A bit of a reunion in Song and Sword this week, picking up from last week’s post.

“We gained a new companion in the night,” Pashevel told him.  “Someone who is very anxious to speak with you.”

Dakkas felt a cold clutch of terror, remembering the voice – so familiar yet so elusive! – from the dungeon. But Pashevel knew about him, knew that he had been the one behind the torture – surely he would not have invited him to the camp! 

 “Calmly, friend. There is nothing to fear. You are safe.” 

“But who…”

Pashevel smiled and stepped to one side, directing his gaze out to the clearing in front of their shelter. Sonata’s blue-black coat was a dark shadow in the morning; Justice glowed white and gold next to her. And with them was a third unicorn, his coat gleaming a rusty red in the morning light, and Dakkas gave a cry of pure joy. “Rebel!”

Marlia half-woke and looked to see what had roused her. As always, her eyes sought Pashevel first, and she followed his gaze. Dakkas stood, leaning into the chest of a unicorn, kneading his withers. The unicorn tucked his head, pressing it against the Drow’s back, holding him there, and she could not help but smile as she lay back again, still exhausted. She turned her head to find Pashevel watching her, a knowing smile on his lips, and she scowled and rolled over, pulling the blanket over her. 

Pashevel chuckled softly; she didn’t want to admit that he was right, but he would win her over. She just needed a chance to get to know Dakkas the way he had, needed to see what he had seen.

Blurb:
Pashevel: a simple Elven Bard — and the Crown Prince

Marlia: a Paladin of Arithen, the Elven God of Justice – seeking vengeance for the destruction of her village

Dakkas: heir to the Drow throne — if his father and elder half-brother don’t kill him first

Kashrya: raised among a tribe of nomadic Humans, she is unaware of her true heritage — or of the prophecy that made her mother an outcast

Their goal: build a bridge between the Elves and their outcast brethren, the Drow, reuniting them and undoing the damage caused in a time so far gone that history has become legend and legend has become myth.

But first, they have a problem to solve:  how do you stop a war that hasn’t started?

Available for Kindle at Amazon

and at Smashwords for everything else

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.

More from Song and Sword.  I’m thinking I might use Camp NaNoWriMo next month to get back to work on the sequel.

Dakkas was awakened by a hand on his arm, shaking him gently.  “What–?” he sat up, looking around wildly.

“Shh.”  Pashevel held a finger to his lips as he nodded toward the sleeping women and motioned for Dakkas to follow him.

Careful not to disturb Kashrya, Dakkas eased out from under the blanket, and blinked. “It doesn’t hurt,” he whispered.

“Marlia woke up a couple hours ago and healed you. She’s going to need a long rest before she’s fit to travel.” He stood and helped Dakkas to his feet, guiding him away so they could talk without disturbing the women.

“What’s wrong?”

“We gained a new companion in the night,” Pashevel told him.  “Someone who is very anxious to speak with you.”

Blurb:
Pashevel: a simple Elven Bard — and the Crown Prince

Marlia: a Paladin of Arithen, the Elven God of Justice – seeking vengeance for the destruction of her village

Dakkas: heir to the Drow throne — if his father and elder half-brother don’t kill him first

Kashrya: raised among a tribe of nomadic Humans, she is unaware of her true heritage — or of the prophecy that made her mother an outcast

Their goal: build a bridge between the Elves and their outcast brethren, the Drow, reuniting them and undoing the damage caused in a time so far gone that history has become legend and legend has become myth.

But first, they have a problem to solve:  how do you stop a war that hasn’t started?

Available for Kindle at Amazon

and at Smashwords for everything else

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.

More from Song and Sword.  Dakkas asked Pashevel why he was helping them when he didn’t even know them.

Pashevel shrugged. “You needed help,” he said easily.

“But I’m a Drow!” Dakkas protested. “No one helps a Drow.”

A smile played over Pashevel’s lips as he shrugged. “I help those who have need,” he replied. “As does Marlia.”  

Dakkas shook his head. “I saw the look in your eyes when you realized what I was.”

Pashevel looked down. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “That was a knee-jerk reaction, and I apologize for prejudging you.” He looked up, meeting the Drow’s eyes. “Will you forgive me?” 

Dakkas stared at him in disbelief. An Elf apologizing to a Drow? He looked at the hand Pashevel had offered him, and reached for it, grasping the Elf’s forearm, feeling Pashevel’s long slender fingers wrap around his own arm, the touch firm but gentle, mindful of his wounds.

“Now, eat, my friend,” Pashevel said after a moment. “And sleep. And in the morning, call your unicorn.”

Dakkas nodded, slowly releasing his arm and turning his attention to the bowl of stew. The rich meaty taste of it filled him with warmth, and a slow feeling of contentment came over him as he glanced over at the women, both sleeping peacefully.

“I don’t think I can sleep,” he said.

Pashevel chuckled. “Dakkas, my friend, you are about ready to drop.  I’ll be surprised if I don’t look up and find you face down in your soup.”

Blurb:
Pashevel: a simple Elven Bard — and the Crown Prince

Marlia: a Paladin of Arithen, the Elven God of Justice – seeking vengeance for the destruction of her village

Dakkas: heir to the Drow throne — if his father and elder half-brother don’t kill him first

Kashrya: raised among a tribe of nomadic Humans, she is unaware of her true heritage — or of the prophecy that made her mother an outcast

Their goal: build a bridge between the Elves and their outcast brethren, the Drow, reuniting them and undoing the damage caused in a time so far gone that history has become legend and legend has become myth.

But first, they have a problem to solve:  how do you stop a war that hasn’t started?

Available for Kindle at Amazon

and at Smashwords for everything else

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.