[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
. So Phoria s still putting her trust in swords over magic, addedSeregil. Always, and Skalan swords in particular. And Phoria can t see past her own jealousy, Alec muttered.Korathan gave him a warning look. Remember where you are and whom you respeaking of! She sthe queen, and my sister. Alec made him a hasty bow. I beg your pardon, Highness. So, what s the plan? asked Seregil, shooting Alec a warning look of hisown. Your ship, the Lark, is berthed at the Lantern Street quay.You sailwith the tide at first light. The queen seems in a hurry to get us out of town. More anxious to settle the matter, I think. Korathan took a thick packetsealed with the Royal Signetfrom his coat and gave it to Seregil. Here are letters of passage to thekhirnaris of Gedre and Bôkthersa,Page 31 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmland Phoria s orders to Klia.Come back swiftly, and you may just buy yourselfsome favor. Seregil hopped down and made Korathan an exaggerated bow. Your royalerrand boys hear andobey, Highness. Seregil- Don t worry, I understand how important this is.There s just one thingI d like to ask you before wego.As a friend? Korathan softened noticeably at that. Go on. Will you give me your word that Phoria means no harm to her sister? Korathan thought a moment, then put his hand to his heart. I give you myword that I believe herwhen she says so. Hmm.Very well.I ll bring Klia home safely, and trust you to keep herthat way once she s here. One of these days, that mouth of yours is going to get you into serioustrouble. Has before.Will again, I expect.Take care, Highness.I m glad it s youstanding beside the throne. They took their leave, but it wasn t until they were free of the Palacethat Alec could finally breatheTopPage No 20freely. Phoria must have been satisfied with our answers, or she wouldn thave given us a commission,right? Seregil shrugged, looking more upset now than he had when Phoria wasinsulting them. It could havebeen worse.At least we have something worthwhile to do. Alec waited for him to say more, but Seregil was uncharacteristicallyquiet as they rode to the Orëskato catch up with Thero.We lied, Alec realized.Given the choice between following Klia orPhoria, there would be noquestion.He prayed it never came to that.Perpetual summer reigned in the walled gardens that surrounded the OrëskaHouse.The shining whitepalace, with its four domed towers, gleamed against the faultless blue sky.Here were beds of flowersand herbs, and groves of trees covered in every sort of fruit.Magyana hadbrought back many of themost exotic ones, found in her long years of traveling.Red- liveried servants bowed to them as they entered the echoing atrium.Sunlight streamed downthrough the central dome, making the brilliant mosaic that paved the entrancechamber glow.The greatDragon of Illior was whole again.Looking around at the graceful archways andthe scores of robedwizards and apprentices going peacefully about their business, it was as ifthe devastation of thePlenimaran attack had never happened.Nysander was gone, but, Alec remindedhimself, so wereMardus and his followers.The Orëska remained, strong and powerful.Why wasPage 32 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlPhoria so bent onalienating them? You re gaping, Seregil chuckled as they crossed to the staircase leadingup to what was nowThero s tower.As they reached the top, however, he was no longer smiling.They d been in to visitMagyana several times since their return, but had avoided these rooms untilnow.Wethis answered Alec s knock.The young servant had grown up since Alechad seen him last andwas sporting the beginnings of a passable beard. My lords! It s good to seeyou.Master Thero andMistress Magyana are waiting in the parlor downstairs
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]