Read Online Tribe of the Snow Tiger (Legends of Windemere Book 10) by Charles E. Yallowitz - Free Book Online Page A

it difficult for the young man to know where he to put his hand, so he lets his arm drop to his side. Sari giggles at the attempt and inches closer to drape his arm around her shoulders. The warrior’s sweaty limb stays extended to keep his hand away from her exposed skin, but it is not a position he can hold for very long. Eventually, he lets Sari bend his elbow toward her side and she casually taps his knuckles. A tremor rocks her body, revealing how close she is to crying and releasing the emotions she has been keeping locked away for far too long. Delvin pats the gypsy on the head and gives her a friendly kiss on her blue, sweet-smelling hair.
    “I’m not going to say I’m happy or sad about my situation,” Sari explains when she gathers her thoughts. A tear nearly escapes from her eye, but she forces it back in before her friend notices. “I had a chance to win and gave it up to do the right thing because Kira was with him first. That’s how things should have always gone, but I let myself get too close. My pain is my punishment and being away from him is helping me see that. Things may be awkward between us for a while and I still have that one kiss, but I’m coming to terms with the fact that I lost a lover. Now I’m trying to hold onto a friendship that might prove to be even stronger than what I originally wanted from him.”
    “Then why are you on the verge of crying?” Delvin asks, handing his friend a handkerchief from his bag. “It’s okay to be honest with me, Sari. You’re hurting and none of us can figure out why because you’re denying the most obvious reason.”
    “Why do people think love is so simple and clean?” the gypsy asks in a droning tone. She adjusts her gown and leans back, playfully licking her lips at the warrior. “I get the feeling that this is all people see me as. The beautiful and buxom champion who loves to play. The seductive rival of Kira Grasdon. Nothing more than eye-catching curves, a pretty face, and dresses with flashy skirts. I mean, did you see all the dolls that were made of me and the only difference was the clothing? You asked before about us being famous after we defeat the Baron. Well I’m hoping that people forget I was ever a champion. That way I won’t be stared at all the time and the whispers will stop.”
    “Those people are just-”
    “Say jealous and this conversation ends, Cunningham.”
    Hopping off the bed, Delvin strolls over to a standing mirror and carries it to the middle of the room. He freezes when the legs scrape against the floor, several neighbors groaning about the noise. With a roll of her eyes, Sari goes to stand in front of the foggy glass while her companion does his best to clean it with his discarded shirt. It leaves streaks on the surface, so he hunts for another handkerchief to finish the job. The gypsy impatiently twirls and spins on her toes, stopping only when Delvin clears his throat. Wiping sweat from his brow, the warrior stands next to the mirror and smiles at his friend.
    “This is what people see. A beautiful woman from a people who have a reputation for being seductive and cunning,” Delvin explains, moving his hand up and down the rough wooden frame. Seeing a smudge on the glass, he licks his thumb and cleans her reflection’s cheek, which makes the gypsy giggle in amusement. “It’s the same as someone looking at Timoran as a savage or me as an expendable swordsman. None of the people whispering about us know who we truly are. Maybe it’s because you and Luke are the youngest of us, but you’ll learn that the opinions of strangers don’t matter as much as those of your friends and family. Yes, I know I let what strangers were saying drive me back to Yagervan, so use me as an example of what not to do. Anyway, these people will never know that you are a loyal, smart, powerful, and loving person that Windemere is lucky to have as a champion. All of us are happy to have you by our side.”
    “I did things