Read Online Arine's Sanctuary by KateMarie Collins - Free Book Online Page A

happening. Grace had never been anything but cautious. She knew who lived in her lands, the comings and goings out of the city. Every ship, every horse, every cart was accounted for. Seaports were notorious for smuggling, and Domine Grace had a reputation of coming down hard on those who did so. At least, without bribing her first. As long as she got her due, she turned a blind eye to how the monies were gotten. Or who was leaving on the ships.
                  Arine kept pace, her eyes taking in alleyways and overhangs--any possible place for either an ambush or escape. They were now in enemy territory. Every mission encompassed the same risk, and she was well trained to know how to leave a place faster than she got into it.
                  Mestra stopped before a house, the smooth plaster painted a pretty yellow. A single wooden door, dark with iron hinges, sat between two large windows. Above, an iron railed balcony held nothing but a couple of flowering plants hanging off the side. Arine turned her attention away from the merchants closing up shop in the huge open area behind them as her friend pulled on a cord snaking from a hole in the wall near the door.
                  The door opened slightly, and Arine could barely make out the figure of a young boy, about ten.             
    “We are friends of Sabine’s. She’s expecting us.” Mestra’s voice was low.
    The boy closed the door. “We wait. He went to get her.”
    “Friends of Sabine’s, huh? Since when did she start taking in boys this old?” A snide voice came from the street.
    Arine turned to face the speaker. Dark skinned, with her hair pulled back, the woman smiled at her. “If she’s not willing to buy them, I will. I’ve got clients that like them a bit older.” She thrust a chin towards Logan and Cavon.
    “Sorry, but they’re not up for sale. We have need of them yet.” Arine kept her voice friendly.
    “If you change your mind or finish with them, let me know. As long as they’re not permanently damaged, that is. My name’s Martine. I’m not hard to find.”
    “Martine, aren’t you a bit far from the docks?” Another voice chimed in. Arine turned her head. Standing in the doorway was a blonde headed woman, her hands on her hips.
    “Ships came in empty, Sabine. A woman’s gotta find a way to fill them, right? Lots of people coming in for the party. Some might need money to get home with.”
    “Not these, Martine.” Sabine stepped aside from the entry, waving a hand in welcome. “Come in, my sisters. We’ve been too many years apart.”
    Following the others inside, Arine looked over her shoulder as they entered. Martine stood on the street, watching the door close behind them.
    “Sorry about her, Mestra. Martine normally stays in the port district. The Far Lands must be desperate for boys, though. All the traders stay there, but she’s been wandering around the market for a week or more now. Haven’t seen her actually make a deal yet,” Sabine said as she led them through a corridor towards the rear of the house.
    The corridor opened up to a central garden. A balcony above them overlooked the lush plant life before them. On the other end of the garden stood a pair of spiraling stairs. “I’ve got a set of rooms set aside for you and your boys. Mistress Bryn gave me some details, and I’ve been able to learn more since she said you were coming. Once you’ve rested and bathed, we’ll eat. Then we can talk.”
    “You have more information on Ian?” Arine couldn’t help the hopeful tone from creeping into her voice.
    Mestra glared at her, then replied to Sabine. “It’s your house, my friend. We’ll abide by your rules, even if we’re anxious to get on with the mission. You take a great risk housing us, and we would not put you out more than we already have.”             
    Arine bristled at the rebuke, but understood. She had crossed the line . Mestra was on