Malice (Faithful & the Fallen 1) Read Online Free PDF

again.
    ‘Perhaps,’ the King muttered.
    ‘You cannot allow this meeting to take place,’ Nathair said, ‘and Peritus is off chasing giants in the Agullas Mountains. The last night of the Wolf Moon is less than a
ten-night away: barely time enough to get to Navus if I left on the morrow.’ Nathair glanced at his mother, who was frowning. ‘And this Lykos will hardly be riding at the head of a
great warband. Not to a secret meeting in his enemy’s land.’
    Aquilus rubbed his stubbly chin, skin rasping. ‘Perhaps,’ he said again, with more conviction this time, though his eyes flickered to his wife. ‘I will think on this, make my
decision later. First, though, I shall send for someone to question our guest a little more thoroughly.’ He looked at Armatus, his first-sword. The grizzled warrior nodded and left the
room.
    ‘I tell no lies,’ the prisoner said, a hint of panic in his voice.
    ‘We shall see. Krelis, I am indebted to you, and to your father.’
    ‘We are glad to serve you, my lord,’ Krelis said, dipping his head. ‘We cannot guarantee the truth of what he says, but we thought it too important to ignore.’
    ‘Aye, right enough. I will have rooms prepared for you and your men. You must have ridden hard to reach us.’
    ‘That we have,’ Krelis said. ‘But my father has bid me return as soon as my task is done.’
    Aquilus nodded. ‘We must all obey our fathers. Give Lamar my thanks. I shall make sure your packs and water skins are full, at least.’
    ‘There was one other matter,’ Krelis said, glancing at Veradis. ‘A request.’
    ‘If it is in my power.’
    ‘My father asks that you take my little brother, here, Veradis, into your warband for a time. To teach him, as you did me.’
    For the first time Aquilus’ eyes rested fully on Veradis. He bowed low to the King, a little clumsily.
    ‘Of course,’ the King said with a smile. ‘It did you little harm. But perhaps not
my
warband. Peritus is away, and if I remember rightly, he was needed to keep you out
of trouble on more than one occasion.’
    Krelis grinned.
    ‘My son is gathering his own warriors. You have need of good men, do you not, Nathair?’
    ‘Aye, Father.’
    ‘It is settled then,’ said Aquilus. ‘Good. Welcome, Veradis ben Lamar, to my home. You are now the Prince’s man.’
    ‘Well met,’ Nathair said, stepping closer, gripping Veradis’ arm. Intelligent, bright blue eyes looked into his, and Veradis had the sense of being
measured
.
    ‘It will be an honour to ride with you, my lord,’ Veradis said, inclining his head.
    ‘Yes, it will,’ said Nathair with a grin. ‘But none of this “
my lord
” talk. If you are to fight beside me, for me, risk your life for me, then I am just
Nathair. Now go and clean the dust of the road from you. I will send for you and we shall talk more, over some meat and wine.’ Krelis and Veradis bowed once more to Aquilus and Fidele, then
turned and left the damp room.
    ‘Farewell, little brother,’ said Krelis as he grabbed Veradis and pulled him into an embrace. Veradis scowled as they parted.
    ‘I still don’t understand why I have to be here,’ he said as Krelis climbed into the saddle of his stallion.
    ‘Yes you do. Father wishes you to become a leader of men.’ Krelis smiled.
    ‘I know, but can’t I do that at Ripa?’
    ‘No,’ replied Krelis, his smile fading. ‘Here you will not be treated as the Baron’s son. It will be better in the end, you’ll see.’
    ‘He just wishes to be rid of me,’ Veradis muttered.
    ‘Probably,’ Krelis grinned. ‘That is what I would do. You cannot blame him.’
    Veradis pulled a sour face, scuffed a toe on the stone floor.
    ‘Come,’ Krelis said, frowning, black bushy eyebrows knitting together. He leaned over in his saddle, speaking quieter. ‘There is value in this. It will make you a better
man.’ He straightened, stretching his arms out wide. ‘Look what it did for me.’
    ‘Huh,’ Veradis grunted,