Hero in the Shadows Read Online Free PDF Page A

duke’s laws, not mine. You should, however, bear in mind that the punishment for smugglers is severe indeed. I am reliably informed that the duke’s inspectors will be sent out in the next month.”
    “You are mistaken, sir. We don’t …” His words trailed away as he met the Gray Man’s gaze.
    “If the inspectors find you guilty, you will all be hanged. Then who will bring in the fish and pay me my taxes? Are you all blind here? You are a fishing settlement, yet your children wear clothes of the best wool, your women boast brooches of silver, and your own house has three rugs that would cost a year’s profit from a good fishing vessel. If there are any old clothes left in this village, I suggest you find them. And when the inspectors arrive, make sure they are worn.”
    “It will be as you say, sir,” Jonan said miserably.
    Keeva pulled away from the hatch as Conae returned with a dress of blue wool, a pair of high-laced ankle-length shoes, and a brown woolen cloak lined with rabbit fur. Keeva put them on. The dress was a little loose, the shoes a perfect fit.
    Jonan called out for the women, and they both returned to the living room. The Gray Man was on his feet. Reaching into a pouch by his side, he gave Jonan several small silver coins in payment for the clothes.
    “That is not necessary, sir,” said Jonan.
    Ignoring him, the Gray Man turned to Conae. “Thank you for your hospitality, lady.”
    Conae curtseyed.
    The horses were outside, the saddlebags bulging with foodfor the journey. The Gray Man helped Keeva mount, then stepped into the saddle.
    Without a word of farewell he rode from the settlement, Keeva following.

2
    T HEY RODE IN silence for a little while, and Keeva saw that the Gray Man’s face was stern. She guessed he was angry. Even so, she noted that he studied the land as he rode, always alert and watchful. Clouds obscured the sun, and a little light rain began to fall. Keeva lifted her hood into place and drew her new fur-lined cloak about her.
    The rain passed swiftly, sunlight spearing through a break in the clouds. The Gray Man angled his horse up a shallow slope and paused at the top. Keeva drew alongside.
    “How are your wounds?” she asked him.
    “Almost healed,” he said.
    “In such a short time? I don’t think so.”
    He shrugged and, satisfied that the way was clear of danger, heeled the steeldust forward.
    Throughout the long afternoon they rode steadily, once more entering the forest. An hour before dusk the Gray Man found a campsite beside a stream and set a fire.
    “Are you angry with the villagers for cheating you?” Keeva asked as the flames licked at the dry wood.
    “No. I am angry at their stupidity.” He looked at her. “You were listening?”
    She nodded. The Gray Man’s face softened. “You are a canny girl, Keeva. You remind me of my daughter.”
    “Does she live with you?”
    “No, she lives far away in another land. I have not seen herin several years. She is married now to an old friend of mine. They had two sons, last I heard.”
    “You have grandsons.”
    “In a manner of speaking. She is my adopted daughter.”
    “Do you have children of your own?”
    He fell silent for a moment, and in the firelight she saw a look of deep sadness touch him. “I had children, but they … died,” he said. “Let us see what food Jonan’s wife prepared for us.” Rising smoothly, he moved to the saddlebags and returned with a hunk of ham and some freshly baked bread. They ate in silence. Keeva gathered more dry wood and fed the fire. The clouds had returned, but the night was not cold. The Gray Man removed his shirt.
    “Time to draw these stitches,” he said.
    “The wounds cannot have healed,” she told him sternly. “The stitches should remain for at least ten days. My uncle—”
    “Was a very wise man,” said the Gray Man. “But see for yourself.”
    Keeva moved closer to him and examined the wounds. He was right. The skin had healed, and already