Read Online Sanctuary by Rowena Cory Daniells - Free Book Online

challenge is to be ready to die. Mine is not a martial gift.’ And he did not have a shield-brother to support him when they battled the old brotherhood leader and his shield-brother on the higher plane. Tobazim’s heart leapt. Was Ardonyx offering this bond?
    ‘Speak with Ceyne. He was on the previous all-father’s inner circle. He’s known Graelen since he was a lad of seventeen. Don’t judge the man by his reputation. In this brotherhood, a bad reputation is a good thing.’
    Tobazim grinned. He went downstairs to the infirmary, where he found quite a few adepts and initiates suffering from sea-sickness. And, to his surprise, the assassin’s devotee was helping brew a big pot of peppermint tea.
    ‘Almost ready,’ she told him kindly. ‘A cup of this will settle your stomach.’
    He shook his head. What was she doing with a cruel, hard man like Graelen?
    Someone moaned and called for a bucket. Tobazim turned to see Athlyn, pale and sweaty. Graelen’s devotee held the bucket for him, offered him a drink afterwards and rinsed the bucket. Kind and good-hearted.
    Tobazim caught up with Ceyne, who drew him into the bathing chamber so they could speak in privacy.
    Tobazim turned to face him. ‘What can you tell me about the assassin, Graelen?’
    The saw-bones hesitated.
    ‘Is he our enemy?’
    ‘Rather, you should ask, do you have a common enemy?’
    ‘I think I should ask if he is an honourable man.’
    Ceyne hesitated. ‘Before Kyredeon came to power, Sigorian was all-father. This brotherhood has not had an all-father of substance for over forty years. We have all had to do dishonourable things to survive. The night Graelen gave his vows, he was only sixteen and determined to win stature. That night my apprentice was unjustly accused of spying for Chariode’s brotherhood. I couldn’t save him. If I’d tried, I would have died, too. I still have nightmares.’
    ‘I’m sorry.’
    ‘Sorry won’t save us from Kyredeon’s paranoia.’
     
     
    ‘P EPPERMINT TEA ?’
    ‘Thank you, Dia.’ Graelen accepted it. As the day progressed, almost everyone had become seasick. Valendia was one of the lucky ones who seemed immune. She’d been in the sick bay helping Ceyne with the worst cases.
    ‘Doesn’t cleaning up after others make you feel sick?’ he asked.
    She shrugged. ‘I nursed my mother when she was ailing. It took her nearly two years to die. Looking after those who are ill makes me grateful to be alive.’
    He shook his head. ‘No wonder you are wise beyond your years.’
    She laughed and went inside. He remained on deck. He much preferred to be outside with the wind in his face. It seemed not many of the others shared his preference; the decks were mostly empty.
    He sipped the hot peppermint tea. His stomach was feeling a little better and he was considering trying to catch some sleep when Tobazim came out of the passage to the cabins. Graelen was surprised to see him alone, but his supporters were probably all laid low with the heaves.
    Tobazim paused halfway out the door as their eyes met.
    Graelen could have bundled Tobazim overboard right then – it was the perfect opportunity – but he didn’t.
    He turned back to the rail and looked out over the side of the ship.
    Tobazim joined him. ‘They tell me you are Kyredeon’s assassin.’
    Graelen schooled his face to reveal nothing. Meanwhile his free hand closed on the hilt of his long-knife.
    ‘They tell me I should have you killed, before you kill me. Ardonyx says you could be useful. Ceyne says –’
    ‘Ceyne?’ Graelen was surprised. Was the saw-bones playing them off each other? He must not let Kyredeon’s paranoia infect him. ‘The saw-bones advises you?’
    ‘I would be a fool not to listen to him. He has advised me since the night we arrived in the palace.’
    ‘And you trust him? The saw-bones has been on Kyredeon’s inner circle since the all-father seized power.’
    ‘Ceyne is a good man in a difficult position.’
    That was