Downshadow: Ed Greenwood Presents: Waterdeep (The Shadowbane Series Book 1) by Erik Scott de Bie

Author:Erik Scott de Bie
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780786955855
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2009-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

As they climbed down from the carriage before the Temple of Beauty and joined the fancifully dressed revelers waiting outside, Kalen admitted to himself that he was not pleased.

But when he looked at it honestly, he had no one to blame but himself. He’d known this was a mistake. How had he let Cellica talk him into this?

“Give me one good reason why you shouldn’t go as Shadowbane,” she said.

When Kalen had given her seven, Cellica frowned. “Well … give me one more.”

In the end, Kalen privately suspected she’d used the voice on him.

“Kalen?” Myrin asked at his side, calling him from his thoughts. “Is aught wrong?”

“No,” he said, taking the opportunity once again to admire how the red gown and silver hair suited her. She looked uncomfortably womanly, rather than girlish. He hadn’t said anything, of course, but that didn’t stop him thinking it.

Mayhap that was why he hadn’t argued against Cellica more effectively.

Don’t let yourself be distracted, he thought. You can survive the night. It’s just a ball.

He hoped there wouldn’t be dancing. Graceful as he might be, he was a soldier. He knew nothing of the world of courtly balls or dancing.

They entered through the foyer, decorated with images of the Lady Firehair and her worshipers—beautiful and graceful creatures, all. Fountains shaped like embracing lovers trickled wine. Windows of stained glass depicting scenes from Sunite history let in the radiance of the rising moon. Guests were gathered, laughing and flirting with rose-robed priests and priestesses. This, Kalen could handle. Only a ball, he thought.

“Sorry again,” Myrin said. “About yestereve—I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

Kalen shrugged.

“I thought for sure you’d bring Fayne,” said Myrin. “She’s your … ah?”

“No.” Kalen looked at her blankly. “I know her about as well as I know you.”

“Oh.” Myrin held his arm a little tighter. He could have sworn she added, “Good.”

“Saer and Lady—if you’ll enter the grand courtyard?” A pretty acolyte gestured to a set of open golden doors carved with the visage of the goddess.

“Courtyard?” Kalen murmured, but he couldn’t argue with Myrin’s brilliant smile. She took his arm and pulled him along.

At least Myrin was happy.

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