Sister of the Dead by Barb Hendee J. C. Hendee

Author:Barb Hendee, J. C. Hendee [Dead, Sister of the]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Vampires, Fantasy fiction, General, Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Horror fiction
ISBN: 9780451460097
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 2005-01-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

At dawn, Magiere left Leesil sleeping in their upstairs room and walked into the main hall to be accosted by Elena.

"Our thanks aren't nearly enough. There is nothing we can do to repay you.” The girl grasped Magiere's hands, nearly hopping up and down.

Lord Stefan stood near the hearth. He wasn't so enthusiastic, but Magiere preferred his silence. She'd seen his current expression many times while on the game. Village elders begged for her help, but once she finished, they were far more eager for her departure. Stefan had the same look about him.

Magiere pulled her hand from Elena's grip in embarrassment but tried to be gracious as she asked about breakfast.

"I'll fetch some hot porridge and fresh bread,” Elena said, and she scurried toward the corridor.

"Wait a little, Elena,” Captain Geza said, and he stood up from his seat at the table, and turned to Magiere.”There is something I'd like to show you before breakfast. Will you follow me?”

Magiere preferred Geza amongst all who lived in this manor. She followed as he led her outside and across the manor grounds to the stable. In front of its wide doors stood a fine wagon. The long driver's seat was covered with padded leather, and two gray horses were tied nearby. A stable boy was brushing out their lush coats.

Geza gestured to the wagon.”Elena told me you returned the household money and the people's coin.

I'm not noble but I'm far from destitute. Stefan is young and foolish, but my success depends on his, so at times I've supported him when I should not. This is my wagon, and I give it to you. Not as a gift but as proper payment, and you cannot refuse.”

He stepped closer to the team of gray horses, one stocky and the other more slender and graceful.

"This is Port,” Geza said,”because he is so portly. And this is Imp, because she reminds me of my grandmother's tales of fairy mounts. I trained them myself. They will serve you well.”

Magiere stepped closer, and Port swung his massive head to look at her. His eyes were clear and calm.

Imp reached out her head to chew on her partner's halter. She was beautiful, with a nose like gray velvet.

"These are dear to you,” Magiere said to Geza.”I can't take them.”

"I heard that your partner detests riding and is still ragged from last night. There are no barges due until the new moon. We owe you—I owe you. Elena is all I have, and I could not persuade her to leave and go back to Ke"onsk. If you had not come along...”

He sighed, and pulled a small folded parchment from his vestment.

'Take the wagon and team. You earned them. And there is something more I wish to show you now that we're away from the others. You are going on to Keonsk?”

"Yes.”

"Why?" he asked, and when she frowned at his question, he rushed on.”I thought perhaps our fates had been connected. That is why I ask.”

Magiere didn't see Geza as a man given to deceptions, but his comment was confusing nonetheless.

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