Page 40 of Of Blood & Stone

He had known they’d strip him of all weapons, so he pretended that the sword was his only, and his favorite. In a way, the sword was a guaranteed form of escape whenever he found himself in trouble, his one-on-one combat more decent than most, but he excelled with his rope and dagger. At first glance, people hardly took notice of either. The sword would always be seen as more dangerous.

But before he could continue his performance of dignified anger, Kharis’ strong grip squeezed his shoulder.

“You won’t win this argument, only waste our time,” the warrior said, “Besides, our men are fantastic at sharpening weapons.”

Elnok feigned frustration, sighing in defeat as he unsheathed his blade and handed it to the guard.

“The rope as well.”

“My sword isn’t enough?” Elnok questioned, real frustration flickering in his gut, “Are you going to ask for my crown too? Are the points too sharp?”

The guard hesitated. “Are they?”

Elnok rolled his eyes. “My rope assists me with inconveniences, as well as…” he ran through every excuse hecould make, finally arriving at one that usually did the trick, “…otherendeavors.”

The guard’s dark brown skin turned the faintest shades of red. Elnok smirked as Kharis held back a laugh.

“It’s not to harm people,” Elnok lied, “unless requested, of course. If you understand my meaning?”

The guard opened and closed his mouth, incoherent words and sounds causing Elnok to smile.

“Just the blade is fine,” the guard finally sputtered.

“Great,” Elnok replied, patting his rope against his thigh, the hidden dagger underneath his leathers still strapped tight. “How long do we have to endure this banquet before we can finally sleep?”

“The High One wishes to greet you both upon your arrival; he’ll let you know his expectations for the night and the remainder of your stay.”

“Delightful,” Elnok replied.

It was anythingbutdelightful. Stomach rumbling and throat parched, Elnok and Kharis followed the guard through a protected sidewall, the large sandstone gate lifted by a group of guards and a complex pulley system.

Impressive.

If this had been a mission to steal an item from inside the temple, this entrance would prove useless as an entry point. Heavily guarded, multiple people needed, and a cracking sound echoing for miles. But it could prove a decent distraction. As they passed through the wall and into the gardens, he couldn’t stop wondering, even in his tired state, how someonecouldget into this place undetected.

“Praise be to Aretta!” a woman suddenly yelled in Elnok’s face.

He stepped back, the wine on her breath assaulting him.

“Praise be to Aretta, indeed.” Kharis said as he gently redirected the woman back the way she came, “How’s your evening faring?”

His voice grew distant as he talked to the woman. Elnok swallowed hard. Damn it all if the wine on her breath didn’t smell exactly the same as the kind his brother wasted himself on.

His brother.

Tosh.

Quickly, Elnok forced the memories of his daily beatings away, redirecting his focus to the gardens. Drooping trees stood everywhere, lining multiple pathways flanked by glowing torches. Dynameis stood tall and vigilant, their chests bright with orodytes. Masses of people roamed the pathways with delirious grins and goblets in hand. Breaths strained, Elnok followed Kharis into a large clearing of trees and garden beds. He sucked in as much air as he could, yet the stench of wine only grew stronger.

“Welcome, Esteans, to the annual banquet!” A deep voice rumbled across the gardens.

“That’s the High One,” Kharis whispered, pointing upwards.

The temple stood over the clearing, a lone balcony stretching out from its side. Green vines draped over the railing, tangling themselves in the light breeze. Standing on the balcony were a man and a woman, both dressed in white robes.

“This evening, we have a special announcement from the most powerful Kreena in Estean history. Praise be to Aretta!”

The garden erupted in a slurred cheer, echoing their leader’s words. Elnok grabbed Kharis’ shoulder, the scars on his back burning.

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