Read Online Agnith's Promise: The Vildecaz Talents, Book 3 by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Free Book Online Page B

would cause her needless anguish. He had no assurance of success, but he was prepared to continuing his efforts, for it was his duty to have to try to reach her, and he would have to notify Erianthee that her sister was still on her quest to find Duz Nimuar. He continued down the long corridor, his thoughts darkening as the afternoon shadows gathered.
     
    * * *
     
    “Two more serinels and a gaunel have been delivered, Duzeon” said Rygnee as she held up a package that had been delivered to the four-room cabin that was serving as the personal quarters of the Dowager Empress Godrienee. “The new serinel that was brought to you yesterday should have its last details done by tomorrow. The weavers and seamstresses are busy as swarming hornets, trying to clothe the Court. Another few days and you should have clothes for a week.”
    “And then you can burn this,” she said, pulling on the gaunel she had worn since the day of the conjure-storm. “I have come to hate this garment.” She went to open the package, and spread out the first serinel on the dressing-table. It was a lovely garment of deep-amber Udugan patterned velvet with a standing collar embellished with pearls and tourmalines. The large square sleeves were edged in pale gold with detailing in pearls and embroidery done in golden thread. The guin was of pale wisp-cotton. “This has to be saved for an official occasion. The gaunel will have to do for now.” She set the serinel aside and reached for the gaunel beneath it. “I’d like to change into this at once.”
    Rygnee ducked her head. “I don’t blame you. I’m sick to death of what I’m wearing. But perhaps you should wait until evening? They’re still cutting stone on the floor above us.
    “Dust. I see what you mean,” said Erianthee, moving her new clothes to the top of the chest that stood near the door.
    “I’m tired of what I have on, too, Duzeon.”
    “You could have one of the Court magicians conjure you something,” suggested Erianthee as she pulled the gaunel out of the package. This was a beautiful, simple garment of heavy-ply Fahnine-silk the color of lantern-fruit, with a guin of soft coral. She quailed at the cost, but realized that it was unavoidable, and one that Ninianee would understand when she learned of it.
    “And have it come apart in a week? No thank you. You declined such an offer, didn’t you?” Rygnee asked, coming to take the new clothes from Erianthee. “I’ll put them in the wardrobe for now, and I’ll help you change clothes in half an hour.”
    “Why so long?” Erianthee asked.
    “Because the Emperor will be here shortly, and you know he wants to see you alone.” Rygnee went to the second room of their apartment, where she bestowed the three garments in the splendidly carved wardrobe, saying over her shoulder as she did, “The second serinel is magnificent. You should come and see it.”
    “As soon as the Emperor has gone. I need to keep my thoughts specific and clear.” She felt a twinge of annoyance. For the last twelve days she had met with Riast, and every day he had implored her to perform a Shadowshow for him that would reveal his enemies. She had consistently refused, explaining patiently why she was unable to comply with his demands, and why she couldn’t vouch for any Shadowshow that resulted from her attempt to create one that was prophetic. She had told him repeatedly that she didn’t want to be guilty of putting blame on those undeserving of it while letting those responsible go free because her Shadowshow had not been free of influence and agenda. Today would be more of the same. By now, their discussion had become more ritual than conversation, and she was growing weary of it. If only he would believe her, she thought.
    “Why don’t you simply do the Shadowshow? He says he knows you might not accomplish what he wants.” Rygnee pulled out the one of three remaining sets of skin-clothes from the trunk they had brought out of the ruins,