Read Online Branded Mage by D.W. - Free Book Online

needed to give it a name , but he was sure something would come to him. Thad headed straight inside the Weeping Serpent Inn that he had stayed at, his last time through Shiel. It didn’t take him to find the nice innkeeper who had been such a help last time.
    “Hello, I’m looking for a woman by the name of Anna. She sold a young girl by the name of Shariel to a young woman some time back , and I come with news of how her daughter is faring.”
    The innkeeper eyed him for a mome nt before deciding he wasn’t trouble and gave him a warm smile. “Yes, she lives in a small house down by the tanners. It’s the one with the light green trim around the windows.” Thad thanked her for the information and slipped her a couple of coppers. 
    It didn’t take long after asking around to find the Anna’s house. The house wasn’t very big , but was in nice shape with a small garden adding to its simple charm. He hesitantly walked up to the front door and knocked on it lightly.
    A woman opened the door. H e wasn’t sure if it was Anna, as the last time he had saw her she was covered in filth. The woman did bear a resemblance to Shariel with the same light blonde hair and freckles. Her face seemed a little ragged and tired, but her clothes were whole and she was clean, so she seemed to be doing much better than their last meeting.
    “Hello I’m looking for a Miss Anna.”
      The lady gave him a slight smile causing the freckles on her nose to wrinkle up slightly, the same way her daughters did when she was slightly amused. “That would be me. Can I help you?”
    Thad took a deep calming breath. “I come from the capital with news of your daughter Shariel.”
    Anna’s face lit up brightly. “Please come in.” She said , grabbing his arm and pulling him inside the house. She led him to a small living room with a few small lightly cushioned chairs.
    “So how is my little girl?” Anna asked as he sat down.
    Thad folded his hands in his lap. “Shariel is currently attending the Royal School, and is doing quite well. The queen herself has taken an interest in her and is making sure she is well taken care of. I was just sent to make sure any worries you might have had would be laid to rest.”
    “The Royal Schoo l, how nice. She was always a bright child. I’m sure she will do well. I must thank you for delivering this news to me. I have told myself almost every night that I was sure she was safe, but knowing for sure will make my nights much more restful.”
    After being forced to drink some water downed tea , Thad excused himself from the house. He left Anna with a small sum of gold as a present from “Clair,” the woman who had Purchased Shariel from her.
    Back at the inn , he found Eloen and the soldiers sitting around a large table eating and drinking. “Pull up a chair and join us Thad.” Eloen said as he approached.
    As soon as he sat down , the waiter was over at the table to take his order. Following the lead of his companions he ordered the house special as well as a cup of wine. He thought that they would move on trying to make as much ground as they could, but Eloen had different plans and didn’t want to pass up a chance to sleep in a real bed.
    After eating and a second glass of wine , Thad went to the room he would be sharing with Alden and another of the soldiers. Taking Eloen’s advice, he went straight to bed and enjoyed what comfort he could while he could.

CHAPTER VI
    They followed the southwest road , the fastest route to Southpass. After a quick detour to the duchess’s estate, they would make the rest of the trip without a stop until they reached Tremon. Tremon was the closest town to Southpass and was a major trading center.
    They were already five days outside of Shiel , and as long as they continued to make good time, they should make the Calisaren estates sometime the day after next. Eloen had went on and on about the beauty of the estate until he was eager himself to see it. He was looking