Azmei sighed and lowered her blade. "I shouldn't have brought it up," she mumbled.
Razem's blade rang against hers. It caught her by surprise. Her sword went flying and landed in the dirt. Azmei glared at her brother.
He sheathed his blades. "Never let down your guard. The moment your enemy seems weakest might be the moment he's arranged to disarm you."
Azmei wanted to stick her tongue out at him, as she had when they were just learning how to hold a sword. She sighed instead and went to pick up her weapon. She checked it for nicks and wiped the dirt from the blade using her shirt tail.
"I shall keep practicing," she said. "The next time we meet, I'll beat you."
He didn't laugh. "I believe you might. I must practice more diligently in anticipation."
Azmei looked around and saw a servant standing by with a jug of water and drying cloths. Their match had drawn more attention than she'd intended. She and Razem both washed their hands and faces, then drank gratefully.
Before they parted, Azmei to return to the onerous task of packing whatever she might need for her new life in Amethir and Razem to attend whatever meetings or councils he had skipped to humor her, she put a hand on his arm. "Thank you, big brother," she said, and went on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
His gaze softened. "I am glad I could oblige, little sister."
"Be careful," she implored. "After Venra--" She broke off, nose prickling. Venra had been their favorite cousin. But Razem understood what she didn't say.
He bent to kiss her forehead. "You be careful too, Az. I'm not the only one going into danger."
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Hi! I write epic and urban fantasy for fun, and a history blog for work. I’ve lived in Indiana all my life, but I dream of living somewhere that only has winter every few years. I enjoy hiking, reading, birdwatching, and general geekery. I have three cats, and I’m well aware that puts me firmly in crazy cat lady territory. I also have way more dice and painted miniatures than I need. Let’s be friends online! I can be found at www.StephanieCainOnline.com, on Twitter at @stephanie_cain, on Facebook, and on Tumblr.
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Acknowledgements
This book would never have existed without Laura VanArendonk Baugh, a great friend and writer, and Joe Konrath, whose 8-Hour eBook Challenge provided the original motivation.
STORMSINGER
Storms in Amethir: Book One
Copyright 2013 Stephanie A. Cain
All Rights Reserved.
Published by Cathartes Press
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Stormsinger (Storms in Amethir Book 1) Page 4