The Office of Shadow Read Online Free PDF Page A

we're given. Most of us are forced to make compromises in
order to maintain our sanity. The fact that Vestar never did so is a testament
to his unique virtue."
    "His unique virtue got him murdered," said Silverdun. "He stood up to
Purane-Es when he could have run and saved himself."
    "There's that," said Estiane. "There's that."
    "Will that be all then?" asked Silverdun. "Or do you have any pies or custards hidden back there that I might have a bite of before I head down to the
Frater for my morning gruel?"
    "As if I'd share my pie with you," Estiane said, adjusting his robe.
    Silverdun stood to go, and the abbot waved him back down again.
"Listen, Silverdun. Since I've got you here, there's something I've been
meaning to discuss with you."
    "If it's twin sisters you're after, I'll need a few days and the key to the sacristy," said Silverdun.
    Estiane said nothing; all the humor had left him.
    Silverdun pulled his robes around him. "Well, what is it then?"
    "I've been debating whether or not to mention it at all, but I suppose it's
best if I do. I've received word that Lord Everess would like to speak with
you."

    Silverdun sat up. "Really? And how does Everess even know that I'm
here? Isn't my presence here supposed to be something of a sacred trust?"
    "Settle down, Silverdun. You must be aware that Lord Everess knows
what he wants to know. The truth is, I told him you were here."
    Silverdun scowled. "Why would you do such a thing, Abbot? I don't
want to be involved in the affairs of the world. I just want to be left alone.
That's why I came here in the first place."
    "Yes, and that's the wrong reason for coming here, and that's also why
you're such a rotten novice. If it's solitude you're after, there are any number
of uninhabited islands in the Western Sea you could have chosen."
    "I want to follow Aba," said Silverdun weakly.
    "A man can enjoy telling a joke without joining the circus, Silverdun."
    "What's that supposed to mean?"
    "It means that just because you want to please Aba doesn't mean you
have to become a monk. And you know it."
    "Enough, enough. What does any of this have to do with Everess? What
does he want with me?"
    "I'll let him tell you," said Estiane. "And I suggest you hear him out.
Now shall I let him know you agree to see him, or shan't I?"
    Silverdun thought in silence. The fog in his head was lifting, but his
mind didn't want to think-it wanted to be carried off by the warmth into
a comfortable silent place. This was, he thought ironically, the closest thing
to true prayer he'd experienced since coming to the monastery.
    "Fine. I'll see him," said Silverdun. "But I reserve the right to ignore
everything he says."
    "Excellent," said Estiane. "I'm glad you feel that way, since I already
invited him. He'll be here tomorrow."
    Silverdun glared at the abbot. "You really are a bastard, you know."
    Estiane's smile returned. "I believe you've got some garderobes to clean,
Novice. I suggest you get started now, or else you'll have to spend all of
midday prayer smelling like a latrine."

    The next day was windy as well as cold, and the rain came even stronger.
Autumn had settled over the monastery and seemed intent on making its
presence known. Thus, Tebrit gleefully assigned Silverdun to the gardens,
where he dutifully, if angrily, weeded the cabbage. After an hour his back
ached, he was covered in mud up to his shins, and he could no longer feel the
tips of his fingers. He tried to stir up a bit of witchfire from time to time, but
on each occasion the wind rose up and immediately extinguished it-Aba
was watching, it seemed, and wanted to make sure that Tebrit's punishments
were exacted in full.
    The Temple Aba-Nylae stood on a wooded hill just outside the walls of
the City Emerald, so there was no protection from the Inland Sea wind that
blew over the hill, leaving the grounds wet and cold even when the sun was
shining brightly in the city.
    Silverdun was down on his knees,