Secret of the Giants' Staircase Read Online Free PDF Page A

starting to fall. “Well, will you do it?” Parvel asked.
    â€œThe Kin will decide,” was all the stranger would say.
    By now, Jesse had decided the Kin was some kind of group or clan, maybe a local government. He had never heard of such a thing, but he was not from this district. It had not taken many days of travel to realize how different the four districts of Amarias were from each other.
    â€œI thought you should know about the rewards, in case you tried to run or attack me.” The stranger looked evenly at them. “There are others looking for you—others who are far more dangerous and bloodthirsty than I am. And they are willing to pay a very high price to make sure you are dead.”
    The stranger put his hand on Rae’s shoulder and began to march her forward, toward the east. Then he stopped. “And don’t try to take those weapons, or anything else in your packs.”
    Jesse decided that didn’t include his staff. Somehow, the stranger knew he was crippled before he ever took a step. He would guess Jesse needed the staff to walk.
    Suddenly the stranger whirled around. “I said, take nothing from the packs!”
    Silas was kneeling on the ground. He was clutching the Forbidden Book.
    â€œIt’s a religious text,” Silas said calmly, wrapping it in his cloak to protect it from the rain. “A book of prayer.”
    Jesse almost laughed. As if Silas of all people would carry a book of prayer .
    The answer seemed to satisfy the stranger, although he waited for Silas to walk ahead of them. “Keep the book close,” he said, prodding them forward. “When you go before the Kin, you’ll need all the prayer you can get.”

Chapter 4
    Even with the darkness of the storm, the wagons of the Kin were the most colorful Jesse had ever seen: huge wooden boxes on wheels painted with swirls of color.
    That’s when Jesse realized where he had seen the stranger’s style of clothes before. They were the same as the costumes of a troupe of traveling performers that had once passed through Mir.
    â€œDon’t try to shout for help,” the stranger warned them as they approached the wagons. He was still in the lead, holding Rae captive. “Believe me, if the others know you’re here, it’ll only be worse for you.” With a reward of four hundred sceptres for them, Jesse was sure he was right.
    They wove through the maze of colorful wagons, until the stranger stopped at a yellow one with red trim. Jesse realized he hadn’t seen any tents or houses in the clearing. These people must live in the wagons , he realized. No wonder the wagons are so large .
    They climbed the three steps that led to the wagon, and the stranger pounded on the door with his free hand.
    â€œIs that you, Tomas?” a voice rumbled from behind the door. “You’re back early.”
    The door opened, and a boy no higher than Jesse’s waist stood there. Not, Jesse guessed, the one who owned the rumbling voice they had heard. His eyes went wide. “Who are these people?”
    â€œJust let me past,” Tomas said, pushing by him. “And the rest of you come in too. No sudden moves.”
    â€œThey’re not gonna fit,” the boy warned him.
    He was almost right. They all fit, but barely. Silas had to stoop slightly, so he wouldn’t graze the ceiling.
    Inside the wagon, the furnishings were sparse—just a few blanket rolls and a small table with two thick candles. A large dark-haired man was sitting on a bench that looked like it would crack under his weight.
    When he saw his guests, a flicker of surprise registered on his face, but it was gone in the next second. “Now, son, you know that stealing brides is something the Kin gave up many generations ago,” the man said. His voice was stern, but there was a warm twinkle in his eyes.
    Jesse had to laugh at the horrified look on Rae’s face. “I am not