Read Online Fallen Ward (Deepwoods Saga Book 3) by Honor Raconteur - Free Book Online Page A

her up quickly and wiped the smile off her face. “Tran said our chances were good of taking the city. But how dangerous is this?”
    “More dangerous for them than us,” he assured her. He carefully didn’t say, If everything goes according to plan , but he had a feeling she heard the words anyway. “Hyun Woo-zhi’s plan is a good one. If it works like I think it will, we’ll have those dregs out of our city within three days.”
    “I’m more worried about you than the city.”
    It was his turn to blink in surprise. “Me?”
    “I’m afraid you’ll be reckless once you get into Goldschmidt.”
    Now what had he done to give her that impression?
    She must have seen from his face that he wasn’t following her, as she explained with a worried frown, “Whenever you see how upset we are about the loss of the Hall, you get this dark look on your face, like you’re thinking about murdering someone.”
    How observant of her. He hadn’t realized that showed. For a moment, he wondered how to reassure her, as he was still learning how to give comfort. He’d spent quite a few hours watching Markl, trying to learn from his example. Deciding he’d give it a try, he tentatively caught one of her hands. His hands were callused and rough from the work he’d been doing, so he was careful to not scrape her soft skin.
    “I won’t be reckless. More like, I can’t be reckless. I’m in charge of three hundred and fifty men. If I don’t lead them properly, their lives might be lost.”
    The tension that had been riding in Denney’s face and shoulders smoothed out and she returned his grip firmly, fingers half-twining with his. “I hadn’t thought of that. I’m relieved.”
    Ho? That had worked. Rune made a mental note on that tactic so he could use it again in the future. Well, hopefully he wouldn’t need to, as he’d learn how to put her mind at ease before doing or saying something that would cause her to be anxious. On second thought, that might be wishful thinking. No, better to keep this tactic in mind.
    “Let’s go in,” she encouraged, tugging on his hand to lead him toward the gate. “I’m sure you’re hungry.”
    Starving, actually, but that wasn’t the reason why he readily followed her. He just didn’t want to let go of her hand.
    ӜӜӜ
    There was tension throughout Converse that night. Word had spread (probably from the stone gatherers) that the pathway was almost complete. Everyone had more or less been waiting on that and they knew that once it was done, it would be time to go. This would be the last night they would spend together in Converse. If all went well, they’d be able to retake the city before the week was out. Rune could feel it in the air no matter where he went.
    The guild lingered around the table after dinner was eaten, and although no one said it aloud, there was a silent agreement that they wanted to spend time together on the eve of battle. Rune didn’t think that any of them would be seriously injured. After all, their opponents so far hadn’t been very skilled. But there was nothing predictable in war, Hyun Woo had drummed that into his head, so he could appreciate that people were nervous about tomorrow.
    Beirly seemed intent to liven the mood somehow, and was taking turns telling embarrassing stories about everyone. Rune was safe, as Beirly didn’t know anything to tell about him, which let him enjoy the others’ discomfort all the more.
    Seeming to realize this, Beirly pointed a finger at him, beard lifted in a smile. “I bet you think you’re safe, young’in. But I do know a story about you too.”
    Rune frowned at him. What could he possibly know?
    Most of the table was surprised as well, as Rune was very careful to avoid getting caught up in situations as a general rule, so they didn’t know any stories about him either. That, of course, made it all the more interesting and they were leaning closer to Beirly, trying to hear better over the other conversations in