Free The Faerion by Jim Greenfield

about Kirkes and Baroness, now Queen, Richela?
    Kirkes felt a fear growing inside, a fear for Richela. Who could stop Treteste from doing what he wanted now? Perhaps he had been biding his time until he was king, waiting until he would not be denied in punishing those who angered or insulted him.
    He looked over at Crestan, a knight lacking in virtue. Kirkes tried to deny him knighthood but the Baron interfered and Crestan became a knight. That was the first indication that the Baron did not fully support Kirkes any longer. Kirkes did not ask Treteste for an explanation to forestall the moment when his relationship with the Queen becomes an issue. He thought it better to let it simmer, dodging its undercurrents when they became too unbearable.
    The trail was cold, but Kirkes could follow it, winding upward to the mountain passes. The trees grew thick as the trail disappeared behind a wall of green, flecked with white at the higher elevations. Each man gritted his teeth at the impending thought of snow. Perhaps they would capture the sorceress before she could reach Paglo or whatever haven she sought.
    "The blood has grown less," said Kirkes. "Apparently the wound was not as grievous as the King hoped."
    "She cannot escape us," said Crestan. "The King has laid that charge upon us."
    "I agree. She may be able to put up more resistance than I initially expected."
    "She turned coward at the castle," said Watty. "She ran from us. Yeates was screaming at her to use her magic, but she fled. I don't think she will trouble us much."
    "No, she won't," agreed Crestan. "She's not much of a sorceress. The rumors about her must be true."
    "At the castle she had a means of escape," said Kirkes. "If we trap her, she will have to fight. Keep that in mind. A desperate sorceress could be formidable."
    "If you are not up to it, I shall do your work for you," said Crestan, sneering. "I'm capable of killing a woman if you are not."
    "Yes, I believe you have a particular knack for it. It is unfortunate that personal gain is your sole driving force, Crestan. You might have grown to exhibit the virtues to earn your knighthood." He looked intently at Crestan. "On second thought, I take those words back. You are and will always remain a cockroach."
    Steel whined as Crestan drew his sword.
    "Sir Crestan!" cried Holder and Birate together.
    "Have a care," said Birate. "Remember the King is counting on you to capture the sorceress."
    "Yes, of course." He sheathed his sword, breathing hard. "How careless of me. I must do the King's work." He glared at Kirkes who had dismissed the incident already, looking for the trail of the sorceress.
    Kirkes led them higher up the pass. Snow was in the air, causing Crestan to spew curses between breaths. The trail rose higher, winding back and forth through the trees. Suddenly, Kirkes left the trail, entering the thicker woods heading back down toward the valley beyond.
    "All be praised," said Watty. "I glad she had some sense."
    "She is definite heading for the Tuors," said Kirkes. "Watty, you return to King Treteste with word. We'll want more soldiers."
    "For these pixies! Kirkes, you alone could trash all the Tuors," said Crestan. "Together no one can withstand us. Even I doubt that you are a coward."
    "You either overestimate our abilities, or underestimate the Tuors, I can't say which. However, your conclusions may cost us our lives."
    "Bah! I should ride in alone and bring her back myself."
    Kirkes shook his head, gesturing with his hand for Crestan to lead them. Crestan moved directly to the front; Kirkes and Rocodt waiting to bring up the rear. Watty looked at Kirkes who motioned for him to follow Crestan.
    The grasses gave way to rockier ground. The horses picked their way slowly through the large rocks covering the trail.
    "Why are there so many rocks?" asked Watty.
    "Troll country," said Kirkes. "Those are pieces of larger rocks broken against the ground. They were thrown by Trolls."
    "Thrown? At