Banner of the Damned by Sherwood Smith

Author:Sherwood Smith [Smith, Sherwood]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Speculative Fiction
ISBN: 9781101579930
Publisher: DAW
Published: 2011-12-31T13:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

OF BANNERS IN THE WIND

T

he next afternoon, under steel-colored skies, we topped the last ridge, and gained our first glimpse of the long river valley called the Jayad. A few twists and turns through rocky spires and outcroppings brought us low enough to spot the mighty bridge over the Or Arei, a cluster of slanted clay-tile rooftops around the near foot. The river was far too wide to cross by horse and too swift-moving for barges, after all the recent rains. “See the bridge?” Lnand’s voice lightened. “Beyond that lies our homeland.”

We reined in shortly thereafter, screened by an ancient hedgerow growing wild alongside a rough trail that was once a road.

Ivandred trotted alone to where Retrend waited. The two dismounted and walked up the roadside to peer through the tangled, thorny branches at the moldering remains of a castle not too far from the mighty bridge.

Below the bridge rose a pall of dust.

Ivandred called for Tesar, who guided her horse out of position.

“They’re wearing Jevair green,” Ivandred said to her. “Are they Jevair?”

The horse shifted its weight as Ivandred passed a spy glass to her, and she peered just past my ear. Everyone waited, then she handed it back.

“It might be our spring-green, after several seasons in the sun.” Tesar’s tone was also uncertain.

Lasva gestured in Deference mode. “We know nothing of military matters, as I am certain you are aware, but my staff knows a great deal about matters of cloth dyes and fading. Might Pelis take a look?”

All the Marlovens turned her way, looking as surprised as if a rock had spoken—or a peacock had taken up a sword, as Ivandred turned his palm up.

Pelis took the spyglass and stared through it longer than the situation warranted, but we could guess from her stiff manner and her red face that she was making absolutely certain.

Lnand muttered something. Pelis made a Deference, then lowered the glass. “I wish we had Nifta with us, for she is the most knowledgeable about fabrics.” She grasped the ends of her brown braids then said, “But I know something, too. At this distance, and with the light behind them, I am not going to state conviction, but I think that is fresh dye.”

“Those battle tunics are a different shade,” Haldren said. “Are you certain it’s not sun-fading?”

“The difference in shade is due to a difference in fabric. From the hang, I would guess you are seeing three different weaves, which will take dye variously. But it is fresh. I would say the green was mixed with dye made from sun thistle petals, and recently at that.”

“A ruse, then,” Ivandred said. “Retrend? How close did you get?”

“Not close enough to hear.”

“We will dismount. Rest the horses. Wait until night.”

Fnor rode up. “I smell snow,” she said, fist striking over her heart.

Ivandred lifted his head, studying the clear sky. “We will ride just as the sun sets.”

He walked with Lasva up a goat trail to sit under a tree, but once she was comfortable, he went off with Fnor and a black-coated Marloven to confer.

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