A Noble Estate Read Online Free PDF Page B

“Sunny sucker!” She was used to Liast’s jokes.
    Rak burst out laughing.
    Jethain shot Liast a dirty look.
    Rak handed Liast a piece of chocolate. Then, he stole Liast’s remaining bread.
    Liast was content for the trade.
     

Chapter Five: Journeys
     
     
    Riftinmoor was a town well used to Valers traveling through. The only town of appreciable size in the north of Koilatha, it was a center of trade set on the crossroads and the river. The sturdy buildings were constructed of stone, timber and plaster, the shutters painted in bright colors in defiance of the elements. It was cooler up here, even in summer, and Despina was glad to be out of the heat of the southern lowlands.
    Although the townsfolk were used to Valers, they weren’t used to Valers coming by riverboat. The dockworkers stared as the Valers unloaded their packed wagons and horses on the docks. It took a good hour for the group to sort itself out and roll off the dock and into town. They headed for the traditional Valer campsite, just to the north of the main market square, within the town limits. The townsfolk had no prejudice against nomads, they were too far north to have suffered Lythadi raids, and they welcomed the trade the Valers brought.
    Despina stroked Elara’s neck as the old avtappi came alongside Asfalea’s wagon. “You’re sure you want to split the group?” She asked in perfect, unaccented Valer.
    “I’m sure,” the wizened Mai’eras replied in kind. “I need to speak to the chief and the elders. You need to see what your son’s bravery has earned for our people. I will bring the summer grazers to his lands—why risk trouble when one of our own can help us?”
    “What of the priests?” Despina glanced back at the wagon driven by the two young dark servants. They were still getting themselves sorted out, for neither could be considered an expert driver.
    Ritsa was climbing onto their board as Despina watched. The girl quickly sorted out their tangle of reins and took over the driving, chatting comfortably with the young men.
    “They should go with you, along with Ritsa,” Asfalea declared. “Young love, so precious.”
    “I will ask them,” Despina said and Elara obligingly dropped back to wagon driven by the three youngsters.
    “ Matre Despina,” called out the bolder of the two, “thank the night Ritsa can drive, because we sure made a hash of it.”
    Despina chuckled. “Ach, S’Meno, and how much practice driving a wagon did you have in the novitiate?”
    “None,” he admitted cheerfully. “I’m Movai, not Thezi. Just because I can stand in for any sect doesn’t mean I can perform their normal duties.”
    From her theological discussions with Rak, she knew what he was talking about. The monks had the sacred ability to substitute for any sect in those rites which required all the sects to participate. This was useful in smaller forts, temples and chapels, which might not have all the required sects present.
    “The Mai’eras feels that the three of you should come with me to Jisten’s lands,” Despina told them.
    “Of course,” said Ytaes, the quiet one. “We need to migrate the chapel there. The Vales already have a full, if small, temple, so our chapel would be redundant.”
    Ritsa sat up a little straighter and flashed a smile. “I look forward to seeing cousin Jisten’s lands, Mama Despina.”
    Despina smiled at her then glanced forward. “Ach, the campground. I must go help the Mai’eras.”
    Elara snorted smoke as she cantered back to the front of the line.
    Asfalea didn’t really need the help but accepted Despina’s assistance with calm grace. In less than an hour, the wagons were circled, the horses unhitched, watered, fed and were in the process of being groomed by the older children. The campfire was built, fresh produce was purchased and dinner was being prepared. It was an organized Valer camp of the style Despina had grown up with, and she spared a moment to reflect on how wonderful it