The Oracle's Queen Read Online Free PDF Page B

crown?”
    â€œWith Niryn still alive and dripping poison in his ear? Yes, I’d say it’s likely.”
    â€œSkalans fighting Skalans? I can’t believe that’s what the Lightbearer wants of me!”
    T hey reached Duke Illardi’s estate without challenge. Large beacon fires burned along the tops of the walls, illuminating the archers stationed there.
    Beyond lay a pleasant, rambling stone villa set on a promontory overlooking the sea. The Plenimarans had attacked as they passed; black-fletched arrows still littered the bailey yard and gardens, but the gates had not been breached.
    Tamír and the others dismounted at the main entrance to the house. Two pillars carved with Illior’s Eye flanked the doorway and a crescent moon decorated the lintel. When they’d visited here in Erius’ time, Sakor’s Flame had been painted there. Tamír hoped Illardi didn’t change his loyalties too quickly, or too often.
    He’d always been a kind host to the Companions, however, and he seemed sincere now as he bowed and said, “All that is mine is yours, Highness. I’ve ordered abath and food prepared. Perhaps you’d prefer to take them in your chambers?”
    â€œI would, thank you.” Tamír had suffered through enough formalities for one day.
    He led her to a set of rooms on a terrace facing the sea. Baldus clung to her hand, and Ki and Tharin followed. In addition to the main bedchamber there was a sitting room, dressing room, and antechambers for her guard. In the heat of summer these rooms had been pleasantly cool. Now they were dank despite the candles and hearth fires burning there.
    â€œI’ll leave you to rest and refresh yourself, Highness,” said Illardi. “My servants will bring you anything you require.”
    â€œI’ll see the men settled in,” said Tharin, discreetly withdrawing to leave her alone with Ki. “Come, Baldus.”
    Baldus looked panicked and Tamír nodded to him. “You’ll attend me.”
    The child gave her a grateful look as he scampered to join them.
    Despite the damp, the hangings were warmly colorful, and the bedsheets were clean and smelled of sunshine and wind.
    Baldus looked around the unfamiliar chamber. “What do I do, my lady? I’ve never attended a girl before.”
    â€œI have no idea. Help me off with these boots, for starters.”
    She sat down on the edge of the bed and chuckled as the boy struggled with her boots. “I think we could fit your whole family in this bed, Ki.”
    He dropped into a chair and grinned. “And the dogs, too.”
    Baldus gave the boot a final yank and tumbled back, his already dirty tunic covered in mud.
    Tamír regarded her filthy sock and the rest of her stained clothing with a wry smile. “I don’t look much like a lady, do I?”
    â€œI don’t imagine Queen Ghërilain looked much different, after her great battles,” said Ki, as Baldus wrestled off her other boot.
    â€œI stink, too.”
    â€œYou’re not the only one.”
    Ki’s hair hung in dirty tangles around his haggard, unshaven face, and the tunic over his hauberk was filthy. They both reeked of blood and battle.
    Baldus hurried over to the washstand and poured water into the basin. Tamír washed her face and hands. The water was cool and scented with rose petals, but by the time she was done it was stained the color of rust. Baldus emptied the basin out the window and poured fresh for Ki.
    â€œMaybe he shouldn’t do that,” Ki warned. “It might not look right to people, him waiting on your squire, too.”
    â€œPeople can go hang,” Tamír snorted. “Wash your damn hands.”
    T restle tables were brought to the terrace. Tamír and her people ate with the duke and his two young sons, Lorin and Etrin. Ki had played with them on their previous visits and found them to be good, solid sorts, and smart.
    Lorin