Natural Ordermage by L. E. Modesitt

Author:L. E. Modesitt
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Epic, Fantasy, General, order as published, Fiction
ISBN: 9780765318138
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2007-09-17T22:00:00+00:00

XLVIII

Nightday midmorning found Rahl wandering around the warehouse courtyard in a mist that was not quite rain but more like the steam that rose from a boiling kettle, if not quite so warm. He’d discovered that his key also fit the lock to the warehouse gates. That made sense, but he hadn’t thought about it. He glanced up at the upper level of the first warehouse, barely visible through the mist. The shutters were closed, and his order-senses suggested that Daelyt and Yasnela were not there. From what he could tell with his senses, there were more than two rooms— three and a small study or sewing room for Yasnela—and except for the small room they were comparatively spacious, especially for a clerk. Yet, in a way, Rahl suspected, it was almost a prison for Daelyt. How could the other clerk ever say anything or leave Shyret?

Rahl glanced toward the stables, catching sight of a broad-shouldered figure—was it Chenaryl? Was something wrong? Rahl walked toward the south end of the courtyard. As he neared the stables, he realized that the warehouse supervisor was actually cleaning out one of the water troughs.

At the sound of Rahl’s boots on the stone, Chenaryl straightened and brushed a lock of oily black hair back off his forehead. He wore only an old undertunic above equally faded and patched trousers, and his boots were old and scuffed, clearly a different pair from the ones of polished brown leather he wore during the eightday.

“Chenaryl… I didn’t expect to see you here today.”

“Didn’t expect to see you, either. Thought you’d be tired of this place, Rahl.”

Rahl shrugged. “I don’t know anyone, and I never see anyone anywhere close to my age. I don’t have many coins. I suppose things will get better in time.”

Chenaryl nodded, then wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “Years back, it was the same with Daelyt. It takes a while when you’re in a new place.”

“Does his consort have trouble walking… or something? He was talking about needing a cart for her?”

“Sweet woman… she had some real trouble… a couple years back. Part of her left leg was crushed… Daelyt helped her, and they fell in love. She can’t walk far.”

“He cares for her a lot,” suggested Rahl. “I can tell that.”

“More than most for their consorts,” agreed Chenaryl. “More ‘n most.”

Rahl nodded. That was true enough from what he’d seen. “What are you doing here?”

“Someone has to feed the horses and check on things. Both drivers have the end-day off today. So it’s my turn.” Chenaryl’s eyes dropped to the truncheon at Rahl’s belt. “You almost look like a bravo. Walk like one, too.”

“My father said I had to learn to defend myself. I was bruised most of the time growing up.”

“Won’t hurt you to know that here, but stay away from the west side south of the naval piers. Gangs there, and good as you might be, one against a half score isn’t a good wager.”

“Thank you. Is

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