Read Haven: Chronicles of Warshard for Free Online Page A

“What did she sing?” she mumbled around her thumb.
    “Many things,” Haven answered. “Of the kingdoms, Rythern, the sea, and the great cities beyond.”
    “What was your favorite?” she asked, removing her thumb from her mouth, peering at Haven with a newfound wonder.
    Haven pondered her question, gazing off into the distance. A certain painting caught her eye, of a long trail through the forest, leading to a wishing well. “I’d have to say my favorite was The Path to Seaburn . The Republic always fascinated me as a girl.” Haven returned her gaze to the blue eyes of this young child, whose name she realized she didn’t yet know.
    “I haven’t heard that one,” the girl murmured, fingers tightening around Haven’s. “Will you sing it for me?”
    Haven blinked at her, somewhat startled. She’d sung many times with her mother, but never to a crowd. Nerves prickled at her chest, but how could she refuse such an adorable child? Gulping the lump in her throat, she nodded.
    “I will sing for you,” she said, glancing at Lareina, who nodded in turn. Lareina was a beautiful singer, and she hoped her friend knew the song as well as she. “But I would like to know your name first.”
    “Mirabel,” she smiled, “but my mum called me Mira.”
    “Mira.” Haven returned her smile. “What a beautiful name.”
    Mirabel beamed and released Haven’s hand. The girl’s smile was so startlingly lovely that she found herself growing more confident under the child’s gaze. She would sing for this girl, these people, and hope their spirits would be lifted with her words.
    Standing straight, Haven turned to Lareina. Her beautiful friend nodded and began to hum. Haven joined in before the words returned to her. She could picture her mother so clearly, the morning light catching her browns curls as she twirled Haven in a flurry of giggles. She was young in this memory, but Haven still felt as if it were yesterday.
    With the late Queen Denica in her mind, she sang. Haven’s voice rose through the air, and a bubble of happiness and loss filled her chest. Lareina joined in, and a hush fell through the room. Their voices, high and delicate, echoed off the ceiling. The sound reverberated back to them, low and soft. Once to the chorus, several women of Rythern joined in. The Path to Seaburn was a common song throughout Warshard. Many would know it, and she hoped more would join.
    By the fourth verse, the room became awash in dozens of voices, high and low, deep and soft, practiced and not. Haven looked to her little friend to make sure she was enjoying herself. Mirabel’s eyes had filled with tears even though a smile so big and bright spread across her face. Haven couldn’t help the tears that sprung to her own eyes. They were both trapped in memories of their own mothers for the rest of the song. Mira held her hand and Haven clutched back, looking through the crowded hall.
    When the song finished Lareina and Haven looked to each other. Silence fell over the room in a pleasant hush. Echoes bounced back until they slowly faded away with the final lyrics. When the ballroom held not a single sound, Mirabel pushed forward, hugging Haven’s legs tightly. Claps echoed through the great hall.
    “Thank you,” she whispered to her friend. Lareina only nodded.
    “I never knew you were such a lovely singer, Lady Haven.”
    Haven turned to find beautiful blue-green eyes on her. “Emeril!” she held back her gasp. Embarrassment flooded her. It was one thing to sing for her people and those of Wakefin, but to sing in front of royalty was another matter. “You’re back.”
    “I am,” he smiled, the dazzling look in his eyes bringing heat to her face. “I have brought what you requested.”
    Behind him were at least a dozen men, all carrying packages. Behind them were even more men and women, dressed in typical Salander guard armor.
    “You have brought many!” Haven exclaimed. Mirabel unclasped herself from Haven’s legs