Harshini Read Online Free PDF

causing mischief.”
    His words stunned her into silence. She had no answer, could think of nothing to say. Never for a moment had she suspected that Damin’s suspicion and mistrust was based on how clever he thought she was.
    He waited for a moment, expecting her to retort with some sarcastic rejoinder. If her silence amused him, he didn’t let it show.
    “Come on,” he said finally. “I missed breakfast too.”

CHAPTER 5
    Mikel had to run to keep up with R’shiel’s long-legged stride. Although she had him by the hand, she paid him no further attention as they wound through the chaotic camp. With his free hand he wiped his nose, which was tingling in the brisk wind. He was still too much in awe of the demon-melded dragon he had just witnessed to be concerned where R’shiel might be taking him.
    The order to break camp had only been issued a few hours ago, but already most of the tents were packed, only the larger infirmary and mess tents and those belonging to the senior officers remained standing. The Defenders were keen to be gone from this place and anxious to avoid the approaching Kariens. Mikel had seen enough to understand that it wasn’t fear of the Kariens that prompted the Medalonians’ haste, but that they wanted to avoid the inconvenience of taking even more prisoners.
    Mikel’s entire system of beliefs had been stretched beyond credulity in the past few weeks. First Princess Adrina had betrayed the prince. Then Prince Cratyn had proved to be as callous and vicious as any otherman in his desire to murder his wife for her treachery. His own brother Jaymes had joined the Hythrun and his best friend Dace had turned out to be the God of Thieves. Then, with hardly any objections, Adrina had married Lord Wolfblade.
    And now the fabled demon child had commandeered his services. This tall, impatient young woman whom demons followed around like puppies and whom everyone treated with a great deal of trepidation.
    “My Lady?”
    “Yes?”
    “What did you want me to do?”
    R’shiel stopped suddenly and smiled down at him. “I want you to help me with something, Mikel. Something magic.”
    “Is it going to get me into trouble?”
    The demon child laughed softly. “I have to convince the Kariens they want to go home, and that means turning even the priests from the Overlord’s path for a time. Are you afraid?”
    Mikel frowned. “I don’t think so. I’ve turned from my God. I let you kill my prince. I’ve honoured the God of Thieves. I don’t think I’m much of anything, any more.”
    R’shiel placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Mikel, I think you’ll find that you are far more worthy than you imagine.”
    Mikel wanted to believe her. She was the demon child, after all. Perhaps she knew things he did not. But it seemed unlikely.
    “If you say so, my Lady.”
    R’shiel smiled again but didn’t answer for a time.
    When she spoke again, her question took him completely by surprise. “Mikel, who did the Kariens follow before Xaphista came along?”
    “The priests said they worshipped false gods,” he told her, “just as Hythria and Fardohnya still do.”
    “Yes, but there must have been one that was predominant. Zegarnald has a pretty firm grip on Hythria and Jelanna seems to be the most popular goddess in Fardohnya.”
    “The only one I ever heard of was Leylanan,” Mikel replied after a moment’s thought.
    “What is he the god of?”
    “She, not he. Leylanan was the Goddess of the River.”
    “I thought that was Maera?” R’shiel said.
    “Leylanan was the Goddess of the Ironbrook River. Maybe Maera is the Goddess of the Glass River.”
    R’shiel was silent for a moment then shook her head. “No, she won’t do. I need someone else.”
    Mikel wasn’t sure he understood, or even if R’shiel was addressing him. She sounded as if she was simply thinking aloud.
    “Do you really think you can turn the priests from the Overlord, my Lady?”
    “I have to.”
    Mikel had the