The Stone Wolf
The Chain Breaker Book 4
D.K. Holmberg
Copyright © 2021 by D.K. Holmberg
Cover by Damonza.com
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Want a free book and to be notified when D.K. Holmberg’s next novel is released, along with other news and freebies? Sign up for his mailing list by going here. Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
www.dkholmberg.com
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Author’s Note
Series by D.K. Holmberg
Chapter One
The streets of Yoran were quiet, though there was energy in the air that left Gavin’s skin tingling. He’d been feeling the trembling sensation of magic used throughout the city more often these days, ever since the enchanters had been able to operate more openly.
“Do you see anything?” he whispered into the enchantment.
He crouched along a building that was tucked up against one of its neighbors, feeling the stone pressing through the thin fabric of his dark shirt. The row consisted of mostly shops, some of them with signs hanging out front to advertise their wares. A few tall, narrow wooden buildings looked like they’d been added in between, filling the gaps where previous buildings had crumbled and collapsed. Occasional light from lanterns or candles glowing softly inside forced Gavin to be even more careful here. It was a partially residential area, which meant that he had to be cautious that he didn’t raise the alarm.
Eventually, he would alert the constables that they had come through here, but he didn’t want to do so until he knew exactly what they were dealing with. Head constable Davel Chan was temperamental about the idea of magic within the city, especially with the increased magic presence in the city. Gavin had tried to reach out to him earlier, but Davel sounded busy with another attack. That left Gavin even more on edge.
He watched the street, looking for signs of activity the way he had been trained to do, but saw nothing. Even the shadows were still.
“I don’t see anything,” Wrenlow said, his voice more high-pitched than usual.
This was one of the first times Gavin had asked Wrenlow to come with him out into the city—mostly to get him out of the Dragon, but partly so he could begin to implement some of the things they’d been working on. This was to be a fairly straightforward assignment, enough to give Wrenlow the opportunity to explore the city and get a feel for tactics he needed to use, though not so much that he would place himself in any danger.
“Remember what I told you,” Gavin whispered. The scent of a nearby bells tree drifted to him, and he wrinkled his nose.
He appreciated that he didn’t need to speak loudly with the enchantment. The thin metal earpiece that was curled around and tucked into the hollow of his ear was incredibly light, though surprisingly warm, regardless of how cool the night air was. A narrow chain ran down from the earpiece and ended with a small metal plate on his chest. With that, Gavin could adjust the volume, but he could also mute it so he didn’t have to hear Wrenlow. There were times when such a thing was necessary, though he didn’t want to admit that to his friend.
Tonight, Gavin doubted that he would mute anything. He needed to be there for Wrenlow to ensure he was safe.
“I remember,” Wrenlow said. “You’ve been making sure I have no choice but to remember, so don’t worry about me.”
Gavin resisted the urge to chuckle. “Just get moving. Clear the street and I’ll follow you.”
He looked to the north. They had come to the outer edge of the city because there had been rumors of magic users that were not associated with the enchanters. Since the last time there’d been significant magic in the city it had been tied to Tristan, Gavin wanted to investigate each occurrence to make sure he hadn’t returned.
Eventually he would return. As would the Fates.
That was Gavin’s other fear. The only thing holding them back was the threat of the dark egg, but he didn’t even know if he’d be willing to use that if the time came to do so. It was better to head them off and create the threat of his willingness to use it. Then he might keep the city safe.
There had been no trace of his old mentor, though. If he remained in the city, if he had anyone here on his behalf, he had not shown it. Gavin knew he should feel relieved, but with everything he’d gone through with Tristan, how could he?
His mind kept going back to the fight they’d had and how he’d nearly died. Tristan was still a skilled fighter, and given that he was part El’aras—the same as Gavin, really—Gavin doubted such fighting skill would ever wane.
Which meant that Gavin had to continue to improve.
Tristan had trained him and tested him, and his old mentor was still testing him. He wasn’t training him any longer, though. Now this was on Gavin.
A different figure separated from the shadows near the end of the street and hurried away. Wrenlow crouched, trying to keep himself minimized, though in the darkness Gavin didn’t think it even mattered. It was one more thing to keep working with him on. He really should have asked Gaspar to help train Wrenlow when it came to sneaking. Gavin was skilled enough, but Gaspar was a master thief. There were things even Gavin could learn from Gaspar.
“Stay along the buildings,” Gavin whispered.
A soft grunt came in reply.
Gavin stepped away. He
