Read Online Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder - Free Book Online Page A

meat made the decision for me. After tasting for poisons, I gobbled the meal.
      With my headache gone, and my body somewhat revived from the food, I contemplated my situation. My biggest question was why had Leif and I been captured, and by whom. Goel still hovered nearby so I asked him.
      He backhanded me across my face. “No talking,” he ordered.
      My cheek stung as unbidden tears welled. I hated this Goel.
      I spent the next hours in silence, using the time to search for a way to escape. My backpack wasn’t anywhere in sight, but, across the fire, a heavyset man tried to spar another guard with my bow. Sweating with profusion, the big man inexpertly hacked at the other’s practice sword and was beaten with ease.
      After watching the bout, I decided that these men had to be soldiers even though they wore plain homespun civilian clothes. Their ages ranged from mid-twenties to late-forties, maybe even fifty. Mercenaries, perhaps? Captain Marrok’s command of these men was obvious.
      So why had they attacked us? If they needed money, they could have taken what they wanted and been on their way. If they were killers, I would be dead by now. That left kidnapping. For a ransom? Or for something worse?
      A shudder shook my shoulders when I thought of my parents receiving word that I had disappeared again and I promised myself that I wouldn’t let it go that far. Somehow, I would escape, but I knew it wouldn’t be under Goel’s zealous watch.
      I rubbed my neck. My hand came away sticky with blood. Exploring with my fingertips, I found a deep gash at the base of my skull and a smaller cut above my left temple. I tapped my bun and moved my hand away with what I hoped was a casual motion. My lock picks were still holding up some of my hair, and I prayed Goel didn’t see them.
      A possible means of escape was within reach. I just needed some time unguarded. Unfortunately, it didn’t look like that would happen any time soon; two men came out of the tent and headed straight toward me.
      “He wants to see her,” one man said as they hauled me to my feet.
      They dragged me toward the tent. Goel followed. I was pulled inside and dumped on the floor. When my eyes adjusted to the dim candlelight, I saw the young horseman sitting at a canvas table. Leif, unchained and unharmed, sat beside him. My backpack was on the table, and my possessions had been spread out.
      With effort, I stood. “Friends of yours?” I asked Leif.
      Something hard connected with the side of my head, slamming me back to the ground. Leif half rose from his seat, but settled when the horseman touched his sleeve.
      “That was unnecessary, Goel,” the horseman said. “Wait outside.”
      “She spoke without permission.”
      “If she fails to show the proper respect, you may teach her some manners. Now go,” ordered the horseman.
      I struggled to my feet again. Goel left, but the other two guards remained by the door. By now my patience was gone. If I were quick enough, I might be able to wrap the foot of chain hanging between my wrists around the horseman’s neck.
      As I was gauging the distance, the horseman said, “I wouldn’t try anything stupid.” He lifted a long, broad sword from his lap.
      “Who the hell are you and what do you want?” I demanded.
      “Watch your language or I’ll call Goel back,” he replied with a smile.
      “Go ahead, call him back. Take my manacles off and let us have a fair fight.” When he didn’t reply, I added, “Guess you’re afraid I’d win. Typical ambusher mentality.”
      He looked at Leif in amazement. Leif stared back with concern, and I wondered what had gone on between them. Friends or foes?
      “You failed to mention this bravado. Of course,” he turned back to me, “it could all be an act.”
      “Try me,” I said.
      The horseman laughed. Despite his full blond beard and mustache, he still looked younger than I. Maybe