A Quick Sun Rises Read Online Free PDF Page B

him that short of death he was not going to change her mind.
    Grabbing his arm more firmly, she just moved him away from Jne saying, “You won’t mind if I borrow him for a moment.” It was not a question and he could see the daggers shooting from Jne’s eyes. But, she did not protest and he was led away like a lamb to the slaughter—at least that was how he felt. In all actuality, it was Tam who was to be the sacrificial lamb. He just hoped he had the ability to let her down easily and that the time spent away from him and with Dor would make it easier for her. She deserved to be happy. If he could have just one wish it would be that Tam could live a life of joy and happiness even though he knew that that meant a life without him.
    “I really wish you and Dor would reconsider,” he said, trying to change the subject he knew was coming before Tam got a chance to start it. “I mean, on the one hand, yes, I would rather you both went back home where it is still safe—for the moment. But, I know that that is not your intention. I appreciate your help, I really do, and all the concern…”
    Tam pressed her fingers to his lips to stop his talking. “Thane, we have already gone over that and you know my mind and Dor’s as well. We will not be veered from our course and I think you know that. I have more pressing matters to speak with you, matters that affect just you and me.”
    His stomach tightened. There was no getting around it now. His heart ached for her, for the pain he knew she would feel. But the time for pretending was over. He hoped that she would not hate him for it, but there was nothing he could do. No matter the love he felt for her they shared the same Tane and that eliminated their every being able to be together. It was not something they could ignore. Though he wished it otherwise, he could do nothing to change it.
    “Thane, you know that I…”
    “Wait,” he said holding up a hand to stop her.
    “No, Thane,” she continued, shaking her head. “Please, let me get this out and then you can speak all that you want.”
    He stopped and looked away to the river to the west. It was spring and all of the trees were in flower, some with white pedals, and others with red and gold. The grass was getting thick and green and was sprinkled with wildflowers that lent a clean, pleasant scent to the air. It was a beautiful morning. One cherished by those in love as they basked in the light of their affection and what appeared to be nature’s blessing on it. He looked to the sky as a cloud suddenly blocked out the sun and he couldn’t help but feel that it was all a reflection of his life and love for Tam.
    “I love you,” she said, but instead of warming him they were like the steel of a knife to his heart. “I have always loved you, Thane,” She continued. “Since I can remember I have always felt that you were someone special.” She chuckled through the tears that began to form in her eyes. “I know that I had an interesting way of showing it, but I was unsure how you would treat me should you know how I really felt. Anyway, the day that I woke in Haykon and found you sitting there by my bed watching over me was, in a strange way, the best day of my life—and,” she added softly, “the worst.”
    He suddenly felt confused. “Worst?”
    She smiled slightly and then wiped at the tears that had begun to fall down her cheek. “Yes, worst. Best because you were there, you were with me, you cared about what happened to me but also worst because you were there and that you cared about me.”
    Thane’s look turned to one of concern. “Are you well, Tam? You make no sense.”
    “Just let me finish,” she huffed, more angry at herself than anything for the way she was not getting across what she so desperately needed to. “Finally, after all the years we’ve been together I recognized the same love in your eyes as I had always felt in my own heart.”
    It was too much for him. “Tam,