Echoes of Magic Read Online Free PDF

gaze.
“Nay.”
    “ May I sit?”
    She motioned to the ground and continued
eating. Obviously there was something troubling the gypsy leader
and, if given enough time, he would eventually tell her.
    Adrianna wasn’t known for her patience. It
was something she had strived for since she was a little girl
begging her mother to teach her the ways of her people. Years
later, Adrianna still searched for the elusive patience that so
many had.
    “ I’m worried, Drina,”
Milosh finally said.
    She set aside her finished stew and looked
into the fire. “About Grayson?”
    “ About what he brings to
our family.”
    The gypsies considered anyone they allowed
to travel with them family. Family was vital to their way of life,
and they wouldn’t stand for anything compromising that. Adrianna
looked at Milosh. He was a handsome man. Strong, capable, and
loyal. Any woman would be happy to have his attention. Any woman
but her.
    He hadn’t pushed her but, if she gave the
slightest interest in him, he would be hers forever.
    “ Grayson would leave now if
he were able,” she said. “He isn’t well enough yet.”
    “ You will use your magic
then?”
    He knew her well, so well. Adrianna nodded.
“For several reasons. Grayson cannot stay with the gypsies. Death
would come swiftly to us for I am sure those men are looking for
him.”
    “ You think they will follow
him?”
    “ They won’t have any choice
but to.” She licked her lips, not wanting to tell Milosh too much.
The less he knew the better. “Once the men realize Grayson isn’t
here, they will continue on their search for him.”
    Milosh considered her words for a moment.
“Are these men the evil you speak of?”
    “ Nay. They are in league
with him, but they aren’t the evil. Pray that evil doesn’t come,
Milosh, for not even my magic could help us.”
    The gypsy leader sighed. “You’re going with
him, aren’t you?”
    Adrianna blinked. “What makes you ask
that?”
    “ Ever since you found him,
you’ve been more alive than I’ve ever seen you, as if a spark
ignited with his arrival. I just don’t know if it’s him or the
adventure he offers.”
    She lowered her gaze.
“There is much you don’t know of me, Milosh, and I think it’s
better that way. I’ll never forget the kindness you and the others
have shown me these past years. I don’t know what I would have done
without you.”
    “ So, you are
going?”
    “ I want to. Grayson would
rather I not.”
    Milosh grunted. “I agree with the warrior.
You have no business mixed with what he faces.”
    “ Grayson said the same
thing.”
    Milosh turned to face her. “What is it you
seek, Drina?”
    “ I don’t know,” she
answered honestly. “It’s almost as if I’ve been waiting for
something. I feel this is it, that I’m supposed to help Grayson.
For without my aid, he’ll most certainly fail.”
    “ You think you can fight
this evil?”
    She shook her head. “I think I can help
Grayson. I think I’m meant to help him. I cannot explain, so please
do not ask it of me.”
    “ I would rather you
stay.”
    Adrianna inwardly winced at the hurt in his
voice. “I know too much about Grayson and the evil. If I’m here
when those men arrive, we’re doomed. I must leave anyway. Who
better to protect me than a warrior such as Grayson?”
    To her surprise, he reached over, took her
hand in his, and brought it to his lips. His warm mouth pressed
against her bare skin. “You’ve known of my interest in you.”
    Adrianna left her hand in his grasp, not
wanting to hurt him more than she already had. “I have.”
    “ Is there any hope that you
could one day return my affection?”
    Lying to him would only
prolong his hurt, and she couldn’t do that to him or herself. “If
there was any way that I knew I would be yours, I would never think
of leaving. You need someone who will bear you many children and
give you years of joy. I’m not that woman.”
    Milosh smiled and tucked a
strand of her hair