Modesitt, L.E - Saga of Recluce 22 - Fairhaven Rising by Modesitt L.E

Author:Modesitt, L.E [Modesitt, L.E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781250265180
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

XXXIV

Mindful of Gustaan’s earlier comments, Tulya was up early on fiveday, and had Bounder groomed and saddled and ready even before she went to the officers’ mess for a hurried breakfast. Kaeryla wasn’t that far behind, and was only a fraction of a quint later in seating herself across the table from her cousin.

“Do you really think they’ll leave at sixth glass?” asked Kaeryla.

“Close enough,” mumbled Taelya through a mouthful of egg scramble that was slightly underdone and filled with overdone bits of ham, possibly left over from the reception the night before. Even the bread tasted somewhat stale.

Just before she left, she motioned to one of the mess stewards and had him bring a large pitcher of ale, which she then poured into the two water bottles she’d brought to the mess. She did smile and thank the confused steward.

From across the table, Sheralt shook his head. “We’re supposed to go to the kitchen for that.”

“No one mentioned it to me.”

“That might be because you left the reception early.”

“I left after Majer Zekkarat and the others did.”

“They had a meeting.”

“What else did I miss, then?”

“Not much besides that.”

Taelya wanted to shake her head. Were you just supposed to stand around and wait until some senior officer said something? She got the feeling that was exactly what she was supposed to have done. “Are you sure?”

“Well…” Sheralt drawled, “there was something about women undercaptains assaulting their superiors…”

Even though Taelya knew that he was jesting, she still winced. “How many know about that?”

“By now, probably every junior officer in Jellico,” said Valchar cheerfully.

“Most likely because you made sure of it,” said Kaeryla.

“Then it’s probably better that we’re leaving this morning,” replied Taelya. “Even if I didn’t assault anyone. I just kept a Certan captain from assaulting me.” She took the water bottles and headed out of the officers’ mess, and from there back down to the stable, where she began to lead Bounder toward the courtyard.

That was when Gustaan appeared. “You know that everyone has heard you were insubordinate to two Montgren officers and one Certan officer?” The captain’s voice was mild.

“I wasn’t insubordinate,” replied Taelya. “I just stopped Ferek from insulting me, and the Certan officer from grabbing me in a more than lecherous fashion. I didn’t refuse any legitimate orders or inflict any harm on anyone.”

“Since that’s what I told Majer Zekkarat, I’m glad that was what happened. But why were you roaming through the main officers’ quarters?”

“Because I didn’t believe the submarshal, and I was trying to discover if there were any mages in the palace or the main quarters.”

“I don’t believe him, either, but do you think the submarshal or the Viscount would risk having any around while we’re here?”

“I’m pretty sure there is at least one in the area around the Viscount’s apartments.”

“That would certainly be understandable. He would want some protection. He has to know what Fairhaven mages can do.”

“Why would we risk that now?”

“He also has more than a few other enemies, Taelya.”

Despite her feeling that she was justified in scouting the palace, Taelya saw no point in saying more about it.

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