decoy.
She wouldnt have sent them there just to die. Grizelle isnt that practical.
Unlike you ? Krelis thoughtthen hastily buried that thought. If she buys passage on another Coach . . .
There arent that many passes over the Tamanara Mountains. Shell have to reach a station located near one of them and travel overland for some of the journey, no matter what she does.
She could ride the Winds.
Dorothea shook her head. Shes thwarted herself in that as much as shes thwarted me. Theres some kind of spell that acts as a barrier across the Winds, preventing anyone from riding them into her Territory. Anyone trying to get into Dena Nehele from this side of the Tamanara Mountains has to use one of passes.
She smoothed her coiled black hair. Find out where the slaves she purchased came from. If any of them were from prominent families, she might try bartering with their kin for assistance.
Kreliss shoulders sagged in relief. At least hed done this right. Ive already sent someone to Raej for the list, Priestess.
Dorothea gave him a smile of approval. Im sure, once you have it, youll be able to offset your miscalculations.
Krelis didnt acknowledge the threat beneath the words.
Dorotheas smile sharpened. He couldnt tell if it indicated approval or displeasure.
They finally stopped walking when they reached a Red-locked door.
Since you have a little time while were waiting for your pet to prove useful, Dorothea purred, Id like you to do a favor for me.
Anything, Priestess, Krelis said quickly.
A pleased, vicious light filled Dorotheas gold eyes as she opened the door and gestured for him to enter the room ahead of her.
The darkened room stank of sweat and fear to the point where it almost overwhelmed the presence of a feminine psychic scent. Sufficient light came through the open door for him to recognize a bedchamber, but the bed was still too shadowed for him to see the occupant.
Dorothea raised her hand. The candle-lights on the bed tables brightened, softly lighting the room. Staying near the door, she gestured for Krelis to stand at the foot of the bed.
A young, naked Hayllian witch was tied spread-eagle in the center of the bed. As Krelis stared at her, she struggled against the leather straps around her ankles, trying to close her legs. Since she was also gagged, she could only make muffled sounds of distress.
It took Krelis a moment to get past the blatant, if involuntary, invitation to mount, and recognize her. He couldnt remember her name, just that hed seen her a couple of times several years ago when a maternal second cousin of his had been courting her. That courtship had ended swiftly, and the only thing the cousin had said afterward publicly was that they werent as well suited as he had thought.
But one night, over a couple of bottles of brandy, his cousin had muttered some other things about her. Since she no longer had anything to do with him or his family, Krelis had paid no attention.
Now he wished he had, just as he wished he could remember what it was about her that had made him keep his distance during his cousins brief courtship.
You know her? Dorothea asked, a dangerous edge in her voice.
Sweat trickled down Kreliss sides. Ive seen her before, Priestess, but we were never formally introduced. That, thank the Darkness, was true.
Dorothea nodded as if satisfied. Shes a minor Queen from one of the Hundred Families. Her tendency to voice questionable opinions has caused great embarrassment and distress for her family. The latest unfortunate incident forced them to conclude that having her Virgin Night is the only thing that will settle her down.
Kreliss hands curled into fists. Now he remembered. A mouthy little bitch who was always criticizing the High Priestess and talking about how a Territory shouldnt be ruled by a witch who was less than a Queen. Always talking as if she, who
RS Anthony
W. D. Wilson
Pearl S. Buck
J.K. O'Hanlon
janet elizabeth henderson
Shawna Delacorte
Paul Watkins
Anne Marsh
Amelia Hutchins
Françoise Sagan