The Immortal Renshai by Mickey Zucker Reichert

Author:Mickey Zucker Reichert
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DAW
Published: 2018-05-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

Integrity dictates that a man do the right thing even when it becomes inconvenient, even when it will result in the loss of one’s own life.

—Knight-Captain Kedrin

THOUGH PAINTED IN CHEERFUL BLUES AND YELLOWS, Matrinka’s room seemed grim and gray, sullied by the events of the last several months and the terrible thoughts accompanying them. She sat bolt upright on top of her blankets, Imorelda and the kittens in her lap. She stroked them incessantly, seeking the solace that usually accompanied that action, but, this time, it eluded her.

Nomalan was dead, along with several other soldiers sent to the testing Outworld, but his demise seemed all the more tragic because he had arrived with the liberators to save them. Everyone had braced for the fact that many or all of those blown to the Outworlds would never return, so the rescue of many overshadowed the loss of a few. But the heroic volunteers who risked their own lives to bring home those already gone should be untouchable, at least in Matrinka’s mind. The loss of even one, rightly or wrongly, seemed so much more devastating. Nomalan’s death, in particular, was personal on so many levels: a kind and competent man, the future son-in-law and father of her grandchildren, a cousin she had known since his birth; and, of course, the vital element in an elaborate and necessary plan.

A solid knock on the door barely stirred Matrinka from her solemn thoughts. She had sent for Marisole, so she called out, “Come in, kitten.”

The door edged open, and Barrindar’s bearded face poked through it, eyes tightly shut. “It’s me, my lady. Is it all right if I enter instead?”

Matrinka sat up straighter; but, as she was decently dressed, she did nothing more. “Of course, Barri. Please come in, and shut the door behind you.”

Barrindar did as the queen requested. Slowly, one at a time, he opened his eyes, then waited until she gestured toward a chair before seating himself. He fidgeted a bit, clearly uncomfortable meeting with Matrinka inside her bedchamber. “I know you were expecting Marisole, but she asked me to come in her stead. I hope that’s all right.”

Matrinka nodded, trying to guess Marisole’s motivation. Decades of experience suggested her bardic daughter would have difficulty communicating the score of emotions assailing her, particularly when her curse limited her to musical explanations. “I imagine she’s having trouble putting her thoughts and feelings into song. Did she manage to convey them to you?”

Barrindar studied Matrinka’s expression as he answered, clearly worried he might offend. “She had planned to speak about it with you as well as me, but it proved a lot more difficult than she expected. I thought it best she try to rest or, at least, organize her thoughts and emotions before attempting to explain them again.” He smiled conspiratorially. “I knew you, of all people, would understand.”

Matrinka grinned as well, trying to reassure. “I do understand. Thank you for coming in her place.”

Barrindar bowed his head briefly in respect.

Matrinka

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