The Phoenix Guards - Khaavren Romances 01 by Steven Brust

Author:Steven Brust
Format: mobi
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 2008-10-14T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter the Twenty-third

In Which the Art

Of the Ambuscade is Discussed

And Examples Provided

THE FIRST TO ARRIVE WAS Pel. He raised his eyebrows at Aerich, who shook his head slightly to indicate that the moment for speech had not yet arrived. Uttrik followed after a moment, then Tazendra and Mica. “Well?” said Tazendra.

“This way,” said Khaavren, assuming command of the proceedings as if born to lead. He pointed up the road in the direction they were to proceed the next day, toward a place where a thick pile of stone had been built up, as if to prevent the slope of the mountain from covering the road with rocks and mud.

“Is there, then, something to see this way?” said Tazendra.

“No,” said Khaavren, “but there is something to talk about.”

“But then, why can’t we talk in the inn, where, I must tell you, I was most comfortably stationed?”

“Because, my friend, it would be too easy for us to be overheard there.”

“It is remarkable,” said Aerich, “how well sound carries in these mountains.”

“Well, then,” persisted Tazendra, who, notwithstanding the extreme justice of Khaavren’s remarks, was still annoyed at having to leave the inn, “do you pretend sound will carry less well here, along this road, than in the inn?”

“If you would be so good as to send Mica around to keep an eye and an ear open for observers, I should think we may be able to safely communicate some matters of importance.”

“I will do so then,” said Tazendra, and indicated to Mica that he should be about his task. The worthy Teckla nodded in a businesslike way and, still holding his bar-stool, began scouring the area.

After a moment, Pel said in a very quiet voice, “Come, what have you to tell us?”

“We are most anxious to hear,” said Uttrik.

“I will tell you then,” said Khaavren.

“What is it?” said Pel.

“Just this,” said Khaavren. “Aerich and I were absent when the cake was eaten.”

“Well,” said Tazendra. “We knew this. In fact, I even remarked upon it, did I not, Sir Uttrik?”

“You did,” said the Dragonlord.

Khaavren continued, “We took a walk behind the inn, where there is a stone path about several small clear-water pools, which it would do you good to look into, should you wish to reflect upon the infinite.”

“Oh,” said Tazendra, “I am done with reflecting.”

“Well, but, we were not.”

“And what did this reflection lead to?”

“Oh, that is unimportant. What is important, was what we heard while we were reflecting.”

“Oh, you heard something?”

“That is to say, overheard.”

“And what is it that you overheard?” asked Pel mildly.

Khaavren quickly described the conversation, as nearly word for word as he could, which was very nearly indeed, for he had a large head, and, as is well known, a large head gives greater capacity for memory. As he was finishing, Mica appeared and bowed to the company, “Gentlemen,” he said, “I have made three circuits of the area, at widening intervals. At one time I thought I heard a listener, but a closer examination proved it to be a norska, who seemed as anxious about my intentions as I was about hers.

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