The Laran Gambit by Marion Zimmer Bradley & Deborah J. Ross

Author:Marion Zimmer Bradley & Deborah J. Ross
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-938185-73-1
Publisher: Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust

The next morning, Ernst appeared in good spirits to get out and explore. Bryn was anxious about him overtaxing his strength or somehow negating the benefits of the Tower healing. Felicity wanted to return to the apothecary shop, which interested neither Bryn nor her father, so they set out by themselves.

As the hours passed, a sense of disquiet grew in her mind, vague and unformed. She glanced around as they went on, although she saw nothing even remotely threatening. The weather was fine, and the people seemed to be friendly.

Just as they were about to head back to the inn, a dark, fleeting shape flitted through the edge of her vision and disappeared around a corner. Her pulse sped up. Black? But how could he be here? She whirled around and darted in the direction she’d seen it. This led to a blind alley between two buildings, more an alcove than the end of a street. It was empty of everything except a wooden planter containing a straggle of gray-leaved succulents.

Ernst caught up with her. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“I thought I saw—never mind. I was mistaken. Are you too tired to walk back?”

“I’m a little tired, yes, but those meat skewers at the crossroads we just passed smelled appetizing. I believe I could eat a portion.”

“But we don’t—” Perhaps the vendor would be willing to accept something in trade. She wasn’t sure what, but she had taken her satchel as they left, out of old habit, and surely there must be some bit of Terran origin that would suit. “Yes, let’s do that.”

When they arrived at the cart of the meat skewers, the vendor would not hear of payment. The woman, young and red-cheeked, smiled broadly as she handed over the food. “Oh no, mestra, mestre. ’Tis an honor. When folks hear as you give us favor, they’ll all want the same.”

It seemed ungracious to refuse. The meat was not beef but a bit like venison, marinated and then quickly cooked so the interior of each chunk was juicy. Ernst ate all of his and one of Bryn’s, which she decided was a good sign. Every time they stopped to admire a leather belt, a woven shawl, or a pottery bowl, or to smell the savory spices or honey-nut aroma of pastry, the merchants urged their goods upon the Terrans, saying how much honor it would bring them. It was all Bryn could do to usher her father back to the inn, although they got turned around and lost their way twice. He was flagging, and her belly was unsettled. She put it down to unfamiliar food.

The next day, Ernst slept in. Bryn felt faintly nauseous and remembered that Alanna had asked about that particular symptom. Otherwise, she would have thought it was due to the stress of mountain travel and too much animal protein. She ate lightly, mostly bread and fruit, thinking to ease the load on her stomach. But the day after that, her father was noticeably confused again and her symptoms were no better.

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