Traitor's Moon

wrestling with the ramifications of his own heritage, Alec found the prospect of such a life span vaguely alarming.
    Turning his attention to the nearest bystanders, he noted the sen’gai of several principal clans, as well as a scattering of minor ones. Though many wore tunics, others wore robes and long, flowing coats. The sen’gai were also diverse in style. Some were simplestrips of loose-woven cloth; others were fashioned of silk and edged with small tassels or metal ornaments. Each clan had its own manner of wrapping them, as well, some simple and close to the head, others piled into elaborate shapes.
    He was most pleased to discover a small group wearing the modest dark green of Bôkthersa. One of them, a young man with an incongruous streak of white in his hair, suddenly looked his way, as if he’d sensed Alec’s gaze. He regarded Alec with friendly interest for a moment, then turned to whisper to an older couple. The man had a long, homely face. The woman was dark-eyed, with a thin, severe mouth that tilted into a warm smile as she looked Alec’s way. She had facial tattoos, as well, though nothing as elaborate as those of the Khatme; just two horizontal lines beneath each eye. She nodded a greeting. Alec returned it, then looked away, suddenly self-conscious. It seemed they’d already guessed who he was.
    â€œThat woman who just greeted you is Seregil’s third sister,” Nyal murmured.
    â€œMydri ä Illia?” asked Alec, surprised. This woman bore little resemblance to Adzriel or Seregil. “What do those marks on her face mean?”
    â€œShe has the healer’s gift.”
    â€œWhat about the other people. So you know them?”
    â€œI don’t recognize the younger man, but I believe the elder is Adzriel’s new husband, Säaban í Irais.”
    â€œHusband?” Alec looked at the Bôkthersans again, then back at Nyal.
    Nyal arched an eyebrow at him in surprise. “You did not know of this?”
    â€œI don’t think Seregil knows,” said Alec. He hesitated a moment, then asked, “Are there any Chyptaulos here?”
    â€œOh, no. Because of Ilar’s escape, theth’sag has never been settled between them and the Bôkthersans; the bad blood between the two clans is still very bitter. For the Chyptaulos to come here would also be seen as insulting Klia’s lineage.”
    â€œLord Torsin said Seregil’s presence may have the same effect.”
    â€œPerhaps,” replied Nyal, “but Seregil has the more powerful allies.”
    When the ceremony of greeting was over, the khirnari dispersed, disappearing with their kin down one of the many streets that fanned out into the city.
    Adzriel accompanied Klia from the circle. As soon as they were outside the stones, however, she and Mydri embraced Seregil, clutching the back of his coat with both hands as if fearing he’d bespirited away. Seregil returned the embrace, his face hidden for a moment in their dark hair. The other Bôkthersans joined them, and for a moment he was lost from sight in the happy, chattering group. Säaban was introduced, and Alec watched as a look of amazement came over his friend’s face, followed at once by a grin of delight. It appeared that Seregil approved of the match.
    Klia caught Alec’s eye and grinned. Beka and Thero were trying not to be too obvious as they strained for their first glimpse of Seregil’s family.
    â€œTo see you here again!” said Adzriel, holding her brother at arm’s length. “And you, too, Alec
talí.
” Extending a hand, she drew him close and kissed him soundly on both cheeks. “Welcome to Aurënen at last!
    â€œBut I’m forgetting my duty,” she exclaimed, hastily wiping at her eyes. “Princess Klia, allow me to present the rest of the Bôkthersan delegation. My sister, Mydri ä Illia. My husband, Säaban í Irais. And this is Kheeta í Branín, a great friend of Seregil’s youth who has kindly offered to serve as your equerry in Sarikali.”
    This last was the young man who had stared so openly at Alec during the ceremony. A great friend, indeed, it seemed. Seregil grabbed the younger man in a rough hug, grinning like a fool.
    â€œKheeta í Branín, is it?” he laughed. “I seem to remember getting into trouble with you a time or two.”
    â€œTwo? You were the cause of half the beatings I ever