His Cure For Magic (Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

play her part. She ran her hand across her brow, wiping away sweat and grime, and made a face that she hoped looked generally pathetic.
    "Fine," he said, moving his hand from his sword to a pocket. He pulled out a small purse and found a silver coin. He leaned forward and shoved it into the pocket of Silas' pants. "This is more than you'll get for that sack. Now move back."
    Silas lifted his head and stared at the man. He didn't want to move his place.  
    "Well?" he asked. "I've doubled your profit. Go back."
    He stood his ground, still and silent, staring down at Mustache. Finally, he spoke. "Thank you, my Lord. Might I have your name, so I know who to praise to Amman for this gift?"
    The man seemed surprised. "Templeton," he said. "Andreaus Templeton of Silsbury."
    "Thank you, my Lord." Silas began to turn. His eyes met hers, and she could see the defiant life in them.
    "You're wel-"
    Silas spun back, faster than Andreaus could follow. He lifted the man from his feet by the collar of his coat, and held him close. Eryn couldn't hear what Silas said to the man, but she did see his face pale, and his head bob in acknowledgement. He made one quick glance back at Eryn, and then returned to his own place in line. Silas looked back at her once more, and this time she had to cover her mouth to hide her amusement.
    The line progressed throughout the day, finding Andreaus in front of the soldiers as the sun began to touch the horizon. Eryn felt her heartbeat quicken, wondering if the man would abide by whatever Silas had told him, or if he would take the opportunity to point them out to the guards. He met Silas' gaze one more time, but then handed over the payment for entry to the city, and vanished into the throng.  
    "State your business in Varrow," the soldier said to Silas, once it was their turn.
    "I have a sack of fertilizer to sell to the palace, my Lord." He bowed his head again.
    The soldier crinkled his nose. "That you do, old man. The tax is three coppers, plus two more for the donkey."
    Silas lifted his head. "Five? Since when do you charge extra for mounts?"
    "Since the failed uprising in Elling forced the Empire to beef up its ranks. More soldiers means more taxes. Either pay the tax, or get out of the way."
    Eryn watched Silas push himself to remain in character, but the news made her own stomach begin to churn. Failed uprising?  
    He put the sack on the ground and reached into his pocket, swishing his hand around in search of the copper coins. He found one and handed it to the guard.
    "Hurry up, peasant," the soldier said, "or I'll send you to the back of the line."
    "I'm sorry, my Lord." He continued digging.  
    The soldier glared at him, but didn't speak. Just then, a messenger ran through the gates and put his mouth to the man's ear. The soldier's eyes widened.
    "Men, with me," he shouted to the other guards, and took off behind the messenger at a run, leaving the gate and the taxes forgotten.
    Eryn hadn't heard what the messenger said, but she didn't need to. Silas had paid the young couple handsomely to wear their clothes and make an appearance in front of the gate that only his soldiers should have known existed, as well as showing them where to hide once they were being chased. As Silas had guessed, they hadn't needed to physically look like the two of them. The suggestion that they might have been outside the gate was enough to draw the attention of soldiers already on edge.  
    "Like I said. I was counting on it."  
    Silas picked up the sack and led the donkey through the gates. A less experienced squad would be along any moment to replace those who had left, but it had given them a chance to sneak in. With the threat of the ore mines hanging over the heads of those who were caught dodging their taxes, nobody else moved.
    "Where do we go now?" Eryn asked, once they were inside. Silas led them across a crowded square to a quiet side street, and then stopped and raised his hand.
    "I can help you with that."