Temple of the Dragonslayer Read Online Free PDF Page A

had just signed on to guard a trading caravan leaving Tresvka later that afternoon. If he went in search of the kender, he might miss the caravan’s departure. If he weren’t there when it left, he would break his word to the caravan-master who’d hired him. Honor would not permit Jax to break his word in such a fashion.
    But honor also demanded that he find the kender and teach him an important lesson about showing the proper respect for minotaurs.
    The question was, which was more important? Keeping his word or avenging the insult done to him by the kender?
    Jax thought about it for a moment longer before deciding there really wasn’t any question. He walked off in search of the caravan-master to quit his job. Then he would go after the kender.

 
    T he healer lives one street east of here,” Davyn said. “She is named Wynda, and we’ll know her place because the walls are covered with ivy, and a ginger cat sits on the windowsill when she has her shutters open.”
    Catriona frowned. “You walked into the candle maker’s and came right back out again. How did you have time to learn all that?”
    “The man was a fast talker. Let’s go.”
    Davyn started down the street and the rest of them followed. Nearra was worried that something was wrong with Davyn. Ever since they had met Catriona and Sindri, he’d become increasingly irritable, and she wasn’t sure why. She wanted to ask him, but she didn’t feel she could, not in front of Catriona and Sindri.
    Davyn picked up speed, as if he were more eager to get to the healer than she was. Nearra started to increase her pace to keep up with him, but before she could do so, Catriona took her elbow and held her back.
    “Tell me, Nearra,” Catriona whispered, “how well do you know that boy?”
    “I only met him this morning. Remember? I told you abouthow he and that white wizard rescued me from the dragon. Why do you ask?”
    Catriona stared at Davyn’s back. Sindri had to run to keep up with the ranger.
    “I’m not sure,” Catriona said. “There’s just something about him that I don’t trust.”
    Though Nearra didn’t share Catriona’s concern about Davyn, she smiled and said, “Then it’s a good thing I have you along to protect me.”
    Catriona looked at the ground. “I can’t protect you. I’m not a real warrior. I’m only a squire.”
    “You seemed like a real warrior to me when you were fighting with the minotaur,” Nearra said.
    “What does a girl like you know of battle?” Catriona snapped.
    “I’m sorry. I only meant …” Nearra couldn’t think what more to say.
    Catriona saw the hurt in Nearra’s face and her voice softened. “Please don’t tell anyone. But the truth is … I was terrified. I try to hide it, but I’m always scared when I fight.”
    Nearra thought for a moment. “It seems to me that a true warrior battles on despite her fear. And that’s exactly what you did.”
    Catriona studied Nearra for a moment. “You have no weapons, and you look as weak as a kender. I suppose you do need someone to protect you.” She paused and then, as if coming to a decision, continued with firm conviction. “From this moment onward, I vow to serve as your protector, Nearra of the Forest, and I shall continue to do so until such time as you no longer have need of my service. This I do swear.”
    Nearra was so taken aback by this unexpected declaration that all she could say was “Thank you.”
    Catriona seemed satisfied with Nearra’s response. The warrior nodded once, and then said, “Come, let’s catch up with our companions.”
    Nearra walked faster but the warrior remained at her side, and she didn’t let go of Nearra’s arm.

     
    They found the healer’s place just where Davyn said they would: one street east. Ivy climbed the walls, and a cat lounged on the windowsill.
    Sindri grinned upon seeing the small building. “I knew it was here!”
    Davyn turned to the kender and Catriona, and he gave them a smile that seemed