Read Online In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce - Free Book Online Page A

behind her.
    â€œAre you out of your, mind?” she asked George in a harsh whisper. “Some of my Lord Provost’s men do know what you look like!”
    â€œUpset for my safety?” the thief chuckled. “I’m touched.”
    â€œYou’re touched in the head,” Alanna snapped. “Anyway, since you’re here, why are you here?”
    â€œI thought you mightn’t get the chance to come down to the city before you rode out, and I wanted a word with you. But you were wanting to ask me somethin’.”
    Alanna showed him the bur. “Stefan found this in Duke Gareth’s saddle blanket. He says a new man saddled the Duke’s horse, then vanished.”
    â€œAnd you suspect foul play,” George prodded.
    â€œOf course I do. But it doesn’t make sense. Why should Tusaine go to the trouble of stopping Duke Gareth leading the army? That won’t keep us from marching the day after tomorrow.”
    George shook his head. “You’re thinkin’ like a warrior. Think like a plotter. There might be reasons closer to home as to why Duke Gareth fell from his beast.”
    â€œCloser to home?” Alanna asked.
    â€œWho benefits?” George wanted to know. “And stop thinkin’ of fightin’: start thinkin’ of power. Who gains the most power from His Grace’s ‘accident’?”
    Alanna, about to retort that no one gained, remembered the man King Roald had appointed to Duke Gareth’s place. Suddenly she swayed, feeling ill.
    â€œNot a commander you’ll be trustin’ in the field, is he?” the thief asked softly.
    Alanna was trembling. “I have to think about this.”
    George nodded. “Think on it all you may please,” he said. “And watch where he places Jonathan and those loyal to Jonathan.” He smoothed a hand over her coppery hair. “Would that I didn’t have to stay here and keep my own in line. I mislike sendin’ you there with no one to help, but there’s nothin’ for it. I’d be a dead Rogue if I turned my back on my folk for as long as you’ll be gone. A week or two, maybe. But not a month and more.”
    Alanna smiled at him, wishing he could go with her. Things were always clearer when George was around. “I’ll be all right,” she said with false assurance. “Faithful will be with me, and if things get bad I’ll go to Myles. He’s smart enough for three of us.”
    George smiled down at her, his hazel eyes still worried. “That he is. ’Twill have to do. Watch for more accidents.”
    â€œI don’t think He wants to hurt me,” Alanna demurred. “Just learn my secret.”
    â€œI believe he wants you out of the way before he goes further with his plans.”
    Alanna had to laugh. “What threat could Ipossibly be to him ? No, I’m not as suspicious as you are, George. It must come from your line of work.”
    Sensing she wanted to change the subject, George shrugged. “Mayhap when Jon is king I’ll be givin’ up my work.”
    Alanna stared at him. “You’re joking, surely.”
    The tall thief sank into a chair, watching her intently. “I’m thinkin’ of turnin’ respectable and takin’ me a wife.”
    Alanna gave an ungentlemanly snort. “I like that!”
    He never looked away from her. “Things look different as a man gets older.”
    Alanna sat on a table, swinging her feet. “I’m just having trouble seeing you turn decent citizen. Who will you give your collection of ears to? And what trade will you take up? Jewel-selling? Returning what you stole, for a fee, of course?”
    â€œI’m in no hurry. King Roald is a young man still. You see,” he went on, “I’m waitin’ for my chosen bride to grow up. She couldn’t be some citizen’s daughter, could she? She must be a free soul who knows my past,