Through Wolf's Eyes by Jane M. Lindskold

Author:Jane M. Lindskold [Lindskold, Jane M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction, Young Adult
ISBN: 9780812575484
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 66317
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Published: 2001-08-18T00:00:00+00:00

XVI

FIREKEEPER VANISHED BEFORE THE NIGHT watch arrived so resolving matters with the Hope town guard took less time than Derian had dreaded. Sapphire's three attackers were known criminals, unwanted elements even within Hope's comparatively easygoing structure. Moreover, two of those who had been attacked were members of the Hawk Haven noble class and the third was a personal servant of Earl Kestrel.

After asking very few questions, the night watch took the thugs away—one dead, two living, though one of these was badly concussed—to the jail.

At Sapphire's request, the men did not take her to her own tent, but to the Kestrel camp at the fringes of the larger Hawk Haven encampment.

“I need,” Sapphire explained, “a chance to clear my head. Mother will have questions. I need to know the answers.”

Derian thought it odd that a woman of twenty-three should be so worried about what her mother would think—especially when the woman considered herself afittingcandidate for die throne—but he was too aware of his place as Sapphire's social inferior to ask any questions.

Instead, ignoring his own wounds, he concentrated on his duties as host. Guiding Sapphire toward that same hillock on which he had conferred with Doc just that afternoon, Derian explained:

“We won't wake anyone out here. Doc, go get your gear so you can look at her wounds.”

Jared Surcliffe took Derian's order as a matter of course, and if Sapphire looked offended at the young redhead's presumption, Derian pretended not to notice.

“Earl Kestrel,” Derian said, seating Sapphire where she could lean against a rock and trying hard not to notice a spreading stain of blood along her side, “is standing watch tonight with his cavalry force so that one more could go on leave into town.”

“I heard him being toasted in the tavem,” Sapphire commented, keeping her voice steady. “His men do love him. Strange, for he's such a dour sort.” She paused, “And, by the way, thank you for coming to my aid.”

“I was just following Doc's lead,” Derian admitted, though her smile made him feel awfully good about himself.

“ ‘Doc’ being Sir Jared?” Sapphire asked.

“That's right, Mistress. That's what we called him on our trip west and it just stuck.”

“West…” Sapphire looked at him, perhaps saw him as a person for the first time. “You are?”

“Derian Carter, Mistress,” he said, wishing he didn't feel so tongue-tied. Sapphire was as different from Elise as night from day, but no less captivating. “I work for Earl Kestrel.”

“That's right,” she said. “I remember you now, the redhaired youth who tends Lady Blysse.”

Derian privately approved of her presence of mind. He'd heard her call Firekeeper a few more uncomplimentary things when she thought no one was listening. A crunching of boots on grass and a detached star of lantern light announced Jared Surcliffe's return.

“Valet was awake,” he said, “and had hot water on 10 make some tea to bring the earl. I borrowed some. Now, Mistress Sapphire, if I could attend to your wounds.”

Inventory and treatment of their various cuts and braises took some time.

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