Free Dark One Rising by Leandra Martin Page A

that would have to wait. There was business to attend to first. He flexed his fingers to try and work out the frozen joints. Despite the protective leather of his thick gloves, the cold air still caused the fingers of his hands to get stiff after so many hours in the saddle, and his back and neck were getting sore as well. Spring seemed to be coming later and later every year here. It wasn’t normal, and it made him irritable. Too many nights sleeping under the stars in the bitter cold, not enough warmth to perk up his soul.
    There was something dark and disturbing hanging over this side of the kingdom, but he’d be damned if he knew what it was. He spent too much time riding the countryside not to notice the change. The people were more nervous these days, rather jumpy when it came to strangers in their villages. They went to market to do their trading, but rarely stayed out to enjoy the festivities that always followed a day of bartering. The artisans and entertainers complained of light purses due to the anxiousness and tight fisted patrons. He couldn’t figure out what people were so afraid of, but he feared something wicked was blowing in the wind.
    He guessed that whatever was amiss very likely had something to do with the Duke of Xenos, but he had no solid proof, just his gut. People talked, and it was easy to get information out of the villagers with the right motivation, usually the clinking kind. He had been told stories of dark arts being performed inside the walls of Sexton Manor, and people seemed more afraid of Fallon than usual. It was no secret that he was a crass and quick tempered ogre. Peasants always created made-up stories, for they were a superstitious lot, but Alekzand’r didn’t think they were all just stories this time. He felt something stirring, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He heard of strange things and seen some as well, but he couldn’t explain any of them. He would not start worrying about it just yet, but he refused to just brush it off as nothing either. Soon, he would have to find out what was happening, and he hoped it wouldn’t be too late when he did.
    Alekzand’r saw a horseman approach who looked over his shoulder as if making sure no one was following, then slipped in behind the trees and pulled his horse in next to him. The stranger reined in his mount and pulled his hood from off his head, his breath making mist in the bitter air.
    Alekzand’r, now knowing the coast was clear, pulled his hood off as well. He put out his hand for his companion to shake, and they nodded to each other.
    “Kevaan, it’s been a long time.”
    “Yes, it has. Too long I’m embarrassed to say.”
    “How goes things on your side of the fence?”
    Kevaan shook his head. “Not so good. My father has been acting strange lately, but I cannot put into words why I feel he’s not himself. Just random things. Random acts and deeds.”
    “Is he not well?”
    “Physically he seems fine, but mentally..” He left it hanging in the air. “That’s why I have come. I need a big favor. I trust no one else as much as you for this. It’s extremely important.”
    “We’ve been friends for many years, Kevaan. Anything I do for you would be no favor, only an act out of friendship.”
    Kevaan nodded his head. “You’re one of my closest friends too; that’s why I feel I can’t trust anyone else with this task. It’s too delicate.”
    “What is it?”
    “It’s about my sister.”
    “Ah, fiery Melenthia. How is she these days? I haven’t seen her since she was practically a child.”
    “Well she’s no longer a child and hasn’t yet picked a man to whom she wants to marry. My father is at his wits end with her, and in saying so, has decided that he will no longer accept an old maid for a daughter. He has given her hand in marriage.”
    “I find it hard to believe that she hasn’t had many such offers. She was a lovely child, although precocious, but I assume has grown into a beautiful