Read Online Exile's Return (Book 1) by Kate Jacoby - Free Book Online Page B

was invisible in the darkness. He turned around to find his master had already sent the horse on its way. Finnlay had tied their own horses up and was sitting casually with his back to a tree stump. With a nod, Micah grabbed an armful of firewood from the forest floor and squatted down to prepare a fire – as though he’d been there all along.
    He was just in time, too. The forest opposite them parted again and three horses sped across the stream, coming to a stumbling halt in front of his master. But these men were not robbers. All three riders wore the unmistakable yellow blaze of the Guilde.
    ‘Did you see a rider come through here?’ their leaderdemanded, gruff and out of breath. ‘Moments before us? A criminal and horse thief?’
    Robert placed his hands on his hips and nodded slowly. ‘Certainly did. Rode right past us, headed that way. He nearly knocked us down.’
    ‘That way?’ the man pointed in the direction Dunlorn had sent the horse.
    ‘Yes. I hope you can follow its tracks. People like that should be stopped.’
    ‘Right, come on!’ As one, the soldiers turned and took up their pursuit, but Robert stayed where he was until the sound of the horses disappeared into the night. Then, with a warning glance at Micah, he called up to the girl, ‘Come down. Quickly. Finn, get that saddle back on my horse. They could return any minute.’
    Micah wasted no time and rounded up their horses, coming back to his master. ‘What next? These poor animals are too tired for flight.’
    ‘I know. Take them and the girl further up this gully. There’s bound to be a cave or something you can shelter in. Finnlay, go with them. Try to keep the horses quiet and no talking until I return.’
    ‘And if they come back, my lord?’
    Robert gave him a lopsided smile. ‘Just go, Micah. Now.’
    Micah nodded and led the others along the stream. Limestone walls rose on either side of them, covered in clumps of determined bushes. The night was so dark, Micah had a lot of trouble keeping to their path, finding eventually that it was easier to walk along the stream bed instead. He scanned both sides of the rising cliffs but could see nothing of any use. Then Finnlay tapped his shoulder.
    ‘There, behind those bushes. A cave.’
    With a breath of relief, Micah gained the bushes and led the horses into the cave. It turned out to be big enough to hide them all. The girl stood beside Finnlay, her eyes fixed on the cave mouth. In silence they waited, listening to the night. With a bit of luck, those soldiers might not even return.
    After ten minutes however, Micah began to worry and curse himself for not staying with his master. Sure, Dunlorn was a mighty swordsman, but it was dark and he was tired. Alone, he might not be able to overcome those men if the slightest thing went wrong. Micah shot a glance across the cave to where Finnlay stood. He would know. If anything happened to his brother, Finnlay would know. At least, that’s what Micah hoped. So far, he appeared unconcerned – not that Micah could really see his face, but Finnlay hadn’t moved and that was sign enough.
    The minutes dragged by until Micah was about ready to leave the cave, when he heard a splash in the water outside. He froze. His hand instantly went to his sword but Finnlay caught his eye, shook his head and visibly relaxed. Moments later, Robert stood in the cave mouth, gazing inwards.
    ‘Well,’ Finnlay murmured, ‘you two certainly live interesting lives.’
    Micah couldn’t help laughing with relief. ‘It’s getting to be quite a habit.’
    Dunlorn came into the cave and glanced about him. ‘Well, it could be worse.’
    ‘Considering the fact that those were Guildesmen you just lied to, brother, I don’t really see how.’
    Spreading his arms expansively, Robert replied, ‘It could be snowing.’ With a grin he turned to Micah. ‘Those men won’t come back. Let’s get a fire started. I’m cold!’
    With a blaze going in the middle of the