Kinship

Part III – Midwinter

December 461 – February 462 HE

Chapter Nine — Kinship

5–16 December

To Kel's eyes Corus was at once familiar and strange. Buildings were where they ought to be but the City wall and Palace enclosure seemed less impressive than she remembered. After a day she decided it was because her image had been made when she was a newcome page to whom everything was oversized, and fixed by her fear of heights and having to run the allering of the Palace wall. When she mentioned it the Lioness agreed, waggling a hand, but retorted it wasn't Corus seeming smaller but Kel being bigger, and that as the world wouldn't make more room for her on that account until she cleared some for herself she was bound to feel cramped. Kel took this under advisement, protesting there was quite enough of her already, but suspected Alanna was right.

Their journey had been pleasant enough. Alder had proven as good for a journey as a joust, with an easy gait, and they had made good time. The fun of watching Tobe and Irnai see new landscapes, continuing their practical educations and drawing in soldiers travelling with them, kept conversation animated, and the children's excited reactions to Corus and the wide Olorun, the Palace rising above the city and the expanse of the Royal Forest beyond were deeply satisfying to Kel—they ought to know what was at the heart of the realm. Her own bemused happiness continued, simple pleasure in restored well being remaining undiminished. Even resumption of her monthlies with accompanying aches and inconvenience proved welcome.

What had not been enjoyable at all, in Kel's opinion—Alanna and Tobe begged to differ —was entry into the city. Mindful of Alanna's prediction about her probable reception Kel had done her level best to persuade everyone not to stop only ten miles north of the last rise before the city and ride on in winter dark and persistent drizzle, hoping an arrival closer to midnight than dinnertime would spare her whatever fuss was waiting. But Alanna had been unmoved, wanting food and warmth, with the inevitable result next day that after parting with the soldiers, all heading east, they reached the gates in late morning. The exaggerated respect of watchmen on the Kingsbridge when they identified the arrivals had been bad enough, but as they rode up Palace Way Kel heard the Chamber's absurd tag being shouted. By the time they reached the Daymarket the crowd had thickened, and cheering started with cries of 'Protector' and 'Mindelan'. Kel put her Yamani mask firmly in place until Alanna told her to smile; she thought she must look like a grinning idiot, and regarded the slow miles until they escaped into the Palace district as an ordeal she could have done without.

She had waved, mouthing platitudes amid noise while knowing she'd gone as red as a

beet. It all seemed absurd, unconnected with anything that had driven her into Scanra, but she knew plenty of soldiers who'd faced killing devices and too often died on their blades had been from Corus. Even so, the relative calm of the Palace enclosure had never been so welcome, and after they'd stabled their horses she automatically set off with relief for her old rooms only to be hauled back by Alanna and steered instead not even to the knight's wing but to a set of rooms in the commanders' quadrant, an area new to her. Startlement ebbed when she realised Tobe and Irnai were billeted with her and had cotbeds in a side-chamber, but even more than the crowds the rooms brought home to her how her status had risen; that her command was not limited to New Hope. Sprawling as the Palace might be rooms were at a premium, and a set like these, with a privy, side-chamber, and sitting room, were gold, an unarguable sign of rank.

Practicalities rescued her from shock and she spent an hour making sure Tobe and Irnai knew the basic layout and places that mattered, including the day-kitchen where they snagged turnovers for lunch. Then she took them to see the pages' and squires' wing where she'd spent so long. The pages were out with Lord Padraig in the Royal Forest, so she was spared embarrassments but missed her nephew Lachran. She and the children did get strange looks from squires who happened to see them, and though Kel had intended to go on to the Own's barracks and stables, where Tobe would appreciate the horseflesh and someone might have news of Dom, she headed instead up to the teachers' floor hoping to find Daine. It turned out the Wildmage wasn't back yet from the north but Kitten welcomed them volubly and dragged Numair from his books. Greeting Irnai gravely, he offered her meetings with other seers resident at the Palace, if she'd like, while Kel and a charmed Tobe were enthusiastically bombarded by Kitten with the news that her grandsire had promised to visit her during the celebrations to see how she fared and teach her new dragonspells. The opal dragon Kawit was already at the Palace and he wanted to have a long talk with her too.

"There's another dragon here?"

There is. Kitten's mindvoice sounded very smug.

"And your grandsire is Diamondflame? The eighty-foot one?"

Eighty-five, not counting his tail. Dragons don't have kings but he is the most important except for Rainbow Windheart and the strongest magically. He says I will be very strong too because I have started young and had many experiences in the mortal realms. I saw him in the Dragonlands five years ago but he has not been here since he brought Mama and me back from the Divine Realms after she killed Ozorne.

Who Rainbow Windheart might be Kel wasn't sure but a memory clicked in her mind. "Was that when you gave Lord Mithros a scolding?"

Yes, but he didn't listen. Grandsire says gods usually don't and that is one reason they are so annoying.

Kel hadn't thought of gods that way but decided Diamondflame sounded a very sensible dragon. "Well, if you meet the Graveyard Hag, please scold her for me. Bite her too, if you get a chance."

She is strange even for a god. I met her in Carthak and she upset Mama a great deal, so I will certainly bite her if I get the chance. What has she done to annoy you?

"She played a trick on me I didn't like at all. It was nasty and personal, so I hope you do get the chance. But please don't ever bite the Goddess or the Black God—they've both been very nice to me."

Alright. You have been meeting a lot of gods, Kel. I saw a great many at their Court with Mama but I haven't met any since except Mama's parents. Grandsire says dragons annoy them as much as they annoy us, but that is silly. Most dragons are nice.

"If they're like you they must be, and I'm happy you're so happy about seeing your grandsire." Whether anyone else would be pleased by a visiting eighty-five-foot dragon Kel doubted, but looked forward to the event. "I need to see my parents, too, and take Irnai to meet them."

They will be pleased to see you, as I am. How long are you staying?

"I'm not sure, but until after the celebrations at least. Then it depends on the weather. I'll see you again when your Mama gets back if not before. And if you get bored I'm sure Tobe and Irnai would be glad of a visit. Do you know where my new rooms are?"

Kitten didn't so Kel explained, and after quietly telling Numair that the Goddess had visited New Hope and there were fragments of information he could get from Alanna, she took Tobe and Irnai to bathe and change before going to her parents' townhouse. Determined to avoid any repeat of the fuss in the city she put her status to use and nabbed a closed carriage from the palace yard, which pleased both children. Her parents' house-steward Hiroaki was surprised but pleased to see her, offering dignified congratulations in a reserved Yamani way she could deal with, and they made their way to the sitting room her parents used.

Both were there, delighted to see her and Tobe and meet Irnai again, but so was Conal and even while her parents were greeting Irnai Kel knew that however popular her adventures might have made her with the citizens of Corus it had only deepened his open dislike. In the strange way of bullies he'd never forgiven her for being his victim in childhood, nor for the threats to disown him in which her father had exploded after the tower episode; perhaps in consequence he'd come to regard their parents as too liberal, and as a knight had drifted towards conservatives who loudly condemned the 'irresponsible and sacrilegious decision' to allow a girl page. His first words were an aggressive sneer.

"So, little sister, you think your popularity and pet status entitles you to disrespect nobles from the Book of Silver, do you? You'd better not try such a thing in my presence."

Kel blinked, realising he must be referring to Tirrsmont, and though dismayed to discover that story in circulation anger flared with memory of the man's disregarded responsibilities. Her voice came out clipped.

"If you mean Tirrsmont, Conal, I suggest you discover how General Vanget refers to him before you decide he's a paragon of virtue. Unlike him I said nothing untrue or obscene, and he was far outside his rights."

Her tone brought her mother's head round but he didn't notice.

"You insulted and threatened him on his own lands and you'll not get away with it."

"They're not his, Conal, and never will be. He disgraces his title."

"You're the disgrace, you and this Scanran bastard."

Red faced he left, ignoring the children save for a look of contempt that brought concern to Tobe's face, and Kel cursed him viciously in her mind before telling her son he was in a bad mood and not to fret. Obviously cross, her mother started to apologise to Tobe but Kel hushed her.

"It doesn't matter, mama. He's always been a grouch."

"It's worse than that, Kel, and you know it. He has no civility or judgement these days. I'm really quite tired of the boy."

For her mother those were strong words and Kel wondered what Conal had been saying or doing to warrant them, but friendlier family chat was more enticing. A letter from Patricine in the Islands had arrived the previous week, and after news of Anders, Inness, and her sisters— Oranie and Adelia would shortly be arriving with husbands and children but pregnant Demadria was staying with her new husband—there was the foiled attack on Mindelan to hash over.

"Are the navy ships still there?"

Her father nodded. "The damaged one is being repaired but another arrived as cover. Wolfship season's over though, thank Mithros."

"Good. I have a horrible feeling it was a revenge attack. I'm sorry."

"Oh nonsense, Kel. Even if we were targeted you've no call to apologise." Her mother searched her face. "But what about you? Your letters said nothing but there was a rumour you'd been hurt again. The King said it was just a close call but wouldn't say what happened."

The invitation was obvious and Kel had reluctantly decided honesty required her to tell her mother the truth, but hoped to tell the story only once and had warned Tobe and Irnai—who knew how badly she'd been affected—she'd be deflecting enquiries.

"Not now, Mama. It's complicated and it was rough for a while, but I promise you I'm well. Very well, in fact. Are you training in the mornings with Shinko and the Queen?"

Accepting her words, though obviously concerned, Ilane nodded. "Whenever I can. Will you join us tomorrow?"

"Yes. If Shinko and the Queen have time after we might talk then." "Alright. Now, about those glaives you wanted …"

An hour passed in chatter and Kel was delighted to see Tobe relaxing, though wide-eyed at the size of the house and the more exotic Yamani items among her parents' décor. Irnai was more self-contained but obviously happy too, interested in lifestyles new to her. Dragging herself reluctantly away Kel took them to Lalasa's dress shop, for the pleasure of seeing her friend and the serious business of tailoring. Her dresses damaged at Haven had never recovered and while she hoped to get away with attending only the Queen's and King's balls there was no escaping those; she also wanted a dress to celebrate her healing, and was determined Tobe and Irnai would have some finery.

As soon as Lalasa saw them she excused herself from a hectoring woman whom no skill in needlework would ever make look other than comfortably plump but whose affront seemed almost to become pleasure when she realised with squeaking excitement she'd been abandoned for the Protector of the Small herself. Ignoring her, Lalasa took them to a private room and after shutting the door hugged Kel fiercely.

"Oh, my Lady, it's so good to see you. I nearly burst when they proclaimed your report in the Daymarket. And business has been non-stop ever since."

"It's your skills that do that Lalasa, and it's good to see you too. Thank you for that wonderful kimono as well—it's lovely, and it's been a boon. But let me introduce you to Tobe, my son, and to Irnai."

Lalasa knew about her adoption of Tobe and recognised Irnai's name from Kel's report, eyes widening before natural kindness took over and she welcomed the girl. They chatted, Kel learning with a first real satisfaction in her new status that besides swelling Lalasa's business with a range of customers from circles that hadn't previously patronised her, the self-defence classes for women had also swollen in size and number since the report had made Kel famous.

"Most people knew you'd taught me, of course—I tell every new group about that—but when I started out some lower-city men were very rude about women fighting, and about you, my Lady. Not now, though—they're proud of a connection. I've four women teaching classes, including a Dog from the Jane Street Kennel, and it's put a spring in all our steps, that you did what all the top knights and mages couldn't."

Kel still wanted to be flustered by such inordinate praise but her genuine gladness at the increase in the number of women who could reasonably hope to defend themselves against a predator like Vinson made it easier to accept. She did steer conversation as swiftly as possible to New Hope, letting the children describe it and the visit of the Wildmage's parents. Lalasa just smiled at their account of the glacis and caves, not visualising what they meant in physical terms, but the tale of the gods' sounds behind the chimes had her making the circle on her chest, and when she heard that when Lord Weiryn and the Green Lady had manifested Kel had asked them to dinner and they had danced she was for once rendered speechless, staring consternation.

"You … you invited them to dinner, my Lady?"

Kel smiled ruefully. "I did, Lalasa. They wanted to see their daughter as well as bless their shrines so it was only polite. And they were very kind though Lord Weiryn's antlers are a bit disconcerting." Lalasa didn't look convinced simple politeness required divine dining, nor sure what to make of anyone having antlers, but with a surge of affection and a sense of mischief she hadn't felt for a long time and rejoiced to feel again Kel leaned forward confidentially.

"I'll tell you what was much more surprising, Lalasa—I danced with Lord Wyldon!" Lalasa's hands flew to her mouth. "You didn't!"

""Oh yes I did. He asked and I could hardly refuse. He's mellowed more than you'd think possible. He's a good dancer too."

"My Lady!"

Lalasa's real amusement at the idea of stiffly proper Wyldon doing such a thing and having light feet got her over her astonishment at Kel's consorting with gods and they turned to business. Kel explained with apologies and regret what had happened to her wardrobe when Haven burned and her need for a dress to wear to balls as well some further replacements in due course.

"But I also want things for the children, Lalasa. A proper Mindelan tunic and good breeches for Tobe, and something lovely for Irnai. I don't think she's ever had new clothes or anything fine." She ruffled the girl's hair and was rewarded with a smile. "I know it's a lot in a short time but they'll be coming to the balls with me as well, so I was hoping you could manage. I'd like some sturdy everyday outfits for them too, but that's not so urgent."

"It's no problem, my Lady. Lady Oranie told me you'd be here and I know how hard you are on clothes, so I've things set aside. And the children's wear is easier anyway. Let me measure you all."

She bustled for a moment with the knotted strings of her trade, making both children

giggle by ending with careful measurement of noses, and took them off to a marvellous storeroom

to discuss fabrics and details. Familiar with Kel's taste for simpler wear than court fashion dictated

she had cunning suggestions; they settled on a design Kel had never seen with a very high waist

and a long skirt. The neckline would conceal the scar from Stenmun's axe, the fall of the skirt

meant she didn't have to worry about her unfashionable figure, and the high-cinched waist

worked far better with her small, widely spaced breasts than the low-cut, exposing necklines court

women favoured and Kel had always thought more revealing than was polite. She didn't believe

Lalasa's satisfied prediction that her appearance would make it the new fashion, though an odd

look came into Irnai's eyes as she heard the words, but if the style was experimental Kel didn't

mind—it was modest, it became her, and the worst anyone could say was that it was

unfashionable which bothered her not one whit. The colour would be a gorgeous deep blue Tobe

wanted for his own tunic, and at Kel's insistence embroidery would be limited to the hem and one

Mindelan owl over her crossed glaives with distaff border.

Tobe's tunic would have owl and glaives without the border, and Lalasa found a lighter blue fabric for breeches. Irnai was more of a conundrum, so taken with the rich colours and fabrics she couldn't say which she liked most. She was clear she didn't want anything she couldn't move freely in, and they decided on fine dark brown wool and a simple cut, Lalasa promising to have the dress embroidered with borders of flame in bright reds and yellows. Kel was reminded of a promise too long forgotten and asked for some red yarn for a new doll for Meech, explaining about the slow but so important balding of the old one.

"Oh, my Lady." Lalasa's face softened. "What a brave lad. And only five, fancy! I'm sure I couldn't have thought to do such a thing at that age. I know a woman in Festive Lane who makes dolls like that. She could do one for you with the right hair easily, if you'd like."

Kel did like, and they proceeded briskly to ordinary garments for herself and the children before returning to the private room for their usual wrangle about payment. Kel conceded on her dress, as she'd known she'd have to, but managed to get Lalasa to agree the cost of materials for the children, and a portion of the labour, would be set against Kel's tithe from the shop's earnings. She tried again, as hard as she could, to persuade Lalasa that profits were rightfully hers and she shouldn't give anything to Kel—a case pressed all the harder because business was booming and the size of the payments a real embarrassment—but on the principle of the thing Lalasa was absolute.

"If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have shop or profit, my Lady, and I'm still your maid. I always set my proper wage against the accounts." She folded her arms defiantly. "I've more money already than I ever expected and I'll not stint a penny of what's yours by right and custom."

Kel hadn't realised she was still—on paper—paying Lalasa a wage but stifled protest; she'd have to do some research before confronting that trick of Lalasa's accounting. She did, however, see a different counter.

"When's the last time I gave you a raise? I thought so. Your wage should have gone up three or four times by now, by at least half the original sum every time. You figure that in next time you do accounts, and backdate everything—I won't stint a penny of what's yours either."

Humour and admiration sparked in Lalasa's eyes. "Alright, my Lady. That's proper. And there's something else I was going to ask you. That woman in Festive Lane, and others I know, do good work and could do more if they could get themselves proper premises and stock and hire help. They can hardly get the time of day from the goldsmiths and can't afford the rates nimmers down here charge, but don't want charity. I lent one woman something to get herself started by hiring her as my undermaid and now she tithes to me. But you could do more and I know most of

what I've tithed to you is just sitting in that goldsmith's vault."

This idea Kel liked far more and promised to see the goldsmith to authorise Lalasa to withdraw whatever was needed. If these women had a tenth of Lalasa's skills it promised to make Kel richer in the long run but what pleased her was allowing talented women held back by nothing more than Tortall's snobbish conservatism to escape the poverty of so much of the lower city.

The spark returned to Lalasa's eye. "I thought you'd say that. Perhaps we'll call ourselves the Protector's Maids."

"You dare!"

Lalasa grinned and her face softened into a broader smile as a tap on the door was followed by a man's head poked through the opening.

"Lal, are you—oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were busy."

"That's alright, Tom, we're about done, I think. Come in, please. I'd like to present you to my Lady. This is Tomas Weaver, my Lady. We met down at the fabrics warehouse at the dock and we're good friends."

The man was short, slim, and cheerful, open face breaking into a smile as Lalasa spoke. "We're courtin', Lal, not just good friends, I hope. You'd be Lady Knight Keladry, then. I'm honoured to meet you—and thank you for all you've done for Lal. She's told me a lot about you."

He drew himself up to bow but Kel forestalled him, offering a hand he took with pleased surprise. His own was strong and clean, with a weaver's callouses, and though Kel was taken aback by his words, knowing Lalasa's history and lingering aversion to male company, she could see from her eyes that Tomas Weaver had been the man to persuade her otherwise. His obvious affection and easy kindness to the children, inviting them to call him Tom, put him further in her good books. He was as enthusiastic as Lalasa about the scheme, one of the women being a lacemaker he'd known since childhood, and a plan was hatched for Kel to meet some over the festival. By the time they'd had tea and biscuits, the light was fading and Kel reluctantly rose. Tobe bounced out with Tom, but as the women followed Irnai laid a hand softly on Lalasa's arm.

"The god says if you choose him he will be always true and gentle."

Startled, Kel and Lalasa looked down at the seer smiling up at them.

"Shakith?" Kel spoke for Lalasa's benefit.

"Yes. I asked how you'd look in your dress and she showed me, just as Tom came in, then added what I said. He's nice."

She skipped out after Tom and Tobe.

"She's for true, my Lady?"

"She is, Lalasa. Master Numair has no doubt she's one of Shakith's Chosen and her voice sounded when Irnai dedicated her shrine at New Hope—like a hawk in the distance. She sort of lit up for a moment too."

"Oh. And Tom's …" Her face was transformed. "I do trust him, my Lady, he's been nothing but kind. But I couldn't help remembering how my … how men can change with the drink in them. And now the goddess herself reassures me. Me."

"Are you thinking to accept his proposal, then?"

"I think I would have anyway but to be sure I'm not being a fool …"

"Well, I hope you'll be very happy. I'm delighted for you."

She gave Lalasa a hug as warmly returned and they followed the children. Not wanting to trouble with formalities after a long day Kel ignored the formal dinner sitting and took them to the kitchens that served the Own. Few she knew well were present, Raoul and Third Company having remained at Steadfast, but there were men of the First and Second she recognised who welcomed them to a plain but satisfying plat, and excellent winter-apple pie. They soon found they got better answers about Rathhausak and events at New Hope from Tobe and Irnai, so there was more chatter than Kel was comfortable with but she steeled herself. They also found a corporal from Second she didn't know who was from Masbolle and told her that though so far as he knew no-one had heard directly from Sergeant Domitan, he gathered the injured veteran was back at home, helping his brother with the estates but afflicted with a bad limp and by all appearances a deal of pain. Wincing, Kel thanked him and promised herself she'd write to Dom again as soon as she'd got the children to bed. It wasn't easy when she came to it, her recent experiences precluding frankness, but eventually she had a version that seemed informative and cheerful, mentioning Quenuresh and with a double exclamation-mark the litany of nicknames for the tauros skulls. She concluded with a renewed invitation to come to New Hope in spring, and went to bed in good heart.

When she made her way to the private practice courts at dawn, glaive in hand in case no practice weapon was available, Kel was astonished to find not only the Queen, Shinko, her mother, and a number of the Queen's Ladies, but also Lord Padraig. The Training Master had always been a swordsman by choice, preferring his blade to any polearm, and was uncomfortable with a glaive, hands slightly misplaced and stance off, leaving his warm-up pattern dance unbalanced. As there was a practice weapon waiting for her, once Kel had greeted everyone, giving Cricket a hug, she made sure he could see her as she weighed it more judiciously than she needed and carefully positioned her hands before beginning her warm-up with the slow, extended sweeps that were impossible unless your balance with the weapon was perfect. Their slowness allowed her to watch in peripheral vision as he read the lesson and adjusted his grip, at once finding a smoother rhythm. After two slow dances she recentred and started a more complex set, accelerating until her glaive was a blur and the comfortable heat of readiness filled her, sweat filming her face. When she came to a precise halt, glaive poised for the broom-sweeps-clean, there was applause and Lord Padraig came forward smiling to offer a hand she took with renewed surprise.

"Thank you, Lady Knight. That was a most tactful lesson before your impressive display. I felt the difference at once—like staffwork, really. I should have guessed for myself what I was doing wrong."

She smiled as she mopped face and hands. "I had it beaten into me for years, my Lord, by old Naruko at the Imperial Palace."

"That's what I wanted to ask about, actually. All three girls starting this year specifically asked about glaive training, with their parents' support, and I saw a fine display, like yours just now, from one of the Yamani delegation who came for the Princess's wedding, so I know what a

good weapon it can be. It's interesting—staff, stabbing spear, and sword all in one, but unlike any of them. The problem is we don't have anyone who can instruct. The King has written to the Emperor requesting teachers to train up our own but it'll be spring before they're here. We do have practice weapons, though few live ones yet, so I wondered if you might introduce the pages to the basics in the next few days, and make sure they're started right."

Extremely pleased with flexibility in thinking she hadn't expected—and for which he'd never been known—Kel agreed at once and they arranged for her to come to the pages' practice courts the following afternoon. Then sparring began, partners regularly swapping so Kel found herself paired successively with Uline, who grinned widely and offered congratulations between blows, a Queen's Lady she didn't know whose defence was ragged, and Thayet before finishing with her mother, by far the best match for her but without Kel's strength or reach. Time flew as practice absorbed attention and she was sorry when Thayet called a halt, groaning and arching her back.

"I'm getting old. Practice never used to feel like this."

"Nonsense, Thayet. I can give you fifteen years. You just ate too much at that shindig with the ambassadors last night."

Thayet laughed. "Guilty as charged, Ilane. The food was excellent and why you didn't stuff yourself too I can't imagine. Keladry, your mother said you wanted a word with Shinko and me so I've laid on breakfast in my rooms, if that's alright."

Kel walked with her mother behind the royals, telling her Lalasa was being courted and relaying news about clothing and the plan to finance women who needed only a start to get businesses up and running. Thayet and Shinko had been chatting about court gossip and switched attention to the conversation behind them when they caught its gist, continuing to quiz Kel over the table. Though distracted by some astonishingly flaky crescent-rolls, as light as she'd ever tasted and entirely delicious, Kel was happy to answer, adding information about Lalasa's self-defence classes entering a second generation, with the best of her first pupils acting as instructors to cope with demand. Thayet theatrically struck her forehead.

"Keladry, that's superb, and I'm an idiot. After the Chamber exposed that disgusting Vinson and I discovered how the Palace maids were being harassed I came down on the senior housekeepers like a ton of bricks, so I hope things are better but I'm not kidding myself I solved the problem. Jon and I subsidise the Temple of the Goddess to run patrols in the lower city and do what they can to aid and deter, but that's only a drop in the ocean. Teaching women to defend themselves, and mark any attacker, that's a real step."

Kel nodded. "Now there are more instructors available why don't you require all female Palace staff to attend classes? They'd have to go in rotation but I'm sure Lalasa would be glad to help and a royal imprimatur would bring more lower-city women in too."

Thayet hit her forehead again. "Twice an idiot—that's a deal, Kel."

Remembering her curiosity, Kel asked what had happened to Vinson at his trial, and Thayet scowled.

"He was found guilty right enough—with bruises and cuts still appearing randomly all over him and his confession on impeccable record no-one was defending him. Turomot sentenced him to five years in the mines as well as fining Genlith very heavily for trying to bribe him, so that was right too. And he gave the fine to the Temple of the Goddess, the upright old coot. But while Vinson was being transported north the party was attacked. Three guards and two convicts were killed, and he was taken—or freed. Jon and I are sure Genlith or Stone Mountain hired it done but

we can't prove anything and he's not been seen since."

"Oh." Disturbed Kel nevertheless took the opportunity. "That's ill news. And it connects with what I wanted to tell you all. Well, not wanted, but feel I should. Is this safe from eavesdroppers? It's really not for anyone else's ears."

"It can be. A moment." Thayet disappeared into an adjoining room, returning with an elaborately set ruby on a golden chain fastened round her neck. "It's spelled to mask conversation from more than a few feet away—a present from Kaddar that's proved very useful."

Kel imagined it had. "Thank you." She took a breath and looked at her mother. "The thing is … well, I met the Goddess recently, through Alanna, and she told Alanna I might need to tell someone about this—publicly, I mean—and if I swore it by gods' oath she'd make sure it was upheld. I can't imagine why I'd want to tell anyone at all, but Alanna didn't think she'd spoken idly and I wouldn't for the world have any of you learn this unexpectedly or by report. So I have to make sure you all know but please don't tell anyone else unless it happens, especially Papa."

Ilane's Yamani mask in place; so was Cricket's while Thayet was frowning at mention of the Goddess.

"Alright, Kel. I have a feeling I'm not going to like this one bit, but that's reasonable. What is it?"

Kel decided shock tactics were best. "Back in September, not long after you left New Hope, we were attacked—a mage and seven tauroses went after an outlying group cutting hay down the valley and killed both guards and five of the six farmers. I wasn't far away with two guards and between us we killed the mage and six tauroses, but my guards were down—one dead, the other out cold—and there was the seventh tauros. It unhorsed me, and, well, you know what tauroses do. But then, and I swear this is true—I died." It sounded ridiculous even to her and Ilane's eyes were huge. She hurried on. "I met the Black God and he was very kind to me before his daughter healed me and sent me back, because the tauroses had been touched by Uusoae during the Immortals War and Lord Mithros and the Great Goddess wouldn't allow her interference to have any effects they didn't like." She looked at Thayet's shocked face. "Daine said that made sense, and I believe the King knows the story so I hope you do too."

The Queen nodded, tight-lipped. "You died, Kel? From the tauros?"

"I'm afraid so. And was sent back, very much alive again. Peachblossom was mortally hurt as well, hind leg in smithereens, but Daine managed to heal him though he's had to retire as a warhorse. And there's one more thing, because the Hag's healing wasn't, um, very satisfactory and that's why Alanna called the Goddess who did heal me properly, um, everywhere and I promise you I'm fine now. I swear I am."

She made the gods' circle as she spoke and chimes sounded softly with the Goddess's hounds behind. All her listeners started, Shinko paling even further and Thayet looking around in wonder.

"Was that other noise…?"

"The Goddess, yes."

The next few minutes were emotional, Ilane and Shinko hugging her repeatedly with most unYamani expressions despite Kel's protests that she was fine, and while yes, she had been dead for some very short time, she wasn't any more and was thoroughly healed. Over their heads she made a mute appeal to Thayet, watching with a frown and tears in her eyes, but the queen

shrugged and opened her hands eloquently: if Kel would drop such anvils into conversation she must expect to be hammered. Ruefully Kel agreed but after a while managed to ease her mother and Cricket back, feeling with some pleasure a sparking irony as she managed—in practice clothing—to produce a clean handkerchief for them to dab their eyes; Thayet had already used a napkin.

"Well, I can see why you don't want your papa to know, sweeting. He'd have fifty kinds of fit, even with you alive and well in front of him. Was it … was it very bad, dearest?"

Kel wasn't going to start lying at this stage. "Yes. I was pretty much unconscious at the time but the dream memories were vile, and I was in a bad way for a while—frozen inside and very snappy with everyone. But Lord Gainel helped, waking me from bad dreams and sending nice ones—being a child in the Islands, Cricket, full of laughter with you and Yuki, though I couldn't remember about what. Then the Goddess healed me properly and they've stopped." She considered her mother carefully. "I really don't want to say more but if you have to know ask Alanna. I'll tell her it's alright to speak to you. But please don't—details don't matter and it's over." She took a breath and added a truth she'd recognised on her journey south, offering a crooked smile. "It was what you might call a learning experience and I've learned a lot—though there's still one mystery no-one's solved and that's the stormwings."

"Stormwings?"

The voices were in unison and Kel explained the strange business of the tauroses' heads, ending with the familiar litany of Chargy, Bargy, Horny, Toothy, Dimwit, Flatnose, and Pizzle, which she was beginning to think more inspired than she'd realised; it was certainly useful, and all three women's hands leaped to their mouths, as Lalasa's had done at the news of Wyldon dancing. Ilane was the first to recover.

"Kel, sweeting, if it's taught you that kind of resilient self-mockery I almost have to be grateful—you've always been earnest to a fault. But gods, love, I wouldn't have had you learn it this way for the world."

Thayet nodded fierce agreement but had a probing question. "Was it really just the tauroses having been chaos-touched, Keladry? You didn't say the other dead were sent back too."

"No it wasn't," Kel confessed. "As best I understand that was the main reason but the Goddess said they'd seen some future she wouldn't describe where I do something that matters to them and plays in."

"Connected with Irnai's prophecy?"

"What prophecy?" Ilane's voice was sharp as she looked between her queen and her daughter.

"Oops." Thayet shrugged. "Sorry. I forgot Ilane didn't know."

Though dismayed Kel shrugged—it had been bound to come out sooner or later—and told her mother what Irnai had said so surprisingly during her verbal report.

"It's all so inconclusive. Numair says prophecies almost always are."

"Jon hates them." Thayet frowned again. "But it does seem you're going to face something at New Hope."

"Yes, I think so—it's why I've driven hard to make it as impregnable as I can. Mama, I

know it's worrying and you have to tell Papa, but please remember I'm behind the best fortifications between Northwatch and Frasrlund and we're on guard against everything."

"It didn't stop that tauros." Ilane's voice was mild; her eyes weren't.

Kel shrugged again. "True, but I can't stay in my room for the rest of my life. If I'm to die in battle I'll die fighting all the way." Seeing her mother's face she added something she hadn't meant to. "And I have the Black God's promise that all the people I've sent to him myself won't speak against me before his judges. I hope it's a long time away, but if it's tomorrow I'll be at peace. Oh, and Th—Your Majesty, the—"

"I prefer Thayet, Keladry. I've been waiting for you to do that."

"Then it's Kel. Thayet, the Goddess said the children Blayce murdered are specially cared for by the Black God and contented in the Peaceful Realms. The other tauros victims too. I though you might want to have that proclaimed—about the children I mean—though I'd much rather you didn't mention me. It's another sign of how the gods regard necromancy and I don't think Alanna would mind being named as the source. It's her the Goddess told, when I was sleeping after healing."

Thayet nodded sharply. "Yes, that's good. I'll talk to Jon and Alanna. Since we made the proclamation accompanying your report that explained about that vile mage and the killing devices I've heard real anger and disgust about the children. We had a killing device put on show, did you know? So people will be glad to be reassured about that." Her face took on a different look Kel couldn't interpret. "Forgive me, Kel, but you're constantly surprising me these days and I'm not the only one. You're so … well, frankly, unschooled in politics you can condemn yourself out-of-hand when it'd be madness for Jon to take offence, but then come up with something like this— and what you said about Lalasa's classes and training Palace women—that's politically very smart indeed."

"Don't worry about it, Thayet." Ilane's voice was dry. "Just imagine a good diplomat's self-effacement with romantic chivalry and warrior stoicism behind it instead of cold calculation, then throw in an oversize dollop of heroism and being the youngest of nine. Do you wonder the gods are watching as intently as all of us?"

"Not really. That makes sense, Ilane. Very Mindelan sense."

Kel didn't know where to look and glared at her mother wrathfully. "That's … that's …"

"Entirely true, sweeting? You've taken the best of your papa and me and added something all your own. Several somethings, actually. Do you have the slightest idea how formidable a woman you've become?"

Kel's annoyance turned to confusion and the conversation ran down gently, though she was still dismayed by the look on Shinko's face and when the royals had to leave took care to hug her again, promising time soon to talk—not least about Yuki. When maids came to clear the table her mother towed her out to the Queen's Garden where a sheltered bench afforded privacy and clasping her hands painfully made her go through what had happened with the gods again. Kel saw no reason to detail the Hag's grey flesh or the state she'd got herself into believing it mockery, and even with her mother shied from the embarrassing intimacies involved, but did relate what the Black God had said and added that she'd seen his face. Stunned and big-eyed again, her mother once more had to borrow her handkerchief before smiling weakly.

"Oh sweeting, I don't know what to say. What can I say? I'm horrified by what you've been through and so relieved you're alive and don't have any idea what to make of these things

the Black God said. I've never heard of anything like that."

"It doesn't happen often." Kel relayed Quenuresh's comment.

"You talked to that spidren about it?"

"She killed the last tauros, Mama, and got it off me, so she was there when I … came alive again. She was very helpful, cloaking me when I wasn't decent and helping with Peachblossom until Daine got there."

"Then I owe her a debt I can't repay."

"I doubt she sees it like that but I'll tell her, if you like."

"Please do. Perhaps we can make a deal with spidrens at Mindelan or something." Ilane's eyes sharpened. "So poor Peachblossom's not fit for work anymore? I'm sorry—I know how you love that horse, for all his terrible temper. Did you ride Hoshi south?"

"I'll miss him horribly on the battlefield but he's not too bad. He's so smart I've given him the run of New Hope and he does rounds inspecting sentries." That brought the expected laugh. "And no. I didn't ride Hoshi, I have a new horse—Alder. He's in the stables here."

"A warhorse? Where did you get one in the north?"

"Wyldon gave him to me." Kel blushed as her mother's eyebrows rose. "I haven't had a chance to thank him yet, but he and Owen should be here soon. Owen told me he didn't want me to be without a gelding but said something wise too, I thought—that it was what Wyldon can give. He's apologised to me about the probation thing, twice now, but he … well, we both find that sort of conversation difficult, and I think this is his way of making up for doing something he thought was right at the time but now thinks a mistake."

"Maybe, Kel, love—I can see him doing something like that. And I'm relieved you've a good warhorse—the ones he breeds are fine animals—but it's a remarkable gift all the same."

"I think he feels guilty about what happened, Mama. Gods know he's no reason to, but it was … on his watch, I suppose he'd say."

"I understand that—I feel the same and so will your papa if he finds out. Still, I think there's more to it, Kel. It's a father's gift more than a friend's."

"Perhaps." Kel wasn't comfortable with this at all, though oddly she thought she might have been if she were talking to Yuki or Shinko. "He taught me a lot and still does, so his good opinion matters to me more than anyone's except yours and Papa's and Raoul's."

"Mmm, I realised that long ago, sweeting. Mind you, it had to matter given the position you were in." Ilane hesitated. "Did he advise you about petitioning the Council? I wondered—we thought you'd made a very smart move there—Duke Gary told us about the notice you sent and the documents that followed, not long after we got your letter. I think it'll sail through, but did you know Tirrsmont is in town? He was refused accommodation at the Palace, much to his fury, but he's taken rooms at that big inn near the Provost's House and there's talk he's going to make a formal claim for New Hope as well as a complaint about you not being servile enough for his taste."

Kel's eyes went hard. "He can claim and complain all he likes. He was pig-rude and had no authority anyway. Do you know what he wanted from New Hope, apart from owning it? Miners to hack him out silver, even though the mines are closed and he refused the miners shelter

when they had to flee their homes. Vanget, Wyldon, Raoul, Alanna, and Ennor of Frasrlund are all dead set against him getting another inch of land, let alone New Hope, so he can whistle for it." A mark dropped in Kel's mind. "Has Conal been drawn to him?"

"Oh yes, like a moth to flame." Her mother's voice was tight. "Was that what you had words about yesterday?"

"More or less. He told me I wouldn't get away with insulting Tirrsmont. Oh, and that my 'Scanran bastard' was a disgrace." Anxiety assailed her. "What do Anders and Inness think? Or Orie and Adie?"

"Don't worry, love. Anders and Inness were fine, Patricine was interested, Avinar thought it a virtuous thing, as he would, and your sisters seemed to think it just like you to graduate from stray animals to stray children." Ilane smiled, warmth breaking through worry. "Which it is. Only Conal fussed, blethering about reputation, and I'm sorry for that. I don't know where we went wrong with that boy, and though I don't like to say so of any child of mine he's not grown into a nice man. It's no wonder he's unmarried still, though he'll turn thirty next year."

Kel shrugged. "He hasn't changed in all the time I've known him, Mama, so I can't see you or Papa did anything wrong. He was a bully then and still is. Some people are. I can stay away but I won't have him insulting Tobe—he had enough of that sort of thing before I met him."

"Don't you dare stay away, love—if Conal can't be civil he can stay away. He's no pleasure to talk to these days—one complaint after another about how we're going to the dogs. It's rubbish."

"Well, so's Tirrsmont."

"Yes he is, but I can't help remembering how his son tried to kill you and claimed his lance slipped. Take care, Kel, even here. Especially here."

Kel promised but was uncomfortably reminded of Zerhalm's words at the council, thinking ruefully that she had relaxed vigilance. Parting from her mother with promises to come with the children again once Adie and Orie arrived, she walked in the gardens a while, thinking hard, then went to find Numair. He was not long up and tousle-haired, hunched over breakfast, but smiled and offered a seat.

"I hope you don't mind, Kel, but I sent Kitten to take up your offer of playing with the children. She's so chirpy in the mornings and I'm not."

Kel grinned. "That's fine. I can't be with them all the time and I expect Kitten's missing her ma. Actually, she's probably a protection for them and that's what I wanted to ask you about."

"A protection?" His gaze sharpened as she explained her concerns.

"I know it seems unlikely, but I promised Zerhalm and my Mama to do all I can. And one thing I've started to realise about politics is that people do the same things all the time, even if it didn't work before, so I can't help remembering what happened to Lalasa. I can take my chances but Tobe and Irnai can't, so I wondered if you could do magical protections—my windows and door, and I don't know if it's possible but if there's anything that could help locate them if something happens …"

"It may be unlikely, Kel—I can't see who'd do that—but it's good thinking. It's always better to prevent something than have to try fixing it after. I can certainly spell your rooms so only

you and the children can enter without invitation, and if you keep safe a lock of each of the children's hair I could locate them . Mmm. There's also … wait a minute."

He went to his workroom and came back with three slim bracelets set with a dull green stone. "Here. Put the largest one on."

Kel did, Numair muttered words under his breath, and to her surprise the bracelet vanished, though she could still feel it.

"No-one need know it's there, but make sure it's clear of your sleeve when you're going to eat or drink anything—within a few feet of anything poisoned the stone will flash." He grinned without humour at the look on Kel's face. "I made them for us when we visited Carthak. I can put the others on the children and hide them when I do the room. Poison's not likely, maybe, but it's a political weapon, and a coward's, and none of the likely villains are going to want to challenge you openly so it's possible they'd try something like that."

Kel was grateful, poison never having crossed her mind, and once Numair had finished his food they went to her rooms. Kitten was happily making individual stones in the walls light up, flashing colours in complex patterns, with an avid Tobe and Irnai applauding, but after discovering why Numair had come wanted to watch his magic. While he set about spelling windows, chimneys, and outer door Kel gave the bracelets to the children, explaining how they worked, and took clippings of their hair which she put safely away. Returning, she saw wide eyes and squatted.

"It's just being careful, you know—I'm not expecting anything like that, really. But do you remember the man who came to the gate wanting to take our miners? The Lord of Tirrsmont? Well, he's here, still angling to get New Hope for himself, and that's not going to happen so he might be stupid enough to try something else. And six years ago someone who wanted to hurt me kidnapped Lalasa so I want to make sure you're both safe. We'll also get you each a good beltknife so you have something with bite if you need it."

That cheered Tobe up though Irnai looked doubtful. "The god hasn't warned me of anything."

"Good. I hope she would, Irnai, but it doesn't do to count on it. And the gods like us to make an effort, I think."

Irnai nodded, face clearing. "Yes. When the god warned me about the Kinslayer I had to hide, for ages sometimes. And when she told me to go to Rathhausak she said to travel by night and hide during the day."

"That's the sort of thing, yes. This is the same. I don't want you worrying, just being careful. Being with Kitten's good too—she has magic and sharp teeth, and no-one in their right mind would take a chance of hurting her. Now, I'm sorry I was away so long—a meeting dragged on and then I had to see Numair. Have you had breakfast?"

They hadn't, so once Numair had spelled bracelets into invisibility, which pleased both of them, they went to the day kitchen and once they'd eaten set about errands. Kel took them to meet as many senior Palace servants as she knew and could find, including Salma and the duty officers of the Palace Guard, so they knew people who could help them and were themselves known.

After that, deciding the crowds, if they formed, had to be endured, she took them to the Temple District to make offerings to the Goddess and Lord Mithros for their safety while she gave thanks for her healing. Then they headed to an armourer on Palace Way, less expensive than Raven Armoury but used to dealing with pages and with a better stock of weapons for smaller hands; with Alanna's gifts Kel had never needed to buy from him herself but had been with others, and

he'd never been less than gravely polite, seeming not to notice her gender.

There were smiles as they were recognised but the fuss the day before seemed to have got it out of people's systems and Kel was able to smile back with reasonable cheer. She nevertheless found herself newly conscious of vulnerability to a crossbow bolt from some hidden spot and her shoulders itched, but she could hardly put the children in mail or wear it herself on everyday business; she did however make a mental note to get three good buff jerkins that might turn a blade. The armourer was as polite as ever, greyer than she remembered, and dealt with the children well, making them jab with several knives before advising which he thought best-suited. When she asked about jerkins he was able to produce some that had sheets of an astonishingly light metal between tough outer leather and a thin inner layer, with warm linings.

"The metal comes from Carthak, my Lady—a fruit of the Princess's marriage. It won't stop a full blow with a real weapon or a bolt at close range, but with the leather it'll stop most daggers and arrows short of a needlehead. I've the smaller ones because a noble ordered them for his children but decided he'd go for full chainmail without telling me, so I'd be glad to move them, to be frank. And we keep a range in adult female sizes and cuts—they're becoming quite popular with the ladies who do proper weapons training as a safeguard that's lighter than mail."

Kel took them at once with one for herself and after a moment's thought the largest they had, for Numair as a Midwinter gift—even exposed on alures or battlefields he never wore mail, relying on magic, but she thought he might accept one of these and that Daine would be happy. Pleased, she had the children put theirs on, with belts to hang their knives from, and donned her own. When the armourer presented the bill she discovered a generous discount and turned in protest.

"You're robbing yourself, Master Randall. This can hardly cover costs, never mind any profit. I'm happy to pay properly and I should."

He raised eyebrows. "Wonders never cease—a noble wanting to pay more than I ask?" He shook his head. "No, my Lady, I'll not take a penny more. My children are grown but I have a father's care, and I knew about the killing devices and how they sounded when slain, so I rejoiced when I heard you'd killed the necromancer. It's my honour and pleasure to serve you, and the horse boy and seer who helped you."

The cynical voice Kel didn't like told her Master Randall might be making shrewder calculations, about benefits for business of serving the people's present darlings, but she thought him sincere and reluctantly accepted. To salve her conscience she made a more expensive plunge, still at discount, and ordered a complete set of scale-armour barding for Alder in the Carthaki metal—shaffron, crinet, peytral, flanchards, crupper, and protection for reins, omitting only caparisons for which she had no use or taste and weren't an armourer's business anyway. Cost aside, she'd never used barding for Peachblossom or Hoshi because in iron the weight was so great the horse was slowed, unable to rear and soon exhausted, but lighter metal would offer considerable protection for less disadvantage, and for skirmishing should serve well.

They left Alder in the armourer's stables to be measured, with the children's horses for company, tipping the ostler to see to them, and Kel took the children on a whirlwind tour of the main shopping area lower on Palace Way, buying Midwinter gifts and helping Tobe choose things for her parents and sisters, and both children tokens for Alanna, Daine, Numair, and Kitten. It all added up, and their final visit, to the goldsmith to authorise Lalasa's withdrawals and payments to the armourer and shopkeeps sending purchases to the Palace made her feel better, though the sum hardly dented the balance her frugality and Lalasa's tithing had built up. Tobe's eyes widened as he saw the goldsmith's obsequious respect and heard the sums involved, and outside he looked at her with that old man she thought she'd driven away in his eyes.

"I didn't know you were so rich, Ma. Alvik woulda killed for a hundredth of what you

have."

Nonplussed, Kel shrugged weakly. "Would he, Tobe? More fool him. It is a lot, I know, far more than most people have—it's because of what Lalasa gives me from her shop and money I won jousting when those stupid conservatives would insist on challenging me because I was a girl —but there are plenty of people with more, not just nobles. My Papa taught me a lot about how money works, and so did Sir Myles—Alanna's da. You haven't met him yet, but you will. You'll like him, I think—he's fun, though he sometimes drinks too much."

The moment passed, to Kel's relief, but she added money matters to her list for Tobe's education and wondered if it should go on the New Hope school curriculum; Idrius Valestone had been dealing with barter and principles of stock-keeping and accounting, but straight talk about finance would be a good thing all around. Meanwhile, the children's stomachs agreed with her own that they'd earned lunch, and feeling safer with the jerkins, and the reticence of people who smiled as they passed but didn't interrupt, she took them to a stall in the Daymarket that served the best meatrolls and bubbly pies in Corus; and afterwards on a tour of the city walls. It produced meetings with two gate captains and many of the duty watch, and in her mind safety points racked up; when they eventually collected the horses and headed back, weary and satisfied, Kel felt she'd redeemed her promises as far as she could. Any assault was more likely to be aimed at her than the children, and to be verbal or legal rather than physical, but she'd covered all possibilities she could think of and with Numair's help one she hadn't. Not even the gods could ask more.

As Midwinter neared Kel's days fell into a routine. After glaive practice at dawn and breakfasts with Thayet and Cricket, she took the children to eat and spent mornings with them, in lessons or showing them around and introducing them to friends. Tobe ingratiated himself with Onua and Stefan Groomsman and spent afternoons learning horselore, while Irnai, doubtful at first, found she liked an elderly seer Numair took her to see and usually went to the old man for tea; both became thick as thieves with Kitten, to Kel's and Numair's mingled relief and consternation. Kel spent afternoons with the pages, training with the Own, or in the Palace Library, carefully checking legalities of fief-grants and claims for extension; she sought one of Turomot's senior clerks for instruction in the complexities of what happened when military regulations, statute law, and noble privilege clashed. She also had a long morning with Shinko.

Her initial glaive session with the pages, among them a pleased Lachran grown out of all recognition and two girls she recognised from those who'd talked to her after seeing her joust, had been a spectacular success. After showing her live weapon and starting them on a pattern dance that contained all the basic moves she'd asked Sergeant Ezeko to get a cheap training sword and similar axe and run through the most efficient ways in which glaive could defeat swords. Then she'd gathered the pages by eye and tried to make her voice unthreatening but intense.

"And that's just basics. I know the pattern dances seem boring, but there is no substitute in building skill and balance. And you're lucky—you'll have them built into training. I did mine as extras, before dawn every day. I still do most dawns, with Her Majesty and Princess Shinkokami, who is very good, I warn you. Sergeant Ezeko, if you'll trust me, would you try attacking for real for a moment and let me defend?"

She knew Ezeko's style well, and when after a few moments of right-side thrusts and sweeps he suddenly switched left, angling his blade in at her stomach she was ready and perfectly

positioned to bring her glaive down hard. The rippled Yamani steel cut straight through the cheap metal of the training sword, and a twist of her wrists brought the blade to rest on his chest as he hastily stepped back. Politely she picked up the severed blade and handed it to him.

"The Yamanis make good weapons—don't ever think otherwise. Raven Armoury's as good, not better. And the glaive has two ends. Sergeant, could you grab that axe and attack again, assuming you've stuck me with the point in the left shoulder, so I'm losing mobility in that arm, and close, using your superior strength against my weak side?"

Ezeko looked glum but gamely did as asked, bearing down hard with his full weight and strength when she restricted her defence on the left side to simulate the effects of the injury she remembered all too well. Neatly she hooked his legs from under him and as he hit the floor, arms flying out to break his fall, brought the iron-shod butt of her glaive to rest on his forehead. After helping him up she turned back to the pages.

"And that's how Stenmun Kinslayer died, the butt of this glaive breaking his skull right between his eyes. I cut his throat to be sure, but that was belt-and-braces. So remember your glaive has two ends. Hajikoru does. His Fourteen Moonlight Dances with the Naginata is in the Palace Library, in a decent translation, and as good a basic text as I know for any weapon. You'll find the language flowery but don't be fooled—he makes very good sense. Now, pair up and let's see what you can all do."

Thereafter the session was something of a mess because everyone was enthusiastic, none more so than the girls whom Kel was careful not to favour but did give warm smiles and advice about using slow dances to strengthen muscle and improve balance. As their bodies developed they'd need to adjust their stances, especially if they turned out bigger breasted or narrower hipped than she was, but Eda Bell knew all about that. Afterwards Lord Padraig was extremely pleased.

"You're a natural teacher, Lady Knight—solid stuff to start, a demonstration to rivet all, and excellent interventions in the practice pairings." He shook his head. "So many good knights are hopeless teachers it makes this job harder than I'd expected. But I'll welcome you as often as you're free, for glaivework or anything you fancy—tilting, perhaps? I saw you stay seated against Wyldon on Progress, when you were a squire, which I confess I've never managed. And I've heard squires who remember you—Mandash and Vikison Lake in particular—say you're like butter with a staff. What was it Mandash said? 'All smooth and no cowhairs', I think."

Kel laughed. "He was quoting Iden. They came to me for help when they were first years and I was third. It was just stance and grip." She glanced at him sidelong. "Sergeant Ezeko's an excellent fighter, but he doesn't always see basic problems like that."

"Or expects them to work it out for themselves, yes. I've noticed that, Lady Knight."

Taking a chance she put a hand on his arm. "I'd prefer Keladry, my Lord. Or just Kel, though I've not persuaded Wyldon to such levity yet."

His glance was keen and amused. "I wish you luck—he told me you were on first-name terms. And in that case, Keladry, it's Padraig."

They parted with an invitation to Kel and the children to dine on the high table in the pages' hall that evening—an event that gave her the strangest feeling but Tobe especially enjoyed, not only for Padraig's unpatronising conversation about horses but the alacrity with which the pages stood when she entered and obvious excitement at her presence. It was, he told her afterwards, proper given all she'd done for so many people, and after tucking him and Irnai in she retired to bed unable to distinguish embarrassed gratification from gratified embarrassment and almost wishing for the isolated ease of New Hope.

There were interruptions to routine as people arrived. Orie and Adie were first, with husbands and children, and Kel took Tobe and Irnai to a family feast at her parents' townhouse that went better than she'd expected. Conal stayed away, whether by choice or parental command she wasn't sure, and her sisters showed a newly wary respect, as did their husbands, Meronec of Nond and Ortien of Hannalof, Lady Uline's cousin. Meronec made it quietly clear that while his parents had been approached by Tirrsmont he'd seen his father's letter from Lord Ferghal haMinch, as Ortien had seen his uncle's. Vanget's elder brother ruled the haMinchi clan and both brothers-in-law insisted everyone knew whom they believed when it came to defence of the northern border. Half-flattered, half-irritated, and altogether loathing politics Kel thanked them but was better pleased that Tobe and Irnai got on with Lachran, released for the event, and highly amused when her nephew found himself co-opted into the familiar New Hope discipline of older caring for younger. Her sisters and their husbands were surprised, impressed, and relieved, and though Tobe and Irnai lacked the polished manners some thought important and had rougher voices—as well as Tobe his blond Scanran looks, making him stand out among them like a straw against earth—both were painstakingly polite to all adults and so clearly good-hearted that they made better impressions than they knew. Hearing surprised wifely whispers from her sisters Kel knew word would spread, and if she detested the inconsequential social rounds Orie and Adie seemed to live for she knew well what hurt and malice they could sow, and gave silent thanks on Tobe's behalf.

The following day Wyldon and Owen arrived, cutting it finer than intended because the snowstorm that brushed New Hope had been far heavier at Mastiff, making their journey very slow until Bearsford. The cold in the north had deepened sharply, Wyldon said, all thoughts of a mild winter vanquished by continuing heavy snowfall. Kel wasn't sure if she was more relieved at the impediment to the enemy or worried by New Hope's perhaps lengthy isolation, but she had thanks for Alder to give and did so directly, heightening both their colours.

Owen, after greeting her with his usual exuberance, bounced off to find his father, and Wyldon tried to steer conversation away from his generosity to hers in helping Owen, who had, he said, been much calmer and properly determined since visiting her. Waving this away in turn Kel told him about the barding she'd ordered and at his surprise showed him a sample of the Carthaki metal she'd been given by the armourer. They fell into mutually congenial discussion about savings in weight against loss of strength, Wyldon dubious and Kel pointing out that while the metal could be pierced by a determined thrust at close range it would deflect anything short of that and, more importantly, give protection against arrow volleys at distance without slowing a charge; they both knew what kind of havoc those could wreak, not by piercing armour but by injuring mounts or making them stumble and pitch riders off. Wyldon wound up agreeing to see the barding when Kel took Alder for a fitting, and as she helped him tote bags to his rooms, not far from her own, she told him with shared enjoyment and irony about Padraig's invitation and demonstrating her move against Stenmun at Sergeant Ezeko's expense.

She also received a brief letter from Dom that left her more worried than reassured. Besides thanking her for gifts and good wishes and asserting he was doing well he said next to nothing yet managed to suggest that however much better his leg his spirit was unhealed. Duke Baird had had a similar letter and was equally worried but didn't see what could be done; the axe-wound had left Dom's right calf very weak and even standing would be problematic, the leg liable to buckle, while riding an estate would be somewhere between painful and impossible. Distressed, Kel tried to think.

"Can it not be braced?"

"Perhaps, but I've known too many cases where the weight of the brace is a problem in itself, Keladry. Even in strong men it tends to cause such severe cramping in the thigh muscle that help standing isn't worth the price. Chafes nastily, too. A cane is better."

Kel reached into her pocket. "Could you use this new Carthaki metal? It's much lighter."

Baird frowned, weighing it in his hand. "This is the stuff in those jerkins? I see you have one. It is light, isn't it? Is it strong enough?"

Kel explained how she'd learned about it, her barding, and her reasoning about weight. Baird's eyes were intent as he thanked her, promising to see what could be done, and she left in better heart.

The final arrival, on a horse borrowed from Raoul at Steadfast and accompanied by an escort, was Daine, and when Kel learned of it from an exuberant Kitten one morning she also learned the delay and mundane transport had been because the Wildmage was pregnant.

I shall have a brother or sister in May though Mama says she doesn't want to know which. Kitten's mindvoice was a chortle.

"May?" Kel did a quick calculation. "But she was shapeshifting after—is that possible?

Oh yes, but she wouldn't have shifted if she'd known—she says it's given the baby ideas and it keeps shifting in her womb. Wolf-shape, mostly, Mama says, but also bird -forms and once a river-horse. While it is still small it is just uncomfortable but when the baby gets bigger it might be very awkward.

Kel stared, trying and entirely failing to imagine what it might mean to find yourself abruptly pregnant with a wolf-cub or a hundredweight of river-horse. "Is she alright, Kitten?"

Yes, but she is tired and I think she will be very grumpy.

"Well, that happens. How did Numair take the news?"

He said he was beside himself with joy but there is still only one of him. I think he meant he was very happy.

"He did. Will you tell them I'm delighted for them both?"

I will but Mama wants to see you. She said she had interesting news. And Kawit should be back from exploring the Forest today so you must meet her. She is very nice and does the best illusions of anyone.

"She does?"

Yes. Opal dragons are best at illusions and she is very good. Even I could not tell when I met her but she has to try hard to fool me now.

"Oh." Wondering how this opal dragon would fare against a griffin Honesty Gate Kel asked when she should come to see Daine and was told anytime was good, so she left Kitten telling Tobe and Irnai about the animal forms her Mama liked best, interspersed with educational remarks, and went to find her friend. Far from being obviously tired Daine seemed full of energy, sheepishly accepted congratulations, enquired earnestly after Kel's wellbeing, declaring herself fair relieved at the further healing from the Goddess, and complained at length that she hadn't intended to get pregnant, tearfully adding how sorry she was that she wouldn't be able to fly over Scanran territory when at any moment she might have to turn her lower half into a wolf or a river-horse. Kel hadn't quite extrapolated that Tortallan intelligence would be severely crimped but hid dismay, knowing how much time and energy Daine had already sacrificed for her adopted

country, and to Numair's amusement produced yet another clean handkerchief.

"It will be alright, magelet. You can magic some hawks and send them to meet the owls that gather information from the smaller birds."

Never having understood how the information-gathering worked Kel was fascinated, but Daine just scowled.

"And what do the poor hawks do with themselves afterwards when just being hawks isn't enough any more?"

"Whatever they want, magelet. Their possibilities will be greater."

"Which the People don't always enjoy, and you know it. Think of poor Brokefang. I gave him awful headaches."

"And saved his pack and Dunlath as a hunting-ground."

"Mmph."

Wisely, Numair changed tack. "Tell Kel about Barzha and Hebakh."

Daine brightened. "That's right, Kel—I've solved your stormwing mystery. When Lord Wyldon told me about it he described the stormwings you said talked to you after Haven—a Yamani-looking female and big-nosed male? That rang a bell because there were two like that in the Stone Tree Nation, Rikash's flock, and I know their queen, Barzha Razorwing, and her consort Hebakh from Carthak and the Immortals War, so I looked them up. It was the Stone Tree Nation who followed you to Rathhausak and back, and they were protecting you on behalf of the children, as you thought—they were very impressed with you all round, actually, though they say you're mean about letting them have enemy dead to play with."

"And the tauros heads?"

"That was them too. They sensed the divine presences when you were first healed, Barzha said, as well as the deaths of many immortals and the mage and came to see what had happened. She wouldn't tell me why they'd cleaned and returned the skulls but she will tell you, if you want. They're roosting in the Royal Forest for the winter."

"Oh." Kel frowned, not wanting in the least to meet stormwings but knowing she'd have to. "Did she say why they've not been letting themselves be seen? They never hid before."

"No, but I bet she knows about Irnai's prophecy and is being very careful about the Greenwoods valley."

"How would stormwings know about that? Not many people do, and it hasn't leaked."

Daine shrugged and Numair steepled fingers. "I can't be certain, Kel, but I've read that if a true prophecy involves any immortal they will be aware when Shakith speaks through her Chosen. I've no idea if Barzha heard it herself or was told about it by a stormwing who did, though, or even if all stormwings heard it. You could ask her."

Kel steeled herself. "Alright. When?"

Daine shrugged again. "Now, if you and the children are free—we should take them both. And I'd rather deal with stormwing stink before lunch than after."

That was true so Kel reluctantly collected the children, Kitten bouncing and asking to come, made sure they were warmly dressed, and grabbed a pot of strong-smelling unguent that was useful when a summer battlefield had to be cleared. When they came to the paddocks which backed onto the Forest Daine warned the watchmen what would be happening while Kel dabbed the children's noses and her own with unguent before offering it to Numair, who hadn't known the trick and accepted gratefully. Daine also accepted, when she returned, but Kitten sniffed warily, sneezed, and indignantly refused, saying she'd rather smell stormwings than hurt her nose.

"Is this a common thing, Kel?" Numair's laughter was tempered by curiosity. "It's made from a southern plant used in very small quantities in perfumery but I don't recall seeing soldiers using it like this before."

"I learned the trick in the Own, from one of the sergeants when we had to clear bodies after an earthquake, and I've made sure we have some at New Hope. Latrine crews use it when the weather's warmer."

"I bet they do."

Climbing the paddock rails they went across to the eaves to a point Daine chose, looking at available branches, and she closed her eyes.

"They're coming."

She tipped her face skyward and Kel heard wingbeats, gathering the children with an arm round each. There were half-a-dozen, steel wings glinting in the winter light, including the Yamani-looking female who cackled as she saw Kel. The sound was horribly familiar, but as the immortals perched and the backdraft brought a stench of ordure and rot Kel realised the glass-crowned queen and fidgety male beside her were very different propositions. They landed lower than the others and carried themselves with conscious authority, the queen's face as regal as her gaze was piercing. Deciding proactivity was called for Kel didn't wait for introductions but gave a bow, speaking as she straightened and put her arms once more around the children's shoulders.

"Your Majesty, I am Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, commanding at New Hope. These are Tobeis of Mindelan and Irnai of Rathhausak. The Godborn tells me you and your flock were responsible for guarding our return from Rathhausak, and for cleaning the tauros heads. May I offer you thanks for your aid and gift, but also ask why you gave it? It has caused much mortal confusion."

Barzha arched her eyebrows. "You are very direct, Protector of the Small, and unusually polite for a mortal. You also reek of godwork."

Biting back a retort about reeks Kel nodded. "So Quenuresh informed me. It is beyond my control but I am sorry if it troubles you."

Beside Barzha, Hebakh bated, sidling on the branch, but the queen took her gaze from Kel only to inspect the children. "It does not, but I have never met a mortal save perhaps Ozorne on whom so much of the timeway rests. The Godborn says you understand we treasure the young, and we too despise necromancy. The tauros skulls were tributes to your courage in saving so many from such a mage."

Hebakh sidled again, steel claws gouging wood. "If you're going to tell her at all, tell her properly."

Barzha still gazed at Kel. "The form of the tribute goes back to an incident of the

Godwars. The skulls of seven godslain dragons were mounted on a new way to Lord Mithros's

hall."

Kel didn't dare look at Kitten but heard an indignant whistle. Barzha took no notice but obviously understood.

"The dragons objected then too, filling the skulls with dragonfire so hot even a god who passes will be scorched to the bone. They are there still, and no god has taken that path in all the centuries since. We were struck by the number of tauroses, by nature solitary immortals, and by the Black God sending you back—the first mortal to whom he has done that in a very long time. You placed the skulls on your roadway. Draw your own conclusions, Protector."

One part of Kel's brain was confused, the rest spinning furiously. "The Black God said the tauroses were touched by Uusoae before her banishment. Lord Mithros and the Goddess would not permit her interference, and Quenuresh says disorder acted against their solitary natures. Will you tell me your conclusions, Your Majesty?"

Barzha shrugged. "The timeway completes a spiral. Much that is old comes round again. None can do more than play the odds—even gods."

"Do you know of Shakith's prophecy through Irnai, after Samradh?"

"All stormwings heard it as it was made." Barzha nodded to Irnai, as relaxed under Kel's arm as Tobe was tense.

"Is that why you have stayed away from the Greenwoods valley? And beheaded the tauroses at night, not soiling the bodies?"

"Of course. Such a prophecy is not to be trifled with. Shakith did not mean we would play with the fruits only of a skirmish."

Kel's gaze bored into the queen's. "How do you know? The prophecy doesn't say anything about that."

"True but irrelevant. The gods may like their stupid jokes but the timeway no more plays with irony than Uusoae. Shakith spoke from the heart of light. It will be no skirmish, Protector."

Kel knew it for truth and on instinct made a decision she'd been pondering since the skulls reappeared. "Will you hear an offer, then?" Barzha inclined her head. "Come openly to the Greenwoods. No mortal or immortal under treaty will offer harm, and while I live you will play with nothing dead there, nor slay anything yourselves, without my let. If there is anything practical you need of mortal or immortal, you will ask and within our reason and capacity we will answer."

Kel was aware of Numair's mouth opening and closing like a fish's but her attention was on the queen, whom she knew she'd surprised.

"That is … an interesting offer, Protector. Would you add us to your immortal menagerie, like Ozorne?"

Kel shrugged, puzzled. "I don't know about Ozorne's menagerie but I meant nothing like that. Will you call Dunlath a menagerie? Or tell Quenuresh I keep her as a pet? We deal fairly with one another and I strive to protect all my people, of whatever shape, however I may as this timeway completes its spiral. Aren't you doing the same?"

Hebakh turned a malicious grin on his mate. "She has you there."

Barzha again ignored him. "Of course I am. Our numbers are yet low from our losses in

the Immortals War."

Kel made a leap. "Then come to the Greenwoods. Know your young are safe there, that in need we will shelter and aid them. And if there is aught we can do to help in their bearing or delivery, we will. Forgive me, but I can't help thinking a pair of hands might sometimes be of use."

There were wild cackles and Barzha bated, making Hebakh hop sideways. Her voice was

iron.

"And will a mortal healer or midwife tolerate our smell, Protector?"

"You wash first, as best you can, and we'll stick pegs on our noses if we have to, but if there's a stormwing in labour or a youngling we can help, we will, by my word, who has seen the Black God's face."

Kel didn't know where the last words came from but they seemed right and Barzha's face went very still.

"I will think on it, Protector. When you return to New Hope, we will speak again. Now we must go."

She and Hebakh leaped from their branch, others following. The downdraft again drove stench and even Kitten wrinkled her snout; mortals found themselves with watering eyes and burning noses despite the unguent, and Kel blindly produced another clean handkerchief, giving Irnai and Tobe first use. They had just recovered when Kitten spun round with a squawk followed by a trill at once annoyed and happy. Kel stared but there was nothing to see—until air rippled to disclose a scaly, multicoloured creature eighteen foot long, standing twenty feet behind them with what Kel would swear was a smile on its enormous face.

I nearly had you, Skysong. Greetings, Godborn and Numair. The mind voice was unlike Kitten's, though what the equivalents of depth and timbre might be Kel had no idea, let alone of pleased good humour. Daine and Numair, who'd jumped at the creature's appearance, nodded.

"Hello, Kawit."

Kitten flicked her tail. I was distracted by the stormwings. There was a punch to the statement that told Kel everyone heard it.

Even so you should keep alert, though I grant they were being quite interesting. I did not know there is a new skullroad. That news will stir the Dragonlands. The great head swung to look at Kel and the children, who realised the dragon had no wings. Will you introduce your friends?

Of course. Kitten drew herself up, tail neatly over one arm, and her mindvoice became proudly correct. Kawit, these are Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, Protector of the Small, and Tobeis and Irnai. Kel, this is Kawit Pearlscale, of whom I have told you.

Huge eyes considered them, not infinite like the gods' but with the depth of Quenuresh's and Tkaa's, only more so, and Kel knew Kawit was very old indeed. Shaking free from shock she bowed.

"Greetings, ah, Mistress Pearlscale. It is our honour to meet you. Skysong has told us how much you have helped her."

Kawit seemed amused. I have not been Mistress Pearlscale in many an age, if ever. Kawit is name enough in these realms. Greetings, and to Tobeis and Irnai. I see horse magic and

Shakith's gift in them, and much godwork in you, Protector of the Small. May I ask where that title came from? And what gods you have been meeting? I heard you say you had seen the Black God's face, which he does not show.

Kel was unsure of Kawit's status but saw Numair nod and knew there wasn't much point trying to conceal things from immortals. She squared her shoulders. "The name was bestowed by the elemental of the Chamber of the Ordeal. The rest's a long story, Kawit, so perhaps we might go indoors if there's somewhere that suits?"

Indeed. I have been granted use of a stableblock. It will be cold but I can warm it. Her head swung. Yes you may, Skysong. Abandoning dignity Kitten scrambled up to Kawit's back, and perched triumphantly where neck joined torso, trilling pleasure. She loves to ride there. Would Tobeis and Irnai also like to ride?

To Kel's surprise Irnai accepted immediately, climbing up with a boost from Numair. Tobe was less keen but wouldn't be outdone and with Kel's help settled behind Irnai. The dragon's scent was musky dustiness, making Kel think of rock in the desert. As Kawit set off, spine swaying and making Tobe clutch at Irnai, Kel realised ostlers and other servants were gawking along the fence. Automatically she straightened, Yamani mask sliding into place, but realised wild rumours would soon be titillating those with a taste for them. There was nothing to do, and she wondered what else this strange Midwinter might hold besides the promised visit of far larger dragon. Numair came up beside her.

"I was surprised by your offer to Barzha, Kel—we've no stormwing treaties, because they don't attack the living. But things are changing, plainly, and the more I think about it the better it seems. It gives you an entirely legitimate edge with that wretched prophecy—my warmest congratulations for that—but this skullroad thing gives me the fidgets. I've never seen or heard anything so detailed about the Godwars."

"Do you know about this timeway?"

"Not really, but seers say things like that. I think it's because there's only one past and present but thousands of possible futures, likely and wildly improbable—but some improbable ones do come to pass, and the timeway is where the futures that will be… I was going to say join but it's more like collapse together, I believe. Akker, Irnai's new friend, says he's always thought of it like becks joining into streams and rivers until at the sea there's only water. But as he tells it, until the last minute all the rivers are moving about and might split off again."

He grinned at Kel, whose head was aching as she tried to follow.

"I told you prophecies hurt to think about. In any case, I was going to say I think I'd better come and see this skullroad myself."

"Of course, but you've seen the road, Numair—you built it! It's just seven tauros skulls on the wall at the top."

"Even so."

Kel wished the tauroses weren't attracting so much attention. Seeing them dead as a comfort to victims was one thing, having them echo something that had involved gods and dragons at war quite another. But her glumness was offset by a sense that with Queen Barzha she'd done something that mattered, placed another weight on her side of whatever scale it was that counted, and for now there was the radiant look on Tobe's face as he realised he was riding a dragon.