Freya's Freedom (The Tower and the Eye Book 3) by Kira Morgana Page A

I can do without all this male intervention.”
    “Vrenstalliren wanted me to approve your horse. I didn’t touch him!” Grald held his hands up palm out.
    “That’s not the point.”
    “Hah. It was him who suggested the spurs,” Vox said.
    Freya shuddered. “Spurs, Grald? It was always you had to use spurs to control horses when we were children. Not me.”
    Grald said nothing.
    “Now, as soon as Kraarz has finished healing my friend, I am going out riding in the woods. You can come along too; if you think you can keep up.” Freya left him and headed for the stables.
    Grald’s jaw dropped open for a few seconds, and then he snapped it shut. Who knew you had such a strong will? He smiled and a thin ribbon of gold surrounded his pupils. However, little sister, you have given me the perfect opportunity to advance my Lord’s plans. He turned and went into the inn.
    * * *
    “Well now, Lord,” the Jar said with a pleased smile. “It seems that Sir Grald has managed his mission so far with aplomb.”
    The Aracan Katuvana nodded, watching the girl, Elysian, Urakh and freshly bathed elven Paladin ride out of the village palisade. Another window showed Sir Grald as he rode out of a secret gate at the back of the village.
    “Do you wish to add anything to the mix? A little surprise for our Emperor’s sister?”
    The Aracan Katuvana considered the suggestion, head on fist and hood turned toward the girl’s window. Then he shook his head.
    “Very well, Lord. This promises to be an interesting ride anyway.” The Jar turned its gaze back to the windows.
    * * *
    The sunlight filtering through the multiple autumn hues of the leaves above dappled Lin’s white mare with golds and reds. The birds sang of winter and berries as the group passed along the track, heading towards a small waterfall that the Mayor had told Freya about before they set out.
    “This is dangerous, Lady Freya,” Vrenstalliren said sullenly.
    She ignored him, stroking Vox who had draped itself on Korettln’s neck. The air around here is so fresh and clean. So different to Jira’s dirty streets.
    “I see no threat,” she said at last.
    “So the horde of dragon spawn that attacked me yesterday isn’t a threat?” Vrenstalliren moved up beside Freya. “There has to be a nest around here to have so many attack that fast.”
    Freya looked at him and batted her eyelashes.
    “I have you to protect me.”
    He groaned and pulled his horse ahead of her.
    “Can I bite him?” Korettln asked, lunging slightly as Vrenstalliren’s leg passed his head.
    Freya held him back. “Don’t you dare!”
    Korettln snorted.
    Kraarz exchanged a look with Lin, who had dropped back to ride beside Freya, allowing Vrenstalliren to take point.
    “He has a point, Lady. These woods are supposed to hold a Dungeon of Doom.”
    “What’s that?” Lin asked.
    “You know about The Black Tower War don’t you?” Kraarz sounded surprised.
    Freya looked at Lin.
    “I know it didn’t reach beyond Jinran, but that was because the Empire protected the border.”
    “Oh yes, we are taught about it in school. Sadly, none of my teachers mentioned anything about Dungeons of Doom,” Lin shrugged.
    “They were the Aracan Katuvana’s strongholds and staging points for his invasion. I believe the furthest east the Aracan Katuvana achieved was Jisira.” Kraarz looked around. “There was supposed to be one around here that had been created as part of the Aracan Katuvana’s northward thrust.”
    “Why don’t we go look for it?” Freya asked. It’s bound to be more exciting than a normal ride.
    “Freya, that’s a bad idea. Not all the dungeons were cleansed. Some just had their Custodians destroyed,” Vox said aloud, patting Freya’s hand with its paw.
    “Shush. What happens if Vrenstalliren hears you?” Freya tapped Vox’s nose gently with one finger.
    “He can’t. He’s in a cave.” Vox pointed with one paw. “Behind the waterfall over there.”
    “Can you sense a