The Outcast Read Online Free PDF

Amyenka. Do not forget this vow. Come, meet my female and my sister. They will help you get settled.”
    She nodded, then looked at her people. They were so tired. How had a simple hike of less than a mile tired so many of them? “My people are hungry, Equan Adrastos. And I have nothing which to buy them food. We have little clothing and many of our children go without shoes. We could not enter a town or city for fear that my brother would have spies to catch us, or someone in the town would betray us for the not inconsiderable bounties upon our heads. I pray you this, this new world is a new chance, a new beginning for us.”
    He held up another hand and a servant came to his side. “Have food prepared—Dardaptoan food—for these people.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    “Thank you.” He looked back at her. “If your people will accompany the servants into the main dining room, food will be prepared shortly. You will eat with my family while we decide what is needed for your people.”
    “Thank you.”
    Pleius wanted to protest, but Lana sent him a look. He would be staying with their people, guarding and guiding in her stead.
    After her people were gone from the room, the chamber seemed so much larger. Aodhan led her to the demons and Dardaptoans who sat waiting near the fire. A dark-haired woman sat rocking a babe in the chair closest to the warmth. She smiled when Lana and Aodhan approached. “Brrr.  I hate the cold. Aodhan, did you see who has joined us here in the demon world?”
    “I saw him. Still as arrogant as ever. Always was. Has Nalik returned from the South Americans, yet?”
    “Not yet.” A young woman in white said. She had long, dark brown hair that curled and bright green eyes. And her skin nearly glowed. She was breathtaking. “He promised to be home before bed, though.”
    “If my father and grandfather cooperate. They are…”
    “I know what they are like.” The woman—barely out of girlhood—looked toward Lana. “Hello, I’m Cassandra.”
    “Havalana Amyenka.” Lana bowed.
    Another woman stood and Aodhan stepped up to her. He hugged her and she laid her head on his shoulder. His female, probably. He looked back at Lana. “This is my female, Mallory, and my sister Aureliana. They will help you and your people get settled. Auri, where are the demon and Kindara? I have much to discuss with them this evening.”
    “In their private chambers. Ren, too. Thas and I decided to wait for your return. And to keep Mallory and Cass company while they waited.”
    “Mal, my love, will you accompany Lana and I? Or do you wish to adjourn and rest?”
    “I am not fragile, Aodhan. I am just nauseated. I’ll walk with you.”
    “I am a male, my love, it is my right to worry for my female.”
    “To hover. Lana, please ignore my Rajni’s overbearance. He forgets that he is not in charge of everything. How can I help you this evening?”
    “I—” How was she to respond to these people? “I—”
    “You are very tired, aren’t you? We can get you in a room and you can rest. I promise it shouldn’t take long. And you can eat, of course. We can order you a tray while we talk, if you’d like.”
    She would like that. The thought of real food again had her stomach cramping so harshly. “My people… I must see them settled before I worry for myself.”
    “Do not worry. I shall see to your people. My Rajni is the high prince of this castle, and I’m good at organizing.” the woman with the babe said. Aodhan’s sister.
    His sister. Lana looked at her quickly. Yes, the resemblance was there.
    What would these people do if they learned she thought their brother was her Rajni ? Would they hate her?
    She was not like them. She was dirty and poor and unkempt. They all glowed with health and vitality. They had everything, and she had nothing.
    It took every bit of strength she had to take another step. The walk had weakened her greatly, and her body was pained, like it always was this late at night and