The Dragon of Despair by Jane Lindskold

Author:Jane Lindskold [Lindskold, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, General, Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Epic, Human-Animal Relationships, Wolves, Human-Animal Communication, (v4.0), Firekeeper (Fictitious Character), Wild Women
ISBN: 9780765341587
Google: daz2VlMJ9fkC
Amazon: 0765341581
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 2012-11-16T16:00:00+00:00

DERIAN CAME IN from checking if the hired carriage was ready, to find Elise and Edlin waiting in the hall.

After weeks in riding gear, to Derian's eyes Elise almost seemed oddly dressed in the pretty but formal summer frock she'd packed along in anticipation of just such occasions. Edlin, in turn, looked mildly miserable in his knee-breeches, waistcoat, and jacket.

"I say, it's just so hot, what?" he protested. "Can't I at least do without the coat?"

"Sorry," Elise said, though she didn't look at all sorry. "We must make the right impression."

"I'll make an impression all right," Edlin muttered, "in sweat on brocade."

Elise wasted no sympathy on him but turned to Derian.

"Is our coach here?"

"It is," Derian assured her. "Brace yourself. Oculios sent along one of those pulled by people rather than horses. He said it's the only way to navigate the streets with any speed at the busiest times of day."

"If he says so," Elise replied doubtfully. "I certainly can't hope to arrive at the ambassador's residence at all clean if we walk."

Edlin had strode to the doorway, his complaints about his clothing forgotten in the novelty of the forthcoming experience.

"I say!" he called back. "Why are they dressed like that? I mean, I can see the loincloth and harness routine, rather practical in the heat, don't you know? But why are they wearing wings on their shoulders?"

Derian shrugged.

"To show they're fast?"

Edlin grinned.

"I say! Come along, Lady Archer. Our vehicle awaits."

Elise colored slightly when she saw the state of undress affected by their "steeds" but sallied forth with style, letting Edlin hand her up into the seat slung on the light carriage frame.

"We should be back for dinner," she said. "If our plans change, we'll send word."

Derian waved.

"Have a good time!"

As he watched them clatter down the street, Derian became aware that Doc had emerged from his office/consulting room. Doubtless he'd been watching from the window the entire time.

Derian couldn't resist teasing.

"Elise looked awfully pretty, didn't she?"

Doc made a rude gesture.

"She is never less," he said with dignity, "than perfectly lovely. Now, if you will excuse me, I'll step across the hall and check how my convalescents are doing."

Derian felt a little bad about teasing Doc, but for himself, Derian felt decidedly restless. It had been a long time since he'd been with a woman. He didn't want to count back and figure out just how long, but he realized that face paint, tattoos, and all Hasamemorri's maids were looking pretty good.

It's when Hasamemorri herself starts looking good, Derian thought wryly, that I really need to worry.

That thought shook him out of his self-pity and with a whistle on his lips he went looking for Wendee. They'd both been collecting information in the various business centers and it was time they compared it.

Wendee was in the kitchen, hanging a market basket over her arm.

"Are Lady Archer and Lord Edlin on their way?" she asked.

"Off and running," Derian assured her. "Or at least their bearers were. I'm not sure I can get used to the idea of grown adults being hauled around by other people.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.