The Baron of Magister Valley by Steven Brust

Author:Steven Brust
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

Part II

MAGISTER VALLEY

Chapter the Eighteenth

In Which Livosha and Kefaan, Having Explored the Island to their Heart’s Content, Would Now Prefer to Leave

“My brother,” said Livosha.

“Well?”

“Our boat is gone.”

“How, gone?”

“Look for yourself.”

“I am looking.”

“And?”

“Well, what you say is true. It is gone.”

“I am pleased that we agree.”

“As am I, only—”

“Well?”

“You perceive that this is an eventuality I had not anticipated.”

“So then, it will have an effect on our plans?”

“I think so. I had hoped to use the boat to leave with Eremit before the jailers discovered we were missing. But now—”

“No Eremit, no boat.”

“Exactly.”

Suddenly, there was a loud, deep peal, as of a large bell, that seemed to come from within the mountain.

“I believe,” said Kefaan, “that our absence has been discovered.”

“Then,” said Livosha, “they will find us.”

“That is not my preference,” said Kefaan.

“Nor mine, if truth be known.”

“And so?”

“We need time to think.”

“Oh, I am all in favor of thinking, and even more in favor of time.”

“Very good, then. Follow me.”

They followed her back up the side of the mountain where they had come down, retracing the steps they had just made, until they came to the hole.

“You wish to go back into the cell?” said Kefaan.

“More than that, back into the jail.”

“But, I fail to see how that will give us time.”

“Soon you will.”

“Very well.”

Upon entering the cell, Livosha walked directly through it and to the opposite cell. “Jerin,” she said.

“My lady?”

“Open the cell.”

“Yes my lady.”

As the door opened, Livosha received a curious look from a young woman of dark complexion like a Hawk, but blond hair, and features that made one think of the House of the Dragon. She rose and said, “What is this?”

“I am opening the door, madam, and then I am leaving. What you do is up to you.”

“Then, they are releasing us?”

“Not in the least. I am releasing you.”

“Ah. But, you are an Iorich.”

“That is true, but I am not with the jail.”

“So, then, you are releasing prisoners to create confusion to aid in the escape of some particular person you came to rescue?”

“You have understood exactly. The jailers are in confusion, and I wish to add to it.”

“Very well. But is there a way off the island?”

“As to that—”

“Well?”

“Not as of yet.”

“But then—”

“Come, I will make you a bargain. If I manage to escape—”

“Yes, if you manage to escape?”

“I will inform the nearest village that there are people who need rescuing, and, they being fishermen, who are always alert to anyone’s need for rescue under any circumstances, they will likely bring boats out here and so help free you.”

“So much the better. But what is my side of the bargain?”

“Take these keys and free everyone in this corridor, then, either continue to another corridor, or give the keys to someone else to continue the work. Come, what do you think of this bargain?”

“I accept with all my heart.”

“Then here are the keys. I am Livosha, and this is my brother, Kefaan.”

“I am called Kelsama.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Kelsama.”

“A pleasure indeed.”

“And now, farewell, we must be away.

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