Iron Elf - A Race Reborn (Book 2) by Klay Testamark

this?”
     
    “My family wasn’t known for recklessness until she came along.”
     
    “You did not just say that, mister. Didn’t you teleport all the way to Corinthe on the word of a Veneanar retainer?
     
    “And didn’t you recommend that Meerwen train with the Fighting Nuns? Her boyfriend isn’t going to lift a finger to help her. In fact, he’s going to be away for an entire year!”
     
    “Maybe he has good reasons, we don’t know.”
     
    “I’ve got to go,” I said. “People could be dying as we speak.”
     
    “Aren’t you going to pack?” Mother asked.
     
    I was already wearing my armour, so I opened the closet and took one of the backpacks. “Okay, I’m ready.”
     
    “You had that ready?”
     
    “This one’s for cold weather.”
     
    Father shook his head. “My little girl grew up into a crazy survivalist. At least say goodbye properly.”
     
    I hugged them. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
     
    Mother said, “Be safe, my baby.” Father patted my back. “I’ll assemble a task force. I’ll be there before you know it.”
     
     

    This far into winter, the only transport fast enough were the ice yachts. One tall sail and three metal runners, with precious little space in between. I was not looking forward to the trip.
     
    Mina met me at the docks. She was dressed for travelling. “I know about your mission. I’m here to help.”
     
    “Did Angrod make you do this?”
     
    “He told me to hire reinforcements, but I’m here on my own behalf. Brandish is my home too. And I wasn’t looking forward to facing the chroniclers when they notice the crown prince has gone missing.”
     
    “Where are the hired men? Where are your friends the dragon and the barbarian?”
     
    “We’ll meet the team in Lamemheth.” Mina pursed her lips. “And as you might have heard, we sent Cruix and Heronimo on an impromptu diplomatic mission.” She slung her duffel bag. “Now get aboard before I change my mind.”
     
    “Well, short help is better than no help at all.”
     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 9: ANGROD

    I rode through the moorlands, down the lonely country road. It was a dark night, and a cold one. Every gust of wind threw snow in my face.
     

It could’ve been worse. The old royal road was slush-free and plainly visible, drawing on stored energy to heat and even light its surface. It wasn’t very bright, but a dim glow went a long way on nights like this.
     
    Elves didn’t make roads like these anymore, even though we still could. There were only a few remnants of what had been a continent-spanning system and most of these surviving examples didn’t go anywhere interesting. Wear and tear on the important bits had seen to that.
     
    This was why Meerwen and Mina headed to another city by glorified sled while I headed to the middle of nowhere in relative comfort. I rode that glowing ribbon up to the old abandoned inn. My horse’s hooves clattered on the cobblestones of the innyard. All was quiet within. The windows were shuttered and dark. Nobody was home, so it seemed.
     
    I gave a low whistle and Tamril said, “Don’t move.”
     
    “Will something bad happen?”
     
    “If you call an arrow in the back bad, sure.”
     
    She stepped out of the doorway and lit a flare. “Stand down, guys. It’s him.” To turned to me. “Go right in. He’s waiting.”
     
    Arawn, king of the caprans, was in the dining lounge. He looked more bandit than king, with the sort of good looks that weren’t spoiled by facial scars or a broken nose. He also had a silver hoop earring, an abundance of body hair, and muscles to rival a Northlander. He grinned. “We meet again! Please sit down. Drink with me!”
     
    There was a wine bottle and a gas lantern on the table. He filled two glasses and allowed me to choose, then raised the other glass. “To life.”
     
    “To life,” I took a sip. “It’s good. No doubt you’ve heard about my sweet tooth.”
     
    “I