Warden (Blade Asunder Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in greeting as they arrived in one of his many homes. He had specifically chosen this one as it was nearest to the border. His large dark skinned hand encompassed hers, delicate and pale in contrast.
    “Any who are aligned to the Duchess D’Anjue are welcome in my home and in my lands. I will provide you with safe passage, Queen Myriam, for I wish to see the Duchess back in her homelands,” he said. “My only regret is that I did not secure her safety before I left your Kingdom. I had not realized that she had been taken.”
    “Nor we,” Myriam responded, annoyed at herself for not seeking out her grandmother as soon as she had arrived back at the castle. Though she had probably been long gone by then. “We had word that she had been released from the dungeon and I think we all presumed her safe. The sly monk had slipped her away from under my nose, and I will have her returned at all costs.”
    “Please, let us sit and eat,” Qutaybah opened up his arms, welcoming the small party to be seated upon the plush cushions. He gestured at a table where a variety of fruits, cheeses, meats, plus servants, awaited upon their pleasure.
    All took a seat with the exception of Ganry. He was always on duty to protect his Queen, even if this Qutaybah was meant to be an ally. Ganry would eat when his Queen slept. For now, he would listen and observe. Later he would learn much information from the gossiping slaves and servants.
    “I have heard of this Ghaffar, he is an elusive creature. He dwells in the forbidden lands of the underground dwellers. We call them the Akkedis Mense. My country has many riches under its soils and most of it is mined, but the forbidden lands are never entered by the wise. This is where the Akkedis Mense dwell and none would wish to stir up their nests. Ghaffar is a chameleon. He can disguise himself as many creatures. Your people have seen him as a monk, mine have seen him as a rich merchant. Whatever disguise he wears, he is a reptilian by heart. He is an ambassador of his people, the Akkedis Mense.”
    “You have given us much information to ponder, Qutaybah, I thank you for your openness,” Myriam said.
    “My people are familiar with a legend of the Rooggaru, which you call Akkedis Mense,” Linz spoke up, remembering what had happened the night he lost his uncle. “Ghaffar had one of these creatures with him whilst he lived at the temple near my home. It was a vile and vicious monster and killed Chief Clay by draining him of his blood. If Ghaffar is a Rooggaru, or Akkedis Mense, then I do not think he can be trusted.”
    “We may have something that he wants,” Hendon spoke. “Why else would he take the Duchess other than to lure us there to rescue her?”
    “He seemed a kind man when he brought my grandmother’s men to me. They had been searching for me in vain until he showed them the way. I believe whatever he wants must be connected to the D’Anjue bloodline,” Myriam shared her thoughts. “I also believe it must be something we are loathe to give up, otherwise he would have just asked us, surely?” she added.
    “Well,” Ganry finally said, wanting this meeting to end, “we won’t know until we meet them in person, and as the journey there is long and perilous I suggest an early night.”
    He hoped this would encourage Myriam to see that there was no more to be learned here, and retire to her rooms. There she would be safely in once place, and he could mingle amongst the household to find out any real secrets. Slaves do not do the bidding of their masters, voluntarily. A few coins in the right direction and he should find out all he needed to know.
    He glanced over at Qutaybah. He was fearsome looking, very powerfully built and completely bald. Ganry did not trust him despite his proclamation of friendship to his Queen. Having been a mercenary himself, he knew that his sword had gone to the highest bidder. What if this bald man was playing both sides? What if he was just luring