Free The Conquering Dark: Crown by Clay Griffith, Susan Griffith Clay Griffith Page A

sheet. “How do you do that? How do you see through Nick’s spell?”
    Kate sat in the chair vacated by Tommy, looking Simon up and down curiously. “I’ve always been able to see through Barker’s glamour; he uses cheap potions. Nice mole.”
    Nick sputtered angrily. “That’s a load. My magic is solid. You’re the only one who ever saw through it.”
    Kate rolled her eyes as she intercepted Simon’s fresh beer and started drinking it.
    Simon’s eyes scanned the paper and let it drop to his side. “Well, that’s unexpected. A note from Ash.”
    Nick spun in alarm. “What?”
    â€œEasy, old man. It’s not about you. Ash wants to see me.” Simon pulled his half-empty glass from Kate as she wiped foam from her mouth. He picked up his hat and took her arm. “I suppose we should go. How did you know where to find me?”
    Kate rolled her eyes at the question. “Since I’ve known you, you’re only ever three places. My house. Your house. Or this pub.”
    Simon stared deep into her eyes. “Not exactly a man of mystery, am I?”
    â€œNo. You’re like an old married man.”
    He moved close to her and whispered, “That won’t do.”
    Kate gave an expectant smile and they started for the door.
    The stars pulsed overhead. A warm breeze rustled the leaves with scents of the blooms, the last thick fragrances before the sharp bite of autumn. Simon and Kate posted along a wagon trail. Kate’s wolfhound, Aethelred, raced ahead of them, enjoying his freedom. Beyond a distant copse of trees, they heard muffled chatter and laughter. A small village enjoyed a soft night, delaying their bedtimes for a few moments of pleasure.
    Kate’s red stallion moved like a ship before the wind, tall and strong, unmindful of any around him. Simon wrestled with his fitful grey Arabian mare, which Kate delighted to saddle him with. He found the horse spirited, game to be sure, but angry and likely to bite. Kate glanced back from her perch some four hands above him. She hid a smile.
    â€œI’m still here,” Simon called cheerfully. “Don’t fret. Your hellish mare hasn’t eaten me yet.”
    â€œGood to see you haven’t lost your touch with the ladies then.”
    A lascivious eyebrow rose at her. “Only one lady matters to me.”
    Her smile flashed brilliantly at him in the moonlight. She turned forward and her good mood faded with what lay ahead of them. “You should have worn your armor, Galahad. We don’t know what we’re walking into.”
    Simon patted the side of the saddle where his walking stick was wedged. “I didn’t come unarmed. And besides, I’m not afraid of Ash. Clearly she still wants me for her Galahad.”
    â€œYou’re already taken. You’d think she’d have figured that out by now.”
    Kate’s claiming tone started a warming heat inside Simon. He stared at her ramrod-straight back and curvaceous hips. “Yes, it seems unlike her to beat a dead horse. No pun intended. Why would she have sent a note to meet with us otherwise?”
    â€œI don’t know. I could live happily never talking to Ash again. She makes my skin crawl. Just thinking how she pawed me when she was animating Rowan Barnes.” Kate shuddered.
    â€œI understand. You need not have come. But it’s important to speak to her tonight while we have a moment. Tomorrow, we should have our equipment from the Crown and we’ll move.”
    They rounded a corner to see a figure before them twisting in the wind. The body of a man hung from a roadside gallows, hands tied behind his back. His head drooped on a broken neck. His eyes were open and staring at the dark ground below his bare feet. As he turned slowly about, a note was revealed pinned to his shirt: Housebreaker.
    Aethelred dropped to a crouch and growled, his hackles rising along his spine. Simon rode