Free Avalyne Series 02: The Easterling by Linda Thackeray Page B

far enough away to be able to let down their guard for the evening. Nevertheless, Aeron insisted on keeping their boats within easy reach should trouble arise. Melia was in agreement with this because she was just aware of the dangers as well as he. Even if she did not know this region as well as the Prince, the end of Abraxes had left many of its denizen scattered and wandering the wilderness looking for a new home.
    When he returned to their encampment after scouting the area to ensure nothing stirred other than them, he was glad to see the fire that was burning. Although elves were able to endure the harshness of weather far better than men, he was still chilled by the cold night air. Furthermore, the aroma of roasting fish rattled a growl of hunger in his stomach when he took a deep breath of it. They had not discussed the cooking duties though he guessed accurately that expecting her to do it would only anger her. If the restrictions placed on the women of Nadira were as bad as she claimed, he would appear like a boor if he assumed it was her place to do it.
    That did not mean he could not amuse himself however.
    ‘ Now there is a sight to put order to my world,’ Aeron stated playfully when he returned to camp and saw her preparing their meal.
    ‘ What?’ Melia mused, more focused on the sprinkling of a little spice over the meal to give it flavour than giving Aeron her full attention.
    ‘ Seeing you waiting for me with a meal cooked,’ Aeron smiled at her teasingly.
    She shot him a glare of annoyance and grumbled, ‘Do not get too accustomed to it. Tomorrow it will be your turn and I hope your culinary skills extend to more than just carrying cured meat in your pouch.’
    ‘ Lady,’ he said with proud dignity as he sat down next to her. ‘The Prince of Eden Halas does not cook.’
    ‘ Then the Prince of Eden Halas is going to go hungry,’ She returned swiftly.
    ‘ You are a hard woman,’ he pointed out as she removed the fish from its skewer over the fire.
    ‘ You have no idea,’ she arched one brow playfully as she handed him his meal on a plate. He was teasing her, Melia realised. ‘Be careful it is hot,’ she instructed dutifully.
    ‘ Thank you,’ he said graciously and they both relaxed away from the flames so that they could dine in comfort.
    ‘ You saw nothing out there?’ Melia asked as they ate.
    This part of Avalyne was unfamiliar to her. During her searches for her mother, she had mostly explored the lands nearest the Baffin. She did not wish to reveal to him that she was a little anxious by this unfamiliarity because as a watch guard, she relied on knowing the land intimately and being able to anticipate all its dangers. This part of the Western Sphere was still a mystery to her.
    ‘ Nothing,’ he shook his head in answer. ‘This area is not known to be plagued by Berserkers but I cannot say for certain if nothing will wander into our space. It is difficult to predict the behaviour of Balfure’s minions now that the Iron Citadel has fallen. Before Balfure was destroyed, we knew his minions would be found at his places of power. However, since he is no more, they are scattered and hiding. Thus I do not know if we are any more protected than if we had camped on the Western Shore.’
    ‘ You fear they are moving into lands that are no common for them,’ Melia said in understanding, having encountered something of the same problem in the Baffin.
    The pattern of these foul creatures were no longer a constant now that they were leaderless and without direction. Their power in Avalyne was done but like the wounded animal about to die, they were perhaps at their most dangerous in these final hours then they had ever been when Balfure guided their every move.
    ‘ Fortunately, if danger nears, I should be able to sense it before it arrives,’ Aeron offered.
    ‘ That is good to know,’ Melia replied. ‘I do not wish to awaken with one of their poisoned blades to my throat.’
    ‘ Fear