Free Questing Sucks (Book 1) by Kevin Weinberg Page B

down.
    “Sehn, what is the problem here?”
    “Are you a fool, Patrick? If you execute these men, then how will they spread the name of the man that defeated them? Don’t get me wrong—the Great Sehn intends to murder many, many people. But first, I must ensure my name inspires fear and hatred throughout the land.”
    Patrick reluctantly sheathed his sword and turned away. “Have it your way, Sehn, but just this once. Next time, they die by my blade.”
    The remaining men carried away their comrades and abandoned the scene with a renewed vigor, thankful to still possess their lives.
    Cah’lia rushed to the fallen woman. She was injured and in critical condition, but Cah’lia was certain she could patch the Human woman up. She would be able to save her life.
    “Sehn, I think I can save her. In fact, I’m certain of it.”
    “Bah! Just take her valuables and leave her. Oh, and if she starts to die come and find me so I can return and laugh in her face. Too bad those bandits threatened us, I was looking forward to betraying you and joining them instead.”
    Sehn about-faced and marched away. Sehn’s comments did not bother her. In fact, Cah’lia had expected something along those lines. Now that the woman’s life was no longer in danger, she expected nothing less of Sehn.
    The woman looked up into the eyes of her savior. “Thank you. They took me from my family, and I thought this was the end.”
    “Don’t speak,” Cah’lia said. “Just rest. I’ll have the men bring you food and water.”
    She returned to the camp to find Sehn chatting excitingly with Nero. The little boy was jumping up and down, exclaiming surprise during every moment of Sehn’s boastful tale.
    “And then what, Sehn? And then what!”
    “Do you even have to ask, Nero? Once they entered combat with the Great Sehn, they knew immediately they had no chance. Do you remember how I abused Daniel yesterday? I did that times ten.”
    “So, where are they now, Sehn?”
    Sehn made an exaggerated growl. “Unfortunately, they escaped.”
    “All of them?”
    “Yeah, Nero, all of them.”
    Cah’lia turned around with the supplies so that none would see her cry. So, Sehn had not told Nero the full truth? He had spared him from terrors of life that even he was only first coming to grips with: that she had killed three men, and Patrick executed a fourth.
    Cah’lia had wondered what Nero would do upon learning of his sister’s role in combat. Would he still look at her the same? Would he be appalled to know his sister had taken not one, but several lives?
    Thanks to Sehn, she’d never have to find out.
    For once, I owe him my thanks.

Chapter 8: The Fourth Day

     
    Nero was bored; it was as simple as that. At first, he had delighted in the feeling of being away from home and seeing all the cool new animals and sights. But now that they were on their fourth day, all he wanted was to finally arrive in Koringrath.
    If what his sister had told him was accurate, then by sunset that day, the mountains running close on both sides would end, and the land would once again open back up into wide plains. It was at this point they’d be nearing Koringrath.
    Nero wasn’t very happy with the group. They bossed him around, and they didn’t even let him watch Sehn beat up those bandits two days earlier. That alone wouldn’t have been so bad if not for that
Daniel human
being allowed to go. Why did Daniel get to watch but not Nero? It was so frustrating. Nero wanted to punch him in the face.
    Nero slowed his horse to ride alongside Sehn, who was once again starting to lag behind. He was slouched over in his horse, with quill and parchment in hand, writing at a furious rate. He’d been spending a great deal of time composing his Adventurer’s log. All day yesterday, from sunup to sundown, he’d been writing in that thing, and now all day today as well. Cah’lia had fought with him several times, forcing him to stop and eat, because Sehn had almost passed