Read Rise of the Sparrows (Relics of Ar'Zac #1) for Free Online Page B

left the small village, and didn't know what lay beyond the gates. There was talk of dangerous animals inhabiting the woods. There was also talk of edible berries growing in the shrubs. The way Rachael saw it death was almost guaranteed either way unless they got lucky. Food, however, was only a given beyond the gates, and it would be worth the risk of becoming food themselves.
    Since Cephy was so young Rachael thought it best to wait to see if things improved, but leave the town if nothing changed. It was a big decision, and Rachael didn't want to make things worse if she didn't have to. Blackrock was cruel but she knew where to hide. The forest was an unknown.
    Their chance out in the wild would be slim, but it would be a chance. If worst came to worst, it would be worth the risk.
     
    Exhausted, Cale brought his horse Barnaby to a gradual stop. He had ridden hard for the past few days, hoping to get to Arlo in time. The Sparrows were finally sure that she would come this way, and Cale wanted to be here when she did. She'd have questions, and Cale would be able to answer them.
    Arlo's house wasn't much further now. Gently he petted the horse's nose, her coat wet with sweat and her ears flicking in appreciation. 
    “Come on.” The hut was only a short walk away now, he could lead her the rest of the way. She had earned a rest after the sprint he had put her through. “He's bound to have a treat for you.” His clever friend whinnied, speeding up at the mention of a reward.
    Cale had come to the old hermit several times in the past for help, but never had it been as dangerous as it was today. This time things were different. This time, more was at stake. If the wrong people found out what they were up to they would pay with their lives. He already had more than enough trouble with the king and the White Guard hot on his heels—he didn't need any more, especially if it risked her safety.
    The forest was thick this deep inside. Leading Barnaby through the frosted trees was a challenge, but neither of them had ever shied away from one of those. Maker knew they wouldn't be here if they had.
    The scent of grilled fish hit his nose before he was close enough to see the smoke rise.
    “Do you smell that? We're nearly there. Just a little more.” Barnaby hadn't forgotten about the promise of treats and didn't need any encouragement. She nuzzled Cale to let him know she understood, and picked up her pace. Motivated by the smells of Arlo's cooking they paid no attention to branches sticking out of the snow, and made their way over to the hut.
    “Arlo?” Cale entered the clearing only to find it deserted. To his disappointment, the fire pit had been emptied. The smell was all that remained of what seemed like a feast to him now. Carefully, worried that his plan had failed before he had a chance to set it in motion, he approached the hut and knocked on the door. “Arlo? Arlo, are you in there?”
    The sound of crisp leaves crunching behind him made Cale spin around.
    “Quiet, my boy, or you'll scare away all the game!” Arlo's deep, roaring voice thundered through the clearing. Cale breathed a sigh of relief. Worrying over nothing was a habit of his, and it wasn't one he was willing to abandon, no matter how often Arlo or Ailis asked him to. It had saved his life too many times for that.
    Arlo's tall imposing stature was more likely to scare away any animals he could have caught, but Cale wasn't about to voice his objection out loud.
    “It looks to me like you've already eaten!”
    Arlo raised his eyebrows, patting his belly with a proud grin. “A man who works hard needs to eat hard, lad! Especially during winter!”
    “I doubt you're about to starve.” The old man gave a deep, hearty laugh which resonated in the trees around them and seemed to make the very ground shake with soft tremors. 
    “Come. Sit, and I will see to it that you won't have to suffer that fate, either.”
    Cale gratefully sat down by the now