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soft ringing sound beside him. He frowned in confusion, turning toward the sound. A small, almost forgotten bell hung from the side of the banister—the method by which lesser sand masters could request a mastrell’s attention. The bell was vibrating slightly, rung by a sickly-looking ribbon of sand that extended from be... |
Eric. Yes, though he yelled long enough that people across the lake could probably hear him. I offered to let him sleep in one of the empty mastrell’s quarters.” Dirin paled, stopping his cleaning for a moment. “Up here?” he asked. “But he’s not… I mean…” “I know,” Kenton said with a wave of his hand. “He’s not even a ... |
because they didn’t accept Kenton’s authority. Kenton sighed—at least his threats had kept Drile from wearing the mastrell’s sash. “You look like you just swallowed a sandling,” Eric observed. “Do you remember Drile?” Kenton asked, turning away from the courtyard. “Tall, arrogant, and annoying?” Eric asked. “That’s him... |
asked. “He took the bowl first,” Kenton said. “And he didn’t drink any of the water himself. He knew he was going to be on trial that day—my father actually took away his mastrell’s sash. He must have had some deal with the Kershtians. Drile poisoned us, then they could attack and cause the mastrells to kill themselves... |
long do you think it will be before the people decide that those Kershtian murderers weren’t thorough enough in their slaughter? How long before the rest of the Diem joins its unfortunate mastrells?” Even some of the older sand masters seemed to give this objection some thought. Drile shot Kenton a look and a veiled sm... |
him go, then turned to face a crowd of confused, frightened faces. Too many of them were young, younger than Kenton himself. The Kershtians must have shot for more than just sash color—they had targeted age as well, killing off the wise along with the talented. The older ones, those still alive, looked to him with ques... |
on my side than you, old friend.” Eric smiled ruefully. “You never know. You yourself said that people change. You may realize you find me annoying.” “I already realized that,” Kenton said with a laugh. “Well, if you’re certain, then I’ll have to graciously accept your offer.” Kenton smiled—then he paused. “Wait a minu... |
Mastrell, and I don’t think he’s going to be around very long…” Khriss frowned, looking over at Baon. The warrior shrugged. “Sometimes new leaders are more flexible than old ones,” he offered. Khriss nodded. “We’ll go see these mastrells, then.” N’Teese shrugged, and then dashed into the crowd with her characteristic v... |
For one thing, it didn’t have any doors. The front had a large gate-like opening, but there was no way to close it off. There weren’t any guards either. They were able to climb up the front steps and enter without seeing a soul. Inside was a lavish-looking hall with tapestries and murals. Oddly, the floor was covered w... |
Kenton’s feet. Then suddenly Kenton launched into the air, a trail of brilliant grains streaming below him. Khriss’s jaw drooped as she watched, stupefied. Kenton soared through the air to land on a third-floor balcony. “That’s…” Khriss mumbled “It’s sand mastery,” N’Teese said with a frown. “Why are you so surprised?”... |
The door was open, and she entered an inner hallway, counting down three doors—the number of balconies between the one she had taken and the one Kenton had landed on. She needn’t have counted—Kenton stood leaning against the doorway of the third room. “Now, Khrissalla, you really should calm yourself,” he warned. She c... |
overhead. “Where is the string?” she demanded. “What string?” Kenton asked with amusement. She had apparently forgotten her anger now that her curiosity had been engaged. “The string you’re using to hold it up,” she mumbled without much conviction. She studied the ceiling for a moment, growing increasingly pale in the ... |
mumbled. She shot Kenton one last look—he couldn’t decide if it was accusatory, angry, or curious—before stalking toward the door. Before she arrived, however, a puffing Eric stumbled into the room. “Kenton,” he said between breaths, “those ladders are definitely not going to work. You’re a good friend, but I really do... |
into the air. Still holding Khriss by the hand, he gestured for her to join him. Heart pounding, Khriss did as directed, allowing him to pull her out into his arms. As soon as she left the safety of the balcony, she grabbed Kenton with tense arms, holding close to his body. They slowly began to descend through the air,... |
childhood friend trapped on the balcony up here! Aren’t you going to bring me down too?” Kenton turned to look up at Eric, who was making waving motions atop Kenton’s balcony. “Never mind, I’m coming back up!” Kenton called, reaching for his sand pouch. He paused, however. Powerful sand masters didn’t need to be touchi... |
assassinated. The same might happen to you.” What was Heelis thinking? Kenton didn’t need protection, especially not from a Kershtian. “Tell the Lady Judge that I appreciate her concern,” Kenton said slowly, “but that I am confident of my ability to take care of myself.” “The Lady Judge insists,” Ais informed with hars... |
mastery. He had digested Lossand’s political situation, the influence of the rich kelzi landowners, and the religious power of the Ker’Reen church. And, like it sometimes did, his consternation had manifest itself in pacing—pacing that Eric apparently found distracting. “You don’t have to watch,” Kenton accused. “If I ... |
Kenton said, still pacing. “Plus, I think he blames me for your disappearance.” “Really?” Eric asked with interest. “I didn’t know that.” Kenton snorted. “That’s because you ran away. All Reegent knows is that he once had a dutiful, rule-keeping son with a scoundrel as a best friend. Who else would he blame when you re... |
nose in annoyance. “Don’t they make wine more expensive than this?” he complained. “No, Lord Delious, this is the best.” Delious sighed again, dropping another cup off the balcony “Well, mix the red and the white this time. Let’s see what that tastes like.” His steward complied, handing Delious yet another crystalline ... |
My Lord.” “Well why are you bothering me then?” Delious said, shaking his head in exasperation as he turned back to the balcony once again. “We were hoping, My Lord,” Jalees said bravely, “that we could convince you to curb your drinking.” “Curb my drinking?” Delious asked in amazement. “Why, how would I spend my time?... |
vote in my favor.” Kenton turned, looking up at the mansion in front of them. It was large, wide as opposed to tall, and its front had obviously been carved by some of Lossand’s most skilled stonemasons. It actually had reliefs etched into its face, as well as pillars and a few fanciful statues of deep sandlings. Of co... |
of some sort—a place where the Lord Admiral made a display of his wealth. However, as they walked the hallways toward the back rooms, Kenton was forced to revise that assumption. Every room was just as bad as the first, with decorations and pieces of art extreme. “Sell this place, and you could pay of your debts with s... |
spreading his arms. “You obviously know my policy—as long as Vey is your enemy, I am your friend.” “And if Vey votes for me?” Kenton asked. Delious snorted. “My dear friend, I’m supposed to be the drunken fool, not you. Let us please keep to our roles, lest one of us become confused.” “I know there is little chance, My... |
he said thoughtfully. “What opinion would you say the kelzin have of mastrells?” “They hate them, ”the steward replied. “Many kelzin are Kershtian, and those who aren’t are usually Ker’Reen. Besides, it is the nature of the wealthy to hate anyone more influential than themselves.” Delious regarded his cup for a moment ... |
had never been one to let others enrage her. She had been content with her studies and her simple, non-intrusive political life as Gevin’s fiancée. Of course, no one had ever had reason to anger her before. The court recognized her as a non-threat. She knew how they saw her. She was an important match for Gevin in more... |
of the sand masters?” The girl looked up. She had been quietly inching her way toward the shop beside Khriss, one stacked with some sort of bread cakes that smelt strongly of peppery Kershtian spices. Khriss spoke just as N’Teese’s hand was a few inches away from grabbing a cake. The shopkeeper looked up at the sound, ... |
“I suppose you’re right,” Khriss agreed.” I guess we should walk back to darksider town and tell them.” “Why not send a messenger?” N’Teese mumbled, still playing with her pebbles. “One who speaks Dynastic?” Khriss asked. “We need you to take us to visit the Taisha.” “Write a note,” N’Teese suggested with a shrug. “A n... |
the paper and pen. Khriss’s annoyance was quickly forgotten as she inspected the items. The paper had the same texture as the jerky they had eaten, though it was much thinner and drier. “Made from carapace?” she asked N’Teese. The girl nodded. “Pressed and dried.” “I wonder what keeps it from rotting,” Khriss asked, tu... |
a sigh, realizing she shouldn’t have spent so much time on the letter. “Well, let’s get going.” “Where to?” N’Teese asked as Khriss replaced her glasses and walked out into the sun. “Who’s left?” “The Lord Farmer, the Lord Artisan, and the Lord Admiral.” “Admiral,” Khriss mused. “That sounds important.” “It isn’t,” N’T... |
and… Kenton. He strode confidently, his bright white robe shining in the room’s sunlight. The golden sash at his waist seemed to glow like one of the strings of the sand he could control. Kenton walked directly up to the Artisan’s steward, who immediately stood and began to bow obsequiously. A mumble ran through the ro... |
your vote.” Khriss frowned. Kenton’s words were polite, but he obviously didn’t have any experience with politics. His attitude was defiant, even antagonistic. “Yes, I assumed that was what this was for,” the Lord Artisan said with a quiet sigh. He reached over, selecting a ledger from the table. “I appreciate your pos... |
the same in his position. No amount of arguing would change the fact that over the last few centuries the mastrells had acted more like bandits than protectors. Kenton needed to rethink his strategy—the current one was obviously getting him nowhere. Rite was said to be the most level-headed and honest of the Taishin. I... |
The Lord Artisan cocked his head slightly to the side, then shrugged. “If an arrangement could be made, then I would be much more amiable toward the Diem. However, I couldn’t allow them to continue taking wantonly. That kind of power is too easily abused.” Kenton lowered his hands to his waist, discarding his planned a... |
to meet me. I do not remember any such meeting.” “Thank you anyway, My Lord,” Kenton said. “And you, Lord Mastrell,” Rite responded. “I have often wondered what our two Professions could accomplish if we worked together. You may not realize this, but I have, over the years, offered the Diem many proposals similar to th... |
kindly to having his hunt interrupted.” “I don’t see that he’s left me much choice,” Kenton said. “I’m going with you,” Khriss announced. Kenton sighed. “Khrissalla, I am not going to drag you all the way to the deep sands.” “I can—” “No,” Kenton interrupted. “The deep sands are dangerous enough for those who have live... |
he felt had almost grown to the point of over-sensitivity—there were so many of them that the disgust was overwhelming. He remained stiff, however. In control. This was just another assignment. He wasn’t associating with the sand masters out of choice; they would not taint him with their blasphemous disregard for the S... |
man’s shoulders, fired from behind. Kenton came up with a handful of sand. The first Kershtian raised his zinkall, abandoning the jammed arrow to fire from one of the other tubes. Kenton didn’t intend to give him the opportunity. His sand burst to life with a flash, then a ribbon screamed directly for the Kershtian’s c... |
is happening? Kenton managed to dodge the arrow, but he knew the real danger wasn’t from in front. The two men behind fired their final shots even as Kenton jumped to the side. Kenton allowed himself to fall, throwing himself backward. The two arrows passed over him as he fell, one hitting the Kershtian in the doorway.... |
to fire again. Kenton rolled toward the balcony, barely grabbing a handful of sand from the floor as his momentum carried him off the now banister-less balcony. A moment later Kenton reappeared, launched into the air in a spray of glowing sand. His momentum carried him high into the air. And there, looking down on the ... |
the new DaiKeen,” Kenton said with a frown. “The A’Kar’s holy warriors.” “Yes,” Ais agreed. “Now look at the sides, the two smaller scars on either side of the square.” Kenton looked closely. “They’re fresh,” he said with surprise. Ais nodded, standing. “Assassin’s marks. The warrior DaiKeen has used them for centuries... |
and dropped from Kenton’s control. “What would happen,” Kenton mumbled, “if you dissolved the carapace of a TerKen deep sandling?” Ais nodded thoughtfully. “A clever idea,” he agreed. Then the Kershtian walked toward the room’s exit. “I am going to go make a report on this. You will be safe for the rest of the day.” “A... |
the Lord Mastrell wasn’t safe, who was? Drile’s in league with them, Kenton decided. Somehow he poisoned the mastrells at the conference, and now he’s using the assassins to wrestle control from me. Kenton sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. There were too many battles to fight, to many enemies on each side... |
“I felt guilty,” the older man explained, accepting a cup of chilled juice from Kenton. “I abandoned the Diem. I… I shouldn’t have done that, no matter my personal pain. I realized that when I heard you had returned.” Kenton sat down in the chair across from Elorin. His room still showed signs of the attack—the toppled... |
it to compensate for the moon’s position. The second sight raised higher in the air than the first. By crouching down beside the sunmap, one could look past the second sight’s angles pointer up into the sky. When the second sight exactly overlaid the sun, they would be at their destination—the place where Reegent’s aid... |
me when we get there.” Kenton snorted. The comment was facetious—it would be nearly impossible to sleep atop a rezal’s bouncing, rushed gait. Taking a breath, Kenton lightly gave two taps at the side of the rezal’s head with his feet, ordering it to move. The creatures only knew three speeds: stop, walk, and insane gal... |
an optical illusion. In the very far distance he could see a herd of wild tonks grazing. It looked pastoral, not dangerous. Yet this was the most feared place on all of dayside. “Come on,” he mumbled, leading his mound down the side of the dune. The Lord General’s attendants and soldiers took note of them as they appro... |
was only a vehicle—Eric had realized that in Kenton’s attempts to save the Diem, he would eventually have to visit the Lord General. The two nodded to Gremt, then walked toward the Lord General’s pavilion. Ais trailed along behind, a silent observer. The pavilion was without walls—a shaded area where the Lord General c... |
Lord General obviously knew why Kenton was here, yet, the man spoke of completely irrelevant things. It was just this sort of topic-dodging that annoyed Kenton. Yet, he held himself back. He couldn’t afford to make this man an enemy. So, he chatted with Reegent. They discussed the sandstorm that had been threatening on... |
bore him with apparent lack of interest—Kenton’s weight barely seemed to make a difference to it. “You can use the tonk hammer, if you wish,” Reegent said, nodding toward a hammer hanging from Kenton’s saddle. Kenton nodded gratefully. Most soldiers controlled their mounts by means of metal knee-plates, which they tapp... |
hill, following a path marked by hundreds of footprints. Reegent’s soldiers probably ran a herd of tonks over the path frequently to make certain nothing was hiding underneath. As they moved forward, Kenton began to notice something. In the kerla, one rarely saw sandlings larger than tiny bugs. Human populations had do... |
Kenton asked. “I don’t see anything.” “Look closely,” Reegent urged. Kenton did so, leaning forward. Then he noticed it, a small triangular piece of carapace sticking out of the sand. “What is it?” “DelRak Naisha,” Reegent explained. “What!” Kenton said with surprise. DelRakin were among the most feared of deep sandlin... |
of Drile’s dealing, Kenton realized, and he thinks I’m part of it. Slowly, Kenton began to piece together what Reegent must have been thinking. If the Diem were destroyed, but some of sand masters joined the Tower, then Reegent would add some of the Diem’s historical power, and prestige, to his own Profession. Even wit... |
was?” “Which is?” Kenton asked. “Practically nothing. What good is the ability to jump a little bit? You can throw sand at people, but what good is that in a battle? Perhaps you could blind a man for a few seconds. The people and their stupid Kershtian priests fear you, but you are really no better than street charlata... |
edges of each razor sharp. Kenton’s stomach churned as he saw it. The creature lay on its side, is carapace cracked and splintered from dozens of war-hammer strikes. Even from a distance, Kenton could hear its blood-gas hissing from its wounds, and its legs were moving feebly as it tried to rise. They left it alive so ... |
you in one bite.” Khriss frowned. “But, why would they want to eat you? Doesn’t blood dissolve sandling carapace? Eating a person could be deadly. N’Teese shook her head, turning away from Khriss. “You’re weird,” she declared, resuming her drawing. “Deep sandlings eat people because they do. Everyone knows that.” Khris... |
will see you now,” N’Teese translated. Lady Heelis’s meeting room was different from the Lord Artisan’s. While Rite’s chamber had been relatively small, suited for quite business deals, the Lady Judge sat on a raised dais in a large hall. Dressed in deep black robes with a collar that went all the way up to the chin an... |
have been?” “About two years ago, darkside time. Approximately five-hundred revolutions of the moon.” “Our years are similar,” Heelis said, rubbing her chin. “Unfortunately, that is a very long time. I do not recall any meeting, but I may have forgotten. Larmen, do you remember such a meeting?” The balding administrato... |
always a sand mage!” “Personally, I must admit skepticism, my lady,” Cynder confessed, accepting his own plate. They sat in the house’s dining hall. The room had a comfortably small table with a large chandelier, its limbs filled with grundlefish globes. The translucent fish were swimming near the bottoms of their sphe... |
it can’t keep its borders patrolled anymore. Most people claim that there aren’t border guards at all—that the Dynasty keeps its provinces segregated more through threat than actual manpower.” Khriss frowned. “That’s nonsense. We ran into a border patrol, after all. If there weren’t any guards, then who killed captain ... |
in the distance, barely audible, but I did hear them. I swear it, My Lady. I’m not making this up, I heard them.” Khriss frowned. Two shots? What was Acron implying? “There were only two,” Acron continued. “Don’t you see? Baon said the border patrol was chasing them, and shot the captain in the back. Shouldn’t there ha... |
only the closeness of the walls—most of them built right against one another—kept them from collapsing. Of course, that meant that if one of them went, the rest probably would as well. What alleyways there were appeared to be inhabited by slime-covered families, people who made roofs out of garbage and turned the narro... |
it,” the Lord Beggar hissed. Khriss ground her teeth, trying to remain diplomatic in front of his hostility. “I am looking for someone,” she said. “A man from darkside.” “And why would I care about a darksider?” the Lord Beggar demanded. “I don’t know,” Khriss confessed. “But it appears that you are the one who keeps t... |
on the hilt of the gun. “Oh, Shella…” Khriss whispered despite herself. “Why should you care so much for this one, woman of darkside,” the Lord Beggar hissed. “Look around you. Dozens of these people die each week, and do you think their families grieve any less for them? Who cares for the ones who aren’t princes, who ... |
lay half-buried by the wave sand that the creature’s emergence must have produced. Reegent was one of those half-buried. Even as Kenton watched, the Lord General tried to pull himself free of the dune that buried his lower half. His motions became more frantic as one of the creature’s feet lifted, moving toward Reegent... |
foot against the rezal’s head, sending the creature into a wild leap to the side. The rezal’s hind quarters pushed off, shooting Eric and Reegent high into the air, narrowly missing the monstrous tail. Kenton mimicked the rezal’s actions, using his sand to propel himself to the side. The tail nearly crushed him, but he... |
of his face was red and quickly showing signs of bruising, and his right leg was broken. He was alive, however, which was more than could be said of about a dozen of his men. Gone was the Lord General’s diplomatic facade—now, more than a distinguished ruler, he seemed more like a grumpy old man. As he sat down, a heale... |
“All right then,” Reegent said. “Done.” Kenton stared forward, a little stunned that the Lord General had agreed. After all this time, he finally had his first firm commitment of support from one of the Taisha. “Thank you,” Kenton said simply. Reegent snorted. “Boy, I just saw you cut the head off of a seventy-foot tal... |
as she could want, and plenty of time to raise her children. Of course, Kenton could remember catching her sometimes, looking out across the lake with a wistful look. Across the lake, toward the Diem. With difficulty, Kenton tried to imagine the romance that must have drawn the two people together—powerful sand master ... |
his elbow to the ground, summoning another ribbon and using it to lift both he and his assailant into the air. However, he didn’t have enough strength to lift two people very high, and the Kershtian quickly maneuvered a leg free and kicked at the stream, the gelled carapace on his skin killing the sand and toppling the... |
the saddle to his rezal. “I don’t know,” he confessed. “They must have someone watching the Diem. But, to track us across the kerla… Anyway, it looks like Ais was right about the timing—the assassin waited until twelfth hour passed, officially putting us into the next day, to attack me.” Eric nodded in agreement. “How’... |
obviously have a problem,” Kenton informed, walking forward. The crowd parted for him. “Obviously,” Drile agreed. “Then we need to settle it,” Kenton said. “I don’t see how.” “There was a way, once,” Kenton said slowly, nodding toward the conference building standing in the center of the courtyard. Drile’s face grew su... |
haven’t fought one another for centuries—the Pit has become a conference room for the mastrells. But once, long ago, even sand masters were more barbaric. Back then, the Pit was a place where they were allowed to kill one another.” Eric paused, accepting a cup of juice from Dirin. Ais continued to stand by the door, lo... |
flash to life, like Kenton’s did. Instead, it slowly began to glow, like old coals being stoked to build a new flame. A wavering ribbon lurched out of Dirin’s fist, glowing sickly as it moved through the air toward Kenton. “Good,” Kenton approved. “Now hold it steady.” Dirin nodded, his face already showing signs of fa... |
their muscles straining as the lifted the stones. “I only did one thing, Elorin,” Kenton realized. “I overmastered.” “What are you saying, Lord Mastrell?” Elorin said from behind. Kenton smiled with excitement, turning back into the room. “What if overmastering could make a sand master stronger?” “But it doesn’t, My Lo... |
him. “It’s in Kershtian,” he sand with confusion. “Can you read it?” Dirin asked. “Yes,” Kenton said, “at least, most of it. ‘To the hunter,’” he translated. “‘the prey grows wearied of the chase. He will act soon. Be warned.’” “What on the sands are you people talking about?” Eric asked, pushing open the door. “I wish... |
Merchant, then. I’m glad I didn’t have anything for breakfast—Vey will probably make me sick to my stomach.” Ais poured over the documents, memorizing every detail, searching out every hidden clue, squeezing information from the stark words. He couldn’t participate in the investigation—not while he was required to foll... |
exchange for his life, the man had finally agreed to release a few names. None of them were Nilto, of course, but both were very important men in his organization. If Ais could cut off enough of Nilto’s revenue, he would grow desperate. Desperate men made mistakes. Unfortunately, Ais knew that desperate men were also c... |
was willing to pay the most for an audience. The room was cramped, but the wide doors at the back were open, allowing all to listen to Vey’s current audience. The Lord Merchant liked people to be able to hear him speak. Eric noted the four additional guards standing in this room. “Paranoid, isn’t he?” “Having a lot of ... |
abilities of his teachers, yet his ribbon-limitations had kept him from moving on to higher lessons. So, he had taught himself, finding ways to increase the delicacy of his touch. The sand spun and wove. Kenton continued to add sand, depleting three of his four sand pouches in the process. Slowly, the room’s occupants ... |
didn’t respond. “Now you travel with a sand master,” Vey continued. “As if your soul weren’t already forfeit, you have to make absolutely certain to earn the Sand Lord’s wrath.” Kenton shot a look back at Ais. Fortunately, the cool-mannered trackt was acting with customary emotionlessness—Kenton blinked in surprise. No... |
can I?” “I thought that was obvious,” Ais said coldly. “Well, what now?” Eric asked, ignoring the trackt. “That’s the last of the Taishin, unless you want to visit the Lord Farmer.” Kenton reached up, rubbing his forehead. “No. He’ll vote with Vey, no matter what I say to him.” “Back to the Diem, then?” Eric asked. Ken... |
the buffet.” Khriss stubbornly ignored the knock at her door. She lay curled in her bed, covers thrown over her, even though she didn’t really need them in dayside’s heat. Gevin’s pistol lay on the bed-stand, its silver handle shining dully in the room’s quiet light. The carving was exquisite—Khriss herself had given i... |
was belligerent. Gevin had been funny, Kenton was downright merciless in his teasing. The sand master was probably the least-likable man she had ever met. That tussled brown hair, capricious smile, teasing eyes with an edge of solemness to them… Why am I even thinking about him? Khriss thought angrily. I’m mourning Gev... |
face. There was still a feeling of sadness in the back of her heart—regardless of what Baon claimed, Khriss really had been shocked by the news of Gevin’s death. No matter how much she prepared herself, no matter how much she’d assumed she would never see him again, a piece of her had held onto hope. Now even that hope... |
attend, and requested I bring you.” “Kenton, are you asking me to a dance?” Khriss accused. “I’m an engaged woman!” Kenton blushed even further. “I know,” he defended. “It wasn’t my idea—apparently your little performance at the Lord Artisan’s has started a few rumors.” “So it’s my fault now?” “Isn’t everything?” Kento... |
is a little bit cold,” Kenton mused. “I guess I can see why you’d want a fire down here.” Khriss laughed quietly. “Darksider town is about as cold as a room with four blazing fireplaces back in Elis,” she said. Kenton shrugged. “Then I have no idea what you are talking about.” “Well, I suppose it makes sense,” Khriss m... |
“This bread… why is it so fluffy?” “Yeast,” Khriss explained. “Who?” Khriss shook her head. “Never mind. What about the flavor?” Kenton shrugged. “It’s a bit bland,” he confessed. “Bland?” Khriss asked incredulously. “I’m afraid so. If only you had some—Oh, wait! Why didn’t I see that before?” He raised his hand and th... |
open-fronted dayside robe, but underneath he wore the pants from a darkside soldier’s uniform and a dayside shirt. Dorvorden was a quiet-looking man with straight hair, a thin body, and a slight nervous twitch. As Acron led Dorvorden into the room, Baon reached a quick, almost unnoticeable hand toward the man’s belt, p... |
him. “You… you won’t tell my family how we failed, will you My Lady? I’d rather they think me dead than know I failed to protect his Highness.” “I understand, Dorvorden,” Khriss promised. “I will make no mention of your name when I return to darkside.” “Thank you, My Lady,” Dorvorden said with a nod. “It happened just ... |
found our way to darksider town—we’d heard about it ahead of time, you see. We thought that if there were skilled physicians, they would be with the darksiders. “But, well, we were too late. The prince fell unconscious before we even got to darksider town. Loaten—you’ve met him, My Lady?” “Yes,” Khriss said quietly. “L... |
comfort her? He wondered. For some reason he wanted to do so—to reach out and take her in his arms, let her cry as she obviously needed to. You fool, what are you thinking? She finds out that her betrothed is dead, and your first reaction is to try and edge your way in? Besides, she hates you, remember? “Will you be… a... |
mastrells. Just sitting, piling up, growing over time… “Sands!” Kenton said leaping to his feet. Khriss rose, following Kenton out of the room. “What are you doing?” he asked, pulling open the front door. “Following you,” she informed. “Don’t you have anything better to do?” he complained, stepping out onto the darkene... |
her best. About half-way through the darksider marketplace she almost fell down, and stumbled into a crowd of surprised shoppers. The men regarded her with angry olive-skinned faces as she righted herself and hurried after Kenton. “Funny,” she mumbled as she caught up. “I’ve never seen Kershtians down here before.” Ken... |
of Baon’s fallen pistols. The pistols! Kenton thought. Just before Khriss’s hand found the weapon, Kenton’s sand snatched it and its companion off the ground. Kenton jumped back into the street, surprising the four Kershtians in front, who had been approaching carefully. They looked up as Kenton raised his arms toward ... |
studied the body. “The A’Kar has said he would let Lossandins join Kershtian families if they were willing to dedicate themselves only to him,” the trackt explained. “I’d assumed the rumors were false.” Kenton shook his head ruefully. “So, I’m not only being hunted by the most avid A’Kar in recent history, but also the... |
in his eye after the Kershtians had tried to kill them—the despair. She finally understood why he had acted the way he did. He had assumed his powers were gone forever. Kenton continued on, explaining his ability’s mysterious reappearance. Finally, he told her of the last week. He talked about his defense of the Diem a... |
for?” “Money,” Kenton explained. “The mastrells left behind coins.” “Oh, sure,” Eric said with a nod. “I could have told you that. How do you think I bought this?” He held up the pastry. Kenton froze, looking down at the pastry with stupefied eyes. “You knew the mastrells left behind money?” he asked. “Of course,” Eric... |
rooms were standard issue for mastrells, and each one had a false-bottomed drawer where they had stored their coins. As they searched, Kenton briefly considered how relatively unimaginative the mastrells had been. Each one of them hid their money in exactly the same place. But, that had been one of his big complaints a... |
replied. “I’ve discarded the boat idea. Where do they make chairs like that?” Kenton shrugged. “Denka?” Eric nodded. “Denka,” Kenton said, realizing what he had just said. “One of the Rim Kingdoms.” “Where the sand masters have no legal rite to steal,” Eric said with a nod. “Of course,” Kenton realized. That’s why the ... |
the duty. He entered a realm that to one, insignificant man, was holy. He walked reverently across the roof, wearing only a simple tan Kershtian robe. Here, away from Portside, the buildings were smaller, and his own home rose above those surrounding it. Quietly, he walked over to a battered trunk sitting by the roof’s... |
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