Lightnings Daughter by Mary H. Herbert

Author:Mary H. Herbert [Herbert, Mary H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Sengi set the tray and his lamp down on a wooden crate. "I created this space two months ago after Khan'di left for the plains. I thought it might be useful. My workmen will be here tomorrow, but if you are quiet and stay out of sight during the day, you can stay here as long as you need to. I will care for your horses."

The men looked around the space dubiously. "Is all of this secrecy really necessary?" Bregan asked.

The wool merchant glared at him. "If the Fon hears even a rumor that the sorceress is in the city, she will tear Pra Desh apart to find her."

Athlone nodded once and set his gear down. The others fol owed his example. Sengi looked around to be sure al of his guests understood his warning. "Now then, I must get some more food." Again he rushed away into the warehouse.

While the merchant was gone, the travelers piled their weapons and packs out of the way and settled down to wait.

Piers picked up the bottle, uncorked it, and sniffed the contents. "Andoran Wine," he said in delight. He found his own horn cup and poured a ful measure.

The wine was being passed around when Sengi returned. More bread, cheese, sugared dates, and another bottle of wine filled his arms. Khan'di followed in his wake.

The others stared in amazement at the nobleman as he stepped into the lamplight. His travel-stained knee-length robes and leggings had been replaced by resplendent robes of brilliant blue and gold, trimmed with white furs and embroidered with gold threads. Rings clustered on his fingers, and a heavy gold chain with the dolphin emblem of the Kadoa family hung about his neck.

Khan'di smiled at their reaction. "I've been to court this afternoon to pay my respects to the Fon.

That is only right, since I am newly risen from my sick bed."

Athlone cocked an eyebrow. "Sick bed?"

"Before I left Pra Desh I had my seneschal spread the word that I had fallen ill with a contagious disease. My healer has convincingly kept up the lie for all these weeks. Now, at last, I am well. The Fon seemed disappointed."

"Was it wise to reveal your return to health now?" Piers asked.

"It was the only way I could learn what I needed to know." He rubbed his hands together. "We have come just in time." He waited for a few minutes while Sengi bustled around, bringing a jug of water, a couple of leather stools, and another lamp.

When the wool merchant was satisfied, he nodded farewel to his guests. "Until tomorrow. And, Piers, I hope you wil tel me how you came to be among the clans. Good night."

When he was gone, Khan'di lifted the hems of his robes and sat down on a stool. The travelers helped themselves to the food and wine and gathered around him.

Khan'di hesitated another moment before he began. "The Fon has accomplished a great deal while I was gone,” he said. "The entire kingdom of Calah is now completely in her grasp.

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