Traitor's Moon

scent.”
    â€œYou’re probably right,” Alec said. “Say, have any of you seen Lord Torsin? I expected him to be with Klia, but I don’t see any sign of him.”
    â€œHe left,” Thero told him.
    â€œLeft? How long ago?” Seregil asked.
    â€œIt was just after you two went, I think.”
    â€œSeregil, Alec!” Klia called, waving to them over the heads of the crowd. “Our host has asked you to play.”
    Alec grinned. “Singing for our supper again? Just like old times.”

29
U NEXPECTED D EATH
    K lia and the rest of the hunting party were already at breakfast by the time Alec reached the kitchen the next morning. Braknil’s decuria had drawn the lucky straw, and Nyal was with them, chatting with Kheeta and Beka.
    Heeding Nazien’s advice, Klia had dressed in a military tunic and boots, a few Akhendi charms her only ornaments. Alec smiled to himself; in the soft light of the hearth, she looked like the carefree young soldier he’d first met beside a Cirna horse trader’s corral.
    â€œHave trouble finding your way out of bed again this morning, did you?” Beka chided good-naturedly, drawing a chuckle from a few of Braknil’s riders, presumably those who’d been on sentry duty two nights earlier.
    Alec ignored her, giving his full attention to a plate of bread and sausage one of the cooks handed him. He’d made certain the balcony door had been tightly shut last night.
    â€œYou should eat, my lady,” Kheeta urged Klia, eyeing the barely touched plate balanced on her knee. “Old Nazien is likely to lead you halfway to Haman and back before dark.”
    â€œSo I’ve been warned, but I’m afraid I haven’t the stomach for food just yet,” Klia replied, patting her belly ruefully. “It’s asorry thing for a soldier to admit, but I must have drunk a bit past the point of wisdom last night. I still haven’t mastered the wines of your country.”
    â€œI thought you looked poorly,” said Beka. “Perhaps we should put off this hunt? I could send word to Nazien.”
    â€œIt will take more than a sour stomach and sore head to make me miss this hunt,” Klia said, nibbling a slice of apple without much enthusiasm. “Nazien is as good as won over, I’m certain of it. Time’s running short and this day can buy us more goodwill than a week’s debating.”
    She reached out and ran a finger through the collection of shatta dangling from Alec’s quiver. “You’ve gamed with them, Alec. What do you say? Which will gain us the greatest favor: shooting very well or very poorly?”
    â€œIf we were at Rhíminee, I’d say the latter, my lady. Here, though, I’d say a show of skill is best.”
    â€œThat would be best, if you want Nazien’s respect,” Nyal concurred.
    Alec paused, considering his next question. “Are you sure it’s wise for me to go? The Haman have made it clear that they don’t like me any more than they do Seregil, and I wouldn’t want to get in your way if you think they’re coming around.”
    â€œLeave that to me,” she replied. “You’re a member of this delegation and a friend. Let them accommodate me for a change.”
    â€œYou’re also our best hunter,” Beka added with a wink. “Let Emiel and his friends chew that one over!”
    â€œHow is Lord Torsin feeling this morning?” asked Nyal.
    â€œStill asleep, I think,” Klia replied. “I’ve ordered the servants not to disturb him. It’s just as well, really. Another day’s rest will do the poor fellow good.”
    Kheeta finished his meal and left, returning a short while later with news of the Hamans’ arrival.
    â€œIs Emiel í Moranthi with the khirnari today?” asked Klia.
    â€œYes, along with a dozen or so of his supporters,” Kheeta told her. “But Nazien has brought along a number of older kin, too.”
    Klia exchanged a bemused glance with Beka and Alec. “Shoot well, my friends, and smile nicely.”
    Nazien í Hari and a score of Haman awaited them on horseback in the street. Their black-and-yellow sen’gai looked fiercely vivid against the hazy morning sky, like the warning colors of a hornet.All carried bows, javelins, and swords. The quivers of the young bloods of Emiel’s faction were heavy with shatta.
    We’re outnumbered
, Alec