Traitor's Moon

she said to Beka. “Well done. We sail the day after tomorrow. Any trouble on the road?”
    Beka gave her a crisp salute. “Just a sore ear from traveling with Seregil, Commander.”
    Klia chuckled. “I don’t doubt it. I expect you want to see your sergeants, eh? You’re dismissed.”
    Saluting again, Beka and the aides withdrew.
    Klia watched Beka go, then turned to Seregil. “I’m in your debt for wrangling that commission for her: She’s saved my life more than once.”
    â€œI hear her turma spends more time behind the enemy than they do in front of them.”
    â€œThat’s what comes of growing up under your influence, and her father’s.” Klia came around the table to clasp hands with them. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”
    â€œBeka made it clear that the queen had gone to some trouble to smooth my way with the Iia’sidra,” Seregil replied. “Under the circumstances, it would’ve been most ungrateful of me to ignore your request.”
    â€œAnd for that I thank you,” she replied with a knowing look. Loyal kinsman he might be, but as an Aurënfaie, exile or not, he was not hers to command. “By the Flame, it’s good to see you both! I take it you mean to come with us, Alec?”
    â€œIf you’ll have me.”
    â€œI will, and gladly.” She waved them to seats near the window and poured wine. “Aside from my respect for your talents, it may prove favorable to have a second ’faie in my entourage.”
    Seregil noted Alec’s quiet flicker of amusement; Klia had never mentioned his ’faie heritage before.
    â€œWho else is going? Is Captain Myrhini with you?” he asked.
    â€œShe’s Commander Myrhini now, promoted to take my place in the field,” Klia replied with poorly concealed regret. “As for an entourage, it will be a small one. We’ve done our best to keep word of our journey from getting out, since we’re still not sure what Plenimar’s intentions are regarding Zengat. The last thing we need is them stirring up trouble for Aurënen just when we want the Iia’sidra’s full attention.
    â€œLord Torsin is already there. Urgazhi Turma will be my honor guard and household; Beka will serve as aide-de-camp. I suppose she’s told you that Thero’s coming as my field wizard?”
    Like Beka, she stole a quick glance at him as she said this; she’d spent enough of her girlhood underfoot at the Orëska House to know of the famous rivalry.
    Seregil sighed inwardly. “A good choice. May I ask how you settled on him?”
    â€œOstensibly, because the more experienced wizards are needed in the field.”
    â€œAnd the real reason?”
    Klia picked up an ornate map weight and tapped it absently against her palm. “You don’t walk among swordsmen without a sword, but if your blade is too big, they’re insulted and mistrust you. If it’s too small, they scorn you. The trick is to find the right balance.”
    â€œAnd if you can make a large sword look smaller and less threatening, then so much the better? Nysander always claimed he was remarkable. A year with Magyana will only have enhanced his talents—perhaps even his personality.”
    Alec shot him a warning look, but Klia smiled.
    â€œHe’s an odd duck, I admit, but I’ll feel safer having him along. We’re facing a great deal of opposition, not the least of which is the fact that there are plenty of Aurënfaie who don’t want us going anywhere except Virésse.”
    â€œYou mean that’s not where we’re going?” Seregil asked, surprised. No Tírfaie had been allowed to land anywhere except the eastern port since Aurënen had closed its borders.
    â€œThere’s not much choice,” Klia told him. “You can practically walk across the Strait of Bal on the decks of enemy ships these days. We’re to land at Gedre. Do you know the place?”
    â€œVery well.” The name was tinged with bittersweet memories. “So we’re to meet the Iia’sidra there?”
    Klia’s smile intensified. “No, over the mountains, at Sarikali.”
    â€œSarikali?” Alec gaped. “I never thought I’d see Aurënen, much less Sarikali!”
    â€œI could say the same,” Seregil murmured, fighting to retain his composure as a wave of conflicting emotions raged through