Traitor's Moon

ya’shel, too, aren’t they?” Alec asked, pointing out several riders with golden-tan skin and curling black hair.
    â€œYes. Some Zengati blood, I’d say,” Seregil told him.
    Riding bareback at breakneck speeds, the performers leaped from one mount to another and rode standing on their horses’ backs, their oiled limbs shining in the firelight. As one, they clapped their hands, and swirling masses of colored lights unfurled from their fingertips like banners, then were woven into patterns by the intricate drills they executed. The Skalans clapped and cheered. Standing guard behind Klia, Beka’s riders cheered the loudest of all.
    When the performers had finished and retired, a single rider took the field. Dressed like the others, he cantered out and saluted his audience, gripping his mount’s sides with long, lean-muscled legs. His skin was a golden tan, his hair a cascade of long black curls.
    â€œMy youngest grandson, Täanil í Khormai,” Brythir announced, beaming at Klia.
    â€œAnd the banquet’s main course, I suspect,” murmured Seregil, nudging Alec with his elbow.
    As Täanil set off on his first circuit of the grassy riding area, the khirnari leaned closer to Klia. “The skills of my grandson are not limited to riding. He is a fearless sailor, and a student of languages. He speaks your tongue quite flawlessly, I’m told. He would welcome the opportunity to converse with you.”
    I’ll bet
, thought Seregil, grinning behind his wine cup.
    Coming down the field at a gallop, Täanil gripped his mount’s girth strap and vaulted from side to side over its back, then went into a handstand, his lean body straight as a spear. The sight drew more than a few admiring sounds from the Skalan contingent.
    The young Silmai joined Klia on her couch after his ride and charmed them all with his tales of sea trade and horsemanship.
    When he left to perform again, Klia leaned over to Seregil and whispered. “Am I being courted?”
    Seregil gave her a wink. “There’s more than one way to forge an alliance. Marrying off a youngest grandson is a small price to pay for a new trade ally, wouldn’t you say?”
    â€œAre you saying I’m being offered second-rate goods?”
    Seregil raised an eyebrow. “
I
certainly wouldn’t call Täanil second rate. What I meant is that they wouldn’t be losing a potential khirnari if he left.”
    Klia chuckled at this. “I don’t think they have much to worry about on that score, but I suppose I can bear his company while we’re here.” She winked. “After all, we do need the horses.”

13
G UIDES
    A lec woke the following morning to find Seregil standing over him, dressed from head to foot in black: black leather breeches, black boots, long black velvet coat slashed with black silk. Above his gold badge of office, Corruth’s ruby ring glowed on its silver chain. The overall effect was rather sinister. Seregil looked grim and tired.
    â€œYou were restless last night,” Alec complained, yawning.
    â€œI had that dream again, the one I had in the mountains.”
    â€œAbout going home?”
    â€œIf that’s what it is.” He sat down on the edge of the bed and laced his fingers together around one up-drawn knee.
    Alec reached up to touch the Akhendi charm still braided into Seregil’s hair. “It must be a true one, with this to guard your dreams.”
    Seregil gave a noncommittal shrug. “I think you’ll be of more use behind the scenes today.”
    Changing the subject again, are you?
Alec thought resignedly. Giving up for now, he settled back against the bolsters. “Where should I start?”
    â€œYou should learn your way around the city. I’ve asked Kheeta to guide you until youget used to the place. It’s too easy to get lost when it’s empty like this.”
    â€œHow very tactful of you, Lord Seregil.” Alec’s sense of direction had a disconcerting way of deserting him in cities.
    â€œFamiliarize yourself with the area, make friends, keep your ears open.” Leaning over, he ruffled Alec’s already disheveled hair. “Look as simple and harmless as you can, even around our supporters. Sooner or later someone will let slip some interesting bit of information.”
    Alec affected a look of wide-eyed innocence and Seregil laughed.
    â€œPerfect! And to think you used