Veilspeaker (Pharim War Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

day. Then we can move you into accommodations more suited
for someone of your station.” This time Varin did turn and met Jez’s gaze.
“Think very carefully before you decide to make me an enemy. There is much I
can take from you.”
    Then, he walked away, with Sileon following on his
heels. As soon as they had turned a corner, Osmund poked his head in the
doorway. He looked at the departing pair over his shoulder before turning back
to Jez.
    “What was that about?”
    “Varin hired Sileon.”
    “Hired him to do what?”
    Jez blinked at him. “I have no idea. I think it was to
get him away from me so he couldn’t help.”
    Osmund rolled his eyes. “It’s not like he did much
anyway.”
    “He talked to people,” Jez said. “He knew who to talk
to. I don’t even know who to see if I want to speak to the king. We need to see
Villia.”
    “Why?”
    “Sileon knew Villia was helping us. When he tells
Varin, I have no idea what he’ll do.”
    “I’ll go tell her you want to see her.”
    “We’ll both go,” Jez said.
    Osmund shook his head. “I don’t know much about court
politics, but it’s pretty obvious you shouldn’t be setting up your own
meetings. I’ll go.”
    “How’s that any better than me going? You’re supposed
to be my bodyguard not my messenger.”
    “Do you want to send one of those people Sileon
hired?”
    Jez snorted. “Only if we wanted Varin to find out
about it.”
    Osmund spread his arms. “It’s not like we have very
many options.”
    Jez thought for a second before nodding. “All right.
Go. Tell her I need to see her as soon as possible.”

CHAPTER 9
    Jez was looking over some the charts
Sileon had left when Sharim burst into the room. His face was flushed, and he
was breathing heavily. Sweat gleamed on his brow.
    “Sharim, what is it?”
    He held up his hand as he caught his breath. Then, as
if realizing what he was doing, his eyes widened and he bowed.
    “Forgive me for the intrusion, Baron. Your bodyguard
came to me looking for Mage Villia.”
    “Yes. You didn’t have to run. Is she ready to see me?”
    “No, that’s just it,” Sharim said between heavy
breaths. “She’s not in the keep. She went into town to get supplies. I told him
he could wait, but he insisted on finding her. He was assaulted in the streets.
He’s with the healers now.”
    Jez shot to his feet. “What? Is he okay? What
happened?”
    “I don’t know. The healers say he’ll be all right.
They were taking care of the worst of his wounds when I left.”
    “Show me the way.”
    He hadn’t been to the sick chambers so Sharim led him
through a maze of corridors. Jez tried to keep track of the way, but he
couldn’t focus and kept prodding Sharim to go faster. Finally, they entered a
long room lined with beds along each wall. It smelled clean, and the faint
scent of soap still hung in the air. Tall windows illuminated the room. Only a
single bed was occupied, and Osmund’s long legs hung over the end of the bed. A
bruise covered half his face. He smiled when he saw Jez, and he had a gap in
his teeth. A woman in a brown robe with a yellow sash stood over him, her hands
emitting a soft light that reminded Jez of the sun. The bruise started to fade,
but when the healer stopped a portion of it remained.
    “There,” she said. “I don’t want to send anymore magic
through you.” She turned to Jez. “Don’t give him undue stress. He still needs
rest.”
    Jez nodded.
    “Thank you Mage...”
    “Paleel,” she said as she brushed an auburn strand of
hair away from her face. “Though you’re generous to label me a mage. I’m a
simple healer.”
    Jez inclined his head. “Thank you all the same,
Paleel.”
    She blushed. “I’ll be in the next room if you need
me.”
    She scurried away and Jez went to stand by his friend.
Osmund gave him a weak smile and took a cup of water sitting near his bed. He
drank before sitting up.
    “What happened?” Jez asked.
    “They came at me from behind.