Read Online Shadow Magic by Patricia C. Wrede - Free Book Online

men.”
    “Our horses should be waiting now, Father,” Har said. “We only came back to tell you.”
    “Well done. We go, then.” Turning to his guests, Bracor continued, “You are welcome to stay and enjoy the feast that has been prepared for you. I must hold myself excused; do not think me a poor host, I pray.” He bowed and started for the door.
    Armin cleared his throat, and Bracor paused and looked at him inquiringly. “I may not speak for First Lord Gahlon,” the Lord of Lacsmer said rather gruffly. “But for myself, I would consider it a poor return for your hospitality if we were to remain here at our ease while you ride out to danger. I would join you.”
    “I also.” Gahlon spoke quietly, but there was no doubt of his sincerity.
    The grim expression on Bracor’s face lightened a little. “I accept.”
    Har and Maurin moved aside to let the lords take the lead, and then followed them. As they started down the stairs, Har caught a last glimpse of his mother’s white, strained face, heading for the north tower. He hesitated, then followed the others. The best thing he could do now was to help catch the kidnappers before they got too far ahead.
    A troop of guards was mounted and waiting in the courtyard when they arrived. Three riderless horses stood beside the door; Bracor and his two guests mounted them immediately. Cursing his lack of forethought, Har sent one of the stable boys off to saddle two more horses for himself and Maurin. Bracor exchanged a few words with the gatekeeper and the captain of the guards, then motioned the mounted men forward. Har walked back toward the doorway where Maurin stood frowning.
    “The Styr gatekeeper swears he didn’t see anyone come in or go out since the last of the guests arrived late this afternoon,” Har informed him. “But there are signs of a struggle in the courtyard outside the kitchens, and traces of several horses.”
    “Never mind that. What about us?” Maurin asked, indicating the departing party of guards.
    Har’s reply was drowned for a moment by the noise as the pursuers started out the gates of Styr Tel into the city. Then he said, “They are saddling horses for us now. We should be able to catch up without too much trouble, once we’re clear of the city.” He shrugged. “It’s my fault; I should have thought that First Lord Armin and Lord Gahlon might want to go along, and Father could hardly insult them by asking them to wait.”
    Maurin snorted disgustedly. “Politics at a time like this! I’d never make a noble, that’s certain. Well, come on. We’ll get started faster if we don’t wait for the horses to be brought to us.”
    The two walked across the courtyard to the stables. A groom met them just inside the door, leading two horses. With a nod of thanks, Maurin took the reins and led the animals outside.
    “They’ll head for the West Gate,” Har said as they mounted. “It is closest, and the kidnappers wouldn’t want to attract attention.”
    Maurin nodded, and with barely a backward look he and Har galloped out into the city.
    Outside the West Gate of Brenn, the trail of the pursuers turned northwest, toward Lithra. Har turned his horse to follow, but Maurin reined in suddenly. “Wait a minute,” he said. Har obligingly brought his mount to a halt and turned to look inquiringly at his friend.
    Maurin sat bolt upright in the saddle, staring at the sky. “We are going in the wrong direction,” he said slowly.
    “Why do you say that?” Har asked.
    “The Lithmern were trying to throw the blame on Gahlon, and Gahlon’s troops wouldn’t head for Lithra the minute they were out of the city. Suppose they went east, toward Meridel, to lay a false trail instead? They wouldn’t need to go far before they doubled back toward Lithra. If that’s what they’re doing, Bracor and the rest will never catch up with them.”
    “Maybe,” Har said, running a hand through his hair distractedly. “But do you really think they would