Traitor's Moon

noted uneasily, wondering what Klia thought of this reception. A glance in Beka’s direction told him she was having similar misgivings.
    But Klia strode up to Nazien and clasped hands warmly with him.
    Emiel sat his horse in a place of honor just behind his uncle, his expression carefully neutral. For the moment, at least, he seemed content to ignore Alec’s presence.
    Suits me fine, you arrogant bastard, just so long as you mind your manners
, he thought, watching suspiciously as Emiel offered Klia his hand.
    They were about to mount when the khirnari of Akhendi and several kinsmen came into view down the street, out for an early stroll. Amali was with him.
    â€œLooks like the morning sickness is still with her,” Beka remarked. “She’s looking wan.”
    â€œIt appears you’ll have a pleasant day,” Rhaish í Arlisandin called out, coming to greet Klia and the others. “I trust you rested well, Klia ä Idrilain?”
    â€œWell enough,” Klia replied, looking at Amali with concern. “You’re the one who looks weary, my dear. What brings you out at this hour?”
    Amali clasped Klia’s hands, smiling. “Oh, I wake with the sun these days, and it’s such a pleasant time to be out.” She cast a quick glance in the Haman’s direction. “I trust you’ll take care today. The hills can be dangerous—for those not used to them.”
    Nazien bristled noticeably. “I’m sure we will keep her safe.”
    â€œOf course you will,” Rhaish agreed coolly. “Good hunting to you all.”
    A warning, perhaps? wondered Alec, listening to this odd exchange of pleasantries.
    The Akhendi continued on their way, but he saw Amali cast one final look back.
    Bôkthersan servants brought out horses for Klia and her party. Once mounted, Alec found his position of rank threw him in next to Emiel. There was no avoiding him, it seemed. Emiel soon proved him right.
    â€œYour companion is not joining us?” he asked.
    â€œI think you know the answer to that already,” Alec replied coldly.
    â€œJust as well. He was never any hand with a bow. Blades, though—now that was another matter.”
    Alec forced a smile. “You’re right. He’s an able teacher, too. Perhaps you’d like to cross swords with me sometime in a friendly contest?”
    The Haman’s smirk widened. “I’d welcome the opportunity.”
    Nyal sidled his horse closer. “Even practice bouts are forbidden in the city. They fall under the proscription against violence.” He gave the Haman a pointed look. “You of all people should know that.”
    Emiel reined his horse sharply away, followed by his companions.
    Nyal watched them with evident amusement. “Touchy fellow, isn’t he?”
    Watching from an upstairs window, Seregil counted sen’gai unhappily. He hadn’t liked the idea in the first place, and liked it even less seeing how outnumbered the Skalans were. Klia appeared unconcerned, laughing with Nazien and praising the horses.
    You see it, too, don’t you, talí?
he thought, reading even at a distance Alec’s attitude of quiet watchfulness.
    The day ahead of him suddenly loomed very long indeed.
    When the hunting party had ridden off at last, Seregil headed down to the bath chamber and found he had the place to himself.
    â€œShall I prepare a bath for you?” Olmis asked, rising from a stool in the corner.
    â€œYes, and as hot as you can make it.” Keeping his still fading bruises secret had meant doing without proper baths for days. This man already knew his guilty secret, and had kept it, too.
    Stripping down, Seregil slid into the hot, fragrant water and let it lull him as he floated limply just beneath the surface.
    â€œYou’re looking much better this morning,” Olmis observed, bringing him a rough sponge and soap.
    â€œI’m feeling much better,” Seregil said, wondering if he dared take the time for a proper massage. Before he could make up his mind, however, Thero rushed in. The normally fastidious wizard was unshaven and uncombed, his coat buttoned awry.
    â€œSeregil, I need your help at once!” he said in Skalan, stopping just inside the doorway. “Lord Torsin has been found dead.”
    â€œFound?” Splashing up out of the tub, Seregil reached for a towel. “Found where?”
    Thero’s eyes widened perceptibly at the