Jayne Castle [Jayne Ann Krentz] Read Online Free PDF

a woman with some share of the Healing Talent, someone the Healers are likely to accept. Even
    before the trade masters and their caravans began returning empty-handed, the High Healers of Variance
    were becoming increasingly difficult. Women, no matter how talented, have a way of making unnecessary
    difficulties." Quintel grimaced wryly. "The Healers had begun cutting back on the routine orders from their
    various medicinal concoctions and they were refusing to trade the usual amounts of Sand. The trade
    masters in charge told me it was because the Healers weren't getting along with the trade wives who had
    been contracted for the journeys. They claimed they didn't find them acceptable." Quintel's fine mouth
    curved downward in another disgusted grimace. "The Healers of Variance said thewives in question were
    neither real wives nor women with any share of the Healing Talent. They didn't want to deal with them.
    Then I started getting reports of some sort of barrier across the pass. After that no one who set out for
    the Heights of Variance was able to get through."
    "Even if I am successful, I won't be able to bring back much Sand, let alone any of the Healers' potions.
    I'll only have room for what I and the woman can carry in our saddlebags. I can't take any pack creets
    with me, Quintel. It would slow me down too much."
    Quintel nodded, taking a sip of his ale from the elegantly chased goblet he was holding in one hand. "I
    only need a single shipment, just enough to prove that I can still supply the damn stuff. When you return
    with the problems resolved, I will dispatch a major trade party"
    Ridge walked to the window to gaze out into the garden. As did most private homes in Crosspurposes,
    Quintel's large house was focused inward around its many exotic gardens. On the street side, windows
    were few and narrow, designed to keep out the dust and noise of the town while allowing some cross
    ventilation. But inside, all rooms opened onto lush greenery and flower scented air. There was a red
    sheen of light on the exquisitely designed garden outside the Snow Room's window tonight. Symmetra,
    the red moon of Zantalia, was at full strength. Ridge studied the beautiful scene with absent interest as he
    thought about Quintel's words.
    "Has someone questioned your ability to bring back Sand?" Ridge asked softly.
    Quintel hesitated and then admitted, "The subject arose in the last meeting of the Town Council. I
    assured the members that the problems were temporary and that normal trade levels would resume
    soon."
    "They would not dare take the route from you and give it to another." Ridge spoke with absolute
    certainty.
    "No one is above the power of the council, Ridge. The Sand is considered a crucial trade item here in
    Crosspurposes. It's one of the things that gives the town its wealth and a lot of its power. If the town is
    threatened with a loss of that route because the trade baron in charge can't control it, then the council will
    act to preserve the route. We both know that."
    Ridge turned away from the window. "You'll have your Sand when I return," he promised evenly.
    Quintel smiled. "I know" There was a slight pause. "I should
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    mention one other detail. While the caravans have returned
    empty-handed, my last investigator did not return at all." "Who did you send?"
    "Trantel."
    Ridge considered that. "He's good."
    "I have reason to believe he's dead."
    Ridge frowned. "The Healers might become stubborn or difficult, but they would never kill. Healers can't
    kill. Everyone knows that."
    Quintel shrugged. "I don't know what's going on, Fire Whip. That's why I'm sending you to find out."
    The two men silently regarded each other across the width of the white room. They had no need to
    discuss the mission further. Ridge had been given his assignment; he would complete it. Both accepted
    that as a fact.
    "About the woman," Quintel finally