Free CaptiveoftheStars by Viola Grace Page B

sure?
    Do you think I do not know the feel of my destined mate? It is Ithena. Her avatar lives, you only have to find her.
    It is not as easy as you think. She has hidden this long, do you think she will run to my arms after I slaughtered her people?
    She made the choice to hide and her people sacrificed themselves to keep her safe. It is touching, but she needs to understand that you have the contract signed and sealed.
    I seriously doubt that it will make it easier for her. She is a lady after all.
    And as a lady, she will do what is best for her people. Question the peasant woman that you found. She will know something. At least you can get a description of your mate.
    Thorn sighed as Eshkar receded. It was always uncomfortable to have the star speaking directly in his mind. He supposed he had never given into the star completely. He wondered if Ithena's host was doing the same. It would certainly explain why Eshkar could not locate the presence of the other star.
    Grimly optimistic, he made his way back to the command tent. The woman with the healer might be his best chance at finding the avatar. He was not going to let her out of his sight.

    Chapter Two
    Nasha smelled the healing herbs before she opened her eyes. A healer was at her side the moment that she shifted on the hard bed. "Where am I?"
    "You are in a tent on the edge of the Fano lands. We are headed back to the Kalowell holdings." The healer adjusted the bandages on her hands and touched her forehead. He had the paler skin of the northlands.
    She held up her gauze-wrapped hands. "What is wrong with my hands?"
    "You gouged them with something during the battle. If your jaw is sore, you were knocked out while trying to attack one of our people."
    She touched her face with her wrapped hand and felt the soreness he mentioned.
    "Let me help you sit up." The healer put an arm around her and sat her up without waiting for her agreement.
    "Thank you. Why am I here?"
    "Our lord did not want you to die on the field. He carried you to this tent and then moved you to a wagon when we started our ride."
    Nasha blinked. "Your lord saved me?"
    "Yes. Lord Kalowell. One of the mightiest warriors on the continent. He came to Fano to claim his bride and found that the deceased lord had not told her of the arrangement. He was met with a sword instead of open arms. It was not an honourable situation."
    Nasha grimaced. "He came and demanded the lady of the manner attend him. It was offensive."
    "He has the agreement signed by Lord Fano before his death. She had no right to refuse him."
    Nasha sighed. There was no arguing with their outlook. They believed he was in the right and that was that. In her lands, the moment that a man died, all uncompleted agreements died with him.
    "Why am I being hauled along? Why didn't you just leave me in the village?"
    A huge man brushed the door to the tent aside, the healer stiffened. The newcomer removed his helmet and looked her over. His voice boomed over her and she blinked at the effect that it had on her system.
    No, no, no, no, no, no. Not now. She cursed as he continued to speak.
    "He is taking you along because I want you with us. When you have recovered, I have some questions to ask you about your lady. What is your name?"
    "Haella." She swallowed and begged Ithena to push the burgeoning heat away. There was no answer from the consciousness of the star.
    "Well, Haella. Once you are well, I will expect you to earn your keep. You will have a position in my keep and a safe place to sleep. No one will molest you while you are within my care."
    She swallowed again, "You are Lord Kalowell?"
    He nodded. "I am. I regret the loss of life, but Eshkar will not be denied. I will find Ithena's avatar and she will fulfill her promise to my star, but it will go better if you assist me in finding your lady."
    A casual glance at her feet showed that they were covered by the blanket. "I have no information to give you."
    He nodded. "I will be ready when you