BlackWing: First Ordinance, Book 3 Read Online Free PDF Page A

next to the farthest village, before the land becomes too marshy to farm," Brandl said. "Once we reach that point, we may be trapped and unable to get away."
    "I feel we should go anyway," Randl's voice was low.
    "Lafe, there may be a way," I said. "Perhaps we should take all we find with us toward Reed, and then see whether someone will respond."
    "Are you sure?"
    "Yes." I clamped wings against my back—Queen Lissa might be angry with me when I sent mindspeech, but I felt she'd hear me anyway. My revenge against Cayetes could wait—surely I could slip away sometime and make him pay for what he'd done.
    * * *
    Le-Ath Veronis
    "I want you to go immediately," Kooper nodded to Justis, Berel and Kaldill. "We're getting unusual vibes from Vogeffa II, and we're worried that Vogeffa I may now be infected with the poison. There is still a thriving population on II, but I want feet on the ground and reliable reports," he added.
    "Likely it won't take long—Gungl is populated with thieves and cutthroats. I'm concerned about the outlying areas. Send reports if any are worth saving. Lissa has her eye on the northern end of New Fyris—there's plenty of room for new farming communities there. The werewolves are begging for more meat and grain, and New Fyris can't supply all that's needed because the population still hasn't grown enough."
    "It will take time for them to fully recover from what Fyris and Siriaa did to them," Kaldill said. "New blood is a very good idea and one I'd have suggested myself. Fyris was stagnant and inbred before its people were pulled away from Siriaa."
    "Lissa said you'd see the sense in this," Kooper nodded. "Are you sure you want to go?" Kooper leveled a gaze on Berel.
    "I am very sure," Berel shrugged.
    "Very well. Kaldill, if you need assistance," Kooper turned back to the Elf King.
    "I'll let you know immediately," Kaldill smiled. "This will give me purpose, which is a very good thing," he added.
    * * *
    Vogeffa II
    Hay
    "Randl kept us prepared," Brandl confessed. "We have food and supplies set aside, and our horses and wagons ready. It isn't far, but we'll have to collect the others on the way. I can send runners out and have them join us there," he added.
    "Grassy won't come," Randl breathed a ragged sigh.
    "Always stubborn," Brandl shook his head.
    "Are they on the way to Reed?" Lafe asked.
    "Yes—half a day's ride," Brandl confirmed. "Headman Widder is too stubborn. Doesn't think we're in any danger."
    "We don't have any guarantee they'll hit here first," I said before I thought.
    Randl swung his head in the direction of my voice as he considered my words. He shivered. "She's right," he began. "I wasn't thinking that way. I assumed they'd travel in a straight line from Gungl."
    "You know now they won't come on foot or horseback, don't you?" I asked. I was reading him just as easily as I could anyone. His gift was hampered on occasion by his limited experience—as well as his environment.
    "What about those from Gungl?" Lafe turned to me and asked.
    "They'll allow that army to take the first few villages. Rather than risk the rest of the population, they'll send airchoppers to get them before they have time to run. Remember, they're looking to take healthy bodies. Everybody else dies. It may be that they'll kill those from Gungl at the last, just for the fun of it."
    What do you have planned? Terrett asked.
    Getting all of them in one place; it'll be easier to move them if we do that , I replied.
    You're thinking of contacting Queen Lissa, aren't you?
    Yes. I hope you don't mind.
    Why should I? I was happy the short time I spent on Avendor. She didn't punish me for being owned by criminals, and many would have .
    She wouldn't , I said. She's so much better than that .
    I wouldn't believe that if it came from anyone else. You made sure I was treated with respect instead of like a slave .
    Because you're just as good as anyone else , I pointed out. Better than most, I added with a small smile.
    He