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

man how far he had fallen today. "Sorry. Anyway, it's good that you both know them so well because—what do you think of me asking Warmaster Kel'Horval for Sharindis to be my wife?" he finished in a rush, then held his breath.
    Barvil and Sahrena shared a glance, then Sahrena stepped forward and put a hand on Stavin's shoulder. "Are you seriously considering her, or do you just want to know what we think?" she asked, then added, "Master Stavin," almost as an afterthought.
    "Sora said, well, Sora said that Shari likes me."
    "And you are asking us why, Master Stavin? It isn't our place to advise you on such things. You are the master of this house." Barvil spoke softly, but he was completely serious.
    "I know," Stavin almost cried, "but I don't know! I don't feel it. If I ask for Shari, she will become Mistress of the house when Kar and I go to the lowlands with the other caravan guards. I guess what I'm asking is how you feel about it. If I was at home—but I'm home here now—she'd be mistress, but she has to be cared for—"
    "I understand, Master Stavin," Sahrena said gently, smiling softly for the first time. "You are concerned about taking Sharindis from her family and placing her in a position where her lack of sight would place her at our mercy. Don't trouble yourself, Master Stavin. Shari is my Goddaughter. I would care for her as my own, mistress or child." Evidently seeing the confusion on Stavin's face, she went on to explain, "I was far closer to Charvil than Nahrana. We are of an age, and were all but inseparable when we were little, but we knew each other far too well to marry when our turn came. If you are truly serious, I can think of no other girl I would rather have as mistress here."
    Barvil was staring at his wife. "Nineteen years, and still you have secrets." He turned his attention to Stavin and bowed. "You should wear that armor, Master Stavin." He gave a wry grin. "Charvil is going to want to inspect it anyway, and it does look impressive."
    Stavin automatically bobbed his head and said, "Yes, Sir."
    Barvil managed not to roll his eyes as he motioned toward the door. "After you, Master Stavin."

Chapter 6
    S TAVIN AND B ARVIL LEFT THE HOUSE a short time later. There were curious stares now, and Stavin felt very self-conscious, but no one approached them as they made their way to the center of town. There stood the ancient fortress that was the last-bastion defensive position in case of attack and that also served as the town hall and academy. The school where all of the children learned to read, write, and figure was under the control of the Master Scribe. The training grounds where boys became warriors were also there, under the constant gaze of the Warmaster.
    Charvil Kel'Horval saw them enter and immediately left his pupils under the supervision of an assistant. "Well, this is convenient, Stavin. I was going to stop by this evening and ask for a closer look at your new armor."
    Stavin came to attention and froze as the Warmaster inspected his armor in minute detail, checking the straps and the fit of the plate. He fingered the mail appreciatively, and hummed a little when he checked the helmet.
    "Magnificent. Absolutely magnificent. You say it's made of dragon scale? If what I've heard is true, only magic or time can scratch dragon scales. Allow me to check your weapon," he commanded. Obediently Stavin raised the Dragon's Tongue and presented it to the Warmaster on his open palms with his head bowed.
    Charvil took the weapon and stepped back, then ran through a series of moves that tested the weapon in every way possible, ending with a lightning-fast strike at a wooden post. The dragon-wrought edge sheared cleanly through the two-hand thick tree trunk. The Warmaster stared at the piece of post in awe for a moment, then studied the weapon in his hands. He returned it to Stavin's upturned hands with a deep nod. "It is superior to any weapon I have ever used."
    Stavin looked at his weapon with pride,