Read Rise of the Shadow Warriors for Free Online Page A

but speaking with the Kabanian would hopefully help her.
    “Fine but don’t wait too long.” A rugged smile pulled at his mouth. “Let’s go on a hunt.”
    Pushing back thoughts of the sexy Warlord, Shaina rolled her eyes. “Now?”
    Justan walked toward the flap covering her door. “No time like the present.”
    The thought of the adrenaline and rush of a hunt warmed Shaina and helped make her decision. “Let’s gather a few others.”
    Justan held the material back until she’d exited then resumed his familiar place by her side. When he canted his head downward to stare at her, she elbowed him in the side. Hard.
    “Ow.” Justan rubbed his injury but didn’t retaliate as she expected.
    “What’s really on your mind, Justan?” It wasn’t like him to want to go on an unplanned hunt. Their meat stores were fine.
    “Can’t a friend want to spend time together?”
    Shaina almost choked, she laughed so hard. When she finally got herself under control she met Justan’s annoyed gaze and snickered. He always managed to lighten her spirits. “I believe you.” She made sure her tone was doubtful and arched her brow in his direction.
    Surprisingly Justan didn’t laugh but he did yank on her hair, reassuring her that they were fine.
     
    ***
     
    It wasn’t hard to find a few free warriors who were open to a light spirited hunt. Luka, Karn and Shadae met them at the entrance of the main cavern, bows slung over their shoulders.
    “My Queen,” they bowed in her direction.
    Shaina smiled. It slipped when she spied Mandok coming out after them. He carried his bow and a full quiver.
    “Queen Shaina.”
    Somehow he managed to convey more in his greeting but nothing Shaina could actually reprimand him for. She didn’t like Mandok. Some may have found his light colored hair and dimples attractive but not her. The muscled warrior used his size and build to intimidate and she’d once found a young maiden crying after he’d cornered her. When Shaina probed, the young woman had refused to speak of it, leaving Shaina no choice but to let the matter drop.
    When Justan came out and rounded their group to an even six, Mandok’s silver eyes glittered with an emotion she couldn’t define.
    “Is everyone ready?” Justan asked, handing Shaina her worn bow.
    She shouldered one of the quivers he’d brought out with him as well. Luka and Karn smiled while Shadae, the only other woman in the group, offered a brisk nod. Her silver eyes narrowed on Mandok and Shaina bet the woman would have changed her mind if she could have without her dislike of Mandok being obvious.
    “We’re using stunner arrows,” Justan continued. “Since this isn’t a true hunt, we don’t want to be wasteful and overstock our stores with meat that might go rancid before we can prepare it.”
    Mandok grunted, brows drawn. “What matters if it goes bad? A hunt is to prove prowess.”
    Not once did Justan betray his impatience with the warrior but Shaina knew him well and didn’t miss the way his fingers tightened on his bow. He kept his congenial expression in place. “A hunt is about prowess but only a fool would be wasteful when winter is but a short while away. We will need the game more then as opposed to wasting it now.”
    The disgruntled warrior muttered something under his breath she couldn’t hear. “You’re welcome to withdraw, Mandok. We’re only seeking a bit of sport today.”
     Shaina hoped he’d decline to go. She wasn’t particularly interested in his company. Her hackles rose whenever in his presence but as Queen she had to hold him in regard until he did something to prove otherwise.
    Mandok shoved a hand in his hair, sending the waves in disarray. He slanted her a look. “No, my Queen. This will be fun.”
    Somehow she doubted it, her good mood ruined. Shaina moved to the front of their small group to lead the way. The best place to hunt wasn’t far off. The small clearing further down the mountain trail but not quite in