The Phoenix Guards Read Online Free PDF Page B

it only a little longer, and I promise you that no harm will come of it. On the contrary, my Captain will be delighted that his Guard is looking well, for it is certainly a poor reflection on him for one of his regiment to stand out unpleasantly. You see my logic, do you not?”
    “My lord,” she said, “you argue most convincingly. But I assure you that I have been told, and in the strictest terms, to—” She stopped then, not from seeing the approach of the three friends, but because of the sound of coins clinking on the table in front of her where she sat before the building she shared with several other merchants, artisans, and mendicants who served the Imperial Palace in varying capacities.
    The worthy Chreotha stopped, as we have said, and cleared her throat. “Well, after all,” she said, “if you can promise me—” This time she did, in fact, stop because she had caught sight of the three friends approaching her. Seeing her glance over his shoulder, the other turned around, and Khaavren saw a young man who, while small, appeared to be perfectly proportioned. His face, in addition, was regular and handsome, with wide-set blue eyes and a well-formed nose. He was dressed in a marvelous tailored silk doublet of white, with lacing around his small, delicate hands. He wore hose and pantaloons of black, and tall, shiny white boots with pointed toes. His doublet was embroidered with black and red abstract designs. He bore a sword of medium length and weight, with the bell guard that has been called the “dueler’s grip,” and a ruby set into the hilt.
    He bowed to Khaavren, Aerich, and Tazendra, showing no sign of embarrassment. His bow, moreover, was graceful, left foot forward and right hand nearly touching the ground while his eyes remained on the faces of the companions. While he did not, as we have said, show any embarrassment, the Chreotha more than made up for this lack by flushing and stuttering enough for several court functionaries.
    “A good day to you,” said the Guardsman. “I believe I have seen two of you before, in the village of Newmarket, have I not?”
    They nodded. “I am Aerich, and this is the lady Tazendra, and the Marquis of Khaavren.” They bowed in turn, and he acknowledged.
    “I am Pel,” he said. Khaavren had, by this time, learned to watch Aerich whenever an introduction was made. He was rewarded in his vigilance by seeing the tiniest furrow cross the Lyorn’s brow. Pel continued, “What brings you to the city?”
    “Why, the same thing that brings you,” said Tazendra carelessly.
    “You must excuse me if I fail to understand your meaning,” said Pel. Khaavren was certain there was a tension apparent in Pel’s face and voice as he said this.
    “Why,” said the Dzurlord, “to join the Guard.”
    “Ah!” said Pel, his expression clearing. Khaavren glanced at Aerich. They caught each other’s eyes for a moment, and Khaavren knew that Pel’s reaction had not been missed by the sharp-eyed Lyorn. “That falls out well enough,” said Pel. “For I am fortunate enough to be on tolerably good terms with G’aereth, who is a captain, and is just now looking for recruits to fill his posts. I should be happy to introduce you. Now, two of you,” he indicated Aerich and Tazendra, “I know to be excellent companions, from having seen you at play but two days ago. And as for you,” he nodded to Khaavren, “I must say that your face pleases me. So if it is agreeable to join the regiment in which I have the honor to serve, it is as good as settled.”
    They quickly agreed to this, whereupon Pel smiled and turned back to the Chreotha, who had recovered and was patiently awaiting the end of the conversation. “Come, now,” said the Guardsman. “I will return for this cloak two hours after noon. I think you can have it ready by then, can you not? I’m certain I can have still more business for you, if you do.”
    For a moment, the Chreotha flushed with embarrassment, but the