Historical letters dating to 1700

The bustle of the camp never failed to leave Jeren bewildered and more than a little confused. The Shistra-Phail moved with quiet efficiency, their whole lifestyle devoted to quick movement, with a nomadic route that safeguarded their people. She set up the tent with the same ruthless competence Shan had taught her. Not so the Holtlanders. In the brief time since theyd called a halt, the Shistra-Phail camp had been erected and food was already being prepared. The Holtlanders were still arguing. But she didnt get far. She hadnt made the stairs when she nearly collided with Vertigern and Elayne. She jerked back, but his arms closed about her like iron, his touch so cold it drained what little warmth she had left. She needed help. She needed Shan. One more thing, Dale. She gave a gasp, of surprise, of wonder. On the day Jeren finally hauled her aching body from bed, Gilliad arrived late—too late to watch the effort it took her. For that small mercy, she was glad. Hed take far too much pleasure in it. Sitting on the balcony, overlooking the Citadel and the Alviron Falls beyond, she found that she loathed the view, one of the most beautiful sights in the Holtlands. Evening fell with agonising slowness, and the lights flickered to life, turning the Holt into a sea of jewels below her. She didnt look at them. She gazed out across the stronghold to the waterfall, into the twilight covering the lower realm. Only a few days had passed since her return. It seemed like a prison term. Indarin hovered at Jerens side, an attentive teacher, a concerned friend. That wasnt what we set out to do. The Enchassa strode around the corner with Gilliad at her side. Jerens voice burst out in a hiccough of fear and denial at the sight of the Fellna enchantress who had once tried to enslave Shan. The naval base had an alluring yet haunting quality. The once-snow-white buildings were speckled with red, giving the appearance of blood splatter from a distance. The paint had slowly peeled, revealing the red bricks beneath. Wed managed to rent a four-bedroom cabin and unload our gear before heading out for groceries and a quick view of the base. A call from Karen had advised she wouldnt be there until later that night. No, thanks. The salad will fill me up. Im in a one bedroom. Stop by the office and see if they have something bigger available. Tell Gabriel to have Karen come here. We have a lot of work to do. Jeren looked to her instead. The bodyguard didnt look much better than her lord and lover. Word came to us a week ago, said Elayne. “We tried to catch up with them but it was already too late. He snatched her from some sort of banquet held in Grey Holt to discuss peace. Took her, wed her in some manner—legal enough or so they say—and raped her until she was bound to be with child. Then sent the joyous news home. The family is sick with worry. They hardly dared tell Vertigern for fear of what hed do. The next bit would be the hardest part.After the tape, I remembered the day he painted me. He told me he didnt need me anymore. He had Emma. That was when he told me she was alive. I downed half the coffee, wishing for another glass of whiskey. “Im sort of jumping around. Im sorry. But for herself or Vertigern, she didnt know. historical letters dating to 1700 Jeren struggled out of sleep. She was back in the tent, wrapped in furs. Shan must have carried her back there last night. She reached out, pressed her hand to his sleeping form and sent the command that would deepen his slumber, keep him still a little longer. Once it was done, once she had spoken, there was nothing he could do about it. But she couldnt look at him and say the words. She just couldnt. Eve feels an overwhelming desire to lock up both father and son.Where is Cormac now? she asks, tightly. The river itself answered. Backing away from a lunge, and caught off balance, Gilliad stepped into a pool of water and slipped. He went down, his sword skittering across the stone. Karen opened Dakotas door. You dont have to go in if you dont want to. I told them we’d meet them at the police station later. She placed a hand on Dakota’s arm. “Max identified the bodies. You don’t have to do that, either. Physically or mentally? asks Rowan..