Shadow Steed (Dragonrealm 4) by Richard A. Knaak

Author:Richard A. Knaak [Knaak, Richard A.]
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780595092116
Published: 2010-02-19T12:00:00+00:00

Iston hesitated, then, with a glance at Galea, nodded. “A wise idea, your majesty. If the ladies will permit

me a few minutes, I will have horses and half a dozen of my finest join us. Will that be acceptable, my

ladies?”

Galea was silent with just the slightest crimson in her cheeks, but Magda took events in hand and gave

her approval. “That will be fine. Captain Iston.”

“Has the princess any other need for me?”

“None.”

The cavalry officer extended his arms. “If the two of you will accompany me?”

Erini watched them depart, Galea’s hold on Iston so tight, the princess wondered if it would be possible

to separate them again.

Her feeling of joy increased tenfold. She was on her way to strengthening her relationship with Melicard

and now her own people were beginning to adjust to their new home. She turned to the mirror for one

last look, wanting to be her best when she found her betrothed, which she would. Now there was only—

Erini started.

A figure stood visible in the mirror. A hooded figure much like Drayfitt, only younger in stature, but clad

in garments a bit archaic for the times. She could not make out his face;

something about the angle seemed to make it indistinct, almost a blur. His cowled head had just turned in

her direction...

She whirled instinctively. Her hands began to move of their own accord.

The room was empty.

Erini glanced back in the mirror, almost expecting to see the figure still standing there. Nothing. She

turned and rushed to the spot where he had stood. Kneeling, the princess touched the floor.

There were bits of dirt in the vague shape of a heel.

A feeling of ancient, enduring power caught her by surprise and she fell backward, only barely managing

to stifle a scream. It was the first time she had truly sensed another spellcaster and, though she did not

understand exactly what she had done, Erini had a fair idea of what she had felt.

She debated for some time what to tell Melicard, if anything. All she had to prove her story was a tiny

clump of dirt that even the princess had to admit could have come from her own shoes or, more likely,

the shoes of some errant servant. Only because of her increasing sensitivity to the powers did she know

for certain that what had been reflected in the mirror was no figment of her imaginative mind. Erini could

visualize Mal Quorin’s expression should she give in and tell Melicard or anyone else her secret. It would

probably be the fatal blow to the betrothal.

Not now. Not yet. I have to wait. Her decision was far from strong and she wavered even as she chose.

Drayfitt! He might understand, but... won’t he tell Melicard? Erini knew that the sorcerer was extremely

loyal to his liege and that such loyalty might demand he betray the princess. Erini muttered a curse her

father did not know she had overheard countless times while growing up. She slowly rose, deciding that

she would postpone telling anyone for the time being. Her only fear was’ that, by doing so, she might let

some other danger grow unchecked.

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