Read Online Clash (The Arinthian Line Book 4) by Sever Bronny - Free Book Online Page B

constable tapped the wagon with his cane, and from the back emerged two women wearing peasant dress and country bonnets, holding hands with four children.
    “These are the wives and children of my soldiers.” Clouds rested a heavy arm on the chubby boy beside him. “And this is my very own son, Devon. We are not here to cause trouble. We have heard Milham is a town after our own hearts. I cannot express how sincere we are. Please accept us as one of your own.”
    For a long moment the crowd exchanged glances, until Mr. Haroun stepped forward. “Then on behalf of Milham, we wish you a pleasant stay. I insist you join my family for lunch. As for everyone else, please do as the constable says—bring any weapons you do not need and place them in the wagon. We must help our new neighbors follow regulations.”
    Augum kept shaking his head. This was baffling. Surely a real Legionnaire would have instantly demanded every weapon, followed by a thorough search of the town and most probably a questioning in some iron room.
    The crowd closed in on Clouds, his son, and the soldiers. There were many handshakes, smiles, and even tentative hugs.
    “I just can’t believe it,” Bridget said, slumping to the ground and looking between Augum and Leera. “Could it be they’re actually on our side?”
    Augum flipped his hand. “If so—and I’m not convinced they’re for real yet—maybe we can work with them somehow. Find weaknesses in the Legion or something, I don’t know.”
    Leera glanced past them at the procession. “I’m not convinced. What if it’s a trick to disarm everyone before slaughtering them like lambs? Wouldn’t put it past them, you know.”
    Augum watched as Devon shook hands with another boy, the pair smiling and nodding as they spoke. He noted how the children resembled the soldiers, who had taken off their pot helms and how everyone seemed at ease. They weren’t checking the trees or communicating in secret. Their body language told him they were being open and sincere. “I don’t think so. I think those are their real families. But we obviously shouldn’t reveal ourselves just yet. Let’s wait and see what happens.”
    “Agreed,” the girls chorused.
    Leera’s eyes narrowed. “Harvus is heading to the cabin. Time to go.”

Moral Grounds
    The trio made it back to the Okeke cabin in short order, passing on the unbelievable news to Mr. Goss, Leland and Jengo, though failing to raise Mrs. Stone on the orb. Harvus entered soon after.
    “I still think it’s a trap,” Jengo said as Mr. Goss left to see for himself, leaving Leland in Jengo’s care. His eyes wandered to the window. “There’s probably thousands of soldiers surrounding the village as we speak. It’s Clouds. He’s taken bribes before. I’m certain he’s corrupt.”
    Augum couldn’t help but glance furtively out the window, recalling the raid on Sparrow’s Perch. It did not escape his notice the girls did the same.
    “Well, Mrs. Stone said she’d be here in a flash if any of her special enchantments are tripped,” Leera said.
    “Unless something happened to her,” Mr. Harvus said without expression. “Let us hope that is not the case, of course.” He brought his white-gloved hands together. “In the meantime, I absolutely forbid you three to show your faces in town until I deem it absolutely safe. And you are not to take any foolish risks like spying on the Legion or any other ill-advised behavior.” He cupped his ear at them. “I am afraid I do not hear a ‘Yes, Mr. Harvus’.”
    “Yes, Mr. Harvus,” they chorused, Augum, Jengo and Leera lamely; Bridget with a firm nod.
    “Jengo, you are to join us at the other cabin as soon as your father returns.”
    Leland moaned in protest.
    “I am sorry, my dear child, but I am afraid today’s training will be too dangerous for you.” He adjusted his hairpiece, which immediately prompted Leera to elbow Augum.
    Harvus’ eyes flicked to her and she stopped grinning. “Do