The Changeling by Jennifer Lyndon

Author:Jennifer Lyndon [Lyndon, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Platypus Publishing
Published: 2016-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

“Who are those peculiar people?” Shiroane asked. M’Tek shrugged.

“They belong to Lore, somehow,” M’Tek observed. “More distant relatives?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. That’s when I noticed it. M’Tek’s eyebrows were darkening. Through the white hairs, jet black ones were already growing in.

“They call themselves scientists,” I volunteered, trying not to show my reaction.

“Well, they certainly don’t look Noge,” Shiroane commented. “I saw a few of them on different days,” she said. “They came to find me every day, bringing me the worst tasting, dried out food, and a strange blue beverage, and assuring me you were healing,” Shiroane offered. “Otherwise I might have given up on the both of you. I’ve been camped here for a week.”

We set out for Lareem Palace within the hour. M’Tek was eager to return home. Unfortunately, Shiroane’s horse, the one she had traded her own mount, Ballick, for during our desperate journey, showed signs of tiring early, and we had to slow our pace.

“Where’s Ballick?” M’Tek asked, eyeing Shiroane’s short, shaggy, horse with irritation.

“Lore hasn’t told you?” Shiroane asked, using my first name without thinking. M’Tek noticed the slip.

“No, Lore has not,” M’Tek said sharply. “Enlighten me,” M’Tek commanded. Shiroane, catching the danger in M’Tek’s tone, glanced over to me in a silent plea for help.

“I traded Ballick for this horse,” Shiroane replied cautiously. “He has a good temperament,” she said, trying to find something positive to say about the trade.

“Why would you make such an idiotic trade? Had you lost a game of cards, or drunk an entire bottle of torppa?” M’Tek asked. “That animal is ancient.”

“She traded Ballick away because when we left Vilkerdam so quickly, we didn’t have time to pack?” I said quietly, answering for Shiroane. “She sacrificed her much loved horse because he was exhausted, and we couldn’t stop to give the poor animal rest. She had to take a bad trade because we were short of time, and desperately needed food,” I added. “I’m not certain I would have reached the Sim’Sci in time too keep you alive without Shiroane’s competent, and selfless assistance. We both owe her an immeasurable debt.”

M’Tek shook her head. “I apologize, Shiroane,” she said gently.

“There’s no need, my Queen,” Shiroane replied. “This horse has served me well. He helped deliver you to Lore’s, I mean Queen Loredana’s, relations.”

“What do you call this animal?” M’Tek asked.

“I never learned his name. I’ve been calling him Curly,” Shiroane said, sounding slightly embarrassed. “His mane is frizzy. It won’t lay down.”

“When we reach Lareem, you will select any horse you like from my stable. I’ll trade that horse for Curly. I’ll also locate Ballick for you, and see that he’s returned within the week,” M’Tek added. “I think Curly has earned the luxury of a nice green pasture for the remainder of his days.” I smiled. M’Tek was beginning to sound like herself again.

Our route to Lareem wound through the mountains, and then the high plains. Shiroane went into a small village and traded one of my knives for provisions and more appropriate attire.

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