Menu

Cold Magic (Spiritwalker #1) - Page 91/180

Duvai brought him to me. He traced the air around me without touching me, and a shiver of power crawled along my skin. Duvai helped him sit on the first bench. Still holding on to his nephew, the old man spoke to the assembly in a voice as hoarse as a frog’s spring croak. “The spirit world is knit into her bones. But she is not a spirit woman. Hers is true human flesh. Therefore, she did not deceive us in asking for guest rights. It is a serious matter to consider handing over one we have promised to shelter.”

“The mansa will punish us,” said one of the women, “if we do not turn her over.”

“Give her to Andevai,” said a man, “and let him do what he must.”

“To kill in the village on Hallows Night,” said Mamadi, “is a very dangerous thing. Spirits will flock to her blood. That they would enter this village would be a very ill thing for the village.”

“Then hold her prisoner,” said that first man, “until Hallows Day has passed. Let her be taken back to the House, or have her throat slit beyond the stockade. We’ll be rewarded.”

“Rewarded as we were before,” asked another woman, “to see our noble son snatched away by the mansa?”

“Will we be rewarded for offering guest rights to a traveler who asked properly and then breaking our word?” demanded another woman. “What troubles will rain over us in the years to come, because we have done a wrong thing? She must be released to go on her way. If the mansa’s hunters track her down later, then it will not be on us that she is dead.”

“If we do not tell Andevai,” said another man, “then how will he know she was here? If he does not know, the mansa does not know.”

They discussed the matter while I stood there pressed against the wall, amazed so many spoke in my favor. Or not in my favor, precisely—I never felt they cared much for me one way or the other—but in favor of a code that safeguarded guests. This was not about me, but about the integrity of the village.

When all had made their arguments, the old hunter spoke again in his frog’s whisper. “If she has been offered guest rights, then we risk a worse thing if we turn her over to the mansa. If other villages should hear—and they will hear, you can be sure—then how can we expect them to greet our hunters and our women out gathering if they are caught betimes needing shelter? The mansa may fine us, add to our burden, even kill some among us, but his power is limited to this world. If we go against what the ancestors and the gods have told us is right behavior, then we offend a deeper power. And trouble will come down much harder on us, and on our children and on their children.”

Last of all, Andevai’s grandmother spoke. “If we prosper only through the suffering or death of another, then that is not prosperity.”

It was agreed by a nodding of heads, some resigned, some reluctant, but in the end no one objected.

Duvai said, as briskly as if he had been waiting eagerly just for this opportunity, “Vai cannot leave the village until dusk tomorrow. If I set her on her way at dawn, we can fairly be said to have given her shelter and not left her vulnerable or tried to trick her into being trapped by him later. After that, it is out of our hands.”

Silence followed his words.

Torn equally by shame, gratitude, and suspicion, I whispered, “My thanks to you.”

I did not know what reaction I would receive for these paltry words, but to my surprise, after Duvai left to make his preparations, they invited me to sit among them. They were curious about who I was and where I came from. They asked nothing about Andevai or how I had fallen into the trouble that currently engulfed me. Being an inland village, they had not heard of the Kena’ani, not even to call them Phoenicians, but they were interested to hear I was city born and raised, and they asked questions about where I came from and what life was like in a city. Duvai’s uncle, the best traveled among them, had been once to the city of Havery, when he was a young man, and he had never desired to repeat the experience. They might have kept me in the smoky little house all night had Andevai’s grandmother not intervened.

“Let the guest be fed and invited to the celebration,” she said.

The elders took their leave.

She said to me, “Trust can only be offered where it is also received.”

“I ask for your pardon, maestra. But I was raised by people I thought were kin, who I thought cared for me. They threw me to the wolves the moment they feared for their own daughter. Why should I trust anyone?”

Yet I had trusted the eru and the coachman. Why?

She gave a soft noise, more of a grunt than a laugh. “As you heard, no one argued to spare you for your own sake. Rather for the village’s honor.”



Category

Discovering the World of Free Online Novels

In an age where digital access is at our fingertips, the world of literature has evolved significantly. For book lovers and avid readers, the prospect of finding and reading novels for free online is not only exciting but also incredibly convenient. Whether you're looking for classic literature, contemporary fiction, or niche genres, there are countless resources available where you can indulge in your reading passion without spending a dime. Let's explore how you can dive into this literary treasure trove.

Why Read Novels Online for Free?

Reading novels online for free offers numerous advantages. For one, it eliminates the need to purchase physical books, saving you money and space. Additionally, with instant access, you can start reading as soon as you find a novel that piques your interest. Online platforms also allow for a vast selection of genres and authors, including rare or out-of-print titles that might be hard to find elsewhere.

Top Websites to Read Novels for Free

Several websites offer free access to novels, whether you're interested in classics, contemporary works, or indie publications. Here are a few reliable sites:

Legal Considerations

While the idea of free books is appealing, it's essential to ensure you're downloading or reading novels legally. Many websites, like those mentioned above, offer books that are in the public domain or have been released for free distribution by the authors. Always check the licensing terms of a book before downloading it to avoid any legal issues.

Genres to Explore

Whether you’re into romance, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, or historical fiction, there’s a wealth of free online novels available in every genre. Sites like Wattpad and ManyBooks categorize novels by genre, making it easy to find what you’re interested in. If you’re in the mood for something classic, Project Gutenberg has a treasure trove of time-honored works from authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

The Rise of Indie Authors

One of the most exciting aspects of reading novels online for free is discovering new voices. Many independent authors publish their work online for free to build an audience. Platforms like Wattpad have become launchpads for these writers, some of whom have gone on to publish bestsellers. By reading these novels, you’re supporting up-and-coming authors and getting in on the ground floor of potentially the next big literary sensation.

Community and Interaction

Reading novels online often comes with the added benefit of community interaction. Platforms like Wattpad allow readers to comment on chapters, interact with authors, and even contribute to the story's development in some cases. This level of engagement can enhance your reading experience, as you become part of a community of like-minded readers.

Accessibility and Convenience

With the ability to read on various devices—be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer—free online novels offer unparalleled convenience. You can carry an entire library in your pocket, ready to be accessed anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have limited physical space for books.

Conclusion

The availability of free online novels has transformed the reading experience, making it more accessible and diverse than ever before. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or looking to discover new indie authors, there’s something out there for everyone. By exploring the many free resources available, you can immerse yourself in the world of literature without any cost, and enjoy the freedom to read whatever, whenever you want.

So why wait? Start your journey into the world of free online novels today and discover a universe of stories waiting to be explored.