Come Twilight by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Author:Chelsea Quinn Yarbro [Chelsea Quinn Yarbro]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Tor
Published: 2000-12-15T07:00:00+00:00

Blaziuz Gagin

Primos, Sancta Cruce

At Usca, on the 16th day of June in the 722nd year of man’s Salvation in the calendar of Sanct’ Iago.

6

Two Moors remained of the stragglers captured in the last nine days. One of them was weak and disoriented, ready to leave the pains of the world for the houris of Paradise. The other had resisted and was now locked in a contest of wills with Chimenae.

“It is most entertaining,” she told her clan when they gathered at her stone house. “And Sanct’ Germain has been useful.” This concession was as much praise as she was prepared to offer.

Overhead the sky was dense with clouds, and from time to time, thunder muttered in the higher peaks, heralded by sprinks of lightning. The air was close, heavy as a winter mantel, and still as an ambush. The clan was restless, wanting to be about their night’s hunting before the rain came and immobilized them. The distant thunder provided an accompaniment to their gathering.

“It is nearly mid-summer,” called out Achona. “We have not long to hunt.”

Wembo seconded her. “And rain is coming.”

“I will not hold you long,” said Chimenae. “Which village supplies the next two-legged goat?” She knew the answer but wanted to be told as a reminder to the rest.

“Mont Calcius. Tomorrow. Possibly the night after.” Aulutiz frowned in annoyance. “Is there anything we need to know about the Moors?”

“Then all of you will have what you want, and I will use the Moors a little longer.” Chimenae could not conceal a quick, satisfied smile.

“Have you learned enough from them to make it worthwhile to keep them both alive another night? It is dangerous to let them live when they have seen so much, is it not?” Edic asked, a hint of criticism in his voice. “Would it not be better to finish them both and be done with it?”

Chimenae considered her answer. “I have found out a little—not enough yet. I know now there are parties of soldiers and slaves and slaves cutting down trees to the east and south of us.”

“We knew that,” scoffed Achona, encouraging others to share her scorn.

“They are coming higher into the mountains,” said Chimenae. “They may eventually reach our region. Whether it is their intention, they are driving game higher into the mountains, and they will bring in their goats and sheep to graze after they have taken our trees to make ships.”

“Still nothing new,” said Edic with some concern.

Chimenae pointed to Edic. “Do you doubt me? Do you question what I have learned? Say if you do.”

“I do not doubt you,” Edic responded at once.

“Good.” She singled out Dorioz. “You will bring the goat tomorrow, or the next night. Mont Calcius has yet to choose whom it will be; they may have to waylay a traveler or shepherd—no matter. And you may partake of him first.” Then she swung around and looked directly at Wembo. “You will not share in the goat. Nor will you.” This was to Achona. “You are treading near the edge, my girl.

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