He Who Lifts the Skies by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow

Author:Kacy Barnett-Gramckow [Barnett-Gramckow, Kacy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-8024-7995-2
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Published: 2004-10-30T16:00:00+00:00

Fourteen

“KEREN?” MESHEK asked, staring at her with an expression of horror.

Keren felt ill. Unable to face her father, she lifted her chin and looked away from him, toward the dais. Let him think she didn’t care to see him. Let him believe that she preferred to live here with Sharah, who seemed furious with her, and with Ra-Anan, who was studying her as if she were an apparition whose existence he doubted.

Nimr-Rada, however, was smiling. Inclining his dark head, which was crowned by a rim of gold atop his usual horseman’s plait, Nimr-Rada spoke to Keren indulgently, almost paternally. “You have forgotten your sandals, my sister.”

She forced herself to smile at him, to seem pleased and equally indulgent. “I was commanded to come at once because He-Who-Lifts-the-Skies was waiting. Putting on my sandals would have taken time.”

“Then, seeing that you hurried to obey, we forgive you for keeping us waiting,” he answered, so amiable that Keren couldn’t believe it was the same tyrannical Nimr-Rada she detested.

“What have you done to her?” Meshek demanded, almost snarling.

“All this, she has done for herself,” Nimr-Rada said, waving a dark hand toward Keren’s attire, “with our full approval and encouragement.”

Keren felt her father staring at her, seething. “Look at you! How can you be my daughter? Your sister’s attire is actually more appropriate, and her manners more pleasing. You’ve not even greeted me properly. At least she’s asked me if I’m better today. I’ve been here for two days; didn’t you know?”

Two days? Genuinely shocked, Keren had to steady herself before she answered. Half turning, without looking at him, she said, “No, I didn’t hear that you were in the Great City; I’ve been busy. But I’m glad to know you’re well, Father. Were you ill?”

“He was exhausted,” Sharah told Keren sweetly. “We begged him to rest.”

“They’ve guarded me the entire time—against my will,” Meshek said. His discourtesy caused the servants and some of the guards to visibly flinch, evidently fearing Nimr-Rada’s reaction. But Meshek didn’t appear to notice or care. He rebuked Keren. “It seems that all I’ve been told is true; you have your own household, your own servants and horses and guards, and you’ve no wish to return to a simple life in the mountains.”

“Life is easier here,” she said tersely, fearing she might choke on the words. I can’t do this, she thought, staring up at the heavens, pretending irritation, but struggling against the tears that could only bring disaster. O Most High, let him forgive me eventually. He feels so betrayed; I can tell by his voice.

As if goaded beyond endurance, Meshek cried, “Look me in the eyes as you say these things, Keren!”

Keren noticed Zehker and Lawkham drawing near to restrain her father if the situation became too dangerous. Their actions distracted Meshek, who tensed, scowling at them. The interruption allowed Keren to compose herself, to glance at him, and to answer curtly. “I wish to stay. Tell my mother I’m sorry.”

“It would kill your mother to hear those words! And what of Yithran?”

She had to look away from her father then; he was so hurt.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.