Free Exile's Return (Book 1) by Kate Jacoby

cave, the horses unsaddled and stalled at the far end, Micah pulled one of the bags across to the fire and began to prepare some food. Robert sat down on the other side of the fire and reached out his hands towards the flames. With a glance in Micah’s direction, he waved the girl forward from where she stood by the cave mouth.
    ‘All right, child,’ Dunlorn began quietly. ‘Do you want to tell us your name?’
    The girl moved forward hesitantly, glancing at each of them before taking a seat by the fire.
    ‘I’m more curious to know why she lied to us,’ Finnlaygrunted, taking the piece of bread Micah handed him. ‘Unless I’m mistaken, robbers don’t go around dressed in Guilde robes – although few people would be able to tell the difference.’
    Robert hid a smile and turned back to the girl. ‘Well?’
    She gazed at him for a moment, not speaking. Now that Micah could see her properly, he realized she was not as young as he’d first thought. Perhaps sixteen or seventeen. Nor was she dressed so poorly. Although her cloak was worn and frayed, the green dress underneath showed little signs of age, even if it was streaked with dust and mud. Her thin, oval face was tanned and made her deep blue eyes almost glow in contrast. A ragged braid of thick black hair tumbled down her back. Although she was obviously wary, the girl appeared strangely unafraid and moved with a confidence beyond her years.
    ‘You can speak, can’t you?’ Finnlay prompted, his patience wearing thin.
    ‘Yes,’ she murmured with a little laugh. ‘Of course I can – and I’m sorry I lied to you back there. My name is Jenn and I thank you for your help. I don’t think that poor horse would have taken me much further. He was already winded and stumbling when I came upon you.’
    ‘And why were they chasing you?’ Finnlay asked flatly.
    She dropped her gaze for a moment. ‘I guess I insulted them. I’m no horse thief, I promise you.’
    ‘Are we supposed to believe that?’
    ‘Finnlay, please,’ Robert chided. Micah handed out cups of ale, then settled down with his back to the wall of the cave, his feet toasting nicely before the fire.
    Finnlay took a swallow, then wiped his hand across his mouth. ‘Then that horse was yours?’
    ‘Not exactly. I … borrowed it.’
    ‘Borrowed it? From whom?’
    At this, she smiled a little. ‘I don’t know. I didn’t have time to ask. When those men came at me I just leaped on the first one to hand. By then it was too late.’ The smile vanished, replaced by a frown. ‘Do you think they will havefound it by now? Do you think those soldiers will return it to its owner?’
    Finnlay blinked at her unveiled anxiety. If she was trying to fool them, she was doing a very good job. However, Micah didn’t think she was. There was, after all, no reason for her to lie now – after they had helped her.
    ‘I don’t know,’ Dunlorn answered lightly. ‘Perhaps next time you’ll learn not to insult the Guilde. It can be dangerous. Men have been killed for less. But I’m curious. What exactly did you say to them?’
    ‘Well, er … have you heard the story about the hermit of Saint Cuthbert’s?’
    ‘By the gods,’ Finnlay rolled his eyes and leaned back on his elbows.
    ‘Ignore my brother,’ Dunlorn smiled companionably. ‘What hermit?’
    ‘I don’t know him personally, of course, but this hermit was once a Brother at Saint Cuthbert’s and has spent the last twenty years living deep in this forest. A few weeks ago he suddenly returned to the abbey and told the Abbot that he’d had a vision of Mineah – and of a dark angel who has come to the land to tear the Church in two. Having made this dire pronouncement, the hermit then left and disappeared again. As you can imagine, this story went around like wildfire. I mean, it’s been decades since anyone had a proper vision of Mineah. I even heard someone say that it means she’s about to take on human form again – just like she