Read Online [Shadowed Path 02] - Candle in the Storm by Morgan Howell - Free Book Online Page A

require food and shelter for myself and my horse.”
    “I’d be honored to provide both.”
    “Karm sees your generosity.”
    “Tarvus,” the man shouted, “come and take the Sarf’s horse to the stables.”
    A boy about twelve winters old emerged from the house and regarded Gatt with undisguised excitement. He bowed very low. “Karmamatus, this is an honor,” he said before taking the horse’s reins. Gatt smiled slightly and inclined his head.
    “Rub him down good,” said the man to Tarvus, “he’s been ridden hard.”
    “Yes, Father,” said Tarvus. “I’ll move Tammor from his stall and stable Karmamatus’s horse there.”
    “That’s fine, son,” said the man. He watched Tarvus lead the horse away before turning to Gatt. “Sarfs are my boy’s heroes,” he said, “so this is quite a thrill for him. I hope you’ll explain your lot’s not all adventure and fighting.”
    “The path of righteousness demands sacrifice and suffering,” said Gatt. “Few are fit for such a life.”
    “That’s what I tell him,” said the farmer. “I say he should be thankful that the Seers bypassed our farm.”
    “You’re correct to say so,” said Gatt. “A childhood in the temple is no easy one.”
    “Boys! Full of dreams,” said the man, shaking his head. “My name is Garvus, Karmamatus. Would you join me in some ale while we wait for dinner?”
    “I don’t drink ale,” replied Gatt, “but I’d be glad for some tea.”
    Garvus led Gatt inside, where he introduced his wife, who brewed the Sarf some tea. Gatt drank it standing, for he ached from the day’s riding. When Garvus finished his ale, he felt less intimidated by Gatt and ventured to question him. “Your horse is a fine animal, yet you pushed him hard.”
    “I had need to do so. My task is urgent.”
    “Urgent enough to risk a valuable steed? If you don’t ease up, he could go lame.”
    “Is a horse worth more than a man?” replied Gatt.
    “I don’t understand.”
    “I am trying to save one being led to his doom. I must catch up with him before he’s destroyed.”
    “With all respect, Karmamatus, you won’t do that on a lame horse. Is the man a captive?”
    “No,” replied Gatt. “Just beguiled by a woman.”
    Garvus grinned, and was about to jest before he caught the Sarf’s hard gaze and thought better of it. “Are they traveling afoot?”
    “Yes. And the woman’s burdened also. They left eight days ago for Averen.”
    “Do they know of your pursuit?”
    “No.”
    “Then you can ease up on your horse and still catch them easily,” said Garvus. “A steady pace and a long day’s ride will eat up the distance.”
    “I pray you’re right. It’s my holy task to free this man.”
    “Then how can you fail?” said Garvus. “Karm will aid you.”
    Garvus refilled Gatt’s tea bowl and poured some more ale for himself. After Tarvus returned from the stables accompanied by three farm servants, Garvus’s wife brought out the evening meal. All sat down for dinner with the Sarf at the place of honor. While they ate, Gatt spoke of his travels. Mindful of Garvus’s request, he emphasized the hardness of his life. The stories didn’t affect Tarvus as his father had hoped, for the boy’s admiration of the Sarf seemed to grow with each new tale of tribulation. Gatt found himself enjoying the boy’s adulation. After dinner, when the Sarf excused himself to look at his horse, he was not displeased when Tarvus followed him.
    Although Gatt knew little about grooming horses, he sensed the animal had been well tended. He turned toward Tarvus and smiled. “Karm sees the care you have shown my steed,” he said. “When I ride forth tomorrow, take pride that you’ve aided my quest.”
    Tarvus beamed at Gatt’s words. “Zounds! A quest?”
    “Yes,” said Gatt, standing tall despite his aches. “It’s a perilous undertaking.”
    “Will you tell me about it?”
    “I fear your father wouldn’t approve,” said Gatt. “He said