Read Online Sanctuary by Rowena Cory Daniells - Free Book Online Page B

after three days’ muddy ride from port, it certainly lived up to its reputation for beauty. It stood on an island in the lake. A ribbon of white causeway stretched out to the city. The walls and buildings were a brilliant white. There were gardens on the roofs, mostly barren now, except for the occasional pencil pine.
    ‘The closest end, the low end, is where the brotherhood palaces are. They were given to the barons as a reward for their loyalty. Apparently they drew lots when the Wyrds left,’ Eskarnor told her. He adjusted her buttocks across his lap and she could feel him pressed into her flesh. She knew what he would do once they were alone in the palace. ‘Beyond the next wall are the shops, theatres, eateries and a park. Behind the last wall, on the peak of the island, are the sisterhood palaces. Charald had declared them his, but by tomorrow morning, I’ll be claiming them.’
    ‘The Chalcedonian barons won’t swear loyalty to you.’
    ‘I think you underestimate how much they hate your husband. There is not one baron amongst us who hasn’t felt the force of his irrational rage. Fear is all very well for keeping men in line, but when a man does not know if his king is going to turn on him in a rage, then fear becomes a goad to action.’
    Jaraile suspected he was right. The king had always had a temper and bullied his way through life, but these last few years, she’d seen even Charald’s trusted advisors recoil in horror.
    They rode down the causeway towards the gates.
    ‘Your men-at-arms were sent –’
    ‘– to my estate, which lies far to the north. It’s huge, but that’s because it’s so barren. Frankly, it’s an insult, considering my service to King Charald.’ Then he laughed. ‘Sorne had men watching the port for signs of my warriors gathering, but he didn’t bother to watch the army besieging the Wyrd city. And he wouldn’t have thought anything of it, if he had, because I was entitled to a contingent of men to claim my palace. The rest have slipped back and been secreted throughout the tents of my loyal barons.’
    Jaraile’s mind raced. If Eskarnor had been allowed to retain a contingent of men here, then Nitzane must have men here, too. If she could just work out which palace was his and escape, she could claim sanctuary with them.
    By the time they rode through the gate, one of the baron’s men was waiting to escort Eskarnor to his palace.
    ‘Captain Pataxo,’ Eskarnor greeted him with a laugh. The baron was so different from Charald – ruthless, yes, but also ready to laugh, especially now that his plans had finally come to fruition. ‘Where’s my palace?’
    ‘It’s the last one on the north side of the city.’
    ‘Good. I want all the barons and their honour guards invited to tonight’s feast,’ Eskarnor said.
    Pataxo’s gaze skipped over Jaraile, but it was clear he knew who she was. ‘It will be done. We’re lucky we didn’t get the ruined palace. Nitzane’s man drew the short straw.’
    ‘Which palace is that?’ Jaraile said.
    Eskarnor pinched her. ‘Don’t even think it.’
    She looked up at him, startled.
    ‘I’m no fool, Raila.’ Eskarnor grinned. ‘Besides, if you took refuge with Nitzane’s men, I would have to kill the lot of them. You don’t want to be responsible for their deaths, do you?’
    She sank down. He had outsmarted Sorne, who was the smartest man she’d ever met. Perhaps there was no hope. Perhaps she was destined to be the prize of cruel bullies.
    No. She had her son to think of. She must not give up hope. But she could let Eskarnor think she had. She slumped in his arms, as if dejected.
    That evening Jaraile dressed in looted finery. Eskarnor decked her in silks and brocades. Above her, on the rooftop garden, she could hear the feast getting underway, with much singing and drinking.
    It was dark by the time Eskarnor escorted her onto the rooftop garden. From the roar of laughter and voices, the wine had been flowing freely.