacob’s eyes closed as he seemed to be recalling his wife. He shook his head. “The Old Ones say that there is a genetic component to this ability. Something about the rods and cones in our eyes being attuned to DNA strands in others. Of course, the early Warriors didn’t know about genetics and physiology.” He smiled.
“Her,” William said. “I already met her. She lives on our street; she goes to my school.”
Jacob lowered himself to a stranded folding chair in his son’s room. “Well, I’ll be. Is she pretty?” Jacob grinned at him.
William was unsure how to respond to his father’s teasing. This was unusual for him. Then again, planning on engaging the Lochspawn was unusual too. It seemed to bring a side out in his father that was more carefree, more vital. He gave a short nod.
Jacob’s smile grew broader. He must have sensed William’s discomfort, however, because he said nothing more and stood to leave.
“I’ll fight with you,” William told his father.
Jacob didn’t look back as he left the room. “Oh, I know you would, son. I know you would. But you’re not going to if I have anything to do with it.”
17
Zarastrid’s Log Day 260
Year of Our Loch 107
Due to Zainel’s efforts, we were able to save all but three lives. We lost two mothers and one babe. Zainel spent an entire day pacing and moaning while holding the lone babe that didn’t survive its birth. The mothers are all resting now, but very somber. A morose fog has settled over the Coven.
Such losses were not anticipated.
I deem it safe to approach Agnes’ cell today. The Coven appreciated the concessions I made with regard to giving equal attention to the others during the birthings. Zeko stopped breathing down my neck when I showed such restraint. (Which is to say, no attention to Agnes whatsoever.) I expect she will flay me with her wrath.
I hired a woman in the closest village to sew a special cloth for the babe. I hope Agnes accepts my feeble gift.
Zeko inspected every baby, pinching thighs, counting fingers and toes and judging the strength of their grips. He is pleased with the results.
Zyrick watches from afar, and plays with his powders and packages from the Far East. He has only limited interest in our Pact, preferring to pursue his ambitions of discovering a weapon so horrible as to render its owner undefeatable.
Zimini’s cell configuration allows for a central courtyard where the women have fellowshipped one another over the past 200 days. Now he is constructing homes of a sort. The women have shown no desire to return to their previous lives. They will be rewarded for their contribution to the Coven’s Pact by having small homes where they can raise the boys. One mother will be chosen to raise the extra infant, but for the time being, he is being passed around to whoever is the least tired.
I will go to see Agnes now. I wonder if she will forgive me?
18
William shook me roughly, and the
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