EXCERPT FROM THE LEGENDS OF ALAIA

“Amara,” he spoke again, stopping her as easily as if he’d bespelled her. “Thank you. For your help. For your kindness to a stranger.”

She looked at him at last, and shivered. “Did I truly break a spell?”

“You did.”

“Why? How?” She rose and took a step closer to him. “Who are you?”

“I’m Taso.” He smiled, teasing her as firelight danced across his face.

She held still. “Are you a god?”

His chest rose with a long breath and he rolled his gaze up to the star-dusted sky. “I’m not sure.”

“How could that be?”

He glanced at his wound and grimaced. “This happened.”

“I don’t understand.” When he stayed silent, she crossed her arms and narrowed her gaze. “Speak up. You see this jackamunk on the fire? It won’t taste as nice uncooked, especially if you have to drag yourself over to it.”

His eyes gleamed. “It might, since I’m hungry enough to eat it raw.”

She raised her chin. “Then tell me because you owe me.”

After a moment, he nodded. “That I do. Are you sure that’s how you’d like me to repay you?” His voice had gone as rich and deep as mead.

She snatched up her backsack and lute. “I don’t need your bed favors, stranger.” Her mother’s tendencies be damned.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his good hand raised in plea. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” He lowered his head back to the ground. “You can’t blame a man for trying. Even if I am only three-limbed at the moment, and hardly a match for you.”

The compliment threw her into quiet confusion. He didn’t think he was a match for her? When he looked like that? She continued to clutch her belongings. “Tell me who you are.”

“Taso, brother of Kismet,” he sighed. “Son of a goddess and a god. I was a warrior and a mage . . . somewhat better at the latter, as my twin, damn the truth of it, pointed out when last I saw him. And finally, though maybe not least, I’m in debt to a maiden named Amara. Who need not fear me,” he added gently. “Though perhaps she could fear for me. Or for my immortal soul, which may not even be mine much longer.”

She slanted a look at him, but he broke into a grin. “Amara, you’re so serious—when I’m the one lying here with his arm half cut off.”

Her mouth twitched into a half-smile. “It’s sewn back together.”

“Indeed it is, and carefully and kindly done. On my honor, this stranger thanks you.”

She lowered her lute and backsack to the ground and then took a step closer.