Traitor's Moon

cavalry. Forgive my clumsiness, please. Captain Beka ä Kari speaks so highly of you that I wished to meet you.”
    Seregil bowed slightly in the saddle, but Alec could tell he still had his guard up. “You must have traveled. I hear the accents of many ports as you speak.”
    â€œI hear the same in yours,” Nyal replied with an engaging smile. “Aura gifted me with an ear for languages and restless feet. Thus, I’ve spent most of my life as a guide and interpreter. I am most honored that the Iia’sidra considered me worthy of this commission.”
    Alec watched the handsome newcomer with interest. From what he’d heard, the Ra’basi clan had everything to gain if the borders were reopened, yet they were also closely tied to their northern neighbors, Virésse and Golanil, who opposed any altering of the Edict of Separation. So far, their khirnari, Moriel ä Moriel, did not openly support either side.
    It was a moment before Alec realized the man was also studying him.
    â€œBut you’re not a Skalan, are you?” he said. “You have neitherthe look nor the accent—ah, yes, I see it now! You are the Hâzadriëlfaie! What clan are you descended of?”
    â€œI never knew my people, or that I was one of them until quite recently,” Alec told him, wondering how often he’d have to give this explanation. “It seems to mean a great deal here, though. Do you know anything of them?”
    â€œIndeed I do,” Nyal replied. “My grandmother has told me their story many times. She’s a Haman, and they lost many people to the Migration.”
    Seregil raised an eyebrow. “You’re related to the Haman?”
    Nyal grinned. “I’m from a wandering family. We’re related to half the clans in Aurënen one way or another. It’s said to make us more—what’s the word—forbearing? Truly, Seregil, even with a Haman grandmother, I bear you no ill will.”
    â€œOr I you,” Seregil replied rather less than convincingly. “If you’ll excuse me?”
    Without waiting for reply, he wheeled his horse and rode toward the rear of the column.
    â€œIt’s a bit overwhelming for him, being here,” Alec apologized. “I would like to hear what you know of the Hâzad. Tomorrow, perhaps?”
    â€œTomorrow, then, to pass the time during our long ride.” With a juanty salute, Nyal rejoined the line of Skalan riders.
    Alec rode back to rejoin Seregil. “What was that all about?” he demanded under his breath.
    â€œHe’ll bear watching,” Seregil muttered.
    â€œWhy, because he’s part Haman?”
    â€œNo, because he overheard what we were talking about from twenty feet away, over the noise of the horses.”
    Looking back over his shoulder, Alec saw the interpreter chatting with Beka and her sergeants. “He did, didn’t he?”
    â€œYes, he did.” He lowered his voice and said softly in Skalan, “Our long holiday is truly over now. It’s time to start thinking like …” Lifting his left hand, Seregil briefly crossed his thumb over his ring finger.
    A chill ran up Alec’s backbone; it was the hand sign for “Watchers.” This was the first time since Nysander’s death that Seregil had used it.
    The clan house Riagil had spoken of turned out to be more like a walled village. White, vine-raddled walls enclosed a sprawlingmaze of courtyards, gardens, and houses decorated with painted designs of sea creatures. Flowering trees and plants filled the air with heavy fragrances, underscored by the smell of fresh water close at hand.
    â€œIt’s beautiful!” Alec exclaimed softly, though that hardly came close to expressing the effect the place had on him. In all his travels, he’d never seen anything so immediately pleasing to the eye.
    â€œA khirnari’s home is the central hearth of the fai’thast,” Seregil told him, clearly delighted with his reaction. “You should see Bôkthersa.”
    By the Four, I hope we both do someday
, Alec thought.
    Leaving the escort riders in a large courtyard inside the main gate, Riagil led his guests to a spacious, many-domed house at the center of the compound.
    Dismounting, he bowed to Klia. “Welcome to my home, honored lady. Every preparation has been made for your comfort and that of your people.”
    â€œYou have our deepest thanks,” Klia