Enflamed (Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

of shadows outside
the window. “I’m fine, Miele,” he assured her. “Go play. Enjoy the
night. But stay near the inn.” He felt a pleasant pang in his mind moments
later, and the shadows were gone.
    After a relaxing bath, Kaijin
washed his dirty clothes in the tub and hung them out the window to dry.
Afterwards, he finally lay on the bed, not caring that it was stripped of its
linens. The featherbed cradled him, and the charm around his neck maintained a
steady heat as it pulsated against his chest, soothing his body. He immediately
fell asleep despite the memories that still haunted him.

 

 
 
 
 
    III

 
 
    “Rise an’
shine, mate!” Nester’s strident
voice broke Kaijin’s peaceful respite.
    As Kaijin slowly opened his
eyes, he was momentarily blinded by the morning sunlight. His eyes adjusted,
and he gazed upon the brownie’s grinning face.
    “C’mon.” Nester leaned over
the bed, watching him. “We’ll never get out there at this rate. Oy! Get up,
will you?”
    Kaijin groaned, shaking off
the remainder of sleep. He rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling.
He felt the steady warmth of his necklace pressed against his bare chest.
    “That’s a mighty fine necklace
you got there.” Nester sounded awed. “Quite a beauty. It looks just like fire. I feel as though I’ve seen somethin’ like that
somewhere before....”
    Kaijin glimpsed Nester’s hand
extending toward the charm and promptly grabbed the brownie’s hand. He muttered
sleepily, “It’s just a worthless trinket. Nothing someone like you would find
interest in, I’m certain.” He shoved Nester’s hand away.
    Nester’s belly groaned,
interrupting his response. “We’ll continue this later. I’m starvin’! Y’know,
th’ innkeeper’s wife makes th ’ finest poached eggs
this side of Aransiya ’as ever seen!” He went to his side of the room, slipped
on his jerkin and belt pouches, grabbed his satchel, and bolted out the door.
    After Nester left, Kaijin slid
out of bed and retrieved his clean, dry clothes from the windowsill. As he got
dressed, he sensed Miele’s presence nearby. He peered out the window. The cool,
crisp morning air kissed his face. He rubbed his damaged earlobes, which itched
as they began to heal. The sensation triggered memories of the previous day’s
incident.
    Miele flew inside and landed
atop his haversack on the floor. Screeching happily, she nudged her tiny nose
against the leather flap.
    Smiling, Kaijin approached her
and knelt down. “Hungry, are you?” He retrieved the honeystick jar from
the bag, opened it, and pulled out a single treat. He stroked her tawny fur
while he watched her savor the honeystick. “You’re making me hungry,
now. Why don’t you enjoy your snack outside?” He returned to the window,
and Miele followed, carrying the honeystick in her mouth. She flew outside and
up toward the inn’s rooftop. Kaijin put on his shoes, grabbed his haversack and
headed downstairs for breakfast.
    He maneuvered through the
crowded inn, looking for a place to sit. He spotted Nester, who sat alone in a
corner at a large round table. Kaijin shuffled over and took an empty seat
adjacent to him. Kaijin arched his eyebrow, noticing the numerous dishes on the
table and the sheer amount of food that piled each of them.
    Nester stuffed a poached egg
into his mouth. His cheeks bulged as he chewed.
    “Don’t tell me you’re really
going to eat all this.” Kaijin gestured to the untouched dishes.
    Nester swallowed. “An’ why not? Y’think just ’cause I’m small, my appetite’s gotta be, too?”
    “Well ...
yes, actually.”
    Nester waved him off. “Bah!
You ’umans an’ your soddin’ stereotypes. S’gonna be a
long trip y’know. I may not ’ave another meal like this for a few days, yet!”
    Kaijin shook his head at him. This
was a bad idea. He quickly gestured to one of the passing serving wenches. “One bowl of apple porridge, please. And
some cinnamon tea with