Read Online The Destroyer Book 4 by Michael-Scott Earle - Free Book Online

angered to continue. He knew I was right. His scent reeked of burned, peppery meat.
    “I am quite tired and irritated by this rude reception. Instead of: ‘Hello, Iolarathe, how was your journey?’ or even, “Welcome, daughter, might I get you some refreshment? You must be tired from defending your life against a tribe of assassins!’ The first words out of your mouth are questioning and criticizing my need to drag their decomposing corpses through your estate. If you are going to question my motives, at least do so over food and drink. Is that not the appropriate custom? Or are you so far removed from civilization out here in the countryside that you have forgotten all basic etiquette?”
    My words visibly jarred him, as if I had actually struck him across the face. My father was known as a mighty warrior and was well-respected here, but it was apparent he approached all problems head first and had no concept of finesse or strategy.
    “Yes. I suppose you should rest and then we can speak more over dinner.” He nodded and I could smell the air and grass that blew across the estate grounds.
    “Good decision. Where should I keep my horse?”
    “I have a private stable and blacksmith five hundred yards down that trail at the bottom of the hill.” He pointed behind me to the east. “I will have a servant take your mount so you can get accustomed to your room. We have every modern convenience ‘out here in the countryside,’ and you will be able to enjoy a warm bath and change into a new gown before we dine.”
    “That sounds pleasant; it’s almost as if you were grateful to have me here.”
    “We are pleased that you decided to spend the next decade with us. I have a few potential mates selected for you to meet in the upcoming months. Of course, I will be rescinding Ubarwa’s suitor invitation.” He nodded to himself and the honey smell of his pride returned.
    “No. Let them come. I will enjoy watching them squirm for my affection. I’ll take my own horse to the stable and then return. Please have your servants ready for me.” I turned my horse toward the stable and didn’t wait for his reply. Children were supposed to obey their parents, but I was the Singleborn and would have to walk the line between obedience and independence.
    My stallion had not rested any during the last few days and I felt his agony in every step. I had little patience for his complaints though. He was lucky that I had found him again on the grasslands after leading away my pursuers. If left to his own fortune, the stupid creature would have been attacked and eaten by a carrion beast, drake, or bearstalker.
    The stables and blacksmith were as unimaginatively crafted as I anticipated and consisted of a simple wood structure with a thatched roof and a crisscross of stout, roughly-hewn support beams. It did smell better than I expected. Every stable I had entered had the same familiar reek of horse shit, rot and stale water. My father’s servants must have meticulously cared for this building and its horses.
    “Here is my steed.” I dismounted and handed the reins to a human boy. “Rub him down carefully and give him a sponge bath. He needs three quarters green grass and the rest dried hay. Do not feed him oats!” The boy had bright emerald green eyes, opened wide in familiar awe, soon to be fear, I thought before continuing, “If you give him one single oat, I will tie a noose around your neck, hang you from that rafter, and let him kick you as you suffocate.” He nodded furiously and I inhaled the satisfying scent of his fear.
    “Are you the only one here?” There were more than a dozen stalls, but I sensed no other humans. I could not imagine this one idiotic creature was capable of maintaining the stables on his own.
    “Na na na no, Mistress,” he stuttered and pointed over his shoulder to the other open door of the stable. “My younger brother is shoveling the manure.”
    “Fine. I’ll be back tomorrow morning. No