Read Online Traitor's Moon by Lynn Flewelling - Free Book Online

quick glance at him as she said this; she’d spent enough of her girlhood underfoot at the Orëska House to know of the famous rivalry.
    Seregil sighed inwardly. “A good choice. May I ask how you settled on him?”
    â€œOstensibly, because the more experienced wizards are needed in the field.”
    â€œAnd the real reason?”
    Klia picked up an ornate map weight and tapped it absently against her palm. “You don’t walk among swordsmen without a sword, but if your blade is too big, they’re insulted and mistrust you. If it’s too small, they scorn you. The trick is to find the right balance.”
    â€œAnd if you can make a large sword look smaller and less threatening, then so much the better? Nysander always claimed he was remarkable. A year with Magyana will only have enhanced his talents—perhaps even his personality.”
    Alec shot him a warning look, but Klia smiled.
    â€œHe’s an odd duck, I admit, but I’ll feel safer having him along. We’re facing a great deal of opposition, not the least of which is the fact that there are plenty of Aurënfaie who don’t want us going anywhere except Virésse.”
    â€œYou mean that’s not where we’re going?” Seregil asked, surprised. No Tírfaie had been allowed to land anywhere except the eastern port since Aurënen had closed its borders.
    â€œThere’s not much choice,” Klia told him. “You can practically walk across the Strait of Bal on the decks of enemy ships these days. We’re to land at Gedre. Do you know the place?”
    â€œVery well.” The name was tinged with bittersweet memories. “So we’re to meet the Iia’sidra there?”
    Klia’s smile intensified. “No, over the mountains, at Sarikali.”
    â€œSarikali?” Alec gaped. “I never thought I’d see Aurënen, much less Sarikali!”
    â€œI could say the same,” Seregil murmured, fighting to retain his composure as a wave of conflicting emotions raged through him.
    â€œThere is one more thing you ought to know,” she warned. “Lord Torsin has opposed including you.”
    The words took a moment to register. “Why?”
    â€œHe believes your presence will complicate negotiations with some of the clans.”
    Seregil let out a derisive snort. “Of course it will! Which meansthe queen must have some very pressing reason for sending me against the advice of her most experienced envoy.”
    â€œYes.” Klia turned the map weight over in her hands. “As envoy to Aurënen, Lord Torsin has served my family faithfully for three decades. There’s never been any question as to his loyalty or wisdom. However, in all that time, outsiders have never been allowed beyond the city of Virésse, which means he’s more familiar with that clan and their allies in the east. It would be—understandable if his long association with certain khirnari might unconsciously predispose him in their favor. The queen and I believe your westerner’s point of view will prove a very valuable balance.”
    â€œPerhaps,” Seregil said doubtfully. “But as an exile, I have no connections, no influence.”
    â€œExile or not, you’re still Aurënfaie, still the brother of a khirnari. As for influence—” She gave him a knowing look. “You know better than most in how many directions that can work. You’ll certainly be seen as having my ear. I’m betting that some Aurënfaie will see you as a sympathetic conduit. Alec, too, for that matter.”
    This was familiar ground. “We’ll do what we can, of course.”
    â€œBesides which,” Klia continued earnestly, “there’s no one else in all Skala I’d rather have at my back than the pair of you if things get complicated. I’m not asking you to spy on them, but you do have a talent for ferreting out