Read Online Orphan's Blade by Aubrie Dionne - Free Book Online Page B

single tavern have? Nathaniel touched his forehead, massaging his temples. “Yes, of course. Thank you for being helpful. You may go.”
    After the sighting of the undead bird, Brax had ordered the back gate shut for good. Nathaniel’s search for the raider had come to a dead end.
    * * * *
    As Valoria entered the apothecary’s shop, a minstrel pushed by her on a crutch. Her countrymen had slings across their chests and others hobbled with canes. One man, a servant to her father, had a bandage wrapped around his right eye.
    She grabbed a medic by the arm. “Excuse me. These men are deemed able to leave?”
    “Commander Thoridian has given the minstrels two carriages to transport the wounded, my lady.”
    “How kind of him.”
    The medic smiled, as if unaware of her mockery. “He is kind, indeed.”
    Kind enough to kick them out. Valoria found Echo propped on a pillow, reading a song of protection against enemies. If anything, she was glad to see him leave. At least near the House of Song he’d be safe. The undead would have to storm all of Ebonvale before reaching the bluewood forest. “Where you’re traveling, you will not need such tunes.”
    Echo raised a gray eyebrow. “I’m not traveling anywhere.”
    “Am I mistaken? Or have you lost your mind cooped up in this warrior’s excuse for a healing dome?”
    Echo chuckled and rolled the parchment on his lap. “The medics have deemed me unfit to travel.”
    “Helena’s sword! Are your injuries fatal?”
    “Not even close.” Echo tapped on a different scroll near his arm. Valoria unrolled the parchment and read the notes. “This is an enchantment of façade. Have you been serenading the medics?”
    He smiled wryly. “They love my voice.”
    “Horred’s grave.” She collapsed on the side of the bed. “What if the undead attack? You are not in the condition to defend yourself.”
    “I have a hunch I’ll be more use to you here than in the House of Song.”
    “You’ll be no use if you are dead.”
    He picked up a scroll. “I have my songs to protect me. Come.” He gestured for her to lean closer. “There are more serious matters to discuss.”
    Valoria’s stomach churned as she moved closer. “What could be more serious than your health?”
    A medic came by, bringing Echo a mug of water and asking if he needed anything. Echo waved him away.
    Valoria pursed her lips. “I can see why you want to stay.”
    “Never mind that now.” Echo’s gaze grew hard as stone as he placed the mug on the table to his right. “Braxten Thoridian is a proud, arrogant young man. He believes he can squelch this threat without the minstrels’ aid.”
    “You do not need to tell me what I already know.”
    “Watch him with a wary eye. As the sole minstrel at the castle’s back gate, you must make sure the undead do not break through.”
    “He’s sent most of the minstrels home. What can I do all alone?”
    Echo smiled fondly. “I heard your song during the battle with the raiders. It was you who turned the tide in our favor. Not Ebonvale’s Royal Guard.”
    Valoria crossed her fingers together and glanced away. Fear resided deep inside her. Echo had no inkling of what she might have summoned that day and it did no good to speak of it now. “They fought nobly and bravely and we must not take that away from them.”
    “It is you who fought nobly and bravely. You have become more than what I could have ever hoped for. ’Tis time I admit your abilities have surpassed my own.”
    Valoria’s cheeks burned. Echo was the greatest minstrel in the House of Song. He had no rivals that even came close. “Come now, no one can trick a medic like you do.”
    He wiggled a finger at her. “I do not jest. I have full faith you will save us, and I do not mean by marrying Braxten Thoridian.”
    She teased him with a mischievous smile. “Does that mean I’m off the hook?”
    “Sadly not. ’Tis a cruel fate, but not as cruel as the alternative.” He patted her hand.