The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

Author:Katherine Addison
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

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Tanvero had no street lights. I was possibly still a little rattled by the ghoul, for I found myself following Vera so closely that I was almost treading on his heels, but he only laughed when I tried to apologize.

There were two hotels in town, one patronized by caravan masters and one patronized by guards and drivers. Vera took me to Elsanesmee, where the caravan masters stayed, and said, “If you need anything, othala, ask for me. Valta and I do repairs for most of the buildings in town, so everyone knows us.”

“Thank you,” I said. “It is kind of you.”

He looked at me oddly, then smiled and said, “If you come to Tanvero again, I hope it is not for ghouls.”

Inside Elsanesmee, I was recognized immediately and disconcertingly as the prelate who had quieted the ghoul. The desk clerk offered me a chair behind the desk (which I was glad to take, for I was still fatigued) and a boy was sent running to fetch Mer Malhanar. I was intensely uncomfortable, especially as I knew I was being watched from the servants’ corridor that ran behind the desk and under the main staircase. The mustard-yellow coat felt like a blazing torch.

Mer Malhanar appeared with what I supposed was flattering promptness and professed himself delighted to see that I was well and capable of returning to Amalo in the morning. He seemed nervous in my presence, and I suppressed the ridiculous urge to reassure him that I had not torn the ghoul apart with my bare hands. He was also delighted to find me a bed for the night, and I was equally pleased with the tiny single room up under the eaves. It was intended for a merchant’s edocharis, but even if there was some subtle insult intended—which I felt confident there was not—I did not care. The door had a lock and the bed could be slept upon and Mer Malhanar had my valise sent up so that I was able to change into my nightshirt and sleep in comfort.

Despite my half prediction to myself, insomnia did not plague me, and if I dreamed, I did not remember them in the morning.

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