A Dance of Swords by Robert Stanek

Author:Robert Stanek [Stanek, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Reagent Press

12

With each passing day, Lord Serant's strength increased. He felt that he was well, but Calyin had left orders with Isador that he was to remain in bed. Captain Brodst had recovered almost completely, yet Calyin also forbade him to return to his duties until the seventh day. Her argument was that he needed more rest and would get it.

Captain Brodst had tried in vain to resist, but as Lord Serant had told him, "No one ever really wins an argument with Calyin. Even if you win, you lose, so it is best just to go along with what she says." Lord Serant was very thankful for his company; at least he was not cooped up in bed with no one to talk to. The topics of their conversations varied though eventually they would end up discussing the words of the assassin lord.

When Isador would leave after breakfast, Captain Brodst would quickly close the door and help Serant out of bed. The two would escape to a little balcony just off the room. They would bask in the sunlight of the day, enjoying the cool breezes that often blew in from the north.

Just before lunch, they would move back into their "little cell" as they called it. Isador would bring lunch, and when she couldn't endure their protests any longer would leave. They would then sneak back out to the balcony.

Calyin often found them out there when she checked in on them. She'd look at Lord Serant's broad smile and her cross mood would ease. The questions they asked her were always the same, "Has Keeper Q'yer returned yet?" "Any word from the alliance?" "What of the council?" Calyin's response was also always the same, "If they had I would have told you first thing." Both Lord Serant and the captain doubted that she would have, which is why they continually asked the questions.

Six days had passed. On the eve of the seventh, Calyin had sent Midori to check on their progress. Serant pleaded with her to tell Calyin he was fully recovered. Midori knew better; her healing powers were strong, but the internal damage needed time to mend on its own.

The next morning, Captain Brodst tried everything he could think of to convince Isador that Lord Serant was well, but his words were wasted. He had even talked to Calyin who told him her decision was final. The captain dreaded seeing the look on Serant's face when he told him what Calyin had said. He tried to rationalize it by telling himself several times that it was, after all, for the best. Lord Serant must be totally recovered by the next seventh day as they could not afford the risk if he had not fully regained his strength. The kingdom depended on it.

Just as he expected, Lord Serant had an anxious expression on his face, which was readily followed by a frown. "Sorry, I tried, but you know Calyin. Don't worry. I'll come back this evening. I'll sneak a jug in.

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