Read Online Demon Within by Julie Nicholls - Free Book Online Page A

the journey from Blackhill, and it wasn’t usual. A day wouldn’t be complete without harmless teasing between her and her brother; even with Kai, when he wasn’t brooding. When her brother started the negotiations for the alliance with King Garlan, it didn’t sit well with her. There were many occasions for her to dislike her brother, and this last act, had outdone them all.
    Swapping the whetstone for a cloth and holding it to the light, Kiera wiped the blade and examined it closely. Happy she’d done a good job, then sheathing it, she put it to the side. Kiera took care of her weapons; her armory extensive. Skilled in both sword and fighting knives, Kiera was a formidable opponent to anyone; the bow being her preferred weapon. No one matched her accuracy and precision when it came to archery, but she still reveled in a good sword fight, and rarely lost. Glancing over to Kai, she packed the stone and cloth into her saddlebag; sure he was as unhappy as she was.
    ‘I don’t like this plan.’
    Still idly stabbing the log, Kai paused when Kiera spoke but didn’t reply. An expressionless face stared at the patterns made by his dagger before adding more.
    ‘It's a bad idea. He’s just using us because he’s too chicken to fight his own battles.’
    Kiera waited for Kai to at least look at her, but he didn’t. Huffing out a breath and grabbing her backpack, she stormed off towards the horses and muttered under her breath when she saw Sabe heading towards her. Kai watched her; enjoying her rounded cheeks jiggling in the leather pants she wore as she marched away.
    ‘Good morning sister.’ Sabe greeted Kiera with a wide smile, but only received a barrage of cursed words, ‘That’s not very ladylike.
    ‘I’ve never claimed to be a lady.’ She spat back, and continued towards the horses.
    Shaking his head, Sabe walked towards Kai.
    ‘What did you do to upset my sister?’ Standing with his arms folded, he nodded over his shoulder at Kiera then turned back to Kai with a grin. ‘She’s in a foul mood.’
    Kai raised his eyebrows then sighed. ‘Nothing unusual there.’
    Chuckling, Sabe’s legs straddled the log as he faced Kai. ‘The caravan’s just entered the forest, it’ll be here soon.’
    ‘How many soldiers did he bring?’
    ‘Eight.’ Frowning as he glanced at Kai’s carving on the log. ‘The King and his son are at the front, his aid is there too.’ Sabe noticed his friend’s worried expression.
    ‘Are you feeling alright? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were nervous about meeting your bride!’ He teased, and suffered a deep scowl for his nerve. ‘Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.’ He slapped Kai’s arm. ‘Cheer up!’
    Kai managed a half scowl; distracted by a hawk, he watched it hover in the air, before it dived to the ground to catch its prey. Unemotional and calm, his eyes lingered over the area, and waited for the hawk to reappear. After a few moments, it appeared with its prey held fast in its talons. Sabe followed his gaze and watched with him; he had to wonder if he’d made a mistake. Knowing how much Kai valued his freedom, had he just put the chains back on him? Kai turned his attention back to his carving, without expression or words, while Sabe looked on.
    Sabe was famous for turning everything into a joke; having a witty retort to almost any insult thrown his way, he could get people annoyed very easily. On most days, he’d make the most miserable person smile, but not today. Today, it seemed impossible to make anyone laugh or even smile. And now he suddenly felt guilty about the agreement.
    Watching Kai chip at the log, seeing his worried face, he hoped for his own sake, it didn’t turn out to be a disaster. He’d seen many of Kai’s moods; this one was a regular visitor. Fortunately, Sabe knew how to handle it.
    ‘Remember when I got caught with that pretty young filly from Landbridge?’ he quickly glanced to check for a reaction; nothing, so far. ‘The