FORBIDDEN TALENTS Read Online Free PDF

servants in Kon Neven’s green suede livery blew a fanfare on brass horns. A third man announced, “ Kon Neven and Lady Gudrun! ”
    Everyone in the room rose as the Nuvinland leader and his lady proceeded to their chairs at a stately pace. They didn’t sit, but stood waiting as a shorter burst was played.
    “ Nai’awika Kikmongsowuhti and Loloma Kikmongwi of the Butterfly Clan, ” the man announced.
    Celia suppressed a smile. Neven had taken her advice seriously, giving Nai’awika precedence.
    The Tewakwe leaders entered. Their formal clothes were a combination of finely woven cloth of bright blue and flawless yellow suede, trimmed with delicate and intricate beadwork.
    Neven spoke formal words of greeting, using his Talent of Presence to draw the attention of everyone in the room. Celia paid him full heed, though she didn’t like his Talent any better now than she had six months ago. She knew Neven, knew he wanted the best for his people, but his Talent still smacked of mind-control, even though she’d never known him to use it that way.
    Neven poured wine into the goblet at the empty place to his left. “ To our hosts, unseen but not forgotten. ” He led the assembly in a silent salute, lifting his goblet and downing the contents. “ Now eat your fill and slake your thirst. Be welcome to this House! ” Neven withdrew his Talent and took his seat, releasing the assembled guests to do the same.
    Loloma refilled his cup, and stood, interrupting the nascent buzz of conversation. “ To our hosts, seen and unseen both, our gratitude for your bounty. ” Lifting his cup in both hands, Loloma looked upward, and sang.
    “ Grandmother we thank thee,
    Tiowa we thank thee.
    Our hearts are clear,
    Our kopavi open to your call.
    We honor those who guard the land
    And share its fruit.
    Hear us!
    Accept our thanks.
    Hear us!
    Accept our gifts.
    Hear us! ”
    Loloma resumed his seat. Neven’s slight gesture brought the servants forward to begin serving the feast.
    Celia looked across the square of tables at the Tewakwe delegation. What did he mean by “ those who guard the land ? ” The Katsinas ? The Elves ? Five months ago Loloma had told her the Katsinas might know of a way to send her home. At the same time he’d made it clear he thought it a bad idea. Tiowa had brought her here for a reason, he’d said.
    Five months ago she had fallen in love with Dahleven. At the time, that had seemed like the best reason in the world to stay. It still did—at least when he was around.
    She realized that Dahleven had spoken to her and turned to look at him. “ I’m sorry, what did you say? ”
    “ I said, it’s a pleasure to dine by your side again. Or it would be, if you were present. ”
    A servant bearing a tray laden with roast venison stopped in front of her, preempting a retort. Celia selected a portion first for Dahleven, feeling unexpectedly resentful of the Nuvinland custom even though she’d been serving Ragni at family dinners for months and it hadn’t bothered her.
    It only chafes now because Dahleven has been gone so long . That was all it was.

CHAPTER THREE
     
     
    RAGNI SETTLED BACK in his chair as the skald strode into the center of the square formed by the tables. The meal had been excellent, and most of those close enough for him to read with his Talent were relaxed and content. Lady Celia was more curious than relaxed though, and his brother’s annoyance stung like ice crystals in a sharp wind. Both of them had looked often across the square of tables during the meal, their gaze drawn to the Tewakwe. Ragni suppressed a grin. Dahleven was jealous of Celia’s attention and wouldn’t admit it—to himself, or anyone else.
    His reserved older brother had fallen hard and quick five months ago. It wasn’t difficult to see why. Celia challenged Dahl; she wasn’t in awe of his position. Even more important, she lightened Dahl’s too-serious nature and made him laugh.
    But his brother wasn’t laughing