TamoraPierce
ProtectoroftheSmall02
Page
“Ladieshavenoplacebearingarms…”
…sosaymanyinthekingdomofTortall.Ofcourse,thathasn’tstoppedKeladryofMindelanfrompursuingherdreamofbecomingaknight.
InthissecondbookoftheProtectoroftheSmallquartet,Kel’shardshipscontinueasshefightstheprejudicesthatcomewithbeingagirlwhilemaintainingtherigoroustrainingofapage.Kelsskillsaren’ttheonlythingsthataredeveloping.Herfeelingsforherbestfriend,Neal,arealsochanging…inaveryuncomfortableway.Luckily,Kelhassomenewallies,includinganuglybutlovabledogandanabusedyoungwomanwhomsheteachesself-defense.Shealsodiscoversanewtalentwhenagroupofpagesistrappedbybanditsandsuddenlytheotherpagesmustcallontheonly“lady”toleadthem.
ISBN0-679-88915-9
Copyright(c)2000byTamoraPierce.
Thise-bookisnotforsale!!!
one
PAGEKELADRY
Fallthatyearwaswarm.HeatlayinablanketoverthebasinoftheRiverOlorun,wherethecapitalofTortallcoveredthebanks.Nobreathofairstirredthepennantsandflagsontheirpoles.Theriveritselfwasabandofglass,withoutabreezeanywheretoruffleitsshiningsurface.Trafficinthecitymovedasiftheairwerethickhoney.Noonewithsensecaredtorush.
Behindtheroyalpalace,eleven-year-oldKeladryofMindelanstaredattherisinggroundthatledfromthetrainingyardstothepages’winganddecidedthatshehadnosense.Shefeltasifshe’dletpeoplebeatherwithmalletsallmorning.Surelyitwastoohotforhertodoasshenormallydid-runupthathilltoreachherroomsandbathe.Afterall,shewouldbetheonlyonetoknowifshewalkedtoday.
Whowouldthinkthiscursedharnesswouldmakesuchadifference?shewondered,reachingunderhercanvaspracticecoattofingerbroadleatherstraps.Atsomepointduringherfirstyearaspage,shehadlearnedthatsecond-,third-,andfourth-yearsworeweightedharnesses,andthatmoreweightswereaddedeveryfourmonths,butshehadneverconsidereditintermsofherself.Nowshewishedthatshehaddonnedsomethingofthekindintheemptysummermonths,whenshemadethedailytrektothepalacetokeepuphertraining.Ifshehad,shewouldn’tachesomuchnow.
Shewipedhersleeveoverherforehead.It’snotevenlikeyou’recarryingalotofweight,shescoldedherself.Eightlittledisks-maybetwopoundsinlead.Youtrainedlastyearandallsummerwithlead-weightedweapons,justtobuildyourstrength.Thiscan’tbethatdifferent!
Butitwas.Hand-to-handcombat,staffwork,archery,andridingtookextraeffortwithtwopoundsofleadhangingonhershoulders,chest,andback.I’vegottorun,shetoldherselfwearily.IfIdon’tmovesoon,I’llbelatetowashandlatetolunch,andLordWyldonwillgivemepunishmentwork.Soheatorno,Ihavetogoupthathill.Imayaswellrunit.
Shewaitedamomentmore,steelingherself.Shehatedthisrun.Thatslowly
risinggroundwastortureonherlegsevenlastspring,whenshe’dbeenrunningitoffandonformorethanhalfayear.
Nostranger,lookingather,wouldhavethoughtthisdisheveledgirlwasthesorttocauseastormofargumentatcourt.Shehadadreamer’squiethazeleyes,framedinlonglashes,andplainbrownhairthatsheworecroppedasshortasaboy’s.Hernosewassmallanddelicate,herskintananddustedwithfreckles.Shewasbigforagirlofeleven,fivefeetthreeinchestallandsolidlybuilt.Onlysomeonewholookedcloselyathercalmfacewoulddetectasparkinherlevalgaze,anddeterminationinhermouthandchin.
Atlastshegroanedandbegantotrotupthehill.Herpathtookherbehindthemews,thekennels,andtheforges.Menandwomeninpalaceliveryandservants’garbwavedassheranpast.Awomantoldsomekennelworkers,“Lookahere-tol’yashe’dbeback!”
Kelsmiledthroughpouringsweat.Noonehadthoughtthattheold-fashionedtrainingmasterwouldallowthefirst-knowngirlpageinoveracenturytostayafterherfirstyear.WhenLordWyldonsurprisedtheworldandallowedKeltostay,manyhadassumedKelwould“cometohersenses”anddropoutoverthesummerholiday.
You’dthinkbynowthey’dknowIwon’tquit,shethoughtasshetoiledonupthehill.
Shewaslurchingwhenshereachedthekitchengardens,hershortcuttothepages’wing.Thereshehadtocatchherbreath.Anupendedbucketdidforaseat.Sheinhaledthescentsofmarjoram,sage,andthyme,massaginghercalfmuscles.Forthehundredthtimeshewishedshecouldusethepalacebathsastheboysdid,insteadofhavingtogoallthewaytoherroomtowashup.
“Hi!You!”criedamalevoicefromthedirectionofthekitchens.“Comebackwiththosesausages!”
Kelgottoherfeet.Acookracedoutofthekitchen,wavingameatcleaver.Emptybeanpoles,strippedaftertheharvest,wentflyingashecrashedthroughthem.Metalflashedasthecleaverchoppedthroughtheair.Themandoubledbackandranon,plainlychasingsomethingfarsmallerthanhe.Oncehestumbled;oncehedroppedthecleaver.Onhecame,cursing.
ThedoghepursuedracedtowardKel.Astringoffatsausageshungfromhisjaws.Withalastburstofspeed,theanimalduckedbehindKel.
Thecookchargedthem,cleaverraised.“I’llkillyouthistime!”hescreeched,facecrimsonwithfury.
Kelputherhandsonherhips.“Meorthedog?”
“Outoftheway,page!”hesnarled,circlingtoherleft.“He’sstolenhislastmeal!”
Assheturnedtokeepherselfbetweenthemanandhisprey,Kelglancedbehindher.Thedoghuddledbyherseat,gobblinghiscatch.
“Stoprightthere,”Kelorderedtheman.
“Move,orI’llreportthistomylordWyldon,”hesnapped.“I’llgetthatmongrelgoodandproper!”
Kelgathereddogandsausagesupinherarms.“You’lldonosuchthing,”sheretorted.Thedog,knowingwhatwasimportant,continuedtogorge.
“You’llhandthatanimalovernow,mylad,ifyouknowwhat’sright,”theservanttoldher.“He’snaughtbutathievingstray.He’sgottobestopped.”
“Withameatcleaver?”demandedKel.
“Ifthat’swhatittakes.”
“No,”shesaidflatly.“Nokilling.I’llseetoitthedogdoesn’tstealfromyou.”
“Sausagesisworthmoney!Who’stopayforthem?Notme!”
Kelreachedinstinctivelyforherbeltandsighed,impatientwithherself.Shedidn’twearherpursewithtrainingclothes.“GotoSalmaAynnar,inchargeofthepages’wing,”shesaidloftily.“TellherKeladryofMindelanrequeststhatshepayyouthecostofthesesausagesfrommypocketmoney.Andyou’dbetternotoverchargeher,”sheadded.
“Kel…Oh,Mithros’s”-helookedatherandchangedwhathe’dbeenaboutto
say-“shield.You’rethegirl.Beingsoftheartedwilldoyounogood,mistress,”heinformedher.“BesureI’llgetmymoney.AndifIseethatanimalhereagain”-hepointedatKel’sarmful-“I’llchophimupforcat-meat,seeifIwon’t!”
Hethrusthiscleaverintohisbeltandstompedbacktothekitchens,muttering.Keladjustedherholdonthedogandhisprizeandheadedforthepages’wing.“Wearen’tallowedpets,youknow,”sheinformedherpassenger.“Withmyluck,allthosesausageswillmakeyousick,andI’llhavetocleanitup.”Shepassedthroughanopendoorintothecoolstonehallsofthepalace.Asshetrottedalong,sheexaminedherarmful.
Thedog’sleftearwasonlyatatter.Hewasgray-whiteforthemostpart;blacksplotchesadornedtheendofhisnose,hisonlywholeear,andhisrump.Therestofhimwasscars,healingscrapes,andstaringribs.Hissausageseaten,hepeeredupintoherfacewithtwosmall,black,triangulareyesandlickedher.Histail,brokenintwoplacesandhealedcrookedly,beatherarm.
“Iamnotyourfriend,”Kelsaidasshereachedherdoor.“Idon’tevenlikeyou.Don’tgetattached.”
Sheputhimdown,expectinghimtoflee.Instead,thedogsat,tailgentlywagging.Kelputherkeyinthelockandwhisperedhername,releasingthemagiclocksthatprotectedherfromunwantedvisitors.Theyearbefore,theboyshadwelcomedherbyruiningherroomandwritingonherwalls,makingsuchprotectionsnecessary.Whileshehadmadefriendsamongthepagessincethattime,therewerestillboyswhowouldplaymeantrickstomakeherleave.
Shefollowedthedogintothetworoomsthatwereherpalacehomeandhalted.Twoservantsawaitedherbeforethehearth.Onesheknewwell:Gower,thelong-faced,gloomymanwhocleanedherroomsandfetchedhotwaterforwashingupandbaths.Theotherwasashort,plump,darkgirlwithcrispblackhairwornneatlypinnedinabun.Shewasquitepretty,withhugebrowneyesandfulllips.Keldidn’tknowher,butshewasdressedlikeaservantinadarkskirtandawhiteblouseandapron.Onthathotdaysheworethesleeveslongandbuttonedatthewrist.
Kelwaited,uncertain.GowerwouldsurelyreportthedogtoSalma.Kelwastryingtodecidehowmuchtobribehimnottowhenhecoughedandsaid,
“Excuseme,PageKeladry,butI-we-thatis…”Heshookhishead,ignoringthedog,whosniffedathim.“MightIintroducemyniece,Lalasa?”
Thegirldippedacurtsy,glancingupatKelwitheyesasfrightenedasacornereddoe’s.ShewasjustaninchtallerthanKel,andonlyafewyearsolder.
“Howdoyoudo,”Kelsaidpolitely.“Gower,I’minabitofarush-“
“Amoment,PageKeladry,”Gowerreplied.“Justamomentofyourtime.”
Intheyearhehadwaitedonher,Gowerhadneveraskedforanything.Kelsatonherbed.“Allright.”ShetookoffherpracticejacketandharnessasGowertalked.
Hisvoicewasasglumasifhedescribedafuneral.“Lalasaisallalonebutforme.Ithoughtshemightdowellinthepalace,andshemight,oneday,but…”
Kellookedathimunderherbangsasshepulledatoneofherboots.SuddenlyLalasawasthere,hersmallhandsfirmaroundtheheelandupper.Shedrewthebootoffcarefully.
“She’scountry-bred,notliketheseboldcitygirls,”Gowerexplained.“Whencitygirlsactshy,well,menhereaboutsthinktheywanttobechased.Lalasa’sbeen…frightened.”LalasadidnotmeetKel’seyesassheremovedtheotherbootandKel’sstockings.“Ifit’sthiswayforherinthepalace,thecitywouldbeworse,”Gowerwenton.“Ithoughtyoumightbelookingtohireamaid.”
KelblinkedatGower.Pagesandsquireswereallowedtohiretheirownservants,buthavingthemcostmoney.WhileKelhadatidysumplacedwithSalma,againstthedaythatshemightgetenoughfreetimetovisitthemarkets,shewasn’tcertainthatshecouldaffordamaid.Shecouldwritetoherparents,whohadremainedinCorustopresenttwoofKel’ssistersatcourtthatfall.Kelwasn’tsuretheirbudget,strainedbythecostsofformaldressesandthetownhouse,heldsparemoneyforadaughterwhowouldneverbringthemabride-price.
ShewasabouttoexplainallthiswhenLalasaturnedherheadtolookbackandupatheruncle.Kelsawahandspanofbruiseunderherleftear.
SuddenlyKelfeltcold.GentlyshetookLalasa’srightarmanddrewittoward
her,pushingthesleeveback.Bruiseslikefingerprintsmarkedtheinsideofherforearm.
Lalasarefusedtomeethereyes.
“Youshouldreportthis,”KeltoldGowertightly.“Thisisnotright.”
“Somearenobles,miss,”repliedthemanfirmly.“We’recommon.Andupperservants?They’llgetusturnedout.”
“ThentellmethenamesandI’llreportthem,”sheurged.“Salmawouldhelp,youknowshewould.SowouldPrinceRoald.”
“Buthishighnessisnoteverywhere,andotherswillmakeourlivesamisery,”Gowerreplied.“Intheendit’sLalasa’swordagainstthatofanupperservantornoble.It’sthewayoftheworld,PageKeladry.”
Kelheardawhisperandbentdown.“Whatdidyousay?”sheasked.
Lalasamethereyesandglancedaway.“Theymeantnoharm,mylady.”
“Grabbingyoubythenecksoharditbruised?Ofcoursetheymeantharm!”snappedKel.
Gowerknelt.“Please,LadyKeladry,”hesaid.“Ifshe’syourmaid,she’llbesafe.YourfamilyisingreatfavorsincetheybroughtabouttheYamanialliance.”
“Pleasegetup,”Kelpleaded.Noonehadknelttohersinceshewasfive.Thenthetributehadbeentohermother,standingbesideher.“Gower,stopit!”I’veenoughpocketmoneytopayherforthequarter,shethoughthurriedlyasshestoodandtriedtotugthemantohisfeet.IfIexplaintoMamaandPapa,they’llhelp,Iknowtheywill.“She’shired,allright?Pleasestopthat!”
Hestaredupintoherface.“Yourwordonit?”
“Yes,mywordasaMindelan.”
“Youwon’tbesorry,miss,”Gowertoldherasherose.“Ever.”
Kelheardfootstepspoundinthehalloutside.“Oh,I’mgoingtobelate!”ShescribbledanoteforSalma,askingforanextramagickedkeytoKel’sdoor,asilvernobleasamonth’swages,andasparecotforLalasatosleepon.ShewavedthenotetodrytheinkandgaveittoGower.“Aboutthedog,”shebegan.
“Whatdog?”Gowerasked.Hebowed;Lalasacurtsied.TheyleftKeltogetreadyforlunch.
Shakingherheadatherfolly-shedidn’tneedanothercomplicationinherlife-Kellookedarounduntilshesawthedog.Hehadjumpedontoherbedtonap.“Goodforyou,”shesaid,andstrippedofftherestofherclothes.
Arealbathwasimpossible.Shewetherheadandscrubbedherfaceandunderherarms,mourningthepropersoakthatwouldhaveeasedherachingmusclesandmadeherfeellesssticky.Perhapsshecouldvisitthewomen’sbathsthatnight,thoughitmeantshe’dhavetotaketimefromherafter-supperexercisesandclasswork.
“FirstdayandI’malreadybehind,”sheremarkedasshestruggledintohoseandtunic.“Oh,howsplendid.”
Kelracedintothemesshallthatservedthepagesandsquires.Alleyesturnedtowardher;someboysgrowled.Lunchwasthepages’mostanticipatedmealofthedayafteramorning’srough-and-tumbleinpractice.Sincenonecouldeatuntileveryonehadarrived,latecomerswerenevergreetedpleasantly.
“Isupposeshethinksshe’soneofusnow,soshedoesn’thavetobepoliteanymore.”JorenofStoneMountain’sculturedvoicewasclearovertheboys’lowmutter.
“PageKeladry.”LordWyldonofCavall,thetrainingmaster,couldpitchhisvoicetocarrythroughabattleoracrossthehalleasily.Kelfacedhistable,placedonadaisatthefrontoftheroom,andbowed.“Aknightwhoistardycostslives.Reporttomewhenyouhaveeaten.”
Kelbowedagainandwenttogetherfood.
“JorenofStoneMountain.”LordWyldon’sleveltonewasthesameasithadbeenforKel.“Goodmannersarethehallmarkofatrueknight.You,too,willreportonceyouhavefinished.”
Kelsighed.SheandJorenhadnotgottenonduringherfirstyearasaprobationer.She’dhopedthatwouldchangenowthatshewasatruepage.IfJorenwastobepunishedonheraccount,shedidn’tthinkitwouldimprovehisfeelingsabouther.
Oncehertraywasfilled,Kellookedaround.Handswavedfromatableintheback.Shewalkedoverandslidintoplaceamongherfriends.NealanofQueenscovepouredherfruitjuicewhileotherboyspassedthehoneypotandbutter.
“So,KeladryofMindelan,”saidNeal,hisslightlyhuskyvoiceteasing,“notevenafulldayinyoursecondyear,andalreadyyouhavepunishmentworklinedup.Don’tleaveittothelastminute,that’swhatIsay!”Hewasatall,lankyyouthwhoworehislightbrownhaircombedbackfromawidow’speak.Hissharp-bonedfacewaslitbygreeneyesthatdancedwickedlyashelookedather.Hewassixteen,olderthantheotherpages,butonlyinhissecondyear.Hehadputasideauniversitycareertobecomeaknight.NealhadtaughtKeltoknowthepalacetheyearbefore,assistingherwithclassworkandcheeringherworstmoodswithhistarthumor.Inreturnshetriedtokeephimoutoftroubleandmadehimeathisvegetables.Itwasastrangefriendship,butasolidone.
“Neal’sjustdisappointedbecausehethoughthe’dbefirst.”Thequietremarkhadcomefromblack-haired,black-eyedSeaver.He,too,wasasecond-yearpage.
“I’msurprisedhedidn’tdumpporridgeonLordWyldonthismorning,justtogetthejumpontherestofus,”jokedCleon.Abig,redheadedyouth,hewasafourth-yearpage.“Guessyou’llhavetowaittillnextfall,Neal.”HesmackedthetopofNeal’sheadgently,thenwentforseconds.
Kellookedtoseewhoelsehadjoinedthem.TherewasredheadedMerricofHollyrose,whosetemperwasasquickasCleon’swasslow;dark,handsomeFaleronofKing’sReach,Merric’scousin;andEsmondofNicoline,whosenormalpowderingoffreckleshadthickenedoverthesummer.AllwereherfriendsandmembersofthestudygroupthathadmetinNeal’sroomthepreviousyear.Withthemwerethreenewfirst-yearpages,boysthatCleon,Neal,andMerrichadchosentosponsor.Shewasn’tsureiftheywerefriendsornot.Theywouldhavebeenrudetorefusetositwiththeirsponsors,andthuswithTheGirl.
Onlyoneoftheircompanywasmissing,PrinceRoald,butthatwasexpected.Roald,nowafourth-yearpage,wasalwayscarefultoslightnoone.HehadeatenwithKel,Neal,andtheirgroupthenightbefore.Todayheandtheboyhehadchosentosponsorsatwithsomethird-yearpages.
Lunchpassedquickly,theboys’talkfillingKel’sears.Shehadlittletosay.AfterlivingintheYamaniIslandsforsixyears,shehadpickedupYamanihabits,includingareluctancetochatterorletemotionsshow.Someonehadtolistentoallthattalk.
AtlastitwastimetohandinhertablewareandpresentherselftoLordWyldon.Jorenwasalreadyatthedais,waiting.LordWyldonalwaysmadeitclearwhenhewasreadytospeaktohischarges.
WhenKelreachedthedais,Jorensteppedawayfromher.Kelsighedinwardly,herfaceYamani-blank.Jorenandhiscronieshaddonetheirbesttomakeherleavetheyearbefore.Forherpart,shehaddeclaredwarontheirhazingofthefirst-yearsbeyondwhatshefeltwasreasonable.InterferencewithJorenandhiscliquehadoftenturnedintofistfightsuntilherfriendsbegantojoinher.Atyear’send,therewereenoughofthemtostopJoren’scrowdfromhazingentirely.OverthesummerKelhadletherselfhopethatJorenwouldgiveupnow.Glancingathim,sherealizedherhopeswereempty.
Threeyearsolder,JorenwasjustfourinchestallerthanKelandbeautiful.Hisshoulder-lengthhairwassoblonditwasnearlywhite.Itframedpaleskin,rosycheeks,andskyblueeyessetamonglong,fairlashes.Hewasoneofthebestpagesinunarmedandweaponscombat,althoughinKel’sopinionhewasheavy-handedwithhishorse.
Well,I’veonlyonemoreyearwithhim,KelthoughtasLordWyldonfinishedcleaninghisplate.Afterhetakeshisbigexamination,he’llbeasquireandgonemostoftheyear.
LordWyldondrainedhiscupandsetitdownsharply.Hisdarkeyes,ashardasflint,inspectedfirstJoren,thenKel.Didheregretthathehadallowedhertostay?Kelwonderedforthethousandthtime.OverthesummershehadlearnedthatlastyearthebettingamongtheservantshadbeentwentytooneagainstLordWyldon’sallowinghertoenterhersecondyear.
Now,lookingatWyldon’shard,clean-shavenface,marredbyascarthat
stretchedfromhisrighteyeintohisclose-croppedbrownhair,shewonderedwhy.Ifshesmackedthetrainingmaster’sbaldcrown,wouldtheanswerpopoutofhismouth?Thethoughtnearlymadeherlaughaloud,theimagewassofunny,butherYamanitrainingheld.Herlipsdidn’tquiver;herthroatdidn’tcatch.SheblessedtheYamanisasthetrainingmasterdrummedhisfingersonthetable.
“JorenofStoneMountain,Iwillhaveatwo-pageessayongoodmannersbySundayevening,”hesaid.Asalways,thewordscamereluctantlyfromhismouth,asifhefelthemightbepoorerbygivingthemaway.“KeladryofMindelan,foryourlateness,youwilllaborinthepages’armoryforonebelloftimeonSundayafternoon.”Itwasthestandardpunishment,nomoreandnolessthanhegaveanyotherpagefortardiness.
Shebowed,justasJorenhad.Theywerenotpermittedtoargue.
“Youarebothdismissed.”LordWyldonpickeduphisdocuments.JorenmadesurehebeatKeloutofthemesshall.Shelethimhavethelead,sinceheseemedtothinkitwasimportant.Oncehewasoutofherway,sheranbacktoherrooms.Sheneededtocollectherbooksfortheafternoon’sclasswork.
two
ADJUSTMENTS
Thedogwasstillasleeponherbed.Hewasnotalone.WhileKelhadtokeepthebigshutterslockedwhenshewasout,thesmallpairoverthemwereopeninallweathersothesparrowsthathadadoptedhercouldflyinandout.Threenowperchedonhercoverlet,eyeingthedogwithinterest.
“Heisn’tstaying,”Keltoldthesmallbrownbirds.Thedog’stailwagged,thoughhedidn’topenhiseyes.
Onesparrowflewoverandperchedonhershoulderwithapeep.Itwasthefemalewholedtheflock.ApalespotontopofherheadhadearnedherthenameCrown.Kelgavethebirdasunflowerseedandgatheredherbooks.Crownflewbacktothebedtocontinueherinspectionofthenewcomer.
Thepalaceanimalswerepeculiar.Theyseemedwiser,inthehumansense,thanmostotheranimals.ThedifferencewascausedbyayoungwomannamedDaine,theWildmage,whosemagicallowedhertocommunicatewithanimals.AftershehadtalkedtoKel’sgelding,Peachblossom,thevicioushorseallowedKeltoridehimwithoutmakingherbleedfortheprivilege.EvenDame’smerepresenceaffectedpalaceanimalspermanently.Threemonthsbefore,Kel’ssparrowshadledKelandatroopofhunterstothelairofthegiant,human-headedspidermonsterscalledspidrens,thoughDainehadnotbeentheretoaskitofthem.
MightDainehelpwiththisdog?Kelwonderedasshelockedthedoorbehindher.
Nealhadbeenwaitinginthecorridor.Hewrappedanarmaroundhershoulders.“Come,Mindelan,”hesaidcheerfully,towinghertowardtheclassroomwing.“Whileyouwerehereridingyourevilhorseandbendingabowallsummer,didyoucrackasinglebook?”
“Ihelpedthehousekeeperwiththeaccounts,”retortedKel,lettingherfriendtowher.“Didyoubendaboworrideahorseallsummer?”
“Hadto,”Nealsaidgloomilyastheywalkedintotheirfirstclass,readingandwritingwiththeMithranpriestYayin.“Ourmasteratarmskeptafterme.”
Shesatnexttohim.“We’llmakeaknightofyouyet,Queenscove.”
“That’swhatI’mafraidof,”heretorted.
AfterclassKelreturnedtoherroomstofindthatlifehadsuddenlyimproved.Afulltubofhotwaterawaitedher.Shecouldtakearealbathwhiletheuglydoglookedon.Asshesoaked,Kelrealizedhe,too,hadbeenwashed.Hisfine,shortfurshonewhitebetweenscars.Hewasstillhomely.Hislegswerealittlebowed,supportingabarrelchestandthinhips.Shehadalreadynoticedthattwice-brokentailandhistornear.Hiswholeearwassharp,pointed,anduprightonaheadshapedlikeathickaxblade.Thatskulllookedtoobigevenforhissturdyneck,butthedoglifteditwithpride.
“Youwillneverbeabeauty,”Kelinformedhimasshedriedoff.Hewaggedhisabsurdtail,asifshe’dcomplimentedhim.
Assheputonabrownshift,orangegown,andstockings-shealwaysworeadresstosupper,incaseanyonehadforgottenthatshewasagirl-shenoticedotherwelcomechanges.Herdeskhadbeenneatened,herclothespressedtillnotasinglewrinklewasleft.Therewasabowl,emptyevenofcrumbs,andahalf-emptywaterdish:thegirlLalasahadwashedandfedthedog.ShehadalsofoundKel’sstoreofseedsandfilledthesparrows’feedandwaterdishes.Nobirddroppingscouldbeseenanywhere.
Someonepoundedonherdoor.“Kel,comeon!”yelledNeal.“I’mhungry!”
Whensheopenedthedoor,hepokedhisheadinside.“Thecookssaythere’shamandblueberrypies,sinceit’sthefirstday.Iloveblueberrypie-Mithros,thatistheugliestdogintheworld.”Hesteppedinside.
Thedogtrottedovertosniffhimenergetically.Hiscrookedtailbegantowhip.Hestoodonhishindlegs,bracedhispawsonNeal’slongthighs,androotedatoneoftheyouth’spockets.
“Caughtmeout,oldman,didn’tyou?”askedNealwithagrin.Hecrouched,pullingarollfromhispocket,andgaveittothedog.Itwasgoneinthreebites.“Youknowwecan’thavedogs,”heremindedKel,scratchingtheanimal’s
rump.“MithrosandGoddess,heisugly,”
“Yousaidthatalready.IknowIcan’thaveadog.Neal,willtheWildmagetakehim?”
“Daine?Ofcourse,”hereplied.“She’shere-Isawherlastnight.Askheraftersupper.”
“Didyoumaybewanttogowithme?”sheofferedgingerly,afraidthatshemightcauseNealhurtbyaskinghimalong.Lastyear,hehadintroducedhertoDainewhenKelhadneededhelpwithPeachblossom.KelhadseenthatNealwassmittenwithDaine,thoughshelivedwiththemageNumairSalmalin.
“No,”hetoldKelnobly,andsighed.“Itjusttriesmyheart,toseeherwiththatoldman.”
Keldidn’tthinkMasterNumairwassoold,butsheheldhertongue.Itdidnogoodtoarguewithherlovestruckfriend.
“Kel,isNealhere?”Merricstuckhisheadintotheroom.“Let’sbeprompttosupper,shallwe?”Hisblueeyeswidened.“That’sanuglydog.Youknowwearen’tallowedpets.”
“HegoestoDainetonight,”Kelsnapped.Shethrustherfriendsfromtheroom.
Thekingjoinedthemforsupper,ashehadtheyearbefore.HeatewithLordWyldon,thenspoketothepagesandthefewsquirespresentabouttheimportanceoftheirstudies.Kelwatchedandlistened,herfaceYamani-smooth.WhilesheowedKingJonathanherdutyandherservice,shestillwasn’tsurethatshelikedhim.ThekinghadallowedLordWyldontoputKelonayear’sprobation,somethingnootherpagehadtoendure.Ithadnotbeenfair.
SuddenlysherememberedsomethingherfatherhadsaidwhentheYamaniemperororderedtheexecutionnotonlyofabandofrobbersbutoftheirwomenandchildrenaswell.“Rulersareseldomnicepeople,Kel,”he’dremarked,hiseyessad.“Evengoodonesmakechoicesthatwillhurtsomebody.”
ButwhatifIwanthimtobenice?sheaskedherfathernowasshewatchedherkingsmileattheeagerboys.WhatifIwanthimtobefair?
“Youmaywantanythingyoulike,”hermotherwouldhavesaid.“Thatdoesn’tmeanyou’llgetit.”
Shesmiled,butshekeptitinside.Shedidn’twantthekingtothinkshesmiledathim.
Assoonasthekinghadgone,LordWyldoncalled,“KeladryofMindelan.”
Nowwhat?thoughtKel,halfwaytothedoor.Hasheheardaboutthedog?Shewentbacktothetrainingmaster’stable.
Atleasthedidn’tkeepherinsuspense.“Iunderstandyouhavetakenamaidintoyourservice,”heremarkedwhenshebowed.
Kelheavedaninnersighofrelief.“Yes,mylord.”
“Youarepermittedtodoso.However,aservantisaprivilege,notaright,inthepages’wing.Inadditiontoyourobligationstoanyoneinyourservice,youhaveobligationstomeandtothepalace.”Heregardedherlevelly,toyingwithhisknife.“Sheisnottoinvolveherselfphysicallywithanypageorsquire.Herpresenceisnotconsideredchaperonageforyou.Ifthereisaboyinyourrooms,thedoorremainsopen.Ifsheisill,youwillcallandpayahealer.Ifshecannotreadandwrite,youmustteachher.Ifshemisbehaves-isathief,orlewd,orquarrelsome-youareliable.Ifsherunsoff,orstaysawayovernightwithoutyourpermission,ordisobeysyou,donotaskpalaceguardsorservantstofindherortohelpyoutodisciplineher.Thatyoumustdoyourself.AmIunderstood?”
Kelbowed.“Yes,mylord.”
“Doyourdutybyher,andbyus,”LordWyldonsaidfirmly.“Youaredismissed.”
Kelleft,findingthatthehallshadclearedwhiletheytalked.Mostoftheboyshadvanishedtobegintheirstudies.NowKelgrabbedthedogandwrappedhiminablanket.“Youkeepstill,”sheorderedasshecarriedhimdownthehall.ThechamberswhereDainelivedwereonthefloorabovetheclassrooms.Thedogstruggledonthenarrowstair,finallypokinghisheadoutoftheblanket.Hethenstoppedfightingandgazedaroundwithinterest.
Hewassobony,andsolight!Couldn’tshekeephimuntilhe’dmadeupforthemealshehadmissed?Kelstoppedonthelandingtoblinkeyesthatstungwithtears.Sheknewshewasbeingsilly.Dainewouldfeedhimwell,andshecouldhealhiswounds.Shecouldtalktohimthroughhermagic,andunderstandhisreplies.Inadayortwothedogwouldn’tevenrememberKel,he’dbesohappy.
Thoroughlymiserableanddeterminedtohideit,Kelresumedherclimbtothesecondfloor.Walkingslowly,shecheckedengravednameplatesonthedoorsuntilshefoundtheonethatread:“NumairSalmalin,VeralidaineSarrasri.”Wrestlingahandfreeoftheblanket,Kelknocked.
Thedooropened.ForamomentKelwasconfused-shesawnoone.Asharpwhistledrewhergaze,andthedog’s,downtothefloor.Ayoungdragon,justtwofeettall,waslookingupatthem.Herscalesweredustyblue,herlarge,slit-pupiledeyesskyblue.Shehaddrapedherfoot-longtailoveraforepaw,likethetrainonagown.
“Aren’tyoupretty,”Kelsaid,admiringthesmallcreature.ShehadseenthedragonSkysong,nicknamedKitten,before,thoughatadistance.“IsDaineabout?”Dragons,evenveryyoungoneslikeKitten,weresupposedtobeasintelligentashumanbeings.
Thedragontiltedherslendermuzzleandvoicedatrill,thenraisedherselfontiptoetoinspectthedog.Kelkneltpolitelysothetwocouldlookateachother.
“Keladry,hello!”theWildmagesaidcheerfullyasshecametothedoor.“Welcomeback!”ShewasjustthreeinchestallerthanKelandslender,withtumblingsmokycurlsandgrave,blue-grayeyes.Shewasdressedforroughworkinbreechesandshirt.Feathersclungtoherhair.Hershirtwasspeckledwithbirddroppingsandastreakofgreenslimethathadtohavecomefromahorseordonkey.
KelgottoherfeetandsmiledatDaine.“It’sgoodtobeback,mylady.”
“Who’sthis?”Dainestretchedoutherhands.
AsKelhandedthedogover,sheexplainedhowshehadmethim.“Mymaidgavehimabathandsomemorefood,sohedoesn’tlookasbadashedid,”shefinished.“ButIcan’tkeephim.Wouldyou?Helikesyoualready.”Itwastrue;
thedogwasgleefullylickingDaine’sface.Whenshesethimdown,heofferedKittenthesameattention.Kittensteppedbackwithashrillwhistle.Scolded,thedoglookedupatKelandpanted,tonguelolling.
“Icantrytokeephim,”Dainesaid,adoubtfullookinhereyes.“Heneedspatchingup,andsomethingforworms.He’sbarelymorethanapup.”Shecrouchedbesidethedog,runningherhandsoverhisscrawnyframe.“HesayshisnameisJump.”
Kelbackedup.“Namehimasyoulike,mylady,”shesaid,clenchingherhandsbehindherback.Shewasnotgoingtogetupsetoveradogshe’dknownlessthanhalfaday,andthatdoggoingtothebesthomeinthepalace.“Thankyoufortakinghim.Ifthere’sanythingIcandoforyou…”
DainelookedupatKel.“YoucamealmosteverydaythissummertoridePeachblossomandgroomhim,”theWildmagesaidquietly.“Youbringhimtreats,andgoeasyontherein,whenlastyearatthistimehecouldlookforwardtoanotherbrutalmasterordeath.AndCrownandherflocksaythatyoualwaysstoppedby,thoughyouknewSalmawaslookingafterthem.ItisIwhothankyou,Keladry,forthem.Youtreatanimalsaswellasyoutreathumanbeings.”Shesmiled.“IwilltrytokeepJump.Ifyoufindotheranimalsinneed,cometome.”
Sheofferedherhand.Kelgrippeditgently,mumbledsomethingaboutappreciation,andfled.Shehadtostopinthestairwelltocollectherself.DainetheWildmagethoughtwellofher!
Suddenlysheheardaboysnap,“Idon’tunderstandwhyIhaveto.”
Shestiffened,hersensesalert.Downthestepsshewent,cat-silent,untilshewasjustaroundthecornerfromthegroundfloorlanding.
“It’sapage’sdutytoobey.”TheperfectlychillvoicebelongedtoJoren.
“Youfirst-yearsquirtsneedlessoning.”ThatwasVinsonofGenlith,oneofJoren’scronies.Kelshookouthershoulders,looseningthemup.
“Thisisawasteoftime.”ThenewvoicebelongedtoJoren’sclosestfriend,ZahiribnAlhaz.Zahirhadstoppedhelpingtheotherstohazenewpageslatelastwinter.“Wehavebetterthingstodo.”
“What?”demandedVinson.“AreyouafraidoftheLumpandherfriends?”TheLump,ortheYamaniLump,wastheirnicknameforKel.
“Whenyou’redonewithchildren’sgames,Joren,letmeknow,”Zahirsaid.Kelheardstepsfadeintothedistance.
AfteramomentJorensaidtightly,“Gettowork,boy.”
“ButcleaningspilledinkIcan’tevensee-”protestedthevoiceKelhadfirstheard.
Therewasathud.“Weseeit,”drawledanewvoicebelongingtoGarveyofRunnerspring.HeandVinsonwereJoren’schiefcompanionsinhazingfirst-years.
Kelflexedherhands.Theyknewwedidn’texpectthemtostartupthefirstnightoftraining,shethoughtangrily.Theyknewwe’dthinktheywereastiredastherestofus,sotheysneakedaroundandfoundavictim.
Shelookedatherclothes.Sinceshehadn’texpectedtopatrolthehallsinsearchofbullies,shehadn’tchangedintoshirtandbreechesaftersupper.Fightinginadresswouldbetricky.Rollingupherskirt,shegathereditatonesideandknottedit.Idon’tcareifOraniethinksthatsashesmakemelookthick-waisted,Keltoldherself.Oraniewashersharp-tonguedsecondoldestsister.Fromnowon,that’swhatIwear.
Kelwalkeddownthelastfewstepsandintothegroundfloorhall.Tenyardsawayoneofthenewfirst-years,OwenofJesslaw,layonthefloor.Vinson,Garvey,andJorenstoodaroundhim,leavinghimnowheretorun.
TheyturnedwhentheyheardKel’ssigh.“Ihopedyou’dallrealizedhowstupidthisis,”sheremarkedcoolly.
Jorensmiled.“Mydayiscomplete,”hesaid.Thethreeolderboysmovedapart,thenclosedinonKel.
Owenstruggledtohisfeet.Hewasshortandchubby,withplumphandsandbigfeet.Histumbleofbrowncurlslookedasifsomebodyhadyankedthem.Hisgrayeyesweresetunderbrowsshapedlikequestionmarkslaidflat.Confused,helookedfromKeltothefourth-years.
“I’msureyouhaveclasswork,”Keltoldhim,shiftingtoputawallatherback.“Gettoit.Theseboys”-sheputaworldofscornintotheword-“andIhaveadebatetocontinue.”
Owenstayedwherehewas.
Maybehedoesn’tunderstand,Kelthought.Shebackedup,todrawthefightawayfromhim.
GarveycameatKelfromtheright,punchingatherhead.Sheslidawayfromhispunch,grabbedhisarm,pushedherrightfootforward,andtwistedtotheleft.GarveywentoverherhipintoVinson,who’dattackedonherleft.Joren,atthecenter,cameinfastashisfriendshitthewall.KelblockedJorenspunchtohermiddle,buthisblowwasafeint;hisleftfistcaughtherrighteyesquarely.Kelscissoredalegupandout,slammingherrightfootintoJoren’sknee.Jorenhissedandgrabbedherhair.Someoneelse-Vinson-tackledher.KellethisforcethrowherintoJoren.Downthethreeofthemwentinatumble.Jorenletgoofherhair,fightingtogetoutfromunderherandVinson.KelelbowedhiminthebellyandturnedtothrustherotherhandintoVinson’sface,encouraginghimtogetoffherbypressinghisclosedeyeswithherfingers.
Garveywadedinandgrabbedthefrontofhergowntohaulhertoherfeet.Owen-forgottenuntilthatmoment-struckhimfrombehind.DownGarveywent,facefirst,chubbyOwenclingingmonkey-liketohisbackasKelrolledoutoftheway.OwenbeatGarveywildlyabouttheheadandshoulderswithonehand.
Notmuchtechnique,Kelthoughtasshegottoherknees,buthe’sgotplentyofheart.
Joren’sarmwrappedaroundherneck,cuttingoffherair.Vinsonattackedher,cursing,hisblowsnearlyaswildasOwen’s.Kel’svisionwasgoingdarkwhenhandspulledJoren’sarmaway.Kelgaspedforair.Darkbreechesandwhiteshirtsonherrescuerstoldherpalaceservantshadputahalttothings.
Twohandswrappedaroundherarmanddrewhertoherfeet.KellookeddownacoupleofinchesintoOwenofJesslaw’sshininggrayeyes.“Thatwasjolly!”hesaid.Apparentlyabloodynoseandacutthatdrippedbloodintohisearwerenotimportant.“Didyoulearntofightlikethathere?”
“So.”LordWyldoncoldlyeyedKelandOwen.“Alreadyyouinstructthenewboysinyourbrawlingways.”
“Wefelldown,”Kelrepliedsteadily.Sheknewthisplaybyheart;sodidthetrainingmaster.Firsthequestionedtheseniorpages,whoclaimedtheyhadfallen.Thenhequestionedher-and,forthefirsttime,theboywho’dbeentheobjectofthehazing.Nootherfirst-yearshadstayedtohelpbefore.
“Threefootmenandatorchboysaidyouwerefighting,”LordWyldonpointedout.
“Theyweremistaken,mylord,”shereplied.
Wyldondrummedhisfingersonhisdesk.Finallyhesaid,“OwenofJesslaw,youhavemadeaverypoorstart.ReporttoOsgarWoodrowattheforgeoutsidethesquires’armoryforthefirstbelloftimeeverynightaftersupperforaweek.Youmaycoolyourpassionsbysharpeningswords.”HisbrowneyeslockedonKel.“Asforyou,Mindelan-reporttoStefanGroomsmanatthesamehour.Heistofindyouworkpitchinghaydownfromstablelofts.”
ClammysweatbrokeoutbetweenKel’sshoulderblades.“St-stablelofts,mylord.Ofcourse.”Attrainingcampbeforethesummerholiday,LordWyldonhadmadeKelclimbeverydaytodealwithherfearofheights.Kelbitherlipguiltily:whileshehadtrainedallsummer,shehadnottriedtolookdownfromanythinghigherthanafewsteps.Ibetheknew,shethoughtqueasily.IbetheknewIdidn’tclimbanythingonholiday.
“Afinalword,PageKeladry.”LordWyldonstood,bracinghishandsonhisdesk.“Thiswillstop,”hesaidtightly.“Therewasneversomuchfightingbeforeyoucame.Itwillendnow!”
Maybeyoujustneverheardaboutallthefights,Kelthoughtwearily.Bigboyspickingonlittleonesjusttobemean.Maybenoonemadeenoughofafusstobringittoyournotice.
Fromthecornerofhereyeshesawthered-facedOwenopenhismouth.KelbowedtoWyldonandmanagedtostumble,bangingintothenewboy.Thetrainingmasterwaitedforthemtostandatattentiononcemore,thendismissedthem.
“Why’dyoudothat?”demandedOwenwhentheyclosedthedoorbehindthem.“Why’dyoubumpme?”
“Becauseyouwereabouttosaysomething,”sherepliedcalmly.“Youaren’tsupposedtosayanythingexceptthatyoufelldown.Whateverpunishmenthegivesyou,whateverhesays,youtakeitinsilence.”
“Buttheystartedit,”heargued.“Youwerehelpingoutanothernoble,likewe’resupposedto,andtheywadedintoyou.”
Kelsighed.“That’snotwhyIdidit.”
Turningintotheirownhallway,KelandOwenhalted.Theprince,Neal,Cleon,andKel’sotherfriendsstoodthere,waiting.
“Goodevening,yourhighness,”Kelsaid.
PrinceRoaldnoddedgravely.
Nealstrodeovertoher.“Whatonearthdidyouthinkyouweredoing?Ithoughtwesolvedallthislastyear!”
Kelreplied,“Wedid.”
“Thenwhydidyoupatrolwithoutus?Wehadadeal.Wewentwithyouandwedealtwiththatlotasateam.”
“Don’tyellather,”Owensnapped.“Youshouldhaveseenherfight.Andtheystartedit.”
Theprincesmiledathim.RoaldofCont�wasafourth-yearpage,quietandcontained,withhisfather’sveryblueeyesandblackhairthatcouldhavecomefromeitherofhisparents.Hewassopolitethatheappearedstiff,andhemadefriendswithdifficulty,butwhenhespoke,hewaslistenedto.“Wehavebeentryingtostopthehazingoffirst-years,”hetoldOwen.“AndIbelieveIsuggestedthatyoustudywithourgroup.”RoaldwasOwen’ssponsor,chargedwithteachinghimpalaceways.
“Buttherewasalibrary,yourhighness,”Owensaid.“Abigone.Iwasjustgoingtolook.”
“AndIwasn’tpatrolling,”repliedKel.“IhadtoseeDaine.WhenIcamedownstairs…”Sheshrugged.
“Andgotablackeyeforyourpains,”Nealsaidwithdisgust.Hereachedtowardher,greenmagicalfireshimmeringaroundhisfingertips.
Kelsteppedback.“You’llgetintroublewithmylordifyouhealsomethinghecansee,”shepointedout.“FixOwen’scut.”
Nowitwastheplumpboy’sturntostepback.“What?”Owendemandednervously.
“Nealhasthehealer’sGiftofmagic,”saidtheprince.“Don’tbesilly.Hecanatleastmakeitsothatcutandyournosedon’thurtasmuch.”
Owenrolledhiseyes,butletNealcareforhisinjuries.Thecutinhisscalpwasshallow;Nealshrankthat.“Thenoseisn’tworthtroublingwith,”hetoldOwen.“It’snotbroken.Justbecarefulhowyoublowit.”HelookedatKelwitharuefulsmile.“Mightweatleastgetsomeclassworkdone?”
Kelwenttoherrooms.Gatheringherbooks,shewastryingtorememberherassignmentswhensheheardasoundbehindher.Shewhirled,droppingherbooks.Someonegaspedandduckedinsidethedressingroom.
“Who-?”Kelbegan,thenremembered:Lalasa.Shewouldsleepinthedressingroom,liketheservantswhoattendedotherpages.KelhadseenLalasa’scotandthewoodenscreenthatgaveherprivacywhenshetookherbath.“It’sjustme.”
Theoldergirlpeeredaroundthedoor,thenranforwardandknelttogatherKel’sfallenbooks.“Mylady,forgiveme,Inevermeant-”SheglancedupatKelandgaspedagain.“Mylady,yourpardon,yourpooreye!Whocouldhavedonesuchathing?ShallIfetchahealer-no,UnclesaysonlymylordWyldonmayapprovehealers…Acutofmeat,perhapsicefromtheicehouseifthey’llletmehaveit.Oh,mylady,”shewailed,herhandsclaspedbeforeher.
Kelblinkedather.“It’sjustablackeye,”shesaid.“Pleasedon’tditheratme.”
“Butit’sallswollen!Howcanyousee?”
“Badly,”admittedKel.“It’llmend.I’vehadthembefore.”
“Doesn’tithurt?”beggedLalasa.“Youactlikeit’snothing.”
Kelshrugged.“Ithurts,yes,butnotasbadassomeI’vehad.MayIhavemybooks,please?Ihavetostudy.”
Nealstuckhisheadinthedoor.“Areyoucoming?”hedemanded.“Weonlyhaveabellleftbeforebedtime,andhalfofusarestumpedonthatcatapultmathematicsproblem.Who’sshe?”
KelsighedandintroducedNealtoLalasa.ThegirlwhohadbeensooutspokeninherdismaywentquietthemomentshesawNeal.Silentlyshebackedtowardthedressingroom,stoppingonlytocurtsywhenKelgaveherfriend’sname.
Whyhide?wonderedKelasshelefttheroomwithNeal.“Doessheknowyou?”sheaskedastheywenttohisrooms.
“No-shouldshe?Imean,Isawherworkinginthesquires’wingonceortwicelastyear.Timidlittlecreature.”
Hischamberswerecrowded.Withtheadditionofthefirst-yearstotheirstudygroup,therewasaboyoneverysurfacethatmightbeclaimedasaseat.Theclusteronthebedshifted,makingroomforKel.Theywereallboyswhohadgottenherhelpwithmathematicsbefore:itwasKel’sfavoritesubject,andshewasgoodatit.
WhowouldbelieveitwasjustNealandmeayearago?shethought.Ithoughtwe’dneverhaveanyfriends,whatwithLordWyldonhatinghimforbeingfifteenandeducated,andmebeingTheGirl.
Abouttotaketheofferedplace,shehadanidea.“Youknow,theydoallowstudygroupstomeetinthelibraries.”Shesmiled.“Ibelievethere’sroomforusintheclassroom-winglibrary.”LastyearJorenandhisfriendshadmadelifemiserableforanyfirst-yearwhoenteredtheroom.Itwasonlyrightthattheirgroupreclaimitforpeoplewhowantedtostudy.
Theboyslookedateachother,thenatKel.WithoutawordtheygatheredtheirthingsandstreamedoutofNeal’sroom.Owenleftskippingtoasoftchantof
“Books,books,books!”
Nealthrewopenhisarmsasiftoembracehisnow-emptychambers.“WhatshallIdowithallthisspaceintheevenings?”heinquiredairily,wavingKeloutaheadofhim.“Plantagarden,perhaps,beginmyeagerlyawaitedcareerinsculpting-“
“IfIwereyou,I’dpracticemystaffwork,”Kelreplied.“Youneedto.”
*
Thebellthatsignaledtheendoftheirdayclanged,andthepagesreturnedtotheirrooms.BythenKelfelteachandeverybruisefromthefightandfromherday’strainingwiththatweightedharness.Stifflysheputherbooksonherdesk,noticingamild,cleanscentintheair.
“Ifixedwillowteaformylady,”explainedLalasaasshepouredacupfromthekettleonthehearth.“AndSalmagavemeapackageforyou.”
Kellookedthepackageover.Itwaslikeothersshe’dreceivedfromanunknownbenefactor:aplaincanvaswrappertiedwithstringandaplainlabel.Sheundidtheknotsandpulledthecanvasawaytorevealasmallwoodenbox.
Shewriggledthetopofftorevealthecontents:apamphletandthreeovalleatherballs,eachofasizethatwouldfitintoherpalm.Didhermysteriouswell-wisherwanthertolearntojuggle?Shepickedupaball,whichwasheavierthanitlooked.Kelsqueezedit.Fromthetexture,itwasfilledwithsand.
“Whatonearth?”shemuttered,andleafedthroughthepamphlet.Itwashand-letteredandclearlyillustrated.Suddenlyshebegantogrin.
“Whatisit,mylady?”askedthemaid.
“Exercises,”repliedKel.“Formyarmsandmyhands.”Shemoldedtheleatherballinherlefthand,squeezinghard.“Thisissupposedtostrengthenmygrip.”Howdoesheknow,orshe,what’sneeded?Kelwondered,scanningthe
descriptionsoftheexercises.Lastyearithadbeenagoodknife,herjarofprecious,magickedbruisebalm,andafinetiltingsaddleforPeachblossom.Nowitwasmoreexercises,smallonesshecoulddoanytime,thatwouldhelptobuildstrengthinherhandsandarms.
Remindedofthebruisebalm,Keltookthejaroutofherdeskanddabbedalittleonherswolleneye.Thethrobbingacheinitbegantofade.
IwishIknewwhoyouwere,shethought,sippingtheteathatLalasahadmade.Iwouldliketothankyou-andaskwhyyoudothesethingsforme.
three
BRAWL
ThenextmorningKelrosebeforedawnasalways.Itwasnoteasy.Shefeltstiff,old,andbattered.Whenshestubbedhertoe,sherememberedthatshecouldonlyseethroughoneeye.Atleasttheblackenedeyenolongerachedsomuch.
Icouldhavehadice,Kelthoughtbitterly.Butno.Ihadtobetough.IwasmadwhenIchosethislife,shedecidedassheunlockedherlargeshutters.Iwasstarkravingmad,andmyfamilywastoopolitetomentionit.That’swhatlivingwiththeYamanisdoestopeople.Theygetsowell-manneredtheywon’tmentionyou’recrazy.
Sheopenedtheshutterswide.Outsidelayasmallstone-flaggedcourtyardwithaslender,miserabletreeatthecenter.TheflockofsparrowsperchedonitsbranchesheadedforKel,swirlingaroundherinarusticoffeathersandachorusofpeeps.Exceptduringwinter,theypreferredtosleepoutsideandjoinherforseedandwaterintheshortgraytimebeforesunrise.Whilemostofthebirdswentstraighttothedishes,afewlandedonhershouldersandarms.Kelgentlystrokedtheirheadsandbreastswithafinger.Shehadnearlythirtyafterthespringnesting.Brown-and-tanfemalesandmales,themalesalsosportingblackcollars,theyappearedtoseeKelasasourceoffoodandentertainment.Theychatteredtoherconstantly,asiftheyhopedthatwithenoughrepetition,thisgreatslowcreaturewouldunderstandthem.
Shewasadmiringthemalewhosepale-spottedheadhadearnedhimthenameFrecklewhensomethinglargeandwhitevaultedthewindowsillonherblindside.Itlandedbesideherwithathumpasthesparrowstooktotheair.Shebackeduptolookatitproperly.
ThedogJumpgrinnedcheerfullyather,tonguelolling.Hiscrookedtailwhippedtheairbriskly.
“Absolutelynot,”Kelsaidfirmly.Shepointedtothewindow.“YoulivewithDainenow!Daine!”
JumpstoodonhishindlegsandthrusthisheavynoseintoKel’shand.
“Howdidyouknowtocomeinhere?”Kelleanedoutofherwindow.Ifshehadn’tbeensovexed,shewouldhavebeenimpressed-itwasfourfeetfromthegroundtohersill.Sheturnedtoglareatthedog.“BacktoDaine,thisinstant!”sheordered.“Out!”
“Out?”aquaveringvoiceinquired.Lalasastoodatthedressingroomdoor.“WhatdidI-“
KelpointedtoJump.
“Oh.Thedoghasreturned.”Lalasapaddedoutintothemainroomandpokedupthehearthfire,thenputafullpotofwateroverit.“Myladyshouldhaverousedme.Ididnotmeantolayabedaftermyladywasup.”
“Iwakebeforedawn,”Kelsaid,goingtothecornerwhereshehadleftherpracticeglaive.“IpracticebeforeIdress.”Shegavetheweaponanexperimentalswing,makingsuretherewasplentyofclearspaceinthispartofherroom.Shedidn’twanttobreakanythingassheexercised.
Atleastshehadgottensomerealglaivepracticeoverthesummer.WhilehersistersAdaliaandOranie,youngEasternladiesnow,hadlosttheskillstheylearnedintheYamaniIslands,theirmotherhadtrouncedKeleverydayforamonthbeforeKel’soldabilityhadreturned.KeloftenthoughtthatIlaneofMindelancouldgiveeventheShangwarriorswhotaughtthepagesarealfightwithaglaive.
Kelswepttheweapondownandhelditpoisedforthecutnamed“thebroomsweepsclean.”Hergripwasnotquiteright.Sheadjusteditandlookedup,readytobeginthepatternofmovementsandstrikesthatwereherpracticeroutine.
Lalasastoodagainstthewallbesidethehearth.Herhands,coveredbythelargequiltedmittsusedtolifthotthingsoffthefire,werepressedtightoverhermouth.Hereyeswerehuge.
Nowwhat?Kelwantedtosay.Shewasn’tusedtoexplaininghereverymovetosomeone.Insteadofscolding,shebithertongueandmadeherselfthinkofalake,quietandsereneonasummer’sday.Whenshehadherselfundercontrol,sheasked,“What’sthematter,Lalasa?”
“I-Iwanttobeoutofyourway,mylady,isall.It’ssobig.Doyoualwaysswingitlikethat?”
Kellookedatherweapon,confused.Itwasjustapracticeglaive,afive-foot-longwoodenstaffwithaleadcore,cappedbyacurved,heavy,dullbladeeighteenincheslong.“That’swhatit’sfor.See,youcanwielditlikealong-handledax”-shebroughttheglaiveupoverhandandchoppeddown-“oryoucanthrustwithit.”Kelshiftedherhandsonthestaffandlunged.“Oryoucancutupwiththecurvededge.”Sheswungtheweaponbacktothebroom-sweeps-cleanposition,andstopped.Lalasawasplainlymorefrightenedthanever.“Youcouldlearntouseit,”offeredKel.“Toprotectyourself.TheYamaniladiesallknowhowtowieldtheglaive.”
Lalasashookherheadvigorously.Grabbingthepotofhotwater,shescuttledintothedressingroomwithit.
Iwishshewasn’tsonervous,Kelthought,clearingherheartforthepatterndance.Ihopeshegetsoverit.
SheputLalasafromhermindandtookheropeningposition.Stepandlunge…Herstiffbodyprotested.Shewaspantingbythetimeshewasdone.Nextsheforcedherselfthroughtwentyofthefloorpress-upsthatEdaBell,theShangWildcat,hadsaidwouldstrengthenherarms.Asshefinished,thegreatbellthatsummonedallbutthedeafestnoblesfromtheirbedsrang.Itwasthebeginningofanotherpalaceday.
Kelwalkedintothedressingroom.Hotwatersteamedinherbasin;soap,dryingcloth,brush,comb,andtoothcleanerwerealllaidoutneatlybesideit.Eveninhere,Lalasahadmadethingsmorecomfortable.Atallwoodenscreenhidherbedandthesmallboxthatheldherbelongings.Shehadfoundascarletrugsomewhere,abrazierforheatwhenitturnedcold,andaclothhangingtocovertheprivydoor.Kel’smorningclothes-shirt,canvasbreeches,stockings,boots,acanvasjacket-weredrapedneatlyoverastandthatKelhadalwaysthoughtwasahurdleputinherroombymistake.
“Lalasa,”shesaidwhenshewasdressed,“wouldyouliketolearnwaystomakepeopleletgo?Holds,andtwiststofreeyourarms,gripsthatwillmakethemthinktwiceaboutbotheringyou?Iknowsome,and-“
LalasashookherheadsohardthatKelwonderedifherbrainmightrattle.
“Pleaseno,mylady,”shesaidinhertiny,scaredvoice.“It’llbedifferentnow,withmyhavingapropermistress.That’swhatUnclesaid.Thenoblesdon’tmesswitheachother’sservants.AndI’llbecareful.I’llbenotroubletoyou,mylady,you’llsee.”
“Hey,Mindelan!”someoneyelledintheoutsidehall.“Comeon!”
KelsighedandlookedatJump.Hehadwatchedhergetready,histinyeyesintent.“Afterbreakfast,willyoutakehimtoDaine?”sheasked.“She’sonthefloorabovetheclassrooms,with-“
Lalasawasshakingherheadagain.“Mylady,she’llturnmeintosomething.She’suncanny,forevertalkingtoanimalsandcoveredwiththemesstheymake…”
Kelwasapatientgirl,buttherewassomethingtoLalasa’smeeknessthatsetherteethonedge.“That’ssilly,”shesnapped.
Lalasastaredatthefloor.
AndhereI’vefrightenedheragain,thoughtKel.Nowherheadachedasmuchastherestofher.“Look.WillGowerdoit,ifyouaskhim?TakeJumpuptoDaine?”
Lalasanodded.“Yes,mylady.”
“Thenpleaseaskhimto.”Kelleftbeforeshecouldsayanythingelse.
Lalasajustneedstogetusedtome,shetoldherselfasshejoinedtheboysheadedforthemesshall.ShejustneedstolearnIwon’tbemeantoher.Thenshewon’tbeso,somouseish.Please,Goddess.
Neal’sfirstblockofKel’sfirstpunchfelteverybitassoftandwearyasherblow.Theybothmadefaces.“What’sthematter,second-years?Tired?”KelhadalwaysthoughtthatHakuinSeastone,theShangHorse,wasimproperlycheerfulforaYamani.NowhecircledherandNeal,grinning.HewastallforanIslander,withplumplipsanddark,almond-shapedeyesframedwithlaughlines.Hisglossyblackhairwascroppedshortonthesidesandlongontop,soahankofitalwayslayagainsthisbroadforeheadlikeacomma.Heworeplainpracticeclothesandwentbarefoot.“Addtwopoundsofweighttoyourchestsandyou
actlikeyoucarrytheworld.Putstrengthintoyourblocks.Iwantthosepunchestomeansomething!Whatifyou’reunhorsedandfightinginmailorplatearmor?You’llwishyou’dlistenedtooldHakuinthen.Ready,begin.Highpunch,highblock!Middlepunch,middleblock!Lowpunch,lowblock!”
Histeachingpartner,theShangWildcat,peeredintoOwen’sface.Shewasanolderwoman,herskinlightlytannedfromsummer,herclose-croppedcurlssilverywhite.“Whatareyoulookingattheseniorsfor?”sheaskedOwen,paleeyesglinting.“Youdon’tgettolookaroundtillyoupunchlikeafighter,notacookkneadingbread.”
Keltriedtowillmorevigorintoachingmuscles.AtbreakfastFaleronandRoaldhadsaidthateveryonewasexhaustedwhentheyfirstdonnedtheharness,orwhennewweightswereadded,butKeldidn’trememberifshehadnoticedtheolderpagesstrugglinglastyear.
“Ihearthethirdday’sworse,”Nealmoanedasthebellrang.ItwastheirsignaltolurchtotheyardwhereLordWyldonandSergeantEzekodrilledthemonstaffcombat.
“Ijustwanttolivethroughtoday,”saidMerricastheyfileddownthehill.
Thefourth-years,walkingbehindthem,pushedbytheyoungerpagestotakethelead.Theydiditroughly,yelling,“Oldstersfirst!”PassingKel,Jorenthrusthiselbowback,clippingherblackeye.Kelgaspedandbentover,coveringherthrobbingeye.
Acoolhandrestedonhers,andsomethingflowedthroughherfingers.Thepainvanished.Keltookherhandaway,andglaredatNeal.
“Itstilllooksniceandpuffyandcolorful.”Hisvoicewasdry,hisgreeneyesworried.“Kel,wehavetodosomethingabouthim.”
“Yes,”shereplied,“stayoutofhisway.Joren’sapageforjustonemoreyear,andthat’swhatImeantodo.”
“She’sright.”Theprincestoppedbesidethem.“Ifshetakesrevenge,she’stheonewhowilllookbad.”
“Sothere,”KeltoldNeal,andmarchedondowntothenextpracticecourt.
BeneathhercalmexteriorshewishedfiercelythatshecouldpoundthemeannessoutofJoren.Evenasshethoughtit,sheknewshewoulddobettertoignorehim.Water,shethought,collectingherstafffromtheshedwhereitwaskept.Iamasummerlakeonawindlessday,clear,cool,andstill.Jorenisacloud.Allhecandoiscastashadowonmysurface.I’llbeherelongafterhe’sgone.SheconcentratedonthatthoughtfiercelyuntilLordWyldonandthesergeantbarkedordersforthefirstseriesofexercises.
Theyardrangwiththeclackofwoodstrikingwoodandyelpsfromthosepageswhosefingersgothit.Kellistenedtothenoiseandletitfillher-itworkedbetterthanthoughtsofaclearlaketoclearherhead.AtleastshewaslessstiffaftertheirtimewiththetwoShangs.
Settledintotherhythmofthefirstexercise,shelookedforthetrainingmaster.LordWyldonwatchedthemfromthefence.Keepinghiseyesonthem,hecrouchedtoscratchtheearofanuglywhitedogwithblackspots.
Kel’sattentionwavered;Faleronsmackedhercollarbonewithhisstaff.Theforceoftheblowdrovehertoherkneesaspainshotlikelightningthroughherrightside.
“Kel,youdidn’tblockit!”criedFaleron,appalled.“Neal-“
“Backinline,PageNealan!”Ezekoorderedashecameover.“Ifthere’sabreak,she’llseeaproperhealer!”HekneltbesideKelandfelthercollarbone,hisfingersgentlerthanhisface.Hewasabarrel-chestedblackman,aCarthakiveteranwhohadfledslaverytoenterTortall.
“Just-abruise,Ithink,”Kelsaid,gaspingforbreath.“The-thestrap-“
Thesergeantpulledherjacketaside,examiningtheharness.“Youtooktheblowonthat?”hedemanded.“Idon’tfeelanythingbroken.”
Kelnodded.
“Stupid,”Ezekotoldher.“Youhaven’tletanybodylandoneinmonths.Idon’tcarehowtiredyouare,payattention!”
“Ifwearedoneflutteringoverthegirl?”LordWyldondemanded,walkingover.“Backtowork,lads.Canyouusethearm?”heaskedKelgruffly.
Theemperor’ssoldiersfightwithbrokenarms,Kelthought,rememberingthehard-facedmenwhodefendedtheYamanicourt.Itisn’tbroken,justbruised.Reallybruised.Shenodded,meetingLordWyldon’sgazesquarely.
Hesighed.“YancenofIrenroha,pairwithFaleron.”Yancen,athird-year,obeyed.“Mindelan,withProsperofTameran.”Prosperwasanewpage.KelsawwhatLordWyldonintended:shecoulddefendherselfagainstProsperevenwithabadrightarm.AsWyldoncontinuedtorearrangethepairs,Kelglancedatthefencewherehe’dbeen.Jumpnoticedherlookandwaggedhistail.
Nealsawthedogastheywereputtingtheirstaffsaway.“Isthat-?”heasked.LordWyldonwasscratchingJump’sspine.Kelnodded.
“IthoughtyougavehimtoDaine,”Nealmurmured.
“Idid,”shereplied.Theywalkedtothearcherycourtswiththeotherpages.LordWyldonandSergeantEzekobroughtuptherear,Jumptrottingbesidethem.
“Youknow,ifhedoesn’twanttostay,Dainewon’tmakehim,”Nealwhispered.
Kelsighed.Shedidknow.TheWildmagehadrefusedtochangethenatureofKel’scontrarymount,Peachblossom.“That’swhyshesaidshewouldtrytokeepJump,”KeltoldNealgloomilyastheygatheredtheirbowsandquiversofarrows.“Becauseshethoughtmaybehewouldn’tstaywithher.”
Whenshelookedaroundhalfwaythroughthearcherylesson,thedogwasnowhereinsight.Keltookheart.PerhapsJumphadrealizedKelwouldn’tencouragehim.
Perhapshe’soffstealingandgettingchoppedupbythatcook,atreacherousvoicewhisperedinhermind.Kelignoredit.Shecouldn’tsolvetheworld’sproblems,afterall.Notyet,atleast.
Herreliefandworryturnedtoresentmentastheboysreachedthepages’stablefortheirfinalmorningclass.Jumpsatbythedoor,scratchingoneofhisscars.
“Goaway,”shemutteredasshewalkedby.“GobacktoDaine!”
AssheopenedthedoortoPeachblossom’sstall,thedogtrottedinaheadofher.HisjauntyairsuggestedthatahorseofKel’swasahorseofhis.Peachblossominstantlyputbackhisears,retreateduntilhisrumphitthestablewall,andstamped.Jumpsatandregardedthehorse.
Peachblossomwasahorsetoregardwithcare.HewasasmalldestrierwhowouldhavebeentoobigforKelifhehadnotallowedhertoridehim.Hewasgelded,withstrawberryroanmarkings:reddishbrownstockings,face,mane,andtail,andarustycoatfleckedwithwhite.Onlythreepeoplecouldhandlehimwithoutgettingbit,Kel,Daine,andthechiefhostler,StefanGroomsman.
“Ignorethedog,”sheadvisedthegeldingasshestifflywentoverhimwithabrush.“Hethinkshebelongstome,buthe’smistaken.”
Peachblossomsnorteddisbelief,buthe’dfoundtheappleKelhadbrought,andhedidlikethebrush.Hesteppedawayfromthewall.
Despitethepaininhershoulder,Kelputtheridingsaddleonhimandmountedup.Thisweektherewouldbenoworkwiththelanceandtheheaviertiltingsaddle.Thepageswouldberidingonly,theseniorstoshowtheyhadn’tgonesoftovertheholiday,thefirst-yearstoshowtheycouldmanageahorse.Itwasboring,butastheacheinhershoulderspread,Keldecidedboredomwaspreferable.
AtleastJumpdidn’tfollowthemout,orifhedid,hemadesureKelneversawhim.ShewasabletoconcentrateonputtingPeachblossomthroughhispacesuntiltheend-of-morningbell.Shereturnedtothestableandgroomedhermount,gladthemorninghadended.
Faleron,whosefirechestnutwasPeachblossom’sneighbor,leanedontherailbetweenthestalls.“Kel,I’mstillnotsureaboutthatcatapultproblem,”heconfessed,embarrassed.HeknewmoreTortallanlawthananyotherpage,butmathematicscamehardforhim.“IfIfetchittolunch,wouldyoutakealook?”
Kelnodded.“Youdidn’thavetoask,youknow.”
Falerongrinned.“Mamaraisedmepolite.”
InanearbystallGarveymuttered,“So,Faleron,you’refriendswithhernowbecauseyoucanhaveherwheneveryouwant?”
Faleronthrewdownhisbrushandwentfortheotherboy.Soreshoulderorno,Kelflewoutofthestall.ShecaughtFaleronjustafootfromthesneeringGarveyandhungontohim,puttingallofherweightintoit.
Theolderboyfoughthergrip.“Godscurseit,Kel,youheardwhathesaid!”
“Iheardafart,”Kelsaidgrimly.“Youknowwherethosecomefrom.Letitgo.”
Faleronrelaxed,butshestillkeptbothhandswrappedaroundhisarm.Hewaseasygoing,buteveryonehadsorespots.AtlastFaleronmadearudegestureatGarveyandletKelpullhimaway.
TheyhadalmostreachedtheirhorseswhenNeal’sunmistakabledrawlsoundedthroughthestable:“Jorenissopretty.Say,Garvey,areyoutwofriendsbecauseyoucanhavehim?”
Garveyroaredandcharged,butJorengottoNealfirst.Beforetheylandedmorethanapuncheach,Neal’sfriends,includingKel,attackedthem.Moreboysenteredthebrawl,kickingandhittingblindly,strikingfriendasoftenasfoe.Kelnearlyfaintedwhensomeone’sboothitherbruisedcollarbone.
Abovethedinmadebyboysandfrightenedhorses,Kelheardthesoundofbreakingwood.RealizingshewouldneverreachNeal,prayinghedidn’tgethissillyheadbroken,shegrabbedMerricandSeaverbythecollarandbackedup,draggingthemwithher.Thepressofbodiesbehindherletupsuddenly;shenearlyfelloverbackward.
Startled,shelookedaroundandsawPeachblossom.HisteethfirmlysunkintoCleon’sjacket,thegeldingdrewthebigyouthoutofthefray.PrinceRoaldgrippedOwenbybotharmstokeephimoutofthebrawl;Roald’shorse,theblackgeldingShadow,heldFaleronbythearmasheslowlypulledhimfree.Zahir’sbayshoulderedthroughthemob,steppingonnoone,butforcingthemtomoveawayfromhimandeachother.
ForamomentachillranthroughKel.Shethoughtuneasily,Theanimalsherearesostrange.Thensheshookitoff.TheharridanwhotrainedtheladiesoftheYamanicourttodefendthemselveshadalwayssaid,“Weusethetoolsathand.”Theseanimals,uncannyornot,weretherighttoolsforthismess.
ShethrustMerricandSeaverintoaruinedstallandgrabbedCleon’sarm.“Peachblossom,canyoufindNeal?”sheaskedherhorse.
ThebiggeldingreleasedCleon’sjacket,blewscornfully,andwadedintothefight.UnlikeZahir’sbay,hewasnotcarefuloffeetorfingers.Iftheywereintheway,Peachblossomsteppedonthem.Severalboysrolledcleartonursebruisesandbrokenbones.
“Youcanletgo,Kel,”saidCleon,hisvoicedry.HewatchedCavall’sHeart,LordWyldon’sdarkdunmare,whohadalsobrokenoutofherstall.ShedraggedGarveyoutofthepile.“EvenI’mnotstupidenoughtoarguewithhorses.Particularlynotthesehorses.”
Kelglaredupathim.Cleonwasafourth-year,buthewasalsoafriend.“I’mgladyou’resmartenoughtorealizethatmuch,”shetoldhim.
Cleonslappedhercheerfullyontheback.“What’sthematter,dewdrop?Don’tyoulikemenfightingtoprotectyourhonor?”
“Icandefendmyownhonor,thankyou,”shereplied.“IthoughtitwasJorenshonoratstake.Andstopcallingmethoseidioticnicknames.Thatjokeisdeadandrotting.”ShewatchedasJumpgrabbedVinsonbytheankle,stoppingtheboy’sattemptstokickanyone.
PeachblossomhadjustseizedNeal’sjacket,withNeal’sshoulderinit,whenLordWyldon,SergeantEzeko,andthreestablehandsentered.Theytossedthebucketsofwatertheycarriedonthepages.Silencefell.
“Iwantthisplacestraightenedupandthesehorsesgroomedafresh.”LordWyldon’svoice,andeyes,werelikeiron.“ThatincludesHeart.Youwillthenwashandassembleinthemesshall.Iwilladdressyoufurtherthere.”Helookedthemover,palewithfury.“Youareadisgrace,thelotofyou.”Heturnedonhisheelandwalkedout.
Silentlythepagesgottowork.
Bythetimetheyreachedthemesshall,LordWyldonhadworkedouttheirpunishment.Itincludedbread-and-watersuppersforaweek,studyaloneintheirroomsatnight,nosweets,andnotripsoutofthepalaceuntilMidwinter.ThosepageswhoalreadyhadSundayafternoonpunishmentworkweretoputthatoff
untilthegeneralpunishmentwasdone.Theywerealltohelpcarpentersrebuildthestable.Finallythetrainingmasteraddedtwomoreleadweightstotheseniorpages’harnesses.
Thesubduedpageswenttoafternoonclassesinnearlycompletesilence.Whenitwastimetodressforsupper,Kelscrambledintohershiftandgown,stoppingonlytodemandofLalasawhyJumphadn’tbeentakentoDainethatmorning.WhenLalasa,cringing,repliedthatGowerhadcarriedthedoguptotheWildmagerightafterbreakfast,Kelshookherhead.ShewouldhavetodealwithJumplater.
Stillwearingbootsandheavywoolstockingsunderhergown,shewenttoNeal’sroomandpoundedonhisdoor.Heletherinwithoutaword,butprotestedwhensheclosedthedoorbehindher.
“DoyouwanteveryonehearingwhatIhavetosay?”shedemandedsharply.
“IftheStumpcatchesyouherewiththedoorshut-”TheStumpwasNeal’snicknameforLordWyldon.
“Hewon’t.”Kelputherfistsonherhipsandglaredatherfriend.“Youweresixteenlastmonth.You’resupposedtoknowbetter.Didyouhonestlythinkyouwerehelpingmedownthere?”
Hehadthestrangestlookonhisface.“Areyou-Kel,theYamaniLump-areyouyellingatme?”
“Yes,Iam!”Kelsnapped.“Youdidn’tsolveanything,youjustmadeitworse!”
Hesatonhisbed.“Maybe,maybenot.Ithinkthey’llreconsider,nexttimetheywanttostartfightsoveryourvirtue.”
Kelblinkedathim.“Whathasmyvirtuetodowithanything?”
“I’msurprisedtheydidn’ttryitlastyear.Oh,Isupposetheymadedirtylittlejokeswitheachother,nevermindthatarealknightissupposedtotreatwomendecently.Maybetheythoughtsayingyou’realump,andnotasstrong,andonprobation,wasbadenough.”
“Areyoumakingsenseyet?”Kelwantedtoknow.Thisconversationhadtakenaveryuncomfortableturn.
“Butyou’restillhere.Nowthey’rereallyworried.Theyhaven’tchangedtheirmindsaboutladyknightsjustbecauseWyldonletyoustay.”
“Ididn’texpectthemto,”Kelinformedhim.
“Well,so,theydecidedtotrynewinsultstoday.Andtalkofdifferentkindsofsexmakespeoplecrazy.”
“Yourpointis…?”sheasked.Hermotherhadexplainedhowbabiesweremade.Narikohadtaughtthecourtladies,includingKel’sfamily,howtopreservetheirhonorfromrapists.Thatdidn’tseemtobewhatNealwastalkingabout.
“See,Kel,ifallofasuddeneveryone’sgettingintofightsaboutyourvirtue,maybetheStumpwillgetridofyouafterall.”Nealsighedandfinger-combedhishairbackfromhisface.
FeartrickleddownKel’sspinelikecoldwater.CouldLordWyldonchangehismind?Whowouldprotestifhedid?Thekinghadallowedhertobeputonprobationinthefirstplace.NodoubtifWyldontoldhimKelhadtogo,thekingwouldagree.“I’meleven,”shesaidatlast.“That’stooyoungtobelyingwithmen,Neal.Muchtooyoung.”
Heinspectedabruiseonhiswristandtouchedafingertiptoit.Agreensparkflashedandthebruisefaded.“Factsdon’tmatterwithJorenandhiscrowd.Justgossip.Justmakingyourfriendsangryenoughtofight.Iremindedthemthatgossipisatrickyweapon,that’sall.Itcutstwoways.”
Kelsighed.“Istilldon’tthinkyoudidmeanygood.Icantakeafewinsults.”
“Youcan-Ican’t.”Nealpeeredoutthedoor.
“Hall’sempty.Shoo.”Asshewalkedby,headded,“Iconsidermyselfchastised.”
Shestoppedandturnedback.“WhatyousaidaboutGarveyandJoren-it’snotaninsultinYaman.Somemenpreferothermen.Somewomenpreferother
women.”Kelshrugged.
“IntheEasternLands,peoplelifethatpursuetheirlovesprivately,”repliedNeal.“ManlyfellowslikeJorenthinkit’sadeadlyinsulttobeaccusedofwantingothermen.”
“Thatdoesn’tmakesense,”Kelsaid.
“It’sstillaninsultonthissideoftheEmeraldOcean,mydear.Now,ifImayshavebeforeourbread-and-waterfeast?”
KeleyedNeal’scheeksandchin.“Youdon’tneedto.”
Nealsighed.“Iliveinhope,asthepriestsaidtotheprincess.Ifyoudon’tmind?”
Kelwentbacktoherroom,shakingherhead.
four
WOMANTALK
Theirpunishmentsforthestablefightcooledthehottesttempers.Kelthoughtjusttheadditionoftwomoreharnessweightswouldhavedoneit.Eventhefourth-yearpageswerenotreadyforthechange,anditwasastonishinghowmuchdifferenceanextrapoundmade.ForweeksKelfeltasifherboneshadturnedtowax.MasterOakbridge,whoseetiquetteclasswasattheendoftheday,begantohittheirdeskswithhispointersticktokeepthemawake.Extrawork,givenwhensleepypagesdidn’tfinishclasswork,piledontopofLordWyldon’sphysicalpenalties.
Bread-and-watersuppersdidnothelp.Scantmealsontheirschedulemeantgrowlingbellies.SometimesKelthoughtitwashungerandtheprospectofaddedweights,ratherthaninsultsthatcuttwoways,thatmadeJorenandhisfriendsleaveherandhercrowdalone.
TwoSundayswenttorebuildingthepages’stable.Oncethatwasdone,Kelreturnedtoherearlierpunishment,forkingdownhayfromastableloft.Foraweekshedrippedsweatasshepitchedhaydownfourteenfeettothefloor.Herfrightturnedthedistanceintomiles.Oncethatweekended,sheenjoyedtheabsenceoffear,untilthedayshewastardytoaclass.LordWyldongaveheronebelloftimetoclimbtothepalacewallandmapthegroundbetweenitandthetempledistrict.
Everytimeshewaslate,orLordWyldonfounddirtonPeachblossom’stack,orsomeonenoticedshehadlitacandleafterlightsout,thetrainingmasterfoundKelworkonheights.Nealwassureitwastorture.KelarguedthatLordWyldonhelpedhertobecomeabetterknightbyforcinghertomanageherfear.PrinceRoaldfinallytiredofthedebateandsaiditwasalittleofboth;hedidn’twanttohearthesubjectdiscussedagain.
Everymorningandeveryeveningwhensheopenedthelargeshutters,Jumpbouncedintoherroom.Kel’ssparrowsmadeagameofit,clingingtothedog’sfurandtryingtostayonasheleaped.Lalasaalsoseemedtoenjoyit-shegavethedogatreatwhennosparrowsfellfromhisback.
NomatterhowoftenGowerandKeltookthedoguptoDaine,Jumpreturned,toherroomandtothepracticecourts.Keldarednotspeaktohimthere:shefearedthatsomeonewouldnoticeandreportit.Shewasluckythatadog’spresenceinthepalacewasnotunusual.Theplaceteemedwithdogs-ratters,huntingdogs,evenladies’lapdogs.AslongasnoneoftheirteachersthoughtJumpbelongedtoanypagesasapet,hewasfreetocomeandgoashepleased.
Bythetimetheleavesturnedcolor,Jumphadjoinedthenighttimestudygroup,andKelhadgivenuponreturninghimtoDaine.Whatwastheuse?liealwayscameback,andsheknewLalasafedhim.Instead,Kellitastickofincense,askingtheGreatMothertoprotecthim,andresignedherselftohernewcompanion.
Jump’ssnoresrousedKeloneNovembermorningbeforedawn.Sheturnedhimonhisside-heonlysnoredonhisback-andwaitedforsleeptoreturn.Itdidn’t.Instead,sheworried.Shehadplentytoworryabout.Oncetheyhadtheenergy,sheandherfriendshadbeguntheirhallpatrols,tryingtocatchJorenandhiscroniesharassingafirst-year.They’dhadnosuccess.NealandCleonthoughtJoren’scrowdhadgivenup.Kelwasn’tsosure.Herexperienceofbullieswasthatiftheyweren’tdoingonething,theywerepreparingsomethingelse.
It’snogoodfretting,Keltoldherselfsternly.Whateveritis,you’llputastoptoit,that’sall.Shejusthopedshe’dcatchthemsoon.Thesuspensewaslikeanitchshecouldn’tscratch.
AssoonassheputJorenfromhermind,sheworriedaboutpractice.Shehadfinallygottenusedtotheweightoftheharness.Onlyaweekagoshehadstartedtohitthequintainproperlyintilting;onlyinthelasttwodayshadshereturnedtohittingitcorrectlyoneverypass.Justwhenshe’dgottenherskillback,whatdidLordWyldondobutannounceachange.Inanotherweekhewouldbereplacingthelancesofthesecond-,third-,andfourth-yearpageswithswordstwodaysaweekandaxestwodaysaweek.Kelwasn’treadyforthat.
Hadshenoticedtheseniorpagesusingotherweaponsfromhorsebacktheyearbefore?Shehadtosmileatthethought.Ofcourseshehadn’t.Whensheconcentratedonsomething,likeherlongstruggletolearnhowtotilt,shesawlittleelse.
Hersmilevanished.I’lltalkitoverwithPeachblossom,shedecided.Hemaynotunderstand,butperhapshe’llappreciatemymakingtheeffort.IjusthopeIdon’tbanghimwiththeswordortheax.Idon’tthinkhe’lllikethat.
Wasitevenworthtryingtosleepagainnow?shewondered,eyesonthelightgrayskybeyondtheopenuppershutters.Chanceswereshewoulddozeoffjustasthebellrangforthedaytostart.
Sherolledoutofbedandcarefullyopenedthelowershutterssoshecouldsee.Ifshelitacandle,Lalasawouldbeawakewithinmoments,askingifshecouldserveKel-andthiseventhoughthedressingroomdoorwasshut.Kelsighed,quietly,andwisheditwereaseasytolikeLalasaasitwastolikeJump.Certainlythegirlwasuseful.ShesmuggledJump’sfoodintoKel’sroomwithnoonethewiser.ShekeptthingsneaterthanKelhadeverdone.Ifonlyshelaughedmore,andtalkedaboutthings!Sherelaxedonlywiththeanimals,butnotKel.AndshemournedeachandeverytearinKel’sgarmentsasifafriendhaddied.
Ifonlyshewouldn’tbesoskittish,thoughtKel,slippingherweightedharnessonoverhernightgown.Shecreepsaboutlikeamouse,flinchingwheneveryoulookather,tillyoujustwanttogivehersomethingtoflinchabout.She’safraidofme.WhathaveIdonetodeserveit?Onlythoughtaboutsmackingsomelifeintoher,andIknowshecan’thearmythoughts.Ifshecould,she’dknowIfeltbadjustthinkingthat.
HerjobwithKelwassafe:BaronPiersandLadyIlanehadsentmoneyforthegirl’swagesforayear.KelhadpaidLalasathenandthere.TherewasnoreasonforthegirltothinkKelmightdismissher,afterreceivingayear’swages.ShesaidlittletoKelbut“Yes,mylady”and“No,mylady,”orforachange,“I’llsee,mylady.”Kelwasafriendlygirl;ithurtthatLalasacouldn’tbeeasyaroundher.Itwasalsouncomfortable,tiptoeingaboutherownroomsforfearshemightstartlehernewcompanion.
Kelbenttotouchhertoesandheardarip.Hernightgown,morethanabitsnugaroundtheshouldersthesedays,hadgottencaughtundertheharnessandtorn.Wriggling,Keltriedtogetamorecomfortablefitoutofgownandharness.Couldleathershrink?Thethinghadbeenperfectlycomfortablewhenitwasfirstmade.
Shetouchedhertoesagain.Theseamthathadrippedamomentagotorefurther.ShegrowledaYamanicurseandtuggedtheharnessagain.
“Mylady,thatwon’thelp.”Lalasawalkedoutofthedressingroom,arobeclutchedoverherbedgown.
ThistimeKelthoughtawholestringofYamanicurses.Keepingherfacecalm,shesaid,“Youreallydon’thavetobeup.YouknowIwon’tneedyoutillthebellrings.”
NormallysomethingthatclosetoareprimandwouldhavesentLalasascurryingfromtheroom.Now,however,shestrodeforward,handsoutstretched.“Ifyouplease,mylady?”SheactuallytouchedKel,stickingherslimfingersundertheshoulderstrapsoftheharnessandliftingitoff.
Lalasainspectedtheharnessintheverydimlight,exploringitsseamsandjoinswithherhands.Kel,intrigued,pokedupthefireandlitcandles.
“Icandonothingaboutthis,”theoldergirlsaid,puttingtheharnessdown.“Youneedanewone,andthat’stannerwork.Ifmyladypleases?”Shemotioned,andKelturned.LalasatouchedtherippedseambetweenKel’sshoulderblades,thenpluckedatsleeveholes,collar,andcuffs.SheturnedKelandknelttopullonthegown’shem.
“AsIthought,”shesaidatlast.“Myladyhasgrownaninchsincethiswasmade.Ithoughtyouhadtroubletyingyourpointsyesterday.”
Kelmadeaface.“I’vebeenhavingacursedtimegettingmyhoseuphighenoughformetotiethemproperly,”sheadmitted.“Evenmybreechesareshort.”
“It’seasytogetnewclothingforpracticeandclasses,mylady,”Lalasasaid.“Wejusttradetheoldthingsfornewatthepalacetailors’.”ShestoodandglancedatKel,thencoughedlightlyintoherfist.“Um-mylady,youhavegrownelsewhere,too.”
“Myshoulders,”Kelsaidgloomily.“That’swhythegownsplit,andwhyIcan’tsettlethatharnesscomfortably.Mywaist’salittlesmaller,though.”
Lalasashookherhead.“Yourshouldersarefillingout,butthosearen’tthe
onlythings.”
Kelrubbedhernose.Finallyshesaid,“Youknow,Iunderstandbetterwhenpeopletellmestraightoutwhatthey’rethinking.”
Lalasa’slarge,darkeyesmethers.Shehesitated,thensaid,“Mostgirlsprayforthis,mylady.You’regettingthemyoung.Ididn’tshowuntilIwasfourteen.”RealizingthatKelstilldidn’tunderstand,Lalasacuppedherbreastsandletthemgo.
Flabbergasted,Kelstaredatthefrontofhernightgown.Sureenough,thereweretwoslightbulgesintheproperareaforsuchthings.Whenhadthishappened?Theyweren’tlargeenoughtobevisibleunderherlooseclothes,buthowcouldshehavemissedthemwhenshebathed?
IhurrywhenIscrub,shethought,fightingtheurgetocrossherarmsandcoverherchest.AndI’malwaysthinkingaboutclassworkorpractice.
Acoldthoughtoverboreeverythingelse:They’llneverletmeheartheendofthis.Sheacceptedthatassoonasshethoughtit.Therewaslittleshecoulddoabouttheboys’futurecomments,exceptchooseherclotheswithcareandhopehernew,inconvenientbadgesofwomanhoodgrewslowly.
Lalasaduckedherhead.“Myladywillneedbreastbands.”
“Oh,splendid,”Kelreplied.“JustwhatIneed-moreclothes.”Sherubbedthebackofherneck.“Whenyougetthosenewthingsfromthetailor?Makesurethey’reloose,allright?”
“Mostgirlsrejoiceatthis,”Lalasapointedoutsoftly.“Theyregardit-andtheirmonthlybleeding-assignstheyenterwomanhood.”
“Mostgirlsdon’thaveacoveyofboyswhackingthemwithstickseverymorning.Mostgirlsdon’twanttobeknights.”Kelploppedontothebed.Jumpwriggleduntilhecouldstickhisbluntheadunderherhand.“Ifthiskeepsup,eventuallyIcanstopwearingdressestoremindthemI’magirl.Ihopeittakesawhile.Alongwhile.”Shetuckedherchintolookatherfront.Lalasamuffledanoisewithherhands.Itsoundedremarkablylikealaugh.“I’mgladyoufinditfunny,”Keltoldherwithawrygrin.
“Ihavetotakemylady’smeasurementsafresh,”Lalasasaid,goingintothedressingroom.“AndIneedtodrawcoinfromSalmatobuycloth,”shecalledassheopenedtheboxwhereshekepthersewingthings.“Icanletoutmanyofyourpersonalgarments,butnightgowns,andbreastbands,andstockingsmustbepaidforfromyourownpurse.”
KelwenttoherdeskandwroteanotetoSalmaonhermessageslate.Whenshehadfinished,Lalasaapproachedwithameasuringcord.AsshesliditaroundKelwithbriskefficiency,Kelwasstartledtoseetheywereexactlythesameheight.Shehadgrownaninchinthreemonths.
“Idon’tknowwhenIcangetthatharnessletout,”shecommented.
“Leaveitformewhenyoucomeforyourbath,”Lalasaassuredher.“Iwilltakeittothetanner.”
“You’llneedtogivehimsomeencouragement,”Kelremarked.Ifpeoplewantedfastworkfrompalaceservants,theypaidbribes.“Infact-”ShewipedouthernotetoSalmaandwroteafreshone,askinghertogiveLalasaKel’spocketmoneyforthequarter.“Thiswayyoudon’thavetoapplytome,andIdon’thavetoapplytoher.Youcankeepithereanddrawwhat’sneeded.”ShehandedtheslatetoLalasa,whohelditwithastunnedlookonherface.
“Whatisit?”Kelasked,pickingupherglaive.Thebellwouldringsoon;shehadtostartherpracticedances.WhenLalasadidn’treply,Kellookedsharplyather.“What’swrong?”
Lalasawastrembling.“Aren’tyouafraidIwillstealit?”
“No,”Kelsaid,tryingdeepkneebendstoloosenherlegs.Eachbendwasmarkedbyanothertinyrip.Itseemedhernightgownhaddecidedtogiveupcompletely.“Youdidn’trunoffwhenIpaidyoufortheyear.”
“Allnoblesthinkthatservantssteal.”
Keltuckedhernightgown’sskirtintothesideofherloincloth.“Peoplewhobelieveservantswillstealusuallygetservantswhodo.”Sheswungherglaive.“Younevergivemeanyreasontodoubtyourhonesty.”
ForamomentLalasasaidnothing.Thensheutteredasoft“Oh”andsetapot
ofwateroverthefiretoheat.
ForthefirsttimesinceKelhadtakenherasamaid,shestayedintheroomasKelperformedthecomplexswings,thrusts,turns,androllsofapracticedance.SheputoutfreshseedforthesparrowsandlaidoutKel’smorningclothes.OnlywhenthewateronthehearthbegantosteamdidshecollectthepotandtakeitintothedressingroomsoKelcouldwashwhenshewasdone.
Thatafternoon,inthepages’classonmagic,TkaathebasiliskbegantospeakofhowtheYamanispracticedmagic.KnowingofKel’ssixyearsthere,hecalledonher.WhenKelmentionedthatshehadaspiritbag,anamuletcreatedforherbyaYamanishaman,Tkaaaskedifshewouldlettheclassseeit.Kelbowedtohim-shehadgottenoverthestrangenessofhavinganeight-foot-tallgraylizardasateachermonthsbefore-andwenttoherrooms.
Abouttoturnintothepages’hall,shefeltanitchandhalted,makingaface.Thebreastbandshehadonwascrispnewlinen,andititched.Sheglancedaround:noonewastheretosee.Hikinguphertunic,shescratchedherribsthroughhershirt.
Fromthepages’wingsheheardamansay,“Don’tbeshy.Ifyou’renice,I’llgetyouabetterplacethanworkingforthatcrazyMindelangirl.”Hespokequietly,buthecouldn’thavebeenfaraway.“Youwasteyourprettinesstoilingafteramadpage.”
Therewasareply,inafemalevoicefarsofterthantheman’s.ItwasLalasaandshewasfrightened.QuicklyKeltuggedhertunicoverherhipsandwalkedintothepages’wing.Amaninservant’sclotheshadbackedLalasaupagainstKel’sdoor.Heleanedagainstit,trappingthemaidbetweenhisarms.Hereyeswerehugeasshestaredupathim.Inonehandsheheldabrand-newweightedleatherharness.
Kelstrodeforwardbriskly.“Whatisyourname,andwhatbusinessdoyouhavewithmymaid?”shedemanded,sharp-voiced.“Stepawayfromheratonce.”Itdidn’tmatterthathewasagrownman.Shewasanoble,andsheknewherrights.
Helookedather.Hewasinhisearlytwenties,withawiryframe.HisdarkeyesflashedwithannoyanceashedrewawayfromLalasaandbowed.“IamHugoLongleigh,ifitpleaseyou,mylady.Wewerejusthavingafriendlychat-
“
“Itdidn’tlookfriendlytome.Whatpalaceserviceareyouin?”Kelasked.
Hefrowned,buthedarednotdefyanoble,evenonewhowasonlyapage.“IamaclerkinPalaceStores.Wehaveanunderstanding,Lalasaandme-“
“Mylady,Iswear,Iwasjustgettingtheharness,andheapproachedme.”Lalasa’seyeswerefrantic.“Iwasn’tidlingandwedon’thaveanunderstanding!”
Kelfeltverycoldinside.HowdarehefrightenLalasa!“IfyouareinPalaceStores,HugoLongleigh,thennodoubttheymissyourwork,”shesaid,herhandsonherhips.“IfyoubotherLalasaagain,I’llreportyou.Beaboutyourbusiness.”Shemethiseyessquarely,lettinghimknowhedidn’tfrightenherintheleast.Helookedlikethesortwhoenjoyedotherpeople’sfear.
Themanhesitated,thenbowedgrudginglyandleft.OnlywhenhewasgonefromviewdidLalasasay,“Mylady,please,Ididn’twanthimandIwasn’tlazingabout-“
Kelfishedoutherkeyandputitinthelock.“Iknowyouweren’t.”Sheunlockedthedoorandwenttoherdesk.“It’splainasthenoseonmyfacethatyouwantedhimathousandleaguesaway.”Shefoundtheshamanbagandtuckeditintoherbelt-purse.“Asforidling,youreallydon’thavetostayhereallthetime.Don’tyouhavefriendstovisitorerrandstorun?”
Lalasatuggedatthestrapsoftheharness.“Iliketostayhere.Nobodybothersmebutthedogandthebirds,andIlikethem.”
“Well,thinkaboutit,”Kelsaid.“Honestly,I’mnotyourjailer.AndifthatLongleighcomesnearyouagain,tellme,understand?Imeanit.”
Lalasanodded,butKelwasn’tconvinced.Therewasnotimetoargue,though-she’dalreadytakenlongeronhererrandthansheshould.Sheranbacktoclass,thinkingeverystepoftheway.
Thatnight,whenshewenttoherroomsaftersupper,shebroughtNealandleftthedooropen.“Idon’tcareifyoudon’tlikeit,”KeltoldLalasasternly.“We’regoingtoshowyouholdsthatwillhelpyou,um,discouragesomeonefrom
botheringyou.”LalasastaredatNeal,whorubbedthedelightedJumponhisbelly,asifhewereanogre.“Attheveryleastyou’llconvincethemthatyoumeantnowhenyousaidno.PageNealan?”sheasked,proddingherfriendwithherfoot.
Neallookedather,eyesfilledwithmischief.Something-somethingodd-filledKel’schestforamoment.Whydidshefeelgiddy?
“Ifthisisn’tfriendship,whatis?”heaskedcheerfully.“Afterpeopleabusemypoorbodyallmorninginthecourts,I’mgoingtoletyoubruisemesomemore.”HeofferedKelalarge,bonyhand.Itfeltuncommonlywarminhersasshepulledhimtohisfeet.Oncehewasup,shedroppedhishandasifitwereahotbrick.
“Iwon’tbruiseyoumuch.Quitcomplaining,”sheordered.“Lalasa,standclosesoyoucanseewhatIdo.”LalasacircledNealasifshethoughthewasahotbrick,untilshestoodbehindKel.“Youwon’tseeathingifyoulookatthefloor,”Kelchidedher.“Neal,grabmyarmandgetreadyforpain.”
Whenheobeyed,KelshowedLalasaseveralwaystogetfree.ShebentNeal’sfingerback,dughernailintothecrescentatthebaseofoneofhisfingernails,pinchedthewebbetweenhisthumbandforefingerwithhernails,thrustafingernailbetweentheveinsandtendonsofhiswrist,andgrippedhishandwithbothofhers,forcingthethumborlittlefingeragainsthispalm.ShemadeLalasatryeachdefenseonher,sincethemaidrefusedtotouchNeal.TheyshowedLalasahowtoturnanattacker’sarmuntilsheforceditupbehindhisback.Nexttheydemonstratedhowtostamponanenemy’sinstepwhenshewasseizedfrombehind,aswellaseyegouges,noseandthroatpunches,andeventhesimplekneetothegroin.BythetimetheyhadwalkedthecringingLalasathroughitall,anaudiencehadgatheredatKel’sopendoor.
“Wheredidyoulearnallthat?”Owenbreathed,hiseyeswide.
“SomeIlearnedattheYamanicourt,”Kelrepliedcalmly,gulpingdownacupofwater.“SomeEdaBelltaughtmethissummer.”
“I’mgoingtotreatyouwiththereverenceIreservefortheCrownJewels,”Roaldassuredher,hiseyescrinkledwithmirth.
“Metoo,”addedSeaverandMerric.
“I’lltreatyouwithreverenceonceyouhelpmewithclasswork,Omoonofmathematicalwisdom,”saidCleonlazily.HestilladdressedKelbyflowerynames,nothavingtiredofityet.“Andyou,girl,takemyadvice,”headded,pointingatLalasa.“Justcarryalead-weightedbaton.Thenyoudon’thavetobefancy.”
AsLalasaprotestedthatshecouldn’tpickupaweapon,thepagesheadedtothelibrary.NealwenttofetchhisbookswhileKelgatheredallsheneededtostudy.
“Thisisn’ttheendofit,”shetoldLalasafirmly.“We’regoingtopracticetogethertillIknowyoucanuseanyofthosethings.”
“That’swhatI’mafraidof,miss,”Lalasasaid,soundingasgloomyasheruncleGower.
“I’lltellyouwhattheYamanistoldme,”saidKelasFreckleandCrownflewontohershoulders.“Fearisagoodthing.Itmeansyou’repayingattention.”
“Theysoundlikewonderfulpeople,I’msure,”repliedLalasameekly.
Kellookedather.Wasthatatinysmileontheoldergirl’slips?Itwas.Feelingratherpleasedwithherself,Kelwenttojoinherfriends.
*
ShowingLalasahowtodefendherselfwasfun.Makingherpracticewhatshe’dbeenshownwasanothermatter.Keltrieditwhenshereturnedthatnight,andthenextmorning,andagainbeforebedtime.Lalasasqueakedandcringed,orshetreateditasasillygame.WhileKelwasgladtheoldergirlwascomfortableenoughtojoke,Lalasa’sbehavioratherlessonswasexasperating.
Sheworkedhervexationoffinthepracticecourts.Whenwinterarrivedwithfourmortaldaysofsleetandfreezingrain,Kelthoughtshemightscreamwithimpatienceatbeingkeptindoors.Ridingwasputaside.Notevengiantsorspidrenswouldraidvillageswhentheycouldslipandbreaksomething,andthe
movementsoftheirenemieswerethemeasureLordWyldonusedtodefinehowandwhentheytrained.
Thepagesmovedtotheindoorcourtsforarchery,stafffighting,andunarmedcombat.LordWyldonintroducedthefirst-yearstobasicswordfightingwhiletheolderpagesdidmorecomplexexercises.DuringswordplayKel’smoodimproved.WieldingaswordfromPeachblossom’sbackhadmadeherfeelevenstupiderthanafirst-year,ifthatwaspossible.Itwasnicetoknowthatshehadn’tforgottenallshe’dlearnedtheyearbefore;shejustwasn’tgoodatdoingitonhorsebackyet.
ThesecondnightoftheirforcedindoorexercisewasalsoKel’sfirsttimethatyeartowaitonLordWyldonatsupper.Shehadtomanageitforthreenightswithoutmistake.Oncethatwasover,shecouldrelaxuntilMidwinter.ServingLordWyldon,withhissharpeyesandcoldmanner,hadtobeworsethanwaitingonanynobleorwealthymerchantinthepalacebanquethall.Solongasshecouldservethosepeoplewithoutspills,theywouldpayattentiontotheirfoodandtheircompanions,nottoher.Forthefirsttimesinceshehadbecomeapage,Kelbegantothinkshemightactuallyenjoythesevendaysoffeastingontheholiday.
five
MIDWINTERSERVICE
Theafternoonbeforethefeastthatstartedtheweek-longholidayofMidwinterFestival,Kelcheckedherappearanceinthemirroratleastfivetimes.Eachtimesheturnedaway,shewasconvincedthathergleamingbrownhairhadgottenmussed,hercrimsonhosetwisted,hercrimsonshirtbunchedunderhergoldtunic.Onlyanotherlookinthemirrorwouldconvinceherthatshewasasneatandelegantasapagecouldbe.
Inthenormalcourseofthingsshewouldhavebeennervous,butshemighthavebeenabletocalmherself.Butherparents’tripbacktotheYamaniIslandsattheendofthefallhadbeencanceled,andtheywereaskedtoremaininCorustohelpthenewYamaniambassador.ThemarriagenegotiationsforPrinceRoaldandPrincessChisakamihadcollapsedthatsummerwhentheprincessdiedinanearthquake.NowanewimperialYamanibridemustbefound,anewmarriagecontractdrawnup.IthadtakenthreeyearstoforgethetreatythatmarriagetoChisakamiwouldhavesealed;itmighttakeanotherthreeyearsforanewtreatytobeworkedout.Kel’sfatherhadworkedontheoriginalagreements,whichmadehiminvaluabletotheambassador,whohadtodrawupnewones.
AllthismatteredtoKelbecauseitmeantthatherparents,aswellashersistersAdaliaandOranie,wouldbeinthebanquethallthatnight.Kelwantedherfamilytobeproudofher;shewantedtogivethemreasontobeproudofher.Overthelastsummerhersistershadbeendistantandcool,hardatworkturningthemselvesintoproperTortallannoblemaidensanddesirablewives.KelwantedherfamilytobegladshewasofMindelan.
Shewasabouttocheckherappearanceforasixthtimewhenaknocksoundedonthedoor.LalasaopenedittoadmitMerric,Seaver,Esmond,Neal,andOwen,allintheirbestuniforms.Jumpranuptotheminhopesofagame,thenrealizedthatthey,likeKel,weren’twearingplayingclothes.Ashewaggedadejectedtail,hesniffedeachboy,thenlaydownwithasigh.LikeJump,thesparrowsseemedtorealizetheyshouldnotlandontheirtwo-leggedfriends.Theyfoundperchesaroundtheroomandwatched,chattering.
“Reportingforinspection,General,sir!”barkedSeaverashegaveabrisk
salute.Theboyspromptlyformedaline,salutedKelinturn,thenstoodatattention.Allwerenervous,evenOwen,whowouldnotworkinthepublichallbutonthekitchenstairs,handingdishesfromcookstoservers.
Kelputherhandsonherhips.“Whatisthis?YoucametomebecauseI’mTheGirl?”sheasked,mockindignant.
“Ofcoursenot.Youjusthaveaneyeforthesethings,”repliedNeal.
“Whenitisn’tblack,”Esmondmurmured,andgrinned.
“Andyourmaidsewsgood,”saidOwen,showingaripinhissleeve.
“Ihaveamaidwhosewswell,”Keltoldhim.Lalasafoundhersewingbasketandtookoutneedleandthread.
KelinspectedMerriccarefully.Hewasaninchortwoshorterthanshewasthesedays,sherealized.Shetweakedhistunicalittlestraighteronhisshoulders.Seaver’sshirtcollarwasawry;shetuggeduntilitshowedbrightlyabovehisgoldtunic.Esmond’sclotheswereperfect;Neal’shosehadtobeadjusted,andKelgavehimoneofherdryingclothstoblotthesweatfromhisface.
AsLalasasnippedoffthethreadshehadusedtomendOwen’ssleeve,Cleonburstinred-faced,hisshirtsleevesuntied.“Kel,Ican’tforthelifeofmegetmyhairtolayflat,”hebegan,thensawtheotherboys.Slowlyhegrinned.
“Theysaidthey’rereportingforinspection,”Kelexplained.Fourteen-year-oldCleonwasfiveinchestallerthanshe;Keldealtwiththatbyclimbingontoachair.“Grabthatbasinofwaterandcomehere,”sheorderedhim.Withacombandenoughwater,shegothishairinsomekindoforder.
“Neal,doyouknowwheretheLionesswillbesitting?”sheaskedasshecarefullypartedCleon’sdamplocks.Shecouldn’twaittocatchaglimpseofherhero,thewomanknightwhowastheKing’sChampion.
“Nowhere,”answeredNeal.“They’restillnotlettinghertalktoyou,soshe’sstillrefusingtocometothepalace.”
“Theythinkshe’llmagicyouintogettingashield,”Owenremarkedangrily.
“LikeKelneedshelp,”Esmondadded.DoesthismeanIwon’tseehertillI’masquire?thoughtKel,dismayedandangry.It’snotfair!
Shefoughtoffherdisappointment.Atleastherfriendshadfaithinherabilitytogainashieldonherown.Shesmiledatallofthemasshesteppedoffthechair.“Well,comeon,”sheurgedthem.“Let’sgetgoing.”
Thepagesreportedtotheservers’roomoffthebanquethall,whereMasterOakbridgewaited.Hewasthepalacemasterofceremoniesaswellasthepages’etiquetteteacher,adried-up,fussymanwholivedtoarrangebanquetsanddecreewhoprecededwhominprocessions.Onceallofthepageshadarrived,hegavethemacarefulgoing-over,criticizingandcorrecting.Onlywhenthatwasoverdidheshowthemtheplanofthebanquethall,drawninchalkonablackslatesixfeettall.
Theymemorizedtheirpositions.Kel’spostwasatthebackofthehall,waitingonmembersoftheminorguilds.Thatsuitedherperfectly.Shedidn’twantaplacewhereimportantpeoplewouldtakenoticeofher,suchasthegreatnoblesorthemonarchs.
Suddenlythepagesheardtheroyalfanfare:thekingandqueenhadtakentheirplaces.Kelandtheotherserversgatheredfingerbowlsandtowels.
“Now,”saidMasterOakbridge.
Kelwalkedbrisklytoherpost,takinginasmuchofthedazzlingscenearoundherasshecould.Theheavysmellsofpineandfrankincensedriftedintheair.Thewallsandceilingweredrapedinpinebranchesandfreshlycleanedbanners.Thousandsofcandlesburnedinthehugechandeliersoverhead,theirlightreflectedbycrystallusters,theguests’gems,andthemirror-polishedarmorofthemenoftheKing’sOwn,whostoodinnichesalongthewall.Aglanceupwardshowedhergalleriesonthreesides.Ononeofthesethemusiciansplayed,astheywouldthroughoutthemeal.Theotherswerefilledwithpeoplewhohadcometowatchthespectacleofthefeast.
Shewaiteduntilshewasdirectlyacrossthehallfromthemonarchsbeforeshepeekedatthem.Atthisdistanceitwashardtoseetheirfeatures,apartfromtheking’sblackbeardandthequeen’sscarletmouth.Liketheguests,theyblazedwithcolor,thekinginsapphirebluetrimmedwithsilver,thequeenincrimsontrimmedingold.Bothworedelicategoldcrownsglintingwithgemsontheir
blackhair.
Shereachedthetablewhereshewastoserve,exactlywhereithadbeenmarkedonOakbridge’sslate.Thereshepresentedthefingerbowltoeachoffiveguildnotablesandtheirwivesastheyrinsedtheirhandsandtoweledthemdry.Onherwaytofetchthefirstcourse,shelookedforpeoplesheknew.
SirMyles,thepages’teacherinhistoryandlawand,accordingtoNeal,theking’sspymaster,satwithanelegantwomanwhosedarkhairwasstreakedwithgray.Fromthewayhelookedatherandkissedherfingers,Kelhopedshewashiswife,Eleni.DainewasdeepintalkwithLindhallReed,anotherofthepages’teachers.Daine’slover,NumairSalmalin,satclosertothemonarchs,besideaYamanidelegate.Neal’sfather,DukeBairdofQueenscove,satbesideaYamanimanwhomKelrecognizedasoneoftheemperor’shealers.Thegreen-eyedbrunetteonBaird’sothersidehadtobeNeal’smother;Nealhadthelookofbothhisparents.Kelsawherparents,whosatwiththeYamaniambassadorandhiswife,ontheking’srighthand.
Shereachedtheservers’door.Owenwaitedforher,hisroundfacepaleasheofferedKeltheplatewiththefirstmeatcourse.Kelpassedhimthefingerbowlwithonehandandtooktheplatewiththeother,whileOwenliftedthetowelfromherarm.“Don’tlooksotense,”shemurmured.“It’llbeoverbeforeyouknowit.”
“NotifIkillMasterOakbridgeitwon’t,”hereplied.“Whatafusspot!”
Kelsmiled.“Ithinkit’sbeentriedbefore,withoutsuccess.”
AsKelreturnedtoherguildsmen,hermothercaughthereye.Ilanesmiledandwavedslightly.Kel’sfatherdidthesame.Herparentswerepleased!Kelrepliedwiththetiniestofbows,thenhurriedtohertable.
Troubledevelopedasshewentforthesecondfishcourse.TurningawayfromOwen,shesawapageacrossthehall,talkingtothepeopleshewasserving.Shecouldn’tseewhoitwas.Asshereturnedtoherpost,theotherpagemovedaway.SomethingaboutthewayhewalkedtoldheritwasQuinden,asecond-yearwhowasafriendofJoren’s.
ShehadgiventhesecondfishcoursetothreeguestswhenthemanwhorepresentedtheLamplighters’Guildleanedforwardandsaid,“Isittrue?You’re
TheGirl?”
Kellookeddown.Hernewbreastswereinvisibleunderherroomyshirtandtunic.Shebowedandsaid,“It’strue,sir.”
“It’snotdecent,”theman’swifesaidhuffily,hereyesfilledwithdislike.“Onegirl,andallthoseboys.”
“Myadvicetoyou,lass,istogohomeandhopeyourparentscanmakeapropermarriageforyou,”theoldestoftheguildfolkinformedher.“Ladieshavenoplacebearingarms.”
Kelbowed,herfacelikestone.Shewouldn’tletthemseethatherfeelingswerehurt.
“Andtellthemasterofceremonieswewishtobeservedbyanother,”oneoftheotherguildwivessaid.
Kelbowedagain.OnherwaybacktoMasterOakbridge,shekeptherchinup,thoughherhandstrembledonthetray.Furiousthoughtsswirledthroughherbrain.ChiefamongthemwasthatsheowedQuindenapummeling.Nowsheknewwhyhe’dbeenathertable:he’dtoldthosemerchantsexactlywhoshewas.
“What?!”criedMasterOakbridgewhenshetoldhim.“Thisisimpossible!Ihavenosparepages!Onlythefirst-yearsandtheyhaven’tawhitofgrace…Mithros,Iappealtoyou,”hesaid,raisingeyesandhandstotheceiling.Thenhesoughtoutavictim.“ProsperofTameran,takeKeladry’splace.Ifthosevulgarbusybodiesattempttodiscussherwithyou,keepsilent,understand?”
Prospernoddedandshedtheapronhe’dwornoverhisuniform.Owensilentlyhanded,thenextdishtohim,withalookonhisfaceasifhisfavoritedoghaddied.
“TakeoverforProsper,Keladry,”MasterOakbridgeinstructed.“Iwillassignyouanewplacetomorrownight.”
Kelacceptedaplatterofmeat-porkroastedinhoney,apples,andcinnamon,fromthesmell-tohandtoaservingpage.Severalofthem,includingNeal,wereconvergingonherfromthehall.Kelthought,He’ssograceful.Handsome,too.
Whyshenoticedsuchthingsthesedaysmystifiedher.Lastyearanapprovinglookfromhislivelygreeneyeshadn’tmadeherskinpricklewithgoosebumps.Wasthismorewomanlystuff,likehergrowingbreasts?shewonderedasfivepagescameatheratonce.ShesteppedjustenoughtothesidethatshecouldhandtheplatetoNealfirst.Hishandsclosedonit;hegrinnedatheranddrewtheplateaway-andsuddenlyhewasfalling.Saucefleweverywhereashehittheground.
Kelstaredathim.Howcouldhefall?Hewasn’tclumsy;thefloorwasdry.ThepageswhohadwalkedwithhimreachedtohelpNealup.Thefrontofhistunicdrippedsauceandgrease;hisshirtandhose,nolesscrimsonthanhisface,wereruinedaswell.Keleyedtheotherboysaroundhim.PrinceRoaldhadspotsonhishose;sodidthetwothird-yearpagesinthatsmallgroup.ThefifthboywasGarvey.HesmirkedatherandNealalike,nospotswhatsoeveronhisclothes.Hehadgottenoutofthewayintime,whicharguedthatheknewthatNealwouldfallbecausehehadtrippedhim.
MasterOakbridgeclutchedhistemplesanddemandedbasinsofcoldwaterandnapkins,soRoaldandthetwothird-yearscouldwipethespotsfromtheirhose.GarveytookaplatterfromTeronofBlythdinandreturnedtothebanquethall.
MasterOakbridgepointedtoTeron.“You-takeNealan’sstation!”hebarked.“Nealan,putanaprononandtakehisplace!”
Neal,beetredwithhumiliation,didashewastold.KelbattledtoputherfurywithGarveyfromhermind,tryingvainlytoimagineherselfasacalmlake.Duringthethirdmeatcourse,someonejostledSeaverfrombehind,makinghimspillwineontheheadoftheroyaluniversity.Inthejamofboysintheservingarea,someonehitOwenwithanelbow,hardenoughtobruisehiseye.TheyoungladieswaitedonbyFaleronwhisperedandgiggledwhenhebroughttheirfood,asiftheyknewsomethingridiculousabouthim.Noonehadseenifanotherpagehadspokenwiththem,butFalerontoldKelthey’dactedperfectlyallrightduringthefirsttwocourses.
NowKelknewwhyJorenandhiscronieshadbeenquietforweeks.TheyhadplannedtoembarrassKelandherfriendsinthemostpublicwaypossible.Fromherquickconversationswithherfriends,Kellearnedtheydidn’tsuspectaplot-theyblameditallonbadluck.Servingatbanquetswasalwaysamess.Thisking
andqueendinedinstaterarely,whichmeantthepagesdidn’tgetmuchexperiencewaitingonpeople.
Bytheendoftheevening,MasterOakbridgecouldhardlybringhimselftolookathischarges.Onlywhenthedinershadleftandthelastemptyplateshadbeengiventotheservantsdidhespeaktothem.“Youwillallreporttomyclassroomafterlunchtomorrow.Itseemsyourequirepractice.”
Thesecondnightofthefestival,Kelwassenttowaitonatableofyoung,unmarriedcourtladies.Sheapproachedwarily:thiswasthegroupthathadmadeFaleronsouncomfortable.Kelstoppedatthefirstlady’slefthand.“Ifmyladypleases?”shemurmured,offeringthefingerbowl.
Theveryfashionabledamselturned.ItwasKel’sseventeen-year-oldsisterAdalia,elegantinagownofleafgreenandagoldbrocadesurcoatwithgreensilktrim.Likemanyothercourtladies,sheworeherhairinthepinned-uptumbleofcurlsmadefashionablebyQueenThayet.Thebaresttouchesoflipcolorandpowder,anotherroyalfashion,warmedherpaleskin.Hereyeswidenedindismay.“Kel!”shehissed,keepinghervoicelow.“Whatareyoudoinghere?Where’stheboywehadlastnight?”
Keitriedtosmile,butsomethinginAdie’seyesworriedher.“MasterOakbridgehadtochangetheservingorderaround,”sherepliedsoftly.
Thegirlinanamber-coloredgownnexttoherwassixteen-year-oldOranie,thesecondofKel’ssistersatcourtthatyear.“Whydidn’tyoutellhimtoputyousomeplaceelse?”whisperedOrie.
“Wearen’tallowedtoturndownassignments,”Kelsaid,keepingherfaceblandassheofferedthefingerbowl.Adierinsedherfingerswithquick,nervousmovementsandquicklydriedthem.HerfacewasYamani-calm,thoughhermovementswerenot.“What’stheproblem?”Kelasked.
“Theproblem,”Oriesaidtightlyassherinsedherownhands,“isthattheNondsareinterestedinAdiefortheirsecondson.OldLadyFlorzileisheretonighttolookherover.”AjerkofOrie’sheadindicatedanoldwomandressedinanold-fashionedblackgownseatedacrosstheroomfromthem.“Ifsheseesusonfriendlytermswithyou,shemightwellchangehermind!”Shewassotensethatthegoldbeadsthattrimmedherbrownvelvetsurcoattrembled.
“Wetoldherwehardlyknowyou,you’resomuchyounger,”Adieexplained.“She’saconservative,andasrudeasaScanran.ShetoldPapathatgirlshadnobusinessincombat,ever.YouknowPapa-hehemmedandgavesomediplomaticnot-answer.ShesaidshewasonlyinterestedinmebecauseshewasassuredIwasaproperdamsel.”
ThegirlseatednexttoOranieleanedoverherandinspectedKelfromtoptotoe.“Sothisisyourpagesister?”sheinquiredlazily,andsnickered.“Yes,Icanseewhysheisn’tconcerningherselfwithmarriage-unlesssheweretomarryanox.”
“AndIcanseewhyyou’restillunbetrothedatnineteen,bigdowryandall,DoannaofFenrigh,”saidtheyoungladyseatednexttoher.Sheworehermassesofcrinkledblackhairpinnedunderagoldnetatthebackofherhead.Herdelicatepinkgown,setoffbyawhitevelvetsurcoat,gavehercreamyskinarosyglow.“Yourtonguehascutallyoursuitorsaway.”
Kel’sheartwarmedashersisterslookedatthegirlinpinkandsmiled.Movingdownthelineofyoungladies,KelofferedthebowltoDoannaofFenrighwithoutlookingather.Doannahurriedlydippedherfingersanddriedthem,splashingKel’stunicasshedidso.Kelthenofferedthebowltoherdefender.
Thegirlrinsedanddriedherhands.“I’mUlineofHannalof,”shemurmuredasKelofferedthebowltothegirlonherright.“I’mgladtomeetyou,Keladry.”
Kelhidasmile.Oncetheremainingdamselsatthetablehadusedthebowl,KelstoppedbehindUlineandwhispered,“Thankyou”beforeshereturnedtotheservingarea.
Whenshecamebackwiththefirstmeatcourse,Doannalookedatherasifshecarriedaplatterofpoisons,notvenison.“InformMasterOakbridgethatIrequireanotherserver,”shesaidhaughtily.“Amale,notanunderbredfemalewhoclaimstobenoble.”
AdieandOriegavetheoldergirlalookthatpromisedtrouble.KelalmostfeltsorryforDoanna-heroldersisterscouldbequiteinventivewhenitcametorevenge.Forherownpartshecouldonlysay,“I’lltellhimwhenyouareserved,mylady.”SheresistedtheurgetodropasliceofvenisononDoanna’ssilk-cladlap.
UlinesmiledupatherasKelplacedvenisononherplate.“ForgiveLadyDoanna,”shesaid,hervoicecarryingtotheotherdamselsatthetable.“Hermothersfamilyisintrade,andtoooftenDoannahasashopkeeper’sturnofmind.”
“Thankyou,mylady,”Kelreplied,gladthatUlinehadchosentobeonherside.ToAdieshewhisperedassheleft,“IhopethisNondboyisworthit.”
Adiegaveherthetiniestofsmiles.“Heis,eveniftheoldladyisn’t.”
WhenKelgaveMasterOakbridgehertidings,hesighedandlookedaroundfrantically.AlreadyCleonhadtakensomeone’splaceamongthefirst-years:fishscalesaddedglittertohisgoldtunic,andhisfacewaswhiteandsetwithhumiliation.“Jesslaw!”barkedMasterOakbridge.
Owen’splumpcheekswentaspaleasCleon’s.Withtheairofaboygoingtohisdoom,hecameover.HequailedwhenthemasterofceremoniesorderedhimtoserveKel’sgroup.“Doesithavetobegirls?”heaskedplaintively.“I’mscaredofgirls.”
“You’renotscaredofme,”saidKel,givinghimaplayfulshove.
“Butyou’repracticallyasgoodasafellow,andyoudon’tgiggle,”objectedherfriend.“I’dratherscrubpotsifit’sallthesame,MasterOakbridge.”
ThemangrabbedaplateoffishandthrustitintoOwen’shands.“Go!”heordered.
OwenwentasKeltookhisplaceintheservingline.Anotherfirst-yearwassentoutwhenEsmondofNicoline,caughtinaknotofpagesandacrobatswhowereleavingthehall,collidedwithanarmoredwarrior.Theclatterwasbadenough,butthemanwascaughtoffguard.HestumbledfromhisnicheandfelloverthehaplessEsmond,knockingthewindfromtheboy.ThenitwasOwen’sturntobereplacedwhensomeone-hewasn’tsurewho-spilledhotsoupdownhisback.
“Westillappeartohavelessonstolearn,”MasterOakbridgetoldthepagesgrimlybeforehedismissedthem.“Myclassroom,directlyafterlunch.”
Afterthebanquetthepagesateinsilence.Kelwaswonderingifshecould
sleeprightonthetablewhenMerricgrowled,“I’vehadenough!I’mcallingJorenout!”
Kelgrabbedhimashebegantorise.“No,”shesaidflatly.“WearenotgoingtobrawloverMidwinter,notoneofus!”
“Whynot?”hissedOwen.“Theystartedit!”
“It’swrong!”repliedKel.“Ifwepickafight,thenwe’rejustasbadasthem.Combatshouldbeusedjusttohelppeoplewhocan’tdefendthemselves,period.”
“Well,ifIdon’tfightbackandtheypoundonme,thenI’moneofthepeopleIshouldbedefending,”saidEsmond.
Kel,stillholdingMerric,lookedatherfreckledyear-mate.“Didthatevenmakesense?”sheaskedEsmond.
Hesmiledcrookedly.“Wehavetostanduptothem,Kel.Otherwisethey’llkeepdoingthistous,”hesaid.
“It’snotjustthat,”Roaldpointedout.“Midwinteristiringenoughwithoutmoreetiquettetraining.They’remakingithardforeverybody.”
“Perhapsyoucouldexerciseroyalauthority-?”suggestedNealcarefully.Roaldlookeddown,hismouthtight.
“Youknowhehatestocallonroyalprivilege,”KeltoldNealsternly.“He’stryingtobethesameasweare.”ThelookofgratitudetheprincegaveherwarmedKel’sheart.
“Westillshoulddosomething,”growledEsmond.“I’veneverbeensohumiliatedinmylife.Andthatmanwasheavy.”Herubbedhisribs.“I’dliketodumpplatearmoronthem.Seehowtheylikeit,”headded,glaringatJorenandhisfriendsontheothersideofthemesshall.
Kellookedatthetable,thinking.“Allright.Theygaveuphazingthefirst-yearsbecausetheregottobetoomanyofustofight,”shepointedout.“Maybeweshoulddosomethinglikethattomakethembackoff.”
“How?”demandedMerric,relaxinginhergripatlast.
Kelletgo,nowthathe’dcooleddown.“Ibetwearen’ttheonlyoneswho’dwanttorestinsteadofpracticebowsandserving.”
Nealleanedbackuntilhecouldpoketheclosestpageatthenexttable.“Hey,Yance!”hewhispered.YancenofIrenrohaturnedtofacehim.“Lookingforwardtomorebanquetservicelessonstomorrow?”
“Youdoit,”whisperedNealasthelastpagesfinishedtheirmeal.Jorenandhisgroupwerestilltalkingeagerlyattheirtable,headsclosetogether.
Kelstaredathim,shocked.“Ican’t!”sherepliedsoftly.“I’mjustasecond-year-I’mnotseniorenough!”
“Allright,”saidPrinceRoald.“CleonandIarefourth-years,Faleron’sthird,andNeal’ssixteen.Weappointyoutospeakforus,andwewillbackyou.”
Kelmethislevelblueeyesandsawtheprince’smindwasmadeup.Hedidnotliketoputhimselfforward-heseemedtothinkpeoplewouldaccusehimofabusinghisstationifhedid-buthewaseverybitasstubbornashisfamousparents.Lookingathercircleoffriends,seeingthesameexpressionontheirfaces,Kelthought,Iguessstubbornnessiscatching.
Sheputherdishesawayfirst.TheotherpageswhodidnotbelongtoJoren’scliquefollowedsuit.ThenshewalkedovertoJoren’stablewiththeprince,Neal,andCleonatherbackandtheothersfollowingthem.StandingbehindJoren,Kelwaited,handsonhips,untilheandtheothersrealizedtheyhadcompanyandlookedather.
Whenshewassurethatshehadeveryone’sattention,Kelsaid,“We’vehadenoughaccidentsandextrahourswithMasterOakbridge.It’sgottostop.”
JorenlockedhisblueeyesonKel.Framedinlongblondlashes,thoseeyeswereverycold.Heremainedsilent.
Vinsonsmirked.“Sayswho?”hedemanded.
Therestofthepagesclosedinaroundthem.“Sosayweall,”repliedKel.
“Seehere,youlot.”BalduinofDisartbelongedtoneitherJoren’sgroupnorKel’s.Thoughonlyathird-year,hewasfourteen,havingstartedhistrainingateleven,andhewasbig.HisshoulderswerebroaderthanCleon’s;hetoppedCleonbyaninch.WhenheleanedinsoJorencouldseehim,thesmallerpagesinfrontofhimgotoutoftheway.“Ifigured,ifyouwantedtowastetimeandstrengthonidiotsquabbleswithherandherfriends,well,youweretheoneswho’dhavetofindmorestrengthforthepracticecourts.Butnowyou’veletitcutintoourfreetime.Itseemstosomeofusthatmaybeshe’shadtherightofitallalong.”
“Anymoreaccidents,andwe’llseeifwecan’tmakeafewofourownhappen,”saidoneofthefourth-years.“Somethingpainfulandlasting.”
“Areyouquitefinished?”askedJorenquietly.
“Nomoreaccidents,”saidtheprince.
“Nomoreaccidents,”chorusedthepageswhostoodaroundthetablewithhim.
“Somethingharshbefallsthenextonewhocausesthings,”promisedBalduin.
“Makesureyoucanlockyourdoorsandwindows,”addedafourth-year.
Theroomwentstill.Thepageswhostoodremainedintheirplaces,watchingJorenandtheothersforsomesign.Kelfinallygottiredofwaiting.SheleanedinuntilscantinchesseparatedhernosefromJoren’s.“Areyouhearingusnow?”sheaskedsoftly.
Heblinked,thenraisedhishandtocoverafake-lookingyawn.“I’mtootiredtodoanythingbutwhatmyteachersorderme,”hesaidatlast.“Andyouarejusttoorough-and-tumbletobear.Weshallstop,butonlybecausewearebored.”
Theywouldgetnothingfurther,Kelknew.ShemovedoutofJoren’sway,allowinghimtoriseandgo.Theotherpagesstreamedoutthemesshalldoors,manylosttoastormofveryrealyawns.
Itisn’tover,Kelthoughtasshebidherfriendsgoodnight.We’rejustforcingthemtobesneaky.AndJoren…Shesighedasshefittedherkeytothelockonherdoor.Idon’tknowifhe’lleverstopwithme.
Onthethirdnightoftheholiday,MasterOakbridgefoundaplaceforKelthatnoonecontested.Althoughbythestrictesttermsofprotocolasecond-yearpagewasnotseniorenoughfortheduty,MasterOakbridgesethertowaitonthearchpriestessoftheGreatMotherGoddess.Thatold,formidableladysatwithEdaBellandHakuinSeastone,thetwoShangwarriors,andHarailtofAili,theround-facedandcheerfulheadoftheroyaluniversity.EverymomentthatKelattendedthemshewasterrifiedshewoulddosomethingwrong,buttheShangsmadeitclearshehadtheirconfidence.TheykepttheoldwomanandMasterHarailtbusy.Kelwasabletoserveandslipawaylikeaghost.
Nealgotheroldplacewiththedamsels.“Yoursistersarewellenough,”hesaidwhenhesatdowntosupperwithKel.“ButUlineofHannalof-isn’tsheabeauty?Andkind,too.Sheaskedhowyouwere.Shehastheprettiestvoice…”Theraptlookinhiseyeswasthesameaswhenhe’dspokenofhishopelessloveforDaine.“Skinlikeporcelain.Andshe’sreadingEthicalContrastsoftheNorthandSouth.Itoldyouaboutit-Ireadpartsofittoyoulastyear.”Heoftensharedhisphilosophicalbookswithhisfriends,whoignoredhim.“ToobadIcouldn’treallydiscussitwithher.”
Listeningtohim,Kelfeltherheartsink.“Soundslikeyou’reinlove,”shecommentedsoftly,tootiredtoeat.“AndIbelievesheisn’tevenbetrothed.”
Nealcoughednervously.“It’stooearlyformetothinkofsuchthings.It’simproperforapagetocourtanyone.Youdidlikeher,didn’tyou?”heasked,suddenlyanxious.“YouknowIvalueyouropinion,exceptonphilosophy.”
Kelmadeherselfsmile,thoughherheartwassinking.What’sthematterwithme?shewondered,vexedwithherself.It’snotlikeI’minlovewithhim.
Orthathe’deverlookatyoutwiceifyouwere,hersharp-voicedselfretorted.
“That’sbecausethephilosophyyoureadmeissilly,”shetoldhim,tryingtosoundasboyishaspossible.“Andyes,LadyUlineisverykind.”She’salsothesortofgirlboysfallinlovewith,shethought,puttingherdishesonhertray.Apartofher-thestupidpart,shethoughtcrossly-thatwantedhimtobehappyadded,“Sheisverypretty.”
“Ithinkofherasluminescent,”Nealsaid,dreamy-eyed.“Whenthecandlelightfallsonher,shemakesthelightpartofherself,andreturnsit.”
“I’moff,”saidKel.“Don’tbeuptoolatedreaming.”Thoroughlydepressed,shereturnedhertraytotheserversandtrudgedbacktoherroom.
Thefourthdayofthefestivalarrived,thetimewhengiftswereexchanged.Rememberingthatshe’dnevergottentothecity’smarketstheyearbefore,KelhaddoneallherMidwintershoppingoverthesummer.TheonlyotherpeopleshehadneededgiftsforwereLalasa,whogotthecustomarysilvercoinforherservice,andOwen.Hewaseasy:Kelgavehimoneofherrazor-sharpYamanithrowingstars.JumpgotameatyboneKelhadbargainedoutofthepalacebutcher,whilehersparrowsgotdriedfruit.
WhileKelpracticedwithherglaive,LalasawenttofetchgiftsleftforKelwithSalma.HeruncleGowerreturnedwithher,carryingalargebox.ItborethesamecanvaswrapandplainlabelasotherpackagesfromKel’sunknownbenefactor.
WhenKeltookthepackage,shenearlydroppedit.Thethingwasheavy.Unwrappingit,shefoundarectangularwoodenbox,beautifullymadeandpolished,withleathercarrystrapsateachend.Burneddeepintothetopwasthelegend,“RavenArmory:ServingTortall’sFinest.”
Herjawdropped.EveryoneknewofRavenArmory.BoyswhostoodwellenoughinLordWyldon’sgracestohavetimeoffinCorusalwayswenttoseewhattherealmsfinestarmoryoffered.FewcouldaffordRavengoodsunlesstheitemwassmall,likeZahir’sblade-polishingcloth,ortheknifeNealworehiddeninhisbeltbuckle.
Kelopenedthebox.Likeanyarmory,Ravencarriedsuppliesforthecareofweaponsandleather.Insidetheboxlaypolishingcloths;thearmory’sprizedpolishingcompound,guaranteedtoscourawaythetiniestflecksofrustorscratches;rust-proofingoil;anoiltopreserveandsoftenleatherfittings;sharpeningstonesinthreesizes;andabagofsandforcleaningchainmail.Itwasperfectforasecond-yearpage.
“Whoisit?”Kelwhispered,staringatthebox’scontents.Herlipsweretrembling.Inamoment,sheknew,shewouldstarttocry,andthatwasnogood.Shetookadeepbreathandheldit,staringattheceilinguntilshehadherfeelings-doubt,gratitude,wonder,confusion-undercontrol.“Whosendsmethesethings?”
“Someonewholikesyou,PageKeladry,”saidGowerinhisusualglumway.“Thejoysoftheseasontoyou,mylady.”Hebowedandleft.
KelturnedtoLalasa.“Hashealwaysbeensogloomy?”
Thegirllookedgenuinelystartled.“Gloomy?Uncle’sinawonderfulmood.”
Kelblinked.“Agoodmood,”sherepeated,justtobesureshehaditright.
“Oh,yes,”Lalasareplied,noddingvigorously.“Helikesyou.”
Kelopenedhermouth,abouttorepeatwhattheoldergirlhadsaid,andthoughtthebetterofit.“Idon’tknowwhy,”shemurmured,baffled.“AnymorethanIknowwhywhoeversendsmethesethingslikesme.”
“There’splentyofreasonstolikeyou,mylady.”
Thistime,whenshestaredatLalasa,themaidkepthereyeslowered.“Thankyou,”Kelsaidatlast.“Idon’tmeantosoundungrateful-Ijustdon’tunderstand.”Shelaidherhandsoneithersideofthatwonderfulbox.“Mithros’sblessingsattendyou,whoeveryouare,”shesaid.“OnedayIshouldreallyliketothankyouinperson.”
six
MORECHANGES
ForthenewyearLordWyldonaddedtwomoreweightstotheseniorpages’harnesses.ForaweekorsoKelfeltasifsheweretryingtofightthroughclingingmud.Herbodythenadjustedtotheaddedweight.
LordWyldontookthemonawintercampingtripinFebruary,whichmadenoonehappy.Onlythefirst-yearswerefoolishenoughtolethimheartheircomplaints.Hegavethemablisteringlectureabouthowknightsweren’tabletochoosetheconditionsunderwhichtheytraveled,whileKelandtheotherpagestriedtopretendtheywereinvisible.
NealcontinuedtosighafterUlineofHannalof.Kellistened,andmadesoothingnoises,andbithertonguewhenshewantedtopointoutthathehadsaidmanyofthesamethingsaboutDainetheyearbefore.Onenightafterthepagesweresupposedtobeinbed,shejoinedtheirotherfriendsoutsideNeal’swindow.TheycaterwauledthesoppiestloveballadtheyknewwhileJumphowledaccompaniment.WhenNealthrewopentheshutters,onlythehaplessCleonwastooslowtoavoidabathasNealdumpedawaterbasinonhim.Forweeksafterthat,alloneofthemhadtodowastohumpartofthatsong,andtheotherswouldstarttogrin.
Springcamejustaseveryonewasgivinguphope.EventheforlorntreeinKel’scourtyardthrustoutacrownofleaves.Thesparrowsabandonedherroomfortheoutsideoncemore,settingtinynestsintheeavesaroundthecourtyard.Jumpprovedtohaveadismayingloveofrollinginthemud.Nomatterhowthicklyhecoatedhimself,Lalasabathedhimpatientlyuntilhewaswhiteagain.
ToKelthisspringsmelledofpromise.Thebigandlittleexaminationswerecoming;shewouldbefreeofJoren,Vinson,Garvey,andZahir.SadlyshewouldalsolosePrinceRoaldandCleon.Knightswerealreadywalkingthepages’wing,inspectingthefourth-yearsaspossiblesquires.Mostwouldbegoneintoservicebythetimethejuniorpagesleftforsummertraining.Ahandfulalwaysstayeduntilfall,whenknightsinthefieldcouldreturnandchooseasquire.
Keltriednottothinkaboutthat.Whenshedid,shehadtowonderwhatknight
wouldbemadenoughtotakeherintohisservice.HerdreamhadbeentoactastheLioness’ssquire,butshesawnowthatmightnotbewise.ItseemedpeoplestillthoughttheLionessmightgiveKelmagicalaid.DidthismeanLadyAlannawouldnotbeabletomakeKelhersquireforthesamereason?Worse,ifshecouldn’torwouldn’ttakeKel,whowould?
Sheputitfromhermind.Thebigexaminationsweretwoyearsaway.Shehadalotofworktodobeforethen,andworryingaboutthingsshehadnocontroloverwouldjustdrainherstrength.Sheconcentratedonstudies,onexercises,andonfightingherpowerfulnewfeelingsforNeal.Feelings,shelearned,werehardtofight.ShetreasuredhissmilesandcomplimentsandtriednottodwellonthefactthathegavethesethingstohisfriendKel.Hisdreamy-eyedgazes,poems,andfitsofpassionatemelancholywereforUline.Itwashardnottoresenttheoldergirl.
Evenasshewrestledwithstrangenewemotions,though,Kelrecognizedsomefacts.Ulinehadn’ttheslightestideaofNeal’sfeelings.Thepoemsstayedinhisdesk,thegazesandmelancholiesinthepages’wing.WhenKelurgedNealtosendUlineapoem,herefused.“I’llenjoymycrushinprivate,thanksallthesame,”hetoldherruefully.“Ipreferthattofindingoutsheandherfriendsgiggleovermypoorverses.”
“Idon’tunderstand,”KelconfidedtoLalasatheAprilnightbeforethelittleexaminations.“Ifhelovesher,whydoesn’thedosomething?Toherhe’sjustanotherpairofscarletarmsandlegsinagoldtunic.She’llneverlovehimifhedoesn’tmakehimselfknowntoher.”
“PerhapsMasterNealjustlikesbeinginlove,”Lalasaremarked,snippingoffathread.ShewaslettingdownKel’stunicsagain.“Ifheputshimselfforwardandsherejectshim,he’llfeelthefool.”
“I’ddosomething,”grumbledKel,practicingaheadstand.“I’dmakeherfallinlovewithme.”
Lalasasmiled.“Wouldyou,mylady?AndwhatofyourownfeelingsforMasterNeal?”Sheshookoutthetunic.“Let’sseehowthisfits.”
Kelobeyed,red-faced.Lalasawasright.Itwaseasytosayshe’dmakeUlineloveherifshewereNeal,butwhenitcametoherself,Kelwasterrifiedtospeakup.ShewouldhateitifNealwerenolongercomfortablewithher.Bettertobea
cowardandstillbehisfriend.
Shewenttobedwiththosecomfortingthoughts.Inthemorningcamethelittleexaminations,whenfirst-,second-,andthird-yearpagesweretestedbeforeanaudienceonthelastyear’slearningandskills.Theexamswerenotconsideredserious,excepttothepageswhohadtotakethem.Whattheydidwasreadythepagesforthebigexaminationsattheendoftheirfourthyear.Thoseweremoredifficulttestsconductedbeforeaverylargeaudience.ThepracticehadbeenstartedfifteenyearsearlierbyKingJonathan’sfather,inthelastyearofhisreign.WithpeoplewonderingifAlannatheLionesshadcheatedtowinhershield,KingRoaldhadwantedtoensurethatanyonecouldseeforhimselfthatfourth-yearpagesknewtheirworkandwerefittobesquires.
ThatnightKeldreamedofgoingtotheplatformtoanswerthejudges’questions,onlytofindthatshewasnaked.Itlefthergrumpy.Sheskimpedonmorningexercises,washedanddressed,fedthebirdsandJump,thenmadeherwaytothemesshall.LikeKel,herfriendswerenearlysilentoverbreakfast.
Halfwaythroughthemeal,shefeltatrickleofwetnessinherloincloth.Whatonearth?shethought,appalled.Shewastoooldtowetherselflikeababy.Besides,thelittleexamsdidn’tscareherthatmuch!Crimsonwithhumiliationandtryingtohideit,shestoodandputthelastofherbreakfastontohertray.
“Whereareyougoing?”Nealmumbled,staringatherwithblearyeyes.“We’retoreporttotheexaminationroom.Wecan’tbelate.”
“Iwon’tbelate,”Kelsaidtightly,feelingmorewetness.GreatGoddess,woulditsoakthroughtoherhose?“I’llonlytakeaminute.”Shehandedinhertrayandracedbacktoherroom.
Lalasawasbrewinghermorningteaonthehearth.“Mylady,what-?”shebegan,startled,asKelranby.Kelduckedintothedressingroomandshutthedoor.Hurriedlysheundidherpointsandrolleddownherhose.Ifshe’dwetherself,wouldn’tshehavenoticedafeelinginherbladder?Thishadcomefromnowhere…
Bloodwasonherloinclothandinnerthighs.Shestaredatit,thinkingsomethingdreadfulwashappening.Thensherememberedseveraltalksshe’dhadwithhermother.Thishadtobehermonthlies,thebleedingthattoldeverygirlshewasreadytohavebabiesifshewantedthem.
“Ofalltimesforittohappen,”shemuttered,wettingaclothinherwashbasinandscrubbingherself.“Firstthese”-shemeantherbreasts-“nowthis.”Shehadadullacheinherabdomen.Wasthatnormal?
Lalasaopenedthedressingroomdoor.LookingatKel,shesawtheproblemimmediately.“Doyouknowwhatthismeans?”sheasked,openingadry-goodschestanddrawingoutlinenandafreshloincloth.
Kelnodded,stillscrubbing.
“Congratulations,”Lalasasaid.“You’vebecomeawoman.It’stheGoddess’smarkonus,thatwebleedeverymonth.Youstartedearly,didn’tyou?Noteventwelve.Iwasthirteen…Haveyoucramps?”
Kelfrowned.“Cramps?”
“Anache,like.”Lalasapattedherabdomen.
Kelnodded.
“Willowteawillhelp.Here.”SheshowedKelhowtofixalinenpadinsideherloincloth,tocatchtheblood.“Wecanchangethatatlunchtime.”
“Ineedcleanhose,too,”Kelsaidgloomily.
“YoulookashappyasyoudidwhenIpointedoutyouneededabreastband,”theoldergirlpointedout,hervoicegentlyteasing.
Kelopenedhermouthtoreply,thenclosedit.Toherintenseshame,tearsbegantorolldownhercheeks.SheturnedawayfromLalasaandburiedherfaceinherhands.
“Here,what’sthis?”LalasaturnedKelandpulledhermistress’sheaddowntohershoulder-shewastwoinchesshorterthanKel.“Mostgirlsarehappy,youknow.Pleasedon’tcry.Younevercry.NotwhenIwouldbeawashintearsfromallthosebruises,notwhenthatbeastlyhorsestepsonyourfoot-“
“Hedoesn’tmeanit,”Kelsaidintothatsensiblewhitecottonshoulder.
“Isn’titjustlikeyoutostandupforhim?”
Keldrewaway.“Ihatemybodydoingnewthingswithouttellingme,”shesaidwetly,andsniffed.Shewipedhereyesonthebackofherarm.
“Somegettheweepswithmonthlies,likecramps,”Lalasaexplained.“Itcouldbeworse.Mymamagotplainmeanrightbeforehers.”
“Minegetshungryforsweets,”Kelsaid,adjustingherloinclothimpatiently.Itnowfeltasbulkyasadiaper.“Sheateawholecakeonce.”
Someonebangedloudlyontheouterdoor.“Kel,comeon!”bellowedNeal.“We’llbelate!”
“Hose.”Lalasadraggedoutafreshpair.“I’lltieonelegifyou’lldotheother.”
“Neal,holdon,”Kelshouted.“Ihavetofixsomething!”Shestruggledintobothhose,thentiedthepointsonherleftsidewhileLalasadiduptheright.BeforetheywerehalfdoneNealbangedonthedooragain.“Gowithoutme!”Kelordered.
“No!Comeon!”
Pointsandhosetied,Kelstruggledbackintoherslippers.“Thankyou,”shetoldLalasawarmly.“I’llhavethatteawhenIgetbackfromthetests.”Sherantothedoorandyankeditopen.
Nealstoodthere,red-facedwithimpatience,readytoknockagain.“Abouttime,”hesaid.Theytrotteddownthehall.
“Whyareyouinsuchatearinghurry?”demandedKel,stoppingintheclassroomwingtoadjustthehoseononeleg.“We’llgetthere.”
“Youdon’tunderstand,”Nealsaidwhentheyranon.“Ifyou’reevenalittlebitlate,theStumpmakesyourepeatthelastyear.Hedidittotwoboysthreeyearsago.Andifyou’rereallylate,youhavetorepeatallfouryears.EdmundofRosemark,ayearbeforewestarted,wasthatlate.Herefusedtodofourmoreyearsandwenthome.”
“Whyishesohardonlatecomers?”Kelasked.
“YouknowtheStump.Hesaystardinessinaknightcostslives.”
“Youcouldhavegonewithoutme,”Kelremindedhim.Shestoppedhimandfinger-combedhistumbledhairtolieflat.Foradizzyingmoment,shethoughttheywerecloseenoughtokiss,andswallowedhard.
Nealdestroyedherromanticdaydreambystraighteninghercollarinhismostbusinesslikeway.“Iwillnotrepeateventhelittlestbitofthishappyexperimentofours,ifthat’sallthesametoyou.AndIshouldthinkyou’dfeelthesame.”Theywalkedintotheroomtogether,tojointhepagesalreadythere.
Neal’sworriesaside,thetestsforsecond-yearswereeverybitaseasyasthoseforthefirst-years.Firsttheywereaskedquestionsbasedontheirclassroomlearning.Thentheywereusheredoutsidetoshowtheyhadmasteredthebestpartofasecond-year’scombatlessons.AfterNealhammeringatherdoorandfrettingthattheymightbeasmuchasastepbehindLordWyldon,itwassomethingofaletdown.Theexaminers,whomNealhadoncedescribedastheoldest,fustiestnoblesthekingcouldfindtojudgethepages,seemedtofrownalittledeeperwhenKelwastested.Forallthat,theycouldn’tfaultheranswers,andshepassed,justastheotherfirst-,second-,andthird-yearpagesdid.
ThenextweeksheandNealwatchedthefourth-yearexaminationsinsupportoftheprinceandCleon.Thesetests,thebigexams,werelongerandharderthanthosegiventothethird-years,butagainitwasmaterialthefourth-yearswereexpectedtoknow.Everyonepassed.
Thatnight,thefourth-yearpagesmovedtothesquires’sideofthemesshall,toenthusiasticapplausefromtheirfellows.Kel,watchingJoren,Vinson,Garvey,andZahirwalkaway,heavedaninnersighofrelief.Thingswouldbequieterinthepages’wing,ofthatshewascertain.
MoreknightsvisitedinMay,watchingthenewsquiresinthepracticecourts,eatingsupperwithLordWyldonastheylookedoverprospects.Kelhadnoticedthemtheyearbefore,buthadnotmuchcaredwhohadcome.Thisyeartheywouldtakepeoplesheknew.LordImrahofLegann,abald,pockmarkedmanwithahawk’s-beaknoseandpale,intelligenteyes,chosePrinceRoaldashissquire,toeveryone’ssurprise.Inthepasttheheirhadalwaysservedhisfather;itseemedKingJonathanmeanttodothisasdifferentlyashedideverythingelse.
Kelalsogottoseehersecondoldestbrother,Inness,whovisitedforafew
days,beforeherodenorthtotheScanranborder.HetookCleonwithhim.Zahirwaschosenassquirebytheking.JorenwenteastwithPaxtonofNond.GarveyandVinson,aswellasfiveothernewsquires,remainedinthepalacewhileLordWyldontookthepagesouttotheirsummercamp.
seven
HILLCOUNTRY
Theyearbefore,thepageshadcampedintheRoyalForest.Thisyearthetrainingmastertookthemsouthandeast,intothehillycountrythatlaybetweenLakeTirragenandtheRiverDrell.PartofKel’ssparrowcompany,eighteenbirdsinall,camealongwhilethereststayedatthepalace.Nooneraisedaneyebrowatthesmallbirds’presence:theyhadfollowedKeltheprevioussummerandhadproveduseful.
InadditiontoSergeantEzeko,thetwoShangwarriors,HakuinSeastoneandEdaBell,rodewiththem.KelhadtheideathatEda,theShangWildcat,washerchaperon,justasshehadbeentheyearbefore.Whenshementionedittotheolderwoman,theWildcatlaughed.“MaybeIjustwanttogetoutofthepalacefortwomonths,”shesaid.“I’mahillwoman,youknow.BornandraisedjustsouthofMalven,tillIranofftotheShangs.”Shegrinned,showingteethlikesmallwhitepearls.“I’mmylordWyldon’slocalexpert.”
Ontheirfirstmorningaway,Kelwokeatherusualhour,beforesunrise.Pickingherwayamongblanketedformsinsearchofthelatrine,shefroze.JumpwascurledupbesideLordWyldon.Asifheknewshewasgogglingathim,thedogopenedoneeye,waggedhistailtwice,andclosedhiseyeagain.Kelcursedhimsilentlyallthewaytothelatrine.WhatifLordWyldonsuspectedthedogwasapet,notjustafriendlystray?Insteadofherglaiveexercisesshedidsomeoftheunarmedcombatdances,combinationsofpunches,kicks,androlls.TheyhelpedherburnoffpartofherfearthatsomehowLordWyldonwouldknowJumpwashersandtakethedogaway.
AtbreakfastNealwasthefirstofhergrouptonoticeLordWyldon’scompanion.Hechoked.
“Queenscove,whatisthematterwithyou?”askedEdaBell.
Nealmanagedtopoint.“Dog.”
LordWyldonlookedatthecompaniontowhomhe’dbeenfeedingstripsofbacon.“Thisfellow’sbeenhangingabouttheyardsformonths,”hesaidcalmly.
“Evidentlyhe’stakenalikingtous.WithDaineinresidence,itseemsfewanimalsareshyaboutexpressingthemselves.”
“Horsestoo,”saidSergeantEzeko.“OnlyreasonIthinkmyDragonflydoesn’ttalktomeisbecauseshethinksI’mnotsmartenoughtounderstandher.”
“Ican’tbelieveourdog’stoadyingtotheStump,”NealwhisperedtoKelandOwenastheywasheddishes.“IthoughtJumpwasbetterthanthat.”
“Idon’tknow,”Kelremarkedslowly.“It’shardtohateanyonewholikesdogsasmuchasmylorddoes.”
“Jump’ssmart.HeknowsifLordWyldonthinkshecametoseehim,hewon’tsendhimback,”Owenpointedout.“HewouldifJumplookedtobefollowingoneofus.”
Whateverthedog’sthoughts,hekeptupaseasilyasthesparrowswhilethepagesandteachersrodesouth.ThetreesoftheOlorunValleygavewaytobroadgreenfields,thentodriercountry.TheridersskirtedtheedgeoftheGreatSouthernDesert,turningeast.TheBazhirlivedinthedesertandmadeittheirown.Inthesoutheasternhillcountry,peoplehadwarredwiththeBazhirforgenerations.SometimestheychosetogetextraincomebyraidingintoTusaineandTyraaswell.
“Don’tgetyourhopesup,”LordWyldonsaidwhenthesubjectofhillmenaroseovertheirthirdnight’scampfire.“Accordingtothelocalarmycommander,theareawe’revisitinghasbeenscouredofbandits.You’llhavetoproveyourcourageagainstbears,hilllions,andthelike.”
TheyfinallymadecampjustnorthofatributaryoftheDrell,theRiverHasteren.Bythenthey’dbeenridingfortendaysandweregladtostopforawhile.KelwasparticularlycarefultolookafterPeachblossom.Theheatwashardonthebiggelding,thoughshecouldn’tsayifitaffectedhismood.Peachblossomwasalwaysgrumpy.
Theycampedbyasmallpondthatwascuppedbetweenhillsandfedbyalivelystream.Lastyeartherehadbeenawoodenbuildingforshelterforthepagesandastablefortheirmounts,thoughKelandEdahadsleptintheopen.Thisyeareveryoneeitherputuptentsorsleptunderopensky.Eventhosewho
chosetosleepwithoutshelterhadtoprovetoLordWyldontheycouldsetuptheirtentsquicklyandwell.Kelhadthreetriesbeforethetrainingmasterwassatisfied.Nealhadten.
“Ihatetents,”hegrumbledastheywenttogatherfirewood.“Theysmellfunnyandtheyweightoomuch.I’drathersleepunderatree.”
“Youmaychangeyourmindwhendarkcomes,”repliedKel,amused.“That’swhenthebugswillrealizetheydon’thavetogototheinntodine.”
Theyremainedinthatspotforaweek.Gamewasscarcethere.LordWyldonsaidhewantedtoteachthem,notspendteachinghourstryingtofeedthem.Theyrodeforadayandbuiltanewcamp.
ThenextmorningLordWyldonsentgroupsoutindifferentdirectionstomapterrainandtohuntforsupper,eachwithaseniorpageincommand.KelwasinFaleron’scompany,alongwithNeal,ProsperofTameran,Merric,OwenandSeaver.Faleron,Merric,Neal,andOwencarriedlongbows;Kelandtheothersbroughtspears.Ifworsecametoworst,theyagreed,theycouldtryspear-fishinginthebroadcreektheyfollowed.Jumpcame,sniffingalongtheground.Thesparrowsspreadoutashumansanddoghiked,lookingfornewandtastyseedsinthebrush.
Thecreekledthemintoasmall,twistingvalleyedgedononesidebysandstonecliffs.“Oh,Kel,look,”pipedOwen,“aheightmylordhasn’tmadeyouclimb!”
“Fromyourlipstothegods’ears,silly-hush!”Keltoldherfriend,cuffinghimgentlyontheshoulder.
“Hush,”orderedFaleron.“Youwanttoscareoffallthegame?”
Beingquietastheyheadedintothevalleysavedtheirlives.Threehundredyardsalong,whentheyroundedabendinthecliffwall,thepagesfoundaraidercamp.Hadtheybeenmakingnoise,theoutlawswouldhavebeenready.Asitwas,Falerongesturedfranticallyforthepagestobackup,buttoolate.Amangydoghowledthealarm;Jumpsnarledinanswer.Thehillmen,who’dbeennapping,scrambledtotheirfeet.
“Run!”yelledFaleron.
Theywereahundredfeetdownthevalleywhentheyheardthepoundingofhooves.Thebanditsrodeintoviewonugly,ruggedhorseswholookedeverybitasmeanastheirmasters.Theysweptoutandaroundthepages,cuttingofftheirescaperoute.Jumpracedintothefray.Heleapedandfastenedhisjawsonarider’sarm,hisweightpullingthemanfromthesaddle.Thehorsereared,panickedbyitsmaster’sfall.Twomenswervedtoavoidthemandcollided,goingdowninatangleofscreaminghorses.Thesparrowsarrived,chatteringinrageastheyflewintotheraiders’faces,attackingtheireyes.
“Jump,come!”screamedKel.“Faleron,orders?”
Faleronstaredattheriders;hiseyesflickedfromthoseontherighttothoseontheleft,uncertain.KelturnedtoNealastheoldest.HewasasbewilderedasFaleron.Kellookedattheothers.Merric,Seaver,andOwenwerestaringather.
Theyhadtoact-thehillmenwereclosingin.“Neal,Prosper!”sheyelled,namingthetwowithmagicalGifts.“Blind‘em,hideus,confuse‘em,now!Bows!Oneshot,aimforthehorses,thenfallbehindthespears!”
ShegotherspearupandleveleditattheenemyasNealblinkedandshedhisparalysis.Greenfirepouredfromhishands,spreadinginstreamsthroughtheair.Itbentandrippled,veilingthepagesenoughthattheenemycouldn’tseethemtotargetthem.Prosper,theirothermage,staredblanklyathisspear.Kelgrabbeditandyelled,“Now!”
LightflaredinfrontofProsper,whiteedgedwithblue.Itwouldblindanyonelookingathim,orthepeoplenearhim,briefly.“Bows,”shoutedKelagainasJumpscrambledthroughthedusttoreachher.
Faleron,Merric,andOwensetarrowstotheirstringsandloosedasKelglancedbehindthem.Therewasthecliffwall,justtwentyfeettotheirrear.“Fallbacktothecliff,bowsandmagesfirst,thenspears!”shecried.“Who’sgotthehorn?”
“Me,”saidFaleron,coughingfromthedust.Hetookaswigfromhiswaterbottle,spat,andblewthealarmcall,thensetanotherarrowonhisbowstring.
Beyondtheshiftinghazeofgreenandwhitelightsthatveiledthem,Kelsawthehillmendrawbackalittle.Fouroftheirnumberweredown,maybedead-threeinthepileupJumphadcaused,onewithanarrowinhisthroat.Otherswere
rubbingtheireyes,flailingattheattackingsparrows,orsquintingastheytriedtoseethepages’exactlocation.Mostwerestillmounted,exceptforonemanwho’djumpedclearofhisarrow-shothorse.Allwerewary.
Apairofbonyandscarreddogscreptforward,belliestotheground.Themagicveilsaffectedthemless.Jumpsnarledachallenge.
“Staywithme,”Kelorderedhimsoftly.Toherunmovingfriendsshehissed,“Fallback!Bowsandmagesfirst.Getagainstthecliff-archers,bereadytoshoot!”
Thistimetheyobeyed,Faleronpausingonlylongenoughtoblowthealarmcallagain.Kelwhispered,“You’lltakecommand?”whenheloweredthehorn.
Faleronshookhishead.“You’vegotthecoolhead,Kel,”hereplied,thenfellbackwiththeotherarchers,Neal,andProsper.Oncetheyreachedthecliff,KelandSeaverbackedup,spearslowered.Spearswouldkeepthebanditsatadistanceiftheychosetorideblindlythroughthemagic;Kel’sarcherscouldshooteasilyiftheywererushed.Shedoubtedthestalematecouldlast,however.Throughfadingmagicshesawthatthehillmenwerestringingthebowstheyhadgrabbedintherush.Oncetheylearnedthemagicalbarrierscouldn’tstoparrows,thepageswereintrouble.
“NealandProsper,magicagain.Holditawhile!”shewhispered.
GreenstreamersrolledoutofNeal,growingwider,formingscarvesthatmovedintheair.Prosperagainreleasedawhiteblaze;howhekeptthepagesfrombeingasblindedastheraidersKelhadnoidea.Fromtheirlessonsintheuseofvisiblemagic,sheknewthatheandNealhadobscuredtheareaaroundthemforaboutsixtyfeet.Shecouldseethatthesquintingraidershadshiftedtoformahalf-circlearoundthematadistanceofaboutseventyfeet.Foralltheenemyknew,thepagescouldbeanywherebehindthatcurtainofmovinglight.
Herbrainraced:Whenwouldhelpcome?Weretheyevenwithinhearingdistanceofthecamp?Theyhadlosttrackofhowfartheyhadgone.
“Kel,we’reatthecliff!”hissedOwen.
Shelookedback.Nowtheyhadprotectionattheirbacks,butitwasnotmuch.Peeringthroughthefieryshieldsagain,Kelcountedtwenty-threeraidersand
gnawedherlip.Theoddswerebad.Whatshewouldn’tgiveformagesotherthanahealerandalightbringer!Buttheywerewhatshehad.Shedidn’tliketothinkhowmuchofNeal’sandProspersstrengthwasgoingintothosescreens.
Luckilyforthepages,theraidershadnoleadertocoordinatetheirattacksandmakethemmoredangerous.Justasgood,theyseemedtohavenomages.
“Archers,getready,”shesaidcalmly.NowsheandSeaverwereatthecliff.Beyondthemagicssheheardthebanditsarguingtheirnextmove.Somewherenearbysheheardthelowgrowloftheraiderdogsandthesparrows’furiouschatter.Shesentaquickprayerupthathersmallfriendswouldn’tgethurt.
Herpeopleneededcoverformorethanjusttheirbacks,now,whiletheyhadamomenttolookforit.Shescannedthegroundtoherleft.Allthatlaybetweenthemandthebendinthevalleywherethishadstartedwastumblesofsmallrockslowerthanherwaist.
Nohelpthere,shethoughtgrimly.Shelookedright,beyondFaleron,andblinked.Wasthatatrail?
Hereyesfollowedanarrowtrackasitrosealongthecliffface.Itlookedtobeagoattrail,toonarrowforhorses.Aboutforty-fivefeetup,shesawadarkopeninginthestone-acave,perhaps,ahollowatleast.Somethingmorethantheyhadhere.Thetrailwentpastthecave,butthatwasn’taproblem.Theycouldholdbothendsofthetrackfromthere,eveniftheraiderscamedownitfromabove.
Sheswallowedhard.Todefendit,theywouldhavetogettoit.Theywouldhavetoclimb.
Kelwasthinkingatlightningspeed.Howtodothis?Ifhelpdidn’tcomesoon,someonewouldgethurt-theoddsweretoogreat.Theywouldneedahealerthen.Nealhadtostopwastingmagictohidethemfromview.
Allherthoughtcameinamoment.“Faleron,”shewhispered,andpointedtothetrail.Everyonelooked;Faleronnodded.“Justtothatcave.Youfirst,thenNeal.Neal,soonasyou’rethere,switchtoarchery.You’regoingtoneedyourGift.”Heopenedhismouthtoargue;KellookedatMerric.“Younext,thenSeaver,Prosper,thenOwen.Archers,coverus.Prosper,easeoffthecontinuouslight.Whenalotofthemmovein,give‘emalight-burst,butonlythen.”She
glancedattheenemythroughtheveilsoflight;shesawthreeofthemventureforward.“Nowgo!I’llbringuptherear!”
TheycouldseethehorsemenwhohadfoundthecouragetoadvancethroughNeal’sfadinglight-veils.Owencoollyshotatone.Thearrowlodgedinhismount’sshoulderandthepain-strickenanimalreared,tryingtoshakeoffitsrider.Asthemanfoughtforcontrol,collidingwithhisneighbors,thepagesracedforthetrailandbegantoclimb.ProsperheldontohismagicasKelhadbidhim,waitingforthebanditstoapproach.Halfwayuptheslope,firstMerric,thenOwen,gotofffreshshots.
Kellookedatthetrail,gulped,thenordered,“Jump,come.”Shebackedup,keepingbothspearsloweredandready.
Thetworaiderdogswereclosingin,hacklesup.Jumpsnarled,thenattackedthebiggerdog.“Jump!”Kelcried,runningtosavehim.Shefelt,ratherthansaw,theseconddogleapforher.Lashingoutwiththespear’sbutt,shecaughttheanimallengthwise,knockingittenfeetintoatumbleofstones.
Sheheardyellingandlookedup.Threeraidersgallopedstraightather,swordsraised.Twoarrowstooktheonefarthesttotheright.Sparrowsswirledaroundthemiddlebandit,dartingathiseyes.Hescreamed,clappinghishandstohisface;withoutdirection,hishorsespun,panicked.
Kelfocusedonthemanbearingdownonher.Shebarelynotedafreshlight-burstorthearrowsshotbythearchersonthenarrowpath,whichforcedtheotherbanditstokeepback.Theenemycomingatherraisedashort,curvedsword.Shesawhewouldbeunabletotouchheruntilhewasdirectlyalongside.Keldroppedherextraspearoutofherway,makingsureshewouldn’ttriponit.Shebroughtherotherspearpoint-downbyherrightcalf,holdingitintheglaivepositionbroom-sweeps-clean.Thehillmanwasalmostonher,justfiveyards,nowtwo-
Shesteppedforward,totherightofthechargingraider,andbroughtthespearupinafirm,sweepingmovement.Theleaf-shapedblade,razor-sharp,cutdeepintotheman’slegbeforeKelhadtododgethedownwardsweepofhissword.ThemanturnedhishorseandcamebackatKel.Thistimeshedroveherspearthroughhisbelly,whereitlodged.Kelscoopedupherotherspearjustasanarrowstreakedoverherhead.Suddenlyshefeltatrackofnumbness,thenof
sharppain,asasecondarrowgrazedherouterthigh.
“Drat,”shesaid,wincing.Sheyelled,“Jump,come!”
Jump,hisfoedead,racedupthenarrowpath.Kelfollowed,spearout,asmorebanditsgallopedforward.Shewastenfeetupwhentheyreachedthecliffandsawtheycouldnotrideafterher.Oneraisedhisbow,sightingonKelwitharotted-toothgrin.
Whitelightblazedaroundher:Prosper’swork.Themenatthefootofthetrailthrewuptheirhandstoshieldtheireyes.Kelbackedup,sweatingandtremblingovertheheight,notthegrazeonherthigh.Shecouldn’twatchherfeet,asshedidwhenshehadtoclimbstairs.Shehadtofocusonthemenatthebottomofthetrail,whichmeantseeinghownarrowthepathwas,andhowfarshewouldfallbeforeshehittheground.Thatdistanceonlygotlargerasshecarefullysidledupward.
Tworaidersdismounted.Theymeanttofollow:theirswordswereout,theireyeslockedonher.Shehaltedandturnedtoblockthetrail.Handssteady,sheloweredherspear.HerYamanitraininghelpedhertobarelycontainherfearofthedropjustinchesfromherrightfoot.Jumpwalkedbetweenherspreadlegstostandbeforeher,growling.Hismuzzlewascrimsonwithblood,asightguaranteedtomakethementhinktwice.
ThenKel’ssparrowsarrived,attackingthefoe.Thebanditsyelledandbackedoff,tryingtoprotecttheirfaces.
“Jump,gonow,”Kelordered.Thedogranbetweenherlegsandonupthetrail.Kelpulledherrightfootbackfromthedrop,sweatrunningdownherface.IfIdon’tmove,they’llshootmefullofarrowsrighthere,andthenI’llreallyfall,shetoldherself.Sheturnedtosidleupthetrail,herbackagainsttherock,hereyesonherfeet.Twomoreburstsoflightkeptthebanditsmillingandhalfblind.
Keldidn’tevenknowshe’dreachedtheirrefugeuntiltheboyspulledherinside.Thesparrowsfollowed,chatteringastheyfoundperchesonthepages.Offthepath,Kel’sheadcleared.Shelookedatherfriends.Merricwasdown,anarrowinhisleftshoulder.Nealcrouchedbesidehim,stoppingtheflowofbloodfromthewoundwithhismagic.
“Whathappened?”sheaskedFaleron.
“Theygothimwhenheshotattheonesthatwerecomingafteryou,”hereplied,white-faced.
Neallookedup.“It’smissedanythingvital-Kel,you’rehurt!”
“StaywithMerric,”shesnapped.“It’sjustagraze.”Shewenttothefrontofthecave.Seaverwaslookout;helayflattopeerovertheledge.Prosperwasbesidehim,alsostayinglow.Helookedexhausted.
“Letupforabit,Prosper,”Keltoldhim.“Eatsomething.Andthanks.”Prospernoddedandcrawledawayfromtheopening.Heduginhisbelt-purseforthedriedmeatandfruitLordWyldonmadethemcarrywhentheyleftthepalace.
Keepingundercover,Kelhadalookoutside.Theraiderswereworkinguptheircourage,arguingastheyapproachedthetrailthatledtothepages’sanctuary.Kelretreatedintothecave,usingherdaggertohackstripsfromthehemofhershirt.Whenshehadenoughtomakeabandage,shetieditfirmlyaroundthegrazeinherleg.“Howmanyarrowshavewegot?”shedemanded.
Thearcherscounted.Theanswerwasnotbad,butnotgood,either.“Fromnowon,pickyourshots,”shetoldthem.“Thinktwicebeforeyoudoshoot.Faleron,didyoublowthehornwhileIwasoutthere?”
Hegaveherashakygrin.“Ofcourse.Itakeityouwerethinkingofotherthings.”
Kelsmiledruefully.“IbelieveIwas.Crown?”
WhileFaleronwenttotheopeningandsoundedthedistresscallyetagain,thesingle-spotfemalesparrowflewovertoperchonKel’shand.Therewasredonherbeakandtinyclaws,andawarlikegleaminherroundblackeyes.“Crown,itmaybetheycan’thearthehorn,backatcamp,”Kelexplained.“Willyoufetchhelp?”
Crownpeeped.Awaysheflew,twomalesandafemalewithher.
“Nexttimemaybeweshouldbringpaperandink,”suggestedOwen.“They
couldcarrymessages.”
KelwentovertocrouchbesideMerricandNeal.“Allthisnoiseyou’remaking,Ican’tthink,”sheteasedtheredheadedboygently.
Merricsmiledtightlyather.Normallypale-skinned,nowhewassowhitethathisfreckleslookedlikepaintonwax.Sweatrolleddownhisface.“We’reinenoughofaspotwithoutmeyelling,”hesaidtightly.“Besides,it’snotsobad.Nealstoppedmostoftheouch.”
“Canyoudomorethanstoptheouch?”KelwhisperedtoNeal.
Heshookhishead,shamefaced.“Idon’thavethetraining,”hereplied.
“Butyoucanheal,”shebegan.
“Withinlimits.Iwastostartlearningaboutarrow,knife,andswordwoundsthisyear,ifI’dstayed.”
Kelshookherhead.“Youshouldgetpropertraining!”shesaidindignantly.
Nealmadeaface.“When?”hewantedtoknow.“Mostpeopleeithergoforknightorforhealer,notboth.”
Kelbegantoargue,thenclosedhermouth.Thehurtthatshowedinhiseyesforjustamomentmadeherfeellikeabrute.“Sorry,Neal,”shesaidruefully.
“That’sallright.”Hesmiledcrookedly.“GodsknowIkeepthinkingIwascrack-brainedtoleavetheuniversity.”
“Butifyouhadn’t,I’dbealotworseoffnow,”Merricremindedhim.“Ilikeyouwhereyouare,thanks.”
KelgrippedNeal’sshoulderinanother,silentapology,andwentbacktotheentrance.“Whydon’tyourestinback?”shesuggestedtoSeaver.“I’llspellyouforatime.”Henoddedandpassedhisbowtoher.Keltookhisposition,lyingflatsoonlythetopofherheadshowedwhenshepeeredout.Lookinggaveherthesweats,butshemadeherselfdoit.Shehadtoknowiftheoutlawswouldgiveup,orkeepcoming.Rightnowtheyseemedtobearguing,butacouplelookedatthetrailasiftheywereofamindtoclimbit.
Goahead,shethoughtcoldly.Youwon’tgetfar.
Twodidtry.Kelshotonemaninthecollarbone-itwashardtosightfromthisawkwardangle.Owen,whohadcometowatchbesideher,roseonhiskneesandshotthesecondmanthroughtheeye.Anarrowsoaredoverhisheadjustashelayflatagain.AsKelscoldedhimformakingatargetofhimself,sheheardthesoundofhorsesatthegallop.Itwastheentirecompanyofpagesandteachers,armedforbattle,withLordWyldoninthelead.Theraidersfled.
KelsenttheunwoundedpagesdowntoLordWyldon,thenhelpedthetwoShangsimproviseastretcherandlowerMerrictotheground.“Wecandothesameforyou,”Hakuinoffered.“Youarehurt.”
Kelshookherhead:shehadherpride.“I’llclimbdown.”SheletthemandNealgofirst,however,andsentJumpafterthem.Onlywhenshesteppedontothepathdidsherealizethatbywaitinguntillastshehadcreatedanaudienceforherdescent.
Sheclosedhereyesforamoment,tryingtothinkherselfstone,thenfacedthecliff.Atleastthistimeshedidn’thavetonegotiatethepathwhilekeepinganyonebelowinview.Theworstthisaudiencecoulddowaslaugh.Shedidhearsomechucklesasshesidledalong,oneeyeonthegroundjustaheadofherrightfoot,hernoseasclosetotheclifffaceasshecouldputit.
Atlastshewasdown.PeachblossomandJumpbothnuzzledher;thesparrowsswirledaroundher,butdidnotland.Theyknowwhat’scoming,Kelthoughtweakly.Shewavedherdogandhorseoff,thenthrewup.
Whenshestood,wipinghermouthonhersleeve,sheturnedtofaceadarkdunhorse’sinquiringeye.“Well,PageKeladry,”thedun’srider,LordWyldon,saiddryly,“nowyourealizecombatisn’twoman’swork.Ihopeyou’vethoughtbetterofthisexperimentofyours,nowthatyou’veseenblood.”
“Sir,thatisn’tfair,”protestedOwen.
Kelclosedhereyes,thinking,notforthefirsttime,Whydon’tIhavefriendswhoknowwhentobesilent?
“Whatisnotfair,OwenofJesslaw?”demandedLordWyldon.
KeltriedtosignalOwentohush,buttheplumpboy’seyeswerefixedonthetrainingmaster.“Sir,youtalklikeKelcouldn’thandlethefighting.She’stheonewhosavedourbacon.Sir,”headded,incasehewasn’tsufficientlypolite.“She’sjustsickfromtheclimbing.Thefightdidn’tbotherher,evenwhenshekilledthatman.”Hepointedtotheraiderwholaynearby,Kel’sspearinhisbelly.
Iwishhehadn’tremindedme,Kelthought.Sheunhookedhercanteenfromherbeltwithtremblingfingers,unstopperedit,andpouredwateroverherhead.Shealsotookagulpandswilleditaroundtocleanhermouth,thenspatitout.
Faleronspokeup.“WemightbedeadbutforKel,mylord.Ifrozewhentheycameatus.Kel’stheonewiththecoolhead.Shefoundthatcavewhenweallthoughtweweretrapped.”
Theothermembersoftheirhuntingpartychorusedagreement.
LordWyldon’smareshiftedonherfeet,asifshereflectedhermaster’suncertainty.FinallyWyldonsaid,“We’lltakeMerrictothearmypostfortreatmentandshiftourcampthere.Iwantawordwiththedistrictcommander”-Kelhadthefeelingthatwordwouldnotbe“blessings”-“andthenIexpectareportfromeachofyou.PageKeladry?”
“Sir?”sheasked,lookingathim.Itwasimpossibletotellwhathethought;hisclean-carvedfacewasemotionless.
“Mountup,”LordWyldonordered.
KellookedatPeachblossom,whoworeonlyahalter.Therehadn’tbeentimetosaddlehimbeforetheyleftcamp,sherealized.Wyldonhadsimplytakenthehorsesofthemissingpagestokeepthemfrombeingstolenwhiletheywereaway.
Sheledthegeldingtoastoneandclimbedontohisbroadback.“Trynottospillme,”shewhispered.“You’reslippery.”
Hisearsflickedbackandforwardinacknowledgment.HedidseemcarefulnottodumpherasLordWyldongavethecommandtorideout.Healsodidn’tobjectasthosesparrowswhocouldn’tfitonKelorNealsettledontohismane.
Lookingatthem,Kelrecalledhowvaliantlythebirdshadfought.Wereanyhurtordead?Shedidacountandsighedwithrelief.Eighteensparrowshadcomesouthwithher.Eighteenrodewiththemnow.
Astheyrodeoutofthelittlevalley,Kelrealizeditwashertwelfthbirthday.Shecouldn’thelpit-shebegantolaugh.Rememberingthemanshehadkilled,shegotholdofherselfbeforeshestartedtocry.Hysterics-that’sallIneedforthemtothinkI’vegonecompletelyfemale,shethought,bitingtheinsideofhercheekuntilitbled.Andwhat’swrongwithbeinghysterical,ifnooneishurtbyitanditmakesyoufeelbetter?I’lljustwaitandhavemyhystericswherenoonewillseeorhearme.
Owenrodeupbesideher,keepingawatchfuleyeonPeachblossom.“Areyouallright?”heasked,hisgrayeyesworried.“Itwasajollyfight,exceptforyouandMerricgettinghurtandusnotknowingifwewoulddieandall.”
Kellookedathimforamoment,startled,thenshookherheadinadmiration.“Itwon’tbotheryouthatweleftdeadmenbackthere.”
“Neverabit,”hesaidcheerfully.“Theywerebandits.Ihatebandits.Theykilledmymother.I’mgoingtobeaknightandhuntbanditsforreal.Youcouldhunt‘emwithme,”heofferedwithageneroussmile.“Withyouandmeatthejob,therewon’tbeabanditinthecountryintenyears.”
eight
MESSAGES
ThehealeratthearmyoutpostwasabletopatchMerricupandtoteachNealafewnewtricks.Nealhadtimetomasterthemasthepagesspenttheremainderofthesummercampattheoutpost,housedinoneofthebarracks.LordWyldonmadesurethattheyhelpedthecaptain,whohadclaimedthedistrictwasclearedofbandits,toactuallydothework.Itwasn’tasjolly,asOwenputit,asthevalleyfight.Thepageswerecarefullywatchedandneverallowedtobeanythingbutbackuparchersandscouts.Theywerepairedwithsoldiers,whomadethemkeepquietandoutoftheway.
KelagreedwithOwen,banditsshouldbecaughtandtakenbeforethelaw.Still,shealsosawthepovertyintheircamps.Onlythebestfightersownedshirtswithoutholes;theirchildrenwerenaked,hollow-eyed,andbig-belliedwithhunger.Despitetheriversandlakesinthearea,thepagesweretold,thiswasthesecondyearofadrought.Farmerswhocouldn’tpaytheirrentwerethrownofftheirfarms.Manythoughtbanditrywastheonlywaytofeedtheirfamilies,buttheirvictimswereaspoorasthey.Therewerenoeasyanswers,andKelwasgladtoridenorthandputitoutofhermindforthetimebeing.
WhateverLordWyldonthoughtofhertakingcommandintheBattleoftheCliff,asherfriendshadnamedit,hekeptittohimself.ThosewhothoughttheycouldteasethepageswhohadletTheGirltakeoverwerecorrectedinaseriesofquick,quietfights.Keltoldherfriendstheyweren’tdoingheranyfavorsbysettlingmattersthatway;herfriendsignoredher.
OntheirarrivalinCorus,theydisbandedfortwomonths.Kel,Lalasa,andJumpwenttoKel’sparents’houseinthecity,whichtheyandthehouseservantshadtothemselves.Kel’sparents,Adie,andOriewereawayonthesummervisitspaidbynobility,particularlywhennobilityhaddaughterstomarryoff.KeldidgettospendthelasttwoweeksofSeptemberwiththemwhentheyreturned.Therewasnomistakingherparents’pride-EdaBell,itseemed,hadwrittentotellthemwhattheirdaughterhaddoneoverthesummer.
TheytookKeltosupperatoneofthecity’seating-housestohonorher.OverthemealtheygotthetaleofthefightanditsaftermathfromKel,listening
intentlyandembracingheratitsend.TheyalsodrewtheeventsofKel’ssecondyearfromher,askingquestionsthatshowedagreatdealofinterest.Sheonlyleftouttwomajoroccurrences,andthoseshetoldhermotherasherfatherlefttheirprivateparlortosettlethebill.
IlanesmoothedKel’shairwithagentlehand.“Mypoordear!Breastsandmonthliesinthesameyear,andyounoteventwelve.Wasitveryupsetting?”
Kelnodded.“Idon’tneed‘em,Mama,”shepointedout.“I’mnotlookingtohavebabies,ever.”
“Idon’trecallthegodseveraskingwomenifwewantthesethings,”hermotherpointedout.
Kelsighed.“No,Isupposenot.Howoldwereyouwhenallthathappened?”
“Ididn’tstartmonthliesuntilIwasfourteen-thehealertoldMamaitwasbecauseIwassuchabeanpole.Mamasaidshewasn’tmuchofahealer.”Ilanesmiledatthememory.Keldid,too:hergrandmotherwouldnotletanyonespeakillofherchildren.“Ididn’thavemuchofabosomuntilIgotpregnant,”Ilanewenton.“YoursisterPatricine,though,shedevelopedattwelve.”AsKel’sfatherreturned,Ilaneadded,“Remember-youmaybeabletodoso,butnoonecanforceyoutohavebabies.Youdohaveachoiceinthesethings.I’llgetyouacharmtowardoffpregnancyuntilyouarereadyforit.”
“Readyforwhat?”askedBaronPiers,holdingtheparlordoorforhiswifeanddaughter.KelandIlaneshooktheirheads,andchangedthesubject.
Aftertwoquietmonthsinthecity,Kel’sreturntoherpalaceroomswaslikecominghome.EventhoughshehadvisitedhersparrowsandPeachblossomeveryday,andtrainedinthepracticecourts,itwasstillgoodtosettleinatthepages’wing.AftersheandLalasafinishedunpacking,Kelflungherselfonthebedwithahappysigh.
“Idreadtheruction,”Lalasacommentedassherearrangedtheanimals’fooddishes,“butyou’regladtobebackwithallthesenoisymenfolk,aren’tyou,mylady?”
“Theydon’tmeananyharm,”Kelrepliedwithoutthinking.
“Notthislot,”saidLalasadarkly.
Kelsatup.“You’dtellmeifanyonebotheredyou,right?”shedemanded.
Lalasasmiled.“What,yourcrowd?They’reasgood-heartedabunchofladsaseverIsaw.”
AtthatmomentOwenpeeredinthroughtheopendoor.“Kel,you’reback!”Runningdownthehall,heyelled,“She’sherealready!”
Ayearbefore,Lalasawouldhavesqueakedandfledtothedressingroom.Nowshesatinthewindowseat,laughingsoftlyasshestitchedonashirt.
Owenracedbackwithtwoboys,first-years,intow.“Say,Kel,willmylordletmesponsormycousins?Oneofmycousins?ThisisIdenofVikisonLake,andWarricofMandash.They’rebothmycousins.ThisisthetremendousgirlItoldyouabout,KeladryofMindelan.”
Kelroseandbowed,tryingnottogrinatOwen’stumblingchatter.Whenshestraightened,shewasstartledtoseehiseyesbulge.“Mithros’sspear,Kel!”heexclaimed.“Whendidyouturnintoarealgirl?”
“Yousaidshewasagirlalready,”mutteredoneofhiscousins-wasitIdenorWarric?Kelhadn’tgottenthemstraight.
“Butnotagirl-girl,withachestandall!”protestedOwen.
Kellookeddown.ThatsummerLalasahadtalkedherintodonninglightershirtsthanherpalacewear.Thesewerestillcotton,butthinner,andtheydrapedlikesilk-asOwenhadnoticed.“I’vebeenagirlforawhile,Owen,”Kelinformedhim.
“Ineverrealized,”hertoo-outspokenfriendreplied.“It’snotlikeyou’vegotmelonsoranything,they’rejustnoticeable.”
“MasterOwen!”Lalasacried.“Thinkshametoyourselfforsayingsuchthings!”
TohiscousinsOwensaid,“That’sLalasa,Kel’smaid.Shesews,andsheknowsallkindsofwaystohurtyou.”ToKelandLalasaheadded,“Iwasn’t
tryingtoberude!”
“Youcanberudewithouttrying,”Nealdrawledfromthedoorway.“TheStumpwouldpenalizeyoufortalkingsoloudandfree.”HelookedatKel,hischeekspink.“It’syourownfaultforencouraginghimwhenhewasafirst-year,youknow.Nowhethinkshe’sahumanbeing.”
OwenthrewhimselfatNeal.Theytussledbrieflybeforetheyfoundseats.Kel,meanwhile,wishedherselfatthebottomoftheocean.Ofallthesubjectsshedidn’twantdiscussedaroundNeal,herbosomhadtobeatthetopofthelist.Shecouldbarelylookathim.
“IwasthinkingmaybeIcouldsponsorIdenandyoucouldsponsorWarric,Kel,”Owensuggested,tippinghischairbackuntilitleanedagainstthewall.Nowitwashiscousins’turntoblush.
“Heneverlearnedtact,LadyKeladry,”oneofthenewboysexplained.“Hispapa-myuncle-he’severybitasbad.”
“ThenIwillstayawayfromJesslaw,”Nealsaidfirmly.“Itmustbeamadhouse.”
“You’venoidea,”saidtheotherfirst-yearwithfeeling.
“I’dliketosponsorWarric,”Kelsaid.Theboyslookedather.“ButI’mnotgoingto.Somebodyverywiseoncesaiditwouldn’tdomemuchgoodtobesponsoredbysomeoneatthebottomofLordWyldon’slist.”ShesmiledcrookedlyatNeal,whohadtoldherthat;henoddedsoberly.Kelwenton,“It’sthesamehere.You’lldobetterwithsomeonemylordlikes.”
Boyscontinuedtodropbyoverthecourseoftheafternoon:Seaver,Esmond,Metric,Faleron(agloriousfourth-yearnow),Prosper.YancenofIrenrohaevenstoppedin.Lalasadisappeared,andreturnedbearingabasketofpastriesandapitcherofjuice.Thepageswelcomedherwithcheers.Lads,shetoldKel,werealwayshungry.
Oncetheothershadgonetowashupforsupper,KelturnedtoLalasa.“There,yousee?”sheasked.“Theyaren’tsobadafterall.”
Lalasa’ssmilehadabitteredge.“They’reboys,”sherepliedatlast.“Idoubt
they’llbesosweetwhenthey’remen.”
“Youhavetostartlookingatthebrightsideofthings,Lalasa,”Keltoldhersternly.
NowLalasareallydidsmile.“IfI’mwithyoulongenough,mylady,Idon’tseehowIcanescapeit.”
Oncecleanedup,thepagesjoinedLordWyldoninthehalloutside,tochoosesponsorsforthenewcomers.OwentookIden,ashehadthreatened.Merric,afteranudgefromKel,pickedWarric.
Thencamesupper,andLordWyldon’sspeechadvisingallofthemtoenjoytheirlastdayoffreedom.AfterwardKelrememberedthatherharnesswasattheleatherworkersstill.She’ddroppeditoffaweekbefore,tohaveitletout-ithadgonetightonhershouldersoverthesummer.Nowwasagoodtimetoretrieveit.Shemightnothaveanotherfreehourformonths.
Shewascuttingthroughthepalacegrounds,theharnessoverhershoulder,whenshesawanoblemanwithasheafofpapersinhishand.Hewastall,heavyset,andpale-skinnedevenattheendofsummer,withbrownhairthatcontinuallyfloppedintohiseyes.KelrecognizedSirGareththeYounger,theking’sclosestadviserandfriend.
Inhisturn,heseemedtoknowherstationifnothername.“You’reoneofthepages,aren’tyou?”heasked,browneyesalert.
Kelbowed.
“Wonderful.Takethistothekingforme,willyou?”Hehandedoverasheetofpaper.“He’sscryingatthetopofBalor’sNeedle.Don’tbenervous,”headded,misunderstandingthelookonKel’sface.“Heisn’tdoinganythingthatcan’tbeinterrupted.”
Kelbowedagain,tryingnottoshowthatshewasfrightened.Shehadtodoit,sherealizedashewalkedaway.Shewasapage;pagesransucherrandswhenrequestedto.
ButtheNeedle!shethought,wipingsweatfromherforehead.Sheforcedherselftoturnandwalksteadilydownthepath.Balor’sNeedlewasan
architecturalmarvel,soaringahundredfeetoverthepalaceroofs.Sightseers,mages,andastronomerswenttherebecauseitliftedthemclearofmagicalresiduesandordinarysmokesfrompalaceandtown,grantingthemaviewoftheentirevalleywhereCoruslay.Fromtheremagescouldscry,orsee,placesandothermagesatadistance;powerfulmagescouldactuallyspeaktotheircolleagues.
Shewalkedintothecourtyardbeforethetowerentrance.Thereweretwowaysup.Onewasanironouterstair,whichtwinedaroundthetowerontheoutside,withnowallstoprotecttheclimber.Peopleondaresandwould-besuicideswentthatway.Theouterstairwasabeautifulthing,decorativeironwroughtinlacyshapesandfarstrongerthanitlooked.Kelwouldadmireitonlyatadistance.Shewentthroughtheopendoorsinthebaseandfoundtheinnerstair.Itwasthetwinoftheoneoutside,exceptthatitwoundintheoppositedirection.Therewasamagicalreasonforthat,somethingtodowithbalancingforces,butKelcouldn’trememberwhatitwas.
Liketheoutdoorstair,thisonesportedonlyathinrailingbetweentheclimberandopenspace.Alloftheinnertowerwashollow.Lightcamefromanimmensecandle-and-crystalchandelierfiftyfeetup:servantschangedthecandlesbyloweringit.Kelstaredatthechandelier,transfixed,thenforcedherselftolookatthestair.
Icandothis,shetoldherself,foldingandrefoldingSirGareth’smessage.OfcourseIcan!It’sastair.I’lljustkeepmyeyesonthestepsandthewall.It’llbeeasierthantheclimbtothatcave,whenIhadtowatchthosebandits.
Forallherbravethoughts,itwastheknowledgethatthismessagewasforthekingthatgothermoving.Grittingherteethsohardshecouldhearthemcreak,Kelsteppedontotheinnerstair.Slowly,doggedly,shebegantoclimb.
Liketheouterstairs,thesewereornamentaliron,wroughtintheshapeofflowers.Ifshelookeddown,shesawthegapsinthesteps,andopenairbelow.AcoupleofmistakesshowedKelthatherbestcoursewastofocusonthecornerwherestairmetwall.Whenshehaltedtorest-shewasingoodshape,butthestairwassteepandseeminglyendless-shedidsowithhereyesclosed.
Afterwhatfeltlikeyears,shesteppedontoalevelwoodenfloor,blessedlysolidunderfoot.Shewalkedthroughopendoorsandontoastoneplatform.The
waytotheouterstairwasanopeningintheplatformbesidethedoor-Kellookedquicklyawayfromitandwipedsweatfromherface.Thewindthatblusteredupheremadeitfeelcoldonherskin.
“Yes?”Thekinghadheardherarrive:heleftthewaist-highrailingtowalkovertoher.“Whatisit?”AsKelstraightenedfromherbowandthekingsawherface,hesmiled.“It’sKeladryofMindelan,isn’tit?I’vebeenhearingaboutyou,younglady.”
Littleofitgood,I’llbet,Kelthought.Shemurmuredthepolitephrase,“Yourmajestyiskindtorememberme.”
“Isthereamessage?ThoughIseeyou’renotinuniformyet.”
“MylordGarethofNaxenknewmeforapage,sire.”Shehandedthemessageover.Thewindwhippedatit.Thekinggrippedthepapertightlyandcalledaballoflightfromtheairsohecouldread.Thesunhadjustset,andnaturallightwasfadingquickly.
Kellookedaround.Shecouldstareacrossdistancesifshedidn’tlookdown.Atsuchtimesshefeltnofear,onlyappreciationofthebeautybeforeher.AheadlaythehillsthatseparatedthecapitalfromPortCaynn.Still,steadyglowsoflightidentifiedhousesandinns.Movingglobeswouldbethelanternsoftravelers.DarkermassesinthegrowingtwilightweregrovesoftreesandtheRoyalForestitself.Itwaslikeatapestryofthelandatdusk,ifanyonehadcaredenoughaboutonlylightandshadowtoweavesuchathing.
“Thiscouldhavewaiteduntilmorning,”thekingremarkeddryly,tuckingthepaperintohisbelt-purse.“That’sGary,though-neverputoffwhatcanbedonerightnow.Thisisforyou,”headded,offeringacointoKel.“Foryourcourtesy.Thereisnoreturnmessage.”
Kelthankedhimandbowed,tuckingthecoininherpocket.Sheturnedtogo,andstopped.Theopeningtotheouterstairwasjustafoottoherleft.
ThestairitselffellawaysosteeplythatKelcouldseerooftopsbelow.Herearsbuzzed;herheadswam.Sheforcedherselftotakeastep,thenanother,untilshepassedthroughtheopendoors.Inside,thefirstthingshesawwasthegreathollowspaceontheothersideoftheplatform.Dizzinessovercameher.Shebackedupagainstthewallbythedoorandclungtoit,tryingtotearhereyes
fromthechandelier’sstreamsoflight.
Thisisridiculous,shetoldherselfrepeatedly.Youclimbupanddowntrees.Youclimbeddownfromthecave.Justlookwherethestairmeetsthewall.Stopgogglingatthespace,lookatthewall!You’regoingtocounttothreeandtakeastep.One,two,three.
Shecouldn’ttakethestep.Nothingshethoughthelped.Shecouldnotforceherselfontothestair.
Shedidnotknowhowlongshestoodthere,tremblingandsweating,tryingtogethercouragetogether.Itwastoolong,sheknew,becausethethingthatbrokethroughherfrightwasthekingsaying,“PageKeladry,lookatmerightnow.”Firmhandsdrewherfromthewall’sprotection,turningheruntilshestaredintotheking’sface.“It’stheheight,isn’tit?Don’tbeashamed,mydear,it’sperfectlynatural.Youcan’tgetthequeenuphereforloveormoney.Now,listentome.Icanarrangeitsoyourbodywilltakeyoudownwithoutyourmindbeinganythewiser.Idon’trecommendit-inthatstatesomeoneelsemightorderyoutokillyourking-”Hegrinned,invitinghertosharethejoke.Keltriedtosmile.“Inanycase,”hecontinued,“Ithinkit’sbestforyourightnow,butyoumustbewitling.Iswearontheheadsofmychildrenthatthisistheonlythingyouwilldounderthisspell,andthatonceyouareontheground,thespellwillbegone.Willyouacceptthat?Areyouwilling?”
Kelsqueaked,“Yes,sire.”
“Neveragreetothisfromanyoneelseunlessyouaresureofthem,”thekingtoldher.
Shenodded.
“Ifyoulike,Icouldhaveatalismanmadewhichwillhelpyoutodealwiththisfear.”Hefoldedhishandsandwaitedforherreply.
Kelswallowedtwice-terrorhaddriedhermouthtopaper-beforeshecouldsay,“No,thankyou,sire.WhatifIlostit?I-Iamlearninghowtodothis.TrulyIam.It’sjustsuchalongwaydown.”
Thekingnodded.“Verywell.”Bluefireglintedaroundhisfingertips.“Youwillfeelasifyou’dlosttrackforamoment,butyou’llbeontheground.”He
pressedcoolfingertipstoKel’sforehead.
Sheblinked,andfoundherselfatthefootofthatimpossiblestair.Shelookedup.Thekingwasleaningovertheplatformrail,checkingtoseethatshehadmadeitdownsafely.
“Thankyou,sire!”shecalled.Hewavedandwalkedbackoutside.
Keltrudgedbacktoherroomsinablackmood.ShehadneverforgottenthatthekinghadallowedLordWyldontoputheronprobation.ItwasthekingwhohadorderedAlannatheLionesstohavenothingtodowithKel.I’mreallyfinishednow,shetoldherselfbitterly.Oh,hewasniceenoughupthere,buthe’llsoonthinkthebetterofthat.He’llgostraighttoLordWyldonandsayhewasright,I’mnotasgoodastheboys,sendmehome.I’llneverbeasquireoraknight-theywon’tevenwaittoseeifIfailthegreatexaminations!
AndIwouldbeadanger.WhatifIfrozelikethatsomedaywithpeopleinmycare?IcouldgetthemkilledbecauseIcan’tcontrolmyself.
Thoroughlydepressed,shereachedthepages’wingandsawthatherdoorwasopen.Sheheardherfriends’voices.Kelstraightenedhertunicandtriedtorubcolorintoice-palecheeks.Shewouldn’tsayanythingaboutthis.
Kelwaitedallnight,butnowordcamefromLordWyldon.Somehowshegotthroughthenextday-helpingfriendswhoweresponsorsshowthefirst-yearsaround-andthedayafterthat,whentrainingcommenced.Fightingpracticehelped-withfournewweightsonherharness,shebarelyhadthestrengthtothinkaboutherweaponsandherhorse,letaloneBalor’sNeedle.Shenearlydozedoffinafternoonclasses.
Thatnightthekingcametosupperashedideveryyeartolookthemoverandtalktothembriefly.HedinedwithLordWyldononthedais,thenurgedthepagestopursuetheirstudiesandtrainhard.Inyearsbefore,hehadleftthemesshallbeforethepagescouldevenrisetobowtohim.Thisyearhedidnot.Hewaiteduntiltheywereontheirfeet,thensaid,“MightIseeKeladryofMindelan?Therestofyoumaygo.”
Kelfeltherskingonumb.Thiswasit,sherealized.Shewasabouttobedismissed.Blindly,leavinghertrayonthetable,shewalkedtothedais.Jumpfollowed,tailwagging.
Whenshereachedthedais,LordWyldonandthekingwereseated.Theirpage-Yancen,Kelnoted-hadclearedawayeverythingbutapitcherandthreecups,whichLordWyldonwasfilling.AsKelbowedtothemen,thekingraisedhisbrows.
“Pagesweren’tallowedpetsinmyday,”hecommented.“Haveaseat,Keladry.”Hewavedhertoanemptychair.KellookedatLordWyldon,startled.
HegaveherthetiniestofnodsandtoldKingJonathan,“Thedog’snotapet,sire-he’sapalacestraywhoattachedhimselftothepages.Iseenoharm,ifhedoesn’tdistractthem.HeearnedhiswayseveraltimesoverduringtheincidentItoldyouof.”
WhileLordWyldontalked,Keleasedherselfintotheemptychair.Surelyiftheyweregoingtodismissher,sheoughttobestanding.HernervousnessgrewwhenLordWyldonputoneofthecupsbeforeher.Itcontainedgrapejuicewithatouchofspiceinit,shediscoveredasshesipped.Shehadtogripitwithbothhandstokeepthemenfromseeingthatshetrembled.
ThekingwasgentlytuggingJump’sloneear,atrickthedogloved.“Yes,thatincident.PageKeladry,LordWyldontoldmewhatpassedthissummerbetweenyourgroupandthebandits.Iwouldliketohearthestoryfromyourownlips,ifyouwould.”Thekingleanedbackinhischair,hisveryblueeyesonKel’sface.“Youwereahuntingparty,Ibelieve?”
“Justasyoutoldittome,”murmuredLordWyldon.
Shedidn’tdisobey,exactly.Shedidneglecttomentionthattheolderboyshadbeentoosurprisedtomaketheinstantdecisionsthatwouldmeantheirsurvival.Shetolditasiftheyallhadagreedontheircourseofaction-whichtheyhad,givenamomenttothink.OfcourseLordWyldonknewdifferently.Theyhadn’teventhoughttocheckeachother’sstoriesuntilhe’dalreadytalkedtoFaleronandNealatthearmypost.Perhapsthekingsuspectedthetruth,too,buthesaidnothingwhileshespokeofthosefrenziedmomentsontheground,andthescrambletoreachanddefendthecaveuntilhelpcouldarrive.
Whenshewasdone,thekingshookhishead.“Amazing.”HebenttoscratchJump’shead:thedoghadgonetosleep,hischinontheking’sfoot.“Certainlyyouearnedallthetablescrapsyoucaneatfortherestofyourlife,eh,boy?”Jump’stailbeatlazilyonthefloor.ToKelthekingsaid,“Yourparentstellme
yousawthiskindofthingintheYamaniIslands.”
Kelnodded.“Yes,sire.Theland’ssomountainousthatit’simpossibletoroundupalltheirbandits.Sometimestheythinktheycanattacktheemperor’strainwhenhe’sonprogress,andthecompanygetsstrungoutbetweenvalleys.Andyouknowabouttheirproblemsfromthesea.Ifitisn’tScanra,it’sJindazheninthewest.Youalmostgetusedtosurprises.”Wyldon’sbrowstwitched,andKelbowedherhead.Shedidn’twantthetrainingmastertothinkshewasababbler.“Beggingyourmajesty’spardon.”
“NotthattheYamaniswouldsayanyofthis,”repliedtheking.“Theykeeptheirtroublestothemselves.”Hesighed.“Aproudpeople…Andyouaremuchlikethem,PageKeladry.LordWyldontellsmeyouworkhardtoovercomeyourfearofheights.”Kelwasafraidtolookup,afraidthiswasthemomentwhenhesentheraway.Instead,thekingtoldher,“Iadmiresomeonewhotriestomastersomethingwhichdefeatsotherpeopleallthetime.Keepupthegoodwork.”
Sheknewadismissalwhensheheardit-andthiswasnotthedismissalshehadexpected.Inherrushtogettoherfeet,shealmostknockedherchairover.Somehowshemanagedtobowandleavethemesshallwithouttripping.Herfriendswaitedoutside.
“Whatdidhewant?”demandedNeal.“Youwereinthereforever!”
Kelsaggedagainstthewall.“Hewantedtohearaboutthefight,abouthowwehandledthosebandits.”
“Gods,”mumbledFaleron,coveringhisface.
“Itoldhimhowyouledustothecave,andkeptblowingthehornforhelp,”Kelsaid,hopinghewouldn’tbeoffended.“AndhowNealandProspermadeithardtoseeus,andwhatwealldidinthefight.AndhementionedtheYamanis,andthenhetoldmeIcouldgo.”
“Betteryouthanme,”commentedMerric,shakinghishead.“Talkingtoroyaltymakesmesweat.We’dbettergettothatbookMasterYayingaveusifwe’retoreadthefirstchapterbymorning.”
“There’ssomethingIdon’tunderstand,”remarkedSeaverastheyheadeddownthehall.“Whyassignabookaboutawarfoughttwohundredyearsago?”
Hisconfusionwasunderstandable.MasterYayinalwaysgavethembooksthatwereliterature,reports,poetry,orhistoriesinwhichbattleswereseldommentioned.Thepageswerecertainthatchangesintheirteachingweremadeonlyforthemostsinistermotives.
NealdrewtotherearofthepackandpulledKelasideastheothersturnedintothepages’wing.JustthetouchofhishandmadeKelgiddy.
“Isawyourfacewhenyouwentupthere,”hecommentedsoftlyashelethergo.“YoulooklikeyouwereclimbingExecutioner’sHill.Whatdidyouexpect?”
Shehadn’ttoldhimaboutherexperiencewithBalor’sNeedle.Shedidsonow,keepinghervoicelow.
“Silly!”Nealsaidwithagrin,cuffingherheadgently.“Thekingdoesn’tthinkyouhavetobeperfect-you’retheonlyonewho’sdoltenoughtoexpectthat!”
“I’dliketobeperfect,”Kelsaidplaintivelyastheyfollowedtheirfriends.“Itwouldbenice.”
“Andsodauntingfortherestofus,trustme,”Nealassuredher.“Sowhydoyouthinkwe’vebeenassignedabookaboutoldbattles?”
“Youmeantherehastobeareasonforthemasterstogiveushardwork?”sheretorted.“Ithoughtthatwastheirideaoffun.”
Yayin’schangetothekindofreadingthatOwenclassifiedas“jolly”wasnottheonlydifferenceinhowtheyweretaughtthatfall.Thenextevening,asthepagesandahandfulofsquiresfinishedsupper,LordWyldonsteppeduptothepodium.
“Iwouldliketoannounceachangeinourpresentschedule.Sundaynights,duringthefirstbellaftersupper,Iwishthefourth-yearpagestoreporthere.Wewillexplorecombattactics-howtousegroundtoyouradvantageinthepositioningoftroops,whichtypesofweaponachievecertaineffectsinbattle,andsoon.”Heheldupahand;thepagesstifledtheirgroans.“Thisisnotacourseonwhichyouwillreceivemarks;itisrequiredonlyforthefourth-years,thoughanyotherpagesorevensquireswhowishtoattendwillbewelcome.Sundayevening,thefirstbellaftersupper.Youaredismissed.”
“Asifweneededmorestudies,”SeavergrumbledtoProsper.
Nealranhisfingersthroughhishair,thinking.
“Well?”Kelaskedhim.“Iwanttogo,atleasttoseewhatit’slike.”
“IthinkI’dliketogo,too,”hereplied,surprisingher.“Iwonderwhythey’redoingthis?Usuallytheyleavethatkindofteachingforknight-mastersandsquires.Ofcourse,thearmyhasanactualschoolforofficers,toteachbattletacticsandstrategy.”
“Tacticsandstrategy?Ithoughttheywerethesamething,”Kelcommented.
Nealshookhishead,acommaofhairflippingintohiseyes.Kellongedtotouchitbutkeptherhandslockedbehindher.
“Tactics,mydeargirl,iswhatyoudidwiththosebandits.It’simmediateplanningfortheimmediateproblem.Strategyisthelongview,themovementofarmiesandaplanthatcoversanentirebattleorwar.”Seeingherinquiringlook,Nealgrinned,shamefaced.“Mymother’sfatherwasoneofoldKingJasson’sgenerals.Heusedtotellmeabouttheirbattles,andallthethingsthatwentwrong.”
Owendriftedbacktowalkwiththem.“Thingsgowrong?”heasked,startled.
“GrandfatherEmrysaidoncethebattlestarts,everythinggoeswrong,”Nealtoldhim.“Youplanstrategyandtacticsaheadsotheywon’tgoaswrongastheycould.”
“YourgrandfatherwasEmryofHaryse?”criedOwen,delighted.“He’sahero!”
“Yes,”Nealsaiddryly,makingaface,“Iknow.”
Sundaynightcame.Faleronattendedthenewclass-asafourth-yearhehadto.Neal,Kel,Owen,Merric,andEsmondwentoutofcuriosity.Theyfoundsomethingtotallydifferentfromtheirotherlessons.LordWyldonhadservantssetupamodelonatable:itshowedthecityofPortLegannduringtheclimacticbattleoftheImmortalsWar.Metalfiguresshapedlikesoldiers,knights,immortals,ships,andcatapultswereplacedtoshowthepositionsofeach.Daine
andthekingwerethere,too.Theyexplainedhowtroopswereemployed,andaskedthepagestosuggestwhycertaintypesofsoldieryhadbeenputinonespotandnotanother.TheylearnedthatDainehadseentheareaaroundthecity,mappingenemypositionsfromdragon-back.ThethoughtofflyingmadeKelfeelsick,butshecouldseethatDaine’sworkhadgiventheTortallansatremendousadvantage.
Thenextbellrangtoosoon.Somepagescomplainedandwouldhavestayed,butLordWyldonaskedthemiftheyhadcompletedtheirclasswork.Bythenenoughassignmentshadgonehalf-donethatonlyNealhadnoextrawork;theyweresentbacktotheirroomstostudy.
“Boring,”announcedMerricwithayawnastheyleftthemesshall.“Icanputthetimetobetteruse.”Kelshookherhead.Howcouldanyonedescribethelessonasboring?Shewouldhavebeenhappyifithadgoneonallnight.
KelwasstillpreoccupiedbythebattleofPortLegannduringherdawnexercisewithLalasa.WouldithavebeendifferentifreliefforcesfromtheCopperIsleshadbeatthequeen’sarmytothecity?Kellethermaidgrabherwristasshetriedtoseeitinhermind.Thenextthingsheknew,shewasflyingthroughtheair.Onlyaquicktwistsavedherfromslammingintothedoorfull-force.
LalasagaspedandkneltbesideKelinapanic.“Mylady,I’msorry,I’msorry!”shecried.“Inevermeantit!Mylady,Iswear,I’llneverdosuchathingagain,onlydon’tdismissme!”Shecoveredherfacewithherhandsandwept.
Keltookamomenttocatchherbreath.Whenshedid,shebegantolaugh.“Stopit,Lalasa,yougoose!”sheordered.“Thatwaswonderful!Youcaughtmejustasyoushouldhave.Iwon’tdismissyou-pleasestopcrying.”
Lalasaloweredherhands,gazingatKelwitheyesthatswamintears.“You’relaughing?”sheasked,andsniffed.
“Thatwasverygood,”Keltoldher.“Youdiditexactlyright.I’mproudofyou!”
“Proud?”Lalasarepeatedinawhisper.“But-mylady-Ithrewyouintoadoor.Afterallyourkindnesses,andteachingmewhenI’vehardlybeengrateful…”
“WhatI’vebeenteachingyou,amongotherthings,ishowtothrowmeintodoors.”Kelgrinnedasshegottoherfeet.
“Somenobleswouldkillaservantfordoingthat.Youknowit’sso,mylady!”
“Ido,”Kelsaidgrimly.“Nobleslikethataren’tworthyofthetide.HowcouldIpunishyoufordoingwhatIwantyoutodo?OnlythinkhowsillyIwouldlook.”Shehelpedhermaidup.“Nowyoucanusethistoprotectyourself,sotheonlymenwhoenduphuggingyouaretheonesyou-wanttohugyou.”
Lalasasmiledcrookedly.“Thatwillbesometimeincoming.”
Kelputahandontheoldergirl’sshoulder.“Iwishyouwouldtellme,”shesaid,makinghervoiceasgentleasshecould.“Whatputyouoffmensobad?”
Lalasashookherheadasshefishedherhandkerchieffromherpocket.“It’snothing,mylady.IamsorryIthrewyou,evenifI’mallowedto.”
“I’mgladyoudid.OtherwisehowamItoknowifyou’vegottheholdandtheleverageright?”Kelpointedout.“And-oh,drat.”Thefirstbellofthedaybegantoring.Shelookedaround,tofindLalasawasofferinghertheweightedharness.Kellookedatitandsighed.Shestillwasn’tusedtothenewweights.Mostoftheotherpagesdidn’tputtheirsonuntilafterbreakfast.Couldn’tshewaituntilthenjusttoday?
Onedayleadstoanother,shetoldherselfwearily.Nextthingyouknow,theboyswillgetusedtoitfirst,andIwon’tbeabletokeepup.ShetooktheharnessfromLalasaandletitsweightslideoverhershoulders.
nine
AUTUMNADJUSTMENTS
Aftertwoyears,Kelcouldgothroughhermorningclassesinhersleep,andsometimesshedid.Hand-to-handcombatwithHakuinSeastoneandEdaBellwasfirst.Thencameweaponstrainingstartingwithstaffsintheautumn.Archeryclassfollowedweapons,thentilting.Noneofthepageseverexpectedanythingnew.InthefourthweekofKel’sthirdyear,however,LordWyldonturnedcreative.
Inweaponsclass,theirteachersannouncedanewprogram.Thefirst-andsecond-yearsweretocontinuestaffpractice.Thethird-andfourth-yearpagesweretolearnhowtofightingroupsofdifferentsizes.Thecombinationswouldchangefromdaytoday:threethird-yearsagainsttwofourth-years,fourfourth-yearsagainstfivethird-years,orsimplebattle,one-on-one.Theywereallowedtouseanyoftheirusualweapons,notjuststaffs.TheycouldevenresorttoShangkicks,punches,andthrowsinatightspot.TheShangwarriorswouldrecordpointsforeachcombat.Whentheseniorpageswereputingroups,onepagewouldbeputincommandofeachside.Ifthemembersofagrouplookedtosomeonewhowasnottheappointedleaderfororders,theirsidewouldlosepoints.
“Onedayyouwillbeleadingpeasantswhodon’tknowaswordfromarock.Youwillhavetodoyourbestwiththem,”LordWyldonexplainedonthefirstdaytheytriedthisnewpractice.“Orsoldiers,orotherknights,orsimplyyourownsquire.Learntogivecommands,andlearntotakethem.Learntoknowwheretheothermembersofyourforceare,andlearntocommandforcesofdifferentsizes.Now,gettoit!”
“Seniorsgettodoallthejollythings,”Owencomplainedastheywalkedtoarcherypracticethatfirstday.
Nealglaredatthechubbysecond-yearwithalltheroyaldisdainofavexedlion.Hewaslimpingfromastaffblowtotheknee.“Youareabloody-mindedsavage,”heinformedOwensternly.“Ihopeyouarekidnappedbycentaurs.”
Kellikedarchery.Intwoyearsshehadgonefromholdinganddrawingthe
bowwrongtohittingthetarget’scenteroneveryshot.Shehadjustcollectedherbowandquiverwhensheheardthearcherymastercall,“Thefollowingwillcomewithme.”Hewalkedovertotherightsideoftheyard,wherethetargetbythefencehadbeenmovedfiftyyardsbeyondthosethepagesnormallyshotat.HenamedagroupthatincludedKel,Neal,Quinden,Merric,Faleron,Yancen,BalduinofDisart,anotherfourth-year,andQuinden’sfriendDermidofJosu’sDirk.
“Youpeopleoughttobebetter,”thearcherymasterinformedthem.“Mylordhassaidit,andIagree.You’llimprovebyMidwinterorI’llknowwhy.Onceyoustarthittingthemoredistanttarget,I’llletyouplaywiththese.”
AnycrossnessKelfeltatbeingforcedtoworkharderwhenshewasalreadydoingwellevaporatedwhenshesawthearrowsthearcherymasterheld.Untilnowtheyhadshotasiftheyhunteddeerorgamebirds.Thesenewarrowswerearmor-piercingbroadheadsandneedleheads,barbedheads,eventheonesthatmadeaneerie,whistlingsoundastheyflew.SomeweremadetopierceaStormwing’smetalfeathersoraColdfang’sthickhide.
“Eachhasadifferentweight,andwillflydifferent.You’lllearntoadjustforeacharrow,”thearcherymastertoldthem.“Andwe’lldoabitwithfirearrows.Theyflydifferent,too.Inthenormalwayofthingsyou’dleavethiskindofworktoarchersunderyourcommand,buttimesarehardlynormal,arethey?Alltheseimmortals,threedangerousneighborsonedge-andwhomighttheybe?”hedemanded,gazingsharplyatQuinden.
“Carthak,Scanra,andtheCopperIsles,sir,”repliedtheboyquietly.
“Verygood.Youdon’tknowwhatthoseenemiesmaygetupto,orwhatwillbeaskedofyou.Now,startshooting.Thesooneryouhitthattarget,thesooneryougettoplaywiththepretties.”
“Ifthey’vechangedthings‘roundintilting,I’mgoingtostickmyheadinarainbarrelanddrownmyself,”FaleronmutteredtoKelastheyreportedtothestables.
KelandPeachblossomwerethefirstriderandmounttogetintolineatthethird-years’quintain.Ratherthanwaitfortheothers,KelwhisperedforPeachblossomtocharge,andleveledherlanceatthetargetshield.Shehititjustright:thequintaindummypivotedhalfway,lettinggirlandhorsethunderby
withoutthesandbagsmackingeitherone.Kelsmiled-shelovedagood,solidstrike-andwasabouttoreturntoherplaceinthethird-yearlinewhenLordWyldonyelled,“Staythere,Mindelan!”
Herodetowardheratabrisktrot.Kelwaited,tryingtoguesswhathewanted.She’dhitthetarget;Peachblossomwasperfectlysaddled;sheheldherweightedlanceattherightangle-andwhywashecarryingabowlandabrush?
“You’regettingcomplacent,Mindelan,”heannouncedashetrottedby.
“Com-what,sir?”sheasked,confused.
“Smug.Comfortable.Youthinkyoucanhitthetargetanywhereandit’sgood,solongasyoudon’tearnabuffetwiththesandbag.Atyourlevel”-heleanedclosetothetargetshieldandpaintedaroundblackdotthesizeofKel’spalmatitscenter-“youshouldhitthiseverytime.Iexpectyontohititeverytime.Youmaystartnow.”
Whypickonme?Ihitthetargeteverytime,andI’mjusttwelve,thoughtKelassherodebacktotheline.Onlyacouplefourth-yearshititasregularlyasIdo.
Thethird-yearsmovedtoletheratthefront.Herfriendslookedstartled;Quindenandhisfriendssmirked.“WhoputawaspintheStump’sloincloth?”Nealmutteredasshepassedhim.
WhatmadeKelreallygrumpywasthatthetrainingmasterwasright:shewasgettingsmug.Aslongasshehitwithinthetargetcircle,shefeltshe’ddoneallsheneeded.Sheoughttostrivetoimprove,notjustcoast.IfLordWyldonthoughtshecouldhitadotshecouldn’tevenseefromthisendofthetiltingfield,shewouldtry.
ShebroughtPeachblossomuptothestartingmarkandwhispered,“Gofaster.”Hepickedhisfeetupinatrot,thenarestrainedgallop,nottheheadlongthunderingpacethatwashisresponsetothecommand“Charge.”Ifshewastohitprecisely,shewoulddobetteriftheytookalittlemoretimetoreachthequintain.
KelloweredherlanceacrossPeachblossom’sshouldersandaimedforthatsmalldotontheshield.Shemissed,thoughshedidhittheshield,andwasn’tcloutedbythesandbag.
“Sloppy,”commentedLordWyldonassherodepasthim.He’ddismountedtoleanagainstthefence,wherehecouldseetheimpactoflanceonshieldclearly.HewasscratchingJump’sear.
Ihopehebitesyou,Kelthoughtgrimlyassherodetotakeherplaceinthethird-years’line.
Intheend,LordWyldonrequiredonlytwofourth-years-FaleronandYancen-andKeltohitthatdotatthetarget’scenter.“Ihateitwhenhethinksupnewthings,”YancentoldFaleroninKel’shearing.
Kelagreedwithhimcompletely.
Onthelastdayofthatweek,Kel’slancehittheblackdotandshattered,theimpactandcrashmakingherwristache.Shakingherhand,sherodebacktothebarrelandselectedapracticelance.Withoutleadweightssuchasshe’dhadinheroldone,thelancewasfeather-lightinhergrip.Whenshenextrodeatthetarget,sheforgotthenewweightandraisedherlancepointfartoohigh.Beforeshecouldlowerit,sheroderightbythequintain,scrapingthetargetshield.Thesandbagthwackedherbacksoundly,herfirstbuffetinoverayear.Sheheardpageslaughingasshereturnedtotheline.
Shemissedthetargetonhernextchargeaswell.Determinedtohitit,sheloweredherlancesohardonherthirdchargethatitbouncedoffhersaddletorapPeachblossombetweentheears.Startled,thebiggeldingreared.Keldroppedherlanceandhungon,prayinghermountwouldn’tfallbackward.Peachblossomwheeledfranticallytosavehimselffromthatveryfate.AtlastKelgothimundercontrolandonallfourfeet.Shedismountedtocollectherfallenlance,andtrudgedbacktothelineonfoot,leadinghermount.Shewouldhavedraggedtheweaponlikehereight-year-oldnephewifshehadn’tknownLordWyldonwouldgiveherapunishmentjobforit.
“Whatisthematterwithyoutoday?”demandedLordWyldon.“Thishead-in-the-cloudsactwillgetyoukilledinthefield,doyouunderstandthat?Youdarenotdaydreamwithaweaponinyourhand,orunderyou.”HepointedtoPeachblossom.“Thatisaweapon,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.”
Peachblossom’sheaddartedoutquickly,likeasnake’s.Thetrainingmasterwasquicker.Thegelding’steethclosedonemptyairwhereLordWyldon’sfingerhadbeen.
“Mylord,I’dlikepermissiontotakethistothesmithy,”Kelsaid,heftingthelance.“It’stoolight.”
Wyldonblinkedather.“What?”
“SurelymylordknewthatPageKeladryhasleadweightsinallofherpracticeweapons,”commentedNeal,whostoodnearby.Helookedthespiritofmischief.
Kelglaredathim.Nealignoredher.Heusuallydid.
“Queenscove,donottryme,”Wyldonsaid,clearwarninginhisvoice.HiseyeswereonKel.Toherhestated,“Youuseweightedpracticeweapons.”
Kelmadenoreply.
“Howlonghaveyoudonethis?”
Howcouldsheforget?Onthedaythefirst-yearsbegantotrainwiththelance,JorenhadmadesurethatKelgotalancethreetimesheavierthanthenormalones.“Sincethefirstweekonlance,mylord,”Kelrepliedevenly.
“Allofyourweapons,notthelancealone?”heinquired.Nealhadtoldhimall,butitseemedhewantedtohearitfromKel.
“Itwastoostrangeafterawhile,goingfromaweightedlancetoalighterstaffandpracticeswordandax,”sheexplained.“Itworksbetterifthey’reweighted,too.”
LordWyldonhookedhisfingersinhisbelt,frowning.Asusual,therewasnoreadinghishandsome,sternface.Atlasthesighed.“Tendyourmountfirst.Donotbelateforlunch,”heordered.
Kelthankedhimandbowed,buthehadalreadyturnedtoNeal.“Clearlyyouhavetoomuchtimeonyourhands,”hetoldNeal.“Youmaytakethenextfiverunsatthequintain,beginningnow.”
KelheardNealsay,“Yes,yourlordship,immediately,yourlordship,”assheledPeachblossomaway.
“Onedayhewon’tlethistonguegethiminsomuchtrouble,”shetoldthe
horseasshegroomedhim.“Ihopeithappensbeforehediesofoldage.”Peachblossomwhickered,andnudgedKelwithhisnose.HewasuninterestedinNeal,exceptassomethingtobite,andhepreferredtobiteapplesandsugarlumps.HeseemedtothinkKelwashidingatreat.
Afterleavinghernewlancetobeweighted,Kelreturnedtoherrooms.Thenoonbellhadnotyetrung,andshemeanttositinherbathandsoakforawhilebeforeshehadtodressforlunch.
Enteringherrooms,shefoundthatLalasahadcompany.ThestrangerwasayoungwomanLalasa’sage,blondandbrown-eyedwithasoft,roundfaceandstrongshoulders.ShecurtsiedgracefullytoKel,whotriedtorememberwhereshehadseenthiswomanbefore.
“Lady,thisismyfriendTian-TianinePlowman,”Lalasasaidnervously.“SheismaidtoyoursisterAdalia.”
Kelnodded,relieved.“IthoughtIrecognizedyou,”sheadmitted.“Ismysisterallright?”Shecouldn’tthinkofanyotherreasonthatAdie’smaidwouldcomehere,unlessshewasvisitingLalasa.
“Sheiswell,andatwitterovertheballtobeheldinfourdays’timeatNondHouse,”saidTian.“Shesentmetoask,wouldyouallowLalasatoserveher?ShewillpayLalasaforhertime,andofcourseyouwouldgethalf.MyladywishesLalasatosewforher.”
“Isthatwhatyouwouldlike?”KelaskedLalasa.
Themaidnoddedeagerly.“Idolovetosew,mylady.Andyouwon’tneedmoreworkonyourhemsorseamsforatleastaweek.”Hereyesdancedatthesmalljoke.
“Idon’tgrowthatfast,thankyou,”Kelsaid.
LalasanudgedTian.TheblondwomansmiledatherandtoldKel,“Ifitpleasesyourladyship,LadyOraniealsowishestogiveworktoLalasa,withthesamearrangementsforpay.Tobehonest,m’lady,IthinkotherswillaskLalasatosewforthemwhentheyseeherwork.”
“AndI’dbesuretodomyownworkfirst,”addedLalasa.“Iwouldn’tshirkat
all,Ipromise.”
“Idon’tmind,”Keltoldherandherfriend.“YouknowI’dliketoseeyougetoutandaboutmore.”
TiancurtsiedtoheragainandtoldLalasa,“Thisafternoon,then?”Lalasanodded.“Thankyou,mylady,”Tiansaid,andlefttheroom.
Lalasaclosedthedoorbehindherandtwirledgiddily.Suddenlyshehalted.“You’llsee,mylady,”shetoldKelgravely.“I’llearnyouabitofmoney,andputsomeawayformyself.Maybeashopofmyown,thoughthat’slookingabithigh,perhaps.”
“Youreallylikesewing,don’tyou?”askedKel,whohatedit.
Lalasanodded.“I’mbetterthanalotofthemaidsthatservetheyoungcourtladies,Tiansays.Andit’speaceful.Justyou,andthecloth,andgettingeverythingjustright.”
KelthoughtofthosemomentsonPeachblossom’sbackwhensheloweredherlanceatthequintain,andknewinthefeelofthehorse,andtheweapon,andherarm,thatshehaditperfectly.“Iseewhatyoumean,”shemurmured.Morefirmlyshesaid,“Butlookhere-youhavetokeepwhatyouearn.Idon’twantit.”
Lalasastaredather.“Butmostnoblestakehalfatleast.Sometakealmosteverything!”
Kelbegantostripoffhertunicandshirt.“I’mnotmostnobles,remember?Ismybathready?”
“Yes,ofcourse,”Lalasareplied,takingKel’spracticeclothes.“But,mylady,Iwouldn’tfeelright,withyoupayingmeawage,andgivingmethischance.”Lalasa’sjoyhadfallenaway,leavingheranxiousagain.
Kelhatedtoseethat.“Allright,”shesaid,againstherwill.“ButI’mputtingitawayforadowryorashoporwhateveryoulike.Yourememberthat.”
“Yousaysonow,”Lalasareplied,hertoneveryolder-sisterly.“Justwaittillyouneedtobuyarmorandsuchlike.”
Kelmettheoldergirl’seyes.“Doyoureallybelievethatofme?”
Lalasaopenedhermouthtoreply,thencloseditagain.ShelookedawayfromKel’sgaze.“No,miss.Notreally.AndIthankyou.”
“You’rewelcome.”Shakingherhead,Kelwalkedintothedressingroomandclimbedintothewaitingbath.“I’mgladyouhaveafriend.”
“Isn’tTiannice?”LalasatookKel’safternoonclothesfromthewardrobe.“Soclever,andfriendly.Shereallythinksotherladieswillaskmetosewforthem,andpaywellforit.”
“She’salady’smaid,sosheoughttoknow.”Kelputherheadbackwithagratefulsigh.“IfIdozeoff,wakemewhenthenoonbellrings.”
Thatnight,KelwentoutaftersuppertoretrieveherlanceandtakeittoPeachblossom’sstable,wheresheplaceditwithhergear.Shewastrottingupthesloping,torch-linedroadtothepalacewhensomeonecalled,“Hullo-isthatKeladryofMindelan?”
KellookedaroundandsawabigmaninthestablethathousedthehorsesoftheKing’sOwn.Sheknewthatbroad,red-cheekedfacewithitscapofblackcurlsandbrightdarkeyes.“Mylord,goodevening,”shesaid,bowingtoRaoulofGoldenlakeandMalorie’sPeak,KnightCommanderoftheKing’sOwn.“It’sapleasuretoseeyou.”
Hewalkedover,tuckingridingglovesintohisbelt.“Goodtoseeyou,too,youngster,”hesaidwithakindsmile.“Mithrosblessme,you’vegrown.”
Kelsmiledathim.ShehadaddedalmosttwomoreinchessinceMidwinter,buttherewasstillquiteagapbetweenherheight,nearlyfivefeetandsixinches,andhissixfeetandoneinch.“IbelieveIhave,mylord.”
“Goingtothepalace?Ifyoudon’tmind,I’llcomealong.”
“I’dbehonored,sir,”Kelreplied.
Theywalkedslowlyupthehill.“Howgoestraining?”heasked.“Areyoustillridingthathugegelding-what’shisname-Peony?”
“Peachblossom,mylord.Yes,Iam.”Kelexplainedhercurrenttrainingschedule,includingthenewthingsLordWyldonhadbegun.LordRaoulaskedquestionsthatdrewmoredetailsfromher.
“Thethingis,Idon’tknowwhyhe’schangingthings,”Keladmitted.
“IthinkWyldongotascarewhenyouandyourfriendsstumbledintothatbanditcamp.”CorrectlyguessingthereasonthatKelstoppedtogapeathim,thebigmangrinnedandsaid,“Thewholecourt’sheardaboutitbynow.Anyway,ifsevenpageshadgottenslaughtered,hewouldhavefeltresponsible.Nevermindthatthedistrictcommanderliedabouttheareabeingclearedofbandits.Theyfoundouthewastakingpayoffs,didtheytellyou?”LordRaoulspokeashemighttoanoblehisownage.
Kelshookherhead.“Istilldon’tseehowitwouldmakeLordWyldonchangethetraining,though.”
“Hedidn’tteachyouyoungstershowtomanagewhenthere’snoadultincommand,ismyguess.He’stryingtomakeupforthatnow.Tobehonest,Icouldn’thavedonewhatyoudidwhenIwasapage.Wyldon’salreadytaughtyouplenty.”Thebigknightbegantochuckle.“Gods,butthosefreefightsessionsmustbeamess!”
Kelhidasmile.Theyweremessy,withfightersnotalwaysknowingwheretostepandwhomtolookat.“Isbattlelikethatforreal,sir?”
Hethoughtaboutthatforamoment.“Itcanbe,”hesaidatlast.“Battleplansgotopieces,asthey’reteachingyou.Itdependsonthedisciplineofthepeopleyoulead.See,theproblemis,knightsusedtooperatealone.We’retrainedtoindependence.Forcenturiestheloneknightenforcedwhatlawhechose.Ifhehadanyhelp,itwaslocalpeasants.Withthemnotknowingtheirfootfromtheirelbow,youcanseewhereaknightmightprefertofightalone.”
Kelcouldindeed.
“Thesedaysknightshavetoworkwithothers.YoumightbeputwithasquadoftheQueen’sRiders,oraninfantrycompany,orevenanavalcrew.Iwastrainedtothinkonlyformyself,andlookatme-actingasgeneralforthreecompaniesoftheKing’sOwn.Weneverfightinstrengthslessthanasquadoften.Ilearnedcommandonthefly,andwishI’dhadmorelessonsonitasalad.”
Kelnodded.Whathesaidmadeagreatdealofsense.ShelikedLordRaoul.AttheendofherfirstyearhehadledmenoftheKing’sOwnandpagesinamissiontocleanupanestofspidrensintheRoyalForest.Shehadadmiredhisskillascommanderandfighterthen,andhehadmadeitclearhethoughthertalented.
Theystrolledintothepalace,enteringakindofindoorcourtyard,withafountainatthecenterandtreesinpotsaroundtheedges.LordRaoulsatonabenchandmotionedforKeltositbyhim.Theysatwithouttalkingforawhile,watchingthefountain.ItwasLordRaoulwhobrokethesilence.“Ihearyouandyourfriendsdeclaredwaronhazing.”
OnlysixyearsattheYamanicourt,withitsirondiscipline,keptherquiet.Kelfoughttobestone,waitinguntilshewassureofherself-controlbeforeshedaredtoask,“Howdidyouhearthat,sir?”
Raoulgrinned.“TheKnightCommanderhassourcesinthepalace,”hecommented,alltooinnocently.“Ihearthings.Iunderstandsomeoflastspring’ssquireswerethefocusofyourcampaign?”
Kellookeddown,herfaceassmoothandemotionlessasmarble.“Icouldn’tsay,mylord.”
“Oh,don’tstartmy-lordingme,youngster,”hesaidcheerfully.“Didn’tanybodytellyouapalaceislikeasieve?Servantstalk,familiestalk,boystalk,andnoblestalk.Ifpeoplestoppedtalkingaroundhere,thewallswouldfallin.There’dbenowindtoholdthemup.Sotellme,nowthattheworstofthemaregone,haveyougivenupyourno-hazingpatrols?”
“No,”shereplied,startled.“Plentyofpagesbelieveinitstill.Youcan’tstopitall.Wejustwantthebulliestobackoff.”Shedidn’ttellhimthatthisyear,whenhergrouphadfoundanythingsuspicious,theotherpageshadleftratherthanfight.
“Isee.Andwho’sthis?”
KellookedupasJumptrottedinfromtheoutside.Hemusthavegonelookingforher.“That’sJump,”shesaid,gettingtoherfeet.“IguesshegotworriedwhenIdidn’tcomeback.”Rememberingtheyweren’tallowedpets,shesaidhurriedly,“He’ssortofamascot,yousee.Helooksafterallofus.”
“I’veheardofJump,”thebigknightsaid,fishingastripofjerkedbeeffromapocketandofferingittothedog.“Wyldonsaidheaccountedforthreeridersandadoginthatmessthissummer.NowthatI’vegotalookathim,I’msurprisedheonlybroughtdownthree.”Jumptookthestripofdriedmeatinhisfrontteeth,daintily,andbegantognawonit.
“Ireallyshoulddosomeworktonight,”Kelsaidregretfully.She’dneverfeltsocomfortablearoundanadultasshedidwiththisman,unlessitwasherparentsorheroldestbrother,Anders.
LordRaoulstood.“Ofcourse.I’mgladwehadachancetotalk,Keladry.”Hesmiledather.“Keepupthegoodwork.”Heturnedandwalkedoutoftheroom,intothenight.
“That’saniceman,”KeltoldJump.“Iwishmorewerelikehim.”Jumpwaggedhisbatteredtail,stillgnawingonhisjerkedbeef.“Let’sgo,”Kelsaid,andheadedbacktothepages’wing.
ten
THESQUIRESRETURN
ThenextnightKelwasinlineforsupperwhenshesawmorefacesatthesquires’tables.Thenumberofsquireswholivedonthefloorabovethepages’winghadbeengrowingslowlyasautumnwenton.Kelbarelyknewthosewhohadcomeinbefore,buttonightsherecognizedtwofaces:CleonandGarvey.
“Onegood,onebad,”MerricremarkedfrombehindKel.
“DoIhavetoclosemyeyestoguesswhich?”Owenwantedtoknow.
Whentheywenttotheirusualtable,Cleonwalkedover.“It’sabouttime,”Nealsaidwhentheredheadedsquireslidontothebenchnexttohim.“Wethoughttheywouldleaveyouinthenorthallwinter.Youwouldhavecomebackasanicicle.”
“Areallybigicicle,”addedSeaver.
AfterseeingLordRaoul,KelknewthatCleonwasn’tthatbig,buthecertainlyseemedtobeheadedthatway.Shesmiledathim.Heseizedoneofherhands.“Kel,myrose,mypearl,”hesaid,attemptingaplayer’syearningstare,“mylifehasbeenadesertdrearwithoutthelightofyoureyes.Iknewitnotuntiljustthismoment,whenmysoulopenedlikeaflowerintherain.”
Kelyankedherhandfree.“Stopthat,youoaf,”shetoldhim,butshegrinneddespitehersterntone.ShehadmissedCleon’scolorfulwayofspeakingtoher.
“It’snotright,”Seaverannouncedabruptly.
“What’snotright?”Nealasked.
“WhenCleontalkstous,hedoesn’tdothat.”SeaverfrownedatCleon.“Youdon’tcallus‘rose’or‘pearl.’Ifyoudon’ttalktouslikethat,youshouldn’tdoittoher.”
“She’sasgoodasus,”addedOwen.“Youdon’thavetotreatherlikeagirl.”
Kelhidherfaceinherhands.
“Butsheisagirl,”protestedCleon.“Atall,glorioussunriseofagirl,a-”Hestopped,blinked,and,astonishingly,turnedred.“Sorry,Kel.”
“Iknowyou’rejustfunning,”shereassuredhim.“How’sInness?”
Cleonhithisforehead.“Ikeepforgettinghe’syourbrother,”heexplainedastheothersgrinned.“He’snice.”
“AndKel’snot?”demandedOwen,outraged.
“Ican’twin,”Cleonmuttered.“He’squietlikeyou,Kel.Andhe’sameanhandwithasword.I’mlearningalotfromhim.”
“Good,”Nealtoldhimsternly.“Ihopehemanagesyouwithawhipandachair,likeawildanimalinashow.”
“Hehardlyeverusesthewhip,”Cleonrepliedinhisloftiesttone.“Iamsomuchbetterthanhislastsquire.”
WhenLordWyldonarrived,Cleonhadtoreturntothesquires’tables.AftersupperhecaughtuptoKeljustasshewasabouttoenterherroom.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindwhatIsaidbefore,”hesaidgruffly,notmeetinghereyes.“Iwasn’tmakingfunofyou.YouknowwhatImean.”
What’sthis?wonderedKel.“I’msurprisedtheysaidanything,”shereplied.“Theynevermindedyourfoolerybefore.”
“Iknow,”hesaid.Oddly,headded,“NeitherdidI.”
Addressinghimslowlyincase,likeaskittishhorse,hetookalarmandbolted,shesaid,“Youtalkedtomethatwaywhileyouweremakingmeearnmywayasafirst-year.Maybetheythoughtyouweretryingtohazemeagain,eventhoughI’mathird-year?”
“That’ssilly,”hesaid,crossinghisarms.
Kelshrugged.“Maybe.Areyoucomingtostudytonight?”
Hisfacelitwithagrin.Suddenlyhelookedlikehisoldselfagain.“That’sright.We’resupposedtodoreportsonourtimewithourmastersforSirMyles,andmine’s”onlyhalf-done.”Hewalkedaway,halted,andturned.“Wemeetintheusualplace?”
Kelsmiledwarmlyathim.“Youhaven’tbeengonethatlong,CleonofKennan.”
Helookedatherwide-eyedforamoment,asifshehadstartledhim.Onceagainheturnedred.“Youlook-fit,Kel,”heremarked.Thenhetrottedoff.
Fit,shethought,shakingherheadassheunlockedherdoor.WhywouldhecareifIlookfitornot?
Winterbeganwithamildstormthatlefttwoinchesofsnowontheground,notenoughfortrainingtobemovedinside.Thedayafterthesnowfell,Kelwasonherwaybacktoherroomsattheendofmorningclasseswhensomeonehailedher.Shehaltedandlookedup.There,atthedoortothepages’wing,stoodJorenofStoneMountain.Hewasaniceprinceinabluetunicoverawhiteshirtandhose,hispaleblondhaircaughtbackinahorsetail.LookingatKel,heactuallysmiled.
Shewaited,herfaceYamani-smooth,herbreathformingcloudsonthechillair.Whatdidhewant?
Jorenfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“Youlookcold,”heoffered.
“I’mnot,”Kelrepliedflatly.Shedidnotfeellikeconversingwithhim.
“Listen,Keladry…”Helookeddown,asiftryingtodecidewhattosay.Atlasthelookedup,andgaveheradisarmingsmile.“Wegotoffonthewrongfoot.”
Isthatwhatyoucallit?wonderedKel.Shecontinuedtowait,herhandsclaspedlooselybeforeher.
“I-allowedmyselftobeinfluencedbytheprejudicesofothers,”heexplained,stillsmilingprettily.
“AndIwasrearedina,arough-and-tumblehome,notaculturedplacelike
this.”Hisgracefulhand-wavetookinthepalacethatsurroundedthem.“SirPaxton,myknight-master,wasquitefirmaboutmyusualbehavior.Hegavemecausetothink,andtoreviewthethingsIhavesaidanddone.”
Kel’smindraced.Shesupposeditwaspossible.Buthedidn’tlearninthetwoyearswefoughthim,tellinghimthathecouldn’tthumpeveryonehehadamindto,hercoolerselfwhispered.Howcouldthatchangeinthesevenmonthshe’sbeenasquire?
“WhatIamtryingtosay,”Jorenwentonatlast,whenshewassilentfortoolong,“isthatIwouldliketostartfreshwithyou.IfImay.”
“Ofcourseyoumay,”shesaidpleasantly,hereyesonhis.“We’llhaveafreshstart,justasyoulike,SquireJoren.Andnow,ifyou’llexcuseme”-shebowedquitecorrectly,notaninchdeeperthanprotocoldemanded-“Imustwashup.”Shewalkedbyhim,allhersensesalerttotherabbitpunchtotheback,orthebootinherbehind.
“Iwouldliketobefriends,”hesaid.
Kelturnedtogivehimherbest,mostmeaningless,socialsmile.“Thatwouldbepleasant,”shesaid,andlefthim.
Now,whatdoyousupposethatwasabout?shewonderedasshescrubbed.Shesighed.Shereallydidn’tneedhimtocomplicateherlifeatthispoint.
Thatnightshewasinherroom,writingtohernephewbeforeshewenttostudywithherfriends,whensomeoneknockedonherdoor.KelcontinuedtowriteasLalasaansweredit.TherewasapuzzlednoteinLalasa’svoicewhenshesaid,“Youhavevisitors,mylady.”
Kelturned,abouttodemandthatshebeleftinpeacetofinishherletter.IdenandWarric,Owen’sfirst-yearcousins,stoodinthedoorway,lookingveryembarrassed.Bothheldstaffs.Theydidn’ttrytopetJumporgreetthesparrowswholitontheirshoulders,evenwhenCrownperchedontopofWarric’sstaffandbegantopreen.
“Youask,”Idenmurmuredtohiscousin.
Warricpunchedhimgently.“No,you.”
Kelsighed.Lalasahadreturnedtohersewing.“Oneofyousaysomething,orgoaway,”sheadvised.“I’veclassworkyettonight,andsodoyou.”
“SergeantEzekosaysheshouldjustimpalehimselfonthestaff,he’ssobadwithit,”Idenannounced,pushingWarric.“MylordtoldmeI’ddobettertoplantmineandhopeatreegrowsoutofit.”
“We’rehopeless,”announcedWarric.
“You’relikebutterwiththestaff,butterwithnocowhairsinit,allsmoothandclean,”Idencontinued.“Owensaidweshouldstopbotheringhimbecausehe’snohandwithit,either,andyou’rethebest.”
“Andyounevergetmad,oryell,”Warricfinished.“OwenandMerricdo.”
LalasaduckedherheadtohideasmileasKelstood.“Youwantmetohelpyou?”Kelasked.Shethought,butdidn’tadd.EventhoughI’mTheGirl?
“Ifyoudon’tmind,”saidIden,hopeinhislargehazeleyes.
“Justsomepointers,sowequitgettingourfingersbroke,”Warricsupplied.Kelglancedathishands-theywerecoveredwithbruises,andonefingerwasswollen.
“Well,youcan’tstartthatway,”sheremarked,andopenedthedeskdrawerwhereshekeptthebruisebalm.“Comehere,bothofyou,”sheorderedassheremovedthetop.“Let’sseeyourhands.”
Bothlads’handsweremottledwithtrainingbruises.Keldabbedbalmontheworst,noddingastheswellingswentdownandpurplemarksfaded.“Now,”sheorderedwhenshehadputthebalmaway,“showmewhatyou’redoing.”
Shesawtheproblemsimmediately.NomatterhowoftenshepositionedWarric’shandsonhisstaff,heletthemslideclosertogetherashepracticed.Iden’sstancewasbad,evenweak;ablowwouldknockhimaside.Usingherbelt-knife,KelroughenedthewoodonWarric’sstaffatthespotswherehishandsshouldbemostofthetime.ThenshemarkedthefloorwithchalktoshowIdenwheretoputhisfeet.Shesuggestedthathetakeonestepoutofhisstanceandanothertoreturntoit,startingfirstwiththeleftfoot,thentheright,andcontinuedoingonlythat.Herideawastomakethepositionfeelnatural.While
hestepped,KelturnedbacktoWarric.
Afterhehadpracticedstrikesandblocksforabrieftime,stoppingoftentorepositionhishandscorrectly,shesaid,“Doitslow.Asyou’redoingeachthing,checkthatyourhandsarealwayswheretheyshouldbe.”
Heswunghisstaffinthehighstrikeposition,movingitwithadancer’sslowgrace.“Butwe’resupposedtogofast,”hepointedout.
“Youwill,inthepracticecourt.ButyoudothethingIusedto,whereIwassoinlovewithswingingaweaponthatIdidn’tcareabouttheexactwaytodoit.IgotmyfingersbrokenbeforeIlearnedtostopthinkinghowgoodImustlook,doitslow,andmakesuremyhandswerewheretheyoughttobe.”Shedidn’tmentionshe’dbeensixatthetime.IfWarrichadstudiedwithtougholdNariko,theYamaniemperor’sarmsmistress,hewouldbefurtheralong,too.
Shewatchedcarefullyastheboywentthrougheachmovement,pushinghishandsbackintoplacewhenevertheymovedofftheroughareaswherehehadtogrip.Whenhelosthisstance,shesteppedbehindhimtocorrecttheplacingofhisfeet.
“Itdoesn’tfeelright,”KelheardIdencomplainasshepositionedWarric.
Lalasareplied,“Itdidn’ttomeatfirst,either.No,yourtoespointout.”KelglancedoverintimetoseeLalasakneelbesideIden.Shemovedhisfeetintothecorrectpositionandheldtheminplacewithherhandsassheexplained,“Theyhavetopointstraightaheadonthatfoot.Trytheblocknow.”
Idenobeyed.“Buttheywanttopointout,”heprotested.
“Andyourbellywantssweets.Youshouldn’tgiveyourbodywhatitwantsallthetime,”Lalasasaid.
WarriclookedatKel,startled.Shewinkedandsaid,“Trythatlowblockagain.Holdyourstance.”
“Youknowwhatmyladysuggested?”LalasaaskedIden.“Shesaidwheneveryouaren’tdoinganything,justassumethatstanceandholditforacountoften.”
“Anyoddtime?”inquiredtheboy.
Lalasanoddedgravely.“WhenIgetupinthemorning,orI’minlineintheservants’mess,oratthedraper’swaitingforaclerk,Ijuststandlikethatandcount.ThemoreIdidit,themorenaturalitgot.MyladysaysIdomuchbetternow.”
“Shedoes,”affirmedKel.“Shethrewmeallthewaytothedoorthisweek.”TheboysstaredatLalasa,awed.
Thefirstbellofthenightrang,tellingpagestostartclassworkiftheyhadn’tdonesoalready.AsKelopenedthedoorforherguests,Idenasked,“Wouldyouminddoingalittlebitwithustomorrow,likeyoudidtonight?”
“Forawhile?”addedWarric.
“Justtillwegetit,”Idenpromised.
Kelsighedinwardly.Shehatedtolosethelittletimeshehadtoherself,buttheyweregazingatherlikestarvedpuppies.Onlyamonsterwouldrefuse,shethought.“I’llbehappyto,”shereplied,thinking,Sometimesevenknightshavetotellwhitelies.
“You’llsee!”sheheardIdentellWarricastheywenttoputtheirstaffsaway.“We’llbegoodinnotime!”
IwishIhadsuchfaithinmyskillasateacher,thoughtKel.Shecollectedherbooks.“Thankyouforhelping,Lalasa.”
“Ijusttoldhimwhatyoutoldme,”themaidsaid,pickinguphersewingagain.
Kelshookherheadandleftforthelibrary.
Theweeksbetweenthesquires’returnandMidwinterevaporated.Inthattime,IdenandWarricbecameregularvisitorstoKel’sroom,asourceofentertainmentthatthesparrows,Jump,andLalasaseemedtoenjoy.Cleontaughtheraswordthrustandtwistgoodforpartingamanfromhisdagger.Thearcherymasterallowedtheadvancedgrouptotryshootingwithbroadheadarrows.ForthefirsttimeKelwasgrantedafreeafternoontogointothecity.LalasastoppedloweringthehemsofKel’spresentsetofpageuniforms,andgothernewones.Kelwasfivefeetseveninherstockingfeetattheageoftwelveandahalf.
Jorensaidhelloquitepleasantly,notjusttoKel,buttoherfriendsaswell.Oneeveninghewassoboldastocometothelibrarytheyhadclaimedfortheirstudygrouptogetabook.Nooneknewwhattomakeofit.
Midwintercame,andwithitthetimeforwhatNealcalled“ourordealbyetiquette,”theMidwinterbanquets.Astheyhadtheyearbefore,Kel’sfriendscametoherandLalasaforalast-minuteinspectionbeforetheyreportedtoMasterOakbridge.ThisyearitwasOwen’sturntobethecoolveteran,andIden’sandWarric’stofretthattheymightactuallybecalledontoserve.
AgainKelwasassignedtowaitonDanayne,ArchpriestessoftheMoonofTruthtempleinCorus,andthosewhosatwithher:EdaBellandHakuinSeastone,andMasterHarailtofAili,deanoftheroyaluniversity.TheShangsandMasterHarailtgreetedherwithpleasure;MasterHarailtinquiredaboutherstudies.TheArchpriestesssaidnothing,butthenshe’dsaidbarelyawordtohercompanionstheyearbefore.
Kelwasreturningforthesecondfishcoursewhenayoungwomanmovedintoherpath.ItwasUlineofHannalof,elegantinpetal-pinkbrocade.Sheworehercurlyhairinanetdecoratedwithmoonstones.“Keladry,Iwantedtosayhello.Howareyou?”
Kelsmiled.“I’mquitewell,thankyou.Andyoulookverygrand!”ShewasstartledtodiscoverthatUline,whowaseighteenorso,wasKel’sheightexactly.
Ulineblushedandsmoothedherskirts.“Thankyou.”ShelookedKelover.“Howgoesit?Dotheytreatyouwell,thosepages?”
“Aswellastheytreatanyone,”Kelreplied.“It’sarough-and-tumbleworld,comparedtothatoftheladies.”
“Idon’tknowaboutthat,”repliedUline.“ThissummerIwasinvitedtobecomeoneoftheroyalladies.Thathasitsrough-and-tumblemoments.”
“Congratulations,”Kelsaid,andmeantit.Whilethequeenhadmanyladies-in-waiting,onlyonegroupwascalled“theroyalladies.”ItwasmadeupoffifteenorsoyoungwomenofnoblebirthwhocouldwaitonQueenThayetatstatefunctions,keepupwithheronhorseback,anduseweaponsincombat,bowsforthemostpart.“Thatis,Ihopeyoufeelyoushouldbecongratulated.”
Ulinegiggled.“BackinOctober,whenIbrokemyarm,Iwasn’tsure.Nowitseemsallright.Ofcourse,ifyoueverseemeafterridingtwentymilesintherain-well,don’taskmethen,allright?”
Kelsmiledandbowed.
Ulinecurtsied.“I’llleaveyoutoyourchores.Bytheway-whoisthathandsomeyoungman,theonewiththegreeneyes?Helooksabitoldtobeapage.”
Kelmadeherselfsay,“NealanofQueenscove.Hedidn’tstartuntilhewasfifteen.He’seighteennow.”
“Mygoodness,howodd,”Ulineremarked.“Still,don’tyouthinkhe’shandsome?”
“Very,”Kelreplied.Iwon’tgetupsetifshefallsinlovewithhim,shetoldherself.Uline’sveryniceandtheywouldmakeafinecouple.
Ulinesighed.“Apitywe’reannouncingthebetrothaltonight.Oh,well-IdoloveKieran,andatleasttheweddingisn’tforanotheryear.”
“Kieran?”askedKel,baffled.
“KieranhaMinch,”Ulinereplied.“He’shandsome,too,thoughhiseyesarebrown,notgreen.Idolovegreeneyes.MaybeI’llflirtwiththisNeal.”Herowneyesshoneasshewatchedhim.
“Wouldn’t-”Kelbegantosay,butthewordsstuckinhermouth.Sheswallowedandtriedagain.“Wouldn’titbe,well,notnicetoflirtwithsomebodyyoudon’twanttofallinlovewith?”
Ulinesighed.“Isupposeitwould,”sheadmitted.“Well,I’lldreamIflirtedwithhim.Oryoucouldflirtwithhimforme.”
“IthinkIcouldflirtaboutaswellasmygeldingdances,”Kelsaidfrankly.“I’dbestgettowork.”
Ulinerestedahandonherarm.“I’mgladit’sgoingwell,”shesaid,hereyeskind.“Whenyoucometothebigexaminations,I’llbeintheaudience,
cheering.”
KelthankedUlineandreturnedtotheroomwheretheservingpageswaited.ShewonderedifsheoughttotellNealthathisheart’sdesirewasbetrothed,butshethoughtthebetterofit.Letsomeoneelseruinhislife.
It’snotasifhe’lleverlookatyou,shetoldherselfasthefreedpagestrudgedtotheirsupperafterthebanquet.You’rethesameasanotherboytohim.You-
“Clumsyidiot!”sheheardanall-too-familiarvoicecryfromaconnectinghallway.“Doyouknowwhatthistuniccostme?”
Shesaidnothingtohercompanions,butturnedintothecorridor.Jorenhadafootmanbythearm.Themanstillclutchedapitcher;attheirfeetwasapuddleofliquid.
ThemomentJorensawKel,hereleasedthefootmanandbackedaway,bothhandsraisedtoshowhewouldn’tgrabthemanagain.“Myapologies,”hetoldtheman.ToKelhesaid,“Oldhabitsdiehard,don’tthey?”Hisruefulsmileinvitedhertosharehisamusement.Whenshesaidnothing,Jorengavethemanasilvercoinandstrolledaway.
“Whatwasthatabout?”Nealdemanded.
Kelturned.Allofherfriendswerearrayedatherback.“Hesayshe’schanged.”
“Isupposehecouldhavechanged,”Nealsaiddryly.“Imyselfhavenoticedmygrowingresemblancetoadaffodil.”Theotherpagessnorted.
Keleyedherfriend.“Youdolookyellowaroundtheedges,”shetoldhim,herfacequiteserious.“Ihadn’twantedtobringitup.”
“Wedaffodilsliketohavethingsbroughtup,”Nealsaid,slinginganarmaroundhershoulders.“Itremindsusofspring.”
“Doesdungremindyouofspring,too,PrincessFlower?”Cleondemandedirritably.“Youneedn’tmanhandleourKellikethat.”
KelpeeledNeal’sarmaway.“Thanks,butnothanks,”shetoldhim,hopinghe
didn’tnoticethatherbreathcamequicker,orthatherheartpoundedlikeadrum.“Idon’twanttocrushyourpetals.”
“Crushmineallyoulike,fairlady,”Cleontoldher,puttinganarmaroundhershouldersinNeal’sstead.
OwenwriggledbetweenKelandNealandwrappedanarmaroundKel’swaist.“Metoo,”hesaid,grinningupather.
Kelworkedherselffree,chuckling.Thebanquetsweren’tmuchfun,butshelikedhowtheboysgotsillyatMidwinter.Youcanonlybegrimanddeterminedtoachieveyourgoalsforsolong,shethoughtastheywalkedintothepages’messtogether.Afterthat,youjusthavetojokearoundforawhile.
“Say,Neal,”Owensaidastheygotintolinetobeserved,“UlineofHannaloflooksbeautiful”
“Sheisnotforme,”Nealsaidgravely.Everyoneturnedtolookathim.“She’sbetrothedtoKieranhaMinch-they’reannouncingitthisweek.She’llbrightentheirgloomynortherncastleslikethemoon.Now,thequeen-shewasmorethanbeautifultonight.Didyouseeher,inthatwhitegownembroideredinscarlet?Thejewelsinherhair,likestarsinthemidnightsky?Noothercountryhasaqueentocompare.AndshehasthedeadlycoreofaSirajitsword,beautyanddeathinonesplendidwoman.”HiseyesweremistyasheconsideredQueenThayet.“MurdonFielding,theSageofCria,wrote,‘Squire,givethyqueenthypurestlove.LetherbethelivingemblemofthepoweroftheGoddess.Herbeauteouscountenancewillbethyguide,herfavorandthanksyourpayment.Lether-’”
SomeonepassedKeloneofthelong,thinloavesofbreadservedwithsoup.BeforeNealcouldgoon,hisfriendsattackedhimwiththeloaves,batteringhimuntilthebreadfelltopieces.
Nealbrushedcrumbsoffhisclothesandfixedthemwithhisloftiestglare.“Soulless,heartlesspagesthatyouare,”hesaid,“Iignoreyou.”Hecutaheadoftheminlinesohecouldbeservedfirst.
OnceagainKel’smysteriousbenefactorsurprisedherwithacostly,usefulholidaygift.Thatsummershehadreceivedridingglovesandgauntletsmadeofbeautifullyworkedleather;inthefallithadbeenshootingglovesandarm
guardstoprotectherclothesfromherbowstring.Nowitwasapairoflargesaddlebags,wellmadebutordinaryenoughontheoutside,andfittedwithlargeandsmallcompartments.Shefoundthingsinthosecompartments:flintandsteel,anoiledpouchfulloftinder;smallironpotsandaplateandbowlset,allofwhichfittogether;ahankoflight,strongrope;tooth-cleaningpowder;atidysewingkit;hooksandlineforfishing;andacuriousfanlikecreationthat,whenopenedup,wasrevealedtobeawaterproofhat.
“Whoeveritis,they’redrivingmemad,”KeltoldLalasa.“Ican’tbegintothankthematthispoint,andI’venoideawhoitis!”
“Whoeveritis,theywantyoutokeepdoingwhatyou’redoing,”Lalasasaid.
“IjustwishIknew”grumbledKel.“Ihatemysteries.Whydoesthispersonlikemesomuch?WhocouldithurtifIknewwhoitwas?”Whenshe’dgottentheglovesandarmguards,sherealizedthatherunknownfriendknewwhatsizeKelwas,butLalasasworenoonehadapproachedher.Kelhadgivenuponthatlineofthinking.Afterall,herchangingsizeswerenotedbythepalacetailorssotheycouldsupplyLalasa.ItwouldbeeasyenoughforsomeonewhoknewthepalacetoaskthetailorsforKel’smeasurements.
ThisMidwinter,Kelmadeonlyonevowtokeepinthenewyear.Beingallowedtovisitthecitybeforetheholidayhadmadeherseethatshewasn’tgettingasmanypunishmentsasshehadinherfirsttwoyears.Shewasrarelytardy,she’dlearnedhowtocleanhergeartoLordWyldon’ssatisfaction,andshenevergotintofightsanymore.Withoutpunishmentworktoforceherontoheights,therewasnothingtohelpKelovercomeherfear.
Ifshewantedtodefeatit,shewouldhavetofaceitherself,onaregularbasis.ShedoubtedthatanyonewouldsendherupBalor’sNeedleagain,butwhatifshehadtotakeanotetothewatchcaptainonthewalls?Shewascertainthatcomesummer,LordWyldonwouldresumesendingheruponheights.Shehadbetterpracticebeforethen.
Thus,everynightaftersupper,Kelwentonawalk.Onenightshemightgototheimmense,pillaredgallerythatstretchedaroundthemainentrancehallandmapthelowerfloor,includingeverypottedtreeandbench.Anothernightmightseeherinoneofthewatchtowers,forcingherselftonotewhichpointsoflightbelowwerefixedandwhichmoved.Sheclimbedtreesinthegardens.Onher
daysoffshesoughtabalconyandmappedtheportionofthegroundsvisiblefromthere,orthelandbetweentheouterwallandthecity.
IthadbeeneasierwhenshedidthesethingsunderLordWyldonsorders.Anorderhadtobeobeyed;shedidn’thavetothinkbeyondthat.Whenitwasherowndoing,shewasalwaystemptedtoskipaday,orjustglancedown,thengetbacktotheground.Kelhadtoforceherselftokeephervow.Shewasbetteratitsomedaysthanothers.
Herdailytrainingfollowedthepathsetthatautumn.AfterMidwinter,LordWyldonaddedtotheirharnessesonceagain.Keladjustedtothenewweightmorequicklythanbefore,whichmeantshewasexhaustedbyitsdragonherchestandshouldersforjustoveraweek.Bythetimetwoweekshadpassed,shedidn’tnoticethefreshweight.
Ondaysthatwereniceenoughtoallowthepagestopracticetilting,Kelhittheblackspotonthetargetshieldwitheverypass.InJanuary,LordWyldonmovedsixofthefourth-yearpageswhocouldreliablyhitthetargettoKel’squintainandchangedKel’sprogram.Nowshehadahardertarget-aringofwoodaboutafootindiameter,hungfromacordattachedtoalongrod.
ThiswasverydifferentfromwhatKelwasusedto.Shebelievedthetrainingmasterwastryingtomakeherlosehermind.Thecirclebobbedandswayedineverypuffofair.Shefeltasifshechasedabutterflywithherlance.
“Adversitybuildscharacter?”Nealsuggestedonebittermorningwhenshewastakingabreather.
ShelookedatPeachblossom.“Bitehim,”sheordered.Thegelding,ascontraryasacat,blewather.
“Allright,how’sthis?Heknowsyou’refarbetterthanmostofus,andhe’stryingtomakeyoubetterstill.”WhenKelblinkedathim,Nealshrugged.“OrwecouldgobacktohimbeingaStumpwholivestotortureyou.Ilikethatonebetteranyway.”
Inweaponspractice,LordWyldonbeganexercisesincityfighting.Hewouldtaketheseniorstoanemptysectionofthepalace,ortoacollectionofoutbuildingsonthegrounds,andputthemtowork.Inpairs,ingroups,oralone,theychasedoneanother,hidingbehinddoorsandcorners,sparringfuriously
whentheyencounteredthe“enemy.”Kel,incommandoffivepagesoneFebruarymorning,routedagroupofseventhatincludedYancen,Balduin,andNeal,bymakingthemsplittheirforce.WhenHakuinandEdadeclaredhersidethewinner,LordWyldonwassilentforaverylongmoment.Therewasnotellingwhathethought,orwhatthetoneinhisvoicemeantwhenhesaidatlast,“Verygood,PageKeladry.”
Itwashisfirstcompliment.Sheknewshewouldrememberiteverydayofherlife.
OneMarchSunday,Kelclimbedthecurtainwall.Shewasn’tsurehowlongshehadbeensketchingthegroundbetweenthepalace’sLeastGateandCoruswhensherealizedshehadcompany.Jorenwasdrapedonamerlonbesideher,verymuchathisease.
“Ithoughtyouwereafraidofheights,”heremarkedwhenshelookedathim.
Kelletnohintofheruncertainty,confusion,andirritationwithhimshowthroughherYamanifacade.“Iam,”sherepliedatlast,andwentbacktohermapping.
“Youdon’tlookit.”
“Well,that’ssomething,”shesaiddryly,rubbingoutacrookedline.
“Ifyou’reafraid,whydothis?”heasked,athismostreasonable.“Theywon’ttestyouonitatthebigorlittleexams.”
“Mylordwill,thenexttimehegivesmepunishmentwork,”Kelinformedhim.“Orthegodswill,thenexttimeI’msupposedtohelpsomeoneintroubleandthey’reonaheight,orwehavetoclimbtoescapedanger.”
Forawhilehesaidnothing,butsheknewhewasstillthere,stillwatchingher.“Whydoanyofthis?”hewantedtoknow.“Itisn’tatallneedful.Didsomeonetellyouthatyouhadnochancetomarry?”
Kel’shandjerked,smearingcharcoaloverhernotes.Shemadeafaceandrubbeditout.
Jorenwenton,“It’snottrue.You’dbeaprettything,intherightclothesand
afteryou’dlostsomeweight.Afteryoustoppedworkingsoyourarmsarelikeablacksmith’s.You’dmakeafinewifeforoneofthosebigfellows-Cleon,forinstance.Heseemsfondofyou.HowaboutLordRaoul?Hecanaffordawife.Youcouldsettledownandraiseyounggiants.”HesmiledasKellookedathim,butthesmiledidn’treachhiseyes.
WhenshewasfiveandhermotherhadsavedtheYamanis’mostsacredartifactsfrompirates,theemperormadeherfamilypartofhisinnercircle.SuddenlyKel’sfamilywassoughtbyallkindsofpeople.ChildrenwhohadlaughedatKelandcalledherahulkingbarbariannowfoughtforthehonorofsittingwithher.Theygaveherpresentsandinvitedhertotheirhomes.Kelheardtwoofthemsayprivatelythattheirparentshadorderedthemtobefriendtheemperor’spetssotheemperormightfavortheirfamilies.Thesmilesofthosechildren,andtheirparents,neverreachedtheireyes,either.
“It’ssogoodofyoutoconcernyourselfwithmymarriageprospects,”Kelrepliedevenly.“HasitoccurredtoyouIdon’twanttomarry?”Neal,shethoughtsuddenlyandhorribly.IfNealaskedme…
Heneverwill,repliedhercoldlypracticalself.Hefallsinlovewithbeauties.
“Nonsense,”Jorenwassayingcomfortably.“Allwomencareaboutmarriage.EventheLionessscrapedupahusband,thoughshehadtodigthroughthemiddensofCorustodoit.”
SurelytheKing’sChampionhadmarriedonlybecauseshehadwantedto.“Ifyousayso,”Kelreplied.Shewentbacktohermapping.
“Thinkaboutit,”Jorensaid,clappingherontheshoulder.“Onebattletoomany,andyou’llbescarredforlife.Nomanwillwantyouthen.”Heambledoff,whistling.
Kelshookherhead.Maybehe’llbeagreatknightoneday-maybe,shethought.Butfirst,he’dbettergethisheadoutofhisbehind.Andhe’dbetterletmebe.
eleven
UNPLEASANTREALITIES
OneeveninginlateMarchasparrowflewintothelibrarywhereKelandherfriendsstudied.Thebird-thefemalenamedPegforhermissingfoot-landedonKel’sshoulderandchatteredangrily.
“Aren’ttheysupposedtobeasleep?”Nealasked.
Kelsighed.“She’sprobablylockedoutandcan’tgettothecourtyard.”Ifthesparrowswereflyinginside,theysometimesgottrappedwhenthedoorswereclosed.Withthewaytothecourtyard,andKel’sopenshutter,barred,theyusuallywaitedforKelbyherdoor,fluffinguptheirfeathersandlookingthepictureofsparrowmisery.
Kelgottoherfeet.“Jump,stay,”sheordered.Jump,whosleptwithhisblockyheadonCleon’sfoot,openedhiseyesandsnorted.Hehadnointentionofmoving.
Cleondidn’tlookatherashesaid,“Youwantcompany?”
Kelsmiled.“I’mjustgoingtoletherintothecourtyard.I’llonlybeamoment.”Walkingout,shetoldPeg,“Idon’tseewhyyoucouldn’twaittillIcamehome,ifLalasadidn’thearyou.Ordoessittingonthestonesmakeyourstumphurt?”Shecrossedthepages’corridorintotheshorthallthatledtotheouterdoor.Coolair,notcold,brushedhercheeks-thedoorwasopen.“Peg,whyinMithros’sname-”Kelbegan,vexed.
Thenamuffledcurse,furioussparrowchatter,andthesoundofatusslereachedherears.“You’llpayforthattrick,wench!”someonegrowled.“Callthesebirdsoff!”
Kel’sinstinctwastodashoutandhaltwhateverwasgoingon,butLordWyldon’straininggrippedherhard.Fightingtheurgetorun,sheslidtotheopendoorandcarefullyleanedaroundit,movingslowly.Aquickmovementwouldattracttheeyeofanyoneinthecourtyard.
Heropenwindowwasjusttenfeetaway.Vinsonstoodthere,grapplingwithLalasa.Fromthewreckageofthesewingbasketontheground,KelguessedLalasahadbeenworkinginthewindowseatwhenVinsoncameby.Nowhefoughttokeepahandoverhermouthwhileherfingersscrabbledoverhisarm,lookingfortenderplacestopinch.Thesparrowsattackedfuriously,makingVinsonducktheirclawsashetriedtowedgeLalasa’shandsunderhisfreearm.Hewasluckythesparrowswerehalf-blindatnight,ortheycouldhavedamagedhimbadly.Asitwas,hebledfromadozenpeck-marksonhisface.
WhitefuryblazedinKel’sheart.Shestalkedforward,battlingtokeepherfeelingsinhandasshesaidcoldly,“Unhandmymaid.”Lalasa’seyeswidened.Peg,acautiousbird,fledKel’sshoulderforthesafetyoftheroom.ThesparrowsattackingVinsondidthesame.
Vinsonhalf-turnedtolookather,stillholdingLalasa.Kelcouldseethefurrowedgougesofawoman’sfingernailsdowntheolderboy’sface.“IfIwereyou,Lump,I’dwalkawayrightnow.”Heusedthenicknamesherarelyheardthesedays.
Keldidn’targue.Pivotingonherrightfoot,shefurledherleftleguptoherinnerthighandsnappedthefootout.RatherthanshatterVinson’skneecap,shehitjustaboveit,wherethethighmusclenarrowed.Helurched,knockingLalasaagainstthewindowframe,thenletgo.LalasascrambledbackinsideKel’sroom,tearsstreamingdownherface.
KeltookanothersteptowardVinson,doublingherfists.Forthefirsttimeshecouldunderstandhowsomeoneinaragemightdomurder.“Howdareyoutouchanunwillingwoman?”sheasked.
Heswallowedandtookanotherstepawayfromher,unabletorestanyweightonthelegshe’dkicked.“You’rewrong,Mindelan,”hesaid,lickinghislipsnervously.“Thewenchhasbeeneyeingmeforweeks.Theyalldoit-bedmentoearnextracoinovertheirwages.”
“Liar.”Kelslappedhim.LastyearVinsonhadbeenalmostahandtallerthanshewas.Nowshewasascantinchshorter,andherbuildwasmoresolid.Vinsonwasganglyandheexercisedonlyinthepracticecourts.“IknowherandIknowyou.Thosescratchesalonecondemnyou.”Sheslappedhimagain.Hehadtochallengeher;noknightcouldallowanyonetostrikehimwithoutafight.When
hedid,shewouldteachhimafewlessons,thenturnhimintoLordWyldon.
Vinsonbackedupanotherstep.Hewasinthewrongineveryway.Bypalacelawthemaidsweretobeleftalone:violatorswerebroughtbeforethechamberlain.Inchivalry,servantswereunderamaster’sprotectionandcouldnotbeinterferedwithunlessthemastergavepermission.NoonewouldarguewithKel’sduelingoverthis.
“Youwillregretyourtreatmentofme,”Vinsonsaid.Hisvoiceshook.Hisfacewaspaleandsweatyarounditsscratches.“Myfamilyispowerfulatcourt.”
Keladvanceduntiltheywereinchesapart.“Youareacoward,”shetoldhim,soft-voiced.“Youknewyoucouldfrightenher-that’swhyyoupickedher.Whatkindofknightpreysonservinggirls?Whereisyourhonor?”
“JustbecauseIwon’tbrawlwithyoudoesn’tmeanIhavenohonor!”heblustered.“I-Irefusetogetintroubleoverawenchwhoisnobetterthansheshouldbe!”
Kelliftedherhandtoslaphimagain.Vinsonflinched,raisinghisarmtoprotecthisface.Hedidn’trunonlybecauseshehadbackedhimagainstthewall.
Sheturnedaway,disgusted.“I’mreportingthis,”shesaid,stridingtowardthecourtyarddoor.
“Mylady,no!”criedLalasa.ShelungedoutofthewindowtograbKel’ssleeve.“Don’ttell!’Shewipedhereyes.“They’lltalk.I’venoreputation,that’showthingsareinservants’hall.”ShehungontoKelwithbothhandsandloweredhervoice.“Noblescanmakeagirl’slifeamisery-theyalwaysdo.Pleasedon’treportthis!”
Kelwantedtoargue,butLalasamadesense.AsKelhadjustseen,shecouldn’tbeeverywhere.Whocouldsayanenemywouldn’tlieinwaitforLalasainplacesthatKelcouldnotbe?
Still,Kelowedhermaidloyaltyandprotection.“Hemustbereported,”shetoldLalasaquietly.“He’lldoitagain.”
“Please,mylady,”pleadedLalasa,“putyourselfinmyshoes!You’llgetmeintrouble.Hiskindcanmakeithardforservants.Hespeakstohismother,who
speakstothechamberlain,whospeakstoasteward,whoputsmyuncleoutofwork.Howwillyouknowitwasdone?Howwillyouknowitevencamebecauseofthis?Intwoyearsyou’llbegone,andUncleandIwillstillbehere.Listentome.”
KellookedforVinson:he’dstolenaway.Shetriedtostillhermind,tothink.Shecertainlyknewofnobleswhoforcedthemselvesonservingwomen.Nooneputahalttoit.Withintheirownfiefdoms,noblescoulddoastheypleased.EventhepriestessesoftheGoddess,sworntoprotectwomenandgirlsfromjustthiskindofthing,mighthesitatetooffendalord.Vinson’sfamilywasconnectedtopowerfulhousesthroughouttherealm.Thesayingwasthatifanythingwasneeded,Genlithswouldsupplyit.Whenallelsewassaidanddone,Kelwouldbe,goneintwoyears,toservewhateverknightwouldtakeherforasquire.She’dbehardputtodefendLalasaandGowerthen.
LalasasensedthatKelwasnotabouttochargeafterVinson.SherelaxedherholdonKel’sarm.“IfI’dbeenonmyfeet,Icouldhavedonesomething,”shecommented,andblewhernose.“Hehadmealltwistedaround.Icouldhardlygetathim.”
Kellookedatherandrememberedwhatshehadseen:Lalasa’shandsgropingforanerve,anynerve,inVinson’simprisoningarm,andthebloodyfurrowsonVinson’sface.“Iamsoproudofyou,”shesaidwarmly,pattingLalasa’sshoulder.“He’sgoingtohurtforalongtime-hewon’tdaretakethosemarkstoahealer.”AndI’dliketoseehimexplainthescratchestoLordWyldon,shethought.“Idon’tknowifIcouldhavedoneaswellfromthatposition.”SheinspectedLalasa.“Didhehityou?Hurtyouinanyway?”
Lalasamadeaface.“I’vebruiseswherehegrabbedme.Hewould’vegottentohittingsoonerorlater-theyalldo.”Kelstaredather,appalled.Lalasaturnedherfaceaway.“Mydad,mybrothersallhittheirwomen.”
Kelrealizedshewashearingbleaktruth.“IthoughtGowersaidyouwerealone-wait.Doeshehityou?”
Lalasashookherheadandsmiled,herlipstrembling.“DadalwayssaidUnclehadstrangeideas,learntuphereinthenorth.He’snot,notchirpy,likesome,buthe’sthegentlestsoul.Hewastheonlyoneleft…”Shetookabreath.“RaiderscameinfromtheCopperIslesandburnedourvillageout.Theymissedme-Dad
sentmetotherivertowashclothes.”
“Soyoucamehere.”
Lalasanodded.“UncleGowertoldmetheking’spalaceisafineplacetowork.Andsoitis-Icouldn’taskforkinderfriendsthanTian,andUncle.It’sjust-”Sheshrugged.“Noplaceisperfect.”
Kelrubbedhertemples.“Usethebruisebalm,”shesuggested.“Youwon’tneedalot.”Sheturned.
Lalasagrabbedherarmagain.“You’renot-”shebegan,eyeswide.
Kelsmiledgrimly.“Iwon’treporthim,butIhavetomakesurehedoesn’tforget.”
Lalasa’seyessearchedKel’sface.Atlastshereleasedhermistress.
“Nexttimeyouwanttosewinthewindow?”saidKel.“ComegetJump.He’llseetoityou’renotbothered.”
Shewentbackintothepages’wing,walkedstraighttoVinson’sroom,andknockedsharply.“Don’tmakemesaywhatI’vecometosayouthereinthehall,”shecalled.
Vinsonopenedthedoor,hisfacesullen.“What?”Hedidn’tinviteherin.
Kelputahandonthedoorandleanedintotheopening,makingsurehecouldseeherclearly.“IfIhearofyoubotheringanyfemale,notjusther,I’lltakeyoubeforethecourtoftheGoddess.I’llriskmakinganenemyofthepackthatwhelpedyou.”
Vinsonblanchedunderhisscratchesandpimples.AmanconvictedofhurtingwomenintheGoddess’scourtfacedharshpenalties;thoseforactualrapeweretheworstofall.ThetemplesmaintainedtheirownwarriorstoenforcetheGoddess’slaw.
“Ineverwanttoseethewenchagain,”hesnapped,hisvoicecracking.“I’dgiveanythingnevertoseeyou.”Heslammedthedoor.
Kellethimdoit.Hewouldkeepquietnow,shesuspected.Onethingwascertain,though-shemustnotforget.Thatherservantwasharassedwithoutrealpunishmentwasareproach.Noblesweresupposedtoprotecttheirservants.Lalasahaddonewellbyher.Shehadtoholdupherendofthearrangement.
Shehadtroublenoddingoffthatnight.Shecouldn’tgetridofherangerwithVinsonandwithaworldinwhichservantsdidn’tmatter.Itwasn’tright.
Ifshehadgoneintoherusualdeepsleeprightaway,shemightneverhaveheardsoundsinthedressingroom.Tonightshedid.ShewentaroundthescreenthathidLalasa’sbedtofindtheoldergirlcrying.
“Now,what’sthis?”Keldemanded,worried.“Lalasa,what’swrong?”Shesatonthebed.“Pleasedon’tcry.”
LalasaburiedherheadinKel’sshoulder.“Whenhegrabbedme,Ihopedyouwouldcome,”shesaid,hervoicethick.“I’dnoright,butIhoped.Andyoudid!”
Kelpattedherawkwardly.“Youhaveeveryright,”shesaid.“I’mhonor-boundtoprotectyou.”
“Andyoudid,youdid!”criedLalasa.“Thelookonyourface-“
“MaybeIshouldreportthisafterall,”Kelsuggested.“It’snotright,lettinghimoffwhenyou’resoscared.”
“It’snotthat,”Lalasareplied,shakingherheadandsittingupstraight.Shewipedhereyesonhersleeve.“Notthat,notmuch,anyway.”Shesniffed.“Ineverknewanybodywho’dfightforme,never.Whenmybro-aman,amanhurtme,whenIwaslittle,andmyparentssaidIlied.Hewasmoreimportanttothem.Butyou-youfaceddownanobleforme!”
Kellookeddown,hidingshockandfury.Lalasa’sownbrotherhadhurther,andherparentshaddonenothing?They’dasgoodastoldtheirdaughterthatshedidn’tmatter!
Atlast,whenshecouldtrusthervoice,Kelclearedherthroatandsaid,“Vinson’snotmuchofanoble.”
“ButIknewyouwould,ifyoufoundout.”LalasaclungtooneofKel’shands.
“SinceI’vecometoyourservice,Ineverfeltsosafe.”
“Well,it’snothingtocryover,”Kelsaid.
Lalasachuckledandwipedhereyesagain.“You’resostrong,”shesaid,alittleenvyinhervoice.“IwishIwaslikeyou.Iwagernooneevergrabbedyouinyourlife.”
Kelbentherheadforamomentasmemoryfloodedher.“MybrotherConalheldmeoffabalconywhenIwasfour.IforgetwhatI’ddonetoannoyhim,”shesaidquietly.“Hewasalwayshittingmeorpushingme.Thistimehegotcaught-oneofthemaidswasinthegardenandheardmescreaming.”
“Whatabrute!”Lalasacried,indignant.
“I’dneverseenPapasoangry.HealmostdisownedConal.HesaidhewoulddisownConalifheheardofanythingelselikethat.”Kelsmiledbitterly.“Ithinktheworstpart,otherthanmybeingscaredofheightsnow…TheworstpartisthatConaldoesn’tevenremember.IaskedhimwhenwecamebackfromtheIslands.”
“Nowonderyouhatebullies,”whisperedLalasa.“Nowonderyoulearnedtofight.”
Keltookadeepbreathandletitout,thrustingthehardmemoriesaway.“Areyougoingtobeabletosleepnow?”sheasked.
“Yes,forgiveme,”repliedLalasa,releasingKel’shand.“I’msorryIwokeyou.”
“Youdidn’t.”Kelgottoherfeet.“Iwasawake.Butyoushouldsleep-allthesewingyoudothesedays,you’veearnedyourrest.”
“Andyouhaven’t,Isuppose,”Lalasateased.
“Sleepwell,Lalasa.”
“Thankyou,mylady.”AsKelreachedthedressingroomdoorsheheardhermaidsay,quietlybutfirmly,“Iknewyouwouldcome.”
AweeklaterVinsonwasgonewithhisknight-master.Somehowhe’dgottenahealertotendthemarksonhisface;Kelwouldhavelikedtoknowwhatstoryhe’dtold.Shesuspectedhe’dhadtohurthisfacewithsomethingelse,tocoverthemarks-itwasanoldtrick.
SoonafterVinson’sdeparture,Cleonreportedtothestudygroupwithaglumface.“Thisisit,”heannounced.“I’moffatdawn.We’regoingbacknorth.”ToKelhesaid,“SirInnesssaidtotellyouwe’llbevisitingatMindelan,ifyou’veanythingtosendhome.”
“IhavealettertoAnders,”shesaid.“ShallIgetit?”
“I’llgowithyou,ifit’sallthesame,”Cleonsaid.“Ineedtopackyettonight.”Hesaidhisfarewellstohisotherfriends,tuggedNeal’sear“forluck”,heclaimed,andfollowedKelbacktoherrooms.
TianandLalasasatinthewindowseat,doingfineembroidery.Kelwavedforthemtostaywheretheywereandfoundherletteronherdesk.Quicklyshesignedandsealedit,andgaveittoCleon.
Heturneditoverinhishands,glancedatthetwomaids,andasked,“So,Kel,willyoumissme?”
Shesmiledathim.“Imissedyoulastyear.Ourgroupalwayslosesabitofmadnesswhenyou’reaway.”
“HereIthoughtNealsuppliesallyoucouldwant,andthatlittlescrapperOwenmorethanyouneed.Well.”Foramomenthelookedather,thenatthemaids,thenattheletter.SuddenlyhehuggedKeltight;assuddenlyhelethergo.“Don’tbreakanythingwhileI’mgone,”headvised,andfled.
Kelshookherheadasthedoorclosedbehindthebigsquire.Owenwouldsayhewastreatingmelikeagirlagain,shethought,amused.
“You’vemadeaconquest,”Tianremarkedslyly.
KellookedatherandLalasa.Theyweregiggling.“Cleon?Hejusthatesleaving.”
“Ofcourse,mylady,”Lalasareplied,asmeekasamouse.
Kelsighed,andreturnedtothestudygroup.Atleasttheboysweren’talwaysseeingromancewheneveramaleandfemaletouchedhands.
Joren,Garvey,andtheirknight-mastersleftaweeklater.Moresquirestrickledoutofthemesshalloneatatime,untilonlythepagesremained.Itwasspring.Thebusinessoftherealmwaspickingup.
Forthisyear’slittleexaminations,NealstucktoKellikeaburrfromthemomenttheymetatbreakfast.“Iwon’triskyoubeinglate,andIwon’tbelatewaitingforyou,either,”hesaidasKelgavehershinybrownlocksalastcombing.“NeitherofuswillrepeatadayofthislivingdoomifIhaveanythingtosayaboutit.”
“Stoppacing,”Kelordered.“You’llwearoutthefloor.Isyourtunicstraight?”Brisklyshetuggedthebackofhistunicuntilithungproperly.Shewasneversureifshewasgladthatherroleasunofficialinspectorgaveheranexcusetotouchhim.“Sotellme,”shebeganastheywalkedtotheexamwaitingroom,“isitworthallthisstruggle?Youcouldhavebeenahealerbynow,withauniversitycredentialandfriendsyourownage.Aren’tyousorrytohavemissedthat?”
She’dexpectedhimtojoke,ortobesarcastic,butheactuallygaveherquestionsomethought.
“Thephysicaltraining,well,Icouldn’tbeaknightwithoutit,andIstartedlate.Nothingwouldchangethat.It’strue,attheuniversityIneverwouldhavespenttimewithanyonesomuchyoungerthanme.Iwoulddefinitelyhavelostsomethingthen.Theselittlefellowsherearen’talwaystestingeachotherlikemalesofmyadvancedyears.”Hebowed,andKelsmiled.“AndIwouldn’tgiveupyourfriendshipforallthehealer’scredentialsintheworld.”
“Me?”shedemanded,astonished.
Theywalkedintothewaitingroom,thefirstpagesthere.“You,”Nealsaid,leaningagainstthewallandcrossinghisarms.“Youareaneducation,KeladryofMindelan.”
Kelputherhandsonherhips.“I’mnotsurethat’sacompliment.”
Nealgrinned.“NeitheramI,”heteased.
AsSeaver,Merric,andOwencamein,KelpointedatNeal.“Youwillpayforthat,onthepracticecourts,”sheinformedhim.
OwenpromptlywentoverandclappedNealontheshoulder.“Itwasgoodknowingyou,”hetoldtheolderboysolemnly.
Thelittleexaminationswentastheyhaddoneinthelasttwoyears.Thequestionswerealloneseachpagecouldanswereasily,basedonmaterialthathadbeencoveredindetailduringtheyear.Itwasalmostaletdown.
ThefollowingweekthepagesattendedthebigexaminationsinsupportofFaleronandYanconofIrenroha,whowasvoted“agoodsort,ifnotoneofus,”bythestudygroup.Thatnightthefourth-yearsrosefromtheirtablestowalktothesquires’sideoftheroomastheircomradesapplaudedandcheered.Therewasaspecialdessertandentertainmenttocelebratetheirpromotion.
“Nextyearisourturn,”NealcommentedsoftlytoKel.
Hiswordsmadeherheartthudalarmingly.Theywerenowfourth-yearpages.
twelve
VANISHINGYEAR
Summercampthatyearwastame.Therewerenospidrennests,nooutlaws.LordWyldontookthemnorth,onasixteen-dayrideintothemountainsaroundfiefsAili,StoneMountain,andDunlath.Inthemountainstheylivedincaves,hunted,fished,climbedrocks,andpracticedtheever-vitalskillofmapping.LordWyldondidn’thavetosearchtofindheightsforKeltoclimb.Inthisruggedcountrytherewerecliffseverywhere.Kelhandledthem:theweeksofpracticesinceMidwinterhadbeenagoodidea.Shedidnotspendherthirteenthbirthdaythrowingupduetofright.Shedecidedthatthiswasagoodthing.
I’llbeasquireonmyfourteenthbirthday,shethoughtthatnightasshedriftedofftosleep.
Theirtrainingincommandandbattlecontinued,withthepagesdividedintosmallgroupsandsetateachotherinhardterrain.Forthreedaystheyhadguests,acquaintancesofLordWyldonfromasummercamptheyearbeforeKelhadarrived:fifteen-year-oldLadyMauraofDunlath,herknight-guardianSirDouglassofVeldine,aten-foot-tall,aqua-skinnedogrenamedIakoju,andapackofwolves.Thewolvesmovedamongthepagesasifminglingwithhumanswerenatural.Theirgazewassteadyandintelligent,makingthehaironKel’sarmsstandonend.LordWyldonspoketotheirleader,Brokefang,asifheexpectedthegreatanimaltounderstandhim.Worse,Brokefangactedasifhedidunderstand.
Kel’ssparrowsandJump,whoshouldhaveavoidedtheuncannypack,werequitecomfortablewiththem.Duringthenightsthewolvesstayednearthepages’camp,Jumpsleptwiththem;thesparrowsrodeontheanimalsuntiltheirdeparture.
Thebreakinroutinewasalessoninbattles.LadyMauraandIakojushowedthepageshowDaine,Numair,andaforceofknights,soldiers,animals,immortals,andMauraherselfhadoverthrownMaura’streasonoussisterandtheCarthakimageswhohelpedher.LadyMauraexplainedthebattleascoollyasageneralwhileIakojudrewmapsandshowedthemovementsoftheoddarmythathadfreedDunlath.Thefactthatthewolveshelpedtheogretomovethe
stonesusedtoshowtheforces’positionsmadeKelshiver.
“Idon’tknowwhyitbothersmeinwolvesandnotinsparrowsordogs,”sheconfessedtoherfriendsaftertheladyandherescorthadgone.
“Maybebecausewolveshavenoreasontolikeus,”drawledSeaver.
Afterwardtheydiscoveredthatsomeonehadraidedtheirstoresofdriedmeatandfruit.Bythelookofthetracks,awolfhaddoneit.LordWyldonexaminedatuftoffurleftbythemarauderandshookhishead.“ShortSnout,”hemutteredunderhisbreath.
Aweekafterthepageswenthomeforthesummer,KelwasgroomingPeachblossomwhenavoicesaid,“Ihopehe’llgetonwiththenextpageaswellashedidwithyou,m’lady.”
Sheturned.StefanGroomsmanleanedagainstthestable’sbackwall,chewingastraw.
“Begpardon?”Kelasked.
“MaybeDainewillgethimtoobeyhisnextmasterlikehedoesyou.”Therewashopeinthehostler’sbulgingblueeyes.“Ordoyoumeantobuyhimyourself?”
Thepracticewascommon:theycouldbuythehorseslenttothembytheCrownoncetheybecamesquires.Otherwisetheirknight-masterssuppliedtheirhorses,andthosetheyhadriddenwereleftfornewpages.
“IwishIcould,”Kelwhispered,blinkingeyesthatsuddenlyburned.Presentinghersistersatcourt,openingthetownhouse,payingKel’sexpensesandtheschoolfeesofherbrothersandsistershadstrainedherparents’finances.Evenatroublesomedestrierwasexpensive,andtherewastheaddedcostoffeedingandhousinghim.BuyingPeachblossomwasoutofthequestion.
Stefanclearedhisthroat.Hewasmorecomfortablewithhorsesthanwithpeople,buthe’dbeenkindtoKelforPeachblossom’ssake.“You’vegentledhimconsiderable,miss.Longashisnextmasterdon’tusethespur,Ithinkhe’llgeton.Youprob’lysavedhislife,takinghimonlikeyoudid.”
KelhidherfaceagainstPeachblossom’sneck.Whatwouldshedowithouthim?Nootherhorsewouldgiveherthatsamefearful,gleefulsenseofridinganavalanche.Sheenviedthegeldinghisfreedomtobemean.SometimesshetoldherselfthatPeachblossomwashertemper,hertruetemperunderallherYamanimanners.
ShemadeherselfsmileatStefan.“Well,wehaveonemoreyear,”shesaid.“We’lljustmakeitagoodone.”Sheheardawhineandlookeddown.Jumppeeredupather,histwice-brokentailwavingslowly.“AtleastI’llbeabletokeepJump,don’tyouthink?”
Stefannodded.“Justaboutalltheknightskeepdogs.Youeverseentheelkandwolfhoundsmylordbreeds?”
Kelwasn’tsurewhomhemeant.“Mylord-?”sheasked.
“Himasisyourtrainingmaster,miss.FiefCavallbreedsthefinestdogsintherealm.It’snowondermylord’sturnedablindeyetothatchap.”HenoddedatJump.“He’sthatfondofdogs,andhoweverbeauteousyourladmaybe,anyonewithaneyecantellhe’safinedogunderthemscars.”
Kelsmiled.OnlyStefanwouldcallascarred,stocky,one-eared,small-eyed,chisel-headedbrawlerlikeJump“beauteous.”
ShesawPeachblossom’seyelidlowerandgrabbedthereins,justashelungedforJump.
Pullinghisheadbackup,shescolded,“Whatdoyoucareifhegetscompliments?He’sadog.”ShetoldStefan,“It’slikeheunderstandswhatwesay.”
Thehostlergrinned.“Whennewhorsescomeinfromoutside,Ifindmyselfthinkingthey’restupid.That’sthepalacethesedays.”Hewasheadedforthedoorwhenhethoughtofsomething.“Youknow,LadyKel,ifyourknight-masterisonewhatkeepsclosetocourt,I’llseetoityoustaywithPeachblossom.Iknowthat’snotlikely,butit’ssomething.”
Kelgrimacedasheleft.Wasthiswhatshehadtolookforwardto?Eithershelostherhorse,orshekepthimbecauseshe’dbeenchosenbyapalaceknight,someonelikeSirGarethofNaxenorSirMyles,whospenthisdaysamong
documents.Therewereworsefates,shesupposed.ShelikedSirMyles,whosecommentsandquietjokeshadlightenedherbleakestdays,butservingaknightwhorodeadesk,notadestrier,wasnotinherdreamsofprotectingthehelpless.
Kel’stwo-monthholidaypassedquickly,asitalwaysdid.StefangaveherpermissiontoridePeachblossomintotheRoyalForest,ifshedidn’tgotoofar.KeltookJumpandthesparrows,andtriedouthermysterywell-wisher’slatestgift,abeautifullymadebowandquiverfullofarrows.SeveraltimesshebroughtStefansmallgamelikerabbitsandpartridgesasathank-you.
ThebrightestspotwastwoweeksspentwithherparentsinPortCaynn,picnickingonbeachesandinthecountryside.WithAdaliatomarryatMidwinterandOraniebetrothed,bothtohusbandstheyhelpedtochoose,PiersandIlaneofMindelanwantedtimewithKel.Shepracticedglaiveskillswithhermotherandtalkedlateintothenightwithherfather,tellinghimallshehadlearnedaboutbattles.ThethreereminiscedabouttheYamaniIslandsandtalkedaboutthenegotiationsforanewYamanitreatyandanimperialbrideforPrinceRoald.
OntheirridebacktoCorus,Ilaneasked,“Areyoufrightenedofthebigexams?”
Kelshookherhead.“Theworstpartishavingpeoplewatch-well,andthejudgesdon’tseemthatfriendly,”sheadmitted.“ButI’vesatinonthebigexams,andthequestionsonlearningandshowingyourphysicaltrainingjustaren’tthathard.Neal’smorescaredthanIam.He’safraidthatwe’regoingtobeasneezelate,andhavetodothisyear-orworse,thewholething-overagain.”
“Ishouldn’tthinkyou’dbelateonsuchaday,”Ilaneremarked,amused.
“NordoI,butthat’sNealforyou,”Kelreplied,shakingherhead.
Trainingbeganagain.Therewerenewfirst-yearstomeet,andthenightlyhazingpatrolstoresume.LordWyldonhandedoutweightstotheseniorpages,andsetnew,morevexingtargetsforKeltotiltataftershemasteredthelightweightring.Hethenshiftedotherfourth-yearstotheringoncetheywereabletohitthesmallblackdotonthequintaintarget.
RequestsforLalasa’sservicesasaseamstresspouredinasladiesreadiedforthecourtsocialseason.CountingthepartofLalasa’searningsthatshewas
saving,Kelrealizedthathermaid’sgoalofherownshopmightbereachedsoon.ShemightevenhaveenoughmoneybythetimeKelenteredaknight-master’sservice.Kelwouldn’tbeleavinghertofendforherself.
ThetrainingseasonwasaweekoldwhenIdenandWarricreportedtoKel’sroomimmediatelyaftersupper.Withthemwerethreefirst-years.“Wetoldthemhowgoodyoutwoareathelping,”Idenexplained.
KelandLalasatradedlooks,Kel’sresigned,Lalasa’samused.ExtratrainingwithstaffsresumedinKel’srooms.
InNovember,beforethesquiresreturned,LordWyldon,SergeantEzeko,andthetwoShangstookthepagesintotheRoyalForest,wheretheycampedovernight.Inthemorning,thepagesweresplitintotwogroups.One,ledbySeaver,hikedbesideabroad,briskstreamuntiltheywereoutofsightoftherest.Theywouldassemble,pickweaponsandblunt-tippedarrows,andcoatthemwithredchalk,asSeaverexplainedwhatpositioneachofhis“men”held.Theothergroupwastakentoahugepileofbouldersupstream.Thiswastheircastle,whichtheywoulddefendagainstSeaver’smarauders.They,too,usedredchalktocoattheedgesoftheirweaponsandarrows.EdaBellandHakuinSeastonewouldjudgeifapagewasstill“alive”accordingtotheredmarksonclothesorskin.
Toeveryone’sastonishment,LordWyldonchoseKeltocommandthedefendingforce.Shetrudgedaroundtherocks,scratchingherhead,thenclimbednervouslytotheirheightstoinspecttheirsurroundings.Therewasnomoattokeepenemiesfromtakingherrockcastlefromtherear.Shehadthestreamononeside,whichmeantthatapproachwasmoderatelysafe.Sheimmediatelyputherfirst-yearstobuildingnoise-trapsofdrybranchestogivewarningoftheenemy’sadvance.ShechoseNeal,Quinden,andWarricandpostedthemaslookoutsfartheraway.ForamomentshethoughtQuindenwouldrefuseherorders,butthemomentpassed.Hevanishedintothetrees.Theadultsleft,too,fadingintothetreestowatch.Shewishedshehadtheirskillatmovingsilentlythroughdryleaves.
Ifshehadlearnedanythinginhillcountry,itwasthebenefitsofhighground.Shepositionedherarchersonthestoneheights,inthosespotswheretreesdidn’tobscuretheirviewoftheground.Thepageswhowieldedstaffssheplacedonstonesthatraisedthemjustabovetheground,togivethemtheadvantage.
Beforeshetookanobservationpostforherself,sheassembledJumpandthesparrowsonarocktoosmallforahuman.
“Thisisagame,”sheexplained,alittleembarrassedthatherteammatescouldhearhertalkingtoanimals.“It’sforfun.Well,notfun,exactly,but-nevermind.”Sheglancedaround,incaseLordWyldonhadappearedtoscowlather.Hewasnowhereinview.“Youstayrighthere.Don’tmove.Don’thelp.”Thensheclimbedtoherownvantagepointhighontherocks.
Insteadoflookingdown,whichmadehersweat,sheclosedhereyesandlistenedforthecrunchofleavesoverthestream’srush.Twiceshetoldtheboysinhercommandtobequiet.Forthemostpart,though,theytookherinstructionsasseriouslyasiftheywereatwar.
Kelopenedhereyeswhenanarrowstruckatreestumphalfwaybetweenhervantagepointandthearchers.Shejumpeddownandinspectedit:apurplethreadaroundtheshaftmarkeditasNeal’s.Theenemyhadjustpassedhim.Kelalertedherwarriorsonthatlineofapproach.Shemadesurethattheotherskepttheirpositions.“Don’tgetintothefight,”shetoldthemfirmly.“Watchthetrees-Seavermightsplithispeopleup.Youarchers,shootcarefully.Youdon’twanttohurtanyoneyouhit,andwedon’thavemorearrowsonceyoursaregone.”
ThatshouldhavebeeneverythinguntilSeaver’sforcereachedhers,butKelwasstilluncomfortable.Shetookalasttourofthelevelwherethestaffmenwere,thencircledagainonherheight.Shewasstillfidgetingwhentherattleofanoise-trapmetherears.Lookingtotherearofher“castle,”shesawasmallgroupofpagescreepingthroughthetrees.
TheygotaroundQuinden,shethought,andalertedthesentriesonthatsidewithhandsigns.OneofthemwasOwen,wholayflatonahighstone,aselectionofclothballsbesidehim.Insteadoftheclear,deadlyjellycalledblazebalm,usedinrealcombat,theballsheldafist-sizedclumpofdirt,leaves,andredchalk.Whentheattackerscamewithinrange,helobbedtheballsatthemwithdeadlyaccuracy.Theyburstwhentheyhit,leavinghisvictimscoveredwithdirtandreddust.As“killedmen”theysatontheforestfloorindisgust.
Whentheyattackedintherear,Seaverledhismaingroupinachargeatthefront.
ByOwen’stermsitwasn’tajollyfight-hecomplainedlatertherewasfartoo
muchthinkingandcallsof“You,out!”bytheadults-butitwasbrisk.Kelmovedfromposttopost,makingsuretherewerenomoresurprisesandthateveryoneobeyedorders.Seaver’sattackwasdefeatedateveryturn.Whenonlythreeofhis“men”wereleft,theytriedtoretreat.Kelsentherstaffmentocapturethem,winningatotalvictory.
Afterwardtheycookedlunch,andtheadultsreviewedtheirperformance.Severalboysreceivedpunishmentlaborforrefusingtostaydeadafteranadultdecreedthemso.QuindenwasgiventwicethatamountofworkfornotwarningKelwhenSeaver’ssecondgrouppassedhim.Whensheglancedathim,surprised-she’dhonestlythoughtthey’dsneakedaroundhim-Quindensneeredather.
ThelastofJoren’slegacy,Kelthoughtasshescrubbedherdishes.I’llbegladwhenI’masquireanddon’thavetodealwiththatanymore.
Twodaysaftertheirreturn,squiresbegantoappearinthemesshall.OnceagainPrinceRoaldstayedatPortLeganninthesouth.Jorenreturned,Vinson,Faleron,Garvey,Yancen-butnoCleon.InDecember,Kelgotaletterfromhim,addressedtoherbutwrittenfortheentirestudygroup.SirInnesshadchosentoremaininthenorth,trainingvillagersinself-defense.Theywouldn’tcometothepalaceuntilthespring.
Withthestartofwinter,Kel’syearappearedtomeltaway.Shecouldrememberthepassageoftimeifshethoughtaboutit.OnceagainshewaitedontheArchpriestessandhercompanionsoverMidwinter.Sheexchangedgiftsandreceivedthem.Therewasabeautifullymadelongswordfromherbenefactor,onethatwastheenvyofherfriends.Lalasasurprisedherwithalongcoat,quiltedwithdownforwarmth,containinganumberofusefulpockets.ItwasinKel’sfavoritecolor,russetred.NealgaveherabookofTortallanmaps,whileKelgavehimahistoryofhisfamousgrandfather’sbattles.Thereweregiftsofclothesandmoneyfromherfamily,adrawingofJumpfromSeaver,andsmallgiftsfromherotherfriends.KelgaveOwensomeofherpreciousbruisebalm-ofallthepages,shetoldhiminheraccompanyingnote,heneededitthemost.SeaverandMerriceachgotoneofherluckyYamanicatfigures.Fortherestshehadgottensweets,knowingtheywouldappreciatethoseoncoldwinternights.
ShecouldrememberwhatshelearnedinSundaynightbattlelessonswithouttrouble:theycontinuedtofascinateher.LordWyldonchosebattleswith
immortals,searaiders,andScanranstocoverthatwinter,togivehisstudentsanunderstandingofthemethodspreferredbytheenemiestheywouldhavetofightmostasknights.
MoreweightswereaddedtotheirharnessesinJanuary.NosoonerhadtheseniorpagesadjustedtothemthanLordWyldonsetthefourth-yearstotiltingateachother.Thiswasunusual:normally,tiltingatahumantargetwasleftforknight-masterstoteach.AsfarasKelwasconcerned,theworstpartofitwasrealizingshewastryingtoskeweroneofherfriendswithherwell-paddedlance.Shelearnedtoconcentrateontheshield.Ifshelookedatheropponent’sface,toooftenitwasshewhowentflyingfromthesaddle.
ClassroomworkafterMidwinterwashardertorecall,exceptforthedaythatadebatebetweenQuindenandtwofirst-yearsturnedintoashoutingmatch.Thesubjecthadbeenonethatwouldberaisedatthenobles’congressinthespring,whethernewlawsshouldbemadetogivecommonerstherighttobettertreatmentbynobles.SirMyleshadtothreatentoreportallthreedebaterstoLordWyldonbeforetheywouldbequiet.
LalasathrewKeltwice,onceinDecemberandonceinFebruary.InJanuarynolessapersonthanQueenThayetcommissionedadressfromKel’smaid.KelwasabletotellLalasathatshecouldnowaffordadressshopofherown.
JorenseemedtobemanyplacesthatKelwasafterMidwinter.Theydidn’tfight;theytradedgreetingsiftheypassedinthehall.HewatchedheratmealtimesandSundaynightbattlelessons,though.Shewouldlookuptofindthoselevelblueeyesfixedonher.Shewouldwalkaroundatablemodelandbumpintohim.Once,eerily,shefeltatouchatthebackofherheadastheclassbrokeuponenight.Whensheturned,onlyJorenwasnear,andhewaswalkingaway.
Shemighthavethoughtsheimaginedit,exceptthatNealandOwensawit,too.NealwantedtotellJorenhisbehaviorwasrude,butKelandOwentalkedhimoutofit.
Apartfromthosememories,shefeltasifshewenttobedonenightbeforeMidwinterandawokeattheendofMarch.Thewinterhadfallenaway.Noblesandotherimportantfolkwerearrivingatthepalaceindroves,preparingforthecongressthatwasheldeverytwoyears.LordImrahcamefromPortLegannwith
PrinceRoaldintow;SirInnessreturnedwithCleon.ThefirstthingRoaldandCleonsaidtothefourth-yearsontheirarrivalwas,“Areyoureadyforthebigexams?”
thirteen
THETEST
Lalasa,stopfussing!”Kelorderedhermaidatherlastfittingbeforethebigexaminations.“Ifitfitsanymoreperfectly,Iwon’tbeabletotakeitoff!”
Lalasaremovedthepinsshe’dbeenholdinginhermouth.“Ijustwantyoutolookyourbest,mylady,”sheexplainedinallseriousness.“Thoughthere’slittleIcandowiththiscursedgoldandred.Idon’tthinkanybodyreallylooksgoodinit.”
“Well,I’lllookbetterthananybodyelse,that’sforcertain.”Kelbegantoremovehertunic,andpromptlystuckherselfwithapin.
“Here,miss-bestletme.”AsLalasaslowlydrewthetunicanditspinsoverKel’shead,sheadded,“Ifyoudon’tmind,I’mgoingtoTian’sforabittonight.I’veaweektofinishhermajesty’sdressfortheopeningofthecongress,andTian’sagreedtohemwhilstIworkonthebodice.I’llbehomebeforeyougotobed,doubtless.”
“That’sfine.”Kelchangedintobreechesandashirt,thenopenedthelowershutters.Summerhadcomeearly,andherroomwasstiflingwhentheywereclosed.
Twostrangers,menintheroughclothesofcommoners,wereinthecourtyard.ThatsurprisedKel:thepages’wingwastuckedwelloutofthewayforvisitors.Onlyservants,teachers,andnoblescamethere.
“Areyoulost?”sheinquired.
Oneofthem,aburlymanwhoneededashave,snatchedoffhishat.Afteramomenthissmallercompaniondidthesame.
“Savingyourpresence,yourlordship,butwewassupposedt’meetourbossintheentryhall.”TheythinkI’maboy,Kelrealized,amused.Herlooseshirtsstillconcealedherfigure.“Witless,here”-thebigmanelbowedhiscompanion-“gotusturnedabout.”
“Iwassureitwasthisway,”thelittlemanwhined.HeleeredasLalasacametostandbesideKel.“Miss.”
Jumpleapedoutthewindowandtrottedovertothemen.Theybackedaway.
“It’sallright.He’sjustnotusedtostrangers.”Kelswungoverthewindowsillanddroppedontothecourtyardflags.Hersparrows,hoveringabouttheirnestsintheeaves,calledgreetings.“I’llshowyoutotheentryhall.It’seasytogetlosthere.”AsKelpassedJump,sherealizedthedogwasactingstrangely,cockinghisbulkyheadthiswayandthatashelookedatthemen.Heseemedunsureofsomething.“Jump,staywithLalasa,”Kelordered.“Ifyoumenwillfollowme?”
Sheledthemtotheentryhallandreceivedtheirthanks,thenreturnedhome.Itwassuppertime;shewashungry.TellingLalasatohaveagoodtimeatTian’s,shewentinsearchofherfriends.
AftersuppertheboysandKelvisitedtheroyalmenagerietowhileawaythehoursuntilbedtime.Totheirsurprise,theyfoundtheirteacherLindhallReed,hislivingskeletonBonedancer,NumairSalmalin,andDainevisitingthesmalltribeofpygmymarmosets.SinceDainewaspresent,thekeepersallowedthetinymonkey-likecreaturesoutoftheirenclosure.Theyclimbedalloverthepages,clearlyasfascinatedwiththemasthepageswerewiththemarmosets.
Itwaslatewhenthepagesreturnedtotheirrooms,swearingtheywouldn’tbeabletosleep.KelsawnolightburningbehindLalasa’sscreenandwasgladhermaidhadn’twaitedupforher.Kelherselfwasn’tnearlyreadyforsleep.Shequietlyclosedthedressingroomdoor,litacandle,andreadahistoryofKingJasson’sbattlesuntilshewasreadytosleep.Whensheturnedin,shelefttheshuttersopenforJump.Thedogseemedtohavegoneoffonaramble,ashedidnowandthen.
Thenextday,examday,Kelwasupbeforedawnasalways.Sheopenedhershutters,admittingthesparrows.Theytumbledinasmuchastheyflew:itwaswindy.Hurriedlytheypeckedattheirseedsandflewouttofeedthenestlings.Theywouldbeinandoutallday.Kelstartedmorningexercises-justbecausethebigexaminationsweretodaywasnoreasontoslackoff,shethought.
Shewashalfdonewhenasenseofsomethingnotrightmadeherstopinthemiddleofastrike.Thesunwasrising.Lalasashouldhavecomeoutbynow.AndJumpwasnowhereinsight.
Kelopenedthedressingroomdoor.Thelampwasstillunlit.Sheheardnothingthatsoundedlikehermaidgettingdressed.
“Lalasa?”shecalled.Shecouldn’tbelievetheoldergirlwouldsleepintoday,ofalldays.Wassheill?
Therewasnoreply.Frowning,Kellookedbehindthewoodenscreen.Lalasa’sbedwasasneatlymadeasever,herplaincottonnightdresslaidacrossit.Shehadnotcomehomethenightbefore.
Kelstaredatthebedandnightgown.She’dheardstoriesaboutservantswhocreptawayforanightortwo,butthismadenosense.Lalasahadneverdonesuchathing;whystartnow?Shehadseemedfinetheafternoonbefore.Theyhadtalkedaboutfindinghershoptogetheroverthesummer-Lalasahadbeenexcitedaboutthat.Besides,shehadaskedKelforpermissiontoattendthebigexams,towatchhermistressproveherselfbeforetheworld.Shewouldn’thaveaskedthatifshehadmeanttorunaway.
I’mnotgoingtopanic,Kelthought.IfshestayedlateratTian’sthansherealized,shemighthaveslepttheresoshewouldn’twakemecomingin.ProbablywhenIgetbackfrombreakfast,she’llbehere.IhopesheandJumpwillbehere.
Kelwashedherfaceandhandsincoldwater,dried,anddressedinbreechesandashirtforbreakfast.Shewasn’tabouttogetfoodstainsonhergoldtunicbywearingitwhilesheate.Itwouldbejustherlucktowearittobreakfastanddropbacononherlap.
Whenshejoinedherfriendsinthepages’mess,shegrinned.Neallookedabsolutelygreen;Merric,Seaver,andEsmondwerepale.“Eatsomething,”sheordered,spooningporridgeintoherbowl.“You’llneedit.”
“Howcanyouthinkoffood?”askedMerric.Nealpickedupasliceoftoastedbreadandbegantoshredit.
“BecauseIdon’twanttofaintjustaswegofromclassroomteststoweapons,”shesaid.“Remember?LikeRagnalofDarrochfaintedlastyear?”Proddingandteasing,shegotthemtoeat,andsaidnothingofhermaid.Theywouldn’tbeinterested;Esmondhadeventoldhermonthsagothatservantsweren’timportantenoughtobeworththetimeKelspentthinkingabouthers.
“Don’ttakeforevertoprimp,”NealurgedKelasshefinished.“YouknowIhatetobelate.”
“Wewon’tbelate,”shetoldhim.“Combyourhairandstoprunningyourfingersthroughit.You’lldofine.”
“Youhavenonerves,”hesaidbitterly.
“Justaswell,becauseyouhavetoomany,”sheretorted,andcarriedhertraytotheservants.
Themanwhotookitwinkedather.“Luck,LadyKel.Fromusall.”Henoddedtotheothermanandthewomanwhoservedthefoodandtookdirtydishesaway.Theothermangrinned;thewomancurtsied.
Kelsmiled.“Thankyou,”shesaid,touched.
*
Lalasahadnotreturned.
KellookedforGower-hewasn’tinhisroom.Worried,shewenttoSalma’s.Toherrelief,Gowerwashavingbreakfastwiththewomanwhoranthepages’wing.AtfirstKelwasreluctanttomentionLalasa’sabsencebeforeSalma.OnlywhensherememberedthatLalasaansweredtoheralonedidsheaskGowerifhe’dseenhisniece.
“Notsinceyesterdaynoon,”hereplied,darkbrowsraised.“Isthereaproblem?”
“Shedidn’tcomebacklastnight,”Kelsaidflatly.“ShewastovisitherfriendTian,mysister’smaid,butshesaidshewascomingback.”
“Mylady,it’scommonforgirlstostayoutovernight,”Salmainformedher.“Ifshehasalover-“
“I’dknowifshedid,Ithink,”repliedKel.
“Didyouquarrel?Ithappens,andsheisyoung.Shemightthinktopunishyou,”Salmapointedout.
Kelshookherhead.“Wedidn’tquarrel.Shewaslookingforwardtotoday.”
“She’sagoodgirl,”Gowercommentedslowly.“AndthatgratefultoLadyKel.”Hegottohisfeet.“I’llgoseeTian,”hetoldKelandSalma.“Seewhatsheknows.”
Asthedoorclosedbehindhim,Salmaremarked,“Unlessyouwanttogetthegirlintrouble,don’tmentionherabsencetotheguards.They’llapplythepenaltiesforrunawayservants,andyou’llhavenosayinthejudgmentthat’shandeddownonher.”
“Iwouldn’tanyway,”Kelreplied.“LordWyldonmadeitclearwhenIhiredherthatshe’smyresponsibility,notthepalace’s.”
“I’msurethere’sareasonforthis,milady,”SalmacommentedassheshowedKeltothedoor.“Shedidsayshewantedtowatchyouprovehowgoodyouwerebeforethegodsandeveryoneelse.”
WhenKelwentbacktoherroom,therewasstillnosignofLalasa,andKelwasrunningoutoftime.Shelookedaroundfortheuniformshewastoweartodayandgotamostunpleasantsurprise.Itlayonthedressingroomworktable,everypinstillinplace.Thatwasnotright.LalasawouldneverhavegonetoTian’swiththistunicunfinished-shealwaysdidKel’sworkbeforeshedidanythingelse.
Aknockcalledhertothedoor.Kelopenedit,thepinnedtunicinherhand.TherestoodGowerandTian.
“Shenevercamelastnight,”themaidsaid,clutchingaballed-uphandkerchief.“Iwaitedandwaited.Ithought-wequarreled,butGowersaysshetoldyoushemeanttovisitme.”Hereyeswereredandswollen,asifshe’dbeencrying.
“Shedid.Shesaidyouweregoingtohemthequeen’sdresswhileshedidthebodice.”NowallKel’sinstinctsclamoredthatsomethingwasvery,verywrong.
Othermaidswouldlosetheirtempersandcausetheirmistressesandfriendsanxiety-notLalasa.AfterthreeyearsKelknewheraswellassheknewanybody.IfLalasawasnothere,ifshehadn’tbeenwhereshehadsaidshewouldbe,thensomethinghadhappened.
“Gower,willyouchecktheservants’infirmary?”sheasked.“Ifshetooksick,perhaps…”
Gowernoddedandleftthem.
“Please,LadyKel,whatmightIdo?”Tianasked.“Mylady’soffwithherhusbandtoPortCaynn.I’vethewholedayfree.”
Keltriedtothink,whilepartofhermindcriedthatshehadtogetreadyforthebigexaminationsrightnow!Herparentswouldbethere;NumairandDaine,thetwoShangs,MasterLindhall,andStefanfromthestables.Shehadn’tmuchtime.
“Trypalacestores,”shesuggested.“Thedrapers,andthetailors.Maybeshejustgotmeanewuniform.”Itseemedunlikely-thepinsinthetunicsheheldwereanargumentagainstthat-butitwasallshecouldthinkof.
“Thankyou,mylady.”Tiandippedacurtsyandrandownthehall.
Anxious,Kelshutthedoor.Shecouldchangeclothes,atleast.Herotheruniformswerepresentable,ifnotasperfectlyfittedastheonesheheld.Shefoundthefreshestuniformandstartedtochange.
Thesparrowshadpickeduponhertension.Thosebirdsnotferryingseedtothenestlingsflutteredaroundthechamberandcourtyard,asiftheyexpectedtofindLalasainacrackinthewalls.
“Where’sJump?”sheaskedthem.“Whathappenedtohim?”
Thebirdswhirledandspuninafrenzy.Allofthemsuddenlyhalted,comingtorestonherbed.“Youdon’tknow,”Kelguessed.
Crownhoppedforwardonestepandgaveasinglepeep.Kelhadafeelingthatherguesswasright.
“Lookforthem,thosewhocanbespared?”sheasked.“Iknowyou’vethe
nestlingstocarefor,but…FindLalasa?FindJump?”
Crownchattered.Sheandhalfthebirdsonthebedtooktotheairandflewaway.Therestwentbacktotheseeddishes.
Kelhadjustpulledhertunicoverhershoulderswhensheheardalowscrapingsoundnearthedoor.HadsomeonelikeJorenthoughttomakeherlatebylayingamessytrapoutside,aspeoplehaddoneinherfirstyear?Whensheopenedthedoor-carefully,incaseabucketofwaterwasriggedtodroponher-shesawonlypages.Sheexaminedtheflagsinfrontofherdoorforpuddlesofurineoroil,butsawnothing.Turning,shefoundasheetofparchmentonthefloor.She’dhearditbeingslidintoherroom.
Thehandwritingwasbold,themessageunmistakable.
Sheisinthepalace.youcanfindherifyoulook.
Atthebottomofthepagetherewasafurthernote:
Tellanyoneandwewillhurther.
Kel’shandsbegantoshake.Slowlyandcarefully,shefoldedtheparchmentinhalf,thenintoquarters.Whykidnapamaid?
Tohurthermistress.
WhenshehadfinishedherprobationaryyearandwonLordWyldon’spermissiontocontinue,shehadthoughtitwouldbetheendofpeopletryingtomakeherquit.Nowsheknewtheyhadonlybeenwaiting.Theyhadcommittedacrimetostopherfromtakingthebigexams.
Itwon’twork,Kelthoughtgrimly.Thetestsusuallyendbythesecondbellafternoon,withnohaltforlunch.Oncethey’reover,I’llbeabletosearchwhereverIwant.
“Iknewyouwouldcome,”LalasahadwhisperedthatnightVinsonhadscaredher.“Ineverknewanyonewhowouldfightforme.”Lalasa,creepingaboutlikeamouseforayearormore,terrifiedofherownshadow.Nowshewasavividandhappyyoungwoman,andshegaveKelcreditforthechange.OfcourseshewouldunderstandthatKelhadtotakethebigexamsfirst.Shealwaysthought
Kelwasmoreimportantthanshewas.
Shewouldbefrightened,Kelwassureofthat.Andshemusthavebeensothroughoutthelongnight.
Someonepoundedbrisklyonherdoor.ItwasnotGowerorTian,butNeal,Merric,Seaver,andEsmond,alldressedfortheexaminations,hairneatlycombedandplasteredintoplacewithwaterorpomade.“Reportingforinspection,sir!”Merricsaid,tryingtogrin.Theyallsaluted.
Whatcouldshedo?Shelettheminanddidtherequestedinspection,tuggingatcollarsandhemlines,checkingtheirhoseforwrinkles,pattingastiffenedclumpofhairintoitsproperplace.“You’reaslovelyasafieldofdaisies,”Kelassuredthemwhenshewasdone.“Whydon’tyougoontotheassemblingroom?I’llbethereinamoment.”Shehadtothink.
Nealdidnotleavewiththeothers.“What’sthematter?”hedemanded,holdinghereyeswithhis.“YouhaveyourYamanifaceon.”
Whenhadhegottensoshort?Kelwondered,distractedbriefly.Hehadtoweredoverheronce.Nowhewasjustaninchtaller,andhewasalmostnineteen.
“Kel,what’swrong?”Nealdemanded,gentlyshakingherarm.
Thenotehadsaidtellnoone,buttheycouldhardlyspyonKelhere,inherroom.Sheunfoldedthenoteandgaveittohim.
“Whoaretheywritingabout?”Nealasked.
“Lalasa.Shenevercamehomelastnight,andTiansayssheneverarrivedthere,whereshesaidshewasgoing.Jump’smissing,too.”
Nealreturnedthenote.“Tellthepalaceguard.They’llfindher.”
“Didyoureadthewholething?”Kelaskedhim,shocked.“They’llhurther!”
“Theywouldn’tdare,”Nealtoldherstubbornly.“Iftheytortureherontopofkidnapping,inthepalacetoboot,they’llgetnomercyfromtheroyalcourts,andtheyknowit.Theyjustwantyoutobelate.”Hesearchedherface,hisgreen
eyesfeverish.“Kel-no.You’renotgoingto-That’swhattheywant.You’llrepeatayear,two-maybeallfour.Youcan’t!Notafterallwe’vebeenthrough!”
Kelwipedhereyes.Theywerewet,forsomereason.“Neal,shetrustsme.She’smyresponsibility.Andshe’llbesofrightened…!havetofindher.”Untilsheheardherselfsayit,Kelhadn’trealizedshewasreallygoingtodoit,reallygoingtoturnherbackonthebigexamsandrepeathowevermanyyearsLordWyldongaveher.Shefoughttosmile.“Ijustwanttobethesecond-oldestpageinlivingmemory,don’tyousee.”
“No,youwon’t.”Hedrewadeepbreath;hiswidemouthtrembled.“We’refriends.I’llhelp.Betweenthetwoofus-“
“Absolutelynot,”shesaidfiercely.“No,no,no!”Thelastfouryearshadbeentortureforhim.Nowhewantedtodoitallagainforher?Shecouldn’tletithappen.ItwouldkillhertoseeNealeithergiveupaknighthoodorrepeathispageyears.“Theywintwicethen,don’tyouunderstand?Nowgettotheassemblyroom!”Helookeddownandaway.Kelgrabbedhisarmandtowedhimtoherdoor.“Youcanbemyknight-masterwhenIdotaketheexams,ifyouwanttomakeituptome.Neal,please.Don’tmakemefeelresponsibleforyouboth!Shewouldn’tbeinthistroubleifnotforme!”
Shethrusthimoutherdoor,whereGowercaughthim.“Excuseme,master,”themanservantremarked,settingNealonhisfeet.ToKelhesaid,“She’snotintheinfirmary.Miss,youmustgettotheexaminations.”
IfshetoldGower,he,too,mightargue.“I’llcatchuptoyou,”KeltoldNeal,glaringathim,silentlywarninghimtogoalongwithwhatshesaid.
“There’sastainononeofmyhose.Ihavetochangeit.Gower,wouldyouchecktheroomwherethey’reholdingtheexams?Maybeshedecidedtogetthereearly,beforetheseatsweretaken.”Nealstillhadn’tbudged.Keltookadeepbreath.“Neal,ifyouaremyfriend,go.”
Heleftatarun.GowerfrownedatKel.“Ireallythink,miss-”hebegan.
“DoasIsay,”Kelorderedhimcurtly,freshoutoftheabilitytobothlieandbepolite.Sheclosedthedoorinhisfaceandwaited,listening.Onlywhensheheardhisslowfootstepsmovingawaydidsheleavethedoor.Shehadherbelt
knife.Herbenefactorhadsentherabraceofwristknives;sheputthoseonnow.Thebirdswerelookingalready;itwastimeforhertodothesame.Sheclosedthelowershuttersandlockedthem.Thesparrowswhostayedwiththenestlingscontinuedtoflutterinandoutthroughtheupperwindows.
Beforesheopenedherdooragain,Kelstopped,andrestedherforeheadagainstit.Rightnowthefourth-yearpagesweregathering.LordWyldonwouldbeonhiswaytoinspectthembeforetheyenteredtheexaminationroom.Shecouldstilldoit.Shecouldstillgoifsheran,andshe’dbeontime.Ifshecameinafterthetrainingmaster,allshewouldhavetorepeatwouldbeayear.Surelythatwouldn’tbesobad.Lookathowquicklythislastyearhadgone.
Oncetheyenteredtheexaminationroom,though…
Wetnesstrickleddownherface.Impatientlyshewipedhereyes.MaybeLalasawouldescapeherkidnappers.Shewasclever.Iftheydidn’tfrightenhertoobadly,shemightgetaway.MaybeKelwouldopenthisdoor,andthereshewouldbe.
Kelopenedthedoor.Tianwastrottingtowardher,moreupsetthanever.“LadyKel!”shecried.“Noonehasseenherinstores.”Shehuggedherself,eyeshugeinherdrawnface.“DidGowerfindher?”
Kelshookherhead.
“Andyou’reofftotheexaminations?”Tianinquired.
Kelsighed.Shedidn’twanttoworryaboutLalasa’sfriendwithsomuchelseonhermind,butTianlookedasifsheneededsomethingtodo.AnideaoccurredtoKel.“Domeafavor,unlessyouhaveotherduties?”sheasked.
“Nothing,”Tianwhispered.“Ican’tevenworkonthequeensdress.Lalasahasit.”
Kelopenedherdoor.“We’llshoottwoarrowsfromonebow,then,”shesaidcheerfully.“Thequeen’sgown’sonastandinthedressingroom-whydon’tyouworkonit?StayhereincaseLalasacomesin.TellherI’mnotangry,andmakesureshewaitsforme.”Afterall,Lalasamightgetaway,orherkidnapperswouldfreeheronceKelwassolatethatshe’dhavetorepeatallfouryearsorgiveupcompletely.“Andifyouworkonthedress,thenshewon’tbelatein
gettingittothequeen.”
Tianthankedherpassionately.Embarrassed,Kelshooedtheoldergirlintoherroom.
Herlistofplacestosearchbeganwiththosesheknewwhowishedherill.Jorenshouldhavebeenatthetopofit,buthehadbeensooddforthelasttwoyearsthatKelwasn’tsureabouthim.
Vinson,ontheotherhand,wasdefinitelysomeonetolookat,andJoren’sroomwasonthesamehall.Keltrottedupstairstothesquires’rooms,onthefloorabovethepages.
KelrappedhardonVinson’sdoor,once,thentwice.Sheheardnothingwhensheputhereartothewood,andsawnothingwhenshepeeredthroughthekeyhole.ShetriedGarvey’sroomnext,thenJoren’s.Nooneansweredeitherknock.Thehallitselfwasassilentasifallthesquireswereontheroadwiththeirknight-masters.Sheknewthatwasn’tthecase;almosteveryonehadstayedtoattendthecongress.
Nextshetriedthepages’andthesquires’armories,thestoreroomswheresupplieswerekeptfortheirpartofthepalace,andthecatacombsfarbeneaththepalace.TherewasnosignofLalasaanywhere.Sweating,coveredwithsmutchesfromthedustycatacombs,Kelmadeherwayuptothegroundflooragain.Sheemergedinaquietareabetweentwowingsofthepalaceandsatonabenchoutofthewindtocatchherbreath.NextshewouldtrytheareaofunusedshedswhereLordWyldonhadschooledthemincityfighting.Thoseemptybuildingsmadeperfecthidingplaces.
Andifshe’snotthere,wherewillyoulook?demandedhershrillandfrightenedself.Garrets?Storagebarns?Stablelofts?Thepalaceishuge.Bettertogototheexaminationsnow,andsaveyourselfayearortwo!
I’lllookwhereverImust,thoughtKelstubbornly.ShehadtofindLalasa.Thekidnappersmightdecidetoremoveawitnesstotheircrime,andkillher.
Sheheardafountainsplashingnearby.Itmightbeagoodideatocooloffbeforesheresumedhersearch.Thebriskwindturnedthewatercoldonherface,butithelpedtoclearherhead.Shewasdryingherhandsontheundersideofhertunicwhenthesparrowsarrived,flappingaroundherheadastheyscreeched.
“Youfoundher?”Kelaskedthem,trembling.“Youknowwheresheis?”
Crownhoveredinmidair,somethinginherbeak.WhenKelstretchedoutheropenhand,thesparrowlitonitanddroppedseverallongblackhairsonKel’spalm.Frecklecamenext.HisgifttoKelwasasmallclumpofshort,finewhitehairs.
“Bothofthem?LalasaandJump?Where?”Kelasked.“Showmewhere.”
Thesparrowslitbrieflyonthefountain’srim,gettingaquickdrink.Whentheytooktotheairagain,theyflewaheadofKel,swoopingandbobbingonthegustywind,leadingherthroughacourtyardandacrossasmallgarden.WhenalongshadowfelloverKel,shelookedup,andstoppedinhertracks.TheyhadbroughthertothebuildingthatformedthebaseofBalor’sNeedle.Nowtheyflewstraightup,dancinginflightaroundthefragile-lookingironstairthattwinedaroundthetower.
fourteen
NEEDLE
Kel’svisionwentgray.Abubbleofpanicroseinherthroat.WhyamIsurprised?shewondered.WhoeverdidthiswantedtobesureIwouldfail.
Idon’thaveto,though,shethought.Icantellsomeoneandthey’llgetherandJump.Iwon’thavetoclimbthosestairs.IcouldlookaroundinsteadandseeifIcanfindoutwhodidthis.
“Iknewyouwouldcome,”Lalasahadtoldher.
Wasn’tfindingwhereshewasenough?
Itwasn’t.Sheknewitwasn’t.HowcouldshefaceLalasa-orNeal,orOwen-knowingshehadturnedherback?Howcouldshefaceherself?
Kelbittremblinglipsandforcedherselftosmileatthebirdswhohadperchedontheouterstairrailing.“Youropinionofmycourageishigherthanitshouldbe,”shetoldthem.“I’dassoonhavemyfingernailspulledoutthangothatway.”Shelaidherhandsonthedoorknobandtwisted.Thegreatwoodenpanelswungopen.AirscentedwitholdincenseandcandlespouredoverKelasshesteppedinsidetheNeedle.
Thebigchandelierwasunlit.Alampburnedonatablejustinsidethedoor;besidethetablewasaboxfulloftorches.“Iguesstheydon’tlightthechandelierforjustanyone,”Kelmurmured,pickingupatorch.Shehelditoverthelamp.Assoonastheendstartedtoburn,sheutteredaquickprayerforcourageandbegantoclimb.
Oddly,thejobwaseasierinthenear-dark:therewerenowindowsintheNeedle.Thetorchcouldilluminateonlysomuch.Thegreatopengapatthetower’sheartandthegapsintheironworkstepswerejustshadows,onesKelcouldignore.Shestayedclosetothewallandclimbed.
Atlastshereachedthetop.Shesetthetorchinaholderbesidethedoor,tookadeepbreath,andraisedthelatch.Openingthedoorwasastruggle.Thewind
foughther,pressingagainstthewood.Kelbracedhershoulderagainstthedoorandshoved.Slowlythedoorinchedopen.
Airbuffetedherassheslidthroughthegapontotheplatform.Whensheletgo,thedoorslammedshutagain.
Hystericalbarkingmetherears.TherewasLalasa,bound,gagged,blindfolded,andtuckedagainstthewaist-highrailing,protectedfromthewind.Threefeetfromher,tiedtotherailingbyaropesoshorthecouldn’tturntochewit,wasJump.ThedoghowledtoseeKel.Heleapedintotheair,onlytobeyankeddownbyhisleash.Keltookasteptowardthemandmetthewind’sfullblast.
Well,noonecanseemebutJump.Hewon’tthinklessofmeifIcrawl,thoughtKel.Shegotdownonallfours,belowtherailingthatcircledtheplatform.NowshewasoutofthewindandabletocrawltoLalasa.
“It’sme,”Kelshoutedoverthewindasshedrewherknife.Theoldergirl’sfleshwasredandswollenaroundherbonds.“Holdstill.I’llhaveyoulooseinawink!”
Firstshecutawaytheblindfoldandgag,thentheropes.Themomentshewasfree,LalasathrewherselfatKel,clutchingherweakly.Shesobbed,herfacealreadypuffedanddirtyfromcrying.
“Yes,it’sallright.LetmegetJump,”Kelsaidinherear.
Lalasanoddedandlethergo,wipinghereyesonhersleeve.KelcrawledovertoJump,whokepttryingtolickherfaceasshecuthisleash.Therewasarawredcircleallaroundhisthickneckwherehehadpulledagainsttherope.He’dbeenhurt-hecouldbarelyresthisweightononehindfoot-buthisspiritswereasboisterousasever.Kelhuggedhimquickly,thensaid,“ComehelpwithLalasa.”
Theycrawledbacktothemaid,whowastryingtomoveherwrists.LikeJump,sheshowedsignsofalongfightagainstcoarseropeinthebleedingweltsaroundherwristsandankles.KelchafedonewristwhileJumpbrisklylickedoneofLalasa’sankles.“Howlonghaveyoubeenouthere?”Kelasked.“Canyoustand?”ShealreadysawLalasacouldn’tmakeherhandsclose.
“Ithinktheybroughtusuphereneardawn,”wasthesobbedreply.“I’msocold!”
Therewasaburlapbagontheplatform.KelwrappeditaroundLalasa’sshouldersandreturnedtochafingthemaid’swrists.Jumpswitchedankles.“Whathappened?”Kelwantedtoknow.ShehadtoleanclosetoLalasatoheartheansweroverthewind.
“Itwasthosetwomenwesaw.Theycameback,andtheysaidtheyhadamessageforyou.WhenIopenedthedoor,theygrabbedme.Theysaidthey’dkillmeifIscreamed.Jumptriedtostopthem-hewassobrave!Buttheythrewablanketonhim.Theywouldhavekilledhim-theywerekickinghim-butIsaidhebelongstotheWildmage.Ifanythinghappenedtohim,Dainewouldhuntthemwitheveryanimalintheworld.Theybelievedme.Theywrappedhimintheblanket-latertheyputhiminthisbag.”Lalasaclenchedherteeth,shuddering.
“What’swrong?”Kelasked.
“Cramps,”shereplied,tryingtomoveherlegs.
Kelbegantomassagethem,feelingthemuscleshardunderherhands.Tiedinthatpositionsincedawn,ofcoursethey’dknot,shethought,rememberingtheystillhadastairtodescend.“Flexyourarmsbeforetheyseizeup,”sheordered.“Whathappenedthen?Gettingyououtofmyroomswithoutbeingseenmusthavebeenajobandahalf.”
Lalasashookherhead.“Theygaggedmeandchangedintopalaceuniforms,andthentheyfetchedoneofthelargebasketsweusetotakesheetstothelaundry.Theyhadeverything,LadyKel-itwassowellplanned!”Lalasaopenedonearm,andletJumptuckhimselfagainstherside,thenwrappedthesackaroundbothofthem.Thepainofcrampingmusclesmadetearsrolldownherface,butshespokenotawordofcomplaint.“Theyputusinthebasketandcarriedussomewhere.Thatplacewasprivate-theydidn’tcareifJumpbarked.Theyputtheblindfoldonandletmeusethechamberpot-that’swhentheystuffedJumpinthebag.Theytookusoneotherplaceandkeptusthereforever,itseemed.Thentheybroughtushere.TheysaidifIwiggledI’ddropoutthroughaholeinthefloor.IcouldhearJump,soIknewhewasallright.Hemarkedthem,mylady.Hemarkedthemwell.Wecanhavethewatchonthem
quickaslightningwithallthosebitestoshow.”Shewipedherfaceonherapron.“Arethebigexaminationsover?”
“I’venoidea,”Keltoldher.“Trytostraightenyourlegs.”
Lalasatried,butherlegswerestilltooknotted.Sheshookherhead.“Needlesandpins,miss.I’llmanage.”
“Youcan’tmanageifyoucan’tstand.”KelreturnedtomassagingLalasa’sthighsandcalves.Sheconcentratedonherworkgrimly.IfshethoughtaboutwhatthosemenhadputLalasaandJumpthrough,shewouldgoracingofftofindandkillthem.Thatwasnotagoodidea.ThesetwohadtobetakenofftheNeedlefirst,toseehealersandthepalacewatch.
AtlastLalasawasabletocrawl.Keepingherownbodybetweenhermaidandtheopeningwheretheouterstairtouchedtheplatform,Kelledthewaytothedoor.Shereachedup,graspedthelatch,andpulled.Thedoordidn’tmove.Kelsatuponherknees,grabbedthehandlewithbothhands,andtuggedhard.Thedoorrefusedtoopen.Sheyankedonitwithallherstrength;thedoorwouldnotgivesomuchasahair.
Godscurseyou,shethoughttoherunknownenemy.Curseyouandallthatyoudowithfire,andsword,and-andaplagueofhorseflies.
“It’slocked,”saidLalasa,hervoiceshaking.Jumpwhinedandsniffedaroundthedoor.“Wholockedit?”
Kelrestedherforeheadagainsttheroughwood.“SomeonewhothinksIwon’tdowhathastobedone.”
“Lady?”askedthemaid.
Kellookedattheopeninginthefloorjustthreefeetaway.Fromthisangleitofferedaviewonlyofemptyairandadistantroof.“Wehavetotaketheouterstair,I’mafraid.”Hervoicesoundeddistantandtinnyinherears.Atleastitdidn’tsoundlikeshewasterrifiedwitless.
“LadyKeladry,Ican’tdothat.”Lalasashookherhead,hermouthtight,hereyeswide.Sheseemedtohaveusedupthelastofhercourage.“Yougo.I’llwaithere.”
Kelgrippedhermaid’sshoulders.“You’renotthinking,”shesaid,settingherthoughtsinorderbeforeshespokethem.“What’stostopthemfromcomingbackforyouwhentheyseemeonthestair?They’rewatchingus”-shewavedatthedoor-“weknowthat.”
“Thenlet’sallthreewait!”criedtheoldergirl.
“Someonewillcome-“
“We’rewitnesses,”Keltoldher.“Wecanpointthemout.Kidnappingisacrime.”Lalasaturnedaway,hidingherfaceinherhands.Jumplickedherfingers.“Ifitisn’tthem,howlonguntilsomeonecomes?Howoftendopeoplemakethisidioticclimb?”
Thegodshaverunmad,shethoughtasLalasashookherhead.They’veputmeinaspotwhereI’mbeggingtogodownthatdreadfulstair.
“Jumpcan’tdoit,”Lalasasaid,reachingdowntoruboneofhercalves.Hermouthwassetinastubbornline.“Youcanseeforyourselfhecan’tmanagethathindleg.Wecan’tleavehimhere.”
“I’llmakeaslingoutofthatsackandI’llcarryhim,”repliedKel.“Allyou’llhavetodoiswalkdownyourself.Comeon,”shepleaded,tuggingLalasa’sarm.“Justtry.”
Firsttheymadeaslingoutofthecoarsesack,checkinganddouble-checkingtheknotbeforetheyriskedfittingthedogintoit.Jumpletthemdoit,tuckinghimselfintotheclothwithonlyasmallwhimperforhissorehindleg.TheyarrangedtheslingonKel’sbacksoshecouldseewheresheputherfeet.
“Don’tstartwiggling,”Kelordered.Forthefirsttimeshewasgratefulforthreeyearsoftheharness-shebarelynoticedthedog’sweightonherback.“Lalasa,comeon.”
TheygotasfarastheopeningbeforeLalasashookherheadandrolledaway,pressingherfacetotheplatform.ForamomentKel,dizzyfromthatlookatopenair,wantedtoslapher,andwaspromptlyashamedofherself.Lalasahadshownhercourageinthehandsoftwokidnappingstrangers;shehadsavedJump’slife.
“Youcandothis,”Kelsaid.“Yousurvivedyourbrotherandtheraidersandtheroadtothepalace.What’sastairagainstallthat?”
LalasametKel’seyes.“Wereallyhavetodothis?”
Kelnodded.“Idon’twanttobehereiftheydecidetheydon’tneedwitnesses.”
“Allright,”theoldergirlwhispered.
Ihavetogofirst,Kelrealizedwithagulp.Ihavetolead.“WatchhowIdothis,”sheordered.Lalasanodded.
Gettingonherhandsandknees,turningherheaduntilshesawtheopeningattheedgeofhervision,Kelbackedupuntilbothfeettouchedemptyair.Icandothis,shetoldherselffirmly.Ididitdozensoftimesclimbingcliffsthislastsummer.“Jump,stayverystill,”shewarnedthedogonherback.Shegropedwithonefootuntilshetouchedthefirstmetalstep.Shetestedit,makingsureshecouldrestherweightonit,beforeshesetherotherfootdown.Carefullyshestraightenedherlegs.Onceagainshebackedupseveralinchesuntiltherewasenoughofherintheopeningtotryforthesecondstep.Nowshereachedwithafoot,groped,andfoundit.Shetesteditfirst,thensteppeddown.Theplatformopeningwasnowaroundherwaist,andstrongwindspluckedatherhose.
Keltookthenextstepdown.“Let’sgo,”sheordered.
Lalasaslidacrosstheplatformonherbehind,notcaringthatthewoodpulledthreadsfromherskirt.Herlipswerepressedsotightlytogetherthatawhiterimshowedaroundthem,butshestillobeyedKel.TogethertheymaneuvereduntilLalasa’sfeetwereonthesecondstepandKelwasonthefourth.
Godshelpme,Ihavetoturn,Kelrealized.IhavetoseewhereI’mgoing.“Wait,”shetoldLalasa.
Kelflexedherhands.Timetostopdancingandjustdothis,shedecided.Thesweatthatpoureddownherfrontwasinstantlychilledandsnatchedawaybythewind,makinghershiver.Atleastherbackwaswarm-carryingJumpwaslikecarryingasmalloven.
ThesoonerIgetitstarted,thesoonerit’sdone.Puttingitoffjustmakesthe
wholejobtakelonger.
Kelshuthereyes,grippeddieplatform’sedgewithonehand,andgropeduntilshecouldfeeltherailingwiththeother.Shegrabbeditwithbothhands,turnedintothewind,andopenedhereyes.Belowherthepalaceswayed;theedgesofhervisionwentdark.
Cuffsaresosolid,shethoughtgiddily.Ineverrealizeditbefore.
Shebittheinsideofhercheekhard,untilitbled.Herfaintnessevaporated.Shelookedatthestairsbeforeher.Likethoseinside,theyhadbeenworkedintheshapeofflowers,withopeningsineverystep.
WhenIreachtheRealmsoftheDead,shevowedgrimly,I’mgoingtofindthegeniuswhodesignedthistowerandI’mgoingtokillhimasecondtime.Horribly.
“Holdtherailswithbothhands,”sheshouted.“We’lldothiscarefully.Testthestepbeforeyouputallofyourweightonit.Ifwe’reslow,ifweresteady,we’llbefine.”
Iamsuchaliar,shethoughtweakly,watchingoveroneshoulderasLalasaturned.Theoldergirlfacedfrontandtookholdoftherailings.
Kelgrippedtherailssohardthatsheexpectedtofindtheimprintoftheironvinesonherpalmsfortherestofherlife.AteachstepshewaitedforLalasatocomedownbehindher.Ofcoursehertreacherouskneeswerequivering;theyalwaysdidwhensherosehigherthanthreefeetandlookeddown.Herlegmusclesfeltwatery.
Thewindwastheworst.Itshovedandtugged,yankingthegirls’clothes,slammingthemintoonerailortheother.ItthrustatKel’sshakyknees,untilshewassureshewouldfall.Lalasawasnomorethanonestepbehind,soclosethatsheoftenjostledKelandJump.
AtfirstKelignoredherfearbynamingthemembersofherfamily,fromGreat-AuntBridalaallthewaydowntoherniecesandnephews.Whenthewindhitthestairwithablastthatrattledthewholething,KelturnedtoimaginingthetorturesshewouldinflictonthearchitectwhohadbuilttheNeedle,startingwiththeevilfingersthathaddrawntheplansforit.
Shewassooccupiedwiththisthatshedidn’tseethereddishbrownstainonastepathirdofthewaydown.Assherestedherleftfootonit,thefootslammedthrough,droppingintoemptyair.BrokenirongougeddeepthroughherhoseandintobothsidesofKel’sleftleg.
Lalasascreamedandlurchedforward,bumpingintoJumpandKel’sback.Kelgrittedherteethandhungontotherailingswithallofherstrength,supportingLalasa’sweightaswellasJump’sandherownforahorriblemoment.
“Sorry,”criedLalasa,shiftingherselfbackuntilherweightrestedonherownfeet.“Sorry,sorry!”
Kelremainedwhereshewas,lockedinplace,notdaringtomove.Herlegthrobbed;itbledheavily.Shelookeddownjustoncetoseeherblooddripontorooftilessixtyfeetbelow.Closinghereyes,sheorderedherselfnottolookdownagain.
“Mylady,you’rebleeding!”criedLalasa.
“Iknow,”Kelreplied.“Willyoudomeafavor?Just-sit,rightwhereyouare.Sit,and-and-letmethink.”
“Yes,yes,ofcourse,”Lalasasaid.Shesniffled.“Forgiveme.”KelfeltthestairbounceslightlyasLalasasat.“MayItakeJump?”
Kelnodded.“Thatwouldhelp.”
ShefeltLalasafumblewiththeslingonherback.Jumpdidn’twriggle,butletthemaideasehimoutofthecloth.Kelfeltbetterwithouthisweightputtingheroff-balance.
OnceLalasahadthedog,Kelmadeherselflookatthestepthathadgivenway.Carefullyshedrewherlegoutofthehole,tryingnottocatchitonjaggedmetal.Whenshewasfree,shesatonthestepbehindher,herbackagainstLalasa’sshins.Thensherestedherfaceinherhands.
Thetrickleofbloodonherskinwasanannoyingreminderthatshecouldn’tjustsitandshiver.Forcingherselftolookatthewound,shesawthatshehadgottenoffeasily.Thecutswereugly,buttheyhadmissedthebigveinsinherleftleg.
Arippingsoundmadeherlookback.Lalasawasgrimlytearingstripsfromherpetticoat,workingaroundthedogcurledupinherlap.ShehandedasectionofclothtoKel,whousedittobinduptheshallowscrapesonthelowerpartofherleg.“IthinkI’llneedyourapron,too,”shecalled.
LalasadrapedJumpoverhershouldertountieherapron.“Whathappened?”sheasked.
“Astepgaveway,”Kelreplied.
“Gaveway?”whisperedLalasa.“How?”
“Rusted.”
LalasapassedtheaprontoKelwithhandsthatshook.Kelfoldeditneatlyintoalongbandage.“Aremorestepsrusted?”Lalasawantedtoknow.“Arewetrapped?”
“No-no,we’renot.IjusthavetowatchwhereI’mgoing,”Kelsaidfirmly,wipingherforeheadonhersleeve.Shedidn’tfeelfirm,notintheleast.Hermuscleshadturnedtowater.Atanymomentsheexpectedthetowertobend,dumpingthemoffthestair.
Focusingonhertask,shesettledthethickestpadsoftheapronoverthedeepestwounds.Thenshewrappedtheclothastightlyasshecould,andbounditinplacewithahardknot.Withanyluck-thoughshefelttheymightbeshortonthat-she’dputenoughpressureonthegashestostopthebleeding.Shewouldneedahealerinahurry,though,tokillinfectionscausedbyrustanddirtyiron.
“I’lltakeJumpback,”Kelsaid.“Weneedtogo.”SheheldstillasLalasasettledJumpinthesling.Grippingtherailings,Kelglancedatthestepshe’dgonethrough.Shedidn’tdaretrustit,buttheonebeyondlookedsafeenough.Kelknewtheyhadtogoforward,buthernervewasgone.Sheoughttostand,butnomatterhowsternlysheorderedhertraitorbodytogetmoving,itremainedwhereitwas.AfteralittlewhilesherealizedLalasawastalking.
”-likeanyothernoble,notcaringforanyonebutyourself.Servantsseetheworstofpeople,evenofotherservants.Wejustdon’tcount.Sometimesfolkareniceatthestart,butsoonerorlateranoblewilltreatusbad.Itcan’tbehelped.It’snatural.Afterayearfightingoffmenandbeingslappedbywomen,Ithought
workingforapagewouldbenodifferent.Iknewsoonerorlateryournicemaskwouldcomeoff,onlyitneverdid.ThinkhowfrustratedIwas.”
Kelcouldn’thelpit.Shehadtosmile.AsifhefeltthechangeinKel’sattention,Jumpbegantowashthebackofherneck.
“Iwantedtoboxyourearswhenyouwereforeveraftermetofightandlearnthisgrip,andthathold,”Lalasacontinued.“Butthen,intheservants’mess,Itaughtthemthatwouldn’thear‘no’whatitmeant.AndwhenIcouldholdoffasquire,astrong,brawnyfighter…Well.Youtaughtmeallthat.Youtaughtmetobenearasbraveasyouare.”
Afterthat,whatcouldKeldo?Sheleveredherselftoherfeet.“Watchforrust,”shecautioned.“Juststepoverthatbrokenstair.Andgoslowandcareful.”
Thereweremorerustedsteps.Threeinarowweretheworst:itmeanthavingtousetherailingsastheirsolesupportastheyswungtheirbodiesoutandawayfromthetraitorsteps.Kel’skneesbuckledwhenshetoucheddown,butshestiffenedthemforLalasaandJump.Whenshealmostbackedoffherstepasshehelpedtheothergirltoputherfeetdown,Kel’sheadspun.ShetookadeepbreathandsteadiedLalasa.
Whentheyreachedthestonecourtyard,Lalasacollapsed,huddlingatthestonesofthetower’sbase.SparrowsswirledaroundherandKel,shriekingmadly.
“GetDaine,”Kelordered,liftingtheslingthatheldJumpfromherbackandplacinghimgentlyontheflagstones.“Jump’shurt.”
Thesparrowszippedoutofthecourtyard,pipingtheirshrillalarmcall.
MuchtoKel’ssurprise,Tianranintothecourtyard.“Mylady!”shecried.“Lalasa!You’reallright!”SheburstintotearsandfelltoherkneesbesideLalasa,gatheringherintoherarms.
“Howdidyouknowwewerehere?”Kelasked,tuckingthesack-slingaroundJumptokeephimwarm.
TianfumbledinherapronpocketandgaveKelasquareofparchment.Thehandwritingwasthesameasonthefirstnoteshehadreceived.Thistimeitread:
TryBalor’s’Needle.
“Someonestuckittothedoor,”Tiansaid.“Gowersawitwhenhewasleaving.Mylady-hewenttofetchthewatch.”
Kelnoddedabsently.Therewassomethingshehadtoreport,somethingveryimportant.Sheturnedtolookupatthespiderylengthofironthathadledthemhere.“I’mgoingtotellthekingaboutthat,”shesaid,wipingtremblinghandsonhertunic.“It’snotsafe.”
fifteen
CONSEQUENCES
Thingshappenedquicklyafterthat.Dainearrivedatarun,thesparrowsflutteringaroundher.ShetendedJumpasKelheldhiminherlap,healingthedog’sbonesandbruises,tellinghimthathewasthebestdoginthepalace.
AfterDaineleft,Kellookedup.MorepeoplehadcomewhileDainetendedherdog.GowercrouchedonLalasa’srightwhileTianclungtoherfriendontheleft.AmanintheuniformofthepalacewatchquestionedLalasaasothermeninthesameuniformmilledaroundthecourtyardandsearchedinsidetheNeedleforclues.
OnceKelgottoherfeet,stillholdingJump,sheandLalasaweretakentothewatch’soffices.ThereKelwasquestioned-shewasn’ttooclearonwhatwasasked.Ahealercametoexamineherleg.Kelonlynoticedwhentheacheletup.Rightaboutthenshestretchedoutonabench,waitingforthemtobedonewithher.
SuddenlyafuriousJumpcatapultedoffherchest,jarringKelintowakefulness.ShesatupasLalasacriedshrilly,“That’sthem!That’stheonesthatgrabbedme!”
“Getthisdog!”criedthesmalleroftwochainedmenflankedbywatchmen.
AsergeantclutchedJump,whotriedtofighthiswaytothekidnappers.Oneofthemenshowedabiteonthecheek;bothhadbandagesontheirarms.
“Ishouldletyouatthem,”thesergeanttoldJumpinakindvoice.“Ithinkyou’rerightaboutthem.”Helookedatthetwocaptives.“Sohere’sanotherdogwhathatesyoutwo.Whateverdidyoudungballsgetupto,thatsomanydogswanttoripyoutobits?”
Kelrubbedhereyes.“Whyarethosemenhere?”sheaskedstupidly.
“Well,milady,”thesergeantexplainedoverJump’ssnarls,“wefoundthemabellago,corneredbyapackofthepalacedogs.Sincetheycouldn’tgiveno
goodreasonforbeinghere,andtheywereallchewedup,wethoughtwe’dhold‘emawhile.”
Kelnodded-thatmadesense-andlaydownagain.
Sometimelaterafamiliardeep,musicalfemalevoicesaid,“Whywasitnecessarytosearchthepalacetofindmyyoungestdaughter?Andwhyisshesleepingonabenchinsteadofinherroom?”
Kelstruggledtositup.Someonementioned“havingquestions”and“thewholestory.”
“Andhaveyouobtainedyouranswersandyourstory?”demandedIlaneofMindelan,handsonherhips.
Kelheardamutteredreply.
“Youmayaskfurtherquestionstomorrow,ifyoudonothaverealanswersbythen,”Ilanesaidcoldly.“Youwillfindmydaughterinthepages’wing.”ShelookedatKel,worryinhereyes.“Iwouldappreciatesomeassistanceforher,ifyouplease.”
SomeonehoistedKelonhisshoulderwithagrunt.Kelrememberedbobbingthroughhallways,thenfallingontosoftness.Birdsshriekedinherearsasshefellasleep.
Aman’svoiceenteredherdreamofflying:“Keladry.Timetowakeup.”
Shehadtoobeythatvoice.Kelfurledherwingsanddropped,openinghereyes.LordWyldonsatonherbed,leaningovertolookintoherface.
“Well,”hesaid,“thereyouare.”Helookedup.“Stopglaring,Ilane.”
“I’mnotatallsurethatsheoughttoleaveherbed,”repliedKel’smother.“Fromwhathermaidtellsme,she’sexhausted.Didyouknowsherisesbeforedawneveryday?Andshefitsweaponspracticeintoeverysparemomentshehas.Theideaistotrainthem,nottokillthem,Wyldon.”
“It’sthetrainingthatkeepsthemaliveinthefield,”Wyldonrepliedcalmly.“PageKeladry,youhavethingstodo.”
“IsthistheRealmsoftheDead?”Kelaskedthickly.
“No.You’vesleptawhile,andyouhadahealing,”Ilanesaid.ShesatonKel’sothersidewithamug.“Youknowhealingstireyou.”
LordWyldonhelpedKeltositupwithfirm,comfortablehands.HermotherheldthecuptoKel’slips:itwastea,warmbutnothot.Kelgulpeditdown,andfeltherheadclear.Onceallofitwasgone,shesatupcompletely,rubbedherface,andcheckedherrightsideagain.LordWyldonwasstillthere.
“Jump?”sheasked,beforesherememberedshewasnotallowedtohavepets.
“Sleepingyet,”thetrainingmasterreplied.“Heseemsparticularlydevotedtoyou.”
Kellookeddown,blushing.
“ThewatchcaptainasksmetoassureyouthatwhoeverpaidthosementokidnapLalasawillbefound.”Wyldon’stonewasodd,almostgentle.“Iwillmakesurethatisso-Iwanttolearnwhatmannerofcreaturewoulddosoinfamousathing.”
Kelnodded.Shewouldliketoknowthat,too.Shebunchedherfists.Ifshewaslucky,perhapsshewouldgetamomenttotalktothepersonwhohadcausedallthis,alone.Shelookedathermother.“Mama,itisyou.Whendidyougethere?”
IlanesmiledandbrushedKel’shairbackwithherfingers.“YoudorememberyourfatherandIcametothebigexaminations.WhenIheardyou’dbeenfound,Iwenttoseewhatwasgoingon.”
“Sorry,Mama,”Kelwhispered,hangingherhead.“I’msorryyoucamefornothing.”
“Washup,”saidWyldon,slappingKel’skneebriskly.“It’stimeforsupper.Youwillfeelmorethethingonceyouhaveeaten.”
Keldidasshewastold,happytousethebasinofhotwaterinherdressingroomtogetsomeofthefear-sweatoffherhands,arms,andface.ShecouldhearLordWyldonandLadyIlanetalkingquietlyasshechangedintofreshclothes.
Aftershecombedherhair,shewentintotheotherroom.LordWyldonhadJumpinhislap;LadyIlanefedsparrowsfromherhands.
“Allset?”askedWyldon.Heputthedogonthehearthrug.Jumpyawned,twistedhimselfintoanewposition,andwentbacktosleep.LordWyldonopenedthedoor.“Comealong,”heordered.Kelwavedtohermotherandfollowedhimintothehall.
TheywalkedinsilenceforafewmomentsbeforeWyldonasked,“Well?Aren’tyougoingtoexplainwhyyoudidnotattendthebigexaminationstoday?”
Kelstoppedandstaredupathim.“Sir?”Whydidheofallpeopleaskherthat?
Wyldonhalted,too,andfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.“Thequestionisstraightforward.Haveyouanexplanation?”
“Youalwayssayexplanationsareexcuses,mylord,”sheremindedhim.“Youdon’twanttohearthem.”
Heregardedherfixedlyforamoment.Finallyheasked,“Whatdoyoumeantodo,then?”
“Repeatthefouryears,Isuppose.”
“Doyouexpectmetobelieveyouarelookingforwardtothat?”
Kelshookherhead.“No,mylord.ButIwasverylate.That’sthepenalty.”Shebittheinsideofherlip,thinking,Iwillnotcry.
Toherastonishment,LordWyldonclaspedhershoulderwarmly.“Gods,Mindelan,”hesaid,“Iwouldyouhadbeenbornaboy.”Helethergo.“Come.Youneedtoeat,andtoreassureyourfriends,thoughIdidhaveEzekobriefeveryonewhenwegotthefullstory.Nosenseinallowingallkindsofwildrumors.”
Whenhewalkedon,Kelfollowed,thinking,ButIlikebeingagirl.
Insidethemesshall,Kelgatheredatrayandutensils,thenwenttotheservers.
Whenshepassedthesquires,Garveyjeered,“Ibetshehiredthosementogetoutoftheexams!”
“Iknewshe’dcrumbleatthelastmoment,”addedVinson.“Femalesalwaysdo.”
AgoodYamaniwouldhavebowedandplannedrevengeforamoreconvenienttime.IsupposeI’mnotagoodYamanianymore,Kelthoughtasshefacedthesquires.“Whocouldbeafraidofthebigexams?”sheaskedVinsonandGarvey.“Afterall,youtwopassedthem.”
CleonandBalduinofDisartguffawed;YancenofIrenrohasnorted.
“Whendoyouleave?”Jorenaskedcoolly.HesatnotwithVinsonandGarvey,asKelmighthaveexpected,butwithZahirandYancen.
“Iwon’t,”Kelreplied.
“Youexpectustobelieveyoumeantodoallfouryearsagain.”TherewasamockingsmileonJoren’slips.
Kelshrugged.“Believewhatyoulike.”Sheturnedherbackonthemandwenttogethersupper.Asshepassedthesquires’tablesonherwaytoherfriends,Cleontouchedherwrist.“I’mallright,”shetoldhim,surprisedbythetouch.
“Ofcourseyouare,”hesaid.“You’rethebest.”PrinceRoald,seatedacrossfromCleon,gaveherawarmsmile.
WhenKelputhertraydownatherusualtable,sheslidintothespaceleftforherbyNealandOwen.Assoonasshewassettled,Nealhuggedherfiercely.Owendidthesame;hewascrying.
Kelfumbledforherhandkerchiefandgaveittohim,saying,“AtleastIgettospendanotheryearwithyou,anyway,whelp.”Thatgotawaterygrinoutofhim.SheturnedtoNealanddemanded,“So,didyoupass?”
“Ofcoursewepassed,andit’samiracle,”retortedMerricfromhisplaceacrossfromthem.“YoucouldhavesaidyouhadtosaveLalasa!”
“Itoldyou,theythreatenedtohurther,”Nealsaidfirmly.Hepressedacupof
fruitjuiceintoKel’shands.“Drinkup.Youlooklikeyouneedthesweet.Youhadahealing,didn’tyou?”
Kelnodded.
LordWyldonhadcometothelecternfortheeveningprayer.Theyallscrambledtotheirfeet.
“MithrosandGoddess,weprayyou,grantyourblessing,”Wyldonsaid,hisclear,coldvoicecuttingthroughthewhispers.Thepagesandsquiresbowedtheirheads.Kelwonderedifshewastheonlyonewhohadnoticedthatforthefirsttimesinceherarrivalherefouryearsago,LordWyldonhadincludedtheGoddessinthenightlyprayer.“Striptheveilsofhatefromoureyes,andthegripofbitternessfromourhearts.Teachustobepureinoursouls,dedicatedonlytoservice,duty,andhonor.”
Heloweredhishands.Hisaudiencemurmured,“Somoteitbe.”
Kelstoppedtheboysfromaskingmorequestionsbyaskingthemabouttheexaminations.Asshelistenedtothem,shekeptthinkingthatsomethingwasverywrong.Shouldn’tthefourth-yearshavewalkedtothesquires’tablesbynow?Andwhilethemealbeforethemwasgood,itwasstillatypicalsupper.Thenightthefourth-yearsbecamesquires,therewerealwaysspecialfoodsandentertainmentforthemall.
Halfwaythroughthemeal,aservantopenedthedoor.Inwalkedanoldmanwearingalong,fur-collared,maroonwoolrobeandavelvetcapwithear-flaps.Overtheshouldersofhisrobeheworeaheavygoldchainofoffice,itspendantmarkedwiththecrossedgavelandswordoftheRoyalMagistrates.Kelhadseenhimbefore,atthebigexaminationsofyearspast.HewasDukeTuromotofWellam,theLordMagistrateandchiefexaminerofpages.
EveryonestoodastheoldmanwalkedstifflytoLordWyldon’sdais.Thetrainingmastercameoverandbowedtohim.Foramomenttheytalkedinlowvoices.ThenLordWyldonhelpedDukeTuromotuptothelectern.
Theoldmanglareddownathisaudience.“Silence,”heordered,thoughnoonemadeasound.
“Evidencehasbeengiven,confessionmade.Twomenwerepaidbyanas-yet-
unknownthirdmantoforcePageKeladryofMindelaneithertobelateforthefourth-yearexaminationsortobeunabletoattendaltogether.SaidcoercionbeingoutofthecontrolofPageKeladryorofLordWyldonhertrainingmaster,itisherebyordainedthatintwodays’timeKeladryofMindelanshallpresentherselfintheFirstCourtofLawofthepalaceinCorusatthesecondbellofthemorning.Thereandinthepracticecourtsshewillbegiventheappropriatefourth-yeartestsbytheregularexaminers.”
Theboyscriedoutinastonishment,fillingtheroomwithsound.Kel’sYamanitrainingtookhold.Itkeptherfacecalm,herbackstraight,andherkneeslockedwhenshemighthavecollapsedontoherseat.Shecouldn’tbelieveherears.Nealwaspoundingherontheback-sowasOwen.Iden,Warric,andherfirst-yearfriendsjumpedupanddown,cheering.
ButIwasreadytodoit,shethought,grippingthetable,wantingtotouchsomethingreal.Ididn’tlikeit;Ididn’twantit.IwouldhavescreamedandweptandhitthingsonceIwasalone,inprivate,asisdecent.ButIwouldhavedoneit.Iwouldhavebeenapagefourmoreyears.
DukeTuromotpoundedthelectern.“Order!”heshouted.“Order!”
Thepagesslowlycalmeddown.Breathingheavily,theoldmansaid,“Therewasnoreasonforthisunseemlydisplay.Ifanysuchoccursontestingday,Iwillhavethoseresponsibleejectedfrommypresence.”Heglaredatthem,makingsurethey’dheard,thenadded,“Heraldshavebeensenttoannouncethenewdayoftesting.Furthermore,theonewhoperpetratedthisdefilementofthelawandtheexaminationswillbefoundanddulypunished.WiththeguidanceofMithros,wewillachieveafairsolution.”
Theyrecognizedthecueandreplied,“Somoteitbe.”
DukeTuromotleftthemesshall,clutchinghisrobestightlyaroundhisthinframe.LordWyldontookhisplaceatthelectern.“ProvidedthatKeladryofMindelanpassesherfourth-yearexaminationsintwodays,wewillholdthecelebrationforthenewsquiresonthatevening.PageKeladry,reporttomewhenyouhavefinishedyourmeal.”
Shedidn’tfinishhersupper,onlygaveuponit.Shehardlyknewwhattothink.Theystartouttreatingmedifferent,puttingmeonprobation,eventhoughtheysayI’msupposedtobethesameastheboys,shethoughtasshecarriedher
traytotheservers.Andnowtheymakeanotherexceptionforme,thentellmeI’mtomovetothesquires’tableswitheverybodyelse.Can’ttheymakeuptheirminds?
Twodayslateratthesupperhour,LordWyldonstoodatthelecternandannounced,“Newsquires,youareseatedinthewrongplace.”
Kel,Neal,Merric,Seaver,Esmond,andQuindenpickeduptheirtrays.Togethertheywalkedtothelowliestofthesquires’tablesasthepagesandsquiresapplaudedandcheered.
Sofar,sogood,thoughtKelasshetookherseat.Shewastired,buthappy.Shecouldstillrememberthelookofprideintheeyesofherparents,herbrothersInnessandAnders,andhersistersAdaliaandOranie,allofwhomhadcomeforthebigexaminations.ShecouldrememberthegrinsonthefacesofSirMyles,LordRaoul,herfriendsamongthesquires,Daine,Salma,Gower,andLalasa.Andshemeanttoenjoythenight,andthefreshcherrypies,andthetumblershiredbyLordWyldonasatreatforthemall.
Asshewalkedoutofthemesshall,yawning,ahandreachedouttostopher.ItwasLordWyldon.“Congratulations,”hesaidquietly.“Youhaveearnedyournewstatus.”
Kelbowed.“Thankyou,mylord.”Itmeantagreatdeal,comingfromhim.
“Youshouldknow,itmaybealittlewhilebeforeyouarechosenasasquire.It’sthecongress,”hesaid,understandingthequestioninhereyes.“Mostknightswilltakealittleextratimetolookthenewsquiresover,sincetheywillbehere.”
“Butyouthinkitwouldtakemealongtimetofindaknight-masteranyway,beingTheGirl,”Kelsuggested,surprisingherselfwithhernewboldness.Maybeitwasthatfunny,baffledlookinhiseyesthatgaveherthecourage.
Wyldonsmiledcrookedly.“IthinkIwillnolongertrytopredictwhatwillorwillnothappentoyou,SquireKeladry.Sofaryouhaveprovedmewrongoneverycount.EvenIcanlearnwhentoquit.”Hebowedtoher,andwalkedaway.
Kelwasstilltryingtodecidewhathe’dmeantwhenshereturnedtoherrooms.Shehadaguest:LalasawaspouringteaforStefanGroomsman.Jumpwasonhisbackatthestableman’sfeet,offeringhisbellytobescratched.The
sparrowshadretiredforthenight,allbutCrown,Freckle,andPeg.Theywerepickingonacrumb-coveredplatethatshowedthemanhadbeenthereforsometime.
“I’msorry,”Kelsaid,upsetthathemighthavebeenwaitingsincethetimeshenormallycameinfromsupper.“Lalasa,youshouldhavesentthebirdsforme…IsPeachblossomallright?”Shecouldn’tthinkofanyotherreasonthatmightbringthepeople-shyhostlerintothepalaceitself.
“No,no,SquireKeladry,Peachblossom’sfine.”Stefangottohisfeet,sheddingcrumbs.Reachinginsidehistunic,hedraggedoutapackettiedwithstring.“Iwastoldtogivethistoyoutoday.”
Kelaccepteditwithafrownandundidthestring.Whensheopenedthepacket,shefoundahandfuloffoldedpapers.ThetoponewasabillofsaleforthestrawberryroangeldingPeachblossom,marked“paidinfull,”witnessedbyapalacenotary,andmadeouttoKeladryofMindelan,squire.Theotherpapersappearedtobepaidbillsforfeed,care,andpalacestabling,allforthestrawberryroangeldingPeachblossom,ownedbyKeladryofMindelan,squire.Thesumslistedcoveredfouryears.Allwerenotarized,completewithredwaxseals.Iftherewasanythingmoreofficial-looking,Keldidn’tknowofit.
“I’mthatrelieved,”StefancommentedastheconfusedKellookedthroughthepapersasecondtime.“Itbrokemyhearttothinkofpartingyoutwo,letaloneIdoubthe’ddonearsowellwithanyoneelse.Congratulations,squire.”
HewasheadedforthedoorwhenKelsaid,“Wait!Ididn’t-whodidthis?”Sheleafedthroughthedocuments,lookingforanynamesotherthanherown,Stefan’s,andthenotary’s.“Idon’tseewhopaidallthismoney!Stefan?”
Thedoorclosingwasheronlyanswer.
Atthebottomofthereceiptswasafoldednote.Hermysteriousbenefactorhadwritten,“Godsallbless,LadySquire.”
CASTOFCHARACTERS
AdaliaofMindelansometimescalledAdie,Kel’soldersister
AlannaofPirate’sSwooptheKing’sChampion,andOlaualsocalled“theLioness,”bornAlannaofTrebond
AndersofMindelanKel’soldestbrother,aknight
BairdofQueenscove,DukechiefofTortall’shealers,Neal’sfather
BalcusStarsioornspringtimegod
BaldwinofDisartseniorpage/squire
Bonedancerlivingarchaeopteryx(dinosaurbird)skeleton
Chisakami,PrincessdaughteroftheYamaniemperor,formerbetrothedofPrinceRoald,deceased
CleanofKennanseniorpage/squire
ConalofMindelanKel’sthird-oldestbrother,aknight
DanayneArchpriestessoftheMoonofTruthtempleinCorus
DermidofJosu’sDirkpage
DouglassofVeldineKnight-GuardianofMauraofDunlath
EdaBelltheWildcatoftheShangorderoffighters
EntryofHaryseNeal’smaternalgrandfather,afamedgeneral
EsmondofNicolinepage,beganthesameyearasKel
Ezeko,Obafemsergeant,trainerfromtheTortallanarmy,formerlyfrom
Carthak
FaleronofKing’sReachseniorpage/squire,Merriescousin
Flyndancaptain,secondincommandoftheKing’sOwn
GarethofNaxen,Dukecalled“theElder”,king’scounselor,trainingmasterinAlanna’stime
GarveyofRunnerspringseniorpage/squire,Joren’scrony
HakuinSeastonetheHorseoftheShangorderoffighters
HarailtofAilideanoftheroyaluniversity
Iakojuogre,residentofFief
DunlathIdenofVikisonLakejuniorpage,Owen’scousin
IlaneofMindelan,BaronessKel’smother,wifeofPiers
ImrahofLegannPrinceRoald’sknight-master
InnessofMindelanKel’ssecond-oldestbrother,aknight
Isran,Cowergloomyservantinthepages’wing,Lalasa’suncle
IvorMithranpriest,teachesmathematics
JassonofCont�“theOldKing,”Jonathan’sdeceasedgrandfather
JonathanofCont�KingofTortall
JorenofStoneMountainhandsomeseniorpage/squire
KaddarIliniatEmperorofCarthak
KalasinofCont�oldestprincess
KeladryofMindelanknownasKel,youngestdaughterofPiersandIlaneofMindelan,firstknownfemalepagecandidate
KieranhaMinchbetrothedofUlineofHannalof
LalasaIsranKel’smaid,Gower’sniece
LiamofCont�youngerprince
LianneofCont�youngestprincess
LindhallReedmage,biologyteacher
Longleigh,Hugoseniorpalaceservant
MauraofDunlathheiressofDunlath,wardofDouglassofVeldine
MetricofHollyrosepage,beganthesameyearasKel,Faleron’scousin
MylesofOlau,BaronAlanna’sadoptivefather,teacher,headofroyalintelligenceservice(spies)
NarikoYamaniarmsmistress/teacherattheimperialcourt
NealanofQueenscoveknownasNeal,page,Kel’ssponsor,sonofDukeBaird
NumairSalmalmmage,bornArramDraper
Oakbridge,Uptonpalacemasterofceremonies
OranieofMindelanKel’soldersister
OsgarWoodroiapalacesmith
OwenofJesslawfeistyjuniorpage
PiersofMindelan,BaronKel’sfather,diplomat
ProsperofTameranpage
QasintBazhirsoldierintheKing’sOwn
QuindenofMarti’sHillpage,beganthesameyearasKel
RagnalofDarrochPage
RaoulofGoldenlakeandKnightCommanderofMalorie’sPeak,LordtheKing’sOwn
RoaldofCont�heirtotheTortallanthrone,oneyearolderthanKel
SalmaAynnarheadofservantsinthepages’wing
SeaverofTasridePage,beganthesameyearasKel
StefanGroomsmanChiefHostler,haswildmagicwithhorses
TeronofBlythdinjuniorpage
ThayetofCont�QueenofTortall,commanderoftheQueen’sRiders
TianinePlowmanknownasTian,maid,Lalasa’sfriend
TilaineofMindelanKel’ssister-in-law,Anders’swife
TimonGreendaleheadmanofpalaceservants
Tkaabasilisk,immortal
TuromotofWellam,DukeLordMagistrate,chiefexaminerofpages
UlineofHannalofoneofthe“royalladies”
UptonOakbridgepalacemasterofceremonies
VeralidaineSarrasriknownasDaine,called“theWildmage”
VinsonofGenlithseniorpage/squire,Joren’scrony
WarricofMandashjuniorpage,Owen’scousin
WyldonofCavall,Lordtrainingmasterofthepagesandsquires
YancenofIrenrohaseniorpage/squire
YayinMithranpriest,teachesreadingandwriting
ZahiribnAlhazseniorpage/squire,oftheBazhir
GLOSSARY
Balor’sNeedle:atower,thehighestpartoftheroyalpalaceinCorus,usedmostlybyastronomersandmages.
basilisk:animmortalthatresemblesaseven-to-eight-foot-talllizard,withslit-pupiledeyesthatfaceforwardandsilvertalons.Itwalksuprightonitshindfeet.Itshobbyistravel;itlovesgossipandlearnslanguageseasily.Itpossessessomemagicalskills,includingakindofscreechthatturnspeopletostone.Itscolorsarevariousshadesofgrayandwhite.
Bazhir:thecollectivenameforthenomadictribesofTortall’sGreatSouthernDesert.
blazebalm:athick,stickysubstancelikepaste,whichburnswhenlit(eithermanuallyoratadistance)byamageorarcherwithfirearrows.
Carthak:theslaveholdingempirethatincludesalloftheSouthernLands,ancientandpowerful,astorehouseoflearning,sophistication,andculture.Itsuniversitywasatonetimewithoutarivalforteaching.Itspeoplereflectthemanylandsthathavebeenconsumedbytheempire,theircolorsrangingfromwhitetobrowntoblack.ItsformeremperorOzorneTasikhewasforcedtoabdicatewhenhewasturnedintoaStormwing(andlaterkilled).HewassucceededbyhisnephewKaddarIliniat,whoisstillgettinghisfarflunglandsundercontrol.
centaur:animmortalshapedlikeahumanfromthewaistup,withthebodyofahorsefromthewaistdown.Likehumans,centaurscanbegood,bad,oramixtureofboth.
CodeofTen:thesetoflawsthatformthebasisofgovernmentformostoftheEasternLands.
Coldfang:animmortalthatresemblesagiantlizardwithpebbledskin.Itscolorsvary.Itspowerliesinitsabilitytotrackathiefuntilcapture,nomatterhowcoldthetrailorhowlongittakes.Itsweaponisbittercold;itspaceisslow
butinexorable.
CopperIsles:aslaveholdingislandnationtothesouthandwestofTortall.TheIsles’lowlandsarehot,wetjungles,theirhighlandscoldandrocky.TraditionallytheirtiesaretoCarthakratherthanTortall,andtheirpiratesoftenraidalongtheTortallancoast.Thereisastrainofinsanityintheirrulingline.TheIslesholdanoldgrudgeagainstTortall,sinceoneoftheirprincesseswaskilledtherethedaythatJonathanwascrowned.
coromanel:aflat,crown-shapedpiecefittedoverthetipofalance.Itspreadsthepowerofalance’simpactinseveraldirections,tomaketheforcelesssevere.
Corus:thecapitalcityofTortall,locatedonthenorthernandsouthernbanksoftheOloronRiver.Corusisthehomeofthenewroyaluniversityaswellastheroyalpalace.
RiverDomin:runsthroughMindelan.
dragon:alarge,winged,lizard-likeimmortalcapableofcrossingfromtheDivineRealmstothemortalonesandback.Dragonsareintelligent,possesstheirownmagic,andarerarelyseenbyhumans.
EasternLands:thenameusedtorefertothoselandsnorthoftheInlandSeaandeastoftheEmeraldOcean:Scanra,Tortall,Tyra,Tusaine,Galla,Maren,andSarain.
Galla:thecountrytothenorthandeastofTortall,famousforitsmountainsandforests,withanancientroyalline.Dainewasbornthere.
Gift,the:human,academicmagic,theuseofwhichmustbetaught.
glaive:apolearmincludingafour-orfive-footstaffcappedwithalongmetalblade.
GreatMotherGoddess:thechiefgoddessintheTortallanpantheon,protectorofwomen;hersymbolisthemoon.
griffin:afeatheredimmortalwithacatlikebody,wings,andabeakThemalesgrowtoaheightofsixandahalftosevenfeetattheshoulder;femalesareslightlybigger.Noonecantellliesinagriffinsvicinity(arangeofabouta
hundredfeet).
HumanEra(H.E.):thecalendarinuseintheEasternandSouthernLandsandintheCopperIslesisdatedtheHumanEratocommemoratetheyearssincetheoneinwhichtheimmortalswereoriginallysealedintotheDivineRealms,overfourhundredandfiftyyearsprevioustotheyearscoveredbyProtectoroftheSmall.
hurrok:animmortalshapedlikeahorsewithleatherybat-wings,claws,andfangs.
ImmortalsWar:ashort,viciouswarfoughtinthespringandsummerofthethirteenthyearofJonathan’sandThayet’sreign;namedforthenumberofimmortalcreaturesthatfought,butalsowagedbyCarthakis(rebelsagainstthenewEmperorKaddar),CopperIslanders,andScanranraiders.TheseforcesweredefeatedbytheresidentsoftheEasternLands,particularlyTortall,butrecoveryisslow.
King’sCouncil:themonarch’sprivatecouncil,madeupofthoseadvisershetruststhemost.
King’sOwn:acavalry/policegroupansweringtotheking,whosemembersserveasroyalbodyguardsandasprotectivetroopsthroughouttherealm.TheirKnightCommanderisLordSirRaoulofGoldenlakeandMalorie’sPeak.Theranksarefilledbyyoungersonsofnoblehouses,Bazhir,andthesonsofwealthymerchants.
K’mir,K’miri:theK’mirarethematriarchal,nomadictribesofthemountainsinSarain.Theyherdponiesandareferociouswarriorsandriders.TheSarenlowlandersdespisetheK’mirandarecontinuouslyatwarwiththem.Thereisasmall,growingpopulationoftheminTortall,whereQueenThayetishalfK’mirandanumberoftheQueen’sRidersarealsoofK’miridescent.
mage:wizard.
Maren:alarge,powerfulcountryeastofTusaineandTyra,thegrainbasketoftheEasternLands,withplentyoffarmsandtrade.
MidwinterFestival:aseven-dayholidaycenteringaroundthelongestnightoftheyearandthesun’srebirthafterward.Giftsareexchangedandfeastsheld.
Mithros:thechiefgodintheTortallanpantheon,godofwarandthelaw;hissymbolisthesun.
ogre:animmortalwithaqua-coloredskin,shapedlikeahuman,fromtentotwelvefeetinheight.
RiverOlorun:itsmainsourcesareLakeNaxenandLakeTirragenintheeasternpartofTortall;itflowsthroughthecapital,Corus,andintotheEmeraldOceanatPortCaynn.
polearm:anyweaponconsistingofalongwoodenstafforpolecappedbyasharpbladeofsomekind,includingspears,glaives,andpikes.
Queen’sRiders:acavalry/policegroupchargedwithprotectingTortallanswholiveinhard-to-reachpartsofthecountry.Theyenforcethelawandteachlocalresidentstodefendthemselves.Theyacceptbothwomenandmenintheirranks,unlikethearmy,thenavy,andtheKing’sOwn.TheirheadquartersisbetweenthepalaceandtheRoyalForest.QueenThayetisthecommander;hersecondincommand,BuriramTourakom,governstheorganizationonaday-to-daybasis.
quintain:adummywithashieldmountedonapost.Oneoutstretched“arm”isweightedwithasandbag,whiletheotheriscoveredbytheshield.Theobjectintiltingataquintainistostriketheshieldprecisely,causingthedummytopivot180degrees.Thejoustercanthenridebysafely.Strikingthedummyanywherebutthetargetcircleontheshieldcausesthedummytoswing360degrees,sothesandbagwallopsthepassingrider.
rowel:astar-shapedrevolvingpieceonaspur,whichcutsintoahorsetomakeitpickupitsspeed.
royalladies:fifteenorsoyoung,activewomenofnoblebirthwhocanrideanduseabowaswellasdanceandconversewithallmannerofpeople.QueenThayettakesthemonvisitstosmall,isolatedfiefsormeetingswherethereisapossibilitythattheywillbeneededtohelpherwithdangerorhandleemergenciesthatmayarise.
Scanra:thecountrytothenorthofTortall,wild,rocky,andcold,withverylittlelandthatcanbefarmed.TheScanransaremastersoftheseaandarefearedanywherethereisacoastline.Theyalsofrequentlyraidoverland.
Shang:anorderofwarriors,mostlycommoners,whoseprincipalschoolisinnorthernMaren.Theyspecializeinhand-to-handcombat.
SouthernLands:anothernamefortheCarthakiEmpire,whichhasconqueredalloftheindependentnationsthatoncewerepartofthecontinentsouthoftheInlandSea.
spidren:animmortalwhosebodyisthatofafurredspiderfourtofivefeetinheight;itsheadisthatofahuman,withsharp,silveryteeth.Spidrenscanuseweapons.Theyalsousetheirwebsasweaponsandropes.Spidrenwebisgray-greenincolor,anditglowsafterdark.Theirbloodisblack,andburnslikeacid.Theirfavoritefoodishumanblood.
Stormwing:animmortalwithahumanheadandchestandthelegsandwingsofabird,withsteelfeathersandclaws.Stormwingshavesharpteeth,butusethemonlytoaddtotheterroroftheirpresencebytearingapartbodies.Theyliveonhumanfearandhavetheirownmagic;theirspecialprovinceisthatofdesecratingbattlefielddead.
tauros:aseven-foot-tallimmortal,maleonly,thathasabull-likeheadwithlargeteethandeyesthatpointforward(themarkofapredator).Itisreddishbrown,human-likefromtheneckdown,withabull’ssplayedhoovesandtail.Itpreysonwomenandgirls.
TempleDistrict:thereligiousquarterofCorus,betweenthecityproperandtheroyalpalace,wherethecity’slargesttemplesarelocated.
Tortall:thechiefkingdominwhichtheAlanna,Daine,andKeladrybookstakeplace,betweentheInlandSeaandScanra.
Tusaine:asmallcountrybetweenTortallandMaren.TortallwenttowarwithTusaineintheyearsAlannatheLionesswasasquireandJonathanwascrownprince;Tusainelost.
Tyra:amerchantrepublicontheInlandSeabetweenTortallandMaren.Tyraismostlyswamp,anditspeoplerelyontradeandbankingforincome.
warhorse:alargerhorseorgreathorse,trainedforcombat-themountofanarmoredknight.
wildmage:amagewhodealsinwildmagic,thekindofmagicthatispartofnature.DaineSarrasriisoftencalledtheWildmageforherabilitytocommunicatewithanimals,healthem,andshapeshift.
wildmagic:themagicthatispartofthenaturalworld.UnlikethehumanGift,itcannotbedrainedordoneawaywith;itisalwayspresent.
Yama:thechiefgoddessoftheYamanipantheon,goddessoffire,whocreatedtheYamanisandtheirislands.
YamaniIslands:theislandnationtothenorthandwestofTortallandthewestofScanra,ruledbyanancientlineofemperors,whoseclaimtotheirthronecomesfromthegoddessYama.Thecountryisbeautifulandmountainous.ItsvulnerabilitytopirateraidsmeansthatmostYamanisgetsometrainingincombatarts,includingthewomen.KeladryofMindelanlivedthereforsixyearswhileherfatherwastheTortallanambassador.
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