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

“That sounds delightful,” Goose replies with a giant grin. “Thank you, Stone. I appreciate your never-warming heart. You’re so kind to me.” Another fist pounds my shoulder. “Wanker!” This time I cringe at the contact and try to massage the pain out. “We’ve been living in the wood for four seasons, for Susy’s sake. I think we both deserve a warm bath. And the chance to use a functioning water closet too.”

With time to spare while anxiously awaiting Jay’s recovery, we continue strolling down the waterfront at a mild pace, heading toward Abbey’s Alehouse. I take notice of the large trees growing throughout the port. I would think with all the large vessels, the industrialized buildings, and the large quantity of freight trafficked through here that such large trees would get in the way, but instead, they’ve been integrated into the logistics of the port. The larger trees closest to the shore—some growing out of the delta itself—have branches overhanging the crimson waters. Likely manipulated by Greenthumbs and reinforced by Sleepers because they’re unnaturally large and conveniently placed. Each has been rigged with ropes and a pulley system to load and offload the ships docked at the piers. Resourceful as it may be, it’s clearly harmful to the trees. Every one that acts as a functioning part of the port has fading yellow and orange leaves. The Autumnal Equinox is a long way out yet, so it is far too early for a change of the seasons. I find it odd a town so devoted to Susy would allow such a thing to happen.

I escape my thoughts when a loud gurgle erupts from Goose’s stomach.

“Did you hear that? My stomach just asked you how much farther.”

“Keep your cool, Sheela. You can see it. Just up there across from Caster’s Jetty.” I point to the aged building a hundred paces out. As his attention is focused on the inn, I swing in rebuttal to his earlier shot at me, but Goose is too quick. He leans backward just as I’m about to impact his shoulder, and he catches my fist with his palm.

“Sheela?”

We arrive at the inn, and the barmaid greets us with her hoarse voice. I notice in my peripheral that Goose flinches. I can’t refrain from smiling, but it works in my favor, as she believes I’m smiling in response to her merry greeting. She takes our order after we find a table and flees to the kitchen immediately.

“Ugh, a looker for sure, but put a gag in that one. A night alone with her would be like sleeping in a lagoon with serenading toads.”

“Goose! She’ll end up lacing your cod with nightshade. A croaker, maybe, but vigorous too. She wouldn’t hesitate.”

“You know…these Sheelas are known to fluff a pillow or two.” He smiles and deliberately raises his brow. “How do you know so much about her?”

“Shut it, Goose. Nothing happened.”

“I think something did.”

“Shut it!”

“No. What happened? You had yourself a taste, didn’t you? How was it?”

My face warms. “Nothing happened. She offered, but nothing happened. I can’t be loose with my newfound riches.”

“Ah, I see. Too expensive? So, she got you a bit excited and you sinned alone, then?”

I swing my leg hard and plant the ball of my foot right on his shin.

“Wanker!” He rubs at his leg. “That was cheap!”

“Get over it.”

“You ought to use that coin to get yourself a new pair of boots. Maybe a full wardrobe. How ‘bout it? There’s bound to be a tailor and a cobbler nearby.”

“If we’re reintroducing ourselves to society, I suppose it’s a good spend,” I admit, looking down at my rags.

Just then, the barmaid returns with a couple of dark ales. I share a gratuitous smile and nod. Goose returns the favor and kicks me under the table. The barmaid gives me a funny look as I cringe, then she goes about her business.

“So, what’s our plan, fearless leader?” Goose taunts.

“Shut up. You know I hate that. I’m nobody’s leader.” We do need a plan, though. If the Taoiseach knows of our whereabouts, we must run again. It’s the only way. But where too? The Thunder Bluffs? We could live with the mountain goats. It wouldn’t be ideal, but we did survive the Cryptids. The Thunder Bluffs couldn’t be much worse. Simply different. Or do we test our fate beyond the Ceruleans with the outcasts? None have wandered back, so there must be a life worth living in the arid desert. There could even be a grand civilization down there for all we know. Or…they could all be dead.

“Whatever we do, we need to keep running. Our home is no longer safe.”

“Run? That’s your plan?” Goose purses his lips and shakes his head. “What am I saying, that’s always your plan. Aren’t your legs tired of running?”

“Of course. But what else can we do? Oust the immortal Taoiseach?”

“Precisely.” Goose smiles. “Nobody is immortal. We find his weakness, whatever it is, and shove it up his ass! He’s ruined my father, and he’s taken both your mother and father from you. We stop running and start fighting. Stone. It’s the right thing to do.”

“He could take my sister, too, if we march right into the lion’s den. No. Goose, I cannot. Jay is all I have left, and I must protect her. Even if that means we’re on the run for eternity. I can’t, Goose.”

“Then, I will.”

The three less powerful races have submitted to the Dihkai. Not officially, but it is clear the Dihkai have the edge in the ongoing war of the people. I can only hope the deity I have implanted takes a firm hold. As the shadows grow darker, the light must shine brighter.

15 Ellia

“M

ay we stop please? We’ve