Read Online The Modern World by Steph Swainston - Free Book Online

Archer.’
    ‘What about him?’
    ‘Not here.’ She beckoned. ‘Come into the church, out of this terrible wind.’
    We walked past the stores, stepping over the rail tracks that carryfodder to the stables, through the alleyway and into the church beside the hall.
    It was a quiet, white room with beanbags on the floor. Churches are only single rooms but they are often built and funded by governors and sometimes as a display of the sponsor’s wealth can be quite ornate. They employ no officials, except a caretaker to look after the building, and they are places in which to think and relax, and reflect on the absence of god. People sit, or walk around admiring the decoration. Travellers are welcome to shelter there for the night. They are for people, not god, since god has left the world on an extended break and has had no impact on anybody’s life since the calendar began.
    The church was empty so Eleonora spoke openly. ‘Do you know what’s bothering Lightning?’
    ‘Is something bothering him?’
    She blinked in disbelief. ‘Yes! Men – you never notice anything, do you? Have you ever seen him so tipsy before?’
    I considered it. ‘No, not for a long time. Is it his fiancée?’
    ‘Swallow!’ Eleonora said contemptuously. ‘No. He wouldn’t mention it to you, because it isn’t connected with the dam. I know how Eszai hide their weaknesses. He told me and, since the weight of responsibility for the advance is on you immortals, I thought I should let you know what has shaken him.’
    ‘He told
you
? What? What did he tell you?’
    ‘Do you remember Cyan, his daughter?’
    ‘Of course I remember Cyan.’
    ‘She has gone missing.’ Eleonora paused, dramatically.
    I said, ‘What, again?’
    ‘Pardon?’
    ‘She was kidnapped once,’ I explained. ‘While you were busy wresting the throne from Staniel Rachiswater and exiling the poor fool.’
    Eleonora tipped her foot and thoughtfully rolled her rowel spur up and down on the floorboards, leaving a line of dents. ‘Oh, I see. Well, that explains Lightning’s extreme reaction. He jumped to the conclusion that Cyan has been snatched. She is, after all, the future governor of Peregrine and the daughter of Governor Micawater, so she’s a target for kidnappers. They know he would give his manor for her safety.’
    ‘Where did she go missing? Awndyn?’
    ‘Hacilith. In the city.’
    ‘Why? What was she doing there?’
    ‘I don’t know. I was hoping you’d sort it out. Eszai should bloody well tell each other if something goes wrong instead of moping around and drinking.’
    I nodded. ‘Maybe I can help.’
    I was much more familiar with Hacilith than Lightning was. In fact, I know it like the veins in my arms. I could put the word around and if any hotelier or spa owner had spotted a girl as glitteringly important as Cyan the city would be buzzing.
    Eleonora followed me out of the church – and pinched my arse hard as we passed through the door. I sped up to get away from her and returned to the hall.
    A servant was moving around the table placidly, collecting plates and glasses, and pouring yet more claret for Lightning. He was talking to Frost but I barged in on their conversation. ‘I can’t believe you didn’t tell me that Cyan’s gone missing!’
    Lightning looked confused for a second, then narrowed his eyes at Eleonora. ‘I … Well, I admit I have been a little preoccupied.’
    ‘You can hardly concentrate,’ Eleonora told him.
    ‘On the contrary, the planning is taking my mind off the problem.’ He took a sip of wine. ‘But I can’t stand the fact that Cyan’s life may be at risk.’
    ‘What are you talking about?’ asked Frost.
    Lightning sighed. ‘I suppose I should tell you. My daughter has contrived to get herself lost while on the Grand Tour. It is an Awian tradition, Frost. I received a letter yesterday morning from my steward, Harrier. He was accompanying her. They’d toured Awia and were stopping once in Morenzia to see