Aidrafiri by Alison Naomi Holt

Author:Alison Naomi Holt [Holt, Alison Naomi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Denabi Publishing

CHAPTER 15

It took another day for Liris and Ellsworth to organize the supplies, mounts, and soldiers that would accompany the Ritt back to Candon. Unaware of Bree’s plans, Edrei had taken the day to visit the Priestesses of the small Fandarinian Temple several miles distant from the castle. No one had realized she’d gone, and with all of the preparations, her absence wasn’t noted until everyone sat down for the evening meal.

Bree sent Kaiti to Edrei’s room to find her, and when she didn’t return, she asked Liris to see what was keeping them. Liris first checked Edrei’s room and, finding it empty, began a search of the gardens behind the Priestess’ rooms. As Liris rounded a hedge, Kaiti ran into her, bouncing off and catching herself on her hands to keep from falling all the way to the ground. Liris took her by the arm and helped her up. “Whoa. Slow down. What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. I’m just trying to find the Priestess, and I know Shimaa doesn’t like to wait for—” They both turned at the sound of the back gate opening.

Edrei stepped through and, with a wave, came over to greet them. “Good day!”

Kaiti took a step behind Liris and stared at the ground.

Liris put an arm around her shoulders and brought her forward again. “We were just coming to find you, Sona Issa. We thought maybe you hadn’t known dinner was being served.”

“Oh, no, I didn’t. I just returned from a wonderful visit with an old friend.”

“What? Where? Within the castle grounds, I hope?”

“No, she’s the arch-Priestess at the Fandarinian Temple down the road.” Oblivious to, or rather, ignoring Liris’ panicked intake of breath, Edrei knelt in front of Kaiti and held out her arms. “I haven’t had a hug yet today.”

Before Kaiti could respond, Liris distractedly pulled the child back by her tunic so she could have the Priestess’ undivided attention. She became more animated with each word. “You what? You left the castle? Alone? Without guards? You saw how the crowds reacted when we rode into town!”

Edrei stood, and her icy glare told Liris she’d said or done something the Priestess hadn’t liked. When Edrei pointedly looked down at Liris’ fist holding onto Kaiti’s tunic, Liris quickly released the child. “I…I didn’t realize I’d grabbed her.” She awkwardly patted the child on the shoulder before doubling down on her irritation. “But you shouldn’t have left the castle without—”

“Without permission?”

The words were sharp and, if Liris was honest, just a bit frightening when combined with the angry sparks dancing in Edrei’s eyes. She recognized the change from friendly Priestess to the Holiest of the Holy within the Dragon Sect of the Aidrafiri. This wasn’t her kind, Sona Issa. This was like Bree in the middle of battle, the leader who brooked no insubordination from any warrior on the battlefield. She bowed her head in submission. “No, My Lady…not permission. I meant you left without guards.”

Edrei didn’t respond, and when Liris glanced up, she saw that the posture had softened, and a wry smile had replaced the anger.

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