1. Seer, Sand, and Secrets-9
378 Words
A tap on her arm woke Irenya from fragments of dream-sleep, forgotten the moment she opened her eyes.
Rani hovered. ‘Archprince wish speak with you. I bring you water.’ The girl put the small pail of water on the floor and handed Irenya a cloth for drying. She held out a comb; Irenya didn’t have the heart to tell her she had her own.
She made her way back to Elaaron’s lodge. The guard admitted her. Elaaron turned from the window embrasure as she entered, her thin sandals lisping on the stone floor. Weeks of riding had tanned his skin and bleached his braided hair. He wore a pleated robe with as much ease as he wore his own clothes.
‘Kidu has made the arrangements. At sunset, Telo and a small party of Sildahnis will take you to the seer’s cave.’
‘You are not going to see Fis? About the MageGate.’
‘I had thought to, but after the attack at Akkod it is vital I meet with Piro. I will be taking the company on the road to Tiamot.’ He drew breath to speak again. Instead, he fixed his gaze on an unseen point midway between them, as if he couldn’t find the words he needed. Irenya held her breath. The buzzing of an insect suddenly sounded louder, the creature caught in a web. She would have turned to look if Elaaron’s unusual manner hadn’t made her curious.
His internal debate over, he looked straight at her. She had seen the same expression on his face weeks ago in Cheron, a cool, speculative scrutiny—as one might watch a trapped insect, she thought. The angle of his head changed along with his expression.
‘I do not know what you will learn from Fis,’ he said. ‘I hope you will soon be reunited with your son.’
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other and waited.
‘You are not a woman to be overlooked, Irenya O’Neil. Or forgotten.’
She thanked him and smiled.
He continued. ‘If the seer does not offer you immediate answers, you should remain with the Sildahnis until my return. You will be safe here. The Sildahni women hold you in high esteem. I wish you good fortune.’
She thanked him again and turned to leave. The insect had stopped its frantic buzz. Had it escaped?
- Writer
