Traitor's Moon

lay hands on you dishonors the princess you serve and the clan you sprang from. It dishonors Alec. Have you considered that?”
    â€œThat was pointed out to me, actually. But tonight—”
    â€œTonight you let a Haman put his hands on you again, as if it were his right.”
    Seregil knew it had been different tonight. He knew that whatever the cost, it had been worth the information he’d gotten. Any Rhíminee footpad or noble intriguer would have applauded him for it. At the same time, he knew with equal certainty that there was no way his sister would ever understand.
    â€œForgive me, talía. Bringing pain and dishonor to those I love best seems to be a particular talent of mine.”
    She cupped his chin. “Self-pity is a weakness you cannot afford to indulge. You know my hopes for you, talí. I want my brother back. I want you to be Aurënfaie again.”
    Tears stung his eyes as he pulled her close.
I want that, too, more than you know: I just have my own ideas on achieving the impossible
.
    Alec paced slowly around the hall. He had the place to himself for the moment, the first time since Klia’s mysterious collapse that he’d had a quiet moment to think. When he tried to make sense of the day, however, he was overwhelmed by the confusion of events. Klia’s illness and Torsin’s untimely death. Bad enough that they might be returning to Skala empty-handed and in the middle of a lost war. He’d stood by and allowed Klia to be poisoned right under his nose. Now Seregil was acting like a madman. Perhaps they’d both been too long away from Rhíminee, after all.
    Seregil came out of the mourning room looking subdued.
    â€œWell?”
    â€œGo back up to that clearing at first light. Find whatever you can.”
    Alec opened his mouth to reply but succumbed to a jaw-creaking yawn instead.
    â€œGet some sleep,” Seregil advised. “There’s nothing else you can do tonight, and tomorrow is shaping up to be a very long day.”
    â€œAre you coming up?”
    â€œMaybe later.”
    Alec watched Seregil cross the darkened hall toward the bath chamber. “I still think Emiel did something to her.”
    Seregil paused but didn’t look back. “Find me some proof, talí,” he rasped. “Find me proof.”

32
S NAKES AND T RAITORS
    S eregil woke groggily to the sounds of an argument. He’d been dreaming of the Cockerel Inn again, but this time he’d been sitting on the roof.
    Stiff and disoriented, he sat up and looked around the dim hall to get his bearings. He’d stayed with Klia until Mydri had chased him off, then made a makeshift bed out of two chairs out here. He hadn’t expected to sleep, yet here he was with a stiff neck and one leg numb to the hip. The night lamp was guttering, and faint light was showing at the windows.
    The argument in question was being carried on in Skalan outside the front door. Limping over, he looked out to find Nyal facing several Urgazhi sentries. Corporal Nikides and Tare were resolutely blocking the door. A few steps below, the Ra’basi interpreter looked tired and apologetic, but determined.
    â€œIt’s Captain Beka’s orders,” Nikides was saying. “No Aurënfaie except Bôkthersans are to be let in. When she comes back—”
    â€œBut the rhui’auros said Seregil sent for me!” Nyal insisted.
    â€œWhich rhui’auros?” Seregil demanded, sticking his head out.
    â€œElesarit.”
    It wasn’t the name Seregil was expecting,but he played along. “Of course. It’s all right, Corporal. I’ll take charge of him.”
    As soon as the door had swung shut behind them, he grasped the Ra’basi by the arm and pulled him to a halt.
    â€œWhat did this rhui’auros say, exactly?”
    Nyal shot him a surprised look. “Only that you required my services.”
    â€œAnd that I’d sent for you?”
    â€œWell, no, now that I think of it. I just assumed—”
    â€œWe’ll sort that out later. Where have you been?”
    â€œRa’basi tupa. With all the confusion here, I thought it best to stay out of the way. I left word for Beka with Sergeant Mercalle, in case I was needed.”
    â€œShe’s still out keeping an eye on the Haman.”
    â€œOf course. Is Klia—?”
    â€œAs far as I know. Let’s go see.”
    They met Säaban í Irais coming out of the