Kethril Read Online Free PDF Page A

alone,” she
answered.
    “He needs the time alone.” Tathan peeled a
couple of roots for the pot. “He was alone for centuries, then
suddenly had to deal with people and has been doing so for months.
It has to be hard for him to redevelop social skills after
so long. Giving him solitude will allow him time to come to terms
with all of the changes he’s been through.”
    Liselle didn’t look convinced. “Do you think
so?”
    “I know so. I’ve been having a hard time too
after spending most of my life alone. Even in cities I was usually
by myself.” Tathan gestured at the three of them. “You’ve been
wonderful, but I’m not used to being so close to people. That’s why
I snuck off into the forest this morning. I needed time to think
and . . . I don’t know. I just needed time.”
    Anilyia was sitting next to him with her
thigh touching his. “I don’t like it when you go off and leave me
alone.” Tathan thrilled at the contact. “What are you, Tathan?” she
asked him.
    “Huh?” he responded eloquently.
    “What are you? Are you a warrior, wizard,
servant, criminal or something else entirely?” The fact that she
was challenging him didn’t stop her from staying as close as she
could get.
    “That’s a good question, Tathan,” Vevin
chimed in. “I think you’re a thief, but I like you anyway.”
    “Are you a thief?” the princess asked in
trepidation. Tathan had finished peeling and cutting the roots. He
cleaned off his knife and put it away, so she took his hand
back.
    “I still love you, Cousin.” Liselle smirked.
“And I already know you’re a criminal.”
    Tathan glared playfully. Anilyia squeezed
his hand. “Are you really a thief? I know you’ve stolen my heart.”
He turned to look at her, seeing complete vulnerability in her
eyes. It was poetic and a little cheesy, but he knew she was
sincere.
    “Yes. I’m a thief,” he admitted. He half
expected her to release his hand, but was relieved when she didn’t.
“Not just a thief. I’ve done everything from caravan guard to . . .
babysitter.”
    “Babysitter?” Liselle asked.
    “She wasn’t really a baby, more of a
teenager, but a guard in Dralin had a daughter and needed someone
to watch her and keep her safe for a little while. He saved my life
so I agreed,” Tathan explained. They looked at him in shock. “What?
I didn’t say it was a good idea, but I owed him one. The girl knows
how to pick a lock like a master now though,” he said with a
grin.
    “Oh, that’s just wonderful.” Liselle rolled
her eyes.
    “Actually, someone had already taught her
and she had her own set of magical picks. Anyway, I’ve stolen a few
things and been arrested more than once, so I guess you could say
that I’m a criminal.” He shrugged. Tathan didn’t feel bad about
being a thief, but he wanted his cousin and the princess to like
him.
    “Have you ever killed anyone?” Anilyia asked
without expression.
    “Yes, more than once.” Tathan hoped she
wouldn’t ask how many.
    “How many?” she asked.
    Tathan sighed. “Never ask a person how many
people they’ve killed. In fact, you shouldn’t even ask if they’ve
killed someone. I only answered because I care how you feel about
me.”
    “Thank you. I love you even if you are a
criminal. How many people have you killed?” Anilyia stared at him
with those luminous eyes.
    “More than I care to admit. I have no
intention of answering that question,” he said firmly.
    “You didn’t tell me you love me. That’s the
second time I’ve said I love you and you didn’t acknowledge it,”
the princess accused, sadness causing her shoulder’s to slump.
    “He can’t be in love with you, nor should
you be in love with him!” Liselle exclaimed in frustration. “You’re
betrothed and the fate of kingdoms lies in your safe return. I’m
certain the prince would object to sharing his wife with a
thief.”
    “I’m aware of that, silly flower girl,”
Anilyia replied haughtily. Blue flames