The Shadow Ryana (The Shadow Sisters Book 1) by C. R. Daems & J. R. Tomlin

Author:C. R. Daems & J. R. Tomlin [Daems, C. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Talon Novels
Published: 2013-11-21T23:00:00+00:00

Zeles—Calion Province

We arrived in Zeles a sixday after leaving Kadal. The capital of Calion, Zeles was a major city with its extremes of wealth and poverty. The campsite set aside for entertainers, like the gypsies, lay on the outskirts of the city next to the slums. Marku planned to rest for two days to give us time to advertise we were in Zeles.

A large, diverse crowd turned out for the first performance. Between acts, I scanned the audience. An Earth and a Fire Wizard stood at the back of the crowd with a good space around them. Gypsies weren't the only ones they made uncomfortable.

Although the city police in their blue and gold uniforms were stationed around the perimeter, I saw at least six thieves and two potential assassins roaming the crowd. The latter were harder to detect in a large crowd. The audience was mixed: a few minor nobles in silk pants and tunics, well-dressed merchants, and commoners in sturdy work clothes. As we put up the amusement tents, I spotted Leela. After looking at the woman standing next to her, she nodded her head toward me. Very sloppy, she needed more training; however, if she had made me as the Sister they were after, maybe she didn't. In either event, I had found Indira, and it was obvious they were working together.

Toward the end of the evening, Indira entered the tent. My visual and shadow selves fought for a second. My visual-self won.

"Mistress, how may I help you?" I smiled and looked up with genuine interest.

I was clan. I told fortunes for money.

"I hear you're very good at telling the future and the past."

"Thank you, Mistress. What would you like to know?"

"What did you tell the Fire Wizard in Kadal?"

Did she know or did she want to know? And why?

"I can tell you yours but not someone else's. Besides, he's a Fire Wizard. It would be bad for all the clans to have his guild mad at us. I'm sorry, Mistress." I shook my head, thinking about one flaming the wagons and the men, women, and children burning. My eyes misted. "No, Mistress. Not as long as I live. Please leave."

She stared for several seconds trying to decide something. She stood and threw a silver on the table before walking out.

I was clan.

I smiled, picked up the silver, and dropped it in my blouse. Although I didn't look up, I know she saw. I sent Anil to follow her. So long as it was dark, the apprentice's hawk would be blind. Familiars were tuned to their soul mates, not to other familiars.

* * *

Late that night I made my way around the outskirts of Zeles and then slipped into the town. I had studied the young girls in the audience and dressed like one. They tended to wear drab colors. That suited me fine since it helped to make me less conspicuous. I made my way toward the Earth Wizards' guild house. It was a risk, but sitting on my wagon wasn't going to help me discover the opposition's goal.

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