Siege (The Warrior Chronicles, 5) Read Online Free PDF

pleasing benefit of defusing the growing tension. “They understand that they need as much help as possible to protect the city. Those that object are doing so loudly, however. It’s best to bring the women into the fold only when they can make the loudest statement.”
    “What about when you leave?” Tabby asked from the back of the room. “What happens to us?”
    Shanti kicked at her dress again. “We’re not sure who’s going yet, but a few commanders as well as some of the Shadow will be left behind. As Rohnan said, everyone understands how valuable capable fighters are when it comes to defending the city. Women as well as men. When needed, the women will be used. I guarantee it.”
    “Fine, fine.” Eloise stretched out her leg with a pained expression. She settled back and took a sip of her tea. “Let’s move on to other matters. We’ve had some problems with nudity in the city.” Eloise looked at Shanti over the rim of her cup.
    “I apologize.” Shanti shook her head at Molly’s proffered piece of pie. “They know the rules, but occasionally they forget.”
    “Now, I don’t mind an attractive, nude male body—let’s get that right,” Fabienne said. “The issue is, we have to maintain some sort of decorum or else everyone will think nudity is the way to go. And we have more unattractive bodies in this city than attractive ones…”
    “I think you’re focusing on the wrong part of this problem,” Eloise said.
    “The problem is, the men are going to be standing around, gawking, and grabbing themselves,” Molly offered. “You know, if it’s a woman who’s naked.”
    “No— Well, partially, yes, but that still isn’t exactly…” Eloise scratched her head.
    “Young girls don’t need to see saggy balls.” Fabienne nodded at Shanti. “It could traumatize them.”
    “That’s not—” Eloise stared at Fabienne.
    “It’s just not our custom, is that what you’re trying to say, Eloise?” Tabby asked.
    “Having women in the army isn’t our custom, but we’re pushing for that,” someone in the rear of the living room said. “I say let the attractive young men be naked. Old farts like my mister wouldn’t wander around with his tackle out. I don’t think we need to worry about that.”
    “It isn’t just the men who go around with their bits uncovered, though.” Valencia turned on the couch to look back at the speaker.
    “I don’t mind getting a little air under my dress,” someone else said quietly. “I’d try going nude. It would be liberating.”
    “You’d sag to the floor!”
    “So?”
    “Think of the children!” someone else shouted.
    “Ladies, ladies!” Eloise rolled her eyes. “You are completely missing the point.”
    “Until you resolve this, I’ll have a word with them,” Shanti said, trying to hide her smile. She would laugh in Sanders’ face if these women decided nudity should be more freely expressed.
    “Fine—”
    “Put this on the table for discussion, though,” someone cut off Eloise.
    “You are too old for running around without a top.”
    “Ladies!” Eloise scoffed. “Of all the things to get worked up about.” She took a deep breath as the room filled with the sound of shifting fabric and heavy breathing. “Now,” Eloise said when things had settled. “The next order of business is the Captain’s proposal. Where do you stand on that?”
    “So romantic,” someone sighed.
    “It’s not romantic to bring it up at a Circle meeting,” Valencia said with raised eyebrows.
    “Did she refuse him?” someone asked from the back.
    Shanti shifted, feeling something niggle at her awareness. Suddenly a blast of warning ripped through her mind. One of the Shadow sentries was sounding the alarm.
    “I have to go!” Shanti jumped up and immediately stepped on the hem of her dress. She staggered, clutching Rohnan, who was there in a moment. “Get me out of this thing.”
    Heart racing, fear tingling her fingers from memories of the past, she