Read Online Arine's Sanctuary by KateMarie Collins - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: KateMarie Collins
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lead for this, and with good reason.
Sabine smiled, “No apology necessary, my friend. And the risk is small. Domine Grace and I are on good terms. My account with her is more than current, and she knows it. She tends not to ask who stays at my home. Bryn let me know the circumstances, so Arine’s question is not out of line.” She continued to speak as she led them up one of the staircases. “However, your journey here has been long. The caves, while excellent for travelling safely, are not equipped for bathing. The boys with you may need to rest while we speak, as well. I can’t imagine the journey was easy for them. Ah, here we are.” She stopped in front of a door painted a bright red, with brass fittings. “Here’s the key,” placing an item in Mestra’s hand, “and the bath is off the main room. There’s a couple of sleeping alcoves as well. I’ll send up Brian in a few hours when dinner is ready.”
Outwardly, Arine kept her composure as their host left them and she followed Mestra into the room. Inwardly, however, her thoughts and emotions churned like never before. So close to seeing Ian again, convincing him to join her in a life better than whatever he must’ve led for the last decade.
The room was well furnished, a creative mix of functional chairs and tables and large cushions. The tranquil blues and greens didn’t help her regain her composure. She knew she had to be calm, for all their sakes. It wasn’t just her she’d be putting in danger this trip if she couldn’t remember her training.
She began a customary sweep of the room, checking for everything from hidden doors to secret observation holes. Mestra’s voice, while low, carried well in the room. The acoustics were such that any small noise would be heard by them. All the worse for anyone who would try to sneak in while they slept.
“Get a grip on yourself, Arine. You’re worse than a new Sister on their first mission.” Mestra’s voice held a slight rebuke. “You know any information Sabine has will wait until she’s ready to tell us. Bryn trusts her. So do I. That should be enough.”
Arine picked up the muted sounds of water. The boys were bathing. Good. They tended to get grouchy after a few days without. While she was content with waiting another month if it meant Ian was safe at last.
She sank into one of the central chairs, tossing one of the overstuffed pillows onto the floor. “I know, Mestra. I didn’t think it would be this hard, not after this long. What if he doesn’t recognize me? Or it’s not him?”
“Then we still offer him Sanctuary and get our asses home. And Bryn will keep searching.” Mestra shrugged. “I know you’re hopeful, Arine. We all are or we wouldn’t have come with you. But you have to put it aside for now. You celebrate when we’re back home, and not before.”
Arine rubbed her forehead with her fingers. A dull headache threatened to increase in intensity. “I know. To celebrate early means death. For me, for the one I was sent to fetch, for those risking the journey with me. But…” her voice trailed off.
“No ‘buts,’ Arine. Once the boys are done, we’ll clean up. Go eat dinner with Sabine. Learn what she has to tell us. Then we rest until tomorrow.”
“And tomorrow?”
Mestra smiled slightly, “Tomorrow, we let you see your brother. And figure out what damage Talia’s done.”
***
A youth, barely old enough to shave , carefully placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of Arine. The aromas drifting up from the dish made her mouth water. “I had the same meal we’re going to eat prepared and taken up to your boys, Mestra. I’m sure
Sabine smiled, “No apology necessary, my friend. And the risk is small. Domine Grace and I are on good terms. My account with her is more than current, and she knows it. She tends not to ask who stays at my home. Bryn let me know the circumstances, so Arine’s question is not out of line.” She continued to speak as she led them up one of the staircases. “However, your journey here has been long. The caves, while excellent for travelling safely, are not equipped for bathing. The boys with you may need to rest while we speak, as well. I can’t imagine the journey was easy for them. Ah, here we are.” She stopped in front of a door painted a bright red, with brass fittings. “Here’s the key,” placing an item in Mestra’s hand, “and the bath is off the main room. There’s a couple of sleeping alcoves as well. I’ll send up Brian in a few hours when dinner is ready.”
Outwardly, Arine kept her composure as their host left them and she followed Mestra into the room. Inwardly, however, her thoughts and emotions churned like never before. So close to seeing Ian again, convincing him to join her in a life better than whatever he must’ve led for the last decade.
The room was well furnished, a creative mix of functional chairs and tables and large cushions. The tranquil blues and greens didn’t help her regain her composure. She knew she had to be calm, for all their sakes. It wasn’t just her she’d be putting in danger this trip if she couldn’t remember her training.
She began a customary sweep of the room, checking for everything from hidden doors to secret observation holes. Mestra’s voice, while low, carried well in the room. The acoustics were such that any small noise would be heard by them. All the worse for anyone who would try to sneak in while they slept.
“Get a grip on yourself, Arine. You’re worse than a new Sister on their first mission.” Mestra’s voice held a slight rebuke. “You know any information Sabine has will wait until she’s ready to tell us. Bryn trusts her. So do I. That should be enough.”
Arine picked up the muted sounds of water. The boys were bathing. Good. They tended to get grouchy after a few days without. While she was content with waiting another month if it meant Ian was safe at last.
She sank into one of the central chairs, tossing one of the overstuffed pillows onto the floor. “I know, Mestra. I didn’t think it would be this hard, not after this long. What if he doesn’t recognize me? Or it’s not him?”
“Then we still offer him Sanctuary and get our asses home. And Bryn will keep searching.” Mestra shrugged. “I know you’re hopeful, Arine. We all are or we wouldn’t have come with you. But you have to put it aside for now. You celebrate when we’re back home, and not before.”
Arine rubbed her forehead with her fingers. A dull headache threatened to increase in intensity. “I know. To celebrate early means death. For me, for the one I was sent to fetch, for those risking the journey with me. But…” her voice trailed off.
“No ‘buts,’ Arine. Once the boys are done, we’ll clean up. Go eat dinner with Sabine. Learn what she has to tell us. Then we rest until tomorrow.”
“And tomorrow?”
Mestra smiled slightly, “Tomorrow, we let you see your brother. And figure out what damage Talia’s done.”
***
A youth, barely old enough to shave , carefully placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of Arine. The aromas drifting up from the dish made her mouth water. “I had the same meal we’re going to eat prepared and taken up to your boys, Mestra. I’m sure
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