Read Jerusalem Man 01 - Wolf in Shadow for Free Online

you, brother,' said Burry, with only the trace of a smile.
    'Let's not stand in the sun,' suggested Donna. 'Come inside. We have some apple juice cooling in the stone jug.'
    Shannow remained outside for several minutes scanning the hills before joining them.
    ‘There is still no sign of Tomas, I understand?' remarked Burry. 'You must be very worried, Donna.'
    'He is dead, Ash. Fletcher killed him.'
    Burry looked away. 'Hard words, Donna. I have heard of your accusation and it is said to be unfounded. How can you be sure?'
    'Trust me,' said Donna. 'You have known me all my life and I do not lie. I have a gift of always being able to see those close to me, wherever they are. I watched him die.'
    'I know of your. . . gift. But once you saw the old Prester lying dead at the foot of a canyon - you remember? Yet he was alive.'
    ‘That is not entirely just, Ash. I thought he was dead, for he fell a fair way - and I was right about that.'
    Burry nodded. 'And yet not all gifts are from the Almighty, Donna. I cannot believe that Saul Fletcher would do such a thing.'
    'He hanged Able Jarrett and some poor wanderer.'
    ‘The man was consorting with Brigands . . . and it was a Committee decision. I do not condone the taking of life, Donna, but right or wrong it was in accordance with Rivervale law - the law laid down by Prester John.'
    'I do not recall the Prester hanging a Landsman, Ash.’
    Shannow pulled up a chair by the window, reversed it and sat facing the saint, his arms resting on the chair-bad
    'Mr Ash, might I inquire the reason for your visit?' he said.
    The name is Burry, sir, Ashley Burry, and I am a longtime friend of the Prester's family. I baptized Donna many years ago, and though she does not follow the faith I regard her as my godchild.'
    'So this is merely a friendly visit?' asked Shannow.
    'I hope that all my visits are friendly, and that all who know me regard them as such.'
    'I am sure that they do, Mr Burry,' said Shannon, smiling, 'but it is a long ride from Rivervale on a hot day.’
    'Meaning, sir?'
    'Meaning that you have something to tell Fray Taybard Would you be more comfortable if I left you to speak with her?'
    Burry rubbed at his chin and smiled to cover his embarrassment. His eyes met Shannow's and understanding passed between them.
    Thank you for your frankness, Mr Shannow. Yes, that would indeed be courteous.'
    After Shannow had gone, Burry and Donna sat in silence for several seconds. The saint refilled his pottery mug with apple juice and then walked around the room, idly examining the furniture he had seen so many times before.
    'Well, Ash?' said Donna.
    'He speaks well, Donna, but he is a Brigand - and a known Brigand. How could you allow him to stay?'
    'He follows your ways, Ash.'
    'No, that would be a blasphemy. I do not kill wantonly.'
    'He rescued my son.'
    'That is not as I have heard it. Bard and the others found the boy lost and were returning him to you when Shannow arrived and killed Pope and Miles.'
    'Nonsense. My son was beaten and taken from the north meadow, and they were half-way to Rivervale with him. And that was the same day Fletcher tried to force me from my home. Are you blind, Ash?'
    The man is a killer - they say his mind is unhinged.'
    'Did you find it so?'
    That is not the point. He may be rational now, but he terrified Bard and the others. Did you know he shot off Bard's ear?'
    'I wish it had been his head!'

    'Donna!' said Burry, shocked. 'I think the man is possessed, and I believe that his evil power is affecting your judgement. Saul has spoken to me of you, and I know that he holds you dear. He has no wife, Donna, and he would be a good father to Eric.'
    Donna laughed. 'We talk about judgement, Ash, and then you advise me to marry the man who probably murdered my father and certainly killed my husband! Let's talk of something else: how is Sara?'
    'She is well, but she worries about you; we all do. The committee have passed sentence on Shannow and they mean to hang