The Winterstone Plague (The Carrion Cycle) Read Online Free PDF Page B

knowledge that I believe will benefit this entire village.”
    “What are you saying, then?”
    “I have made him a temporary guest. He is to take residence in the old chapel. As soon as I have the information I seek, our honored guest will be free to stay or leave as he pleases. It is not my place to send an honest man packing, especially if he has something to offer our people.”
    “But father!” Tomas’s was flushed a deep crimson. “You did not see what he did!”
    “Do not yell at your father,” Merriam chided. “That is not how we raised you, young man!”
    “No,” Philip said, waving his hand. “He is right to question my motives. I am pleasantly surprised by your passion in regards to this issue, my son. You might yet begin to show signs of maturity.”
    “This is no laughing matter,” Valthian said. “Abytheos does not seem a dangerous man, but he is well learned in the art of making trouble. Is whatever knowledge he possesses worth what we may be forced to endure from this man?”
    “I make no jokes. Tomas has rarely taken issues seriously. The interest he takes in his neighbors makes me proud. As for the holy one, I will keep a close eye on him. For now, he is free to live amongst our own. He also claims to have proof to back up his words.”
    “What kind of proof?” Valthian asked, placing his spoon inside the empty bowl. “How can you be certain he isn’t lying?”
    “I can’t be certain,” Philip said. “But he promises to show us this proof in the morning. He requested an armed guard.”
    Valthian was about to grab another hunk of bread when a loud knock sounded at the door.
    “Who could possibly be out there at a time like this?”
    “Stay put,” Merriam said. “I will see to the door.”
    She rose from her chair and slipped into the main hall.
    “Should I follow after her?” Tomas asked.
    “That’s not necessary,” Philip said. “Finish your supper. I’m sure everything is fine.”
    “Father,” Valthian said. Perhaps one of us should follow after her. Just in case it’s something urgent, of course.”
    “Stay in your seats,” Merriam said, pushing the door open and stepping back into the room. “Philip, you should come quickly. Alain is here.”
    “Gods,” Philip breathed. “He’s walked all the way here from that smithy of his; at this hour? There’s snow falling outside!”
    Merriam nodded. “He says it’s important but won’t speak to anyone who isn’t you about it. There’s a sense of urgency about him.”
    Philip wiped his face with a napkin and stood. “You boys finish supper and get on to bed.”
    “May I come with you, father?” Valthian asked. “I’m worried about Elyna.”
    “I am sure your sweetheart is well,” Philip said, smiling. “And I doubt this is about her, but you will be the first to know if it is. Now do as I have asked. Merriam, see to it that these boys are washed up and ready for bed within the first stroke of the next hour, please? Depending on what news he carries, I could be up quite late.”
    “Of course,” Merriam replied.
    Philip said nothing more; he placed his soiled napkin on the table and disappeared through the heavy door leading through the kitchen and into the hall.
    “You boys do as your father said. I want you washed up and in your beds as soon as supper is done.”
    Valthian smiled warmly and tried to return to his meal. He wasn’t so sure that he was as hungry as he initially thought. His curiosity about Alain’s news was dancing through his mind. He watched as his mother picked up several empty plates to take into the kitchen.
    “Val,” Tomas said. “Do you really think it’s about Elyna? Do you suppose—”
    “No, brother. I know it isn’t about her. Her father wouldn’t have made this trip if she were ill. He would be at her bedside or off to see the mystic. This is about something else entirely and I was hoping father would let me in on it.”
    “Should we eavesdrop?” Tomas asked. “If it