Free Hemlock And The Dead God's Legacy (Book 2) by B. Throwsnaill Page A

was fond of walking and had been deemed fit for the journey—plus he was an irascible curmudgeon, and was not contributing to the magical education of the City folk.  Renevos had been recruited for this expedition by Gwineval; and it was clear to all that it was at least partially a punishment.
    Tored had given Hemlock some information on the Tanna Varrans in their group.  Several were members of the Taros family.  This was the same family that had produced the old king Pan Taros and his son Taros Ranvok.  Though Tored was associated with the Taros family, Hemlock had learned that he was a born into a low caste family, but had pledged his life-long service to the Taros at a young age.  This was why he was now attempting to mentor the brother of Taros Ranvok, who was named Taros Sundar.
    Hemlock watched Taros Sundar as he walked ahead of her.  He looked something like Taros Ranvok had, but his younger frame was smaller, and his features were less angular. Hemlock watched with some amusement as he took his war spear from his back and began playfully whacking one of his cousins in the posterior with it.  She knew that such youthful spirit was rare among the Tanna Varrans. 
    Tored had told her that Taros Sundar was uninterested in seeking the throne even though, had he shown an interest, his chances of being selected by the voting council of el ders were deemed to be good.  Tored had conceded that the youth did not seem to be cut from the cloth of leadership, though he worried that the prominence of his family in Tanna Varran politics might make it impossible for Taros Sundar to remain wholly apart from political life.
    Another Tanna Varran cast a dark look at Taros Sundar's merriment.  This was Umra Vyle, leader of the Umra family since his father had taken ill. He had stepped aside from political life.  Umra Vyle was similar to Tored in temperament, and his muscular frame evidenced the strength of early, but fully realized manhood.  He was almost as large as Tored, and he had the proud bearing of youth mixed with experience and capability.
    "So, what's it like ruling over the wizards?" asked a newly familiar voice.  Hemlock turned to regard Faud, a Tanna Varran from the Taros family, who had dropped back to engage Hemlock in yet another of a series of pointed conversations that Hemlock had been trying to avoid. Faud's obsequious smile made him difficult to ignore, so Hemlock felt compelled to respond.
    "It has been different, Faud."
    "Faud, move along now.  Hemlock and I have to talk," interjected Tored.
    Faud looked de spondent, but he moved ahead quickly and re-joined the group of Taros clan walkers, who walked in a group apart from the larger Umra clan.
    "Thank you," said Hemlock as she smiled at Tored.
    "The man is inquisitive like a boy.  Between him and Taros Sundar, I feel like a lion amongst cubs."
    “Impressed with yourself, aren’t you?”
    Tored broke into a rare smile, but said nothing.
    “I’ve never met a Tanna Varran like Faud.  Usually you are all more…reserved.”
    “Truly spoken.  Faud has been acting unusually since he and his family were ambushed by witches.  His father and brother were killed in the encounter, but Faud managed to flee.  They were the only family that he had.  I once made a promise to his mother on her deathbed to look after the boy.  Because of Faud’s erratic behavior, Umra Vyle has tried to strip him of his status as a warrior.  But I intervened on his behalf. ”
    "I also noticed Umra Vyle scowling at Taros Sundar."
    Tored nodded.  "He sees him as a rival.  And Sundar might yet grow out of his youthful simplicity.  Umra Vyle thinks it better to confront him as a boy than as a man.  There is cold logic in that.  But Taros Sundar dismisses me whenever I speak of the danger."
    "Maybe I can talk to him about it."
    Tored, who had been looking ahead, turned to face her.  "It would be a great favor to me if you did."
    "Think nothing of it.  I will speak to