Traitor's Moon

miserably for the order to move on.
    â€œDo you feel any better today?” Korathan inquired, walking his horse past.
    Seregil managed a grin. “No, my lord, but I don’t feel any worse either.”
    Korathan gave him an approving nod. “Good. It wouldn’t do to leave you behind.”
    Alec grew increasingly watchful as they entered the more populated part of Akhendi. Whenever they stopped for water or news, he made certain that they were safely surrounded by uniformed Skalans. He also kept his ears open and learned that Amali had gone home after he and Seregil had escaped. Rhaish was still in Sarikali.
    â€œWhat else can he do?” Seregil mumbled, hunched miserably in the saddle. “Either he’s innocent and has no reason to run, or doesn’t want to look guilty.”
    They reached the valley late in the day and found a cadre of Silmai lookouts waiting for them at the bridge. Iäanil í Khormai greeted Korathan in the Iia’sidra’s name, then sent runners ahead to announce their arrival.
    â€œA better welcome than Klia got,” Seregil remarked, sounding more alert as he took his reins back from Alec. The swelling in his arm was already subsiding, though the skin was still discolored.
    At the outskirts of the city they found a large crowd waiting to greet them. Foremost among them were nine white-clad members of the Iia’sidra. The khirnari of Virésse and Haman were not with them.
    â€œRhaish?” Seregil asked softly, craning his neck to see past a tall Skalan riding just in front of him.
    â€œThere,” Alec said, spotting the Akhendi standing next to Adzriel and old Brythir.
    â€œGood. Maybe he hasn’t tumbled yet.”
    â€œUlan and Nazien aren’t here.”
    â€œThat would hardly be tactful, now would it?”
    The Silmai khirnari greeted Korathan, presenting him with a heavy golden torque. “I regret that such a circumstance brings you here.”
    â€œOr that we should meet for such a reason, my kinsman,” said Adzriel, introducing herself.
    â€œWhen you have rested and refreshed yourself, the Iia’sidra will hear your petition,” Brythir went on. “Perhaps tomorrow morning?”
    â€œI’d prefer to settle the matter tonight,” Korathan replied brusquely. “I will visit my sister first to learn her condition.”
    Alec peered out from beneath the edge of his hood, watchingthe faces of the various Iia’sidra members. Many were clearly offended at such haste, but no one was in a position to argue. Korathan was the aggrieved party and was within his rights to demand an assembly.
    â€œCome, I’ll take you to her,” Adzriel said, stepping in graciously. “My sister Mydri is with her now, or she would have been here to greet you.”
    Säaban brought her a horse, and together they proceeded through the familiar streets.
    Alec had never expected to enter this strange place again, or to feel the silvery play of its ancient magic across his skin. In spite of his underlying anxiety, he savored the moment. As if in response, he caught the rich, unmistakable scent of the Bash’wai and whispered his thanks.
    â€œLook there,” Seregil whispered.
    Several rhui’auros stood beside the street, watching the newcomers pass. As they came abreast of them, one of the rhui’auros raised a hand at him in salute.
    â€œThey know!” Alec hissed.
    â€œIt’s all right,” Seregil replied quietly.
    At the outskirts of Bôkthersa tupa they were met by a crowd of well-wishers waiting to greet the prince. He acknowledged them with thinly masked impatience and pressed on.
    Braknil’s decuria were ranked at attention on the front stairs of the guest house. At the bottom Beka stood next to Thero, looking none the worse for her journey.
    â€œThank the Maker!” Alec exclaimed softly, feeling a weight lifted from his heart.
    â€œLooks like she got back in one piece after all,” whispered Seregil. “But where’s Nyal? I hope she didn’t kill him on sight.”
    Beka went down on one knee in front of Korathan as he dismounted. “Captain Beka Cavish, my lord.”
    â€œMy sister mentions you often in her field reports. Captain,” Korathan replied, less curt with her than he had been with the Iia’sidra. “It seems her regard for you is well founded.”
    Beka rose and saluted.
    â€œAnd in you as well, young