Traitor's Moon

a few things we need to understand first. Tell us why Akhendi would attack not only me but Alec and Beka as well.”
    Nyal shifted uneasily in his chair. “Akhendi attacked you? When?”
    Seregil took out the sen’gai. “We found these among the belongings of those so-called bandits after you left us.”
    â€œBy the Light! But Rhaish said—”
    â€œWe know what he said,” Seregil cut in. “Ialso know about Alec’s run-in with Emiel í Moranthi. You remember that, don’t you? Alec says you took his warding charm to be restored? Did you give it to anyone?”
    Nyal stared at him. “I gave it to Amali. What has that to do with anything?”
    Seregil exchanged a glance with Alec. “Can you explain how that same charm—Alec’s—ended up on the bracelet Amali wove for Klia? The very bracelet that she used to accuse Emiel? You see, Nyal, as much as I wanted to, I never believed the bastard laid a hand on her.”
    Nyal had gone ashen. “No, she would not—”
    Alec placed a hand on Nyal’s shoulder. “I know that you care for her. I’ve seen the two of you together several times, and that she shared some fear with you regarding her husband.”
    â€œYou spied on me?”
    â€œYou’re not the only one with long ears,” Alec said evasively, but a betraying hint of color rose in his fair cheeks.
    Nyal slumped back in his chair. “She did come to me, now and then. And you’re right in thinking I would protect her. But we’re not lovers. I swear it.”
    Still silent, Beka stared down at her hands.
    â€œBut you are her confidant?” said Seregil.
    Nyal shrugged. “Before we met again in Gedre, I hadn’t seen her for several years. Glad as I was for a chance to be near her without her husband glowering, I could tell that something was wrong. She told me of the child she carries, but also hinted at something amiss. We spoke several times on the journey, and again after we reached Sarikali. She was unhappy, that I could see, but she would only speak vaguely of her husband’s fears for his clan, and for the outcome of the negotiations.
    â€œShe hinted that his behavior was sometimes alarming, that he was not himself. He grew more troubled after Queen Idrilain’s death, but worse was to come. He’d become convinced that Lord Torsin was plotting secretly with Ulan, offering a different bargain, one in which Gedre would be closed again after Skala’s war ended, leaving Akhendi as badly off as ever.”
    â€œDid you tell him this?” Seregil demanded, ignoring his sister’s startled look.
    Nyal lurched to his feet, angry now. “How could I, when I knew nothing of it? You have distrusted me from the beginning, but I am no spy! I worked among you in good faith, and resisted Amali’s entreaties and even those of my own khirnari to pass on what I heardamong you. You know my gift, Seregil; it’s one that can strain or destroy the possessor’s atui if he doesn’t learn restraint. I know when not to listen.”
    â€œBut Amali did question you?” Seregil pressed.
    â€œOf course she did! How could she not? I gave her what comfort I could and assured her that Klia was acting in good faith, even if Torsin was not.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you come to me about this?” Beka demanded.
    â€œBecause I didn’t want you to think I was asking you to betray a confidence!” Nyal shot back. “Besides, I didn’t believe it. Why would Torsin betray the woman he was sent to serve?”
    â€œDid Amali ever mention Alec’s charm after you gave it to her? Did you try to retrieve it?”
    â€œI asked her about it once, not long after I’d given it to her, but she said she wanted to return it to Alec herself. I didn’t think anything more of it.”
    â€œWould you swear that in front of a truth knower?” asked Thero.
    â€œI will speak anything you like without fear of any wizard.”
    â€œAnd will you swear to these things before the Iia’sidra?” asked Seregil. “The life of the Haman may depend on it.”
    â€œYes, of course!”
    â€œWhat exactly did Amali say of her husband’s behavior?” Seregil pressed.
    â€œAt first, only that he was concerned about how the vote would go. As time went on, though, she seemed to grow more frightened, saying he acted strangely, falling into