Free The Balborite Curse (Book 4) by Kristian Alva Page B

rarely traveled outside the desert, except on official missions. The desert had been his home for decades.
    Sela bowed her head briefly. “You cannot return until I find out why Druknor is targeting you and Duskeye specifically.”
    “But I could help you. I could interrogate people—search for clues.”
    “I’m concerned for your safety here. You must leave Parthos, especially since we cannot even trust our cathedral priests!”
    Tallin tightened his lips. “I want to stay and help.”
    She caught something defensive in his tone. “Do not question my authority, Tallin. It’s too risky for you to remain in the city. I’m your leader, and you shall obey my orders. There’s probably an assassin in Parthos already, just waiting for an opportunity to kill you. I’ll not have your death on my conscience.”
    "But how will you protect the city by yourself?” Tallin persisted.
    “I’m totally capable of protecting this city by myself—without your help,” she said firmly. Her eyes were flinty and proud. “Look, let me find out who’s trying to kill you. It’s my responsibility to keep all the dragon riders safe.”
    He gazed at the crisscross of faint scars on her cheeks and remembered that like him she bore the evidence of countless battles. The scars had faded with time, but they would always be there—a lingering reminder of what she had endured. Tallin lowered his eyes. Sela was right—she was capable of protecting this city on her own, as she had for years. During the Dragon Wars, her friends and family were slaughtered, but she continued to fight bravely, inspiring all those around her. I am a fool, he thought to himself. For years, Sela protected this desert without my help. Who am I to question her judgment?
    “Fine. I’ll go.” Tallin capitulated, and Sela seemed pleased. “Should I fly to Mount Velik, then? I could try negotiating another truce between the dwarves. The peace talks between the clans are stalled again.”
    “No, don’t go to Mount Velik,” she responded. “Trying to broker peace between the dwarf clans is a waste of time—you’ve tried to help them before, to no avail. Perhaps it would be best for you to go south. You can go to Hwīt Rock to rescue Endrell’s family.”
    “I thought you said Endrell’s family was dead.”
    “They probably are… but I made a promise to that poor wretch, and I’m a woman of my word. Go to Hwīt Rock and see if you can find them. Offer them safe passage.”
    “Assuming they’re still alive, should I bring them to Parthos?”
    “No, you can’t bring them back to the desert. Druknor will be expecting that. The Shadow Grid will shelter them for us.”
    Tallin frowned. “The Shadow Grid, eh? I don’t fancy having to seek favors from them.”
    The Shadow Grid, a loose society of mageborns, had rebuilt its ranks after the war. There was a guild chapter in every major city, and freemages roamed the countryside selling questionable potions, honey traps, and other spells. Grid spellcasters usually lacked formal training, and the guilds rejected any governance from the Miklagard council. They were starting to become a problem.
    Sela nodded her understanding. “I’m not fond of the Grid, either, but Falenrith owes me a good turn. He’s the guildmaster in the south, and despite any difficulties we’ve had with his spellcasters, Falenrith himself is an honorable man.” Sela knew that the Shadow Grid would eventually cause problems for the dragon riders, but for now, she would use her guild connections to their advantage.
    “I haven’t been past the Elburgian Mountains in years. Since I’m going to Hwīt Rock, I may as well visit Chua and Starclaw, since they live nearby.”
    “That’s a good idea. I haven’t spoken with Chua in ages. He has the gift of sight, so perhaps he’ll offer you a divination on how we should deal with Druknor.”
    “All right, Duskeye and I will leave tonight.” Almost as an afterthought, Tallin asked, “Shall