Seven Stones: Part Sixty-Six
Previously on Seven Stones: Kobb and Anessa reach the Duke’s hunting preserve without serious incident. After convincing the guards that they have been sent to bless the animals, Kobb transports the two of them and the Tan-Sorda to the Stones. However, when they arrive, a strange voice echoes out, calling Anessa by name.
Eyes sweeping the shadows, Anessa unslung her crossbow. How’d an Eater got in the circle? And where was it?
Kobb pressed down on her arm. He sucked in a rattling breath, then spat. “It was the beast.”
“That thing speaks?” Her back bumped the stone.
Kobb wiped his lips with the edge of his robe, leaving a dark stain on the cloth. “The shaman did say it carried messages to their god.”
“A mask worn in darkness hides a different face.” Despite being in the open, the Tan-Sorda’s voice echoed. With a creak, it dropped onto all fours. A hint of hot metal wafted through the air.
Crossbow angled down but not slung, Anessa stepped to the side to give herself more room. The Eaters’d attack Sallis if the beast wasn’t returned; letting it kill her in the hope they didn’t anyway’d be stupid, though.
“Answer me, Tan-Sorda.” Kobb pointed his left arm toward it, stole draped over his wrist. “What do…
