Read Online Exiles From The Sacred Land (Book 2) by Mark Tyson - Free Book Online Page A

there.”
    “Excellent. Let’s get this thing out of here. Boys, can you lend us a hand?”
    Gondrial, Sanmir, and Ianthill wrapped the creature in a sheet and prepared to carry it out.
    “We will slip out the back,” Enowene said.
    The party carefully exited down the back stairs and slipped out the back door. They had not taken more than three steps away from the inn when they stopped cold. Ahead, coming out of the darkness in numbers, were Dramyds, followed here and there by Drasmyd Duil.
    Enowene grimaced. “Oh, for the love of hearth and home!”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5: Secrets and Lies
     
    Trendan knelt close to the ground, surveying the broken twigs and crushed prairie grass. “They have been this way, and fairly recently.”
    “They?” Fayne asked.
    “Two of them, one female and one male.”
    “Are you certain it is her trail and not someone else’s?”
    “Positive. I recognize her step. These are definitely the footsteps of Kimala. She is trying to hide them. See that tuft of grass?” He pointed to a small tuft of grass hastily thrown over one of the footprints. Fayne tried her best to look appreciative. She nodded her head, all the while trying to stifle a smile.
    Trendan looked up at her face and took a breath. “But, I see you already know.” He straightened, and his face became ridged as stone.
    “Oh, don’t get angry.”
    “I’m not angry. I just wish you didn’t get such amusement from watching me track. I should just let you do it from now on.”
    “Why not? I can track just as well.”
    Trendan did not reply.
    Fayne sniffed the air. “There is a peculiar smell in the air. Do you smell it?”
    Trendan sniffed. “Aye, it is reminiscent of burnt cedar.”
    “Do you think someone has a campfire nearby?”
    “Perhaps, but it isn’t heavy in the air like a campfire would be, unless it is far upwind. We should get moving.” Trendan began surveying the land and trees for signs of smoke.
    “That smell, I can’t quite place it,” Fayne repeated.
    Trendan cut through some dense bushes. “Don’t worry yourself with it, Fayne, you will drive yourself mad. It could be a campfire or a chimney of a nearby homestead or farm.” He stopped and looked back when he realized Fayne was not following him. “Fayne?” He pushed back through the bushes.
    When Trendan found Fayne, she appeared shocked. “We had better find a place to hide, preferably underground,” she said in a calm, even tone. “I remember that smell. A drake is near.”
    “Underground? How do you suppose we do that? Are you sure it’s a drake?”
    “No, I’m not sure, but do you want to take the chance? I know what I smell.”
    “Good point.”
    “I thought you might see it my way. We should hide at least until we can scout around the area.”
    “There isn’t much cover out here. These trees are not dense enough. We might be able to get under a bush.” Trendan sniffed the air. “The scent is old—at least two days. I think we are safe.”
    Fayne wrinkled her nose and sniffed gently. “You can tell how fresh the scent is?”
    “Of course I can. You can’t?” He grinned.
    Fayne shouldered her backpack with a grunt. “There are more dense trees to the south.”
    “Aye, I see. I think it would be a good idea, as you suggested, to scout out the area around here first though,” Trendan said. “There is also a fresh stream nearby, making this a good spot to stop for the night. I am confident we are safe enough.”
    “I will go scout the area before the daylight hours fade completely. I agree we should set up camp once I’m sure it’s safe.”
    “Oh, I’m sure it is, but if it makes you feel more secure, go ahead and check. That drake, if it was a drake, is long gone now.” Trendan looked around nervously but was careful not to let it show to Fayne.
    Fayne deposited her backpack on a nearby boulder and headed out into the woods.
    After he had finished