All that Glitters (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

changing the subject. "So you won't court Orana for the sake of Karvik's friendship. There are other girls. Have you considered Sharindis Kel'Horval?"
    "Shari?" Stavin almost shouted in shock. "She can hardly see! She spends all of her time with her books or—"
    "—Or with Master Scribe Kel'Zorgan, who you want to be apprenticed to, working in the scribe's office in the town hall," Sorandis pointed out. "Her eyes aren't getting better, but they aren't getting worse either. She won't pass bad eyes to her children. After all, the fall from that horse wasn't her fault. She's two years older than you and she's resigned to being an old maid."
    "And she's one of your oldest friends," Stavin pointed out suspiciously.
    "And someone we would have suggested earlier," their mother interjected, "if you hadn't been so obsessed with Dorvina."
    That stopped Stavin in his tracks. "You really think Sharindis would be a good wife for me?" he asked softly, looking back and forth between his parents and his sister.
    "We do," Karlit said as Marinis and Sorandis nodded.
    Sorandis grinned and nudged his leg with a toe under the table. "There's also this to consider; she likes you. You are the only boy in town who shares her interest in the scribe's art. And there's one other thing that I have to point out, in fairness; Shari needs someone to look after her, and you suddenly have servants to do that. No other young man has that going for him."
    "She's almost helpless," Stavin muttered stubbornly.
    Sorandis looked at him sideways. "Have you ever seen her with that staff she uses as a walking stick? Gods Above, her father is the Warmaster . I've seen her embarrass warrior students with Dragon's Tongues. Her father has taught her to use every sense, and she does. She sees shadows enough to know where they are, and she hears the rest." Sorandis suddenly chuckled. "Gods Above help you in the dark, little brother."
    "I haven't spoken to her father yet," Stavin stubbornly maintained.
    "But you're thinking about it instead of obsessing over Dorvina," his father said matter-of-factly.
    * * *
    Stavin returned to the Kel'Carin house and stopped at the door, his hand automatically reaching for the knocker. He paused before he touched it, took a deep breath to bolster his nerve, and reached for the latch instead. He opened the door and stepped resolutely inside.
    Zahrinis was striding toward the door and stopped in her tracks when she saw him. "I saw you coming and was going to let you in, Stave—Master Stavin."
    Stavin shrugged one shoulder. "I guess I'm not the only one who's going to have to get used to me living here. Where's your father?"
    Zahrinis tossed a glance over her shoulder. "Upstairs. He and Mom are making plans."
    Stavin nodded and started toward the stairs, saying, "Thank you, Zahri."
    "Stavi," Zahrinis said in a small voice, "you aren't going to be mean about Dorvi, are you?"
    Stavin stopped and looked her in the eye, then shook his head. "No. No, I'm not going to be mean. I just had a long talk with my parents about Dorvi. I've been given a lot to think about, and I need to talk with your parents before I make a decision."
    "Thank you, Stave— Master Stavin."
    "That sounds so strange," Stavin muttered to himself as he once again headed up the stairs. He found Barvil and Sahrena in what had been the guest's bedroom. "Barvil, Sahrena, may I have a few moments of your time?" he asked cautiously.
    "Of course, Master Stavin," Barvil said and they both turned to face him.
    Stavin couldn't hide his grimace at their instant obedience. "Sahrena, how well do you know Nahrana Kel'Horval?"
    Sahrena considered him carefully for a moment before she answered. "Quite well, Master Stavin. We have both been on the town's Defense Planning Council for several years."
    Stavin nodded and looked at Barvil. "I know that you and the Warmaster are close friends and allies in the Council of Elders, Barvil," Stavin said, then reddened in embarrassment at reminding the