Cast in Oblivion by Michelle Sagara

Author:Michelle Sagara
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MIRA Books
Published: 2018-11-14T18:30:36+00:00

* * *

Ynpharion spoke as he joined the Consort. I am to convey the Consort’s gratitude. His words were about as natural as Kaylin’s to the Consort had been.

For saving Terrano?

For saving the cohort. What we saw was your solicitous intervention. You put a hand on Terrano’s shoulder.

And the melting stones?

His interior voice relaxed, for a variant of relaxed which meant he once again felt free to be annoyed. Everyone witnessed that. He is your familiar. You might suggest some subtlety on his part.

I didn’t tell him what to do.

No, and I would keep that firmly to yourself—if it is possible for you to keep anything to yourself. But yes, the familiar caused some concern in the Court. This, conversely, amused him. And the stones did melt. You understand, he continued when she failed to have the correct reaction to this fact, that those stones could withstand the hottest of Dragon breath? Your familiar is feared for a reason.

If Coravante hadn’t attacked Terrano, my familiar would never have left my shoulder.

Yes. But as you cannot say that Coravante attacked Terrano—although some will, of course, be aware of this—the familiar’s actions seem erratic and dangerous. I am certain that, in your absence, some of the lords will be calling for your expulsion.

I can’t be made outcaste, Ynpharion.

No, of course not. You are not part of our race. You can, however, be forbidden the High Halls if you choose not to divest yourself of the creature on your shoulder. Grudgingly, he added, But it was well done.

What was?

Calling him back. It implies that control, however incomplete, remains with you. When Kaylin did not reply immediately, he added, It means you have power. The familiar’s existence—if that is, in fact, what he is, and there has been some debate—implies it heavily. To see it exercised is not entirely detrimental to your status.

I don’t give a rat’s ass—

The Consort favors you. She cannot be seen to favor the weak.

Right. Of course not.

She has taken the risk of showing inordinate favor to the cohort, given the politics that surround their reappearance. If they fail—if Terrano had somehow transformed—that would be considered disastrous for her. And that would, of course, reflect poorly on the High Lord.

“Lord Kaylin?” The Consort interrupted the flow of Ynpharion’s lecture; Kaylin didn’t consider their interchange to be a conversation.

“Sorry. I was thinking.”

The Consort had led them to the fountain behind the thrones. Kaylin had seen it before, but the cohort clearly hadn’t; there was almost a marked hesitance in their movements.

It is very, very seldom that the Consort entertains guests here. She has rooms that are far more stately—and far more secure—than this.

I doubt they’re more secure.

They are more secure for the Consort. Yes, this is the heart of her power, but the power that she has over the Lake—and, by extension, our people—is not destructive in nature.

The cohort seemed to understand this. Sedarias was almost awkward in her hesitation.

“Forgive me,” the Consort said. She gestured. “Please. Be seated. I seldom entertain so many people here; this small courtyard is not ideally situated for guests of note.

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