Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness) by Pierce Tamora

Author:Pierce, Tamora [Pierce, Tamora]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Published: 2009-12-01T05:00:00+00:00

As Jonathan and Gary talked, George Cooper entered his mother’s house. A message from Corus had brought him home from Port Caynn at a gallop. Claw, frustrated by months of trying to kill George, had done the unthinkable and attacked a noncombatant, Eleni Cooper. Men and women loyal to George had turned back Claw’s forces, and now Mistress Cooper’s home resembled an army camp, complete with wary sentries.

When her son walked into the kitchen, Eleni was sorting and boxing the herbs she used as a healer. Pots holding some potions bubbled on the hearth, filling the air with the scent of herbs.

“It could have been worse,” she told George. “None of your people were killed, and I’m all right.”

George scowled. “This time, Mother. What of the next time, and the next? He attacked a woman who’s not sealed to the Rogue. Claw will respect none of our laws if he breaks this one. He don’t care who gets hurt. He don’t care if my Lord Provost descends on us with soldiers to rid the city of us and our wars. He cares nothin’ for them he bribes and forces to follow him. They can end on Gallows Hill, and Claw will make no move to save them. It isn’t right. He wants to be Rogue, but he won’t look after those sealed to him as is his duty.” He accepted the cup of herbal tea she poured for him and sipped it without noticing what he drank. “Our greatest advantage lay always in never causin’ enough trouble that my Lord Provost would be interested in cleanin’ the Lower City of us.”

“You’ll find a way to deal with him,” Eleni told him. She labeled a packet of comfrey leaves. “I’ve never known you to admit defeat, George.”

“Sometimes I start believin’ the rumors,” George whispered, looking tired. “Let’s face it, Mother—a man killed once should stay dead.”

Eleni sat across from him at the table. “Thank the Goddess his Gift didn’t leave the tomb with him.”

“We’ve only his word for that, and Thom’s.” George spooned honey into his tea. “I think sometimes all our troubles since October stem from those two. No, that’s unfair. I let Alanna go myself.”

“She could have waited for you in Port Caynn,” Eleni reminded him.

George smiled ruefully. “I try not to ask the impossible of her, Mother. She’s not a lass who waits at home for her man.”

“She could have returned here with you.”

George shook his head. “She didn’t wish to face our nobles again. I think her memories of Jonathan still hurt.”

“Perhaps you should go after her, then. You haven’t been yourself since she returned to the desert.” Taking one of his hands, she added, “It would please me to know you had stopped your courting of the hangman’s noose.”

George squeezed her hand. “I can’t, Mother, not yet. I’ve a few things to finish up here, first.” His face was bleak. “Besides, didn’t I tell you? The news from Maren and Sarain is she’s keepin’ company with the Shang Dragon.

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