Free All that Glitters (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 1) by Loren K. Jones Page A

back where he belongs, in his father's house."
    "Not in one season he won't. He'll have to earn his fourth star to clear the shadow from his name. That'll take nineteen more kills, and not even Charvil ever managed that feat in just one season. If you want to see the girl, go ask Sharindis. After you do your chores."
    Harner took several deep breaths and finally nodded and muttered, "Yes, Sir." He turned and went out to fetch the buckets so he could refill the family's water barrel.
    Jorvan turned to find Coriannis standing behind him. "You heard that, I take it?"
    "The neighbors heard that, Jor. I don't want my son marrying a common servant."
    Jorvan smiled and shook his head. "He isn't, Cor. He's right about Barvil earning his name back. Given his situation, he may very well manage nineteen kills in one season. Or he may not manage any. In any case, Stavin is still going to play a role in this situation. He went into the cave and faced a dragon to win the girl. It's only the fact that he married Sharindis that makes me think he won't stop Harner from marrying Dorvina."
    Coriannis smiled sourly. "Given how Harner and the other boys have treated him in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if Stavin did stop them out of spite. Oh, I know he'd find an honorable reason, but it would be in revenge no matter how he cloaked it. Not that I don't think he doesn't deserve a little of it. I tried—"
    "I know. Beware of those you treat poorly, for one day you may need their help. Harner and the rest of the boys who've been chewing Stavin's tail may regret it."
    * * *
    Harner worked his anger out while hauling water. Even his father was against him, so he was going to have to bend to the will of a blind girl and her runt of a husband. When his chores were completed, he went to the archive and approached Sharindis.
    "Shari, may I speak with you for a moment?" he asked, sticking his head into the archive.
    "Harner?" Sharindis said, raising her head but not looking at the door. "I thought you were—no, that's right. You weren't drafted this year."
    "No, I wasn't. Shari, I have come to ask permission to see Dorvina."
    Sharindis paused for a moment, then nodded. "You may come to the evening meal with us, Harner. In fact, if you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate it if you would walk me home. I still haven't memorized all of the tripping stones between here and there."
    "As you wish. When will you be ready?" Harner asked.
    "Now will do. The sun is being blocked by the clouds, so I can't do much. Just a moment." She quickly packed up her crystal and closed her inkwell, then made her way to the door. "Not too fast, please."
    Harner started out of the archive at a slow walk, but was puzzled by Sharindis' chuckle once they reached the street. "Shari?"
    "I'm not that feeble, Harner. You can walk a bit faster. Just warn me when we reach a rough spot," Sharindis said, walking faster to get him moving.
    The two made it across town without Sharindis tripping or stubbing her toe, and soon Harner was saying, "The steps are just ahead, Shari."
    "Thank you, Harner. Come in with me and we'll talk until Sahrena calls us to eat."
    Harner and Sharindis hadn't reached the door before it opened and Dorvina said, "You're home early, Mistress Shari. Is there a problem?"
    "No, Dorvi, no problem that anyone but the Gods Above can solve. The clouds are blocking too much sun for me to work. Harner will be joining us for the evening meal. Inform Sahrena and ensure we have enough prepared."
    Dorvina bowed deeply and said, "Yes, Mistress Shari." She gave Harner a brilliant smile before she turned away.
    Sharindis chuckled again. "I didn't need to see that to see that. After we eat, you two may sit and talk on the front porch. I'd set Zahri on you, but I have my suspicions about where her loyalties lay." She turned her eyes on Harner and shook her head slowly. "Stavin and Barvil are gone, but there are men of both families here, as well as my father. Don't give them a reason