Read Online The Elder Blood Chronicles Book 3 From the Ashes by Melissa Myers - Free Book Online Page A

Shade murmured in a faint effort to change the topic.
He didn’t like to consider that Jala had changed that much in the
short time she had been with Finn. The Jala he had known and helped
would have never created such a disaster.
    “He is serving penance for the fire,” Charm
said, his expression growing grim. He turned his gaze away from
Shade, his mouth firmly closed.
    Shade nodded silently and followed the rogue.
He wasn’t sure if Charm was upset with Havoc or upset with Havoc
serving penance, but it obviously wasn’t a topic he wished to speak
of. His steps slowed as he watched two Fionaveir pull a body free
from a pile of timbers. The girl looked to be in her twenties, with
long dark hair. One side of her head was caved in but the features
were still recognizable and painfully familiar. “I knew her. She
worked at the Millstone Café on Trader’s way. I had breakfast there
every morning and she always knew just what to bring me without my
asking.” He watched them move the body to join the others lining
the road. “Her name was Elise. She was saving money for her
apprenticeship with a tailor.”
    Charm had stopped walking as well and was
watching Shade with a look of sympathy. “No matter how hard you
try, Shade, you can never save them all. Death demands her due and
she is a greedy bitch. Remember her. That is the best you can do
now. “
    “I’ll be remembering quite a few, I suppose.
I knew most of the people in the inner city,” Shade said softly as
he continued toward the Hall.
    “We all will be, Shade. Most of the
half-blood Fionaveir are from Sanctuary. You are remembering
acquaintances or perhaps a few actual friends. They are remembering
family and childhood playmates. It isn’t just you that is finding
this painful,” Charm scolded gently as he fell into step beside
Shade once more.
    Shade nodded in acknowledgment as he pulled
open the door to the hall. A few people milled inside and from the
expressions on their faces, something was wrong. He watched the
furtive glances toward the double doors on the back way that led to
the office Lutheron had chosen and then glanced back at Charm again
in question.
    “Is he busy?” Charm asked to the closest
Fionaveir.
    The woman blanched slightly and nodded.
“Victory returned. There has been some yelling. I’m not sure what
is going on, but Lutheron is not pleased at all,” she said softly
as if she was afraid Lutheron could somehow overhear her words
through the thick oak doors. Nervously, she brushed a stray lock of
blond hair from her face and looked hopefully at Charm. “You have
good news for him though? I really don’t want to make my report
until he is in a better mood.”
    “I’m here for assignment, not to report. I
doubt he will be in a better mood from that, but I’ll do what I
can, Gretchen.” Charm assured her with a smile.
    She brightened a bit at the gesture and Shade
had to fight the impulse to roll his eyes. It seemed as though
every Fionaveir somehow believed Charm was capable of any miracle.
It was even worse with the women. If the rogue so much as smiled in
their direction, it was as if the Aspects themselves had arrived to
offer blessings.
    “Just out of curiosity, where was Victory
returning from?” Charm asked with a raised eyebrow.
    “Merro. From what I gather, he was supposed
to bring the Merrodin girl back with him,” Gretchen answered
softly.
    Charm nodded and bowed his head to her
slightly. “Thank you Gretchen. I’ll see what I can do to sweeten
his mood.”
    “You aren’t going in there now are you?”
Gretchen asked, quickly grabbing his arm before he could take a
single step.
    “I had intended to.” Charm began slowly with
another smile forming on his lips. “I’m sure it will be fine and
Victory will no doubt appreciate the back up,” he assured her,
patting her hand lightly before freeing himself from her grasp.
“Come on Shade. He needs a new victim and you are perfect for the
role.”
    “Thanks