Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) Jonathan Michael (red novels .txt) 📖

sorrow on his face is genuine. He misses his family. And I’d wager he blames himself for their death. It’s something I don’t relate to. I ignore it and desist prying to drop the matter.

I strap my claymore to Persia’s harness. The weight of it and bulkiness don’t make for pleasant travels. But it’s secured with ease of access in mind should I need it.

With plenty of room for two, I gesture for Stone to scoot back. I place both palms on the panthers back and leap into the air, nearly knocking Stone in the jaw as I throw a leg over the beast. I lasso the reigns around my fist. “Ready?”

Stone clutches the beast with his legs and wraps his hands around my waist even tighter. “You’re coarse,” he mutters. “Er…the panther. Not you. Your skin looks like silk…er…I mean…” He cuts his jabbering tongue short.

How humiliating. This boy needs a woman in his life to turn him into a man.

The ride north to Greenport is uneventful until the uneven terrain draws out more of his humiliation.

The thick undergrowth forces us to bob and weave, all while trying to remain hitched to the cat. Beyond that, going bareback without a saddle can add strain to your thighs. He has trouble holding tight to the cat and is having to thrust into me occasionally to secure his mount. The steady vibration along with the soft touch of a woman—which is clearly a novelty for Stone—creates the perfect opportunity for him to prove his immaturity.

“Stone. Have you ever been with a woman before?”

“Of course I have.”

Liar. Technically, it isn’t a lie based on how my question is phrased, but he knows what I mean.

“I find that hard to believe.” I grab a handful between his legs. “I can’t seem to rid myself of this little prick in my ass.” Knowing he cannot see my face, I allow a beaming smile to show for the first time in countless seasons. I don’t let it last long and shove my emotion back down where it belongs.

Stone scoots back enough to avoid direct contact between his groin and my rear. I’m sure his face is the color of the Scarlet River. Though, I don’t turn to see. He’s had enough humiliation and doesn’t need me prodding at it. Maybe he can maintain a sliver of dignity.

Once we hit the Forest Road, it smooths out. The only obstacles to dodge are the ruts formed from carriages traveling during the wet seasons. Persia holds a steady glide the entire way with Helios right on her tail. We only stop once to allow the beasts water and to quench our own thirst as well. The panther proves to be quick with a double load and a rough start through the underbrush. We arrive at our destination with the sun above the horizon, casting long shadows throughout the commons of the small fishing village.

Greenport is an intimate fishing village. There’s not much for irregular foot traffic. Which is a problem for both an assassin and a fugitive. Enough traders pass through that our arrival alone won’t be suspicious, but the enormous black cat and the regal beast might steal a few glances. The public doesn’t welcome me, nor do I want it to. I must slip into the shadows where my presence isn’t noticed.

Before we stroll into town, I bring Persia to a halt. “This is where I leave you.”

Stone slides off the panther in an uncouth manner. His feet touch ground, and he straightens his tunic. “Would you like to join me for a meal before we split ways?”

The question leaves him taken aback as much as it does me. What is wrong with him? Beneath the thin sheet of lies, he knows I’m the enemy, yet he insists on being courteous.

I tilt my head with a raised brow and subtly shake my head.

“Do I at least get a name before you go?”

I dig into a small leather traveling satchel fastened to Persia’s harness to retrieve a single coin—a gold rib—and I flip it to him. “Find yourself an experienced woman first. And a bath. Then maybe you’ll have my name.” I kiss my fingertips and blow in his direction. A gentle tug on Persia’s reigns and I’m both avoiding the town center and headed west where I’ve left Stone believing is my next destination. Taking advantage of his naivety leaves me with an emotion I haven’t sensed in countless seasons. Shame.

Feeling his eyes follow me as I go, I ride out of sight.

Can hope be trusted? Or is it a white light in the corner of a vast, dark chamber? Easing your visual senses to the unknown. But also…revealing the dangers awaiting in the shadows. And offering no real guidance or solution. Just hope.

9 Stone

“W

hat just happened?” I stand at the outskirts of Greenport, a place I haven’t ventured to in many seasons because of the potential threats it holds, and find myself frozen. Awestruck by a lethal Woman-in-Red. A woman who rides out atop a powerful beast now but just as easily could have sent that claymore slashing across my mass. So threatening. Fierce. In control. Intriguing. And…too familiar. Who is this woman that fascinates me?

My enemy.

I’m only a boy in her eyes anyhow. And that’s likely all it is, a boy’s immaturity pulling him toward the first pretty girl who gives him attention. I shake my head, attempting to snap the dangerous bond I feel toward her.

When I turn around, the village wrenches her from my thoughts.

As simple as the structures are, I find myself gawking. It’s been too long since I’ve witnessed a real building. Having tacked together our yurt and made incessant repairs over the seasons, I find myself interested in the best practices at keeping them upright. I study