Mage-Guard of Hamor Read Online Free PDF Page A

them.”
    Finally, Myanelyt rose and bowed. “Envoy Taryl, you have been more than patient, and we appreciate your forbearance. We will convey these findings to the Merchant Association as well. While it is premature for us to make any decisions, not until we have evaluated what you have presented, if matters are as you have indicated, it would seem unlikely that we would wish to engage in any actions that would be interpreted as hostile. We wish you a speedy and safe return to Hamor.”
    â€œThank you,” replied Taryl. “It is likely that we will depart tomorrow, but that will depend upon the weather and whether Captain Jaracyn has been able to fill all the bunkers.”
    All the Nylan mages rose, concluding the meeting. Rahl followed Taryl from the chamber.
    Tamryn was waiting in the corridor outside. “I would be happy to drive you back to your ship.”
    â€œI will avail myself of that offer,” Taryl said.
    As they walked out of the building, Rahl looked to Taryl, and said in a low voice, “Would you mind if…?”
    Taryl laughed softly. “I thought you might. Just remember that Captain Jaracyn will wish to leave close to dawn tomorrow.”
    â€œBecause the Ascadya is needed in Hamor? To deal with the rebellion?”
    â€œAnd more, I fear.” Taryl smiled. “There’s a lady, isn’t there?”
    â€œShe’s a healer.”
    The older mage reached into his belt wallet, then extended a coin. “Take her to dinner, and be back on board before midnight.”
    Rahl almost swallowed as he realized Taryl had given him a gold. “You…”
    â€œNo, I don’t, but you conducted yourself well, and we were provided coins in case of need. This is a need.” Taryl nodded. “Nothing in life is certain, and you may never see her again. So give her something she can remember.”
    Rahl could sense Tamryn’s amazement and concern, but he just smiled, then watched as the magister drove Taryl back toward the black ship piers. After a moment, he turned and began to walk toward the infirmary.
    He could sense the puzzled gazes as he passed the mess and turned westward on the stone walk. When he entered the foyer, he recognized the younger healer. “Kelyssa?”
    She looked at him, staring at the unfamiliar dress uniform, as if she could not remember but should. She started to frown, as if to suggest that he was not welcome.
    â€œI’m Rahl. Is Deybri here?”
    â€œRahl?” Kelyssa’s mouth opened, but she said nothing for several long moments. “Rahl?”
    â€œThe same one you had to pick up off the weapons training floor,” he added. “Is Deybri around?”
    â€œIs someone asking for me?”
    Rahl turned at the sound of her voice.
    As Deybri walked toward him, Rahl just watched, taking in the brown hair, the gold-flecked brown eyes, and the warmth within.
    She stopped two cubits from him, then laughed, abruptly, but warmly.
    Rahl could sense that she was pleased, but not exactly why, and he found himself smiling, if quizzically.
    â€œOh, Rahl…that look was the greatest compliment I’ve ever had.”
    He found himself flushing. “You deserve it.”
    â€œThat’s a Hamorian mage-guard uniform, isn’t it? You didn’t mention that in your letter.” Her eyes did not quite meet his.
    â€œI wasn’t a mage-guard then. I was working to be one, but I didn’t know if I’d make it, and I wrote as soon as I could…after…everything happened.”
    â€œEverything?”
    â€œIs it possible that I could take you to dinner somewhere? I only have tonight. Then I could tell you…”
    â€œI…” Deybri turned and looked at Kelyssa. “Would you?”
    â€œHow could I not?” The younger healer grinned. “It’ll make a great story.”
    â€œKelyssa…”
    â€œSomeday, anyway,” added Kelyssa.
    Deybri