Shrouded Sky (The Veils of Lore Book 1) by Tracy A. Akers Page A

“I’ll wait here while you dress,” he said, looking from side to side. “If you need my assistance—”
    “Don’t worry, I need your assistance about as much as I needed Tygg’s.”
    Chandra hobbled over to the bench where she had left Sachmei’s clothes. “Are you and Tygg jealous of each other or something?” she asked. She turned from the doorway where Orryn stood, glancing over her shoulder to make sure he wasn’t looking.
    “I don’t feel jealousy,” Orryn replied.
    Chandra yanked off her wet bra and panties, then hurriedly rewrapped her leg and pulled on the leathers. “I mean, do you have a rivalry of some kind? You both seem to really get under each other’s skin.”
    “Tygg is my sworn enemy.”
    “What? Why?” Chandra drew the cape around her shoulders. “Okay, you can turn around.”
    “He’s Taubastet.” Orryn turned to face her. “I’m Syddian.”
    “But there’s something else between you, isn’t there?” Chandra struggled with the clasp beneath her chin. Orryn stepped forward and took over the task.
    “I owe him a debt,” Orryn said. He secured the clasp and took a step back.
    “Oh, I see. You don’t like owing him.”
    “I don’t like owing that which I don’t know. He’ll soon come for payment. And when he does, I may not be able to give it.”
    “Maybe he just wants your friendship.”
    “As I said, it may be payment I’m unable to give.”
    They emerged from the dressing area. Tygg, Chandra was pleased to note, was now clothed and kneeling before a pile of wood, fanning the flames that were beginning to grow within it.
    Orryn carried Chandra to the fire. He lowered her onto a log next to it, then after making sure she was comfortable, straightened his back and turned to Tygg.
    Tygg, who had risen from the campfire, headed toward the horse. “Get yourself undressed, Or’n,” he called over his shoulder. He removed the saddle from the horse’s back and set it aside. “Your clothes are soaked,” he said, noting Orryn’s hesitation. “Do you wish to catch your death? Besides, you reek of the water.” He pulled the saddle blanket off the horse’s back and tossed it to him.
    Orryn frowned at the blanket. “So you prefer I reek of horse?”
    “It matters not to me. But Chandra might have a different opinion.”
    “I don’t care what he smells like,” Chandra said, warming her hands over the flames, “as long as he keeps his distance.”
    Tygg laughed. “I will see that he is downwind.” He nodded toward the dressing area. “The sooner you get them off, Or’n, the sooner we can set them to dry.”
    “And leave you here alone with the Imela?” Orryn scoffed.
    “Undress here then,” Tygg said with annoyance. “I am sure Chandra will respect your privacy.”
    “I’ve never found your humor to my liking, Tygg,” Orryn said.
    “Then go. Dress. Take Chandra with you if you wish. Perhaps she can assist you.”
    “No,” Chandra said. “I’ve seen enough, thank you.”
    “Fine,” Orryn said, then he leaned toward Tygg threateningly. “Behave yourself, cat, or the Sovereign Lady will have another hide for her wall.” He spun and marched away.
    “What did he mean by that?” Chandra asked.
    Tygg shrugged. “An idle threat.”
    She glanced toward the dressing area. “What do you know of this lady he mentioned?” she asked.
    “A most unpleasant creature,” Tygg said, taking a seat on the log.
    “Define unpleasant.”
    “Let us just say Or’n was not jesting about the hides on her wall.” Tygg stabbed the fire with a stick.
    “You mean she actually decorates her walls with cats?”
    “So to speak.”
    “What? You mean—” Chandra shook her head. “No. That’s unthinkable.”
    “Atrocities are common during wartime,” Tygg said. “Every side has its share.”
    “But I thought the war was over. Why are you and Orryn still so hostile to each other?”
    “His kind and mine were bred to hate each other. It is not something we can