Free Take My Heart...: Dark Ages - Fantasy (Dark Gods & Tainted Souls Book 3) by julius schenk Page A

march and cause some mayhem. She could see Goldie and Farirkar at the head lead them off in a slow walk. It was only two days till there first stop and they had to quickly get ahead of them and warn the poor souls just who was coming to visit. She went to ride out but Grimm grabbed the reins of her horse in his firm hand and just slowly shook his head.
    As she looked a small group of the king’s men were following slowly behind on horseback. They trotted very slowly keeping a good distance between them and the Reds.
    “Looks like the king doesn’t trust our Goldie,” Grimm said.
    Minsetta reached out her hand and opening a leather bag strapped to the side of her horse. She pulled out the map for the tenth time and looked at it. She knitted her brow. As far as threats to the king went these three weren’t even top twenty. The first she had no idea about just some desert nomads the king probably hated because as he said to Goldie, they didn’t pay taxes. The second though was well known to her. The Temple of the divine child was a lovely and benign order. She had met a few of their acolytes when she was being sweet and nice and giving women a final moment with their children who had passed over. They were an order of midwives, dedicated to safe births and actually viewed giving birth as a spiritual gift. They were misguided but harmless.
    The third, Goldie, hadn’t been told but she knew. There was only one thing in that area and if they went there it would be their first proper fight. It was the home of the temple of the Lucky Lady and as such, it was a gambling den. Animal racing, pit fighting with slaves, shady deals and dangerous people. Goldie would be right at home there and would never attack it. He was practically engaged to the lucky lady.
    Pointing at the map, she spoke.
    “They are on foot and as such will stick to actual roads. If we cut across the country on horse we can make it straight for the temple and get there a few days earlier, clear everyone out and have them safely away,” she said.
    “What about the first X, aren’t we going there first?” Josette asked.
    “We don’t have time. I know they are on foot, but some of the land we’ll have to cross is near on sand, we won’t be going fast,” she said.
    “I’ll go if you want,” said Grimm. “I’m pretty sure I can speak their tongue now and if anyone knows what these bald fuckers are really up to it’ll be the desert nomads. I’m fairly sure this group are descendants of the prophet, a man called white eyes, people worth saving,” he said.
    “How do you know that?” asked Josette. “And since when can you speak the desert tongue?”
    “Since I got drunk on Elizebetha’s private stash, you know it as well,” he said.
    “What do you think they’ll know?” Minsetta asked.
    “One thing keeps coming back to me from your memory of the night you were attacked by the order that man said to you, “‘You have no idea what gods you’re worshipping or giving strength to,’ it’s that phrase giving strength too. My question is, who are they giving strength to.”
    Grimm looked at the map and the horizon; it was a day’s fast ride for one man alone on horse. He turned to them both.
    “I have no idea what’s going to happen next, some many paths are opening but I feel like this might be goodbye for a while.” He took Josette’s arm in a warrior’s grip. “Stay strong little sister”
    “Minsetta thanks for the help.” He turned to ride away and looked over his shoulder with a grin. “Oh Josette, now you’re going to have to feed her!”
    Minsetta laughed and looking at Josette’s fine neck thought it did look a lot better than the Northman’s.

Chapter Fifteen.
    Seth didn’t realize he’d slept, but when he woke on the deck of the large ship he knew he must have. The sound of waves breaking against a strong hull brought his eyes open, he stood quickly, weapon drawn, expecting something, but not this. He was back on The