Read Ghostwalker (Book 1) for Free Online

eyebrows.
    “What’ll ya ‘ave?”
    “Two rooms for the night. I have a mule outside.”
    The bartender wiped down part of the counter with a filthy towel. “Only one room left,” he said without looking up from his work.
    Kendril continued to stare at the bartender. “Just one?”
    “Take it or leave it.” He flipped the towel over his shoulder.
    He gritted his teeth. “I’ll take it.”
    “Claus!” the innkeeper cried, clapping his hands together. A young boy came running out of the kitchen.
    “Yes?”
    “This here fella’s got a mule out front. See to im, will ‘ee?”
    The boy nodded, then turned for the door. The bartender sniffed loudly as the lad disappeared out the front. “Stable’s in the back. Your room’ll be the last on the left, top o’the staircase.”
    “Thanks,” said Kendril. He turned to go.
    The bartender caught a brief glimpse of the pistols stuck in Kendril’s belt. “Hold it,” he said. Kendril gave him a questioning look. “I’ll ‘ave no trouble here, and no fights, understood?” He gestured to Kendril’s weapons. “I run a clean an’ honest place.”
    Kendril fixed the bartender with a penetrating stare for a few tense seconds, then turned again and walked away.
    Jade looked up as he approached. “Did you get our rooms, Kendril?”
    He nodded. “Your room’s up the stairs, last on the left. I’m going to go outside for a moment, get our bags and make sure that Simon gets settled.”
    The girl raised an eyebrow. “Settled?”
    Kendril shrugged. “He gets skittish in new places. Think you’ll be okay for a few minutes?”
    Jade cocked her head and smiled. “Go take care of your mule, Kendril. I think I’ll be all right for five minutes without you here. I am a big girl after all, even if I have lost my memory.”
    Kendril cast a suspicious glance at the group playing cards a couple tables over. “I’ll be back soon.” He moved to the door, then stepped out into the cold and wet.
    The fire crackled merrily as Jade leaned back in her chair, staring at the flames. The warmth seemed to soak its way through her fingers and toes, filling her entire body with comfort and security. She closed her eyes, feeling the heat against her face.
    “Excuse me,” a sudden voice said. “May I join you?”
    Jade opened her eyes to see a tall handsome man standing between her and the fire. He was dressed in expensive-looking clothes, with a purple cape hanging from his shoulders. His hair was dark, and a neatly trimmed goatee covered his face. At his belt hung a large sword in a scabbard.
    “I would love some company,” said Jade, gesturing to a chair. “And you are?”
    “Maklavir, at your service.” The man moved smoothly into the chair, whipping his cape out of the way. “And may I have the honor of your name, madam?”
    “Jade,” she said without thinking. She hesitated for a moment. The fact that she couldn’t remember her real name came back to her with a painful stab.
    Maklavir tilted his head slightly. “Something wrong, Miss Jade?”
    She sighed. “No, no. And please, just Jade is fine.”
    The man gave a warm smile. “Just Jade it is, then. I was playing cards over there when I noticed you sitting here by yourself.” His eyes flashed to the bandage around her head. “You’re injured. Nothing serious, I hope?”
    A tavern maid arrived at the table before Jade could answer.
    Maklavir glanced up at the woman. “Ah, yes. Nothing for me, thank you, but perhaps for the lady?” He looked over at Jade.
    “Oh…no, no thank you. That’s very sweet, but I couldn’t—”
    Maklavir waved his hand. “Don’t be silly. It would be my pleasure. Some stew, perhaps? You look positively drenched.”
    Jade hesitated for a moment, then finally gave in and nodded her head.
    “Splendid,” said the man brightly. “Some of your stew for the lady, then. On second thought, I’ll have some as well. A beautiful woman should never have to eat alone.”
    The tavern maid