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

“He knows, Stone.” Goose shrugs off my interjection and continues. “Just wanted to clear that up.”

“Yes, of course,” replies Gunther. “Stone McLarin of Redoak, correct?”

“How? How do you know that?” I reply nervously, feeling rather shameful at the moment. He has my attention. Depending what his next words are, I may have to bolt.

“I am an Advocate, Stone McLarin. It is my duty to know who is confiding in me.”

“That doesn’t really answer my question,” I reply. Again, ashamed. Why would I say such a thing to an Advocate?

“Don’t worry. Nobody will recognize you in your travels north to the Crimson Capital. You’re a man now. Not the young lad that escaped wrongful accusations from that tyrant.”

“You know?”

“Yes, but that isn’t why you’re here. So, was there something else you needed to discuss with me or was it just that little white lie?” Gunther asks.

“It’s Jaymes,” I reply.

“And Astor,” Goose fills in. He looks tense and awkward as Gunther holds his foot in the palm of his hand, scrubbing it gently.

“They’re missing,” I continue. “We went to her home at sunup, and they weren’t there.”

“And?”

“And…” Goose replies coolly. “There were two corpses.”

“Ah, and you’re positive they were dead?” He asks and pulls another cloth from his waistline. He dries each of our feet one by one.

“Yes,” I reply. “Lifeless, colorless bodies. And decaying, based on the smell.” Why isn’t he more panicked about the situation? I just told him we found two dead bodies in his village, and he’s as peaceful as ever. “Are you not concerned about the bodies?”

“Yes. Of course. But I trust you are right when you say they’re deceased. If they are already dead, then there is no need to rush to their aid, is there? I think the priority is getting the two of you out of town. The citizens here won’t be as trusting of your alibi.”

“Gunther…” I hesitate, but he needs to know. “I think you may have been close to one of them. There was a young man wearing a disciple’s robe. He was—”

“Nero.” Gunther interrupts. “He was attached to Astor by the hip. She was tutoring him in the Hiberneyt talents. He was an optimistic and eager lad. It wasn’t his time.”

“And the other…she was a young dark-haired lass. In servant’s attire,” I say.

“Crescia,” Gunther adds. “Also one of Astor’s apprentices. A lost soul trying to make her way back into the rights.” He lowers his head, shaking it slowly.

“I’m sorry, Gunther,” says Goose, more sincerely than I believed him capable.

“Yes, you have our condolences,” I add.

Gunther then, without word, retreats momentarily down the stairs leading underneath the House of Seasons, gripping his back the entire way. He must have living quarters below. His return up the stairs is a bit quicker. Still gripping his back with one hand but holding something in his other hand.

“These’ll do you well. Help keep the blisters off your feet.” He raises his hand to reveal stockings. “Elder.” He winks and slips stockings over my feet, followed by the leather boots. He shuffles over to Goose in a painful manner. “Thank you, Goose.” And he fixes stockings and leather footwear onto Goose’s feet as well. “Honesty is the fastest approach through life’s challenges. So, are both of you heading to the capital?” He looks to Goose suspiciously. Goose sends me a sidelong glance.

“Why would you not go after Jay? You wanted to oust the Taoiseach, did you not? And he’s in the capital. What are you not telling me?”

“Gunther has informed me of another, possible, solution. And…” He hesitates. “…her name is Old Lady Windblown.”

My brow tightens. “I’ve heard the name, but she’s just some crazy old lady. Right? A hermit living in the woods outside of Greybark. How could she possibly be an answer to our woes?” I ask.

Gunther answers. “Yes, you’re correct, Elder.” He winks again. It’s becoming irritating, but I mustn’t judge the Advocate. “She is a crazy old lady living all by her lonesome in Greybark. However, I don’t see how that is decisive of her not being a solution to your despairs. As I was informing Goose, I have personal experience that tells me living alone is not a terrible thing. In my case, I like to believe it results in a wisdom beyond that of a constantly active and jabbering tongue.”

Goose and Gunther both stare at me as if they’re waiting for me to make the decision. Since when did it become my choice? I’ve told Goose many times I am not his fearless leader. I rise to my feet. The leather boots are a welcomed change.

“I’m sorry, Goose, but I have no interest in chasing down ‘possible’ solutions. My path is directly to the capital.” All this crazy talk sounds just that. Crazy! I don’t have the time to chase down crazy solutions, but I choose not to be so blunt and disheartening by telling Goose that. “I am already well behind the Woman-in-Red. They’re half a day ahead of us, likely more. She has a panther, for Susy’s sake. What do I have access to that’s faster than a panther? Nothing!”

“Not true,” says Gunther. “A panther…that’s impressive…” Gunther trails off as he rubs at his scruff. “You’re in a fishing village, lad. The river is the most direct route to the capital. I’m sure one of the captains will be willing to offer his ship for the right price. In fact, I know just the captain.”

I perk up. “Goose?” He lowers his head. He’s not coming with me. He’s choosing the path of crazy. “So…this is it, then?”

“No, Stone…” he replies calmly. “I’m not coming with you. I know how important it is for us to find Jay.” Goose rises to his feet, giving a nod of acceptance to the new footwear. He continues, and