Read Online White Wolf by David Gemmell - Free Book Online Page A

to his feet, he ran back to the front door. A wooden bench had been lodged against it. Grabbing it he hauled it clear, then pulled open the door.
    The flames were high now inside and as he tried to enter he felt the ferocity of the heat. Sucking in a deep breath he gave a yell and hurled himself forward. Fires were all around him as he reached the unconscious woman. Grabbing her arm he began to drag her across the floor. Her nightdress caught alight, but he could not stop to put it out. Flames licked at his arms and the backs of his legs, and he could feel his clothing charring. Still he would not let go. He screamed in pain but struggled on. Once into the doorway he heard a great groan from the timbers above. They suddenly sagged and burning thatch showered down over Aunt Athlya. Rabalyn hauled the woman out onto open ground.
    Her nightdress was ablaze; he knelt by her side, beating out the flames with his hands, and wrenching the garment clear of her body. In the brightness of the fire he could see burns all over her legs. Pulling her even further from the blazing building, he left her for a moment and ran to the well, dropping the bucket, and then hauling it up. It seemed to take an age. Carrying the bucket to Aunt Athyla, he tore off his shirt and dipped it into the water. Then, squatting naked beside her, he gently dabbed the drenched shirt to Athyla’s smoke-smeared face. Suddenly she coughed, and his relief was total.
    “It’s all right, Aunt. We’re all right.”
    “Oh dear,” she said. Then there was silence.
    People began to arrive, rushing forward to surround Rabalyn.
    “What happened, boy?” asked a voice.
    “Someone set fire to the cottage,” he said. “They blocked the door to stop us getting out.”
    “Did you see anyone?”
    Rabalyn did not answer. “Help my aunt,” he said. “Please help my aunt.”
    A man knelt down beside the still form and held a finger to her throat. “She’s gone, boy. Smoke did for her, I reckon.”
    “She just spoke to me. She’s going to be all right.” His voice was breaking as he began to shake Aunt Athyla by the shoulders. “Wake up, Aunt. Wake up.”
    “What happened here?” asked Councillor Raseev.
    “Someone fired the cottage,” said the man beside Rabalyn. “The boy says they blocked the front door.”
    Rabalyn looked up and saw Raseev. He was a tall man, with graying blond hair and a wide handsome face. His voice was smooth and deep. “What did you see, boy?” he asked.
    “I woke up with the flames and the smoke,” said Rabalyn. “I tried to get Aunt Athyla out, but someone put a bench against the front door. I had to climb out of the window to move it. Will someone help my aunt!”
    A woman knelt beside Athyla. She also felt for a pulse. “There is nothing to be done,” she said. “Athyla is gone, Rabalyn.”
    “I asked what you saw, boy,” repeated Raseev. “Could you identify the villain who did this?”
    Rabalyn pushed himself to his feet. He felt light-headed, as if all this was but a dream. The pain from the burns on his hands, arms, and legs faded away. “I saw no one,” he said. He looked around at the faces of the gathered townsfolk. “But I know who did it. I only have one enemy.”
    “Speak the name, boy!” ordered Raseev.
    Rabalyn located Todhe in the crowd, and saw no fear in his eyes. If Rabalyn named him nothing would be done. No one had seen him torch the cottage. He was the son of the most powerful man in the town. He was immune from the law. Rabalyn turned away and dropped down to his knees beside his aunt. Reaching out he stroked her dead face. Guilt was heavy on his heart. Had he not made an enemy of Todhe then Aunt Athyla would still be alive. “Who is your enemy, boy?” demanded Raseev.
    Rabalyn kissed his aunt’s cheek, then he rose to his feet. He turned to Raseev. “I didn’t see no one,” he said. “He swung toward the crowd. “But I know who did it. He’ll pay. With his bastard life!” He looked