Wystan Read Online Free PDF

have let the barghest eat her. Beneath those freckles and behind the frosty green and autumn gold of her eyes, a shrewd harpy lay in wait for the moment it could tear a man to pieces. From the corner of his eye, he saw Eban bow his head. For a moment, he thought it was because Eban knew how angry he was, but as his younger brother’s shoulders shook, he realized it was laughter. Rhia glance at Eban and her smile widened.
    â€œLanguage, Sheriff. Vulgarities make you sound like a beast.”
    â€œEnough. The pair of you are in trouble. You for laughing, which means you can spend the rest of the night outside chasing barg—animals off. And you—” He couldn’t bring himself to say her name. “You’d better be ready to leave at dawn, little sister and friend in tow. Do you understand?”
    Her chin went up. “If you want me to leave, you’ll have to physically remove me.”
    Wystan hadn’t guessed it would be possible for his temper to rise any more. She knew just what to say to make him irrational. “It’ll be my pleasure.”
    He turned and left the study, unable to tolerate her insolence any longer. Eban didn’t follow him. It wouldn’t have done any good. He’d made up his mind about her leaving and whether either of them liked it or not, his word was final. This time.
    The boldness that had surged through Rhia faded when Wystan left. She leaned against the wall and forced herself to meet Eban’s gaze.
    â€œI don’t know what came over me. I…” She didn’t have an answer for why she’d reacted so strongly. Too much excitement following her trip to the outhouse perhaps.
    â€œI’m sorry you had to see him like that. Sometimes Wystan can be…forceful. There are some bad types around town and he’s doing everything he can to weed them out, but it isn’t easy.” Eban frowned. “I did ask you not to leave the building.”
    She felt guilty because Wystan had yelled at his brother. “I know. In a way, I deserve his anger, but I’m not sure I understand why he acted like that. What was out there? Why are you carrying a sword? And why is the town so empty? This is all very odd.”
    â€œIt’s not my place to explain any of it. The best advice I can offer is to leave Berner tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll find work in another town. There must be work for a capable woman somewhere.”
    Eban tried to conceal the saber further, but it didn’t do any good. The blade was curved and protruded from behind his leg. It looked deadly and she knew he’d have used it if he needed to. Most men carried guns, but this one chose a sword. Another mystery she wasn’t likely to discover an answer for.
    â€œMy wagon won’t make Albuquerque. It wouldn’t make it ten miles if the trail out there is anything like what we’ve already crossed. We’re doomed if we can’t stay here. Sylvie and I might be able to walk, but Beryl couldn’t do it. I’ve ruined everything by making Wystan mad.”
    She wanted to bury her face in her hands and cry, but that wouldn’t solve any problems. The slow realization that Wystan had saved her from something was catching up and she’d risked her life by not being more careful. The sheriff was right. Sylvie had no one if she died. Their situation seemed hopeless.
    â€œI’m sorry for your trouble, Rhia. Perhaps things will look better in tomorrow’s light.” Eban looked doubtful.
    She had the feeling that when she woke in the morning, Wystan would have her wagon packed and would carry her from the clinic if she tried to resist. She had to be cleverer and rise earlier than him if she meant to stay. Fortunately, ideas were already forming.
    â€œEban, was there ever a school here?”
    He stared at her, seeming reluctant to answer, but he nodded. “When I was a boy. Clear up until about fifteen years