Read Online The Bloodsworn by Erin Lindsey - Free Book Online Page A

Alix’s nerves prickled with every step, and not just from the cold. They were so vulnerable out here in the middle of the water, an easy target for any competent archer. And slow—gods, it was taking
forever
. The water dragged at Alix’s wool leggings, and her boots felt heavy and clumsy. It was like one of those nightmares where her limbs wouldn’t quite work, weighing her down even as she sensed some unseen threat looming. Her heart pounded, fear and the bitter chill of the water spurring her pulse to a gallop.
    A rustle in the trees sent a bright arc of panic through her, but it was only a bird taking flight. It caught one of Ide’sarrows square in the breast and plummeted like a stone. Ide cursed, annoyed at the waste of a shaft.
    â€œYou didn’t have to kill it,” the priestess said.
    â€œGot the shot off before I knew what it was,” Ide returned irritably. “And it’s a bloodbow, isn’t it? Not like I could miss.”
    Their voices carried dangerously across the water.
“Quiet,”
Alix growled.
    At last, mercifully, they gained the far bank. Alix dragged herself out of the water, wincing as she dropped into a stiff crouch.
    â€œWell, we made it,” Dain said.
    Alix couldn’t manage to feel relieved. Gaining the far bank meant they’d crossed the border. They were in occupied Andithyri now. The Warlord’s territory. And the deeper into it they forged, the greater the threat would become.
    â€œThe game trail picks up again just up there,” Vel said, pointing.
    â€œHow long before we hit the farmlands?” Alix asked.
    â€œI doubt we will reach the forest’s edge before nightfall. Better to camp under cover.”
    As though I need a priestess telling me how to scout.
Alix pushed the thought aside. She had more important things to worry about than her pride. However much it irked her, however strange it was to be walking into mortal danger with her brother’s lover as her guide, she needed to make an effort to get along with this woman. There was too much at stake to be distracted by trifles. “And after that,” she said, “how long until we find this Wraith?”
    â€œHe will find us, I should think, or rather his men will. He has scouts posted all along the river, keeping an eye on the Warlord’s movements.”
    â€œWraith,” Ide muttered. “What kind of name is that?”
    â€œMysterious and unsettling,” Dain said, “or at least, that’s the idea. The Onnani rebellion used to do the same, back in the days of the empire. The most celebrated of the rebel commanders all had names like that—Viper, Deadeye, and suchlike. Seems kind of ironic that the white-hairs would take up the tradition.”
    â€œThat they would adopt the practices of the very people who revolted against their rule?” Vel hummed thoughtfully.“Yes, it does rather, now that you mention it.” She smiled at Dain. “It is good to have one of my countrymen along on this journey, Commander.”
    â€œJust Dain, thanks. And I consider myself an Aldenian first and foremost, though I am proud of my heritage.” He smiled back at her, adding, “It is nice, though, to not be the only Onnani in the party for once.”
    â€œThough you are the only bloke,” Ide pointed out. “No getting ideas.”
    Dain rolled his eyes.
    â€œIf we could get back to the Andithyrian Resistance, please,” Alix said dryly. “If they’re likely to pick us up quickly, then we’d better be prepared. Anything we need to know, Vel?” There hadn’t been time for a proper briefing before they left the fort; Alix had been too determined to strike out immediately. She could feel the hours slipping through her fingers, each one as precious as a grain of gold. Her king was bloodbound and locked away in his own palace. It was only a matter of time before he got out, or word of him did, and