The Cry of the Marwing by K.S. Nikakis

Author:K.S. Nikakis
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd
Published: 2011-08-16T16:20:40+00:00

32

Tierken still didn’t greet her when Kira entered the Meeting Hall at midday. He just motioned her to a seat and began outlining the duties that Laryia had performed as Lady of the Domain. Even when she interrupted him to beg his pardon for her behaviour on the plain, his demeanour remained unchanged, shrugging off her words as if they were unimportant. He seemed perfectly calm, and his indifference added to Kira’s belief that his love for her was no more. Panic threatened to overwhelm her, and she struggled to focus on his words.

‘The present need is for you to understand your responsibilities in the Domain before my next patrol,’ he was saying.

‘Your next patrol?’ exclaimed Kira. ‘You’ve only just returned from the last one and that was more than two moons!’

‘That was an escort, not a patrol,’ said Tierken impatiently. ‘Despite not being Terak, I thought you understood that a Terak Feailner’s duties include ensuring the security and wellbeing of all Terak lands and people, not just those enclosed by the wall.’

‘And what am I supposed to do in your absence?’ asked Kira.

‘Apart from maintaining the smooth running of the Domain, you can spend time repairing the damage you’ve done to your reputation.’

‘Damage?’

‘I’m not a herder, Kira, nor a woodcutter, nor a patrolman. If I were, it wouldn’t matter to Sarnia if you dressed in breeches and wandered about alone, if you married or refused to, if you took lovers –’

‘If I took lovers?’ gasped Kira, gripping the table to steady herself.

‘You’re naive if you think that joining Farid in the Meeting Hall last thing at night, and emerging first thing in the morning, is not going to fuel gossip that you share his bed.’

‘You think that Farid and I are lovers?’

‘It’s what Sarnia thinks! I’ve spoken to Farid already and he understands the need to protect your reputation as well as his own. You’ve been here over eight moons. It’s time you became –’

‘Terak?’ asked Kira. ‘I warned you that I would always be a Tremen. I was honest about that.’

‘I’ve arranged for Mouras to meet with you here later this day,’ continued Tierken, ignoring her outburst. ‘I need go inspect the new paving in Kasheron’s Quarter now.’

‘I’m to meet the Room Master alone? Aren’t you afraid I’ll take him as a lover?’

‘If there’s anything in Mouras’s instructions you don’t understand, you can ask me on my return.’

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