Of Blood And Fire by Ryan Cahill (best classic books of all time .txt) 📕

“Maybe we should keep our eyes ahead of us instead of in the clouds?” Rhett said, laughter touching the edge of his words.

Ella smiled, a slight blush spreading on her cheeks. He always did that to her, no matter where they were. It was his eyes, she thought. Or it could be his smile.

Rhett narrowed his eyes. “Stop looking at me like that.” He laughed.

The merchant who brought them to Midhaven gave them the name of an inn that was “both cheap and cheerful.” The Golden Bow. Not that Ella was in any rush to find it. She could have wandered the streets all day without a care in the world. They weren’t as busy as the streets in Camylin, but that was probably because the day had barely even begun. Even then, as the morning sun sprayed down over the cobbled stone streets, Ella could almost feel the day’s excitement in the air.

The magical plethora of aromas that wafted through the air added an entirely different dimension to the city. Midhaven was famous for four things: its high towers, white walls, flowers, and bakeries. The first two made it a visual spectacle; the second two allowed you to float around the streets on the waves of aroma.

Her eyes almost jumped out of her head as she passed the window of the largest bakery she had ever seen in her life. It was at least ten times the size of Madame Gourna’s in Milltown. There was everything she could think of. Loaves, cakes, tarts, pies – the list went on and on. It pained her to continue walking.

Rhett wanted to get to the inn first and make sure that there was room. Summer was one of the busiest seasons in Illyanara for travellers and merchants, but in Midhaven especially, as it was commonly used as a midway point for all travel in the province. “There, up ahead. By the butchers.”

Sure enough, about twenty feet ahead, on the right-hand side, was the butcher. Next-door, a large sign hung over the building with ‘The Golden Bow’ printed above the intricately painted image of a bow in gold and silver.

Just as the merchant had promised, the inn was a lovely little place. It was smaller than the inn in Camylin but had a much nicer atmosphere, and there wasn’t mould growing on the walls, which was a positive. The innkeeper was an upbeat fellow, slightly plump with a balding head and a beaming smile. His bleached white apron was immaculate; not a speck of dirt could be seen from top to bottom. That definitely won’t last the day.

To Ella’s pleasant surprise, not only did they have rooms available, but the room that he offered them was so lovely and quaint. A comfy-looking double bed lay nestled into a nook at the far end, just below a slanted wooden roof. A small antique mirror hung on the wall in front of an ornate wooden desk. Perfect.

Ella threw herself onto the bed, closing her eyes as she sunk into the soft mattress. She exhaled contently, then let her eyes open again. Rhett stood two feet away with a letter in his hand and a concerned look on his face.

“I have something to show you.”

CHAPTER 22

Valerys

So, just one more time. Why is it exactly that we’re going to the most ominous-sounding place in all Epheria? The Darkwood. I mean, besides the legends, it just doesn’t sound very welcoming, does it?”

Dann, as expected, hadn’t stopped talking to take a breath for more than five minutes over the past few days. It was at the point where Calen thought Therin might just kill him in his sleep and drag the body away. The elf glared at the back of Dann’s head. His lips moved, but he was too far away for Calen to hear what he was saying. Calen wagered that it wasn’t anything pleasant.

For the fourth time, Aeson answered Dann’s question with more patience than Calen would have been able to muster himself. “There is an old mountain pass in the Darkwood, at the foot of the Lodhar Mountains. It is not a pleasant journey, but it should see us to Belduar safely and allow us to skirt the blockade.”

Dann was silent for a moment, pondering. “I see. And why is it that Therin is so opposed to going this way?”

Therin did not even acknowledge the question.

“He has his reasons,” Aeson said. “Now if you can stay quiet until we reach the Darkwood, I will answer three questions that Therin has refused to answer for you, but only if you don’t speak from now until we arrive.”

Dann went to open his mouth almost immediately, but paused when Aeson cocked his head and tilted one eyebrow upwards. He gestured as if he were tying his mouth closed with string.

I don’t see that lasting.

Therin and Aeson had not had any verbal disagreements about their new path, but it was clear to everyone that Therin did not approve. His mood had deteriorated since the Darkwood was mentioned. Calen wasn’t too keen on the idea either. There was not a story he had heard that involved anyone walking into the Darkwood – and then walking back out again.

Calen felt a burst of excitement coming from the dragon, combined with a rather loud shriek as it spread its snow-white wings. It leapt from the back of the saddle and up onto his right shoulder. Calen couldn’t help but smile. It had been sleeping a lot less over the past few days and nights, and its appetite had increased twofold. It had also grown by almost half its original size, which Calen felt as its claws dug into his shoulder. “I think you might be getting a bit big to be standing on my shoulder.” Calen felt a rumble of disagreement as the dragon chirped harshly. It understood him, he knew it did. Just as he understood it.

He still hadn’t given it a name.