Free The Shadowhand Covenant by Brian Farrey Page A

other Sarosans, he wore flowing robes that covered his arms and legs. Every move he made was slow and deliberate. He stood directly before me, and we stared at each other for several moments. Then he gently took Reena’s dagger and slashed Maloch’s bonds.
    â€œThat’s not any way to treat our heroes, Reena,” the leader said.
    Reena scowled and Holm looked ashamed. I was a little stunned he was being so rational.
    â€œThat’s right,” I said. “Heroes. And heroes get rewards, right? So does that mean we’re free to go?”
    The leader clasped his hands together and smiled.
    â€œOh, I wouldn’t say that.”
    Zoc. So much for being rational.

8
The Sarosan Plight
    â€œThose who choose to see coincidence fail to see conspiracy.”
    â€”Ancient par-Goblin proverb
    â€œ T hese caves are no longer safe!” the leader declared to his people. “We must leave at once.”
    Without question, the Sarosans began salvaging what they could and packing their meager belongings into wagons. I almost told him about how the vessapedes were dead so the tunnels really were safe. But it occurred to me that if the Sarosans were on the move and taking us with them, Maloch and I stood a better chance at escaping if we weren’t underground. So I kept quiet.
    As everyone worked, the leader pulled Warras aside and whispered in the Aviard’s ear. Warras nodded, gripped the glass tube with the message for the Dowager, and exited through the tunnel. I didn’t like that the Sarosans were manipulating her, but I knew the Dowager would do whatever it took to free me.
    At least, I assumed so.
    The leader guided Maloch and me through the carnage to one of the few tents untouched in the vessapede attack. The inside looked much like the place where Warras and his friend had taken my hair. A cot stood against one wall. A table with small bowls holding an assortment of herbs, spices, and plants I couldn’t identify sat in the room’s center.
    I noticed for the first time just how tall the leader was. His head nearly touched the top of the tent. As old as he looked—and he looked old —his eyes danced, young and active. He moved slowly, wincing as his arms swayed at his sides. When he spoke, his voice was low and gravelly.
    â€œPlease make yourselves comfortable while I pack,” he said, pointing to a couple of stools. I sat. Maloch remained standing. As the leader began to wrap the bowls from the table in swaths of burlap, he watched Maloch carefully. “Youhave something you’d like to say.”
    â€œI have lots I’d like to say,” Maloch said, bobbing from foot to foot like he was ready for a fight. “Like: who are you? Why did you take us? Who are those naff-nut kids who keep attacking us?”
    â€œYou’ll have to forgive Reena and Holm for behaving brusquely,” the leader said with a sigh. “Their parents were among the first arrested when the High Laird declared the Sarosans outlaws. The rest of our tribe has been taking turns caring for Reena and Holm. But sometimes, Reena decides she can take care of herself.”
    So I was right about their parents.
    â€œOtherwise, have you been treated well?” the man asked.
    I shrugged. “Well—and remember that this is coming from a Grimjinx—as far as gaols go, this cave is one of the best I’ve seen. No bars, no locks. Almost like you didn’t expect us to try to escape.”
    â€œNot all prisons have bars, Jaxter. Sometimes, the hardest prisons to escape are the ones we carry inside.” He gave a single, soft laugh, as though he’d just said something funny.
    I spotted Maloch’s pack next to mine on the ground near the table. My belt and pouches sat on top of the packs. Theman scooped up the small book tucked between the folds of my belt and handed it to me with a smile. “I believe this belongs to you.”
    I thumbed through my worn copy