Dragon Avenger by E. E. Knight

Author:E. E. Knight
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-04-28T17:40:28+00:00

Chapter 17

ainfall sat in his reception hall with the tablets on his lap. “It’s a sacrifice, but one I’m prepared to make for our sake. Look on the words with me one last time, Wistala.”

The words may have been illustrious, but the reception hall wasn’t much. According to Rainfall, there’d once been a grand set of chairs and trophies in the form of helms, scabbards, and weapons belonging to his grandfather—all long since sold. Only his azure battle sash remained, draped behind the very ordinary chair that sat against the wall opposite the arched door, bereft of the gilding that had once adorned it.

But good light came in through the narrow windows. Yari-Tab protested as she was removed from the sunny ledge in preparation.

“Perhaps you should step into the attendant room, Wistala, until the dwarves have gone. I don’t want to startle our guests.”

Wistala hooked her sii claw in a wall knothole and pulled open the paneled door with a squeak. She closed it again, and found she could see much of the room admirably through the knothole.

“You may show them in now, Yeo Lessup,” Rainfall said.

The lanky boy, in a new suit of clothes and his first pair of attending slippers, raised his eyebrows in surprise at the use of his household title. He gave a little bow as he turned.

“Forstrel,” Rainfall said. “When at court, always finish your bow and then go about your business.”

“Sorry,” he said.

“No need for apologies. Please go about it properly, Yeo Lessup.”

This time the youth bowed and came fully upright before leaving.

Within moments, two dwarves entered the room. They wore riding apparel with long scarves woven into diamond patterns. Their faces were masked behind stiffened leather, with gauze covering their beards. They removed their hats and bowed. The foremost was a little taller and heavier than the one behind, and had golden coins set into his belt.

“Ah, couriers of Chartered Company,” Rainfall said from the humble chair. “I trust the funds sent were adequate for your appearance?”

“Yes, sir,” the foremost answered in easy Parl.

“Well here’s a Hypatian Silver for each of you anyway for being so prompt. Whom do I have the honor of addressing?”

The masks turned toward each other.

“The signs of the Diadem are not enough?” the foremost said. “We’ll show you our seals, if you like.”

“No need. It’s simply that I wish to be social.”

“Elgee and my nephew Embee, sir, and honored.”

“May I address you as such?” Rainfall asked.

“Of course, sir.”

“Elgee and Embee, this package and the accompanying letter must arrive at the Imperial Library at Thallia intact. Have you been there?”

“I know Thallia well, sir,” Elgee said.

“It is inherently of no great value, but impossible to replace. There should be no danger beyond the usual minor difficulties that go with travel. I would prefer that you go by land rather than water, for the winter winds are coming, and I should hate to lose it to shipwreck.”

“Some thanedoms welcome dwarves better than—,” the smaller one behind said.

Elgee stamped. “No need for that, lad.

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