Broken Skies Read Online Free PDF Page A

got off to a bad start— again.” He holds his hands up by his chest in surrender. “I only asked about the security, because I am not going to fit in and that might make it difficult for me to gain entrance.”
    He’s right. Doesn’t mean I have to admit it though. “I’ll get you by the guards,” I say. I swing my pack off my shoulder and pull out my cloak. “Here. Put this on. Make sure you cover your hair.”
    Lir catches the cloak before it hits him in the head. Okay, so maybe I was aiming a bit high. I don’t have to be nice to him just because I’m stuck with him. Shaking it out, he wraps it around his shoulders and pulls the hood up. “Better?”
    The hood shades his face and with his oddly colored hair covered, Lir could almost be just another human. My eyes linger over his face, the brightness of his eyes standing out even under the hood. Those might be an issue, but as long as he keeps his head down and no one looks too closely, we shouldn’t have any problems. Flint did tell me to be sure I came back with an escort; this is just not the one anyone will expect.
    Anyway, I’m not planning on hanging around Bridgelake long enough for anyone to take notice of my guest. Or is he my prisoner?
    I lean forward and grab one corner of the cloak, pulling it closed in front of his chest. “Keep your head down and don’t talk,” I say. With a jerk, I pull my hand away, suddenly aware that I’d let it linger too long on his chest. What the hell is wrong with me?
    Lir falls in behind me. He’s at least a few inches taller than Jace, but he slumps his shoulders and hunches down. Maybe I can pull this off. I stride ahead and walk through the gate, nodding at the guards. The one on my right, Steven, squints his eyes a bit and purses his lips. He knows I’m not supposed to be out there, but he’s not going to say anything either.
    My breath flows out of my mouth in a slow stream once we’re past the gate. I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding it. It’s just a little farther to the house. We’re going to make it.
    Then again, maybe not. Flint’s voice calls out behind us. “Hey guys, wait up.” He has got the worst timing today.
    “Just keep walking, straight ahead, the house on the left with blue curtains,” I say under my breath. Lir’s steps speed up at my whispered instructions. I wait until he’s a few feet ahead of me before turning back to Flint.
    “Hey Flint.” I smile, going for the innocent look. “Jace had a bad day today, not feeling well or something, so he’s headed in to lay down.”
    Flint’s brow furrows and his eyes follow Lir’s retreating form. “He was just fine earlier. We were supposed to… meet up to go over some stuff.”
    I shrug. “Maybe tomorrow? I’ll let him know you were looking for him.”
    “Yeah sure,” Flint says. His gaze narrows and lands on my face. “Is something wrong?”
    “No.” I shake my head. “Nothing at all. Just have to get home. We’ll catch up with you later, or tomorrow, or something. Sound good?”
    Flint nods slowly, his eyes not leaving mine. “You know you can come to me if something is wrong, right?”
    I’m smiling so big my jaw is cramping. “Of course I know that.” I spin on my heel and practically run to my door, calling out a strangled goodbye to Flint over my shoulder.
    Lir’s waiting on the small porch when I reach the house. He starts to speak, but I wave him off and open the door.
    Following me silently into the cabin, Lir settles into a chair and watches me pull down a first aid kit and wet a clean towel. I rustle through the cabinets for some food, loading up my arms with a loaf of bread and some cheese. Everything goes to the table with me and I push the medical supplies and some food across to Lir. His eyes follow each movement.
    “What?” I ask.
    “Uh, nothing,” says Lir, “I was just… Thank you. For the food. And the help…”
    “I can’t very well have left you lying on the ground.”
    “Well,