Kashe sat on the edge of his bed and stared at the sky. Ever since the
priests of Aken Re and the hawk from Horu had arrived he had felt restless. One
night he’d managed to escape and find relief at his favorite beer house. Three
wins at arm wrestling had eased his edginess. His problems remained. He had to
leave the compound before this moon ended to escape being further enmeshed in
his father’s plans. Something held him back. He wasn’t sure what loomed ahead
but he hoped he would soon learn.
The moon was a quarter full. The
days until his father’s command must be obeyed oozed away. Kashe wore the Horu
amulet and wondered why the remaining priest, his father and older brother had
failed to see the medallion. Several times he had tried to inform the nomarch
about being chosen by the god of the skies and discovered he couldn’t speak the
words. Was there a reason? How would his father accept the news that his plans
to rid himself of his troublesome son had failed?
With a groan Kashe walked to the window and searched the sky for his
unusual companion. Hawks were birds if the day but Horu Ka flew by night. Why
was the avian different from others of its kind?
Kashe studied the bundle he had prepared for a stealthy departure. He
considered what weapons he should take when he left to find a temple of Horu
A whisper of wings and a harsh cry announced Horu Ka’s arrival. Kashe
held his arm for the hawk to land. Instead the bird’s cry demanded action.
Kashe slipped through the window. The avian flew toward the rear gate. Kashe
followed.
Just as they reached the edge of the village Horu Ka shot into the air.
Kashe checked the area. What had caused the hawk to depart? A group of burly
men swaggered from a beer house. He noticed one of them had a club. He searched
for some way to avoid them. He had no desire for a fight. The gang surged
forward.
When they parted Kashe saw the reason for his uneasiness. Hebu, beloved
of Aken Re, his father’s recent guest, walked with the men. Why?
“That’s him,” the serpent-eyed priest shouted. “Bring him to the house on
the waterfront where I’m staying. You will be rewarded.”
So Hebu wasn’t content to wait until the moon ended. Did this man of the
enemy have an agenda different from the other members of his priesthood? Kashe
slid his knife from the sheath and prepared to fight.
Hebu paused. “See that he arrives alive.”
Though those words brought a lessening of Kashe’s tension, the odds
against him were eight to one. Still he intended to fight. The first of the
attackers sped toward him. Kashe waited until the man’s intentions were clear.
He slashed with his knife and a line of blood appeared on the enemy’s chest.
The man howled and retreated. Kashe moved to the side in an attempt to prevent
being encircled. He ducked a swung club. The dodge saved him from a knife
wielder. Instead of Kashe the club bashed the man with the knife.
A cat yowled. An eerie shout answered. For a moment the attackers froze.
A stranger kicked one of the enemies beneath the chin. An ally, Kashe thought.
Another attacker charged the new arrival. In a blur the man flew through the
air and slammed against the street. Kashe evaded a fist and dove forward. He
connected with an attacker’s stomach. His ally faced another of the enemy and
slashed the side of a hand against the man’s throat. Before long the eight
river men sprawled on the ground.
Kashe drew a deep breath and turned to thank his ally. He stepped over
fallen bodies. “Don’t know who you are or where you came from but you have my
thanks.”
“No problem. You were in trouble.”
His eyes widened. The new arrival was a tall beautiful woman. Her skin
was a warm brown several shades darker than his. Black hair, clipped short,
formed tight curls. Her eyes were as dark as night. Her gaze filled with
desire.
She strode toward him. Her eyes glittered and he saw her beaded nipples
press against her breast band. His body responded to her scent. He was primed
and she seemed willing.
MY PLACES
http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com
BUY MARK
http://bookswelove.net/authors/walters-janet-lane-romance-fantasy-suspense-medical/
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