Sara Reinke - The Chronicles of Tiralainn 1 - Book of Thieves

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B OO K O F T HI EV ES

B OO K T WO I N T HE C HR ON IC LE S O F T IR AL AI NN S ER IE SBy

Sara Reinke

PROLOGUE

The year 1748 of the Third Age

R hy den F ab hcun s ti rr ed f ro m s leep at t he s ou nd o f h eavy , u rg en t k no ck in g. H is eyeli ds f lu tt er ed o pen

a nd h e b li nke d g ro ggi ly a t t he c ei li ng a bo ve h is b ed. D aw n ha d y et t o g ra ce t he h or iz on, a nd t he w ani ngm oo n' s p al e i ll um in at io n cas t m is sh ap en s hado ws o f h eavy t ree b ou gh s w av in g i n f ai nt b reeze o ver h is

head.

T he r ap pi ng con ti nu ed , g ro wi ng l ou der and m or e i ns is tent w it h each p as si ng b reat h. I t cam e f ro m

beyond his bed chamber, from the main threshold of his flat, and the noise carried through the spacious

rooms, amplified between the vaulted ceilings and polished floors until it resounded like strikes against a

drum.

R hy de n g ro an ed , s it ti ng u p i n b ed . H is b lo nd h ai r f el l i n t hi ck s he af s ov er h is s ho ul de rs a nd d ra pe d do wn

h is b ack, s pi ll in g i n a h eavy t um bl e again st t he m at tr es s. H e t ucked w ay ward s tr an ds b eh in d t he t ap er ed points of his ears. He was a full-blooded Gaeilge Elf, and to his preternaturally sensitive hearing, the

beating against the door sounded all the more resonant and thunderous.

H e w on de re d w hy P ey mu s h ad n ot a ns we re d t he d oo r. L ik e R hy de n, P ey mu s B ei th w as G ae il ge , a nd

h is r oo m, a m od es t a nt ec ha mb er a dj oi ni ng R hy de n' s, w as c lo se r t o t he m ai n p ar lo r. I f t he c la mo r h ad

r ou sed R hy den f ro m s ou nd s lu mb er , s ur el y i t h ad d is tu rb ed P ey mu s as w el l, and i t w as u nl ik e t he

s te wa rd t o l et s uc h m at te rs g o u na tt en de d.

R hy den s wu ng h is l eg s f ro m b en eath f ol ds o f b lank et s and cov er lets , l et ti ng h is f eet s et tl e again st t he

f lo or . H e s to od , t ak ing h is d re ss ing r obe i n ha nd a nd s li pp in g h is a rm s i nt o i t a s h e s hu ff le d t ow ar d h is

chamber door.

H e o pe ne d t he d oo r a nd p ee re d o ut a cr os s t he s pr ea d o f s ha do w a nd m oo nl ig ht t ha t f il le d h is p ar lo r. T o





h is l ef t, h e c ou ld s ee P ey mu s’ d oo r s ta nd in g p ar ti al ly a ja r, b ut o f t he s te wa rd , t he re w as n o s ig n.

" Pey?” R hy den cal led o ut i n a h oars e, q ui et v oi ce. T he k no ck in g con ti nu ed i n u nabated and p er si st en t

ear nest . T ree l im bs b ru sh ed again st t he t ow er in g w in do ws f rami ng t he p ar lo r, t heir l eafy cro wn s

w hi sp er in g again st t he g lass p an es i n a s ud den g us t o f w in d. R hy den' s s hado w p oo led b en eath h is f eet,

s pr ea di ng s li gh tl y b ef or e h im a s h e s te pp ed t ow ar d t he f ro nt d oo r, w al ki ng a cr os s a s pl ay ed c or ne r o f

moonbeam.

" Pey?” R hy den s ai d again . H e p au sed i n P ey mu s’ d oo rw ay , p eeri ng b ey on d t he t hr es ho ld . H e s aw

P ey mu s’ b ed w as e mp ty , h is b la nk et s f ol de d t o o ne s id e i n a r um pl ed , h as ty p il e, a s t ho ug h P ey mu s h ad

c la mb er ed o ut o f b ed , a ba nd on in g t he m. T he re w as n o s ig n o f t he E lf i n t he c ha mb er , o r i n t he p ar lo r

besides, and puzzled, Rhyden frowned.

H e w en t t o t he f ro nt d oo r. A s h e s et tl ed h is p al m a ga in st t he b ra ss h an dl e, t he h ea vy , r es ou nd in g

k no ck in g abr up tl y ceased. H e ar ch ed h is b ro w and cant ed h is cheek t ow ar d t he d oo r, l is teni ng t hr ou gh

t he w oo d.

" Wh o i s t he re ?” h e s ai d.

H e h eard a s hu dd er in g, h it ch in g b reat h i ss ue f ro m t he o th er s id e o f t he w oo d; a w om an 's f lu tt er in g v oi ce,

struggling to contain sobs.

" Rh yd en ?” h e h eard t he w om an s ay , and h is h eart s ei zed s ud denl y w it hi n h is chest , h is b reat h t an gl in g

a ga in st t he b ac k o f h is t hr oa t. H e r ec og ni ze d t he v oi ce , a nd h e j er ke d t he d oo r o pe n w id e i n s ta rt le d,

bewildered alarm.

"Qynh...?” he gasped in utter disbelief.

" Oh . .. O h, R hyde n.. .” t he w om an, Q ynh, s ai d, s ta ri ng a t hi m. She wa s ne ar ly a s t al l a s h e w as , h er

beautiful face most familiar to him. She gazed at him with enormous, tear-filled eyes the cerulean hue of a

c al m s ea a t m id mo rr ow , h er l on g b la ck h ai r s pi ll in g n ea rl y t o h er w ai st i n a c as ca de o f g lo ss y w av es . H er

pale complexion and cream-hued flesh were nearly luminescent in the moonlight and her bottom lip

t re mbl ed a s s he t ri ed n ot t o w ee p.

" Qy nh ,” R hy den w hi sp er ed again , r each in g f or h er . S he s tepp ed t ow ar d h im , h er arm s s li di ng b en eath

t he edg es o f h is r ob e, encir cl in g h is w ai st . S he p ress ed h er self again st h im , clu tchi ng at h im , h er cheek

a ga in st h is c he st , h er f ac e t ur ne d t ow ar d h is s ho ul de r, a s s he b ur st i nt o t ea rs .

" Qy nh ,” R hy den b reat hed again , f ol di ng h is arm abo ut h er n ar ro w s ho ul ders and p ress in g h is p al m

against her hair. “My Queen..."

H e c los ed t he d oor a nd l ed he r t o a c ha ir i n t he pa rl or . Sh e s at qu ie tl y, he r h and s f ol de d i n he r l ap, h er

f in gers t wi ni ng anx io us ly t og et her as h e s tr uck f li nt s t o a l am p, o ff er in g a d im , g ol den g lo w t o t he r oo m.

O nl y t hen d id R hy den r eali ze t hat t he Q ueen o f T ir al ai nn s om eh ow p ai d cal l t o h im i n n au gh t s av e h er

l ine n n igh tg ow n; s he s at b ef or e hi m a s t ho ug h s he h er se lf h ad o nl y j us t r is en f ro m h er be d a t t he r oy al

palace, with her hair somewhat askew, her feet bare.

S uch cir cu ms tances w er e n ot p os si bl e and h er p resence com pl et el y b af fl ed h im . Q yn h w as m an y l on g,

h un dr ed s o f m il es h en ce, acr os s t he M ui r F uar s ea i n B el gaer an , t he i sl an d o f T ir al ai nn 's r oy al cit y.

R hy den s er ved as amb as sado r t o t he T or achan emp ir e, o n t he m ai nl an d con ti nent o f t he M or th ir f or

Qynh's husband, Kierken, the King of Tiralainn, and their neighboring territory, the Abhacan realm of





T ir ur nu a. H is f la t w as i n t he bu st li ng h ea rt of T or ac h, t he c ap it al c it y o f C ne as , a nd R hyd en ha d c al le d t hi s

hi s ho me f or t hi rt ee n y ea rs . I t ha d be en n ea rl y f iv e ye ar s i n f ul l s inc e he h ad l as t b ee n a bl e t o v is it h is

h om el an d and v is it w it h Q yn h i n p er so n.

R hy den k nelt b ef or e Q yn h, r each in g o ut and d rawi ng h er h an ds b et ween h is o wn . “Qy nh ,” h e s ai d,

dr awi ng he r ga ze f rom t he ne st of he r la p. “H ow di d you ge t he re ?"

" I f ol lo we d t he m oo n, ” Q yn h s ai d s of tl y, c lo si ng h er e ye s a s m or e t ea rs s pi ll ed. “ He . .. h e i s g oi ng t o ki ll

Kierken, Rhyden."

" Wh at ? N o, Q yn h. N o o ne i s g oi ng t o k il l K ie rk en ."

" I h ea rd h im ,” s he s ai d, o pe ni ng h er e ye s a nd m ee ti ng hi s g az e. “ He t hi nk s I d o n ot l is te n, b ut I d o. "

H er f ac e w as s o f il le d w it h s or ro w a nd f ea r t ha t R hy de n' s h ea rt n ea rl y c le av ed . “ Wh o, Q yn h? ” h e

whispered, caressing her cheek, brushing his fingertips through her dark hair.

Q yn h' s h ead j er ked, h er eyes d ar ti ng o ver h er s ho ul der and f ly in g w id e i n s ud den, d es perate f ri gh t. H er

breath caught in a quiet gasp and her hands latched against his wrist. “Oh, someone is coming...!” she

whimpered.

R hy de n f ol lo we d h er g az e a cr os s t he p ar lo r, b ut f ou nd o nl y h is b oo ks he lv es , h is d es k w it h i ts t op l ad en

w it h i nk v ia ls a nd q ui ll s, o pe ne d t om es a nd s tr ew n p ap er s a nd p ar ch me nt s t o g re et h is r eg ar d. “ My l ad y,

t he re i s n o on e he re b ut u s— ” h e b ega n, hi s vo ic e s of t a s he t ri ed t o s oo the he r, t o a ss ua ge he r f ea r.

" Yo u m us t g o t o I ar nr od ,” Q yn h s ai d, c ut ti ng o ff h is p ro ff er ed w or ds o f c om fo rt . S he s ta re d a t h im ,

d es perate. “Yo u m us t l eave, R hy den, at o nce. T here i s n ot m uch t im e. T hey w il l f in d i t s oo n— it s ti rs

o nc e m or e. I t i s a wa ke ni ng a nd i t w an ts t o b e f ou nd ."

" Qy nh ,” h e s ai d, b ew il de re d. “ I c an no t l ea ve . Y ou k no w t hi s. I h av e m y d ut ie s h er e, m y l ad y, t o K ie rk en

a nd t he C ro wn . I —"

" The re wi ll be no Cr ow n i f yo u d o n ot ,” s he s ai d. He r ga ze da nc ed ove r he r s hou lde r onc e a ga in , a nd

whe n s he l ooke d ba ck a t hi m, s he s pok e i n a t re mul ous hus h. “ You mus t go t o I ar nr od a nd w ar n t he m. I f

t he y find it ... when t he y find it ... he wil l know of it . You must kee p it f rom hi m."

" Qy nh ,” h e s ai d, h el pl es sl y. “I d o n ot u nd er st an d. "

" Do y ou l ov e y ou r K in g, R hy den?” Q yn h ask ed .

H e bl ink ed a t h er , s ta rt le d. “ Of . .. of c our se I do, Qy nh . I s er ve K ie rke n l oya ll y. I a lw ay s ha ve —"

"And your Queen?"

" My Q ue en ?” h e w hi sp er ed . H e w as a n E lf , a nd b y s uc h b ir th ri gh t, h e c ou ld n ot l ie , n o m at te r h ow

f er ve nt ly h e m ig ht h ave w is he d f or s uc h a bi li ty . H e c ou ld n ot l ie , ye t h e c ou ld n ot b ea r t o a dm it t he t ru th,

not e ve n t o Q ynh. “ I .. . I ha ve ne ve r kno wn a l ove t ha t i s gr ea te r, my l ady,” he s ai d s of tl y, “ tha n t ha t I

h ol d f or m y Q ueen ."

" Th en h el p u s, R hy de n, ” s he w hi sp er ed t o h im . “ Pl ea se . .. b y t ha t l ov e . .. h el p m e. .. ” H er v oi ce f ad ed .

H is f in ge rs p as se d t hr ou gh h er s a s i f t hr ou gh s mo ke a nd t he n Q yn h w as go ne . R hy de n l oo ke d u p i n





dismay.

"Qynh!” he gasped.

H e s at u p i n b ed , t he s ou nd o f h is o wn b re at hl es s l am en t w ak in g h im . H e b li nk ed i n a bs ol ut e

bewilderment, disoriented and dazed, his covers drooped about his waist. He was in his bed chamber,

a lo ne i n t he r oo m s av e f or t he f ir st d im gl ow o f t he n ew m or ro w' s s un ri se s ee pi ng t hr ou gh h is w in do w.H e l ook ed a ll a bo ut h im , c on fu se d, a s t ho ug h h e h ad r ou se d t o f in d h im se lf s om ep la ce n ew a nd

unfamiliar.

" Ho ah ,” h e w hi sp er ed , and h e p ress ed t he h eels o f h is p al ms again st h is eyeli ds , s pr eadi ng h is f in gers

t hr ou gh t he t hi ck c ro wn of h is h ai r. “ It w as o nl y a d re am ."

H e s ho ve d a si de t he b la nk et s a nd r os e f ro m t he b ed . H e s tu mb le d o ve r t o h is w as hb as in a nd s pl as he d

w at er a ga in st hi s f ac e. H e c lo se d hi s e ye s, f ee li ng w at er r un i n t hi n, c oo l r iv ul et s a lo ng t he c ont our s of h is

f or eh ea d a nd t em pl es , f ol lo wi ng t he l on g l in e o f h is n os e, t he a rc he s o f h is c he ek s. “ A d re am ,” h e

m ur mu red again t o n o o ne i n p ar ti cu lar.

D es pi te t hi s q ui et ass er ti on , R hy den cou ld n ot d is sp el l t he p ecul iar s en sati on t hat w hat h e h ad s een and

f el t w it hi n h is m in d w as f ar m or e t han i nv en ted f an cy , s om e art icul at io n o f h is h eart 's m os t g uard ed —and

shameful—secret.

Y ou m us t go t o I ar nr od ,Q ynh h ad t ol d h im i n t he d re am .Y ou mu st l eav e, R hy de n, at onc e. The re i s

not much time. They will find it soon—it stirs once more. It is awakening and it wants to be found.

Th er e ha d be en a t im e n ot s o l ong a go whe n t he r ac e of El ve s ha d b ee n a bl e t o c omm uni ca te wi th one

ano th er w it h t heir m in ds t hr ou gh d ream s and t el ep at hy , r ap po rt s and i nt ui ti on . I t w as an abi li ty cal led t he

s ig ht , o ne t hat w as g on e f ro m t he E lv es n ow , s tr ip ped f ro m t hem, t ho ug h w heth er b y m ag ic o r i nevi tabl ed iv in e p ur po se r em ai ne d t o b e d eb at ed . I t h ad b ee n f if te en y ea rs s in ce R hy de n h ad f el t t he p re se nc e o f

ano th er w it hi n h is m in d, and t he d ream h ad r em in ded h im p oi gn an tl y o f t hat d el icat e s en sati on . M or e s o

t ha n a ny d re am , i t ha d f el t t o h im a s t ho ug h h is Qu ee n h ad r ea che d o ut t o h im , h er m ind f in di ng h is

somehow—

I followed the moon

— and b es eech in g h im f or aid .

R hy de n w al ke d b ac k t ow ar d h is b ed si de , p at ti ng h is f ac e d ry w it h a s qu ar e o f l in en . H e d re w a ga in st t he bellpull to beckon Peymus and then lifted his robe from the folds of coverlets, drawing it over his

shoulders.

I t t ook Pe ym us a f ew mom ent s t o r es pond t o t he be ll ; i t w as e ar ly ye t, a nd Rh yde n ha d r ous ed hi m f rom

h is b ed . W he n t he s te wa rd p ok ed h is h ea d i nt o R hy de n' s r oo m, h is l on g, d ar k h ai r w as d is he ve le d, h is

cou nt en an ce d rawn and b lear y w it h d ro ws in es s. H is exp ress io n s hi ft ed i nt o b ef ud dl em en t as h e o bs er ved

Rhyden sifting through his wardrobe, pulling out clothes and laying them aside upon his bed.

" Wh at are y ou d oi ng ?” P ey mu s ask ed , r un ni ng h is h an d t hr ou gh h is h ai r, m op pi ng i t b ack alo ng t he

cleav ed p lanes o f h is w id ow 's p eak f ro m h is h ig h f or eh ead.

" Di d y ou n ot s ay t ha t C ap ta in L ia m M ur ta gh a nd h is s hi p c am e t o p or t t wo d ay s a go , P ey ?” R hy de n

a sk ed , g la nc ing t owa rd h is s te wa rd a s h e d ra pe d a j us ti co at a cr os s t he c roo k o f hi s a rm , m ea ni ng t o a dd





i t t o t he c lo th es h e g at he re d o n h is m at tr es s.

P ey mu s s cratched h is s cal p and r eg ar ded R hy den cur io us l y. “Yes, t heUrraim, ” h e s ai d. “ For gi ve me , I

di d not e xp ec t you wou ld be up s o e ar ly t hi s mor ro w.” He t ur ne d, me ani ng t o g o t o t he ki tc he n. “ Le t me

f et ch y ou s om e t ea."

" No , P ey , d o n ot w or ry f or i t, ” R hy de n t ol d h im , d ro pp in g t hr ee l ei ne s a to p t he j us ti co at o n h is a rm .“ Yo u c ou ld p en m e a q ui ck b id di ng , i f y ou w ou ld n ot m in d. H av e i t c ou ri er ed p os t h as te t o C ap ta in

M ur ta gh. I n ee d hi m t o t ak e m e t o T ir al ai nn —t o l ea ve t hi s m or ni ng i f i t c an b e a rr an ge d. "

Peymus blinked in surprise. “Tiralainn?"

" Yes, ” R hy den s ai d, n od di ng . H e g azed i nt o h is w ar dr ob e, h is b ro ws d rawn t ho ug ht fu ll y. “Wh er e i s m y

traveling trunk, Pey?"

"Beneath your bed,” Peymus replied. “Is your mother unwell?"

R hy de n d ro pp ed t he c lo th es a ga in st t he f oo t o f h is b ed . H e k ne lt a nd w re st le d w it h t he c um be rs om e

trunk. “No, she is fine as far as I know."

" Yo ur f at her? Y ou r b ro th er and s is ter?"

R hy de n l oo ke d a t h im , p uz zl ed . “ Wh at ? N o, P ey , t he y a re a ll w el l, t he l as t I h ea rd ."

" Yet y ou w ou ld d ep ar t f or T ir al ai nn t hi s m or ro w?” P ey mu s ask ed . “Fo rg iv e m y i nt ri gu e, b ut t hi s m ar ks

t he f ir st m en ti on I h av e h eard o f s uch p lans ."

" Yo u w il l h av e t o w ak e C al at in , t oo ,” R hy de n t ol d h im a s a t l as t, h e d re w t he t ru nk o ut f ro m b en ea th h is bed, pulling it between his legs as he sat upon the floor. Calatin Nagealai was an Abhac—a Dwarf from

Tirurnua—and Rhyden's ambassadorial assistant. “Tell him I am sorry—he will need offer my apologies

t o t he e mp er or a nd S en at e f or l ea vi ng s o a br up tl y. "

" I w il l p ac k m y b ag a nd m ak e r ea dy t o a cc om pa ny y ou w he n I a m f in is he d r ou si ng m y L or d N age al ai ,

then,” Peymus said, again pivoting to leave.

" No , P ey ,” R hy de n s ho ok h is h ea d, s ta yi ng t he s te wa rd . “ It i s a t hr ee -w ee k v oy ag e b y s ea t o T ir al ai nn ,

a nd I do not know ho w l ong I wi ll r ema in onc e t he re . M y c al enda r i s i n my de sk, t he t op l ef t d ra we r.

Y ou a nd C al at in w il l n ee d t o g o t hr ou gh i t. W ha te ve r h e c an no t a tt en d, w ou ld y ou o ff er m y r egr et s a ndr es ch ed ul e? S ay I w il l b e b ac k i n t hr ee m on th s. T ha t s ho ul d be t im e e no ug h, I t hi nk ."

"Time enough for what, my lord?"

R hy de n m et h is g az e. “ I d o n ot k no w, ” h e m ur mu re d, h is e ye s t ro ub le d.

" I w il l s en d d is pa tc h t o h is M aj es ty, K ie rk en, t o l et h im kn ow y ou a re c om in g. "

" No ,” R hy de n s ho ok h is h ea d, h ol di ng o ut h is h an d. “ I a m n ot g oi ng t o B el ga er an , P ey . .. a t l ea st n ot

s tr ai gh t a wa y. I m us t g o t o I ar nr od ."

" Gr ave b us in es s ?” P ey as ked.





R hy den l oo ked u p f ro m t he t ru nk and f ou nd t he s teward r eg ar di ng h im w it h con cern app ar en t i n h is

eyes. He was worrying Peymus, frightening him, and Rhyden's expression softened.

"I ... I do not know, Pey,” he said. “I would tell you if I did. You know that. I ca nnot expla in it, a nd it

ma y be f or na ught . I wi ll not know unt il I ge t th ere —a nd th e s oone r I ge t t he re , t he be tt er ."

H e t ho ug ht o f Q yn h' s w or ds .

Yo u mu st go t o I ar nr od . Y ou m us t l eav e, R hy de n, at on ce . Th er e i s n ot m uc h t ime . Th ey w il l f in d i t

soon—it stirs once more. It is awakening and it wants to be found.

Help us ... please ... by that love ... help me

H e dr ew h is l eg s b en ea th h im a nd s to od , l ug gi ng t he h ea vy t ru nk w it h h im . “ Co me n ow , P ey , s en d w or d

t o Ca pt ai n Mur ta gh. I do not ha ve mu ch t im e. I o nl y h ope I a m not a lr ea dy t oo l at e. "

CHAPTER ONE

K ae vi r M ac le od w as n ot h av in g a g oo d d ay .

I t wa s n ot t he w or st d ay i n K ae vi r' s m emo ry, or t he w or st s et o f c ir cu ms ta nc es he ha d c om e t o f ind

hi ms el f i n, b ut i t w as f ai rl y w el l r ot te n n on et he le ss , a nd a s h e s at o n a d am p, m il de we d be nc h i n t he

D ae vo ns hi re v il la ge j ai l a nd c on si de re d m at te rs , h e r ea li ze d t ha t, a s p er u su al , h e h ad n o o ne t o t ha nk o r

blame for this latest turn of poor fortune except himself.

H e h ad s pent t he eveni ng —n ot t o m en ti on h is w eek' s w ag es —i n D aevo ns hi re's s ol it ar y p ub , t heL au gh in g D rago n, o ver cou nt less h an ds o f d ys tanu ir and p in ts o f p or tar. T hi s w as n ot an u nu su al h ab it f or

K aevi r. T oo m an y p in ts and n ot eno ug h w in ni ng car ds h ad l ef t K aevi r i nv ol ved i n a d ru nk en l it tl e

push-and-shove that had eventually blossomed into a full-blown fracas, with every man and woman in the

t av er n exchang in g b lo ws ; again , n ot s o u nu su al w here K aevi r w as con cern ed . H e h ad w ou nd u p

a rr es te d; e xp ec te d a nd c us to ma ry . W ha t s ee me d o dd t o h im i n r et ro sp ec t, a s h e n ur se d h is a ch in g h ea d

i n the cr ampe d c onfi ne s of a ja il c el l he s ha re d wi th a t l ea st tw en ty othe r m en, wa s t ha t t he m el ee a t t he

pub had been broken up by I'lar County soldiers. Usually such frays were handled by the village

con st ab le, A mb ro se W el labeig h and h is r ag tag s taff o f d ep ut ies. C ou nt y s ol di er s w er e r el at iv e r ar it ies i n

Daevonshire.

" Wh y w er e c ou nt y r id er s i n t ow n? ” h e a sk ed o ne o f t he m en s it ti ng n ext t o hi m o n t he b enc h. “ I t ho ug ht

t hey o nl y cam e d ur in g t ax s easo n. "

T he m an s hr ug ge d, h is e ye li ds p ur pl e a nd s wo ll en f ro m t he f ig ht , h is n os e a s d is te nd ed a nd b loa te d a s a n

o ve rr ip e p lu m. “ I h ea rd t el l t he B ar on ma st er 's s on h ad t he m s en t t o t he se p ar ts , d el iv er in g a p ri so ne r o r

some such."

" Lo rd B ran, t he M ianach E lf ?” K aevi r r ai sed h is b ro w.

T he m an n od de d. “ So me on e t ol d m e h e h ad a t hi ef c re ep in g a bo ut h is h ou se . L or d B ra n c au gh t h im

s qu ar el y i n t he act ."

" Ro t t he l uc k, ” K ae vi r m ut te re d. “ We m ig ht ha ve a ll g ot te n a wa y w it h t hi ng s i f t he r id er s h ad n ot b ee n





around."

" Th er e i s t he t ru th ,” t he m an s ai d. “Co ns tabl e W el labeig h w ou ld h av e s en t u s all t ot teri ng h om e, d ru nk

a nd s ma ck ed a roun d a bi t— no w or se t ha n us ua l b ut no ne s o f or t he s ho w— if h e ha d no t b ee n s o bu sy

trying to impress the Baronmaster's county folk."

"Muise,” Kaevir said, glancing across the cell, agreeing with the man in Gaeilgen, the antiquated, nativet on gu e o f t he r ealm . Indeed . “ Who i s t ha t? ” H e no dd ed t owa rd a y oun g m an s ea te d i n t he f ar c or ne r

w it h h is s ho ul de rs a ga in st t he w al l, h is k ne es d ra wn t ow ar d h is c he st . “ I d o n ot r ec al l t ha t I h av e s ee n h im

around the village before, have you?"

" Ca nn ot s ay a s I ha ve ,” t he ma n r epl ie d. “ Now how do you f igur e h e wa lke d o ut of t ha t f ra ca s wi tho ut a

mark on him?"

Kaevir frowned thoughtfully. The young man obviously had not been among the patrons of the Laughing

D ra go n br ou gh t i nt o t he j ai l; t he re wa s n ot a br ui se or s cr ape on h is f ac e. An d t he l ad h ad t he s or t of f ac e

o ne w oul d t ry t o p um me l d el ib er at el y i n a f ig ht ; t he s or t o f s tr ik in g f ea tu re s t ha t m en w ou ld w an t t o purposefully mar with a well-aimed fist or two.

" I do not t hi nk he wa lke d out a t al l,” Kae vi r s aid. “I t hi nk he is your t hie f."

" Do y ou ?” t he m an s ai d, l eani ng f or ward w it h s ud den i nt er es t.

" I d o i nd ee d, ” K ae vi r s ai d.

" Ro tt ed b as tard ,” t he m an s ai d, f ro wn in g. “So meon e o ug ht g o and t hank h im f or t he t ro ub les h e h as

brought on us all tonight. It is his bloody fault we are penned up in here. Why, we could all be at home

c ur le d u p i n o ur o wn b ed s w er e i t n ot f or h im a nd h is b ot ch ed t hi ev er y. "

K aevi r t ho ug ht o f p oi nt in g o ut t hat b ot ch ed t hi ev er y o r n ot , t hey all s ti ll w ou ld h av e h ad t o con tend w it h

bloody noses and battered faces resulting from the brawl, but in the end decided to hold his peace.

Unl ike t he ma n be si de hi m, Ka evi r ha d no b ed of h is own t o l ong f or ; he t ende d t o wa nde r f ro m m at tr es s

t o m at tr es s, d ep en di ng o n t he h os pi tali ty o f t he w om en w ho o wn ed t hem, w hi le cal li ng n on e i n p ar ti cu lar

h is h om e. H e w as cur rent ly b et ween l ov er s, h av in g i ncen sed t he l as t eno ug h t o b oo t h im f ro m h er f lat,

a nd ha vi ng no t ye t c ha rm ed a not he r l on g o r w el l e nou gh t o c oa x a n i nv it at ion f or m or e t ha n a p as si ng

night.

T o K ae vi r' s p oi nt o f v ie w, t he b en ch b en ea th h im s ee me d a s s ui ta bl e a nd i nv it in g a b ed a s a ny h e h adw ai ti ng f or hi m ou ts ide of t he j ai l, a nd h e l ay d own a ga in st t he w oo d, f ol di ng hi s a rm b ene at h hi s h ea d,

clo si ng h is eyes. H e h eard t he m an b es id e h im m ov e, r is in g t o h is f eet and w al ki ng away. K aevi r t ho ug ht

o f l if ti ng h is h ead, t el li ng h im n ot t o m ak e m en ti on o f t he t hi ef t o any o f t he o th er p ri so ners . N ot hi ng w ou ld

c om e o f i t b ut t ro ub le —a nd t he y h ad a ll h ad m or e t ha n t he ir f ai r p or ti on o f t ro ub le f or o ne n ig ht . B ut i t

f el t s impl y ma rve lous t o r es t hi s e ye s for a mome nt , a nd i n t he e nd, Ka evi r di d not s ay a wor d. He l et hi s

mind grow still and quiet, wandering slowly toward sleep.

H e d re am ed of s it ti ng on t he f lo or , c ra dl in g a gi ld ed go ld c of fe r i n h is l ap . Th e b ox w as m ag ni fi ce nt i n i ts

i nt ri cate d es ig n, s ur el y t he m os t elabo rately craft ed h e h ad ever b eh el d, and i n h is d ream , K aevi r

s tr ug gl ed t o o pen i t. S ur el y s uch a m ar velo us cof fer con tain ed s om e m an ner o f t reas ur e b ey on d even h is

w il dest and g reed iest o f d ream s, and h e w or ked f er vent ly and anx io us ly , w ed gi ng h is l ockp icki ng t oo ls

i nt o t he n ar ro w o peni ng t hat f as tened t he cof fer s ecur el y clo sed.





I t w as f ru st ra ti ng w or k, b ec au se t he b ox s ho we d n o i nc li na ti on t ow ar d o pe ni ng . J us t a s h e h ad n ea rl y

g iv en u p h is eff or ts i n agg ravati on , h e f el t t he l ock y ield b en eath t he p er si st en t p ress ur e o f t he p icks . T he

t um bl er s s napp ed b ack, r el easi ng t heir h ol d, and t he l id o f t he cof fer o bl ig in gl y p op ped o pen o n i ts l it tl e

golden hinges.

A w af t o f b reeze p ress ed again st h is f ace, r uf fl in g h is h ai r as t ho ug h emanati ng f ro m i ns id e t he b ox .

K aevi r b li nk ed d ow n i nt o t he cof fer, s ur pr is ed b y h is s ud den and u nexp ected g oo d f or tu ne, b ut f ou ndn ot hi ng b ut da rk ne ss i ns id e. H e s ta re d i nt o t he bo x a nd h ea rd a v oi ce w it hi n h is m in d, a s of t a nd p ur ri ng

whisper.

Y ou a re c ho se n.

" Th is i s y ou r d oi ng —y ou r f au lt —a nd b y t he G oo d M ot he r, y ou b lo od y b as ta rd , I m ea n t o s ee y ou

ans wer f or i t! "

T hi s d ec la ra ti on , f ol lo we d b y a n u pr oa ri ou s d in a s t he o th er m en i n t he c el l b eg an t o h ow l a nd c la p,

s na pp ed K ae vi r f ro m a sl ee p t o a wa ke i n o ne s ta rt le d m om en t. H e s at u p, b li nk in g a nd b ew il de re d, a ndw on de re d w hy i n t he b lo od y d uc ha n e ve ry on e h ad r is en t o t he ir f ee t, s ta nd in g w it h t he ir b ac ks t o h im a s

t hey s ho ut ed and cheered.

H e s tu mbl ed u p a nd r os e on to hi s t oe s, s tr ai ni ng t o p ee r a rou nd s hou lde rs a nd ov er h ea ds . H e c ou ld s ee

nothing for the throng, but heard the sudden, unmistakable sound of knuckles plowing forcibly into flesh

a nd r ea li ze d t ha t t he b ra wl h ad b eg un a ne w.

" Wh o i s f ig ht in g? ” h e a ske d, h oo ki ng t he n ea re st m an b y t he s le ev e t o dr aw h is a tt en ti on . “ Wh o i s

f ig ht in g? ” h e s ai d a ga in , h av in g t o s ho ut t o b e h ea rd o ve r t he c ri es a nd b el lo ws o f t he o th er s.

" Ja na oi s S ou th fo rd ,” t he m an y el le d b ac k. “ Yo u w an t t o p la ce a t wo -m ar k o n h im , b oy ?"

" Wh o i s h e u p a ga in st ?” K ae vi r a sk ed , a ga in s tr ug gl in g t o s ee . N ev er o ne t o w al k a wa y f ro m a w ag er

w it ho ut g oo d cau se—i f even t hen— he w as cur io us t o f in d o ut w ho h ad b een b rave—o r s tu pi d— en ou gh

t o h av e p ic ke d a f ig ht w it h o ne o f t he l ar ge st a nd m os t i ll -t em pe re d m en i n D ae vo ns hi re .

" So me k id ,” t he m an r ep li ed . “A l it tl e t hi ef L or d B ran cau gh t s teal in g f ro m h is m an or h ou se and s en t t hi s

w ay . H e i s w hy t he c ou nt y s ol di er s w er e i n t ow n t on igh t— an d w hy t he l ot o f u s g ot l oc ke d u p. "

K ae vi r b li nk ed , s ta rt le d, a nd t he n c la pp ed h is h an d o ve r h is f ac e t o s ti fl e a g ro an . H e c ur se d h im se lf

m en ta ll y f or n ot t el li ng h is b en ch ma te t o k ee p h is b lo od y m ou th s hu t. N ot t ha t K ae vi r c ar ed o ne w ay o r t he o th er f or w ha t h ap pe ne d t o t he w ou ld -b e t hi ef ; h e j us t k ne w t ha t t he r ac ke t t he m en w er e r ai si ng

w ou ld d ra w t he c on st ab le a nd h is d ep ut ie s, a nd t he n t he y w ou ld a ll b e i n i t t he d ee pe r.

" Yo u i n o n a w ag er , M ac le od ?” t he m an s ho ut ed . “ I h av e g ot t hr ee -t o- on e o n J an ao is ."

A n ew , ent hu si as ti c s ur ge o f y el li ng r ol led t hr ou gh t he cro wd . “Cu t h im , J an ao is !” s om eo ne cheer ed .

“Carv e h im u p g oo d! "

" Ho ah , a k ni fe ,” t he m an s ai d, ba la nc in g o n h is t ip to es a nd t ry ing t o c at ch a g li mp se of t he f ig ht . “ Ma ke

t hat t wo -t o- on e o n J anaoi s , t hen. "

K aevi r f ro wn ed , n ot s hari ng i n h is cel lm at es ’ d el ig ht o ver t hi s t ur n o f adv an tage. “Wh y d oes h e n eed a

kni fe ?” he a ske d. “ He i s a s bi g a s a bl oo dy b ar n. "





" Becaus e t hi s k id i s a s cr ap per, I w il l g iv e h im t hat, ” t he m an t ol d h im , g ri nn in g b ro ad ly . “Ho ah , and

qu ic k, t oo! H al f J an aoi s’ s iz e a t l ea st , a nd he ha s s ti ll l ande d a goo d s wi ng o r t wo , t o hi s c re di t. "

K aevi r' s f ro wn d eepened. “Th en J an ao is i s cheat in g, ” h e s ai d. “He d rew a k ni fe—t hat i s cheat in g. "

" Che at in g, m y a ss . I c al l i t p ad di ng m y p ur se ,” t he m an s ai d w it h a l au gh . “ Co me , M ac le od, yo u c an gi vem e your ma rke r, i f you ha ve no c oi ns t o w age r. I —"

Ka evi r s hove d pa st h im a nd i nt o t he c ro wd. He f or ce d h is wa y t o t he f ro nt of t he gr ou p a nd s aw J ana oi s

h ol di ng t he t hi ef p in ned b y t he t hr oat again st t he f ar w al l o f t he cel l. T he y ou ng er m an p aw ed h el pl es sl y at

Janaois’ hand.

" I t hi nk I w il l c ar ve y ou r p re tt y f ac e f ir st , t hi ef ,” J an ao is s ai d, a nd w he n t he t hi ef 's b ro ws f ur row ed a nd

h e s pat again st t he b ig m an 's f ace, h is cel lm at es h ow led i n o ut raged d el ig ht .

" Cu t h im u p! ” s om eo ne cri ed .

" St op i t, ” K aevi r s ai d, s ho ul deri ng h is w ay t ow ar d J an ao is .

" Scar t he b lo od y b as tar d, J anaoi s! C ut o ff h is r ot d am n m em ber !” s om eo ne s ho ut ed .

" I s ai d s to p i t! ” K aevi r y el led, d rawi ng t he cir cu mf er en ce o f m en t o s ud den, u ncer tain s il en ce. J an ao is

g lanced o ver h is s ho ul der t ow ar d K aevi r, h is b ro ws r ai sed i n s ur pr is e. “Leav e h im alo ne, J an ao is ,”

Kaevir said.

J an oi s b li nk ed at h im and t hen s ho ok h is h ead, s no rt in g w it h l au gh ter. “Go away, l it tl e L or d M acleod ,”

h e s ai d, o ff er ing m oc ki ng c ou rt es y t ha t m ad e h is f el lo ws l au gh . “ Go ba ck t o y ou r c or ne r a nd s le ep i t o ff .You have drunk yourself to madness tonight."

T he m en l au gh ed all t he h ar der, and K aevi r f el t h im self f lu sh w it h s ud den, b ri gh t, s im meri ng r ag e. H e

closed his hands slowly into fists, feeling the tension straining in his fingers, his arms, shivering through

h im . “ No ,” h e s ai d, l oc ki ng g az es w it h J an ao is . “ You h ave h ad y ou r f un . N ow l ea ve h im be ."

T he h um or i n J an ao is ’ f ace d rain ed and h is b ro ws f ur ro wed. H e p iv ot ed , s wi ng in g t he k ni fe t ow ar d

K aevi r. “Ar e y ou l oo ki ng t o b leed , M acleod —?” h e b eg an , and t hen s om et hi ng b ey on d K aevi r' s

shoulder gave him immediate pause.

" Wh at i n t he b lo od y d uchan i s g oi ng o n i n h er e?” A mb ro se W el labeig h, t he con st ab le s ho ut ed , and t here

w as a j an gl in g o f k ey s a s h e u nl oc ke d t he c el l g at e a nd s to mp ed i nt o t he r oo m, a cc om pa ni ed b y s ev en

strapping deputies. “What is all of this yelling about?"

T he c ro wd o f p ri so ne rs s cu rr ie d a pa rt . J an ao is l et t he k ni fe d ro p t o t he f lo or a nd s cu tt le d b ac kw ar ds ,

l eavi ng t he t hi ef t o s lu mp again st t he w al l, clu tchi ng at h is t hr oat as h e g ul ped f or b reat h.

" Th is b as tard p up p ul led a k ni fe o n m e, A mb ro se!” J an ao is cri ed , j ab bi ng h is f or ef in ger t ow ar d t he

young thief.

" Th at i s a l ie!” K aevi r s ho ut ed . “Janaoi s, y ou r ot d am n b as tard —i t i s y ou r k ni fe!"

" Yo u s hu t u p, M ac le od !” J an ao is s na pp ed . “ Or b y m y b re at h, I w il l— "





" Do your wor st , you r ot !” Ka evi r ye ll ed, a nd he l unge d a t t he bi g ma n, hi s f is ts ba re d a nd dr awn ba ck t o

fly. Two of the deputies caught him roughly and he struggled against them, swinging and cursing. “You

lying, cheating rot!"

T he c on st ab le , A mb ro se s to de t ow ar d t he t hi ef . H e s to op ed a nd t oo k t he h il t o f t he f al le n k ni fe i n h is

h an d. A s h e s to od , h e s ho ok h is h ea d s lo wl y, c lu ck in g h is t on gu e a s h e l oo ke d a t t he y ou ng er m an . “ Ha dyou not found yourself in troubles enough without this, lad?"

T he t hi ef b li nk ed at h im , s ti ll g as pi ng f or air . H e l oo ked m om en tari ly d is mayed, h is eyes r ou nd and

s tr icken, h is m ou th f al li ng o pen t o p ro test , b ut t hen h e s eemed t o r es ig n h im self t o t hi s l at es t accus at io n

a nd k ep t q ui et , l oo ki ng d ow n a t t he g ro un d a s d ep ut ie s s ei ze d h im b y t he a rm s.

"Take him downstairs,” Ambrose said. “Chain him in the hole."

" No ! T hat i s n ot f ai r! ” K aevi r s ho ut ed , s tr ug gl in g again st h is g uard s. M ay be t he w ou ld -b e t hi ef w as

c on te nt ed t o a cc ep t u nd ue b la me , b ut K ae vi r w as n ot . F ai r w as f ai r. “ It w as n ot h is k ni fe ! B y m y b re at h,i t w as no t! "

" Ar e y ou n ot i n e no ug h t ro ub le , a s w el l, K ae vi r? ” A mb ro se a sk ed . “ Be q ui et a nd h av e p ea ce . T hi s d oe s

not concern you."

Ka evi r' s b ro ws dr ew d ee pl y. “ It wa s m y kn if e, t he n, y ou r ot . D oe s i t c onc er n me no w? I t wa s no t t ha t

boy's—it was mine! I drew it myself! I meant to cut Janaois with it!"

Ambrose frowned, shoving a warning forefinger in his direction. “Hold your tongue, Macleod, lest you

f in d y ou rs el f i n a w or ld o f t ro ub les. "

" I be t on t he bo y, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ You k no w m e, Am br os e. I c ann ot pa ss u p a l iv el y be t. J ana oi s w as

wi nn in g. I o nl y m ov ed t o p ut t he od ds m or e i n m y f av or !"

A mbr os e' s f ro wn d ee pe ne d. H e s te ppe d ne ar t o K ae vi r a nd g la re d a t t he yo ung er m an. “ I d o n ot k now

w ha t you a re p la yi ng a t, Ma cl eod,” he s ai d. “ But s inc e yo u s ee m s o e ag er t o he ap bl am e on you rs el f, I

w il l l et y ou .” H e g lanced t ow ar d h is d ep ut ies. “Take h im d ow n t o t he h ol e. C hain h im t here."

" Ar e y ou m ad ?” t he t hi ef c ri ed a t K ae vi r. H e t ur ne d t o A mb ro se , s tr ai ni ng a ga in st h is g ua rd s. “ Do n ot

l is te n t o h im ! He i s d ru nk a nd d af t! I t i s no t h is k ni fe !"

" Ye s, i t i s, ” K ae vi r s ai d, a nd t he t hi ef s ta re d a t h im , b ew il de re d.

"No, i t i s not! ” he c ri ed. “ Wha t a re you doi ng? The y wa nt i t t o be mi ne— let i t bl oody we ll be mi ne! ” He

l oo ke d a t A mbr os e a ga in . “ It i s m in e, m y k ni fe , b y m y br ea th !"

" Ta ke t he m b ot h t o t he h ol e, ” A mb ro se s ai d w it h a n e xa sp er at ed s ig h, t hr ow in g h is h an ds i nt o t he a ir .

“ Mo th er A bo ve , t hr ee s to ri es , t hr ee o wn er s a nd a ll o ve r o ne b lo od y k ni fe . Y ou a re a ll d af t, I s ay ."

"Are you drunk?"

K ae vi r t ur ne d t ow ar d t he s ou nd o f t he t hi ef 's v oi ce f lo at in g i n t he d ar kn es s. T he h ol e h ad p ro ve n t o b e a

f ai rl y apt n am e f or a s mall , cramp ed , w in do wl es s chamb er d eep b en eath t he j ai l. W hen t he d ep ut ies l ef t

K ae vi r a nd t he t hi ef c ha in ed t o t he w al ls , c lo si ng t he h ea vy i ro n d oo r o n t he m, t he b la ck ne ss i ns id e t he





chamb er w as u tt er and com pl ete.

" At t he m om en t, n o, ” K aevi r s ai d.

T he t hi ef s no rt ed , a nd K ae vi r h ea rd t he s of t s cr ab bl e o f h is c ha in s a ga in st t he w al l a s h e m ov ed h is a rm s

a ga in st t he ir s ho rt t et he rs . “ Th en y ou a re m ad . Y ou a re b lo od y m ad . W ha t k in d o f f oo l c la im s o wn er sh ip

of a knif e tha t is not his ?"

" Yo u c la im ed t he k ni fe , t oo ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Wh at d oe s t ha t m ak e y ou ?"

" So meon e w el l eno ug h aware o f h is cir cu ms tances t hat t hi s l it tl e ext ra h el pi ng o f t ro ub les s eems r at her

insignificant at the moment,” the thief replied. “You should have just shut your mouth."

" I wa s t ryi ng t o h el p y ou ."

" I do not ne ed your he lp. "

"Hoah, lad, that is obvious,” Kaevir said, laughing.

"Unl es s you ha ve a se t of l oc k pi cks on you, you ha ve no hel p I am i nt ere st ed i n,” t he t hi ef gr owl ed,

rattling his chains again as he squirmed.

" Yo u d o n ot l oo k l ik e a t hi ef ,” K ae vi r s ai d.

" Yo u d o n ot l oo k l ik e a n ob le ma n, L or d M ac le od ,” t he t hi ef s na pp ed b ac k, a dd in g t he s am e s ni de

i nf er en ce t hat J an ao is h ad u sed.

K ae vi r f ro wn ed . “ I a m a n ob le ma n, ” h e s ai d. “ Ma yb e i n n am e o nl y, t ha nk s t o m y r ot b as ta rd f at he r, b utI p ro mi se y ou w il l f in d M ac le od l is te d i n t he N ob le R eg is tr y a t t he a rc hi ve s o f B el ga er an— th at i s i f a y ob

t hi ef l ik e y ou can r ead. "

H e h ad t ho ug ht t he y ou ng m an w ou ld o ff er m or e r et or t a t t hi s, b ut t o h is s ur pr is e, t he re w as o nl y s il en ce .

“Th e s ol di er s s ai d i n I 'l ar C ou nt y, t hey cut t he h an ds o ff o f t hi ev es ,” t he t hi ef w hi sp er ed at l en gt h, and

K aevi r cou ld h ear t he t remb le o f f ear p lain ly i n h is v oi ce.

H e f el t s or ry f or s napp in g; s or ry f or t he t hi ef . H e s ig hed h eavi ly , f or ci ng h is b ro ws t o u nk ni t. “Li st en , l ad .

I have be en i n your s pot more t ime s tha n I c an count , ha lf of t hose he re i n I' la r. The y mi ght ma ke you

s ta nd a wh il e i n t he p il lo ry a nd t ake a l as h o r t wo , b ut n ot hi ng m or e. "

" St op c al li ng m e t ha t. ” N ow i re h ad r et ur ne d t o t he t hi ef 's v oi ce ; a t in ge o f a gg ra va ti on .

"What?"

" La d. I a m n ot y ou r b lo od y l ad ."

" Oh ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Wh at i s y ou r n am e, t he n? ” W he n t he y ou ng m an m ade n o i mm ed ia te r epl y, h e

s ho ok h is he ad l au ghi ng. “ Com e on , n ow . I f I c ann ot c al l y ou ‘ la d, ’ y ou m igh t a s w el l t el l m e y our n am e,

o th er wi se I w il l b e s tu ck w it h ‘ ba st ar d’ o r ‘ yo b. ’”

H e h ea rd t he t hi ef s ni ck er . “ Ei se an ,” he s ai d a t l as t. “ My n am e i s E is ea n F ab hm ei r. "





" It i s a p leas ur e, E is ean F ab hm ei r, ” K aevi r s ai d, f lapp in g h is h an d again st t he s ho rt l en gt h o f h is chain . “I

w ou ld s hake y ou r h an d i n p ro per i nt ro du ct io n, b ut .. .” T he t hi ef l au gh ed again , l ou der t hi s t im e, and

K aevi r j oi ned h im . “My n am e i s K aevi r M acleod ."

" Wh y d id y ou h el p m e, K ae vi r M ac le od ?” E is ea n a sk ed .

K ae vi r s mi rk ed , s ha ki ng h is h ea d. “ I d o n ot r ig ht ly k no w, ” he s ai d. “ So un de d t o m e l ike y ou m ig ht h av ehe ld your own if Ja na oi s ha d not pul led t ha t kni fe on you. It wa s not f ai r, a nd t ha t s or t of t hi ng doe s not

s it r ig ht w it h m e. N ev er h as ."

"And claiming the knife?"

"O h, t ha t, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Tha t wa s onl y t o ge t t os se d i n t he hol e. Y ou t hi nk I w ant ed t o ke ep i n t he c el l

with Janaois after that?"

E is ean l au gh ed . “Well , t hank y ou f or i t, ” h e s ai d. “Wh at ev er y ou r r easo ns , I am g ratefu l. "

K ae vi r s mi le d a ga in . H e n od de d h is h ea d o nc e, e ve n t ho ug h E is ea n c ou ld n' t s ee h im i n t he d ar kn es s.

“You are welcome, Eisean."

F ou r d ay s l at er , E ab hi ro s c am e, a nd K ae vi r n ea rl y w ep t w he n t he d ep ut ie s c am e t o h au l h im o ut o f t he

h ol e, t el li ng h im h is b ai l h ad b een m et . H e f ou nd h is cou si n i n q ui et con ference w it h A mb ro se W el labeig h,

d ol li ng o ut c oi ns t o t he c on st ab le t o p ay f or K ae vi r' s r el ea se .

E ab hi ro s w as d ress ed i n an ens em bl e s o r id icul ou s i t d ef ied any r at io nal d ef in it io n o f g oo d t as te; a h eavy ,

v el veteen d ou bl et w it h m at ch in g j us ti co at and b reeches, all v ib rant and g ar is h g reen w it h a cravat

ado rn ed w it h f ri ll y l ay er s o f l ace and l in en s wath ed s nu gl y abo ut h is n eck. H e h ad p ow dered h is f ace u nt il

h is com pl ex io n w as alabast er and g hast ly , w it h t wi n p oi nt s o f r ou ge d us ted again st h is cheek s as t ho ug hh e h ad s uf fo cated. T he g au dy o ut fi t w as m ad e com pl et e b y t he h or rend ou s add it io n o f a s pect acul ar ly

w id e- br im med p ur pl e h at , cro wn ed w it h a f lo ur is h o f s carl et , v io let and t eal p lu mes.

E ab hi ro s t ur ned at K aevi r' s app ro ach, archi ng h is b ro w. “Th er e y ou are,” h e s ai d, aff ecti ng h is m os t

prim and nasal tone. The voice, the apparel, along with a fictitious name likely as ridiculous as his

app earance w er e all j us t a r us e; o ne E ab hi ro s cus to mari ly u sed t o avo id d is gr ace o r emb ar ras sm en t w hi le

fetching his younger cousin from various jails throughout the midrealm.

" Mu st y ou a lw ay s b e o ne f or s uc h t ro ub le s, K ae vi r? ” H e p re te nd ed t o f ro wn a nd b at te d a l ig ht , h ar ml es s

s la p a ga ins t Ka ev ir 's c he ek. “ Yo u a re a b as ta rd t o m ake m e f re t s o,” he s ai d. “ Le t u s j us t f or h om e o nc em or e. I w il l d ecid e o n y ou r p un is hm en t alo ng t he w ay ."

H e s pu n a bo ut o n h is h ee l a nd m ar ch ed f or t he d oo r, s as ha yi ng h is h ip s d el ib er at el y b en ea th t he

g at hered, r uf fl ed h em o f h is coat.

" My l or d— ” K aevi r exclaim ed , h ur ry in g aft er E ab hi ro s. H e cau gh t h is cou si n b y t he arm at t he t hr es ho ld

o f t he j ai l. “Eabh ir os , w e can no t l eave y et ,” h e w hi sp er ed .

E ab hi ro s c oc ke d h is b ro w. “ I be g t o d if fe r, ” h e s ai d. “ I a m m el ti ng i n t hi s e ns em bl e. I m us t i ns is t w e t ak e

our leave."

" Ho w m an y p en ce d o y ou h av e w it h y ou ?” K ae vi r a sk ed .





Eabhiros frowned. “Why?"

" Th er e i s a b oy d ow n t he re . I c an no t l ea ve h im ."

" I a m n ot b ai li ng o ut s om e f le a- ri dd en v ag ab on d, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “ It i s b ad e no ug h I h av e t o b ai l y ou

o ut , K ae vi r. ” H e s hr ug ge d a wa y f ro m K ae vi r a nd m ar ch ed o ut si de f or h is c oa ch .

Kaevir followed, squinting against the dazzling glare of midafternoon sunlight. “He's not a vagabond,

Eabhiros. He's my friend."

T he c ar ri ag e d ri ve r, a w it he re d a nd w ir y o ld g en t n am ed A tt ic us C al lt ai n, w ho h ad b ee n i n s er vi ce t o

E ab hi ro s f or t he t en ur e o f h is d ay s, a nd b ef or e t ha t t o E ab hi ro s’ f at he r, t he l at e L or d D om hn al l M ac le od ,

s mi led b ri gh tl y at t heir app ro ach. “Kaev ir !” h e exclaim ed w ar ml y, o peni ng t he car ri ag e d oo r f or

E ab hi ro s. “ Ni ce t o s ee y ou a ga in , l ad —a nd n ot d ea d o r t oo b ad ly b ea te n b es id es ."

" At ti cu s, h ul lo ,” K ae vi r s ai d, p au si ng l on g e no ug h t o h oo k h is a rm a rou nd t he o ld er m an 's n ec k f or a

brief embrace. He used the opportunity to catch Eabhiros by the sleeve and give him pause as he duckedh is he ad t o c la mbe r i nt o t he c oa ch . “ Ea bh ir os , p le as e l et h im c om e w it h u s. "

"Who?” Atticus asked.

" No o ne,” E ab hi ro s g ro wl ed , f lapp in g h is arm , v ai nl y t ry in g t o s hake K aevi r l oo se.

" A f ri en d o f m in e, a g oo d l ad , A tt ic us ,” K ae vi r i ns is te d. “ Pl ea se , E ab hi ro s, h e h as n o o ne t o c om e f or

hi m, a nd t he y wi ll le ave him down the re t o r ot if we do not hel p."

E ab hi ro s s ig hed, t he w eary exh al at io n o f a m an w ho h as b een l ad en w it h an u nr ig ht eo us b ur den. H e

g lo wered at K aevi r and t hen t ur ned, s to mp in g b ack t ow ar d t he j ai l. K aevi r g ri nn ed b ro ad ly andscampered after him.

" It s ee ms m y s te wa rd t hi nk s I s ti ll h av e b us in es s w it h y ou ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d t o A mb ro se a s h e s tr od e

t ow ar d t he c on st ab le . “ Yo u h av e a no th er m an i n y ou r c el la r. I w ou ld s ee h im f re ed t o m y c us to dy a s

w el l. H ow m uch i s h is b on d?"

A mb ro se b li nk ed i n s ur pr is e. “ Yo u d o n ot w an t t ha t o ne , m y l or d, ” h e s ai d. “ He i s n ot hi ng b ut t ro ub le ."

" Tr us t m e, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, s pari ng a g lo wer t ow ar d h is cou si n. “He can no t b e any mo re t ro ub le t han

Kaevir. How much?"

" I . .. w hy . .. I a m n ot a ll ow ed , m y l or d, ” A mb ro se s ai d. “ Lo rd B ra n h as o ff er ed s pe ci fi c i ns tr uc ti on t ha t

h e i s t o r em ai n h er e, t hat h e w ou ld com e f or h im event uall y. "

" Lo rd B ra n? ” E ab hi ro s r ai se d h is b ro w, g la nc in g a ga in a t K ae vi r. “ Lo rd B ra n i s . .. w el l, l et u s j us t s ay h e

i s a de ar f ri en d of mi ne , C ons ta bl e. He wo ul d n ot p ro te st t he l ad 's r el ea se t o m y c ar e. W er e he h er e

h im self , h e w ou ld t el l y ou t he s am e. "

" I w ou ld j us t a s s oo n h ea r i t f ro m m y l or d' s o wn l ip s, m ea ni ng n o d is re sp ec t t o y ou , s ir ,” A mb ro se s ai d.

“ Th ey b oy , y ou s ee , s to le f ro m m y l or d, a nd —"

" Mo ne y i s n o m at te r t o m e, C on st ab le ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d, d ra wi ng A mb ro se t o s il en ce a s h e p ul le d o ut a

l ar ge v el veteen m on ey p ou ch s wo ll en n earl y t o o verf lo wi ng w it h coi ns . H e m et t he con st ab le's eyes and





s mi led t o s ee h e h ad t he m an 's f ul l att en ti on . “Ho w m uch?"

Ambrose returned his smile. “One thousand marks."

E ab hi ro s b li nk ed . “I b eg p ar do n?"

" On e t ho us an d m ar ks ,” A mb ro se s ai d. “ Gi ve m e t he p en ce . I g iv e y ou t he b oy ."

E ab hi r os s pared ano th er g lo wer at K aevi r . “Yo u d ri ve a h ar d b ar gain , C on st abl e."

" No b ar teri ng abo ut i t, m y l or d, ” A mb ro se t ol d h im , h ol di ng o ut h is h an d exp ectant ly as E ab hi ro s s lo wl y,

begrudgingly began to count out coins. He glanced toward his deputies. “Fetch the boy. You heard the

m an . W e s ho ul d n ot k eep o ur g en er ou s l or d w ai ti ng ."

I t w as l at e eveni ng , w el l b ey on d d us k, b y t he t im e t hey r eached E ab hi ro s’ est at e, S io ch an ta. W hi le

E is ean b at hed and s haved, and E ab hi ro s chang ed i nt o m or e com fo rt ab le and l es s atr oci ou s att ir e, K aevi r

s at i n t he p ar lo r, s ip pi ng o n a w el l- fi ll ed s ni ft er o f b ri magu e and n ib bl in g con tent ly f ro m a p latt er o f cinnamon biscuits.

" It h as b ee n f ar t oo l on g s in ce I e nj oy ed a t as te o f y ou r m ar ve lo us c oo ki ng , G id dy ,” h e s ai d h ap pi ly , h is

mouth full of biscuit. Brigid Calltain was Atticus’ elderly wife, and Eabhiros’ housekeeper.

" Do n ot s peak w it h y ou r m ou th f il led, ” B ri gi d t ol d h im aff ecti on at el y. S he s mi led. “It i s s o g oo d t o h av e

you home again."

S io ch an ta h ad b ee n h is h om e f or o nl y l es s t ha n a y ea r f ol lo wi ng h is f at he r' s d ea th , a nd t he n t he t ra gi c,

u nt im el y p as si ng o f h is m ot her s ho rt ly t hereaf ter, and i n t he y ears s in ce, f or o nl y b ri ef w eeks o r m on th s at

a t im e. B ri gi d, h ow ev er , w as alw ay s i ns is ti ng t hat t he h ou se w as i nd eed h is h om e, and s om et im es —l ik ethat night—Kaevir was almost inclined to believe her.

" It i s ni ce t o be he re , I mu st a dm it ,” he r ema rke d. He pr oppe d hi s f ee t o n a s ma ll t abl e i n f ron t of t he

s of a, cro ss in g h is ank les u nt il h e n ot iced B ri gi d' s d is ap pr ov in g g aze and s heep is hl y l et h is f eet s li p t o t he

floor again.

" Tell m e o f t hi s n ew f ri en d o f y ou rs ,” B ri gi d s ai d. “Th is g uest y ou h av e b ro ug ht t o o ur h om e. "

" Ei sean ? H e i s f in e, G id dy , t ru ly . D o y ou t hi nk I w ou ld b ri ng s om e m an ner o f d is repu tabl e s co un dr el i nt o

this house?"

Sh e r ea rr an ge d a pi le of e nve lo pe s s ta ck ed i n a s ma ll b as ke t o n a ne ar by t abl e. H e w al ke d t owa rd he r,

t aki ng t he bas ke t fr om he r t o del ibe ra te ly dr aw he r ga ze . “ He t old me he ha s El f in hi m; hi s f at her wa s a

h al f- Ga ei lg e, h is m ot he r o f t he m en fo lk . H e w as o rp ha ne d a s a p up a nd r ai se d b y h is m ot he r' s k in i n

Nichten County, an aunt who was found to box him around. He ran away and has wandered ever since."

" He s eems . .. cou rt eo us eno ug h, ” B ri gi d s ai d, t he t on e o f h er v oi ce s ug gest in g t hat s he s tr ug gl ed t o f in d

s om et hi ng t ow ar d t o s ay . E is ea n h ad n ot m ad e m uc h o f a n i mp re ss io n o n h er , o r o n E ab hi ro s, e it he r.

L ik e K ae vi r, f ou r d ay s s pe nt i n t he d an k c el la r o f t he D ae vo ns hi re j ai l h ad n ot d on e E is ea n' s a pp ea ra nc e

any f av or s; h e w as d is heveled, d ir ty , and d is ti nctl y m al od or ou s, h is f ace o bs cu red b y a s cr ag gl ed g ro wt h

o f u nk em pt b ear d.

" He i s a ni ce l ad, G idd y, ” Ka evi r s ai d. “ He j us t c am e i nt o s om e ba d c ir cum st an ce s, a nd I . .. I g ue ss I





k no w w hat t hat i s l ik e. "

B ri gi d s mi led, p ress in g h er p al m s weet ly again st h is cheek . “I s up po se, t hen, h e i s l ucky t o h av e f ou nd

you, Kaevir."

S he w al ke d a wa y, c ro ss in g t he r oo m t ow ar d t he f ir ep la ce . K ae vi r l oo ke d d ow n a t t he b as ke t i n h is h an d

a nd r ai se d h is b ro w. H e f li pp ed t hr ou gh t he e nv el op es , h is b ro w a rc hi ng a ll t he m or e w it h e ac h o ne h e passed. “Giddy, what are these?"

" Ju st s om e i nv it at io ns ,” G id dy r ep li ed , l eani ng d ow n t o s ti r t he b an k o f coals i n t he f ir ep lace w it h an i ro n

poker. “Parties, tea socials, banquets and balls."

" Yes, i t i s t hat w eari so me s eas on again ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d f ro m t he d oo rw ay , d res sed and l oo ki ng h is

cus t om ar y, u nado rn ed s el f o nce m or e. H e w al ked t ow ar d t he b ri magu e d ecan ter t o p ou r h im self a g lass .

T ow ar d t he m id dl e o f t he p il e o f i nv it at io ns , K aevi r w as s tart led b reat hl es s t o d is co ver o ne b eari ng t he

s ea l o f t he K in g a nd Q ue en o f T ir al ai nn . H e s et t he b as ke t a si de a nd p ul le d t he i nv it at io n l oo se o f envelope.

Y ou r p re se nc e i s f or ma ll y r eq ue st ed b y H is a nd H er M aj es ty , t he K in g a nd Q ue en o f T ir al ai nn ,

Kierken and Qynhelein Mailp, to attend the annual Samhradh Masked Ball, to be held on October

29, t he y ea r 1 748 o f t he t hi rd age , at t he R oy al P al ac e, B el gae ra n.

"Bugger me,” Kaevir whispered.

"What?” Eabhiros asked, leaning over his shoulder and munching a cinnamon biscuit loudly near Kaevir's

ear . “Ho ah , y es , t he S am hr ad h— th e cul mi nati ng s ocial event i n all t he r ealm . T hey cel eb rate f or t hr ee

d ay s and n ig ht s i n B el gaer an , every on e d ru nk and r au co us i n t he s tr eets , m ak in g m er ry and m ay hem. "

" Ar e y ou g oi ng ?” K aevi r ask ed .

E ab hi ro s s no rt ed , w al ki ng away. “Sw eet M ot her , n o. "

" No ne o f t hese?” K aevi r ask ed , t ur ni ng i n s ur pr is e. “Yo u . .. E ab hi ro s, y ou h av e t went y- fi ve i nv it at io ns

h er e, s ur el y! Y ou a re n ot g oi ng t o a ny o f t he m? "

E ab hi ro s f ro wn ed , p uzzl ed . “Si nce w hen h av e y ou g iv en a w hi t f or t he p om p and cir cu ms tance o f t he

s ea so n? ” h e a sk ed . “ Mu ch l es s w he th er o r n ot I p ar ti ci pa te ? O f c ou rs e I a m n ot .. ."

H is v oi ce f ad ed as s om et hi ng b ey on d K aevi r' s s ho ul der att ract ed h is att en ti on . H is eyes w id en ed i n

s ur pr is e a nd h is m ou th d ro pp ed a ga pe . “ Ho ah ,” h e s ai d.

" Wh at ?” B ri gi d a sk ed , f ol lo wi ng h is g az e. S he s hi ed b ac k a s te p, h er e ye s g ro wi ng r ou nd , h er h an d

fluttering toward her bosom.

K aevi r t ur ned and f ou nd E is ean at t he t hr es ho ld o f t he p ar lo r, h av in g f in is hed h is b at h and s haved away

t he u nf latt er in g b eard . T he d is heveled, f il th y t hi ef w as g on e and i n h is p lace s to od a s tr ik in g y ou ng

n obl em an. H e h ad c ha ng ed i nt o c lo th es E ab hi ro s h ad f ou nd f or h im ; t he e ns em bl e w as a b it l ar ge f or h im ,

given Eabhiros’ taller, brawnier stature, but in the fashionable attire, Eisean looked decidedly dashing

nonetheless.





"Bugger me,” Kaevir said, raising his brows, impressed.

" Hu ll o, ” E is ean s ai d, b li nk in g at t hem s hy ly , u ncer tain ly . “I . .. I am s or ry . I d id n ot m ean t o i nt er ru pt ."

By t he t ime Ka evi r ha d fi nis he d t aki ng hi s tur n in t he t ub, he had c ome up wi th a n ide a. “I have a pl an, ”

h e s ai d as h e ent er ed t he p ar lo r again . H e f ou nd E ab hi ro s and E is ean s it ti ng and l au gh in g t og et her, h av in g

app ar en tl y h it i t o ff w it h o ne ano th er q ui te w el l.

" Fo r w hat?” E is ean as ked.

" Sw ee t M ot he r, I h at e i t w he n y ou p la n, ” E ab hi ro s g ro an ed .

" Li st en t o m e, ” K aevi r s ai d. “Eabh ir os , all o f t ho se i nv it at io ns y ou h av e— th ey are f or p ar ti es l eadi ng u p

to the Samhradh, right?"

"Yes,” Eabhiros said.

" An d e ve ry on e w ho i s a ny on e g oe s t o t he S am hr ad h B al l. T he y p ac k t he ir b es t g ow ns a nd s ui ts , t he ir

f in es t j ew el ry —n o p as te f or t he p al ace. O nl y r eal g em s and s ol id s il ver, I w ou ld w ag er ."

E ab hi ro s l oo ked at h im , v is ib ly p uzzl ed . “I s up po se,” h e s ai d.

K aevi r s mi led b ro ad ly , l eani ng t ow ar d t hem. “I s ay t hey w il l b e r ip e f or t he p icki ng alo ng t ho se

s ou th war d r oads t o B el gaer an, ” h e s aid .

" Pi ck in g?” E ab hi ro s ask ed . H e w as s ti ll b ew il dered, b ut K aevi r k new E is ean r eali zed h is m eani ng . I t w as

o bv io us i n t he w ay t he y ou ng m an 's e ye s ha d w id en ed ; ho w h e ha d s et tl ed h im se lf c ar ef ul ly b ac k i n t he

sofa.

" Pi ck in g, ” K aevi r s ai d, n od di ng . “Fo r t hr ee ast ut e h ig hw ay men, i t w ou ld b e o pen s easo n. A ll w e w ou ld

nee d t o do is —"

" Hi gh waym en ?” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “Yo u m ean u s? Y ou m ean r ob p eo pl e o n t heir w ay t o t he S am hr ad h?”

H e l au gh ed , r ea ch in g f or K ae vi r' s s ni ft er . “ Gi ve m e t ha t. N o m or e f or y ou . Y ou a re d ru nk a nd h av e l os t

your wits."

" I h av e n ot ,” K ae vi r s ai d.

" Ea bh ir os c an no t r ob p eo pl e, K ae vi r, ” E is ea n s ai d. “ He i s a n ob le . H e w ou ld l os e e ve ry th in g i f w e w er e

c au gh t, a nd hi gh wa y r ob be ry i s n ot a pe tt y g ri ev an ce w he re t he y c la p y ou i n t he p il lor y o r gi ve yo u a

lashing. It is a hanging offense."

" Wo ul d y ou l is te n? ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ I h ave i t a ll p la nn ed o ut . W e w il l pi ck w ho w e r ob . W e w il l h av e a

r ou ti ne d ow n. W e c an p ra ct ic e h er e i n t he m id re al m, t ak in g o n c oa ch es c om in g t o a nd f ro m t he se o th er

e ve nt s. A nd w e c an us e t he se p ar ti es t o pi ck a nd c ho os e ou r v ic ti ms . Th e t wo of you c an s oc ia li ze , t al k

w it h p eo pl e, f in d o ut w ho i s t ra ve li ng w he re a nd b y w hi ch r oa ds . W e c an —"

" Th e t wo o f u s? ” E ab hi ro s a sk ed .

" Yo u a nd E is ea n, y es ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Lo ok a t h im , E ab hi ro s— he i s t o t he m an ne r b or n! W e c an s ay h e

i s a d is en fr an ch is ed n ob le s on w ho h as o nl y j us t r et ur ne d f ro m a l en gt hy s ta y a br oa d i n t he M or th ir . W ho





c ou ld r ef ut e t ha t? W e c ou ld s ay h e h as r ec ou pe d h is f or tu ne a nd r et ur ne d h om e a ga in ."

"Recouped his fortune how?” Eabhiros said.

K ae vi r t ur ne d t o E is ea n. “ Do y ou n ot h av e a t al en t? ” h e a sk ed . “ A h ob by ? Y ou k no w, s om et hi ng y ou

are g oo d at, s om et hi ng t hat m ig ht m ak e y ou w ealt hy ?"

E is ea n b li nk ed a t h im . “ I . .. I s up po se I p ic k l oc ks f ai rl y w el l, ” h e s ai d.

"Somethinglegal , E is ea n, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ A t al en t t ha t c ou ld m ak e y oulegally wealthy."

" We ll , I .. .” E is ea n b li nk ed a ga in , g la nc in g a t E ab hi ro s. “ I c an p ai nt a b it , a nd s ke tc h. I h av e d on e

portraits before here and there for pence. Nothing to net a fortune, but I..."

" Th er e i t i s, t hen! ” K aevi r exclaim ed , clapp in g h is h an ds , p leas ed . “He h as m ad e h is f or tu ne anew

overseas painting portraits for the Torachan nobility!"

"Kaevir...” Eisean began in sheepish protest.

" Eve ry n obl ew om an i n t he m idr ea lm i s g oi ng t o ha ve he r k ni ck er s i n a kn ot t o ge t a l ook a t h im !” K ae vi r

s ai d. “ The y w il l t el l hi m a nyt hi ng h e wa nt s t o k no w, i f onl y t o s ta nd n ea r h im .I I t w il l be p er fe ct !"

" Perf ect, y es , u nt il t hey ask m y n am e, ” E is ean s ai d. “Yo ur n am e m ig ht b e i n t he N ob le R eg is tr y, K aevi r,

but I promise you, Fabhmeir is not."

" I k no w, ” K aevi r t ol d h im , s mi li ng b ro ad ly . “An d t hat i s w hy w e w il l g iv e y ou ano th er o ne."

" Ho ah , t hat i s s pl en di d, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “Maki ng u p n am es i s f in e f or b ai li ng y ou o ut o f j ai l, K aevi r, b utn ot f or t hi s. B ac kwo od s c on st ab le s d o no t kno w a pe di gr ee i f i t b it es t he m i n t he a ss , bu t you ha d b es t

bet the nobles here in the midrealm do. We cannot just make up a name for him and hope it flies."

" I k no w, ” K aevi r s aid .

" An d w e cann ot j us t b or ro w o ne o ff t he r eg is tr y, eit her, ” E ab hi ro s add ed . “Ev er yo ne aro un d h er e i s k it h

o r k in t o s om eo ne o r a no th er , a nd s oo ne r o r l at er , w e w ou ld m ee t s om eo ne w ho w ou ld f ig ur e u s o ut ."

" I k no w, E ab hi ro s, ” K aevi r s ai d, n od di ng . “I t ol d y ou —I h av e i t p lann ed ."

E ab hi ro s s at b ac k, f ol di ng h is a rm s a cr os s h is c he st . H e r ai se d h is b ro w. “ Th is I h av e t o h ea r. "

" We w il l gi ve h im a no th er n am e, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ On e w it h r ea l p edi gr ee , b ut t ha t n o o ne r ea ll y k now s o r

r em em be rs —o ne w it h a pa st s o obs cur e a nd unk now n i n t he c ir cl es , w e c an m ake u p a ny s to ry w e w an t

t o exp lain h is s ud den app earance amo ng u s. ” H is s mi le w id en ed . “We w il l g iv e h im m y n am e. "

CHAPTER TWO

I sb ae nn a G ab hl an w ok e t o t he f la pp in g r us tl e o f f ab ri c a s a m ai d t hr ew b ac k t he d ra pe ri es t o a ll ow n ew

m or ni ng l ig ht i nt o h er chamb er . S he g ro an ed , r each in g o ut and h oo ki ng a p il lo w, s ho vi ng i t o ver h er h ead

t o s mo th er t he s un sh in e w it h d ar kn es s.





" Ei rean n t u, I sb aenn a, ” s he h eard M ai wen s ay i n G aeil gen.G et u p . “Up w it h y ou , chi ld . U p! "

" Leav e m e alo ne,” I sb aenn a s ai d, m ov in g t he p il lo w j us t eno ug h t o g lo wer.

" Yo ur m ot her h as s en t m e t o f et ch y ou ,” M ai wen s ai d, u nm ov ed . “Lady F io na and B ry th en ia h av e

a rr iv ed , a nd s he w ou ld l ik e y ou t o j oi n t he m i n t he g ar de n f or b re ak fa st ."

" I w ou ld a s s oo n g ou ge m y e ye o n a r us te d b ar b, ” I sb ae nn a g ro wl ed . “ Fi on a a nd B ry th en ia a re i ns ip id

g os si ps and catt y s hr ew s. "

" Th ey are y ou r m ot her 's f ri en ds ,” M ai wen s ai d. “An d g oo d com pany t o h er . S he k eeps r at her l on el y

h er e at O ri nein b y h er self ."

" She i s not he re b y he rs el f. Sh e h as you a nd Eog ha n. You a re b ot h f ar be tt er f ri end s t o he r t ha n t hos e

t at tl in g h ag s. T el l M ai me I am s ick, M ai wen, l e d o t ho il .” Please .

" Lady A ir reni gh exp ects y ou , I sb aenn a, ” M ai wen s ai d. “I w il l d o n ot hi ng o f t he s or t. A nd h er e. .. ” S he

d ro pp ed a w ax -s ealed env el op e o n t he b ed w it hi n t an tali zi ng r each o f I sb aenn a' s s helt er in g p il lo w. “Th is

arr iv ed b y cou ri er t hi s m or ro w f or y ou ."

W hi le M ai wen w al ked away, h eadi ng f or t he w ar dr ob e, I sb aenn a p us hed t he p il lo w b ack f ro m h er

h ea d. S he p ic ke d u p t he e nv el op e a nd f ro wn ed , p uz zl ed . “ Th is i s f ro m I ar nr od ,” s he s ai d. “ Th is i s K in g

Neisrod's seal."

" Wh at w ou ld y ou l ik e t o w ear ?” M ai wen cal led, s t an di ng b ef or e t he o pened w ar dr ob e, p eeri ng

t ho ug ht fu ll y i ns id e. “Yo u h av e t hat g ar den p ar ty t hi s aft er no on at t he O lw yn nes’ est at e, and i t w il l b e

warm today."

" An ot her o ne?” I sb aenn a ask ed , f ro wn in g. S he s at u p, t ucki ng w ay ward s tr an ds o f h er d is heveled

a ub ur n ha ir be hi nd he r e ar s. “ I ha ve no t e ve n be en ho me a we ek a nd Ma im e i s goi ng t o s ee m e de ad

with all of these ridiculous social engagements."

S he s li pp ed h er f in ge r b en ea th t he l ip o f t he e nv el op e, b re ak in g a pa rt t he s ca rl et w ax s ea l. S he d re w t he

f ol ded s li p o f p ar ch ment f ree.

M y L ad y I sb ae nn a—

Please forgive my interruption of your interim, but I write with a heavy heart on matters of a

most urgent nature. I know you mean to return to Iarnrod by the first of November, but it is

imperative that I meet with you sooner—within the fortnight, if you can make such haste. Please

say nothing of this correspondence or its contents to anyone—not even your fellows in Belgaeran.

S uc h d is cr et io n a nd d ra st ic m ea su re s a re r eg re tf ul , b ut n ec es sa ry , I f ea r, u nt il I k no w m or e w it h

certainty—and if we are to keep hope.

Yours—Neisrod

I sb ae nn a' s f ro wn d ee pe ne d a s s he r e- re ad t he l et te r. N ei sr od w as t he K in g o f T ir ur nu a, a nd t he l ea de r

o f t he r ac e o f A bh ac an . T hr ou gh b lo od ki n t o h er m ot he r, I sb ae nn a w as d is ta nt c ou si n t o t he Q ue en o f

T ir al ai nn , Q yn helein , and at Q yn h' s p er so nal b eh es t, I sb aenn a h ad agr eed t o s erv e as t he r oy al l iais on

between the neighboring realms of Tiralainn and Tirurnua. Her duties ordinarily pertained to nothing more





u rg en t t ha n a mi ca bl e t ra de n eg ot ia ti on s; s he w as a t a l os s a s t o w ha t m ig ht h av e p ro mp te d s uc h a t on e o f

u rg en cy i n t he n ot e, o r w hat m ig ht h av e m ad e N ei sr od b el ieve t hat w it ho ut app ro pr iate d is cr et io n, h op e

might not prevail.

"Anything important?” Maiwen asked.

I sb ae nn a s ho ok h er h ea d, h as ti ly f ol di ng t he n ot e i n h al f. “ No, ” s he s ai d. E lve s c ou ld n ot l ie ; i t w asi nh er en t i n t heir n at ur e. A lt ho ug h I sb aenn a' s f at her, I as al G ab hl an , h ad b een a f ul l- bl oo ded G aeil ge, h er

m ot he r w as o f t he m en fo lk a nd l yi ng h ad a lw ays c om e r ea di ly a nd e as il y t o I sb ae nn a. “ No , i t . .. i t i s o nl y

about some mining negotiations."

T he g os si p f ly in g b et ween L ad y F io na and L ad y B ry th en ia w as alr eady w el l u nd er way b y t he t im e

I s baen na j oi ned t hem f or b reak fast .

" .. .t he P en wy ns ’ car ri ag e w as s to pp ed b y a r og ui sh b an d o f h ig hw ay men aft er L ad y M us tr ach' s p ar ty ,”

F io na w as y am meri ng . “Th ree b an di ts w it h s carv es abo ut t heir f aces ."

" Ro bb ed at k ni fepo in t and t hen s tr ip ped o f t heir clo th es , t ru ss ed t o t heir coach w heel s, ” B ry th en ia

d eclared b reat hl es sl y, f lapp in g a h an dh el d f an at h er f ace. “Th ey s pent t he n ig ht i n a m os t w retched

state—a veritable fortune lost."

"Isbaenna,” Airrenigh said, her face brightening at her daughter's approach. “Maidin mhaith, inion.”Good

morning, daughter.

" Maid in m hait h, M ai me,” I sb aenn a s ai d. S he g lanced at F io na and B ry th en ia and f or ced a cro ok ed s mi le

a s s he d ro pp ed a p ol it e c ur ts y. “ La di es , g oo d m or ro w. I a m s or ry I h av e k ep t y ou w ai ti ng ."

" No t a t a ll ,” A ir re ni gh s ai d a s I sb ae nn a t oo k a s ea t b es id e h er . “ La dy F io na h as g ra ci ou sl y k ep t u sentertained."

" Ye s, s o I c ou ld h ea r, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d.

"Highwaymen in our midrealm!” Fiona exclaimed. “Can you believe it?"

"The Penwyns must have been terrified,” Airrenigh said. “You remember them, inion?"

Isbaenna remembered them well enough; twin brothers, Tierney and Tiernan, and their sister Igraine.

T heir p ar en ts w er e d ead and t he s ib li ng s w er e l ef t w ealt hy and r eckl es s f or i t, i ns uf ferabl e i n I sb aenn a' sopinion.

" To h ea r L ad y I gr ai ne t el l o f i t, i t w as no t s o t er ri fyi ng a t a ll ,” B ry th en ia s ai d. “ Sh e s ai d t he t hi ev es w er e

q ui te d as hi ng and g en tl em an ly , i n f act. O ne o f t hem h el ped h er u nf et ter h er s to mach er and s tay w it h all o f

the gentle attentiveness of a lover. She found the entire experience thrilling."

" Ig rain e n eeds t o g et o ut o f t he h ou se m or e o ft en ,” I sb aenn a m ut tered, m uf fl in g t he com ment w it h a s ip

o f t ea .

"Oh, and Isbaenna, darling,” Fiona said, draping her hand lightly against Isbaenna's. “Speaking of

gentlemen—only three days ago, Brythenia and I had the delightful pleasure of meeting a charming young

man I think you would certainly fancy."





I sb ae nn a p re ss ed h er l ip s t og et he r t o s ti fl e a g ro an . T he re w er e f ew t hi ng s w or se i n h er o pi ni on t ha n

end ur in g t he i nane p ratt le o f i dl e g os si p; h av in g w om en w ho k new h er n ei th er w el l n or f on dl y t ry in g t o

f or ce h er i nt o t he f an ci es o f s om e d read fu l n ob leman w as h ig h amo ng t hem. “I am f latt er ed y ou w ou ld

t hi nk o f m e, m y l ad y, ” s he s ai d. “ But I a m a fr ai d I ha ve l it tl e t im e f or s uc h t hi ng s a s r om an ce t he se d ay s. "

" Oh , y es , y ou r l it tl e l iais on d ut ies f or t he p al ace, ” F io na s ai d, n od di ng as s he p at ted I sb aenn a' s h an d.

" Yes, ” I sb aenn a s ai d, s mi li ng t hi nl y. S he t ur ned t o h er m ot her, d ecid in g t o u se t hi s o pp or tu ni ty t o g en tl y

break the news that her “little liaison duties” would apparently be cutting her visit home unexpectedly

s ho rt . “ As a m at te r o f f ac t, M ai me , I r ec ei ve d a l et te r f ro m I ar nr od t hi s m or ni ng b y c ou ri er . I t i s n ot hi ng

u rg en t, s om e coal m in in g n eg ot iati on s u nd er way, b ut t hey h av e ask ed m e t o— "

" I h av e n ev er u nd er st oo d y ou r p ur su it o f p ol it ics, chi ld ,” B ry th en ia s ai d. “If m at ters o f t he w or ld i nt er es t

y ou , y ou s ho ul d s pe ak t o m en w ho k no w o f s uc h t hi ng s, l ik e t ha t d ar li ng y ou ng L or d M ac le od . H e h as

t ra ve le d f ro m o ne c or ne r o f t he B it h t o t he o th er ."

" Ka ev ir M ac le od —h e i s t he o ne I t ol d y ou a bo ut ,” F io na s ai d. “ He i s c ha rm in g, e lo qu en t,well-mannered..."

" He s ou nd s v er y p ol is hed, m y l ad y, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. “Bu t I w il l n ot h av e t im e t o— "

" Ev er y eli gi bl e d au gh ter i n t he m id real m i s p ract ical ly t ri pp in g h eadl on g o ver h er o wn s ki rt s t o h av e t he

chance t o m eet h im ,” B ry th en ia s ai d.

" He i s y ou ng er c ou si n t o E ab hi ro s M ac le od o f T am hn ac h C ou nt y. Y ou k no w h im , d o yo u n ot ,

Isbaenna?” Fiona asked.

" Yes, I k no w E ab hi ro s, ” I sb aenn a s ai d, t ur ni ng t ow ar d h er m ot her again . “Bu t t ru ly , I w il l h av e n o t im ef or i nt ro du ct io ns o r r ea cq ua in ta nc es , M ai me . K in g N ei sr od w ro te t o m e, a nd h e a sk ed m e t o— "

" Bo th o f t he M ac le od s w ou ld m ak e s pl en di d h us ba nd s, I s ay ,” F io na s ai d.

" I s ay s o, t oo ,” B ry th en ia s ai d.

I sb aenn a h ad end ur ed as m uch m el od ramati c and n on seni cal d ri vel as s he cou ld f or o ne m or ni ng . S he

s mi led p ol it el y as s he r os e f ro m h er chair . “Gabh m o l ei th sceal, m o' ri bh in nas, ” s he s ai d, p in ch in g h er

f in gert ip s t o h er t hu mb and t ap pi ng h er f or eh ead and chi n i n apo lo gy . Excuse me, ladies. “But I think I

w il l r et ir e t o m y r oo m. "

" So s oo n?” A ir reni gh ask ed . “Bu t y ou h av e n ot eat en a w hi t. "

" I h av e s om e c or re sp on de nc es t o t en d t o, M ai me . .. s om e w or k f or m y l it tl e l ia is on d ut ie s f or t he

palace,” Isbaenna said, leaning down to buss her mother's cheek. “I am sure I will eat my fill at this

aft er no on 's eng ag em en t. M y l ad ies B ry th en ia, F io na, i t h as b een a p leas ur e. "

S he t ur ned, g at heri ng h er s ki rt s and r et reat in g f or t he m an or h ou se.

T he r ob be ry o f t he P en wy ns w as t he s ub je ct o f t he h ei gh t o f f as hi on ab le a nd e xc it ed c on ve rs at io n a t

L or d and L ad y O lw yn ne's b ru nch, and every m ou th w as afl ut ter w it h h eated d is co ur se and h us hed

whispers about the three brash highwaymen and their brazen assaults against hapless noble families.





" Cr im e r un s r am pant and b ey on d con tr ol t hr ou gh ou t t he r ealm ,” d eclared C al id or e I nead an t o a clu st er

o f n ob lewo men g at hered n ear w here I sb aenn a s to od i n L ad y O lw yn ne's f or mal p ar lo r.

Isbaenna deliberately turned her body away from their conversation lest Calidore mistake her proximity

f or i nt er es t. H e w as t he s on o f an i mm en sely w ealt hy l an do wn er i n C iarr ai C ou nt y. U nf or tu nately , h is

n ob le b ir th ri gh t d id n ot ent it le h im t o any claim o n h is f at her' s l an ds , b ecau se C al id or e s to od i n l in e b eh in d

t wo o ld er b rot he rs a nd a s is te r be si de s. W it h f ew o th er p ros pe ct s, h e ha d e le ct ed f or a c ar ee r i n t hec le rg y, a nd s er ve d a s t he C ia rr ai C ou nt y B io ca ir e, o r v ic ar , a pp oi nt ed b y t he a 'P ob ai l C re id ea mh , t he

state religion of Tiralainn.

H e h ad o nl y g ro wn a ll t he m or e u nb ea ra bl e w it hi n t he l as t t wo y ea rs , a s C ia rr ai 's r oy al E as pa g, o r

bishop, Lord Urquhart Gaosta, had grown elderly, feeble, nearly blind and more than slightly addlepated,

thus yielding a grand majority of his responsibilities and duties to his eager and ambitious young Biocaire.

M or e o ft en t ha n n ot , I sb ae nn a f ou nd C al id or e t o b e a p re te nt io us a nd b or in g b oo r.

" Wh y, i t w as o nl y a w ee k a go t ha t a t hi ef v io la te d t he v er y w al ls of o ur o wn r oy al c it y, ” C al id or e

continued. The ladies surrounding him all uttered fluttering, astonished gasps and he nodded, hise xp re ss io n g ri ml y s et . “ Wo ul d t ha t i t w er e n ot s o, m y l ad ie s. A t hi ef s to le p as t t he g at es o f o ur f ai r

Belgaeran and into the offices of the Easpag'Ard himself, Lord Lleuwyn Peildraigh. Fortunately, my lord's

gu ar ds he ar d hi m a nd c ha se d hi m o ut , bu t he h as n eve r be en a ppr ehe nd ed , a nd a s ha dow of f ea r h as

d es ce nd ed o ve r t he w ho le r oy al c ou rt b ec au se o f t hi s. "

I sb aenn a r ol led h er eyes, k eepi ng h er f ace t ur ned b ey on d C al id or e' s l in e o f s ig ht . T he o ff ices o f L leuw yn

P ei ld raig h, t he E as pag' Ar d, o r G rand B is ho p, o f T ir al ai nn h ad i nd eed b een b ur gl ar ized r ecen tl y. S he h ad

t ak en h er l ea ve o f t he r oy al c it y w it hi n a d ay o f t he i nc id en t, bu t h ad s ee n no i nd ic at io n of t hi s “ sh ad ow o f

f ear” C al id or e h ad m en ti on ed ; i n f act, b y l un ch ti me t hat aft er no on , t he n ew s h ad p ro ven o ld f ar e, and

cou rt g os si p h ad alr eady m ov ed o n t o m or e eng ag in g t op ics.

" Th at s am e s hado w w ou ld n ow s eem t o f al l even h er e, i n t he m id real m, ” C al id or e s ai d. “Fo ur t im es

n ow , w e h av e h ea rd h or ri fi c t al es o f o ur o wn f el lo ws a nd n ob le f ri en ds a cc os te d a nd r ob be d b y t hi s

a ud ac io us b an d o f h ig hw ay me n. A s a ct in g E as pa g o f C ia rr ai C ou nt y i n m y l or d G ao st a' s s te ad , I m ea n t o

r id e t om or ro w f or B el ga er an , t o b en d t he v er y e ar o f h is m aj es ty , t he K in g o n t hi s m at te r. T he C ro wn

m us t t ak e act io n. I t can no t s tand i dl y b y w hi le i ts m os t n ob le cit izen s are v icti mi zed i n s uch f as hi on . W hen

i t i s n o l on ge r s af e f or u s t o l ea ve o ur o wn h om es w it ho ut f ea r o f a ss au lt , t he n i t h as s ur el y b ec om e t im e

t o a ct ."

W hi le t he l ad ies m ur mu red i n con cu rr en ce w it h h is b ol d r em ar ks , I sb aenn a s mi rk ed , w on deri ng t o

h er se lf i f t he re h ad e ve r b ee n a t im e i n r ec or de d h is to ry w he n i t h ad b ee n f ul ly “ sa fe ” t o l ea ve t he c on fi ne so f o ne 's h om e.

" So me th in g p le as es y ou , m y l ad y? ” a s of t v oi ce m ur mu re d a ga in st h er e ar , a nd s he f el t t he w ar m p re ss o f

breath against her cheek. She jerked, startled and then aggravated to discover Calidore had abandoned

h is c on ve rs at io n t o c om e a nd s ta nd e nt ir el y t oo c lo se t o h er f or h er l ik in g.

" I da re s ay, I ha ve not s ee n you s mi le a s s uc h al l mor row,” he r ema rke d, l if ti ng h is br ow a t he r. “ So

l ov el y a nd g ra ci ou s a n u pt ur n o f l ip s s ho ul d n ot b e k ep t u nd er s uc h s tr ic t a nd s te rn m ea su re ."

" I t hi nk I s aw a f am il ia r f ac e i n a rr iv al j us t n ow , C al id or e, t ha t i s a ll ,” s he r ep li ed , p ol it el y. “ An o ld f ri end ,

a nd d ea r b es id es . I w ou ld l ik e t o g o a nd o ff er m y g re et in gs , i f y ou w ou ld e xc us e m e, p le as e. "

" I wo ul d no t t ar ry y ou, m y l ad y I sba enn a,” h e t ol d he r, bu t d es pi te t he se wo rds , h e ma de no e ff or t t o





s te p a wa y f rom he r, or out of he r pa th pa st t he wi ndow . “ I me ant onl y t o t el l you i t i s s pl endi d t o s ee you

onc e mor e. ” He l if te d he r ha nd ge nt ly, a nd f ol de d a t t he wa is t t o a wa rd he r knuc kl es a s of t br us h of hi s

li ps . “ I ha d hope d you and my l ady Air re ni gh might be s o ki nd a s t o joi n me at my house f or di nner one

eveni ng d ur in g t hi s, y ou r amb as sado ri al i nt er im , b ut I h av e s po ken w it h y ou r m ot her ear li er , and s he t el ls

m e y ou are emb ar ki ng t om or ro w f or I ar nr od .. .?"

" Ye s, I a m, ” s he s ai d. “ So me m at te rs h av e c om e u p t ha t n ee d m y a tt en ti on ."

" It i s n ot s af e f or a w om an t o t ravel t he m id real m alo ne,” C al id or e s ai d, h is exp ress io n d rawi ng g ravely ,

h is b ro ws l if ti ng i n con cern . “I h av e s po ken w it h L ad y A ir reni gh o n t hi s m at ter, and s he i s i n agr eement

w it h m e. I p la n t o a cc om pa ny y ou e as t. I h av e b us in es s t ha t w ou ld b ri ng m e t o B el ga er an a nd m y r id er s

and I can ens ur e t hat y ou p as s u naccos ted t hr ou gh t he m id real m. "

" Yo u . .. y ou ar e m os t g racio us , C al id or e, ” s he s aid , s tar tl ed and s ur pr is ed —and s ud denl y ann oy ed w it h

A ir re ni gh f or a gr ee ing t o s uc h a c our se o f a ct ion w it hou t t he b ene fi t o f he r c oun se l. “ Bu t t ha t w il l n ot b e

n ec es sa ry . I r id e o n t he b us in es s o f t he K in g. T o t ri fl e w it h m e w ou ld b e a n o ff en se a ga in st t he C ro wn ,

and I w ou ld i nf or m p ro sp ecti ve t hi ev es o r r ov in g h ig hw ay men o f s uch. T hat s ho ul d d ul y i ns pi re any t oseek their bounty elsewhere."

" I m ea n n o d is co ur te sy ,” h e s ai d. “ Bu t I w il l n ot b e d is su ad ed . I f a ny th in g w er e t o h ap pe n t o y ou t ha t

m ig ht h av e b een w it hi n m y p ow er and r es ou rces t o p revent , I w ou ld n ev er f or gi ve m ys el f. Y ou r m ot her

agr ees t hat t hi s i s w is e p recaut io n. "

" My m ot he r d oe s n ot s pe ak f or m e, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d, h er a gg ra va ti on e dg ed i n h er v oi ce n ow .

" No , m y l ad y, a nd I a m c er ta in s he w ou ld n ot p re su me t o, ” C al id or e s ai d q ui et ly , g en tl y. “ Bu t s he d oe s

s pe ak o ut o f l ov e f or y ou , a nd h on es t c on ce rn . .. a s d o I , I sb ae nn a.

" I k ee p y ou f ro m y ou r s al ut at io ns ,” h e m ur mu re d, s te pp in g a si de a t l as t t o g ra nt h er r oo m t o m ov e p as t

h im . “Fo rg iv e m e i f I h av e o ff en ded. I h ol d n o s uch i nt en ti on s i n m y h eart ."

" On ly l ov e a nd h on es t c on ce rn , t he n, C al id or e? ” s he a sk ed , a rc hi ng h er b ro w. S he b ru sh ed p as t h im ,

m ov in g f or t he d oo rw ay o f t he p ar lo r. “ Yo u d o k ee p m e f ro m m y s al ut at io ns , m o' Bi oc ai re . G oo d d ay t o

you."

" Is ba en na , p le as e t ry n ot t o l oo k l ik e I a m f or ci ng y ou t o w al k t hr ou gh a b an k o f c oa ls ,” A ir re ni gh s ai d,

s peak in g t hr ou gh a b ri gh t and t oo th y s mi le as s he and I sb aenn a m ad e t he r ou nd s o f i nt ro du ct io ns ,

cur t sy -d ro pp in g, and i dl e d is co ur s e i n t he cr ow ded g ar dens .

"You might as well have, Maime,” Isbaenna said, trailing begrudgingly in her mother's wake. “Telling

C al id or e I ne ad an h e c ou ld a cc om pa ny m e. Y ou k no w h ow I f ee l a bo ut t ha t m an ."

" An d y ou k no w h ow I f eel abo ut y ou t raveli ng u nchapero ned acr os s t he m id real m, ” A ir reni gh s ai d,

t ur ni ng t o l oo k at h er . “Es peci al ly n ow w it h t hese G en tl em an H ig hw ay men, as t hey are cal led, o ut o n t he

roads."

Isbaenna glowered, but said nothing more. She hunched her shoulders and followed Airrenigh through

the throng, patiently exchanging salutations for each introduction. When they came upon Fiona and

B ry th en ia i n t he c ro wd , I sb ae nn a s tr ug gl ed t o k ee p a s mi le p la st er ed i n p la ce a s s he o ff er ed c ur ts ie s.

"Lord Eabhiros, surely you remember my lady Airrenigh?” Fiona asked, drawing a tall, strapping young





man forward.

I t h ad b ee n a l on g t im e s in ce I sb ae nn a h ad s ee n E ab hi ro s M ac le od ; t he y h ad k no wn e ac h o th er s in ce

c hi ld ho od , b ut w he n E ab hi ro s’ f at he r h ad p as se d a wa y f ro m f ev er y ea rs e ar li er , h e h ad a ll b ut r et re at ed

f ro m t he s ocial cir cl es o f t he m id real m.

" I d o i nd eed, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, b ow in g f or mall y b ef or e A ir reni gh and k is si ng h er h an d. “It i s a p leas ur e t os ee y ou o nc e m or e, m y l ad y. ” A s h e s tr ai gh te ne d, h e c aug ht s ig ht o f I sb ae nna a nd h is s mi le w id en ed , h is

dark blue eyes sparkling with delight.

" And yo u a s w el l, ” A ir re ni gh s ai d. “ Ea bh ir os , i t h as b ee n f ar t oo l ong . O f c our se , y ou k no w m y da ug ht er

Isbaenna...?"

" Yes, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d w it h a n od as h e s tepp ed t ow ar d h er . I sb aenn a f el t h er self s mi le b ro ad ly , g en ui nely

a nd s he t hr ew h er a rm s a bo ut h is t hi ck n ec k, k is si ng h is c he ek . S he d id n ot m is s t he s ta rt le d i nt ak es o f

a gh as t b re at h f ro m F io na a nd B ry th en ia , b ot h o f w ho m w er e a pp ro pr ia te ly a pp al le d b y h er u tt er l ac k o f

social discretion.

" It i s w on de rf ul t o s ee y ou a ga in ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d, s te pp in g b ac k f ro m E ab hi ro s. “ I h ad h op ed y ou w ou ld

be here today."

"I he ar d of your a ppo int me nt a t t he p al ac e, ” he s ai d. “ I a m s o pl ea se d f or you, m y l ady. ” H e gl an ce d

o ver h is s ho ul der s om ew hat exp ectant ly , and s he f ol lo wed h is g aze. S he b li nk ed i n s ur pr is e at t he y ou ng

m an s tand in g i n n earl y u ncer tain p ro xi mi ty t o E ab hi ro s. “Ladi es , p leas e l et m e i nt ro du ce m y d ear cou si n,

L or d K aevi r M acl eo d, ” E ab hi r os s aid .

I sb ae nn a c on ti nu ed t o b li nk a t K ae vi r a s h e s te pp ed f or wa rd , o ff er in g a p ol it e b ow t o h er m ot he r. F or

o nce, all o f t he r um or s w hi rl in g abo ut s eemed t ru e; h e w as an abs ol ut el y s tr ik in g y ou ng m an . L ar ge d ar k eyes d is ti ng ui sh ed h is w id e, ang ul ar f ace; h ig h, s harp cheek s cleav ed t ow ar d h is s tr on g j aw and f ramed

his delicate mouth.

" My l ad y, ” K aevi r s ai d t o A ir reni gh . “It i s a p leas ur e. "

H e s tr ai gh te ne d, a nd w he n h e t ur ne d t o I sb ae nn a, t he t wo o f t he m s im pl y b li nk ed a t o ne a no th er ,

wearing nearly identical expressions of dumbstruck wonder. “And her daughter, Lady Isbaenna

G ab hl an ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “Ro yal amb as sado r t o T ir ur nu a i n t he n am e o f H is M aj es ty , t he K in g, and I

d ar e s ay t he d ar li ng o f B el gaer an 's cou rt s ociety ."

I sb ae nn a s ho ok h er h ea d s li gh tl y t o d is tr ac t h er g az e. W ha t w as t he m at te r w it h h er ? S he h ad s ee n m en

before; a few of them handsome, even. She was behaving no better than Fiona, Brythenia or any of the

o th er n ob lewo men s he cou ld n ow clear ly s ee f lu tt er in g abo ut , h ov er in g clo se at h an d, all f lo ck ed aro un d

the Macleod cousins.

K ae vi r b ow ed f or h er , d ra wi ng h er h an d t o h is f ac e. S he f el t h is l ip s b ru sh a ga in st h er k nu ck le s, a nd t he n

h is b reat h l in gered t here m om en tari ly , u ncer tain ly , as i f h e h ad f ou nd h im self at a com pl et e and u tt er l os s

as t o f or mal g reet in g. “My l ad y, ” h e s ai d at l as t, s ti ll cradl in g h er h an d again st h is —f ar l on ger t han w as

polite or proper. “I ... I am your humble servant."

I sb aenn a f el t a s ud den, u nexp ected f lu sh b lo om i n h er f ace, abs ol ut el y charm ed b y t hi s s im pl e, clu ms y

s ta te me nt . S he f or ce d h er se lf n ot t o l et t he e ff ec t s ho w. “ Is t ha t s o? ” s he a sk ed .





W he n h e l if te d hi s g az e, h e r ea li ze d h e s ti ll h el d h er h an d, a nd h e d re w ba ck , s ee mi ng s he ep is h. A ga in ,

I sb aenn a f or ced h er self t o l oo k away f ro m h im , t o r et ur n h er att en ti on alo of ly and i n f ul l t ow ar d E ab hi ro s.

“ Do s ay y ou w il l h av e t im e f or a t l ea st o ne h an d o f dy st an ui r t hi s a ft er no on ,” s he s ai d. “ I h av e h ea rd L or d

A ir gi da h as s et u p t ab les i n an u ps tair s d rawi ng r oo m. "

" I t hi nk I w ou ld b e u p t o t he c ha ll en ge , m y l ad y, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d w it h a n od .

" Sp lend id , t hen, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. S he g lanced again at K aevi r, and f ou nd h is att en ti on s ti ll f ix ed o n h er .

Aga in, s he f elt t he he at of blus h st oking i n he r che eks ; a man ha d neve r made he r bl us h i n he r li fe, and s he

w ou ld b e d am ne d i f o ne w ou ld t ha t d ay . S he t ur ne d a wa y, g at he ri ng h er s ki rt s i n h er ha nd s a nd h oi st in g

t he h em o f h er g ow n f ro m t he g ro un d. “I w il l f in d y ou l at er , E ab hi ro s, ” s he s ai d, m ar ch in g o ff , l eavi ng

A ir reni gh t o s tamm er o ut s om e s em bl an ce o f f ar ew el ls o n h er b eh al f.

S he h ad n ea rl y f or go tt en a bo ut K ae vi r M ac le od s ev er al h ou rs l at er , b ut t he n s he h ap pe ne d t o g la nc e o ut

of t he c or ne r of he r e ye a s s he pa ss ed b y Lo rd Ai rgi da 's l ibr ar y a nd s pi ed hi m i ns id e. H e s too d a lon e

w it h h is b ac k t o t he d oo rw ay , f ac in g a l ar ge s et o f b oo ks he lv es . H e h ad f ou nd a v ol um e t o i nt er es t h im ,

a pp ar en tl y; h e l oo ke d d ow n a t i t, h ol di ng i t o pe ne d a ga in st h is h an ds , a nd s he p au se d w he n s he h ea rdh im r ea di ng q ui et ly a lo ud , h is v oi ce s of t a nd r ev er en t, a s i f h e s too d i n t he n av e o f a c at he dr al .

" 'N or th ward f ro m L in n D or ch a, f ol lo wi ng t he cur rent o f t he D ub h R iv er , w e d el ved ever d eeper amo ng

t he t ow er in g p eaks and s um mi ts o f t he B ar ren M ou nt ai ns . .. ‘ ” h e d eclaim ed . T here w as s om et hi ng

rhythmic and nearly mesmerizing in his recitation, his cadence, and Isbaenna lingered at the doorway,

watching him, listening.

" ’ . .. cro ss in g i nt o h er et of or e u nchart ed t er rain , p as si ng s ho reli nes and cli ff s t hat h ad n ev er b ef or e

w it nes sed t he p resence o f m an .’ ”

H e chu ck led, as i f h e f ou nd t hi s p as sage h um or ou s, o r at l east , p er so nall y aff ecti ng . S he w at ch ed h im s ito n t he f lo or , f ol di ng h is l eg s b en eath h im i n a com fo rt ab le, cas ual p os tu re. H e b al an ced t he h eavy t om e

again st h is l ap and l eaned o ver, r eadi ng t o h im self .

" Do y ou a lw ay s m ak e y ou rs el f s o a t e as e i n t he h om es o f s tr an ge rs ?” s he a sk ed , s ta rt li ng h im . H e

jerked, looking over his shoulder, his eyes flown wide.

"I ... I do not know, my la dy,” he sa id. “ I make i t a habit ne ver to meet a str anger."

" On ly f ri en ds , t hen?” s he ask ed , archi ng h er b ro w.

H er p re se nc e s ee me d t o v is ib ly f lu st er h im , j us t a s i t h ad o ut si de . H e l ow er ed h is e ye s t ow ar d t he r ug ,

o ff er in g a f eebl e l au gh . “I d id n ot s ay t hat. "

S he c ro ss ed t he t hr es ho ld a nd w al ke d t ow ar d h im . “ I d id n ot m ea n t o s ta rt le y ou . M ay I s it a wh il e? "

H e b li nk ed , u tt er ly f labb er gast ed n ow . “I . .. I w ou ld b e d el ig ht ed ."

I sb ae nn a l ow er ed h er se lf t o t he f lo or b es id e h im , t uc ki ng h er l eg s b en ea th h er . H er s ki rt s p oo le d a nd

g at hered aro un d h er i n g racefu l f ol ds . “I am I sb aenn a G ab hl an ."

" I k no w, ” h e s ai d, n od di ng . “ We w er e i nt ro du ce d o ut si de , m y l ad y, e ar li er t od ay . I a m— "

" Kaev ir M acleod ,” s he s ai d. S he s mi led at h im . “My h um bl e s er vant ."





A ba sh ed c ol or r os e i n h is c he ek s, a nd a ga in , h e l ow er ed h is g az e. “ I m ea nt n o d is co ur te sy b y t ha t. "

" Th at i s go od ,” s he s ai d, d ra wi ng h is e ye s f ro m t he f lo or . “ I d id n ot dr aw a ny . I t hou gh t i t w as i nv en ti ve

o f y ou , and r at her charm in g b es id es ."

H e s mi led, and I sb aenn a f el t s om et hi ng d eep w it hi n h er f lu tt er h el pl es sl y, h ap pi ly . H e h ad a g lass o f brimague on the floor beside him, a half-filled snifter between them, and she distracted herself by picking

i t u p a nd t ak in g a s ip w it ho ut h is p er mi ss ion . “ Yo u d o n ot m in d? ” s he a sk ed , a nd h is s mi le w id en ed a s h e

s ho ok h is h ead.

" No t a t a ll ."

" Th an k y ou ,” s he s ai d, d ri nk in g a ga in . S he r ai se d h er b ro w a t t he b oo k a ga in st h is l ap . “ Th e o th er

g en tl em en a re n ex t d oo r i n t he p ar lo r. Y ou w ou ld r at he r r ea d t ha n p la y c ar ds ?"

" I w ou ld r at he r d o a nyt hi ng t ha n pl ay c ar ds ,” he s ai d, m ak in g h er l aug h. “ Cl ea n a f et id s ta bl e; g ut a putrified fish; walk a league in this outfit—in this heat—anything."

Isbaenna laughed again. “Hold a conversation with me?"

H e s mi le d. “ Th at w oul d be a pl ea sur e, no t a c ho re , my l ady, ” he s ai d.

" So me w ou ld n ot agr ee w it h y ou t here,” s he s ai d, can ti ng h er h ead b ack and s wall ow in g t he r em ai ni ng

brimague. She did not have to ask; she knew Fiona and Brythenia had drawn him among them following

their introduction, undoubtedly telling him all sorts of sordid half-truths and gleeful, malicious slander

a bo ut h er . F io na w as f on d o f c al li ng I sb ae nn a “ a s hr ew ” b eh in d h er b ac k. A ir re ni gh d id n ot k no w a bo ut

s uc h r em ar ks , b ut I sb ae nn a d id , a nd s he s pa re d h er m ot he r f ro m i t, b ec au se M ai we n w as r ig ht . F io naw as f ri en d eno ug h t o A ir reni gh , and r eg ar dl es s o f w heth er o r n ot I sb aenn a car ed f or F io na, A ir reni gh

n ee de d f ri en ds n ea r a t h an d.

" Th en t he w or ld t eems w it h f oo ls ,” K aevi r s ai d.

H e w as t ry in g t o b e charm in g. T ho ug h i t w as n ot u np leas an t, s he w as n earl y d is ap po in ted. H is clu ms y

ear nest y i n t he g ar den h ad l en t h er f leet in g h op e t hat h e m ig ht b e d if ferent t han any o th er i ns uf ferabl e cad .

H e w as t ry in g t o b e c ha rm in g, a nd I sb ae nn a m et h is g az e, c ou nt er in g h is a tt em pt s a s c oo ll y a s e ve ry

other man's.

" Fo ol s b ut n ot s tr ang er s ,” s he s ai d, archi ng h er b ro w.

H e b li nk ed at h er , l oo ki ng m om en tari ly f lu st er ed again . “No ,” h e s ai d, m an ag in g a s mi le. “Never

strangers."

H e l oo ke d do wn a t t he b oo k, a nd I sb ae nn a s mi le d. He w as no t a cc us to me d t o a w om an w ho w ou ld n ot

m el t at h is charm s. A pp ar en tl y, h e w as als o w ho ll y u naccus to med t o f eeli ng awk ward o r u ncer tain o f

h im self i n t he com pany o f a w om an , and I sb aenn a h ad t he d is ti nct i mp ress io n t hat w as p reci sely h ow h e

felt at the moment. Again, something within her softened, charmed.

" I h av e h ea rd y ou a re a n a rt is t o f s om e e st ee m, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d, d ra wi ng h is g az e. “ Yo u p ai nt ed a

portrait for the Torachan emperor, I was told."





" The e mp er or ?” H e r ai se d hi s br ow. “ Oh , w el l. No , I a m a fr ai d no t. A Se na to r' s k in or k it h a t ime o r

t wo , m ay ha p, b ut n o m or e t ha n t ha t. "

" I w ou ld e nj oy t o s ee s om e o f y our wo rk, i f I c ou ld, ” s he s ai d.

He b li nk ed a t h er , s ur pr is ed a nd pl ea se d. “ I . .. O f c our se , m y l ad y, ” h e s ai d. “ I wo ul d b e gl ad t o s how

you. I t hi nk I m ight ha ve a s ke tc hbo ok i n t he c oa ch, a s a ma tt er of f ac t. "

T he y w al ke d t og et he r a lo ng t he w es tw ar d s id e o f t he h ou se t ow ar d t he s ta bl es a nd p ar ke d c ar ri ag es .

K aevi r h ad again g al lant ly o ff er ed h is arm t o I sb aenn a i n f or mal escor t, and s he s tr ol led w it h h er r ig ht

elb ow h oo ked t hr ou gh h is , h er l ef t h an d p ress ed l ig ht ly again st t he s leev e o f h is j us ti co at . T hey m ad e a

f et ch in g p ai r, and t hey d rew b ot h adm ir in g and env io us g azes f ro m g uest s w ho l in gered o n t he l aw n as

they obliviously passed, absorbed their in quiet, amiable conversation.

" Do y ou m is s y ou r f ri en ds i n t he M or th ir ?” I sb aenn a ask ed .

" I do,” h e a dmi tt ed. “ But I a m gr owi ng t o de arl y e nj oy t he c om pa ny of t hos e ne w one s I ha ve f oundhere."

" Wi ll y ou e ve r g o b ac k, d o y ou t hi nk ?” s he a sk ed .

" Ma yh ap s om e d ay ,” h e s ai d. H e r ai se d a m us in g b ro w. “ Fo r t he m om en t, I a m r at he r s at is fi ed w it h

w he re I a m. "

W he n K ae vi r o pe ne d t he d oo r t o E ab hi ro s’ c ar ri ag e, h e s ta rt le d a y ou ng m an i n a c oa ch ma n' s e ns em bl e

w ho h ad b ee n s tr et ch ed o ut u po n o ne o f t he c us hi on ed s ea ts , h is t ri co rn e c ap s lu ng l ow o ve r h is e ye s a s

he s no oz ed . T he yo un g m an s at u p w it h a s ha rp ye lp , h is h at f al li ng a sk ew , h is e ye s f lo wn w id e, a nd

K aevi r j erk ed i n equ al s ur pr is e, d rawi ng b ack f ro m t he d oo rw ay .

"Hoah—what is it—?” the coachman exclaimed, blinking blearily, momentarily disoriented.

" It i s a lr ig ht ,” K ae vi r s ai d w it h a l au gh . “ It i s o nl y m e, M ao r, h av e p ea ce . I w an te d t o c ol le ct m y

sketchbook and slates."

T he c oa ch ma n, M ao r, s wu ng h is l eg s a ro un d, h is t ri co rn e t op pl in g t o t he f lo or . H e h ad r em ov ed h is

c oa ch ma n' s j us ti co at i n t he s mo th er in g h ea t o f t he c ar ri age c ar a nd r ol le d u p t he c uf fs o f hi s s hi rt t o h is

elb ow s. S weat g li st en ed i n a t hi n s heen u po n h is b ro w and h e d ragg ed h is f in gers t hr ou gh h is h ai r,

glowering at Kaevir.

" Wh at a re y ou d oi ng i n h er e? ” K ae vi r a sk ed h im . “ I t hou gh t y ou w ou ld b e w el l i nt o y ou r p or ta r b y n ow

w it h t he o th er v al et s, t ry in g y ou r l uck at car ds ."

" I w as s le ep in g, y ou r ot te d, d ap pe r b as ta rd ,” M ao r g ro wl ed . H is e ye s w id en ed a s h e c au gh t s ig ht o f

I sb aenn a s tand in g j us t b ey on d t he d oo rw ay b eh in d K aevi r. “Ho ah ,” h e m ur mu red, abash ed , b li nk in g at

K ae vi r. “ Ga bh m o l ei th sc ea l, m y l or d . .. m y l ad y. I . .. I m ea nt n o d is re ga rd .” I beg your pardon.

" Ma or , t hi s i s m y l ad y I sb ae nn a G ab hl an ,” K ae vi r s ai d, p iv ot in g h is h ip s t o a wa rd a l es s o bs tr uc te d

v iew. “Is baen na, t hi s i s m y s teward , M ao r G raeh am ."

" A p leas ur e, m y l ad y, ” M ao r s ai d, s tr ug gl in g t o s mo ot h f al len s tr an ds o f b lo nd h ai r b ack b eh in d h is ear s,

visibly mortified.





" Be an na ch t, M as te r G ra eh am ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d, h er b ro ws r ai se d, t he c or ne r o f h er m ou th l if te d i n a

smile.Greetings.

" Do y ou r v al et s a lw ay s c al l y ou a r ot te d, d ap pe r b as ta rd ?” I sb ae nn a a sk ed K ae vi r.

" On ly w he n I de se rve i t, ” h e r epl ie d w it h a l aug h.

T he y h ad m ov ed t o t he g ar de n a nd s at b en ea th t he f ul l, l ea fy b ou gh s o f a c lu st er o f m at ur e t re es ,

enj oy in g t he r el at iv e r ep ri ev e f ro m t he h ar sh , o pp ress iv e h eat o f t he s un . S he l eaned again st o ne t ru nk ,

w it h h er s ki rt s a nd c ri no li ne s d ra pe d a bo ut h er l eg s, c ra dl in g h is b oo k o f d ra wi ng s i n h er l ap a s K ae vi r

s at a cr os s f ro m h er , r es ti ng a ga in st a no th er t re e. S he h ad b ee n a dm ir in g h is w or k w it h a s or t o f

breathless, quiet, wide-eyed wonder.

" Co ul d y ou d raw m y f at her f or m e?” s he ask ed , h er v oi ce s o q ui et and u ncharact er is ti call y t remu lo us

t hat h e b li nk ed i n s ur pr is e, cer tain h e h ad m is hear d h er .

"H e ... My fa the r di ed whe n I wa s a l it tle gir l, an d I ha ve f ew r eme mbra nc es of hi m,” I sba enna s ai d. “ I

w ou ld d ea rl y l ov e t o h av e s om et hi ng . .. a k ee ps ak e, h is v is ag e t o c ar ry w it h m e t o B el ga er an a nd

I ar nr od . C ou ld y ou d o t ha t f or m e, K ae vi r? I c ou ld d es cr ib e h im f or y ou . I r em em be r h im c le ar ly i n m y

mind."

He l ea ne d f or wa rd a nd s li ppe d t he s ke tc h pa d f ro m h er ha nd s. “ I w ou ld be pl ea se d t o, I sba en na ,” h e

said.

I t t oo k o nl y l it tl e m or e t han an h ou r f or h im t o com pl et e t he s ketch. I sb aenn a r em em bered m in ut e d et ai ls

o f I as al G ab hl an 's cou nt en an ce w it h r em ar kabl e clari ty , and i t h ad t ak en o nl y g en tl e coaxi ng f ro m h im t o

e as e a d es cr ip ti on f ro m h er m ou th . H e s ke tc he d I as al 's e ye s f ir st , b ec au se I sb ae nn a s ha re d t he se w it hh er f at her, and t hen s lo wl y, d el ib er at el y as I sb aenn a s at b ef or e h im , h er g aze d is tant as s he r em em ber ed ,

he be ga n t o t ra ce t he l ines a nd a ngl es of f ea ture s as he i ma gi ne d t he m i n his mi nd, ba se d on he r wor ds .

He r e ye s c lo ude d wi th t ea rs a t t he l as t, a nd whe n he r vo ic e t re mbl ed, h e l ook ed up a t he r, hi s pe nc il

falling still.

S he o ff er ed a s tr ug gl in g s mi le, a f leet in g, h ar sh l au gh . “I am s or ry ,” s he s ai d, h er h an ds m ov in g t ow ar d

her fac e, her finger s batt ing a t t ears . “I ... I did not mean t o get into such a st ate. Le t us see this sketc h of

yo ur s, t he n. W e w il l s ee i f y ou ha ve e ar ne d s uc h h ig h r eg ar d. "

H e o ff er ed h er t he s ke tc hb oo k. I sb ae nn a g az ed d ow n a t t he p ar ch me nt f or a l on g t im e i n c om pl et e a ndunbroken silence.

"If you do not li ke i t, I wil l t ry a ga in,” he s aid at l ength. “ I wi ll tr y a s of te n as nee ds be to get i t r ight."

S he l oo ke d up a t h im , a nd t ea rs s pi ll ed do wn he r c he ek s. “ I l ov e i t, ” s he w hi sp er ed . H er h an d da rt ed t o

h er m ou th a nd s he p re ss ed h er f in ge rs t he re a s t ho ug h t o p hy si ca ll y r es tr ai n a s ob . “ It i s p er fe ct , K ae vi r.

I t . .. T hi s i s m y f at he r. "

S he b eg an t o w ee p, u na ba te d a nd u na sh am ed , a nd h e d re w h er a ga in st h is s ho ul de r, e nf ol di ng h er i n h is

a rm s. “ Yo ur f at he r i s d ea d, t oo , i s h e n ot , K ae vi r? ” s he w hi sp er ed .

" Yes, ” h e r ep li ed , n od di ng . “He d ied i n d eb to rs ’ p ri so n. "





S he s hu dd er ed again st h im , h er t ears s eepi ng t hr ou gh t he t hi n l in en o f h is l ei ne, h er b reat h w ar m and

fluttering against him. “Do you miss him?” she asked.

K aevi r w as q ui et f or a l on g m om en t. “Yes, ” h e w hi sp er ed at l en gt h. “I m is s h im v er y m uch. "

" I m is s m ine , t oo,” s he s ai d. “ He .. . he di ed dur in g t he Se co nd W ar , w he n La hndu re n t ri ed t o t ak e t he

t hr on e a wa y f ro m K ie rk en . I w as on ly a l it tl e g ir l, b ut I r em em be r hi m. I . .. I r em em be r h is s mi le . Iremember how he laughed..."

H e h el d h er u nt il h er t ea rs s ub si de d. “ It i s a m ar ve lo us s ke tc h, t ru ly , K ae vi r. M ay I k ee p i t? ” s he a sk ed

at l as t, d rawi ng away f ro m h im , r ub bi ng at h er cheek s w it h h er f in gert ip s.

" Of cou rs e. I t i s y ou rs ,” h e t ol d h er , s mi li ng g en tl y.

" Yo u s ho ul d s ig n i t, l e d o t ho il ,” s he s ai d, o ff er in g t he s ke tc h t o hi m. Please. “No art is t s o exemp lar y

should have his work remain anonymous."

H e l if te d hi s p en ci l f ro m t he g ra ss a nd qu ic kl y j ot te d h is i ni ti al s i n t he b ot tom c or ne r o f t he s ke tc h, n ea rl y

h id de n b y t he d el ic at e l in es a nd s ha do ws o f t he po rt ra it 's h ai r. “ Th er e y ou g o, m y l ad y, ” h e s ai d, c ar ef ul ly

t ea ri ng t he p ar ch me nt f re e f ro m t he b oo k a nd p re se nt in g i t t o h er .

" La dy I sb ae nn a, a t l as t, h er e y ou a re !” b oo me d a l ou d v oi ce f ro m b eh in d t he m, s ta rt li ng t he m b ot h, a nd

C al id or e I nead an cam e s tr id in g b ri sk ly amo ng t he t rees . H e cau gh t s ig ht o f K aevi r' s p ro xi mi ty t o

I sb aenn a and h is b ri sk s t ri de f al tered.

" My l ad y, y ou w eep. .. !” h e exclaim ed , d ucki ng h is h ead b en eath a l ow -h an gi ng b ranch and r us hi ng

f or ward . H is g aze s et tl ed w it h s ud den, b lazi ng i nt en si ty o n K aevi r and h is h an ds clo sed i nt o f is ts . “Wh at

ha ve yo u don e t o he r, yo u bl oody r ot ?"

" My l or d, I —” K ae vi r s ai d, s tu mb li ng t o h is f ee t, h is e ye s w id e a nd a la rm ed a t t he B io ca ir e' s a pp ro ac h.

" Cali do re, h av e p eace,” I sb aenn a s ai d, p uzzl ed and agg ravated b y h is r eact io n. “Wh at i n B it h i s t he

m at te r w it h yo u? H ow da re y ou s pe ak s o t o K ae vi r! "

C al id or e s tu mb led t o a h es it an t h al t. “Yo u w er e cry in g, I sb aenn a, ” h e s ai d.

" Is t ha t a c ri me ?” s he de ma nde d s ha rpl y. “ I ha ve he ar d o f no s uc h e di ct . W ha t d o y ou wa nt ?"

" Yo ur m ot he r a sk ed m e t o f in d y ou ,” h e s ai d. “ I h av e b ee n l oo ki ng f or y ou f or h ou rs n ow . I t i s n ea rl y

t hr ee o 'clo ck and f ul ly m id af tern oo n, I sb aenn a. T on ig ht i s t he f or mal b al l at t he E dr yd s’ est at e. Y ou h av e

n ot f or go tt en ? S he w ou ld s ee y ou b ot h c ha ng ed a nd p re pa re d. "

I sb aenn a w in ced, k no wi ng h er m ot her w ou ld b e s or e w it h h er f or cer tain , h av in g d el ay ed t heir

de pa rt ur e. “ Ro t,” s he mu tt er ed , t ur ni ng t o Ka evi r. “ I a m s or ry. I ha ve t o go . M ai me h as no do ub t b y now

w or ked h er p an ni er i nt o a t wi st ."

" It i s m y f au lt ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Le t m e s pe ak w it h he r. I w il l— "

" No , i t wi ll be f in e, ” s he t ol d h im . “ Wi ll y ou b e a t t he E dr yd s’ t oni gh t? "

" Ye s, ” h e s ai d, a nd s he s te pp ed t ow ar d h im .





S he cup ped h er p al m again st h is cheek and k is sed h im g en tl y again st t he cor ner o f h is m ou th . “Sp lend id ,

t he n, ” s he s ai d. “ I w il l s ee yo u t he re . T ha nk y ou f or a l ov el y d ay. "

" I w il l s ee y ou t he re , a s w el l, m y l ad y, ” C al id or e s ai d a s s he b ru sh ed p as t h im , m ov in g t ow ar d t he ho us e

o nce m or e.

" My b re at h i s v er il y b at ed , C al id or e, ” s he a ss ur ed h im d ry ly a s s he l ef t.

CHAPTER THREE

E abh ir os , K ae vi r a nd E is ea n s to od s ide b y s ide on t he s hou lde r of r oa d, l oo ki ng a t a n ot ic e pi nne d t o a

t re e. T he p la ca rd h ad a pp ar en tl y b ee n r ec en tl y p os te d; t he y h ad s ee n n o s uc h e n r ou te t o t he O lw yn ne s’

party, and now it seemed at least every tenth tree along their passage had one of the printed signs nailed

t o i ts t ru nk .

WARNING!i t d eclared i n l ar ge, b ol d p ri nt . B en eath t hi s s tern adm on it io n w as a r ud im en tary

w oo dcut ti ng , w hi ch d ep icted t he l ik en es ses o f t hr ee m en i n g reat co at s w it h t ri co rn e h at s and s carv es

abo ut t heir f aces , each b rand is hi ng g ar is hl y l ar ge s wo rd s and d ag gers i n t heir h an ds .

N ot ic e t o a ll t ra ve le rs , b y d ec re e o f B io ca ir e C al id or e I ne ad an o f t he a 'P ob ai l C re id ea mh , a ct in g

in official stead of His Grace, Easpag Urquhart Gaosta. Beware of the GENTLEMEN

HIGHWAYMEN who prey at will upon the unsuspecting within the midrealm! By edict of Her

Lady, Baroness Airrenigh Gabhlan, a 50,000-MARK REWARD is offered in the APPREHENSION

and p ros ec ut ion of A NY O R AL L of t hi s f ie ndi sh t ri o. Se ek c oun se l A T ON CE w it h y our pa ri sh

Sagart or constable with information you might reveal.

"Mathair Maith,” Eisean said.

" Ca li do re I ne ad an t ak es a t as k s wi ft ly t o h ea rt , d oe s h e n ot ?” E ab hi ro s a sk ed , h is h an ds a ga in st h is h ip s,

his expression amused.

"It is official, then, I think,” Kaevir said, grinning. “We have become notorious."

T he y r et ur ne d t o t he i nn i n F eh re ng la de w he re t he y k ep t a r oo m o ve rn ig ht , a nd e ac h b eg an t he ir

preparations for that evening's banquet and ball. Kaevir took his turn before the wash basin mirror, hisf ac e a nd n ec k l at he re d g en er ou sl y a s h e d re w t he b la de o f a s tr ai gh t r az or a ga in st h is e ve ni ng b ea rd

stubble.

" Ar e y ou d on e y et , K ae vi r? ” E is ea n a sk ed , w it h h is b ac k f ac in g K ae vi r i n t he m ir ro r. H e u nf as te ne d t he

w ai st co at h e ha d w or n t o t he b run ch a nd g la nc ed of f hi s s ho ul de r, s mi li ng w ry ly . “ Yo u h av e b ee n a t t ha t

g la ss f or n ea rl y a n h ou r, s ur el y. W hy a re y ou g et ti ng s o d an di ed ? Y ou a re o nl y s up po se d t o b e M ao r

Grahaem, the steward, remember?"

" I a m n ot g et ti ng d an di ed ,” K ae vi r r ep li ed , d ra wi ng t he r az or a lo ng t he s id e o f h is t hr oa t. “ I w an t t o l oo k

presentable, that is all. I have engagements of my own to keep this evening."

Eisean laughed. “What manner of engagements?"





" Gamb li ng , I w ou ld s ay ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d as h e s hr ug ged h is w ay i nt o h is s hi rt .

" I w ou ld s ay a l ad y i s i n t he re s om ew he re , a s w el l, ” E is ea n s ai d.

"A lady? No.” Eabhiros laughed. “A willing companion of the female inclination? Most certainly!"

T he t wo l au gh ed t og et he r a nd K ae vi r s ho ok h is h ea d, s mi rk in g a t t he m i n t he m ir ro r. “ Yo u a re b ot h bloody yobs."

E is ea n u nf as te ne d hi s s hi rt t o c ha ng e. A s h e t ug ge d t he h em l oo se f ro m t he c on fi ne s o f h is b re ec he s a nd

pulled the leine off over his head, Kaevir saw scars on his shoulders, the length of his spine clearly in the

m ir ro r. T here w er e l on g, t hi ck , w el t- li ke m ar ks t ravers in g t he y ou ng er m an 's b ack, d ozen s u po n d ozen s

o f t hem app ar en t and o verl ap pi ng , and K aevi r' s b reat h s ti ll ed , t he r azor p oi sed w it ho ut m ov in g, p ress ed

lightly against his skin.

Ei sea n ha d t old hi m t ha t af ter his pa re nts ha d be en kil le d i n a f ir e, he ha d gone t o li ve wi th hi s aunt and

f am il y i n E denv al e. H is aun t h ad b een f on d o f b eati ng h im w it h a v icio us l en gt h o f h ar ness s tr ap ; t hat w aswhy Eisean had eventually fled the home.

K ae vi r h ad n ev er s ee n a ny th in g t he l ik es o f E is ea n' s b ac k i n a ll o f h is d ay s. E ab hi ro s h ad n ot ic ed t he

s cars as w el l, b ut E is ean, s ti ll t ur ned away f ro m t hem, w as o bl iv io us t o t heir s ud den, q ui et att en ti on .

E ab hi ro s g lanced t ow ar d K aevi r, h is b ro ws l if ted i n s tart led con cern , and h e o pened h is m ou th , d rawi ng

breath to speak. Kaevir shook his head gently, bidding Eabhiros to stay his voice.

" I w il l h av e y ou b ot h k no w I w il l n ot b e g am bl in g t on ig ht ,” K aevi r s ai d, t ry in g t o i nf us e g oo d h um or i nt o

h is v oi ce l es t E is ea n b ec om e a wa re o f t he ir s cr ut in y. H e w at ch ed E is ea n t hr ou gh t he m ir ro r a s h e t oo k h is

f resh s hi rt i n h an d, s li pp in g h is arm s t hr ou gh t he s leev es , d rawi ng t he l in en o ver h is s ho ul ders t ow ar d h is

n eck, h id in g t he b ru tal and h eart br eaki ng s cars f ro m v iew o nce m or e. “Or . .. o r w om an izin g, eit her. "

E is ea n t ur ne d, l au gh in g. “ I t hi nk m y e ar s mu st f ai l m e, ” h e s ai d, a nd h e p ok ed hi s f in ge r i n h is e ar

d em on st rati vely , w ig gl in g i t abo ut as i f t o clear b lo ck ag e. “Di d I j us t h ear K aevi r M acleod s ay h e w ou ld

not be gambling or womanizing?"

" Yo u d id i nd eed, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, s tr ug gl in g t o w ip e t he s tr icken, w or ri ed exp ress io n f ro m h is f ace.

“ Ma yha p h e h as b ee n s tr uc k w it h f eve r, E is ea n, d o y ou t hi nk ? S ur el y hi s m in d i s a dd le d. "

A s t he car ri ag e f ol lo wed t he l on g, t reel in ed avenu e t ow ar d t he E dr yd s’ s tately m an si on , d us k s et tl ed

acr os s t he cou nt ry si de l ik e a h eavy , p lu m- co lo red s hr ou d. H un dr ed s o f l an ter ns h ad b een s tr un gt hr ou gh ou t t re e b ou gh s a nd a cr os s t he m an ic ur ed e xp an se o f t he E dr yd s’ l aw n, a nd a s t he y d re w n ea r t o

t he h ou se , i t s ee me d t he e nt ir e e st at e h ad s om eh ow c ap tu re d a w ay wa rd c or ne r o f m id af te rn oo n

s un sh in e and b id i t s tay awh il e, l en di ng i ts g lo w t o t he aff ai r.

E is ea n c an te d h is h ea d o ut o f t he c oa ch w in do w, h is e ye s w id e w it h a ma ze me nt . “ Ea bh ir os , l oo k a t

this,” he breathed.

E ab hi ro s s mi led t o s ee t he ent hr al lm en t i n E is ean' s f ace as h e w at ch ed t he l an tern -d ap pl ed l an ds cape r ol l

past the window. He had never been beaten in his life. Of course, as lads, he and Kaevir had been

k no wn t o t ra de p un ch es a nd j ab s, b ut E ab hi ro s’ f at he r, D om hn al l, h ad n ev er r ai se d h is h an d o r a s wi tc h

again st h im ; h ad n ev er t reat ed E ab hi ro s w it h any th in g l es s t han g en tl e, ado ri ng r eg ar d. E ab hi ro s d id n ot

know who ha d put s uc h c rue l ma rk s upon Ei se an , bu t a s he wa tc he d t he young ma n ga ze out th e

w in do w, awest ru ck and m ar vell in g, E ab hi ro s l on ged f or even f iv e m in ut es alo ne i n a l ocked r oo m w it h





whoever bore such grievous accountability.

" Wi ll L ad y I sb aenn a b e i n att en dance t on ig ht ?” h e ask ed E is ean.

E is ean s mi led; n ot even t he d im l am pl ig ht i ns id e t he car ri ag e cou ld d is gu is e t he col or t hat s to ked i n h is

c he ek s. “ Sh e t ol d m e s he w ou ld b e, y es ."

W hatever h ad t rans pi red i n h is t im e s pent w it h I sb aenn a t hat aft er no on h ad app ar en tl y p leas ed E is ean

t remend ou sl y. T hat I sb aenn a h ad l in gered s o l on g and s o w il li ng ly w it h E is ean, i n t he g ui se o f K aevi r,

m ad e i t o bv io us , a t l ea st t o E ab hi ro s, t ha t w ha te ve r w in so me e ff ec t I sb ae nn a b or e o n E is ea n' s h ea rt , h e

m us t h ave h ad t he s am e on he rs .

E ab hi ro s cou ld h av e cou ns el ed E is ean again st h ar bo ri ng s uch t en der aff ecti on s, b ut d id n ot . H e k new t he

a ff ai rs o f E is ea n' s h ea rt w er e h is o wn t o t en d t o, a nd v er il y, t he l ad w as p er fe ct ly c ap ab le o f s uc h t as ks .

E ab hi ro s a ls o k ne w t ha t h is o wn e xp er ie nc es d ee me d h im a m os t i ne pt a t ut or i n t he t ra pp in gs o f l ov e.

" Ho w els e t o exp lain a s o- call ed ‘ co un ty cat ch ’ w ho r em ai ns y et u nm ar ri ed ?” h e m ur mu red, l et ti ng h isg az e w an de r o ut t he c oa ch w in do w.

" Wh at ?” E is ean ask ed , and E ab hi ro s b li nk ed at h im .

" No th in g, ” h e s ai d, s haki ng h is h ead. “Never m in d. I t w as n au gh t. "

As di nn er w as s er ve d, a nd a ll of t he E dr yds ’ gu es ts w er e s ea te d f or t he b an qu et , t al k s oon a nd

inevitably turned to the Penwyns’ robbery.

"I tell you, it was positively thrilling!” Tierney Pewnwyn declared. His eyes sparkled delightedly, and he

h el d t he r ap t att en ti on o f every on e s eated abo ut h im . “Dash in g, t hey w er e, abs ol ut el y d as hi ng ! F ro mt ri co rn e t o j ackb oo t i n elegant v es tm en ts l ik e a g en tl em an 's , n ot s om e p al tr y v ag ab on d! "

"They are no gentlemen,” said a prim older noblewoman named Darfhinn. “They are common criminals.

I gn or an t p easant t rash . T hey s ho ul d b e s tr un g f ro m t he g al lo ws f or t hi s r ep eated and g ri ev ou s d is regard ."

" I cou ld n ot agr ee w it h y ou m or e, L ad y D ar fh in n, ” T iern ey 's t wi n b ro th er T iern an s ai d, h is b ro ws

narrowed, his expression sullen.

" Th ey w er e n ot p easant s, ” t heir s is ter I gr ai ne s ai d. “Th es e w er e s ur el y y ou ng g en tl em en o f n ob le b ir th .”

S he g la nc ed a ro un d t he t ab le , l ea ni ng f or wa rd a s t ho ug h s he m ea nt t o i mp ar t s om e g re at s ec re t. “ I w ou ld be willing to wager the three of them sit among us tonight, somewhere in this very assemblage."

" Wh y i n t he B it h w ou ld yo u s ay s uc h a t hi ng , m y l ad y? ” E ab hi ro s a ske d, a nd s he t ur ne d t o h im , s mi li ng .

" Th ei r m an ners w er e i mp eccabl e, m y l or d, ” s he s ai d. “On e d oes n ot com e u po n s uch g en teel charm s

t il li ng a cr ea ge o n a f ar m. N o, I t el l y ou , t he y a re l ad s o f c ul tu re a nd p ed ig re e. ” H er s mi le d w id en ed w ry ly .

“They were magnificent."

" Ig rain e, d ar li ng , w er e y ou n ot q uaki ng v er il y w it h t er ro r?” ask ed o ne o f t heir t ab le m at es , L ad y

H eu lw en . H er eyes w er e f lo wn w id e, h er m ou th s tand in g p ar ti al ly agape, h er p al lo r d rain ed t o a

sepulchral hue.

" Qu it e t he con tr ar y, H eu lw en ,” I gr ai ne s ai d, archi ng h er eyebr ow . “I w as q uaki ng , b ut n ot w it h f ri gh t. I





m us t agr ee w it h T iern ey . T he ent ir e aff ai r w as s im pl y s mash in g, f ro m t he m om en t w e h eard t he f ir st cri es

ri ng out i n a voi ce s o powe rf ul, s o c omm anding a s t o c aus e t he downy ha ir s upon my ne ck t o r ise in a

s hi ver o f excit em en t j us t t o t hi nk o f i t. "

" 'S tand and d el iv er ,' ” T iern ey s ai d. “Th at i s w hat t he G en tl em an H ig hw ay men cal led o ut u po n o ur h al t. "

" I t remb le n ow , even i n t he r ecal l, ” I gr ai ne m ur mu red. “An d t hen, t heleannan a mo ng t he m . .. t helover..."

" He i s t he o ne , i s h e n ot , w ho u nd re ss ed y ou ?” E is ea n a sk ed i nn oc en tl y. H e s uc ke d i n a s ha rp , h is si ng

breath as Eabhiros kicked him subtly but soundly beneath the table.

" I h av e b ee n t ou ch ed b y m en i n m y d ay s, b ut n on e o f t he m e ve r a s s uc h, ” I gr ai ne s ai d. “ Th e G ent le ma n

H ig hw ay men w ear g lo ves y ou k no w, l eath er o n t heir h an ds , and w hen h is f in gert ip s b ru sh ed again st m e,

as they lighted upon my skin, gently, deliberately drawing my clothing from me, I nearly swooned."

" Oh , m y, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, h is f ace d ecid ed ly f lu sh ed .

" He s tood s o c los e t o me , I c oul d f ee l t he he at of his br ea th a gai ns t my e ar , r us tl ing i n my ha ir, a nd hi s

v oi ce , s pe ak in g s o l ow a nd t en de r i n c ad en ce a nd t im br e, I s ca rc el y h ad a ny t ho ug ht s av e t o t ur n t o h im ,

dr aw hi m i nt o t he coa ch a nd be g hi m t o ma ke l ove to m e upon the ve ry f loor ."

" Yes, w el l. .. ” E ab hi ro s r em ar ked, g lancin g at E is ean and d rain in g h is w in e g lass d ry i n a l on g, s in gl e

swallow.

" He h as t he m os t l ov el y m ou th ,” I gr ai ne w hi sp er ed , h er exp ress io n n earl y w is tf ul . “Th at w as all I cou ld

s ee o f hi m r ea ll y. T he br im o f hi s ha t hi d hi s e ye s i n t he s ha do ws , b ut h is m ou th . .. s o s of tl y f or me d

a ga ins t s uc h a s qu ar e a nd i mp os ing j aw . I l on ge d t o t ouc h m y f ing er ti ps a ga ins t hi s l ips , e ve n f or o nem om en t, t o l ea n f or wa rd a nd t ak e e ve n t he m os t f le et in g t as te o f h im a ga in st m y t on gu e. ” S he t ur ne d

toward Eabhiros, looking at him somewhat studiously.

" Say, i s t hat r oast ed p heas an t?” E ab hi ro s ask ed l ou dl y, t ur ni ng away f ro m h er att en ti on . “So meon e,

h er e! P as s i t t hi s w ay ."

I gr ai ne g la nc ed t ow ar d C al id or e a nd f ei gn ed a b lu sh t ha t w ou ld h av e b ee n o ut o f c ha ra ct er h ad i t b ee n

sincere. “Gabh mo leithsceal, mo'Biocaire,” she murmured, brushing fingertips and thumb against her

f or eh ea d a nd c hi n i n a po lo gy . “ Fo rg iv e m y b ol dn es s a nd m y c an do r. I o nl y r ec ou nt a s b es t I a m a bl e. "

" Sp eak f reel y, L ad y I gr ai ne, l e d o t ho il ,” C al id or e s ai d, n od di ng h is h ead r es pect fu ll y and s mi li ng . Please.

“ I w oul d no t s ee y ou ho ld your t ongue on m y a cc ount . I t i s t he Goo d M ot he r w ho w oul d s ee j udgm ent

f or y ou r d es ir e, n ot m e. "

" Th en I w il l g ladl y b ear t he m et in g o ut o f h er d is regard ,” I gr ai ne s ai d. “Becaus e I am q ui te g ui lt y as

charged."

"My sister is in love with a highwayman,” Tierney said, laughing.

" Th ey are m ag ni fi cent ,” I gr ai ne s ai d again . “I w ou ld g ladl y o ff er t en t ho us an d m ar ks t o k no w t heir

n am es , w ho t hey are."

" Th ey a re t hi ev es ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d d ou rl y, b or ed o f t he c on ve rs at io n, h er b ro ws d ra wn a s s he f ro wn ed .





“Th at i s w ho t hey are, I gr ai ne—n ot g en tl em en o r n ob les o r l ov er s b es id es . T hey are h ig hw ay men and

boors, who glean pleasure from the fear and loss they bring to others. They could have easily harmed you

a s n ot , I gr ai ne , a nd y ou r b ro th er s a s w el l. T he y c ou ld h av e r ap ed y ou ."

"Can one rape the willing?” Tierney asked, laughing again.

" Wh at d o y ou s ay o f t he m at te r, L or d M ac le od ?” C al id or e a sk ed E is ea n. T he B io ca ir e a rc he d h is b ro wand r eg ar ded t he y ou ng er m an f or a l on g m om en t. “Yo u h av e b een n ot iceabl y r es er ved d ur in g t hi s cou rs e

of conversation. What do you think of these Gentleman Highwaymen? Are they noble gentlemen,

common thieves, malcontented peasants, or just abhorrent boors?"

" Mayh ap t hey are all o f t hese,” E is ean s ai d. “Do w e n ot all h av e s uch cap acit ies w it hi n u s, m o' Bi ocai re?

I f we d id no t, I w ou ld s ay c le rgy me n s uc h a s yo ur se lf w ou ld be h ar d- pr es se d f or w or k t o s av e ou r

souls."

S il en ce s et tl ed o n t he t ab le a s e ve ry on e b li nk ed a t h im , s ta rt le d b y h is c an do r. I sb ae nn a d re w h er n ap ki n

from her lap and rose to her feet. “I think I should like to go for a walk,” she said. “I hear tell my LadyE dr yd 's t iered g ar dens are s im pl y m ar velo us .” C al id or e o pened h is m ou th , d rawi ng i n b reat h t o o ff er h is

c om pa ny t o h er , b ut s he c ut h im o ff be for e h e e ve n ut te re d a s oun d. “ Lo rd M ac le od, wo ul d y ou c ar e t o

join me?"

H e s mi le d. “ I w ou ld b e m os t p le as ed , m y l ad y, ” h e s ai d.

" Sp lend id , t hen, ” I sb aenn a m ur mu red, and s he cou ld n ot h el p b ut m eet h is s mi le w it h h er o wn .

" Th er e i s g oi ng t o b e a f ir ew or ks d is pl ay t on ig ht ,” I sb aenn a t ol d E is ean. T hey s tr ol led alo ng at a

l eis ur ely , com fo rt abl e p ace, s id e b y s id e as t hey f ol lo wed s hado w- dr ap ed and h ed ge- li ned p at hs t he

Edryds’ gardens.

" Re al ly ?” h e a sk ed . H e h ad s ee n f ir ew or ks b ef or e a t c ou nt y f ai rs a nd h ar ve st c el eb ra ti on s, b ut h ad n ev er

heard of a single person commissioning their own private display before.

I sb ae nn a n od de d w it h a s mi le . “ Lo rd E dr yd 's y ou ng es t d au gh te r, R ua l ov es t he m d ea rl y, o r s o I h av e

been told, and he would spare no expense to please her, or his friends and fellows."

" Th at i s o bv io us . I h ave c er ta in ly n ev er s ee n t he l ik es o f a n a ff ai r a s g ra nd a s t hi s, ” E is ea n s ai d.

" Yo u h av e n ev er b ee n t o a f or ma l b al l b ef or e? "

" No, m y l ad y, ” h e s ai d. “ No t l ik e t hi s. "

Isbaenna reached for him, slipping her palm against his, and Eisean closed his fingers lightly, tenderly

again st h er . “I m us t l eave t om or ro w, K aevi r, ” s he s ai d, s of tl y. “So meth in g h as ari sen, a m at ter t hat

r equi re s m y a tt en ti on a nd I .. . I mus t g o t o I ar nr od ."

" Oh ,” h e w hi sp er ed , f eeli ng h is h eart t remb le w it h s ud den, p oi gn an t d is tr es s t hat h e s tr ug gl ed n ot t o

r ev eal i n h is f ace.

"There are mining negotiations underway that I am helping to mediate,” she offered in explanation,

g lancin g at h im b ri ef ly and t hen r ed ir ecti ng h er g aze t ow ar d t he p oo l. “I w il l p ro babl y n eed t o r et ur n t o

Be lga er an a ft er tha t. The re wi ll be onl y a we ek unt il the Sa mhr adh ba ll by t he n, a nd I ... I wi ll have t o





return full time to my ambassadorial affairs."

" Yo u k eep v er y b us y, m y l ad y, ” h e r em ar ked, an h ol lo w com ment t hat d is gu is ed h is t er ri bl e

disappointment.

Sh e s mi le d w it ho ut m uc h h um or . “ Ye s, I d o. I c ou ld w ri te t o y ou. .. ? Y ou w il l b e s ta yi ng w it h E ab hi ro s

f or a t ime , w il l yo u not ? I . .. I c oul d h ave l et te rs . .. c or re spon de nc e s ent t o y ou t he re ?"

" Yes, ” E is ean s ai d, n od di ng . “I w ou ld l ik e t hat, I sb aenn a. "

S he l ooke d wi st fu l a nd s ad a nd g az ed dow n t ow ar d t he he m of h er s ki rt . T he re w as a l ong, qui et pa us e

between them as they stood along the shore of a reflecting pool, and then she whispered, “I have enjoyed

o ur t im e t og et her t od ay , K aevi r. "

" I h ave e nj oye d i t, a s w el l, m y l ad y. "

S he b ro ug ht h er h an ds a ga in st h is c he ek s a nd r os e o nt o h er t oe s, l if ti ng h er c hi n, t ur ni ng h er f ac e t ow ar dhis.

" Is baen na, I .. .” E is ean w hi sp er ed , and s he cau gh t h is q ui et v oi ce again st h er m ou th , l et ti ng t he g en tl e

c ont ou rs o f h er l ip s s et tl e a ga in st h is . S he ki ss ed h im l ig ht ly, a nd t he n h e c ra dl ed h er f ac e b et we en h is

h an ds a nd d re w h er n ea r, k is si ng h er d ee pl y, d ra wi ng a s of t w hi mp er f ro m h er t hr oa t.

T here w as a s ud den, t remend ou s, b oo mi ng exp lo si on f ro m o verh ead, as t ho ug h t hey h ad s tu mb led i nt o a

thunderclap, and suddenly the air around them, the sky overhead filled with brilliant, golden light. Eisean

jerked away from her, yelping breathlessly, startled by the din, and Isbaenna jumped, squealing in

s ur pr is e, h er h an ds d ar ti ng t o h er m ou th a ga in a s s he b eg an t o l au gh .

" Oh —f ir ew or ks !” s he cri ed , r ai s in g h er v oi ce t o b e h ear d as ano th er r es ou nd in g b oo m b el lo wed o ver

t hem, s en di ng ano th er d azzl in g s pr ay o f emb er s s pi ll in g f ro m o ne end o f t he h or izon t o t he n ex t. T he

s pa rkl e of f ir e da nc ed a cr os s h er e ye s a nd f or a f li ck er ing m ome nt , he r f ac e w as a gl ow a s s he ga ze d up

i nt o t he s ky , l au gh in g w it h d el ig ht . S he r each ed f or h is h an d w it ho ut avert in g h er eyes, and h e f el t h er

squeeze against his fingers in her excitement.

" Lo ok , t he f ir ew or ks d is pl ay !” s he e xc la im ed , a nd h er e ye s d an ce d t ow ar d h im f or a m om en t. S he

l au gh ed at ano th er b ri ll iant s ho wer o f l ig ht . “Oh , i s i t n ot p er fect , K aevi r?"

" It i s t he m os t p er fect m om en t o f m y l if e, ” h e w hi sp er ed , b ut ano th er r ocket exp lo ded o verh ead, b at hi ngher in a was h of sudden gold and s he did not hea r.

CHAPTER FOUR

O nc e t he c ar ri ag e ha d b ee n p ar ke d a nd t he h or se s t en de d t o, K ae vi r wo ve h is w ay t hr ou gh t he c ro wd

o f v al et s, s teward s, and coach men o n t he m an or l aw n. W it h n earl y f iv e h un dr ed n ob les i n att en dance f or

t he g al a aff ai r— each w it h t heir o wn p er so nal s lew o f s er vant s and att en dant s— th e g ro un ds w er e f ai rl y

w el l cramm ed t o cap acit y w it h v eh icles and p eo pl e, m os t o f w ho m s eemed eit her t o b e m il li ng abo ut ,

add in g t o t he con fu sed and b oi st er ou s atm os ph er e, o r, l ik e K aevi r, w an deri ng aro un d, j os tl in g i nt o o ne

ano th er w it h l i tt le app ar en t p ur po se o r r eg ar d.





Someone bumped roughly into his shoulder, sending him staggering sideways. Kaevir yelped as he

s tu mb led i nt o a r at her l ar ge and b rawn y m an com in g alo ng b eh in d h im , h is t hi ck , m us cl ed arm s l ad en w it h

t wo l ar ge, cum bers om e w oo den crates . T he b ack o f K aevi r' s s ho ul der and n eck s mack ed p ai nf ul ly i nt o

t he u ny ie ld in g c or ne r o f o ne o f t he c ra te s, a nd t he n t he m an 's h ea vy b oo ts k ic ke d a ga in st t he h ee ls o f

K ae vi r' s s ho es , n ea rl y t op pl in g t he m b ot h. T he m an u tt er ed a s ha rp , s ta rt le d c ry a nd K ae vi r p iv ot ed ,

t ur ni ng h is f ac e j us t i n t im e t o s ee t he t op c ra te s li de a wa y f ro m t he m an 's g ra sp , f al li ng t ow ar d h is h ea d.

"Hoah!” Kaevir shouted, backpedalling, his knees buckling as he reached out reflexively, catching the

brunt of the crate's weight against his arms and chest as it crashed against him. Whatever was in the box

w as q ui te h ea vy , a nd K ae vi r s tu mb le d, l ur ch in g i nt o t he s id e o f a n ea rb y c oa ch .

" Ho ah !” t he b ur ly m an e xc la im ed , a nd n ow , w it ho ut t he o bs tr uc ti on o f t he t op b ox , h e a nd K ae vi r c ou ld

s ee on e a no th er . H is f ac e w as f lu sh ed w it h t he e xe rt ion o f c ar ry in g hi s l oa d, s hi ni ng w it h a g lo ss y s he en o f

perspiration. His eyes had flown wide in start and he stood before Kaevir, blinking, his moderate surprise

yielding to aggravation. “Are you alright, lad?"

K aevi r s hi ft ed h is w ei gh t, h oi st in g t he b ox again st h is chest , b al an ci ng i ts b ul k again st t he cradl e o f h isf or ea rm s. “ Ye s, n o t ha nk s t o y ou ,” h e s na pp ed , i rr it ab ly . “ Wh y d o y ou n ot w at ch w he re y ou a re g oi ng ?

Y ou b lo od y n ear k no ck ed m y h ead f ro m m y s ho ul ders !"

T he m an b li nk ed a ga in , s ur pr is ed a ne w b y K ae vi r' s f ie ry r et or t. A ft er a l on g m om en t i n w hi ch t he t wo

s to od f acin g o ne ano th er i n t ru cu lent r eg ar d, each b reat hi ng h eavi ly and s om ew hat l ou dl y as t hey b or e t he

h ea vy c ra te s a ga in st t he m, t he m an s ho ok h is h ea d. H is m ou th s pr ea d i nt o a f ai nt , a mu se d s mi le a nd h e

chuckled.

" Wh at i s s o f un ny ?” K aevi r d em an ded. T he b ox w as g ro wi ng u ncom fo rt ab le i n h is g ri p and h e d eb at ed

t he w is do m o f s im pl y s ho vi ng i t b ack ato p t he m an 's cum bers om e l oad.

" Yo u a nd t ha t c ra te ,” t he m an r ep li ed , n od di ng h is r ou nd k no b o f a c hi n t ow ar d t he b ox K ae vi r c ar ri ed .

“ Pu t i t do wn b ef or e y ou h ur t yo ur se lf , l ad . I t w ei gh s n ea rl y a s m uc h a s y ou d o. "

" It i s n ot s o h ea vy ,” K ae vi r r ep li ed s tu bb or nl y, s hi ft in g h is h ip s a ga in t o a dj us t t he b al an ce o f t he c ra te . “ I

can b ear i t eas il y eno ug h. "

T he m an l au gh ed , a q ui et , p at ro ni zi ng cho rt le. “Pu t i t d ow n, ” h e s ai d again , g en tl y. “Let i t f al l t here b y

t ha t c oa ch w he el . I w il l c om e b ac k f or i t. "

" I c an c ar ry i t, ” K ae vi r s ai d, na rr ow in g h is b ro ws . “ Wh er e a re y ou g oi ng ? L ea d, a nd I w il l f ol lo w y ou ."

" You wil l dr op it ,” t he man sa id. “ Or you w il l s woon a long the wa y. J us t put i t down. I do not ha ve ti me

t o d eb at e y ou r p hy si cal m er it s w it h y ou ."

" Te n m ar ks s ay s I c an b ea r i t,” K ae vi r s ai d.

T he m an a rc he d h is b ro w. “ Tw en ty m ar ks s ay s y ou c an no t, ” h e r et ur ne d.

" Wh at i s y ou r n am e? ” t he m an c al le d a s K ae vi r f ol lo we d h im t hr ou gh t he c ro wd . “ I p re fe r p ro pe r

i nt ro du ct io n t o t ho se l it tl e l ad s w ho se h ar d- ea rn ed p en ce I a m a bo ut t o p ro cu re ."

" Gr aeham, ” K aevi r g ru nt ed , h is f in gers and p al ms g ro wi ng s li ck w it h s weat and s li di ng again st t he s lats o f

t he c ra te . “ Ma or Gr ae ha m. W ha t o f yo ur s? I , t oo, l ik e t o b e on c or di al t er ms w it h t ho se f at p low ox es





w ho se m ar ks I a m a bo ut t o c la im ."

Th e b ig m an t hr ew b ac k h is h ea d a nd l au gh ed l ou dl y. “ I i ma gi ne y ou g et t ha t f ai r f ac e o f yo ur s b ox ed

a bo ut q ui te a b it o n a cc ou nt o f y ou r m ou th , d o y ou n ot ? M y n am e i s T ad hg , l ad , R oi bh ea rt T ad hg .” H e

t ur ne d a bo ut i n m id -s tr id e, w al ki ng b ac kw ar ds a f ew b ro ad p ac es s o t ha t h e c ou ld n od h is h ea d i n p ol it e

greeting to Kaevir.

H e w as l ea di ng t he m b ey on d t he l on g r ow s a nd c lu st er s o f p ar ke d c ar ri ag es a nd c oa ch es , d ow n t he

l en gt h of t he ma ns ion, t ow ar d t he e xp ans ive g ar de ns t o t he r ea r. I t wa s a l on g wa lk, a nd t he c row ds k ept

t heir p ro gr es s s lo w, and K aevi r b eg an t o b reat he l ab or io us ly , h is arm s t remb li ng w it h f at ig ue, t he s mall o f

h is b ac k s to ki ng u p a d im w hi ne o f p ro te st .

" Ho w a re y ou d oi ng , l ad ?” R oi bh ea rt s ai d, a pp ar en tl y n ot w in de d o r w ea ry a t a ll w it h o nl y o ne c ra te i n

tow.

"Splendid,” Kaevir growled. “What is in this thing, anyway? Masonry bricks?"

"Fireworks,” Roibheart said.

" Fi re wo rk s? ” K ae vi r g la nc ed d ow n a t t he e dg e o f t he c ra te , w hi ch r es te d j us t b en ea th h is c hi n.

"Muise,” said Roibheart. Indeed. “ Fo rt y p re mi um b la ck p ow de r s he ll s p er b ox . L or d E dr yd h ad t he m

cus to m o rd er ed and com mi ss io ned j us t f or t he o ccas io n. "

B y t he t im e t he y r ea ch ed t he b ac k o f t he E dr yd s’ g ar de ns s om e f if te en m in ut es l at er , K ae vi r w as

d re nc he d w it h s we at a nd t re mb li ng w it h e xh au st io n. H e l et t he h ea vy c ra te d ro p on to a p il e o f n ea rl y

t went y l i ke b ox es alr eady col lect ed and n eatl y s tacked amo ng t he h ed gero ws and t op iary and s tu mb led

dizzily.

R oi bh ea rt f ol de d h is l on g, t hi ck l eg s b en ea th h im , l ow er in g h is o wn c ra te t o t he g ra ss a nd r os e o nc e

m or e, w at ch in g K ae vi r s tr ip o ff h is j us ti co at a nd t os s i t a cr os s t he b ox es . K ae vi r t hr ew h is t ri co rn e a to p

t he coat and m op ped h is f in gers t hr ou gh h is s weat -s oaked h ai r.

" Here, l ad ,” R oi bh eart s ai d, o ff er in g a w at er sk in t o h im .

"Thank you,” Kaevir murmured, gulping greedily.

" An d h er e a s w el l, ” R oi bh ea rt s ai d a s K ae vi r r et ur ne d t he w at er sk in . H e f is he d i nt o a w ea th er ed b el t pouch and withdrew some coins. “Twenty marks, as per our agreement.” He pressed two ten-pence

a ga in st K ae vi r' s p al m, a dd in g a t hi rd c oi n, a f iv e- ma rk a s w el l. “ An d a n e xt ra f iv e y ou w il l ne ed f or yo ur

v is it t o a n a po th ec ar y t om or ro w t o t en d t o t he d am ag e y ou h av e m et ed o ut o n y ou r s pi ne , l ad ."

" My b ac k i s f in e, ” K ae vi r g ro wl ed , t uc ki ng t he m on ey i n t he f ob p oc ke t o f h is b re ec he s. “ An d s to p

c al li ng m e ‘ la d.’ I d is li ke n ic kna me s, a nd ha ve g on e t o t he b ot he r o f t el li ng yo u m y gi ve n n am e f or go od

purpose."

R oi bh eart r eg ar ded K aevi r f or a l on g, t ho ug ht fu l m om en t, h is arm s cro ss ed again st t he b ro ad exp an se o f

h is chest . “Do y ou alw ay s s eek f ig ht s w it h t ho se s ig ni fi cant ly l ar ger t han y ou rs el f?” h e ask ed at l en gt h, h is

brow raised.

" No ,” K aevi r s ai d. “No t alw ay s. H is to ri call y, I h av e r eq ui red a con si derabl e amo un t o f p or tar i n m e





first."

R oi bh ea rt l au gh ed , t il ti ng h is h ea d b ac k o n h is b ee fy n ec k s o t ha t h is c he st s ho ok w it h g oo d h um or .

K aevi r cou ld h av e l ef t h im t hen, b ut h is i nq ui si ti ve n at ur e b id h im t o l in ger a b it l on ger. H e p ok ed aro un d

t he b ox es and crates, d is co veri ng o ne t hat h el d s hell s m uch s mall er i n t heir f as hi on in g t han t he o th er

boxes. One of these fit easily in the bowl of Kaevir's palm, a diminutive cousin to the other fireworks to

be exploded in the showcase.

" Wh at a re t he se f or ?” h e a sk ed .

R oi bh ea rt r eg ar de d t he s ma ll s he ll i n K ae vi r' s h an d a nd f ro wn ed . “ Th os e a re n ot s up po se d t o b e h er e, ”

h e s ai d d ou rl y. “Th ey are cal led b lu e b eaut ies. P rett y eno ug h w hen t hey b lo w— co pp er d us t m ak es t hem

burn with blue fire. I must have brought them by mistake."

"Will you use them anyway?"

Ro ibh ea rt s hoo k hi s h ea d. “ I do ha ve not t he pr ope r g ir th o f c ann on s t o f ir e t he m. D o not w or ry, l ad. Iw il l b ri ng t he m ba ck t o t he w ag on a nd t ot e t he m h om e i n t he m or ro w. "

H e t ur ne d a nd b ega n t o w al k a wa y. K ae vi r h ur ri ed a ft er h im , c ra dl in g t he l it tl e b lue b ea ut y i n h is h an d. “ I

cou ld b uy t hese f ro m y ou ,” h e o ff er ed , d rawi ng a p uzzl ed and w ar y g lance f ro m R oi bh eart .

" Wh at i n t he G oo d M ot he r' s g ra ce s w ou ld y ou d o w it h a b ox o f f ir ew or ks ?” R oi bh ea rt a sk ed h im .

" I d o n ot k no w, ” K aevi r s ai d, s hr ug gi ng .

" Yo u cou ld n ot f ir e t hem, ” R oi bh eart s ai d. “No t w it ho ut t he p ro per g au ge m or tar. Y ou cou ld n ot l ig ht i t

a nd t hr ow i t. Th e t ai l f us e i s t oo s ho rt ; i t d oe s n ot g iv e yo u e nou gh t im e. A nd y ou c er ta in ly c ou ld no t l eto ne o ff i n y ou r h an d— if y ou w an t t o k ee p t ha t s id e o f y ou r f or m a tt ac he d, t ha t i s. "

" I w il l f in d s om e w ay t o u se t he m, ” K ae vi r s ai d.

R oi bh ea rt r eg ar de d t he y ou ng er m an f or a l on g m om en t a nd t he n s mi rk ed . “ Ta ke t he m, ” h e s ai d, w it h a

n od . “ Yo u h av e b ee n m or e h el p t ha n h in dr an ce t o m e t od ay , I s up po se , M ao r G ra eh am ."

K ae vi r b li nk ed a t h im , s ta rt le d a nd s ur pr is ed b y t he e as e o f h is a gr ee me nt . “ Tr ul y? ” h e a sk ed . “ I w ou ld

pay you for them. I do not mind."

R oi bh eart s no rt ed d is mi ss iv el y, p iv ot in g o n h is b ro ad b oo t s ol es and t ro mp in g o nce m or e t ow ar d h is

can no ns . “Yo u o we m e n ot hi ng f or t hem, ” h e s ai d, cal li ng o ver h is s ho ul der. “No th in g, t hat i s, b ut

t hi s— st ay a b it l on ge r, g iv e m e s om e c om pa ny . I w il l s ho w y ou h ow t o f ix t he f us es o n t ho se , g ive t he m a

bit of extra length, and how to handle them so you hopefully do not explode the tips of your fingers off, or

your fair face."

" I w ou ld app reci at e t hat, R oi bh eart ,” K aevi r t ol d h im , g azin g d ow n at t he l it tl e b ou nd s hell i n h is h an d

and smiling wryly. “Much indeed."

L at er , a s E ab hi ro s a nd K ae vi r w al ke d a cr os s t he s ha do w- dr ap ed l aw n o f t he E dr yd s’ e st at e t o c ol le ct

t heir car ri ag e, E ab hi ro s d rew n ear h is cou si n, s peak in g t o h im i n a l ow v oi ce. “An y n ew s?"

K aevi r s eem ed d is t ract ed; h is g aze k ep t w an deri ng b ey on d h is l eft s ho ul der , b ack t ow ar d t he h ou se





w here E is ean w ai ted f or t hem w it h I sb aenn a. “Lady G ur van w il l b e f ol lo wi ng t he S oi r H ig hw ay

eas tw ar d, ” K aevi r s ai d. “I s po ke w it h h er coach man earl ier. T hey are l eavi ng aft er b reak fas t w hen t he

s un h as r is en i n f ul l. S he h as a c ou si n i n I 'l ar C oun ty s he m ea ns t o s pe nd t he ni ght w it h be fo re t he y t ur n

s ou th f or B reacan o nce m or e. "

" Wh at d o y ou t hi nk ?” E ab hi ro s a sk ed . “ Sh e k ee ps e no ug h d ia mo nd s o n h er t o b lo od y w el l o pe n h er

own mint."

" Sh e k ee ps n o g ua rd e xc ep t t he c oa ch ma n, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Sh e t ra ve ls w it h t wo a tt en da nt s, b ot h

ha nd ma id s. H e k ee ps a d ag ge r a nd a c ros sb ow on ha nd, t he da gge r a t h is b el t, t he c ros sb ow n ea r hi s

bench on the coach. The maids are just girls, both of them sixteen. They would know not a ballock knife

f ro m a p ie s er ve r. ” H e l oo ke d a ga in o ve r h is s ho ul de r, h is e xp re ss io n d ra wn a nd w or ri ed .

" Wh at i s t he m at ter w it h y ou ?” E ab hi ro s ask ed , t ur ni ng h is h ead t o g lance b eh in d t hem.

" We s ho ul d n ot h av e l ef t E is ean t here,” K aevi r s ai d, h is b ro ws d rawi ng t og et her. “Al on e w it h I sb aenn a

G ab hl an , I m ea n. N o g oo d w il l c om e o f i t. "

" Th ey are exchang in g t heir f ar ew el ls . L et i t b e. N o h ar m s hall com e o f i t, eit her. "

" Re al ly ?” K ae vi r a rc he d h is b ro w. “ An d s ho ul d t he m at te r c om e t o i t, E ab hi ro s, w ho b et we en u s i s

g oi ng b e t he on e t o e xpl ai n t o hi m t ha t no m at te r h is a ff ec ti on s, i t i s a c our se t ha t w il l o nl y l ea d t o no thi ng ?

S he i s a n ob lewo man, E ab hi ro s— am bass ado r f or t he C ro wn and cou si n t o t he Q ueen. "

" An d s he i s l eavi ng i n t he m or ro w, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “He w il l l ik el y n ot s ee h er any mo re."

"Leaving?” Kaevir blinked, surprised.

"Yes, cousin, leaving."

"Does Eisean know this?"

" Of cou rs e h e k no ws ,” E ab hi ro s r ep li ed.

" I do no t u nde rs ta nd . W hy w ou ld he l et h im se lf ge t a ll da ft ov er a w om an i f s he i s on ly t o l ea ve h im ?"

" It i s E is ea n' s c hoi ce , K ae vi r, h is o wn h ea rt a nd f re e w il l. W ho a m I t o c ou ns el hi m a ga in st i t? "

" Yo u are h is f ri en d, E ab hi ro s. W e are b ot h h is f ri en ds ."

" Th en a s h is f ri en d, I w il l b e g ra ci ou s a nd g en tl e t o h im a s h e n ur se s h is b ro ke n h ea rt ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d. H e

c aug ht K ae vi r b y t he s ho ul de r a s o nc e m or e, h is c ou si n t ur ne d t o l oo k b eh in d h im . “ Le av e h im a lo ne ,

K aevi r. L et h im enj oy t hi s m om en t. H e d es er ves i t. "

K ae vi r d re am ed o f t he g il de d g ol d c of fe r a ga in . J us t a s h e h ad b ef or e, h e d re am ed o f t ry in g t o o pe n i t,

w or ki ng i n v ai n w it h h is p ic ki ng t oo ls t o c oa x t he l oc k f re e. A ga in , h e d re am ed t ha t h e g re w f ru st ra te d

w it h h is f ut il e e ff or ts ; a ga in , j us t a s he w as a bo ut t o g iv e u p, t he t um bl er s o pe ne d a nd t he u nl oc ke d l id

popped open wide before him.

H e d re am ed o f a b re ez e w af ti ng o ut f ro m w it hi n t he gi ld ed c of fe r. T he re w as n ot hi ng i ns ide t he b ox , a nd

y et K aevi r again d ream ed o f a v oi ce w hi sp er in g t o h im , ech oi ng i ns id e o f h is m in d.






"Kaevir,” Eabhiros said.


" It . .. i t i s s ti rr in g. .. ” K ae vi r m ut te re d. “ It . .. w an ts t o b e f ou nd .. ."

E ab hi ro s n ud ged K aevi r i n t he s ho ul der. “Kaev ir , g et u p. "

T he d ream scap e f ad ed abr up tl y, and K aevi r s qu in ted i n t he d im g lo w o f m or ni ng . H e s qu ir med,

burrowing beneath his blankets, but Eabhiros did not give up so easily. Kaevir felt his hand close against

t he cov er lets and t hen, w it h a s tart li ng r us tl e, h e w hi pp ed t hem b ack f ro m K aevi r' s p ro ne f or m.

" Ti me t o r is e, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d cheer fu ll y as K aevi r g ro an ed .

" It i s n ot , y ou b as tard ,” K aevi r g ro wl ed , t ucki ng h is h ead f iercel y b en eath h is p il lo w.

E ab hi ro s l au gh ed . “It m os t cer tain ly i s, and w e are n earl y r eady t o g o, b es id es . E is ean i s alm os t f in is hed

l oadi ng t he coach . G et u p. "

K aevi r h ad m om en tari ly f or go tt en w here t hey w er e— an i nn i n t he v il lage o f F eh reng lade. H e s at u p, h is

h ai r ask ew , h is b ro ws f ur ro wed as h e b li nk ed d azed ly . “Ho ah .. .” h e s ai d, h oo ki ng h is f in gers again st h is

s calp and s cr at ch in g. “I h ad t he s tr an gest d ream, E ab hi ro s. "


"Yes, well, strange minds often beget strange dreams,” Eabhiros told him fondly, tousling his hair with his

h an d a s h e w al ke d t ow ar d t he d oo r, l ug gi ng a t ra ve ll in g s ac k o ve r h is s ho ul de r. “ Up a nd d re ss ed ,

K ae vi r. W e a re o ut o f h er e d ir ec tl y. "

CHAPTER FIVE

T he n ex t m or ni ng , I sb aenn a s to od o ut o n t he p at io at h er m ot her' s h ou se, O ri nein , w at ch in g t he s un ri se

a s s he f ini sh ed r ea dy in g t o l ea ve . T he b al us tr ad e o f t he p at io w as d ra pe d i n l us h, t hi ck i vy , br ig ht w it hd ozen s o f l ar ge, aut um nal b lo om s t he i nv ig or at in g h ue o f cranb er ri es . T he air u po n t he t er race w as

f ragr an t and h eady w it h t he f lo wers ’ s weet p er fu me.

A s ud den, f lu tt er in g m ov em en t f ro m t he cor ner o f h er eye att ract ed h er g aze, and w hen I sb aenn a t ur ned

h er h ead, s he s pi ed a s mall w hi te b ut terf ly d an ci ng d ai nt il y t hr ou gh t he air , t ap pi ng i ts t ip to es acr os s i vy

l ea ve s a s i t p as se d.

I sb aenn a s mi led at t he b ut terf ly . “Go od m or ro w, D ad dy ,” s he w hi sp er ed t o i t. “Gl aceann t u m o f ocal an

chuige a speir.”T a ke m y w o r d s t o t h e s ky.

H er f at he r h ad t au gh t h er t hi s s im pl e G ae il ge n p hr as e o n t he d ay h e h ad l ef t f or t he S ec on d S ha do w W ar

f if teen y ears ear li er . S he r em em bered h e h ad s mi led f or h er , and t hen h ad s ai d s om et hi ng s o p ro ph et ic,

I sb ae nn a h ad c om e t o b el ie ve i n t he y ea rs s in ce t ha t h e h ad s om eh ow k no wn o f h is o wn i mp en di ng





d em is e, o r at l east , t hr ou gh h is g if t o f s ig ht , s us pect ed i t.

" It i s o nl y t hi s v es se l t ha t l ea ve s y ou ,” h e ha d s ai d, c up pi ng h is h and a ga ins t h er f ac e. “ Fo r m y h ea rt ,

i ni on . .. M y he ar t w il l a lw ay s b e w it h y ou a nd y ou r M ai me . A lw ays , I sb ae nna . N ot hi ng i n a ll of t he

B it h— no t e ve n m y o wn l if e— is m or e p re ci ous t o m e. W he ne ve r y ou h av e n ee d of m e, m y m in d, m y

h ea rt a re y ou rs . Y ou h av e o nl y t o w hi sp er t o t he b ut te rf li es a nd I w il l k no w.

" Wh en yo u a re l one ly f or m e, i ni on, y ou c an c al l t o t he m: ‘ gl ac ea nn t u m o f oc al an c hu ig e a s pe ir '— t a k e

m y w o r d s t o t h e s ky —and they will come to you, Isbaenna. Let their wings brush your lips, and it will

be as my kisses to you. Whisper your wishes to them, and they will find me, no matter where I am, and I

will know of them."

T he p hr as e h ad n ev er w or ke d b ec au se I sb ae nn a w as u na bl e t o t o w hi sp er t o t he b ut te rf li es . S he d id n ot

h av e t he g if t o f E lf in s ig ht , as I as al h ad , and w it ho ut i t, h er f at her' s w or ds , h is p ro mi se t hat t he b ut terf li es

w ou ld de li ve r h er w is he s t o h im c oul d n ev er b e f ul fi ll ed . S he kn ew o f n o E lv es n ow w ho p os se ss ed e ve n

a m odi cum o f t he s ig ht . I t s ee me d t o he r t ha t d ur in g t he S ec on d S ha dow W ar , t he E lf in g if t h ad s ee mi ngl y

v ani sh ed w it ho ut a t ra ce , a s t ho ug h i t h ad b ee n s tr ip pe d f ro m t he m; a s t ho ug h i t h ad s om eh ow d ie d i n t hes am e g ru es om e b at tl e t hat h ad claim ed I as al 's l if e.

T he s ig ht w as g on e, a nd w it ho ut e ve n t he f ai nt es t t ou ch o f i ts g ra ce s, I sb ae nn a c ou ld n ot c al l t o t he

butterflies. Such realization never stopped her from trying, however, and she lifted her chin, following the

butterfly's progress in the sky above her with her gaze, smiling softly as she thought of her father.

" I l ov e y ou , D ad dy ,” s he w hi sp er ed .

Calidore arrived shortly after Isbaenna and Airrenigh finished breakfast. The Biocaire of Ciarrai County

app ro ached t he m an or h ou se i n g rand f as hi on , accom pani ed b y t en a'P ob ai l g uard sm en , all o f t hem

d ress ed i n t he g ol d- tr im med, s carl et v el veteen v es tm en ts t hat w er e t he ear mark o f t he C reid eamh clerg y.

I sb aenn a d id h er b es t t o p ay C al id or e n ei th er m in d n or h eed, b us yi ng h er self w it h h er b ag gage, f us si ng

a bo ut i t u nn ec es sa ri ly a s i t w as l oa de d o nt o h er c ar ri ag e. N ev er o ne t o s im pl y m in d s uc h u ns po ke n c ue s

o ff er ed s ol el y f or h is b en ef it , C al id or e f ol lo wed h er abo ut t he f ro nt l aw n o f t he m an si on , m at ch in g h er

s tr id e f or s tr id e and s hado wi ng h er l ik e an adu lati ng p up .

" Yo u l oo k t ir ed , m y l ad y, ” h e o bs er ved w it h con cern . “Ar e y ou u nw el l?"

" I am f in e, C al id or e, t hank y ou ,” s he r ep li ed , p retend in g t o r earr an ge t he d rapi ng f ol ds o f h er b ur gu nd y

r ed in go te a bo ut h er s ho ul de rs a nd t he s li gh t, g ra ce fu l s we ll o f h er s ki rt s. “ I d id no t h av e m uc h t im e f or s leep l as t n ig ht , t hat i s all . F at ig ue t ax es m y app earance. ” And my patience, she thought, irritably.

" I h ad h op ed f or a t l ea st o ne d an ce w it h y ou l as t n ig ht ,” h e s ai d. “ Bu t y ou d is ap pe ar ed , m y l ad y, m uc h

t o m y d is ap po in tm en t, I m us t s ay . W he re d id y ou g o? "

" No t t ha t i s y ou r c on ce rn , C al id or e, b ut I s pe nt m uc h o f t he e ve ni ng i n t he E dr yd s’ g ar de n, ” s he r ep li ed

cur tl y, s tepp in g t o h er l ef t and b ru sh in g p as t h im , w al ki ng t ow ar d t he h ou se.

" Al on e, m y l ad y?” C al id or e as ked. “Or w it h L or d M acleod ?"

I t w as i nevi tabl e t hat r um or s w ou ld h av e r each ed C al id or e b y t he m or ro w, and I sb aenn a s ig hed w eari ly .

“ Wh at d if fe re nc e d oe s i t m ak e, C al id or e? ” s he s ai d. S he c on ti nu ed h er s tr ai gh t a nd s te ad y c ou rs e a nd

began to mount the front steps of Orinein's tiered terrace, gathering her skirts in her hand.





" He t oo k y ou t here u nchaper on ed again ?” C al i do re as ked, s om ew hat b reath less as h e j og ged t o m at ch

he r pa ce . “ On e s uc h oc ca si on, I c an s ee a s i nno ce nt f ol ly, b ut t wi ce ? T ha t i s n o pos it io n f or a pr ope r

g en tl em an t o p ut a l ad y i nt o, I sb aenn a, and q ui te g au ch e o f M acleod ."

I sb ae nn a p au se d a nd l oo ke d a t h im , h er b ro ws d ra wn t og et he r. “ Hi s n am e, C al id or e, i s K ae vi r, ” s he

t ol d h im d ry ly . “ An d i t w as b y m y i ns is te nc e t ha t w e w en t u nc ha pe ro ne d. H e w as a p er fe ct ly p ro pe r g en tl em an and I h ad a w on derf ul t im e. A ny th in g els e i s h ar dl y y ou r b us in es s. "

S he t ur ned away, f ro wn in g as s he con ti nu ed u p t he s tair s. C al id or e f ol lo wed, cat ch in g h er b y t he arm

a nd s ta yi ng h er i n m id st ri de . “ I h av e n ev er m ad e a s ec re t o f m y i nt er es t i n c ou rt in g y ou , I sb ae nn a, b ut I

ho pe t ha t y ou w oul d he ar m e now a s a f ri en d, a nd not a ho pe ful c on sor t,” he s ai d. “ I do no t t rus t K ae vi r

M ac le od . H e i s n o g en tl em an . H e m ay w ea r t he c lo th es w el l; h e m ay o ff er t he e lo qu en t d is co ur se a nd

d is pl ay t he g ra ci ou s m an ne ri sm s, b ut h e i s n ot a s h e a pp ea rs . H e c om es f ro m a d is re pu ta bl e h er it ag e, a nd

I w ou ld n ot s ee y ou t ar ni sh y ou r f at her' s g oo d and h on or ab le n am e w it h s uch s eedy acq uain tance. "

" You s pe ak o ut of t ur n, C al id or e, ” s he s ai d, s hr ugg in g l oo se o f h im . “ An d c er ta in ly a s n o f ri end t o m e. "

"Isbaenna, inion, is everything ready?” Airrenigh called, appearing on the terrace above them, leaning

o ver t he b al us tr ad es and s mi li ng at h er d au gh ter.

I sb aenn a p ul led away f ro m C al id or e' s g rasp . S he l oo ked u p at A ir reni gh and s mi led b ri gh tl y, as i f all w as

wel l. “Ye s, Ma im e. I wa s j us t on my way t o fi nd you."

" Let m e f et ch M ai wen, ” A ir reni gh s ai d. “I w il l m eet y ou o n t he l aw n. "

" Is baen na, l e d o t ho il , I m ean n o d is co ur tesy ,” C al id or e s ai d s of tl y. Please. “ I w ou ld o nl y s ee y ou s pa re d

pain, my lady, and disappointment besides."

" Yo u c an s av e m e bo th t he n, b y k ee pi ng w el l f ro m m y p at h a nd ou t o f m y l ine of s igh t f or t hi s j our ne y, ”

I sb ae nn a t ol d h im . “ An d e ve ry d ay t ha t p as se s f ro m h er e o n. I b id y ou g oo d m or ro w, C al id or e. ” S he

s to mp ed b ack d ow n t he s tair s o nce m or e, l eavi ng h im alo ne o n t he l an di ng .

T he ir t ra ve li ng p ac e w as s lo w a nd t ed io us ; i t w as n ot w it ho ut g oo d r ea so n t ha t t he A bh ac an c it y o f

I ar nr od r em ai ned s eclu ded and h id den f or m il leni a amo ng t he p eaks and cli ff s o f t he M id land M ou nt ai ns .

E ve n t ho ug h i n t he y ea rs s in ce t he F ir st S ha do w W ar , a nd t he e me rg en ce o f t he A bh ac an f ro m t he ir

s el f- im po sed exi le, r oads h ad b een con st ru ct ed t o h el p f acil it at e p as sage, i t r em ai ned a l en gt hy ,

w ea ri so me a nd p ot en ti al ly t re ac he ro us t re k f ro m t he e dg e o f t he m id re al m t o t he b or de rs o f t he c it y.

A t l as t, I sb ae nn a' s c ar ri ag e d re w t o a h al t a t t he B ea la ch 't he as , a m as si ve , f or ti fi ed p as s w hi ch d el ve d

deep between two immense and towering mountainsides. Iarnrod was situated comfortably betwixt

formidable and imposing natural embattlements, surrounded by mountains on every side but eastward,

w he re t he M id la nd c li ff si de s p lu ng ed i n a s he er , c ra gg ed s ho re li ne a t t he e dg e o f t he M ui r F ua r s ea .

T here w er e o nl y f ou r p oi nt s o f ent ry i nt o t he r oy al cit y t hr ou gh t he m ou nt ai ns ; f ou r n ar ro w chann el s

c ar ve d i nt o t he p ea ks . L ik e i ts s is te r g or ge s, t he B ea la ch 't he as p as s w as a lw ay s f or ti fi ed a nd a tt en de d.

I sb aenn a h ad alw ay s b een g reet ed w it h f ai rl y u nt ro ub led p as sage t hr ou gh t he B ealach 't heas , w it h n o n eed

t o p resent h er amb as sado ri al i dent if icat io n t o s en tr ies u nt il s he r each ed t he cit y g at es .

T hat m or ro w, h ow ev er , I sb aenn a w as s tart led t o d is co ver t he A bh acan k in gd om i n s om e m an ner o f

a pp ar en t a la rm a nd a s s he l ea ne d h er h ea d o ut o f t he c ar ri ag e w in do w a nd g ap ed i n a ma ze me nt , s he

r ea li ze d t he re w er e a t l ea st f ou r t im es a s m an y s ol di er s p os te d a s p er u su al . E ve n m or e p uz zl in g t ha n t hi s





intimidating and unfriendly welcome was the fact that the Abhacan sentries seemed determined that

I sb ae nn a n ot b e p er mi tt ed t o p as s t hr ou gh t he B ea la ch 't he as a t a ll .

" Yo u d o n ot u nd er st an d, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. “Hi s m aj es ty , K in g N ei sr od , i s exp ecti ng m y arr iv al ."

S he h ad d is em bark ed f ro m t he car ri ag e and s to od i n b ew il dered con ference w it h o ne o f t he d im in ut iv e

but imposing soldiers. He stood before her in full battle armament, the domed crest of his helm even witht he u nd er si de o f h er b os om . “ Th e g at es a re c lo se d, m y l ad y, ” h e t ol d h er , p ol it el y b ut f ir ml y. “ By d ec re e

o f m y l iege—n o v is it or s i n o r o ut ."

Isbaenna was exhausted from the trip and generally in no mood for inconvenient miscommunications. “It

i s b y t he s umm ons of y ou r l ie ge t ha t I a m h er e, ” s he s ai d i n a t igh t, c li ppe d v oi ce , s tr ug gl ing t o ma in ta in a

m od ic um o f g ra ce . “ I a m h is m aj es ty K in g K ie rk en 's r oy al a mb as sa do r, a nd I h av e b ee n w or ki ng v er y

closely with both kingdoms in the—"

" Le t h er p as s, E me r, ” a l ou d, g ru ff v oi ce o rd er ed s ha rp ly . I sb ae nn a r ai se d h er h ea d a nd s mi le d t o s py a

familiar face; an older, brawny Abhacan soldier striding toward them.

" Fr it h! ” s he exclaim ed . “Bean nach t! T hank g oo dn es s y ou h av e arr iv ed . I d id n ot t hi nk y ou r g uard h er e

m eant t o all ow o ur p as sage."

" He d id n ot , a s i s h is d ut y, ” r ep li ed F ri th O dh ar as , t he A bh ac an a rm y c om ma nd er . H e f ol de d h is r ig ht

h an d i nt o a f is t and p ress ed i t again st h is b reas t, l ow er in g h is chi n r es pect fu ll y. “Bail o M at hair M ai th d ui t,

m y l ad y, and w el co me o nce m or e t o T ir ur nu a. "

" Wh at h as h ap pe ne d, F ri th ?” I sb ae nn a a sk ed o nc e t he y h ad r ea ch ed t he p al ac e d ee p w it hi n t he h ea rt o f

I ar nr od . S he f ol lo wed t he A bh acan com mand er alo ng t he v au lt ed , m ar bl e-t il ed cor ri do rs o f t he p al ace.

H e o ff er ed n o r ep ly , a nd I sb ae nn a r ea ch ed o ut , l ay in g h er h an d o n h is s ho ul de r. H e p au se d p ol it el y,

t ur ni ng h is g az e u p t ow ar d h er . “ Pl ea se , F ri th , w il l y ou n ot t el l m e w ha t h as h ap pe ne d? ” s he a sk ed .

" I t hi nk, my la dy, t ha t ma tte rs woul d be be st s er ve d i f hi s ma je st y i s t he one t o s pe ak of t he m wi th you, ”

F ri th s ai d. H e b eg an t o w al k o nc e m or e. S he f ol lo we d, t he t ra il in g h em o f h er c on to uc he a nd s ki rt s

w hi sp er in g again st t he p ol is hed r os e- co lo red s t on e b en eath h er f eet.

" At t he l ea st , F ri th , g iv e m e s om e i de a, s om e i nk li ng, ” s he s ai d. “ I k no w i t i s u rg en t. N ei sr od 's l et te r

i mp ar te d t ha t c le ar ly . I h av e t ra ve le d q ui te a d is ta nc e a t q ui te a n i nc on ve ni en ce t o b e h er e, F ri th , a nd m y

m ot he r i s r at he r s or e a t m e f or b re ak in g m y i nt er im s o e ar ly . T he c or re sp on de nc e s ai d t o m ak e h as te f or I ar nr od— on a m os t i mpe ra ti ve t as k, N ei sr od s ai d. H e bi d m e n ot t o s pe ak o f t hi s t o a ny on e, no t e ve n

m y o ff ic ia ls i n B el ga er an , a nd n ow , u po n m y a rr iv al , I a m g re et ed b y a rm ed a nd a rm or ed g ua rd s a t t he

r ea dy a s i f f or w ar .” S he d re w t o a n a br up t h al t, h er b re at h s ti ll ed i n s ud de n, h or ri fi ed r ea li za ti on . “ Is . .. I s

t ha t w ha t t hi s i s, F ri th ?” s he w hi sp er ed . “ Do es N ei sr od w an t t o g o t o w ar a ga in st K ie rk en ?"

F ri th s to pp ed a ga in , t ur ni ng t o r eg ar d h er f or a l on g m om en t. “ Yo u d o n ot n ee d m e t o t el l y ou t hi s— yo u

h av e b ee n a mo ng u s l on g e no ug h t o k no w t ha t N ei sr od r eg ar ds K ie rk en a s d ea rl y a nd t en de rl y t o h is

h ea rt a s h e w ou ld a b ro th er ,” h e s ai d r at he r gr uf fl y, a s t ho ug h h e dr ew r es en tf ul o ff en se a t h er i nq ui ry .

" Th en w hat i s i t?” I sb aenn a ask ed .

F ri th b eg an t o s t ri de d ow n t he cor ri do r again and , con fu sed, r elu ct an t, and m or e t repi dati ou s t han h er

s tu bb or n p ri de all ow ed I sb aenn a t o adm it , s he f ol lo wed h im .





" It i s i n pa rt t o d o w it h y ou r f at he r, ” F ri th t ol d h er s ud de nl y, w it ho ut p au si ng i n h is g ai t o r l ook in g ba ck a t

h er o ve r h is s ho ul de r t o a dd re ss h er d ir ec tl y.

Isbaenna blinked, startled, her footsteps faltering. “My father...?"

" I c an t el l y ou a s m uc h— th er e i s y ou r i nk li ng. Y ou r f at he r k ne w a t l ea st i n p ar t o f t he se m at te rs , a nd h ed ie d t o k ee p s uc h c ir cu ms ta nc es a s t he se f ro m c om in g t o p as s. Y ou a re h er e i n I as al 's s te ad , I sb ae nn a. "

F ri t h escor ted I sb aenn a o ut o nt o an exp an si ve, p ri vat e g ar den t er r ace o ver lo ok in g b ot h s un ri s e and s ea

beyond the walls of King Neisrod's library. The Abhacan King, a handsome man in his late forties, sat at

an o rn at el y w ro ug ht i ro n t ab le, p ar taki ng o f a l ig ht b reak fast . H e w as d res sed s im pl y, i n a s age-col or ed

l ei ne , t an b re ec he s, a nd w or n l ea th er b oo ts , a s t ho ug h h e w as n o m or e i n l if e t ha n a c on te nt ed c ou nt ry

f ar mer p repari ng f or a d ay s pent l ab or in g i n h is f ield s.

S he w as s ur pr is ed t o d is co ve r s he w as n ot t o b e a lo ne i n h er c onf er en ce wi th Ne is ro d. H e w as j oi ne d a t

t he t ab le b y h is f rail and f ragi le f at her, t he eld er ly L or d F or gall B ar uch, w ho h ad l on g ago r el in qu is hed t heh el m o f h is m ig ht y k in gd om t o h is s on as h is eyesi gh t and h ealt hf ul v ig or h ad aband on ed h im . F or gall

s tr uck a t hi n and d el icat e f ig ur e, h is com fo rt ab le and i nf or mal d un -col or ed l ei ne and b reeches h an gi ng i n

d rapi ng f ol ds f ro m h is w as ted f rame. H e w or e h is w hi te, g os samer h ai r b ru sh ed b ack f ro m h is f or eh ead

t ow ar d t he n ap e o f h is n ec k; h is i vo ry m us ta ch e, w hi ch f ol de d d ow n o ve r t he c or ne rs o f h is m ou th t o

m eet t he edg es o f h is s ho rt , t ap er ed b eard w as w el l- tr im med and m et icul ou sl y t en ded.

A t al l G aeil ge E lf s to od n earb y, l eani ng h is h ip s again st t he g rani te b al us tr ad e o f t he t er race w it h h is b ack

t o t he m ag ni fi cent b ackw as h o f f lo ur es cent col or s h er al di ng t he b reak o f d aw n. H e w or e t he cer ul ean

v es tm en ts o f a B el gaer an o ff icial and h ad h ai r t he col or o f s um mer- bl an ch ed w heat , t hi ck and h eavy ,

spilling down his spine beyond his hips.

I sb aenn a r ecog ni zed h im : R hy den F ab hcun , and o ld and b el ov ed f ri en d t o h er p ar en ts w ho m s he h ad

k no wn s in ce h er c hi ld ho od . S he w as s ur pr is ed a nd b ew il de re d t o s ee R hy de n t ha t m or ni ng ; i t h ad b ee n

y ea rs s inc e s he ha d l as t s ee n hi m. He ha d s er ve d a s on e of he r pr ede ce ss or s i n a mb as sa dor ia l s er vi ce t o

T ir ur nu a, b ut f if teen y ears ear li er h ad accep ted ano th er app oi nt ment o ff er ed b y K ierk en , t hat o f p ri ncip al

a mb as sa do r t o C ne as , t he c ap it ol c it y o f t he o ve rs ea s T or ac ha n e mp ir e. S he h ad b ee n u tt er ly u na wa re o f

R hy de n' s r et ur n t o T ir al ai nn , a nd w as p er pl ex ed a s t o w hy s uc h r um or w ou ld n ot h av e f ou nd i ts w ay , i f

n ot t o h er e ar , t he n s ur el y t o h er m ot he r' s.

" My l ad y I sba en na ,” N ei sr od s ai d a s s he s te pp ed ou t o nt o t he t er ra ce . He s coo te d h is c ha ir f rom t he

t ab le, r is in g t o h is f ul l and d im in ut iv e h ei gh t. H e b ow ed t o h er i n cou rt eo us g reet in g. “Go od m or ni ng ."

" I a m s or ry I c oul d not a rr ive s oone r, m y l ie ge ,” s he s ai d. “ I c am e a s qu ic kly a s I c oul d."

H e s mi le d a t he r s ome wha t f or lo rnl y. “ It w as t oo l at e t hr ee d ays a ft er I s ent wo rd t o y ou a t Or ine in, I

r eg ret, ” h e s ai d; a com ment t hat m ad e n o s en se t o I sb aenn a and o nl y h ei gh tened h er m ou nt in g con fu si on

a nd a la rm . “ Ha d y ou l ef t a t t he v er y m om en t m y l et te r m et y our h and s, y ou c ou ld n ot ha ve a rr iv ed i n

time."

" Wh at h as h ap pe ne d? ” s he a sk ed .

N ei sr od g av e h er n o i mm ed ia te a ns we r. H e a ve rt ed h is g az e t o t he g ro un d, h is b ro ws l if te d a s t ho ug h i n

g reat t or ment . “My l or d, p leas e, t el l m e, ” I s baen na s aid . “Wh at h as h ap pened?"





"Something terrible,” Forgall whispered. “So terrible, child ... beyond any measure of reason."

I sb aenn a b li nk ed at N ei sr od , f ri gh tened b y t he d es pair i n t he o ld m an 's q uaveri ng v oi ce.

" We f ou nd s om et hi ng , I sb aenn a, ” N ei sr od t ol d h er i n a q ui et , m easu red v oi ce. “Bu ri ed d eep b en eath t he

m ou nt ai ns , h id den f or eon s . .. m eant t o b e h id den f or all o f etern it y. "

" Wh at ?” s he ask ed . “Wh at d id y ou f in d?"

" Ho w d o y ou q uali fy s uch evi l?” F or gall f rett ed . “Ho w d oes o ne art icul at e t he f ul l and d ar k cap acit ies o f

s om et hi ng t hat s eems i n t he app earance s o f ragi le . .. s o i ncon sequ en ti al ?"

" Th e S to ne , I sb ae nn a, ” R hy de n s ai d. “ We f ou nd t he S to ne , a nd t hr ee n ig ht s a ft er N ei sr od s en t w or d t o

y ou , s om eh ow , s om e w ay . .. i t w as s to le n f ro m u s. "

" Wh at are y ou t al ki ng abo ut ?” s he ask ed , w id e- ey ed , n earl y b reath less i n h er alarm . “St on e? W hat

stone?"

" Th e S hado w S to ne, m y l ad y, ” N ei sr od t ol d h er , r each in g o ut and l ay in g h is h an d again st h er s leev e. “It

ha s l ai n a ll of t hi s t im e h id de n a nd d or ma nt , r igh t i n o ur v er y m ids t, b ut i t i s f oun d o nc e m or e, a nd i t s ti rs .

S om eo ne f el t i ts d is co very , s en sed i ts y et t en tati ve awareness , and t hey h av e claim ed i t f ro m u s. "

"The Shadow Stone?” Isbaenna whispered.

" An ancient t al is man, ” R hy den s ai d. “A p ri mo rd ial f or ce o f evi l o ld er even t han o ur o wn E lf in ances to rs ,

the Na'Siogai."

" Mayh ap even o ld er t han t he w ho le o f t he B it h, ” F or gall m ur mu red, l oo ki ng s tr icken.

" It s m ig ht i s i nd om it ab le,” N ei sr od t ol d h er . “An d o nce i t i s awake i n f ul l and i ts p ow er u nl eash ed , t hen

t he re i s no on e l ef t who c an s ta nd a ga ins t i t.” H e s ta re d a t he r, hi s e ye s f il le d wi th s ta rk a nd a ppa re nt

f ri gh t. “ Wh en t ha t h ap pe ns , m y l ad y, ” h e w hi sp er ed . “ Wh en t ha t d ar k d ay c om es t o p as s— an d i t i s

c om in g, I sb ae nn a, l ik e a b la ck s to rm u po n t he h or iz on —t he n I f ea r f or o ur r ea lm , t he w ho le o f o ur l an d. I

f ea r f or u s a ll ."

CHAPTER SIX

"Do'Grasta Peildraigh,” Calidore called, the heels of his polished leather shoes tapping lightly against the

g ra ni te f lo or a s h e h ur ri ed a lo ng t he c lo is te r. “ Ea sp ag 'A rd , Y ou r G ra ce , i f y ou p le as e, m ay I b es ee ch a

moment with you, sir?"

C al id or e h ad arr iv ed i n B el gaer an s ho rt ly b ef or e t he b el ls o f t he r oy al cat hedr al , A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in h ad

m ar ked t he t ol ls o f m id day. H e h ad b een d el iv er ed b y car ri ag e, d el ib er at el y s ep ar at ed i n h is

t rans po rt at io n f ro m t he coach t hat h ad car ri ed I s baen na, t he A bh acan K in g, N ei sr od , and an u nf am il iar,

s te rn -f ac ed G ae il ge d re ss ed i n t he b lu e a tt ir e t yp ic al o f a C ro wn d el eg at e. I n f ac t, f ro m t he m om en t o f

t heir arr iv al i n I ar nr od , w hen I sb aenn a h ad b een escor ted s wi ft ly and w it ho ut exp lanati on f ro m t heir

c om pa ny , h e f el t h e h ad b ee n p ur po se ly k ep t f ro m s pe ak in g w it h h er . N o o ne h ad f ou nd t he c ou rt es y t o

e xp la in t o h im o r h is s ol di er s t he A bh ac an 's g ri m r ec ep ti on a t t he b or de rs o f t he ir s ub te rr an ea n c it y, o r

t heir p ur po se i n t raveli ng t o t he r oy al cit y w it h s uch app ar en t u rg en cy and h as te, and s uch cir cu ms tances





and arr an gement s d id n ot s ui t C al id or e i n t he l east .

H is f ir st s to p o nce i n B el gaer an w as t he o ff ices o f t he E as pag' Ar d, L leuw yn P ei ld raig h. L or d P ei ld raig h

w as f ar m or e t han t he h ig hest r an ki ng a'P ob ai l C reid eamh clerg ym an i n t he r ealm ; h is p ow er and

aut ho ri ty w er e s econ d o nl y t o t he K in g' s.

The Easpag'Ard's attendants had dutifully informed him that His Grace was not available. Lleuwyn heldcon ference w it h t he K in g t hat aft er no on , and i n t he m eant im e, s ou gh t cou ns el w it h t he M at hair M ai th i n

t he chapt er h ou se at A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in , as w as h is d ai ly h ab it . C al id or e h ad t hank ed t hem k in dl y and

t he n h ir ed a ha ns om c oa ch t o t ak e hi m po st ha st e t o t he c at he dr al .

H er e, C al id or e h ad l oi tered i n t he t ranq ui l g ar dens f or t he b et ter— an d f ru st rati ng —p or ti on o f an h ou r,

await in g L leuw yn 's emerg en ce f ro m b ey on d t he d oo rs o f t he adj acen t chapt er h ou se. T o i nt er ru pt H is

G race' s p ri vat e m ed it ati on and p rayer w ou ld h av e b een u ncon scio nabl e, and t he p ai r o f arm ed a' Po bail

g uard sm en w ho s to od at t he alcov e' s t hr es ho ld d ut if ul ly t em pered any s uch t em pt at io n C al id or e m ay

have harbored.

W he n a t l as t, L le uw yn h ad s te pp ed f or th , h e h ad w al ke d b ri sk ly a lo ng t he c lo is te r b ey on d t he c ha pt er

h ou se, f ol lo wi ng t he cov er ed w al kw ay aro un d t he g ar den. H is g uard s h ad f al len i n s tep b eh in d h im as h e

m ar ked t heir p ace, t he f lared, d rapi ng t rain o f h is s carl et cop e f lu tt er in g i n h is w ak e, b ru sh in g again st t he

h em o f h is m at ch in g cas so ck .

L leuw yn h eard C al id or e' s r at her f rant ic b ecko n and p au sed i n h is s tr id e, t ur ni ng t o l oo k o ver h is

s ho ul der. “Bi ocai re I nead an , w hat a p leas an t s ur pr is e, ” h e s ai d. “Bean nach t. B ai l o M at hair M ai th d ui t. ”

Th e bl es si ng o f t he G ood M ot he r u po n y ou.

"Gurab amhlaidh duit, Do'Grasta,” Calidore said, genuflecting before the Easpag'Ard.The same to you,

Y ou r G r ac e . H e p re ss ed h is f is t a ga in st t he b re as t o f h is t un ic a nd l ow er ed h is e ye s t o t he f lo or . “ Sa olfada chugat, mo'tiarna.” Long life to you, my lord.

" Ri se, C al id or e, p leas e, ” L leuw yn s ai d. “I d id n ot exp ect t o s ee y ou i n B el gaer an u nt il t he S am hr ad h.

T el l m e, h ow f ar es E as pag G ao st a?"

" Hi s h ealt h r em ai ns f eebl e at b es t, Y ou r G race,” C al id or e r ep li ed , r is in g, k eepi ng h is g aze p ol it el y

lowered.

L leuw yn m ad e a t ho ug ht fu l, r um bl in g s ou nd i n h is t hr oat. “Mayh ap I s ho ul d s ee h im r et ir ed , t hen, ” h e

r em ar ked. “Fo r as y ou h av e s o d il ig en tl y t en ded t o h is d ut ies, m o' Bi ocai re, i t w ou ld s eem o nl y b ef it ti ngt ha t yo u b ea r h is t it le , a s w el l. "

C al id or e b li nk ed at h im , s ur pr is ed and p leas ed . L leuw yn s mi led at h is r eact io n. “Yo u m us t f or gi ve m y

brusqueness, mo'Biocaire,” he said. “I am due in counsel with my liege shortly, and alas, cannot tarry. Is

t he re s om et hi ng y ou n ee de d, l ad , o r c an i t w ai t f or t he m om en t? "

" I ha d h op ed t o be nd y ou r e ar , Y our G ra ce , on t he m at te r of a b an d of t hi eve s w ho h av e be en p re yi ng

within the midrealm these past weeks."

" Ah , y es , t he G en tl em en H ig hw ay me n, a m I c or re ct ? A l oa th es om e l ot . I w il l be g la d t o s pe ak w it h y ou

f ur th er , a nd a t l en gt h, a bo ut t he m, ” L le uw yn s ai d. “ Wh y d o yo u no t c om e t o m y h om e t hi s e ve ni ng? Y ou

c oul d j oi n m e f or a s pot of s uppe r a nd s ha re you r t hought s on t he ma tt er w it h me ."





" I .. . I w oul d be m os t p le as ed, Y ou r G ra ce ,” C al id or e s ai d, a st ou nde d b y t he g ood f or tu ne of s uc h

invitation.

" Sp lend id , t hen, ” L leuw yn s ai d w it h a s mi le. “If y ou w ou ld excus e m e, m o' Bi ocai re, I m us t t ak e o f m y

l eave. I w il l s ee y ou t hi s eveni ng ."

" Ye s, m y l or d, ” C al id or e s ai d, r em em be ri ng i n h is d az ed a st on is hm en t t o d ro p h is h ea d i n a p ol it e b owa s L le uw yn t ur ne d a bo ut a nd w al ke d a wa y o nc e m or e.

W hi le C al id or e h ad g on e t o t he A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in cat hedr al u po n arr iv al i n B el gaer an , I sb aenn a h ad

been escorted by royal guardsmen to the King's private library at the palace, at the top of one of the

m as si ve t ow er s o verl oo ki ng t he cit y. K ierk en h ad app oi nt ed t he r oo m w it h n um er ou s t al l b oo ks helv es ,

chair s, s et tees and t ab les. T hi s w as n ot t he l ib rary h e u sed f or d ictati ng C ro wn p ol icy o r r ev iewi ng

l eg is la ti on . T hi s w as a p la ce h e t ur ne d t o f or c om fo rt a nd r el ea se , a h av en h e r et re at ed t o w he n h e s ou gh t

solace.

T he t ow er c ha mb er h ad o nc e b ee n t he b ed ro om o f Q ue en L yt ha ni el e, Q yn h' s m ot he r. Q yn h h ad b ee n born in this very room, according to lore, and in the long years of Lahnduren's rule following the murder

o f Q yn h' s p ar en ts , L yt hani el e and h er k in g, H er dr an ges, t he t ow er v au lt h ad s t oo d emp ty , s tr ip ped o f i ts

furniture and appointments—all except for an enormous mirror and hundreds upon hundreds of candles.

O f t hi s r um or ed m ir ro r and can dl es , t here n ow r em ai ned n o s ig n. M or e p ecul iar t han t hi s g os si p,

h ow ev er , w as t he t al e t ha t w it hi n t hi s c ha mb er , K ie rk en h ad n ea rl y d ie d. T he e ve nt s o f t he F ir st S ha do w

W ar h ad cul mi nated w it hi n t he p al ace t ow er . H er e, L ah nd ur en h ad f al len, and h er e, o ne o f h is m in io ns , a

com mand in g s ol di er i n h is arm y n am ed D aell e G il dh al la h ad s een K ierk en n earl y m ur dered w it h a b ru tal

broadsword stroke through his midriff.

I sb ae nn a h ad h ea rd t ha t K ie rk en 's b lo od st ai ns r em ai ne d o n t he f lo or o f t he l ib ra ry . T he f lo or w as n owg raced w it h n um er ou s, exp an si ve r ug s and t ap es tr ies, and I s baen na w al ked s lo wl y t ow ar d t he eas tern

w al l o f t he r oo m, w he re t he b lo od w as s ai d t o s ti ll b e a pp ar en t. S he k ne lt , r ea ch in g o ut a nd p in ch in g t he

c or ne r of a r ug b et we en h er f in ge rt ip s, l if ti ng i t f ro m t he f lo or t o s ee i f t he gr im r um or s w er e t ru e.

T he d oo r o pe ne d b eh in d h er , a nd I sb ae nn a u tt er ed a s ha rp , s ta rt le d c ry , w hi rl in g a bo ut a nd s ta gg er in g t o

h er f ee t, t he r ug f al li ng i nt o p la ce o nc e m or e a s s he t ur ne d i t l oo se .

" My l ad y I sb ae nn a, ” R hy de n o ff er ed t o h er i n g re et in g a s h e a nd N ei sr od w er e s ho wn i nt o t he l ib ra ry b y

a g ua rd .

"Oh, Rhyden!” Isbaenna exclaimed, laughing shrilly, anxiously as she flapped her hand against her

bosom. She felt bright, mortified color blazing in her cheeks. “Oh, you gave me a start!"

"Gabhaim pardun agat, mo'ribhinn,” he told her, lowering his head politely. I beg your pardon, my lady.

“ I di d not me an to. "

N ei sr od s ur ve ye d t he a pp oi nt me nt s o f t he l ib ra ry a s h e w al ke d a cr os s t he r oo m, h is b ro ws s om ew ha t

d ra wn . “ Wh er e a re t he o th er s? ” h e m us ed a lo ud . H e t ur ne d o n h is h ee ls , r eg ar di ng R hy de n a nd I sb ae nn a

e ac h i n t ur n. “ Su re ly t he y a re h er e b y n ow ."

H e h ad e xp la in ed a lo ng t he ir r id e t o B el ga er an t ha t h e h ad s en t w or d t o K ie rk en , a sk in g t ha t h e s um mo n

several others to their conference, including Airrenigh.





" I i nq ui re d a t t he p al ac e g at e, m y l or d, b ut t he y t ol d m e m y m ot he r h as y et t o a rr iv e, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d.

R hy de n g la nc ed a t h er , h is b ro w r ai si ng f ur th er . “ No r h av e m y p ar en ts , a nd I w ou ld h av e e xp ec te d t he m

by now,” he said. “Ta sin aisteach.”T h at i s s t r an g e.

" St an ge i nd eed, ” N ei sr od m ur mu red i n agr eement , t he cleft b et ween h is b ro ws g ro wi ng d eeper as h e

frowned.

T he d oo r o pe ne d o nc e m or e a nd t he y a ll t ur ne d a s K ie rk en e nt er ed . T he K in g o f T ir al ai nn w as

ext raor di nari ly h an ds om e, t al l and l ean, w it h r em ar kabl e g reen eyes and h ai r t he col or o f f resh ly s pu n

h on ey . A s h e w al ke d t ow ar d N ei sr od , h is a rm s s pr ea d i n f on d a nd f am il ia r w el co me , a no th er s te pp ed

across the library threshold behind him; a man in long, scarlet vestments and robes—Lleuwyn Peildraigh,

t he E as pag' Ar d o f t he r ealm —w ho se app earance d rew ano th er f leet in g f ro wn f ro m t he A bh acan k in g.

" Neis ro d, m o' cara!” K ierk en g reet ed , l eani ng d ow n t o o ff er h is f ri en d an emb race. “Bean nach t i f ai lt e! ”

G r ee t in gs a nd w e lc o me ! “ It ha s b ee n f ar t oo l ong. Ho w do y ou f ar e? "

" I am w el l, K ierk en , g o r ai mh m ai th agat, ” N ei sr od s ai d.Thank you.

K ie rk en l oo ke d t ow ar d R hy de n a s h e s to od o nc e m or e, h is b ro ws r ai se d i n p le as ed s ur pr is e. “ Rh yd en ?

H oa h— I d id n ot e xp ec t t o f in d y ou h er e! ” H e s te pp ed t ow ar d t he y ou ng er E lf , d ra wi ng h im a ga in st h is

s ho ul de r. “ It h as b ee n f ar t oo l on g, l ad ! C en c ha oi b hf ui l t u, m o' ca ra ?” How are you, my friend?

" I am f in e, m y l or d, ” R hy den s ai d, s ti ff en in g s om ew hat, as t ho ug h K ierk en 's emb race emb ar rass ed h im .

“ It i s go od t o be ho me onc e mo re ."

" An d a b le ss in g t o h av e y ou h er e, ” K ie rk en s ai d a s h e s te pp ed a wa y. H is p le as ur e a t R hy de n' s

a pp ea ra nc e w as a s a pp ar en t a s h is b ew il de rm en t. H e l oo ke d a t R hy de n f or a l on g, p er pl ex ed m om en t,h ol di ng h is g aze, and t hen h e t ur ned t ow ar d I sb aenn a.

" My l ad y I sb aenn a, ” K ierk en o ff er ed , p ress in g h is h an d again st t he l ap el o f h is j us ti co at and f ol di ng

briefly at the waist. “A splendid surprise as well. I know you have met the Easpag'Ard in the past...” He

t ur ne d t ow ar d L le uw yn . “ Bu t N ei sr od , y ou h av e n ot y et h ad t he o pp or tu ni ty , h av e y ou n ot ? I f i t p le as es

you, mo'cara, this is Lleuwyn Peildraigh, Easpag'Ard of the a'Pobail Creideamh—my beloved friend and

most trusted advisor."

" I h av e h ea rd m uc h o f y ou ,” N ei sr od t ol d L le uw yn, n od di ng h is c hi n i n po li te gr ee ti ng . H e d id no t c ar e

for the a'Pobail's growing influence in Kierken's policies, or for Lleuwyn's influence in particular, and hadm ad e l it tl e s ecret o f s uch o pi ni on s t o K ierk en i n t he p as t. “Math ai r M ai th d ui t, m o' Easp ag 'A rd .”The

Good Mother to you.

" Yo ur M aj es ty , i t i s a n h on or a nd a p le as ur e, ” L le uw yn s ai d, b ow in g f or t he A bh ac an K in g. “ Ba il o

Mathair Maith duit, mo'tiarna.”T h e b l es s i ng o f t h e G o o d M o t her t o yo u , m y l o r d .

" Ll eu wy n, p leas e, y ou r em em ber o ur amb as sado r t o T or ach i n t he M or th ir , and m y l on g- ti me f ri en d,

Rhyden Fabhcun?” Kierken introduced.

" We h av e m et i n t he p as t, m ui se, m y l iege,” L leuw yn s ai d, t ur ni ng h is g aze t ow ar d R hy den. “Th ou gh i t

h as b een m an y l on g y ears . T hi s i s an u nexp ected b ut w el co me d el ig ht ."

" Yo ur G race i s k in d t o s ay s uch, ” R hy den s ai d, b ow in g h is h ead t o L leuw yn . “Math ai r M ai th d ui t,





mo'Easpag'Ard."

" It w ou ld s ee m w e a re a ll h er e, a cc ou nt ed f or a nd i nt ro du ce d, ” K ie rk en s ai d. H e t ur ne d t o N ei sr od .

“ We s ho ul d b eg in , t he n, m o' ca ra . I m us t a dm it , y ou r c or re sp on de nc e h as l ef t m e r at he r t ro ub le d a nd

intrigued."

N ei sr od a rc he d h is b ro w. “ We a re n ot a ll a cc ou nt ed f or ,” h e s ai d, p uz zl ed . “ Sh al l w e n ot w ai t f or t heothers?"

Kierken's expression shifted, growing somewhat sheepish and uncertain. He glanced at Lleuwyn. “I did

n ot b id t he m c om e, ” h e s ai d a t l en gt h, d ra wi ng a s ta rt le d b re at h f ro m N ei sr od . “ Yo ur l et te r w as

a mb ig uo us a nd v ag ue , N ei sr od , a nd f ra nk ly , I di d n ot u nd er st oo d i ts i mpo rt . T he y w il l a ll be h er e i n

B el gaer an w it hi n t he f or tn ig ht f or t he S am hr ad h f es ti val, and I f el t i t arb it rary t o cal l t hem h er e s oo ner— to

inconvenience them so—without due cause."

N ei sr od 's i re r ef le ct ed n ei th er i n h is t on e o f v oi ce , n or h is c ou nt en an ce . “ It i s d ue c au se t ha t b ri ng s u s

t og et her t od ay , K ierk en ,” h e s ai d, s im pl y.

" Th en y ou m ig ht h av e m ad e t hat m or e clear i n y ou r cor resp on dence, o ld f ri en d, ” K ierk en s ai d, h is f lare

o f a ng er a ls o u nd et ec ta bl e, e xc ep t f or a s ud de n f la sh o f l ig ht i n h is e ye s.

" Th e S to ne h as b een f ou nd ,” N ei sr od s ai d, m eeti ng h is g aze evenl y.

K ierk en b li nk ed , a s of t g as p escap in g f ro m h is t hr oat. H e s tu mb led s ud denl y, s li gh tl y, as t ho ug h h e h ad

been slapped in the face. He glanced again at Lleuwyn, his eyes flown wide in shock. “What...?"

" Th re e w ee ks a go , y es ,” N ei sr od s ai d, n od di ng . “ It w as f ou nd j us t a s l eg en ds p ro mi se d— in a s ma ll

cav er n b en eath t he B ar ren f oo th il ls , s ealed i n a g il ded cof fer w ro ug ht o f g ol d. W e w er e b last in g n ewt un ne ls t o a cc es s t he A ir ge ad s il ve r l od e a nd c am e a cr os s i t i n o ur e ff or ts ."

" Th e S to ne.. .” K ierk en s ai d, s tu nn ed . T he s tr en gt h o f h is l eg s s eemed t o w an e, and h e l ow er ed h im self

i nt o a c ha ir .

" Tha t i s wh y I b id you c al l t he ot he rs t oge the r,” Ne is rod s ai d. “ Tha t i s wha t we a ll a gr ee d a t t he e nd o f

t he S ec on d W ar . S ho ul d t he S to ne e ve r b e d is co ve re d, w e w ou ld g at he r a ga in —t he t en o f u s w ho

c om pr is ed t he S ec on d C ou nc il o f t he C om ha r. M y l ad y I sb ae nn a i s h er e t o s er ve i n h er f at he r I as al 's

stead."

" Wh y d id y ou n ot t el l m e? ” K ie rk en a sk ed . “ In y ou r l et te r, N ei sr od , y ou m ig ht h av e t ol d m e . .. Y ou

m igh t h av e t ur ne d t he p hr as e t ha t I m igh t r ea li ze . .. t ha t I w ou ld k no w. .. "

"Gabh mo leithsceal, Kierken,” Neisrod told him, drawing his fingertips against his thumb and brushing

t hem again st h is f or eh ead and chi n i n apo lo gy . “I f el t, g iv en t he cir cu ms tances , t hat b revi ty and d is cr et io n

m ig ht b e p ru dent .” H is exp ress io n g rew g rave, h is m ou th t ur ni ng d ow nw ar d i n a f ro wn . “It s eems m y

intuitions served me well."

" Yo u h av e t he S to ne ?” K ie rk en a sk ed , a nd h e s at u p, s tr ai gh te ni ng h is s pi ne a ll a t o nc e. H e l oo ke d a t

L leuw yn w it h a s ud den, excit ed l ig ht i n h is eyes. “Yo u h av e i t w it h y ou , N ei sr od ? Y ou h av e b ro ug ht i t?

T ha t i s wh y y ou ha ve c om e? "

" No , m y l or d, ” N ei sr od s ai d, d ra wi ng K ie rk en 's p uz zl ed g az e. “ I h av e c om e t o b id y ou t o d es tr oy t he





Bo ok of Sh ad ow s, j us t a s Tr ej ae ra n be gg ed of u s s o l on g a go . T he n, i t s ee me d we ha d o th er r ec ou rs e i n

t he m at te r, b ut w e do n ot ha ve s uc h l ux ur y n ow ."

" De st ro y t he B oo k? ” L le uw yn s ai d, h is b ro ws a rc he d s ha rp ly . “ Wh at d o y ou m ea n, d es tr oy i t? M y l ie ge

h as d ed icat ed u nl im it ed r es ou rces and f un ds w it hi n t he l as t f if teen y ears t o s ee i ts s ecrets

deciphered—not destroyed!"

" An d i f w e ha ve t he St one , t he n we c an us e i t,” Ki er ke n s ai d. He r os e f rom hi s c ha ir . “ The y a re s is te r

t al is ma ns , y ou k no w t hi s. T he p ow er o f t he S to ne u nl oc ks t he s ec re ts o f t he B oo k. W it ho ut o ne , t he

o th er i s u se le ss . T hi s i s w ha t w e h av e b ee n w ai ti ng f or , N ei sr od —w ha t w e h av e h op ed a nd p ra ye d f or .

Y ou c an no t e xpe ct m e t o de st ro y t he B oo k n ow , j us t a s w e a re pr es ent ed w it h t he op po rt uni ty t o us e i t! "

" Th e S to ne i s g on e, K ie rk en ,” N ei sr od t ol d h im . “ I t ol d y ou I f el t d is cr et io n o f gr ea t i mp or t i n t hi s m at te r,

a nd t ho ug h w e s tr iv ed t o k ee p a s s uc h, o ur b es t e ff or ts p ro ve d i n v ai n. S om eh ow , s om e w ay , t he S to ne

was stolen from Iarnrod."

"Stolen?” Kierken asked, stunned anew.

"Lahnduren,” Lleuwyn said with a grim frown.

" We t hi nk s o, y es , t ho ug h w e d o n ot k no w f or c er ta in .” N ei sr od s ai d.

" Wh at d o y ou m ea n, y ou d o n ot k no w f or c er ta in ?” K ie rk en d em an de d, h is b ro ws f ur ro we d.

“Nei sr od —M at hair M ai t h! W ho el se w ou ld s eek t o s teal i t excep t L ah nd ur en ? F if teen y ears ago , h e

t ri ed t o o ve rt hr ow m y C ro wn ! H e w il l s to p a t n ot hi ng t o t ry a ga in , a nd w it h t he S ha do w t al is ma ns , h e

c an ! H ow d id h e l ea rn a bo ut t he S to ne ? H ow d id h e s li p i nt o I ar nr od w it h y ou u na wa re ?"

"I do not know how he learned of it,” Neisrod t old him c oolly. “And I do not know how he ca me toe nt er t he v au lt w he re w e k ep t i t h id de n a nd g ua rd ed ."

" Mayh ap t he S to ne cal led t o L ah nd ur en ,” R hy den s ai d. H e s to od q ui et ly b y t he f ir ep lace, o bs er vi ng all

t hat t rans pi red w it h i mp as si ve s to icis m, h is h an ds t ucked again st t he s mall o f h is b ack as h e l eaned again st

t he m an tl e. “ By ou r l eg end s, i t i s s ai d t he S to ne c hoo se s i ts b ea re r, m y l ie ge . W he n i t s ti rs , i t w il l c al l i ts

bearer forth, beckon him to it."

" If L an du re n h as t he S to ne , t he n h e w il l s ee k t o c la im t he B oo k, ” s ai d N ei sr od . “ Wi th a ll t ha t h e h as , a ll

o f h is e ff or t a nd e ne rg y. I f h e s ho ul d t ak e i t, i f h e s ho ul d g et t he B oo k, t he d ar k d ra io ch t t he y c om ma nd

w ou ld b e h is f or t he w ield in g. H e w ou ld b e i ns ur mo un tabl e. "

" He w il l n ot c la im t he B ook ,” L le uw yn s ai d. “ I o ve rs ee i ts p ro te ct ion m ys el f. I t i s k ep t i n a v au lt w it hi n

m y of fi ce s, l oc ke d i n a s te el c as e t o w hi ch o nl y I po ss es s t he ke y. N o o ne di st ur bs t he Bo ok e xc ep t by

m y pe rm it . E ve n t he s cr ibe s w ho ha ve wor ke d t he se pa st ye ar s t o t ra ns la te i t do no t s ee i t e xc ep t i n m y

presence."

" He h as t ri ed t o claim i t alr eady f ro m y ou r h an ds ,” N ei sr od s ai d, l oo ki ng s tern ly at L leuw yn . “My l ad y

I sb aenn a t el ls m e all t oo r ecen tl y s om eo ne s to le i nt o y ou r o ff ices , E as pag' Ar d, i n t he h eart o f t he n ig ht

w it h t hi ev er y i n m in d. I t w as L ah nd ur en , I am cer tain o f i t. "

" He d id n ot s ucceed i n h is att em pt ,” L leuw yn s ai d d ry ly , h is b ro ws n ar ro wi ng .

" An d h e w il l n ot s to p w it h t he o ne ,” N ei sr od r et ur ne d. H e l oo ke d a t K ie rk en . “ He w il l n ot s to p. Y ou





understand this, do you not? Days, months, years—millenia, Kierken—Lahnduren will not stop until the

B oo k i s h is again ."

" He cann ot r ead i t, ” K ierk en s ai d. “Tr ej aer an s tr ip ped t hat k no wl edg e f ro m h is m in d. H e can no t r ead

t he B oo k— it w ou ld s er ve h im t o n o avail ."

" He s ti ll b ears t he m ar k o f t he d uchan— of C iard ha's s hado w. H e can no t d ie. H e i s i nv ul nerabl e, ” Neisrod said.

" He i s n ot i nv ul ne ra bl e, ” K ie rk en s ai d. “ An d h e c an b e k il le d. A s wo rd s tr ik e t o h is n ec k, p ar ti ng h is

h ea d f ro m h is f or m, w ou ld s ee i t s o. "

"I f i t wa s a s s im pl e a t as k a s you ma ke i t s ee m, we w oul d not b e ha vi ng thi s c onve rs at ion,” N ei sr od

s ai d. “Lahn du ren can h id e f ro m o ur s wo rd s tr ik es —l ie i n w ai t. H e can w ai t an i mm or tal l if et im e t o l earn

t he t on gu e o f y ou r N a' Si oga i a nc es tor s a ga in a nd c om ma nd t he Ta li sm an s i n f ul l. I f h e h as t he B oo k, h e

wi ll l ea rn t o r ea d i t, a nd wh en he d oe s, a ll of Ci ar dh a' s s ec re ts , he r da rk pow er s w il l be hi s. W e m us t

destroy it."

" Ho w c an y ou a sk t ha t o f m e? ” K ie rk en e xc la im ed . “ Ne is ro d, y ou a re m y f ri en d! Y ou k no w m y r ea so ns

f or ke ep in g t he B ook , f or s ee ki ng i ts s ec re ts . Y ou kn ow b et te r t ha n a ny w ho d ra w b re at h I do no t w an t

t hi s f or p er so na l g ai n, o mn ip ot en t p ow er ! I h av e k ep t i t s o l on g, t en de d t o i t f or Q yn h— yo u k no w t hi s!

You woul d a sk m e t o gi ve up my e ff or ts —t o s ac ri fi ce m y l ady— and I c anno t do t ha t! Le do t hoi l, I b eg

of you, do not ask this of me!"

" Qy nh ?” R hy den ask ed , archi ng h is b ro w s harp ly and b li nk in g at K ierk en , s tart led b reat hl es s. “Wh at . ..

w ha t d oe s Q yn h ha ve t o do wi th t he B oo k? "

" Th er e i s n o o th er r eco ur s e, K ier ken, ” N ei s ro d s aid .

" Th er e m us t b e! ” K ierk en cri ed .

" Mayh ap t here i s, ” L leuw yn s ai d, d rawi ng every g aze i n t he r oo m. “If L ah nd ur en h as t he S to ne, m y

l ie ge , I do not d oubt K ing Ne is rod a t hi s wor d, a nd he w ill i nde ed tr y r el ent le ss ly t o c la im t he Book a s

h is o wn . M ay ha p t he re in l ie s o ur a ns we r, m y l or d. W e c an u se h is d es ir e f or t he B oo k a ga in st h im ."

H e w al ke d a cr os s t he l ib ra ry , h is g ai t s lo w a nd m ea su re d, t he g ol d- tr im me d h em o f h is s ca rl et c op e

f lu tt er in g again st h is h eels . “Wh at i f w e award h im t hi s o pp or tu ni ty h e s eeks ?” h e ask ed . “Wh at i f w e

m ak e i t s o e as y f or hi m t o e nt er t he pa la ce a nd s te al t he B ook , i n hi s g re ed a nd l us t f or po we r, he c anno tr ef us e? W e c ou ld c apt ur e h im i n t he a tt em pt , m y l ie ge —d ef ea t h im i n t he ve ry a ct —a nd c la im t he S ton e

f rom h im a s our ow n. "

" No ,” N ei sr od s ai d. “Lahn du ren i s n o f oo l. H e w ou ld s ee t hr ou gh any s uch s im pl e g ui se."

" Ah ,” L leuw yn m ur mu red, n od di ng h is chi n. “Bu t ‘ gu is e, ’ m y l or d N ei sr od , w ou ld b e t he v er y p oi nt . T he

m has' co r, m y l or ds —t he m as ked b al l o f t he S am hr ad h— wo ul d p ro ve t he p er fect o pp or tu ni ty f or

L ahnd ur en t o m ake a n a tt em pt f or t he Bo ok. W e w il l a ll s ee m a t e as e, i n t he mo od f or c el ebr at ion , not

s tr if e. T he g at es o f t he c it y a nd t he p al ac e w il l b e o pe n, t ho us an ds f ro m a cr os s t he r ea lm p as si ng

u nabat ed acro ss t hese t hr es ho ld s. O ur g uard s w ou ld b e l ax , m or e i nt er es ted i n r ev el ry t han t heir d ut ies ,

f or w ha t t ro ub le c ou ld w e e xp ec t o n s uc h a j oy ou s o cc as io n? "

" He w ou ld n ot r is k i t, ” N ei sr od i ns is ted.





" Ho w c ou ld h e n ot ?” L le uw yn s ai d. “ La hn du re n m ay b e no f oo l, b ut h e w il l n ev er h av e s o o pp or tu ne a

m om en t a s t he n ig ht o f t he m ha s' co r. W it h a c os tu me a nd m as k, h e c ou ld w al k t he s tr ee ts j us t a s a ny on e

e ls e. H e c ou ld s tr ol l r ig ht i nt o t he p al ac e, i f i t p le as ed h im . T he re w il l be c ro wd s t o g ive h im c ov er i n b ot h

h is ent rance and h is exi t. T o h is m in d, o ur g uard s w il l h av e t heir h an ds f ul l and t heir m in ds els ew here w it h

t he cel eb rat io n. H e w ou ld r is k i t, i nd eed, m y L or d N ei s ro d. "

" An d w he n h e i s c au gh t— wh en t he S to ne i s o ur s— wh at t he n? ” N ei sr od d em an de d. H e t ur ne d t o

K ie rk en , i mp lo ri ng . “ Ki er ke n, l e d o t ho il , I k no w y ou r h ea rt 's d es pa ir , a nd I w ee p f or y ou , m y f ri en d. I

wo ul d gi ve a ll t ha t I h av e— al l t ha t i s wi th in m y p owe r t o g ra nt —t o t ake t hi s a ngu is h f ro m yo u, b ut f or t he

l ove of t he G oo d M ot he r, d o n ot l et i t s tr ip yo ur g oo d s en se ! W e c an no t ke ep t he S ha do w T al is ma ns .

T he y a re e vi l, K ie rk en . T ha t i s a ll t ha t t he y a re , a nd a ll t he y w il l e ve r b e. T he y c an no t b e w ie ld ed f or

goo d p ur pos e—y ou k now t hi s t o be t rue . I f y ou c la im t he St on e f rom L ahnd ur en a nd c an us e i t t o

c om ma nd t he B oo k, y ou w ou ld d am n Q yn h, n ot s av e he r. Y ou w ou ld s ur el y d am n u s a ll ."

" We do n ot k now t ha t t he T al is ma ns c an o nl y w ie ld e vi l, ” K ie rk en s ai d.

N ei sr od b li nk ed at h im i n u tt er ast on is hm en t. “Legend s t el l u s t hi s, K ierk en ,” h e s ai d. “Yo u k no w t he

tales of their formation, their power."

" Legend s, N ei sr od ,” K ierk en t ol d h im evenl y. “No ns en se and l or e. T hese v er y s am e t el l u s O rl ai th w as

born from the sky, that she fell from Tirmaithe and lit her way to the Bith by scattering stars with her bare

h and s. Yo u a nd I bot h k now t ha t Or la it h wa s a s f le sh a nd b lood a s a ny of us , b ir the d f rom h er mot he r' s

w om b a nd c on ce iv ed a s a ny o th er s ou l i n h is to ry . L eg en ds d o n ot i mp ar t h is to ri ca l f ac t, a nd w e c an no t

t ru st i n t he m t o g ui de o ur r at io na le , no t o n a m at te r of s uc h i mp or t a s t hi s. "

" An d t he i ns cr ip ti on s o n t he C lo ch 's ut hain w ou ld s eem t o t el l u s t he S to ne d oes n ot com mand o nl y evi l

sway, as well,” Lleuwym said pointedly.

N ei sr od s no rt ed . “Th e C lo ch 's ut hain s tand s alo ne i n s uch t el li ng ,” h e s ai d. “In every o th er r ecor ded

h is to ry , any o th er m en ti on o f t he S to ne f ro m ancient t im es , t here i s n o s uch r ef er en ce."

"The Cloch'suthain?” Isbaenna asked, puzzled.

" It i s a n a nc ie nt f ra gm en t o f g ra ni te , a t ab le t m ad e o f s to ne ,” R hy de n t ol d h er . “ Th er e a re s om e w ho

believe it is an article of historical record, etched and inscribed by the original Elves of Tiralainn."

" Th e C lo ch 's ut ha in t el ls u s t he S ha do w S to ne i s n ot e vi l, ” K ie rk en s ai d t o I sb ae nn a. “ Th e S to ne i sr ef er re d t o a s ‘ Sh ad ow ’ o nl y i n l at er r ec or ds b ec au se t ha t w as t he p ur po se f or w hi ch C ia rd ha w ie ld ed

it—darkness. But the Cloch'suthain calls the Stonea'Friteis —the antithesis of creation. Such theories of

opposing forces within the universe—good and evil, light and darkness, sacrifice and strength—they

were all once integral portions of Elfin philosophies and teachings."

" Th e C lo ch 's ut hain s ay s t he S to ne w as t he p ow er i n d ir ect o pp os it io n t o t he G oo d M ot her, ” L leuw yn

s ai d. “ Th at w hi le h er m ig ht w as w ie ld ed i n e ar th a nd w in d, f ir e a nd w at er t o c re at e t he B it h, t he S to ne 's

power would command these same elements to one day rend it asunder."

"Creation and destruction,” Kierken said. “The most instrinsic of all opposing forces."

" Accor di ng t o t he C lo ch 's ut hain , t he S hado w S to ne d id n ot m ak e C iar dh a evi l, ” N ei sr od s aid . H is f ace

w as s et i n a d is ag reeabl e f ro wn . “Rath er , C iard ha's h eart w as t wi st ed f ro m t he f ir st ."







" Th e S hado w r em ai ned w it h T rejaer an ,” L leuw yn s ai d. “Yo u l ov ed T rejaer an , L or d F ab hcun . B ut t he

S hado w r em ai ned, and i t s p ur po se w as w ield ed t hr ou gh t he p ow er o f t he B oo k— no t T rejaeran' s ."

" We d o n ot k no w w ha t p ow er t he T al is ma ns w il l c om ma nd i n t he h an ds o f o th er s, ” K ie rk en s ai d t o

Neisrod. “Those who would seek to use it for good. Not even this is revealed to us in the fragment of the

C lo ch 's ut hain —o nl y t hat i t i s p os si bl e. T he ans wers m ay l ie w it hi n t he p ag es o f t he B oo k— to d es tr oy i t

n ow , w he n w e h av e s uc h o pp or tu ni ty t o s ee f or o ur se lv es w ou ld b e a rb it ra ry a nd r as h. "

" Ki erk en ,” N ei sr od s aid . “Have r eas on . Y ou cann ot —"

T he l ib rary d oo r s wu ng o pen, s mack in g l ou dl y again st t he w al l, s tart li ng t he g ro up i nt o s il en ce.

Q yn helein , t he Q ueen o f T ir al ai nn , cam e i n, d ress ed i n a w hi te l in en g ow n t hat b il lo wed abo ut h er l eg s as

s he s tr od e a cr os s t he r oo m. H er l on g, b la ck h ai r s pi ll ed d ow n t o h er w ai st , s tr ea mi ng b eh in d h er i n

w ay wa rd s tr an ds a nd t en dr il s. S he s ee me d o bl iv io us t o t he p re se nc e o f a ny on e e ls e i n t he c ha mb er a s

s h e w alk ed t ow ard t he b oo ks hel ves .

" Qy nh !” R hy de n g as pe d. H e s ta rt ed t o m ov e t ow ar d t he Q ue en , b ut s to pp ed u nc er ta in ly b ef or e h e h adeven t ak en a s tep, d rawi ng a b ri ef b ut i nq ui si ti ve g lance f ro m L leuw yn .

" My l ad y. .. ?” K ierk en s ai d, h is f ace p ai ned and b ew il der ed .

A h an dm ai d r us he d i nt o t he r oo m b eh in d Q yn h, h er e ye s f lo wn w id e w it h h or ro r a nd s ho ck . “ Oh !” s he

exclaim ed , d is tr au gh t. “Oh , m y l or ds , m y l iege, g ab h m o l ei th sceal! F or gi ve m e! I t ri ed t o s to p h er , m y

l or d, but s he i s i n a s ta te t od ay! "

" It i s a lr ig ht , G ra el le ,” K ie rk en s ai d g en tl y t o t he w om an . G ra el le s to od r oo te d i n p la ce , h er f ac e t wi st ed

w it h d is may. S he clu tched at h er s ki rt w it h o ne h an d, and f um bl ed w it h anx io us f in gert ip s at t he s of t,

na rr ow br im of he r mob c ap wi th t he ot he r.

" I a m s or ry , m y l or d, ” s he s ai d a ga in, m or ti fi ed. “ She . .. s he d ar te d p as t m e . .. g ave me a go od s hov e . ..

She was most insistent!"

K ie rk en w al ke d t ow ar d Q yn h, w ho s to od b ef or e t he b oo ks he lv es w it h h er h ea d t il te d b ac k, a s t ho ug h

s he p er us ed t he ass em bl ed t it les. “It i s alr ig ht , G rael le, h av e p eace,” h e s ai d again , q ui et ly .

" No .. .” Q yn h m ur mu re d. S he h ad s li pp ed a b oo k d ow n f ro m t he s he lf a nd s pa re d i ts s pi ne a m om en ta ry

g la nc e. S he l et i t t um bl e f ro m h er f in ge rs , a nd i t s ma ck ed a ga in st t he f lo or . S he t oo k a no th er i n h an d, a nd

t os sed i t asi de w it h equ al d is mi ss al . “No .. ."

" My l ad y, ” K ierk en s ai d s of tl y t o h er , h is eyes f il led w it h s ud den, p ro fo un d s or ro w.

" No .. .” Q yn h s ai d, h er b ro ws p in ch ed a s s he d is ca rd ed a no th er t om e.

" Qy nh ,” K ierk en b reat hed, r es ti ng h is h an d again st h er s ho ul der. S he b li nk ed and t ur ned h er f ace t o

r eg ar d h im . S he b at ted h er eyelash es s leep il y and t he l ov el y m easu re o f h er m ou th u nf ur led i n a d azed ,

delicate smile.

" Ki er ke n, ” s he m ur mu re d. “ I d id n ot h ea r y ou c om e i n. ” S he t os se d a si de a no th er b oo k a nd r ea ch ed

o ut , s tr ok ing h is f ac e be twe en h er ha nd s. “ Loo k . .. l oo k w ha t I h ave f or yo u. ” Sh e a ct ed a s t ho ugh s he

pinched something between her fingertips, and presented it to him. “Flowers. I picked them just this

m or ro w. H er e i sros'mhuire . .. ” S he m ov ed a s i f p re ss in g a d el ic at e b lo om a ga in st h is pa lm .





"It is lovely,” Kierken whispered.

" It i s t o r eme mb er by, ” s he s ai d. “ And he re a re s om e goiminas —they are for your thoughts. I found

t hese.. .” A gain h er f in gert ip s t ap ped again st h is h an d. “Th es e arecreanan . .. t ho ug h w e a ll w ea r t he m

d if ferent ly , I s ho ul d t hi nk , and s om e m or e s o t han o th er s. ” H er exp ress io n s hi ft ed , h er l ar ge eyes g ro wi ng

mournful. “I would bring you some sailchuachan , bu t i t . .. i t w it he re d, d id y ou s ee ? E ve ryw he re . .. i twithered for Trejaeran..."

" Let m e t ak e h er , m y l or d, ” t he h an dm ai d G rael le w hi sp er ed , d rawi ng Q yn h away f ro m K ierk en . “I am

s or ry , m y l or d, i t w il l n ot h ap pen again ."

" It i s alr ig ht ,” K ierk en w hi sp er ed . G rael le l ed Q yn h f ro m t he r oo m, and t he Q ueen o ff er ed n o s tr ug gl e o r

protest. She glanced briefly over her shoulder, her gaze finding Rhyden and she smiled as she crossed the

threshold.

" Yo u cam e. .. ” s he w hi sp er ed , w or ds s o s of t, t hey m ig ht h av e b een m is taken i n t he u tt er an ce. R hy denh ea rd t he m p la in ly , h ow ev er , a nd h e s ta re d a t h er , b re at hl es s a nd s tu nn ed a s t he d oo r f el l c lo se d.

A p ai ne d a nd a wk wa rd s il en ce f el l u po n t he m w he n t he Q ue en w as g on e. K ie rk en s to od w it h h is h an d

o ve r h is f ac e, h is h ea d l ow er ed t o t he g ro un d. “ We w il l l ur e L ah nd ur en t o t he B oo k a t t he S am hr ad h

m ha s' co r, ” h e s ai d, h is v oi ce m ea su re d a nd s te rn . “ We w il l c ap tu re h im a nd w e w il l t ak e t he S to ne f ro m

h im . B y m y b re at h, w e w il l s ee t he T al is ma ns ou rs . S ta nd w it h m e, o r a ga in st m e, N ei sr od , b ut k no w t hi s

i n t rut h—i t doe s not m att er t o my he ar t n ow, o ne wa y o r t he ot he r. I a m f ixe d upo n t hi s a nd w il l be

unmoved. The Talismans will be ours."

CHAPTER SEVEN

" I d o n ot l ik e t hi s, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d t o R hy de n. T he m ee ti ng h ad l as te d t hr ou gh ou t t he r es t o f t he

a ft er no on , a nd b ey on d t he p er im et er o f h is g ue st s ui te a t t he p al ac e, t he s un s et i n a s pl as h o f b ri gh t,

glorious color.

I t ha d b ee n a gr ee d t ha t t he e xi st enc e o f t he S ha dow S ton e, a nd t he ir ow n pl ot t o s ee i t c la im ed f rom

L ah nd ur en 's h an ds , w ou ld b e k ep t s ec re t a nd p ri vy a mo ng o nl y t ho se w ho h ad b ee n i n K ie rk en 's l ib ra ry

t ha t d ay . “ I d o n ot l ike k ee pi ng s ec re ts f ro m M ai me ,” s he s ai d. “ It f ee ls t oo m uc h l ik e l yi ng t o m e. "

" I d o n ot l ik e i t, e it he r, ” R hy de n s ai d. “ Wo ul d yo u l ik e a b ri ma gue ? M ys el f— I c ou ld u se a d ee p s ni ft er ."

" Ye s, l e d o t ho il ,” s he s ai d. Please. “ I do n ot e ve n k now wh y I a m h er e, e xc ep t be ca us e my f at he r

w ou ld h av e b ee n, h ad h e s ur vi ve d t he S ec on d W ar . T hi s i s t he f ir st I h av e e ve r h ea rd o f t he se t al is ma ns ,

t he B oo k o f S ha do ws a nd t he S ha do w S to ne ."

" Th e B oo k o f S ha do ws w as t he r ea so n f or t he S ec ond W ar ,” Rh yd en s ai d a s h e s to od be for e a t ab le ,

pouring them each a drink from a filled decanter. “At the end of the First War, Lahnduren survived. He

h ad l earn ed abo ut t he B oo k f ro m C iard ha d ur in g t heir r ei gn t og et her i n B el gaer an . H e s pent f iv e y ears

h un ti ng f or i t i n t he m in es b en eath t he M id land M ou nt ai ns . A nd t hen t he A bh acan f ou nd i t f ir st ."

H e t ook a s ni ft er i n e ac h ha nd a nd wa lke d ove r t o h er , of fe ri ng he r a gl as s.





" Go r ai mh m ai th agat, ” s he s ai d, s li pp in g i t f ro m h is f in gers .Thank you.

He lowered his chin politely. “Ta failte romhat.”Y ou a re w el co me . “ Yo u p ro ba bl y d o n ot r em em be r a

t im e w hen t hi ng s l ik e d raio ch t w er e m or e t han l or e amo ng t he E lv es ."

I sba enna t hough t of I as al on t he da y h e ha d l ef t h er .

Wh en y ou a re l one ly f or me , i ni on, y ou c an c al l t o t he b ut te rf li es . .. a nd t he y wi ll f in d me , no

m a t t er w h er e I a m

" I r em em ber, ” s he t ol d R hy den. “Th e E lf in s ig ht . F at her h ad t he g if t. "

R hy den n od ded. “Mait h t hu ,” h e s ai d.V er y g oo d. H e t il ted h is h ead b ack, d rain in g h is s ni ft er i n a s in gl e

s wall ow . H e t ur ned, w al ki ng b ack acr os s t he r oo m t o p ou r h im self ano th er . “Iasal' s g if t w as g reater t han

m in e, ” h e s ai d. “ Ki er ke n w as s tr on ge r t ha n e it he r o f u s, a nd T re ja er an . .. H e w as t he s tr on ge st o f u s a ll ."

" Di d h e r eall y s tr ip t he s ig ht f ro m t he E lv es , R hy den?” I sb aenn a ask ed . “Was T rejaer an r eall y t hat powerful?"

R hy de n n od de d. “ Bu t h is c ha ra ct er w as e ve n s tr on ge r t ha n h is p ow er , n o m at te r w ha t b lo at ed ,

pontificating braggarts like that bastard Peildraigh might have you to believe. There was no darkness in

Tr ej ae ra n' s n at ur e, e xc ep t t he s or t t ha t e xi st s i n a ll of u s. He d ie d t o ke ep us s af e f rom t he Sh ado w. ” H e

s wall ow ed an ent ir e s ni ft er o f b ri magu e again i n o ne g ul p. “Ap parent ly , h e d ied i n v ai n, ” h e m ut tered.

"He killed himself?"

" He d id , y es . H e i mp al ed h im self u po n a b lade o f f ir e— th e anam' cl ad h. "

"Why?” Isbaenna whispered.

" Be ca us e w it h t he s igh t g on e f ro m t he E lv es . .. W he n T re ja er an u se d a ll t ha t w as w it hi n hi s o wn p ow er

t o dr aw i t f rom u s, i t l ef t h im a lo ne ,” R hyd en s ai d. “ In t he w hol e o f t he Bi th , on ly Tr ej ae ra n r em ai ne d w it h

the sight.

" Wh en t he A bh ac an f ir st f ou nd t he B oo k o f S ha do ws , i t w as g iv en t o t he l as t o f t he N a' Si og ai —O rl ai th ,

t he G ol de n Q ue en —t o g ua rd . S he w as c on de mn ed b y t he M at ha ir M ai th , b an is he d t o a p la ce o f e te rn al

penance called the Naofa'Ionad, and it was hoped she could keep the Book safe from those who would

s eek to us e it for har m.

"Lahnduren stole the sword of the Na'Siogai ancients—the anam'cladh—from your cousin, Isbaenna,

f ro m Q yn h. T he a na m' cl ad h i s t he o nl y w ea po n t ha t c an k il l a N a' Si og ai . I t i s w ha t Q yn h u se d t o s to p

C ia rd ha . .. a nd w ha t L ah nd ur en u se d t o m ur de r O rl ai th a nd c la im t he B oo k o f S ha do ws .

" La hn du re n t ri ed t o u se t he B oo k, t o u se t he k no wl ed ge o f t he N a' Si og ai l an gu ag e h e h ad g le an ed f ro m

C ia rd ha t o r ea d i t, t o l ea rn f ro m i ts p ag es w he re s he h ad h id de n t he S ha do w S to ne . B ut T re ja er an —w ho

h ad a ls o t as te d o f t he d uc ha n— al so s en se d t he p re se nc e o f t he B oo k. H e f ol lo we d L ah nd ur en i nt o t he

A bh ac an m in es t o f in d t he S to ne , a nd w hi le t he r es t o f u s b at tl ed L ah nd ur en 's f or ce s o n t he p la in s o f t he

Dithreabh—a place called Fargan'fola, where your father died, lass—Trejaeran and Lahnduren met

u nd er gr ou nd . T hey g rapp led o ver t he B oo k and L ah nd ur en f el l, s pi ll in g i nt o a d eep chasm . T rejaer an

w as l ef t a lo ne i n t he m ine s, a lo ne w it h t he B oo k, a nd i t t ri ed t o t em pt h im , t o l ur e hi m t o c la im t he St on e. "





R hy de n p ou re d h im se lf a no th er d ri nk a nd l oo ke d a t I sb ae nn a. “ No m at te r t he m ar k l ef t o n h is s pi ri t f ro m

t he d uc ha n, h is h ea rt w as s tr on ge r, ” h e s ai d. “ Tr ej ae ra n r es is te d t he B oo k' s p ow er . W he n h e r ea li ze d t he

Book did not ne ed hi m, be ca use it c oul d r ea ch out t hrough the gi ft of t he s ight to cor rupt a ny El f t o i ts

s wa y, h e r ea li ze d t he o nl y wa y t o d ef ea t i t, t o p ro te ct us f rom t he S ha do w o nc e a nd f or a ll , wa s t o t ake

the sight from us."

" And he di d i t,” s he s ai d.

" Th ou gh i t t oo k n earl y all t hat w as w it hi n h im ,” R hy den s ai d, n od di ng . “An d i t l ef t h im alo ne, w eakened

a nd v ul ne ra bl e t o s ta nd a ga in st t he p ow er o f t he B oo k— an d t he S ha do w. I t t ur ne d o n h im w it h a ll o f i ts

m ig ht . I t w ou ld h av e b ee n d es pe ra te , a nd I c an no t b ea r t o t hi nk o f w ha t p ai n h e m us t h av e s uf fe re d, w ha t

t or ment h e m us t h av e end ur ed t o r es is t i t. "

Rhyden's eyes were filled with anguish, glistening in lamp light with sudden tears. “Poor bidein,” he

w hi sp er ed . “ He d id w ha t n ee de d t o b e d on e, a ll t ha t h e c ou ld d o. T ha t w as w ha t e xi st ed w it hi n

T re ja er an 's h ea rt , h is s pi ri t. N ot s ha do w, n ot d ar kn es s, b ut l ig ht , a nd h op e. H op e t ha t h is s ac ri fi ce w ou ld

protect his friends, his family—his world. He resisted the Book and took his own life.

" An d l oo k a t u s n ow .” R hy de n s ho ok h is h ea d, l ow er in g h is f ac e t ow ar d t he f lo or . “ We h av e m ad e i t a ll

for nothing."

H e g la nc ed u p a t h er a ft er a l on g m om en t, a nd t he c or ne r o f h is m ou th l if te d c ro ok ed ly . “ Th er e i s a f ar

di ff er en t s tor y t ha n I a m s ur e yo u ha ve b ee n t ol d of t he S ec ond W ar , i s i t n ot ?” h e a ske d.

" Ye s, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d s of tl y. “ Ma im e h as t ol d m e s om e o f i t, b ut n ev er l ik e t ha t. E og ha n d oe s n ot s pe ak

o f i t. T he m em or ie s br in g hi m s uc h pa in e ve n s ti ll , b ut t ho se a re n ot t he c ir cu ms ta nc es I l ea rn ed f rom m y

tutors."

"I t is t he t rut h,” he t old he r, me et ing he r ga ze . “I a m Gae il ge. I ca nnot li e. I wa s t he re a nd s aw wi th m y

own eyes."

" Ma ybe i t i s not a ll f or nothi ng,” s he s ai d. “ Maybe Ki er ke n i s r ight , a nd i f we c an get t he St one, if we

c an r ec la im i t f ro m L ah nd ur en , w e c an w ie ld i t w it h g oo d p ur po se . W e c ou ld —"

" Ki er ke n i s n ot h im se lf ,” R hy de n s ai d. “ No r h as h e b ee n f or m an y l on g y ea rs , a nd a t l as t, I k no w

wh y— Qyn h. H e i s t hi nki ng w it h h is he ar t o n t he m at te r o f t he T al is ma ns , n ot hi s mi nd. W e wi ll a ll b e t he

one s t o s uff er f or i t, I f ear ."

" Wh at d o y ou m ean?” s he ask ed , f ro wn in g.

" Do yo u t hi nk I as al w oul d ha ve l ef t t o f ig ht i n t he S ec ond W ar i f h e ha d k no wn he w oul d no t s ur vi ve ?”

Rhyden asked.

I sb ae nn a b li nke d a t h im . A ga in , h er f at he r' s w or ds c am e t o h er m in d, a s w el l a s t he f ee li ng s s he h ad l on g

h ar bo red w it hi n h er h eart —t hat I as al h ad k no wn o f h is i mp en di ng d eath ; t hat h e h ad s en sed i t s om eh ow ,

a nd h ad t ri ed t o c om fo rt h er t ha t l as t a ft er no on .

I t i s onl y t hi s v es se l t hat l eav es y ou . My he ar t, i ni on . .. M y he ar t i s al way s wi th y ou an d y our

Maime. Always, Isbaenna.

" Ye s, ” s he w hi sp er ed . “ Ye s, h e w ou ld h av e g on e e ve n s ti ll . .. e ve n i f h e h ad k no wn ."





" Th e r ig ht c ou rs e t o f ol lo w i s t he o ne t ha t l ea ds t o t he g re at es t g oo d f or a ll ,” R hy de n s ai d. “ An d

u nf or tu na te ly s om et im es t ha t p at h d oe s n ot l ea d t o w ha t w e t hi nk i s f or t he b es t. I as al u nd er st oo d t hi s,

a nd s o d id T re ja er an . S om et im es w e m us t s ac ri fi ce w ha t w e t hi nk i s b es t f or o ur se lv es , t ha t t he g re at er

g ood i n t he e nd m ay be s er ve d."

T hey s to od f or a l on g m om en t i n m ut ual s il en ce. I sb aenn a s tared d ow n i nt o h er g lass .

" I .. . I s hou ld go, Rhy de n,” s he s ai d.

He s et a si de hi s s ni ft er a nd wa lke d t ow ard hi s be d. “ Le t me f et ch my c oa t, ” he s ai d. “ I wi ll wa lk wi th

y ou t o h ir e a h an som ."

H e c am e t o h er , a nd a s s he g az ed a t h im , I sb ae nn a f el t s ad f or R hy de n i n h is i so la ti on , h is o bv io us

l onel iness . Born i n a kingdom of El ve s, he wa s an El f who ha d spent muc h of hi s li fe i n a l and of me n; a

poor soul now despondent and out-of-place in both of these realms.

" It w il l b e a lr igh t, ” s he w hi sp er ed t o hi m, a nd h e s mi le d a t h er s of tl y.

" We wi ll s ee , m y l ad y, ” he s ai d. “ We w il l s ee ."

I t w as d ar k i n f ul l b y t he t im e I sb ae nn a a rr iv ed h om e t o h er f la t. S he s ea rc he d t hr ou gh h er b ag s u nt il s he

f ou nd h er c op y o f t he p oe tr y v ol um e, Distant Murmurings Across Ancient Waters . She ha d t uc ke d th e

portrait of Iasal that Kaevir had made for her inside the volume's front cover, to protect it from wrinkling

o r t ea ri ng i n he r t ra ve ls . S he p ul le d i t o ut no w a nd u nf ol de d i t, s mi li ng t o s ee h er f at he r' s c ou nt en an ce , h is

g en tl e g aze, as h e s eemi ng ly p eered f or th f ro m t he p ar ch ment .

A s s he s ta re d a t I as al 's vi sa ge s et t o pa pe r, s he c oul d no t he lp but t o t hi nk of h er c onve rs at io n wi thRhyden.

The right course to follow is the one that leads to the greatest good for all ... and unfortunately

sometimes that path does not lead to what we think is for the best. Iasal understood this...

Do you think Iasal would have left to fight in the Second War if he had known he would not

survive ?

I sb ae nn a b li nk ed a ga in st t he h ea t o f t ea rs i n h er e ye s. S he b ru sh ed h er f in ge rt ip s a ga in st t he p ap er ,

t ou ch in g h is f ac e. “ I m is s y ou ,” s he w hi sp er ed t o h er f at he r' s p or tr ai t. “ I d o n ot h av e y ou r s tr en gt h,Da ddy. I wi sh you c oul d t el l me w ha t t o do."

H er g az e t ra ve le d a lo ng t he c or ne r o f t he p or tr ai t a nd I sb ae nn a b li nk ed , s ta rt le d. S he r ub be d h er e ye s t o

c le ar h er t ea rs a nd dr ew t he p ar chm ent c los e t o h er f ac e, h er b row s p inc he d, he r l ip s pu rs ed i n a f ro wn.

“What the...?"

S he r em em bered ask in g K aevi r t o s ig n t he s ketch

No artist so exemplary should have his work remain anonymous.

and h e h ad , j ot ti ng h is i ni ti al s i n t he cor ner, t he t in y l et ters n earl y h id den w it hi n t he l in es and h at ch mark s

o f s ha do ws a bo ut I as al 's h ai r a nd s ho ul de r. I t w as t hi s c or ne r— th es e m ar ks —t ha t d re w I sb ae nn a' s g az e

now.





E.F.

T he re w as n o m is ta ki ng t he c ha ra ct er s; t he s la te h ad n ot s me ar ed o r s mu dg ed . I t w as n ot a h ap ha za rd

o r s lo pp y r en di ti on o f K.M. f or K ae vi r M ac le od . T he l et te rs r ea d E.F. , p la in a nd a pp ar en t.

" Wh at i n t he d uchan. .. ?” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed , b ew il dered and s tu nn ed , s wi ng in g h er l eg s aro un d andsitting upright.

A kno ck f el l a ga ins t he r do or a nd he r he ad s hot u p, he r e ye s f lo wn wi de i n s ur pr is e. S he gl an ce d a t h er

m an tl e clo ck and f ou nd i t n earl y t en -t hi rt y at n ig ht . “Wh at n ow ?” s he m ut tered, s et ti ng asi de t he p or tr ai t.

S he g lanced d ow n o nce m or e at t he u nf am il iar i ni ti al s

E.F.

and s hi vered s li gh tl y, as t ho ug h a chi ll y d raft h ad j us t p as sed t hr ou gh t he r oo m.

S he f ro wn ed a s s he o pe ne d t he d oo r a b ri ef m ea su re . “ Ca li do re ,” s he s ai d, s ig hi ng h ea vi ly . “ It i s l at e,

and I am not much i n the humor."

" My l ad y I sb aenn a, f or gi ve m y i nt ru si on ,” h e s ai d. “I m us t s peak w it h y ou ."

" Tr ul y, Ca li dor e, t hi s i s not a good t im e,” s he s ai d. “ It i s l at e, a nd I a m w ea ry a nd s houl d l ike to r et ir e t o

my be d now, if you do not mind."

She m ov ed t o c los e t he do or a nd h ea rd hi m s tom p hi s boo t a ga ins t i t, t o s ta y i t i n pl ac e. She g low er ed a t

h im . “Mo ve y ou r f oo t, C al id or e, ” s he s ai d.

"Isbaenna, truly, it is urgent."

" Wh at w it h y ou i s n ot , C al id or e? ” s he s ai d, a nd s he s ho ve d h er s ho ul de r a ga in st t he d oo r.

H e y el pe d i n s ta rt a nd h oo ke d h is h an d a ro un d t he e dg e, p us hi ng a ga in st h er w ei gh t. “ It i s a bo ut K ae vi r

Macleod!” he exclaimed, and immediately, Isbaenna withdrew from the door.

H er s ud den, u nexp ect ed r eco il l eft C al id or e s tagg er in g, and t he d oo r s wu ng o pen w id e as h e s tu mb led

a cr os s t he t hr es ho ld . “ Fo rg iv e m e, m y l ad y, ” h e s ai d. “ I k no w i t i s l at e, b ut I t ho ug ht y ou s ho ul d k no w. I

t ho ug ht I s ho ul d s peak w it h y ou s tr ai gh t away. .. "

I sb aenn a t ho ug ht o f t he p or tr ai t, o f t he l et ters s ig ned t o h er f at her' s p ictu re—l et ters t hat s ho ul d h av e, b y

r ig ht s, s to od f or K ae vi r M ac le od , b ut s ee me d i ns te ad t o s ig ni fy a s tr an ge r, a n am e u nk no wn t o h er .

E.F.

" Wh at ab ou t K aev ir M acl eod ?” s he as ked C ali do r e.

CHAPTER EIGHT

K ae vir st ar ed dow n t he l engt h of hi s l ef t a rm, hi s ga ze st ea dy as he l ooke d pa st t he c uf f of hi s t humb,





beyond the line of an arrow's bodkin. He held his fingers curled lightly against the long bow's curved grip;

t he t ip s o f h is t wo r ig ht f or ef in gers r es ted again st t he s tr in g. H is s ig ht l ev el ed , h is arm can ted s li gh tl y, h e

d re w t he b ow st ri ng b ac k t ow ar d t he a ng le o f h is j aw , s et tl in g t he a rr ow f ul ly i nt o t he r ea dy p os it io n.

H e h ad m ad e h ab it o f r is in g ear ly each m or ro w and p ract icin g h is t ar get s ho ot in g, u su al ly l on g b ef or e t he

s un h ad e ve n b ro ac he d t he ho ri zo n. T he y h ad o ri gi na ll y u se d t he b ow a s a n i mp er at iv e b id di ng t o c oa ch

d ri vers t o h al t d ur in g r ob beri es . M os t r ecen tl y, t he b lu e b eaut ies h ad eli mi nated t he n eed f or s uche mp ha ti c m ar ks ma ns hi p, a s t he y w ou ld s et t he f ir ew or ks i n t he d ir ec t p at h o f o nc om in g c oa ch es a s a

d ecid ed ly eff ecti ve and d ramati c m eans o f g et ti ng t heir v icti ms t o s to p.

H ow ev er , K aevi r s ti ll w an ted t o f in d a w ay t o i gn it e t he exp lo si ves u si ng arr ow s i ns tead o f l en gt hy f us e

l in es r un f ro m t he m id dl e o f t he r oa d t o n ea rb y b us he s a nd u nd er br us h, a s h e h ad b ee n. T he d az zl e o f

s park s s ho ot in g alo ng t he l in es h ad p ro ven p lain ly v is ib le t o car ri ag e d ri vers o n t he f ou r o ccas io ns t he t ri o

h ad com mi tt ed r ob beri es w it h t hem. E ven t ho ug h n on e s o f ar h ad f ou nd t im e eno ug h t o s werv e t he

coach es and avo id t he h ig hw ay men, K aevi r f ig ur ed i f h e cou ld h it o ne o f t he b lu e b eaut ies j us t r ig ht w it h

an arr ow head s et afl am e, i t w ou ld eli mi nate any n eed f or f us e l in es , and t hu s k eep t heir p ro sp ecti ve

victims unaware.

He f ir ed t he a rr ow , s endi ng i t s na ppi ng f ie rc el y i nt o a s ma ll c anva s s ac k of di rt he ha d s et up a mode st

d is ta nc e f ro m h im . T he s ac k w as m ea nt t o r ep re se nt t he a pp ro xi ma te s iz e o f o ne o f t he ir f ir ew or ks ; t he

d is ta nc e, t ha t w hi ch h e o rd in ar il y o bs er ve d a lo ng t he r oa dw ay . H e d id n ot w an t t o w as te a ny o f t he b lu e

beauties practicing until he was fully confident not only in the validity of his plan, but in his aim, as well.

K ae vi r h ad f ou nd l it tl e r es t s in ce t he E dr yd s’ b al l. H is h ob by o f a rc he ry w as a w el co me d is tr ac ti on f ro m

his nearly constant weariness. Anymore of late, sleep brought him nothing but restless dreams filled with

bizarre and confusing imagery that left him troubled and disturbed upon awakening.

H e ke pt dr ea mi ng of t he gol d c of fe r. S ome ti me s he d re am ed of i t a s he ha d f rom the f ir st , t ha t he he ld i t between his hands, trying to pry the lid back. Other times, Kaevir dreamed that it had been lost and he

s ea rc he d f or i t i n a s ta te o f n ea r p an ic . H e c oul d h ea r i t c al li ng t o h im, i ts s of t v oi ce w hi sp er ing i n h is m in d

Come to me ... You must come south

South for the Samhradh

T he s ou th r oa d t o B el ga er an

I w il l be w ai ti ng f or you t he re

You ar e c hos en . .. Yo u m us t c ome

a nd h e w ou ld s it b ol t u pr ig ht i n b ed , h is e ye s f lo wn w id e a s h e w re nc he d h im se lf a wa ke , h is h ea rt s ei ze d

w it h t er ro r, h is b od y b at he d i n a c la mm y s we at .

K ae vi r t ro mp ed a cr os s t he m ea do w t o r ec la im h is s pe nt a rr ow a nd c au gh t s ig ht o f E ab hi ro s b en ea th t he

t wi st ed b ou gh s o f a l ar ge m ap le t re e i n t he d is ta nc e. E ab hi ro s b or e h ac ks aw a nd h at ch et i n h an d, a nd

w or e t he s le ev es o f h is l ei ne t ur ne d b ac k t o h is e lb ow s w hi le h e c ho pp ed a nd c le ar ed a t an gl e o f f al le n

limbs.

" Do y ou n eed h el p?” K aevi r cal led.





E ab hi ro s g lanced o ver h is s ho ul der and s mi led at h is cou si n, r ai si ng t he h acks aw i n g reet in g. “Th at w ou ld

be splendid,” he said, as Kaevir walked toward him.

K ae vi r s et a si de h is b ow a nd g ra sp ed t he t hi ck e nd o f t he b ou gh , h oo ki ng h is l eg a ro un d a nd p la nt in g h is

boot sole squarely against the limb to hold it fast while Eabhiros hacked at it.

" Mo th er l ov ed t he se r ot te d t hi ng s, ” E ab hi ro s m ut te re d a s h e s aw ed . “ Wa te r m ap le s a nd s ug ar t re es .” H es ho ok h is he ad. “ Ev er y t im e t he s ky e ve n h in ts a t r ai n, t he y dr op l im b a nd b oug h, l ik e a f ri gh te ne d ni nn y

g irl who s pi es a s pi de r i n a c or ne r. I s houl d c hop t he bl oody l ot o f t he m dow n a nd be r id of t hi s ha ss le ."

K ae vi r s mi le d, k no wi ng E ab hi ro s w as a s l ik el y t o h ac k d ow n h is m ot he r' s b el ov ed t re es a s h e w as t o

deliberately sever his own thumb.

T he l im b cleav ed b en eath t he s aw b lade, s napp in g i n t wain , and E ab hi ro s s tu mb led b ack a s li gh t s tep,

w ipi ng h is br ow a nd ut te ri ng a s at is fi ed hu ff o f b re at h. “ I w il l b e o ut he re t he m or row t hr ou gh, ” he

r em ar ke d, g az in g a bo ut , s ur ve yi ng t he t re es . “ Th er e a re s om e l im bs t ha t t op pl ed o n t he r oo f, a nd m or e

t here, ‘ ro un d t he h ou se."

" I w il l h el p y ou ,” K aevi r s ai d. H e t ur ned h is g aze u p, f ro wn in g t ho ug ht fu ll y at t he m ap le's cro wn o f

boughs. “I can climb up there and take a saw to some of those withered branches,” he said, pointing.

“ Cl ea r t he m o ut f or y ou . I a m y ou ng er t ha n y ou , s pr y e no ug h f or t he t as k, I t hi nk ."

E ab hi ros l au gh ed a nd n od de d. “ Al ri gh t, t he n, ” h e s ai d. “ You a re ki nd t o m e i n m y w an in g y ea rs , y ou

bloody rot.” He reached up, hooking the handsaw around his forearm as he scratched at his scalp. “How

i s y ou r m ar k? E is ea n s ay s y ou c an d ra w f ro m t we nt y p ac es i n n ea r d ar k. "

" Ei sean i s a b it g en er ou s i n h is ass es sm en t, I t hi nk ,” K aevi r l au gh ed . “Yo u h av e n ev er s een m e s ho ot ?"

" I h av e c ho re s, K ae vi r, m at te rs a bo ut m y h om e t ha t a cq ui re m y a tt en ti on . I d o h av e n ot t im e f or s uc h

sport,” Eabhiros said, offering playful jest.

" If y ou r p ur se st ri ng s w er e n ot s o d am n t ig ht y ou m ig ht h ir e s om eo ne c ap ab le t o t en d t o y ou r c ho re s, a nd

then you might find the time,” Kaevir replied, grinning.

" Sh oo t t he d am ne d t hi ng , l et m e s ee , y ou r ot ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d.

" Wh at w ou ld y ou s ee m e s ho ot ?"

" Hi t t he t re e, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, w av in g h is h an d. “ Ai m f or i ts b lo od y h ea rt a nd s ee i t d ea d a nd t op pl ed ."

K ae vi r l au gh ed. “ Ha ng y ou r w at er sk in o n i t, t he re o n t ha t n ub b ra nc h, d o y ou s ee ? I w il l h it i t s qu ar el y

center."

E ab hi ro s chu ck led, w al ki ng o ver t o t he t ree and l oo pi ng t he s tr ap o f h is w at er sk in abo ut a l ow -h an gi ng

branch so that it dangled in the air. “Alright, then,” he said, stepping back. “Let us see, Kaevir."

"Alright, then,” Kaevir said, smiling, walking away from the tree, measuring his strides.

"Twenty paces,” Eabhiros reminded him.

"Eisean exaggerates,” Kaevir said.





" Co me n ow , y ou c ow ar d. T we nt y p ac es . L et u s s ee s om e m et tl e w it hi n y ou ."

K aevi r l au gh ed , t ro mp in g t hr ou gh t he g rass . H e cau gh t s ig ht o f s om eo ne w al ki ng aro un d t he s id e o f t he

barn, coming toward them. “Here comes Eisean now,” he called over his shoulder to Eabhiros. “He is

y ou ng er a nd m or e s pr y t ha n e it he r o f u s. W e o ug ht t o m ak e h im c li mb t he bl oo dy d am n t re e. "

H e s to pp ed a t t he c ou nt o f t we nt y p ac es a nd n oc ke d a n a rr ow a ga in st t he b ow st ri ng , p in ch in g t he g oo se

vane fletchings lightly with his fingertips. His arm swung before him as in the same sudden, swift

m ov em en t, h e d re w t he b ow st ri ng b ac k t ow ar d h is f ac e. H e o pe ne d h is f in ge rs , r el ea si ng t he a rr ow . T he

w at er sk in d an gl in g f ro m t he m ap le t ree j er ked v io lent ly again st i ts p er ch as t he arr ow s lamm ed i nt o i ts

belly, and a steady stream of water spewed out around the protruding shaft, spattering against the

ground.

E ab hi ro s t ur ne d t o K ae vi r, h is b ro w a rc he d, i mp re ss ed , a nd K ae vi r g ri nn ed . “ Ho w w as t ha t? ” h e c al le d

w it h a l au gh , w on deri ng w hy E ab hi ro s’ exp ress io n s hi ft ed as h is g aze w an dered p as t h is s ho ul der.

“What...?"

" Sp lend id s ho t, K aevi r, ” I sb aenn a t ol d h im as s he w al ked t hr ou gh t he g ras s, d rawi ng n ear.

" Ho ah , b lo od y s weet M ot her— !” K aevi r cri ed , s tu mb li ng away f ro m h er i n s ur pr is e. I t o ccur red t o h im

t ha t s he ha d c al le d h im b y n am e— Kaevir , not Maor —and he blinked at her, bewildered, confounded,

stunned.

" Go od m or ro w, E ab hi ro s, ” I sb aenn a cal led, l if ti ng h er p al m i n g reet in g t o E ab hi ro s, w ho s tared at h er ,

w id e- ey ed a nd f la bb er ga st ed . S he c ou ld n ot h el p b ut l au gh a t t he m b ot h, b ut h ad t he c ou rt es y t o a t l ea st

d ra w h er h an d a ga in st h er m ou th a fo re ha nd . “ It i s a lr ig ht ,” s he s ai d. “ I k no w w ho y ou a re —w ho t he

t hr ee o f y ou a re ."

K aevi r l oo ked at E ab hi ro s, and h is cou si n' s s tr icken, agh as t exp ress io n cou ld o nl y m ir ro r h is o wn .

" I w il l n ot t el l, ” I sb aenn a add ed s wi ft ly . “Yo ur s ecret i s s af e w it h m e. "

" Wh at are y ou d oi ng h er e, I sb aenn a?” E ab hi ro s ask ed .

S he s hr ug ged. “I cam e l as t n ig ht t o t al k awh il e w it h E is ean, ” s he s ai d. “Mayh ap r un h im t hr ou gh w it h m y

s wo rd . M y m oo d v ar ie d e n r ou te f ro m B el ga er an . B ut w e s po ke a t s om e l en gt h, a nd a ll i s w el l. ” H er

brows narrowed again, her lovely face becoming grim. “But there is something you need to know—all of you."

" Wh at ?” K aevi r as ked.

S he m et h is g az e g ra ve ly . “ Ca li do re I ne ad an k no ws w ho y ou a re , t oo ,” s he s ai d. “ No t t ha t h e c an

prove—not just yet—but I know him, Kaevir, and he will not rest until he has proof in his hands. He

w ou ld s ee y ou a ll h an ge d. ” S he l oo ke d b et we en t he m, p le ad in g w it h h er e ye s. “ Yo u m us t n ot c om e t o

B el gaer an f or t he S am hr ad h and t he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men can no t r id e— no t ever again . T here i s n o

other way."

" Ca li do re I ne ad an c an no t f in d h is b ac ks id e w it h b ot h h an ds a nd a w ee k t o t ry ,” K ae vi r s ai d, p ac in g

r es tl es sl y b ef or e t he h eart h i n S io ch an ta's p ar lo r. “Su pp os it io ns and s us pi ci on s, t hat i s all t hat h e h as . H e

i s no t hr ea t t o us ."





E is ea n a nd I sb ae nn a s at t og et he r o n a s of a, w hi le E ab hi ro s s to od n ea rb y, h is a rm s f ol de d a cr os s h is

chest , h is exp ress io n d ou r. I sb aenn a' s t id in gs h ad f il led E is ean and E ab hi ro s w it h app rehens io n and

d ou bt s. T he ir r el uc ta nc e w as n ow a pp ar en t o n t he ir f ac es , a nd K ae vi r f el t n ea rl y f ra nt ic i n h is e ff or ts t o

r ea ss ur e t he m. “ Wh at i s h e g oi ng t o f in d t ha t l ink s u s t o t he H ig hw ay me n r ob be ri es ?” he s ai d.

H e w an te d t o s cr ea m a t t he m, t o s ha ke t he m, t hr ot tl e t he m, m ak e t he m u nd er st an d.

We have to go south! It will be waiting ther e f or me . It is mine and I must claim it!

H e l oo ked f ro m E is ean t o E ab hi ro s. “He can no t d o o r s ay any th in g w it ho ut evi dence o f o ur i nv ol vement .

H e w il l f in d n o evi dence, b ecau se n on e exi st s. "

" Th is h ou se i s f il led w it h evi dence, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d w it h a f ro wn . “We h av e j ew el ry and coi ns h id den

t hr ou gh ou t S io ch an ta. I f C al id or e b en ds t he r ig ht ear, h as t he h ou se s earched— "

" He c an no t d o t ha t, n ot w it ho ut a m ag is tr at e' s w ri t o f i nq ue st ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ An d h e c an no t b es ee ch aw ri t w it h n o m or e t han s us pi ci on s. H e n eeds evi dence, E ab hi ro s, t an gi bl e p ro of , and h e w il l n ot f in d any ."

E ab hi ro s l oo ked d ou bt fu l, and E is ean b li nk ed at h im , v is ib ly anx io us . P ar t o f K aevi r' s m in d r eali zed t hat

t he y w er e r ig ht t o f ee l w ar y, t o h ar bo r s uc h un ce rt ai nt ie s. I f i t w er e n ot f or h is dr ea ms , t he d is tur bi ng

n ig ht mares and i mages o f t he g il ded g ol d cof fer, i ts d ar k and eni gm at ic con tent s b ecko ni ng h im

Come t o me ... You ar e chose n

h e m ig ht h av e agr eed w it h t hem, m ig ht h av e b een w il li ng t o s im pl y t hr ow h is h an ds i n t he air i n

exasp er at ed s ur rend er and f or get i t all . B ut K aevi r cou ld clo se h is eyes and s ti ll h ear t he w hi sp er in g

voices calling to him

Come t o me ... You ar e chose n

and h e cou ld n ot r ef us e t he b ecko n; h e w as h el pl es s again st i ts i mp lo ri ng .

H e s ig hed, d ragg in g h is f in gers t hr ou gh h is h ai r i n f ru st rati on . “Th is i s C al id or e I nead an w e are t al ki ng

a bo ut ,” h e s ai d. “ Ca li do re I ne ad an , f or t he l ov e o f t he G oo d M ot he r. H e m ig ht b ea r s om e c lo ut i n C ia rr ai

C ou nt y, b ut w hat p resence cou ld h e com mand i n B el gaer an —d ur in g t he w eek o f t he S am hr ad h, n o l es s?

He is no threat to us. By my breath, he is not."

" Ca li do re i s d et er mi ne d, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d. “ I k no w h im , K ae vi r. H e i s n ot t he s or t t o l et m at te rs l ie . H e

w il l k ee p s ea rc hi ng u nt il h e f in ds w ha t h e n ee ds . I f y ou c om e t o B el ga er an f or t he S am hr ad h a nd he h as

h is p ro of , h e w il l s ee y ou a rr es te d. "

I have to go!h e w an te d t o s hr ie k a t h er . Do you not understand? I must go! I am chosen and it is

w ai ti ng f or m e!

"I f he f ind s t hi s p roof , he wi ll s ee us a rr es te d n o m at te r whe re we a re ,” Ka evi r s ai d. “ But t he re i s no

proof. None, I tell you."

" He w ou ld s ee yo u h an ge d i f h e c an ,” I sba enn a s ai d q ui et ly, h er p al e, l uc en t e ye s f il le d w it h f ea r. “ Al l o f

y ou , K aevi r. Y ou w ou ld t ak e s uch r is k?"





All of that, and more besides, he thought. I would risk the gallows—I would risk anything and

e ve ry th ing b ec aus e I am c ho se n . .. I a m c hos en an d i t i s w ai ti ng f or m e. ..

" No , I sb ae nn a, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ I w ou ld n ev er t ak e r is k t ha t m ig ht s ee E ab hi ro s a nd E is ea n c om e t o h ar m.

B y m y br ea th , I w ou ld n ot . I t i s w it h a bs ol ut e a nd u tt er c on fi de nc e t ha t I t el l y ou —t el l yo u a ll —w e h av e

nothing to worry about."

CHAPTER NINE

O n t he m or ni ng aft er h is arr iv al i n B el gaer an , R hy den d ecid ed t o aband on t he p al ace awh il e. T he l ay ou t

o f t he cit y, t he t wi ni ng r ou tes o f i ts t ho ro ug hf ar es and avenu es , r em ai ned f ai rl y clear w it hi n h is m in d, and

h e m ad e h is w ay t ow ar d a 'C lo s, a n e xp an si ve , f ou r- bl oc k l on g m ar ke t p la za i n t he h ea rt o f t he r oy al c it y.

W it hi n t he l as t t wo d ec ad es , a 'C lo s h ad b lo ss om ed i nt o a b us tl in g c ul tu ra l n ex us f or t he r ea lm , a h av en

for throngs of academics, artists, students, musicians, authors, philosophers, vendors, street artisans, and

performers. Thousands flocked daily to the a'Clos court, and one could easily step among the crowd and become blissfully anonymous, a face without a name.

H e h ad r ecei ved s um mo ns f ro m K ierk en ear li er t hat m or ni ng ; an eni gm at ic and t ro ub leso me b ecko n t hat

r em ai ned h eavy o n h is m in d, d es pi te t he cheer y d is tr acti on s o ff er ed at a'C lo s.

R h yden , m o 'ca r a—

It is imperative that I meet with you in private counsel. A matter has come to my attention that I

feel your advice and assistance would greatly benefit. If such circumstance permits, I would

beseech you join me on the morrow of a'Ceathru at promptly the tenth hour that we might discuss

this matter further. I know that I can depend upon your continued discretion, and your aid.

Do'cara—Kierken

R hy den w on dered w hat n ew d ev el op ment s h ad ari sen t o i ns pi re s uch u rg en cy w it hi n t he k in g. H e f el t

c er ta in i t r el at ed t o t he ma tt er of t he Sha do w St on e, b ut ha d he ar d n o r um or f rom Ne is rod of n ew

d ev el op me nt s, n o d ev ia ti on s f ro m t he p la n t he y h ad a ll a gr ee d o n. H e h ad i ss ue d a r ep ly t o K ie rk en — Of

c ou rs e, m y l or d. I e ve r s er ve a t y ou r c om ma nd a nd d is cr et io n— and w on dered i f m ay hap s uch

peculiar tidings had to do with the Book of Shadows.

He ha d be en t hi nki ng a gr ea t de al a bou t t he B ook a nd t he c ir cum st anc es by w hi ch i t h ad c ome t o be i nKierken's possession since his arrival in Tiralainn. Such thoughts inevitably turned his mind and heart

t ow ar d T re ja er an . S om et im es i t s ee me d i mp os si bl e t o R hy de n t ha t s o l on g a m ea su re o f t im e h ad p as se d

w it ho ut h is b el ove d f ri en d, a nd a p ar t o f h im s ti ll r em ai ne d f if te en ye ar s i n t he p as t, a d is ta nt c or ne r o f h is

m in d i n t he d ar k r ub bl e o f A bh ac an m in es a s h e h ad h el pl es sl y w at ch ed T re ja er an d ie f or t he B oo k o f

Shadows.

W hi le t he o th er s h ad w ag ed b at tl e at F ar gan' fo la, s tand in g i n K ierk en 's d ef en se again st L ah nd ur en 's

arm y, R hy den h ad f ol lo wed T rejaer an i nt o t he ancient , d ecrepi t A bh acan m in es b en eath t he B ar ren

M ou nt ai n f oo th il ls . H e h ad s tu mb led alo ng t he d ar k, t wi st ed con fi nes, t ry in g t o b ear a t or ch t o l ig ht h is

w ay , w it h h is h ea d d uc ke d, c ro uc he d t ow ar d t he g ro un d. T re ja er an h ad a t l ea st a t we nt y m in ut e l ea d o n

him, pursuing Lahnduren into the depths of the Bith with relentless determination, the anam'cladh poised

a nd a bl az e i n hi s ha nd.





T rejaer an and L ah nd ur en h ad f ou gh t, each o f t hem w ield in g t he f ul l p ow er o f t heir m in ds —t heir

s ig ht —again st o ne ano th er . T ho ug h R hy den h ad n ot s een t he b at tl e f ir st hand , i ts eff ects cou ld b e f el t

throughout the dilapidated mine shafts. He could hear rumbling, like distant thunder, from somewhere

a he ad o f h im . T he g ro un d b en ea th h is b oo ts t re mb le d a nd q ua ke d, s ta gg er in g h im . H e c ra ck ed h is h ea d

and s ho ul ders r ep eatedl y again st t he u ny ield in g s to ne and ear th and s tr ug gl ed f or b reat h as s il t and g ravel

r ai ned d ow n o n h is h ead i n a cho ki ng , s tr an gl in g clo ud .

A ll at o nce, s om et hi ng f lew t hr ou gh t he t un nels , r us hi ng t ow ar d h im l ik e t he l eadi ng edg e o f a h ur ri cane's

w in ds . H e f el t i t com in g w it hi n h is m in d and r eali zed

i t i s T re ja er an

h e h as u nl ea sh ed h is s ig ht i n f ul l

the power of his mind unabated

and R hy den r ecoi led i n alarm . T he f or ce s lamm ed i nt o h im , b at teri ng h im l ik e a d is card ed chi ld 's t oy i nt ot he n earest w al l, k no ck in g t he b reat h f ro m h is l un gs , t he s en ses f ro m h is s ku ll . H e cou ld f eel i t w it hi n h is

m in d, s ea ri ng t hr ou gh h is e ye s, a nd h e ha d c ri ed o ut , d ro pp in g h is t or ch a nd c lu tc hi ng a t h is f ac e.

" Tr ej aeran! ” h e h ad w ai led. “Tr ej aeran, p leas e— no ! W hat ar e y ou d oi ng ?"

T he c ei li ng o ve rh ea d y ie ld ed w it h a l ou d g ro an a nd a r oa r o f c ra sh in g s to ne . R hy de n l ea pt f or wa rd ,

s pi ll in g h eadl on g again st t he g ro un d, t hr ow in g h is arm s p ro tect iv el y o ver h is h ead as h e cri ed o ut . H e f el t

r oc k a nd d eb ri s s la m a ga in st h is l eg s, h is s pi ne , a nd h e s cr am bl ed f or wa rd , t ry in g t o e sc ap e. A h ea vy ,

cragg ed b ou ld er s mash ed again st h is r ig ht ank le and t here w as b ri gh t, s eari ng p ai n as t he s lend er b on es

s ha tt er ed . R hy de n t hr ew b ac k h is h ea d a nd s cr ea me d, a nd h is f al le n t or ch w en t d ar k, s uf fo ca te d b en ea th

d eb ri s. A no th er l ar ge f al l o f ear th s tr uck h im s qu ar el y again st t he b as e o f h is s ku ll , and h e col laps ed ,k no ck ed u ncon scio us b y t he b lo w.

H e h ad com e t o o nl y m om en ts l at er , h ur ti ng and d azed . H e b li nk ed again st t he i mp en et rabl e d ar kn es s,

t as ti ng b lo od i n h is m ou th , f eeli ng i t again st h is chi n and cheek s i n a t hi ck , t acky s mear . H e r eali zed

i mm ed iately w hat h ad h ap pened, and h is h an ds f lu tt er ed t ow ar d h is f ace, h is t em pl es .

H is s ig ht w as g on e.

T he g if t h ad n ev er b een s tr on g w it hi n h im , b ut i ts p resence, i ts g ui dance, h ad b een s om et hi ng R hy den

w as aware o f i n h is m in d. T hat s of t w hi sp er o f f am il iar energ y w it hi n h im , t he g en tl e m ur mu r o f h is E lf ini nt ui ti on, t he gl ow o f t he s ig ht i n h is m ind l ike a d im b ut e ve r- pr es ent c and le f la me wa s g one . T he re w as

no th in g i n h is m in d e xc ep t f or d ar kn es s a nd s il enc e, a s t ho ug h s om e p ar t o f h im h ad d ie d.

" Wh at h av e y ou d on e, b id ei n?” h e w hi mp er ed . H is t ho ug ht s f el t u nf am il iar and n ew , emp ty and h eavy

s om eh ow , t ra pp ed w it hi n t he c on fi ne s o f h is s ku ll . “ Tr ej ae ra n . .. l e . .. l e d o t ho il . .. W ha t h av e y ou

done?"

H e h ea rd a s ha rp , p ie rc in g s cr ea m f ro m s om ew he re a he ad o f h im a lo ng t he c or ri do r a nd h e f or ce d

h im self t o crawl t ow ar d t he s ou nd , h oo ki ng h is f in gers i nt o claws and cleav in g d eep t ro ug hs i nt o t he

r ub bl ed ear t h as h e s tr ug gl ed f or war d.

H e h ad c ra wl ed t hr ou gh t he d ar kn es s on h is b el ly f or w ha t h ad s ee me d t o h im s ur el y a n e te rn it y. H is

m in d k ep t f ad in g as h e p ul led h im self alo ng ; any t im e h e m ov ed h is r ig ht l eg , o r h is i nj ur ed ank le s tr uck





f al len r ocks , h e w ou ld s wo on . F in al ly , h e cau gh t a g li mp se o f d im b lu e l ig ht f ro m s om ew here ahead o f

h im , f ai nt and w an in g, and h e r each ed f or i t, m us teri ng s tr en gt h f ro m d eep w it hi n h im as h e m ad e h is

poor, hurting body move.

"Trejaeran!” he called.

W he n a t l as t R hy de n r ea ch ed h is f ri en d, i t w as t oo l at e. T re ja er an l ay f ac ed ow n o n t he g ro un d, t heanam'cladh still gripped limply in his fingertips, offering faint and feeble glow. The flame of the blade

f ad ed and g rew d im as T rejaer an 's l if e w an ed . T he t un nel h ad p ar ti al ly col laps ed b et ween t hem, l eavi ng

o nl y a n ar ro w c or ne r o f s pa ce i n t he m ou nd o f r ub bl e a ga in st w hi ch R hy de n c ou ld p re ss h is f ac e a nd

g li mp se T rejaeran' s p ro ne, m ot i on les s f or m. H e cou ld s ee t hat t he b ack o f T rej aeran' s s hi rt and d ou bl et

w er e t or n a nd s co rc he d, t ha t a p oo l o f b lo od s pr ea d o ut i n c ir cu mf er en ce b en ea th h is c he st , a nd R hy de n

r eal ized w hat h ad h ap pened, w hat T rej aeran h ad d on e.

" Bi dein !” h e w hi mp er ed h el pl es sl y, clawi ng at t he d eb ri s, t eari ng at t he r ub bl e w it h h is h an ds . H e

m an ag ed t o c le ar e no ug h s pa ce t hr ou gh w hi ch h e c ou ld w ed ge h is a rm i nt o t he c ha mb er b ey on d, a nd h e

reached for Trejaeran, his bloody, torn fingertips grasping desperately, trembling. “Trejaeran!"

T rejaer an 's eyeli ds f lu tt er ed and o pened, and h e m ov ed h is h ead, b li nk in g at R hy den. H e w hi sp er ed h is

name and moved his hand feebly, his fingertips fumbling against Rhyden's.

" I am h er e, b id ei n, ” R hy den w hi sp er ed , clo si ng h is f in gers abo ut T rejaer an 's . “I am r ig ht h er e. T a . .. t a

me libh...” I am with you.

" Th e . .. t he B oo k. .. ” T rejaer an g as ped, s tr ug gl in g t o r ai se h is chi n f ro m t he d ir t. H is h an d clamp ed

again st R hy den' s w it h d es perate u rg en cy , and as h e s po ke, b lo od s pu rt ed f ro m h is l ip s, s patt er in g agai ns t

his chin. “Rhyden, the Book...!"

R hy de n c ou ld s ee t he B oo k o f S ha do ws , l ay in g s pi ll ed a ga in st t he g ro un d a t t he v er y e dg e o f t he

anam' cl ad h' s p ro scen iu m o f f ai nt l ig ht . I t w as h eavi ly b ou nd i n g li tt er in g p lates o f g ol d, and r es ted w it h i ts

s pi ne t ur ned u pw ar ds , i ts p ar ch ment p ag es cru mp led b en eath i t.

" Do n ot . .. d o n ot l et t he m ke ep i t. .. ” T re ja er an s ai d. “ Ta ke i t, p le as e .. . Y ou m us t s ee i t d es tr oye d. I t

ca nnot reac h us now. I ... I am t he las t with t he gif t, and I saw t o that with ... the a nam'cl adh, but you ...

you m us t e nd i t, R hyde n. De st roy i t ... For it . .. i t wi ll tr y ye t. I t i s pa ti ent , i t wi ll w ai t... ” Hi s voi ce f ade d,

h is eyes f el l clo sed.

" Tr ejaeran— no , d o n ot l eav e m e, ” R hy den p leaded, w eepi ng . “No , b id ei n, p leas e . .. p leas e.. ."

T rejaer an o pened h is eyes o ne l as t t im e, f ix in g h is g aze u po n R hy den' s t hr ou gh t he d eb ri s, h ol di ng h im

f as t. “ Th e t rue me as ur e . .. of a ma n.. .” h e b re at he d. “ Li es i n h is he ar t, no t . .. not hi s d ee ds ."

"Bidein,” Rhyden whispered.

" Tell h im , R hy den, ” T rejaer an s ai d, s tari ng at R hy den, h ol di ng h is h an d. “He . .. h e can s ti ll cho os e. H e . ..

he is not ... c hos en. I t is he ... who c an c hoos e..."

" Wh o?” R hy den ask ed . “Tell m e, w ho , T rejaer an ?"

Trejaeran's eyelids drooped, his fingers relaxing against Rhyden's hand. His breath fluttered and fell still.

T he b lade o f t he anam' cl ad h, w hi ch h ad d im med t o n ear ext in ct io n, f ad ed abr up tl y and i n f ul l w it ho ut





Trejaeran's soul, his life force, to illuminate it, and Rhyden found himself plunged into darkness once

m or e. H e cri ed o ut , ang ui sh ed , s tr i ck en .

"Trejaeran!” he screamed, clutching at his friend's hand. “Trejaeran—no! No—le do thoil—no!"

H e t or e f rant ical ly at t he r ub bl e, w an ti ng d es perately t o crawl t o T rejaer an 's s id e. H is f in gert ip s b ru sh ed

a ga in st t he g il de d c ov er o f t he B oo k o f S ha do ws a nd h e d re w i t a ga in st h is b el ly , w ra pp in g h is a rm saround it, minding Trejaeran's words

T ak e i t, p le as e . .. Yo u mu st s ee i t de st ro ye d

H e h ad cur led alo ng si de T rejaer an w it h t he b oo k clu tched t o h is m id ri ff , h is b ro ken h eart and m in d

f ad in g. H e s lept f or h ou rs , d el ir io us w it h p ai n and g ri ef . H e d ream ed t hat h e h eard s om et hi ng s cr at ch in g i n

t he d ar kn es s, a f ai nt and f eebl e s cr ab bl in g, l ik e f in gert ip s again st s to ne. H e s ti rr ed w hen t he s ou nd s g rew

clo ser t o h is ear ; s om et hi ng o r s om eo ne crawl ed alo ng t he g ro un d b eh in d h im , s hu ff li ng i n l oo se d ir t and

f al le n g ra ve l. H e c oul d h ea r i ts b re at h, f er ve nt a nd r ag ge d, a nd h is e ye s f le w w id e. H e l is te ne d t o f ai nt ,

muffled patting sounds, like hands slapping lightly against the dirt, searching for something, and he drewt he B oo k clo ser t o h im , r eali zi ng .

i t i s L ah nd ur en

not dead after all ... alive somehow

he is looking for the Book

" It c an no t b e. .. ” R hy de n h ea rd L ah nd ur en 's v oi ce h is s i n t he d ar kn es s. “ Mu st b e h er e . .. i t m us t. .. "

He felt fingertips brush against his hair, fumbling against his shoulder, and Rhyden recoiled, scootingaway f ro m t he t ou ch . H e h ur ri ed b ack t hr ou gh h is h ol e, w ri gg li ng o nce m or e i nt o t he col laps ed t un nels

beyond the cramped chamber, dragging the book with him. He cracked his head mightily against tumbled

s to ne a s h e w en t, a nd t he e ff or t c au se d h is a nk le t o f la re w it h c ri pp li ng p ai n. R hy de n c ow er ed i n t he

darkness, his breath fluttering in his throat in soft, agonized mewls.

" Wh o i s t he re ?” h e h ea rd L ah nd ur en c al l o ut . H is v oi ce c au se d R hy de n t o p re ss h im se lf f ur th er b ac k

again st t he w al l, d ragg in g h is i nj ur ed l eg t hr ou gh t he d ir t. H e p ress ed h is l ip s t og et her t ig ht ly t o s ti fl e a

whimper of pain.

" Th e l it tl e p ri nc e i s d ea d, ” L ah nd ur en p ur re d. “ He i s d ea d . .. s o w ho a re y ou ?” H e h ad a pp ar en tl y k ne lto n t he cav er n f lo or and p eered t hr ou gh t he s mall o peni ng R hy den h ad d ug . R hy den cou ld h ear h is h an d

s cu tt li ng abo ut i n t he g ravel as h e t hr us t h is arm t hr ou gh , g ro pi ng b li nd ly , eag er ly , f or R hy den and t he

Book.

R hy den' s h an d s li pp ed f ro m t he B oo k, s li di ng s lo wl y again st h is h ip , r each in g f or t he h il t o f h is s wo rd . H e

pressed his shoulders against the wall and used his uninjured leg to brace himself as he raised his hips

f ro m t he g ro un d. H e h el d h is b re at h c au gh t f as t i n h is t hr oa t, h is e ye s w id e a s h e t ri ed t o s ta re t hr ou gh t he

d ar kn es s t ow ar d t he s ou nd s o f L ah nd ur en' s h an d m ov in g abo ut .

"Are you a little mouse, mayhap?” Lahnduren hissed.

R hy den cur led h is f in gers again st t he s wo rd h il t and b eg an t o s li de t he b lade s lo wl y, d el ib er at el y f ro m i ts

sheath.





" I h eard y ou w eepi ng f or h im ,” L ah nd ur en s ai d. “Su ch s weet , p it eo us s ou nd s. Y ou r g ri ef n earl y m ov ed

m e, l it tl e m ou se .” H is f in ge rs s cr ab bl ed i n t he l oo se d ir t a nd s to ne s n ea r R hy de n. “ Gi ve m e t he B oo k. I

know you ha ve it . Give i t t o me."

R hy den eas ed h is s wo rd f ro m i ts s cabb ar d w it ho ut a s ou nd and s hi ft ed t he h il t again st h is p al m, g ri pp in g

it lightly.

" Wh y d o y ou n ot s peak , l it tl e m ou se?” L ah nd ur en cal led g en tl y t o h im . “I w il l n ot h ur t y ou —b y m y

breath, I will not. Give me the Book, and I ... why, I shall leave you rightly be."

R hy de n c la sp ed t he h il t o f h is s wo rd b et we en h is h an ds a nd r ai se d i t o ve r h is h ea d.

" Gi ve m e t he B oo k, r ot y ou !” L ah nd ur en s hr ie ke d. “ Gi ve i t t o m e, y ou b as ta rd E lf , o r I w il l b re ak y ou

s lo wl y, m ea su re b y m ea su re , j us t t o h ea r y ou s cr ea m f or m y m er cy !"

Rhyden heard Lahnduren's hand fumbling, slapping against the dirt before him.

" Gi ve m e t he B oo k! ” L ah nd ur en cri ed again .

" Co me a nd c la im i t, y ou b as ta rd ,” R hy de n h is se d, a nd h e s wu ng t he b la de d ow n i n a s wi ft , s ud de n b lo w.

T he s wo rd s tr ik e h ad f ou nd i ts m ar k, s ev er in g L ah nd ur en 's h an d and w ri st f ro m h is arm , s en di ng h im

s cr eech in g, r ecoi li ng b ey on d t he w al l o f r ub bl e b ack i nt o t he d ar kn es s. H is s hr ieks h ad r ip ped t hr ou gh

the tight confines of the crumbling tunnels, reverberating for miles beneath the earth.

R hy den' s ank le h ad h ealed, t ho ug h h e h ad w al ked w it h a p ro no un ced l im p f or m an y l on g y ears . H is

m in d h ad als o h ealed, and w it hi n t he l as t f if teen y ears , h is n ig ht mares o f L ah nd ur en r each in g f or h im ,w hi sp er in g t o h im i n t he d ar kn es s, h ad f ad ed i nt o r el at iv e i nf requ en cy . H is h eart , h ow ev er , s ti ll b or e s cars

f ro m t hat d ay , and i t s ti ll g ri ev ed h im i mm en sely t o t hi nk o f T rejaer an , t o r em em ber h is w or ds .

T ak e i t, p le as e . .. Yo u mu st s ee i t de st ro ye d

R hy den h ad b eg ged h is f at her t o s ee h is p ro mi se t o T rejaer an f ul fi ll ed , and E is os h ad o ff er ed R hy den h is

s ol em n wo rd t ha t i t w oul d b e. T he B oo k of S ha do ws ha d b ee n e nt ru st ed t o K ie rk en , a nd f or t he b et te r

part of the next ten years, Rhyden had believed that Eisos and the King had done as he had asked of

t he m, a s T re ja er an ha d b egg ed: t he y h ad s ee n t he B ook d es tr oy ed. H e ha d l ea rne d of t he B oo k' s

presence at Belgaeran—whole and unscathed—quite by accident, and had left the royal city feeling bewildered and deeply wounded by this seeming betrayal.

H e b la me d h im se lf . T re ja er an h ad a sk ed h im t o d es tr oy t he b oo k, a nd h e h ad t ak en K ie rk en a nd E is os

a t t he ir w or ds w he n t he y h ad p ro mi se d t o s ee i t b ur ne d. R hy de n h ad n ev er f or gi ve n E is os f or t hi s c ru el

a nd h ur tf ul d ec ei t, a nd t o t ha t d ay , h e m ai nt ai ne d a m ea su re o f c oo l r eg ar d a nd a d is ta nc e i n h is h ea rt

t ow ar d E is os t ha t f ar s ur pa ss ed a ny e xp an se o f l an d o r s ea t ha t m ig ht h av e c om e b et we en t he m.

" By my boot he el s, i t i s you,” he he ar d a voi ce exc la im i n bol d proxi mit y t o hi s e ar . He f el t a ha nd s et tle

a ga in st h is h ai r, c au gh t i n a t hi ck, l eng th y t ai l f as te ne d a t t he n ap e o f h is n ec k, a nd R hy de n j er ke d, s ta rt le d

f ro m h is t ho ugh ts , a s t he h an d ga ve t he s he af a qu ic k, pl ayf ul t ug . “ I w oul d r ec og ni ze t he m ea sur e o f t hi s

mangy horse mane sprouting from your head anywhere!"

Rhyden turned, shrugging his shoulder to dislodge the offending fingers from his hair and blinked in





surprise at the young Gaeilge standing behind him. The Elf was tall and strikingly handsome, with

s ho rt -cr op ped r us set t h ai r and t he d ap per v es tm en ts o f a w eal th y n ob leman. H e g ri nn ed b ro ad ly at

R hy den, h is b ro wn eyes f lo wn w id e w it h app ar en t d el ig ht .

" Bean nach t, T aemi r, ” R hy den s ai d t o h im , t ry in g h is b es t n ot t o l oo k agg ravated as h e s watt ed l en gt hs o f

h ai r b ack o ver h is s ho ul der.

T he y ou ng n ob leman b li nk ed at R hy den. “Bean nach t?” h e ask ed , l au gh in g. “Th at i s all y ou h av e f or m e?

I d o n ot s ee y ou f or f iv e y ea rs —o nl y a n o cc as io na l l et te r l et s m e k no w y ou s ti ll d ra w b re at h— an d j us t

t hi s v er y m or ro w, m y l ad y C ei so n o f t he r oy al c ou rt a sk s m e h ow I h av e e nj oy ed s ee in g m y b ro th er o nc e

m or e d ur in g h is v is it ! Y ou a re a r ot te d, b lo od y y ob , R hy de n F ab hc un , t ha t y ou w ou ld b e a w ee k i n

B el gaer an and n ot l et m e k no w! "

W it h t hi s d eclared, T aemi r F ab hcun , R hy den' s y ou ng er b ro th er , clasp ed h is arm s abo ut R hy den' s

shoulders, embracing him fiercely.

R hy den s ti ff en ed r ef lexi vely . “I h av e n ot b een h er e a w eek, ” h e s ai d as T aemi r p ul led away, b eami ng .W he n T ae mi r t ri ed t o c up h is h an ds a ga in st R hy de n' s c he ek s, h e d uc ke d h is h ea d. “ I h av e o nl y b ee n h er e

t wo d ay s— sc ar ce ly t im e t o u np ac k, T ae mi r, m uc h l es s p ay a ny s or t o f c or di al c al l. ” T ae mi r t ri ed a ga in t o

t ou ch h is f ace and R hy den d ucked, f ro wn in g. “Mu st y ou i ns is t o n l ay in g y ou r h an ds o n m e? S to p,

T aemi r, y ou k no w I d is li ke t hat. "

" I m us t i ns is t, i nde ed , R hy de n, i f on ly t o p ro ve y ou a re r ea l! ” T ae mi r e xc la im ed . H e t ur ne d t o a c lu st er o f

s ev er al y ou ng n ob lemen and l ad ies b ey on d h is s ho ul der, o bv io us ly a g ro up o f h is f ri en ds . “I t ol d y ou , i t i s

h im ! M y l on g- lo st b ro th er ! Y ou o we m e a p in t, D ae mu s, y ou b as ta rd r ot !"

" I am n ot s o l os t, ” R hy den s ai d, f eeli ng d is ti nctl y u ncom fo rt ab le b en eath t he s cr ut in y o f t he y ou ng

cou rt iers . T hey k new h im , o f cou rs e— by n am e, i f n ot b y f ace— fr om t heir h is to ry l es so ns , t he l eg en dsa nd l or e o f t he F ir st a nd S ec ond Sha do w W ar s, a nd t he y s ta re d a t hi m i n c ol le ct iv e a we .

T aemi r s eemed o bl iv io us t o t heir g aw ki ng and l oo ked b ack at R hy den, s ti ll g ri nn in g t o r iv e h is cheek s.

H e a do re d R hy de n; h e h ad a lw ay s h el d h is o ld er b ro th er i n a du lt at in g r eg ar d, a f ac t w hi ch r em ai ne d

puzzling and somewhat disconcerting to Rhyden. They were separated by sixteen years in age—far too

m uc h t im e f or R hy de n t o h ave e ve r f el t m uc h i n c omm on w it h Ta em ir . He l ove d h is br ot he r d ea rl y, b ut

T aemi r r em ai ned n ow m uch as h e ever h ad : a f on d b ut u nf am il iar s tr an ger t o R hy den.

" No , y ou a re f ou nd o nc e m or e, ” T ae mi r s ai d, a nd h e e mb ra ce d R hy de n a ga in , d es pi te R hy de n' s b es t

e ff or ts t o s hy a wa y.

T went y- year o ld T aemi r w as i n r es id en cy w it h t he d ramati c l au reat e' s p ro gr am at t he R oy al A rt s

C on serv at or y. H e h ad p en ned m an y p lays , eleven o f w hi ch h ad b een p ro du ced at s um mer s to ck s w it hi n

B el ga er an i n t he p as t y ea rs . H e w ro te n ov el s, s on gs , a nd p oe tr y, s er ve d a s f re qu en t g ue st l ec tu re r o n

literature and writing at the Belgaeran University, was an accomplished violinist, harpischordist, and

f lu ti st , d ab bl ed i n s tain ed g lass , and p ai nt ed l an ds capes i n h is l ei su re t im e. H e w as t al en ted, w ealt hy ,

f ree- sp ir it ed , and ent hu si as ti call y l ib er at ed . H e w as as o ut go in g as R hy den w as w it hd rawn ; as eag er ly

ext r ov er t ed as R hy den w as r eser ved .

" Oh , i t i s g oo d t o s ee y ou ,” T ae mi r e xc la im ed . “ Wh er e a re y ou s ta yi ng ? I t d oe s n ot m at te r. M y c oa ch i s

just ‘round the way, parked on Cognall Street. Come with me, let us go fetch your things. I have a

m ar velo us r oo ft op f lat o n Y or qu e, o verl oo ki ng t he l ak e v is ta—p lent y o f s pace, a d il ig en t s teward , a

s pl en di d coo k, and eno ug h b ri magu e t o p ickl e a p ri zed s ow ."





" Taem ir , g o r ai mh m ai th agat, t hat i s g raci ou s, b ut I am p lent y com fo rt ab le at t he p al ace— "

" I w il l n ot t ak e n o f or a n a ns we r, ” T ae mi r d ec la re d.

A s t he t wo w al ked alo ng , T aemi r chatt er ed h ap pi ly at h im , t id in gs o f t heir m ot her, f at her, and t en -y ear

o ld s is te r, R ei nn ea n. “ Yo u a re s ta yi ng f or t he S am hr ad h, a re y ou n ot ?” h e a sk ed .

" Yes, I h av e j us t arr iv ed ear ly ,” R hy den r ep li ed , n ot w is hi ng t o d is cu ss at any l en gt h o r m easu re h is

business in Tiralainn with his brother.

" Sp lend id , t hen! M ot her, F at her, and R ei nn ean w il l b e h er e t om or ro w f or n ex t w eek' s S am hr ad h

festivities,” Taemir said.

"Splendid indeed,” Rhyden muttered, his eyes rolling.

" Mo th er w il l s o p leas ed t o s ee y ou . S he w il l l ik el y k eel o ver w it h s ur pr is e and d el ig ht ,” T aemi r s ai d.“An d R ei nn ean . .. I n h er r eg ar d, R hy den, y ou h av e n earl y f as hi on ed t he m oo n. S he w il l n ot l ik el y t ur n

y ou l oo se f ro m h er g ra sp o nc e s he h as c au gh t h ol d o f y ou— yo u m ay be s tu ck he re i n T ir al ai nn y et ."

" Rein nean d oes n ot even k no w m e, ” R hy den s ai d.

" Of cou rs e s he k no ws y ou ,” T aemi r s ai d, b li nk in g i n s ur pr is e. “Yo u are h er b ro th er . H er f av or it e

brother, may I add, or so she is quick to point out to me.” He reached out, meaning to jab Rhyden

playfully in the shoulder, and looked wounded when Rhyden deliberately recoiled. “Why do you keep

doing that?"

"Doing what?"

" Pu ll in g away as t ho ug h y ou can no t b ear f or s om eo ne t o t ou ch y ou ."

" I do n ot k now ,” R hyde n s ai d. “ I j us t d o. "

He had long since stopped trying to understand—much less explain—his idiosyncrasies about the

r el at iv el y s im pl e m at ter o f p er so nal con tact . H e cou ld n ot even r em em ber w hen t hey h ad com e i nt o b ei ng

w it hi n h is n at ur e, p re ci se ly , s av e t ha t i t w as s om et im e s ho rt ly a ft er t he e nd o f t he S ec on d W ar . H e

i magi ned i t h ad s om et hi ng t o d o w it h w hat h ad h ap pened i n t he cav e, L ah nd ur en r each in g f or h im i n t he

d ar kn es s, g ro pi ng t hr ou gh t he n ar ro w o peni ng i n t he cru mb led w al l. H e t ol er at ed n eces sary p hy si cal protocol on business matters, but away from his ambassadorial duties, Rhyden tended to his isolation in

physical proximity every bit as diligently as within his heart and mind. He could help it not; Rhyden simply

d id n ot l ik e f or a ny one t o t ou ch h im .

" Pl ea se do not do t ha t. Do no t r ec oi l f rom M ot he r,” Ta emi r s ai d. “ It w oul d b re ak he r i f you di d,

R hy den. ” H e l oo ked at R hy den and r ai sed a t ho ug ht fu l b ro w. “Here, b ef or e w e col lect y ou r t hi ng s, l et

m e t ake you t o m y ba rbe r a nd ha ve him c ut l oos e t ha t ma ngy s ha nk of woo l fr om your pa te ."

" Wh at i s w ro ng w it h m y h ai r?” R hy den ask ed , g lancin g at h im .

T ae mi r l au gh ed . “ No th in g, e xc ep t i t h an gs d ow n t o y ou r b ut to ck s, ” h e s ai d. “ No o ne w ea rs t he ir h ai r

t hat l on g any mo re, n ot even t he D on nag' cr an n. W e cou ld o rd er a w ig f or y ou , s om et hi ng p ow dered

and—"





" Why in the Bit h woul d I c le ave off my hai r onl y t o c lap a wi g on my he ad?” Rhyde n a ske d. “I li ke my

hai r, Ta emi r. I do not wi sh to c ut i t. "

" Ju st a b it o f t ri m, t hen, ” T aemi r m ur mu red, l ay in g h is h an d again st R hy den' s s heaf o f h ai r, g ri pp in g i t

lightly at the point where it fell against his shoulders, as though visualizing such a difference in the length.

" No , T aemi r, ” R hy den g ro wl ed , s watt in g at h is h an d, s hr ug gi ng away f ro m h is g rasp . H e s ho ok h is h ead

and g lo wered s ul lenl y. “I am r em ai ni ng at t he p al ace. T hi s w as a d read fu l i dea. "

" No , y ou are n ot . Y ou are s tayi ng w it h m e, ” T aemi r t ol d h im , b eami ng . “It w il l b e s pl en di d, R hy den,

truly. Wait, you will see."

" I a m go in g t o l ive t o r ue t hi s, ” R hy de n m ut te re d.

"Likely, yes, but not with certainty,” Taemir replied, laughing once more.

Rhyden managed to rouse himself before sunrise the next morning, dressing by lamplight and stealing

f ro m T aemi r' s f lat l ik e an err an t l ov er l eavi ng h is m is tr es s. H e f el t s om ew hat ash am ed o f h is

surreptitiousness, because his parents arrived in Belgaeran that morning, and he felt fairly certain that

T aemi r, i n h is o verzealo us asp ir at io ns t o s ee i ll -w il l p ut t o r es t, w ou ld h av e f or ced s om e m an ner o f s ocial

n icet ies f or t hem all . T aemi r m eant n o h ar m, b ut R hy den d id n ot f eel l ik e h um or in g h im , n or d id h e

particularly relish the idea of seeing his parents again—particularly his father, Eisos.

N o l on ger a g uest o f K ierk en , R hy den p resent ed h is d el eg at or y i dent if icat io n t o t he g uard s at t he

palace's main gate. They let him pass, and he made his way across the grand foyer. The palace was astir;

t he S am hr ad h f es ti val' s o peni ng event s w er e o nl y t hr ee d ay s away, and i t s eemed every s er vant , v al et ,

and h an dm ai d s cu rr ied abo ut , d ecor at in g and clean in g i n ant icip at io n o f t he t hr on gs o f r oy al g uest s.

Q yn h' s chamb er w as g uard ed b y a s ol it ar y s ol di er , a m an n am ed E ud av w ho r ecog ni zed R hy den f ro m

h is p re vi ou s a tt em pt s o ve r t he p re ce di ng d ay s t o b eg a ud ie nc e w it h t he Q ue en .

" Yo u a re u p e ar ly t hi s m or ro w, m y l or d, ” E ud av s ai d, w it h a c or di al n od o f g re et in g t o R hy de n.

" Ma y I k no ck ?” R hy de n a sk ed .

" As y ou w is h, ” E ud av s ai d w it h a s hr ug a s h e s te pp ed a si de .

R hy den r ap ped again st Q yn h' s d oo r, w hi ch o pened a crack. “Go od m or r ow , m y L ad y G rael l e, ” R hy den

s ai d, p ress in g h is f is t again st t he l ap el o f h is j us ti co at and l ow er in g h is h ead p ol it el y t o t he h an dm ai d. “I

w as h op in g t o s ee t he Q ue en ."

G ra el le 's b ro ws l if te d a nd s he c an te d h er h ea d a t a s li gh t, s ym pa th et ic a ng le . “ Go od m or ro w, L or d

F ab hc un ,” s he s ai d. “ I a m s or ry , b ut t ha t i s n ot p os si bl e. "

" Le d o t ho il , I be g, m y l ad y, ” R hy de n s ai d a ga in . “ Pl ea se , j us t a m om en t. S ur el y Q ynh w ou ld n ot m in d

such a brief interruption."

" I a m s or ry , L or d F ab hc un ,” G ra el le s ai d a ga in , s te pp in g b ac k a nd b eg in ni ng t o c lo se t he d oo r, h er

e xp re ss io n s he ep is h a nd r em or se fu l. “ I . .. I c an no t g ra nt y ou e nt ry . I h av e m y i ns tr uc ti on s. S he h as n ot

been well of late. She takes audience with no one save His Majesty the King or His Grace, Lord





Peildraigh."

S he c lo se d t he d oo r a nd R hy de n s to od t he re , s ta ri ng a t t he w oo d, d is ma ye d.

"Good effort, my lord,” Eudav commended affably.

R hy den s ig hed, p ress in g h is p al m l ig ht ly again st t he d oo r, as t ho ug h h e h op ed t o s om eh ow r each t hr ou ght he w oo d a nd t ou ch Q yn h.

" If i t we re mi ne to de ci de , you c oul d s ee he r, m y l or d, ” Euda v s ai d.

R hy den g lanced at h im and s mi led s li gh tl y and w it ho ut cheer . “Many t hank s f or t hat, E ud av ."

H e h ad ant icip at ed p ri vate cou ns el w it h K ierk en t hat m or ro w. H e w as s ur pr is ed t o f in d t he k in g w ai ti ng

for him in the company of the Easpag'Ard, Lleuwyn Peildraigh.

"Maidin mhaith, Rhyden,” Kierken said.Good morning. He cradled a cup of tea in one hand ands tepp ed f or ward , app ro achi ng t he y ou ng er E lf , h is f ree h an d ext en ded i n p ol it e g reet in g.

R hy de n a cc ep te d t he c us to ma ry g ri p b y f or ce o f h ab it , n ot p re fe re nc e. “ Go od m or ro w, m y l or ds ,” h e

s ai d. “Wi ll N ei sr od and L ad y I sb aenn a b e j oi ni ng u s?"

" Neis ro d h as l ef t u s f or I ar nr od o nce m or e, ” L leuw yn s ai d, and R hy den b li nk ed at h im , s tart led.

" Wh at ?” h e ask ed , t ur ni ng t o K ierk en . “Wh en w as t hi s?"

" Yest er day, m y l or d, ” L leuw yn s ai d. “It s eems s om e m at ters o f i mp or t w it hi n h is t er ri to ry r eq ui red h is

r et ur n. H e l ef t h is a ss ur an ce s h e w ou ld b e b ac k f or t he m ha s' co r. "

R hy de n d id n ot l oo k a t L le uw yn , k ee pi ng h is g az e f ix ed o n K ie rk en . N ei sr od h ad n ot l ef t f or o th er

i mp or ta nt m at te rs i n I ar nr od . H e h ad l ef t b ec au se h e w as a ng ry w it h K ie rk en ; a ng ry a nd d is ap po in te d a t

h is d ecis io n t o t ry and claim t he S hado w T al is mans .

" He w il l be ba ck , Rhyd en, ” K ie rke n s ai d. “ He s ta nds wi th us . D o n ot w or ry ove r t ha t. H e g ave me hi s

s ol em n w or d b ef or e h e t oo k h is l ea ve ."

N ei sr od o ff er e d w or ds t o s pa re y ou r f r ie nd sh ip ,Rhyden thought with a frown. He does not agree

with your plans, and would not partake in them if he did not love you so dearly.

" I w ou ld h av e s ou gh t t hi s o pp or tu ni ty t o s peak w it h y ou i n p ri vate, any way, R hy den, ” K ierk en s ai d.

“ Ev en i f N ei sr od w er e h er e, I w ou ld b es ee ch a m an ne r o f a id o nl y y ou c an p ro vi de u s, m o' ca ra ."

Rhyden glanced uncertainly toward Lleuwyn, holding his tongue against the observation that if the king

sought private counsel, mayhap his Easpag'Ard ought to take leave. He felt distinctly uncomfortable

a bo ut N ei sr od 's a bs en ce . R hy de n h ad b ee n b or n t o T ir al ai nn , a G ae il ge E lf j us t a s K ie rk en , b ut i n h is

c ap ac it ie s a s d el eg at e a nd a mb as sa do r, h e s er ve d b ot h k in gs , K ie rk en a nd N ei sr od , i n e qu al r eg ar d.

Neisrod might not have taken such abrupt leave of Belgaeran had Kierken not apparently kept this

m eeti ng f ro m t he A bh acan k in g' s k no wl ed ge. T hi s t ro ub led R hy den, b ecau se h e r eali zed t hat b y

deliberately excluding Neisrod, Kierken might test the boundaries of their friendship by asking something

o f h im t hat w ou ld b et ray t he A bh acan l iege.





" I w il l d o m y b es t, m y l or d, ” R hyd en t ol d K ie rke n, l oo ki ng a t h im w ar il y. “ Wh at ev er y ou bi d of m e, I

woul d s ee do ne , if I a m a bl e. "

" Sp lend id , t hen, ” K ierk en s ai d w it h a s mi le. “Pl ease m ak e y ou rs el f com fo rt ab le. W ou ld y ou car e f or a

s po t o f t ea ?"

"No, go raimh maith agat , ” R hy den r ep li ed , w at ch in g as K ier ken w al ked o ver t o a com fo rt abl el eat her -u ph ol s ter ed s eat b ef or e h is f i rep lace and t oo k a s eat .Thank you. T hr ee s uc h c ha ir s h ad b ee n

g at hered abo ut t he h eart h; as K ierk en s et tl ed i nt o o ne, L leuw yn s at i n ano th er acr os s f ro m h im , clear ly

leaving the chair in the middle open for Rhyden in unspoken invitation.

R hy den d id n ot i mm ed iately m ov e f or t he s eat. H e h ad ent er ed eno ug h n eg ot iati on s es si on s w it hi n h is

l if et im e t o r eali ze t hat m easu res m eant t o o ff er com fo rt and eas e i n s uch cir cu ms tances w er e g en er al ly

misleading.

" Ll eu wy n h as com e i nt o s om e g ri m t id in gs w it hi n t he l as t d ay ,” K ierk en s ai d. “News p er tain in g t o t he

S ha do w S to ne 's t he ft a nd t he B oo k o f S ha do w. H av e y ou h ea rd o f t hi s b an d o f t hi ev es i n t he m id re al m,the Gentlemen Highwaymen?"

"Yes, my lord,” Rhyden replied, caught momentarily off guard by this seeming change in conversational

cou rs e. “I h av e h eard s om ew hat o f t hem s in ce m y arr iv al ."

" Ll eu wy n h as b een g iv en r easo n t o b el ieve t hat t hi s t ri o o f h ig hw ay men are i n l eagu e w it h L ah nd ur en ,”

K ie rk en s ai d. “ Th at t he ir e xp lo it s a re e ff or ts t o f un d a n a rm y f or h is f el l e nd ea vo rs , a nd t ha t t he y a re

r es po ns ib le f or t he t heft o f t he S to ne f ro m I ar nr od ."

R hy de n b li nk ed a t h im , a rc hi ng h is b ro w. H e s pa re d a g la nc e a t L le uw yn a nd t he n m et K ie rk en 's g az e.

“My l or d, ” h e s ai d. “It s eems u nl ik el y t o m e t hat t hese f el lo ws , t hese H ig hw ay men, m ig ht k eepallegiances to Lahnduren. They have shown little violent disregard during their robberies. Just the

opposite, my lord."

" Rh yd en , L leuw yn h ad o ccas io n t o m eet w it h o ne o f h is b io cair es n am ed C al id or e I nead an , w ho

exp ress ed h is s us pi ci on s as t o t he i dent it ies o f t he H ig hw ay men, ” K ierk en s ai d. “Bi ocai re I nead an

believes that they are of noble descent, at least two among their numbers—Lords Eabhiros and Kaevir

M ac le od . H e h op es t o g at he r s uf fi ci en t e no ug h e vi de nc e t o s ee t he m a rr es te d w he n t he y a tt en d t he

S am hr ad h m has' co r, w hi ch , b y o ur i nv it at io ns , t hey i nt en d t o d o. L leuw yn i s con cern ed t hat s ho ul d t hey

prove allies to Lahnduren, aiding in his efforts to claim the Book and raise an army against my rule,

L ah nd ur en w il l n ot c om e a s w e h ad h op ed t o t he b al l. "

" Su ch r is k o n L ah nd ur en 's p ar t w oul d b e u nw ar ra nt ed i f h is m in io ns a re h er e t o s te al t he B oo k i n h is

stead,” Lleuwyn said.

" We n eed s om e o th er m eans o f ass ur an ce t hat L ah nd ur en w il l com e h im self ,” K ierk en s ai d. “It i s t he

only hope we have of catching him—stopping him, Rhyden—and of claiming the Stone from his

possession."

R hy de n w as q ui et f or a l on g m om en t. “ Su ch c on ce rn s w oul d s ee m f ai rl y d ue , m y l or d, ” h e a dm it te d a t

length.

" If L ah nd ur en r eali zes t hat y ou are i n T ir al ai nn o nce m or e, L or d F ab hcun ,” L leuw yn s ai d. “Th at y ou w il l

be in attendance at the Samhradh mhas'cor, surely this will be the enticement we need to guarantee his







Claim me...

K aevi r s lept l yi ng o n h is b ack again st t he f lo or o f E ab hi ro s’ car ri ag e. T hey h ad t raveled t he d ay t hr ou gh ,

l eavi ng S io ch an ta b ef or e t he f ir st l ig ht o f t he n ew m or ro w. I t w as t he o peni ng n ig ht o f t he S am hr ad h

f es ti vi ti es i n B el gaer an ; t he m as ked b al l w as o nl y d ay s away and t heir f in al r ob bery , t heir ass au lt again st

L ad y G ur van, t he w ealt hi es t w om an i n t he m id real m, w ou ld b e u nd er way i n o nl y h ou rs .

I am waiting for you

H e d re am ed t he g ol d c of fe r s at b ef or e h im , i ts g il de d l id o pe n. K ae vi r r ea li ze d n ow w ha t i t c on ta in ed ;

t he m ys te ri ou s t re as ur e t ha t b ec ko ne d h im w it h s uc h u rg en cy . H e k ne w, b ec au se h e c ra dl ed i t i n h is

h an ds , o r r at he r, h e c ra dl ed t he o pe n a ir s ur ro un di ng i t a ga in st t he c up s o f h is p al ms .

I t w as a s to ne , a b ea ut if ul , f la wl es s, s ph er ic al s to ne a s b la ck a s m id ni gh t i n m id wi nt er , a s g lo ss y a nd

polished as a well-tended mirror. No bigger than an autumn baking apple in circumference, this black

orb, this enigmatic, breathtaking stone hovered in midair, suspended between his hands, spinning slowly

before his heart. Moonlight winked off of its lustrous surface as over and over again the sphere rotatedthrough the air, mesmerizing him.

" Ho ah .. .” K ae vi r b re at he d a ga in a s h e w at ch ed t he b la ck s to ne d an ce b et we en h is h an ds . H e f el t t he

w in d w hi p s ud denl y, v io lent ly t hr ou gh h is h ai r, and as h e w at ch ed i n h el pl es s w on der, t hi ck clo ud s

s wi rl ed acr os s t he s ky . T hey m ov ed as s mo ke s ti rr ed b y r es tl es s, i mp er at iv e f in gert ip s, b lo wn b y t he

w in d f ro m o ne cor ner o f t he h or izon t o t he o th er , eng ul fi ng t he m oo n, s wall ow in g i t w ho le.

"Kaevir?"

I give you the wind, t he v oi ce b eck on ed .C om e t o me . Y ou a re c hos en .

" Kaev ir ,” E ab hi ro s s aid , and w hen h e r each ed d ow n, w rapp in g h is h an d agai ns t K aevi r' s s leev e, K aevi r

jerked, sucking in a hissing, startled gasp for breath as his eyes flew open and he awoke.

" Wh at —?” h e cr oaked. H e s at u pr ig ht , d is or ient ed and b ew il dered, b li nk in g i n t he d ar kn es s, s ur pr is ed

and s om ew hat d is mayed t o f in d h im self i n t he car ri ag e. H e b li nk ed u p at h is cou si n, w ho l eaned t hr ou gh

t he c oa ch d oo rw ay , h is e ye br ow a rc he d, h is m ou th h oo ke d i n a w ry s mi le .

"Eabhiros?” Kaevir asked, his voice tremulous with confusion.

" No , i t i s K ie rk en , t he K in g, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “ Ti me t o r is e, K ae vi r. T he s un h as a lr ea dy s et ."

"What?” Kaevir asked, looking all about him, utterly confounded. It was twilight, nearly nightfall. He

f rown ed, s hov ing pa st Ea bhi ros a s h e c ra wl ed f rom t he c oa ch. “ Wh y di d yo u n ot wa ke me ? N ow I ha ve

t o s et t he be aut y i n t he da rk. "

T he s tr et ch o f T ul ly ness le h ig hw ay t hey w ai ted alo ng w as f ramed i n p in e f or es ts ; i n t he d is tance t o h is

r ig ht , s il ho ue tt ed i n t he s ha do ws o f t re e b ou gh s, K ae vi r c ou ld m ak e o ut t he d im s ha pe o f a b ui ld in g, a

small, vacant church.

" Wh at are y ou t al ki ng abo ut ?” E is ean ask ed , f ro wn in g. H e f ol lo wed K aevi r, t ug gi ng at h is w ai st co at ,

s et tl in g t he h em i nt o p la ce o ve r h is b re ec he s. “ Al l i s r ea dy . Y ou s ai d s o y ou rs el f b ef or e y ou w en t t o

s tr et ch o ut . Y ou h ad t he f us el in e f in is he d a n h ou r a go a t l ea st ."





K ae vi r k ne lt i n t he m iddl e o f t he r oa d, s ta ri ng down a t a r ea di ed bl ue b ea ut y. He ha d in de ed r un a l engt h

o f f us e o ut f ro m t he r oa d' s s ho ul de r, f ro m b eh in d a c lu st er o f b ra mb le d b us he s t ow ar d t he s he ll . T he l in e

h ad b ee n t wi st ed a nd f as te ne d i nt o p la ce a ga in st t he b lu e b ea ut y' s t ai l f us e, a nd K ae vi r b li nk ed a t i t,

bewildered by his lack of recall in completing such a task.

" I am t ir ed , t hat i s all ,” h e w hi sp er ed , b ru sh in g h is f in gert ip s again st t he s hell 's o ut er p ap er w rapp in g. H e

h ad a pp ar en tl y g on e t o s om e t ro ub le t o c am ou fl ag e t he b lu e b ea ut y i n t he r oa dw ay b y s co op in g d ir t,d ri ed l ea ve s a nd b ro wn p in e n ee dl es a bo ut i t, l ik el y i n f ea r t ha t t he d us k' s s ha do ws a nd f ad in g g lo w

woul d not ke ep i t hi dd en f ro m t he vi ew of a n e nc roa chi ng c ar ri age . “ I .. . I a m j us t t ir ed, a nd i t ha s a ddl ed

me."

A ll a t o nc e, K ae vi r f el t a s ha rp , i cy b re ez e s hi ve r t hr ou gh h im , r us tl ing hi s h ai r, a nd h is h ea d s na pp ed u p,

h is eyes f ly in g w id e. A s t he w in d s li ced t hr ou gh h is clo th es , h is f lesh , d el vi ng i nt o h is v er y h eart , h e h eard

the voice within his mind

the voice of the stone ... my stone

whispering to him, beckoning

c la im m e

" Ho of beat s! ” E ab hi ro s h is sed, f reezin g i n p lace, h is f ace t ur ned n or th ward alo ng t he r oad. K aevi r cou ld

he ar i t now; the w ind w as gone —if i t ha d e ve r be en t he re at a ll , a nd not j ust i n hi s mi nd—a nd he c oul d

hear the distant, distinctive clopping of approaching hooves.

" Lady G ur van i s com in g, ” E is ean w hi sp er ed , h is b oo ts alr eady i n m ot io n as h e b ackp ed al ed t ow ar d t he

s ho ul der o f t he r oad. H is g lo ved h an d f el l again st t he h il t o f h is d ag ger, h is f in gers cur li ng again st i t.

T he s to ne i s c om in g,K aevi r t ho ug ht , h is h eart r acin g i n s ud den, eag er anx iety .

my stone

" Kaev ir , g et o ff o f t he b lo od y r oad! ” E ab hi ro s w hi sp er ed , f ol lo wi ng E is ean, h is f eet s cr am bl in g i n t he s of t

d ir t o f t he h ig hw ay . H e j er ke d t he f ol ds o f s il k d ra pe d a bo ut h is n ec k t ow ar d h is m ou th , h is n os e. “ Fo r

t he G oo d M ot he r' s s ak e, p ut y ou r d am ne d s ca rf o n! "

H is v oi ce, i mp er at iv e and s om ew hat f rant ic, g al vani zed K aevi r, and h e s cu tt led b ack, m ov in g t o t he

o pp os it e s id e o f t he r oa d, f ol lo wi ng t he l in e o f f us e h e h ad l ai d o ut . A s h e m ov ed , h e d ip pe d h is h an d i nt ohi s j us ti co at po cke t, f ind ing hi s f li nt s. H e m ade n o e ff or t t o t ug hi s s ca rf i nt o pl ac e; hi s m ind w as

e ls ew he re , a nd t he di sc ov er y of h is i de nt it y d id n ot t ro ubl e h im a ll a t o nc e.

C o m e t o m e

Claim me

Y ou a re c ho se n

K aevi r h un kered amo ng t he b us hes, h is b reat h s ti ll ed , t he f li nt s p in ch ed b et ween h is f in gers . H e s qu in ted

a cr os s t he r oa dw ay , b ut c ou ld n ot s ee E ab hi ro s o r E is ea n; t he y b ot h c ro uc he d a mo ng t he b ra mb le s,

silhouettes cloaked in shadows.





T he s ou nd o f t he h oo ve s g re w l ou de r a nd h e c ou ld h ea r t he c ar ri ag e r at tl in g o n i ts s tr ut s, i ts w he el s

c la tt er in g a s i t b ou nc ed a lo ng a t a br is k a nd u rg en t c li p. T he h am me ri ng m ea su re o f h is o wn p ul se

t hr ob bi ng i n h is ear s g rew l ou der, as w el l; h e cou ld f eel i ts anx io us r hy th m t hu nd er in g w it hi n t he con fi nes

o f h is s ku ll , and t he v oi ce o f t he s to ne i n h is m in d clamo red m or e p er si st en tl y.

C ome t o m e! C lai m me —y ou ar e c hos en! Cl ai m wh at i t y our s!

" I w il l, ” K ae vi r s ai d. H e s tr uc k t he f li nt s t og et he r; p in po in ts o f e mb er s d an ce d i n t he a ir , a nd a ga in h e

s tr uck t hem, d rawi ng f ir e again st t he f us e.

T he f la me s r ac ed a lon g t he l ine t owa rd t he c en te r o f t he r oa d, t ow ar d t he b lue b ea ut y, a nd a bo ve t he

h is si ng o f s mo ld er in g b lack p ow der, K aevi r h eard t he car ri ag e com e u po n t hem. T here w as a f leet in g

m om en t— no m or e t han a b reat h i n f ul l— wh en h e h eard t he h oo fb eats f al ter, t he l eath er s tr ap s j an gl e

a ga in st i ro n h ar ne ss r ig gi ng s, a s t he d ri ve r, a la rm ed b y t he s ig ht o f f ir e i n t he r oa d, d re w b ac k a ga in st t he

r ei ns . T he j oi st s o f t he car ri ag e w heel s g ro an ed l ou dl y as i t s lo wed, and t hen t he s hell exp lo ded, s en di ng

a r es ou nd in g, t hu nd er ou s b oo m ech oi ng f ro m o ne cor ner o f t he f or es t- li ned h or izon t o t he o th er . T he

blast of blue light was brilliant and dazzling, and a tremendous, pelting cloud of dirt and rocks sprayed inall directions.

K aevi r t hr ew h is arm t ow ar d h is h ead, d ucki ng as t he d eb ri s s ho wered h im , s ti ng in g again st h is s ki n,

s la pp in g a ga in st h is c oa t. T he h or se s cr ea me d a nd r ea re d o nt o i ts h in d l eg s, p aw in g d es pe ra te ly a t t he

o pen air w it h i ts f ro nt h oo ves.

M y s t on e!K ae vi r w an te d t o s hr ie k, a nd h e b ol te d h ee dl es sl y f ro m h is h id in g p la ce o ut o nt o t he r oa d, h is

boot soles scrabbling for purchase in the loose dirt and gravel, nearly spilling out from beneath him. Over

t he h or se's s hr il l w hi nn ies, and t he coach man' s l ou d, s tart led com mand s o f “Wh oa!” t o t he n ag , K aevi r

c ou ld h ea r t he r ap id p at te r o f E ab hi ro s’ a nd E is ea n' s h ee ls a ga in st t he h ig hw ay a s t he y, t oo , s pr an g i nt o

action.

" St an d a nd d el iv er !” E ab hi ro s r oa re d a s h e s pr in te d i nt o t he s mo ke . A s t he f or m o f t he c oa ch l oo me d

i nt o h is v iew, h e n earl y s tagg er ed —i t w as s mall , b ro ad eno ug h i n cap acit y f or t wo p eo pl e, m ay hap— an d

o nl y i f o ne o f t he m s ki pp ed m ea ls a pl en ty . I t l is te d o n d il ap id at ed s tr ut s a s t ho ug h i n a s ta te o f g ro ss a nd

i mp ov er is hed d is repair , and h e r eali zed t o h is h or ro r t hat t hi s cou ld n ot p os si bl y b e L ad y H au de G ur van' s

c ar ri ag e. T he y h ad m ad e a m is ta ke .

H e w re nc he d h is da gge r f ro m h is be lt , s ei zi ng h ol d o f t he s ea t i ro n a nd pl an ti ng h is f oo t a ga ins t t he

c oa ch ma n' s s te p. H e p ul le d h im se lf u p t o m ee t t he d ri ve r, h is m ou th a ja r, b re at h d ra wn t o u tt er a no th er

s harp com mand o f “St an d and d el iv er !” H e s aw a s hado w o f m ov em en t, s om et hi ng l ar ge com in g t ow ar dh is f ace, and E ab hi ro s o pened h is h an d, t ur ni ng l oo se o f t he coach r ai li ng as h e r ecoi led. T he h eavy -s ol ed

boot, meant to strike him squarely and mightily in the nose, plowed instead into his chin, knocking him

backwards from the carriage. Eabhiros whoofed loudly, slamming onto the ground, his knife spilling from

his fingers.

" Hy ah !” t he d ri ve r o f t he c oa ch s na pp ed l ou dl y a s h e j er ke d o n t he r ei ns , t ry in g t o g et t he f ri gh te ne d

h or se t o a tt em pt f or wa rd m ot io n. A s t he s tr ap s o f t he r ei ns s la pp ed a ga in st t he n ag , s he m ov ed , b ol ti ng

f or ward , d ragg in g t he car ri ag e i n t ow , and E ab hi ro s p an icked, s cr am bl in g t o h is f eet.

" Ho ah , n o, y ou d o n ot —! ” h e c ri ed o ut , t as ti ng b lo od i n h is m ou th ; t he p un t t o h is f ac e h ad s he ar ed

o pe n h is b ot to m l ip a nd b lo od ie d h is n os e. H e r us he d f or wa rd , l ea pi ng i nt o t he a ir , s ei zi ng ho ld o f t he

s ea t i ro n a ga in , w ra pp in g b ot h f is ts a bo ut t he r ai l. H e t hr us t h is b oo t h ee l d ow n a ga in st t he s te p a nd

h au led h im self u p as t he car ri ag e l ur ch ed alo ng . E ab hi ro s t hr ew h im self at t he d ri ver, k no ck in g h eadl on g





i nt o h is t or so , p um mell in g h im s id ew ay s. T he t wo o f t hem f el l f ro m t he coach , t op pl in g i n a t an gl e o f

thrashing arms and flailing fists. They landed hard against the highway, with Eabhiros atop, his fingers

closed against his palms and swinging wildly.

" Damn . .. r ot ted . .. b as tard !” E ab hi ro s y el led, s en di ng h is k nu ck les car eeni ng i nt o t he m an 's f ace. H e f el t

t he d ri ve r' s n os e s pl in te r w it h t he f or ce o f t he b lo w. A no th er p un ch j ar re d t ee th l oo se o f t he ir m oo ri ng s.

T he m an t hr as hed b en eath h im , y ow li ng i n p ai n and f ur y, t hr ow in g p un ch es o f h is o wn . H e d rew h is k neeup, slamming into Eabhiros’ groin, sending him sprawling sideways, crying out in pain.

T he coach , m eanw hi le, d id n ot g et f ar w it ho ut t he b en ef it o f i ts d ri ver. T he n ag w as t er ri fi ed , p an icked

by the explosion and smoke, and she ran toward the trees. The left side wheels of the carriage jumped

f ro m t he r oad, b ou ncin g o ver t he s ho ul der, and t hen t he ent ir e coach f li pp ed o nt o i ts s id e, s lamm in g w it h

a r es ou nd in g crash again st y ou ng , s pi nd ly t rees and d en se u nd er br us h. F ro m w it hi n t he coach cam e a

h ig h, f rant ic s hr iek as t he v eh icle o vert ur ned, t he f ri gh tened and h oars e cry o f a p an icked o ld m an .

E is ea n b ea t K ae vi r t o t he t op pl ed c ar ri ag e f ir st , u na wa re o f E ab hi ro s’ p li gh t b eh in d h im . H e h ad r ac ed

a ft er t he c oa ch a s t he ho rs e ha d f le d, a nd h e l ea pe d u p, l et ti ng hi s b oot s s et tl e a ga in st t he s ide o f t hecar r iage n ow f aci ng s ky war d. H e r eached d ow n, w renchi ng o pen t he d oo r.

" Ge t o ut o f t he c oa ch !” h e s ho ut ed . L ik e E ab hi ro s, E is ea n h ad r ea li ze d t o h is d is ma y a nd n ea rl y a t o nc e

t ha t t hi s t at te re d o ld c ar ri age wa s no t t ha t o f L ad y Gu rva n. H e di d n ot k now wh at t o do , s ave c ont inue ,

h ow ev er ; w hat p reci ou s l it tl e cho ice r em ai ned, w it h t he r ob bery p ro per alr eady u nd er way i n f ul l?

He c ou ld n ot s ee i ns id e t he c oa ch; i t wa s t oo da rk wi th in, t oo f il le d wi th s ha do ws , bu t he c oul d he ar

s of t, s nu ff li ng s no rt s f or b reat h, as t ho ug h s om eo ne i ns id e w as i nj ur ed o r w eepi ng .

"Eisean—no—!” Kaevir cried out from behind him.

" I s ai d, g et o ut o f t he b lo od y d am n coach !” E is ean b el lo wed, b en di ng h is k nees and s qu at ti ng , l eani ng h is

s ho ul ders and h ead t hr ou gh t he d oo rw ay . “Mo ve y ou r b lo od y ass r ig ht n ow !"

H e h ea rd a v oi ce h is s s ha rp ly, v en om ou sl y a t h im . “ Ba st ar d! ” i t s pa t, a nd t he n h e c au gh t a c on fus in g

w in k o f d im m oo nl ig ht again st s teel . H e f el t a f lu tt er in g w in d b ru sh again st h is f ace as t he p as seng er o f t he

coach r us hed at h im ; E is ean s aw a b ri gh t p ur pl e j us ti co at and s tarched, r uf fl ed ascot w it h a m on st ro us ,

hideous, mummified head floating above it, only scraps of thin flesh covering bulbous eyes and the gaping,

h or ri bl e, t oo th less m aw o f i ts m ou th . H e s hr ieked i n b ri gh t t er ro r, t ry in g t o s cr ab bl e b ack i n f ri gh tened

recoil.

T he t hi ng i n t he coach h ad a k ni fe; t hat w as t he g li tt er in g h in t o f m oo nl ig ht t hat h ad att ract ed E is ean' s

g aze. T he b lade o f t he d ag ger p un ch ed i nt o t he r ig ht s id e o f h is chest , s pear in g t hr ou gh h is clo th in g,

s in ki ng d ee p b et we en h is r ib s. E is ea n l os t h is f oo ti ng o n t he s id e o f t he c oa ch , h is b oo t s ol es s ki tt er in g

beneath him, and he toppled backwards, slamming against the ground.

T he creat ur e i n t he d ap per v es tm en ts l eaped t o t he g ro un d b eh in d h im ; E is ean o pened h is eyes, g as pi ng

f or b re at h, a nd s aw t he m oo n g la ze d i n t he p ol is he d b la ck l ea th er o f i ts s ho es , a gl ow a ga in st t he s ta rk ,

pale silk of its stockings. It cradled something against its belly as it began to run, scurrying for the cover

of t he t re es .

" No !” K aevi r r oared, t hr ow in g h im self at t he m on st er , p lo wi ng i nt o i t, and k no ck in g i ts l eg s o ut f ro m

beneath it. He had seen Eisean fall gracelessly from the coach, smacking hard against the shoulder of the

r oa d, bu t i n t he d ar kn es s di d no t r ea li ze t ha t he h ad b ee n s ta bbe d. H e h ad a ls o r ac ed p as t E abh ir os a s h e





f ou gh t w it h t he d ri ver, and t ho ug h K aevi r h ad ent er tain ed t he f leet in g, f rant ic t ho ug ht t o r us h t o h is

cou si n' s aid , h e cou ld n ot q ui et t he s hr il l, s hr ieki ng v oi ce o f t he b lack s to ne w it hi n h im

F re e me ! C lai m m e! Ta ke me f rom hi m— fr ee m e!

The monstrosity fought mightily against Kaevir, spitting and shrieking in a wild, frantic voice, kicking its

s pi nd ly , cro ok ed l eg s and h oo ki ng i ts f in gers i nt o v icio us claws t hat g ro ped f or K aevi r' s eyes.

" Get away f ro m m e! ” t he creat ur e s cr eech ed , i ts k nees s tr ik in g b li nd ly , w il dl y f or K aevi r' s cro tch. “Get

away! Tressach! Tressach—help me!"

" Gi ve i t t o m e, ” K ae vi r s ee th ed , s pi t f ly in g f ro m b et we en h is c le nc he d t ee th . H e b ar ed h is f is t a nd s en t

his knuckles sailing into the ruin of the thing's mouth, battering it.

" Gi ve i t t o m e! ” K aevi r s cr eamed, p un ch in g i t again and again . I ts v oi ce r ip ped u p s hr il l, s op rani c

o ct av es and i t s hr ieked l ik e a t er ri fi ed o wl , t ry in g v ai nl y, d es perately t o w ar d o ff K aevi r' s b lo ws . “Gi ve i t

to me!” Kaevir roared, pummelling mercilessly, wrenching his fists back along the fulcrums of hiss ho ul de rs a nd l et ti ng e ac h f ly i n r ap id s uc ce ss ion . “ Gi ve i t t o m e, yo u r ot b as ta rd ! I t i s m ine !"

H e s ei ze d h ol d o f t he c re at ur e' s s le ev e, m ea ni ng t o t ea r t he c of fe r l oo se f ro m i ts g ra sp , a nd i t h ow le d,

s tr ug gl in g again st h im . “No !” i t w ai led. “No —b y m y eyes, y ou b as tard ! N o, n o! "

T he c re at ur e m an ag ed t o f ol d i ts l eg t ow ar d i ts c he st s om eh ow , p la nt in g t he s ol e o f i ts h ee le d s ho e

solidly against Kaevir's belly. It heaved mightily, screaming and cursing all the while, and Kaevir

f lo un dered b ackw ar ds , f al li ng away f ro m i t. H e d id n ot r el ease h is v is e- li ke g ri p u po n t he creat ur e' s

s le ev e, a nd a s h e s pi ll ed , h e j er ke d a ga in st i ts a rm . T he g ol d b ox f le w f ro m t he c re at ur e' s g ra sp , p it ch in g

i nt o t he a ir i n t he f ra ca s, a nd t he y b ot h s cr am bl ed f or i t o n t he ir h an ds a nd k ne es , t he ir f ac es t wi st ed i n

frantic, desperate sneers.

" It i s m in e! ” t he creat ur e cri ed , i ts h an d f lapp in g, g rasp in g f or t he b ox , i ts f in gert ip s f um bl in g again st t he

gold.

" By m y br ea th , i t i s n ot !” K ae vi r h is se d, a nd h e pu nc he d i t o ne l as t t im e, p is to ni ng h is l eg s b en ea th h im

and p ut ti ng h is f ul l w ei gh t and m om en tu m b eh in d t he b lo w as h e t hr us t h im self f or ward . T he creat ur e' s

h ea d c ra cke d b ac k up on t he a xi s of i ts ne ck w it h t he f or ce of t he p unc h a nd i t c rum pl ed.

K aevi r s natched t he g ol d b ox b et ween h is p al ms and s ud denl y, abr up tl y, every th in g i n t he B it h

d is ap pe ar ed . H e s ta re d, m es me ri ze d b y t he c of fe r a s h e b ro ug ht i t t ow ar d h is f ac e; t he g il de d g ol dseemed infused with unearthly illumination and glowed between his hands.

" Sw eet M ot her .. .” h e b reat hed, t rans f ix ed b y t he cof f er .

It is mine. At last ... at long last, it is mine.

" No !” t he cr eatu re s hr ieked, s pr in gi ng at K aevi r, i ts h an d o ut st retched f or t he b ox , i ts g ru es om e f ace

w renched i n an exp res si on o f abj ect and h el pl es s h or ro r. “No —y ou can no t! I t i s m in e— !"

T he b ox f le w o pe n i n K ae vi r' s h an ds . J us t a s i n h is d re am s, K ae vi r f el t a s ud de n g us t o f f ri gi d a ir b la st

f or th f ro m w it hi n t he cof fer' s con fi nes, b uf fett in g h is h ai r, h is f ace, and h e f el t as t ho ug h h e h ad r es ted h is

hands against something alive—something wriggling and squirming and throbbing. His eyes rolled back

i nt o h is s ku ll a nd f lu tt er ed c lo se d; h is h ea d s na pp ed b ac k o n h is n ec k a nd h e o pe ne d h is m ou th , m oa ni ng





softly as he felt it within him, cold and surging, filling him, consuming him.

I give you the wind, t he v oi ce f ro m w it hi n t he b ox s ai d; t he v oi ce o f t he s ton e.Y ou a re c ho se n.

" I am cho sen, ” K aevi r w hi sp er ed .

" No !” t he creat ur e s hr ieked, s ei zi ng K aevi r b y t he t hr oat, m as hi ng i ts p al m again st t he y ou ng m an 'sw in dp ip e, m ea ni ng t o t hr ot tl e h im . K ae vi r' s e ye s f le w o pe n, a nd h e g la re d a t t he c re at ur e, h is b ro ws

pinching.

" I am cho sen, ” h e h is sed, and s ud denl y w in ds w hi pp ed aro un d h im , f ur io us and m ig ht y, s lamm in g i nt o i t.

T he creat ur e f lew b ackw ar ds , h ur tl ed w it h m as si ve, i ns ur mo un tabl e f or ce, as t ho ug h i t w er e n o m or e t han

a l in en r ag d ol l c as t a si de b y a m al con te nt c hi ld . I t s hr ie ke d a s i t s ai le d t hr ou gh t he a ir ; i t s la mm ed i nt o a

t re e t ru nk m or e t ha n f if te en f ee t a wa y, i ts s cr ea m c ut a br up tl y s ho rt . I t c ru mp le d t o t he gr ou nd , l and in g i n

a limp, motionless heap.

" I a m c ho se n, ” K ae vi r s ai d a ga in , s ta ri ng d ow n i nt o t he b ox . H e c ou ld s ee t he s to ne r es ti ng w it hi n o n a padded basin of black velveteen. The stone levitated as though by his unspoken invitation, rising from the

confines of the coffer and floating in the air before him, spinning slowly, gleaming in the moonlight.

I give you the wind, s ai d t he S to ne .

"Yes,” Kaevir murmured.

W in d g us ted t hr ou gh t he f or es t, as t ho ug h h er al di ng t he app ro ach o f an u nexp ected and h or ri fi c s to rm .

T he g ro un d s ti rr ed a lo ng t he f or wa rd e dg e o f t he w in d a nd a s i t b la st ed p as t K ae vi r, r ip pi ng a t h is h ai r

a nd c lo th es , i t k ic ke d u p a m as si ve a nd t hi ck c lo ud o f d ir t, l ea ve s, p in e n ee dl es , s ti ck s a nd g ra ve l. T he

d eb ri s f il led t he air , s wi rl in g abo ut as t ho ug h a cyclo ne h ad s et tl ed i n t he m id dl e o f t he h ig hw ay , andt ho ug h K aevi r cou ld n ot s ee any th in g, and s qu in ted t o s hi el d h is eyes f ro m t he f ly in g s il t, h e cou ld h ear

E ab hi ro s b eh in d h im s om ew here, cry in g o ut i n s tart led f ri gh t. H e cou ld h ear t he coach man, T ress ach,

s ho ut in g i n p an icked d is may, and h e cou ld h ear t he s to ne w it hi n h is m in d

M y s to ne ,he thought. My destiny.

Yes,the stone whispered.Y ou r d es ti ny . Y ou a re c ho se n.

H e m us t h av e b la ck ed o ut .

T he n ex t t hi ng K aevi r clear ly r ecal led w as s it ti ng u p s lo wl y, g ro an in g i n p ai n. H is ent ir e b od y ach ed ; h e

t as te d b lo od a nd d ir t i n h is m out h a nd h e g ri ma ce d, h is m out h t wi st in g a s h e s pa t.

I t h ad o nl y b ee n b ri ef m om en ts ; t he c lo ud o f d us t a nd d eb ri s s ti rr ed b y t he s to rm -f or ce w in ds h ad n ot

even f ul ly s et tl ed y et . K aevi r r eali zed h e h el d t he b lack o rb clu tched again st h is p al m, clasp ed b et ween

h is f in gers . W hat h ad o nl y s carce b reat hs b ef or e b een a f or ce s cr eech in g i n com mand w it hi n h is m in d

n ow l ay h us hed and d or mant i n h is h an d; a p ol is hed s ph er e o f r ock, a l ov el y, b ut i no ff en si ve b au bl e.

T he p ecul iar creat ur e, t he m al fo rm ed and m on st ro us o ld m an , w as g on e. E ven t hr ou gh t he h aze and

s ha do ws , K ae vi r c ou ld p la in ly s ee t he t re e i t h ad s ma sh ed i nt o. I t h ad f al le n h er e, b ut n ow i t w as g on e,

vanished into the very night itself.

A s h is s en se s r et ur ne d t o h im , K ae vi r r ea li ze d h e c ou ld h ea r E ab hi ro s c al li ng o ut , h is v oi ce h oa rs e a nd





frightened, trembling with a panicked anguish Kaevir had never heard tinged within its timbre before.

" Kaev ir . .. h el p m e. .. !” E ab hi ro s b eg ged p it eo us ly . K aevi r cou ld s ee h im m ov in g abo ut i n t he m oo nl ig ht ,

c ra wl in g o n h is h an ds a nd k ne es t ow ar d t he t op pl ed c oa ch . O f t he c ar ri ag e' s d ri ve r, T re ss ac h, t he re w as

n o s ig n; h e h ad a pp ar ent ly f le d w it h h is m as te r i nt o t he d ar kn es s. E ab hi ro s m ov ed a s t ho ug h i n g re at p ai n,

a nd K ae vi r r ea li ze d h e w as b le ed in g; h is m ou th a nd n os e h ad b ee n b lo od ie d, h is c lo th es w er e t or n.

"Eisean!” Eabhiros cried, reaching Eisean's crumpled form. Eisean lay face-down on the highway; when

E ab hi ro s m ov ed h im , g at heri ng h im i n h is arm s and r ol li ng h im o ver, E is ean t wi st ed , m ov in g h is l eg s as

t ho ug h con vu ls in g again st t er ri bl e ago ny , and h is v oi ce f lu tt er ed f ro m h is t hr oat i n a s harp , s ud den cry .

" Oh . .. o h, S weet M ot her. .. ” E ab hi ro s w hi mp er ed , s hu dd er in g as h e cradl ed E is ean agai ns t h im . H e

f lapp ed h is h an d h el pl es sl y again st E is ean' s chest , s ho vi ng asi de t he l ap el s o f h is j us ti co at . H e l oo ked

t ow ar d K ae vi r, h is e ye s e no rm ou s a nd r ou nd w it h s ho ck . “ He i s b le ed in g! ” h e c ri ed . “ Oh , M ot he r

A bo ve , K ae vi r . .. T he y s ta bb ed h im ! H el p m e! "

" Wh at ?” K aevi r g as ped, s ho ck ed and s tu nn ed n earl y b ey on d b reat h. E ab hi ro s f ol ded h im self o ver Eisean, clutching at him, weeping, his entire, burly form shaking.

" No .. .” E ab hi ro s p le ad ed . “ No , n o . .. P le as e . .. P le as e, E is ea n, s ta y w it h m e. .. "

" Wh at ?” K aevi r w hi sp er ed again , s tagg er in g t o h is f eet. H e s tu mb led abo ut as h is m in d and l eg s t oo k

t heir t im e i n r eacq uain ti ng w it h o ne ano th er . H e b ro ug ht h is h an d t o h is f ace; h is t ri co rn e h ad f al len f ro m

h is p at e ear ly i n t he s cu ff le w it h t he creat ur e, and h e m op ped h is f in gers t hr ou gh h is f il th y, t an gl ed h ai r as

he shambled toward Eabhiros.

" No ,” h e s ai d, s ha ki ng h is h ea d. H e s li pp ed h is h an d i nt o t he p oc ke t o f h is j us ti co at , l et ti ng t he r ou nd

s to ne f al l w it hi n t he l in ed , w oo len f ol ds . “No , h e . .. h e i s alr ig ht .. .” h e w hi sp er ed . “Ei sean i s alr ig ht , h e . ..h e j us t kn oc ke d t he b re at h f ro m h im se lf . .. w he n h e f el l o ff t he c ar ri ag e. .. "

" He i s b leed in g! ” E ab hi ro s cri ed , h is v oi ce s hr il l. H e t hr us t h is h an d f or ward d em on st rati vely , and K aevi r

s tagg er ed t o s ee b lo od , s tark and g li st en in g, n earl y b lack i n t he m oo nl ig ht , all o ver h is cou si n' s p al m and

fingers.

" He i s b le ed in g! ” E ab hi ro s c ri ed a ga in . “ Th er e . .. t he re i s s o m uc h b lo od , K ae vi r . .. W e h av e t o d o

something!"

K aevi r f el l t o h is k nees b ef or e E ab hi ro s. E is ean l ay l im pl y w it h h is h ead t ucked again st t he n oo k o f Eabhiros's shoulder. Blood dribbled in a thin, shimmering stream from his lips, trailing in a line from his

nose.

"Eisean...” Kaevir whimpered, reaching for him, brushing his knuckles against Eisean's cheek. “Eisean,

w ak e u p. P le as e. P le as e . .. S we et M ot he r, p le as e. .. "

E ab hi ro s and K aevi r w renched at t he f ro nt o f E is ean' s w ai st co at and l ei ne, t eari ng b ut to ns l oo se f ro m

t heir t hr eads , s en di ng t hem s pi ll in g again st t he g ro un d. K aevi r s ho ved o pen t he s id es o f E is ean' s s hi rt , and

E ab hi ro s w hi mp er ed i n d is may t o s ee t he l on g, g ru es om e w ou nd t hat r iv ed E is ean' s chest . T he b lade h ad

pierced deeply, just below his nipple, and blood poured from the gaping slash in a grisly torrent. Kaevir

jerked the scarf from about his neck, folding it swiftly into a bundle and shoving it against the wound. He

pressed his palm against the cloth and drew himself onto his knees, putting all of his weight behind his

s ho ul ders . T he s ud den, f ierce p ress ur e h ur t E is ean, and h e m ov ed f eebl y, l if ti ng h is chi n and m oani ng





softly, drawing a strangled, grief-stricken cry from Eabhiros.

E is ean w as d yi ng , K aevi r r eali zed, f eeli ng h is o wn h eart s ei ze w it h f rant ic t er ro r. N o o ne cou ld l os e

blood at such a rate and hope to survive. He stared up into Eabhiros’ tear-filled eyes and felt in full his

c ou si n' s a ng ui sh a nd p ai n. “ We h av e t o g et h im t o B el ga er an —t o t he p al ac e, ” K ae vi r s ai d, c ho ke d w it h

h is own t ea rs . “ We .. . Th ey ha ve h ea le rs t he re , s ur ge ons .. . I t i s onl y s ome t en m il es a wa y. W e ha ve t o

get him there."

"He is dying,” Eabhiros whispered.

" No ,” K ae vi r s ai d, h is b ro ws d ra wi ng t og et he r, h is a rm s t re mb li ng w it h t he f or ce o f t he p re ss ur e a s h e

s ho ve d a ga in st E is ea n' s c he st . “ No , d am n i t— do n ot s ay t ha t, E ab hi ro s, y ou b lo od y d am n r ot ! H e i s n ot

d yi ng ! W e h av e t o g et h im t o B el gaer an !"

H e s hi ft ed h is we ig ht , c ro uc hi ng a bo ve E is ea n. “ Gi ve h im t o m e, ” h e s ai d. “ I w il l c ar ry h im t o t he c oa ch ,

a nd you k ee p y our ha nds o ve r t he w ou nd, j us t l ike t hi s— jus t l ike I a m, do yo u s ee ? Y ou a re t he s tr ong er

o f u s. P re ss w it h a ll o f y ou r m ig ht —br ea k h is r ib s i f y ou h ave t o— we h ave t o s to p t he b le ed in gsomehow."

" Th er e i s n ot t im e, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, s tr icken. “Th er e i s n ot t im e t o g et h im t o B el gaer an ."

" He i s E lf in !” K aevi r s napp ed , h is v oi ce s harp and s hr il l. “Hi s f at her' s f am il y w as o f G aeil ge d es cent —h e

t ol d me s o hi ms el f! The re i s El f b loo d i n hi m s om ew he re , a nd i t c an s av e hi m— he al h im —i f w e ge t h im t o

B el gaer an and l et t hem t reat h im ! S to p y ou r r ot ted b li th er in g, E ab hi ro s— get y ou r b ig , l eaden f eet

beneath your ass, stand up and help me, you rot!"

E ab hi ro s’ t ea rs d id n ot w an e, b ut h e o ff er ed n o p ro te st a s K ae vi r r ea ch ed f or E is ea n, d ra wi ng h im f ro m

E ab hi ro s’ arm s i nt o h is o wn . A s K aevi r' s h an ds s li pp ed f ro m t he s il k s wadd li ng acr os s E is ean' s w ou nd ,Eabhiros’ palms took their place, and they stood together, Kaevir stumbling unsteadily with Eisean's limp

w ei gh t b et ween h is arm s, E ab hi ro s s ho vi ng w it h h is h an ds t o s tave t he l os s o f b lo od .

" Go t o t he coach ,” K aevi r s ai d, g ri tt in g h is t eeth and s tr ug gl in g t o k eep h is f oo ti ng .

" Can y ou car ry h im ?” E ab hi ro s ask ed .

" Ye s, da mn i t, I w il l be ar him to Be lga er an i n my a rm s i f nee d be —now ge t t o t he c oa ch! "

E is ean s ti rr ed as t hey r us hed t hr ou gh t he w oo ds , h eadi ng t ow ar d t he s mal l aband on ed chu rch. T he jostling motions of their frenzied pace hurt him and he moaned softly.

" Wh at . .. w hat are y ou d oi ng .. .?” h e g as ped, b lo od p ep peri ng f ro m h is m ou th again st K aevi r' s l ap el .

" We are g oi ng t o B el gaer an . H us h, n ow ,” K aevi r s ai d, t ur ni ng h is f ace t ow ar d E is ean' s.

T hey m ad e t heir w ay t hr ou gh an i ll -t en ded cem et er y, s tu mb li ng and w eavi ng amo ng g rave m ar kers and

o ver gr ow n s t on es . W hen t hey r eached t he carr iage, E ab hi ro s s ei zed t he d oo r h an dl e and s ho ved t he

d oo r w i de.

" Ka ev ir .. .” E is ea n c ro ak ed a s K ae vi r h ef te d h im i nt o t he c oa ch a nd l ai d h im a ga in st o ne o f t he

u ph ol s ter ed s eat s . H e f l ap ped h is h an d t ow ar d h is f ace, cat chi ng ano th er cho ked, b lo od -t hi ckened s pew

o f cou gh s again st t he cuf f o f h is k nu ck les.





" I a m h er e, E is ea n, ” K ae vi r w hi sp er ed . H e k ep t o ne h an d s ho ve d a ga in st t he b lo od -s oa ke d b un dl e o f

s il k a to p E is ea n' s b re as t, a nd s tr ok ed E is ea n' s h ai r g en tl y w it h t he o th er . “ I a m r ig ht h er e. I t i s g oi ng t o b e

alr ig ht , I p ro mi se y ou . D o n ot b e f ri gh tened. "

" Pl ease.. .” E is ean m oaned s of tl y, l if ti ng h is chi n, h is b ro ws t wi st ed . “It . .. i t h ur ts , K aevi r. .. "

" I k now ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ I kn ow i t hur ts a nd I a m s or ry .” H e l ea ne d o ve r a nd b ega n t o w ee p he lpl es sl y,

q ui et ly , h is t ears d ro pp in g again st E is ean' s cheek as h e p ress ed h is l ip s again st h is f or eh ead. “I w il l

u nf et te r t he h or se s, ” h e s ai d t o E ab hi ro s. “ St ep i n h er e— co me o n n ow . K ee p y ou r h an ds o n h im . K ee p

h im t al ki ng i f y ou can —m ak e h im s tay awake and w it h u s. "

H e m ov ed o ut o f t he w ay a s E ab hi ro s c la mb er ed i nt o t he c oa ch , t he t wo c ou si ns j os tl in g f or s pa ce i n t he

n ar ro w m ar gi n b et we en t he s ea ts . “ We w il l h av e t o r id e f as t a nd h ar d, ” h e s ai d, g la nc in g o ve r h is

s ho ul de r a s h e d uc ke d, s te pp in g o ut o f t he c oa ch . “ Ke ep y ou r h an ds a ga in st t ha t w ou nd a s m uc h a s y ou

are abl e. "

" Yo u d ri ve t he coach ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d g ri ml y as h e p ress ed h is h an ds again st E is ean' s chest , cat ch in g h is

f ri en d' s b lo od again st h is p al ms . “Do n ot w or ry f or any th in g excep t t hat— we w il l m ak e i t. ” H e g azed

d ow n a t E is ea n, b li nk in g a ga in st n ew t ea rs . “ By m y b re at h, w e . .. w e w il l m ake i t. "

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The evening's opening events for the weeklong celebration of the Samhradh were magnificent. The royal

c it y h ad o pe ne d i ts g at es a nd i ts h ea rt b ro ad ly , a nd n ar y a h om e, s to re fr on t, p ub , s tr ee t l am p, o r i ro n

r ai li ng w as l ef t u nf et tered w it h r ib bo ns and b an ners , s tr in gs o f g ai ly p ai nt ed w oo den b eads , s tr eamers o f brilliantly colored fabric. More than three-quarters of a million people crammed along Belgaeran's streets

a nd s qu ar es , r es id en ts , v is it or s a nd h on or ed g ue st s a li ke , a nd t he a ir w as t hi ck a nd b oi st er ou s w it h t he

s ou nd s o f ent hu si as ti c cel eb rati on and m us ic, h eady w it h t he r ich aro mas o f p or tars and w in es , car ni val

f oo ds a nd s pi ce d c id er s.

A n i mm en se c ro wd h ad g at he re d b ey on d t he w al ls o f t he p al ac e, a nd a s K ie rk en a dd re ss ed t he m f ro m

a n u pp er s to re y t er ra ce , h is r ic h, r es on an t v oi ce c ar ri ed a cr os s t he e ve ni ng a ir a s t ho ug h h er al de d b y

cap ab le b reezes . T he K in g i nt ro du ced h is f or th co mi ng app oi nt ment f or R hy den and r ead f ro m a l en gt hy

and adm ir ab le l is t o f all o f t he y ou ng G aeil ge's s ig ni fi cant accom pl is hm en ts , b ot h d ur in g t he W ar s and i n

t he l on g y ea rs s in ce . A s h e r ec it ed t he se e ac h i n t ur n— pa us in g f or s pe ci al e mp ha si s a s h e r ec ou nt ed t hen ow l eg en dary t al e o f R hy den s ev er in g L ah nd ur en 's h an d— th e t hr on gs b el ow eru pt ed i n r au co us and

enthusiastic applause, waving colored flags in their hands.

When Lleuwyn Peildraigh stepped forward, standing between Rhyden and the King and brandishing

alo ft t he h an d o f L ah nd ur en , encas ed i n g lass and s wi mm in g i n d is co lo red b ri ne, t he cro wd h ow led and

cheer ed all t he m or e. T he s hr iv el ed , s og gy l im b w as t o b e p ub li cl y d is pl ay ed i n t he p al ace ent rance f or

t he d ur at io n o f t he S am hr ad h, K ierk en ann ou nced .

" Co ng ratu lati on s, R hy den, ” I sb aenn a s ai d, aft er t he cer em on y h ad end ed . O f t hem all , t he o ne w ho m

I sb ae nn a w ou ld h av e e xp ec te d t o b e t he m os t t hr il le d b y s uc h a n h on or a nd r ec ep ti on s ee me d i ns te ad t he

least so. Rhyden looked grand in a well-fitted, exquisitely embroidered ensemble of tailored vestments,

a nd h e w or e h is a ma zi ng s he af o f he av y bl on d h ai r un fe tt er ed a nd l oo se d ow n t he l en gt h o f h is s pi ne . H e

h ad d re ss ed f or t he o cc as io n— an d w el l— bu t h is h ea rt d id n ot s ee m i n i t, e ve n b ef or e K ie rk en h ad





o ff er ed h is i nt ro du ct io ns . H e h ad s pent m uch o f t he eveni ng k eepi ng t o h im self , s tand in g w it h h is p ar en ts ,

E is os a nd T re in es F ab hc un , w ho h ad j ou rn ey ed e as tw ar d f ro m I ns ch C ou nt y f or t he o cc as io n a nd h is

brother, Taemir—the realm's most favored and celebrated novelist and playwright—and offering

m ur mu red g reet in gs and m easu red s mi les w it h t he t ax ed exp ress io n o f o ne w ho p er fo rm ed s uch

formalities more from convention than conviction.

" Su ch a s pl en di d h on or ,” I sb aenn a t ol d h im . “Yo u m us t b e s o p leas ed ."

T he cor ner o f h is m ou th l if ted cro ok ed ly i n a p ecul iar l it tl e s mi le. “Mu is e, ” h e m ur mu red. Indeed. His

g lanced h er s ho ul der as a s ud den m ov em en t d is tr acted h im and h is exp ress io n s of tened, g ro wi ng p ai ned.

I sb aenn a t ur ned, f ol lo wi ng h is g aze, and s aw Q yn h b eh in d t hem n ear t he d oo rw ay o f t he t er race,

s ur ro un ded b y a g ag gl e o f att en dant s and h an dm ai ds .

" Qy nh !” I sb aenn a g as ped, s ur pr is ed and p leased. T he Q ueen s eld om l ef t t he con fi nes o f h er chamb er

f or a ny s or t o f o cc as io n, f or ma l o r o th er wi se .

"Excuse me, please,” Rhyden murmured, brushing past Isbaenna, walking directly toward the Queen.I sb ae nn a f ol lo we d, c ur io us t o s ee h ow Q yn h f ar ed . S he c ou ld n ot h el p b ut n ot ic e t ha t Q yn h' s b ev y o f

att en dant s f lu tt er ed anx io us ly at t heir app ro ach, b ut R hy den s ho ul dered h is w ay p as t t hem and r each ed

f or Q yn h' s h an d.

" My l ad y, ” h e s ai d, b ow in g f or h er , d ra wi ng h er h an d t o h is m ou th t o o ff er h er a b us s. Q yn h b li nk ed a t

h im s leep il y, as i mp as si ve as a p or celain d ol l. H e l oo ked u p at h er , s tr icken. “Qy nh ,” h e w hi sp er ed , s ti ll

holding her hand. “Qynh, it is me—Rhyden."

A ft er a l on g m om en t, t he cor ners o f Q yn h' s m ou th f lu tt er ed s li gh tl y, d rawi ng u pw ar d i nt o a s of t s mi le.

“ Yo u a re a lo ne ,” s he s ai d.

H e s tr ug gl ed t o s mi le f or he r. “ Ho w c an I b e l on el y i n s uc h f on d c om pa ny ?"

" No t l on el y, ” Q yn h m ur mu re d, h er v oi ce s ca rc el y m or e t ha n a h us h. “ Al on e. I . .. I c an s ee i t i n y ou r

eyes."

"Beannacht, Qynh,” Isbaenna said. “It is Isbaenna Gabhlan, my lady—Airrenigh's daughter. Do you

recall?"

Q yn h' s eyeli ds f lu tt er ed , d ro op in g s leep il y. “Yes, ” s he s ai d, n od di ng o nce. “Of cou rs e. H ow n ice. .. "

I sb aenn a g lanced u ncer tain ly t ow ar d R hy den. H e w or e an ago ni zed exp ress io n, as t ho ug h s eein g Q yn h

i n s uc h a s ta te r iv ed h is v er y h ea rt , a nd h e c up pe d h is h an d a ga in st h er c he ek , l ea ni ng f or wa rd t o k is s t he

cor ner o f h er m ou th . “Ta m e ans eo , m o' ri bh in n, ” h e w hi sp er ed . I am here, my lady. “Ta me libh.” I am

with you.

T hey s t ep ped away f ro m t he Q ueen as s ol di er s app ro ached, h el pi ng t he att en dant s enf ol d Q yn h amo ng

t heir r an ks , h us tl in g h er acr os s t he t hr es ho ld and i nt o t he p al ace again .

" Sh e k ne w y ou , R hy de n, ” I sb ae nn a. “ Tr ul y, s he d id . S he s el do m s pe ak s t o a ny on e a ny mo re f ro m w ha t I

understand."

R hy de n t ur ne d t o h er , a nd s he h ad n o a cc ou nt in g f or t he a gh as t c on fu si on i n h is f ac e. “ I d o n ot

u nd er st an d, ” h e s ai d. “ Ho w l on g h as s he b ee n l ik e t ha t? I h av e e xc ha ng ed l et te rs w it h h er f or s om e t im e





n ow —r eg ul ar and f r eq uent l et ter s— an d s he h as n ev er s eem ed add led o r s tr an ge."

I t w as I sb ae nn a' s t ur n f or b ew il de rm en t. “ I d o n ot k no w h ow t ha t c ou ld b e p os si bl e, R hy de n, ” s he s ai d.

“ Qy nh h as b ee n l ik e t ha t f or y ea rs n ow , s in ce T re ja er an d ie d. T he y s ay s he w en t m ad w it h g ri ef ."

R hy de n t ur ne d t o l oo k o ve r h is s ho ul de r t ow ar d t he t er ra ce d oo rs . “ My l ad y, w ou ld y ou . .. w ou ld y ou

w al k w it h m e awh il e?” h e ask ed .

I sb aenn a cau gh t a g li mp se o f s carl et o ut o f t he cor ner o f h er g aze; C al id or e w al ki ng p ur po sefu ll y t ow ar d

h er . S he cri ng ed , s ti fl in g a g ro an . “I w ou ld b e d el ig ht ed , R hy den, ” s he s ai d.

I sb aenn a and R hy den m ad e t heir w ay o ut si de, i nt o a s eclu ded and q ui et g ar den. T hey w al ked s lo wl y,

f ol lo wi ng a cob bl ed p at hw ay . R os e b us hes h ad b een n eatl y cli pp ed and t ri mm ed f or t he s easo n; h ed ges

and s cu lp ted s hr ub ber ies w er e k ep t s haped and w el l t en ded. S ur pr is in gl y, t he s ud den t ur n o f col d

w ea th er i n t he e ve ni ng s h ad n ot y et d am pe re d t he m et tl e o f a ll o f t he g ar de n' s b lo om s, a nd a ll a lo ng t he

r ow s and p at hw ay s, l ar ge w hi te b lo ss om s s ti ll app eared, s tark and p hant om -l ik e i n t he m oo nl ig ht ,

nodding heavily on their stalks.

R hy de n d id n ot o ff er hi s a rm i n g ent ee l f as hi on t o I sb ae nn a a s t he y w al ke d, e ve n t ho ug h i t w as by h is

i nv it at io n t hat s he j oi ned h im . T hi s w as a p ecul iar b ut ant icip at ed h ab it f or h im , as R hy den s el do m o ff er ed

h is h an d o r arm i n i nf or mal g es tu re t o any on e, n ot even h is o wn f am il y. S he w as g ratefu l f or h is com pany

n on et heless ; s he s us pected t hat C al id or e h ad b een awed and i nt im id at ed t o s py h er i n q ui et con vers at io n

w it h R hy de n, a nd b y t ha t g ra ce a lo ne , h ad e le ct ed n ot t o f ol lo w t he m a s t he y h ad l ef t t he t er ra ce .

R hy den k ep t s ho ot in g f ur ti ve g lances o ver h is s ho ul der, s he n ot iced , and s he t ur ned h er h ead, cur io us .

S he w as s ur pr is ed t o f in d t wo r oy al g uard sm en , l it tl e m or e t han s il ho uett es and s hado ws , l in geri ng n ear

t he e nt ra nc e t o t he g ar de n b eh in d t he m. T he s ol di er s m ade n ei th er m ov e n or e ff or t t o f ol lo w t he m, b ut

s eemed n on et heless t o b e o bs er vi ng t hem, i f o nl y f ro m a d is tance.

" Th ey a re h er e f or m e, ” R hyd en m ur mur ed t o h er , hi s v oi ce s o s of t, i t w as n ea rl y i na udi bl e.

I sb aenn a b li nk ed at h im , and t hen s he r eali zed. B el gaer an —i nd eed, t he w ho le o f t he s ou th real m and

midrealm proper—had been plastered seemingly overnight with placards and notices heralding his new

app oi nt ment . R hy den h ad w ield ed t he s wo rd t hat h ad cleav ed L ah nd ur en 's h an d; i f L ah nd ur en k new o f

R hy den' s p resence i n t he r oy al cit y, h e w ou ld l ik el y s eek ent hu si as ti c v en gean ce f or s uch o ff en se.

" Th ey a re t o p ro te ct y ou ,” s he w hi sp er ed . “ Fr om L ah nd ur en . T he y t hi nk h e w il l t ry t o g et t o y ou ,

Rhyden?"

R hy de n s mi rk ed . “ Th at w ou ld s ee m a s g oo d a r ea so n a s a ny ,” h e r em ar ke d, a c om me nt t ha t m ad e n o

s en se t o I sb ae nn a. W he n h e s to pp ed a ll a t o nc e a nd t oo k h er u ne xp ec te dl y b y t he h an d, I sb ae nn a

gasped, startled.

" Le t m e k is s y ou ,” h e w hi sp er ed t o h er .

" Wh at ?” I s baenn a b li nk ed , t aken aback.

H e l oo ke d d es pe ra te a nd f ri gh te ne d, a nd h is a pp ar en t d is tr es s a la rm ed h er . “ Pl ea se ,” h e b re at he d a nd

again , h is eyes d an ced anx io us ly t ow ar d t he s ol di er s. “Let m e k is s y ou , I sb aenn a. "

He c up pe d hi s h ands a ga ins t t he a ngl es of he r j aw a s s he t ri ed t o s ta mme r s om e s embl an ce o f





ast on is hed, f labb er gas ted r epl y. H e s tepp ed t ow ar d h er , d rawi ng s o n ear t o h er , h is clo th in g b ru sh ed

a ga in st he rs , a nd t he n h e t il te d h er c hi n t ow ar d h im a nd k is se d h er s of tl y o n t he m ou th .

" Wh at . .. w ha t a re y ou d oi ng .. .? ” s he g as pe d, t ry in g t o t ur n h er f ac e a wa y. “ I . .. R hy de n, p le as e s to p.

D o not , I .. . I a m in l ove w ith a not he r."

" As am I ,” h e w hi sp er ed , s or ro wf ul ly . “Li st en t o m e, p leas e, I sb aenn a. A ct as t ho ug h n ot hi ng i s w ro ng . Iam s orr y to do t his . I know of no othe r wa y."

" Wh at are y ou t al ki ng abo ut ?"

H e k is se d h er a ga in , d ee pl y, d ra wi ng h er v oi ce f ro m h er t hr oa t i n a s ta rt le d, b re at hl es s w hi mp er o f

protest. “They will hear us,” he breathed, cutting his gaze briefly toward the guards. “Put your hands on

m y s ho ul de rs a nd s ta nd a ga in st m e t ha t I m ig ht s pe ak t o y ou ."

I sb ae nn a d ra pe d h er h an ds a ga in st h is c oa t a s h e b id h er , p re ss in g h er b os om s qu ar el y a ga in st h is c he st .

He ti lt ed hi s he ad a s i f h e me ant t o nuz zl e he r e ar a nd t he n whi spe re d to he r. “ Qynh i s no t ma d. Some oneis doing this to her—drugging her somehow."

"What?” Isbaenna gasped. “Who—?"

" I d o n ot k no w. N ot y et —n ot w it h c er ta in ty . B ut I h av e s ee n e no ug h, l ea rn ed e no ug h t o h av e m y

s us pe ct s, a nd t he y w ou ld s ee m t o be k ee pi ng a c los e e ye o n me l es t I di sc ove r a ny m or e."

"The guards,” Isbaenna whispered.

Rhyden nodded.

" Do es K ie rk en k no w o f t hi s? ” s he s ai d. S he b li nk ed i n s ud de n d is ma y. “ Rh yd en , i s . .. i s K ie rk en

r es po ns ib le f or t hi s? I s h e d oi ng t hat t o Q yn h— dr ug gi ng h er ?"

" No. ” R hyd en s ho ok h is h ea d. “ He h as no i de a. I t hi nk s om eh ow t hi s i s b ei ng d on e a ga in st h im . T he y

are using Qynh against Kierken."

"Who? Lahnduren?"

He s hook hi s he ad a ga in . “ I do not be li eve s o, m y l ady ."

" Th en w ho ?” I sb aenn a ask ed .

R hy de n t oo k h er f ac e b et we en hi s ha nds a nd m et he r ga ze . “ I t hi nk i t i s Ll euw yn P ei ldr ei gh ."

I s baenn a b li nk ed , s tar tl ed . “Th e E as pag' Ar d?” s he w hi sp er ed . “Rh yd en , b ut h e . .. h e i s K ier ken' s. .. !"

" I k no w, ” R hy de n s ai d, n od di ng . “ I k no w h ow i t s ou nd s— I k no w w ha t y ou w ou ld s ay , b ut I c an no t

t hi nk o f a ny on e e ls e w ho c ou ld b e s o c ap ab le , c om ma nd s uc h s wa y w it hi n t he p al ac e t o s ee t hi s d on e.

M y m ot her i s a B an al tr a, and I k no w m uch f ro m h er o f m ed icin al w il es . L leuw yn P ei ld reig h k no ws t hi s. I

h av e b ee n d el ib er at el y k ep t f ro m s ee in g Q yn h, s pe ak in g w it h h er —a nd n ow I t hi nk I k no w w hy . H e i s

a fr ai d t ha t I w il l r ea li ze w ha t ha s h app ene d; w ha t i s w ro ng w it h he r. H e i s a fr ai d t ha t I w il l l ea rn t he t rut h. "

" If L leuw yn i s d ru gg in g Q yn h, h e h as b een d oi ng s o f or y ears ,” I sb aenn a b reat hed, h or ri fi ed .





" If wha t you t old me i s tr ue —i f s he has be en l ike t hi s s inc e t he e nd of the Se cond Wa r, t he n fi ft ee n

years, yes,” Rhyden whispered, his expression anguished.

" Bu t . .. b ut w hy ?"

" I d o n ot k no w, ” R hy de n s ai d. “ Yo u h av e a cc es s u na ba te d t o t he p al ac e, w he re as I .. .” H e g la nc edt ow ar d t he s ol di er s. “ I a m n o l on ge r a t m y d is cr et io n t o r oa m f re el y w it hi n t he se w al ls . W ou ld y ou t ry t o

fi nd s ome r ea son Lle uwyn w ould be pa rt of t hi s? I know he i s—I a m c er tai n of i t i n my he ar t, but I

can no t r econ ci le i t w it hi n m y m in d, n ot w it ho ut s om e m ot iv at io n, s om e r easo n. I w ou ld n ot p ut y ou i n

s uc h a po si ti on , bu t I d o no t k no w wh at e ls e t o do . I c anno t br in g t hi s be for e K ie rk en w it hout p roo f, b ut

I c ann ot f in d p roo f o n m y o wn .” H e g la nc ed a ga in a t t he g ua rds . “ He wi ll n ot l et m e. "

" Al ri gh t, ” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed , and t hen h e s tepp ed away f ro m h er . H e g en uf lect ed alo ng t he p at hw ay ,

r ea ch ing d ow n a nd s na pp in g t he s ta lk o f o ne o f t he l ar ge w hi te b lo om s. H e l if te d t he f low er i n h an d a nd

s to od , p re se nt in g i t a s t ho ug h h e c ou rt ed h er .

" It . .. i t i s l ov el y, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d, ba ff le d b y t he t ok en . “ A c ro m' lu s. T he y gr ow w il d i n t he M id la nd s, i n

Tirurnua."

H e s mi rk ed . “ I k now ,” h e s ai d. “ Ho ld i t f or m e, c ar ry i t i ns ide . T he y w il l b e s us pi ci ous i f t he y s ee i t i n m y

hand."

" Has i t s om et hi ng t o d o w it h w hat i s h ap peni ng t o Q yn h?” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed , b li nk in g d ow n at t he

broad, fragrant blossom. She remembered all at once that the Abhacan had many purposes for the

cr om 'l us an b es id es d ecor ati on ; t he p lant s p ro du ced s mall s eed p od s and f ru it s, and t hese caps ul es , w hen

harvested before ripened in full, yielded strong medicinal alkaloids and derivatives. Abhacan physicians

and s ur geon s f requ en tl y u sed an i nf us io n o f afeem —t he m os t com mo n o f t hese—t o ass uage p ai n o r sedate patients.

R hy de n o bv io us ly h ar bo re d t he s am e s ud de n t ho ug ht s a s s he d id , a nd h e c lo se d h er h an ds a bo ut t he

f lo we r, a s t ho ug h b id di ng h er w or dl es sl y t o gu ar d i t w el l. “ I d o n ot k no w, ” h e m ur mur ed . “ Bu t I m ea n t o

find out."

T he y e nt er ed t he p al ac e t og et he r o nc e m or e, a nd t he t wo s ol di er s k in dl y s to od a si de t o g ra nt t he m

passage from the garden. “Good evening, my lord, my lady,” one of them said.

" Di d t he y h ea r u s, d o y ou t hi nk ?” I sb ae nn a a sk ed s of tl y. S he h an de d t he c ro m' lu s b lo ss om t o R hy de na nd h e t uc ke d t he f lo we r i nt o t he d ee p p oc ke t o f h is j us ti co at , p re ss in g h is h an d a ga in st t he f ab ri c t o

flatten the petals beneath.

" No . I c ou ld h ea r t he m, ” R hy de n s ai d. H e w as f ul l- bl oo de d G ae il ge t o h er o wn o nl y p ar ti al d es ce nt , a nd

h is h eari ng w as f ar m or e acu te. H e s mi rk ed , g lancin g at h er . “Th ey w er e t oo con cern ed w it h w ag er in g

t en -m ar ks o n w he th er o r n ot y ou w ou ld l et m e l ay m y h an d a ga in st y ou r b re as t t o c on ce rn t he ms el ve s

with the triflings of our conversation."

T he y r ou nd ed a c or ne r a nd r an n ea rl y h ea dl on g i nt o W yn de tt a A tr ei le . “ He re y ou b ot h a re !” s he

e xc la im ed , s om ew ha t o ut o f b re at h. “ I h av e b ee n l oo ki ng f or y ou . Y ou r m ot he rs b id m e t o s ea rc h. D o

e it he r o f y ou k no w a L or d K ae vi r M ac le od ?"

R hy den b li nk ed ; h e k new t he n am e K aevi r M acleod —t hat w as t he y ou ng n ob leman K ierk en h ad t ol d





h im w as a p ri ncip le s us pect i n t he G en tl em an H ig hw ay men r ob beri es . I sb aenn a g as ped, h er b reat h

s ei zi ng i n h er t hr oa t— sh e k ne w o f t he n am e a s w el l, a nd h app en ed t o b e i n l ov e w it h t he y oun g m an w ho

pretended to bear it.

" Yes, W yn dett a, I k no w K aevi r, ” s he s ai d, h er v oi ce t r em ul ou s. “Has . .. h as s om et hi ng h ap pened?"

" Ea mo n s en t w or d t o K ie rk en t ha t t he ir c ar ri ag e h as a rr iv ed a t t he p al ac e— Lo rd K ae vi r M ac le od , a ndh is cou si n, E ab hi ro s, ” W yn dett a s ai d. “Th ey m et w it h b an di ts alo ng t heir w ay t o B el gaer an t hi s

evening—that band from the midrealm, the Gentlemen Highwaymen. Airrenigh thought you should know

o f i t s tr ai gh t a wa y, I sb ae nn a, a nd y ou r m ot he r, R hy de n, h as g on e t o t he ir c ha mb er t o h el p t en d t o h im ."

" Tend t o h im ?” I sb aenn a s ai d b reat hl es sl y, s tr icken, h er eyes f lo wn w id e. “Wh at d o y ou m ean, ‘ tend t o

h im '? H e i s alr ig ht , i s h e n ot , W yn dett a? K aevi r i s alr ig ht ?"

" He w as s ta bb ed , I sb ae nn a, ” W yn de tt a t ol d h er g en tl y. “ Th ey t ri ed t o r es is t t he t hi ev es , t o f ig ht t he m, i t

w ou ld s ee m a nd K ae vi r . .. O ne o f t he m s tr uc k h im w it h a d ag ge r. "

I sb aenn a' s eyes f il led w it h s ud den t ears and s he s tu mb led i n p lace, f eeli ng t he s tr en gt h i n h er k nees

w an e. “ Wh er e . .. o h, p le as e, W yn de tt a . .. W he re i s h e? ” s he w hi sp er ed .

" The y h av e b ro ugh t h im t o a g ue st s ui te o n t he s ec on d f lo or ,” W ynd et ta s ai d. “ Tr ei ne s i s w it h h im , a nd

Ollamh Leigheas, the Abhacan physician from the university has been summoned. They have—"

" Sw eet M ot her .. .! ” I sb aenn a g as ped, s ei zi ng h er s ki rt s b et ween h er f is ts and r us hi ng p as t W yn dett a. S he

r an d ow n t he c or ri do r, h er s ho es c la tt er in g a ga in st t he p ol is he d s to ne f lo or s a s s he b eg an t o w ee p, t o

choke for breath. “Eisean!"

B y t he t im e t he y h ad r ea che d t he c it y ga te s, E is ea n ha d l ap se d i nt o a de ep a nd unr ous abl e s ta te of u ncon scio us ness , h is p al lo r d rain ed t o t he u nn at ur al , g hast ly t on e o f o ne h ov er in g n ear d eath . K aevi r h ad

s cr ea me d a t t he g at e s en tr ie s a s t he y h ad a pp ro ac he d. “ Le t u s p as s! M y l or d ha s b ee n s ta bb ed by

r obb er s! W e mu st ge t hi m t o a s ur ge on ! L et us pa ss !"

T he y h ad r us he d i nt o t he p al ac e i n t he c om pa ny o f m or e t ha n a d oz en a rm ed g ua rd s, g en er at in g a

s pect acle t hat h ad s oo n s et t he ent ir e p al ace— in deed t he ent ir e cit y— in a f ri gh tened and f rant ic s ti r.

F ro m t hat m om en t o nw ar d, K aevi r and E ab hi ro s h ad b een s ur ro un ded b y j os tl in g, clamo ri ng t hr on gs o f

people—guards, constables, clergy members, curious palace guests. Eisean had been whisked abruptly

f ro m t hem, t ru nd led and h ur ri ed i nt o a r oo m, and t ho ug h E ab hi ro s and K aevi r h ad f ol lo wed, t hey h ad

o nl y b een all ow ed t o s ee h im b ri ef ly .

T he w or ld s ur ged aro un d t hem at a d izzy in g, d eafeni ng and t er ri fy in g p ace. A G aeil ge w om an i nt ro du ced

i n h ar ri ed p as si ng as L ad y T rein es F ab hcun , and a d im in ut iv e m an w ho se p at e crest ed o nl y abo ve

K aevi r' s m id ri ff , an A bh acan n am ed O ll am h L ei gh ao s, cam e r acin g i nt o t he chamb er t o t en d t o E is ean' s

i nj ur y. K aevi r l is tened, f ri gh tened, s tu nn ed , and u ncom pr eh en di ng as h e w as t ol d t hat L ad y T rein es w as

o f t he ancient E lf in B an al tr a s ect o f h ealers , w hi le O ll am h, w ho car ri ed a h eavy , l eath er k naps ack f il led

with unfamiliar surgical implements and supplies, was the King's personal physician. At the sight of

O ll am h' s t oo ls , h is p ecul iar and o mi no us col lect io n o f s calp el s, f or ceps , k ni ves, and n eedl es , K aevi r h ad

staggered against Eabhiros, nearly swooning in bright, new dismay.

" It . .. i t i s m y f au lt .. .” K ae vi r ke pt w hi mp er in g. “ It . .. H oa h, E ab hi ro s . .. T hi s i s a ll m y f au lt ."

" Do n ot s ay t hat. H us h n ow ,” E ab hi ro s b reat hed again st h is ear , h ol di ng h im .





T he s ol di er s h ad t ri ed t o escor t t hem f ro m t he r oo m and K aevi r h ad f ou gh t, s hr ug gi ng h is s ho ul ders ,

w re nc hi ng f re e o f t he ir g ra sp s, s cr ea mi ng a t t he m d ef ia nt ly . H e h ad n ot w an te d t o l ea ve ; h e h ad w an te d

t o t hr ow h im self h eadl on g i nt o t he b ed w it h E is ean and cli ng t o h im , w eep again st h is f ri en d, s om eh ow

f or ce E is ea n' s l if e t o r em ai n w it hi n hi s f or m w it h hi s ba re ha nd s i f ne ed b e.

T he y h ad b ee n f or ce d i nt o t he c or ri do r, a nd t he c ha mb er d oo r h ad b ee n s la mm ed s hu t b eh in d t he m. F or t he b et te r p ar t o f t he n ex t h ou r, t he c on st ab ul at or y g ua rd s h ad q ue st io ne d t he m i n s ep ar at e p ar lo rs , e ac h

behind closed doors.

" My apo lo gi es f or s uch i ncon veni en ce, M as ter G raeh am ,” s ai d E am on C at haoi r, t he com mand er o f t he

r oy al C on st ab ul at or y, o ff er in g h im a k in d, s ym path et ic s mi le. “I w il l s ee t hat y ou r i nj ur ies are t en ded, and

t ha t y ou a re a ll ow ed t he o pp or tu ni ty t o b at he a nd c ha ng e y ou r v es tm en ts a s s oo n a s w e a re f in is he d. I

k no w h ow u ps et y ou s ur el y m us t f eel. "

K aevi r p aced r es t less ly b ef or e an exp an si ve h ear th , alo ne i n t he chamb er except f or t he C om mand er

a nd o ne o f h is g ua rd s, w ho s at w it h a p lu me a nd p ar ch me nt i n h an d.

" Up se t? ” K ae vi r a sk ed , u tt er in g a s ha rp b ar k o f l au gh te r. “ I d o n ot f ee l u ps et , s ir . I b lo od y w el l f ee l

h el pl es s and ang ry —h el pl es s f or m y cir cu ms tance, h el pl es s t o com fo rt m y l or d, and ang ry w it h all o f y ou r

r ot d am n q uest io ns .” H e t hr us t h is h an d t ow ar d E am on , s pl ay in g h is f in gers w id e, h is arm t remo ri ng , h is

s ho ul ders s hu dd er in g. “Th is i s h is b lo od o n m y h an ds , m y s hi rt ! H e i s l ay in g t here s uf feri ng , and y ou

w ou ld h ar ra ss m e, s ir —r ep ea te dl y a nd w it ho ut c au se —w he n h e n ee ds m e, a nd I s ho ul d b e a t h is s id e! "

" Ho w l on g h av e y ou b een emp lo yed i n t he M acleod s’ s er vi ce, M as t er G raeh am ?” E am on as ked,

u nb ot hered b y K aevi r' s o ut bu rs t. W hen K aevi r g lanced s om ew hat s us pi ci ou sl y t ow ar d t he g uard w it h t he

plume, Eamon offered him another gentle smile. “Braonir is here only in Crown capacity, sir. He is one of

m y c on st ab ul at or y s cr ib es , a nd w ou ld s et y ou r a cc ou nt t o p ar ch me nt i n d ep os it io n. I m ea n t o h av e y our ecou nt f or o ff icial r ecor d, t hat y ou m ig ht s ig n y ou r i ni ti al s t o i t. "

K aevi r r each ed i nt o t he p ocket o f h is j us ti co at , m eani ng t o f is h o ut h is t oi ti ns , and h is f in gert ip s b ru sh ed

a ga in st s om et hi ng c oo l a nd s mo ot h, a c ur ve o f p ol is he d s to ne . H e b li nk ed i n s ur pr is e; h e d id n ot

r em em ber t radi ng t he b lack o rb

the Shadow Stone

f ro m t he p oc ke t o f h is H ig hw ay ma n' s j ac ke t t o t hi s o ne . K ae vi r c ur le d h is h an d a ga in st t he s to ne ,

cradl in g i t again st h is p al m w it hi n t he con fi nes o f h is p ocket.

" Wh at i s y ou r f ul l n am e, s ir ?"

K aevi r g lanced at E am on , h is b ro w l if ted s li gh tl y. “Maor F in eu s G raeh am ,” h e l ied eas il y.

" Wh en w er e y ou b or n?"

" Wha t i n t he bl oo dy duc ha n ha s t hi s t o do wi th w ha t ha ppe ne d t o my Lor d Ka evi r? W hy a re y ou

bothering me with this?"

" It i s f or t he r ec or d, M as te r G ra eh am ,” E am on s ai d. “ It i s n o m or e t ha n s ta nd ar d p ro to co l. "

" 17 31,” K ae vi r t ol d hi m. “ I wa s bo rn i n t he ye ar 173 1 of t he t hi rd a ge ."





"Where?"

"Leodmeir, in the westrealm. Morangie County, Kemnay parish."

"Your parents’ names?"

K aevi r l au gh ed w it ho ut h um or . “Wh y d o y ou w an t t o k no w?"

" It i s f or t he r ec or d,” E am on s ai d a ga in . “ I w ant t o k no w s o I c an s ea rc h t he bi rt h r ec or ds f or K em na y

parish in Morangie County and prove you are who you say you are."

" Who e ls e w ou ld I b e? ” K ae vi r a ske d w it h a f row n.

" I d o no t k no w, ” E am on s ai d, w it h a n on ch al an t s hr ug a nd a s mi le . H e l if te d h is b ro w a nd g az ed i nt ent ly

a t K ae vi r. “ Wh y d o y ou n ot t el l m e? "

" My n am e i s M ao r G ra eh am . M y p ar en ts w er e F in eu s G ra eh am a nd M ir ed ei th P ei re . I w as b or n i n

1 731, t he f our th a nd l as t c hi ld—t he onl y s on. I w as bor n wi th a c aul on my he ad a nd a bi rt hma rk upon

m y r ig ht b ut to ck . W ou ld y ou c ar e t o s ee i t f or y ou r r ec or d? "

"No, thank you.” Eamon smiled.

W he n t he y w er e f in is he d, t he y b ro ug ht K ae vi r t o a n ea rb y g ue st s ui te . H e c ro ss ed t he t hr es ho ld j us t a s

E ab hi ro s e me rg ed f ro m t he r oo m, i n t he c om pa ny o f t wo o f E am on 's g ua rd s. K ae vi r m et h is c ou si n' s

g aze, l ocki ng h is eyes d es perately w it h E ab hi ro s’ and t ur ni ng h is h ead t o w at ch as t hey b ru sh ed p as t h im .

T he y k no w!h e w an te d t o c ry o ut i n w ar ni ng . Hold your tongue, Eabhiros—tell them nothing! Theyknow!

W he n t he s ol di er s r et ur ne d l es s t ha n a n h ou r l at er , K ae vi r f el t h is h ea rt s ei ze i n d is ma y, c er ta in t he y h ad

c om e t o a rr es t h im . “ Co me w it h u s, p le as e, s ir ,” s ai d o ne o f t he g ua rd s. T he y e ac h b or e s wo rd s a ga in st

t he ir h ip s, a nd t ho ug h t he y m ad e n o m ov e t o l ay t he ir h an ds u po n t he w ea po ns , K ae vi r b li nk ed a t t he

silver hilts, frightened.

" Wh er e . .. w he re w ou ld y ou t ak e m e? ” h e a sk ed . H is h an d f lu tt er ed a ga in st t he l ip o f h is p oc ke t, t he

pocket in which he had tucked the Stone.

" Lor d L ei gh ea s h as b id u s f et ch yo u, ” t he gu ar d t ol d h im . A t f ir st , t he n am e d id n ot r eg is te r w it h K ae vi r,

and h e s tared at t hem i n b ew il derm en t. “My l iege's p hy si ci an , s ir ,” t he g uard o ff er ed i n p ol it e elabo rati on .

“ He h as s ent f or y ou ."

K ae vi r' s b re at h d re w t o a s tr an gl ed , a ng ui sh ed h al t i n h is t hr oa t. “ Is i t m y l or d? ” h e w hi sp er ed . T ea rs

burned in his eyes, and he blinked. Eisean ... ! he thought in dismay. He ... oh, Mother Above, he is

dead...

" Pl ease com e w it h u s, s ir ,” t he s ol di er s ai d again , b ecko ni ng w it h h is h an d.

T he y l ed h im t o E is ea n' s c ha mb er . W he n h e s te pp ed a cr os s t he d oo rw ay , K ae vi r f ou nd E ab hi ro s

alr eady i n t he r oo m, s tand in g b y t he h eart h i n q ui et cou ns el w it h t he A bh acan , O ll am h L ei gh eas. E is ean

r em ai ne d i n b ed , h is c he st s wa dd le d i n h ea vy b an da ge s. E ab hi ro s t ur ne d h is h ea d a s K ae vi r e nt er ed ; a t







t o exp lain i t. I s tamm er ed s om et hi ng o ut b ut cou ld n ot t el l i f h e b el ieved m e. "

"Eamon suspects something?” Isbaenna whispered, blinking at them, startled.

E ab hi ro s n od ded h is h ead o nce, b ri ef ly . “I t hi nk C al id or e m us t h av e t ol d h im ,” h e s ai d, h is v oi ce h us hed.

“ I do not know how, but he mus t ha ve f igur ed us out ."

" Wh at w il l y ou d o?” I sb aenn a ask ed , f ri gh tened and b reat hl es s.

" We . .. w e w il l b lo od y w el l r un .” E is ea n w hi sp er ed . H is b ro ws f ur ro we d a s h e t ri ed t o l if t h is h ea d a nd

s ho ul ders f ro m t he p il lo ws . “Help . .. h el p m e s tand . .. d am mi t. .. "

" Ei se an , l ie b ac k, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ We c an no t r un —y ou c an no t b e m ov ed . Y ou a re h ur t. "

" We . .. w e can no t . .. s tay h er e. .. ” E is ean b reat hed, clu tchi ng at h is h an d, i mp lo ri ng .

" Ei sean i s r ig ht ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d s of tl y, g ravely . “We can no t. T hey w il l arr es t u s— see u s h an ged. W eh ave t o ge t out of h er e."

" It c oul d k il l E is ea n t o m ov e h im . Y ou s aw h ow m uc h b lo od h e l os t, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ An d h ow w oul d w e

g et h im p as t t ho se g uard s? T hey are w at ch in g u s l ik e h aw ks ."

" I cou ld d is t ract t hem s om eh ow ,” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed . “Kaev ir , y ou cou ld g o t o t he s tabl es , f etch t he

c oa ch , a nd I w il l t hi nk o f s om e p re te ns e t o d ra w t he g ua rd s a wa y. T he c or ri do r b ey on d i s p ra ct ic al ly

e mp ty n ow , a nd o nc e a ro un d t he n ex t c or ne r, y ou c ou ld p re te nd E is ea n i s a p ar ty g ue st —a d ru nk en

party guest. You could help him to walk, or carry him, Eabhiros—you are strong enough."

K ae vi r l oo ke d d ou bt fu l a nd w or ri ed a s h e g az ed d ow n a t E is ea n.

" Cali do re and E am on w il l n ev er s us pect t hat y ou w ou ld f lee n ow ,” I sb aenn a s ai d s of tl y. “Ju st l ik e y ou

s ai d— th ey t hi nk y ou w ou ld r is k i t n ot w it h Ei se an i n s uc h a s ta te . T he y t hi nk t he y h ave y ou p in ch ed,

K ae vi r. Y ou c ou ld b e o ut o f t he c it y b ef or e t he y e ve n r ea li ze y ou h av e l ef t. "

" Kaev ir cou ld n ot r each t he s tabl es ,” E ab hi ro s w hi sp er ed . “Th e g uard s w ou ld n ev er l et h im p as s. "

" I c ou ld r ea ch t he m, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ I c ou ld c li mb d ow n f ro m t he b al co ny t he re —j um p, i f n ee ds b e. "

" Ka evi r, d o n ot b e a yo b. I t i s a t wo -s tor ey d rop ,” Ea bhi ros t ol d hi m w it h a f ro wn . “ Yo u w oul d br ea k both your legs and your bloody neck besides."

K aevi r arched h is b ro w. “I h av e l eapt f ro m t al ler w in do ws t han t hi s r un ni ng f ro m con st ab les p lent y o f

t im es ,” h e s ai d, add in g s wi ft ly , “Do n ot ask ."

" Do n ot w or ry f or t hat, ” E ab hi ro s ass ur ed h im d ou rl y.

" I c an m ak e i t, E ab hi ro s. G iv e m e t en m in ut es f ro m t he m om ent I s te p o ut o nt o t he b al co ny , a nd t he n

y ou d is tr act t he g uard s, I sb aenn a— dr aw t hem away. "

" Th er e i s a s er vant s ’ cor ri do r j us t aro un d t he cor ner ,” I sb aenn a w hi s pered t o E ab hi ro s. “Tu rn t o y ou r

l ef t a s yo u l ea ve t he c ha mbe r, t ake i t t o t he f ir st l eve l. The re i s a s er vi ce e nt ra nc e t he re , j us t of f t o th e

right."





" Can y ou f in d i t f ro m o ut si de?” E ab hi ro s ask ed K aevi r.

" Ju st b ef or e t he cou rt yard g ar den, ” I sb aenn a t ol d h im .

" I can f in d i t, ” K aevi r s ai d, n od di ng .

" Then l et us do thi s,” Ea bhir os s aid gr iml y. “ Hoah, pox a nd r ot , l et us j us t ge t out of thi s, a nd by my

breath, I will live out the remains of my days as primly and properly as a priest."

H e d ip pe d h is f in ge rs i nt o t he f ob p oc ke t o f h is b re ec he s a nd w it hd re w h is g ol d w at ch . “ Te n m in ut es ,

t hen?” h e ask ed , g lancin g anx io us ly at K aevi r. “We are d oi ng t hi s?"

" Te n m in ut es , t he n, ” K ae vi r w hi sp er ed , a nd h e r os e t o h is f ee t. “ We a re d oi ng t hi s. "

K ae vi r s te pp ed o ut o nt o t he b al co ny o f E is ea n' s c ha mb er , s ta nd in g i n t he c ri sp , c oo l n ig ht a ir . H e l oo ke d

o ut o ver t he g ro un ds o f t he p al ace, w at ch in g t he l ig ht s o f B el gaer an t wi nk li ng all abo ut h im l ik el ow -h an gi ng s tars . T he m oo n w as alo ft , s wo ll en and f ul l, s pi ll in g a w as h o f p al e, b ri gh t l ig ht again st t he

ground, mottling the earth in shadows.

H e g la nc ed ov er hi s s ho ul de r a s he s te ppe d i nt o t hi s c loa k o f d ar kn es s a t t he p at io' s e dg e. H e c ou ld s ee

E ab hi ro s a nd I sb ae nn a o n t he ir k ne es b es id e t he b ed , w at ch in g h im . T he g ua rd s s ti ll s to od b y t he

doorway, laughing and grinning as they exchanged tales and rumors.

H e s li pp ed h is h an d i nt o h is p oc ke t a bs en tl y a s h e g az ed d ow n o ve r t he b al us tr ad e t ow ar d t he

m oo n- dr ap ed l aw n b el ow . H is f in gert ip s b ru sh ed again st t he s to ne; i t s eemed t o t remb le again st h im , and

h e s tr ok ed h is t hu mb again st i ts g lo ss y s ur face, d rawi ng s tr en gt h and com fo rt f ro m i ts s im pl e p resence i n

his hand.

" I can d o t hi s, ” h e w hi sp er ed , p iv ot in g o n h is h eels , p ro pp in g h is h ip s again st t he g rani te b al us tr ad e. A s

h e g az ed o ut a cr os s t he g ro un ds , m ak in g c er ta in o ne l as t t im e t ha t a ll w as c le ar , h e c au gh t s ig ht o f a

shadowed figure moving swiftly, shambling through the darkness alongside of the defensive wall of the

palace, scurrying toward the corner of the castle. His breath caught in a startled tangle in his throat as he

recognized the figure's limping, clumsy gait

I t w as t he c re at ur e f ro m t he f or es ts ; t he m is sh ap en , d ef or me d o ld m an .The bloody bastard must have

followed us to Belgaeran, Kaevir thought. He has found us!

F oun d t he s tone . .. !

H e m ov ed , r eact in g m or e f ro m i ns ti nct t han f ro m r easo n. H e s wu ng h is r ig ht l eg o ver t he b al lu st rade and

t he n d re w h is l ef t a ro un d i n t ur n, l et ti ng h is h ip s s li p o ve r t he e dg e o f g ra ni te a s h e f el l. I t h ap pe ne d s o

q ui ck ly , s o r ef lexi vely , K aevi r s carcel y h ad t im e t o r eali ze w hat h e h ad d on e, m uch l es s r econ si der. H e

f el t a s ud den, s wi ft w in d again st h is f ace, f lapp in g at h is h ai r, and w hen h e l an ded again st t he g ro un d, h is

balance unwavering, his feet as light and certain in the grass as a cat's, he blinked, stunned and startled.

"Hoah...!” he whispered, looking up briefly and gawking at the significant and impressive height he had

just dropped without seeming effort or worry.

H o w in t h e du c ha n d i d I d o t ha t ?





H e h ea rd t he s of t r us tl in g o f s hu ff li ng f oo ts te ps a s t he o ld m an r ou nd ed t he c or ne r a nd w as g on e,

o bl iv io us t o K ae vi r' s d es ce nt , a nd h e t ur ne d t ow ar d t he s ou nd , h is b ro ws d ra wi ng t og et he r. “ Wh at a re

y ou p layi ng at, y ou r ot ?” h e h is sed.

H e f ol lo wed t he s ou nd s o f t he o ld m an 's f eet, d ucki ng i nt o s wath s o f s hado w as g id dy , g ig gl in g,

g os si pi ng p al ace g uest s s tr ol led p as t h im , u naware o f h is p resence i n t he d ar kn es s. A p ai r o f s ol di er s

s tr od e h im b y alo ng h is r ou te, and K aevi r s tu mb led, s hy in g again st t he w al l, h is eyes f lo wn w id e, h isf ri ght ene d br eat h ca ught a nd s ti ll i n hi s t hr oa t. No o ne pa id hi m a ny he ed a nd whe n a t l as t he c ame t o a

place on the grounds where he could either continue forward toward the stables and the carriage, or turn

t o h is r ig ht , p as si ng t hr ou gh an u ng uard ed s er vi ce g at e i n t he p er im et er w al l and o ut i nt o t he cit y p ro per,

h is s tr id e w av er ed t o an u ncer tain h al t.

H e h ea rd a s cu ff le o f h ee le d s ho es a ga in st l oo se g ra ve l a nd c ob bl es to ne s, a nd s aw a s ta gg er in g s ha do w

d rape l on g acr os s a b ui ld in g f açad e t hr ou gh t he g at ew ay ; t he o ld m an s hamb li ng abo ut b y t he l ig ht o f

s tr eet l am ps , s camp er in g f or t he cov er o f all ey ways .

" Da mm it ,” K ae vi r m ut te re d. H e r ea ch ed i nt o t he f ob p oc ke t o f h is p an ts a nd s li pp ed o ut h is w at ch .S ev en m in ut es . H e o nl y h ad s ev en m in ut es t o r ea ch t he c oa ch .

T he o ld m an 's s ha do w s pl ay ed a ro un d t he c or ne r o f t he b ui ld in g a nd d is ap pe ar ed f ro m v ie w, t he s ou nd s

of his footsteps fading.

" Damm it !” K aevi r s eeth ed , and h e d ar ted t hr ou gh t he g at e, r un ni ng d ow n t he s tr eet, f ol lo wi ng t he

s ha do w. H e r ou nd ed t he s id e o f t he b ui ld in g a nd c au gh t s ig ht o f t he ol d m an , h un ke re d a nd e nf ol de d i n a

d ar k t raveli ng clo ak as h e d ucked f ro m b et ween t wo d is tant b ui ld in gs and s cu rr ied f ur th er d ow n t he

street.

" Po x and b lo od y r ot ,” K aevi r b reat hed, r un ni ng aft er h im . H e f ol lo wed t he o ld m an f or ano th er t hr ee blocks, and hid between a closed and darkened apothecary shop and a haberdashery, watching as the

m an s cam pered t hr ou gh a d oo rw ay acro ss t he s t reet , d is ap peari ng i ns i de an ext eri or r oo m o n t he g ro un d

f lo or o f a cozy l it tl e creek st on e i nn , t he P al ace A nt echamb er & B reak fas t.

W ha t i n t he d uc ha n w as t he o ld b as ta rd up t o? K ae vi r w ond er ed . He c re pt a cr os s t he s tr ee t, d uc ki ng

a nd s ca mpe ri ng unt il he c rouc he d by t he door t o t he i nn r oo m. He l ea ne d hi s e ar a ga ins t t he w ood a nd

cou ld h ear m ut ed v oi ces, s harp and arg ui ng f ro m w it hi n.

" .. .I t ol d yo u t o k ee p p ut !” a m an s na pp ed.

" The y a re a t t he pa la ce , T re ss ac h. T he y h ave m y s tone !” t he ol d m an c aw ed. “ We c an g o a nd ge t i t

back from them. We can—"

" Yo u k eep y ou r b lo od y ass i n t hi s r oo m u nl es s I t el l y ou o th er wi se, d o y ou u nd er st an d, L ah nd ur en ?”

T res sach s ai d, and t here w as a clatt er in g s ou nd , a s tart l ed y el p f ro m L ah nd ur en.

K ae vi r s hr an k b ac k f ro m t he d oo r, h is e ye s w id en ed i n s tu nn ed s ur pr is e. Lahnduren. Ther e was not a

person in Tiralainn who would not recognize that name. Lahnduren had been king once, before Kaevir

h ad even b een b or n; h e h ad m ur dered t he r ig ht fu l l iege and s to len h is t hr on e i n a v io lent u pr is in g t hat h ad

brought sixteen years of misery and suffering to Tiralainn. He had proven an incompetent, ruthless ruler

w ho h ad ens laved h is o wn p eo pl e; t he cur rent K in g, K ierk en , and h is Q ueen , Q yn helein , h ad s ecur ed

their Crowns by helping to overthrow Lahnduren's rule.





L ah nd ur en h ad t ri ed t o s tage a r eb el li on again st K ierk en f if teen y ears ago d ur in g w hat w as cal led t he

S ec on d S ha do w W ar . H e h ad b ee n d ef ea te d a nd k il le d d ur in g t he W ar , a cc or di ng t o t he l eg en ds K ae vi r

h ad alw ay s h eard .

" Ma yb e n ot ,” h e w hi spe re d t o h im se lf . I f h is e ar s h ad n ot d ec ei ve d h im , t he n L ah nd ur en w as a li ve a nd

w el l a nd l et ti ng a r oo m a t t he P al ac e A nt ec ha mb er & B re ak fa st . H e w as i n B el ga er an .

" An d h e w an ts m y s to ne,” K aevi r b reat hed, h is h an d s teal in g i nt o h is p ocket, h is f in gers cur li ng abo ut t he

black orb. He scurried away from the inn, pausing near a streetlamp to look at his watch. Three minutes.

W ha te ve r L ah nd ur en w as p la yi ng a t, i t w ou ld n ee d t o w ai t. K ae vi r t ur ne d o n h is h ee l a nd r an b ac k a lo ng

t he s tr ee t, m ak in g h is w ay b ac k t ow ar d t he p al ac e, h is g ai t l on g a nd b ri sk a s h e r us he d t o m ee t E ab hi ro s

and Eisean.

CHAPTER TWELVE

K ae vi r s ca mp er ed b ac k a lo ng t he s ha do w- dr ap ed s tr ee ts o f B el ga er an , r et ra ci ng h is s te ps t o t he p al ac e.

T o h is s ur pr is e, t he s er vi ce g at e a lo ng t he d ef en si ve w al l, o pe ne d a nd u ng ua rd ed w he n h e h ad l ef t, w as

n ow a ny th in g b ut ; f ou r a rm ed g ua rd s h ad b ee n s ta ti on ed o ut si de o f t he p er im et er , a nd t he i ro n g at e h ad

been closed fast. Kaevir scuttled back, crouching in the shadows of a nearby alley, his eyes flown wide,

h is b re at h c au gh t i n h is t hr oa t i n a s ud de n, p an ic ke d b re at h.

Where in the duchan did they come from? h e t ho ug ht . H e h ad n o t im e l ef t n ow ; h is t en -m in ut e d eadl in e

h ad pa ss ed , a nd he kne w E abhi ros a nd Ei se an w er e on t he ir wa y t o me et h im, i f t he y w er e n ot a lr ea dy

waiting for him.

" Ro t, ” h e m ut te re d. H e w ou ld n ev er m ak e i t p as t t he g ua rd s, m uc h l es s t hr ou gh t he t hi ck i ro n g at e. H ed id n ot k no w w ha t t he p re se nc e o f t he s ol di er s m ea nt ; m ay ha p h e h ad s im pl y c om e u po n t he g at e e ar li er

in between the changing of sentries.

O r m ay be s om et hi ng i s w ro ng ,he thought grimly to himself. Maybe Eamon has arrested Eabhiros

a nd E is ean b ef or e t he y had t im e t o f le e. M ay be he h as n ot ic ed m y e sc ape a nd o rde re d t he pa lac e

sealed to keep me trapped inside.

" Po x a nd d am n, ” K ae vi r w hi sp er ed . H e r os e f ro m h is h un ke re d p os it io n a nd d ar te d d ow n t he s tr ee t. H e

ke pt t o t he s ha dow s, f ol low ing t he a ve nu e i n a pa ra ll el c our se t o t he pa la ce wa ll s. At l as t h e c ame t o a

place where a long, narrow alley between two buildings opened out before the defensive wall. At the far e nd of t he a ll ey, h e po ke d h is he ad o ut a nd l oo ke d a ro und . T he s er vi ce ga te a nd t he g ua rds w er e f ar of f

t o hi s l ef t now , a g ood t wo b loc ks a wa y a nd gon e f rom hi s vi ew . Th er e we re no br ea ks i n t he pe ri me te r

w al l h er e, n o g at es —b ut n o s ol di er s, e it he r, a nd K ae vi r t ip to ed o ut , c re ep in g t o t he w al l a nd s ta nd in g

before it.

H e h ad h op ed t o f in d a t re e s pr ou ti ng s om ew he re c lo se a t h an d, b ut r ea li ze d t o h is d is ma y t ha t s om eo ne

w it h f or et ho ug ht h ad app ar en tl y con si dered s uch a p ot en ti al avenu e o f s ur repi ti ou s ent ry t o t he p al ace

g ro un ds . T he re w er e n o t re es , n o b us he s o r s hr ub be ri es . T he re w as n ot hi ng e xc ep t s av e t he c ol d w hi te

granite towering above him.

" Da mm it ,” h e s ai d. T he re w er e n o s ui ta bl e h an dh ol ds o r t oe n oo ks h e c ou ld s ee ; n o m ea ns t o c li mb i t

w it ho ut t he b en ef it o f t oo ls . H e f ro wn ed , h un ch in g h is s ho ul ders and s ho vi ng h is h an ds i nt o h is coat

pockets. If they were not already apprehended, surely Eabhiros and Eisean had reached the servants’





e nt ra nc e o f t he p al ac e b y n ow . T he y w er e l ik el y c on ce rn ed b y h is t ar di ne ss a nd f ra nt ic , b es id es .

" I h av e t o g et o ver t hat w al l s om eh ow ,” h e m ut tered, h is f in gert ip s b ru sh in g again st t he b lack s to ne

t ucked i ns id e h is p ocket. H e f el t t he w in d f lu tt er again st h is h ai r, f lapp in g l ig ht ly again st t he t ai ls o f h is

justicoat as he looked up at the wall.

" Damn ,” h e s ai d, and t hen t he w in d w hi pp ed u pw ar d, s eemi ng ly f ro m t he g ro un d i ts el f, r us hi ng b et weenh is l eg s and b uf feti ng h im i n t he f ace. A s ti ng in g s pr ay o f l oo se d ir t and d ri ed g rass s lapp ed again st h im ,

a nd h e s ta gg er ed , s qu ee zi ng h is e ye s s hu t a nd u tt er in g a q ui et y el p o f s ta rt . T he w in d s la pp ed a ga in st h is

a rm s, h is l eg s, a nd h is c oa t t ai ls s na pp ed u p t ow ar d h is n ec k. K ae vi r c ri ed o ut a ga in a nd t he w in d

s natched t he b reat h f ro m h im . H e cho ked, w ho op in g i n a m ou th fu l o f d us t, and t hen t he w in d abr up tl y

died, the air falling suddenly and unexpectedly still.

" Wh at i n t he d uc ha n. .. ?” h e g as pe d, s tu mb li ng . H e f el t h is b oo t h ee ls s li p a ga in st s om e s or t o f e dg e, l ik e

t he l ip o f a s ide wa lk o r pr ec ipi ce , a nd hi s e ye s f le w op en.

" Ho ah —! ” h e c ri ed o ut i n b ri gh t, b re at hl es s p an ic . H e h ad s om eh ow c om e t o b e a to p t he w al l a nd s to od perched precariously on the narrow ledge of stone, staring not up at the towering granite, but down its

s t eep, o pp os i ng s i de t ow ard t he p al ace g ro un ds b elo w.

"Hoah, damn!” Kaevir yelped, reeling in sudden, unsteady terror. His arms pinwheeled frantically in the

air as h is h eels again s ki tt er ed again st t he b ri m o f s to ne, and h e n earl y t op pl ed b ackw ar ds , p lu ng in g

h eadl on g b ack i nt o t he s t reet b el ow .

T he w in d p el ted h im again , r us hi ng o ut o f n ow here and again st h is s ho ul ders , s ho vi ng h im f or ward .

K aevi r cri ed o ut and t hen p it ch ed o ver t he w al l, s tagg er in g and f lail in g, p lu mm et in g t ow ar d t he p al ace

g ro un ds . “Ho ah , S weet M ot her, d am n— !” h e s hr ieked i n w il d t er ro r, s hu tt in g h is eyes as ano th er

powerful burst of wind smacked against his face, his chest. He felt it jerk his legs beneath him, and thenh is b oo ts m et t he g ro un d, s et tl in g d el ib er at el y i n t he g ra ss a s t ho ug h he ha d b ee n p lu ck ed b y t he s cr uf f o f

h is coat b y t he G oo d M ot her h er self and d ep os it ed t hu s. T he w in d f lu tt er ed t hr ou gh h is h ai r, w an in g, and

w hen i t d ied, h e o pened h is eyes, b li nk in g i n s tu pefi ed ast on is hm en t.

"Sweet Mother...” he whimpered, his eyes flown wide with shock. He trembled, shuddering violently, his

k nees b uckl in g. H e s tu mb led abo ut , d azed and s tu nn ed , h is f oo ts teps s hamb li ng as t ho ug h h e w er e

d ru nk . “ Sw ee t M ot he r . .. M ot he r A bo ve . .. W ha t i n t he d uc ha n w as t ha t? "

H e l imp ed a bou t i n a c lum sy h al f- ci rc le a nd ga wk ed a t t he wa ll b eh in d h im . Th e w in d h ad b lo wn hi m l ik e

a dr ie d le af c aught on t he e dge o f ga le , s hovi ng hi m up on e s ide of th e wa ll a nd ba ck dow n t he o th er.“Mother Above...!” he whispered.

" Yo u t he re , h al t w he re y ou s ta nd ! H al t r ig ht n ow !” h e h ea rd a s ha rp v oi ce s ho ut o ut , a nd h e w hi rl ed ,

staggering again, his heart's already frightened rhythm quickening ten-fold as a party of four guards

app eared t o h is r ig ht , m ar ch in g b ri sk ly and p ur po sefu ll y t ow ar d h im . T hey b or e t heir s wo rd s i n t heir

hands, and Kaevir whimpered, backpedaling.

"Bugger me,” he hissed.

" I s ai d h al t w here y ou s tand !” o ne o f t he g uard s b el lo wed, m oo nl ig ht f lash in g again st t he s il ver d om e o f

h is h el m, i nf us ed alo ng t he l en gt h o f h is b rand is hed s wo rd . T hey w er e n earl y u po n h im , t heir s tr id es

broad, their heavy footfalls shivering in the ground beneath his feet.





" I . .. I a m h al te d. .. !” K ae vi r c al le d o ut , h ol di ng h is h an ds a lo ft , h is p al ms r ai se d. “ I . .. I a m u na rm ed .

P l eas e d o n ot . .. ! "

A s ud den, m ig ht y g us t o f w in d r us hed f ro m b eh in d h im , s weep in g h is h ai r f or ward and i nt o h is f ace,

s ho vi ng i nt o h is s ho ul ders and s en di ng h im s tu mb li ng . K aevi r t hr ew h is h an ds u p, d ucki ng h is h ead as

m or e d ir t, p eb bl es , s ti ck s a nd g ra ss p el te d h im , f il li ng t he a ir i n a t hi ck c lo ud . H e c ou ld h ea r t he g ua rd s

c ry in g o ut i n s ta rt le d, b ew il de re d f ri gh t a nd h e r is ke d a p ee p a ro un d t he v er te x o f h is a rm s.

A v io le nt b ur st o f w in d s ee me d t o c at ch t wo o f t he s ol di er s w it h s ee mi ng p ur po se b y t he c he st , k no ck in g

t he m o ff o f t he ir f ee t a nd s en di ng t he m c ar ee ni ng i nt o t he ne ar by w al l o f t he pa la ce . T he y s tr uc k ha rd

eno ug h t o r at tl e w in do w p an es , t heir m et al h el mets r in gi ng l ik e m uf fl ed b el ls as t hey s tr uck again st t he

s to ne . T he y c ru mp le d a s t he w in d t ur ne d t he m l oo se , a nd t he y s pi ll ed f ac e- do wn u po n t he g ro un d, a s

l im p and l if el es s as d is card ed r ag d ol ls .

A no th er g us t w renched t he t hi rd s ol di er 's l eg s f ro m b en eath h im and s lamm ed h im b ack i nt o h is

r em ai ni ng f el lo w. T he t wo o f t hem f lew, s mash in g i nt o t he p er im et er w al l, t he b reat h and s en ses k no ck ed

f rom t he ir s kul ls b y t he f or ce of t he i mp ac t. A s s wi ft ly a s i t h ad c om e u po n t he m, t he w in d d ie d, a nd t heguards pitched into the grass, unconscious.

K aevi r l ow er ed h is arm s f ro m h is f ace s lo wl y, s hu dd er in g anew. H is b reat h escap ed f ro m h is t hr oat i n

q ui et , m ew li ng l it tl e h iccu ps as h e s tared at t he s ol di er s, h is eyes eno rm ou s w it h s ho ck . “Ho ah .. .” h e

whimpered, staggering. “What is happening...?"

" Ha lt r ig ht t he re !” h e h ea rd a v oi ce b el lo w f ro m b eh in d h im . K ae vi r w he el ed a bo ut a nd s aw E am on

r us hi ng t ow ar d h im i n t he com pany o f at l east a d ozen s ol di er s. “Kaev ir M acleod , s tand f as t r ig ht t here!”

h e r oa re d, a nd K ae vi r m oa ne d a lo ud , s hr in ki ng b ac k a s h e r ea li ze d E am on k ne w; h e k ne w w ho h e w as ,

and t hat cou ld o nl y m ean o ne h or ri fi c t hi ng .

" We h av e y ou r f ri en ds !” E am on s ho ut ed . “ Th er e i s n o p la ce y ou c an g o, n o o ne w ho w il l h el p yo u.

S ta nd f as t! Y ou a re u nd er a rr es t! "

" Pl ease!” K aevi r cri ed , h ol di ng o ut h is h an ds i n b li nd t er ro r, cer tain t hey w ou ld r un h im t hr ou gh w it h t heir

blades. “No, please, I am unarmed—!"

T he w in d s eemed t o s pew f ro m h is f in gert ip s, l au nchi ng i ts el f at E am on and t he s ol di er s l ik e s om e

v io lent , u nt et hered b east . I t p lo wed i nt o t hem w it h t or nadi c, f ur io us f or ce; K aevi r s aw E am on 's eyes f ly

w id e a nd t he n h e w as j er ke d f ro m h is f ee t, r ip pe d a t l ea st t we nt y f ee t s ky wa rd , h is v oi ce r ip pi ng u p i nt o

s hr il l, p an ic ke d s hr ie ks . H e s ai le d a s t ho ug h h e h ad b ee n f ir ed f ro m a c an no n, s ho ve d a cr os s t he p la te auo f t he a ir a nd s en t c ra sh in g w it h b ru ta l, j ar ri ng f or ce t hr ou gh a s ec on d s to re y w in do w o f t he p al ac e. T he

s ol di er s b eh in d h im s catt er ed l ik e d ri ed s ag e b ru sh i n a s an d s to rm , w hi pp ed abo ut , f lu ng t hr ou gh t he air ,

slammed into walls, smashed through windows, pummelled against the ground.

W he n t he y h ad a ll f al le n, w he n n on e s to od l ef t be for e K ae vi r, t he w in ds r ec ed ed, f al li ng s ti ll a s i f a h ea vy

d oo r h ad s napp ed s hu t o n t hem, s ti fl in g t hem. K aevi r b li nk ed i n b reat hl es s h or ro r, s haki ng l ik e a f eebl e

o ld m an . H e cou ld h ear m uf fl ed s hr ieks com in g f ro m w it hi n t he p al ace; E am on and t he o th er s h ur led

t hr ou gh w in do ws h ad f lo wn i nt o t he r oo ms o f g uest s, i nt o q ui et p ar lo rs w here s mall r ecep ti on s h ad

gathered. All around him, Kaevir could hear the hurting, woeful sounds of soldiers whimpering and

g ro an in g, s ti rr in g w eakl y as t hey l ay s pr aw led i n t he g rass .

" Ho ah . .. S we et M ot he r. .. ” K ae vi r w hi sp er ed , a ga pe a nd s tu nn ed a ne w. H e s ta re d i n s tu nn ed ,

a st ou nd ed w on de r a t h is p al ms , h is f in ge rs . H e j er ke d h is h ea d, g as pi ng i n f ea r a t t he s ud de n t hu nd er o f





m or e app ro achi ng f oo ts teps —p lent y o f t hem and i n q ui te a h ur ry f ro m t he s ou nd s o f t hi ng s. H e cou ld

h ear m or e v oi ces s ho ut in g o ut i n alarm and con cern —m or e s ol di er s o n t he w ay —and h e s tu mb led,

terrified.

" Oh, no! ” he ga sp ed. H e f el t a s ha rp br ee ze s ma ck a ga ins t t he b ac k of hi s kne es a nd he ye lp ed, f al li ng

backwards. He cowered, expecting the grass and ground to slam painfully against his shoulders, but that

i mp ac t n eve r c am e, a nd he s cr ea me d i n f ri gh t a s t he w ind b or e hi m s wi ft ly u pw ar ds , a m ig ht y d ra ftt hr us ti ng h im a br up tl y i nt o t he a ir . H e f li pp ed a ss o ve r e lb ow s, p at e o ve r h ee ls , a nd h e s hr ie ke d t o w at ch

s ky a nd gr ound s wa p pl ac es ov er a nd ove r a ga in i n hi s l ine of s ight . He s aw t he c re st of t he de fe ns ive

w al l w hi p b y be ne at h hi m a s t he w ind bl ew hi m ove r, a nd t he n i t br oug ht hi m t o t he gr oun d, s et tl ing h im i n

a n ea rl y g en tl e, d el ic at e f as hi on o n h is r um p i n t he d ir t, o ut si de o f t he p al ac e b ar ri ca de s o nc e a ga in .

T he s ol di er s w er e h ol leri ng f ro m t he o th er s id e, t heir v oi ces m uf fl ed t hr ou gh t he s to ne as t hey b ar ked

a nd s ho ut ed o rd er s t o o pe n t he g at es , t o t hr ow w id e t he g at es . K ae vi r s cr am bl ed t o h is f ee t, r ee li ng

a bo ut i n a b re at hl es s, s ho ck ed s ta te , h is h ai r b lo wn a ll a sk ew , s ti ck in g o ut a ll a bo ut h is f ac e i n a

d is heveled cor on a. H is j us ti co at h un g l op si ded o n h im , t he f laps t an gl ed abo ut h is l eg s, and h e l im ped

abo ut i n w id e, clu ms y cir cl es , h is k nees s eemi ng u nw il li ng t o s up po rt h is w ei gh t i n f ul l. H e h ad n earl ys oa ke d h is b re ec he s; s om eh ow , b y t he g ra ce s o f t he G oo d M ot he r, h is b la dd er h ad n ot f lo od ed h is

t ro us er s i n f ri gh t as h e h ad f lo wn t hr ou gh t he air .

H e h ea rd t he d is ta nt , d is ti nc ti ve s qa wl o f m et al a ga in st m et al a s t he s er vi ce g at e s ev er al l on g b lo ck s t o

h is l ef t b eg an t o s wi ng o pe n t o r el ea se t he r oy al g ua rd s. K ae vi r s ta gg er ed , h is b re at h a nd v oi ce c au gh t i n

a f ri gh tened, s hr il l h is s b en eath h is b reas t, and t hen h e t ur ned, s tu mb li ng alo ng t he n earest all ey way. H e

began to run, his arms pistoning at his sides, driving his fists toward his chin. He ran until he felt his lungs

s ear w it h f rant ic eff or t, r acin g d ow n all ey ways , alo ng t ho ro ug hf ar es , i n and o ut o f p as si ng g ro up s o f

cel eb rati ng p ed es tr ians . A t l as t, h e d ar ted b et ween t wo n ei gh bo ri ng p ub s and cro uched again st t he f lo or

o f t he a ll ey . H e h ud dl ed h er e, s af e i n t he s ha do ws , a nd t uc ke d h is t em pl e a ga in st t he c ol d c re ek st on e

wall.

What was that? his mind screeched.What was that? What in the bloody damn duchan just

happened to me?

H e c ou ld f ee l t he s ton e i n t he p oc ke t of h is j us ti coa t a nd h e r ea ch ed f or i t, l et ti ng h is f in ge rs s li de s lo wl y

beneath the flap of wool. He caught the stone in the crook of his fingers and drew it forth. He watched

l am pl ig ht d ar t f leet in gl y again st i ts s ur face, t he g lo w o f t he m oo n l ik e a d im h aze again st t he p ol is hed

black stone.

W ha te ve r h ad h ap pe ne d t o h im , w ha te ve r h ad c au se d t he w in ds t o b lo w l ik e t ha t, t o s ee mi ng ly r is e t oh is d ef ens e a nd a id, he r ea li ze d a ll a t o nc e, i t wa s o n a cc oun t o f t he s tone .

I give you the wind, i t ha d whi spe re d t o hi m i n t he f or es t. I t ha d not s po ke n t o h im s inc e; th es e

e ni gm at ic w or ds h ad b ee n a mo ng t he l as t t he s to ne h ad o ff er ed , b ut a s t he y c am e n ow t o K ae vi r' s m in d,

a s h e g az ed a t t he o rb , t ra ns fi xe d a nd s om eh ow s oo th ed b y t he f lu tt er in g p la y of l ig ht a ga in st i t, h e f el t t he

g os sa me r h ai rs a lo ng t he n ap e o f h is n ec k p ri ck le a nd h e s hi ve re d.

I give you the wind.

" Wh at are y ou ?” K aevi r w hi sp er ed t o t he s to ne. T he s to ne o ff er ed n o r ep ly , r em ai ni ng as m ut e again st

hi s h an d a s i t ha d ne ar ly f rom t he f ir st m om en t he h ad t ou ch ed i t. K ae vi r f el t f ru st ra te d t ea rs w el l i n h is

e ye s a nd h e c lo se d h is f in ge rs a bo ut t he s to ne , c lu tc hi ng i t, d ra wi ng i t a ga in st hi s he ar t. “ Wha t i n t he

bloody duchan are you?"







Ka evi r ha d n eve r d ra wn s o ne ar t o a nyt hi ng s o i mm en se a nd m agn if ic en t i n a ll o f h is da ys . Ev en i n t he

middle of the night, with only the moon to offer illumination, Ardeaglais'Coroin was staggering in its sheer

proportion, breathtaking in its grandeur.

T he a'P ob ai l m ai nt ai ned i ts o wn i nf an tr y o f arm ed s ol di er s, b ut K aevi r s aw n o s ig n o f any s en tr ies p os ted

o r g ua rd s o n p at ro l a s h e f ol lo we d T re ss ac h. H e m ou nt ed t he c at he dr al s ta ir s a t t he s ou th we st er nt ra ns ep t e nt ra nc e t wo a t a s tr id e, h is b oo t s ol es s of t a nd s il en t a ga in st t he g ra ni te . T re ss ac h h ad n ot

s ee me d t he l ea st b it s ur pr is ed t o d is co ve r t hi s e nt ra nc e u nl oc ke d, a nd h e h ad n ot h es it at ed e ve n a

f al teri ng b reat h b ef or e d ucki ng i ns id e. K aevi r, h ow ev er , w as m or e cau ti ou s. A ft er all t hat h ad h ap pened

i n t he s pa n o f t ha t o ne b ri ef da y, h e w as t aki ng n o c ha nc es . H e dr ew t he d oo r ope n a b ri ef me as ur e a nd

poked his head inside.

T he t hr es ho ld o pe ne d u po n a m od es t f oy er , a do rn ed o nl y w it h a m ar bl e s ta tu e o f t he G oo d M ot he r

C reat or p eeri ng f or th f ro m a s hall ow alcov e alo ng t he r ig ht w al l i n s il en t, u nb li nk in g r eg ar d. B ey on d t hi s

r oo m, t hr ou gh a d is ta nt d oo rw ay , l ay t he c ro ss in g t hr es ho ld b et we en t he n av e a nd t he q ui re , a nd K ae vi r

cau gh t a f leet in g g li mp se o f T ress ach' s s hado w as h e s tr od e q ui ck ly o ut o f v iew. K aevi r s li pp ed t hr ou ght he d oo r, l et ti ng i t eas e q ui et ly s hu t b eh in d h im .

T re ss ac h h ad e xi te d t he c at he dr al t hr ou gh a d oo r a cr os s t he n av e a nd K ae vi r f ol lo we d h im o ut i nt o a

g ar de n r in ge d b y a w id e c lo is te r. B y t he t im e K ae vi r h ad f ol lo we d T re ss ac h a ro un d t o t he c ha pt er h ou se

d oo r, T ress ach h ad alr eady d ucked i ns id e. K aevi r h es it at ed f or a m om en t b ef or e f ol lo wi ng f ur th er ,

crack in g t he d oo r a b ri ef m ar gi n and p ok in g h is h ead t hr ou gh cau ti ou sl y.

T he d oo rw ay o pened i nt o a s mall f oy er , w it h v au lt ed cei li ng s f as hi on ed f ro m a s er ies o f archw ay s. T he

a rc he s d es ce nd ed d ow nw ar d, a nd t he f lo or f ol lo we d s ui t, y ie ld in g t o a b ro ad g ra ni te s ta ir c as e t ha t l ed

visitors into the alcoved, tranquil main chamber.

K aevi r s to od m ot io nl es s i n t he f oy er , w at ch in g s of t t or ch li gh t p lay again st t he h ig h, cur ved w al ls and

t um bl e d ow n t he s tair s i n w ay ward s hado ws . H e cou ld h ear p eo pl e t al ki ng f ro m t he chamb er b el ow ;

t hei r v oi ces carr ied easi ly —T ress ach 's and ano th er u nk no wn t o K aevi r.

" Wh at h ap pened t o y ou r f ace?” ask ed t hi s u nf am il iar v oi ce.

" As t ho ug h y ou d o n ot k no w, L le uw yn ,” T re ss ac h r ep li ed . “ On e o f y ou r f el lo ws s aw i t n ea rl y b at te re d t o

a p ul p w it h h is f is ts ."

" On e o f m y f el lo ws ?” a sk ed t he o th er m an , L le uw yn . “ My d ea r L or d a n' Cl ar e, I b el ie ve y ou m us t b emistaken."

K aevi r crept s lo wl y, cau ti ou sl y d ow n t he s tair s, t ak in g each w it h d el ib er at e and s il en t car e. H e cam e t o

t he pi er o f a b ro ad a rc hw ay , a pl ac e w he re t he s ta ir s c an te d t o hi s l ef t a nd d es ce nd ed f ur th er do wn. H e

pressed himself into the nook between the column and the wall, hidden by the archway, and he leaned

forward slightly, peering down the stairs.

" Sp ar e y ou r b reat h, Y ou r G race,” T ress ach s napp ed ang ri ly . “I k no w y ou w er e b eh in d o ur l it tl e

unpleasant encounter this evening."

" I am ass um in g y ou m ean t he r ob bery b y t he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men? Y es , I h av e h eard m en ti on at t he

palace."





" I a m s ur e y ou ha ve ,” Tr es sa ch s ai d, ut te ri ng a s ha rp ba rk of l aug ht er . “ Look a t my f ac e! Lo ok a t m y r ot

d am n t ee th ! B y m y b re at h, P ei ld ra ig h, I s hou ld d ra w m y b la de a nd s ee i t t hr ou gh y ou r f la bb y m id dl e, y ou

rotted bastard!"

K ae vi r r ec oi le d i n s ur pr is e, r ap pi ng t he b ac k o f h is h ea d s ma rt ly a ga in st t he w al l. T he m an i n t he s ca rl et

cas so ck w as L leuw yn P ei ld reig h, t he E as pag' Ar d o f T ir al ai nn , t he l eader o f t he a'P ob ai l C reid eamh , w ho

ans wered o nl y t o K ierk en i n t er ms o f i nf lu en ce and aut ho ri ty i n t he r ealm . “Bu gg er m e, ” h e w hi sp er ed .

" Af ter s o m an y y ears , T ress ach, d o y ou r eall y t hi nk m e cap ab le o f o rchest rati ng s o clu ms y and j uv en il e

a n a tt ac k a s t ha t w hi ch w as p er pe tr at ed a ga in st y ou ?” L le uw yn a sk ed . “ Yo u a re n ot w it ho ut t he b en ef it

of y our g ood s ens es . Yo u kn ow th at i f I me ant t o s ee t he St one s to le n f rom y ou, you woul d not l ive to

tell—you or Lahnduren."

He knows,Kaevir realized, stunned anew. He knows Tressach is helping Lahnduren. He knows

Lahnduren is in Belgaeran! H e d id n ot u nd er st an d; t he E as pa g' Ar d w as s up po se d t o b e t he K in g' s

m os t t ru st ed adv is or . W hy w ou ld h e i ns tead h el p t he K in g' s m os t b it ter enemy ?

" Th ey . .. t he b as ta rd s b ro ke m y t ee th .. .! ” T re ss ac h c ri ed o ut h oa rs el y, h is v oi ce c ho ke d. H e r ea ch ed

t ow ar d h is m ou th a nd w re nc he d a d en tu re p la te f ro m h is t op p al at e. H e t hr us t i t o ut a ga in st h is p al m,

h ol di ng i t alo ft f or L leuw yn t o s ee.

" Th ey b ro ke m y d am n t eeth !” h e cri ed again , l is pi ng t hr ou gh t he con si derabl e g ap l ef t w it ho ut t he

d ent ur es . “ I c an not a ff or d t o s ee t he se r epl ac ed! Do yo u k no w h ow ma ny ma rk s I s pe nt f or t he se ?

W he re i s a m an 's d ig ni ty t o be f ou nd i f no t w it hi n h is p al at e? "

" Here, n ow , m y l or d, ” L leuw yn s ai d, g en tl y. H e clapp ed h is h an d again st T ress ach' s s ho ul der, d rawi ng

him near, offering him comfort.

Tressach blinked against his frustrated tears, shrugging away Lleuwyn's hand. “I thought you should

k no w— th ey h av e s to le n t he S to ne ,” h e s ai d. “ La hn du re n b eg ge d m e n ot t o t el l y ou . H e c ou ld n ot b ea r t o

l os e h is chance f or v en gean ce again st K ierk en and t hat w help , F ab hcun ."

T he cor ner o f L leuw yn 's l ip s l if ted w ry ly . “Th e l it tl e l am bs f led t o B el gaer an . L ah nd ur en d ealt o ne o f

t he m a gr ie vous bl ow w it h h is da gge r. I wou ld w age r t ha t l ad t o be d ea d c om e t he ne w m or row . The

o th er t wo h av e a lr ea dy b ee n a rr es te d a nd s en t t o G ao l. O ne o f m y m or e r ut hl es s y ou ng B io ca ir es , e ag er

f or a f oo th ol d i n m y g ood gr ac es , h ad s us pe ct ed be fo re no w t ha t t he se t hr ee we re t o bl am e f or t he

Gentlemen Highwaymen affairs. A rather fortuitous happenstance, this revelation of his, one that has

s er ve d u s f ar b et te r t ha n I e ve r a nt ic ip at ed . I h av e o rd er ed t he ir c ar ri ag e s ea rc he d, t he ir b el on gi ng ss co ur ed. I f t he c of fe r i s y et i n t he ir po ss es si on , w e w il l f ind i t. "

" Yo u m is un de rs ta nd ,” T re ss ac h s ai d. “ Fi nd t he b ox t o y ou r h ea rt 's c on te nt . I t d oe s n ot m at te r. H e d id

n ot j us t s te al t he S to ne , L le uw yn —t he b oy c la im ed i t. T he c of fe r o pe ne d i n h is h and s a nd t he n t he w in ds

c am e— fr om o ut o f n ow he re , b y m y b re at h, a nd l ik e n ot hi ng I h av e e ve r s ee n. "

" Wi nd ,” L leuw yn s ai d. H e t ur ned and w al ked t ow ar d t he s tair s, h is exp ress io n t ro ub led and p en si ve.

K aevi r s hr an k b ack at h is app ro ach, s ho vi ng h im self again st t he w al l, h is h eart s ei zed w it h s ud den alarm .

" Wi nd , i nd eed, ” T res sach s aid . “Wi th f or ce eno ug h t o p lo w L ah nd ur en a g oo d t went y f eet away, b at ter

h im i nt o a t re e. I t n ea rl y k no ck ed m e i nt o t he n ex t c ou nt y p ro pe r. H e h as c la im ed t he S to ne , L le uw yn .

H e com mand s t he w in d. I t h as cho sen h im ."





" It d oes n ot m at ter, ” L leuw yn s ai d.

" It can no t b od e w el l, ” T ress ach t ol d h im . “Su rely , w e m us t— "

L le uw yn t ur ne d t o h im . “ It d oe s n ot m at te r, ” h e s ai d a ga in . “ Th e b oy o nl y h as t he S to ne . H e n ee ds t he

B oo k t o w ie ld i t, a nd t ha t h e w il l n ot c la im ."

"What will you do?"

L leuw yn s mi led at h im , h is b ro ws n ar ro wed. “Th at w hi ch h as alw ay s s er ved m e b es t, L or d an' Cl ar e, ” h e

s ai d. “ I w il l b id e m y t im e a nd w ai t t o s ee h ow e ve nt s u nf ol d. T he H ig hw ay me n a re a t t he p al ac e. B y t he

m or ro w a t t he l at es t, t he y w il l b e i n G ao l. T he b oy h as o nl y s ol ve d t he p ro bl em o f s ee in g t he c of fe r

o pened f or m e. "

" Th en y ou w il l p os sess b ot h T al is mans —t he B oo k and t he S to ne,” T ress ach s ai d.

"Muise,” Lleuwyn replied, smiling thinly. Indeed.

" Bu t n ot t he n ot es w it h w hi ch t o r ea d t he B oo k, ” T re ss ac h r em ar ke d, r ai si ng h is b ro w. “ Th e n ot es w it h

w hi ch t o w ield t he S to ne."

" No ,” L leuw yn m us ed . “Th ey w er e n ot s to len, w er e t hey, l os t i n t he f ray?"

" No , Y ou r G ra ce . L ah nd ur en h as t he m s ec re te d a wa y o n h is p er so n, I a m f ai rl y c er ta in . I h av e a sk ed

h im a lr ea dy , a nd h e gr ew r at he r p et ul en t. ” T re ss ac h s mi le d a t L le uw yn. “ Bu t I w il l g et t he m f or y ou , d o

n ot w or ry . Y ou w il l ha ve t he m i n y our h an d t he n ig ht o f t he m as ke d b al l b ef or e K ie rke n' s l if e h as e ve n

fully waned from his corpse."

" I w il l s ee y ou r ew ar ded f or t hi s l oy al ty ,” L leuw yn s ai d. H e r each ed b en eath t he f ol ds o f h is chasu bl e,

producing a large, swollen velveteen money pouch. He offered it to Tressach, pressing the sack between

T ress ach' s p al ms . “Here i s f if teen h un dr ed m ar ks . T here i s m or e apl en ty w here t hi s cam e f ro m s ho ul d

your allegiance prove unwavering."

T re ss ac h g aw ke d a t t he m on ey p ou ch m uc h a s K ae vi r w ou ld h av e h ad h e c ra dl ed i t i n h is h an ds —w it h

t he w id e- ey ed ast on is hm en t o f o ne w ho h as s el do m s een s uch q uant it y o f p en ce p resent ed f or h is b en ef it .

Tressach blinked up at Lleuwyn, smiling broadly. “Hoah, Your Grace, it will."

" Go a nd s ee a M as te r E la th D en em an w it h t he d aw n' s f ir st l ig ht ,” L le uw yn s ai d. “ Hi s s hop i s o nB oc ha st le , ne ar the a 'Cl os . He w il l te nd t o t he m at te r of your te et h f or you. Te ll hi m I s ent you a nd t ha t

h e w il l ans wer t o m e f or any d is sati sf acti on ."

L leuw yn and T res sach p ar ted com pany at t he t hr es ho ld o f t he A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in chapt er h ou se. T hey

h ad l in gered h er e f or awh il e l on ger i n m ur mu red con vers at io n, d is co ur se t hat h ad b een m uf fl ed and

i nd is ti nc t t hr ou gh t he h ea vy w oo d o f t he d oo r. K ae vi r h ad n ot d ar ed t o m ov e u nt il t he ir v oi ce s h ad f ad ed .

Sweet Mother Above, he thought.They have taken Eabhiros and Eisean to Gaol.

G ao l w as t he r oy al p ri so n; t he m os t i nf am ou s and f eared i n T ir al ai nn . K aevi r h ad n ev er b een i ns id e, b ut

h e h ad h eard t el l o f i t t hr ou gh h is v ar io us and n um er ou s t en ur es i n j ai ls t hr ou gh ou t t he m id real m.

" Th ey cal l i t t he S cr eami ng T ow er ,” o ne o f h is f el lo w i nm at es i n a s mall C or gu e C ou nt y j ai l h ad t ol d h im





onc e. “ It i s a pl ac e w he re m en be g f or de at h. Y ou wa lk t hr oug h t he g at es of Ga ol , a nd t he y s ay you

a ba nd on a ll h op e. T he y m ak e a m an f or ge t t he G oo d M ot he r t he re , a nd t he y b re ak y ou , l ad —b od y,

m in d, s pi ri t— th ey k eep y ou t here and t hey d ev ou r y ou , u nt il y ou s tu mb le t ow ar d P io no s w eepi ng ,

grateful for the blessings of the gallows."

G ao l w as a d en o f t or me nt a nd d es pa ir a nd E ab hi ro s a nd E is ea n w er e t he re , a lo ne a ga in st s uc h b ru ta l

and horrifying circumstance. Calidore wanted to prove they were the Gentlemen Highwaymen andL leuw yn app ar en tl y w an ted t he S to ne. T hey w ou ld t or tu re E ab hi ro s and E is ean t o p ro ve t heir cul pabi li ty ,

t o t ry a nd f or ce f ro m t he m k no wl ed ge t he y d id n ot h av e— wh er e K ae vi r h ad t ak en t he S to ne .

" Sw eet M ot her ,” K aevi r w hi sp er ed . “Wh at h av e I d on e?"

H e f ol lo wed L leuw yn P ei ld raig h as h e m ad e h is w ay f ro m t he chapt er h ou se o f A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in b ack

t ow ar d t he n av e. H e c ou ld f in d T re ss ac h a ga in ; t he m an u nd ou bt ed ly w as m ak in g h is w ay b ac k t o t he

i nn , a nd i t h ad b ec om e a pp ar en t t o K ae vi r t ha t n ei th er T re ss ac h n or L ah nd ur en w ou ld b e o f m uc h u se t o

him. Lahnduren sought the Stone while Tressach seemed concerned with betraying Lahnduren for

w hatever u ns po ken p ur po se h e and L leuw yn h ad d ev is ed . L leuw yn w as p ow er fu l, s econ d o nl y t o t heK in g, and K aevi r r eali zed t he E as pag' Ar d l ik el y h ad m et ho ds and m eans t o t el l h im w here i n G ao l

E ab hi ro s and E is ean h ad b een i mp ri so ned.

And he will tell me,K aevi r t ho ug ht , h is l ip s p ress ed t og et her i n a t hi n, d og ged l in e. By my breath, he

will tell me or, man of the cloth or not, I will beat it out of him.

T he w in d h ad b eg un t o s ti r, r us tl in g t hr ou gh n earb y t reet op s w it h s ud den, m ou nt in g u rg en cy . D ri ed

aut um n l eaves f lu tt er ed abo ut i n t hi s b reeze, and t he h em s o f L leuw yn 's cas so ck and chasu bl e f lapp ed at

i ts i ns is tent t ug . H e ent er red a l ar ge b ui ld in g w it h t wo g uard s i n t he s carl et v el veteen v es tm en ts o f t he

a 'P ob ai l c ad re p os te d a t t he t hr es ho ld . K ae vi r h id a mo ng n ea rb y b us he s, w at ch in g f ro m a d is ta nc e a s

L leuw yn p au sed i n h is app ro ach, o ff er in g a m om en t o r t wo o f f ri en dl y d is co ur se t o h is s ol di er s.

W hen L leuw yn h ad d is ap pear ed i ns id e, K aevi r emerg ed f r om t he h ed ges . H e w al ked t ow ar d t he

d oo rw ay , h is h an ds c lo se d i nt o f is ts , h is b ro ws d ra wn . T he w in d w hi pp ed a bo ut h im a s t ho ug h i t s ha re d

i n hi s a nge r a nd f ea r, a nd l ea ve s s ca tt er ed i n t he a ir l ike a m ur de r of pa ni cke d c row s.

" Go od eveni ng , s ir ,” o ne o f t he g uard s cal led t o h im i n g reet in g.

" Goo d e ve ni ng ,” K ae vi r r ep li ed . T he w in d s we pt h is v oi ce f ro m h is m ou th a nd bo re i t a lo ft o n a s ud de n

g us t t hat s en t h is coat t ai ls f lapp in g o ut i n a n earl y p er pend icul ar p lane f ro m h is h ip s.

" Ma y w e h el p you , s ir ?” t he ot he r g ua rd , a ske d, r ai si ng hi s voi ce ne ar ly t o a s hout t o be he ar d ove r t he

rising wind.

" Ye s, ” K ae vi r s ai d, d ra wi ng t o a h al t a nd s ta ri ng a t t he m. T he w in d w hi pp ed a ro un d h im , a nd h is

justicoat billowed, his hair flying wildly. “You can get out of my bloody way."

H e t hr us t h is ha nd o ut , a nd t he w in ds c ar ee ne d a t h is b ec ko n, s ei zi ng t he g ua rd s a nd h ur tl in g t he m b ot h

i n u ni so n again st t he b ui ld in g w al ls . T he f or ce o f t he b lo ws k no ck ed b ot h o f t he m en u ncon scio us , and

t hey cru mp led t o t he g ro un d.

K ae vi r s ta re d a t t he d oo r. A m ig ht y g us t o f w in d s ma ck ed a ga in st t he w oo d, b lo wi ng t he d oo r i nw ar d,

w renchi ng i t f ro m i ts h in ges and s en di ng i t clatt er in g acr os s t he f oy er b ey on d. K aevi r m ou nt ed t he s tair s

l eadi ng t o t he t hr es ho ld , and s tepp ed i ns id e. T he w in d h er al ded h is ent rance w it h a s wi rl in g clo ud o f





l eaves t hat d an ced abo ut h im .

T he f oy er b ranched i nt o t hr ee b ro ad cor ri do rs , each o f w hi ch l ed alo ng a d if ferent d ir ecti on . L leuw yn

h ad l on g s inc e va ni sh ed f ro m v ie w a lo ng o ne of t he h al lw ay s, a nd he h ad n o w ay t o d et er mi ne w hi ch o ne

o f t he t hr ee t he E as pag' Ar d h ad f ol lo wed.

" Wh er e are y ou ?” K aevi r h is sed s of tl y, s ho vi ng h is h an ds i nt o h is p ockets and clasp in g t he S to ne l ig ht lyagain st h is p al m. “Wh er e d id y ou g o?"

T he w in d r us he d d ow n t he c or ri do r t o K ae vi r' s f ar l ef t, s en di ng a s tr ea m o f l oo se l ea ve s a nd d eb ri s

s catt er in g alo ng t he l en gt h o f t he p ol is hed s to ne f lo or . K aevi r w at ch ed as t he l eaves f el l f ro m t he w in d,

s pr eadi ng o ut i n a d el ib er at e l in e, as t ho ug h d ir ecti ng h im d ow n t he h al lw ay .

K ae vi r d re w t he S to ne f ro m h is p oc ke t a nd s mi le d a t i t, c ra dl in g i t i n hi s h an d. “ Go r ai mh m ai th a ga t,

m o' ca ra ,” h e s ai d t o i t, t he c or ne r o f h is m ou th h oo ke d w ry ly .Thank you, my friend.

H e f ol lo we d t he w in d, t he p at h o f l ea ve s, a nd t he b re ez e s om eh ow f ou nd h im , n o m at te r h ow d ee pl yw it hi n t he b ui ld in g h e d el ved, n o m at ter h ow f ar f ro m t he m ai n d oo rw ay h e v en tu red. W in do ws f lew o pen

a s h e w al ke d p as t t he m, i n c ha mb er s h e p as se d l in in g t he c or ri do r. T he y b ur st o pe n s o f or ce fu ll y a ga in st

their iron hinges that they slammed into surrounding walls, shattering panes of glass and spilling shards

t hr ou gh t he a ir , a cr os s t he f lo or . T he w in d f ou nd K ae vi r a nd i t o ff er ed l ea ve s f or h is r eg ar d, a t ra il o f

debris, brambles and glittering, moon-infused glass fragments to guide him.

Th e w ind l ed hi m t o a c los ed door a t t he e nd of a c or ri dor , a nd wi th onl y a p as si ng gl anc e f rom K ae vi r,

i t s la mm ed w it h b ru ta l f or ce i nt o t he w oo d. T he d oo r f le w i nw ar d, s ha tt er in g i n a s pr ay o f s ha rd s a nd

broken pieces, and Kaevir heard Lleuwyn shriek from within. He saw the Easpag'Ard cowering back

a ga in st a l ar ge b oo ks he lf , a d ag ge r i n h is h an d, h is a rm s t hr ow n u p t o p ro te ct h is f ac e a s j ag ge d

f ragm en ts o f t he d oo r h ur led at h im . T ho us an ds o f l eaves b ur st i nt o t he chamb er , w hi rl in g abo ut i n acyclo ne-f or ce w in d, w hi pp in g i nt o h is f ace. D eb ri s p el ted h im i n a f in e, s ti ng in g s pr ay , and h e cru mp led

face-first onto the floor, hunkering in terror.

A ll a t o nc e, t he w in d a br up tl y d ie d. O ne m om en t, i t s ur ge d a s t hou gh h er al di ng a g al e, a nd t he n ex t, i t

w as g on e; t he a ir w as s ti ll , a nd t he o nl y s ou nd s w er e L le uw yn 's c ho ke d, s tr an gl ed e ff or ts f or b re at h a nd

leaves flapping and fluttering as they spiraled toward the ground.

L leuw yn s pat, t ry in g t o clear s il t f ro m h is m ou th , s hu dd er in g w it h p an ic and alarm . H e s tr ug gl ed t o cat ch

h is b reat h, w ho op in g i n g reat , g reed y m ou th fu ls o f air , and h e s at u p s lo wl y, s ti ll clu tchi ng t he d ag ger i n

his hand.

" Th ey t oo k m y f ri en ds t o G ao l, d id t he y n ot ?” K ae vi r a sk ed .

L leuw yn b li nk ed b lear il y, h is eyes w id en in g i n h or ro r as h e clear ly r eali zed w ho p ai d h im cal l. “Yo u. .. ” h e

g as ped h oars el y, s pu tt er in g and s pi tt in g o nce m or e. H is h an ds w er e s haki ng u ncon tr ol labl y, and t he t ip o f

h is d ag ger w ag gl ed i n t he air . “Y- yo u. .. "

" Yo u d o n ot n ee d t ha t, ” K ae vi r s ai d, f ro wn in g a t t he d ag ge r. H e t hr us t h is h an d t ow ar d L le uw yn , h is

f in gers o ut st retched as t ho ug h h e g rasp ed f or t he b lade. A d ar ti ng b ur st o f w in d s lapp ed again st

L leuw yn 's h an d, f or cefu l eno ug h t o w hi p h im abo ut o n h is h ip s and s lam h is arm m ig ht il y again st t he

bookshelf behind him. He cried out in pain, his fingers opening reflexively against the dagger hilt, and then

ano th er g us t s natched t he d ag ger i n m id ai r and b or e i t t ow ar d K aevi r' s await in g p al m.





L le uw yn s ta re d a t K ae vi r. “ Yo u . .. y ou a re K ae vi r M ac le od .. .” h e w hi sp er ed .

" I am i nd eed, ” K aevi r r ep li ed , n od di ng h is h ead.

" It .. . i t i s t ru e, t he n,” Ll euwy n b re at he d. “ You .. . you ha ve t he St one . I t . .. i t ha s c hos en yo u. "

" It i s m in e, ” K ae vi r t ol d h im , h is b ro ws f ur ro wi ng a ll t he m or e de epl y. H e r ea ch ed w it h h is f re e h and i nt ot he p ocket o f h is t at tered, f il th y j us ti co at and h el d t he S to ne o ut f or L leuw yn 's r eg ar d. L leuw yn 's b reat h

d rew s ti ll , and K aevi r d id n ot m is s t he m ix tu re o f w on der, amazement , and cov et ou s l on gi ng t hat cro ss ed

h is f ac e. “ You kn ow w ha t i t i s, do you n ot ?” K ae vi r a ske d.

L leuw yn b li nk ed at h im , s tart led b y t he q uest io n.

" Yo u k no w w hat i t i s, ” K aevi r s ai d again , o ff er in g t he S to ne a s mall , d em on st rati ve n ud ge b y can ti ng h is

h an d. “ Yo u k no w w ha t i t c an d o. "

" Ye s, ” L le uw yn w hi sp er ed , n od di ng , m ee ti ng t he b oy 's g az e. “ Ye s, I k no w w ha t i t i s, K ae vi r. A nd Iknow w ha t i t c an do. "

" Th ey . .. D id t he y t ak e m y f ri en ds t o G ao l? ” K ae vi r a sk ed a ga in . T he re w as a w av er in g n ot e i n h is

v oi ce, a h el pl es s exp ress io n i n h is f ace t hat d is so lv ed q ui ck ly , t wi st in g all t he m or e t ig ht ly w it h r ag e.

“ Ea bh ir os M ac le od a nd E is ea n F ab hm ei r. T he y a rr es te d t he m t on ig ht a t t he p al ac e a nd I h ea rd y ou a t t he

c at he dr al , s pe ak in g w it h T re ss ac h. Y ou s ai d t he y w ou ld t ak e t he m t he re . .. t o G ao l. "

L leuw yn b li nk ed , v is ib ly s tart led t o l earn K aevi r h ad eav es dr op ped o n h is m eeti ng w it h T ress ach. “Yes,

l ad ,” h e s ai d q ui et ly, g ent ly . “ I h av e o nl y j us t n ow , a s I a rr iv ed h er e t o m y o ff ic e, r ec ei ve d w or d i n

con fi rm at io n. T hey h av e b een arr es ted, t ak en t o G ao l. "

Again, Kaevir's expression shifted in only the batting of eyelashes, filling with anguish and despair, and

t hen w renchi ng again w it h f ur y. “See t hem f reed ,” h e s ai d.

" I can no t d o t hat, K aevi r, ” L leuw yn s ai d.

A b re ez e f lu tt er ed t hr ou gh t he r oo m. “ Yo u c an d o t ha t, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Yo u c an a nd y ou w il l. R ig ht t hi s

very moment."

" Ka ev ir , I c an no t d o t ha t, ” L le uw yn s ai d a ga in , h is v oi ce g en tl e a nd s oo th in g. “ I d o no t h av e t ha t

authority. Only the King does."

K ae vi r b li nk ed a t h im , b ew il de re d a nd d is tr es se d. H e h ad n ot e xp ec te d t hi s; n ot a t a ll . L le uw yn d id n ot

e ven look fr ighte ne d of hi m anym or e; he ga ze d a t Ka evir a s i f he t ook pi ty on hi m. “ You . .. but you a re

s ec ond to the Ki ng,” he sai d. “You ca n do that. You are s ec ond onl y to t he Ki ng i n ... i n power ...

aut ho ri ty . Y ou . .. y ou ar e t he E as pag. .. "

" Easp ag 'A rd ,” L leuw yn s ai d, n od di ng h is h ead. “Yes, l ad , I am. M y n am e i s L leuw yn P ei ld raig h. A nd

t ho ug h I h av e g re at a ut ho ri ty , y es , K ae vi r, a nd p ow er b es id es , l ik e a ny on e i n t he r ea lm , I s ti ll a ns we r t o

K ie rk en . H e i s t he o ne w ho h as s ee n t o y ou r f ri en ds ’ i mp ri so nm en t, n ot m e. ” H e s at b ac k, r es ti ng h is

w ei gh t again st h is h ip s. “It i s a b less in g t hat y ou are h er e. A b less in g f ro m t he M ot her D iv in e h er self ."

A gain , h e l oo ked at K aevi r w it h t hat d am nabl e, g en tl e s ym path y, and K aevi r f lu sh ed , h is b ro ws

f ur ro wi ng. “ Why ?” he s na ppe d. “ So t ha t y ou c an t ry t o t ake t he St one ? Y ou c ann ot t ake i t f rom me . I





will not let you."

L le uw yn l oo ke d h ur t a nd s ur pr is ed . “ Wh at ? N o, K ae vi r. I t i s a b le ss in g b ec au se y ou h av e c om e. S ur el y

t he M at ha ir M ai th h as a ns we re d m y b es ee ch me nt s a nd b ro ug ht y ou h er e t o m e, t ha t I m ig ht h el p y ou ,

l ad —k ee p y ou s af e. P ro te ct y ou a nd t he S to ne ."

K aevi r b li nk ed at h im , s tar tl ed and con fu sed. “Pr ot ect m e?” h e w hi sp er ed .

" Yes, ” L leuw yn s ai d. “Pr ot ect y ou —and t he S to ne, l ad —f ro m L ah nd ur en . .. and K ierk en ."

K ae vi r' s b ro ws n ar ro we d. “ Yo u . .. y ou t ol d T re ss ac h t ha t y ou m ea nt t o c la im i t f ro m m e, ” h e s ai d,

d rawi ng t he S to ne again st h is b reas t.

" I d id , y es ,” L le uw yn s ai d, n od di ng . H e h el d o ut h is h an ds t o K ae vi r. “ Bu t t ha t w as b ec au se I d id n ot

r ea li ze y ou w ou ld e sc ap e c ap tu re . I t ho ug ht y ou w ou ld b e t ak en , a s w el l a s y ou r f ri en ds . I o nl y m ea nt

t ha t I w ou ld c la im t he S to ne i f K ie rk en 's s ol di er s h ad s ei ze d y ou , a rr es te d y ou , l es t i t f al l i nt o h is h an ds .”

H is b ro ws l if ted s or ro wf ul ly . “Th e K in g h as m an y d ar k amb it io ns h ar bo red w it hi n h is h eart . H e d oes n otc ar e a bo ut y ou r f ri en ds ’ c ri me s o r o ff en se s. H e h as u se d t he m, l ad , b ec au se h e w as h op in g t o s ei ze y ou ,

and t he S to ne."

" Yo u . .. y ou are l yi ng ,” K aevi r s ai d.

" No , l ad , I a m not ,” L le uw yn s ai d. H e r os e t o hi s f ee t; wh en h e s te ppe d t ow ar d K ae vi r, K ae vi r s hi ed i n

t he d oo rw ay , t he w in d s ti rr in g i n a s ud den f lu tt er .

" Do n ot c om e n ea r m e, ” K ae vi r s ai d.

" I am s econ d t o t he K in g, l ad ,” L leuw yn s ai d g en tl y, h is b ro ws l if ti ng i n i mp lo re. “An d t he K in g i s y ou r e ne my , I p ro mi se y ou t ha t. I h av e b ee n t ry in g f or y ea rs t o s to p h is m ad ne ss . Y ou h av e s ee n f or y ou rs el f

t he l en gt hs I w ou ld g o t o; I w ou ld e ve n a ss oc ia te w it h t ha t f ou l p ai r, L ah nd ur en a nd T re ss ac h, i n m y

desperation."

H e s te pp ed f or wa rd a ga in , a nd t hi s t im e K ae vi r d id n ot r ec oi l. T oo m uc h h ad h ap pe ne d i n t oo s ho rt a

t im e, a nd h e d id n ot u nde rs ta nd a ny o f i t. H e w as e xh au st ed a nd f ri gh te ne d a nd f ra zz le d, h is p oo r m in d

awhirl with confusion.

" I c an h el p y ou ,” L le uw yn s ai d. “ Yo u a re i n t ro ub le . Y ou r f ri en ds a re i n t ro ub le . Y ou d o n ot n ee d m e t o

t el l y ou t hi s. Y ou k no w i t, K ae vi r. P le as e, l ad . L et m e h el p y ou ."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

R hy den w ok e w it h t he d aw n, b li nk in g d azed ly at t he n ew m or ro w' s s un li gh t as i t s tr eamed t hr ou gh h is

bedroom window. He crawled out of bed and stumbled about clumsily for a few moments, splashing

w at er a ga in st h is f ac e a t t he w as hb as in t o c le ar t he l as t g ro gg y c lo ud s o f s le ep f ro m h is m in d. H e d re w h is

r ob e o ve r h is s ho ul de rs a s h e l ef t t he r oo m, h ea di ng f or t he p ar lo r.

H e y aw ned, s cr at ch in g abs en tl y at h is s calp and t ucki ng h is l on g, d is heveled h ai r b eh in d h is t ap er ed ear s.

H e b li nk ed i n s om ew hat b ew il dered s ur pr is e t o f in d h is b ro th er o ut o n t he b al co ny , s it ti ng w it h h is b ack

t o t he do or wa y i n a w ro ug ht i ro n c ha ir , hi s f ee t pr op pe d o n t he ne ar by br ea kf as t t abl e. He c ra dl ed a







T aemi r chu ck led, m is taki ng R hy den' s alarm f or abash . “I am t al ki ng abo ut y ou s no gg in g i n t he g ar den, ”

he s ai d. “ Wh o i s s he ? I w il l no t t el l. I s s he h er e, s ti ll i n yo ur b ed, r ec ov er in g f ro m yo ur w il es ?"

Rh yde n bl inke d a t h im. “ I . .. I wa s not s noggi ng i n t he ga rd en. Swe et M ot he r A bove ! And no, s he i s not

y et h er e, r ecov er in g f ro m m y . .. w hat d id y ou cal l t hem? Y ou are b ei ng r id icul ou s, T aemi r. "

" Th er e i s a s he , t he n, i s t he re n ot ?” T ae mi r s ai d, s ti ll g ri nn in g. H e d ro pp ed a w in k a nd p ro dd ed R hy de n' sk ne e w it h h is t oe s a ga in . “ No w on de r y ou s ee m s o w el l r es te d. "

" St op p ok in g m e, ” R hy den t ol d h im , f ro wn in g as h e s to od . “Th at i s i t. Y ou are i ncor ri gi bl e, T aemi r. I am

g oi ng b ac k t o t he p al ac e. "

" Ho ah , y ou can no t! ” T aemi r cri ed , l au gh in g. “Th ey are f il led w it h g uest s n ow f or t he S am hr ad h. T hey

h av e n o m or e r oo m! "

" Th en I w il l g o b ac k t o C ne as ,” R hy de n g ro wl ed , w al ki ng o ve r t o t he b al us tr ad e, f ol di ng h is a rm s a cr os s

h is c he st . H e l oo ke d o ut o ve r t he w at er fr on t d is tr ic t a nd n ot ic ed t he s tr ee ts b el ow w er e l it te re d w it hl ea ve s a nd d eb ri s. R hy de n l ea ne d f or wa rd , c an ti ng h is h ea d t o g az e a lo ng t he l en gt h o f t he n ea re st

t ho ro ug hf ar e. A ll alo ng t he cob bl ed r oad, l eaves and b ramb les w er e s tr ew n, alo ng w it h l im bs and

garbage, broken tiles like roof shingles and shimmering trails of broken glass.

" Wh at h ap pened?” h e ask ed . “Yo u s ai d a s to rm b lew t hr ou gh l as t n ig ht ?"

T ae mi r l oo ke d a t h im a s t ho ug h h e h ad b ee n s tr uc k d af t. “ Di d I s ay a s to rm ? I m ea nt c yc lo ne .” R hy de n' s

e ye s w id en ed i n s ur pr is e, a nd T ae mi r n od de d. “ Th ey t hi nk a t or na do s et tl ed n ea rb y, m ay ha p t wo . I t

blew the roofs off of at least a dozen homes, shattered every window pane in the a'Pobail administrative

building at Ardeaglais'Coroin, damaged the palace, knocked people off their very boot heels. How could

you have missed it?"

" Wh en d id t hi s h ap pen?” R hy den ask ed .

"Last night, shortly after they arrested the Gentlemen Highwaymen."

Rhyden spun about in full, startled. “What?"

" We ll , t wo o f t he ir n um be r, a ny wa y. Y ou d id n ot k no w a bo ut t ha t, e it he r? Y ou d id m is s a ll o f t he

a dv en tu re , t he n! T he r oy al g ua rd s c au gh t t wo o f t he m t ry in g t o s te al o ut o f t he p al ac e, b ut c ou ld n ot f in d

t he ir t hi rd , t he o ne t he y c al le d a s te wa rd . H er e i s t he o dd es t o f a ll , R hy de n: t he y s ay K ae vi r M ac le od i sn ot K ae vi r a t a ll , b ut a p ea sa nt —a p et ty c ri mi na l a nd t hi ef i n d is gu is e. T he ir p ur po rt ed s te wa rd i s, i n f ac t,

no s er va nt —he i s t he t ru e K ae vi r M ac le od , a nd t he t hr ee of t he m ha ve o rc he st ra te d s uc h a r us e t o

infiltrate the noble class, to predetermine victims for their Highwaymen robberies."

R hy de n w as s il en t a nd s tr ic ke n, t hi nk in g o f p oo r I sb ae nn a, o f h ow s he h ad t ol d h im s he l ov ed K ae vi r

Macleod.

" So t here i s t hat l ot o f excit em en t, and alo ng com es t he cyclo ne s ho rt ly t hereaf ter, ” T aemi r s ai d, and h e

l aug he d. “ It w as a m ad a ff ai r, R hy de n. I c an not be li eve y ou l ef t f or ho me a nd m is se d i t a ll !"

R hy de n l oo ke d d ow n a t t he s tr ee t a ga in , h is e xp re ss io n t ro ub le d. T ae mi r s to od a nd c am e t o s ta nd

beside him. “What is it?” he asked.





They think a tornado settled nearby, mayhap two, T aemi r h ad s ai d. It blew the roofs off of at least a

d oz e n h om es , s ha tt e re d e v er y w in do w p an e i n t he a 'P ob ai l a dm in is t ra ti ve b ui l di ng a t

Ardeaglais'Coroin, damaged the palace, knocked people off their very boot heels.

T he S ha do w S to ne w as s ai d t o g ra nt i ts b ea re r s wa y o ve r o ne o f t he f ou r f un da me nt al e le me nt s: e ar th ,

f ir e, w at er , o r w in d. L ah nd ur en h ad b y a ll a cc ou nt s s to le n t he S ha do w S to ne , w hi ch m ea nt t he S to ne

cou ld h av e cho sen h im , and h e cou ld r eadi ly com mand i ts p ow er . K ierk en and L leuw yn b el ieved t heGentleman Highwaymen were in league with Lahnduren to help him overthrow Kierken's rule; they had

f ea re d L ah nd ur en w ou ld s en d t he m i n h is s te ad t o B el ga er an t o a tt em pt t o s te al t he B oo k o f S ha do ws .

T he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men h ad b een arr es ted w it hi n t he v er y con fi nes o f t he p al ace i ts el f, and t hen

a lo ng c om es t he c y cl on e s ho rt l y t he re af te r

" Wh at i s i t, R hy den?” T aemi r ask ed h im s of tl y, s tart li ng h im . H e t ur ned and f ou nd T aemi r l oo ki ng at h im ,

t he g oo d h um or i n h is f ac e f ad ed , r ep la ce d b y a nx io us w or ry . “ Wh at i s w ro ng ?"

R hy den f el t s om et hi ng s of ten i n h is h eart and h e r each ed f or T aemi r, s tart li ng t he b reat h f ro m h is b ro th er by brushing the cuff of his knuckles briefly, swiftly against his cheek. It was the first such tender gesture

R hy den h ad o ff er ed T aemi r i n m an y l on g y ears .

" It i s n ot hi ng , T aemi r, ” R hy den s ai d. “Do n ot w or ry f or i t. "

" My L or d F ab hcun ?” I ll tu d s ai d f ro m t he d oo rw ay b eh in d h im .

" Yes?” R hy den and T aemi r s ai d i n u ni so n. T hey g lanced at o ne ano th er ; T aemi r l au gh ed and R hy den

smirked.

" It i s m y b lo od y h ou se,” T aemi r s ai d.

" It w as m y b lo od y n am e f ir st ,” R hy den s ai d.

" Be gg in g y our pa rd on , m y l or ds , b ut L or d R hy de n, s ir , a v is it or p ay s y ou c al l, ” I ll tu d s ai d. H e h ad b ee n

s ta nd in g o n t he t hr es ho ld b et we en t he p ar lo r a nd b al co ny , a nd s te pp ed a si de n ow a s a y ou ng w om an

came forward from behind him.

"Isbaenna?” Rhyden said, blinking in surprise. Taemir glanced at him, raising a speculative brow as

I sb ae nn a w al ke d o ut o nt o t he p at io , m ak in g s uc h o bv io us n ot e o f h er a ub ur n h ai r t ha t R hy de n f el t

m or ti fi ed col or r is e i n h is cheek s.

"Maidin mhaith, Rhyden,” Isbaenna said.Good morning. S he l oo ke d a s t ho ug h s he h ad e nj oy ed

precious little rest; her face was pale and drawn, with dim shadows draped beneath her lucent blue eyes.

S he g lanced at T aemi r and m an ag ed a f leet in g, cou rt eo us s mi le. “An d t o y ou , L or d T aemi r. "

" My L ad y G ab hl an , w hat a l ov el y s ur pr is e, ” T aemi r s ai d.

" Ga bh . .. g ab h m o l ei th sc ea l, m y l or ds ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d, a nd s he t ur ne d t o R hy de n, h er e ye s r ou nd a nd

pleading. “I am sorry to call at so early an hour, but I must speak with you, Rhyden, please. In private, if

I may?"

R hy den o pened h is m ou th , b ut T aemi r s po ke f ir st , s mi li ng at I sb aenn a. “Of cou rs e, m y l ad y. ” H e w al ked

i ns id e t he p ar lo r, l eavi ng t he d oo r p ar ti al ly ajar i n h is w ak e.





R hy den and I sb aenn a s t oo d f acin g o ne ano th er . “Ar e y ou alr i gh t?” h e as ked.

H er s ho ul de rs t re mb le d a s t ho ug h s he f el t c hi ll ed . “ No ,” s he w hi sp er ed . “ No , I . .. I a m n ot a lr ig ht ."

H e w en t t o h er , d ra wi ng h er i nt o h is a rm s a nd h ol di ng h er . S he s hu dd er ed a ga in st h im , b ut d id n ot w ee p

alo ud . “Th ey h av e arr es ted h im ,” s he s ai d.

R hy den p ress ed h is cheek again st h er ear . “I k no w, ” h e s ai d. “Fo r t he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men

r ob beri es . T aemi r t ol d m e j us t n ow ."

" Th ey h av e b ro ug ht h im t o G ao l, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d, a nd t ho ug h s he s ti ll d id n ot w ee p, s he u tt er ed a

t re mu lo us g as p f or b re at h. S he p ul le d a wa y f ro m R hy de n a nd s ta re d a t h im , h er f ac e t wi st ed w it h

d es pa ir . “ To G ao l, R hy de n. H e a nd E ab hi ro s w il l b e h an ge d, I k no w i t. "

"Isbaenna, are they the Gentlemen Highwaymen?” Rhyden asked her gently.

S he b li nk ed at h im w it h l ar ge, s or ro wf ul eyes. “Yes, ” s he w hi sp er ed , n od di ng . “Ei sean t ol d m e r ig ht aft er

I r et ur ned f ro m I ar nr od ."

H e b li nk ed at h er , s tart led b y h er f rank adm it tance. “Ei sean ,” h e m ur mu red.T he y s ay K ae v ir M ac le od

i s no t K ae vi r at a ll , b ut t hat he i s a p eas an— a p et ty c ri mi na l a nd t hi ef i n d is gui se , Taemir had

mentioned.T he ir p ur po rt ed s te wa rd i s i n f ac t, n o s er va nt —h e i s t he t ru e K ae vi r M ac le od .

" Ei s ean F ab hm ei r, ” I sb aenn a s aid . “He i s t he o ne w ho w as s tabb ed .” S he r eached o ut , g rasp in g R hy den

by the hand. “He is a Highwayman, yes, but no scoundrel or monster. None of them are, Rhyden. They

a re c lo se a s k in —E is ea n, K ae vi r, a nd E ab hi ro s— th ey l ov e e ac h o th er l ik e b ro th er s. T he y d o n ot

d es er ve t o d ie, R hy den. P leas e. ” S he s tared at h im , i mp lo ri ng , h er v oi ce t remb li ng . “Pl ease, h el p m e,R hy den. I can no t l et t hem d ie."

" If t he y a re t he H ig hw ay me n, I d o n ot u nd er st an d, ” h e s ai d. “ Ho w d id t he b oy , E is ea n w in d u p s ta bb ed ?

A b ot ched r o bb ery ?"

I sb aenn a n od ded. “Eabh ir os t ol d m e t here w as a s mall , d il ap id at ed car ri ag e w it h an o ld m an i ns id e, all

h un ch ed o ve r a nd c ro ok ed , a nd a no th er a t t he d ri ve r' s s ea t. T he o ld m an s ta bb ed E is ea n. K ae vi r

g ra pp le d w it h h im , b ut h e g ot a wa y s om eh ow . A t er ri bl e w in d s we pt u po n t he m, E ab hi ro s s ai d, a nd t he

o ld m an s ha mb le d o ff i nt o t he w oo ds . E ab hi ro s f ou gh t w it h t he d ri ve r. H e t ol d m e h e t ho ug ht h e h ad

broken the man's nose, mayhap some teeth with his fists."

R hy den j er ked as t ho ug h s om eo ne h ad j us t s lapp ed h im , h is eyes f lo wi ng w id e i n s ud den, s tart led

realization. “Mother Above,” he whispered.

" Wh at ?” I sb ae nn a s ai d. H e h ad g on e a sh en b ef or e h er , a s a gh as t a nd w id e- ey ed a s t ho ug h h e h ad j us t

s ee n a g hos t. “ Rhy de n, w ha t i s i t? "

L ah nd ur en w al ked w it h a l im p, h is g ai t s hamb li ng and s hu ff li ng . H is b od y h ad s ur vi ved t he d uchan, b ut

h ad b ee n l ef t t wi st ed a nd d ef or me d i n i ts w ak e a nd i n h is m ov em en ts , h is s tr id e, h e a pp ea re d a s a n o ld

man would—labored and limping, clumsy and slow. Lahnduren likely still kept company with Tressach

a n' Cl ar e, h is a ll y f ro m t he S ec on d W ar , a m an w ho se l oy al ti es w er e t ie d o nl y b y t he s er vi ng o f h is o wn

ambitions should Lahnduren ever seize the Crown from Kierken.





Kaevir grappled with him, but he got away somehow. A terrible wind swept upon them, Eabhiros

said, and he shambled off into the woods.

P ow er fu l w in ds h ad s ti rr ed i n t he w oo ds o ut si de o f B el ga er an , j us t a s t he y h ad l at er r ip pe d t hr ou gh t he

r oy al cit y i ts el f. R hy den h ad f eared L ah nd ur en t he s us pect cau se f or t he s ud den app earance o f v io lent

w in ds and h ad b een w il li ng t o ent er tain t he p os si bi li ty t hat K ierk en w as r ig ht , and t he G en tl em en

Highwaymen served Lahndurens cause.

B ut w ha t i f t he y a re n ot L ah nd ur en 's a ll ie s?h e t ho ug ht , h is b reat h d rawi ng s ti ll i n h is t hr oat.W ha t i s

Isbaenna speaks truly, and here is the account of what occurred in the woods? They are not allies

a t a l l t o L a h nd u r en. T h ey r o bb ed h i m . Ka evi r g r a p pl ed w i t h h im , a n d i f L a h n du r en h ad t h e

Shadow Stone with him...

" Kaev ir ,” R hy den b reat hed, s tr icken. H e g rasp ed I sb aenn a b y t he s ho ul ders , s tart li ng h er . “Wh er e i s

K ae vi r M ac le od ? D o y ou k no w? T he y d id n ot a pp re he nd h im —w he re i s h e n ow ?"

" I . .. I do not k no w, ” s he s ai d. “ He s li ppe d f ro m t he pa la ce s om eh ow . H e go ing t o ge t t he c ar ri age a nd Id o n ot kn ow w ha t b ec am e o f hi m, e xc ep t t he y di d n ot f in d h im ."

" He h as t he S to ne,” R hy den w hi sp er ed .

"What?” Isbaenna gasped.

R hy den w al ked t ow ar d t he b al us tr ad e, h is eyes f ol lo wi ng t he w in ds wept p il es o f d eb ri s alo ng t he s tr eets .

“He m us t h av e t ak en t he cof fer f ro m L ah nd ur en i n t he f or es t, ” h e m ur mu red. “It cho se h im . K aevi r i s

c ho se n. I t o pe ne d f or h im . S we et M ot he r, i t g av e h im t he w in d. "

" Wh at d o y ou m ea n, h e h as t he S to ne ?” I sb ae nn a a sk ed . “ Th e S ha do w S to ne ? T ha t i s r id ic ul ou s,R hy de n. H ow i n t he B it h w ou ld K ae vi r c om e t o h av e t he S to ne ?"

"Be ca us e t he ol d m an in t he woods wa s no ma n a t a ll, but a n El f,” Rhyde n tol d he r. “ It w as La hndure n,

I sba enna —i t mu st h ave be en. He ha d t he St on e w it h hi m, but wa s n ot c hos en t o b ea r i t. He wo ul d ha ve

been unable to open the gold coffer containing it, but he would have tried—would have hoarded it

g reed il y, clu tched again st h is b reas t, i f I k no w h im . K aevi r m us t h av e t ak en i t f ro m t hem w hen t hey

f ou gh t. I f K ae vi r w as c ho se n t o b ea r t he S to ne , t he c of fe r w ou ld h av e o pe ne d f or h im , a nd h e w ou ld

h av e b een g rant ed o ne o f t he r em ai ni ng t hr ee element s: ear th , f ir e, o r w in d. W in d, I sb aenn a, l ik e t he s or t

E ab hi ro s s ai d b lew t hr ou gh t he w oo ds —t he s or t t hat r ip ped t hr ou gh B el gaer an l as t n ig ht ."

I sb aenn a b li nk ed , s tu nn ed . “Sw eet M ot her ,” s he w hi sp er ed . “Bu t I t ho ug ht t he S to ne cou ld n ot b e

w ield ed w it ho ut t he B oo k o f S hado ws . T hat i s w hat y ou s ai d, y ou and K ierk en , N ei sr od , L leuw yn —y ou

said the Talismans must be wielded together."

" Th at i s w ha t l ege nds t ol d u s,” he s ai d. “ But t he y c ou ld be wr on g. N o o ne but Ci ar dha ha s e ve r bor ne

t he S to ne i n h an d, a nd ou r l ege nd s a re b as ed on he r a cc oun ts , h er de ed s. ” H e t ur ne d hi s g az e t ow ar d t he

s tr ee ts , s ta ri ng i n a gh as t a t t he d am ag e h e w it ne ss ed b el ow h im , t he w ra th o f t he w in d. “ Wh at i f w e w er e

w ro ng ?” h e w hi sp er ed . “ Wh at i f a ll o f t hi s t im e, w e h av e b ee n m is le d, a nd K ae vi r d oe s n ot n ee d t he

B ook a t a ll ? Swe et M ot he r ha ve me rc y on us a ll , he wi ll us e i t to unl ea sh t he Sha dow onc e m or e."

" No , he wi ll n ot ,” I sba en na s ai d, he r br ows dr awn. “ Ka evi r i s not e vi l. I know hi m. I f h e doe s po ss es s

t he Stone, if he use d it t o call the winds last ni ght, he did not do so t o a ttac k the pa lace, or the ci ty. I am

c er ta in h e d id i t b ec au se h e i s f ri gh te ne d! S ur el y h e h as l ea rn ed w ha t h ap pe ne d t o E ab hi ro s a nd E is ea n.





H e i s l ik el y f ra nt ic t o h el p t he m. K ae vi r w ou ld n ot l ea ve B el ga er an , I k no w h e w ou ld n ot , n ot a s l on g a s

E ab hi ro s a nd E is ea n a re h er e. H e w ou ld n ev er a ba nd on t he m. H e i s h er e i n t he c it y s om ew he re , I a m

s ur e of i t, a nd i f w e c an f ind hi m, he c an us e t he St one 's pow er , Rhyd en— we c an f re e Ei se an a nd

Eabhiros."

" Is ba en na , n o. T ha t i s m ad ne ss ,” R hy de n s ai d. “ We h av e t o g o t o t he p al ac e. K ie rk en m us t l ea rn o f

w ha t h as h ap pe ne d. W e m us t t el l h im o f K ae vi r a nd t he S to ne ."

I sb aenn a r each ed o ut and g rasp ed h im f ir ml y b y t he cro ok o f h is elb ow , h er f in gers p ress in g f iercel y i nt o

h is f le sh . “ No , y ou c an no t! ” s he e xc la im ed , a nd h e t ur ne d t o h er , s ta rt le d. “ We c an no t t el l K ie rk en . H e i s

f ixe d o n c la imi ng t he S to ne . I f he kn ow s— if y ou t el l h im Ka ev ir h as i t, h e w il l t ry t o u se Ea bh ir os a nd

E is ea n t o t ri ck K ae vi r, t o l ur e h im o ut . H e w il l s ur el y s ee t he m a ll d ea d t o c la im t he S to ne . P le as e,

Rhyden, you cannot. Please."

" Wh at are y ou s ay in g?” R hy den ask ed , s ho ck ed , s hr ug gi ng h is arm away f ro m h er . “Yo u w ou ld h av e m e

betray my King?"

" I w ou ld h av e y ou d o w ha t i s r ig ht , R hy de n, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d. “ I d id n ot c om e h er e s o t ha t y ou c ou ld t ur n

a ga in st m e. I c am e b ec au se I t ho ug ht a ft er l as t n ig ht , s ur el y I c ou ld t rus t y ou , t ha t y ou w ou ld u nd er st an d

a nd h el p me ! Yo u t ol d me i n t he ga rde n t ha t yo u, t oo , l ove a not he r. Wou ld you a ba ndo n h er t o t he

g al low s, R hy de n, t hi s l ov e o f y ou rs ? C ou ld y ou l ea ve h er t o s uc h a f at e? "

R hy den b li nk ed ; h er w or ds s tr uck h im t o t he cor e, n earl y s tagg er in g h im . “Is baen na, p leas e, ” h e s ai d

he lpl es sl y. “ My f ir st l oy al ty m us t be t o K ie rk en, n o m at te r w ha t m y h ea rt w oul d b id . H e i s m y K in g.

P le as e, y ou c an no t a sk t hi s o f m e. "

He r e ye s f la sh ed h ot ly, h er m ou th s et i n a t hi n, a ng ry l in e. “ I a sk n ot hi ng o f y ou , Rh yd en ,” s he s ai d. “ I

h av e w as te d y ou r t im e, a nd m y o wn . F or gi ve m e. I t ho ug ht y ou o f b et te r m et tl e. ” S he g at he re d h er s ki rtin her hand to go.

" I sb aenn a. .. ” h e b eg an , r eachi ng f or h er . “Pl eas e d o n ot b e ang ry . T ry t o u nd er st and —"

S he f el t h is f in ge rt ip s br us h a ga in st h er a rm a nd s he s hr ug ge d h im a wa y. “ Wh at ?” s he a sk ed . “ Yo u a re

do in g w ha t y ou f ee l i s f or t he g re at er go od f or a ll ? F in e, R hy de n. T ha t i s y ou r p hi lo so ph y. Y ou h ave

e xpl ai ne d i t t o m e w el l. M ay ha p m y f at he r w ou ld n ot c ha nge h is c ho ic e; m ay ha p h e ye t w ou ld h ave g on e

i nt o t he S ec on d W ar h ad h e k no wn o f h is o wn d em is e, b ut d o y ou k no w s om et hi ng , R hy de n? H is d ea th

wa s e nough l os s f or me . I wi ll not st and i dl y by a nd le t Ei se an di e— not whe n I c an pr event i t. That ma y

not be t he p at h l ea di ng t o t he gr ea te st g ood f or a ll , bu t b y m y br ea th, I do n ot gi ve a r ot da mn ."

S he m ar ch ed t ow ar d t he p at io d oo rs . H e c au gh t h er h al f- wa y a cr os s t he p ar lo r, h oo ki ng h is h an d

against her elbow.

" Ge t your ha nd of f me ,” s he s ai d, wr enc hi ng he r a rm a wa y. He c oul d s ee t ea rs i n he r e ye s a ga in ; a t he r

r ec oi l, o ne s li pp ed d ow n e ac h c he ek , a nd s he s uc ke d i n a s hu dd er in g, d ef ia nt b re at h. “ Li st en t o m e, ” h e

s ai d. “ Ga ol wa s de si gne d t o be a s tr on ghol d. T ha t i s w ha t m ake s i t s uc h a pe rf ec t p ri son. Ev en i f we

m ake i t p as t t he gu ar ds a t t he m ai n l eve l, w e w il l h av e t o g et d ow ns ta ir s t o t he h ol di ng c el ls t o f re e E is ea n

a nd E ab hi ro s. W he n m or e s ol di er s a re s um mo ne d t o s ec ur e t he s ta ir we ll , w e c ou ld b e t ra pp ed d ow n

t here. A nd t hat i s n ot even t ak in g i nt o con si derati on o peni ng t he cel l d oo rs o r r el easi ng t heir chain s. W e

w ou ld n ev er m ak e i t. W e w ou ld b ot h e nd u p d ea d, a nd i n b lo od y s wi ft m ea su re , t oo ."

" I h av e a p la n, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d.





" You k no w wh er e w e c an f in d a c an no n? ” he a ske d. W he n s he ope ne d he r m ou th t o pr ot es t, h e s ig he d.

“Isbaenna..."

" We h av e t o t ry ,” s he p le ad ed . “ Pl ea se , R hy de n. W e c an g et t he m o ut o f G ao l. "

" An d i f w e d o? ” h e a sk ed . “ Ki er ke n h as o rd er ed t he c it y s ea le d u nt il t he y f in d K ae vi r. W e w il l n ev er g ett he m o ut o f B el ga er an , a nd w he re w ou ld w e g o? H er e? T ha t w ou ld p ro ve m or e t ha n T ae mi r i s l ik el y t o

bear with any courtesy, I think."

" Yo u c ou ld b ri ng t he m t o t he C ro wn T he at re ,” s ai d a vo ic e f ro m b eh in d t he m.

" Taem ir !” R hy den exclaim ed as h e t ur ned, h is eyes f lo wn w id e, h is exp ress io n t wi st ed w it h agh as t.

R hy de n' s b ro th er s to od a t t he p at io d oo rw ay . “ Yo u c ou ld b ri ng t he m t o t he C ro wn T he at re ,” h e s ai d

a ga in . “ It i s c lo se d n ow f or t he a ut um n i nt er im ; n o o ne w il l b e t he re f or a no th er t hr ee w ee ks . I t i s k ep t

l oc ke d s ou ndl y, bu t I ha ve a ke y. No on e wou ld t hi nk t o l oo k f or t he m t he re ."

" Taem ir , w hat . .. w hat i n t he b lo od y d uchan are y ou .. .?” R hy den s tamm er ed . H is b ro ws f ur ro wed, and

h is m ou th t ur ned i n an ang ry l in e. “Yo u w er e b lo od y s py in g o n m e! "

" I w as n ot s py in g o n y ou, R hy de n, ” T ae mi r s ai d, m ee ti ng h is g az e. “ I a m G ae il ge . I c ann ot h el p t he

benefit of my ears. I did not mean to overhear, but I did. I want to help you."

" No ,” R hy den s ai d. H e w al ked t ow ar d t he d oo rw ay , m eani ng t o s ho ve h is b ro th er u ncer em on io us ly

i ns ide a nd s la m t he d oo r o n h im . “ No, a bs ol ut el y no t, T ae mi r. Y ou w il l b e n o p ar t of t hi s. Y ou w il l d am n

w el l f or ge t yo u e ve n kn ow of i t. "

" I w il l n ot ,” T ae mi r s ai d. “ I m ay no t un de rs ta nd a ll t ha t i s h app en in g, b ut I a m n ot s tup id, R hy de n. I

h ea rd y ou m ak e m en ti on o f L ah nd ur en . I t d oe s n ot t ak e a s ch ol ar t o r ea li ze t hi s i s a bo ut m or e t ha n t he

G en tl em en H ig hw ay men. L ah nd ur en i s p lann in g s om e s or t o f att ack, i s h e n ot ? H e w ou ld t ry t o s ei ze t he

throne from Kierken again."

Rhyden halted in mid-stride, stricken. “Taemir...” he began.

" Is t ha t w hy y ou r ea ll y r et ur ne d f ro m t he M or th ir ?” T ae mi r a sk ed . “ I k no w i t w as n ot f or t he S am hr ad h

o r any p resent at io n f ro m t he K in g. W hat d oes L ah nd ur en h av e t o d o w it h t he H ig hw ay men?"

"They stole something from him,” Isbaenna said, stepping forward. “Something powerful that he meant

to—"

" Is baen na, ciu nas, l e d o t ho il ,” R hy den s ai d, w hi rl in g abo ut t o g lare at h er . Hush, please. “ Th is i s no ne o f

Taemir's affair, and I—"

" Th is S to ne y ou s po ke o f? T he S hado w S to ne?” T aemi r ask ed , n earl y s tagg er in g R hy den. “I h av e h eard

of i t. I a m not i ll it er at e, Rhyde n. Fa r f rom i t. I t is r ea l t he n, t hi s St one of Ci ar dha 's ? I t is r ea l a nd

Lahnduren had it?"

" Ye s, b ut K ae vi r s to le i t, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d. “ He d oe s n ot r ea li ze w ha t i t i s— wh at i t m ea ns , T ae mi r, a nd

K ie rk en . .. H e . .. h e w ou ld h an g E is ea n a nd E ab hi ro s t o t ry a nd c la im i t f ro m h im ."





" Is baen na!” R hy den s ai d h el pl es sl y, t hr ow in g u p h is h an ds . “Le d o t ho il , d o n ot !"

" Wh at ?” s he c ri ed a t h im . “ Do no t t el l h im ? H e a lr ea dy kn ow s, R hy de n! T he re w il l b e n o u nd oi ng i t.

Wha t ha rm c ould c ome of i t now? He c ould he lp us !"

" He i s m y b ro th er !” R hy de n c ri ed ba ck , a ng ry a nd f ri ght en ed. “ I w il l n ot s ee h im i nvo lv ed i n t hi s! I t i s t oo

dangerous!"

" I a m your br ot he r, ye s, but not a c hil d, Rh yde n,” Ta emi r s ai d. “ You c annot ke ep me f ro m i t. I a m

helping you."

Isbaenna blinked against tears and then stepped against Taemir, hugging him fiercely. “Thank you,

Taemir,” she said.

" No ,” R hy de n s ai d. “ Wh y a re n ei th er o f y ou l is te ni ng t o m e? I a m n ot s pe ak in g f or m y ow n b ene fi t! Y ou

ar e n ot —"

"I a m c uri ous t o he ar t hi s pla n of your s, m y l ady, ” Ta emi r s ai d t o I sba enna . “ As I ha ve s ome i de as of my

o wn .” H e o ff er ed a m ys te ri ou s s mi le a nd d ro ppe d h er a w in k. “ I f ig ur e m en c an no t v er y w el l s ta nd

con vi ct ed and con demn ed as t he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men i f t hey are r es cu ed f ro m s uch p li gh t b y t he

Highwaymen, now can they?"

" I r em em be r w he n E is os f ir st g av e t hi s s wo rd t o m e, ” R hy de n s ai d, h is v oi ce s of t a nd s om ew ha t

breathless. Taemir had opened a recessed safe he kept hidden behind a painting and pulled out their

f at her' s s il ver F lait heas s wo rd . R hy den h el d i ts f am il iar h ef t i n h is h an d, s mi li ng d es pi te h im self as h e d rew

t he b lade f ro m i ts s heat h and adm ir ed t he p lay o f g ol den l am pl ig ht alo ng i ts p ol is hed, f in el y h ew n l en gt h.

" I w as s ix te en ,” h e m ur mu re d, h is e ye s d is ta nt a s h e s po ke . “ Du ri ng t he F ir st W ar . W e w er e a bo ut t ol eav e O ri nein and s tr i ke n or th ward f or D or ch ad as , t o r es cue T rejaeran' s f at her. "

" Wh y d id y ou g iv e i t b ac k? ” T ae mi r a sk ed . “ Fa th er g av e t o m e a ft er y ou r l as t v is it f iv e y ea rs a go , b ut h e

would t ell me not why you ha d r et ur ne d i t t o him. Tha t ... t hat wa s whe n t he t wo of you f ought ?"

"Muise,” Rhyden said. Indeed. He had not given t he sword ba ck to Ei sos so much a s he had hurle d it

a cr os s t he p ar lor a t hi m. Rh yd en h ad b ee n s o hu rt , s o b ew il de re d a nd b et ra ye d w he n h e ha d l ea rn ed o f

t he B oo k o f S ha do ws ’ s ur vi va l, h e h ad r ea ct ed i n b li nd r ag e t ow ar d h is f at he r.

T ak e i t!h e h ad s ho ut ed a t E is os , w re nc hi ng t he s ca bb ar d f ro m h is b el t a nd f li ng in g i t t he b re ad th o f t hechamber. I do not want it! There is no honor in this blade—no heart, no mettle! There is nothing but

l ie s f or ge d i n i ts me as ur e, and b y m y br ea th, I wi ll hol d ne it he r i t no r y ou de ar t o me a ny l onge r!

" Wh y d id y ou f ig ht w it h F at her?” T aemi r ask ed . “Wh at cou ld h e h av e d on e t hat w as s o u nf or gi veab le,

R hy den, t hat y ou w ou ld s ti ll s ee h im j ud ged f or i t?"

T he re w as n o p oi nt i n k ee pi ng t he t ru th f rom Ta em ir . I sb ae nn a h ad e xp la in ed t o h im a t l en gt h a ll t ha t w as

transpiring about them—the Stone, the Book, Lahnduren's threats, the Gentlemen Highwaymen's

r ob bery , L leuw yn 's s eemi ng t reachery i n t he w ho le o f t he m at ter. R hy den h ad s at m ut e and u nh ap py as

s he h ad s po ke n, h el pl es s t o k ee p I sb ae nn a f ro m s pe ak in g, a nd p ow er le ss t o k ee p T ae mi r f ro m l ea rn in g.

Finding discretion now seemed moot effort in Rhyden's regard.

" Be ca us e he l ie d t o m e,” R hyde n s ai d t o hi s br ot he r, gl an cin g a t hi m. “ At t he e nd of t he Se cond Wa r, I





was wi th Tre jae ra n whe n he di ed, and he begged a pr omis e of me. I swor e I would s ee t he Book of

S ha do ws d es tr oy ed . I w as h ur t; t he c av es c ol la ps ed a nd I b ro ke m y r ib s, m y a nk le , b at te re d m y h ea d. .. "

"I remember,” Taemir said, nodding.

" I be gge d Ei sos t o s ee t he Bo ok d es tr oy ed i n m y s te ad , a nd he p rom is ed t ha t he w ou ld, ” R hyd en s ai d.

“ He ga ve m e hi s wor d—o n t hi s r ot te d bl ade , he s wor e t o me . H e pr om is ed m e a nd t he n t ur ne d r ighta ro un d a nd d el ive re d i t t o B el ga er an, t o Ki er ke n. T he t wo of t he m d ec ide d t o ke ep i t, a nd s o t he y

di d— and t he y ke pt i t a s ec re t f rom m e. I on ly l ea rn ed o f t he Bo ok' s t rue f at e f ive ye ar s a go. U nt il t ha t

point, Eisos lied to me, Taemir. He let me believe he had fulfilled his word to me; his sworn, impassioned

word."

Taemir blinked at him, startled into silence.

R hy de n, y ou ar e s o y oung y et ,Ei so s ha d t ol d h im f iv e y ea rs a go i n t he pa la ce . Le do thoil, a'mac, there

is too much we yet do not know of the Book, and so much we might do with it someday. It was not

without heavy hearts that Kierken and I decided this was for the best—but it is, a'mac. When youare older, you might better understand that we sought only—"

I am not a child!Rhyden had shouted, balling his hands into fists. Look at me! I stand before you in

br oa d day li ght , bu t y ou r ef us e t o s ee me ! I am no t a c hi ld a ny mor e! Yo u c an f ind any me as ur e o f

l ogi c or r eas on w hi ch t wi st s t he m at te r t o s ui t y ou r he ar t, b ut i t s ti ll r em ai ns —y ou l ie d t o m e. You

gave me your word—the one thing in the whole of the Bith I have always held faith in, always

thought impervious and true. You gave me your word, and you saw it stand for nothing, you

b as ta rd ! Y ou s aw i t s ta nd f or n ot hi ng !

" I a m n ot a ng ry w it h E is os o ve r t he B oo k, ” R hy de n s ai d t o T ae mi r. “ I m ig ht h av e b ee n o nc e, b ut t ha t

h as l on g s in ce c ea se d t o m at te r i n m y mi nd o r he ar t. I a m a ng ry w it h h im —a nd I w il l l ike ly n ev er f or gi veh im —b ec au se h e b ro ke h is w or d t o m e. "

He broke my heart, h e t ho ug ht w it ho ut adm it ti ng t hi s alo ud . H e s ho ved E is os ’ s wo rd i nt o t he s heat h. H e

t os se d i t t o T ae mi r, w ho c au gh t i t b et we en h is h an ds , s ta ri ng a t R hy de n i n s ur pr is e. “ Ke ep i t, ” R hy de n

s aid. “ It i s a good swor d and you wi ll ha ve ne ed of it . I wil l buy a not he r f or mys elf ."

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

T ae mi r a nd I sb ae nn a l ef t t og et he r t ha t a ft er no on . T he y h ad s en t w or d t o t he p al ac e t o m ee t w it h s om e o f

t he S am hr ad h g uest s, a w om an n am ed I gr ai ne P en wy n and h er b ro th er s, T iern ey and T iern an . R hy den

w as n ot w ho ll y c onv in ce d t ha t t he P en wyn s w ou ld b e n ee de d o r w il li ng i n t he ir p la ns t o r ai d G ao l, bu t

Isbaenna had been determined.

" Th ey ado re t he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men, ” s he h ad arg ued. “Well , at l east I gr ai ne and T iern ey d o. I t i s

all t hey b lo od y t al k abo ut . T hey w il l h el p u s. "

W hi le s he a nd T ae mi r w er e g on e, R hy de n h ad v is it ed a n ea rb y p aw n s ho p. H e h ad b ou gh t o nl y a p ai r o f

balkstaffs for himself, no sword or dagger. He expected this decision would likely dismay Taemir and

I sb ae nn a, w ho h ad e xp ec te d R hy de n t o p ur ch as e a v er it ab le a rs en al w it h w hi ch t o t ak e o n t he s ol di er s o f

G ao l. I t w ou ld t ak e s om e m ea su re o f b re at h t o c on vi nc e t he m o th er wi se , b ut R hy de n d id n ot c ar e. H e

h ad n ot l ik ed t he i de a o f a pp ro ac hi ng t he p ri so n w it h b la de s f ro m t he f ir st ; t he s ol di er s w er e d oi ng t he ir





d ut ies, and h e h ad n ot r el is hed t he t ho ug ht o f h ar mi ng t hem w it h o bj ects o f s uch l et hal cap ab il it ies. A

blow from a balkstaff could shatter one's skull; a thrust could rive open a gut, or it could be hurled as a

s pe ar , s ke we ri ng t hr ou gh f le sh a nd b on e. B ut i ts f or ce c ou ld a ls o b e t em pe re d, u nl ik e a s wo rd , a nd i ts

u se s c ou ld s ee a m an b at te re d u nc on sc io us , b ut n ot d yi ng , b y a n a st ut e b lo w.

U po n h is r et ur n t o T ae mi r' s f la t, R hy de n c ar ri ed t he s ta ve s t o h is r oo m. H er e, h e p ra ct ic ed s tr ik in g a t

o ne o f h is b ed p os ts , l is te ni ng t o t he s ha rp , c ri sp c ra ck o f t he s ta ve a ga in st t he b ed f ra me a nd s mi li ng . H eh ea rd a k no ck a ga ins t hi s do or a nd pa us ed , l et ti ng t he s ta ff f al l s ti ll i n h is h an d. “ Ye s? "

T ae mi r' s s te wa rd , I lt ud , o pe ne d t he d oo r. H e w or e a n o dd e xp re ss io n o n h is f ac e, s om ew ha t

bewildered and trepidatious, and Rhyden smiled at him sheepishly, figuring he had exhausted the

s te wa rd 's s to re o f p at ie nc e b y w ha ck in g o n t he b ed p os ts . “ I a m s or ry , I lt ud ,” h e o ff er ed w it h a f ee bl e

s hr ug . “I w il l s to p n ow ."

" My l or d, y ou h av e g uest s w ho p ay cal l, ” I lt ud s ai d, s ti ll l oo ki ng anx io us .

Rhyden blinked at him, puzzled. “Guests?"

I lt ud s te pp ed a si de a nd R hy de n s aw t wo w om en s ta nd in g b eh in d h im i n t he s ha do ws o f t he c or ri do r.

T he y b ot h w or e l on g c lo ak s a nd n ei th er h ad r em ov ed t he ir d ee p h oo ds t o r ev ea l t he ir f ac es . T he y

h ud dl ed t og et her as t ho ug h s eeki ng s an ct uary f ro m col d w eath er again st o ne ano th er , and w hen t hey

ent er ed h is chamb er , cro ss in g t he t hr es ho ld , o ne p ract ical ly l ed t he o th er , eas in g h er s lo w, s hu ff li ng

f oo ts te ps i n l in e. R hy de n c ou ld n ot s ee t he ir f ac es f or t he ir h oo ds ; h e h ad n o i de a w ho t he y w er e. “ My

ladies...?” he said, confused.

O ne o f t he m r ea ch ed up , t ak in g he r c ow l i n he r ha nd . A s s he l owe re d he r h oo d, he dr ew b ac k, s tun ne d,

h is eyes f ly in g w id e. “Gr aell e?” h e g as ped, b reat hl es s w it h s ho ck t o s ee t he Q ueen 's h an dm ai d. T he s tave

dropped from his fingers, clattering against the floor.

T he s ec on d w om an l oo ke d u p a t h is v oi ce , a nd h e c au gh t a g li mp se o f s tr ik in g b lu e e ye s, a t an gl e o f

d ar k h ai r d raped acro ss h er f or eh ead, and h is s ho ck o nl y m ou nt ed . “Qy nh !” h e b reat hed, s t ag geri ng .

G rael le s tared at h im , p lead in g, h er eyes f il led w it h t ears . “Help u s, ” s he s ai d, h er v oi ce t remu lo us and

f ri gh tened. “Oh . .. o h, p leas e, R hy den. Y ou m us t h el p u s! "

I gr ai ne P enw yn m ay h ave b ee n a n i ns ip id go ss ip a nd c at ty s hr ew , a w om an a s f ond o f g am bl in g a nd

d ri nk a s s he w as o f m ak in g h er b ed w it h f el lo ws a nd s ee mi ng s tr an ge rs a li ke , b ut a t l ea st s he h ad

i mp eccabl y i ns ti ll ed s ocial g races and arr iv ed i n p ro mp t f as hi on f or h er m eeti ng w it h I sb aenn a at L is mo rePlaza.

T ae mi r h ad e sc or te d I sb ae nn a t o t he p ar k w hi le R hy de n h ad g on e s ho pp in g f or w ea po ns . T he b ro th er s

h ad s ee me d t o r ea ch s om e t en ta ti ve s em bl an ce o f p ea ce b et we en t he m, a nd t ha t e as ed I sb ae nn a' s h ea rt .

S he d id n ot k no w w hat w as m or e app ar en t: R hy den' s l ov e f or h is y ou ng er b ro th er ; T aemi r' s adu lati on f or

R hy de n; b ot h o f t he F ab hc un s’ d es pe ra te d es ir e t o s ee t he o th er k ep t f ro m h ar ds hi p o r t ro ub le ; o r t he ir

m ut ual, s tu bb or n i nabi li ty t o adm it any and all o f t hese t o t he o th er .

Despite Rhyden's misgivings and fears, Isbaenna was profoundly touched and grateful for the

ent hu si as ti c eas e w it h w hi ch T aemi r o ff er ed h is h el p. H e h ad s ev er al t om es i n h is l ib rary d ocum en ti ng t he

h is to ry o f t he r oy al cit y. T hese h ad con tain ed d et ai led i ll us tr at io ns and m ap s o f G ao l and i ts g ro un ds , and

t hr ou gh t he se , i t h ad n ot t ak en t he m l on g t o d ec id e o n a l og ic al , s im pl e a nd , a t l ea st i n t he t el li ng ,

seemingly effective plan of action.





O f cou rs e, i t w ou ld all h in ge u po n w heth er o r n ot I gr ai ne P en wy n p ro ved w il li ng t o h el p. I sb aenn a h ad

t ri ed h er b es t t o a ss ur e T ae mi r a nd R hy de n t ha t s he w ou ld , b ut d es pi te t hi s, s he r em ai ne d a nx io us a nd

u nc on vi nc ed . S he a nd T ae mi r s at o n a n i ron be nc h b en ea th t he w ar m, f la me -l it g lo w o f a n ea rb y

s tr eetl am p i n L is mo re P laza, w ai ti ng t o s ee i f I gr ai ne w ou ld com e o r n ot . W hen I sb aenn a cau gh t s ig ht o f

t he y ou ng w om an s tr ol li ng s lo wl y alo ng t he w in di ng , p av ed w al kw ay s t ow ar d t hem, s he d rew i n a

measured breath of relief.

I gr ai ne w or e t he d ee p h oo d o f h er c lo ak p ul le d o ve r h er f ac e, s hr ou di ng h er f ac e i n h ea vy s ha do ws . S he

wa lke d i n t he c ompa ny of one o f he r br ot he rs ; of t he ot he r t wi n, t he re wa s no s ign.

T aemi r s t oo d p ol it ely at t he P en wy ns ’ app ro ach. I s baenn a s to od b es id e h im . I gr ain e and h er b ro th er

s to pp ed a b ri ef m ea su re b ef or e t he m, a nd t he re w as a l on g m om en t o f s il en ce a ll a ro un d a s t he f ou r

blinked at one another. At last, Igraine reached up, easing her hood back from her face and letting in fall

i n a t um bl e o f f ol ds a bo ut h er n ec k a nd s ho ul de rs . S he m et I sb ae nn a' s g az e.

" Go od eveni ng , m y L ad y I sb aenn a, ” s he s ai d.

" Go od eveni ng , L ad y I gr ai ne,” I sb aenn a s ai d q ui et ly . S he clear ed h er t hr oat, m us teri ng s om e m et tl e.

“ Th an k yo u f or c om in g t o m ee t w it h m e. P le as e, a ll ow m e t o i nt ro du ce L or d T ae mi r F ab hc un . H e i s

f ri en d t o m e. M y L or d F ab hcun , L ad y I gr ai ne P en wy n. "

" Th e p layw ri gh t and n ov el is t? Y es ,” I gr ai ne n od ded, h er eyes d ar ti ng t ow ar d T aemi r. S he u ncur led h er

m ou th i n a t hi n s em bl an ce o f s mi le . “ I k no w y ou r n am e, m y l or d, a nd h av e r ea d s om e o f y ou r w or ks .

How delightful."

S he o ff er ed h er h an d and T aemi r b ow ed i n g en teel f as hi on , b us si ng h er k nu ck les l ig ht ly . “Lady P en wy n, ”

h e s ai d. “Tr ul y a p leas ur e. "

" My b ro th er , T iern ey , i f y ou p leas e, ” I gr ain e s aid , f lapp in g h er h an d t ow ar d h er b ro th er . “Or b ot her, as

t he c as e s ho ul d b e. "

" My s is ter m us t b e p ar do ned, ” T iern ey s ai d, s mi li ng i n g oo d eno ug h h um or as h e clasp ed h an ds w it h

T aemi r. “Sh e i s s el do m i n b et ter t han p et ul an t s pi ri t, and t od ay w ou ld s ee even t hese g raci ou s m er it s

t axe d. I w as a dm it te dl y s ur pr is ed s he wo ul d a gr ee t o t ake l ea ve o r c omp an y, a s I h av e b ee n un abl e t o

l ur e h er f or th f ro m h er chamb er at all t hi s aft er no on ."

" Ti er nan w il l n ot b e j oi ni ng u s, ” I gr ai ne s ai d. “As w e d id n ot i nf or m h im o f y ou r i nv it at io n. H e h as d ru nk h im self i nt o q ui te t he g leef ul s tu po r t od ay t o k no w t he H ig hw ay men are l ocked away i n G ao l. T iern ey

a nd I d o n ot s ha re h is s en ti me nt s. "

" No w, w e w il l b e h ar d- pr es sed t o f in d any th in g t o t al k abo ut s ociall y, ” T iern ey s ai d, l oo ki ng g lu m.

" I app reci at e y ou b ot h com in g, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. “Pl ease accep t m y apo lo gi es f or t he i mp os it io n. "

I gr ai ne h oo ke d h er b ro w a t I sb ae nn a. “ Le t u s c ut t he c or di al it ie s, s ha ll w e? ” s he a sk ed . “ Yo u a nd I h av e

ne ve r b ee n w ha t I w ou ld c on si de r e nd ea re d t o o ne a not he r, a nd w e h av e a lwa ys a t l ea st h ad t he

c ou rt es y n ot t o p re te nd o th er wi se i n e ac h o th er 's c om pa ny . W ha t d o y ou w an t, I sb ae nn a? "

" Yo ur h el p, I gr ai ne,” I sb aenn a s ai d. “Pl ease, I n eed y ou r h el p. "





T he cor ner o f I gr ai ne's m ou th u nf ur led s li gh tl y. “Yo u m ean t o f ree t hem, ” s he s ai d.

I sba enn a m et h er ga ze . “ Ye s, I d o. "

" I k ne w i t, ” I gr ai ne s ai d. “ I k ne w i t f rom t he m om ent I r ea d y our l et te r. Y ou w il l f re e o ur Hi ghw aym en. "

" I w il l t ry t o, y es ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d.

" Yo u t ru ly l ov e t hat l it tl e p easant l am b, E is ean F ab hm ei r. "” I gr ai ne r em ar ked. H er t on e w as n ot

d is da in fu l, a s I sb ae nn a m ig ht h av e e xp ec te d. I ns te ad , i t w as r at he r t en de r, a nd h er f ac e s of te ne d a s h er

smile grew wider.

" I d o, y es ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d. “ Wi ll y ou h el p us ?"

"I do not see how I can."

" Yo u w er e r ob be d b y t he H ig hw ay me n, m y l ad y, ” T ae mi r t ol d h er . “ By l aw , y ou a re e nt it le d t o s ta nd before your offenders. You could walk into Gaol tonight, stand in their cells, and there is nothing anyone

c an s ay t o s to p y ou ."

I gr ai ne b li nk ed at T aemi r and t hen t ur ned t o T iern ey , app ar en tl y s tart led b y t hi s r ev el at io n. S he l oo ked

t ow ar d I sb ae nn a o nc e m or e, h er b ro w a rc he d. “ An d w ha t, t he n? ” s he a sk ed .

" Wi ll y ou h el p u s? ” I sb ae nn a a sk ed h er o nc e m or e.

" Of cou rs e, ” I gr ai ne r ep li ed . “We w il l b ot h h el p, w il l w e n ot , T iern ey ?"

" Of cou rs e, s is ter, ” h e s ai d, s mi li ng at h er f on dl y. “Wh at ev er w e can d o t hat m ig ht l if t t hi s u nf latt er in gs hr ou d o f s or ro w f ro m y ou ."

" It w il l b e d an gero us , y ou s ho ul d k no w, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. “We w il l l ik el y all b e h an ged i f w e are cau gh t. "

I gr ai ne s mi rk ed . “ Th en w e h ad b es t e nd ea vo r n ot t o b e c au gh t, ” s he s ai d.

A l ig ht d ri zz le be ga n t o f al l a s I sb ae nn a a nd Ta em ir r et ur ne d t o h is f la t. Th ey he ar d t he d is ta nt b el ls o f

A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in t ol l t he m id ni gh t h ou r as t hey w al ked b en eath t he d im g lo w o f l it s tr eet l am ps .

" Ca n w e t ru st I gr ai ne a nd T ie rn ey t o h el p u s? ” T ae mi r a sk ed .

" Have w e any o th er cho ice?” I sb aenn a s ai d.

T he y r ea ch ed h is f la t, a sc en di ng t he s ta ir s t og et he r. T ae mi r o pe ne d t he d oo r a nd s to od p ol it el y a si de t o

all ow I sb aenn a f ir st ent ry . “Let u s t el l R hy den h ow t he m eeti ng w en t and t hen I w il l h av e I lt ud s um mo n a

ha ns om f or y ou , s ee yo u d ul y h om e, ” h e s ai d.

I sb aenn a f el t g en ui ne h op e t hat T aemi r' s i dea w ou ld w or k. T he m eeti ng w it h I gr ai ne and T iern ey h ad

c em en te d i n h er m in d t ha t t he y w ou ld b e a bl e t o s ee E is ea n a nd E ab hi ro s f re ed . S he t re mb le d w it h

e xc it em en t a nd d id n ot e ve n n ot ic e T ae mi r' s s te wa rd , I lt ud , a t f ir st , a s h e s to od i n t he p ar lo r r eg ar di ng

them with an anxious expression.

" My L or d F ab hcun —” I lt ud b eg an .





"Iltud, beannacht!” Taemir said, raising his hand. “Where is my brother? Exhausted from his shopping,

c ol la ps ed o n h is b ed ?” H e c au gh t I sb ae nn a b y t he a rm , l ea di ng h er a lo ng t he c or ri do r t ow ar d R hy de n' s

chamb er . “Never m in d! W e w il l f in d h im , r ou se h im i f n eeds b e! "

" My l or d, l e d o t ho il , b ut y ou s ho ul d— ” I lt ud s ai d, s cu rr yi ng alo ng b eh in d t hem.

" Pu t o n a p ot o f t ea , i f y ou w ou ld b e s o ki nd ,” T ae mi r s ai d, g la nc in g o ve r h is s ho ul de r. “ So me thi ng

s tr ong , pl ea se . I wi ll be up a wh il e ye t. I ha ve m uc h t o do. Se e i f C ea re c an not p ut t og et he r s ome s upp er

w hi le y ou are at i t. M at hair M ai th , m y s to mach i s s qu al li ng !"

" Tr ul y, L or d F ab hcun , I m us t s peak w it h y ou —” I lt ud s ai d.

T ae mi r g ri nn ed a t h im , s ei zi ng h ol d o f t he h an dl e t o R hy de n' s d oo r. “ Fo od n ow , s pe ak l at er , I lt ud ,” h e

s ai d. “ I a m s ta rv ed a nd w it he re d. ” H e t hr ew o pe n t he d oo r t o Rh yd en 's c ha mbe r. “ Ge t ou t of be d, yo u

bloody yob! We must—"

H e d re w t o a n a br up t h al t, h is v oi ce a nd b re at h s ti ll in g i n h is t hr oa t. I sb ae nn a f ro ze b es id e h im , h er

enthusiastic grin faltering and fading.

R hy de n k ne lt b es id e hi s be d, hi s b ac k t o t he do or . A wo ma n s at n ea rb y, c ra dl in g a c up of t ea b et we en

t remb li ng h an ds , h er eyes s or ro wf ul and h au nt ed . A no th er w om an l ay i n t he b ed b ef or e R hy den, h er

l on g, d ar k h ai r s pi ll ed a bo ut h er h ea d, h er e ye s c lo se d. I sb ae nn a r ec og ni ze d h er ; t he re w as n o m is ta ki ng

t hat p al e, b eaut eou s cou nt enance o r t um bl e o f b lack cur ls , and s he g as ped, s tu nn ed .

"Qynh!” she breathed, staring in aghast confusion at Rhyden.

R hy den s to od , t ur ni ng t o f ace t hem. H is eyes w er e g ri ef -s tr icken, b ut h is b ro ws w er e f ur ro wed, h ism ou th d ow ncas t i n an ang ry s et . H e cur led h is h an ds i nt o s lo w f is ts . “Ll eu wy n P ei ld raig h p lans t o m ur der

t he K ing o n t he ni gh t of t he m ha s' cor ,” h e t ol d t he m gr iml y. “ By m y br ea th— by my ho no r a nd my l if e— I

m ean t o s to p h im ."

I sb aenn a and T aemi r l is tened i n s tu nn ed , h or ri fi ed s il en ce as t he Q ueen 's h an dm ai d, G rael le, t ol d t hem

every th in g s he k new o f L leuw yn P ei ld raig h. F if teen y ears ago , s he h ad b een h ir ed i nt o t he Q ueen 's

s er vi ce b y t he E as pa g' Ar d h im se lf . A t t he t im e, L le uw yn h ad s tr uc k h er a s a k in d a nd g ra ci ou s m an .

Q yn h h ad b ee n d eve st at ed b y h er b ro the r T re ja er an 's d ea th a t t he e nd o f t he W ar ; s he h ad t ak en t o h er

bed in stunned grief, and Lleuwyn had seemed to share in Kierken's genuine and anguished concern for

her mental and emotional well-being. Graelle's responsibilities had included seeing to the Queen's dailyn ee ds ; t ha t s he b at he d a nd d re ss ed , a te h er m ea ls , a nd m ad e s om e e ff or t t o e me rg e f ro m h er c ha mb er .

L leuw yn h ad b id G rael le t o adm in is ter s om e m an ner o f eli xi r t o t he Q ueen t wi ce d ai ly .

" He . .. h e cal led i t m ed icin e, E lf in m ed icin e, ” s he s ai d, s tari ng d ow n i nt o h er t eacu p, v is ib ly s tr icken.

“ Tw ic e e ac h d ay , m or ro w a nd e ve ni ng , h e s ai d, i n m y l ad y' s t ea . H e s ai d i t w ou ld h el p h er , t ha t i t w ou ld

soothe her heartache."

B ut t he e li xi r on ly s ee me d t o m ak e Q yn h m or e l et ha rg ic a nd a dd le d. W he n, a ft er s ix m ont hs o f i ts

d is pens at io n, G rael le w an ted t o s to p g iv in g t he p ot io n t o t he Q ueen , s he s ai d L leuw yn h ad b een f ur io us ,

a nd s he h ad l ea rn ed t he n o f h is t ru e n at ur e.

" Tha t .. . t ha t wa s t he f ir st t im e t ha t h e . .. he be at me ,” s he w hi spe re d. “ He wa s c ar ef ul t o hi t me whe re

n o on e w ou ld k no w o f i t, w he re t he b ru is es w ou ld b e hi dd en b y m y c lo th in g. "





L leuw yn h ad t hr eatened G rael le, p ro mi si ng h er t hat i f s he d is ob ey ed h im again , h e w ou ld s ee h er

hanged. He would demonstrate that she willingly administered afeem derivative to the Queen in

s ur rept it io us ass au lt , and t hat s he w ou ld s wi ng f ro m P io no s f or s uch g ri ev ou s o ff en se. F or t he n ex t

d ecade and a h al f, L leuw yn f or ced G rael le i nt o h is con ti nu ed s er vi ce, k eepi ng t he Q ueen s edated and

befuddled, beating Graelle for any seeming disregard in her loyalty to him.

" Bu t w hy ?” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed . S he h ad k nelt b es id e t he b ed , cur li ng h er f in gers again st Q yn h' s h an d,

w at ch in g h er cou si n s leep . S he b li nk ed again st t ears and t ur ned t o G rael le. “Wh y w ou ld h e d o s om et hi ng

s o h or ri bl e t o Q yn h, a nd t o K ie rk en ?"

" Becaus e i f s om et hi ng s ho ul d h ap pen, s om e h ar m s ho ul d b ef al l K ierk en , Q yn h w ou ld ass um e t he

t hr on e, ” R hy den s ai d. H e p aced abo ut t he r oo m, h is exp ress io n d rawn , h is h an ds clenched i n f is ts . “If

L le uw yn c ou ld p ro ve h er m ad —u nf it t o r ul e— an d t he re i s n o h ei r t o t ak e h er p la ce , t he n h e c ou ld

con vi nce K ierk en t o s ig n a r oy al d ecree ent it li ng t he t hr on e t o t he E as pag' Ar d i n s uch cir cu ms tance.

W hi ch , i t w ou ld s ee m, t he b as ta rd h as d on e. ” H e w hi rl ed a bo ut , m ee ti ng I sb ae nn a' s g az e. “ Th er e i s h is

r ea so n. H e m ea ns t o h av e t he t hr on e. H e h as b ee n w ai ti ng f or t hi s f or y ea rs , I a m c er ta in —h e m us t h av e!Th e b as ta rd a lr ea dy ha s t he B ook o f S ha dow s. H e m ea ns t o c la im t he S to ne a nd t he C ro wn, a nd s ee

Kierken murdered."

"How?” Isbaenna whispered.

" By g et ti ng L ah nd ur en t o d o i t f or h im ,” R hy de n s ai d, hi s f ro wn d ee pe ni ng. “ Th e b lo od y r ot ha s s tr uc k a

bargain with Lahnduren to see him delivered to the mhas'cor, to have his chance to strike Kierken down.

L leuw yn r eall y m eans t o s ee L ah nd ur en k il l K ierk en , and L ah nd ur en s lain f or t he o ff en se o n t he s po t.

Lleuwyn would claim the Stone from Lahnduren and keep the Talismans for himself—ascending to the

t hr on e i n g oo d f ai th and s eemi ng h on or , t he b as tard !"

" Ho w d o y ou k no w i t w il l b e t he m ha s' co r? ” T ae mi r a sk ed .

" Be ca us e m y l ad y t ol d m e, ” G ra el le s ai d s of tl y, t ea rs s pi ll in g d ow n h er c he ek s. “ Sh e . .. s he o nl y t ol d m e

t oni ght .. . H e ha s f or ce d hi s wa y upon he r f or ye ar s n ow whe n I a m not t he re . She c annot f ight h im . S he

. .. s he c an no t k ee p c oh er en t t ho ug ht e no ug h t o t el l o f i t, a nd h e k no ws s he i s h el pl es s. .. !"

I sb ae nn a g as pe d, s ho ck ed a ne w. S he w at ch ed R hy de n l ow er h is h ea d, h is b ro ws d ra wn f ur io us ly a s h e

drew in a fluttering, anguished breath.

" He t ol d Q yn h o f h is p la ns , t he b as ta rd ,” R hy de n h is se d. “ Fo r h e t ho ug ht s he c ou ld n ev er t el l o f t he m . ..t ha t n o o ne w ou ld b el ie ve h er i f s he d id . .. w oul d t hi nk h er m ad .” H e s too d, t re mb li ng w it h r age . “ I w il l

k il l h im ,” he s ai d. “ Ma rk i t— I w il l dr aw h im ou t m ea su re b y m ea su re a nd m et e f or th a t ho us and f ol d

w ha t h e h as b ro ugh t u po n m y l ad y a nd m y K in g. He w il l h ave t he Ta li sm an s a nd t he C row n o ve r m y

bloody rotted pate—by my breath, I will kill him for this offense!"

A s s he w at ched h is w rat h, h is d es pair , I s baen na r eal ized .

P le as e d o n ot ,s he ha d t ol d hi m i n t he ga rde n w he n he ha d ki sse d he r. I am in love with another.

As am I, h e h ad r ep li ed , h is eyes f il led w it h d es perati on and s or ro w.

Qynh,s he t ho ug ht , s tu nn ed b reath les s and t o t ears . Mother Above—Rhyden is in love with Qynh!





R hy den s to rm ed t ow ar d t he d oo r, l eavi ng t hem, h is l on g h ai r s tr eami ng b eh in d h im .

"Rhyden—” Taemir began, stricken.

" Rh yd en !” I sb aenn a cri ed , s pr in gi ng t o h er f eet. S he r us hed aft er h im , h eedl es s o f h is f ur y. “Oh , R hy den,

wait!"

" Le av e m e, I sb ae nn a, ” he s ai d, n ot t ur ni ng a s s he r an b eh in d hi m. S he r ea ch ed f or h im , l ay in g h er ha nd s

again st h is arm , and h e w renched h im self l oo se f or cefu ll y eno ug h t o s tagg er t hem b ot h. “Do n ot t ou ch

m e! ” he c ri ed , a nd a s he w hi rl ed a bou t, s he s aw t ha t h e we pt f re el y. “ Do not t ouc h m e! I c anno t be ar i t. I

cannot!"

" Rh yd en ,” s he s ai d, r each in g f or h im again . H e r ecoi led s harp ly , s tu mb li ng i nt o t he w al l o f t he cor ri do r.

" Do n ot t ou ch m e, ” h e s ai d, b at ti ng h er h an ds a wa y. “ Pl ea se , j us t . .. j us t l ea ve m e a lo ne , I sb ae nn a, I b eg

o f y ou . .. l ea ve m e. .. "

" Rh yd en .. .” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed , t ou ch in g h is f ace. W hen h e t ri ed t o f li nch, t o s hy f ro m h er h an d, s he

pressed her other palm to his cheek, cradling his face.

" Do n ot t ou ch m e. .. ” h e p le ad ed , s ha ki ng h is h ea d. H is v oi ce d is so lv ed i nt o s ob s, a nd I sb ae nn a w ep t

w it h h im , d rawi ng h im t o h er s ho ul der. H is l eg s aband on ed h im , and s he k nelt w it h h im , h ol di ng h im

a ga in st h er a s h e s lu mp ed t o t he f lo or . “ Qy nh !” h e g as pe d, a go ni ze d. “ Oh . .. o h, m y l ad y. .. !"

" It i s alr ig ht ,” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed , k is si ng h is h ai r. S he s aw T aemi r emerg e f ro m t he b ed chamb er , h is

exp ress io n s tr icken, and s he m et h is h el pl es s g aze. “It i s alr ig ht , R hy den. "

"I ... I ha ve fail ed her ,” he wept. “I ... All of thes e years ... If only I ha d been here! If only I had se en it! Ihave failed her!"

" No , R hy de n, ” s he b re at he d. “ No , t ha t i s n ot t ru e. "

" I . .. I l ov e h er .. .” h e w hi sp er ed , s hu dd er in g again st h er .

S he s tr ok ed h er h an d a ga in st h is h ai r, k is se d h is e ar . “ I k no w, ” s he s ai d. “ It i s a lr ig ht , R hy de n. "

S he h el d h im u nt il h is t ears w an ed , u nt il h is t remb li ng s ub si ded i nt o s ti ll ness again st h er and h e g rew

q ui et . W hen h e p ul led away f ro m h er , l eani ng b ack again st t he w al l and d is lo dg in g h er h an ds , I sb aenn ama de n o f ur the r e ff or t t o r ea ch f or hi m. He di d no t w ant he r t o; h e d id n ot n ee d he r t o, a nd t hough he r

h eart ach ed f or h im i n p oi gn an t m easu re, s he r es pect ed h is w is hes.

" Ka ev ir h as t he S ha do w S to ne , a nd L le uw yn s ur el y k no ws o f i t, ” R hy de n s ai d. H e d re w i n a l on g b re at h

and exh al ed s lo wl y, h is b ro ws f ur ro wed as h e com po sed h im self . “He i s s earchi ng f or i t— fo r K aevi r. H e

w il l t ry t o c on vi nc e K ie rk en t o s ee E is ea n a nd E ab hi ro s h an ge d i n s wi ft m ea su re , I a m c er ta in , t o d ra w

Kaevir out of hiding."

" I k no w, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. “I t ho ug ht as m uch m ys el f. "

R hy de n r os e t o h is f ee t, c ur li ng h is f in ge rs t ow ar d h is p al ms . H e t ur ne d t o h is b ro th er . “ We w il l t ak e

G ra el le a nd t he Q ue en t o t he C ro wn T he at re ,” h e s ai d. “ Th ey w il l n ot b e s af e h er e. W he n K ie rk en a nd

L leuw yn r eali ze Q yn h i s m is si ng , t hey w il l t ear t hi s cit y apart t o f in d h er ."







G ra el le dr ew a bl ank et a bo ut h er s ho ul de rs a nd s at hu nc he d a nd hu dd le d a t t he f oo t of t he b ed ,

s hi veri ng . S he w at ch ed R hy den u nf ol d s ev er al q ui lt s and d rape t hem o ver Q yn h. S he r eg ar ded h im w it h a

s of t, s or ro wf ul exp ress io n as h e g en uf lect ed b es id e t he b ed o nce m or e, b ru sh in g h is f in gers t hr ou gh

Q yn h' s h ai r. “ Sh e i s e xh au st ed ,” s he s ai d. “ Sh e h as b ee n s o f ri gh te ne d. W e b ot h h av e b ee n. S ur el y i t

m us t do he r go od t o kn ow s he c an r es t wi th out f ea r, t ha t s he i s s af e wi th you. "

" He w il l n ev er h ur t h er again ,” R hy den s ai d s of tl y, s li pp in g h is h an d again st Q yn h' s. T he Q ueen

murmured softly in her sleep, closing her fingers against his. “By my breath, Graelle, Lleuwyn will never

hurt either of you again."

" Sh e i s s o b le ss ed f or y ou ,” G ra el le t ol d h im .

"A s I a m f or he r, ” he s ai d. “ I do not know w ha t I wo ul d ha ve done wi th out he r t he se l as t ye ar s i n

C ne as . H er l et te rs h av e b ro ug ht m e s o m uc h c om pa ny a nd h op e. ” H e w as q ui et f or a l on g m om en t. A t

l as t, h e l oo ked t ow ar d G rael le, m eeti ng h er g aze, h is exp ress io n p ai ned. “On ly t hey are n ot h er l et ters ,

are t hey, G rael l e?” h e as ked. “Th ey are y ou rs ."

G ra el le b li nk ed a t h im , h er b re at h d ra wi ng s ti ll . “ I . .. I d o n ot k no w w ha t y ou m ea n, ” s he s ai d s of tl y.

" Qy nh c ou ld n ot h av e w ri tt en t ho se l et te rs ,” h e s ai d. “ Sh e h as b ee n d ru gg ed o n a fe em . F or f if te en y ea rs ,

s he ha s be en i n a s ta te l ike t hi s. Sh e c anno t h ol d he r e ye s o pe n, mu ch l es s s et pl ume t o pa pe r i n c ohe re nt

thought."

" Rh yd en ,” G ra el le s ai d, h er e ye s e no rm ou s. “ I . .. I d o n ot .. ."

H e s ta re d a t h er , w ou nd ed , s or ro wf ul a nd b ew il de re d. “ Al l o f t hi s t im e, s o m an y y ea rs . .. W as i t y ou ,

Graelle?"

S he s ta re d d ow n a t t he f ol ds o f b la nk et s wa th ed a bo ut h er l ap , h er s ho ul de rs t re mb li ng .

" Pl ease,” h e s ai d. “Pl ease, G rael le, t el l m e. "

S he n od de d h er h ea d o nc e i n m ut e, s tr ic ke n r ep ly . H er e ye s f il le d w it h t ea rs , a nd h er h an ds d ar te d t o

her mouth.

" Wh y?” h e w hi sp er ed , h is ang ui sh ed v oi ce d rawi ng h er g aze. “Wh y w ou ld y ou d o s uch a t hi ng ? H ow

could you...?"

" Be ca us e yo u w er e l on el y, ” s he s ai d. “ I . .. I r ea d yo ur l et te rs a lou d f or he r, a nd I c oul d s ee t ha t s o

plainly, so apparent. You were so lonely..."

H e s ta re d a t h er . “ Gr ae ll e. .. "

" I w as l one ly, t oo, ” s he wh is pe re d. “ I k ne w you c ar ed f or he r, t ha t yo u l ove d h er . I w as l one ly, t oo. I

f el t t ra pp ed a nd a lo ne , a nd w he n I w ou ld r ea d y ou r l et te rs , I c ou ld n ot h el p m ys el f. I w ou ld p re te nd y ou

w er e w ri ti ng t he m f or m e. I me an t no ha rm ."

" No h ar m? ” R hy de n b li nk ed , r is in g t o h is f ee t. “ Do y ou k no w w ha t y ou h av e d on e? H av e y ou a ny i de a,

Graelle?"





" Lo ok w ha t I h av e f ou nd !” T ae mi r c ri ed , s ou nd in g p le as ed w it h h im se lf a s h e a pp ro ac he d. H e c ar ri ed a

h ug e, l ad en k na ps ac k o ve r t he c ro ok o f h is e lb ow , h is m ou th s pr ea d i n a b ro ad g ri n. “ Ev er yt hi ng w e

n ee d a nd s ome f la shp ot s, a s we ll !” He s et t he s at ch el do wn by hi s f ee t. “ I s ho ul d be o n m y w ay. Th er e

a re s ti ll s om e t hi ng s I n ee d t o w or k o ut b ef or e t om or ro w. I w il l b e b ac k i n t he m or ni ng ; b ri ng y ou s om e

f oo d a nd w at er . Y ou w il l b e a lr igh t f or n ow ?"

" Yes, ” R hy den n od ded. “We w il l b e f in e. "

" Al ri gh t, t hen. ” T aemi r n od ded. H e g ru nt ed s of tl y as h e h ef ted t he h eavy b ack o ver h is s ho ul der. “Oi ch e

m hai th , R hy den. ” H e can ted h is h ead t o p eer aro un d h is b ro th er 's s ho ul der t ow ar d G rael le. “Oi ch e

mhaith, my ladies."

W hen T aemi r h ad g on e, a h eavy s il en ce f el l u po n t he cat acom bs .

" Pl ease d o n ot h at e m e, ” G rael le w hi sp er ed at l en gt h.

" I d o n ot h at e y ou , G ra el le ,” R hy de n s ai d s of tl y, n ot t ur ni ng a ro un d t o l oo k a t h er . “ Wh y d o y ou n ot l iedown? I wil l be ne ar by. Cal l to m e i f you s hould ha ve nee d, a nd I w il l come ."

Sh e w as c ryi ng; one di d no t ne ed k ee n El fi n e ar s t o h ea r t he s of t, pl ai nt ive s ound s of he r t ea rs . H e

w al ked away f ro m h er . “Oi ch e m hait h, ” h e s ai d.Good night.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

R hy de n a wo ke t o t he s ou nd o f s om eo ne r et chi ng . H e h ad f al le n a sl ee p o nl y a f ew h ou rs e ar li er , s it ti ng

a ga in st t he w al l o f t he t un ne l, h is h ea d c an te d b ac k a ga in st t he c ol d b ri ck s, h is k ne es d ra wn t ow ar d h isc he st . A t t he s ound of t he f ir st , s tr angl ed he ave , h is e ye s f le w o pe n a nd h e s pr ang t o hi s f ee t. He he ar d a

s of t, s hu dd er in g cry and t hen ano th er s pasm o f v om it in g, and h is h eart s ei zed, h is b reat h s ti ll in g i n h is

t hr oat. “Qy nh !” h e g as ped, r us hi ng t ow ar d t he b ed .

H e f ou nd t he Q ueen l eani ng o ver t he s id e o f t he m at tr es s, t remb li ng and m oani ng m is er ab ly as s he s pat

i nt o a p udd le o f t hi n f lu id p oo le d o n t he g ro un d. G ra el le s at b es id e h er o n t he b ed , h ol di ng t he t hi ck s he af

o f Q yn h' s d ar k h ai r i n o ne h an d, s tr ok in g t he o th er a ga in st Q yn h' s s ho ul de r a s s he m ur mu re d t o h er i n

comfort.

G rael le l oo ked u p, s tar tl ed b y R hy den' s app ro ach. “It i s al ri gh t, R hy den, ” s he s ai d.

Q yn h l oo ke d u p a t h im , p al e a nd b le ar y- ey ed . “ I . .. I a m . .. a lr ig ht ,” s he w hi sp er ed h oa rs el y. S he s pa t

a ga in , u tt er in g a q ui et , m is er ab le s ou nd , a nd t he n s he g la nc ed a t G ra el le . “ I . .. t hi nk . .. I t hi nk I . .. a m

done."

R hy den s to od b ef or e t hem, h el pl es s and s tr icken. W it ho ut l oo ki ng at h im , G rael le s ai d, “Rh yd en , w ou ld

you pl ea se r ins e a s cr ap of f abr ic or a l ine n i n s ome wa te r? I w oul d w as h m y l ady' s f ac e. I t wi ll s oot he

her."

" Of cou rs e, ” h e s ai d, s tu mb li ng b ackw ar ds clu ms il y. H e t ur ned abo ut , s ti ll s om ew hat d azed f ro m h is

s lu mb er , s tr icken b y t he s ig ht o f Q yn h' s s ickn es s. T hey h ad b ro ug ht a w at er sk in w it h t hem i nt o t he

t unn el s, a nd he m ov ed t o f et ch i t, d ra wi ng t he h em o f h is s hi rt o ut f ro m b en ea th t he w ai st ba nd of h is

breeches. He drew the leine over his head, pulling it off and wadded it between his hands into a bundle.





H e d ou se d i t w it h w at er a nd br ough t i t ba ck t o Gr ae ll e.

" Is s he a lr ig ht ?” h e a sk ed. Q yn h s ee me d t o ha ve l ap se d ba ck i nt o s le ep; h er e ye s w er e c lo se d, he r

e xp re ss io n p ea ce fu l, h er h an ds d ra pe d d el ic at el y a ga in st t he s lo pe o f h er b os om . S he s ti rr ed a b it a s

G rael le g en tl y b ru sh ed t he w et clo th again st h er cheek s, h er l ip s, and G rael le m um ur ed t o h er , s of t,

n on sens ical s ou nd s t hat s eemed t o b ri ng h er com fo rt .

" Yes, ” G rael le w hi sp er ed , n od di ng h er h ead. “I am s or ry t o h av e f ri gh tened y ou ."

" It i s t he afeem , I t hi nk ,” h e s ai d. “It h as con si derabl e add icti ve aff ects . T here i s d is co mf or t and m al ai se

in the withdrawal, but nothing life-threatening."

" Sh e h as b ee n l ik e t hi s f or s ev er al w ee ks n ow ,” G ra el le s ai d.

" Qy nh i s s ic k a s t ha t o ft en ?” h e a sk ed , v is ib ly s ur pr is ed a nd p uz zl ed . “ Bu t y ou . .. y ou s ai d y ou o nl y

s to pp ed g iv in g t he a fe em t o h er a f ew d ay s a go . H as s he b ee n i ll ? F ev er is h? C hi ll s? "

" It . .. i t i s n ot hi ng, ” Gr ae ll e s ai d. “ I s hou ld n ot h ave ma de m en ti on o f i t. "

" Gr ae ll e, Q yn h i s n ot f ul ly El fi n, ” Rh yde n t ol d h er . “ He r f at he r w as a m an. S he c an c ome d ow n wi th

illness; be stricken with blight, and I—"

" It i s no t a b li gh t, ” Gr ae ll e s ai d.

H e w as a gg ra va te d b y G ra el le 's d el ib er at e a tt em pt s t o a vo id h is g az e, a nd h e c an te d h is f ac e a t a n a ng le ,

h oo ki ng h is f in gert ip s b en eath h er chi n t o d raw h er att en ti on . “Gr aell e, i f s he h as b een v om it ti ng f or

w ee ks n ow , i t c ou ld v er y w el l b e— "

" It i s n ot a b li gh t, R hy den, ” G rael le s ai d again , d ucki ng f ree f ro m h is h an d.

" Ho w d o y ou k no w t ha t? "

"I ... I just do."

H e arched h is b ro w. “Gr aell e, t hat i s h ar dl y— "

" She i s n ot s ic k, ” G ra el le t ol d h im i n a h us h. “ Sh e i s p re gn an t. "

H e s at b ac k f ro m h er , h is e ye s e no rm ou s w it h s ho ck , h is b re at h h al te d. “ Wh . .. w ha t. .. ?” h e w hi sp er ed .

G rael le l oo ked at h im , t eary -eyed and u nh ap py . “I h av e s us pect ed i t f or s om e t im e n ow , t ho ug h s ur el y

s he i s n ot f ar a lo ng , m ay ha p t hr ee m on th s a t m os t. S he r et ch es n ea rl y e ve ry m or ro w. S he d oe s n ot e at

m uc h . .. W he n s he doe s, i t s ee s h er i ll a nd s he ha s b ee n w ea ry of l at e, dr ai ne d a nd f at igu ed, m or e s o t ha n

just by the afeem's effect. I was not certain, though, because His Majesty ... Kierken and my lady have

n ot m ad e a b ed t og et he r i n m an y l on g y ea rs . I c ou ld n ot f at ho m h ow s he c ou ld b e w it h c hi ld u nt il

y es terd ay , w hen s he t ol d m e abo ut L leuw yn .. ."

R hy den u tt er ed a s of t, h ur ti ng s ou nd . “It i s L leuw yn 's chi ld ?” h e w hi sp er ed .

Gr ae ll e no dd ed. “ Th at i s wh y I b rou ght he r t o you ,” s he s ai d. “ I kn ew i t w oul d br ea k Ki er ke n t o kno w,

and my lady ... She has begged me t o sec rec y, but Lleuwyn woul d see her dead t o lea rn of i t. I know he





w ou ld . H e w ou ld k il l h er ."

R hy de n s ho ve d t he h ee ls o f h is h an ds a ga in st h is e ye s a nd l ow er ed h is h ea d, a gh as t. “ Ma th ai r M ai th , l e

d o t ho il , n o . .. p le as e. .. "

" I a m s orr y,” s he whi sp er ed. “ I wa nt ed t o t el l you l as t ni ght s o ba dl y, but I c oul d not s ee m t o mus te r t he

wo rds . Y ou we re s o hur t t o l ea rn of hi s a ss au lt ing he r, a nd I c ou ld not be ar t o br ing mo re p ai n uponyou."

" It c an no t, i t c an no t, ” R hy de n s ai d. H e s ta gg er ed t o h is f ee t, s tu mb li ng a wa y f ro m G ra el le . H e b eg an t o

pace in broad, brisk circles, his brows furrowed deeply, his hands closing into murderous fists. “I will kill

him! I ... I will take my f at he r's swor d in ha nd and I wil l da mn wel l ri ve him neck to na ve l wi th i ts

measure!"

" Rh yd en , p leas e. .. ” G rael le b eg an , and h e w hi rl ed , s ei zi ng h ol d o f a r ack o f cos tu mes, w renchi ng at i t,

s en di ng i t crash in g t o t he g ro un d. S he cri ed o ut i n f ri gh t, d rawi ng b ack, h er eyes f lo wn w id e.

" I w il l s ee h im d ead! ” R hy den s ho ut ed , l ay in g h is h an ds again st a p il e o f crates and j er ki ng again st t hem,

t op pl in g t hem i n a cacap ho no us d in .

"Rhyden! Are you alright?” Taemir rushed headlong down the tunnel toward them, his lantern swinging in

o ne h an d, E is os ’ b lade clu tched i n t he o th er . I sb aenn a h ur ri ed aft er h im , h er b lu e eyes r ou nd w it h alarm .

" We h eard a cl at ter, ” T aemi r exclaim ed , d rawi ng n ear. H e s pi ed t he t op pl ed b ox es , t he f al len cos tu me

r ac k, a nd l oo ke d t ow ar d h is b ro th er i n a la rm . “ Wh at h ap pe ne d? "

" I . .. I k no ck ed o ve r s om e c ra te s, ” R hy de n s ai d, g la nc in g a t G ra el le . H e c ou ld t el l f ro m t he f ra nt ic ,

a nx io us l oo k o n h er f ac e t ha t s he d id n ot w an t T ae mi r o r I sb ae nn a t o k no w a bo ut Q yn h' s p re gn an cy .“ Th at i s a ll ,” h e s ai d, a nd w he n s he r ea li ze d h e m ea nt t o k ee p s il en t, G ra el le b li nk ed a t hi m i n a bj ec t,

w id e- ey ed r el ief. “Do n ot w or ry f or i t. "

" He i s l at e, ” T ae mi r s ai d t o I sb ae nn a. N ig ht ha d f al le n a nd t he y wa it ed f or R hy de n b y d im l an te rn l ig ht i n

the dank, clammy tunnels beneath Prestwick Thoroughfare, both of them shivering in the cold. Taemir

w as w ra pp ing a l en gt h o f s ca rf a bo ut h is n ec k, t he r es t o f h is H ig hw ay ma n g ui se i n p la ce , w hi le I sb ae nn a

s hr ug ged h er w ay i nt o h er j us ti co at .

S he f is hed a w at ch o ut o f h er p ocket, p eeri ng at t he r ef lect io n o f s of t i ll um in at io n o ff t he f il ig reed g ol d

h an ds . “It i s o nl y n ow f iv e- th ir ty ,” s he s ai d. T heir v oi ces ech oed w it h q ui et , d is tant r es on an ce i n t he t un nels haft , d ri ft in g o ver t he s ou nd s o f t ri ck li ng , f lo wi ng w at er . “He i s n ot l at e, T aemi r. H e w il l b e h er e. "

T hey h eard t he d is ti ncti ve s qall o f m et al again st m et al o verh ead; t he i ro n g rate abo ve t heir h eads t hat

g ra nt ed a cc es s i nt o t he d ra in t un ne ls b ei ng p ri ed o ut o f p la ce , a nd t he y b ot h s ta rt ed . T ae mi r' s h an d

d ar te d t o h is hi p, h is f in ge rs c ur li ng a bo ut t he h il t o f hi s s wor d.

" It i s m e, ” t hey h eard R hy den cal l s of tl y, h is v oi ce r ev er berati ng i n u nd ul at in g m easu re alo ng t he l en gt h o f

the shaft. Taemir and Isbaenna relaxed simultaneously, their shoulders relaxing, their stilled breaths issuing

forth in soft, overlapping sighs.

R hy de n h oo ke d h is t oe s a ga in st t he f ir st i n a s er ie s o f i ro n r un gs s et i nt o t he m as on ry o f t he w al ls t o

s er ve a s a l ad de r a nd l ow er ed h im se lf f ro m t he a ll ey a bo ve . H e c li mb ed h al fw ay d ow n t he l ad de r a nd

t he n d ro pp ed g ra ce fu ll y, s of tl y t o t he f lo or . H is t ri co rn e h at , t oo l ar ge f or h is h ea d, d ro op ed o ve r h is





brow and he frowned, shoving it back into place with his thumb.

" Yo u are l at e, ” T aemi r t ol d h im .

R hy de n b li nke d a t hi m. “ Wha t? I a m n ot ."

" Yo u a re , t oo —w e s ai d f iv e- th ir ty , a nd h er e, i t h as c om e a nd p as se d. "

" It h as n ot —i t i s o nl y n ow t ha t b y m y w at ch ,” R hy de n s ai d.

" Th en y ou s ho ul d s ee y ou r w at ch t o a s ho p f or r ep ai rs —l es t i t m ar k y ou l at e f or s om et hi ng i mp or ta nt t o

you.” Taemir snapped.

" Bu gg er o ff , T aemi r, ” R hy den s ai d, h is b ro ws d rawn . “I am n ot l at e. "

" Yo u b ug ger o ff —y ou are, t oo ,” T aemi r m ut tered. H e k nelt , g at heri ng t he l as t o f h is s up pl ies t og et her;

t hr ee s mall m et al can ni st er s, each n o l ar ger t han cou ld eas il y f it again st t he cup o f h is p al ms . T hey w er eflashpots, he had explained to Isbaenna, used sometimes in theatrical productions for pyrotechnic effect.

T he G en tl em en H ig hw ay men w er e k no wn f or u si ng t he b lu e b eaut y f ir ew or ks ; w hi le t hey d id n ot h av e

a ny s uc h e xp lo si ve s, T ae mi r c ou nt ed o n t he s mo ke a nd s pa rk s p ro du ce d b y t he f la sh po ts t o s uf fi ce .

" We s ho ul d g o, ” T ae mi r s ai d. H e r ea ch ed b en ea th t he f la p o f h is l ap el a nd p ro du ce d a m ap , s to op in g

l on g e no ug h t o t ak e t he l an te rn i n h and . “ I w il l l ea d. Fo ll ow m e. "

R hy den b li nk ed at h is b ro th er as T aemi r b ru sh ed p as t h im , t ro mp in g alo ng t he t un nel, h is b oo ts s lo sh in g

n oi si ly i n t he w at er . R hy de n t ur ne d t o I sb ae nn a. “ Wh at i s w it h h im ? I a m n ot b loo dy l at e. "

They followed the tunnels in relative silence, their boots splashing in the water, their breath drifting fromt heir m ou th s i n d el icat e t en dr il s o f h aze. T aemi r s el do m p au sed. W hen t hey r each ed a f or k o r i nt er sect io n

i n t he t unne ls , hi s ga it wo ul d s ca rc el y f al te r a s h e un fo lde d t he ma p i n h is h and , g la nc in g a t i t br ie fl y t o

gather his bearings.

A t l as t, h e l ed t he m d ow n a n ar ro w m ea su re o f t un ne l t ha t e nd ed i n a t ow er in g, e xp an se o f b ri ck w al l.

A no the r s er ie s of i ron r un gs bo lt ed i nt o t he w al l l ed t o t he s tr ee t a bove , a nd a s t he y dr ew n ea r t o t he

ladder, Taemir lowered the lantern flame, dimming the swath of light into a small, confined circumference.

“ Th is i s i t, ” h e w hi sp er ed , l ea ni ng ov er , s et ti ng t he l am p a ga in st t he m ud dy g ro un d. H e p ee re d u p a t t he

cei li ng , l is teni ng t o t he m ut ed s ou nd s o f p as si ng l au gh ter and con vers at io n. “We are j us t b ey on d

Netherby Street, outside of the Hangman's Hood.” He pulled out his watch. “It is ten after six,” he saids of tl y, g lancin g t ow ar d R hy den and I sb aenn a. H is eyes w er e r ou nd and anx io us , s hi ni ng i n t he f ai nt

f ir el ig ht . “Ig rain e and T iern ey s ho ul d h av e arr iv ed b y s ix . T here w il l b e g uard s at t he g at es .. ."

R hy den s mi led at h im g en tl y, clapp in g h is h an d again st h is b ro th er 's s ho ul der. “I w il l h an dl e t he g uard s.

D o n ot w or ry . T he y w il l n ot d el ay u s a ny . K ee p y ou r s wo rd s he at he d a nd s ta y b eh in d m e— bo th o f y ou .

D o n ot e ng ag e t he g ua rd s u nt il y ou h av e r ea ch ed t he c el lb lo ck . L et m e t en d t o t he m. "

" Bu t R hy den— ” T aemi r b eg an i n p ro test , h is v oi ce f al li ng s il en t as R hy den m et h is g aze.

" Let m e t en d t o t hem, T aemi r, ” h e s ai d f ir ml y.

"Alright,” Taemir whispered, nodding his head.





" If any th in g s ho ul d h ap pen— an yt hi ng g oes w ro ng —I w an t y ou b ot h t o r un l ik e m ad , d o y ou

u nd er st an d? ” R hy de n s ai d. “ Wh et he r w e f re e t he m o r n ot , w he th er g ua rd s t ry t o s to p u s— fl ee . I w il l

h an dl e t he g ua rd s. R un b ac k t o t he C ro wn T he at re a nd I w il l f ol lo w i f I a m a bl e. "

" Rh yd en , n o, ” I sb aenn a s ai d w it h a f ro wn . “Yo u can no t— "

" Do n ot a rgue wi th m e, I sba enna ,” Rhy de n s ai d. “ I c an g et u s i nt o Ga ol a nd I c an s ee you bo th out onc em or e i f s om et hi ng go es w ron g. I w il l n ot s ee e it he r of yo u c aug ht f or t hi s. "

T hey cli mb ed u p t he l ad der t ow ar d N et herb y S tr eet abo ve, l eavi ng t he l an tern l it w it h d im f lame

a ba nd on ed o n t he f lo or b en ea th t he m t o a wa it t he ir r et ur n. R hy de n m ov ed i n t he l ea d, w it h I sb ae nn a n ex t

a nd T ae mi r b ri ng in g u p t he r ea r. T he g ra te a t t he t op o f t he c ei li ng w as r us te d a nd h ea vy , c lo gg ed a nd

covered from overhead with leaves, gravel and debris. Rhyden shoved his shoulder mightily against it,

g ri tt in g h is t eeth and p us hi ng w it h all o f h is m ig ht . H e clamb er ed o ut o f t he n ar ro w o peni ng and t ur ned t o

help Isbaenna and Taemir follow.

T hey h eard l ou d, s ud den l au gh ter n ear t he m ou th o f t he all ey . T aemi r and I sb aenn a f ro ze i n f ri gh t, t heir e ye s f ly in g w id e. R hy de n s pr an g t o h is f ee t, d ra wi ng o ne o f b al ks ta ff s f ro m a cr os s h is b ac k a s h e m ov ed .

H e s to od p ro tect iv el y b et ween T aemi r and I sb aenn a and t he all ey 's o peni ng , g ri pp in g t he s tave at t he

r ea dy i n hi s r ig ht h an d. T he y w at ch ed i n m ot io nl es s s il en ce a s a m an a nd a w om an w al ke d by t he a ll ey ,

l au gh in g t og et her, d ru nk and i n g oo d s pi ri ts . N ei th er t oo k t he s li gh test b it o f n ot ice o f t he t hr ee d ar k

f ig ur es cro uched i n t he s hado ws , and t hey w er e s oo n g on e, t heir f oo ts teps and s of t m ir th f lo at in g b eh in d

t he m a s t he y p as se d.

" Wa it h er e, ” R hy de n b re at he d t o I sb ae nn a a nd T ae mi r. H e c re pt f or wa rd , p au si ng a t t he t hr es ho ld o f t he

a ll ey t o p ee r f or th , s ur ve yi ng t he ir c ir cu ms ta nc es . H e c ou ld s ee t he w al ls o f t he G ao l g ro un ds a cr os s t he

s tr ee t, a nd t he m an ne d g ua rd p os t t ha t b lo ck ed t he ir a dv an ce . T hr ee g ua rd s s to od t og et he r i n a s ma ll

clu st er ; R hy den' s k een E lf in ear s cau gh t t he f ai nt h in t o f t heir ami cabl e d is co ur se. T here w as n o o th er f oo to r car ri ag e t raff ic abo ut and s at is fi ed o f s om e s em bl an ce o f s ecur it y and d is cr et io n, R hy den r et ur ned t o

Isbaenna and Taemir.

"Com e t o t he mout h of t he a ll ey,” he t ol d t he m. “W ai t in the sha dow s. I wi ll c ros s the s tr ee t f irs t. Do not

f ol lo w m e u nt il I h av e d is pa tc he d t he g ua rd s, t he n m ov e s wi ft ly a nd d o n ot s to p. I f s om et hi ng h ap pe ns t o

m e, g et ba ck dow n i nt o t he t unne ls . D o not wor ry f or me . Do not wa it f or me ."

R hy den l ef t t he all ey way. H e s tr od e b ol dl y t ow ar d t he g at es o f G ao l, d rawi ng t he b al ks taff b et ween h is

h an ds , car ry in g i t cocked at an ang le t o k eep i t s om ew hat cam ou fl ag ed f ro m t he g uard s’ i mm ed iate v iew.

" Go od eveni ng , s ir ,” o ne o f t he g uard s o ff er ed t o h im i n g reet in g.

R hy de n d id not g ra nt t he m t ime t o r ea ct f ur the r, or t o e ve n dr aw br ea th t o c ry ou t i n a la rm . H e s te ppe d

f or ward , s wi ng in g t he l ef t end o f t he s tave aro un d i n a s harp , h oo ki ng s wi ng . T he s taff s lamm ed i nt o t he

g uard t o h is l ef t, l an di ng s qu ar el y again st t he s id e o f h is h ead, k no ck in g t he s en ses f ro m h im . H e

s tagg er ed , h is f eet f lo un deri ng f ro m b en eath h im as h e col laps ed , u ncon scio us , t o t he g ro un d.

" Ho ah, y ou —” s ai d t he g ua rd i n t he m id dl e a nd t he n R hy de n d re w h is r ig ht h an d u p a nd a ro un d t ow ar d

h is l ef t s ho ul der, w hi pp in g t he r ig ht end o f t he b al ks taff i nt o t he s ol di er 's h ead. T he g uard w as k no ck ed

o ff h is f ee t b y t he f or ce o f t he b lo w, a nd h e c ru mp le d, b lo od s pr ay in g f ro m h is n os e.

T he t hi rd w as u po n h im f ro m t he r ig ht ; R hy de n h ea rd t he w hi sp er o f s te el a s h e b eg an t o d ra w h is b la de

f ro m i ts s he at h, a nd h e s hi ft ed t he s ta ve a ga in st h is r ig ht p al m, s wi ng in g i t a bo ut i n a br oa d a rc , w ha cki ng





t he g uard i n t he t em pl e, s tagg er in g h im . R hy den p is to ned h is l ef t l eg u p and o ut , d ri vi ng t he w ed ge h eel o f

h is b oo t s qu ar el y i nt o t he s ol di er 's n os e. T he g ua rd o ff er ed a s of t s qu aw k; t he re w as a m oi st , c ru nc hi ng

s ou nd a s h is n os e s ha tt er ed , a nd t he n h e t op pl ed t o t he g ro un d, m ot io nl es s a nd s ti ll .

R hy de n g la nc ed o ve r h is s ho ul de r a s h e s pu n t he s ta ve a ga in st h is p al m. H e s aw I sb ae nn a a nd T ae mi r

s camp er f or th f ro m t he s hado ws o f t he all ey way, r un ni ng t ow ar d h im , b ot h o f t hem w id e- ey ed and

incredulous.

The y r an ac ros s the grounds a nd found the door s t o Ga ol s tood ope n wi de a t t he top of a broa d s et of

g rani te s tair s. T aemi r r each ed i nt o h is p ocket, d rawi ng o ut o ne o f t he f lash po ts as t hey m ou nt ed t he

s te ps . H e d ep re ss ed t he r el ea se l ev er w it h t he p ad o f h is t hu mb , a nd g av e t he c an ni st er a s wi ft , h ea rt y

s ha ke . A s h e r ea ch ed t he c re st o f t he s ta ir ca se , h e l et t he f la sh po t f ly , h oo ki ng h is a rm w id e, s en di ng i t

careening into the foyer beyond, sailing through the air.

" Watch y ou r eyes— ” R hy den h is sed, and t hen t he f lash po t exp lo ded, s pr ay in g a s ho wer o f f ir e and

s park s i n a w id e, d azzl in g cir cu mf er en ce. T hey h eard s tart led, f ri gh tened cri es f ro m w it hi n t he f oy er , and

t he can s macked again st t he p ol is hed s to ne f lo or , s pewi ng a s ud den, t hi ck clo ud o f d en se, s ti nk in g b lack s mok e. T he s mo ke r os e s wi ft ly , b il lo wi ng i n t he e xp an si ve f oy er l ike a h ea vy f og a s t he t hr ee r ac ed

through the doorway.

" Go f or t he s ta ir s! G o! ” R hy de n s ai d t o T ae mi r a nd I sb ae nn a. H e s aw f iv e s ol di er s s ta gg er in g t ow ar d

t hem, y an ki ng t heir s wo rd s f ro m t heir s heat hs b ef or e t he s mo ke eng ul fed t hem, o bs cu ri ng t hem f ro m

v iew. W hi le T aemi r and I sb aenn a b ol ted f or t he s tair s, R hy den d ar ted i nt o t he s mo ke, s pi nn in g t he

balkstaff in his hand, his brows drawing as he squinted, trying to peer through the haze.

H e c aug ht s ig ht o f s ud de n m ov em en t f ro m t he c or ne r o f h is e ye ; o ne o f t he g ua rd s c ha rg ed a t h im , b li nd

i n t he s mo ke . H e s wu ng h is s wo rd a bo ve h is h ea d, d ri vi ng i t d ow n t ow ar d R hy de n i n a w il d, b ro ad

s tr ok e. R hy de n t oo k t he s ta ve b et we en b ot h h an ds , d ra wi ng i t u p, p ar al le l t o t he f lo or j us t a s t he h ea vylength of steel slammered against the shaft, staggering him. The guard blinked at him, stumbling, startled,

and R hy den k icked h is r ig ht f oo t u p, p un ti ng t he s ol di er i n t he g ut . H e w ho of ed , h is b reat h aband on in g

h im a s h e s pr aw le d b ac kw ar ds , k no ck ed o ff h is b oo t h ee ls b y t he b lo w.

M or e s ha do ws s ti rr ed i n t he s mo ke a s o th er g ua rd s c lo se d i n u po n h im ; t he f og w as l if ti ng , t he c lo ud

dissipating, but they still floundered about, bewildered and choking for breath. Rhyden spied a fleeting

g le am o f t or ch li gh t a ga in st d ra wn s te el a s a s wo rd s tr uc k f or h is b el ly . H e d an ce d a wa y f ro m t he t hr us t,

s wi ng in g t he s tave aro un d, s lamm in g t he ash s haft i nt o t he s ol di er 's s ku ll . R hy den h eard b on es s pl in ter i n

t he m an' s c he ek a nd br ow a t t he b low a s he c rum pl ed t o t he f loo r.

A no th er r us hed h im f ro m t he l ef t and R hy den p lant ed t he r ig ht end o f t he b al ks taff again st t he g ro un d.

H e u se d i t a s a f ul cr um p oi nt , s pr in gi ng i nt o t he a ir . H e k ic ke d a t t he g ua rd 's s wo rd , k no ck in g i t a si de

w it h h is l ef t f oo t w hi le s mash in g t he h eel o f h is r ig ht i nt o t he s ol di er 's f ace, b at teri ng t eeth l oo se and

sending blood spraying.

R hy den l an ded n im bl y o n h is f eet, d rawi ng t he s tave t ow ar d h is m id ri ff , s li pp in g h is h an ds clo se t og et her.

H e d re w t he ba lks ta ff a bov e h is he ad , of fe ri ng i t a q ui ck , s ha rp t ur n a s he pi vot ed o n h is f ee t a nd pe er ed

t hr ou gh t he w an in g s mo ke, w at ch in g t he o th er g uard s con verg e w ar il y u po n h im . F iv e m or e app eared,

bolting down staircases and through doorways, racing headlong into the foyer with their swords in hand.

T hey s tared, w id e- eyed and agh as t as t heir eyes d an ced b et ween R hy den and t hei r f al len, b leed in g

fellows.

" Dr op y ou r w eapo n, s ir ,” o ne o f t hem s ai d, s hi ft in g h is s wo rd h il t b et ween h is p al ms , l ev el in g t he b lade





toward Rhyden.

"No,” Rhyden replied.

" Yo u a re u nd er a rr es t! D ro p y ou r w ea po n! "

" Com e a nd t ake i t f ro m m e, ” R hy de n s ai d, l et ti ng t he b al ks ta ff f al l s ti ll a nd a t t he r ea dy b et we en hi sh an ds . H e s hi ft ed h is f eet i nt o com fo rt ab le f ig ht in g s tance. “If y ou can . A ny o r all o f y ou —y ou are

welcome to try."

I n t he s ub le ve l o f G ao l, E ab hi ro s a nd E is ea n h ad n o w ay t o k no w t he t im e; h ou rs a nd m in ut es s ee me d t o

pass in successive, prolonged measure, as though they spent an eternity in the cold darkness. When he

h ea rd t he s ou nd o f a k ey t ur ni ng w it hi n t he l oc k of t he ir c el l do or , E ab hi ros l if te d hi s he ad w it h a t er ri fi ed

s tart , h is eyes f lo wn w id e, h is b reat h s tr an gl ed i n h is t hr oat.

H e h ea rd t he s ha rp i nt ak e o f E is ea n' s b re at h a cr os s t he c el l, t he f ra nt ic s cr ab bl in g o f h is c ha in s a ga in st

t he s to ne w al l a s t he y ou ng m an c am e t o, e qu al ly a la rm ed a nd d is ma ye d b y t he s ou nd . “ No .. .” E is ea nwhimpered.

T he re w as a l ou d g ro an a nd t he n t he d oo r b eg an t o s wi ng o ut t ow ar d t he c or ri do r. T or ch li gh t b ec am e

v is ib le i n t he b ro ad en in g m ar gi n o f s pace b et ween t he i ro n and t he d oo rf rame. T hey cou ld s ee s il ho uett ed

f ig ur es i n t he d oo rw ay , a nd t he n a g ua rd s te pp ed i ns id e, b ea ri ng a t or ch i n h an d. T he g la re o f s uc h

s ud den f ir e n earl y s aw t hem b li nd ed , and t hey s hr an k f ro m t he l ig ht , d rawi ng t heir h an ds t ow ar d t heir

faces.

" Go od eveni ng , l it tl e l am bs ,” s ai d a v oi ce f ro m t he t hr es ho ld , t hat o f D ochau D ru er y, t he w ar den o f

G ao l. A t h is w or ds , h is v oi ce , E is ea n c ow er ed a ll t he m or e, a nd E ab hi ro s s tr ug gl ed t o s te p t ow ar d t he

sound, shambling in his manacles.

" Wha te ve r yo u ha ve b rou gh t .. . W ha te ve r y ou w ou ld d o, d o i t t o m e, yo u . .. yo u s ic k r ot ,” h e hi ss ed a t

Druery.

" St il l n ot b ro ken?” D ru er y r em ar ked, h oo ki ng h is eyebr ow . “Math ai r M ai th , M as ter M acleod , b ut y ou

a re a n e xt ra or di na ry s pe ci me n. Y ou r m et tl e i s f ar m or e i nh er en t t ha n I e ve r w ou ld h av e g ra nt ed , I m us t

admit."

" If y ou . .. t ou ch E is ean again .. .” E ab hi ro s s ai d, h is b ro ws f ur ro wi ng . “I w il l r ip m y h an ds f ro m m y w ri st s,

m y f ee t f ro m m y a nk le s t o r id my se lf o f t he se c ha ins a nd I w il l k il l yo u, yo u b as ta rd. B y m y b re at h, I wi ll ."

" Yo u w ou nd m e, s ir ,” D ru er y t ol d h im , f ei gn in g an i nn ocen t exp ress io n. H e d raped h is h an d again st h is

cravat. “I b ri ng y ou a g uest , and y ou g reet m e w it h s uch t hr eateni ng t id in gs ."

A s ec on d f ig ur e w al ke d t hr ou gh t he d oo rw ay ; a w om an . A s s he p as se d i nt o t he p ro sc en iu m o f

t or chl i gh t, h e cou ld s ee h er f ace, and E ab hi ro s’ b reat h f al ter ed . H e s t um bl ed, s ho ck ed and con fu sed.

“Ig rain e?” h e w hi sp er ed and h e h eard E is ean g as p s of tl y i n s tart led, con fo un ded r ecog ni ti on as w el l.

" A g uest , y es ,” D ru er y t ol d t hem, s mi li ng b ro ad ly . “An o ld f ri en d w ho m y ou m ay r ecal l— Lady I gr ai ne

P en wy n? Y ou r ob be d h er o nc e, a nd h er b ro th er s b es id es , l ef t t he m f et te re d t o t he ir w ag on w he el s o n a

backcountry highway.” He mistook Eabhiros’ stricken expression for aghast, and chuckled. “I assure

you, s he ha s eve ry l ega l r ight t o be he re a s one of your vi cti ms, l ads . As for wha t s he wi ll do t o you whe n

I s te p o ut i nt o t he c or ri do r o nc e m or e . .. W el l, t ha t i s b ey on d m y c on tr ol , I s ho ul d t hi nk ."





D ru er y t ur ned aro un d, m ot io ni ng t o h is g uard . T he s ol di er s et tl ed t he t or ch i nt o an i ro n s tand i n t he w al l,

a nd t he p ai r t oo k t he ir l ea ve t og et he r. T he y l ef t t he d oo r t o t he c el l s ta nd in g o pe n a nd f ro m o ut i n t he

h al lw ay , E ab hi ro s h eard o ne o f t he P en wy n b ro th er s o ff er in g f ri en dl y d is co ur se t o t hem as t hey

approached.

I gr ai ne r eg ar de d E ab hi ro s f or a l on g m om en t. A s s he h ad s to od i n D ru er y' s c om pa ny , h er f ac e h ad b ee ns et i n a h ar dened, g rave m as k. W hen h e l ef t, h er exp ress io n s of tened, g ro wi ng n earl y p lain ti ve.

"Igraine...” Eabhiros said again, flabbergasted, thinking surely he was dreaming, hallucinating, maddened

by his pain.

" Yo u a re a b as ta rd a nd a s co un dr el ,” I gr ai ne s ai d, w al ki ng t ow ar d h im . S he h el d h is g az e f as t, l if ti ng h er

i nd ex f in ger t ow ar d h er m ou th i n a f leet in g, h us hi ng g es tu re. S he cut h er eyes o ver h er s ho ul der, and

E ab hi ro s f ol lo we d w it h h is g az e. H e c ou ld s ti ll s ee s ha do ws o n t he c or ri do r w al l b ey on d t he c el l

threshold; though her brother entertained Druery and his guard in conversation, they remained near

eno ug h t o eas il y o verh ear. “Yo u d o n ot k no w h ow I w il l enj oy w at ch in g y ou h an g, ” I gr ai ne s ai d. S hed re w v er y n ea r t o h im n ow , a nd t ho ug h h er v oi ce r em ai ne d s ha rp a nd c al lo us , h er e ye s w er e f il le d w it h

sorrow, glistening with sudden tears. She brought her hands toward him, her fingertips lighting against his

bruised, broken ribs, his chest, throat, his cheeks.

" The y a re c omi ng t o f re e you, ” s he s ai d i n a hus h. “ Whe n I t ake m y l eav e of t his c ha mbe r, t ake ma rk.

They are coming."

S he t ur ned away and m ov ed t ow ar d E is ean , l eavi ng E ab hi r os b reat hl es s and s ho ck ed . S he r ai s ed h er

v oi ce o nc e m or e f or D ru er y' s b en ef it . “ Lo ok f or m e i n t he c ro wd s, y ou b as ta rd r ot s, a s y ou s tr an gl e f ro m

yo ur t et he rs . I w il l b e t he re , b ri ma gu e i n h an d, w it h a t oa st f or e ve ry o ff en se y ou h av e b ro ug ht t o m e. "

S he cradl ed E is ean' s f ace b et ween h er h an ds and s mi led s of tl y at h im . S he l eaned t ow ar d h im , k is si ng

h im d eepl y. H e w hi mp er ed and t hen f ro ze, h is eyes f ly in g w id e. H e f el t I gr ai ne's t on gu e b ru sh again st h is ,

a nd t he n s om et hi ng e ls e, s om et hi ng s le nd er a nd s ol id , l ik e a p ai r o f t hi ck h at p in s o r. ..

I gr ai ne d re w a wa y, c ar es si ng h is f ac e w it h h er h an ds . H e b li nk ed a t h er , r ea li zi ng i t w as n ot h at pi ns s he

ha d s li pp ed f ro m he r t ongue , he r m out h t o hi s—i t wa s a s et of l oc k pi cks .

" Te ll m e, l am b, d id yo u f an cy m y k is s? ” s he a sk ed , h oo ki ng t he c or ne r o f h er m out h a t h im wr yl y.

" I . .. I d ar e s ay , m y l ad y, I h av e s el do m k no wn s we et er ,” h e s ai d, m ak in g I gr ai ne s mi le a ll t he m or e.

S he l ef t h im , m ov in g b ack t ow ar d E ab hi ro s. S he d raped h er p al m again st h is n os e, as t ho ug h i magi ni ng

h im w it h s il k w rapp ed abo ut h is f ace, and h er s mi le w id en ed . “Mo 'l eann an ,” s he b reat hed t o h im . “I

t ho ug ht i t w as y ou , even f ro m t he f ir st ."

H e d id n ot k no w w ha t t o s ay t o h er ; he bl ink ed a ga in st t ea rs a s s he c ra dl ed h is b at te re d c he ek a ga in st

h er p al m. “Wh y are y ou d oi ng t hi s, I gr ai ne?” h e w hi sp er ed .

" Co me n ow , E ab hi ro s, ” s he s ai d, s mi li ng . “Di d y ou r eall y b el ieve I w ou ld l et t hem h an g m y

Highwaymen?"

" Ig rain e, t hey w il l s ee y ou t o P io no s i f t hey— "





" Th ey w il l n ot ,” s he b reat hed t o h im , and s he l eaned f or ward , k is si ng h im s of tl y, g en tl y o n t he m ou th .

H er l ip s l in gered, t he t ip o f h er t on gu e d an ci ng l ig ht ly , s weet ly again st h is . T here w as u nexp ected

t en dern es s i n h er t ou ch , s ur pr is in g p as si on i n h er k is s, and w hen s he p ul led away a b ri ef m ar gi n, h er

breath fluttered in her throat and she trembled, as though it had been something she had longed for,

something she savored.

S he s mi le d a t h im a nd t ur ne d a bo ut , s tr id in g b ri sk ly t ow ar d t he c el l d oo r. “ Ti er ne y, d ra w t o a c lo se t hi s pathetic, adulating discourse of yours and let us for the palace once more,” she declared, calling out to

h er b ro th er . “Th e s tench o f t hi s p lace w ou ld s ee m y s to mach s ur el y r oi l. "

D ru er y p ok ed h is h ea d t hr ou gh t he d oo rw ay i n h er w ak e a s t he g ua rd r et ri ev ed t he t or ch f ro m t he w al l.

“ So s or ry, l ads ,” Dr ue ry s ai d, wi th a shr ug a nd a s mi le . “ I t hought a t the l ea st s he would give one of you

a l as t s uckl e and s wall ow ."

T he c el l d oo r s la mm ed c lo se d, a nd t he y w er e a lo ne i n t he d ar kn es s a ga in .

I sb aenn a and T aemi r r us hed d ow n t he n ar ro w s tair case t ow ar d t he l ow er cel lb lo ck , n earl y p lo wi ngh eadl on g i nt o t wo s en tr ies w ho b ar rell ed t ow ar d t hem, alarm ed b y t he s ou nd s o f exp lo si on and s cu ff le

f ro m abo ve. I sb aenn a g reet ed o ne b y d ri vi ng h er k nee b ru tall y i nt o h is g ro in . T aemi r p un ch ed t he o th er ,

throwing his entire weight behind the blow and nearly stumbling down the remaining stairs. The guard's

h ea d s na pp ed b ac k o n t he a xi s o f h is n ec k a s T ae mi r' s k nu ck le s p lo we d i nt o h is c hi n, a nd h e t op pl ed

backwards, tumbling down pate over heels down the steps.

I sb ae nn a a nd T ae mi r b li nk ed a t o ne a no th er , f ro ze n i n p la ce . T ae mi r' s e ye s l oo ke d a s e no rm ou s a s h er s

f el t, a nd s he wa s wi ll ing t o w age r hi s m out h be ne at h t he ba nds of s il k wa s a s a ga pe a s he rs .

" Th at w as a g reat p un ch ,” s he t ol d h im , b reat hl es sl y, t remb li ng .

T ae mi r g la nc ed t ow ar d t he f al le n s ol di er , w ho l ay i n a h ea p a t t he b ot to m o f t he s ta ir s. “ Ho ah ,” h e s ai d.

“ Th e o cc as io na l p ub b ra wl i n m y y ou th . .. i t w ou ld s ee m t o ha ve p ai d o ff , t hou gh d o n ot t el l m y m ot he r.

S he w ou ld b e app al led. "

I sb ae nn a s aw I gr ai ne a nd T ie rn ey a t t he e nd o f t he c or ri do r s ta nd in g w id e- ey ed a nd g aw ki ng i n t he

com pany o f a s ho rt , p lu mp m an . I sb aenn a r eali zed h e w as l ik el y D ochau D ru er y, t he r ep ut ed ly s ad is ti c

w ar den o f G ao l.

" He re w e g o, ” T ae mi r w hi sp er ed t o h er , t ak in g a h ed gi ng s te p b ac kw ar ds a nd a dj us ti ng h is g ri p o n h is

father's sword.

" Sp lend id , t hen, ” I sb aenn a b reat hed, h er b ro ws d rawi ng n ar ro w, h er l ip s p ress in g i nt o a t hi n l in e.

T hey s tr od e d ow n t he cor ri do r s id e b y s id e, w at ch in g I gr ai ne and T iern ey p ress t hems el ves again st t he

w al l as t hey app ro ached, t heir exp ress io ns app ro pr iatel y t wi st ed w it h h or ro r. D ochau D ru er y b eg an t o

s tu mb le away f ro m t hem, h is eyes eno rm ou s and g leam in g w it h f ri gh t i n t he t or ch li gh t. T here w as n o p lace

f or hi m t o f le e, a nd h e a ppa re nt ly bor e n o we apon s; he ut te re d a s of t, ho rr if ie d mo an a s t he y dr ew n ea r.

T ae mi r r ea ch ed o ut , s ei zi ng t he i ro n r ing s et i nt o E is ea n a nd E ab hi ro s’ c el l d oo r. H e ga ve a m ig ht y t ug ,

and w hen t hi s y ield ed n o m easu re, h e g lanced at I sb aenn a. “Lo ck ed ."

I sb ae nn a m ot io ne d w it h h er s wo rd . “ Op en i t, ” s he s ai d t o D ru er y.







by the wrists. Druery struggled against him, crying out as Taemir forced his arms down, locking them into

t he m an ac le s t ha t h ad b ou nd e it he r E ab hi ro s o r E is ea n t o t he w al l.

"What are you doing?” Druery wailed, thrashing and wriggling. “What are you doing?"

" Gi vi ng y ou a t as te o f y ou r o wn r ot ted accom mo dati on s, ” T aemi r t ol d h im , s tand in g. H e r each ed d ow n

a nd t ou sl ed D ru er y' s h ai r, a nd t he n t ur ne d, h ur ry in g t o h el p I sb ae nn a. S he h ad w ra pp ed h er a rm a bo utE is ean' s w ai st t hat h e m ig ht l ean h eavi ly again st h er as s he l ed h im , s tu mb li ng and d azed f ro m t he cel l.

T aemi r cau gh t E ab hi ro s b y t he h an d, d rapi ng h is arm o ver h is s ho ul ders and s up po rt in g h is w ei gh t.

" Yo u . .. y ou a re n ot K ae vi r. .. ” E ab hi ro s w hi sp er ed . H e b li nk ed a t T ae mi r, b le ar y e ye d a nd c on fu se d, h is

f ac e b at te re d a nd b ea te n.

" No, b ut I a m f ri en d t o y ou ye t t he s am e, ” T ae mi r t ol d h im s of tl y, g en tl y. H e c ut h is e ye s t ow ar d D ru er y,

w ho s ti ll f lail ed abo ut again st t he con fi nes o f h is chain s, y ow li ng and s cr eech in g l ik e a t om cat t os sed i n a

r ai n b ar rel. “Do t ho se chain s s tr et ch f ar ?"

E ab hi ro s’ b ro ws d re w t og et he r. “ No ,” h e s ai d.

T aemi r s mi led, u ns een b en eath h is m as k. “Sp lend id , t hen, ” h e m ur mu red. H e l oo ked at D ru er y, h ol di ng

alo ft t he w ar den' s k ey s, d an gl in g t hem clear ly w it hi n h is v iew. “Have a p leas an t eveni ng , s ir ,” h e s ai d,

l et ti ng t he k ey ri ng d ro p. I t f el l w it h a h ea vy t hu d a ga in st t he d ir t f lo or i n t he c en te r o f t he c el l, w el l b ey ond

D ru er y' s l im it ed r each , and as T aemi r l ed E ab hi ro s o ut i nt o t he cor ri do r, D ru er y s hr ieked b eh in d t hem.

" Yo u b as ta rds !” h e s cr ea me d. “ You w il l b e ba ck ! T he y w il l c at ch y ou a nd y ou w il l a ll b e b ac k! I w il l

s pa re yo u n o m er cy! I wi ll r ip y ou r f le sh f ro m y ou r f et id h id es i nc h b y i nc h u nt il y ou a re h oa rs e wi th

screaming, mindless from the pain!"

W he n t he y r ea ch ed t he t op o f t he s ta ir s a t t he p ri so n' s m ai n f oy er , t he y s tu mb le d t o a n a we d h al t,

w at ch in g R hy de n t hr as h t he g ua rd s o f G ao l. M or e t ha n t we nt y s ol di er s l ay s pr aw le d a nd h ea pe d o n t he

floor around him, either motionless or writhing weakly, moaning and bleeding. At least another twenty

att acked h im f ro m all s id es , and h e f en ded t hem o ff , s pi nn in g abo ut , d ri vi ng t he s haft o f h is s tave again

and again i nt o s to mach s and s ku ll s, b at teri ng t hem asi de, k no ck in g t hem asu nd er .

" Math ai r M ai th .. .! ” T aemi r g as ped i n b reat hl es s w on der, w at ch in g h is b ro th er . H e n earl y f or go t t hat h e

h ad r em ov ed t he s ec on d f la sh po t f ro m h is p oc ke t a nd c ra dl ed i t a ga in st h is p al m. H e r em em be re d a ll a t

o nc e t ha t h e h ad o ff er ed i t a b ri sk s ha ki ng , d ep re ss in g t he l ev er o nl y s ec on ds b ef or e t he y r ea ch ed t he

f oy er , and h e y el ped i n s tart led r eali zati on , h ur li ng t he can ni st er t ow ar d t he s warm o f g uard s.

" Ho ah —! ” h e cri ed , and R hy den j er ked h is h ead, s py in g t hem.

T he f lash po t i gn it ed i n a b ur st o f b ri gh t, s eari ng f lame, and ano th er clo ud o f s mo ke s wall ow ed R hy den

from view. They could hear the guards stumbling about, reeling and sputtering, choking and gagging, and

t he n R hy de n e me rg ed f ro m t he c lo ud , s pr in ti ng t ow ar d t he m, h is a rm dr aw n t o h is f ac e t o c ov er h is

m ou th and n os e.

" Co me o n! ” h e s ho ut ed , h is v oi ce h oa rs e a s h e c ho ke d f or b re at h. H e w av ed t he b al ks ta ff a t t he m,

galvanizing them into motion as they bolted for the threshold.

F ou r g ua rd s s ta gg er ed t ow ar d t he d oo rw ay , t ry in g t o b lo ck t he ir a ve nu e o f e sc ap e. R hy de n h oo ke d t he

l ef t e nd o f t he s ta ve i n a h ig h a rc , s la mm in g t he s ha ft o f a sh i nt o o ne 's h ea d, s en di ng hi m t o t he g ro und .





H e p is to ned h is r ig ht arm o ut , d ri vi ng t he i ro n cap o f t he s taff m ig ht il y i nt o t he n ex t s ol di er 's s ku ll . H e

pivoted on his heels, swinging the stave sharply forward, catching a third beneath the jaw and knocking

h im b ackw ar ds , w renchi ng a s tr an gl ed , g ar bl ed cry f ro m h is t hr oat. T he f ou rt h b eg an s wi ng in g h is s wo rd

a nd R hy de n d an ce d a ro un d t he b lo ws , n ot s pa ri ng T ae mi r o r I sb ae nn a a g la nc e.

" Go !” h e y el le d. “ Do n ot w ai t f or m e, d am mi t! G o! "

I sb ae nn a d ra gg ed E is ea n o ut o f t he d oo rw ay . T ae mi r r an b eh in d h er w it h E ab hi ro s, a nd t he y s ca le d

d ow n t he s ta ir s a br ea st o f o ne a no th er . T he y c ou ld h ea r t he s ha rp , r es ou nd in g r ep or ts o f R hy de n' s

balkstaff battering against steel behind them as they fled.

T aemi r w renched t he l as t f lash po t f ro m h is p ocket, s ho vi ng again st t he l ev er w it h h is t hu mb , s haki ng t he

can f ur io us ly i n h is h an d. A s t hey r each ed t he m ou th o f t he all ey way, h e h ur led i t o ver h is s ho ul der. T here

w as a s ud de n, br ig ht f la re o f l ig ht , a nd h is s ha dow s pi ll ed b ef or e h im i n t he r ad ia nt gl ow . S mo ke b lo om ed

f ro m t he can ni st er , f lo od in g t he s tr eets i n a s wi ft h aze.

I sb aenn a s qu at ted at t he n ar ro w o peni ng l eadi ng i nt o t he t un nels . “Ei sean , can y ou cli mb d ow n t hatl ad de r t he re —d o y ou s ee i t? "

E is ea n b li nk ed d az ed ly d ow n t he h ol e, s wa yi ng u ns te ad il y. “ I . .. I c an m ak e i t, ” h e b re at he d.

T am ei r and I sb aenn a exchang ed u ncer tain g lances . “Wh at cho ice d o w e h av e?” T aemi r s ai d. “Let m e g o

f ir st . I wi ll o nl y c li mb h al fw ay d ow n a nd y ou c an h el p t he m o ne a t a t im e. I w il l s ee t he m t o t he b ot to m. "

"Alright,” Isbaenna whispered, nodding. “What about Rhyden? I thought he was right behind us. Surely,

he..."

" I d o n ot k no w, ” T ae mi r s ai d, m ee ti ng h er g az e. H e h ad a lr ea dy s ta rt ed d ow n i nt o t he t un ne ls , l ow er in gh is h ip s t hr ou gh t he d ra in o pe ni ng a nd h oo ki ng h is t oe s a ga in st t he i ro n l ad de r r ung s. “ Bu t he t ol d us n ot

t o w ai t f or hi m. H e wi ll m ak e i t— I k now h e wi ll ."

A s i f o n cue, R hy den s tu mb led d ow n i nt o t he all ey , emerg in g f ro m t he clo ud o f s tr eetl ig ht -i nf us ed s mo ke.

H e c ho ke d f or b re at h, h is b al ks ta ff i n o ne h an d, h is o th er d ra wn a ga in st h is m ou th a s h e g as pe d f or a ir .

B re at hi ng i n t hr ee r oun ds of t he f la shp ot s’ n ox io us f um es h ad a t l as t t ak en i ts e ff ec t o n h im , a nd h e

s ta gg er ed , d ou bl in g a t t he w ai st . H e r ip pe d a si de h is s ca rf , f re ei ng h is f ac e, a nd h e b eg an t o g ag .

"Rhyden!” Isbaenna cried out.

H e l oo ke d u p a t h er , h is e ye s s wo ll en a nd h ea vi ly l id de d f ro m t he s mo ke . “ Go ,” h e s ai d, h is v oi ce

h oa rs e a nd r ag ge d. H e s pa t, g ri ma ci ng a s h e r et ch ed a ne w. “ Go , d am mi t! T he y a re r ig ht b eh in d m e. "

T hey m ad e i t d ow n i nt o t he cat acom bs . R hy den cam e l as t, s pu tt er in g and cou gh in g, g ru nt in g w it h eff or t

a s he d ra gge d t he h ea vy i ro n gr at e b ac k i nt o p la ce a bo ve t he m. H e ho ok ed hi s ha nd a ga in st a l adde r

r un g and t os sed h is j us ti co at t o T aemi r. “Co ver t he l ig ht !” h e h is sed. “Co ver t he b lo od y d am n l ig ht !"

T ae mi r s we pt t he h ea vy w oo le n f ol ds o ve r t he l an te rn , a nd d ar kn es s s we pt d ow n u po n t he t un ne ls . H e

and I sb aenn a s to od t og et her, s ho ul der t o s ho ul der, h ol di ng E is ean and E ab hi ro s again st t hem. R hy den f el l

s ti ll o n t he l ad de r, p oi se d o n t he r un gs , t he b al ks ta ff c lu tc he d i n h is h an d, r ea dy t o t hr us t a bo ve h is h ea d.

T he y a ll f ro ze i n t he d ar kn es s, n on e o f t he m d ar in g t o u tt er a b re at h.

T hey cou ld h ear s ol di er s abo ve t hem, t heir b oo t s ol es t hu dd in g h eavi ly again st t he g ro un d as t hey r an i n





a nd o ut o f t he a ll ey wa y. T he g ua rd s c ri ed o ut t o o ne a no th er , c ho ki ng a ga in st t he s mo ke , b ar ki ng o rd er s

t o o ne a no th er . T he y s to mp ed b ac k a nd f or th u po n t he i ro n g ra ti ng , s en di ng r oc ks a nd l ea ve s s ma ck in g

d ow n a ga in st R hy de n' s f ac e. T he w ei gh t o f t he g ra te , t he t hi ck a nd h ea vy m ea su re o f i ts i ro n g ri dw or k,

h ad s ee me d a n o bs ta cl e a t f ir st , b ut p ro ve d a b oo n. W he ne ve r b oo ts ol es s tr uc k a ga in st i t, i t w as s tu rd y

e no ug h i n d es ig n, c ak ed e no ug h i n m ud a nd d eb ri s, t ha t i t d id no t o ff er h ol lo w r es on at io n, a nd t he g ua rd s

passed them countless times, oblivious to it presence.

A t l as t t he f oo tf al ls a nd v oi ce s f ad ed , a s t he s ol di er s, s at is fi ed t ha t t he l it tl e a ll ey w as v ac an t, m ov ed

o nw ar d w it h t heir s earch. R hy den cli mb ed s lo wl y d ow n t he l ad der. “Keep t he l ig ht cov er ed ,” h e

breathed to Taemir. “At least until we reach the next shaft. Can you lead us in the dark?"

"Yes,” Taemir whispered.

" Here, l et m e t ak e h im .” R hy den p aw ed i n t he d ar kn es s, h is h an ds g ro pi ng again st E ab hi ro s.

T he y s lo sh ed t hr ou gh t he w at er , p ic ki ng t he ir w ay a t a t ed io us p ac e a lo ng t he t un ne l. W he n a t l as t t he y

r ea ch ed a p oi nt w he re t he y f el t s af e f or t he m om en t f ro m p ur su it , t he y p au se d. T ae mi r d re w t he j us ti co ataway f ro m t he l an tern , and d im l ig ht s pi ll ed abo ut t hem.

" Pl ea se ,” E is ea n w hi sp er ed . “ Pl ea se , I sb ae nn a, w he re i s K ae vi r? I s . .. i s h e s af e? P le as e . .. p le as e t el l

m e h e i s s af e. .. "

" Hu sh , n ow ,” s he m ur mu red. H er v oi ce w ar bl ed w it h f resh t ears . “It i s alr ig ht , E is ean. "

"You are Rhyden Fabhcun...” Eabhiros said softly.

" I am, y es ,” R hy den s ai d, g lancin g at h im and n od di ng .

Eabhiros moved his hand clumsily, offering it to Rhyden in greeting. “Eabhiros Macleod,” he whispered

hoarsely.

R hy den b li nk ed at h im , cau gh t o ff g uard b y t he g es tu re. H e s mi led aft er a m om en t, clasp in g h is h an d

against Eabhiros’ wrist, feeling Eabhiros’ fingers press lightly against his own. “Pleased to meet you, sir,”

Rhyden told him quietly.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

"Kaevir?"

K aevi r m oaned s of tl y at t he s ou nd o f L leuw yn P ei ld reig h' s v oi ce. H is b od y f el t i ncredi bl y h eavy , as

t ho ug h s om eon e h ad p re ss ed s la bs o f s to ne a ga in st h im . H is m in d w as f il le d w it h t hi ck c lou ds ; he t ri ed t o

r em em ber w here h e w as o r w hat m ig ht h av e h ap pened, w it ho ut s uccess .

"Kaevir?"

H e f el t ge nt le h an ds o n h is s ho ul de rs a nd r ea li ze d h e w as l yi ng o n h is s tom ac h, h is f ac e p re ss ed a ga in st

s of t p il lo ws , h is n eck craned at an awk ward , ach in g ang le. H e m oaned again , s tr ug gl in g t o o pen h is eyes.

H is e ye li ds f el t s wo ll en ; h is m ou th w as a p ar ch ed a nd r ui ne d w as te la nd , h is t on gu e a s t ac ky a s a w ad o f

l in en , h is t hr oa t s cr ap ed a nd s or e a s t ho ug h h e h ad s cr ea me d h im se lf h oa rs e.





" Kaev ir , p leas e w ak e f or m e. .. ” L leuw yn s ou nd ed f ri gh tened and h e m ov ed h is h an ds again st K aevi r,

o ff er in g h im a j os tl e. T he d es pair i n h is v oi ce alarm ed K aevi r and h e s ti rr ed , m ov in g s lo wl y, f eebl e as an

a rt hr it ic o ld m an a s h e d re w h is h an d t ow ar d h is f ac e, m ov ed hi s l eg s a f al te ri ng m ea sur e.

" Ll eu wy n. .. ” h e cro ak ed , f or ci ng h is eyes o pen. T he r oo m w as f il led w it h w an in g s un li gh t, and t he

s ud den g lare h ur t h im . K aevi r s hr an k again st t he p il lo ws , d rawi ng h is l ef t arm t o cov er h is h ead. H is r ig hta rm w as t ra pp ed b en ea th h im , f ol de d a ga in st h is s to ma ch , a nd i t f el t l ea de n a nd c ol d f ro m l ac k o f

circulation.

" Kaev ir ?” L leuw yn g as ped i n b reat hl es s r el ief. K aevi r f el t h is h an ds m ov e t o h is f ace, b ru sh in g again st h is

c he ek , h is h ai r. “ Ka ev ir , o pe n y ou r e ye s. C om e, l ad , p le as e. W ak e f or m e. "

K aevi r g ro an ed , h is eyeli ds f lu tt er in g o pen again . T he w or ld s eemed d raped i n g os samer t o h is b lear y

g aze, every th in g r ed uced t o h azy s il ho uett es o f col or again st a b ackd ro p o f b ri gh t, g ol den l ig ht . H e

blinked, watching Lleuwyn's face come into focus, as though emerging from the depths of murky water.

L leuw yn 's eyes w er e w id e and f il led w it h w or ry , h is b ro ws l if ted i n anx io us r eg ar d.

" Wh at . .. w ha t h ap pe ne d. .. ?” K ae vi r a sk ed , h is v oi ce h oa rs e. “ Wh er e a m I ?"

" Yo u are i n o ne o f t he t ow er s at A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in ,” L leuw yn s ai d, s tr ok in g h is h an d again st K aevi r' s

h ai r. K aevi r s ti rr ed , m ov in g s lo wl y, h is m us cl es and j oi nt s g ro an in g i n p ro test as h e u nf ur led h is l eg s and

d ragg ed h is l im p, n um b arm f ro m b en eath h is b el ly . “Yo u col laps ed s ho rt ly aft er y ou cam e t o m y o ff ice.

You w er e e xha us te d, l ad, a nd f el l i nt o m y a rms . Tha nk t he Go od Mo the r I w as a t ha nd , l es t yo u h ad

s tr uck y ou r h ead again st t he f lo or . D o y ou n ot r em em ber?"

" No .” K ae vi r b li nk ed a t h im a nd s ho ok h is h ea d. H e s at s om ew ha t, h is s ho ul de rs p ro pp ed a ga in st t he

h ea db oa rd . T he m ot io n d id no t s ui t h im ; h e f el t t he h or iz on s wa y b ef or e h im , a s t ho ug h h e s too d up on t he bow of a ship upon turbulent waters, and he moaned softly, closing his eyes, pressing the heel of his hand

a ga ins t hi s br ow. “ I . .. I ha ve . .. no me mor y o f t ha t, ” h e w hi spe re d.

H e r em em be re d t he S to ne , h ow ev er ; a ll a t o nc e, h is e ye s f le w w id e, a nd h e g as pe d i n s ta rt , l oo ki ng

frantically for it. My Stone ... ! he t hought , a nd the n he s aw i t t uc ke d a ga ins t hi m, a s if h e ha d be en

s leep in g cur led p ro tect iv el y abo ut i t, h ol di ng i t again st h im . H e n earl y w hi mp er ed alo ud i n r el ief as h e

t oo k i t i n h an d, clo si ng h is f in gers abo ut i ts s mo ot h, p ol is hed s ur face.

"Are you alright?” Lleuwyn asked.

" I . .. I a m f in e n ow ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Jus t t hi rs ty .. ."

" Of c ou rs e, ” L le uw yn s ai d. “ Of c ou rs e y ou a re . H er e, l ad ."

H e t ur ne d a wa y f ro m K ae vi r, r ea ch in g b eh in d h im f or a b ed si de t ab le . A s to ne p it ch er r es te d h er e, a lo ng

w it h a s ma ll c up . K ae vi r w at ch ed h im p ou r w at er f ro m t he p it ch er i nt o t he t um bl er . H e d id n ot k no w

w ha t s ur pr is ed o r c on fu se d h im m or e; t he a pp ar en t w or ry f or h im i n t he E as pa g' Ar d' s v oi ce a nd f ac e, o r

t he f ac t t ha t L le uw yn h ad n ot m ad e a ny e ff or t t o t ak e t he S to ne a wa y f ro m K ae vi r w hi le h e h ad s le pt .

" Here, K aevi r, ” L leuw yn s ai d, t ur ni ng t o o ff er h im t he cup .

K aevi r g ul ped at t he w at er , d rain in g i t all i n t hr ee f er vent s wall ow s. L leuw yn t oo k t he cup f ro m h im and

poured him some more; Kaevir guzzled this down as well. He looked about the room. It was a small





chamb er w it h a n ar ro w w in do w o verl oo ki ng t he cat hedr al g ro un ds . T he o nl y s pars e f ur ni sh in gs w er e t he

c ot on w hi ch K ae vi r ha d s le pt , a s ol it ar y c ha ir , a nd a s ma ll de sk t uc ke d i n a f ar c or ne r.

" It i s n ot m uch, ” L leuw yn s ai d, s ou nd in g s heep is h, as i f t he s part an accom mo dati on s s hamed h im . “Bu t

you wi ll be s af e he re . No one wi ll f ind you . N o on e c an e nt er t he c at he dr al t owe rs wi tho ut a ke y."

" It i s f in e, ” K ae vi r s ai d. H e s mi rke d, t hi nki ng o f s om e o f t he f et id j ai l c el ls he h ad r is en t o f in d i n hi s p as t.“ I h av e s ta ye d i n w or se p la ce s. "

" Ar e y ou h un gr y?” L leuw yn ask ed , r is in g t o h is f eet. “Su rely y ou m us t b e. I w il l s en d f or s om e s up per. "

" Su pp er ?” K aevi r ask ed , b ew il dered anew. H e s wu ng h is l eg s f ro m b en eat h t he b lank et s and s tu mb led

t o h is f ee t. H e f or ke d h is f in ge rs t hr ou gh h is t an gl ed h ai r a nd l im pe d a cr os s t he r oo m t o p ee r o ut t he

window. “What time is it?"

" It i s n earl y f iv e o 'clo ck i n t he aft er no on o n a'T ri u. "

" A' Tr iu ?” K aevi r g as ped, t ur ni ng t o L leuw yn . “Yo u s ai d a'T ri u? B ut I . .. T hat i s n ot p os si bl e. ” N earl y

t wo d ay s h ad p as se d i n f ul l s in ce t he r ob be ry o ut si de o f B el ga er an . H e m oa ne d, s ho vi ng h is h an ds

a ga in st h is f ac e. “ Bl oo dy r ot ,” h e s ai d. “ My f ri en ds —t he y t oo k m y f ri en ds t o G ao l. T he y h av e b ee n t he re

for two da ys! I have t o go. I ha ve to help them somehow. I ha ve to—"

Lleuwyn looked away from him, his expression suddenly and inexplicably stricken. At this, Kaevir's

v oi ce f al tered i nt o s il en ce, and h e b li nk ed at t he E as pag' Ar d, s wayi ng u ns tead il y o n h is f eet. “Wh at ?” h e

a ske d. “ Wha t . .. w ha t i s i t? W ha t i s wr ong? "

When Lleuwyn did not immediately answer, Kaevir stumbled toward him. “Has something happened?"

L leuw yn l oo ked at h im , h is eyes f il led w it h ang ui sh ed r em or se. “Af ter I b ro ug ht y ou h er e, I w en t s tr ai gh t

a wa y t o K ie rk en ,” h e w hi sp er ed . “ I k ne w I h ad l it tl e h op e o f s ee in g y ou r f ri en ds f re ed . T he k in g i s m ad , I

h av e t ol d yo u t hi s, a nd h e i s f ix ed on t he c la im in g y our S to ne . I t hou gh t I c ou ld p ro te ct t he m, t ho ug h, t ha t

I c ou ld c on vi nc e h im t o l ea ve t he m u nh ar me d. I w as t oo l at e. W hi le I w as w it h y ou , K ae vi r, a n E lf n am ed

Rhyden Fabhcun met in counsel with Kierken to convince him otherwise."

" Rh yd en F ab hcun ?” K aevi r w hi sp er ed , h is eyes w id en in g. H e k new t he n am e; R hy den F ab hcun w as as

m uch an i nt eg ral p ar t o f t he l eg en ds and l or e o f T ir al ai nn as L ah nd ur en , o r K ierk en h im self .

" I s ho ul d h av e k no wn ,” L leuw yn s ai d w it h a f ro wn . “Rh yd en F ab hcun k no ws n ot hi ng i n h is n at ur e b utd ec ei t a nd t re ac he ry . H is g re ed a nd a mb it io ns a re e ve ry m at ch t ho se o f K ie rk en 's , a nd I s ho ul d h av e

s us pe ct ed a t l ea st t ha t t he y w ou ld c on sp ir e a ga in st m e s o, b et ra y m e s o. .. "

" Wh at ?” K ae vi r w hi sp er ed , b ut h e k ne w. S om ew he re d ee p w it hi n h im , h e k ne w, a nd h e f el t h is h ea rt

s ei ze. “Wh at are y ou s ay in g? W here are E ab hi ro s and E is ean?"

L leuw yn s tepp ed t ow ar d h im , p ress in g h is h an d again st K aevi r' s s ho ul der. “Th ey w er e h an ged t hi s

m or ni ng at d aw n, ” h e s ai d s of tl y, g en tl y. “Fr om t he g al lo ws o f P io no s. R hy den and K ierk en s aw t o t hat. "

K ae vi r c ou ld n ot d ra w b re at h; h e s tu mb le d b ac k a s i f t he E as pa g' Ar d h ad j us t s la mm ed h is f is t i nt o h is

g ut . H is h an ds b eg an t o t re mb le , h is s ho ul de rs t o q ua ke . H ow t he s tr en gt h r em ai ne d e no ug h i n h is l eg s t o

bear him upright was beyond his comprehension. “No,” he whimpered, uttering a low, agonized moan as

t ea rs b ur ne d h is e ye s.





T he w in d s ti rr ed o ut si de o f t he t ow er , f lu tt er in g s harp ly again st t he w in do w p an es , s en di ng l eaves

s mack in g again st t he g lass . “Eabh ir os . .. E is ean. .. !” h e g as ped, and t he w in d m ou nt ed o ut si de, g ro an in g

again st t he r oo f eav es , s hu dd er i ng agai ns t t he w in do ws . “Oh . .. o h, n o, n o, p lease.. ."

" I h av e o nl y j us t r et ur ned f ro m t he p al ace, ” L leuw yn s ai d. “Rh yd en h ad s et i n t he K in g' s m in d t hat t hey

s ho ul d b e t ak en f ro m P io no s, s tr un g i n h an gi ng cag es o n t he p ri so n g ro un ds t hat t hey m ig ht b e d is pl ay ed , but I convinced Kierken to tender them to me. I have seen their bodies myself, Kaevir. I had them

brought to Ardeaglais'Coroin for safe measure until I can arrange for the burials."

" I w an t t o s ee t he m, ” K ae vi r s ai d, h is v oi ce s tr an gl ed , a s t ho ug h h e s po ke a ro un d t he t hr ot tl in g h ol d o f a

n oo se . H is e ye s w er e e no rm ou s, s hi mm er in g w it h t ea rs , a nd o ut si de o f t he h ou se , t he w in d w ai le d l ik e a

n ew w id ow . “ Pl ea se , I w an t t o s ee t he m. "

L leuw yn g azed at K aevi r k in dl y. “Th ey h av e alr eady b een s hr ou ded, l ad ,” h e s ai d. H e w al ked s lo wl y

t ow ar d K aevi r. “An d i t i s o nl y t heir v es sels . T heir s pi ri ts h av e m ov ed o nw ar d, K aevi r, t o t he etern al

place."

" I know ,” K ae vi r s ai d. He f el t t he he at of t ea rs i n hi s e ye s, th ei r s tr angl ed c hoke i n hi s voi ce . “ But I . .. I

w ou ld l ik e t o s ee t he m. I . .. I n ee d t o. .. ” H e l oo ke d u p a t L le uw yn , h is e ye s p le ad in g. “ Pl ea se , L le uw yn ."

L leuw yn cup ped h is p al m again st K aevi r' s cheek . “Of cou rs e, ” h e s ai d.

K aevi r f ol lo wed L leuw yn d ow n t he s teep , w in di ng cou rs e o f t he t ow er s tair s. T hey cro ss ed t he

expansive quire together, their soft footfalls echoing as they passed. Warm candlelight flickered and

glowed, golden light infused and dancing through towering stained glass window panels lining the broad

c ha mb er . L le uw yn l ed h im a lo ng a n ar ro w c or ri do r n or th o f t he q ui re , a nd t oo k a l an te rn i n h an d a s t he y

d es cend ed ano th er f li gh t o f s teps l eadi ng i nt o a d ar k, chi ll ed s ub level o f t he cat hedr al .

" Th e chapel t reas ur y i s h er e, ” h e t ol d K aevi r, as t hey f ol lo wed ano th er l en gt h o f cor ri do r. T heir s hado ws

s pl ay ed a lo ng t he e ar th en f lo or o f t he t unn el a nd t he s ton e w al ls of t he p as sa ge i n t he d im l amp li ght . “ A

s mall v au lt f or w eekl y o ff er in gs , b ef or e t hey are col lect ed i n f ul l and b ro ug ht t o t he m ai n o ff ices f or t al ly . I

k ne w i t w ou ld p ro ve s af e e no ug h t o h ol d t he m a t im e, t o k ee p a wa y t he c ur io us ."

W hen L leuw yn b ro ug ht h im t o a g at e f as hi on ed o f h eavy i ro n, w it h an i mp os in g l ock h ol di ng i t f as t, h e

w at ch ed m ut el y a s t he E as pa g' Ar d p ro du ce d a k ey ri ng f ro m b en ea th h is c lo ak a nd u nl oc ke d i t. A s t he

cir cu mf er en ce o f h is l an tern l ig ht s pi ll ed acr os s t he t hr es ho ld and i nt o t he cramp ed chamb er b ey on d,

K aevi r' s b reat h d rew s ti ll , cho ki ng s of tl y again st t he b ack o f h is t hr oat.

T he r oo m w as v er y s ma ll ; l ar ge e no ug h o nl y t o a cc om mo da te t wo w oo de n p al le ts , b ie rs t ha t s to od s id e

by side, with slim passage between them. Two bodies lay upon the biers, each draped and wrapped in

s he et s o f h ea vy l in en . T he p an el s o f f ab ri c h ad b ee n s ti tc he d t og et he r a bo ve a nd b en ea th e ac h o f t he

forms, enclosing them in full, leaving only the fragile outline of features and figure to view.

H e c ou ld n ot t el l w ho w as w ho . I n l if e, E ab hi ro s h ad s to od t al le r t ha n E is ea n b y a t l ea st a h al f- he ad 's

m easu re; h is s ho ul ders b ro ad er , h is b ui ld s to ck ier. B en eath t he s hr ou ds o f l in en , s uch d if ferences i n h ei gh t

and form were indistinguishable.

L leuw yn r eali zed h is h es it at io n and s tepp ed t ow ar d K aevi r, h is eyes p lain ti ve and k in d. “Oh , l ad ,” h e

w hi spe re d. “ You d o not ha ve t o do t hi s, K ae vi r. Le t u s go. You a re t re mbl in g. L et me b ri ng y ou ba ck t o

t he t ow er , b ri ng y ou s om e t ea —"





" No ,” Ka evi r s ai d, s ha ki ng h is h ea d. H is e ye s s wa m wi th t ea rs a nd he me t Ll euwy n' s ga ze . “ No , I . .. I

m us t d o t hi s. I m us t. .. "

"Alright,” Lleuwyn said.

K ae vi r w al ke d b et we en t he b ie rs . H e c am e t o a f al te ri ng , b re at hl es s h al t a t t he ir s ho ul de rs a nd g az ed between them, the bodies of his cousin and his friend. His voice escaped his throat in a quiet, hurting

w hi mp er . “Can I s ee t heir f aces ?” h e w hi sp er ed , t ears s pi ll in g d ow n h is cheek s.

" We s ho ul d n ot u nf et ter t he s hr ou ds ,” L leuw yn t ol d h im s of tl y, g en tl y. “Th er e i s l im e w it hi n t he s heet s, t o

k eep t hem u nt il aft er t he m has' co r. "

K ae vi r n od de d. “ Wh o . .. w ho i s. .. ?” h e w hi sp er ed .

" Yo ur l ef t, l ad ,” L leuw yn s ai d. “Th er e i s E ab hi ro s. ” A t t hi s, K aevi r m oaned s of tl y, h is h eart r en di ng i n

t wain . “Th e o th er . .. t hat i s E is ean. "

Kaevir draped his hand against Eabhiros’ shroud, his fingertips trembling uncontrollably, his breath

f lu tt er in g i n h is t hr oat. E ab hi ro s’ h an ds h ad b een f ol ded ato p h is b reas t b en eath t he l in en , and K aevi r

cou ld f eel t he con to ur s o f h is k nu ck les, h is f in gers t hr ou gh t he f ab ri c. H e clo sed h is p al m again st

E ab hi ro s’ h an d, l et ti ng h is f in gers s et tl e b et ween h is cou si n' s, s ep ar at ed b y t he s hr ou d.

K aevi r f ol ded h im self o ver E ab hi ro s’ f or m. “Eabh ir os !” h e g as ped, s hu dd er in g as h e w ep t i n f ul l. H e

k is sed t he o ut li ne o f E ab hi ro s’ f ace, t he s li gh t i nd en tati on s i n l in en o ver h is eyes, t he cur ves o f h is cheek s.

“Oh, I ... I love you ... Pl eas e forgi ve me. I am sorry! I am so sorry!"

H e t ur ned, s tagg er in g, h is b od y w rack ed w it h s ob s. H e s tared h el pl es sl y at L leuw yn and t hen r each edf or E is ean' s f or m, f in di ng h is f ri en d' s h an ds b en eath t he clo th . H e k is sed E is ean' s f ace, h is cheek s, h is

n os e. “ Yo u w er e l ove d, E is ea n, ” h e wh is pe re d. “ Yo u . .. y ou w er e l ove d . .. W e l ove d yo u . .. I l ove yo u

yet . Forgi ve me , i t i s a ll on my a cc ount . I . .. I ha ve br ought t hi s on us a ll. .."

L leuw yn l ed h im f ro m t he v au lt , k eepi ng h is arm abo ut K aevi r, l et ti ng h im s tu mb le i n s tep w it h h im as h e

w ep t. “Th ey w il l ans wer f or t hi s, ” K aevi r g as ped, h is f ace f lu sh ed w it h g ri ef and r ag e, h is h an ds b al led

i nt o f is ts . “Ki er ken and R hy den— th ey w il l ans wer f or t hi s. B y m y b reat h— al l t hat I h av e, I w il l m ak e

them."

T he y r et ur ne d t o t he t ow er c ha mb er . L le uw yn o ff er ed s om e s up pe r t o K ae vi r, a s ni ft er o f b ri ma gu e, a pot of tea, but Kaevir refused each and all. He did not want to eat. He did not want to sleep. He felt

n um b a ll o ve r, h is b od y a s l ea de n a nd h ea vy a s h is h ea rt a nd m in d; e ve n t he s im pl e a ct o f d ra wi ng b re at h

seemed to him excrutiating labor.

" I s ho ul d n ev er h av e b ro ug ht y ou h er e, ” L le uw yn s ai d. H e s ho ok h is h ea d. “ I h av e t o g et y ou o ut o f t he

c it y t oni gh t. T he re a re s ma ll er pa ri sh es n ea rb y, w it h E as pa ga n I c an t ru st . I w il l s en d y ou t o o ne o f t he m

until I can—"

K ae vi r b li nk ed a t h im , s ta rt le d. “ Wh at ?” h e a sk ed . “ No , L le uw yn . W hy ? I c an no t l ea ve n ow . N ot a ft er

this."

" It i s t oo d an gero us n ow ,” L leuw yn s ai d. “Ki er ken and R hy den w il l b e exp ecti ng y ou t o s eek v en gean ce

f or Ea bhi ro s a nd Ei se an. I t i s w hy t he y h av e do ne t hi s, w ha t t he y a re c oun ti ng o n t ha t t he y m ig ht c la im t he





S to ne f ro m y ou . I w il l n ot s ee y ou k no w s uc h r is k. "

" Th e r is k w ou ld b e t heir s, ” K aevi r s napp ed , h is eyes f lash in g, h is h an ds clo si ng i nt o f is ts . “Th ey w an t t he

S to ne's p ow er ? F ai r eno ug h— I w il l g iv e i t t o t hem. "

A t t hi s, t he w in d o ut si de t he t ow er s ti rr ed , r at tl in g t he w in do w p an es , d rawi ng L leuw yn 's g aze. “Yo u

c an no t k ee p m e h er e, ” K ae vi r s ai d. H e s ta re d a t L le uw yn w it h d es pe ra te , p le ad in g e ye s. “ Pl ea se ,L le uw yn . P le as e, I c an no t b ea r i t. T he y m us t a ns we r f or w ha t t he y h av e d on e. P le as e. "

" Th ey w il l a ns we r f or w ha t t he y h ave d on e, ” Ll euw yn s ai d. “ I h av e t ol d y ou o f m y p la ns f or t he m as ke d

ball. Lahnduren will—"

" La hn du re n c an no t t en d t o t hi s, n ot w it h c er ta in ty ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ No t l ik e I c an . H e c ou ld n ot e ve n k ee p

h ol d of t he S to ne w he n h e ha d i t i n h is po ss es si on , L le uw yn . H av e y ou s ee n h im ? I ha ve —t wi st ed a nd

h un ch ba ck ed, l ik e a f ee bl e o ld m an . Y ou w ou ld c ou nt o n h im t o k il l K ie rk en ? T o s ta nd h is o wn a ga in st

R hy den F ab hcun ? I f R hy den d oes n ot s ee h im r un t hr ou gh , K ierk en and h is s ol di er s w il l. "

H e w al ke d t ow ar d L le uw yn , h is e ye s l ar ge a nd e ar ne st , f il le d w it h r ag e a nd i mp lo re . “ I d o n ot n ee d s te el

t o s ee i t done . You c an de pe nd on me . Ple ase do not kee p me from it . I wa nt this . I want t o hel p you. I

ne ed t hi s. By m y br ea th, I w il l go ma d i f I c an not s ee t he m a ns wer fo r wha t t he y ha ve d one t o Ea bhi ros

and Eisean."

A s h e s po ke , a s h e d re w n ea r, t he w in d b eg an t o w hi st le o ut si de , r is in g t o m at ch K ae vi r' s f er ve nc y, h is

d is tr es s. K ae vi r j er ke d h is h ea d t ow ar d t he w in do ws , h is b ro ws d ra wi ng t og et he r i n a d ee p f ur ro w.

“ St op i t, ” h e s ai d, a nd t he w in d q ui et ed a nd f el l s ti ll . H e l oo ke d a t L le uw yn , d es pe ra te . “ Pl ea se . I c ou ld

n ot k ee p E ab hi ro s a nd E is ea n f ro m t hi s. I c ou ld n ot p ro te ct t he m. P le as e, l et m e h av e t hi s f or t he m,

Lleuwyn. Please, I am begging you."

L le uw yn s mi le d a t h im . “ As I t oo k m y l ea ve o f t he p al ac e t od ay , I o ve rh ea rd R hy de n F ab hc un i n p ri va te

cou ns el w it h a m ar ri ed n ob lewo man o f s om e s ig ni fi cant aff lu en ce—a g uest o f t he K in g' s f or t he

S am hr ad h. H e w oul d m ee t h er t on ig ht a t n in e o 'c lo ck a t a s ma ll w ood ed g le n m ay ha p t hr ee m il es o ut si de

of the city—the Pitlochry Overlook."

" Th en t here i s o ur chance, ” K aevi r exclaim ed , h is eyes w id en in g eag er ly . “Take m e t here, L leuw yn . W hy

w ai t u nt il t he m as ke d b al l? H e w ou ld n ev er s us pe ct a n a tt ac k t on ig ht . I t w ou ld b e y ou r c ha nc e,

Lleuwyn—and mine."

L le uw yn l oo ke d a t h im , m us in g o ve r t he i de a. “ Wh at o f t he w om an ?” h e a sk ed .

" You a re t he Ea sp ag' Ar d, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Se nd h er a n ot e. L et he r k now y ou a re a wa re o f he r

i nd is cr et io ns and t el l h er t o k eep h er b lo od y ass i n h er o wn b ed —w it h h er h us band —t on ig ht .” P leas e

L leuw yn . G iv e m e t hi s chance. I w il l n ot f ai l y ou —b y m y b reat h, I w il l n ot ."

" Oh , l ad ,” L leuw yn s ai d s of tl y, t he cor ner o f h is m ou th h oo ki ng i n a s mi le. “I h av e n ev er b el ieved t hat

you would."

I t w as f iv e m in ut es a ft er n in e o 'c lo ck b y K ae vi r' s w at ch h an ds w he n R hy de n r od e b y h or se ba ck u p t he

crest o f f oo th il ls m ar ki ng t he p in nacl e o f P it lo ch ry O verl oo k. T he v is ta i ts el f w as t o t he l ef t o f t he r oad;

one c oul d wa lk by f oot o r dr aw a s li m c oa ch a mo ng t he t re es a b ri ef m ea sur e a nd s tumbl e upon i ts

o ut cr op pi ng . K ae vi r h ea rd t he h or se 's h oo ve s d ra w t o a h al t; a ft er a no th er m om en t, h e h ea rd t he r us tl e o f

f oo ts teps i n f al len l eaves and p in e n eedl es app ro achi ng h im f ro m b eh in d as R hy den d rew n ear.





T he E lf w as h eedl es s, ant icip at in g m eeti ng a l ov er i n t he d ar k, and m ad e n o eff or t t o m ov e s teal th il y

a mo ng t he t re es . K ae vi r t re mb le d w it h f ur y, s ta ri ng d ow n a t t he S to ne a s i t f lo at ed a bo ve h is h an ds ,

s pi nn in g and t ur ni ng b ef or e h is h eart . H e cou ld f eel t he w in d s ti rr in g aro un d h im , t ug gi ng at h is h ai r, t he

f laps o f h is j us ti co at . I t w an ted t o s ur ge; i t w an ted t o r es po nd t o h is h am meri ng h eart beat , h is t remu lo us

r age . “ No t y et ,” h e wh is pe re d. “ No t ye t . .. L et hi m ge t c lo se r . .. N ot y et .. ."

R hy de n c al le d o ut s of tl y. K ae vi r f ro wn ed , k ee pi ng h is b ac k t o t he E lf . I t m ig ht h av e b ee n a t ri ck o f t he

m ou nt in g, r es tl es s w in d, b ut i t h ad s ou nd ed l ik e R hy den s ai d, “Yo ur M aj es ty ?"

A h an d f el l again st K aevi r' s s ho ul der, s tart li ng h im . “I d id n ot s ee y ou at f ir st ,” R hy den s ai d, h is v oi ce

f ri en dl y and u nalarm ed . “I t ho ug ht s om et hi ng h ad h ap pened. I am s or ry i f I h av e k ep t y ou w ai ti ng ."

" Yo u h av e n ot ,” K aevi r s ai d, t ur ni ng aro un d. R hy den b li nk ed , d rawi ng h is h an d away, h is f oo ts teps

scuttling, his eyes flying wide.

" Kaevi r —! ” h e g as ped, s tu nn ed and s tar tl ed.

W in d s lamm ed i nt o h im w it h all o f t he f or ce o f a b ou ld er h ur tl ed f ro m a cat ap ul t, p um mell in g t he b reat h

f ro m h is l un gs and s en di ng h im f ly in g o ff h is f eet. H e f lew b ackw ar ds , h is h ai r w hi pp in g i nt o h is f ace, and

t he n h e s la mm ed i nt o t he b ro ad t ru nk o f a p in e t re e, t he b ac k o f h is s ho ul de rs , h is h ea d b ea ri ng t he b ru nt

o f t he b lo w.

I t k no ck ed t he s en se s f ro m h im , a nd w he n t he w in ds f ad ed , h e c ol la ps ed f ac ed ow n o n t he g ro un d,

s pr aw led b en eath t he t ree, m oani ng w eakl y. H e m ov ed s lo wl y, s ho vi ng h is p al ms again st t he g ro un d,

t ry in g t o r ai se h is h ead.

Kaevir walked toward him slowly, deliberately. “You bastard,” he whispered.

R hy de n d re w h is l eg s b en ea th h im a nd s tu mb le d t o h is f ee t. H e h ad n ot c om e u na rm ed t o t he o ve rl oo k;

a q ua rt er st af f h ad f al le n a mo ng t he l ea ve s b es id e h im . H e t oo k i t h an d a nd s ta gg er ed d az ed ly b ac kw ar ds ,

a la rm ed b y K ae vi r' s a pp ro ac h. H is w id e e ye s s et tl ed u po n t he S ha do w S to ne , a nd h e r ec oi le d,

floundering, his breath tangling in an audible gasp.

" K- Ka ev ir .. .” h e s ai d, h ol di ng o ut h is h an d. “ Wa it . .. p le as e . .. W ha t a re y ou .. .? "

" Yo u b as ta rd ,” K ae vi r s ai d a ga in , a nd t he n t he w in d r us he d p as t h im o nc e m or e, s en di ng t he s ki rt s o f h is

justicoat flapping about him like wings.

The wi nd pl owe d i nt o Rhyde n, r oc ki ng h is he ad ba ck on t he a xi s of hi s ne ck a s t houg h he ha d t ake n a

s tu nn ing p un ch t o t he j aw . H e f el t h is f ee t w re nc h o ut f ro m b en ea th h im , a nd h e c ri ed ou t, h is v oi ce t or n

f ro m h is t hr oa t b y t he r us h o f a ir . H e s la mm ed i nt o a no th er t re e, b at te re d a ga in st i ts t ru nk l ik e a d is ca rd ed

rag doll.

T he b al ks ta ff f el l f ro m hi s ha nd a nd h e c rum pl ed i nt o t he l ea ve s. H e t ri ed t o s it u p; h is h ea d w as s pi nni ng,

f il le d w it h s ea ri ng pa in , a nd h e s tr ug gl ed f or b re at h. H e r ea ch ed f or t he s ta ve , b ut t he w in ds p el te d h im

again , s natchi ng t he b al ks taff b ey on d h is g rasp , s en di ng h is h ai r b uf fett in g abo ut h is f ace i n a t an gl ed

m es s. R hy den cri ed o ut h oars el y, b reat hl es sl y, s ho vi ng h is h ai r asi de i n t im e t o w at ch t he w in d w ield t he

s tave as w el l as any l iv in g, b reat hi ng o pp on en t. T he r ig ht end o f t he s taff w hi pp ed t ow ar d h im , s lamm in g

into his jaw, sending him sprawling sideways.





" Nu h- no .. .! ” R hy den g as ped, b ut w hen h e t ri ed t o d raw h im self u pr ig ht again , t he l ef t end o f t he b al ks taff

car eened i nt o h is j aw , crack in g h is h ead t ow ar d h is s ho ul der, s en di ng h im t op pl in g o nce m or e. H e

huddled against the ground, bleeding, reeling and frightened.

" Yo u k il led m y f ri en ds ,” K aevi r s eeth ed . R hy den l oo ked o ver h is s ho ul der, h is eyes eno rm ou s as h e

w at ch ed t he b al ks taff s pi nn in g abo ut i n s harp cir cl es i n t he air abo ve K aevi r' s h ead.

" Ka ev ir , n o. .. ” h e p le ad ed . “ Pl ea se . .. Y ou . .. y ou d o n ot u nd er st an d. .. "

" Sh ut u p, ” K aevi r h is sed, h ol di ng h is h an d o ver R hy den' s h ead, cur li ng h is f in gers t ow ar d h is p al m. T he

w in d clo sed o bl ig in gl y i n R hy den' s h ai r, w renchi ng h is h ead b ackw ar ds , d rawi ng a h oars e cry f ro m h im .

I t w hi pp ed d ir t and d eb ri s i nt o h is f ace, s mo th er in g h im , g ag gi ng h im as i t f or ced h is h ead f ur th er b ack,

can ti ng h is n eck at an excru ti at in g ang le. “Kaev ir , p leas e— !” h e cri ed .

" Sh ut y ou r l yi ng , r ot te d, b as ta rd m ou th ,” K ae vi r s ai d, a nd a s h e t hr us t h is h an d f or wa rd , t he w in d

s lamm ed R hy den' s h ead b ru tall y again st t he g ro un d. “Get u p. G et o n y ou r f eet. "

" Pl ease.. .” R hy den w hi mp er ed , t ur ni ng h is f ace and t ry in g w eakl y t o s pi t as b lo od f lo od ed h is n os e, h is

mouth.

" I s ai d g et u p! ” K ae vi r s ho ut ed , a nd w in d b la st ed f ro m b en ea th R hy de n, s ee mi ng t o c om e f ro m t he v er y

g ro un d i ts el f. I t s ho ve d R hyd en i nt o t he a ir a nd h el d h im t he re , h is f ee t d an gl in g a g oo d t wo f ee t a bo ve

the ground, his hair whipping about his face, blinding him.

" Ho w d oes i t f eel, y ou r ot ?” K aevi r h is sed at h im . T he w in ds s hi ft ed , s lapp in g again st R hy den' s f ace,

w hi pp in g hi s h ai r a bou t h is t hr oa t. H e t ri ed t o m ove h is h an ds , t o f ig ht , b ut t he f or ce o f t he w in d w as l ik e

a p ai r o f h ea vy i ro ns , p in ni ng h is a rm s t o h is s id es . H is h ai r w ra pp ed t au tl y a bo ut h is ne ck , a nd t he w in d

pulled the heavy sheaf all the tighter, snuffing his airflow immediately and in full, strangling him. Rhydenthrashed in midair, struggling against the wind, gagging for breath.

" Ho w d oe s i t f ee l, R hy de n? ” K ae vi r a sk ed . “ To d o t he P io no s j ig ?"

H e m ov ed h is h an d, a nd t he w in d a br up tl y s hi ft ed ; R hy de n' s h ai r w hi pp ed b ac k b eh in d h is h ea d a nd h e

w as b ru ta ll y t os se d i nt o a no th er t re e. T he b ac k o f h is h ea d c ra ck ed a ga in st t he t ru nk , a nd h e c ra sh ed t o

t he g ro un d. H e m oaned w eakl y, s carcel y con scio us , d ragg in g h is h an ds s lo wl y t hr ou gh t he l eaves.

H e h eard K aevi r' s app ro ach, h is b oo t s ol es again st t he g ro un d, and h e w hi mp er ed , l if ti ng h is h ead, t ry in g

t o r ai se h is p al m, p le ad in g. “ Pl ea se .. .” h e g as pe d. “ Pl ea se . .. T he y . .. t he y a re n ot .. ."

K aevi r s en t R hy den' s o wn b al ks taff again st h im again , s napp in g t he s haft o n a s wi ft , s harp w in d and

sending it careening against Rhyden's head, plowing his face into the dirt, knocking what precious little

r em ai ned o f h is w it s f ro m h is s ku ll .

"How does it feel?” Kaevir whispered, shuddering.

" Do n ot ki ll h im , K ae vi r, ” L le uw yn s ai d, s te pp in g o ut f ro m t he s ha do ws a mo ng t he t re es . “ No t y et . W e

h av e u se f or h im ."

Lleuwyn genuflected beside Rhyden's fallen form. He reached down, brushing Rhyden's long, tangled

h ai r b ac k f ro m h is f ac e t o e ns ur e t he E lf w as u nc on sc io us . H e s ho ok h is h ea d. “ Yo u s ho ul d h av e s ta ye d

i n t he M or th ir , l ad ,” h e s ai d.





" He k new m e, ” K aevi r w hi sp er ed , w at ch in g as L leuw yn b eg an t o b in d t he y ou ng G aeil ge's h an ds again st

t he s ma ll o f h is s pi ne w it h a l en gt h o f r op e. N ow t ha t t he a tt ac k w as f in is he d, t he m om en t p as se d, h e

found himself trembling. His fury—blinding only moments ago—had abruptly drained, leaving him

uncertain and anxious. “Lleuwyn, Rhyden knew me."

" Yo u a re w ie ld in g t he S ha do w S to ne , l ad ,” L le uw yn s ai d, n ot l oo ki ng u p a s h e w or ke d. “ He k ne w y ou by that."

R hy den' s b al ks taff h ad f al len i nt o t he d ri ed p in e n eedl es and l eaves n earb y and K aevi r s to op ed , l if ti ng i t

i n ha nd. “ Why di d he c ar ry a we apon? ” he a ske d. “ He t hought he me t a l ove r. Wh y w oul d he ha ve a

weapon with him?"

L leuw yn p au sed, l oo ki ng u p t o m eet K aevi r' s g aze. “Becaus e w hen a m an 's v er y n at ur e i s d ecei tf ul and

t re ac he ro us , l ad , h e n ev er f ee ls s o f ul ly a t e as e t o t ra ve l u na rm ed ,” h e s ai d. “ Rh yd en s aw y ou r f ri en ds

h an ge d. I t w as b y h is w or d a lo ne t ha t K ie rk en c om mi tt ed i n f ul l t o s uc h a c ou rs e. D o n ot f in d m er cy i n

your h ea rt f or h im, f or I a ss ur e yo u, h e wo ul d hol d no s uc h d ea r r ega rd f or you ."

T hey b ro ug ht R hy den b ack t o A rd eagl ai s' Co ro in . W hi le L leuw yn escor ted K aevi r u p t o h is t ow er

chamb er , K aevi r w at ch ed a clu st er o f arm ed a'P ob ai l s ol di er s h us tl e R hy den F ab hcun , s ti ll b ou nd and

u ncon sci ou s, away acro ss t he n av e.

" Wi ll y ou b e a lr ig ht a lo ne h er e f or a t im e? ” L le uw yn a sk ed. “ I ha te t o l ea ve y ou , l ad , b ut I h av e s om e

business I must see to before the morning."

H e n ee de d t o t en d t o R hy de n; t o m ak e s ur e w he re ve r t he y s to we d t he E lf w ou ld r em ai n s om ep la ce

s ec re te d a nd s af e f ro m K ie rk en . K ae vi r n od de d, s it ti ng a ga in st t he e dg e o f t he c ot . “ I t hi nk I w il l r es t

a whi le ,” he s ai d. I t wa s a l ie ; he ha d be en s le epi ng f or t wo bl oo dy d ays . He di d not t hi nk he w oul d ne edr es t a ga in fo r s ome t im e t o c om e, but i t s eem ed t o ea se s ome of t he a nxi et y i n L leu wyn' s f ac e.

" He re , l ad ,” L le uw yn s ai d. H e w en t t o t he s ma ll t ab le , w he re a d ec an te r o f b ri ma gu e h ad b ee n s et . H e

poured a cup and brought it to Kaevir. “Drink this. It will help."

K ae vi r t oo k t he g la ss , d ra wi ng i t t ow ar d h is m ou th . A s h e m ov ed t o d ri nk , a s t he d is ti nc t, b it te rs we et

fragrance of the liquor met his nose, he blinked, remembering something fragmentary and fleeting.The

ni ght I f ol low ed h im t o hi s o ff ic e, he o ff er ed m e a c up o f br ima gu e. J us t l ik e t hi s— he p re ss ed i t i n

my hands and told me to drink it. It would settle my nerves.

H e g lanced at L leuw yn and f ou nd t he E as pag' Ar d w at ch in g h im . H e t il ted h is h ead b ack and s wall ow ed

t he b ri magu e, d rain in g t he cup emp ty . “Go od l ad ,” L leuw yn s ai d, s mi li ng as h e t oo k t he g lass f ro m

K ae vi r' s h and . “ I w il l s ee y ou i n t he m or ni ng. I h av e s um mo ne d m y t ai lo r t o t he c at he dr al . H e w il l t ake

y ou r m easu rement s and s ee y ou f it ted f or a p ro per cos tu me."

" A cos t um e?” K aevi r as ked.

Ll eu wyn nodde d. “ If y ou a re t o he lp me on t he ni ght of t he ma ske d ba ll , you s houl d be dr es se d f or t he

occasion, I think."

K ae vi r s mi le d. “ The n I c an g o? ” h e a ske d. “ Yo u w il l l et m e h el p yo u? "

"Yes, lad,” Lleuwyn said, nodding again, visibly pleased by Kaevir's excitement. “You have proven







s te p w it h hi m a nd dr ap in g h is a rm a bo ut h is s hou ld er s a s t he y w al ke d a wa y. “ I h op e y ou w il l a ll ow m e t o

o ff er y ou a t ok en o f m y est eem and f el lo ws hi p. "

" Wh at m an ner o f t ok en ?” L ah nd ur en ask ed . T ress ach f ol lo wed t hem, and t hey d is ap pear ed f ro m

K aevi r' s v iew. H e l ean ed f ur t her acro ss t he t hr es ho ld , w at ch in g t hem app ro ach a g at ed archw ay acr os s

the cathedral crossing.

Lahnduren's voice resounded in sudden, bright eagerness, echoing against the vaulted ceiling. “You ...

you have him? Rhyden Fabhcun—he is here?"

Lleuwyn chuckled. “I do indeed, mo'cara,” he said, calling Lahndurenmy friend . “ And ye s, h e i s."

T he t hr ee d es cend ed d ow n a f li gh t o f s tair s b ey on d t he g at ed t hr es ho ld , d is ap pear in g i nt o t he s ub levels

beneath the tower. “You cannot have him ... Not quite yet...” Kaevir heard Lleuwyn saw, his voice

f ad in g. “Let m e r ou se h im f ir st t hat y ou m ig ht enj oy a b ri ef b ut p leas an t r ei nt ro du ct io n. .. "

K aevi r f ol lo wed t hem t hr ou gh t he g at ew ay and d ow n t he s tair s. H e h eard t he s ou nd s o f m uf fl ed ,s tr an gl ed cri es f ro m b el ow , and s aw f ai nt , y el lo w g lo w o f l an tern l ig ht again st t he w al l. K aevi r h el d h is

breath, his brows drawn as he peered through the shadows, approaching the lamplight.

H e h eard m or e s ti fl ed cri es , R hy den' s v oi ce, and t he s ou nd o f L leuw yn m ur mu ri ng , h is w or ds

unintelligible but soothing in the tone as they drifted up the staircase. He heard Lahnduren's shuffling

f oo ts te ps s cr ab bl e c lu ms il y a ga in st t he f lo or a nd t he n h e s ai d, “ Wh y L or d F ab hc un , y ou d o n ot s ou nd a t

a ll pl ea se d t o s ee me . .. a nd o h, l it tl e m ous e, I c ann ot b eg in t o e xp re ss h ow p le as ed I a m t o s ee y ou. "

K aevi r r each ed t he b ot to m o f t he s tair s. T he l an tern 's i ll um in at io n h ad w an ed ; L leuw yn h ad b ro ug ht i t

w it h h im i nt o t he v au lt w he re h e k ep t R hy de n c ap ti ve . T he h ea vy i ro n d oo r o f t hi s c ry pt s to od o pe n,

c an te d o ut wa rd i nt o t he c or ri do r, a nd K ae vi r c ou ld s ee a g ol de n g lo w f ro m b ey on g t he t hr es ho ld , a nds hado ws m ov in g w it hi n t he r oo m. T he t hr ee o f t hem h ad s tepp ed i ns id e, and R hy den' s v oi ce cam e again ,

g ar bl ed b ut d ef iant and ang ry as h e r ai led at t hem, s tr ug gl in g t o s ho ut aro un d t he g ag L leuw yn h ad

fettered against his mouth.

K ae vi r s to le t ow ar d t he d oo r, e as in g h im se lf i nt o t he n ar ro w, s ha do we d s pa ce b et we en i t a nd t he w al l.

H e c ur le d h is f in ge rs a ga in st t he e dg e o f t he s te el a nd l ea ne d f or wa rd , p ee ri ng a ro un d t he c or ne r o f t he

t hr es ho ld , i nt o t he cry pt b ey on d.

L le uw yn a nd T re ss ac h s to od n ea re st t o h im , w it h t he ir b ac ks t o t he d oo r. T he y s to od a t s uc h a n a ng le

t ha t K ae vi r c ou ld p la in ly s ee R hy de n p as t t he m; t he E lf h ad b ee n t ru ss ed i n a s la t- ba ck ed c ha ir w it h h ish an ds b eh in d h im , a n oo se d ra wn a bo ut h is t hr oa t a nd d ow n b en ea th t he s ea t, t he e nd l as hi ng h is a nk le s

t og et he r. H e s tr ug gl ed a ga in st t he r op es ; e ve ry t im e h e m ov ed h is f ee t, t he g ar ro tt e a ro un d h is n ec k d re w

t au t, t hr ot tl in g h im . T hi s d id n ot s ee m t o d is su ad e h im i n t he l ea st , a nd t he c ha ir s hu dde re d a s h e t hr as he d

h is s ho ul ders and s ho ok h is h ead.

Lahnduren hobbled toward him, chuckling, as giddy as a child approaching a tantalizingly wrapped

birthday gift, and Rhyden's brows furrowed deeply as he watched him approach. His teeth bared against

t he w ad o f c lo th s ho ve d i n h is m ou th , t ie d a bo ut h is f ac e a nd h e u tt er ed a s tr ea m o f g ar bl ed , s ti fl ed

s ou nd s at L ah nd ur en as h e t ug ged ang ri ly again st h is b on ds .

" I h av e s een t hi s f ace s o m an y t im es i n p ai nt in gs and s tatu ar ies, ” L ah nd ur en m ur mu red, cup pi ng h is

w it hered p al m again st R hy den' s cheek . R hy den t ri ed t o j er k h is f ace away, h is eyes w id en in g i n alarm , h is

v oi ce f lu tt er in g b en eath t he con fi nes o f h is g ag , and L ah nd ur en s li pp ed t he s hr iv el ed s tu mp o f h is o th er





a rm a ga in st R hy de n' s f ac e, c ra dl in g h im i n n ea rl y t en de r f as hi on . “ It h as c om e t o m e i n d re am s . .. N ea rl y

ever n ig ht t hese p as t f if teen y ears w it ho ut f ai l, I h av e i magi ned t hi s v is ag e, t hi s b eaut if ul , p ri st in e f ace, and

h er e, a t l as t, h er e y ou a re .. ."

L ah nd ur en clo sed h is eyes, s ni ff in g again at R hy den' s h ai r as t ho ug h s av or in g t he f ragr an ce o f a r os e

bloom. “Oh, you do not know how I have waited for this ... longed for it,” he said, his lips dancing

a ga ins t R hy de n' s e ar . “ The t hi ngs I w il l d o t o yo u, m y s we et , l ov el y l it tl e m ou se . .. o h, t he t hi ng s I ha ve planned for you..."

Rhy de n ope ne d hi s e ye s a s h e t ri ed t o t ur n hi s he ad a wa y a nd hi s ga ze m et Ka ev ir 's . K ae vi r f roz e,

s tart led, and t hen h e j er ked h im self b ackw ar ds , s ho vi ng h im self again st t he w al l b eh in d t he cry pt d oo r.

H e r is ke d a no th er p ee k a ro un d t he e dg e o f t he d oo r a nd r ea li ze d R hy de n h ad s ee n h im , a nd s ti ll l oo ke d

t ow ar d h im . R hy den' s eyes w er e w id e and d es perate w it h i mp lo re, h is b reat h g as pi ng i n s of t m ew ls f ro m

h is t hr oat as L ah nd ur en s nu ff led h im , s tr ok in g t he s tu mp o f h is s ev er ed arm again st R hy den' s f ace and

hair.

" Vt heet h. .. ” R hy den w hi mp er ed t o K aevi r, a m uf fl ed s ou nd t hat m ig ht h av e b een please , bu t hi s voi cecut s ho rt as L ah nd ur en s natched t he l in e o f h is n oo se and j er ked again st i t s harp ly , t hr ot tl in g h im ,

wrenching his head backwards.

" I h av e d ream ed o f y ou r v is ag e, ” L ah nd ur en h is sed. “Ev er y con to ur and m easu re o f y ou r f ig ur e and

f or m, a nd e ve ry s we et a nd e xc ru ti at in g i nj ur y I w il l s ee m et ed f or th t o e ac h. A ba nd on a ny p re te ns e o f

h op e y ou m ig ht h ar bo r, l ov el y m ou se . .. f or i t i s g on e, I p ro mi se y ou .” H e j er ke d a ga in st t he g ar ro tt e

o nc e m or e, d ra wi ng a s tr an gl ed c ry f ro m R hy de n. “ Yo u a re m in e, a nd I w il l s pe nd t he r em ai nd er o f m y

d ay s b re ak in g y ou . .. h ur ti ng y ou . Y ou d id t hi s t o m e. .. ” H e s ho ve d t he f la t o f hi s s tu mp a ga in st R hy de n' s

c he ek , a nd R hy de n w hi mp er ed . “ Yo u di d t hi s a nd y ou w il l a ns we r f or i t. B y m y b re at h, y ou w il l s hr ie k

yourself hoarse answering for it."

R hy den' s b ro ws n ar ro wed and h e r eared h is h ead b ack again st L ah nd ur en 's g ri p. H e t hr us t h im self

f or ward , r ocki ng t he chair o nt o i ts f ro nt l eg s as h e s lamm ed h is f or eh ead m ig ht il y again st L ah nd ur en 's .

L ah nd ur en s tagg er ed b ackw ar ds , y ow li ng i n s tart led, d azed p ai n, and h e f el l b ackw ar ds o nt o h is r um p,

his spindly legs sprawling skyward, his hand and stump pinwheeling helplessly.

"Thutha uteth—ahthat oth—!” Rhyden railed at Lahnduren, shrugging his shoulders fiercely, as though he

m ea nt t o l un ge i n f ur th er a tt ac k. K ae vi r c ou ld n ot b e c er ta in , b ut i t s ou nd ed l ik e R hy de n h ad s na pp ed ,

Bugger yourself, bastard rot!

L ah nd ur en b el lo wed w it h r ag e, s cr am bl in g g raceless ly t o h is f eet, l eapi ng at R hy den. “Yo u b as tard !” h eshrieked, spittle spraying from his lips. Tressach sprang forward, seizing Lahnduren by his bony shoulders

a s he t hr as he d a t R hyd en, p um me ll in g h is f ac e w it h f is t a nd s tu mp a li ke . “ I w il l s ee yo u bl ee d f or t ha t! I

w il l r en d y ou r f lesh f ro m t hew, y ou r ot b as tard w help —! ” H is v oi ce d is so lv ed i nt o g ar bl ed , f ur io us ,

slobbering sounds as Tressach hauled him backwards, kicking and flailing.

" Get h im o ut o f h er e! ” L leuw yn s napp ed at T ress ach, j ab bi ng h is f in ger t ow ar d t he d oo rw ay . A t t hi s,

K ae vi r s cu tt le d b ac k a nd w he el ed a bo ut , b ol ti ng f or t he a dj ac en t c ry pt . T he re w as n o d oo r h er e, n o g at e

t o b ar h is p as sa ge , a nd h e d uc ke d i ns id e, s ca mp er in g, j us t a s T re ss ac h s te pp ed i nt o t he c or ri do r b eh in d

him, dragging Lahnduren in tow.

K aevi r cro uched w it h h is l eg s f ol ded b en eath h im , cow er in g i n t he d ar k d oo rw ay o f t he t om b, p ress in g

h is s ho ul der again st t he w al l. H e l is tened t o L ah nd ur en 's f eet s cu tt li ng and d ru mm in g again st t he f lo or as

h e s pa t a nd c ur se d.





" Take y ou r h an ds f ro m m e! ” h e s cr eech ed . “Take y ou r d am n h an ds f ro m m e, T ress ach an' Cl ar e! I w il l

s ee h im p un is hed! B as tard w help ! H e w il l b leed b y m y h an d! "

" Lahn du ren, l e d o t ho il , h av e p eace,” T ress ach s ai d, h is v oi ce s oo th in g, g en tl e. H e k ep t r ep eati ng t hi s

o ver and o ver u nt il t he s ou nd s o f L ah nd ur en 's s tr ug gl es f ad ed i nt o s il en ce. “Have p eace. T a s e m ai th ,

m o' cara. T a s e m ai th .” It is alright.

" I . .. I w il l s ee h im b leed .. .” L ah nd ur en g as ped h oars el y.

" I k no w, ” T re ss ac h m ur mu re d. “ Bu t n ot n ow , m o' ca ra . N ot n ow . H e i s y ou rs , L ah nd ur en . H e i s h el pl es s

a nd he i s yo ur s. Yo u c an t ake hi m a t your l ei sur e. Do not wa st e t ha t c ha nc e f or r age ."

" Yo u . .. y ou are r ig ht .. .” L ah nd ur en w hi sp er ed . “Yo u are r ig ht , T ress ach . .. Y ou are r ig ht ."

" On e m or e n ig ht , L ah nd ur en ,” T ress ach m ur mu red. “Yo u h av e w ai ted f if teen y ears f or t hi s. W hat i s o ne

ni ght , whe n you ha ve a ll of t he t im e i n t he Bi th l ef t t o f ol low ?"

" Ar e y ou alr ig ht , L ah nd ur en ?” L leuw yn ask ed . K aevi r l is tened t o t he h eavy , g ri nd in g s ou nd o f t he s teel

door swinging shut, slamming into place.

" I . .. I a m f in e, ” L ah nd ur en s ai d. “ Fo rgi ve m e, L le uw yn , I l os t m y s en se s f or t he m om en t. T he b as ta rd

w ou ld s ee m e add led w it h f ur y. "

K ae vi r h ea rd t he ir f oo ts te ps a s t he y m ov ed t ow ar d t he s ta ir s. H e v en tu re d a t en ta ti ve p ee k i nt o t he

hallway and watched Lleuwyn clap his hand against Lahnduren's shoulder. “Put Rhyden Fabhcun from

y ou r m in d awh il e, l e d o t ho il . Y ou r v en gean ce again st h im w il l com e s oo n eno ug h— an d w e h av e p lans t o

f in is h, t he t hr ee o f u s t og et her. "

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

" Ea bh ir os , l oo k a t t hi s, ” E is ea n s ai d, g la nc in g o ve r h is s ho ul de r. H e h ad m ad e h is w ay t o t he e nd o f t he

cat acom b t un nels b en eath t he C ro wn T heat re, a p lace w here t he s haft h ad b een f il led i n w it h a s eemi ng ly

i mp en et ra bl e p il e o f d ir t, l oo se b ri ck s, a nd d eb ri s. H e h ad w ri gg le d a nd c li mb ed t o t he c re st o f t hi s s te ep ,

s lo pi ng r ub bl e, a nd n ow p er ch ed t hi rt y f ee t a bo ve t he f lo or w it h a l an te rn i n h is h an d, h is s ho ul de rs a nd

t he ba ck o f h is h ea d h un ke re d n ea rl y a ga in st t he d om e o f t he c ei li ng .

" Ei sean , f or t he l as t— co me d ow n f ro m t here,” E ab hi ro s s ai d f ro m b el ow . H e s to od w it h G rael le, b ot h o f

t he m h av in g o bs er ve d E is ea n' s c lu ms y p ro gr es s u p t he s lo pe . “ Yo u a re g oi ng t o f al l a nd b re ak y ou r

bloody neck."

" I am n ot ,” E is ean s ai d. H e r each ed u p, h oo ki ng h is f in gert ip s i nt o a n ar ro w o peni ng b et ween t he cei li ng

a nd d eb ri s. H e c ou ld j us t b ar el y w ed ge h is f in ge rs t hr ou gh t he s li m m ar gi n o f s pa ce , b ut i t w as e no ug h t o

f ee l t he d ra ft o f a ir m ov in g f ro m t he c ha mb er b ey on d a ga in st h is s ki n. H e l oo ke d d ow n a t E ab hi ro s a nd

G rael le again , g ri nn in g. “It g oes t hr ou gh . I can f eel air . T he t un nel g oes t hr ou gh b ey on d t hi s w al l. "

" Ei sean , y ou p ro mi sed I sb aenn a and T aemi r y ou w ou ld k eep p ut ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d.

" No , I p ro mi se d I w ou ld n ot l ea ve t he c at ac om bs ,” E is ea n s ai d, a nd h e b eg an t o s cr at ch a t t he o pe ni ng ,





loosening dirt and gravel with his hand. “Which technically, I am not."

R hy den h ad r ecei ved a p ecul iar n ot e f ro m K ierk en t he n ig ht b ef or e, b id di ng h im t o m eet w it h t he K in g

o ut si de o f t he c it y a t n in e o 'c lo ck . I sb ae nn a a nd T ae mi r h ad s us pe ct ed a t ri ck a nd h ad t ri ed d es pe ra te ly

t o d is su ad e h im f ro m g oi ng , b ut R hy den h ad b een i ns is tent . B y t hat m or ni ng 's f ir st l ig ht , h e s ti ll h ad n ot

r et ur ne d, a f ac t t ha t h ad d is tu rb ed a nd w or ri ed t he m a ll , a nd h ad d ri ve n T ae mi r n ea rl y t o a p an ic .

" Th at b lo od y n ot e w as n ot f ro m K ie rk en ! I k ne w i t w as n ot !” T ae mi r h ad c ri ed , r ea ch in g i nt o h is

justicoat pocket, producing a folded page of parchment. He had flapped it at the others as they gathered

a ro un d hi m. “ Th is n ot e i s f ro m t he K in g. I t a rr ive d a t m y f la t j us t t hi s m or ro w, n ot e ve n a n h ou r a go .” H e

h ad r ea d f ro m i t a lo ud :

"Rhyden, mo'cara—

F or gi ve m e f or n ot c on ta ct in g y ou s oo ne r. I h av e n ot w is he d t o i nt er ru pt w ha t I a m c er ta in m us t b e

precious time enjoyed in your family's dear company. Qynh has disappeared. I do not know if she has

but wandered—as is a fond and common habit for her—or if some grim circumstance has befallen her, but I have dispatched every guard at my disposal—every soldier in my command—to search this city

a nd f in d h er , d el iv er h er s af el y a nd u nh ar me d t o u s o nc e m or e. I s ho ul d h av e t ol d y ou b ef or e t hi s m or ro w

a nd I a m s or ry f or t he a la rm a nd dis tr es s I know t he se t idi ngs m us t s ur ely br ing t o you. D es pit e t hi s, I a m

r es ol ve d t ha t we m us t s ee ou r pl ans t hr ou gh f or t he ma ske d ba ll . W ha t ot he r c hoi ce do I ha ve , e xc ep t t o

y ie ld t o m y d es pa ir , c ru mp le b en ea th t he w ei gh t o f s uc h s or ro w a nd f ea r? P le as e c om e t hi s m or ro w, i f I

m ig ht b eg y ou f ro m y ou r f am il y' s k eepi ng . W e s ho ul d d is cu ss t he m at ter o f y ou r p resent at io n s o t hat all

w il l b e i n p la ce f or t hi s e ve ni ng , t ha t L ah nd ur en h as n o o pp or tu ni ty f or e sc ap e. I f h e h as t he Q ue en , b y

m y b re at h— to ni ght h e w il l t el l m e wh er e he ha s b rou ght he r, a nd I w il l r un m y ow n bl ad e be ne at h t he

bastard's chin—rive his skull from his neck and end his foul measure once and for all.

Do'cara—Kierken"

T ae mi r h ad s ta re d a t I sb ae nn a, w ag gl in g t he p ar ch me nt a t h er . “ Do t he se s ou nd t o y ou t he w or ds o f a

ma n who m et w it h Rhyde n onl y la st ni ght ? The y do not t o me . I t wa s a tr ic k. Some ma nne r of bloody

t ri ck b y L leuw yn P ei ld reig h t o l ur e h im f ro m u s. S ur el y s om et hi ng h as h ap pened t o h im , I sb aenn a. I f i t

w as any th in g l es s, h e w ou ld h av e r et ur ned b y n ow ."

The y ha d de ci de d t o t ry a nd f ind R hyde n, t o f ol low t he c our se he mu st ha ve t ak en be yon d t he c it y t o a

place called the Pitlochry Overlook. Rhyden had mentioned that the King had bid him come to this

s ec lu de d a nd w oo de d o ve rl oo k, a nd t he y m ea nt t o s ee i f a ny e vi de nc e r em ai ne d o f R hy de n' s p re se nc e

t he re , o f a ny a tt ac k h e m ig ht h av e f en de d o ff .

E is ea n a nd E ab hi ro s h ad i ns is te d o n go in g w it h t he m. R hy de n h ad r is ke d h is o wn l if e a nd h on or t o s ee

t he m f re ed f ro m G ao l, a nd t he y w er e b ot h r es tl es s w it h w or ry —f or K ae vi r, o f w ho m t he re s ee me d n o

s ig n o r h op e, and n ow f or R hy den. N ei th er h ad i nt en ti on o f p layi ng t he r ol e o f d ocil e, i nj ur ed l am b,

cow er in g i n t he s af e h av en o f t he cat acom bs w hi ls t o th er s r al li ed t o act io n aro un d t hem.

" Ho ah , n o, ” T aemi r h ad s ai d, s haki ng h is h ead. “Neit her o f y ou i s l eavi ng t hi s t un nel. T hat i s t he l as t t hi ng

w e ne ed —o ne or b ot h o f y ou t o b e r ec og ni ze d o n t he s tr ee ts a nd c ap tu re d o nc e m or e. Y ou bo th k ee p

put and see to my Lady Graelle and the Queen.” He turned to Graelle. “If they try to leave once we are

g on e, h it t hem i n t he h ead w it h s om et hi ng ."

The t hr ee ha d b ee n go ne f or m or e t ha n a n hour , a nd E is ea n h ad wa nde re d t he l en gt h a nd br ea dt h of t he

cat acom bs o ver and o ver, d is co ncer ted and t en se. H e f ou nd h im self r et ur ni ng t im e and again t o t he









s wi ft and b ro ad as h e t ur ned abo ut , s tari ng d es perately i n all d ir ecti on s, cal li ng f or h is b ro th er .

" Rh yd en , can y ou h ear m e?"

H e c am e t o a s ta gg er in g, s ki tt er in g h al t w he n h e f ou nd R hy de n' s g el di ng l as he d t o a t re e. T he h or se

pawed the ground anxiously at his approach, its ears flattened against its skull, its lips pulled back to

r ev ea l i ts t ee th , ba re d a ga in st t he p la te o f i ts b it . I t w hi nn ie d s of tl y a t T ae mi r, a nd he c ou ld s ee t he f ri gh tu po n i t w as n ot hi ng n ew ; t he r ei ns w hi ch l oo ped aro un d t he t ree s ho wed s ig ns o f f er vent g nawi ng , as

t ho ug h s om et hi ng h ad t er ro ri zed t he ani mal s o b ad ly , i t h ad t ri ed t o chew t hr ou gh t he r es tr ai ni ng s tr ap s t o

escape.

" It i s R hy de n' s h or se ,” T ae mi r s ai d, t ur ni ng t o I sb ae nn a, s tr ic ke n. “ He w as h er e, t he n. H e w as h er e. "

" Taem ir ,” I sb aenn a s ai d, h er exp ress io n p lain ti ve and k in d as s he r each ed f or h im . “Le d o t ho il , l et u s— "

T ae mi r b ac kp ed al ed f ro m h er , a nd h is b ro ws d re w t og et he r. “ He w as h er e! ” h e s na pp ed , a nd h e

w hi rl ed abo ut , r un ni ng again t hr ou gh t he t rees , app ro achi ng t he edg e o f t he o verl oo k. “Rh yd en !” h es cr eam ed . “Rh yd en , w here ar e y ou ? A ns wer m e! "

T ae mi r w as f ri gh te ne d a nd p an ic ke d, a nd i n h is f re nz ie d s ta te , h e d id n ot t ak e i mm ed ia te n ot ic e o f t he

l and scap e aro un d t hem. I sb aenn a w al ked s l ow ly , h er eyes t rain ed o n t he g ro un d, t he t r ees.

A ll a bo ut t he m, l ea ve s a nd p in e n ee dl es h ad b ee n s we pt a si de a s t ho ug h p lo we d t hr ou gh b y f ur io us w in d

g us ts . T he y h ad b ee n b uf fe tt ed s o h ar d, t he g ro un d i n t he ir w ak e l ay b ar re n a nd e xp os ed ; l ea ve s h ad

been piled around tree bases in deep, sloping drifts. Young trees had snapped in twain, their spindly

t ru nk s b ro ken and cru mp led. L ow -h an gi ng b ou gh s i n m or e m at ur e t rees h ad crack ed l ik e b ri tt le k in dl in g,

and listed toward the ground, dangling like limp and shattered fingertips grazing the dirt.

" Wh at caus ed t hi s?” I sb aenn a w hi sp er ed , f eeli ng a t er ri bl e, i cy d read s teal u po n h er h eart . S he r eali zed

w ha t m ig ht h av e w re ak ed s uc h d am ag e e ve n a s t he w or ds e sc ap ed h er m ou th , a nd s he f el t h er b re at h

a nd vo ic e t an gl e i n t he b ac k o f h er t hr oa t w it h d is ma y.

S he h ea rd T ae mi r u tt er a s tr an gl ed , a ng ui sh ed c ry f ro m a he ad o f t he m, a nd s he r an t ow ar d t he s ou nd .

T ae mi r ha d f al le n o n h is k ne es b ef or e a l ar ge p in e t re e. H e r ea ch ed o ut w it h h is h an ds , h is f in ge rt ip s

t re mb li ng a s h e t ou ch ed t he t ru nk . “ Th er e i s b lo od h er e, ” h e g as pe d, b re at hl es s w it h h or ro r. H e l oo ke d

o ve r h is s ho ul de r a t I sb ae nn a, h is e ye s s wi mm in g w it h t ea rs . “ An d . .. a nd i n t he l ea ve s h er e . .. s oa ke d

i nt o t he g ro un d . .. T he re i s s o m uc h b lo od .. ."

"Taemir...” Isbaenna said.

T ae mi r s tu mb le d t o h is f ee t. “ Bu t w he re i s h e? ” h e w hi sp er ed . “ Wh at h av e t he y d on e t o h im ? W he re i s

h e?” H e s tagg er ed o ver s om et hi ng h id den amo ng t he l eaves, and h e d an ced clu ms il y t o r eg ai n h is f oo ti ng .

H e s to op ed d ow n, a nd m oa ne d a ne w, h is t ea rs s pi ll in g a s h e c ra dl ed R hy de n' s b al ks ta ff b et we en h is

h an ds . “ Oh , no . .. l e d o t hoi l. .. ” h e g as pe d.

T here w as b lo od s mear ed o n eit her end o f t he b al ks taff , s tain in g t he i ro n t ip s, a t an gl e o f u nm is takabl e

blonde hair caught at one end; long, fluttering strands twisted and knotted as though wrenched from the

s ca lp a s t he s ta ve h ad b at te re d a ga in st s om eo ne 's h ea d.

"Oh, no...” Isbaenna whispered.







T he d ir t o f t he n ar ro w s ta bl e y ar d b eh in d t he t he at re w as f re sh ly t ro dd en , c le av ed a nd f ur ro we d b y

n um er ou s h oo ve s a nd b oo t h ee ls ; g ri m s ig ns o f p as sa ge w hi ch h ad n ot b ee n t he re t ha t m or ro w a s t he y

h ad l ef t . “Mo th er A bo ve,” I s baenn a g as ped.

T ae mi r b or e h is f at he r' s s wo rd a ga in st h is h ip , b en ea th t he f la p o f h is j us ti co at . H e s li pp ed h is h an d

a ga in st t he h il t a nd d re w i t f ro m i ts s ca bb ar d. “ Yo u k ee p h er e, ” h e s ai d t o I sb ae nn a. “ I w il l g o i ns id e a ndh av e a l oo k a ro un d. "

" Ro t t hat, T aemi r, ” I sb aenn a s ai d. “I am n ot k eepi ng any wh er e. "

T hey crept i ns id e t og et her. “Th ey m us t h av e f ol lo wed o ne o r b ot h o f u s t hi s m or ni ng ,” I sb aenn a

w hi sp er ed . “Do y ou t hi nk t hey are s ti ll h er e?"

" I d o not k no w, ” Ta me ir wh is pe re d ba ck. “ I s aw n o ho rs es i n t he s ta bl e, o r on t he gr oun ds ."

T he C ro wn T heat re w as a cir cu lar, t iered b ui ld in g t o all ow f or o pt im um s eati ng . S un li gh t s eeped i n p al e,d if fu sed s wath s f ro m t he v au lt ed cei li ng s, w here n ar ro w o peni ng s b et ween r oo f eav es s er ved as w in do ws

f or v en ti lati on . T hese o ff er ed d im l ig ht , o f p reci ou s l it tl e u se i n t he d ar k alcov es b ey on d t he p er im et er o f

t he s tage. T aemi r and I sb aenn a m ov ed s lo wl y, cau ti ou sl y alo ng , n earl y b li nd , t heir eyes and ear s s tr ai ni ng

for any outward signs of intrusion.

"Someone— o w , d a mm i t ! —has been blundering about in here for certain,” Taemir said, uttering a quiet

y el p a nd h op pi ng a s h e r an f oo t- fi rs t i nt o a n u ne xp ec te d, o ve rt ur ne d c ra te . “ We h av e p ro ps s to re d b ac k

h er e f ro m t he f in al p er fo rm an ce . I t h as a ll b ee n k no ck ed a bo ut —h av e a c ar e. "

T hey r each ed o ne o f t he t rapd oo rs l eadi ng i nt o t he t un nels and T aemi r k nelt , f um bl in g i n t he d ar k u nt il h e

c ur le d h is ha nd a bou t t he i ro n r in g a nd h oi st ed i t o pe n. “ You h ol d i t f or m e, ” I sba en na s ai d. “ I w il l g odown first."

" Is baen na.. .” T aemi r b eg an , and t hen t hey h eard a s ud den clamo r f ro m b eh in d t hem, t he t hu nd er o f

n um er ou s, s ud den f oo ts teps . T he f lo or s hu dd er ed b en eath t hem w it h encro achi ng b oo t h eels , and h eavy

hands suddenly fell firmly against their shoulders and arms.

" Well , n ow , w hat h av e w e h er e?” a v oi ce b oo med, f il led w it h m al icio us g oo d cheer .

"No!” Isbaenna cried, whirling about, shrugging her arm violently to dislodge the offending hands. She

caught sight of a crowd of silhouettes behind them—a'Pobail soldiers—and she struggled wildly.

" Ho ah , n o, y ou d o n ot —! ” A g uard cau gh t h er f ro m b eh in d, h is f is t clo si ng p ai nf ul ly again st h er w ri st ,

c ru sh in g. S he f el t h is a rm c la mp a bo ut h er m id dl e, a nd s he w as h oi st ed b ac kw ar ds o ff o f h er f ee t.

" Taem ir !” s he s cr eamed, k icki ng and f ig ht in g w it h h er cap to r. S he cau gh t a g leam o f s un li gh t o ff s teel as

T ae mi r s ho ut ed o ut a ng ri ly , b at te ri ng a t t he s ol di er s w it h h is s wo rd . O ne o f t he g ua rd s r ea re d b ac k h is

g au nt le t, c los ed i n a b ro ad f is t, a nd b ef or e I sb ae nn a c ou ld w ai l o ut t o T ae mi r i n w ar ni ng , t he s ol di er

d ro ve h is f is t s qu ar el y i nt o t he b ac k o f t he y ou ng E lf 's h ea d. T ae mi r c ru mp le d t o t he g ro un d, a nd t he

soldiers drove their sabatons brutally, repeatedly into his gut, punting his groin.

"Stop, you bastards—no—!” Isbaenna cried, thrashing. The guards grabbed Taemir roughly, hauling him

t o h is f ee t. “ Yo u r ot b as ta rd s! T he K in g w il l h ea r o f t hi s! Y ou w il l a ll a ns we r f or t hi s, b y m y br ea th —! "





H er v oi ce c ut a br up tl y s ho rt a s a h ea vy p al m c la pp ed a to p h er m ou th . S he c ou ld h ea r h or ri bl e,

h eart wr en ch in g s ou nd s as t he o th er s ol di er s con ti nu ed t o b eat T aemi r. S he s cr eamed f or h im aro un d t he

stifling hand, and fought wildly, vainly as the soldiers dragged her away.

E is ean s hi mm ied u p t he l en gt h o f a n ar ro w chi mn ey i n t he s ew er t un nels , h is b ack s ho ved p ai nf ul ly

again st o ne s id e o f t he s to ne s haft , h is f eet again st t he o th er . H e cou ld s ee d im l ig ht f il teri ng t hr ou gh t he

i ro n g rati ng abo ve h im . H e p ress ed h is h an ds again st t he w al l and m ov ed h is f eet, i nchi ng f ur th er u p t heshaft, moving slowly, deliberately.

" Wh at i s u p t here?” h e h eard E ab hi ro s cal l. E is ean g lanced o ver h is s ho ul der and cou ld s ee h im s tand in g

abo ut t en f eet b el ow , b en eath t he o peni ng o f t he chi mn ey , h is f ace u pt ur ned, h is eyes r ou nd w it h w or ry .

T hi s w as at l east t he elevent h s uch s haft E is ean h ad w ri gg led u p, and E ab hi ro s w as f ir ml y con vi nced at

s om e p oi nt eit her h is s tami na o r g oo d f or tu ne w ou ld f ai l and h e w ou ld f al l.

" I d o n ot k no w, ” E is ea n s ai d. W ha te ve r l ay a bo ve w as s om ep la ce w ar m a nd m oi st ; s te am w af te d

t hr ou gh t he r un gs i n a h azy, w an deri ng clo ud . E is ean f ro wn ed cur io us ly as h e s co ot ed again t ow ar d t he

t op of t he s ha ft . “ I c anno t s ee ye t. "

" Be car ef ul ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “Th os e s to nes l oo k u ns tabl e. D o n ot f al l. "

" I w il l n ot b lo od y f al l, ” E is ean s ai d, s haki ng h is h ead and chu ck li ng . “Yo u are l ik e a n ag gi ng m ot her, d o

yo u kn ow , E ab hi ro s? ” H e l if te d h is h and , d re w h is f in ge rt ip s t o h is t hu mb a nd t he n o pe ne d a nd c lo se d

them, mimicking a mouth yammering. “Yap, yap, yap."

T hey h ad b een exp lo ri ng t he t un nels f or n earl y t hr ee h ou rs , f ol lo wi ng T aemi r' s m ap s t o g ui de t hem

t hr ou gh t he w in di ng m aze o f s ew er s b en eath B el gaer an . T hey h ad com e t o a p oi nt i n t he t un nel s ys tem

l it tl e m or e t ha n a n h ou r a go t ha t d id n ot a pp ea r o n a ny m ap ; w he re s uc h d is cr ep an cy h ad a la rm ed

E ab hi ro s, E is ea n h ad b ee n i nt ri gu ed . T he f ac t t ha t t hi s p or ti on o f c at ac om bs w as b lo ck ed f ro m t he r es t by a heavy iron gate had only served to stoke his curiosity all the more.

" It i s a s t ho ug h s om eo ne d oe s n ot w is h p eo pl e t o g o a ny f ur th er ,” E is ea n h ad r em ar ke d.

" Ma yh ap w e s ho ul d h ee d t he m, t he n, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “ Th e m ap s ho ws a w al l he re ."

" My eyes s ho w a g at e h er e, ” E is ean s ai d. “An d t un nels b ey on d. "

H e m an ag ed t o c oa x E ab hi ro s b ey on d t he g at e a nd t he t wo o f t he m v en tu re d o nw ar d. E ab hi ro s h ad

been limping for awhile now, and Eisean knew he was hurting, though he offered no complaint. Eisean felt bad, but at the same time, he was loathe to turn around, to return to the Crown Theatre just yet. He was

d es perat e t o f in d K aevi r; cer t ai n t hat h is f ri en d w as d ow n t her e s om ew here.

H e h eard v oi ces d ri ft in g s of tl y, f ai nt ly t hr ou gh t he g rati ng abo ve, and h e f ro ze, h is eyes w id e, h is b od y

c ro uc he d a nd p oi se d i n t he s ha ft .

" Wh at i s i t?” E ab hi ro s ask ed .

A s ha do w p as se d a cr os s t he d im l ig ht t hr ou gh t he g ra te , a nd E is ea n r ai se d h is e ye s a s a w om an 's v oi ce ,

l ou d a nd p la in, r es ou nd ed s ud de nl y. “ .. .s o I t el l h er i f s he d oe s n ot f ind t he bl oo dy t hi ng , m y l ad y i s g oi ng

t o s ee m e f la ye d. .. "

E is ea n ha d dr aw n n ea r e nough t o t he gr at ing t o r ea ch up a nd hoo k hi s f ing er s a bout t he i ron r ods . H e







" Eabh ir os .. .! ” E is ean cri ed . “Eabh ir os . .. O h, S weet M ot her! A re y ou alr ig ht ?"

" I t ol d y ou . .. y ou w ou ld b lo od y f al l. .. ” E ab hi ro s g ro wl ed , g ri ma ci ng a s h e s at u p. H e s uc ke d i n a

w hi mp er in g, h ur ti ng b re at h. “ He re , h el p m e r is e. G et m y f ee t u nd er m e. W ha t w as t ha t? W he re d id t ha t

water come from?"

" A l au nd er in g r oo m, ” E is ean s ai d. “I t hi nk w e m us t h av e f ou nd t he l au nd er in g r oo m t he Q ueen t ol d y ouo f. T ha t i s w hy a ll o f t he se t un ne ls w er e g at ed o ff a nd n ot m ar ke d o n t he m ap s— th ey l ea d u nd er ne at h t he

palace.” He drew his legs beneath him, keeping his arm behind Eabhiros, letting his friend lean heavily

a ga in st h im a s t he y s to od t og et he r. “ I w il l b ri ng y ou b ac k t o t he t he at re . I w an t t o k ee p s ea rc hi ng t he

t un ne ls . .. t ry a b it m or e t o f in d K ae vi r. "

" No ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “ No , E is ea n, i t i s n ot s af e. "

" I h av e t o t ry , E ab hi ro s, ” E is ean s ai d.

" Ei sean .. .” E ab hi ro s s ai d q ui et ly , g en tl y. “I w an t t o b el ieve K aevi r i s s ti ll ali ve, t oo . W it h all o f m yhe ar t— al l t ha t I ha ve . W he n y ou s ai d he mi ght be i n t he se t un ne ls , I . .. I h ad h ope , Ei se an , b ut no w I ... "

"Eabhiros, please...” Eisean said.

" We h av e b een d ow n h er e f or h ou rs , E is ean, ” E ab hi ro s t ol d h im .

" We h av e n ot c ov er ed e ve n a q ua rt er o f t he c at ac om bs ,” E is ea n i ns is te d. “ Th ey g o f or m il es , i n a ll

d ir ec ti on s— yo u h av e s ee n t he m ap s. H e c ou ld b e a ny wh er e a mo ng t he m. H e . .. h e c ou ld .. ."

"Eisean,” Eabhiros said, closing his hand against the younger man's.

" I c an no t l ea ve h im ,” E is ea n w hi sp er ed , s tr ic ke n. H e l ow er ed h is h ea d t ow ar d t he g ro un d. “ He d id n ot

l ea ve m e i n D ae vo ns hi re , a nd h e c ou ld h av e. H e c ou ld h av e l ef t m e t o r ot . P le as e, I c an no t l ea ve h im ."

T hey t ru dg ed alo ng t og et her, f ol lo wi ng t he cat acom bs , s lo sh in g t hr ou gh w at er as h ig h as t heir k nees i n

places. They made it nearly to the theatre. Their progress was slow; Eabhiros limped clumsily, and Eisean

n ea rl y d ra gg ed h im t he l at te r p ar t o f t he ir t re k. H e p au se d f re qu en tl y u nd er t he p re te ns e o f c on su lt in g a

m ap , b ut E ab hi ro s w as n o f oo l. H e k ne w E is ea n s to pp ed f or h im , t o a ll ow h im t o r es t. E is ea n k ne w h is

s tr en gt h w an ed , s ap pe d b y t he c ol d a nd p ai n.

" We a re n ea rl y t he re ,” E is ea n t ol d hi m q ui et ly d ur in g t he l as t s uc h p au se . H e f ol de d t he d am p a ndt at te re d m ap he ha d be en l ook in g a t a nd t uc ke d i t i nt o t he po cke t o f hi s b re ec he s. H e s te pp ed n ea r t o

E ab hi ro s, w ho s to od s lu mp ed again st t he w al l, and t ri ed t o s mi le. “Fi ft een m in ut es at t he m os t, ” E is ean

t ol d h im . “ Ev en a t y ou r c re ep in g p ac e, y ou c ri pp le d y ob , w e w il l m ak e i t. T he re i s a f ir e w ai ti ng f or u s,

dry clothes, blankets."

T he y p lo dd ed o nw ar d a f ew s tu mb li ng p ac es , a nd t he n E is ea n d re w t o a n u ne xp ec te d h al t. H e h ad b ee n

s tari ng d ow n at t he g ro un d, w at ch in g E ab hi ro s’ clu ms y f oo ts teps , b ut all at o nce, h is chi n s ho t u p, h is

brows narrowing, his breath drawing still. He carried the lantern in the hand about Eabhiros’ waist, and

he m ov ed i t n ow , d im mi ng t he w ick i n f ul l and s nu ff ing t he s mall f lame.

" Wh at i s i t?” E ab hi ro s b reat hed, f ol lo wi ng h is g aze. T hey w er e i n a n ar ro w s econ dary s haft , app ro achi ng

a j un ct ur e t o a b ro ad er t un ne l. T he w at er w as s ha ll ow h er e, o nl y t o t he ir a nk le s, b ut m ov in g w it h a

relatively swift current.







" So ld iers ,” h e w hi sp er ed t o E ab hi ro s, s tr icken. “A' Po bail s ol di er s. I can s ee t heir s carl et u ni fo rm s i n t heir

lamp light."

"Mother Above...” Eabhiros said. “How many?"

" Tw o t ha t j us t p as se d u s. I t hi nk t wo m or e— ma yh ap f ou r b y t he s ou nd s— mo vi ng d ow n t he o th er s ha ft ,away f ro m t he t heat re."

"Armed?"

E is ean n od ded. “An d arm or ed ,” h e s ai d g ri ml y. “Ho w i n t he d uchan d id t hey g et h er e?"

"Mayhap they followed Taemir,” Eabhiros said. “If Lleuwyn is suspicious of Rhyden, surely he would

h ar bo r h is d ou bt s f or h is b ro th er . O r h is f ri en ds .. ."

" Is baen na—! ” E is ean g as ped, s tr ug gl in g b en eath E ab hi ro s all at o nce, t ry in g t o s qu ir m o ut f ro m t he p ip e.“Mathair Maith—they have found the theatre catacombs!"

T he y h ur ri ed t o t he s te ep w al l o f r ub bl e s ep ar at in g t he s ew er s f ro m t he c at ac om bs b en ea th t he C ro wn

T heat re. T ho ug h t hey m et w it h n o o th er a'P ob ai l s ol di er s, v oi ces and s pl as hi ng f oo ts teps ech oed alo ng

t he t un nels b eh in d t hem, k eepi ng E ab hi ro s and E is ean o n t heir g uard and anx io us . T heir s cr ap o f r op e

h ad b ee n r ep la ce d b y s ev er al s tu rd y l en gt hs w hi ch d ra pe d d ow n t he w al l. A t t he s ig ht o f t hi s, E is ea n

m oaned s of tl y i n d es pair , h is b ro ws d rawi ng t og et her.

" Th ey h av e b ee n h er e, ” h e h is se d. H e l oo ke d u p a t E ab hi ro s. “ If t he y h av e h ur t I sb ae nn a o r T ae mi r, b y

m y b reat h, I w il l— "

" Peace, E is ean, ” E ab hi ro s m ur mu red. H e l if ted h is chi n, f ol lo wi ng t he l in es o f r op e u pw ar d w it h h is eyes

t ow ar d t he c ei li ng . “ Le t u s s ee w ha t h as h ap pe ne d. "

T he y c li mb ed u p t o t he o pe ni ng a nd m ad e t he ir w ay c ar ef ul ly d ow n t he s te ep s lo pe o n t he o th er s id e.

T hey s to od t og et her i n t he cat acom bs o nce m or e, s hi veri ng i n t he f lu tt er in g l ig ht o f t or ch es alo ng t he

walls, looking about cautiously.

" I d o n ot h ear any th in g, ” E is ean w hi sp er ed .

" Ma yh ap t he y a re a ll i n t he s ew er s, ” E ab hi ro s w hi sp er ed a nd E is ea n n od de d, h is e ye s l ar ge a nd r ou nd ,d ar ti ng t hi s w ay and t hat, w at ch in g f or any s ig ns o f m ov em en t.

T hey m ov ed alo ng t he t un nel, h ug gi ng t he b ri ck w al l, t ry in g t o k eep i n t he s hado ws w henever t hey cou ld .

T he c at ac om bs a pp ea re d e mp ty . T he re w as n o s ig n o f a ny a 'P ob ai l s ol di er s l ur ki ng i n w ai t f or t he m, b ut

no r w as t he re a ny gl im ps e of G ra el le or Qyn h, or t he ot he rs wh o h ad gone t o s ea rc h f or Rh yde n. The

t un ne ls w er e de se rt ed a nd qu ie t, a nd E ab hi ros a nd E is ea n ma de t he ir w ay t o on e of t he t ra p do or s a nd

s t oo d b en eat h i t .

T he y h ea rd a s ud de n r at tl e f ro m a bo ve t he m, a nd t he y j er ke d t he ir h ea ds t ow ar d t he t ra p d oo r, l is te ni ng

a s t he h ea vy m et al r in g w hi ch s er ve d a s i ts h an dl e o n t he ot he r s id e w as l if te d. T he hi ng es g ro an ed a s

s om eo ne b eg an t o p ry t he d oo r b ac k, o pe ni ng i t.

" Qu ickl y— !” E ab hi ro s h is sed, and h e cau gh t E is ean b y t he arm , s ho vi ng h im b ackw ar ds . T he t wo o f





t hem s tagg er ed b eh in d a t um bl e o f f al len crates and s pi ll ed cos tu mes, and t hey f el l t o t he g ro un d,

cro uchi ng and h id in g amo ng t he d eb ri s. T hey h ad o nl y j us t d ucked t heir h eads , w ri gg li ng d ow n b en eath

piles of clothing behind the corners of two toppled boxes, when they heard footsteps descending the

l add er f ro m t he t heatr e abo ve.

" .. .i f t he y a re i n t he t un ne ls , t he y c ou ld b e b lo od y a ny wh er e b y n ow ,” t he y h ea rd a v oi ce s ay . E is ea n

r is ke d a p ee p a nd s aw a d oz en a 'P ob ai l s ol di er s c li mb in g d ow n t he l ad de r, s ta nd in g t og et he r i n a c lu st er .

" Th e s ew er s r un all b en eath t he cit y— mi les u po n m il es ,” s ai d o ne o f t he g uard s, h is exp ress io n g ri m. “A

m an c ou ld l iv e t he m ea su re o f h is d ay s d ow n h er e a nd ne ve r b e f oun d. "

A s t he s ol di er s b eg an t o m ov e, a pp ro pr ia te ly g al va ni ze d, o ne p au se d a nd t ur ne d h is h ea d t ow ar d w he re

E ab hi ro s and E is ean w er e h id in g. A larm ed , E is ean d rew b ack, t ucki ng h is h ead again st E ab hi ro s’

shoulder, his breath halting in his throat.

" Wh at i n t he d uchan i s t hat s tench?” t he g uard s ai d, w ri nk li ng h is n os e and f ro wn in g. “Do y ou s mell t hat,

Avien?"

" Li kely a d ead r at . T hi s r ot ted p lace i s crawl in g w it h v er mi n, ” s ai d ano th er , A vi en . H e clapp ed h is h an d

again st h is f ri en d' s h el m. “Co me o n. Y ou w il l s ee u s d ocked f or d aw dl in g. "

" Wh er e w ou ld t he g uard s h av e t ak en t hem??” E is ean w hi sp er ed t o E ab hi ro s. W hen t he g uard s h ad l ef t,

t he t wo h ad s cu tt le d f ur th er b eh in d t he d il ap id at ed p ro ps a nd s ta ck ed b ox es f or c ov er . “ Ga ol ? T he

cath ed ral ? W here w ou ld t hey b e?"

" I d o n ot k no w, ” E ab hi ro s r ep li ed . “ No t G ao l, I a m c er ta in . T he K in g m ig ht l ea rn o f i t. N o, t he y h av e

t ak en t he m s om ew he re s ec re t a nd s af e. I t hi nk A rd ea gl ai s C or oi n i s a s g oo d a g ue ss a s a ny ."

E is ea n s hi ft ed h is w ei gh t, a s t ho ug h h e m ea nt t o s ta nd . “ Su re ly t he s ol di er s k no w w he re t he y a re . W e

c an c re ep up on s ome una wa re s, c lub t he m, ge t th em t o t el l us w ha t t he y kno w. I f w e c an r ea ch t he m i n

time, we can still—"

" Ei sean , w e h av e n o t im e, ” E ab hi ro s t ol d h im , i nt er ject in g s of tl y. “We h av e t o g o t o t he m has' co r— yo u

and I —and w e h av e t o l eave s oo n. Y ou h eard R hy den— th e Q ueen t ol d h im L leuw yn P ei ld reig h h ad

planned an assassination attempt against the King tonight. We have to go into the tunnels again and make

ou r wa y ba ck t o t he p al ac e. W e m us t s to p K ie rk en' s m ur de r. "

" Wh at ?” E is ea n b li nk ed a t h im , s tr ic ke n. “ No , E ab hi ro s, w e c an no t d o t ha t. W e c an no t l ea ve I sb ae nn a,a nd T ae mi r, G ra el le , t he Q ue en . W e c an no t. L le uw yn w ou ld c la im t he C ro wn a nd s ee t he m k il le d. W e

h av e t o h el p t hem. "

E ab hi ro s p la ce d h is h an d a ga in st E is ea n' s s ho ul de r. “ Th e o nl y w ay w e c an h el p t he m i s t o s to p

Lleuwyn,” he said. “To keep him from claiming the Crown—killing the King."

E is ea n l oo ke d u nc on vi nc ed a nd u nc er ta in . H e s ta re d d ow n a t h is l ap , t or n a nd t ro ub le d. “ Ho w w il l w e

g et c lo se e no ug h t o t he K in g t o p ro te ct h im ?” h e a sk ed . “ We c an no t, E ab hi ro s. W e w il l b e r ec og ni ze d. "

" It i s a m has' co r, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “A m as ked b al l, E is ean. W e w il l b e i n d is gu is e— in cos tu me."

E is ea n g la nc ed a t h im . “ We h av e n o p en ce ,” h e s ai d. “ An d w e c an no t g o i nt o t he c it y t o b uy a nyt hi ng .

W he re a re w e g oi ng t o f in d m as ks a nd c os tu me s, E ab hi ro s? "





E ab hi ro s a rc he d h is b ro w a nd s mi le d. H e r ea ch ed d ow n a nd p lu ck ed t he h em o f a r um pl ed s hi rt f ro m

amo ng t he s pi ll ed t heat ri cal cos tu mes. H e w ag gl ed i t at E is ean. “Hu ll o, ” h e s ai d.

Eisean caught the shirt with his fingertips. “Hullo,” he said, blushing brightly. He met Eabhiros’ eyes and

smiled sheepishly. “Takes me a few moments sometimes."

Eabhiros grinned at him, reaching out and tousling Eisean's damp, tangled hair fondly. “Silly yob,” he

said.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

R hy de n h ea rd t he s ou nd o f a k ey t ur ni ng i n t he i ro n d oo r o f t he c ry pt b en ea th A rd ea gl ai s' Co ro in ; t he

f ai nt , clack in g n oi se o f m et al again st m et al d ri ft in g t hr ou gh t he d ar kn es s. H e l oo ked t ow ar d t he s ou nd ,

f ee li ng t he noos e a bout hi s ne ck s li p ti ght a s he r ai se d hi s he ad. He ha d be en a lone in t he c ol d,i mp en et ra bl e b la ck ne ss f or h ou rs , h is h ea rt s ei ze d w it h d es pa ir a nd f ea r, a nd h e h ad s cr ap ed t he s of t

f lesh o f h is w ri st s o pen and b lo od y t ur ni ng h is h an ds d es perately again st h is b on ds . H e h ad b een f um bl in g

w it h t he t hi ck k not s b in di ng hi s a rm s t o t he c ha ir l eg s, t ry in g i n v ai n t o l oos en t he m. He r em ai ne d no w a s

h e h ad f ro m t he f ir st , d es pi te h is b es t e ff or ts t o f re e h im se lf —t ru ss ed a nd t ra pp ed , h el pl es s i n t he

darkness.

T he d oo r o pened and a s il ho uett ed f ig ur e s tepp ed i ns id e, b eari ng a l an tern i n h an d. R hy den s qu in ted,

l ow er in g h is h ead again st t he s ud den l ig ht , w hi mp er in g s of tl y as t he g ar ro tt e abo ut h is n eck d rew all t he

t ig ht er . H e f or ce d h im se lf t o l oo k u p, t o o pe n h is e ye s.

" Bean nach t, L or d F ab hcun ,” L leuw yn s ai d, s mi li ng as h e app ro ached. S ev er al y ou ng m en cam e i nt o t her oo m b eh in d h im , d ress ed i n t he v es tm en ts o f v al et s. T hey car ri ed clo th in g w it h t hem, a r es pl en dent o ut fi t

o f cream col or ed s il k w it h g ol d emb ro id er y— sh ir t and b reech es , s leeveless w ai st co at and j us ti coat, a

m at ch in g t ri co rn e h at , p ol is hed i vo ry s ho es w it h g ol d b uckl es and s to ck in gs . T hey l ay t hese v es tm en ts o ut

o n t he s to ne f lo or , arr an gi ng t hem n eatl y and n ear t o R hy den. R hy den b li nk ed at t hem i n con fu si on ,

w at ch in g t he l as t va le t d ra pe a l eng th of i vo ry s il k a top t he m a ll ; a m as k w it h e ye h ol es t ri mm ed i n g ol d.

O th er s b ro ug ht i n l in en s a nd a l ar ge p or ce la in w as hb as in ; a no th er s ti ll b or e a p it ch er . H e l oo ke d a t

Ll eu wy n, h is br ow s d ra wn , h is b re at h w he ez in g f ro m a ro un d t he c on fi ne s o f t he g ag a s t he v al et s t ook

their leave.

" It i s n ea rl y t im e f or t he ba ll ,” L le uw yn s ai d. “ I ha ve s pe nt t he a ft er noo n i n c ou ns el w it h K ie rke n. He i sexp ecti ng u s ear ly t hi s eveni ng , t o d is cu ss f in al arr an gement s f or L ah nd ur en 's exp ected app earance. I

have assured him you shall arrive in timely fashion—in my company, of course."

" Th o t hu th a u teth ,” R hy den h is sed, w renchi ng h is h an ds again st h is r op es , s hear in g o pen h is f lesh all t he

more.G o b ug ge r y ou rs e lf .

Lleuwyn chuckled. He reached with both hands behind Rhyden's head, brushing his fingertips lightly

against Rhyden's ears, his hair, and Rhyden flinched, drawing more quiet laughter from Lleuwyn. Rhyden

f el t L leuw yn t ug b ri ef ly again st t he s cr ap o f f ab ri c f et tered abo ut h is m ou th , l oo seni ng t he k no t, and t hen

t he t ig ht s tr ap w as g on e. L leuw yn p ul led i t away f ro m R hy den' s f ace, l et ti ng i t f al l t o t he f lo or .

R hy den s pat o ut t he w ad o f l in en t ucked again st h is t on gu e and d ragg ed i n d eep m ou th fu ls o f air , l eani ng

o ve r d es pi te t he t hr ot tl in g g ar ro tt e. H is m ou th f el t t ac ky a nd d ry , a nd t as te d s ta le a nd b it te r, b ut h e c ou ld





d raw b reat h i n f ul l again , and h e clo sed h is eyes, p an ti ng . “Wh at ev er y ou r p lans , L leuw yn ,” h e g as ped,

“ wh at eve r ha rm yo u m ea n t o br ing t o t he Ki ng t oni ght , yo u w il l n ot ge t a wa y w it h i t. "

L le uw yn c huc kl ed. “ Of c ou rs e I w il l, L or d F ab hc un ,” h e s ai d. “ An d y ou a re g oi ng t o h el p m e. "

" Bu gge r o ff , y ou r ot ,” R hyd en s ai d. “ Do yo u t hi nk yo u c an m ak e m e t ur n a ga ins t m y K in g? D o yo ur

w or st , b as ta rd . T he re i s n o m ea su re o f p ai n o r t or me nt y ou c an b ri ng t ha t w il l m ak e m e b et ra y K ie rk en ."

L le uw yn s mi le d a t h im . “ Is t ha t s o? ” h e a sk ed , a s t hr ee m or e f ig ur es s te pp ed a cr os s t he t hr es ho ld ,

ent er in g t he cry pt . T wo o f t hem w er e a'P ob ai l s ol di er s, clad i n t he d is ti ncti ve s carl et u ni fo rm s o f

L leuw yn 's p er so nal cad re. T hey l ed a t hi rd , s tu mb li ng and p ract ical ly d ragg ed b et ween t hem, and as t hey

s tepp ed i nt o t he cir cu mf er en ce o f L leuw yn 's l am p l ig ht , R hy den' s h eart s to pp ed i n s ud den, abs ol ut e

despair.

"Taemir...!” he gasped.

H is b ro the r l ook ed u p a t t he s ou nd of h is v oi ce . Ta em ir 's e ye s we re d az ed; h e h ad b ee n be at en a nd h isn os e w as b ro ke n, c ak ed w it h d ri ed b lo od , h is l ip s b at te re d a nd s wo ll en . H e m et R hy de n' s g az e, a nd h is

brows lifted, his eyes swimming with sudden tears. “Rhyden...” he croaked, his voice feeble and frail.

"No!” Rhyden screamed, lunging against his ropes, thrashing violently, strangling himself. He rocked the

c ha ir on i ts l egs a s he s tr ugg le d t o r ea ch Ta em ir . “ No ! N o, you ba st ar d! No! Le t hi m go ! L ea ve hi m

alone!"

L le uw yn n od de d h is c hi n o nc e, s ha rp ly a t h is g ua rd . “ Ho ld o ut h is h an d, ” h e s ai d.

R hy de n s ta re d a t hi m, s tr ai ni ng a ga in st hi s b on ds . “ Do n ot h ur t h im ,” h e s ai d. “ Do n ot h ur t hi m, yo u s ic k,

bastard rot. If you touch him—if you hurt my brother, I will kill you. I will rip your bloody damn heartf ro m y ou r b reas t, y ou s ick, f et id b as tard ."

" He i s a w ri te r, i s h e n ot ?” L le uw yn a sk ed R hy de n. “ A p la yw ri gh t a nd po et , s om et im es a n ov el is t? A

painter, as well. I believe Kierken has one of his landscapes framed in his library. A rather remarkable

piece of work, I must admit."

" I w il l k il l y ou ,” R hy den h is sed as L leuw yn w al ked s lo wl y t ow ar d T aemi r. T aemi r w hi mp er ed at h is

a pp ro ac h, t ry in g t o d ra w a wa y f ro m h im , t o j er k h is h an d b ac k, b ut w as u na bl e t o f re e h im se lf f ro m t he

g uard s. I n a s ud den, s wi ft m ov em en t, L leuw yn w renched T aemi r' s t hu mb b ack, s napp in g t he b on es and

ligaments loose of their moorings with a sickening, moist sound. Taemir shrieked, his legs buckling beneath him.

" No !” R hy den s cr eamed. “I w il l k il l y ou , L leuw yn P ei ld raig h— by m y b reat h, y ou b as tard ! A ll t hat I

have!"

L leuw yn g lanced at R hy den. H e clo sed h is h an d again st T aemi r' s i nd ex f in ger, and f or ced i t b ack t ow ar d

h is w ri st i n a s harp , v io lent g es tu re. A gain , b on e and t hew t or e and again , T aemi r s cr eamed, w ri th in g i n

agony.

" St op !” R hy den w ai led, t hr as hi ng again st t he chair . “Yo u b as tard r ot ! S to p i t! W hatever y ou w an t, I w il l

do it! I will do it!"

T he c or ne r o f Ll eu wy n' s m ou th h oo ke d i n a t hi n s mi le . “ I t hou ght a s m uc h, ” h e s ai d.









adj ou rn ed , t he K in g h ad l eaned acr os s t he t ab le, f ol di ng h is f in gers again st R hy den' s h an d. “Rh yd en , y ou

h av e n ot s ha re d m uc h o n t he se m at te rs ,” h e h ad s ai d.

R hy de n h ad l oo ke d a t K ie rk en , a t h is f ri en d' s k in d f ac e a nd c on ce rn ed e ye s. Kierken, it is all lies—all

of it ! Rhyden screamed within his mind. Listen to Neisrod—please, Mother Above, do not do this. The

Talismans are a lie. Lleuwyn is going to betray you! He is going to murde r you and I do not know

if I can stop him!

K ie rk en h ad o nc e p os se ss ed a p ow er fu l g if t o f s ig ht ; n ex t t o T re ja er an , h e h ad b ee n o ne o f t he s tr on ge st

t el ep at hs a mo ng t he E lv es . I n t he y ea rs b ef or e t he S ec on d W ar , R hy de n' s t ho ug ht s, h is p le as w ou ld h av e

r es ou nd ed i n K ie rk en 's m ind a s t ho ug h R hy de n h ad s ho ut ed t he m i nt o h is e ar . B ut n ow , l ik e t ho se o f a ll

o f h is r ac e, K ie rk en 's m in d w as c lo se d. “ Ta t u m ai th , m o' ca ra ?” K ie rk en h ad a sk ed R hy de n g en tl y. Are

you alright, my friend?

" Wh at ev er y ou w ou ld b id o f m e, I s ha ll s ee d on e, Y ou r M aj es ty ,” R hy de n h ad r ep li ed . “ Th er e . .. t he re

i s l it tl e e ls e I c an s ha re bu t t hi s."

" Th e C lo ch 's ut hain w as r ig ht all alo ng ,” R hy den s ai d t o L leuw yn , as h e w al ked u nw il li ng ly abr east o f t he

E as pa g' Ar d d ow n t he p al ac e c or ri do r t o r ej oi n t he p ar ty . “ On ly o ne o f t he c ho se n f ou r m ay b ea r t he

S to ne's p ow er —o nl y K aevi r. Y ou w il l n ev er h av e i t, n ev er con tr ol i t. "

" I h av e c om e t o r ea li ze t hi s, L or d F ab hc un ,” L le uw yn s ai d w it h a n od . “ Bu t I c an s ti ll h av e t he C row n. "

" I w il l s to p y ou ,” R hy den w hi sp er ed . “I w il l n ot l et y ou h ur t K ierk en ."

L leuw yn chu ck led. “Yo u w ou ld n ot r is k h ar m t o T aemi r. "

" I w il l n ot l et y ou h ur t h im , eit her. "

" Can y ou s to p K aevi r, L or d F ab hcun ? T he w in ds ? I t hi nk P it lo ch ry s ho ul d s er ve as apt d em on st rati on i n

t ha t r eg ar d. Y ou w ou ld b e d ea d b ef or e y ou e ve n r ai se d a h an d i n f ul l a ga in st m e. "

R hy den' s b ro ws n ar r ow ed b en eat h h is m ask . “Th e p ow er i s K aevi r 's — no t y ou rs . T hat p reci ou s B oo k

o f y ou rs i s w or th le ss . K ae vi r d oe s n ot n ee d i t t o c om ma nd t he S to ne ."

Lle uwyn s mi led a t hi m. “ I ma y not be abl e t o c omma nd the St one ,” he sa id. “ But a s long a s I ha ve it s

bearer, so much the benefit to me. I admit, the Book has indeed proven to be a tragic waste of time and

r es ou rces t hes e p as t f i ft een y ears ."

" Th e T al is mans are a l ie,” R hy den s ai d. “Kaev ir h as f al len t o y ou r s way— no t t he S hado w' s. "

" Ye s, i t w ou ld s ee m t hi s m yt ho s t ha t t he E lv es h ave f ea re d f or s o l on g h as n eve r b ee n a ny th in g b ut ,”

L le uw yn r em ar ke d. “ No m or e t ha n t he e vi l c on ta in ed w it hi n t he h ea rt o f C ia rd ha . .. l oo se d f or a t im e

u po n t he B it h and t hen con qu er ed . T he f od der o f l eg en d and l or e; f ab les t o f ri gh ten s mall chi ld ren and

s im pl e m in ds .” H e s mi led at R hy den again , n earl y s ym path et ic i n h is r eg ar d. “I am s or ry t hat y ou r f ri en d

T re ja er an a nd s o m an y o th er s d ie d f or n ot hi ng i n t he e nd . H ow v er y d is ap po in te d y ou m us t f ee l t o h av e

learned of this."

" Sp ar e y ou r p it y and y ou r b reat h, ” R hy den h is sed, m ak in g L leuw yn chu ck le. “Wh at w il l y ou d o w it h

h im —w it h K aevi r— wh en y ou are f in is hed w it h h im ? H e i s i nn ocen t o f all o f t hi s— yo u h av e l ied t o h im ,

d ec ei ve d h im , y ou b as ta rd. W ha t w il l b ec om e of hi m w he n hi s w or th t o yo u i s s pe nt ? Yo u w ou ld k il l h im ,





like Kierken?"

" I h av e a g reat m an y p lans f or o ur y ou ng K aevi r t hat w il l l ead w el l b ey on d t on ig ht ,” L leuw yn s ai d. H e

g lanced at R hy den. “I t hi nk s ho ul d l ik e t o s ee t he S to ne's m ig ht —K aevi r' s p ow er —u nl eash ed n ex t

against Iarnrod."

Rhyden blinked at him, his footsteps faltering.

" Neis ro d' s all iance— in deed , t hat o f all o f T ir ur nu a— gr ow s t ir es om e and s tr ai ned. K ierk en m ay l ack t he

m ett le t o bri ng t he m t o t as k, but I do not. I wi ll wa ge wa r on t he m a nd I wi ll c onque r t he m. I wi ll ma ke

o ur l an d w ho le o nce m or e, u ni ted u nd er o ne C ro wn ."

" Th at i s m ad ness ,” R hy den s ai d. “Yo u w il l n ev er s ucceed ."

L le uw yn s mi le d a t hi m ki nd ly . “ Oh, b ut my d ea r l ad, ” h e s ai d. “ Th er e i s n o w ay I c an f ai l. "

CHAPTER NINETEEN

I sb ae nn a g ro an ed , c om in g t o i n t he d ar kn es s. H er h ea d a ch ed , a t er ri bl e, t hr ob bi ng p ai n a nd s he o pe ne d

h er eyes, g as pi ng s of tl y f or b reat h. S he cou ld n ot s ee any th in g. T he d ar kn es s o f h er s ur ro un di ng s

m at ch ed t he b la ck v oi d o f m em or ie s i n h er m in d, a nd s he s tr ug gl ed t o r em em be r w he re s he w as , o r h ow

s he ha d c ome t o be the re .

S he r em em bered r et ur ni ng t o t he C ro wn T heat re w it h T aemi r, d is co veri ng t o t heir h or ro r t hat a'P ob ai l

s ol di er s h ad b ee n t he re i n t he ir a bs en ce . T he g ua rd s h ad s ei ze d T ae mi r, b ea te n h im ; s he r ec al le d t he

h eavy , h or ri bl e s ou nd s o f t heir f is ts p um mell in g h is g ut . T hey h ad g rabb ed h er r ou gh ly ; s he h ad a v ag uea nd h az y m emo ry o f f igh ti ng w it h t he m a s t he y t ri ed t o d ra g he r f rom t he t he at re .

I f el l,she remembered dimly. I ... I managed to fight loose of the one who held me, but there were

too many of them. I struggled with them and I fell.

S he h ad t ri pp ed , s tu mb li ng b ac kw ar ds , a nd f el t a s ha rp , s ea ri ng p ai n i n h er h ea d a s h er b ro w h ad s tr uc k

t he u ny ie ld in g c or ne r o f a l ar ge w oo de n c ra te . T he b lo w h ad k no ck ed t he s en se s f ro m h er , r en de ri ng h er

unconscious, though for how long, Isbaenna could not tell.

W he re am I ?s he w on de re d. S he f el t s to ne b en ea th h er , s mo ot h a nd c ol d, a nd t o h er r ig ht , p re ss in gagain st h er s ho ul der and s pi ne, s he cou ld f eel a w al l. D is or ient ed and b ew il dered, I sb aenn a d rew h er l eg s

beneath her and sat up slowly. “Taemir?” she called out, her voice a scraping croak.

T he re w as n o a ns we r, a nd I sb ae nn a f ro wn ed . S he p iv ot ed h er h ip s, p la ci ng h er p al ms a ga in st t he

s mo ot h s to ne f ace o f t he w al l. S he s to od , s tu mb li ng clu ms il y, and l im ped alo ng t he w al l, k eepi ng o ne

h an d a ga in st t he s to ne a nd t he o th er s tr et ch ed w ar il y b ef or e h er , g ro pi ng i n t he d ar kn es s.

" Hell o?” s he cal led h oars el y. “Taem ir , can y ou h ear m e?"

A 'P ob ai l s ol di ers h ad cap tu red t hem; i t s eemed a l ik el y eno ug h ass um pt io n, even t o I sb aenn a' s d azed

and ach in g m in d, t hat t hey w ou ld h av e b ro ug ht t hem s om ew here w it hi n t he a'P ob ai l g ro un ds and

buildings of Ardeaglais'Coroin—if not the cathedral itself.





Mayhap a vault, she thought.S om e p la ce i n t he t re as ur y b ui ld in g, w he re t he w al ls w ou ld b e t hi ck ,

a nd no one c oul d he ar us c ry o ut f or he lp. M ay hap a c el la r s to rag e r oom us ed t o h ous e

sacramental wine, or...

Her left hand, outstretched before her, suddenly fumbled against something cold, fashioned of stone.

I sb ae nn a f ro ze , h er v oi ce e sc ap in g i n a f ri gh te ne d, b re at hl es s g as p a s s he j er ke d h er h an d b ac k

r ef lexi vely . S he r each ed o ut again , h es it an tl y, and f el t h er f in gert ip s b ru sh again st t he car ved con to ur s o f af ac e, t he gr ac ef ul s lo pe of a s ton e t hr oa t, t he c ur ve of a s ho ul de r. I t wa s a s ta tue , s om e s or t of l if es iz ed

s to ne f ig ur e s tand in g again st t he w al l, as t ho ug h p os ted as s en tr y.

A s I sb ae nn a s te pp ed c lo se r t o t he s ta tu e, k ee pi ng h er r ig ht h an d a ga in st t he w al l, s he w as s ta rt le d w he n

h er f in gert ip s f um bl ed acr os s etched g ro ov es i n t he s to ne. S he p au sed, cur io us and p uzzl ed , and f el t

along the markings.

T he y a re r un es ,she realized.C ha ra ct e rs c ar v ed i nt o t he p ol is he d s to ne , e ng ra ve d w ri ti ng l i ke ly

m ar ki ng a p la ce o f h is t or ic s ig ni fi c an ce o r. ..

O r o f b ur ia l,I sb ae nn a t ho ug ht , a nd h er e ye s f le w w id e. S he w as i n a c ry pt b en ea th t he c at he dr al , o ne o f

t he clan t om bs o r p ri vate com memo rati ve s ep ul ch er s t hat l ay h on ey co mb ed b en eath t he n av e.

" Sw eet M ot her! ” s he g as ped, p ress in g h er self again st t he w al l, f ro zen and f ri gh tened. S he r eali zed t o h er

d is ma y t ha t i f s he wa s i ns id e a c rypt b ene at h t he c at he dr al , s he wa s a s t ra pp ed a s a ny t re as ur y va ul t or

s af e. Ea ch o f t he s epul che rs w as f it te d wi th a h ea vy i ro n door or ga te , wh ic h c ou ld be s ea le d f as t. S he

c ou ld s cr ea m h er se lf b lu e a nd n ot b e h ea rd t hr ou gh t he d oo rs . I f t he h ou r h ad d ra wn l at e e no ug h, i f t he

S am hr ad h b al l h ad b eg un , s cr ea mi ng w ou ld d o h er l it tl e g oo d a ny wa y; n o o ne w ou ld b e a bo ut t o h ea r

h er , even i f t hey cou ld .

" Th e b al l. .. ” s he w hi sp er ed , s tr ic ke n. I f t he b al l h ad s ta rt ed , i t w as t oo l at e. K ie rk en c ou ld w el l b e d ea d,e ve n a s s he s tum bl ed a bou t i n t he da rk ne ss . Th er e wa s n o one l ef t t o s top hi s m ur de r; t he y ha d t ol d no

o ne of i t. Rhy de n ha d be en h ur t, t ake n f rom t he wo ods of Pi tl oc hr y t o t he Goo d M ot he r o nl y kne w

w here. T hei r s anct uar y b en eath t he C ro wn T heatr e h ad b een d is cov er ed, and I s baen na k new E is ean h ad

been captured once more, along with Eabhiros, Graelle and the Queen. They had all been taken, and

n ow t hey o nl y b id ed t heir t im e u nt il K ierk en w as d ead and L leuw yn h ad claim ed t he t hr on e.

I sb ae nn a f el t t ea rs s ti ng h er e ye s a nd s he g as pe d s of tl y, s in ki ng t o h er k ne es o n t he f lo or . Eisean ... she

t ho ug ht . I f t hey h ad f ou nd h im , t hey w ou ld s ur el y b ri ng h im b ack t o G ao l, and t here w as n o i magi ni ng t he

h or ro rs t hat await ed h im t here; t he p un is hm en ts D ochau D ru er y w ou ld h av e i n s to re f or h im . “Oh ,

E is ean. .. ” s he w hi mp er ed h el pl es sl y. T here w as n o p ur po se s er ved i n w eepi ng f or h im , t ho ug h s he cou ldn ot he lp h er se lf . S he w ou ld s ee h im s oo n e no ug h, s he r ea li ze d. T he y w ou ld a ll ha ng t og et he r, s id e b y s id e

f ro m t he cro ss beams o f P io no s.

S he h ea rd a s ud de n, s ha rp , m et al li c s ou nd f ro m a cr os s t he c ha mb er , a nd s he j er ke d h er h ea d t ow ar d

t he u nf am il iar n oi se. I t s ou nd ed l ik e a k ey t ur ni ng i n a l ock, and I sb aenn a s cr am bl ed clu ms il y t o h er f eet,

h er eyes w id e, h er h eart h am meri ng i n s ud den alarm .

" Wh o i s t here?” s he s ai d, p ress in g h er s ho ul ders again st t he w al l, t remb li ng . S he h eard t he s ou nd o f

m et al g ri nd in g, a s t he h ea vy i ron p la te o f t he do or s wu ng o ut wa rd o n i ts h ing es . S he s aw a t hi n m ar gi n o f

l ig ht app ear b ey on d t he t hr es ho ld , g ro wi ng w id er as t he d oo r o pened i n f ul l. E ven t hi s d im g lo w h ur t h er

e ye s, a nd s he s hr ank f rom i t, dr aw ing he r ha nds t ow ar d he r f ac e t o wa rd of f t he gl ar e. “ Who i s t he re ?”

she cried again, frightened.







h an dm ai d, M ai we n h as t ol d m e y ou w er e a cc ep ti ng no c al le rs o r c om pa ny . I m us t t el l y ou , m y l ad y, I a m

disappointed in you. Truly so."

" Ca li do re , w ha te ve r L le uw yn h as t ol d y ou i s a l ie ,” I sb ae nn a s ai d. H e s te pp ed t o h er l ef t, b lo ck in g h er

path to the door, and she took hedging steps to the right, moving back toward Iasal's statue, as if seeking

sanctuary from her father's effigy.

" A l ie ?” C al id or e a sk ed , a rc hi ng h is b ro w. H e w as n ea r e no ug h t o h er n ow t ha t s he c ou ld s me ll t he

brimague, strong and pungent on his breath.

" Ye s, ” s he s ai d s of tl y. “ A l ie . H e . .. h e i s g oi ng t o m ur de r K ie rk en t on ig ht a t t he S am hr ad h b al l. W e h av e

t o s to p h im . P le as e, I b eg o f y ou —h el p m e s to p h im ."

" Yo u a re g oi ng t o m ar ry m e, I sb ae nn a, ” h e s ai d.

Sh e ha d ne ve r s ee n hi m l ike th is be for e; t he re w as a c ra ze d a nd ma ni c gl ea m t o h is e ye s t ha t wa s

u nf am il ia r a nd f ri ght en in g t o h er . “ No , C al id or e, I a m n ot ,” s he s ai d w ar il y, s ha ki ng h er he ad . “ I d o n otl ov e yo u, a nd I a m s or ry . I l ov e E is ea n, a nd I w ou ld m ar ry hi m. O nl y hi m. "

C al id or e s ni ck er ed . “Th at i s u nf or tu nate,” h e s ai d. “Becaus e y ou r eall y h av e n o cho ice i n t he m at ter. "

H e s ei zed h er b y t he t hr oat, m as hi ng h is p al m again st h er w in dp ip e and s lamm in g h er s o f or cefu ll y i nt o

t he w al l t ha t t he i mp ac t w it h t he s to ne n ea rl y k no ck ed t he s en se s f ro m h er . I sb ae nn a s uc ke d i n b re at h t o

s cr eam, b ut t here w as n o air , and s he g ag ged, s tr ug gl in g again st h im .

C al id or e p ress ed h is b od y again st h er s, t hr ot tl in g h er . “Ev er y w il lf ul w om an i s o ne w ai ti ng t o b e b ro ken.

S he o nl y n ee ds t o f in d t he m an w it h h ea rt —a nd h an d— to t ak e h er w el l t o t as k. F or y ou , I sb ae nn a— th at

m an h as alw ay s b een m e. "

H e s li pp ed h is h an d f ro m h er t hr oa t, b ut b ef or e I sb ae nn a e ve n h ad t im e t o r ec ov er h er b re at h, h e c ur le d

h is f in gers again st h is p al m and s wu ng h is f is t aro un d, d ri vi ng h is k nu ck les i nt o h er f ace, k no ck in g h er

s id ew ay s. I sb aenn a f el l t o t he f lo or , s lamm in g h er h ead p ai nf ul ly again st t he s to ne. S he f el t b lo od cou rs in g

f ro m h er n os e; s he c ou ld t as te i t i n h er m ou th .

S he l ay t here, h ur ti ng and d azed , h er m in d r eeli ng , f lo un deri ng o n t he v er ge o f u ncon scio us ness . C al id or e

k ne lt b es id e h er a nd s ei ze d h ol d o f h er c on to uc he , r ip pi ng t he s il k f ro m h er b ac k, t ea ri ng o pe n t he

s le ev es a s he ya nke d i t of f of h er .

" Yo u w il l m ar ry m e, ” h e s ai d t o h er , j er ki ng a t t he t ie s o f h er s to ma che r. S om ew he re i n t he d im , f adi ng

r ec es se s o f h er m in d, s he r ea li ze d w ha t h e w as d oi ng , w ha t h e m ea nt t o d o, a nd s he s tr ug gl ed .

" No ,” s he g as pe d, c ho ki ng o n b lo od .

C al id or e g rabb ed h er s ho ul der r ou gh ly and s ho ved h er o nt o h er b ack, d rawi ng a f ri gh tened cry f ro m

h er . H e m ove d, l ow er in g hi ms el f a to p h er , c rus hi ng t he f ra me of h er p ann ie r b en ea th h is h ip s a s h e

c la mp ed o ne h an d a ga in st h er t hr oa t, s tr an gl in g h er a ga in . H e r ip pe d a t h er s to ma ch er a nd s wa y w it h t he

o th er , p ul li ng t hem l oo se f ro m h er b reas ts .

" Al l I h av e e ve r w an te d i s y ou, ” h e h is se d, l ea ni ng d ow n. H e k is se d h er , l oo se ni ng h is h and e no ugh t o l et

h er d raw a s in gl e, d es perate g ul p o f air b ef or e h is m ou th p ress ed again st h er s, h is t on gu e j am mi ng

between her lips.





" St op . .. n o. .. ” I sb ae nn a s ai d, w re nc hi ng h er f ac e a wa y f ro m h is .

" Al l I h av e ever w an ted, ” C al id or e w hi sp er ed . S he f el t h im j er k h er s to mach er and u nd er pi nn in gs o nce

more, and then his hand closed against her breast, his fingers kneading painfully, pinching and prodding.

" Get y ou r h an d o ff m e! s he h is sed, s qu ir mi ng .

" Yo u w ou ld m ak e y ou r b ed w it h s om e c om mo n s cr ap o f p ea sa nt t ra sh ,” h e s ai d. H is h an d m ov ed f ro m

h er b re as t a nd g ro pe d a ga in st h er s ki rt s. H e s ho ve d t he m t ow ar d h er h ip s, g ra sp in g a t h er c ri no li ne s, a nd

she struggled against him.

" No , C al id or e! T ur n m e l oo se, y ou b as tar d! "

" Yo u h av e a lw ay s p re te nd ed t ha t I a m n ot f it t o l ic k y ou r b oo t h ee ls , y ou p re te nt io us b aw d, ” C al id or e

s ai d, r ip pi ng at h er clo th in g, t eari ng at h er u nd er pi nn in gs . “I am o f n ob le b ir th —I am a b lo od y d am n

B io cair e, and y ou w ou ld t ak e t hat r ef us e b et ween y ou r t hi gh s? Y ou w ou ld l et h im s ul ly y ou w it h h is peasant seed?"

I sb ae nn a' s b ro ws p in ch ed i n s ud de n, b ri gh t r ag e. “ Ge t o ff o f m e! ” s he s cr ea me d, a nd s he d re w h er k ne e

u p, s lamm in g i t m ig ht il y i nt o h is cro tch. C al id or e s cr eech ed , h is v oi ce r ip pi ng u p t o o perati c l ev el s. H is

h an ds d ar te d t o h is g roi n a nd h e c ru mp le d o ff o f h er , o nt o h is s id e, h is b re at h w ho op in g f ro m h is m ou th .

S he s ta gg er ed t o h er f ee t a nd t ri ed t o r un , c lu tc hi ng a t h er t or n c lo th es , l im pi ng t ow ar d t he d oo r.

" Yo u . .. bl ood y . .. bi tc h, ” C al id or e w he ez ed . He r ea ch ed ou t a nd gr ab be d h er a nk le a s s he m ov ed p as t

h im . I sb aenn a u tt er ed a f ri gh tened cry and f el l h ar d again st t he f lo or . S he k icked at C al id or e, d ri vi ng h er

h eel i nt o h is f ace.

" Tu rn m e l oo se !” s he s ho ut ed a s h e y an ke d h er t ow ar d h im , h is h an ds g ra sp in g a t h er s ki rt s. S he

s tr ug gl ed , k icki ng at h im , b ut h e m an ag ed t o h oo k h is f in gers i nt o t he b on in g o f h er p an ni er and h au l h er

back. He crawled atop her, his teeth gritted, his face twisted in a terrifying, crazed sneer. Isbaenna

punched him, trying to drive her fists into his face, but he caught her by the wrists. She screamed, arching

h er b ac k a nd bu ck ing h er h ip s a s he w ri ggl ed f ur the r a to p h er , f or ci ng h er a rm s t o t he f lo or , p in ni ng t he m

again st t he g ro un d. “Get o ff o f m e! ” s he s cr eamed.

" Not u nt il I h av e c la im ed w ha t i s m in e, ” h e h is se d. “ I h av e w ai te d y ea rs f or t hi s— an d I b loo dy d am n

m ea n t o h av e i t. "

I sba en na c aug ht a bl ur o f m ove me nt out of t he c or ne r o f he r e ye , a nd s he l ooke d up i n t im e t o s ee t he

s tatu e o f I as al f al l f ro m i ts p ed es tal. T he l if e- si zed m ar bl e f ig ur e t op pl ed f or ward , crash in g d ow n t ow ar d

t hem. C al id or e h eard t he g ro an in g s ou nd o f s to ne s cr ap in g, s li di ng , and h e g lanced o ver h is s ho ul der, h is

eyes flying wide.

" Wh at t he —? ” h e b eg an a nd t he n t he s ta tu e p lo we d i nt o t he s id e o f h is h ea d. I sb ae nn a s hr ie ke d,

h un ch in g h er s ho ul ders and j er ki ng h er f ace t o t he s id e as s om et hi ng h ot and w et s pl as hed again st h er :

C al id or e' s b lo od and h is b rain s. S he f el t a s ud den, cru sh in g, t remend ou s w ei gh t again st t hem and

C al id or e u tt er ed a s tr an gl ed , b ir dl ik e c ry . T he c ry d is so lv ed i n t he a g ur gl e a nd t he n f ad ed a lt og et he r. H e

collapsed against her, his hand loosening against her wrists.

Isbaenna kept her eyes tightly closed, and she lay still beneath him, trembling, whimpering, her frightened

breath shuddering from her chest. She could feel Calidore's blood seeping from him, pooling against her







again st h er h an d, t ears s pi ll in g f ro m h is eyes. “Oh , t hey . .. t hey h ur t y ou ."

" I a m a lr igh t, ” h e s ai d. “ Ho w di d yo u f in d m e? H ow d id y ou ge t a wa y? "

" Ca li dor e I ne ad an c am e, ” s he s ai d. “ He . .. h e w as d ru nk . .. m ad, a nd h e . .. h e t ri ed t o r ape m e. "

T aemi r d rew h er n ear, h ol di ng h er f iercel y. “Th at b as tard r ot ,” h e w hi sp er ed .

" I f ou gh t h im ,” I sb aenn a s ai d, h ud dl in g again st h is s ho ul der. “I w as i n m y f at her' s cry pt and t he s tatu e,

D add y' s s ta tue , i t .. . i t f el l a nd s om eho w .. . c rus he d hi m.” S he l oo ke d up a t h im. “ We h ave t o c he ck t he

o th er c ry pt s. I f ou nd R hy de n' s c lo th es —h e m us t h av e b ee n h er e, T ae mi r! W e h av e t o s ee i f E is ea n i s,

t oo , a nd E ab hi ro s, a nd t he o th er s! "

" Ei sean and E ab hi ro s are n ot ,” T aemi r s ai d, and I sb aenn a b li nk ed at h im , b ew il dered. “Ll eu wy n and h is

s ol di er s . .. b loo dy b as ta rd s . .. T he y k ep t a sk in g m e a bo ut t he m. W he re t he y w er e . .. w he re w e ha d

h idd en t he m. T he y d id n ot f in d t he m i n t he t unn el s. T he y a re a li ve a nd t he y a re o ut t he re s om ew he re .

They escaped somehow."

"And Rhyden...?” she whispered.

" Th ey t oo k h im ,” T aemi r s ai d. “Th ey t oo k h im away, t o t he S am hr ad h b al l. "

"What? Why?” Isbaenna asked, baffled.

" I do not know, ” he s ai d w it h a f rown. “ Ll euwyn br oke my bl oody f inge rs to ge t Rhyde n t o a gr ee t o i t,

wha te ve r he ha s i n mi nd. He ma de Rhyde n s we ar t o go wi th hi m t o t he ba ll , t o do wha te ve r he i s t ol d. I

t hi nk L leuw yn h ad n o o th er cho ice. K ierk en m us t h av e n ot iced R hy den' s abs en ce b y n ow , g ro wn

suspicious of it."

" We h av e t o g et o ut o f h er e, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d. “ If E is ea n i s a li ve . .. i f h e a nd E ab hi ro s a re a li ve , s ur el y t he y

know we have be en ta ke n. The y wi ll go t o the ba ll and t ry to f ind us, fi nd Ll euwyn. The re yet ma y be

t im e t o f in d t hem and s av e K ierk en ."

" Wh at a bo ut G ra el le a nd t he Q ue en ?” T ae mi r a sk ed . “ Yo u a re r ig ht —w e h av e t o s ea rc h t he o th er

cry pt s f ir st . W e m ay n ev er g et i nt o t he p al ace i n t im e w it ho ut Q yn h and G rael le t o exp lain m at ters ."

" We w il l n ee d t o h ur ry ,” I sba en na s ai d. “ Su re ly t he b al l h as a lr ea dy be gu n. W e h av e r un o ut o f t im e. "

CHAPTER TWENTY

" Ho w d o y ou f ar e?” E is ean ask ed E ab hi ro s s of tl y, l if ti ng h is chi n and s peak in g n earl y again st h is f ri en d' s

e ar . T he t wo w al ke d p re ss ed t og et he r, w it h E ab hi ro s’ a rm a cr os s E is ea n' s s ho ul de rs a s h e l et E is ea n

lead him.

" I . .. I a m a lr ig ht ,” E ab hi ro s w hi sp er ed , h is b ro ws d ra wn a s h e n od de d h is h ea d. H is p al or w as a sh en ,

h is j aw s et a t a d et er mi ne d a ng le , a s h e s tr ug gl ed t o m ee t E is ea n' s p ac e. H e w al ke d w it h h is r ig ht a rm

d raped again st h is m id ri ff , and l eaned h eavi ly again st t he y ou ng er m an . E is ean k ep t h is arm w rapp ed

firmly about Eabhiros’ middle to support him upright.





E is ea n l oo ke d u p a t E ab hi ro s, h is e ye s r ou nd w it h c on ce rn . H is f ac e w as n ea rl y o bs cu re d b y a b ri gh t

g reen s il k m as k. T hey h ad car ri ed t heir cos tu mes w it h t hem t hr ou gh t he t un nels b en eath t he cit y, chang in g

i nt o t he g au dy v es tm en ts o nce t hey h ad r each ed t he r el at iv e s af et y o f t he p al ace' s v acan t l au nd er in g

chamb er . T hey h ad l os t p reci ou s t im e i n t heir r et ur n f ro m t he cat acom bs b en eath t he C ro wn T heat re,

m ak in g f ar s lo we r p ro gr es s t ha n o n t he ir f ir st p as sa ge t hr ou gh t he s ew er s. T he y h ad t o k ee p d uc ki ng i nt o

d rain pi pes o r alcov es alo ng t he w ay , h id in g f ro m p as si ng p at ro ls o f a'P ob ai l s ol di er s. T heir p ace h ad

been further hampered by the simple frailties of their own forms; they had both been exhausted andh ur ti ng b ef or e t he y h ad e mb ar ke d o nc e m or e f ro m t he t he at re , a nd b y t he t im e t he y h ad r ea ch ed t he

chimney shaft leading up into the laundry room, Eisean had been practically carrying Eabhiros slung

across his shoulders.

T hey n ow m ad e t heir w ay f ro m t he l au nd er in g chamb er u ps tair s t o t he m ai n f lo or , w here t he g uest s

g at hered i n d ro ves; t hi s l ow er l ev el r em ai ned r el at iv el y v acan t. J us t as t hey r ou nd ed a cor ner, n eari ng t he

s ta ir we ll t o t he u pp er l ev el , t he y p lo we d n ea rl y h ea dl on g i nt o a m an a s h e s tr od e b ri sk ly t ow ar d t he m.

" Ho ah —! ” E is ean y el ped, s tu mb li ng s id ew ay s as h e s mack ed i nt o t he m an . E ab hi ro s s ucked i n a h ur ti ng

g as p t hr ou gh h is t eeth and s tagg er ed again st t he w al l, h is h at s pi ll in g f ro m h is h ead.

" Watch w here y ou are g oi ng , y ou b lo od y r ot ,” t he m an s napp ed , r eclaim in g h is f oo ti ng aft er a clu ms y,

m om en tary s tu mb le. H e w as d ress ed i n cos tu me, w it h h at and m as k, b ut h is i rr it at io n w as s ti ll app ar en t i n

t he s harp t on e o f h is v oi ce. H e r each ed o ut , p lant in g h is h an d again st E is ean' s s ho ul der, g iv in g h im a

s hove o ut of t he w ay f or g ood m ea sur e.

" Get y ou r h an d o ff —” E is ean s ai d, and t hen h e y el ped again as h e s tu mb led asi de, f al li ng g raceless ly

o nt o h is r um p. H e b al le d h is h an ds i nt o f is ts a s t he m an w al ke d a wa y. “ Bl oo dy b as ta rd ,” h e m ut te re d,

s tart in g t o r is e.

" Le t h im g o, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, g ra bb in g h is a rm t o s ta y h im . “ Ju st l et i t g o. W e h ave t o g et u ps ta ir s. "

T he m an p aus ed i n m id st ri de , t ur ni ng t o l oo k a t t he m. “ Wh at d id yo u s ay? "

" Oh , S we et M ot he r, ” E ab hi ro s h is se d, a s t he m an w al ke d b ac k t ow ar d t he m.

" I c al le d y ou a b as ta rd r ot ,” E is ea n s ai d, l im pi ng t o h is f ee t. H e s te pp ed d el ib er at el y i nt o t he m an 's p at h,

his brows furrowed.

" No t y ou ,” t he m an s ai d, l oo ki ng t ow ar d E ab hi ro s. “ Yo u. I k no w y ou r v oi ce . I k no w y ou ."

" I t hi nk y ou a re m is ta ke n, s ir ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d. H e c au gh t E is ea n b y t he e lb ow a nd t ri ed t o f or ci bl y d ra w

t he y ou ng er m an ba ck . “ An d I b eg y ou r p ar do n f or m y f ri en d, s ir . T oo m uc h b ri ma gu e up st ai rs , y ou

know . I t c an m ake a ma n t oo c lum sy a nd bol d f or hi s own go od. "

" I k no w y ou r v oi ce ,” t he m an s ai d t o E ab hi ro s a ga in . H e r ea ch ed o ut a nd c au gh t E is ea n s ma rt ly b y t he

cravat, j er ki ng h im f or ward and cat ch in g h im b y s ur pr is e. E is ean y el ped as t he m an t os sed h im s id ew ay s,

sending him slamming against the wall and crumpling to the floor, dazed.

" I k no w y ou r v oi ce , y ou r ot te d b as ta rd ,” t he m an s ai d, s ta lk in g t ow ar d E ab hi ro s. H e c as t a si de h is h at

a nd r ea ch ed f or t he t ie s of hi s m as k t o l oos en t he m. “ Yo u br ok e m y nos e. Yo u b us te d m y bl oo dy t ee th ."

E ab hi ro s b acked w ar il y f ro m h im , b ew il dered and alarm ed . “I d o n ot k no w w hat y ou are t al ki ng abo ut ,”

h e s ai d car ef ul ly . “I t hi nk y ou are m is taken, s ir ."







E ab hi ro s b li nk ed , equ al ly s ur pr is ed , and w hen h e l oo ked d ow n, h e r eali zed h e h ad i nadv er tant ly p ress ed

T re ss ac h' s h an d t ow ar d h is o wn g ut ; w he n h e h ad s tr ad dl ed t he m an , h is w ei gh t h ad s ho ve d t he d ag ge r

d ee p i nt o t he m ea t T re ss ac h' s b el ly . A lr ea dy a d ar k s ta in o f b lo od h ad f or me d; E ab hi ro s b li nk ed a t i t i n

m or bi d agh as t . “Ho ah , S weet M ot her. .. !” h e g as ped, s cu tt li ng o ff o f T ress ach.

T ress ach' s h an d f el l away f ro m t he k ni fe, l eavi ng i t p ro tr ud in g f ro m h is m id dl e. H e g as ped s of tl y,

m oani ng , k icki ng h is f eet f eebl y again st t he f lo or . “Yo u . .. y ou b as tard ,” h e w hi mp er ed . H is h an d f lu tt er edt ow ar d h is f ace, n ot h is g ut , and h is f in gert ip s p ro dd ed l ig ht ly again st h is i nj ur ed m ou th . “My t eeth .. .! ” h e

ga sp ed. “ My . .. m y ne w da mn t ee th , y ou . .. y ou r ot ... !"

" Eabh ir os , com e o n, ” E is ean s ai d, g rabb in g E ab hi ro s b y t he arm and t ug gi ng at h im . “Mo th er A bo ve, g et

up —c ome o n. W e ha ve t o g et o ut o f h er e! "

" Ei se an , h e i s h ur t, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, s tr ic ke n, a s E is ea n f or ce d h im t o h is f ee t.

T he b lo od st ai n o n T ress ach' s s hi rt w as s pr eadi ng i n g ri m cir cu mf er en ce. E ven s ti ll , T ress ach s eemed

oblivious; he covered his mouth with his hands, moaning. “My teeth...!"

"Leave him!” Eisean hissed, jerking mightily against Eabhiros. “If he is here, then Lahnduren cannot be

f ar a wa y. Come on! We ha ve to f ind hi m! "

" I h av e t o s ee t he K ing ,” I sb ae nna s ai d t o t he r oya l g ua rds p os te d a t t he ma in g at es of t he p al ac e. I t w as

n earl y m id ni gh t; at t he t ol li ng o f t he cat hedr al b el l t ow er s, a t remend ou s f ir ew or ks d is pl ay w as s ch ed ul ed

to begin. Shortly before this, Kierken planned the official announcement of his honorary appointment for

R hy de n. K ie rk en h ad n ot b ee n m ur de re d y et ; t ha t m uc h w as a pp ar en t b y t he f es ti ve m oo d o f t he

cro wd s. I sb aenn a h ad r eali zed L leuw yn l ik el y p lann ed h is m ov e f or t he m om en t o f K ierk en 's m os t

apparent vulnerability—when he stood alone and exposed on the ballroom floor, offering Rhyden the

commendating recognition.

" Pl ease,” I sb aenn a s ai d. “I am I sb aenn a G ab hl an , h is m aj es ty 's amb as sado r t o T ir ur nu a. H e i s i n t er ri bl e

d an ge r! P le as e, K ie rk en i s g oi ng t o b e m ur de re d! Y ou m us t l et u s p as s! "

" Do y ou h av e an i nv it at io n?” ano th er g uard ask ed .

" Do w e l oo k l ik e w e are car ry in g b lo od y d am n i nv it at io ns ?” T aemi r s ho ut ed , ang ri ly , h is b ro ws d rawn .

H e c ar ri ed t he Q ue en i n h is a rm s, w it h G ra el le s hi ed b eh in d h im . “ Le t u s p as s, d am n y ou ! L ah nd ur en i s i n

t here s om ew here! H e and L leuw yn P ei ld raig h are g oi ng t o m ur der t he K in g! "

H is l ou d v oi ce , h is s ha rp w or ds d re w t he m er ry ma ke rs a ro un d h im s il en t. P eo pl e b eg an t o b li nk a t t he m,

noticing them in full, hearing Taemir's words—the mention of Lahnduren. They murmured together, their

faces growing frightened, their soft voices confused.

" Ha ve y ou b ee n r ob be d? ” a s ol di er a sk ed t he m f ro m t he o th er s id e o f t he g at e, s tr id in g t ow ar d t he m. H e

s tu di ed t he ir b ea te n v is ag es , t he ir t or n a nd t at te re d c lo th es , a nd f ro wn ed a t o ne o f h is f el lo ws . “ Ca ll f or

t he c on st ab le . S um mo n C om ma nd er C at ha oi r— at o nc e. W ha t i s t he m at te r w it h t he l ot o f y ou ? C an y ou

n ot s ee t he se p eo pl e a re i nj ur ed ?"

" Th er e i s n o t im e f or t ha t! ” I sb ae nn a c ri ed , f ra nt ic al ly s ho vi ng h er w ay p as t t he s en tr ie s a t t he g at e a nd

g ra sp in g h ol d o f t he i ro n b ar s. S he s ta re d, p le ad in g a t t he a pp ro ac hi ng s ol di er , a s h e s ee me d t he o nl y o ne

amo ng t he g uard s cap ab le o f r at io nal t ho ug ht . “Pl ease, w e are t el li ng t he t ru th ! L ah nd ur en i s h er e— he i s

already inside! He is going to kill Kierken at midnight! Lleuwyn Peildraigh has planned it all!"





T he g ua rd r em ov ed a h ea vy k ey ri ng f ro m h is b el t a nd m ov ed t o u nl oc k t he g at e. “ St an d a si de , m y l ad y, ”

he t ol d he r. “ Who di d t hi s t o your f ac e? "

" It d oes n ot m at ter, ” I sb aenn a s ai d, s tu mb li ng b ackw ar ds , w at ch in g h im o pen t he g at e. “Pl ease, w e h av e

t he Q ue en , a nd w e . .. we m us t— "

A t t hi s, t he y ou ng s ol di er 's h ea d j er ke d t ow ar d h er , h is e ye s f lo wn w id e. H e s ta re d a t T ae mi r, r ea li zi ng

f or t he f ir st t im e t ha t h e i nd ee d b or e t he Q ue en a ga in st h is c he st , d ra pe d i n h is a rm s. H is b ro ws d re w

n ar ro w as h is g aze s et tl ed o n I sb aenn a o nce m or e, and h er b reat h d rew s ti ll i n h or ri fi ed r eali zati on .

" No, w e d id n ot t ak e h er ,” s he w hi sp er ed .

" St an d f as t w he re y ou a re ,” t he g ua rd t ol d h er , d ra wi ng h is s wo rd .

" No .. .” I s baenn a s aid , s t ag ger in g b ack, s haki ng h er h ead. “N o, n o— we r escued Q yn h. W e f ou nd h er !"

" Yo u b lo od y d am n i di ot s! ” T ae mi r c ri ed . “ We d id n ot t ak e h er ! W e s av ed h er !"

" Th e l ot o f y ou ,” t he s ol di er s na pp ed , a nd n ow t he o th er g ua rd s d re w t he ir s wo rd s, m ov in g a bo ut t he m,

s ur ro un di ng t hem. “St an d f as t w here y ou are! Y ou are u nd er arr es t! "

A f ri gh tened m ur mu r r ip pl ed t hr ou gh t he cro wd at t hi s; as m or e s ol di er s r us hed f or ward , charg in g

t hr ou gh t he g at es f ro m t he p al ace g ro un ds w it h s wo rd s b rand is hed at t he r eady , s of t, s hr il l cri es

resounded throughout the throng.

"Taemir, Graelle—run!” Isbaenna yelled, darting through the gate. She felt soldiers grabbing at her,

g ra sp in g a t h er h ai r, h er c lo th es , b ut s he d uc ke d a ro un d t he ir h an ds , b ol ti ng f or t he p al ac e. S he s pa re d ag la nc e o ve r h er s ho ul de r t o s ee i f t he o th er s f ol lo we d, a nd p lo we d h ea dl on g i nt o a s ol di er w ho s te pp ed

i nt o h er p at h. S he h it h im h ar d e no ug h t o w ho of t he b re at h f ro m h er l un gs , a nd s he f lo un de re d

backwards, spilling onto her rump. She stared up at the guard and tears sprang to her eyes. “No...” she

m oa ne d a s h e r ea ch ed f or he r, c lo si ng hi s br oa d f is t a bo ut t he c ro ok of he r e lb ow .

" Lady I sb aenn a G ab hl an ,” E am on C at haoi r, C om mand er o f t he R oy al C on st ab ul at or y s ai d t o h er , h is

brows drawn, his mouth set in a disagreeable line as he yanked her to her feet. “Why am I not in the least

s ur pr is ed t o s ee yo u i n t he m ids t of s uc h a r uc kus ?"

H e g lanced u p as o th er s ol di er s app ro ached, d ragg in g T aemi r and G rael le i n s tr ug gl in g, s qu ir mi ng t ow .“ Ta em ir F ab hc un . H er e i s a no th er I m ig ht h av e e xp ec te d. T ak e t he d am n l ot o f t he m t o G ao l a nd h ol d

t he m u nt il I s pe ak w it h K ie rk en .” H e m et I sb ae nn a' s e ye s a nd h is b ro ws f ur ro we d a ll t he m or e d ee pl y.

“They have kidnapped our Queen."

" Wh er e i s T ress ach?” L ah nd ur en h is sed at L leuw yn , app eari ng abr up tl y f ro m amo ng t he cro wd i n t he

palace's grand ballroom and standing directly before the Easpag'Ard. Kaevir jerked, alarmed by the sight

o f h im at s o clo se a p ro xi mi ty , and at h is s tart , t he w in d s to ked o ut si de, g us ti ng s ud denl y, s wi ft ly again st

t he w in do ws , r at tl in g t he g lass . A t t he s ou nd , b ar el y p er cept ib le o ver t he d in o f t he f es ti vi ti es , K aevi r

c lo se d h is e ye s, h is b ro ws dr aw n, a s he w il le d t he w in d t o f al l s ti ll .

N o t yet , he thought. Not yet, damn it, not yet...

L ah nd ur en w or e a s pl en di d s il k coat, o pen and l oo sely f lo wi ng i n b il lo wi ng f ol ds t hat d is gu is ed t he





h un ch ed s hape o f h is s pi ne. T he r uf fl ed cuf fs o f h is b lo us e s leev es h un g t o b el ow h is f in gert ip s, t o h el p

hi de the fa ct t ha t he ha d onl y one ha nd. He wor e a wi g, a long t umbl e of gl os sy, e bony c ur ls . Hi s ma sk

k ep t h is e nt ir e f ac e a nd n ec k f ro m v ie w b en ea th a g la ze d, c on to ur ed p la te o f u na do rn ed w hi te p or ce la in .

R hy den g as ped t o r ecog ni ze L ah nd ur en 's v oi ce f lo at in g f or th f ro m b en eath t he p al e, f eatu reless m as k,

a nd h e dr ew b ac k a s we ll , h is e ye s f lo wn w id e i n s ta rt . L le uw yn c lo se d hi s ha nd f ir ml y a ga in st R hyd en' s

s leev e, h ol di ng h im f as t i n p lace w hi le h e award ed a b ro ad s mi le t o L ah nd ur en .

" I b eg y ou r p ar do n, m y l or d?” L leuw yn ask ed q ui et ly .

" Do n ot p la y c oy w it h m e, y ou p at he ti c r ot b as ta rd ,” L ah nd ur en s ai d. “ Wh er e i s T re ss ac h? H e w en t t o

f in d y ou u po n o ur a rr iv al a nd t ha t w as m or e t ha n a n h ou r a go ."

" Ha s i t e ve r o cc ur re d t o y ou , m y l or d, t ha t h e m ay s im pl y b e w ea ry o f y ou r c om pa ny ?” L le uw yn a sk ed .

“ He w il l m ak e h im se lf k no wn t o y ou w he n h e i s r ea dy a nd n o m om en t s oo ne r. N ow g et a wa y f ro m m e,

y ou b lo od y d am n i di ot , l es t y ou s ee i t all r ui ned. "

W hi le t hey s po ke, K aevi r t oo k adv an tage o f t he m om en t. H e ang led h is b od y, s tepp in g n on ch al an tl y

t ow ar d L ah nd ur en , d ip pi ng h is h an d i nt o h is p ocket and cradl in g t he S to ne again st h is f in gers . T hi s w as

part of Lleuwyn's plan; the Easpag'Ard had discussed it with him at great length that afternoon, and again

a lo ng t he ir c oa ch r id e t o t he p al ac e.

" If n eed b e, cal l t he S to ne f or th b ef or e L ah nd ur en ,” L leuw yn h ad i ns tr ucted. “Sl ip i t i nt o h is p ocket. Y ou

a re u nf am il ia r t o hi m. Y ou c an dr aw n ea r e no ug h w it ho ut n ot ic e. P ut i t i n hi s p oc ke t a nd w he n yo u

summon the winds, call it forth. They will think Lahnduren bears it—that Lahnduren commands it."

K aevi r m ov ed s wi ft ly , y ears o f p icki ng p ockets s er vi ng h im w el l. H e s li d h is h an d f ro m h is p ocket and

brushed against Lahnduren's coat as the Elf leaned forward to hiss at Lleuwyn. Kaevir unfurled his fingersas t hey f lu tt er ed again st t he edg e o f L ah nd ur en 's p ocket ; t he S to ne d ro pp ed i ns id e, q ui et and u nn ot iced.

" An d w ho i s t hi s l it tl e l am b?” L ah nd ur en ask ed , s pari ng K aevi r a g lance. “A n ew t oy f or y ou , L leuw yn ?

I h av e a lw ay s s ai d y ou h ad n ei th er t he l oi ns n or l ib id o t o p ur su e t he f ai re r s ex w it h a ny m ea su re o f

aptitude—"

" Th is i s m y n ep hew, m y l or d, ” L leuw yn s ai d, h is b ro ws p in ch in g. H e r each ed o ut , l ay in g h is h an d again st

L ah nd ur en 's s ho ul der, s tepp in g p ro tect iv el y b et ween t he E lf and K aevi r. “Th at i s all y ou n eed k no w.

Now get hence."

L ah nd ur en t ur ned h is m as k, h is g aze s et tl in g o n R hy den, creep in g alo ng t he y ou ng E lf 's f or m f or a l on g

m om en t. R hy de n s ta re d ba ck a t hi m e ve nl y, h is m ou th t ur ne d a t a gr im , a ng ry a ng le . “ I w il l s ee y ou s oon ,

l it tl e m ou se,” L ah nd ur en p ur red, t ur ni ng abo ut and h ob bl in g o nce m or e i nt o t he cro wd .

W he n h e w as go ne , L le uw yn g la nc ed a t K ae vi r, a rc hi ng hi s b row , t he c or ne r o f hi s m ou th ho ok in g i n a

s mi le. “Di d y ou d o i t?"

K aevi r n od ded, and L leuw yn 's s mi le b ro ad en ed . “Sp lend id , K aevi r, ” h e s ai d. “Al l i s r eady t hen. Y ou

have done perfectly."

" Begg in g y ou r p ar do n, Y ou r G race, m y l or ds ,” s ai d a v oi ce f ro m b eh in d h im , and L leuw yn t ur ned t o f in d

a p ai r o f r oy al s ol di er s b ef or e h im .





" It i s t im e, Y ou r G ra ce , m y L or d F ab hc un ,” o ne o f t he y ou ng gu ar ds s ai d, l ow er in g h is h ea d i n r es pe ct fu l

d ef er en ce. “It i t t en m in ut es u nt il m id ni gh t, and H is M aj es ty i s p repared f or t he p resent at io n. "

" Do es t he h ou r d ra w n ea r s o s oo n? ” L le uw yn a sk ed , r ai si ng h is b ro ws a nd s mi li ng a t t he s ol di er s. H e

t ur ne d t ow ar d R hy de n a nd f ou nd t he y ou ng E lf n ow he re n ea r a s e nt hu se d. “ Wh er ev er d oe s t he t im e g o

du ri ng s uc h s pl end id a ff ai rs ?” H e dr op pe d Ka evi r a w ink , a s i f t o s ay , he re w e g o, a nd t he n t ur ne d t o

Rhyden. “Shall we then, Lord Fabhcun?"

" Ha ve I a ny c ho ic e? ” R hy de n a sk ed , d ry ly , h is b ro ws d ra wn .

L leuw yn l au gh ed , clapp in g R hy den o n t he s ho ul der, s teer in g h im i nt o s tep b eh in d t he g uard s as t hey

c ro ss ed t he b al lr oo m t og et he r. “ No , m y l or d, ” h e s ai d. “ As a m at te r o f f ac t, y ou d o n ot ."

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

" Oy ez ! O ye z! ” c ri ed o ut o ne o f t he y oun g h er al ds , h is h ig h v oi ce r es ou nd in g o ve r t he q ui et ed c ro wd a s

R hy den and L leuw yn app ro ached t he cen ter o f t he b al lr oo m. “My l or ds and l ad ies— Hi s M aj es ty , L or d

and L iege o f T ir al ai nn , K ierk en M ai lp , n in et eent h s on o f S heai n, t hi rd s on o f T aemas, o f t he

Donnag'crann Gaeilge."

T hu nd er ou s app laus e r oared t hr ou gh t he b al lr oo m as K ierk en s tepp ed f or war d. H e o ff er ed h is h an ds

h um bl y t o h is g uest s, l ow er in g h is h ead i n col lect iv e, r es pect fu l d ef er en ce t o t hem. W hi le t he d in w ou ld

cov er h is v oi ce, R hy den t ur ned t o L leuw yn , clo si ng h is h an ds i nt o f is ts . “I w il l s to p y ou ,” h e s ai d.

" So y ou k ee p s ay in g. ” L le uw yn g la nc ed a t h im , h is b ro w a rc he d. “ An d y et h er e y ou s ta nd , i dl e f or

Taemir's sake."

" I wi ll no t l et you h ur t m y br ot he r or m y Ki ng. "

T he cor ner o f L leuw yn 's m ou th h oo ked. “Yo u cou ld as eas il y p revent t he t id e, m y l or d. "

K ierk en s tr od e t ow ar d t hem, o peni ng h is arm s. “Rh yd en ,” h e s ai d, emb raci ng t he y ou ng er E lf . R hy den

t ur ned h is f ace, d rawi ng b reat h t o w ar n K ierk en , b ut t he K in g p ul led away t oo s wi ft ly , t ur ni ng and

offering his hand to Lleuwyn. “Mo'Easpag'Ard—such occasion would seem incomplete without you by

my side, mo'cara."

" I a m p le as ed y ou w oul d s ee m e a pa rt o f i t, s ir e, ” Ll eu wyn s ai d, c la sp in g h is h and w ar ml y a ga in st

K ie rk en 's w ri st . I n a l ow er v oi ce , a g ri mm er t one , h e s ai d, “ Al l i s i n p la ce . W e w il l s ee i t t hr ou gh . D o n ot

worry."

R hy den l oo ked o ut amo ng t he cro wd and f ou nd L ah nd ur en s tand in g alm os t d ir ectl y i n f ro nt o f h im , n o

m or e t ha n t en b ro ad s tr id es a cr os s t he b al lr oo m f lo or . L ah nd ur en s to od a mo ng t he g ue st s w it h t wo

a'P ob ai l s ol di er s b ef or e h im , f acin g h im —t wo g uard s R hy den k new w ou ld l et h im p as s t o m ak e h is m ov e

again st t he K in g. R hy den s tared at t he f lawl es s, g lo ss y p late o f w hi te m as ki ng L ah nd ur en 's f ace f ro m

v iew, h is f or m f ro m r ecog ni ti on , and h e f el t h is ang er s to ki ng all t he m or e, h is f ear d is so lv in g i nt o f ur io us ,

dogged resolve.

I w il l not l et y ou, y ou bas tar ds ,he thought, looking from Lahnduren to Lleuwyn, watching in disgust as

t he E as pa g' Ar d l ea ne d f or wa rd , f ol di ng a t t he w ai st t o b ow b ef or e t he K in g h e w ou ld s ee m ur de re d. I





w il l s to p y ou b ot h. Thi s wi ll n ot hap pe n. B y m y br eat h, i t wi ll n ot c ome t o p as s.

H e f ou nd K ae vi r j us t b ey on d L ah nd ur en i n t he c ro wd , a nd w at ch ed t he y ou ng m an p ur po se ly m ov e t o

s ta nd b ehi nd t he E lf . H e d id n ot k no w f or c er ta in w ha t L le uw yn' s p la ns w er e f or K ae vi r t ha t n ig ht ; h e h ad

cau gh t o nl y m ur mu red and eni gm at ic f ragm en ts o f con vers at io n b et ween t hem i n t he car ri ag e, b ut i t h ad

been enough to understand that Lleuwyn intended Kaevir to wield the Stone's power if need be and to

m ak e i t s eem t hat L ah nd ur en cal led f or th t he w in ds .

I do not want to hurt you, Kaevir,R hyd en t ho ugh t. K ae vi r w as a s m uc h a v ic ti m i n t hi s a s Qy nh o r

K ierk en ; h is p oo r h eart h ad b een b ro ken and m an ip ul at ed , h is m in d s tr icken w it h u nd ue g ri ef and cru el ly

deceived in this vulnerable state. I do not want to hurt you, but I will if I have to. I cannot let this

happen. Not while I draw breath to prevent it ... to prevent you, Kaevir.

K ierk en s mi led, clapp in g h is h an d again st R hy den' s s ho ul der and d rawi ng h is g aze. “Ar e y ou r eady f or

t hi s , m o' cara?” h e ask ed s of tl y.

Rhyden cut his eyes briefly toward Lleuwyn, meeting his gaze. I will stop you, you rot bastard, hethought. I must.

" Ye s, m y Lo rd ,” h e s ai d t o K ie rk en, t ur ni ng a nd s mi li ng a t hi s f ri en d, h is K ing . “ I b el ie ve t ha t I a m. "

K ae vi r s ho ul de re d hi s w ay t hr ou gh t he c ro wd , s af e i n t he a no ny mi ty o f h is m as k a s h e m ove d b eh in d

L ah nd ur en . I f s om et hi ng w en t w ro ng , i f h e h ad t o c al l f or th t he w in ds , h e n ee de d t o b e n ea r t o

L ah nd ur en ; i t h ad t o l oo k as t ho ug h L ah nd ur en s um mo ned t hem.

" It i s t he onl y w ay t o ke ep you s afe ,” Ll euwyn ha d whi spe red t o hi m i n the c oa ch. “ No one mus t know

yo u p os se ss t he S tone . N o one mu st k now yo u a re c hos en f or i t unt il t he Ki ng i s d ea d, a nd t hi s be hi nd

u s. D o w ha t y ou m us t— bu t on ly i f y ou m us t— an d m ak e i t s ee m a s t ho ug h i t c om es a t L ahn du re n' s bidding."

S om eo ne j os tl ed r ou gh ly i nt o h im i n t he t hr on g, k no ck in g h is t ri co rn e f ro m h is h ead. T he h at f el l amo ng a

t an gl e o f l eg s and h oo p s ki rt s p ress ed t og et her and K aevi r s to op ed , h oo ki ng i t w it h h is f in gert ip s.

Someone bumped into him roughly again, sending him stumbling forward, nearly face-first into the bustled

r um p o f a n ob le wo ma n' s b ro ad p an ni er . H e f ro wn ed , s na tc hi ng h is h at a nd l oo ki ng f or t he o ff en de r a s h e

s to od o nc e m or e, c at ch in g s ig ht o f a p ai r o f d ru nk l or ds s ta gg er in g p as t h im , t he ir b ac ks t o h im a s t he y

passed. They wore ridiculous ensembles; one in green and the other in bright yellow. The one in yellow

w as t al le r, a nd c le ar ly t he m or e i ne br ia te d o f t he p ai r; he s tu mbl ed a lo ng w it h hi s a rm s lu ng o ve r hi s

fellow's shoulder, leaning heavily against him, too drunk apparently to bear his own weight.

" Bl oo dy y ob s, ” K aevi r m ut tered, s lapp in g h is h at o n h is h ead. H e m ov ed o nce m or e, s ho vi ng r ou gh ly

a ga in st t he s ho rt er n ob le ma n' s b ac k w it h h is e lb ow a s h e w en t a ro un d t he m. H e h ad s ee n L ah nd ur en i n

t he c ro wd, a nd ne ede d t o a ct s wi ft ly l es t t he El f de ci de t o m ove .

" Ho ah —! ” h e h ea rd t he y ou ng l or d s ay , b ut b y t he t im e h e w hi pp ed h is h ea d a bo ut t ow ar d K ae vi r,

K ae vi r h ad m ov ed p as t h im t hr ou gh t he c ro wd .

" Bu gg er o ff ,” K aevi r w hi sp er ed , h is b ro ws d rawn , h is h an ds cur led i nt o f is ts . H e s ho ul dered h is w ay

past more guests until he came to stand immediately behind Lahnduren. He heard the trilling of trumpets

and l oo ked b ey on d L ah nd ur en 's s ho ul der, w at ch in g L leuw yn and R hy den s tand w it h t he K in g i n an o pen

s pa ce o n t he b al lr oo m f lo or . A 'P ob ai l s ol di er s s to od b et we en L ah nd ur en a nd t hi s a re a, b ut K ae vi r w as

u ncon cern ed , as u nd ou bt ed ly L ah nd ur en w as . T he s ol di er s ans wered o nl y t o L leuw yn , and t he





E as pag' Ar d h ad ens ur ed t hey w ou ld all ow L ah nd ur en p as t t hem.

" Oy ez ! O ye z! ” c al le d o ut a r oy al h er al d, d ra wi ng t he c ro wd t o s il en ce .

" Wh er e i s L ah nd ur en ?” E is ea n w hi sp er ed t o E ab hi ro s. T he y h ad m ov ed t o t he f ro nt o f t he c ro wd ; o nl y a

pair of a'Pobail soldiers stood between them and the open space where the King stood with Rhyden and

Lleuwyn. Eisean was frightened, tremulous with mounting panic. The moment was at hand; surely, at anym om en t n ow , L ah nd ur en w ou ld s tr ik e, w hi le K ierk en s to od exp os ed and v ul nerabl e o n t he b al lr oo m

f lo or . H e a nd E ab hi ro s s ti ll h ad n o i de a w ha t i n t he b lo od y d uc ha n t he y w er e d oi ng , w ha t t he y c ou ld d o

t o p re ve nt h im —o nl y t ha t t he y h ad n o c ho ic e b ut t o t ry .

" I d o n ot k no w, ” E ab hi ro s m ur mu re d. H e u ns lun g h is a rm f ro m E is ea n' s s ho ul de rs a nd s to od o n h is o wn ,

s tu dy in g t he v er it ab le s ea o f m as ks a nd c os tu me s. “ Bu t h e i s n ea r, I k no w i t. W e w il l k no w h im w he n h e

m ov es f or ward t o adv an ce again st t he K in g. "

A r oy al h er al d h ad s te pp ed f or wa rd , s ta nd in g b ef or e K ie rk en t o a dd re ss t he c ro wd . H e u nf ur le d a

l en gt h o f p ar ch me nt s cr ol l b et we en h is h an ds a nd b eg an t o r ea d a lo ud f ro m i t. I t w as a p oe m— on e o f T aemi r' s epi c accou nt s o f R hy den' s l if e and adv en tu res, a chr on icle i n elo qu en t p ro se o f t he S hado w

W ar s, and o f R hy den' s b ravery i n b at tl e, h is s el f- sacr if ice and d et er mi nati on . A s t he h er al d r ecit ed t he

v er se s a nd m ea su re s, E ab hi ro s w at ch ed R hy de n. R at he r t ha n b ol st er h im , t he w or ds s ee me d t o b ea r

h eavi ly u po n t he y ou ng G aeil ge; h e s eemed t o w it her b ef or e t hem, h is s ho ul ders s lu mp in g, h is g aze

t rave li ng t o t he f loor . Ea bhi ros c oul d not s ee hi s f ace in ful l be ca us e of t he ma sk, but he di d not ne ed t o i n

o rd er t o r eali ze R hy den' s d is may.

E is ean s cann ed t he cro wd , m ov in g h is eyes s lo wl y, f ro wn in g as h e t ri ed t o d is cern f aces b en eath m as ks

a nd w ig s. H e c au gh t s ig ht of a s us pi ci ou s f igu re t o h is l ef t a nd h is f ro wn de ep en ed . T he n ob le ma n w or e

an u nado rn ed m as k, a p late o f f eatu reless , w hi te p or celain t hat s eemed s om eh ow s in is ter i n i ts s im pl icit y,

i ts s to ic a nd e xp re ss io nl es s r eg ar d. A w ig f as hi on ed o f l on g, g lo ss y b la ck c ur ls f ra me d t he m as k, a nd a brightly colored costume, a long, flowing, and untailored coat, served to hide the man's frame.

" Do y ou s ee t he n ob le ma n i n t he p or ce la in m as k? ” h e s ai d. “ Be yo nd m y s ho ul de r— do y ou s ee ?” h e

whispered to Eabhiros.

" Th e bl ac k w ig ? Y es , I s ee h im ."

" I t hi nk i t i s L ah nd ur en ,” E is ean s ai d. “Th e coat w ou ld h id e h is cro ok ed s pi ne."

" Ke ep y ou r e ye o n h im , t he n, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “ If h e m ov es f or wa rd , d ra w y ou r b la de o n h im . I w il l g ett o t he K in g s om eh ow ."

T he h er al d' s v oi ce f el l q ui et , t he p oe m c om pl et ed . T he c ro wd b eg an t o a pp la ud , a nd K ie rk en p la ce d h is

h an d again st R hy den' s s ho ul der, d rawi ng h im i n s tep as h e m ov ed f or ward , w al ki ng clo ser t o t he t hr on g.

" My l or ds and l ad ies, f ri en ds and f el lo ws ,” h e s ai d, h is v oi ce car ry in g w it h p ract iced eas e acr os s t he

exp an se o f t he b al lr oo m, b ri ng in g t he app laus e t o r es pect fu l s il en ce o nce m or e. K ierk en l oo ked abo ut at

h is g uest s, h is m ou th u nf ol ded i n a s mi le. “It i s a j oy ou s o ccas io n w hi ch b ri ng s u s t og et her t hi s n ig ht , f or

w e h on or a nd c el eb ra te t he m et tl e a nd d ee ds d es cr ib ed i n t hi s p oe m— an d c ou nt le ss o th er s. A y ou ng

G ae il ge w ho h as a lw ay s a nd s el fl es sl y o ff er ed a ll t ha t i s h is o wn t o s er ve a nd h on or h is r ea lm , h is

peoples, and his Crown."

O ne o f t he h er al ds s te pp ed f or wa rd , b ea ri ng b et we en h is h an ds a g li tt er in g, g il de d s wo rd . I t w as a







E ab hi ro s l um be re d p as t h im t ow ar d t he K in g. K ie rk en h ad m an ag ed t o s ta gg er t o h is f ee t, a nd l im pe d

a bou t, h is pa lm pr es se d t o h is f or ehe ad a s t hou gh h e we re da ze d. Th er e w as bl oo d on hi s f ac e; t he g la ss

h ad s he ar ed o pe n h is c he ek a nd t em pl e, a nd h is e ye s w er e f lo wn w id e w it h s ho ck . I n t he c on fu si on , h e

d id n ot even s ee L ah nd ur en s pr in g f or ward f ro m t he p an icked t hr on g, r us hi ng at h im w it h a t hi ck , cur ved

d ag ger clu tched i n h is h an d.

Eabhiros threw himself at the King, battering Lahnduren aside with his shoulder and sending himstumbling, cursing and shrieking. Eabhiros hooked his arms around Kierken's middle and forced him off

o f h is f ee t.

" Eabh ir os !” E is ean s cr eamed, s cr am bl in g t o h is f eet. H e b ol ted f or ward , s cr eami ng anew i n h or ro r as

L ah nd ur en d rew b ack t he d ag ger, m eani ng t o p un ch i t t hr ou gh E ab hi ro s’ chest .

" Bast ar d! ” L ah nd ur en s hr ieked. H is m as k h ad l oo sened w hen E ab hi ro s s tr uck h im ; i t l is ted at an ang le

o n h is f ace, o bs cu ri ng h is v iew, and h e r each ed u p w it h h is f is t, s ti ll clu tchi ng t he b lade, k no ck in g t he

porcelain to the floor, shattering it.

Eisean tackled him, launching himself at Lahnduren and sending him careening to the floor, knocking the

dagger from Lahnduren's startled hand. Lahnduren thrashed beneath him, struggling wildly; Eisean gasped

as L ah nd ur en 's k nee s lamm ed m ig ht il y b et ween h is l eg s. H e cru mp led f or ward , and f el t L ah nd ur en 's h an d

h oo k again st h is f ace, h is p al m s mash again st h is n os e.

" Get o ff o f m e! ” L ah nd ur en s hr ieked, s pi tt le s pr ay in g again st E is ean' s cheek . H e t ri ed t o r am h is k nee

i nt o E is ean' s cro tch again , b ut E is ean j er ked h is t hi gh , b lo ck in g t he b lo w. L ah nd ur en s tr uck at h im w it h

t he r ui ned s tu mp o f h is arm , h is h an d s ti ll s ho ved again st E is ean' s f ace, h is s pi nd ly f in gert ip s clawi ng f or

hi s e yes . “ Ge t off of m e! G et off of m e, you ba sta rd! "

S om et hi ng f el l o ut o f h is p ocket i n h is s tr ug gl in g and r ol led acr os s t he f lo or . E is ean cur led h is h an ds i nt of is ts and s wu ng w il dl y f or L ah nd ur en 's f ace, s cr eami ng as t he E lf 's f in gers r ip ped i nt o t he cor ners o f h is

eyes, digging, gouging. He felt his knuckles plow solidly into Lahnduren's temple, dazing him, and his

hand loosened, slipping away from Eisean's face.

" Ro t d am n . .. b as tard .. .! ” E is ean g as ped, j er ki ng away f ro m L ah nd ur en 's g rasp , s en di ng h is f is ts s ai li ng

o nc e m or e, b at te ri ng L ah nd ur en . H e s aw t he o bj ec t t ha t h ad s li pp ed f ro m L ah nd ur en 's p oc ke t; a b la ck

s to ne , r ou nd a nd p ol is he d, a s ph er e o f g lo ss y b la ck , a nd h e r ea li ze d w ha t i t w as .

The Shadow Stone—Mother Above, that is the Shadow Stone—that is Kaevir's Stone—!

"Where is he?” he screamed, shoving his hands against Lahnduren's throat, throttling him. “What have

y ou d on e w it h h im , y ou b as ta rd? W he re i s h e? "

W in d s lamm ed again st h im , s eemi ng t o b last o ut o f t he v er y f lo or b en eath t hem. I t s tr uck E is ean m ig ht il y,

r oc ki ng h is h ea d b ac k, w re nc hi ng h is h an ds l oo se f ro m L ah nd ur en 's n ec k. H e t ri ed t o s cr ea m, b ut i t

s uc ke d t he br ea th f ro m h is l un gs , j er ki ng h im i nt o t he a ir . H e h ea rd i t r oa ri ng i n h is e ar s a s h e f le w,

car eeni ng b ackw ar ds . H e d id n ot r eali ze E ab hi ro s w as b eh in d h im , s tr ug gl in g t o clamb er t o h is f eet, and

t he w in d p lo wed E is ean i nt o h im , s en di ng h im s pr aw li ng again . E is ean h eard E ab hi ro s s cr eam; t he w in d

t hr ew E is ea n a ga in st t he f lo or , a nd t he re w as a b ri gh t, b li nd in g l ig ht a s t he s id e o f h is f ac e s ma sh ed

again st t he s to ne, k no ck in g t he w it s f ro m h im .

I t h ad a ll g ot te n o ut o f c on tr ol ; t he p la n h ad d is so lv ed i nt o m ad ne ss f ro m t he m om en t o f R hy de n' s

h es it at io n, h is a tt em pt t o w ar n t he K in g. K ae vi r h ad b ee n s ei ze d w it h b ri gh t p an ic . H e h ad n ot k no wn





w ha t t o d o, a nd t he w in ds h ad r es po nd ed t o h is c on fu si on , h is f ea r. T he y w hi pp ed t hr ou gh t he b al lr oo m

n ow , f renzied and f ur io us , as t he cro wd r us hed abo ut h im , f rant ic and t er ri fi ed . S ol di er s s warm ed

e ve ry wh er e, t ry in g t o f or ce t he t hr on gs o f n ob le g ue st s o ut o f t he b al lr oo m t o s af et y. K ae vi r w as

k no ck ed a bo ut a s p eo pl e p lo we d i nt o h im . H e l os t s ig ht o f L le uw yn a s t he t hr on gs s ur ge d f or wa rd a nd

a s h is p an ic o nl y m ou nt ed, s o d id t he w in d.

"Lleuwyn!” he cried, forcing his way through the crowd, trying to find him. “Lleuwyn!"

H e cau gh t a g li mp se o f L ah nd ur en ; s om eo ne h ad t ackl ed h im , t he d ru nk n ob leman i n t he awf ul g reen

c os tu me K ae vi r h ad b um pe d i nt o e ar li er . T he l or d w as t ry in g t o p la y t he h er o, h is h an ds c la sp ed a bo ut

Lahnduren's throat, strangling him, and Kaevir had only to entertain fleeting thoughts before the winds

rushed forth, plowing into the man, sending him flying away from Lahnduren.

L ah nd ur en l ay o n t he g ro un d, w ri th in g and w heezin g f or b reat h. H e w as i nj ur ed ; h is f ace b eaten and

bloodied at the nobleman's hands, and Kaevir realized it was too late; it was ruined. Lahnduren had

k no ck ed h is m as k o ff ; p eo pl e s cr ea me d a ne w t o r ec og ni ze h is f ac e, a nd a lr ea dy , s ol di er s s ho ve d a nd

f ou gh t t heir w ay t hr ou gh t he p an icked t hr on gs t o r each h im , s ei ze h im .

S we et M ot he r, i t i s r ui ne d,Kaevir thought, terrified, stricken.

" Get u p! ” h e s cr eamed, s tr id in g t ow ar d L ah nd ur en 's w retched, m oani ng f or m. H e r each ed u p, j er ki ng

a si de h is m as k a nd ba ll ed h is h and s i nt o f is ts . “ Ge t u p a nd f in is h i t, y ou b as ta rd r ot ! F ini sh i t! "

L ah nd ur en s tared at h im , h is b lu e eyes b ul gi ng i n b ri gh t, s ud den t er ro r. H e r ecog ni zed K aevi r; h e k new

h is f ac e p la in ly , a nd he be ga n t o k ic k h is l eg s f ee bl y, t ryi ng t o s cu tt le a wa y f rom hi m.

" Fi ni sh i t! ” K aevi r s hr ieked, and h e s aw t he S to ne l yi ng o n t he f lo or b es id e L ah nd ur en . H e t hr us t h is

h an d o ut and t he w in d cau gh t t he o rb , s en di ng i t s ai li ng t hr ou gh t he air , s lapp in g again st h is p al m.

" Le . .. l e d o t ho il .. .” L ah nd ur en w hi mp er ed , d rawi ng t he s tu mp o f h is arm t ow ar d h is b leed in g, b as hed

face.

K ae vi r w hi rl ed a bo ut , h is b ro ws d ra wn . H e s aw K ie rk en a mo ng t he c ro wd ; w at ch ed t he K in g s ta gg er

t o h is f ee t. L ah nd ur en 's b la de h ad n ot f ou nd i ts m ar k; t he K in g w as i nj ur ed b ut a li ve , a nd K ae vi r k ne w h e

h ad n o cho ice, n o r ecou rs e. L ah nd ur en w ou ld n ot r is e; w hatever exi st ed w it hi n h im t hat h ad s een h im

t hu s f ar w as g on e, b at te re d f ro m h im , a nd K ie rk en s ti ll d re w b re at h.

" No ,” K ae vi r h is se d, a nd t he S to ne b eg an t o t ur n a ga in st h is p al m. H e l oo se ne d h is f in ge rs a nd f el t i t r is ef rom t he c up o f h is h an d, s pi nni ng be fo re h im . “ No, b y m y b re at h, t hi s w il l no t be f or no th in g. "

T he w in d r us hed p as t h im , s en di ng h is h ai r w hi pp in g i nt o h is f ace, t he t ai ls o f h is j us ti co at s lapp in g again st

h is l eg s. I t cleav ed a b ro ad p at h b ef or e h im , s en di ng s ol di er s and p ar ty go er s r eeli ng and f ly in g i n i ts p at h,

k no ck in g a w id e cir cum ference o f o pen s pace b et ween h im and t he K in g. H e d el ib er at el y s pared

K ierk en t he w in d, w at ch in g t he K in g' s exp ress io n s hi ft f ro m d azed con fu si on t o s tart led alarm and t hen t o

f ea r a s a ll a ro un d h im p eo pl e s ca tt er ed , p lo we d a si de b y t he w in d. H e l oo ke d u p, s tu mb li ng i n p la ce ,

bleeding heavily from gashes in his face, and he saw Kaevir—he saw the Stone.

" No .. .” K ierk en w hi sp er ed , s tagg er in g b ack. H e l if ted h is h an d as i f i n i mp lo re, h is f in gert ip s and p al m

smeared with blood.

K aevi r b eg an t o w al k t ow ar d h im , k eepi ng t he w in ds w hi rl in g abo ut t hem, h ol di ng any on e w ho d ar ed t o







g as he s o n E ab hi ro s’ f ac e. “ Oh , M ot he r A bo ve ! W ha t h av e I d on e? "

Eabhiros’ eyelids fluttered. He smiled dazedly. “Hullo, Kaevir...” he whispered.

"Eabhiros,” Kaevir said, trembling with tears.

" Lo ok a t y ou ,” E ab hi ro s s ai d. “ We ep in g l ik e a . .. b lo od y w om an . .. d re ss ed l ik e a . .. d am n f op pi shninny..."

K aevi r u tt er ed a s of t cry and w rapp ed h is arm s abo ut h im , emb raci ng h im , f ol di ng h im self o ver E ab hi ro s.

“ Yo u a re a li ve , bo th o f y ou . .. a li ve ."

L ah nd ur en s at u p o n t he b al lr oo m f lo or , d az ed a nd g as pi ng f or b re at h. H is t hr oa t f el t r aw a nd a go ni ze d

f ro m w here t he r ot ted l it tl e w help h ad t ri ed t o t hr ot tl e h im ; h is m in d r eeled, h is v is io n b lu rr ed f ro m w here

t he b as ta rd 's f is ts h ad f ou nd t he ir m ar k. H e t ur ne d h is f ac e a nd s pa t b lo od a ga in st t he f lo or .

" Ba st ar ds .. .” h e h is se d. H e h ad r ec og ni ze d t he o ne w ho h ad a pp ro ac he d h im , t he y ou ng m an w it h b lu ee ye s a nd bl ond ha ir w ho ha d s cr ea me d a t hi m t o f ini sh i t. T he S tone ha d s om ehow c om e t o be on t he

floor beside of him; Lahnduren had spied it, entertaining a fleeting, frantic moment's thought of snatching

i t, c ur li ng i t a ga in st hi s f ing er s be fo re t he w in ds h ad s ei ze d i t a nd b or e i t be yon d hi s r ea ch, s end ing i t

a ga in st t he y ou ng m an 's p al m. H e h ad k no wn b ef or e t ha t m om en t, h ow ev er ; h e h ad kn ow n f ro m t he

m om en t t he y ou ng m an h ad s te pp ed f or wa rd —e ve n b ef or e h e h ad p ul le d o ff h is m as k t o r ev ea l t he f ac e

L ah nd ur en h ad s ee n o ve r a nd o ve r w it hi n h is m in d, h is d re am s. H e w as K ae vi r M ac le od , t he b as ta rd

w he lp w ho h ad a tt ac ke d h im i n f or es ts o ut si de o f B el ga er an , t he o ne t he S to ne h ad c ho se n a s i ts b ea re r.

" Bast ar d, ” L ah nd ur en w heezed , l im pi ng t o h is f eet. H e s aw h is d ag ger o n t he g ro un d and s tagg er ed

t ow ar d i t, h is b reat h s nu ff li ng f ro m t he b at tered r ui ns o f h is n os e. K aevi r M acleod h ad r ui ned

every th in g— hi m and t he p ai r o f d an di ed f op s w ho h ad t hw ar ted h is att em pt again st K ierk en . S ol di er sc on ve rg ed u po n t he m n ow , r oy al a nd a 'P ob ai l g ua rd s a li ke , s wo rd s i n h an d a s t he y r us he d f or wa rd . T he

c ro wd s p ar te d a ro un d t he m, m ak in g r oo m a s t he s ol di er s a dv an ce d, a nd L ah nd ur en r ea li ze d i t w as o ve r.

H e w ou ld h av e n o o th er t ry a t K ie rk en , n ot w it h t he s ol di er s f lo ck in g t o h is a id .

I t w as o ve r. L le uw yn 's p la n h ad f ai le d, a nd a ll w as r ui ne d. K ae vi r M ac le od h ad s to le n h is

Stone—claimed what was Lahnduren's by right—usurped his power, ruined his schemes, destroyed his

life's efforts.

L ah nd ur en s to op ed , h oo ki ng h is f in gers abo ut t he h il t o f t he f al len d ag ger. H e s co op ed i t f ro m t he f lo or ,

clu tchi ng i t again st h im , h is b ro w f ur ro wed d eepl y b et ween h is eyes, h is t hi n l ip s w ri nk led b ack f ro m h istoothless gums in a furious, disbelieving snarl.

H e s ta gg er ed t ow ar d K ae vi r, c lu tc hi ng t he d ag ge r, r ea ri ng t he b la de b ac k t o t hr us t i t b et we en t he y ou ng

m an 's s ho ul de r b la de s, c le ar t hr ou gh t o h is h ea rt . K ae vi r d id n ot n ot ic e h is a pp ro ac h, n or d id h is f ri en ds ;

they were too busy huddling together, weeping and sniveling in tender reunion. “By my breath,”

Lahnduren whispered. “You will answer."

H e s wung t he d agge r i n a s ha rp dow nwa rd a rc . A bl ur of move me nt out of t he c or ne r of hi s e ye

att ract ed h is g aze, and t hen L ah nd ur en s hr ieked, h ow li ng i n o ut rage as a s tr on g h an d g rasp ed h im f ir ml y

by the wrist, blocking the dagger's descent.

" I t hi nk not , La hn dur en ,” Ll euw yn s ai d, a nd t he re wa s a whi spe r of a br ee ze a s he s wung a s wor d i n hi s

other hand.





" Yo u b as ta rd —” L ah nd ur en b eg an , a nd t he n t he b la de c au gh t h im b en ea th t he c hi n. H e u tt er ed a

s ta rt le d c ry a nd t he n h is h ea d p ar te d f ro m h is n ec k a s t he s wo rd c om pl et ed i ts s wi ng . H is f in ge rs s pl ay ed

w id e as b lo od s pu rt ed f ro m t he s tu mp o f h is t hr oat, s pr ay in g again st L leuw yn . T he d ag ger clatt er ed

against the floor, and Lleuwyn released his grip on Lahnduren, letting him crumple backwards.

" Ll eu wy n— !” K aevi r g as ped, r is in g t o h is f eet, h is eyes eno rm ou s and s tu nn ed , h is f ace ash en w it hs ho ck . H e h ad h eard L ah nd ur en 's i nd ig nant h ow l f ro m b eh in d h im , and h ad w heel ed abo ut at t he s ou nd

i n t im e t o s ee t he E lf d ir ec tl y b ehi nd hi m, a l on g d ag ge r b la de po is ed f or h is b ac k. L le uw yn h ad c au ght

L ah nd ur en 's arm , s tayi ng t he b lo w, and t he E as pag' Ar d h ad cleav ed L ah nd ur en 's h ead f ro m h is s ho ul ders

w it h a s wo rd .

L ah nd ur en 's s ku ll s mack ed again st t he f lo or w it h a h eavy t hu d; b lo od s pr ay ed acr os s K aevi r' s f ace at

t he i mp ac t. T he h ea d r ol le d a f ew w ob bl in g m ea sur es a nd t he n f el l s ti ll , b loo d p oo li ng a bo ut i t i n a

widening circumference, the dead Elf prince's blue eyes staring directly into Kaevir's own.

"Mother Above...!” Eisean whimpered.

K ae vi r s ta re d a t Ll euw yn. H e di d no t k now w ha t t o s ay; hi s br ea th a nd w it s w oul d s ee m t o h ave

aband on ed h im i n h is s ho ck .

"Mo'Easpag'Ard!"

"Your Grace!"

" He i s i nj ur ed ! H e b leed s! T hey h av e att acked h im !"

A f lu rr y o f v oi ces s ou nd ed , o verl ap pi ng i n f rant ic con cern as at l east t went y a'P ob ai l s ol di er s r each edt he m. K ae vi r s te pp ed b ac k, h is e ye s w id en in g i n a la rm , b ut a s h e t ho ug ht t o s um mo n t he w in d, h e h ea rd

E is ean cry o ut t o h im i n w ar ni ng :

"Kaevir, no—!"

and s om et hi ng s mash ed again st h is t em pl e. O ne o f t he g uard s, t hi nk in g K aevi r h ad att acked L leuw yn ,

h ad d ri ven t he p om mel o f h is s wo rd h il t again st K aevi r' s h ead, k no ck in g t he s en ses f ro m h im . K aevi r' s

eyes rolled back, his eyelids fluttering as darkness swooped upon him, engulfing him. He fell, crumpling

against Eisean.

" Yo u a re u nd er a rr es t, ” K ae vi r h ea rd o ne o f t he s ol di er s s ay a s h is c on sc io us ne ss a ba nd on ed h im . “ Fo r

t reas on again st t he C ro wn and ass au lt w it h m ur dero us i nt en t again st o ur K in g. "

N o .. . no , pl eas e . ..K aevi r t ho ug ht , and t hen h e f ai nt ed .

T he g uard h ad s tr uck K aevi r b ef or e L leuw yn h ad even r eali zed h is i nt en ti on s, m uch l es s d rawn b reat h t o

stay his hand. Lleuwyn whirled upon the soldier, shoving his palm against the young man's shoulder,

staggering him as Kaevir collapsed, unconscious, against his friend.

" Do n ot h ur t h im !” L le uw yn r oa re d, a nd t he s ol di er b li nk ed a t h im , s tr ic ke n a nd s tu nne d. “ My . .. m y

l or d. .. ” h e w hi sp er ed , s haki ng . “Yo ur G race, y ou b leed ! I t ho ug ht h e. .. "

" Yo u t ho ug ht w ro ng ,” L leuw yn h is sed, s ti ll b rand is hi ng t he s wo rd i n h an d. H e t ur ned b ack t o E is ean,





w ho c ra dl ed K ae vi r' s f or m a ga in st h is c he st . T he y ou ng m an b li nk ed u p a t h im , h is e ye s w ide a nd

f ri gh tened. M or e a'P ob ai l s ol di er s h ad app eared, s ur ro un di ng t hem, n earl y o ne h un dr ed m em bers o f

L le uw yn 's e li te C ad re . M or e t ha n a d oz en h ad t hr us t t he ir b la de s f or wa rd i n t he E as pa g' Ar d' s d ef en se ,

a nd t he f la t o f a s wo rd r es te d b en ea th E is ea n' s c hi n, p oi se d a nd p re ss ed a ga in st h is t hr oa t.

"Arrest them,” Lleuwyn said. “They are the Gentleman Highwaymen—allies of Lahnduren. They meant

t o m ur der t he K in g. "

" No .. .” E is ea n w hi sp er ed , s ha ki ng h is h ea d. E ab hi ro s t ri ed t o s it u p b eh in d h im , h is b ro ws d ra wn a s h is

breath heaved from him in a loud, hurting gasp.

" Yo u . .. b lo od y, l yi ng b as tard .. .” E ab hi ro s s aid .

" Le av e K ae vi r t o m e. H e i s i nno ce nt o f t hi s, ” L le uw yn s ai d. “ Ar re st t he se t wo a nd b ri ng t he m t o G ao l

for reckoning. If they offer resistance, run them through."

" No .. .” E is ea n s ai d a ga in , h is e ye s f lo wn w id e w it h t er ro r. “ No , y ou c an no t, y ou b as ta rd , y ou —"

" Belay t hat o rd er ,” s napp ed a v oi ce f ro m b eh in d h im , and L leuw yn t ur ned i n s ur pr is e. H e s tagg er ed , h is

eyes f ly in g w id e as h e s aw K ierk en w al ki ng t ow ar d h im —h ol di ng Q yn h i n h is arm s as s he s tu mb led i n

step with him.

" By m y c om ma nd , a ll o f y ou l ow er y ou r w ea po ns a nd s ta nd d ow n, ” K ie rk en s ai d. Q yn h s ta re d a t

L leuw yn , h er b ro ws d rawn t og et her , h er cheek p res sed again st h er h us band 's s ho ul der. B eh in d t hem,

L leuw yn cou ld s ee E am on C at haoi r, com mand er o f t he r oy al g uard s, i n t he com pany o f T aemi r F ab hcun ,

I sb aenn a G ab hl an , and t he h an dm ai d, G rael le. N earl y every r oy al g uard h ad b een r al li ed f ro m t hr ou gh ou t

t he p al ac e a nd g ro un ds , i t s ee me d, a nd t he y f la nk ed t he ir K in g i n a b ro ad c ir cu mf er en ce , s wo rd s i n t he ir

hands.

Despite such seeming ill circumstance, Lleuwyn managed a smile. “My liege,” he said, raising his brows.

“ Yo u . .. y ou h av e c au gh t m e m os t u na wa re s, s ir e. T he se a re t he H ig hw ay me n w ho e sc ap ed f ro m

G ao l— th e p ai r w ho s er ved L ah nd ur en and m eant t o s ee y ou m ur dered t on ig ht ."

" I k no w w ho t he y a re ,” K ie rk en s ai d, h is b ro ws f ur ro we d. “ Sp ar e y ou r b re at h. I t i s o ve r. A ll o f t he se

y ea rs . .. a ll o f t he se d ec ep ti on s, y ou r ot te d b as ta rd —i t i s o ve r. "

" Yo u h ea rd t he K in g! ” E am on r oa re d a t t he a 'P ob ai l s ol di er s. “ Lo we r y ou r d am n w ea po ns a nd s ta nd

down!"

T he cor ner o f L leuw yn 's m ou th h oo ked. “I t hi nk n ot ,” h e m ur mu red, and h e arched h is b ro w. “Ki ll t hem

a ll ,” h e s ai d t o h is s ol di er s. “ Th e C ro wn i s m in e t he m om ent K ie rk en n o l on ge r dr aw s b re at h. C la im i t f or

me."

K ierk en m et L leuw yn 's g aze. H is s ol di er s b eg an t o m ov e h ur ri ed ly , d rawi ng h im and t he Q ueen b ack

among their ranks.

" Take t hem n ow ,” L leuw yn s ai d, and h is m en h ow led o ut b at tl e cri es . T he a'P ob ai l f or ces s ur ged

f or ward , charg in g t he r oy al g uard s. T here w as t he t hu nd er o f s ab at on s again st t he g rani te f lo or , t he

bellowing din of voices raised in furious resolve, the melodic crashing of sword against steel, and

suddenly the ballroom became a battlefield.





CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

When the a'Pobail soldiers surged forward, Eisean fell atop Kaevir, folding himself protectively over his

f ri en d. H e f el t t he g uard s s lam again st h im , s tu mb li ng o ver h im and aro un d h im as t hey r us hed again st

K ierk en 's t ro op s, and h e cri ed o ut i n p ai n, clu tchi ng K aevi r again st h im . H e h eard E ab hi ro s s cr eam, f el th is s ud den w ei gh t again st h is b ack as h e col laps ed , and E is ean h oo ked h is arm b eh in d h im , w rapp in g h is

hand against Eabhiros’ shoulder, trying to shield him somehow with his body.

E ab hi ro s h ad b ee n p un te d i n t he r ib s; t he s ub se qu en t p ai n a s t he b ro ke n b on es h ad s ma sh ed t og et he r

m ad e h im f ai nt , and w hen E is ean o pened h is eyes, l if ti ng h is h ead w ar il y, h e f ou nd h im self t he o nl y o ne

among them yet conscious behind the battlelines.

"Eabhiros...” he whispered, feeling Eabhiros slump beneath his arm, crumpling to the floor behind him.

H e p iv ot ed , r each in g again f or h is f ri en d. “Oh , M ot her A bo ve . .. E ab hi ro s! "

H e f el t s om et hi ng p ress s ud denl y b en eath h is chi n— th e s harp en ed edg e o f a s teel b lade—and h e f ro ze,

h is eyes f ly in g w id e. I n t he s ud den m ad ness o f t he b at tl e charg e, h e h ad f or go tt en abo ut L leuw yn .

" Remo ve y ou r h an d f ro m K aevi r, ” t he E as pag' Ar d s ai d. W hen E is ean d id n ot m ov e, L leuw yn s ho ved

t he edg e o f t he s wo rd f ir ml y again st h is t hr oat, d rawi ng a s of t w hi mp er f ro m h im . “Remo ve y ou r h an d,

l ad . D o i t n ow ."

" No ,” E is ean s ai d, m eeti ng L leuw yn 's g aze. H is b ro ws d rew t og et her. “No . Y ou can no t h av e h im ."

L le uw yn s mi le d a t h im . “ Yo u a re w ro ng , l ad ,” h e s ai d, a nd h e j er ke d a ga in st t he s wo rd , m ea ni ng t o o pe n

E is ean' s t hr oat. T he w in d cau gh t h is h an d, eng ul fi ng t he s wo rd , s ho vi ng t he b lade away f ro m E is ean' sn ec k, s pa ri ng t he y ou ng m an i nj ur y, a nd L le uw yn h ad a s pl it s ec on d t o r ea li ze K ae vi r w as a wa ke ; h e h ad

c om e a ro un d o nc e m or e.

" Kaev ir —” h e s ai d, and t hen a g us t s lamm ed i nt o h im , t hr ow in g h im b ack, s en di ng h im crash in g t o t he

f lo or . T he b ac k o f h is h ea d s tr uc k t he g ra ni te w it h e no ug h f or ce t o k no ck h im s en se le ss .

H e s at u p s lo wl y, p re ss in g h is p al m a ga in st h is f or eh ea d. H e c ou ld s ee K ae vi r s it u p, g la ri ng a t h im . “ Ge t

E ab hi ro s, ” K aevi r s ai d t o E is ean. “Get h im o ut o f h er e. "

L leuw yn g ro an ed , h is v is io n b lu rr in g, and h e s tr ug gl ed t o d raw h is l eg s b en eath h im , t o r is e t o h is f eet.He ha d l os t t he s wor d; t he wi nd ha d s na tc he d i t f rom hi m, a nd he c oul d not c le ar h is he ad e nou gh t o s ee

w ha t h ad be com e of i t.

" No ,” E is ea n s ho ok h is he ad , c lu tc hi ng a t K ae vi r' s s le ev e. “ No , I w il l no t l ea ve y ou , I w il l no t. "

" It i s a lr ig ht ,” K ae vi r s ai d, a nd h e d re w h im se lf o nt o h is k ne es . “ Ea bh ir os i s h ur t. G et h im o ut o f h er e. I

wi ll t ak e c ar e of t hi s. I t i s mi ne t o f ini sh."

K ae vi r s to od , s tu mb li ng . H e l oo ke d d ow n a t a nd s aw t he S ha do w S to ne a ga in st t he f lo or . H e h el d o ut

h is h an d a nd t he S to ne f le w t ow ar d h is p al m. K ae vi r f ol de d h is f in ge rs a bo ut i t a nd w al ke d t ow ar d

L leuw yn , h is b ro ws f ur ro wed, h is f ace b lo od -s mear ed and b at ter ed .

"Kaevir...” Lleuwyn whimpered, staggering to his feet. He limped away from Kaevir's approach, holding





o ut h is h an ds . “ Ka ev ir , l ad . .. P le as e, l et m e . .. l et m e e xp la in . G iv e m e t he c ha nc e t o. .. "

" Yo u l ied t o m e, ” K aevi r s eeth ed , and t he w in ds s to ked, w hi pp in g t hr ou gh t he s hatt er ed w in do ws ,

billowing about the ballroom. Lleuwyn cringed as they slapped against him, blowing his hair about his

face, tangling his coat tails about his legs. He stumbled against their force, floundering, throwing his hands

u p t ow ar d h is h ea d.

"Kaevir—please—!” he cried out.

" Yo u l ied t o m e, ” K aevi r s ai d, and t hen t he w in d p lo wed i nt o L leuw yn , s mash in g again st h is chest ,

t hr ow in g h im o ff hi s f ee t. T he e nt ir e pa la ce b ega n t o s hu dd er a s t he w in ds r os e, w hi rl in g a bou t i t. F ro m

o ve rh ea d, t he c ei li ng j oi st s b eg an t o g ro an a nd c re ak .

" No m or e, ” K ae vi r h is se d t o L le uw yn , a s p la st er b eg an t o r ai n d ow n u po n t he m f ro m t he c ei li ng . T he

w in d h ow led o ut si de o f t he b al lr oo m, s hr ieked w it hi n t he con fi nes o f i ts w al ls . K aevi r' s h ai r w hi pp ed

a bo ut h is f ac e; h is j us ti co at t ai ls f la pp ed a bo ut h is h ip s. A s t he s ou nd s o f b at tl e d ie d, a s t he

s ol di er s— a' Po bail and r oy al g uard s ali ke—p au sed i n t heir b lo od y, b ru tal b at tl e and t he w in ds w hi pp edt hr ou gh t heir r an ks , t he r es ou nd in g clamo r o f t ho us an ds o f w in do ws —every p an e o f g lass w it hi n t he

palace—shattering all at once could be heard.

T he w in ds cau gh t t he a'P ob ai l s ol di er s, r ip pi ng t hem away f ro m K ierk en 's g uard s, s en di ng t hem

smashing and pummelling into walls, through windows, throwing them into the air and battering them

a bo ut t he r oo m. Th e gu st s a nd b la st s t ha t s en t t he m f ly in g l ik e t oy s f lu ng b y a f ur iou s c hi ld d id no t t ou ch

K ierk en 's r oy al t ro op s; i t b uf fett ed again st t hem, s napp in g again st t heir clo th es , t heir h ai r, b ut l ef t t hem

unharmed.

" Kaev ir , n o! ” L leuw yn s ai d, h ol di ng o ut h is h an d, p lead in g. H e cou ld h ear a t er ri bl e, w renchi ng s ou nd

f ro m abo ve, and h e l oo ked u p, w at ch in g t he w in ds p ry t he r oo f f ro m t he b ui ld in g. S hi ng les f lew abo utoutside of the palace, smashing through empty window frames, slamming into walls. The eaves groaned

and creak ed and b eg an t o r is e, l if ti ng f ro m t he f or ce o f t he w in d, l et ti ng d eb ri s t um bl e t hr ou gh n ew

openings in their wake.

" No . .. d o n ot .. .! ” L leuw yn cri ed, s hr in ki ng b ack.

" No m or e! ” K ae vi r s ho ut ed , a nd h e t hr ew b ac k h is h ea d, s pr ea di ng h is a rm s o ut w id e. T he w in d

s eemed t o b last f ro m t he g ro un d b en eath h im , s mash in g again st t he cei li ng , w renchi ng t he r oo f l oo se o f i ts

m oo ri ng s. W it h a t hu nd er ou s r oar o f s napp in g t im bers , t he r oo f o f t he b al lr oo m l if ted o verh ead, t eari ng

l oo se o f t he w al ls , r is in g as t ho ug h an eno rm ou s h an d h ad p lu ck ed i t alo ft . P last er , s hi ng les, t or n cro ss beams, and yards of lumber flew through the air. An enormous section of roof ripped asunder and flipped

t ow ar d t he s ky , t um bl in g end o ver end , crash in g again st t he g ro un ds b ey on d w it h eno ug h f or ce t o m ak e

the earth underfoot shudder.

D eb ri s s ho wered d ow n u po n t he chamb er ; b ro ken s hi ng les, s hatt er ed l um ber and i ro n g ir ters s mash in g

t o t he f lo or . T he w es tw ar d c or ne r o f t he p al ac e c ol la ps ed i nw ar d, t he m or ta r a nd s to ne c ru mb li ng a s t he

w in d b or e t he r oo f alo ft , and t he s ol di er s s cr eamed, r us hi ng abo ut f rant ical ly , t hr ow in g t heir arm s o ver

their heads.

L le uw yn s hr ie ke d a nd t ri ed t o r un. He f el t t he wi nd c at ch h im , j er k hi m o ff o f hi s f ee t a nd s end hi m f lyi ng

t hr ou gh t he air . K aevi r t hr ew L leuw yn t he b read th o f t he b al lr oo m, s en di ng h im crash in g t hr ou gh t he

r em nant s o f t he f al len w al l. L leuw yn s mash ed t hr ou gh b ro ken g rani te, g lass , and b eams , and t he w in d

sent him careening to the grounds below, slamming him against the lawn.





K aevi r f el l t o h is k nees , s ho vi ng h is p al m again st h is b ro w. “No m or e, ” h e w hi sp er ed , s tr ug gl in g t o s ti ll

t he wi nds . Hi s he ar t wa s ra ci ng, a nd t he w ind di d not wa nt t o qui et . He ha d l oos ed i n f ul l; he ha d

r el eased any i nh ib it io ns w it hi n h is h eart and m in d t hat m ig ht h av e con tain ed t he w in d, h el d i t i n check . H e

h ad l os t c on tr ol o f i t, a nd i t d id n ot w ant t o be r ei ne d o nc e m or e. H e c ou ld f ee l i ts m ig ht s ea ri ng t hr ou gh

h im , t he s heer and u nb ri dl ed p ow er o f t he w in d, and h e cri ed o ut h oars el y, t an gl in g h is f in gers i n h is h ai r,

w il li ng i t t o f al l s ti ll . “ No m or e, ” h e g as pe d. “ Pl ea se , n o m or e . .. N o m or e . .. p le as e. .. "

A t l as t, h e f el t t he w ind s b eg in t o s low a nd f ade . Th ey s wi rl ed a bou t h im , b ru sh in g a ga ins t h im l ike f on d

fingertips, waning in velocity and force until they fell silent and still. Kaevir crumpled forward, dropping

t he S to ne, cov er in g h is f ace w it h h is h an ds . “No m or e, ” h e w hi mp er ed , f eeli ng t he l as t h in t o f b reeze

ruffling his hair. “Please..."

A t f ir st , t here w as n ear s il en ce. H e cou ld h ear t he p at teri ng s ou nd s o f r ub bl e and d eb ri s s pi ll in g again st

t he f lo or , t he s hu ff li ng s ou nd s o f t he s ol di er s’ s ab at on s s cr ab bl in g again st b ro ken s to ne, p last er and g lass .

H e c ou ld h ea r s of t v oi ce s b eg in t o r is e, m oa ns f ro m t he i nj ur ed , g ro an s t ha t m ou nt ed i nt o c ri es a nd p le as .

H e c ou ld h ea r p eo pl e w ee pi ng a nd s cr ea mi ng f ro m t he g ro un ds , t he c it y s tr ee ts b ey on d. H e c ou ld h ea r h is ow n ha rs h b re at h w he ez in g f ro m h is t hr oa t, t he f lu tt er ing o f h is s obs a s h e b eg an t o w ee p.

W it hi n m om en ts o f t he w in ds d yi ng , a n ew s or t o f p an demo ni um b ro ke o ut . E very on e b eg an r us hi ng

a bo ut i n a p an ic ke d, f re nz ie d s ta te . T he w in d t ha t h ad n ea rl y d es tr oy ed t he p al ac e h ad r av ag ed t he e nt ir e

cit y o f B el gaer an , and as t he s ol di er s g at hered t heir w it s abo ut t hem, r eeli ng and s tagg er in g abo ut i n

shock, people began streaming into the ruined ballroom, screaming and shouting. Isbaenna rushed for

E is ean. T aemi r s tu mb led alo ng b eh in d h er , h is eyes eno rm ou s as h e t ur ned abo ut i n clu ms y cir cl es , h is

f ace l if ted s ky ward , h is m ou th agape.

" Do y ou s ee t hi s? ” h e c ri ed o ut , h is v oi ce h oa rs e a nd s tu nn ed . “ Mo th er A bo ve —h av e y ou e ve r s ee n t he

bloody likes? The whole city—roofs wrenched from moorings—buildings toppled, walls collapsed, treeso ve rt ur ne d! An d n o o ne b lo od y h ur t bu t t he a 'P ob ai l! N ot a d am n ot he r s oul m or e t ha n s cr ap ed or

banged a bit!"

H e s tu mb led g raceless ly o ver L ah nd ur en 's cor ps e, h is f eet s ki tt er in g i n t he b lo od , and w hen h e p un ted

L ah nd ur en 's s ev er ed h ead, s en di ng i t r ol li ng b ef or e h im , h e p au sed, h is eyes f ly in g all t he w id er . “Ho ah . ..

w el l . .. M ay ha p o ne o th er , t he n. .. ” h e s ai d.

" Ei sean !” I sb aenn a cri ed o ut . H e h ad s tagg er ed t o h is f eet, and s he t hr ew h er self again st h im , w rapp in g

he r a rm s a bo ut h is n ec k a s s he bu rs t i nt o t ea rs .

" I am alr ig ht ,” h e w hi sp er ed , h ol di ng h er . “I am alr ig ht , I sb aenn a. "

" Eabh ir os !” K aevi r g as ped. H e s cr am bl ed t o h is f eet and r us hed t o h is cou si n' s s id e, f al li ng o nt o h is

k nees as h e r each ed f or E ab hi ro s’ p ro ne, m ot io nl es s f or m. H e f el t alo ng E ab hi ro s’ t hr oat, h is f in gert ip s

f um bl in g u nt il h e f ou nd t he f ai nt , t hr eady m easu re o f E ab hi ro s’ p ul se, and h e cri ed o ut s of tl y i n r el ief.

“ He lp m e! ” h e c ri ed , l oo ki ng t ow ar d T ae mi r a nd I sb ae nn a. “ He . .. h e i s h ur t, t oo . .. ! P le as e. .. !"

" I w il l car ry h im ,” R hy den s ai d, l im pi ng f or ward . K aevi r b li nk ed at h im , and R hy den m et h is s tart led g aze

evenl y. “I w il l car ry h im ,” h e s ai d again .

" Yo u a re h ur t, R hy de n. L et m e, ” s ai d a v oi ce , a nd K ae vi r l oo ke d o ve r h is s ho ul de r, s ta rt le d t o f in d t he

King walking toward him.





" He s av ed m y l if e, ” K ierk en s ai d, k neel in g b es id e K aevi r. H e r each ed o ut , d rawi ng h is arm b en eath

E ab hi ro s’ s ho ul ders , h ol di ng h im again st h is chest . K ierk en t ur ned h is f ace, l oo ki ng at K aevi r. “He s av ed

m y l if e, ” h e s ai d again , s of tl y. “Let m e car ry h im ."

" Thi s i s . .. I n a ll of my da ys , I h ave ne ve r . .. c oul d ne ve r . .. H oa h, i s a ny one be si de s m e bl ood y

speechless?” Taemir cried, stumbling about. Eamon began hollering orders to his stunned and staggering

s ol di er s, g al vani zi ng t hem i nt o m ot io n, s en di ng t hem abo ut t o arr es t and d is ar m t he a'P ob ai l g uard s.

" I d o n ot car e i f t hey are h ur t— mo an in g and b leed in g b es id es —r ou nd t hem u p! ” E am on s ho ut ed . “Th e

bloody lot of them are traitors! Disregard my damn command—stand against my King? Hoah—we will

s tr in g t he m up b y t he d oz en f ro m P ion os i f n ee ds be ! R oun d t he m u p! "

" Le an o n m e, K ae vi r, ” E is ea n s ai d g en tl y, p la ci ng h is a rm a ro un d K ae vi r' s w ai st . “ Co me o n n ow . L et u s

leave here."

" No ,” K aevi r w hi sp er ed , s haki ng h is h ead. H e d rew away f ro m E is ean, p ress in g h is f in gert ip s again st h is

t em pl e. “No , E is ean, n ot y et . I h av e t o f in d L leuw yn . H e m ig ht h av e s ur vi ved. "

" Let h im g o, K aevi r, ” E is ean s ai d. “If h e l iv es , l et t he s ol di er s f in d h im , d eal w it h h im ."

" I c an no t, ” K ae vi r s ai d, s ha ki ng h is h ea d a ga in . “ He l ie d t o m e, t ol d m e y ou a nd E ab hi ro s w er e d ea d. ”

H e b li nk ed a ga in st s ud de n t ea rs a nd s ta re d d ow n a t t he g ro un d, h is b ro ws f ur ro we d. “ He m ad e m e t ru st

hi m. I ha ve to fi nd hi m. I ha ve to know."

L le uw yn s ti rr ed , m oa ni ng s of tl y. H e l ay o n h is b ac k i n a p il e o f d eb ri s, c ru mb le d r oc ks a nd b ro ke n

t im bers , s hatt er ed g lass and t wi st ed r ui ns o f s teel . H e m ov ed h is l eg s, cry in g o ut h oars el y as t he m ot io n

s en t s eari ng p ai n s ho ot in g t hr ou gh h im . H e b ro ug ht h is h an d t o h is f ace, p ress in g h is p al m again st h is

brow as he blinked dazedly up at the sky.

T he w in ds w er e g on e. T he air h ad f al len s ti ll , and abo ve h im , t ho us an ds o f s tars g li mm er ed i n s il en t, s to ic

r eg ar d. H e cou ld h ear v oi ces, p eo pl e cry in g o ut f ai nt ly , s ho ut in g and cal li ng t o o ne ano th er , and h e

r ea li ze d t he y w ou ld b e c om in g f or h im . I t w as o ve r; h e h ad f ai le d. F if te en y ea rs o f e ff or t a nd e ne rg y f or

nothing.

T he s ol di er s w ou ld b e com in g; h e cou ld h ear E am on C at haoi r' s v oi ce abo ve t he o th er s, b ar ki ng o ut

s harp i mp er at iv es t o h is g uard s. T hey w er e arr es ti ng h is t ro op s; even as h e l ay t here, s tr ug gl in g f or

breath, the cadre he had worked so hard and so long to build was being arrested for treason.

L leuw yn g ig gl ed , d es pi te t he p ai n i t cau sed h im , and h e d rew h is l eg s b en eath h im , s tagg er in g t o h is f eet.

H e s ha mb le d a bo ut d iz zi ly ; e ve ry t im e h e s te pp ed d ow n on h is r ig ht l eg, h is k ne e s en t a s cr ea mi ng bo lt o f

pain through him. He stooped, reaching gingerly for his leg, and blinked as his fingertips brushed against

s om et hi ng f or ei gn p ro tr ud in g f ro m h is b reeches; a s harp p oi nt o f s teel . H e l oo ked d ow n and l au gh ed

a ga in ; p ar t o f a n i ro n b ea m h ad s pe ar ed t hr ou gh h is l eg a nd b ro ke n o ff . T he s pl in te re d r em ai ns w er e

l od ge d j us t a bo ve h is k ne e, i n o ne s id e a nd o ut t he o th er , p ie rc in g f le sh a nd t he w. H is p an t l eg w as

s oa ke d i n b lo od , h is w hi te s to ck in g s ta in ed d ar k w it h i t, a nd w he n h e s te pp ed , h e c ou ld f ee l i t p oo le d i n

his shoes, hear it squelching moistly beneath his heel.

H e l au gh ed a ga in , b ut t he c ho rt le t wi st ed i nt o a n a go ni ze d a nd b re at hl es s c ry a s h e t ri ed t o w re nc h t he

s ha rd o f m et al l oo se . T he re w ou ld b e n o m ov in g i t— no t f or t he m om en t. I t w as l od ge d d ee p a nd f as t,

a nd i t w ou ld n ee d t he a tt en ti on o f a p ro pe r s ur ge on . H e d ou bt ed K ie rk en 's p hy si ci an w ou ld s ee i t t en de d

t o f or h im —b ut t he t ho ug ht o f t hi s m ad e h im c ac kl e a ga in . I t w ou ld h av e t o w ai t. H e n ee de d t o e sc ap e





first.

H e b eg an t o s hamb le alo ng t he s id e o f t he p al ace, l im pi ng h or ri bl y, d ragg in g h is i nj ur ed l eg alo ng b eh in d

h im . T he d ef en si ve w al ls a ro un d t he p al ac e h ad c ol la ps ed i n b ro ad a re as f ro m t he f or ce o f t he w in d; i ro n

s tr ee t l am ps h ad c ra sh ed t hr ou gh i n p la ce s, a nd t re es h ad t op pl ed i n o th er s. K ae vi r h ad u nl ea sh ed h is

m ig ht i n f ul l, t ur ni ng t he S to ne 's p ow er l oo se u na ba te d, a nd h e h ad d es tr oy ed n ot o nl y t he p al ac e a nd

grounds, but bloody damn likely the whole of Belgaeran itself. This realization made Lleuwyn laugh again.H is l au gh te r t ur ne d t o t ea rs a nd h e f ro wn ed , s tr ug gl in g n ot t o w ee p a s h e i nc he d h is w ay t ow ar d a

broken section of wall, meaning to slink forth into the city and flee in the midst of the confusion.

He r ea che d t he t op pl ed wa ll a nd s ta rt ed t o c la mbe r up t he r ubb le . He s tr uc k hi s l eg a ga ins t a c or ne r o f

c ol la ps ed , c ru mb li ng s to ne a s h e c li mb ed , a nd h e g ri tt ed h is t ee th a ga in st a s hr ie k a s t he j ag ge d p ie ce o f

m et al m ov ed w it hi n h is l im b. H e cur led h is h an ds i nt o f is ts and l ay again st t he r ocks , h is b reat h s ti ll ed , h is

voice whining shrilly in his throat until the wave of agony subsided within him.

L leuw yn u nf ur led h is f in gers and clawed at t he r ub bl e, m ov in g again . H e f el t a l ig ht b reeze p ress

s ud denl y again st h is f ace, s en di ng l oo se s to ne and g ri t f lu tt er in g again st h im , and h e f ro ze o nce m or e, poised and still upon the stones.

" Bean nach t, l ad ,” h e s ai d s of tl y, n ot t ur ni ng h is h ead.

" Wh y d id y ou s av e m e?” K aevi r s ai d f ro m b eh in d h im . “In si de, w hen L ah nd ur en cam e at m e w it h h is

k ni fe . W hy di d y ou s av e m e? "

L leuw yn t ur ned aro un d, l et ti ng h im self s li de s om ew hat d ow n t he s lo pe o f t he d eb ri s. H e w in ced, s ucki ng

i n a s ha rp, hur ti ng br ea th a s t he m ove me nt p ain ed hi s l eg. “ I . .. I do not know ."

T hey h eard t he s ou nd o f s ol di er s app ro achi ng , t heir f oo tf al ls again st t he g ro un d, and K aevi r j er ked h ish ea d t ow ar d t he n oi se , h is e ye s f lo wn w id e.

" Th ey w il l h an g m e i f t hey d is co ver m e, ” L leuw yn s ai d.

" Yo u d es er ve i t, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ Yo u s ho ul d a ns we r f or w ha t y ou h av e d on e. "

T he s ol di er s w er e n ear n ow , t he l ig ht f ro m t heir t or ch es f lu tt er in g again st t he w al ls o f t he p al ace as t hey

app ro ached. K aevi r h el d L leuw yn 's g aze, h is b ro ws d rawn , h is m ou th s et i n a g ri m f ro wn .

" Ten m in ut es ,” h e w hi sp er ed . “Yo u s av ed m y l if e— I w il l s av e y ou rs and g iv e y ou t hat. "

"Alright,” Lleuwyn said softly, nodding his chin.

" I w il l f ol lo w y ou ,” K aevi r s ai d, o peni ng h is eyes, s tari ng at L leuw yn . “I w il l g iv e y ou t en m in ut es , and

t he n a ll b et we en u s i s g one . I w il l f ol lo w yo u, a nd i f I f ind y ou , I w il l gr ant y ou n o me rc y."

L leuw yn l oo ked u p at h im , o peni ng h is m ou th , m eani ng t o s peak . K aevi r s ho ok h is h ead, t ur ni ng away

f ro m h im . “Go ,” h e s ai d. “Ten m in ut es , L leuw yn —and t hen I am com in g f or y ou ."

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE





T hr ee w ee ks p as se d s in ce t he n ig ht o f t he m ha s' co r. B el ga er an h ad s ta rt ed t o r eb ui ld ; t he r oy al c it y h ad

s ur vi ved m il lenn ia o f w ar , s tr if e, and t he t or ment s o f n at ur e i n o ne f or m o r ano th er . I t h ad cru mb led

before, been torn asunder and ruined, only to rise once more from the rubble. It rose yet again in the

w ak e o f t he w in ds ; a r es ur re ct io n h er al de d b y t he c la tt er in g o f h am me rs , t he g ri ndi ng o f s aw s, t he hi ss o f

f lame t o s teel , and t he clank in g o f m al let t o m as on ry .

R hy de n f ol de d a l ei ne i nt o a n ea t b un dl e a nd t uc ke d i t i nt o h is t ra ve li ng c as e. H e h ad m ov ed h is belongings back to the palace, remaining there in the weeks since the Samhradh ball under the pretense

o f k ee pi ng n ea r t o K ie rk en , o ff er in g h is s up po rt t o t he K in g. H e h ad r ea ll y k ep t t he re f or t he p ur po se h e

now pursued—leaving without Taemir discovering and trying to persuade him to remain.

" Yo u a re l ea vi ng ?” a q ui et v oi ce a sk ed f ro m b eh in d h im , a nd h e s ta rt ed , t ur ni ng a bo ut . H e h ad n ot e ve n

h ea rd t he d oo r t o h is c ha mb er o pe n, a nd h e b li nk ed , s ta rt le d a ne w t o d is co ve r h is g ue st .

"Qynh...” he said softly.

The Queen walked toward him, smiling inquisitively, the corners of her lovely mouth unfurling.

" I . .. I d id n ot h ea r y ou k no ck ,” h e s ai d, a ve rt in g h is g az e, s ta ri ng d ow n a t t he s hi rt b et we en h is h an ds .

" I d id n ot k no ck ,” s he s ai d. “ Fo rg iv e m e. I s us pe ct ed y ou m ig ht b e u p t o t hi s. L ea vi ng u s w it ho ut

farewell."

" I w as g oi ng t o s ay f ar ew el l, ” he s ai d, gl an ci ng u p a t h er . I n hi s m in d, h e kn ew s he h ad n ev er w ri tt en t o

him, had never loved him; but his heart remained duly and stubbornly unconvinced.

" No , y ou w er e n ot ,” Q yn h t ol d h im , r ai si ng h er b ro w, m ak in g h im s mi le d es pi te h im self .

" I l ef t l et te rs t o t ha t e ff ec t, ” h e s ai d. “ I d o n ot l ike f ar ew el ls . T he re i s t oo m uc h s ent im en t i nv ol ve d. A

g re at a nd p oi gn an t t o- do o ve r n o m or e t ha n a n e xi t. "

"Does your father know?"

" Yes, I t ol d h im l as t n ig ht ,” R hy den s ai d. H e t ur ned aro un d and p retend ed t o o ccup y h im self p acki ng

o nce m or e.

"You have forgiven him,” she said quietly, standing beside him.

" I d o no t kn ow a bo ut t ha t, ” R hy de n s ai d w it h a s hr ug . “ I a m s pe ak ing t o h im , i f i t c oun ts f or a ny thi ng. "

" I a m h app y f or i t, R hy de n. H e l ov es y ou v er y m uc h. "

" He kn ows I do n ot l ike a f us s o ve r t he se t hi ngs . .. a nd Mot he r woul d onl y w ee p i f s he kn ew, f ol low m e

t o t he p ie r a nd m ake a s ce ne . I ga ve h im c or re sp on de nc es f or he r . .. yo u a nd K ie rke n . .. s om e o th er s,

and T aemi r, o f cou rs e. .. ” R hy den r em ar ked, s ho vi ng s s hi rt d ow n i nt o h is cas e.

" Yo u w il l n ot t el l even T aemi r g oo d- by e?” s he w hi sp er ed , and h e p au sed.

H e f or ce d a s mi le a nd g la nc ed a t h er a ga in . “ He i s f ar t oo b us y s pe nd ing t im e w it h y ou r L ad y G ra el le t o

be bothered. Did you know? He is quite taken with her; writing poetry, sketching her portrait and

what-not."





" I k no w, y es ,” Qy nh s ai d, s mi li ng . “ An d s he i s f ond o f h im . He i s v er y ki nd t o he r, a nd g ent le ."

" Yo u s ee?” R hy den arched h is b ro w, t ur ni ng h is g aze t ow ar d t he t ru nk o nce m or e. “He w il l s carcel y

e ve n n ot ic e I a m g on e. "

" Wh o s ay s y ou m us t l ea ve ?” s he a sk ed h im . “ Yo u c ou ld s ta y, R hy de n. K ie rk en w ou ld l et y ou . H e o we syo u s o m uc h— he wo ul d l ove i t i f you d id. "

" I h av e w or k t o d o, ” he s ai d, a nd h e r an h is p al ms a ga ins t h is c lo th in g, s mo ot hi ng a wa y w ri nk le s t ha t d id

n ot e xi st . H e t oo k a no th er s hi rt i n h an d a nd f ol de d a ga in . “ I h av e a lr ea dy b ee n g on e f ar t oo l on g. T he

G oo d M ot he r A bo ve o nl y k no ws w ha t m an ne r o f c ha os a wa it s m e i n C ne as ."

Q yn h d id n ot s ay any th in g, and h e f el t o bl ig at ed t o con ti nu e r am bl in g, i f o nl y t o j us ti fy h is d ep ar tu re.

“ Be si de s, i f I d o n ot l ea ve n ow , i t m ig ht b e w ee ks —m on th s, e ve n— be fo re t he re i s r oo m f or m e o n

a no th er s hi p. I r an i nt o A ed hi r F ai nn e a ft er t he m ha s' co r— he c am e t o s ee m e w hi le I w as r ec ov er in g, d o

y ou b el ie ve i t? I h av e n ot s ee n h im s in ce t he F ir st W ar —s ur el y, t we nt y y ea rs . H e h as b ee n i n s er vi ce t oK ie rk en 's n av y a ll t hi s w hi le s in ce a nd h is f ri ga te e mb ar ks f or C ne as t od ay a t t hr ee . H e o ff er ed m e

passage at no fare. That is a deal I cannot—"

" Rh yd en ,” Q yn h s ai d s of tl y, l ay in g h er h an d again st h is , d rawi ng h is v oi ce and b reat h t o a h al t. “Sh e

a lw ay s r ea d y ou r l et te rs t o m e. I a lw ay s h ea rd t he m, e ve ry w or d. "

H e l ow er ed h is f ac e, c lo si ng h is e ye s. “ It d oe s n ot m at te r n ow ,” h e s ai d.

"I ha d a dre am of you,” she whis per ed. “I dr ea med I c ame to your door in Tor ac h, t ha t I ... I rouse d

y ou f ro m yo ur be d, a nd be gge d y ou t o c om e t o I ar nr od . I t ri ed t o wa rn you o f Ll euwy n. I t ol d yo u I

f ol lo wed t he m oo n t o f in d y ou ."

H e b li nk ed a t h er , s ta rt le d. S he r ea ch ed f or h im , t ou ch in g h is f ac e, a nd h e s hi ed f ro m h er h an d, d uc ki ng

a wa y f ro m h er . “ Pl ea se d o n ot ,” h e s ai d.

S he t ou ch ed h im any way, d es pi te h is p ro test , p ress in g h er p al m g en tl y again st h is cheek . “I k new y ou

w ou ld c om e, ” s he s ai d t o h im .

" Pl ea se , Q yn h, ” h e s ai d a ga in , d ra wi ng a wa y f ro m h er . “ It d oe s n ot m at te r n ow ."

" Yes, ” Q yn h t ol d h im . “It d oes. "

"No, it does not. You are well agai n, and Kie rken is ... He is so joyous for it, like I ha ve not seen him in

s o l ong .” R hy de n l ook ed up , m ee ti ng he r g az e. “ An d y ou ha ve t he b ab y no w. Y ou w il l t el l hi m o f i t? "

She nodded. “Tonight."

" You wi ll t el l h im i t i s hi s?"

Q ynh s mi le d a t h im , t ea rs a li gh t i n h er e ye s w it h t he n ew m or row 's s un . “ He h as s o l on ge d f or a c hi ld, ”

she whispered.

"The n, you s ee ?” he s ai d. “ It i s f or t he b est t ha t I l ea ve .” He s mi le d a t he r. “ I t hi nk I ha ve a pt ly

de mo ns tr at ed t ha t I a m n ot m uc h f or k ee pi ng t he t ru th f ro m m y K in g. ” S he l aug he d s of tl y a nd h e b ru sh ed





his ha nd a ga ins t he r f ac e. “ I wi ll ne ve r t ell hi m. Do not wor ry f or t ha t. I ga ve you my wor d— I a m bound

t o i t. "

" I do not n ee d y ou r wo rd, Rh yde n, t o t ru st yo u, ” Qy nh s ai d.

He l oo ke d a t he r f or a l ong mo me nt a nd t he n t ur ne d a wa y, pa cki ng o nc e m or e.

" I l ov e y ou ,” s he s ai d s of tl y.

H e p au se d, a s hi rt b et we en h is h an ds . “ In w ha t w ay ?"

Qynh smiled at him, reaching out and touching his hand, twining her fingers through his. “In whatever

w ay m ak es y ou r h ea rt f ee l s af e . .. a nd n ot a lo ne ,” s he t ol d h im . S he l ea ne d t ow ar d h im , p re ss in g h er l ip s

s of tl y again st h is . “Sl an l eat, R hy den, ” s he w hi sp er ed t o h im .Good bye.

I sb ae nn a s ti rr ed l at e t ha t m or ro w a t h er f la t. S he o pe ne d h er e ye s, b li nk in g s le ep il y t o d is co ve r t he s un

h ad alr eady l if ted h ig h eno ug h i n t he s ky t o d ro p t hr ou gh h er b ed ro om w in do w i n b ro ad b eams , s pi ll in gacr os s h er b ed . S he s tr et ch ed s l ow ly , l et ti ng h er l eg s u nf ur l b en eath t he b lank et s. S he r eached f or E is ean,

n ot t he l ea st b it s ur pr is ed t o d is co ve r h is h al f o f t he b ed e mp ty , t he w ar mt h o f h is b od y l on g s in ce f ad ed

f ro m t he s heet s.

I sb aenn a crawl ed o ut o f b ed , d rawi ng h er s il k d ress in g g ow n abo ut h er s ho ul ders , l as hi ng i t l oo sely

abo ut h er w ai s t.

" Sa ys h er e t he y a re g oi ng t o r ai se t he t ax o n p ip e w ee d a no th er t we nt y q ui ll ,” s he h ea rd E ab hi ro s s ay

from the kitchen.

" Wha t? ” E is ea n s ai d. H e w as l ik el y c oo ki ng ; s he c ou ld s me ll t he s we et a ro ma o f m el te d b ut te r a ndh eard t he f ai nt , b ub bl in g, s izzl in g s ou nd o f egg s f ry in g i n an i ro n s ki ll et . S he s mi led t o i magi ne h im i n h er

m in d, a w oo de n s pa tu la p oi se d i n h an d a s h e t ur ne d f ro m t he s to ve , h is b ro ws l if te d t o m at ch t he s ur pr is e

a nd c ha gr in i n h is v oi ce . “ Th ey c an not b lo od y d o t ha t, c an t he y? A lr ea dy , i t i s . .. w ha t? N ea rl y a f ul l

m ar k f or b ut a n o un ce !” I sb ae nn a h ea rd t he s of t s ou nd o f p ot te ry k no ck in g t og et he r, a s E is ea n l if te d a

plate from a cupboard. “How is this for your yolk? Too runny?"

T he p ap er f lu tt er ed again ; E ab hi ro s l ow er in g t he g azet te. “It can no t b e t oo r un ny ,” h e s ai d. “Th at i s

perfect, Eisean. You will see me spoiled. Where is Kaevir? I will eat his share if he does not hurry up."

" He s ai d h e h ad s om e s or t o f e rr an d t o r un ,” E is ea n s ai d, h is v oi ce g ro wi ng s om ew ha t t ro ub le d. “ He l ef ta l it tl e whi le a go. H e t ol d me not t o wor ry f or i t, th at he .. . he w oul d be ba ck t hi s e ve ni ng. "

" The n I w ou ld no t w or ry f or i t, ” E abh ir os s ai d ge nt ly . “ Fi x a n e gg f or hi m s ti ll t he s am e, a nd gi ve i t t o

me."

T he re w as a m om en t o f s il en ce , a nd t he n E is ea n l au gh ed . “ Yo u a re a y ob ."

Isbaenna stepped into the doorway quietly, watching them, smiling.

"'Yob' is'boy' s pe ll ed b ac kw ar ds , d id y ou k no w? ” E ab hi ro s a sk ed E is ea n, m un ch in g o n a b it e o f e gg . H e

h ad l if te d t he p ap er a ga in , a nd t ho ug h h e s at f ac in g I sb ae nn a, h e d id n ot n ot ic e h er s tr ai gh t a wa y.

Ei se an sa t wi th hi s bac k to the door . “ No, I di d not,” he sa id. “I suppose that makes a s ort of s ens e."





" Have y ou an ext ra egg f or m e?” I sb aenn a ask ed , and t ho ug h E is ean j um ped, s tart led, s mi li ng b ro ad ly as

he t urne d about i n hi s c ha ir t o f ac e he r, Ea bhi ros did not s o muc h a s s ni ff.

" I s up pos e i f w e do not , he m ight be c onvi nc ed t o f ry a not he r,” he s ai d, a s th ough h e ha d r ea li ze d s he

w as t he re a ll a lo ng . H e l ow er ed t he e dg e of t he ga ze tt e a nd d rop pe d I sba enn a a wi nk a nd a s mi le .

“Maidin mhaith, my lady."

" Go od m or row ,” E is ea n s ai d, r is in g. H e w as s ti ll s mi li ng a s h e w al ke d ov er t o h er , s mi li ng a s he c ra dl ed

h er f ace b et ween h is h an ds and s mi li ng as h e k is sed h er s of tl y, h is l ip s l in geri ng again st h er s.

" Go od m or ro w, ” s he w hi sp er ed , s mi li ng b ack at h im . “Maid in m hait h, E ab hi ro s. W e are t o m eet T aemi r

a nd G ra el le f or l un ch t hi s a ft er no on . W hy d o y ou n ot c om e w it h u s? R hy de n m ig ht b e t he re . .. i f he d oe s

n ot b eg away again ."

" Taem ir and G rael le s eem f on d o f o ne ano th er ,” E ab hi ro s r em ar ked. “Th at i s n ice, I t hi nk . S om et hi ng

e ls e g ood t o c om e of i t a ll . S he f anc ied Rhyde n for a t ime , did s he not ?"

" I t hi nk s o, ” I sb ae nn a s ai d. “ He p ro ba bl y w il l n ot c om e b ec au se o f t ha t. I t hi nk i t m ak es h im

uncomfortable."

" I t hi nk g oo d- by es m ak e R hy den u ncom fo rt ab le,” E ab hi ro s o bs er ved, s ip pi ng h is t ea. H e f lapp ed h is

ha nd a t t he m. “ Yo u t wo g o a he ad . I w il l b e f in e. I h av e s om e l un ch p la ns o f m y o wn t hi s a ft er no on ."

I sb ae nn a g la nc ed a t E is ea n, b ut f ou nd h im a s s ur pr is ed b y t hi s n ew s a s s he w as . “ Oh , r ea ll y? ” E is ea n

ask ed , ar ch in g h is b ro w.

" Oh , r ea ll y, ” E ab hi ro s s ai d, p re te nd in g t o b e f ul ly a bs or be d i n h is n ew sp ap er . “ As a m at te r o f f ac t, L ad yI gr ai ne P en wy n a nd I h av e a gr ee d t o m ee t. "

"Igraine?” Isbaenna asked, blinking in new surprise.

"Muise,” Eabhiros said. Indeed.

E is ean l au gh ed , clapp in g E ab hi ro s acr os s t he s ho ul der. “Yo u are a y ob ,” h e t ol d h im f on dl y.

“Backw ar ds o r f or war ds — a b lo od y d am n y ob ."

K ae vi r r ea ch ed t he C ua n' da ra ch p or t b y t wo o 'c lo ck . B y t he t im e h e w en t t hr ou gh a ll o f t he s en tr ycheckp oi nt s and r eg is tr i es and s pr in ted al on g t he b oar dw al k t ow ar d t he l oadi ng d ocks , i t w as w el l aft er

t wo -t hi rt y. H e r an a s f as t a s h e c ou ld , j os tl in g p as t p eo pl e a lo ng t he p la tf or ms , d uc ki ng i n a nd a bo ut

c ra te s a nd box es . H e wa s l oo ki ng f or a f ri ga te , t hea'Maorga , s et t o de pa rt a t t hr ee o 'c loc k.

I will miss it,h e t ho ug ht d es pe ra te ly a s h e r an .T he re i s no t im e— sur el y h e h as l ef t t he pi er t o b oar d

b y now . I wi ll m is s i t. D am n i t, I s hou ld hav e l ef t t he c it y e ar li er —wok en be fo re daw n!

H e l oo ke d o ut o ve r t he h ar bo r, s py in g t he t hr ee d is ti nc ti ve , t ow er in g m as ts o f t he f ri ga te o ut u po n t he

w at er . H er s ai ls w er e s ti ll f ur led, h er r ig gi ng s f et tered, h er ancho r d ro pp ed and h ol di ng b en eath t he

c ho ppy s ur fa ce of t he ba y, a nd he f el t hi s he ar t s ei ze wi th hop e. I t w as t hea'Maorga— he knew it wa s. If

t he s hi p ye t r ema ine d, he ha d hope —e ve n i f he ha d t o hir e a boa tma n t o row hi m ou t t o i t; e ve n i f he

bloody damn had to swim.





H e r ac ed d ow n t he p ie r, l ug gi ng w it h h im a l ar ge , h ea vy i ro n b ox t uc ke d a ga in st h is s id e. H is b oo t s ol es

h am mer ed n oi si ly agai ns t t he w oo den p lank s b en eath h is f eet, and h e g as ped f or b reat h. S om eo ne s to od

a t t he e nd o f t he p ie r, s ti ll a d is ta nc e f ro m h im , w it h h is b ac k t ur ne d t o K ae vi r' s a pp ro ac h, h is g az e o ut

u po n t he w at er . T he re w as n o m is ta ki ng t he l on g s he af o f w he at -c ol or ed h ai r t ha t f el l t o t he m an 's w ai st ,

f lu tt er in g i n a l ig ht b reeze b eh in d h im , and K aevi r s ho ut ed o ut , h ol di ng alo ft h is h an d t o d raw h is att en ti on .

"Rhyden! Rhyden Fabhcun!"

R hy den t ur ned abo ut , cur io us at t hi s u nexp ected b ecko n, and K aevi r w av ed at h im .

"Hoah—Rhyden! Wait! Wait a moment! Wait!"

H e r an u p t o t he E lf , a nd s to od b ef or e h im , p an ti ng f or b re at h. H e l ea ne d o ve r, p re ss in g h is h an d a ga in st

h is t hi gh and g ul pi ng at air , w in ded and f lu sh ed w it h exert io n. R hy den l oo ked d ow n at h im , t ucki ng h is

h ai r b eh in d t he t ap er ed p oi nt s o f h is e ar s, h is b ro w a rc he d.

" Wait .. .” K aevi r g as ped at h im . “Pl ease . .. w ai t a m om en t. .. "

" I am w ai ti ng ,” R hy den t ol d h im p oi nt ed ly . “My b oatm an i s o n h is w ay ."

K aevi r l oo ked u p and f ou nd R hy den r eg ar di ng h im , h is b ro w r ai sed, h is exp ress io n q ui zzical . D ur in g t he

l as t w ee ks , a t en ta ti ve s or t o f r el at io ns hi p h ad d ev el op ed b et we en t he t wo , a s or t o f c or di al , m ut ua l

r eg ar d b or n f ro m t he f ac t t ha t n ei th er h ad m uc h t im e t o b ef ri en d t he o th er m or e d ee pl y.

"Rhyden...” Kaevir wheezed.

" Kaev ir ,” R hy den r ep li ed . A ft er a l on g m om en t w it h o nl y K aevi r' s eff or t f or b reat h t o b reak t he s il en ce,

h e s po ke a ga in . “ Wh at a re y ou d oi ng h er e? "

" I cam e t o f in d y ou ,” K aevi r t ol d h im , s tr ai gh teni ng , h ef ti ng t he i ro n cas e m or e com fo rt ab ly again st h is

hi p. Hi s s houl de r a che d f rom t he bur de n of c ar ry ing i t a bout . “ I ... I c ame t o f ind you be for e you l ef t t o .. .

t o g o b ac k t o t he M or thi r. "

" Ho w d id y ou k no w I w as g oi ng ?"

K ae vi r l oo ke d d ow n a t t he g ro un d, s he ep is h. “ I o ve rh ea rd y ou t el l y ou r f at he r l as t n ig ht a t t he p al ac e, ”

h e s ai d. H e g lanced at R hy den. “Wh y are y ou l eavi ng ?"

" I h av e t hi ng s t o d o t he re ,” R hy de n s ai d. H e o ff er ed a s li gh t s hr ug . “ An d h av e r un o ut o f t hi ngs t o d o

he re. You ca me al l of t hi s wa y jus t t o a sk me why I am l eavi ng? "

Ka ev ir s hoo k h is h ea d. “ No ,” h e s ai d, a nd he he ft ed t he i ro n b ox be tw ee n h is ha nd s. “ I .. . I w an te d t o

give you this."

R hy den r ai sed h is b ro w again , r each in g f or t he b ox .

" It i s h ea vy, ” K ae vi r s ai d, a s R hy de n s li pp ed i t f ro m h is a rm s.

" Ye s, I c an s ee t ha t, ” R hy de n s ai d, g run ti ng s li gh tl y a s t he h ef t of t he b ox s et tl ed a ga in st h im . H e b li nk ed

a t K ae vi r. “ Wh at i s i t? "





" I . .. I k no w t ha t y ou bu rne d t he B oo k of S ha do ws ,” K ae vi r t ol d hi m. “ Ki er ke n t ol d m e. H e . .. he s ai d

T re ja er an M ui re l h ad b eg ge d a p ro mi se f ro m y ou t o d o i t— th at h e w as y ou r f ri en d. "

" Yes, ” R hy den n od ded. “He w as m y b es t f ri en d. "

" Ki er ke n k ep t y ou f ro m k ee pi ng y ou r p ro mi se t o h im ,” K ae vi r s ai d. “ He t ol d m e t ha t, t oo . T re ja er an

s ai d i t w as e vi l— he t oo k t he s ig ht f ro m t he E lv es s o t ha t t he B oo k c ou ld n ot c al l t o a ny on e a ny mo re .Y ou t ol d h im y ou w ou ld d es tr oy i t, b ut K ie rk en k ep t i t h id de n f ro m y ou . H e l ie d t o y ou ."

" Yes, h e d id ."

" I t ho ug ht E lv es cou ld n ot l ie,” K aevi r s ai d.

R hy den m et h is g aze. “I alw ay s t ho ug ht s o, m ys el f, ” h e s ai d. “So meti mes g ri ef , d es pair . .. t hese t hi ng s

w ou ld s ee a ny on e d ef y w ha t i s i nh er en t i n t he ir n at ur e. K ie rk en d id a s h e d id b ec au se h e t ho ug ht i t w as

r ig ht . I h av e n ev er b lamed h im f or t hat. "

" Yo u b ur ne d t he B oo k, ” K ae vi r s ai d. “ It . .. i t i s d es tr oy ed , i s i t n ot ? Y ou k ep t y ou r p ro mi se ?"

" Yes, ” R hy den s ai d. “I d id ."

" Go od ,” K ae vi r s ai d, a nd h e l ay h is h an ds a ga in st t he i ro n b ox . H e s ta re d a t R hy de n, h is e ye s r ou nd a nd

i mp lo ri ng . “Th en . .. t hen m ak e m e a p ro mi se, as w el l, ” h e w hi sp er ed .

R hy de n b li nk ed a t h im i n s ta rt le d r ea li za ti on . H e l oo ke d d ow n a t t he c ra te , a nd t he n b ac k a t K ae vi r,

pushing it toward him. “I cannot,” he said.

" It i s t he S to ne ,” K ae vi r t ol d h im , p us hi ng t he b ox b ac k a ga in st R hy de n' s c he st . “ I l oc ke d i t i ns id e. "

" I k no w w ha t i t b lo od y i s, ” R hy de n s ai d. “ Ta ke i t b ac k. Y ou c an no t g iv e t hi s t o m e. "

" I w an t y ou t o g et r id o f i t, ” K aevi r t ol d h im , d es perately . R hy den f el l s ti ll , s tari ng at h im . “Pl ease,

Rhy de n. I w ant yo u t o t ake i t wi th yo u— ca st i t i nt o t he s ea . So me pl ac e f ar f ro m s hor e, wh er e t he wa te r

i s de ep —w he re n o on e wi ll e ve r f in d i t. "

" Ka evi r, I ... I ca nnot do tha t,” Rhyde n tol d hi m. “ It wil l onl y fi nd i ts w ay t o you onc e more . It i s yours ."

"I do not wa nt it ,” Kae vi r sa id, s tr ic ke n. “I t has c ost me too muc h, a nd I ... I do not want i t. Pl ea se ,Rh yde n. I t c an not ge t out of t he b ox— not unl es s s ome one o pe ns i t, a nd I ha ve t he ke y. The ke y i s i n

Be lga era n, a nd I me an t o t hr ow i t i nt o t he Thoi r Ri ve r to mor row a s we m ake o ur w ay hom e t o

Siochanta."

" It w il l n ot t ak e t he p ow er o f t he S to ne a wa y f ro m y ou, K ae vi r, ” R hy de n t ol d hi m g en tl y.

" You d o n ot k no w t ha t,” Ka ev ir s ai d. “ No on e kn ow s t ha t— ev en I d o n ot k no w. T he re i s s o m uc h

l eg en d a nd m yt h a bo ut t ha t S to ne t ha t n o o ne kn ow s t ru th f rom f ab le a ny mor e. I f i t i s g one —i f i t i s f ar

awa y f rom me a nd i t ca n neve r f ind i ts wa y bac k to my ha nd, m ayha p .. . mayha p it wil l le ave me a lone .”

H e s tared at R hy den, i mp lo ri ng . “An d i f i t d oes n ot —at l east , i t m ig ht k eep s om eo ne els e f ro m claim in g i t

. .. f ro m i t cho os in g ano th er . A no th er l ik e C iard ha—o r L leuw yn . S om eo ne w ho w ou ld u se i t f or evi l. "

R hy den l oo ked at h im f or a l on g, s il en t m om en t, h is b ro ws d rawn , h is exp ress io n t ro ub led.





"P le as e, R hyd en,” K ae vi r s ai d a ga in . “ I c an t ru st y ou t o d o t hi s. I k now I c an. Th at i s w hy I c am e

her e—w hy I ha d t o f ind you. Be ca us e I know i f you gi ve me your wor d, I c an t rus t in it ."

R hy de n l oo ke d d ow n a t t he c ra te b et we en h is a rm s. H is b oa tm an h ad a rr iv ed ; t he y b ot h t ur ne d a s t he y

h ea rd h is v oi ce c al l u p f ro m b el ow t he p ie r. “ Ho ah —L or d F ab hc un ! H er e w e g o n ow !"

" Ju st a m om en t, l e d o t ho il ,” R hy de n c al le d t o h im . H e l oo ke d a t K ae vi r.

"Please,” Kaevir whispered.

" I w il l t ak e i t, ” R hy de n s ai d, a nd K ae vi r u tt er ed a n a ud ib le b re at h o f r el ie f. “ I w il l c as t i t i nt o d ee p w at er s

f ar f ro m a ny s ho re . I w il l pr om is e yo u t hi s, K ae vi r. I wi ll gi ve y ou m y w or d. "

"Thank you, Rhyden,” Kaevir said.

" Bu t y ou m us t m ak e m e a p ro mi se i n r et ur n, ” R hy den t ol d h im , h is b ro w archi ng again . K aevi r b li nk ed ath im , p uzzl ed . “If t he p ow er r em ai ns w it h y ou —even w it h t he S to ne g on e, i f i ts p ow er o ver t he w in d i s s ti ll

wi th yo u, y ou m us t pr om is e m e t ha t y ou w il l ne ve r w ie ld i t a ga in . Yo u c an c on tr ol i t— an d I w an t y ou r

promise you will never call on it for any purpose—good, fell, or otherwise. Give me your word,

K aevi r— yo ur o at h f or m in e. ” H e cradl ed t he b ox again st h is r ig ht arm , h ol di ng o ut h is l ef t h an d t o

Kaevir.

" I p ro mi se i t, R hy den, ” K aevi r s ai d, and h e clasp ed h is p al m again st R hy den' s w ri st , f eeli ng t he E lf 's

f in ge rs c los e a ga in st h is a rm . “ By m y b re at h, I s we ar o n i t. "

" Th en s o d o I ,” R hy de n s ai d.

" Lo rd F ab hcun , C ap tain F ai nn e h as cal led all h an ds t o d eck, ” t he b oatm an cal led. “Th ey are r el easi ng

t he s ai ls a s w e s pe ak, my l or d. W e m us t go ."

" I am com in g, d am mi t, ” R hy den m ut tered. H e g lanced at K aevi r. “I h ad b es t l eave n ow ."

"Thank you, Rhyden,” Kaevir whispered again.

H e w at ch ed R hy de n d es ce nd a w oo de n l ad de r d ow n t he s id e o f t he p ie r, t ow ar d t he w ai ti ng l on gb oa t

below. Once Rhyden had settled his feet against the bottom of the boat and discovered his balance,

K aevi r h el ped p as s h is b el on gi ng s t o h im ; a h eavy , w ield y t raveli ng t ru nk , an o verf il led k naps ack, and t heiron box.

" Many t hank s, m o' cara,” R hy den s ai d, t ak in g t he b ox i n h an d and t ur ni ng h is f ace u p t ow ar d K aevi r.

“ Tr ej ae ra n t ol d m e s om et hi ng b ef or e h e d ie d, ” h e s ai d. “ Af te r h e b eg ge d h is p ro mi se o f m e. I t . .. i t w as

t he l as t h e e ve r s po ke t o m e."

"What?” Kaevir asked, puzzled.

R hy de n s qu at te d, s et ti ng t he c ra te o n t he f lo or , a nd t he n s to od , l oo ki ng u p o nc e m or e. “ He t ol d m e t he

tr ue m ea sur e of a ma n l ie s i n hi s he ar t, not hi s de eds . H e s aid, ‘ Te ll him he i s not c hos en. It i s he who c an

ye t c hoos e. ’ I ha ve s pe nt ma ny l ong ye ar s wond er ing wha t he me ant . .. a nd who he me ant me t o te ll i t

to."





K ae vi r b li nk ed , t hi nk in g of t he w or ds o f t he S ton e w it hi n hi s m in d, t he w hi sp er s t ha t h ad d ra wn hi m t o i t

from the first.


" I s uppo se now I know, ” Rhyde n s ai d wi th a s mi le . “ And y ou di d no t ne ed m e t o t el l you a t a ll .” H e r os e

o nt o h is t ip to es a nd s tr et ch ed h is a rm o ut , r ea ch in g f or K ae vi r. “ I d o n ot l ik e f ar ew el ls ."

"Neither do I,” Kaevir said, leaning forward, brushing his fingertips against Rhyden's. “Histrionic drivel, I

think."

T he E lf s mi led at h im . “Po in tl es s m el od rama, I h av e alw ay s s ai d. ” H e p laced h is h an ds again st t he

n ea re st p il in g, o ff er in g a h ea rt y s ho ve t o s ee t he b oa t d ri ft a wa y f ro m t he p ie r. T he b oa tm an d ip pe d h is

o ar s i nt o t he w at er a nd b eg an t o r ow , s te er in g t he l on gb oa t i nt o t he h ar bo r t ow ar d t hea'Maorga.

" Go h om e, ” R hy den t ol d K aevi r, b al an ci ng eas il y as t he b oat s wayed b en eath h im . “Be w it h y ou r f am il y,

your friends. Enjoy your life."

" Th e s am e t o y ou ” K ae vi r s ai d




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