Blind Redemption Read Online Free PDF

this boy for combat.”
    Marteinn rose from his seat, then walked around the table. He unsheathed his sword and met the lad at the doorway.
    “For your pleasure, Jarl McNally,” Erik offered, leaning back in his chair.
    Aaron watched with enthusiasm as the two sparred. Their swords collided and locked at first—the demonstration appearing to be meant as a simple exercise. The youth thrust wildly, his superior retreating with a smile, a well-rehearsed dance meant to showcase the boy’s talent. When Marteinn fully challenged Kar, the boy bravely defended himself. After quite a long time, the lad was visibly tired from the exertion. The moment he dropped his guard, a devastating blow knocked him on his arse.
    The crowd applauded.
    “What do you think of my boy, now?” Erik asked.
    “My opinion has not changed.” Why would it? Seeing the boy spar again only deepened Aaron’s confidence in him. “I’ll turn him into a man.”
    “Can you heal the sick?” Erik asked.
    Asking him if he could perform miracles like the White Christ was a blatant insult. He wouldn’t respond.
    “Kara, take off your helmet,” the jarl commanded.
    For the love of Christ. It wasn’t a lie. Aaron gaped at the golden-mane and bright sapphire stare cutting into his chest. Kara was Erik’s bloody daughter! The same seductress who sat at the table flirting shamelessly with him. Aaron’s blood boiled. Humiliation burned his cheeks. And the crowd didn’t hide its approval.
    Aaron snatched a cup of mead off the table and drank it down. Today hadn’t gone well; his instincts had failed miserably. How could he have mistaken a careless girl for a male? He’d made a fool of himself without any help from the jarl and his children.
    “Will you still draft my youngest?” The jarl’sbody convulsed with laughter. “How did you put it? You have an eye for talent?”
    Bastard. Aaron stood. He had no intention of staying here. He cast long, summoning stares at Varinn and Agni. They too looked ashamed and followed Aaron outside. He’d deal with Erik later. What Aaron desired more than anything right now, was time to cool off before he did something he’d soon regret.

 
    Chapter 4
    Sufferance
    Kara regarded the crowd in astonishment, shocked to see her father reveling in Aaron’s humiliation. Until the moment she beheld Aaron’ shock and despair, she had enjoyed participating in the masquerade. But not for the same reasons her father did. After Geilir told her Aaron intended to recruit her, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to demonstrate her swordsmanship. She’d worked too hard at it. What higher compliment could be given to a woman? Her skills had fooled an experienced warrior.
    With Aaron gone—guests resumed drinking and eating as if nothing had happened.
    “Daughter.” Erik signaled for Kara to approach the high table. “Sit with me. You’ve earned an extra cup of wine.”
    She chose to stand instead. Geilir patted her shoulder reassuringly.
    “Perhaps the fool won’t return,” Gunter observed.
    “Don’t underestimate Jarl McNally,” Erik assured them. “If he leaves here without filling his quota, it will only increase his disgrace.” The jarl regarded his youngest son. “I’m afraid you must go.”
    Kara shook her head in disbelief. Although Gunter had broad shoulders and was stronger than a bull, little substance existed between his ears. At times, he acted intelligent, but everyone in Lagenheim knew the truth. Without her father or brother at his side, he’d get hurt or killed. Better to exclude him completely and send someone else. But with Geilir seriously injured, who could take his place?
    Kara leaned closer to her father. “Gunter isn’t the right man for this assignment.”
    Erik kissed her cheek affectionately. “I know.”
    “Who will you substitute?”
    “Jarl McNally’s actions will help determine that. His holy book states pride proceeds a man’s fall. If he is modest, I’ll pledge Marteinn. If not