Demon Within by Julie Nicholls

himself over Garlan’s terrified reaction; one thing about Garlan was right, he was a sniveling coward.
    Continuing towards Kai, Sabe noticed his wide grin.
    ‘Are we making wedding arrangements?’
    For his cheek, he earned a bear hug with a growl. When Kai released him, he threw his arm over his shoulder and marched him towards the horses, where Kiera waited.
    ‘Tell Maika and Saul they’ll be giving up their horses, and traveling back in the carriages with half of the soldiers and the cook. That shouldn’t be a problem, because she’s got all the food and wine.’
    He chuckled and released Sabe from his arm hold. Sabe stopped suddenly and stared.
    ‘They’re coming back with us?’
    ‘Yes, I think we should get this over with, don’t you?’ He placed his hand on Sabe’s chest, while the other rested on his shoulder. He winked and smirked.
    ‘I’ve got something that’ll make you happy.’
    ‘You have?’
    ‘Oh yes.’
    Kai turned Sabe round and pointed him towards Nissa.
    ‘She’s coming to stay, with Eloise.’
    He’d leaned close to Sabe’s ear as his hands landed on his shoulders and squeezed tight. Sabe let out a cry before ducking from grip so he could turn back to face him.
    ‘You’re serious? How did you pull that off?’
    ‘I can’t claim the credit for that; she wanted to stay with her mistress. But that’s not all of it. I’ve warned him we’re only aiding if he’s attacked, so if he tries to invade the Highlands, he’s on his own.’ Kai stood up straight, beamed a wide grin and folded his arms over his chest.
    ‘You did well my friend.’ Sabe slapped his arm. Suddenly remembering about Kiera, he winced and glanced to the horses, were she waited.
    ‘I need to talk to you about something, when we get home.’
    He leaned close and spoke softly. ‘I know what’s wrong with my sister.’
    Kai’s brows rose. ‘Is it something I did or you did?’
    ‘I think we’re both guilty.’ He stepped back. ‘We’ll talk about it when we’re home.’
    Turning, he started running towards where Saul and Maika were stationed to give them the good news.
    ‘Bring the horses Kiera, we’re moving out.’ Kai glanced over to her and smiled before turning his attention towards Eloise. He couldn’t wait to get home.

Chapter 9
     
    It was late afternoon at Stonegarth and Ellanor had spent the last hour choosing her clothing for the journey to Blackhill. Rummaging through the large cedar chest, she’d found the items she thought would be suitable for riding, but she still needed a dress, for when they arrived at Blackhill, and she had to choose carefully. It would be rolled up and shoved in a bag, fastened to the saddle for two days, so the fabric needed to travel well. Linen was out of the question; it creased easily and looked like sack-cloth when wrinkled. But she was sure she’d find something suitable, eventually.
    Wanting to make use of the limited space on the horses, Ellanor had chosen a pair of riding breeches, two long sleeved, cotton shirts and a knitted waistcoat. Obviously she’d need her cloak, and chose the warmest one she had. Still in late summer; although the afternoons were warm, a chill would set in later. She knew Caster would curse if she complained she was cold.
    She found the riding boots at the bottom of the chest, and after checking for holes, threw them on the bed. Almost ready, only needing underwear and toiletries which, she’d sort in the morning, she was ready to go.
    Caster’s bags were packed; he didn’t take any sorting at all. Jace didn’t need any help either; he’d packed his bags soon after his father told him they were going.
    Jace would decide which horses they would take, because he rode them all regularly, she wanted to know which was hers. Being an accomplished rider in her younger years, she would find it strenuous to begin with but would be fine after a while.
    Her thoughts turned to Caster and the meeting they’d have with Kai of Darkmide;