Read Online Arine's Sanctuary by KateMarie Collins - Free Book Online
Authors: KateMarie Collins
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what might happen.
Mestra rose from the rock, “Let’s go. We’re barely going to make it before sunset as it is.”
As her friend promised, Arine’s first sight of the sea was around the next bend. The rays of the sun glinted off an endless expanse of blue-green, sparkling more than the stars at night. Willing herself to keep moving forward, Arine swallowed the fear that came with seeing such an expanse. The Far Lands were on the other side, so it didn’t go on forever. It just looked that way.
The road began a slow descent into the city below. Excitement threatened to overtake her outward calm. Arine focused on the road under her feet instead of the infinite horizon.
Dawnbreak sprawled along the shores of the sea. The buildings ranged from small homes and shops to domed towers and keeps, all laid out with straight streets heading in orderly directions. The layout was well planned. All roads led to the piers, where tall masted ships bobbed gracefully against wooden docks. Colorful banners hung from high windows and draped across rooftops. Arine cursed under her breath. The silk fabric looked beautiful, but it also discouraged someone like her from taking a different route to their destination. Even the most nimble thief, or Moreja, would find that way dangerous.
“I know, Arine. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rooftop banners were Talia’s idea. She knows how good you are at that sort of thing, and isn’t as stupid as we’d like to hope. She’s going to know we’re coming for her eventually.”
Arine nodded at Mestra’s words. “She does. The moment she lost her bid and the council voted in our favor, she knew she was doomed. The Moreja don’t treat traitors well.” She glanced back at Logan and Cavon. “At least the beards hide their appearance a little. Not much. We’re going to need them to stay inside as much as possible. It’s one thing if we’re spotted. If they are…” Her voice trailed off.
“It won’t go well for them.” Mestra finished the thought. “Think they’ll listen if we tell them to stay inside? They’re both rather stubborn.”
Arine shrugged. “We can try. Logan does listen to me most of the time, and your warning scared him. Cavon, though. He’s lived in a big city, yes. But he was sheltered, coddled. I don’t think he was ever given permission to visit the darker parts.”
“The safe house is centrally located, which benefits us. Right off one of the major open market areas.” She pointed towards an open area in the city below. “It’s not near enough to the docks for them to hear or see any of the auctions, but we still need to be careful. The local traders are just as likely to canvas the markets for un attached pretty boys as they are to be watching the ones they already own.”
The terrain changed, packed dirt being replaced by cobblestones. As the road widened, the slope became steeper. A heavy rope, strung waist high alongside the road, assisted them as they wove their way down into the city itself.
Mestra led, and Arine positioned herself at the back so she could watch the boys and not lose sight of them. The press of people grew as they passed merchants set up on the side of the entry, attempting to pressure them into buying a few souvenirs of the momentous occasion before they entered the city gates. Arine kept a wary eye out as children darted between the masses, watching for pickpockets and cutpurses. Or Talia.
The guards merely noted the number of people entering the city. No one asked for names or city of origin. Domine Grace wanted everyone in her area to come celebrate. That alone alerted Arine that something else was
Mestra rose from the rock, “Let’s go. We’re barely going to make it before sunset as it is.”
As her friend promised, Arine’s first sight of the sea was around the next bend. The rays of the sun glinted off an endless expanse of blue-green, sparkling more than the stars at night. Willing herself to keep moving forward, Arine swallowed the fear that came with seeing such an expanse. The Far Lands were on the other side, so it didn’t go on forever. It just looked that way.
The road began a slow descent into the city below. Excitement threatened to overtake her outward calm. Arine focused on the road under her feet instead of the infinite horizon.
Dawnbreak sprawled along the shores of the sea. The buildings ranged from small homes and shops to domed towers and keeps, all laid out with straight streets heading in orderly directions. The layout was well planned. All roads led to the piers, where tall masted ships bobbed gracefully against wooden docks. Colorful banners hung from high windows and draped across rooftops. Arine cursed under her breath. The silk fabric looked beautiful, but it also discouraged someone like her from taking a different route to their destination. Even the most nimble thief, or Moreja, would find that way dangerous.
“I know, Arine. I wouldn’t be surprised if the rooftop banners were Talia’s idea. She knows how good you are at that sort of thing, and isn’t as stupid as we’d like to hope. She’s going to know we’re coming for her eventually.”
Arine nodded at Mestra’s words. “She does. The moment she lost her bid and the council voted in our favor, she knew she was doomed. The Moreja don’t treat traitors well.” She glanced back at Logan and Cavon. “At least the beards hide their appearance a little. Not much. We’re going to need them to stay inside as much as possible. It’s one thing if we’re spotted. If they are…” Her voice trailed off.
“It won’t go well for them.” Mestra finished the thought. “Think they’ll listen if we tell them to stay inside? They’re both rather stubborn.”
Arine shrugged. “We can try. Logan does listen to me most of the time, and your warning scared him. Cavon, though. He’s lived in a big city, yes. But he was sheltered, coddled. I don’t think he was ever given permission to visit the darker parts.”
“The safe house is centrally located, which benefits us. Right off one of the major open market areas.” She pointed towards an open area in the city below. “It’s not near enough to the docks for them to hear or see any of the auctions, but we still need to be careful. The local traders are just as likely to canvas the markets for un attached pretty boys as they are to be watching the ones they already own.”
The terrain changed, packed dirt being replaced by cobblestones. As the road widened, the slope became steeper. A heavy rope, strung waist high alongside the road, assisted them as they wove their way down into the city itself.
Mestra led, and Arine positioned herself at the back so she could watch the boys and not lose sight of them. The press of people grew as they passed merchants set up on the side of the entry, attempting to pressure them into buying a few souvenirs of the momentous occasion before they entered the city gates. Arine kept a wary eye out as children darted between the masses, watching for pickpockets and cutpurses. Or Talia.
The guards merely noted the number of people entering the city. No one asked for names or city of origin. Domine Grace wanted everyone in her area to come celebrate. That alone alerted Arine that something else was
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