Knight or Knave by Andre Norton & Sasha Miller

Author:Andre Norton & Sasha Miller [Norton, Andre & Miller, Sasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Epic, Monarchy, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, General, Courts and Courtiers
ISBN: 9780812577587
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Published: 2001-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

It had been, Ashen realized, an entire year since she had visited Zazar—indeed, the last time Rohan had returned to the Oakenkeep. "I do not know where the time goes," she told the Wysen-wyf. "I will try to do better in the future."

Zazar sniffed. She seemed little changed with the passing of the years except that she had become sharper of tongue, if such a thing were possible. "You have your own life now, and welcome to it." She nodded at Gaurin. "Now that you finally had the good sense to marry the man the Weavers intended for you."

"Whether the Weavers did it, or some other force, I will always thank you for the great boon of my lady," Gaurin said. He took Zazar's wrinkled old hand and kissed the fingers. She took it back with a shade less impatience than she would have shown to another who dared such a liberty.

"Now, Rohan. Come sit you down by my fire and while Ashen and Gaurin make lovers' eyes at each other, I have something for you." She rummaged in a woven basket and then brought out a tuft of dried herbs and grasses. "Here. This is for you."

Ashen recognized many of the sprigs that made up the tuft. "No," she said, alarmed. "Surely not—"

"Do not meddle! I have had this put away for some time, waiting for Rohan to get close to his Shield Year. Oh, yes, I know all about that. And that before long you'll be getting your father's Rinbell sword that was his father's before him. But here, take this. You are to wear it in your helm instead of the usual bunch of feathers or other useless trash."

"Zazar, some of these herbs are deadly," Ashen said.

"And others are for healing. I don't expect the boy to chew on them, after all. Heed me well. Need drives, and there is a good reason for this."

Then Ashen turned away with a sigh. When Zazar was this insistent, there was no arguing with her. The Wysen-wyf wrapped the bundle of plant sprigs—some of which seemed remarkably fresh for having been put aside so long before—and set it into a basket of other items she would be sending back with Ashen. She knew the basket contained salves and healing-potions, and packets of dried herbs as well.

"Do you still study?" the Wysen-wyf asked.

"I do. The good priest, Esander, has given me several books from the hidden library. He says they are duplicates. Others he has lent me, and those I read and return. Every time there is a traveler who has gone through Rendelsham, it seems that I receive a fresh parcel from him."

"Good. Only, remember—read, but do not presume to practice what you learn."

Ashen smiled. "And risk a return of Weyse, to sit on the pages? Though I would be glad to see her again."

To Ashen's surprise, Zazar actually chuckled. "That was her own idea. I just told her to stop you from being a fool. Anyway, if

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