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

into a corner.” Jaymes is already in her house. I’m already in her corner. “Do you work for Harris?”

Astor’s brilliant smile fades. “Harris? Harris who?” She pauses, and her eyes narrow. She continues intently. “Your brother…Elder…he informed me you’d be coming. I met him last night at the public house. He advised me his brother and sister were on their way and would be arriving sometime this evening.” A lazy grin appears on her face. “You made it a bit earlier than anticipated, but you are the two I’ve been waiting for, I presume? Have you not spoken with him?”

“No,” I retort. “I haven’t seen him since the morning prior.” Which is the gaping hole I can’t seem to leap across. “We parted ways early, and… There’s no way you conversed with him last night because it’s impossible he’s arrived before us.”

“You must be mistaken. My apologies for being so direct, but I did speak with him last night.” Her arms fold into each other. “Tall, and thin as a butter knife, with short, wavy, light-brown hair and mesmerizing blue eyes. Am I correct?”

Her voice is sweet and innocent. Hard to believe she would be lying to me, but I’m not convinced just yet.

“Wrong.” It comes out more aggressive than I intend. “That’s a common description that could match a number of young men. And he’s far from mesmerizing. You’ll have to do better than that.”

“There was a scar. At the base of his neck.” She continues with a hurried tongue. “I thought it soot from a fire chamber at first. He was in dire need of a bath. But he said it was a scar. After showing it to me, he expounded on his confrontation with Harris Martelli. Is that the Harris you were referring to? I’m here to help, Goose. I promise. And judging by her appearance, your sister doesn’t have much time, like you said.”

“I can vouch for her, Mr. Greyson. I know nothing about scars or Harris Martelli, but I can tell you Astor here is the sweetest young lady in town and she only knows love. She wouldn’t swat a mosquito if it were sucking the blood from her neck.”

I rub my neck and look to Astor. Her innocence is obvious. I’ve been in seclusion far too long. “Needed a bath, huh? That sounds more like the Elder I know. Alright then. I’ll accept your hospitality. But know the smallest thing that arouses suspicion and I’ll—”

“And you’ll what? Leave?” She deflates my empty threat. “I don’t need you to stay, but let me tend to your sister, please.”

It’s obvious she’s offended. I’ve already upset the woman who’s about to save Jaymes’s life before we even step foot into her home. I hope she really is as selfless as the Advocate makes her out to be or Jaymes might pay for my stupidity.

“I’m sorry,” I mutter under my breath.

“What was that?” She prods for a more elaborate apology.

Typical woman. They’re always in need of more than they deserve.

“Only knows love, huh?” I look to the Advocate. He shrugs. “I’m sorry.” I clearly enunciate then attempt to explain myself. “I don’t know how much…er… Elder told you, but we have reason to tread lightly around strangers. Please, forgive my discourteous behavior.” I offer a subtle bow.

“Forgiven.” She looks to the Advocate. “Gunther, will you be assisting today?”

He shakes his head. “Susy calls. Between the four of you, I think you can manage without me.”

“Perhaps. Thank you, Gunther.” She places a caring hand on his shoulder.

“Yes, thank you for all your help, Gunther. It’s greatly appreciated and won’t be forgotten.” I firmly grasp his hand and pat him on the back.

The harmless action must have reminded him of the pain because he grips his back with both hands as his brows press in on each other.

“You’re poor back. If only there were something I could offer you to ease the pain.” Astor helps him down the stoop. “Susy can wait. Go lie down.”

So she’s a Healer that can’t heal everything. And the grey eyes. She’s a Hiberneyt. Hiberneyts aren’t Healers. Unless…she uses other methods. My thoughts drift to Everweed.

“Ah, it’s nothing. It’ll be fine. And it’s my pleasure to assist where I can. Anything to assist the life of this land. May the spring rains nourish your frame, the summer sun enliven your mind, the autumn foliage serenade your heart, and the winter frost attune your soul." He smiles and strolls back the way we came.

The interior of Astor’s home is as welcoming as the outside. It is well lit with natural light. Cluttering knickknacks decorate every shelf. Fresh cut flowers are compiled throughout, and it is filled with a fresh linen aroma lingering in the air. It reminds me of my grandmother’s home.

Nero and his companion—Crescia, I presume, though I haven’t been formally introduced to either—have already placed Jay in a cot off to the side of the common space. At the sight of it, I find myself wishing I were the one deserving of an infirmary. It is much nicer than what we’ve endured the past four seasons and leagues better than the tree we slept in last night. Her head is sunken into a large down pillow, thick woven blankets tucked on either side of her. Real cotton linens, and…Susy’s blessing…an actual bed pad. Not a pile of tree debris.

“Yo-yo Goose-o!” A familiar voice calls from behind me.

“Stone!” Realizing I’ve called the wrong name, I stutter a few incoherent words.

“It’s okay.” Astor acknowledges the mistake. “I’m well aware Elder is an alias. I know the story of the McLarins and the accusations thrown at their children. There’s no need to withhold the truth from me, but you can open up in your own time.” She heads straight to Jaymes, not waiting for a reply.

Stone and I both