Free The Crowned (The Blood and Brotherhood Saga, Book 6) by Jeremy Laszlo

They
been all the brothers me had. Nine of my cousins fell and two of me uncles. I
am the sole remaining male of my bloodline. It is my responsibility to care for
all of their families. I am sorry but I can go no further.”
    Zorbin watched as Linaya broke. Already she had been crying,
but now she was wracked by sobs. Even so, she nodded her understanding to the
king.
    “The injured and any others who must be returnin’ home to
carry on their line, or for other honorable reasons will be stayin’ here with
me to bury our dead, returning them to the ground from whence we came. Zorbin
Ironfist, ye take the rest on with you to Valdadore and see to it my oath to
aid your kingdom is kept.”
    Zorbin could not believe the words he was hearing. Even
Linaya’s sobs stopped momentarily as she struggled to listen. They abruptly
started anew when she realized that at least some aid was still being sent to
Valdadore. Only this time they were tears and sobs of happiness and relief.
    Zorbin bowed his head in respect to the king, thanking him
for the kindness and sacrifice he shouldered the burden for.
    “What should we do with them?” This time it was Gumbi that
spoke, motioning to the enormous pen housing the dire wolves.
    “I might be havin’ an idea,” Zorbin replied, a crooked grin
appearing from within his thick beard.
    * * * * *
    Sara sat inside her cocoon of wood and thorn, bustled about
like a ragdoll for many hours. If it had not been for her armor, she would have
been impaled by the great thorns adorned by the living tree thing that held her
captive. Upon breaking the point off of one said thorn, she found it to be
hollow and filled with a dark brown, noxious smelling fluid thats scent made
her feel dizzy and disoriented. Eventually the feeling had passed, but she
could not help but imagine what the dark concoction would do to her if she were
pierced by one of the thorns.
    Between the branches she could see their surroundings as
they traveled, though even with her improved night vision there were not many
useful references to make note of in a dark forest. She did glean, however,
that they were steadily climbing up hill. For hours they traversed the forest,
and Sara was certain that they were not alone, catching glimpses of what she
thought were dozens more of the walking and talking trees.
    It was near morning when they broke through the trees into a
clearing. Ahead, cresting the hill, was the remnants of an ancient fortress. Though
parts of the walls had crumbled, and buildings collapsed, much of the structure
still remained. Coming to a stop, Sara’s captor turned slowly and sighed
loudly, shuddering oddly.
    Peering around, the clearing they inhabited was quickly
growing smaller and smaller as more and more of the tree men slowly extracted
themselves from the forest, filling in the clearing one by one. When they
stopped, they each plunged their root-like feet down into the soil, shaking as
if a cold wind had just blown down their spines.
    For several minutes, creaks and groans filled the air as
they all settled into position. Moments later a pair of huge oaken men
appeared. In one’s great tree branch arms, the creature carried the pair of
crushed horses. The other carried the driver and the remnants of the cart. They
entered the clearing, and using their great root-like feet they tore at the
soil, ripping huge chunks of the ground up with each movement. Within minutes a
great hole was dug and into it the horses, cart, and driver were placed. The
soil was summarily replaced and then too, these tree men took to the soil,
planting their roots with a shudder.
    Sara had no idea what to make of the events. Walking and
talking trees that buried dead creatures and carts. Who knew? The real question
was, however, what was to happen to her? Did they intend to hold her prisoner
long? If so, to what end?
    “What do you want with me?” Sara shouted, not really
expecting a response.
    A moment passed and her captor shuddered once