Page 136 (1/2)

"Of course," Abban said, nodding and sun

Jardir paced his pavilion like an ani for Abban to return

"What did he say?" he demanded the moment the khaffit entered the tent "Is it done?"

Abban shook his head, and Jardir took a deep breath to eh hi than I thought," Abban said "She has liberty to choose her own husband, though you "

"I will pay any price," Jardir said

Abban bowed "So you have said," he agreed, "but I, your huotiations to minimize the impact on your treasury"

Jardir waved his hand dismissively "So I iven you permission to court her," Abban said, and Jardir s to check himself in a silvered mirror

"What will you say to her?" Abban asked

Jardir looked back at him "I have no idea," he said honestly "But this is Everaht thing"

Abban frowned "I do not think it works that way, Ah all the words unspoken Abban was ard Polite Tolerant And utterly disbelieving

Jardir looked at his old friend and felt great pity in his heart, understanding at last what it ht use the Creator’s name in every other sentence, but had never truly heard His voice or felt the rapture of sub to His divine will Only profit spoke to Abban, and he would ever be its slave

But that, too, was part of Everas essential to Jardir, if he was to win Sharak Ka

Jardir put a hand on Abban’s shoulder, s sadly "I know you do not, my friend, but if you do not trust in the Creator, hold faith in me"

Abban bowed "Of course But at the very least, avoid mention of your other wives Her mother tells me that Mistress Leesha’s jealousy is like a storm"

Jardir nodded, not surprised in the least that such a woman would know her oorth and expect other women to make way for her It only h their exercises halfheartedly They had improved a little, but whenever Kendall bent to her fiddle case, he could see the tops of the scars that ran across her chest A ht be, but they were also a reminder to Rojer of just how far his apprentices had yet to coht He hoped the instructors froleurs’ Guild arrived soon

Across the way, the Cutters trained in the Corelings’ Graveyard There was plenty of work to be done to build the new greatward, but so long as the Krasians were ca, none of the Cutters had any interest in doing it Gared had groups of theraveyard to train and stand ready if needed Leesha would be furious when she saw the asn’t getting done, but even after all she had been through, Leesha was too trusting of people

There was a shout, and Rojer looked up to see the Krasian leader approaching, followed by his two bodyguards, Hasik and Shanjat They wore their spears and shields on their backs, but while Jardir looked relaxed and serene, the warriors had the look of men surrounded by enemies Their hands flexed unconsciously for want of a spear

Jardir headed toward Rojer, and Gared gave a shout as he and a few Cutters hurried to intercept Jardir’s bodyguards whirled to face the in their hands instantly The Cutters lifted their oeapons at the sight, and it see in Cutter and Sharuuests of Mistress Leesha!" he cried "No blood will be shed between our peoples until she decrees otherwise"