Read Online Eona by Alison Goodman - Free Book Online

around my arm, peered into my face.
    â€œMadam? Are you all right?”
    There was no doubt he could see the sanity in my eyes; I could not keep conjuring madness under such scrutiny.
    â€œLieutenant Haddo,” I said, frowning. “What am I doing outside? Why do you hold me?”
    He let go of my arm. “You were”—he paused— ”indisposed . But I see that you have now come back to yourself.”
    I studied the ground, avoiding his keen eyes. “I do not remember.”
    â€œIt is sometimes like that,” he said, and awkwardly patted my shoulder. “My wife thought she could feel the breath of our boy on her cheek. It will get better.”
    â€œWhere is she?” It was Dela’s voice, coming from the lodging house.
    The innkeeper’s bulk pushed the door flags apart. “This way, in the courtyard,” he said, leading Dela through the doorway. “You should not have left her without her maid. I can’t have madwomen running around my inn.”
    â€œShe is not mad,” Dela said, reaching into the pouch tied at her waist. “It is just grief and the rigors of the journey. Here, a small sum to ease your inconvenience.” She passed a coin to the innkeeper, then saw me beside Haddo. “Lieutenant, I believe you have also been of assistance to my wife. I thank you, and am sorry for your trouble.” She bowed, the courtesy stiff with anger. I had a feeling it was not part of her act.
    Haddo returned the bow. “No trouble, sir. And no harm has come to her, although I suggest you do not leave her alone at this time.”
    Dela gripped my arm tightly. “Come, wife. Let me take you back to the comfort of our room.” She pulled me toward the doorway, nodding once to the lieutenant. “Again, my thanks.”
    Vida was waiting inside the lodging house foyer, holding the bundle that held my swords and compass.
    â€œDo you think only of yourself?” she hissed, thrusting the bundle into my hands. “You put us all at risk.”
    For a moment I closed my eyes, absorbing the familiar jolt of Kinra’s angry energy through the cloth. I knew Vida’s tongue was sharpened by grief and fear, but the unfair charge still stung. She had not heard Haddo’s intentions. Who was she to judge my every action? I clenched my fist, transfixed by an image of driving it into her face. Abruptly I turned and followed Dela upstairs, startled by the violence of my resentment.
    At the landing, Dela turned to Vida. “Stay here,” she whispered. “Let me know if anyone comes into the house, front or back.”
    Vida gave a sharp nod and pressed herself against the wall. “I know how to follow orders.”
    I trailed behind Dela and braced myself as she slid the screen door closed behind us. Dressed as a man, her sharp features and spare frame lent her a stern handsomeness that had hardened into fury.
    Two strides and she was upon me. “That was beyond foolhardy,” she said against my ear, each word like a slap. “I thought you had some sense. And yet you put yourself—you put us all— in danger!”
    I hugged Kinra’s swords, my own fury rising. “Haddo was going to the stables in search of you. I had to do something. Or would you rather I sit by and let him find—” Caution made me stop, my abrupt silence also checking Dela. Our voices had become too intense.
    She took a deep breath, then whispered, “In search of me? Why?”
    â€œHe wants to offer us an escort to the next village.”
    Dela shook her head. “That’s bad news.”
    I nodded. “At least our friend has gone, hasn’t he?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd he is all right?”
    â€œHe has not been ‘all right’ since the village.” Her low voice was harsh. She pressed her palms against her eyes. “Forgive me, I am tired. He is well enough. And on his way.” With an effort, she