Echoes Read Online Free PDF

doing?
    It’s time to wake up now, Dearra. The Breken child is too small, but if not her, then another. You and I are bonded, it’s true, but with you or without you, I will not let our people die. I will do my part, even if you will not.
    “Stupid thing is too heavy for me,” Zusia grumbled, glaring at Dearra.
    Dearra, Brin said gently. Hugh is dead, but you are not. This child never had a father, not like you had. She never had a home and family to speak of, but she remains unbowed. You have grieved, now you must live again. Don’t spit on Hugh’s memory by throwing away everything he gave to you. Your courage, your strength, your ability to love. He lives on through you, but only if you will let him.
    Dearra pressed her palms against the arms of her chair and rose unsteadily. She hadn’t slept in days, and the lack of rest had taken its toll, but she felt a small measure of strength return as she walked to the girl before her and held her hand out for the sword.
    “Well, thank the gods,” Zusia said. “I thought I was going to have to try and drag the blasted sword out of here to get you to come to your senses.”
    A wan smile formed on Dearra’s face as she took the sword in her hands. The smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but it was there nonetheless. Dearra sheathed Brin and belted the blade at her waist.
    “Come on, Zusia. We’ll find you something more your size.” Dearra held her hand out to the girl.
    Zusia hesitated for a moment, but then twined her fingers with Dearra’s, and they walked from the room.
    ***
    “Can we come in?” Dearra asked pausing in the doorway of the weapons room. Her voice was soft and a bit hesitant, as if she wasn’t entirely sure of what their response would be.
    Daniel and Darius were both there, and they shot to their feet when they saw her. They looked at one another, unsure of how to respond. 
    For Tolah’s sake, boy, don’t just stand there like an idiot, answer her.
    “Uh, Dearra…well,” Darius floundered.  
    Daniel was no better. He merely waved his arm in an awkward attempt to invite her in.
    Brin sighed. Close enough.
    Dearra walked further into the room, the Breken child still holding her hand.
    “What do you think, Zusia? A sword? A mace? A dagger?” Dearra asked as she walked down the rows of weapons lining the walls.
    “This!” Zusia said, first grasping and then holding up a bow that was almost as long as she was tall.
    “I don’t know, Zuzu. A bow takes quite a bit of practice to become familiar with. You may not have the strength to use it.”
    “I like it. It’s elegant looking, and I don’t gotta get too close.” Zusia hooked a leg around the bow and strung it before pulling an arrow from a nearby sheath.
    “How did you know how to do that?” Dearra asked. “Have you used a bow before?”
    “I watched. I know how to watch. Nobody notices me.” Zusia nocked an arrow, and her arms shook with the effort it took to draw the powerful weapon.
    “Wait!” Dearra walked behind the child, took her by the shoulders, and turned her in a slightly safer direction. “Okay, Zusia. Aim for where the beams meet. Don’t worry about missing, there’s nothing for you to damage but the arrow.”
    Zusia’s arms trembled as she held the bow tautly. She took a deep, steadying breath, and then exhaled slowly before releasing the arrow. There was a dull thunk when the arrow buried itself dead center in the cross of the beams. Zusia lowered her bow and smirked at the men who stared open-mouthed.
    “The bow it is,” Dearra said, smiling at the girl. “Take a quiver of the arrows, but take the ones without the metal tips. You can practice with those, for now.”
    Zusia almost skipped from the room, delighted with her new weapon.
    Darius came alongside Dearra and looked down at her. “Are you really back?” he asked her. He reached up a hand to stroke her face, but then lowered it to his side.
    “I think so, but I still feel…not quite me. Like