Mage Wars 02: The White Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey

Author:Mercedes Lackey [Lackey, Mercedes]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-04-22T04:00:00+00:00

There is a great deal of babbling going on tonight. "I believe that will be the case," Amberdrake told him, gravely. "And I thank you in advance for going to such lengths for me."

"It is nothing more nor less than you deserve," Leyuet protested, opening the door and letting himself out quickly, as if he feared Amberdrake might want to question him further. "It is only my duty; it is only what is right. I bid you good night—for now."

And with that, he gratefully took himself out. Amberdrake had the feeling that if it had been within the bounds of propriety to run away, he would have.

There is something that he doesn't want me to ask about, and I would bet that it has to do with the King's proposal to Winterhart.

He turned back to the three anxious faces that were, at least, a little less anxious for hearing Leyuet's speech.

"Now," he told them, "let's get comfortable. The garden, I think—we're less likely to be overheard there. Makke, would you go fetch Gesten and have him bring us something to drink that will help keep our nerves I steady? We have a great deal to sort out, and we must find a way to do it in a way that will keep anyone from being hurt."

When Makke rejoined them in the garden, with Gesten and a tray of strong tea and another of sugar-cakes, he ordered her to remain. "You have a part in this, little mother," he told her, patting a seat beside him and smiling at her as she took it, timidly. Gesten went around the garden lighting the insect-repelling lamps and candles. "Let us begin with the lost clothing, for that is what brought me to such a terrible accusation. I think you do not realize that you have been betrayed as badly as you believe you betrayed me."

She bowed her head to hide her face, her shoulders trembling. Odd. I feel steadier now than I have all evening. I wonder why? Was it because he was pretending to be the ever-serene kestra'chern? Or was it because they needed him to be the calm one?

Well, as a servant, she cannot demand the services of the Truthsayer, I suspect. But because the loss of my property is what led to my being accused of murder, I can demand she be examined myself. I think Leyuet will find she did not lose anything— that the missing clothing was stolen, and she cannot possibly be blamed for having clothing stolen by the crafty fiends who have successfully completed four murders!

He sensed Winterhart's anguish even as his mind raced through plans dealing with his quandary and Makke's, and he reached out for her hand even as he spoke soothing words to Makke. When the old woman finally raised her eyes to his, he smiled encouragingly at her and turned his attention to his own beloved.

"Amberdrake, I—" she began.

He managed a weak chuckle. "You are as blameless as poor Makke, if you

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