Flight of the Nighthawks Read Online Free PDF

of this later tonight.”
    She nodded, then forced a smile. “Dance?”
    He took her by the hand and said, “It would be my pleasure.”
    They danced to several tunes then fell upon the heavily laden tables. After filling their platters with food, they found a quiet corner on the steps of a shop closed for the festival. Caleb set down the platters and left Marie for a moment to fetch two flagons of ale. When he returned, she said, “Where are the boys?”
    â€œOver there,” he said, pointing to a spot on the other side of the town square. “I’ve not let them out of my sight.”
    â€œHow do you do that?”
    He smiled. “I’m a hunter. Besides, they’re hard to miss.”
    She nodded, and spoke with a mouth full of food. “I know, just look for the trouble.”
    He laughed. “No, just those two tunics.”
    They ate quietly, with little conversation, and for the next hour the festivities continued uneventfully. Then a stout man mounted one of the wagons being used to dispense ale and started shouting, “My friends!”
    Marie said, “Here comes trouble.”
    Caleb said, “Yup,” and put aside his plate to move toward the wagon. Marie followed.
    The man was Miller Hodover, and standing next to him was a young man, roughly twenty years old. The resemblance was obvious, though the man had run to fat years ago and the boy was young and fit, his shoulders still broader than his belt.
    Grame Hodover was a sturdy lad, thoughtful and bright, and it was often thought a miracle that his parents could have produced such a well-liked young man.
    Caleb made straight for Tad and Zane, who were standing on either side of Ellie. She looked at Caleb with relief in her eyes—she knew what was coming next.
    â€œMy friends,” repeated Miller Hodover, “I have an announcement to make. Today, I am a very happy man.” He positively beamed as he looked around the crowd.
    One of the townsmen—under the influence of too much ale—shouted, “Why, you raising prices again, Miller?”
    There was a ripple of laughter, and Hodover looked irked for a moment, but let his smile return. “No, Bram Connor, I’m not…yet.”
    Another round of laughter followed his retort and everyone relaxed as they realized that the miller was in a particularly good mood. His well-known parsimony and love of gold were constant subjects of ridicule.
    â€œNo, my friends,” said the miller. “I have an announcement to make. This day, after one of the most bountiful harvests in memory, at a time when everyone seems to be doing so well, I wish to add to the joy of the moment by sharing wonderful news with you all.”
    â€œOut with it, then,” shouted another voice from the crowd. “You’re making me thirsty!”
    Throwing the speaker a black look, the miller smiled again. “I would like you all to know that this year my son, Grame, will be wed to Ellie Rankin.”
    He motioned to where Ellie stood between two boys, who looked as if they had just been poleaxed. Zane stood with a furrowed brow, as if he couldn’t quite understand what had just been said, and Tad stood openmouthed, obviously unwilling to believe it.
    Ellie was halfway to the wagon when the boys started after her. Caleb reached out and grabbed each by their collar and hauled them back. “Don’t go making a fuss now,” he said in a low, menacing tone.
    Tad threw him an angry look and Zane drew back his fist, but Caleb merely pulled upward, lifting the boys onto their toes. “Don’t even think about it.”
    Zane reconsidered, and let his hand fall to his side. Marie said, “If you stoneheads really care about Ellie, you’ll be happy for her. Now, the first one to start a fight will have to answer to me. Is that clear?”
    Both lads said, “Yes, Ma,” nodded, and Caleb let them go.
    The townsfolk had gathered