The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga, #1)

by G.A. Aiken

“I promise. I’ll be good.” The pair stared at each other until Maila added, “At the very least I’ll try.”

That doesn’t bother you? That they’re evil?” “Evil? What makes you think they’re evil?” Keeley asked, truly confused. She pointed her sword. “Flames. They all have flames instead of eyes! That doesn’t bother you?” “As long as I don’t put my hands right on their faces, I—” “That’s not what I mean!”

There seemed to be no animal the woman didn’t have a fondness for, and she was not about to let some flames shooting from eye sockets stop her.

The kilts usually give it away.”

“All these years,” the nun said softly, shaking her head, “and you are still an annoying cow!”

The gods she chose to worship didn’t make her dress in any specific way. They didn’t ask her to give up her life for them.

“You can keep moving away from us,” one of the soldiers said. “But it will only be worse for you when we catch you.” “I’m not running,” she told them. “Me old gran would turn in her grave if she ever knew I’d run from worthless cunts like you.”

“Are all your sisters evil?” the witch asked Gemma. “Keeley is not evil! She just happens to love animals.” Gemma looked at the beasts snarling in warning from across the chamber. “Even animals with eyes of pure fire, drool of blood, that have clearly been birthed from one of earth’s many hell pits. . . .”

“Your brother watches me,” Gemma said to Laila. “Is he a vengeful sort?” “Very!” she tossed back with a smile. “But don’t worry. You’re with me.” “What does that mean, exactly?” “That he’ll give you ample warning before he has you killed.” “Oh . . . that’s . . . lovely.”