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equal before the Law, it made sense that they would all be equal before God. Only one thing remained a blight on Lossand—the sand masters. The A’Kar had recently hinted that if it weren’t for the Diem, Lossand’s high population of believers would earn the nation a holy status equal with that of the kerla. Only Kenton s... |
he is. But… if you hear word that I have died, do not come back to Kezare unless the Hall Judge assures you they found my body.” “You’re doing the right thing,” Eric approved. Eric ignored the comment, continuing to pack his things. “You’re not abandoning him,” Eric continued. “He doesn’t even need you, really.” Eric c... |
always feared. You’ll not only follow them, you’ll become like them. You will take control of the lives of others. You’ll give the orders, and they will follow you. They will die for you. Can you handle that, Eric? The responsibility. The pain…” This gave Eric pause. His eyes shot over toward the scabbard, sitting on o... |
eyebrow. “Look in the top of the microscope,” Khriss urged. “Like it was a spyglass.” Baon did so, squinting as he bent down to look through the microscope. “All right,” Khriss said. “Now look at this.” She reached over, changing the glass plate at the bottom of the microscope. “See?” she asked. “No,” Baon informed, st... |
living creature, dear Baon,” Cynder said with a chuckle. “Besides, lichen needs water to survive. I hardly think that—” “No, Cynder,” Khriss said, still looking through the microscope. Perhaps Baon wasn’t has hopeless scientifically as she had presumed. “He might be right. Sandlings don’t seem to need water to live, so... |
over you, My Lady,” he said, turning to go. Baon moved to join him. “Baon, please wait a moment,” Khriss requested. Baon paused, turning with a question on his face. Outside she could hear Cynder speaking with Acron, who had apparently been coming up to see what everyone was doing. “Baon, you’re from Iiaria, correct?” ... |
many problems that person had. But, was he the Lord Mastrell? Was he a man who was bound by tradition and Laws, a mysterious force that watched Lossand with a manipulative eye? He didn’t like that idea either. Laws were important, true, but so was change. So what was he? Was he the martyr, like Eric claimed? A man dete... |
thirteen he had been able to do more with one ribbon than any sand master in history. It hadn’t been until after his first advancement ceremony, where he had been offered the lowest of ranks, that he had started to grow bitter. That was who he wanted to be. The boy, the optimistic child who had sincerely believed himse... |
low, but it also had a slit up one side. She blushed when she thought of what the dayside men would think, but at the same time she found herself smiling evilly. The outfit wasn’t too risqué by Elisian standards, and she was a duchess of Elis. Why should she pretend to be what she was not? She put the dress on, then mo... |
couldn’t hear. Kenton, however, just stared at her, his eyes opening slightly wider. His gaze followed her all the way down the staircase. “I trust you’re not going to get me killed today,” she asked as she reached the bottom. Kenton started slightly, as if realizing for the first time what he had been doing. “Um, no,”... |
in, removing a generous scoop of stiff-cream and rubbing it into his hair. “If you’re going to accompany me,” she informed, “then you’re going to have to look respectable.” “Respectable by whose standards?” Kenton asked shaking his head slightly as he smirked. “Stop that,” Khriss ordered, working with his hair. What ki... |
coming, Lord Mastrell?” Khriss said, standing in the street with a slight smile on her lips. Kenton started, realizing he was still holding the open door. Silly fool, he thought, shutting the door and walking toward her. It’s just Khriss—why are you acting so simple-minded? “I’ll get you for this,” he muttered as he jo... |
faster. Now, however, he was beginning to realize why such things might be necessary. He spotted a carriage a few streets away, and its open-topped back was empty, so Kenton decided to give it a try. He dropped himself three stories to land inside the back of the moving carriage—startling the poor driver. “My Lord!” ex... |
an informal setting.” “Will there be dancing?” Kenton frowned. “Dancing? Why? Most of the people will already be married.” “Because…” Khriss trailed off with a sigh. “Never mind.” Why am I even here? I don’t need to search for Gevin any more. She could, however, work on her second goal. The man beside her held a power ... |
do. His invitation had only mentioned himself and Khriss. Would it be inappropriate to bring Ais in as well? Fortunately, the trackt solved the problem for him by whipping out his own invitation. “I will be attending instead of the Lady Judge,” he informed. “She regrets that she is unable to make it today.” The servant... |
out, dropping his cup to the floor as he collapsed to the ground. “That is the Lord Admiral?” Khriss asked with amazement as the man collapsed to the floor. Kenton just shook his head, looking both amused and embarrassed. “Delious. The only man in Lossand who could collapse drunk before the party even begins.” “He’s… I... |
had determined how she acted. In Elis, everyone had known her as Gevin’s hermitile fiancée—a woman of some power, but little importance. Everyone thought of her as ‘safe,’ a woman who had been chosen because of her title, not her political savvy. She hadn’t dared make too much of a scene, lest she steal the light from ... |
didn’t comment further. Kenton could only assume that they did things differently on darkside. The party had gone better than Kenton had expected. The kelzin didn’t like him—that much he had predicted. However, despite their distaste, they had been civil and willing to talk to him. Some had even seemed eager for some r... |
saying’ look. “Well then, good,” Delious said. “I’ll join you, and we can sneak off together. Don’t look so downfallen—you’re doing a public service. If you eat with me, then you’re saving the rest of the people at the party from a similar fate. Someone has to suffer, you know.” “It would be an honor to dine with you, ... |
conversations.” Delious chuckled. “I doubt you will find the lords of my Profession very willing to hear what you have to say, I’m afraid.” “I know,” Kenton said with a sigh. “I just wish I knew what they had against me. I suppose it is simply centuries of sand master arrogance working against me.” “True,” Delious agre... |
had, unfortunately, been nearly destroyed by the constant drinking. “The kelzin must not have thought much of your declaration of support,” Kenton said slowly. “No, I don’t imagine they did.” Delious said, smiling broadly. “Why did you do it, then?” Kenton asked hesitantly. Delious shrugged. “Because,” was his uninform... |
head. “Sorry, Khrissalla. Even in my rebellious days I wouldn’t have done that. Some things are just too sacred.” This is going to be more difficult than I assumed, Khriss thought with annoyance. “Can’t you tell me anything?” Kenton’s eyes thinned slightly. “Is this why you’ve been so nice to me today?” he asked. “Beca... |
of our creation were known, then dayside would be thrown into chaos.” Khriss could imagine armies with sand masters, armies killing one another. However, in her mind it was the army of Elis, defending itself against invaders. Even a tiny country could survive against the Dynasty if it had such an awesome weapon. “And y... |
butt of one of his pistols. However, the sounds didn’t sound like a battle—more screams for help. Frowning, Kenton stood, reaching into his sand pouch. “Wait here,” he ordered, leaping out of the carriage. He raced down the street, following the sound. They had left the kelzi district of Kezare and were nearing the mor... |
could only control a single ribbon, could usually lift themselves a few inches into the air. It was height that required strength. This day, Kenton didn’t need height. He strained his power, pushing against the stone wall, the muscles in his body growing tense, as if he were working with his entire body and not just hi... |
Lord Mastrell.” “Um, yes, My Lord,” the man said. Kenton nodded and made his way back to the carriage. “So, it’s impossible?” Baon asked with dissatisfaction. “I’m afraid so,” Khriss replied, shaking her head. They sat in her room, and on the table before her sat the results of Baon’s searchings—a small pile of yellow ... |
to the bottom, but did not dissolve. “It creates some sort of patina,” Khriss said curiously. “The outer layer of carapace reacts with the liquid, transforming it into something that is insoluble in water.” “A useful process,” Baon said, beginning to reassemble his pistol. Khriss turned to watch him work, his fingers m... |
but knew that such would be foolish. Ais might be a spy, but he had also done a decent job of defending Kenton—no matter what the man’s own personal biases were, he was an extraordinary trackt. Ais himself sat at the table in the main room of Kenton’s quarters, reading over a stack of papers. Kenton had spent most of t... |
must have cost thousands of lak. And, of course, Delious’s constant drunkenness made a little more sense as well—if Kenton had been forced into a position where he had no power, no possessions, and was considered a joke by the rest of his Profession, he would probably become an alcoholic as well. Poor man, Kenton thoug... |
down at Dirin again, frowning contemplatively. “It wouldn’t work, Eric,” he said. “The Lord Mason would never choose Dirin as his emissary.” “Why not?” Eric defended. “From what I’ve heard, most Talloners are like their lord—they dislike leaving their city in the shadows. If someone arrived that actually desired the po... |
you,” Kenton began, “but I will ask. Will you travel to Nor’Tallon and ask the Lord Mason to appoint you as his emissary?” Dirin looked sick. “Yes, I will, sir.” “Good boy,” Kenton said, slapping him on the shoulder. “How will I pay for it?” Dirin wondered. “You can’t commandeer ships, can you sir?” “No,” Kenton said w... |
the sands, lest their evil continue to corrupt others. Still, Ais was impressed with this Lord Mastrell. Kenton was an earnest man, trying his best to accomplish an impossible task. Such was basis for nobility, if only his efforts had been applied to a noble cause. But, Ais believed—contrary to many Kershtian teachings... |
officers. The guns were masterfully made, and he would have realized their usefulness. “I’m just wondering how Captain Deral found out what he was,” Acron said conversationally. “I mean, how did the Captain see it when I didn’t?” Cynder rolled his eyes. Khriss took a deep breath. “All right, it is time to move on. Baon... |
Diem would have to wait for tomorrow. It was an acceptable delay considering what they would gain by her spending a few more hours in her impromptu laboratory. Acron followed her through the crowd, shooting suspicious looks at the Lord Beggar. Nilto returned the looks with rolls of his eyes. “What do you wish of me, wo... |
Diem every quarter. Kenton rose from his seat, stretching. Elorin sat dozing on one of the room’s chairs. “I think I’ll take your advice, Elorin,” he said. It was probably well past twelfth-hour. He would be safe for another day. According to Ais, if the assassins missed the day of their attack, they had to wait anothe... |
benches would be full, packed with people come to watch an execution. Now that the news had spread through the city, Kenton had already begun to receive requests from the kelzin. Everyone wanted to be in attendance—it was becoming the social event of the century. Never mind that just a few days ago they had all shunned... |
older sand master, perhaps forty, wearing the tan sash of a Fen. Kenton struggled to remember the man’s name, and realized he didn’t know it. “Yes?” he said a little awkwardly. “You wouldn’t know which room my acolents and I are supposed to meet in, would you?” Kenton frowned. “No, I’m afraid not. Why don’t you just pi... |
things. This time he noticed the person walking toward him before they spoke. Kenton paused, preparing himself to explain once again that he had sent Dirin on a mission. This sand master, however, spoke first. “Lord Mastrell, you might want to see this.” “What?” Kenton asked with a frown, his comments about Dirin slipp... |
wait… they led me here.” Kenton eyed her disbelievingly. The students lowered their rocks nervously, shooting looks at Kenton. He waved them back to their studies as Khriss rose and walked over toward him. He looked so authoritative in his distinctive white outfit that she almost forgot for a moment that he was just Ke... |
with the darkside woman at the far end of the courtyard. “I don’t know why he continues to pay it,” Kenton explained. “That is the biggest question I have right now. And that is why I’m going to see him today. You may come if you like.” Khriss shrugged. “I don’t have anything else to do now that I know Prince Gevalden ... |
rely on his simple wisdom. Cynder is right, she thought with a nod. He was far too… competent to be a simple mercenary. I should have realized… However, now he was gone. It was likely she would never see him again—he would return to Scythe and report that Gevin was dead. The Dynasty’s purpose had been accomplished. The... |
at everything. His jokes had been witty. He had been equally good at games of the mind and those of skill. He had passed his courses in the university with high marks. Gevin had been perfect in every way. Why, then, hadn’t she felt for him the emotion she was beginning to feel for this intolerable sand master? Kenton w... |
see him. In fact, I don’t even know what I’m going to say to him if I do get in.” “Then why are we here?” Khriss asked as they approached the Lord Merchant’s office. “I have to find a way to get Vey on my side,” Kenton reiterated, shooting an uncertain look at the structure. “Personally,” Eric noted, “I think you’d hav... |
not to pay it. “Well then,” Kenton said, projecting his voice loudly into Vey’s conference chamber, “I suppose I shall be going. Just tell the Lord Merchant that when he has time, I would like to discuss the tribute. I expect that it will be paid as always… for the same reason as always.” He turned slowly, hoping to th... |
such a lenient offer.” “Blackmail, Lord Mastrell?” Vey asked with amusement. His eyes, however, betrayed a hint of anxiety. Blackmail. That was what Kenton was proposing. The thought churned in his stomach—he had always been a man to confront people openly, and often with a great deal of yelling. The thought of pressur... |
sliding onto the other bench. Ais stood beside the table, eyeing it with a critical stare. Kenton said something to him, and finally the man shook his head, taking a seat at one of the central tables a short distance away. Kenton sighed, turning away from the trackt. “Eating with a sand master would be a major violatio... |
much concern for their people as Kenton did. Even Khriss herself hadn’t ever really thought about her responsibility—not until this trip, where she was forced to deal directly with those she led. All your talk about being a duchess, but if the truth be known, you’re a worse leader than Kenton, who has only been Lord Ma... |
she continued. “Trained how?” Kenton smiled. “I’m not going to tell you that. I doubt even the Lady Judge knows that secret.” Khriss sighed. “All right,” she continued, “then if sand mastery has to be trained, where did the first sand master come from?” Kenton paused. “I hadn’t thought about that,” he admitted. “I don’... |
“Don’t you think we should…” “Help?” he filled in. “Kenton can take care of himself. Weren’t you here for the conversations a few minutes ago? Killing hundreds of men with sand and all that.” “But, these ones are…” she struggled to remember the Kershtian word. “Sand-proof,” she finally said. “He can still take care of ... |
didn’t fight like Eric—though, to be fair, swordplay was becoming increasingly rare on darkside. Eric’s balance was incomparable, he leapt from table to table, sometimes using his weight to tip them over and block blows from his opponent. Yet, for all his skill, Eric didn’t attack. He continued to dodge, easily keeping... |
of a bruised finger,” Kenton said. “Other than that we’re all right.” “My Lady,” Acron said, kneeling on the ground beside her. “I’m sorry—I didn’t know what else to do. He looked like he was going to strike you, and I didn’t know what he was saying, so I just…” “It’s all right, Acron,” Khriss assured. “You did the rig... |
sand mastery? He had heard stories of the marvels of darkside, but had never believed them. Somehow, the tube the darksider had been holding was powerful enough to slay a man faster than Ais could blink. “Sir!” Tain said, hurrying into the room, bringing a dozen of Ais’s trackts with him. Ais stood. “Clean this up,” he... |
from the party, cursing his father, Kenton, and the formless sense of ‘responsibility’ he felt. The next day, Eric had left for darkside. His only explanation for his outburst had been to say he just couldn’t handle the idea of some day becoming Lord General. He had disappeared for three years. I almost wish I could do... |
to the southwest. It was only eighth hour; Ais usually stayed at least until tenth hour. “You’re leaving early,” Kenton noted. “What is happening, Ais? Do you have a pretty woman waiting for your company somewhere?” Ais didn’t respond, maintaining his normal expressionless face. “I have Hall duties to deal with,” he sa... |
Ais couldn’t admit that. He couldn’t tell Kenton that the reason he hadn’t brought any more men was because he didn’t want them to know what he was doing. Technically, he shouldn’t be here. The Lady Judge had taken him off the Sharezan case. Though she hadn’t expressly forbidden him to continue investigating, Ais doubt... |
She sat beside the fire, wrapped in a soft house robe, trying her best to believe she was back on darkside. It wasn’t working. The fire blazed, but the thick glass kept out much of its heat. The room looked like one from Elis, but there were subtle differences. Some of the finishings appeared to be wood at first, but w... |
it was to be treated like an inferior. Her waiting at the offices of the various Taisha had been unsatisfying for more than one reason—she was becoming increasingly aware of how unimportant her title was. Her realization the day before, in the restaurant with Kenton, had only strengthened that awareness. Judge people, ... |
said that he had taken a pistol shot in the head. He should have told her that the shot to the head had really been one to the face—of course, she should have figured that out on her own. The only way he could have been shot in the head and survived, even long enough to be taken to Kezare, would have been if the ball g... |
finished?” Acron asked conversationally, sounding very much unlike himself. “I assume I am,” Gevin said. “In more ways than one. I should have left town the moment I learned that Khrissalla was on dayside.” “Probably,” Acron agreed. “The girl has enough curiosity for ten men.” Gevin tried to back away, but Acron cocked... |
shot him. The smoke cleared from the third shot, and Acron toppled to the ground. This time, Baon quickly grabbed the fat man’s neck and twisted it with a snap, just to make certain. Baon rose, breathing heavily. Never, in all the times the had been attacked during the expedition, had Khriss seen the large warrior so w... |
some day, but I couldn’t imagine life with you as my bride. You were such a dull creature. You hid from excitement and the world, and it was so tedious to deal with the drivel you thought of as conversation. You know, half the reason I left for dayside was to get away from you.” Khriss felt her knees grow weak, and she... |
Gevin tried to sneak away, but black-uniformed trackts began to surround them, looking over the scene with confusion. The Lord Beggar sighed, and began to speak with them in Lossandin. Khriss, however, didn’t want to bother with tracts—she had something else to worry about. She turned to Baon with annoyance. “Why did y... |
to be so self-righteous. Khriss stooped slightly as she walked. She deserves to know what I was, Nilto decided, turning away from Khrissalla. This way, perhaps, she can forget me. He had never deserved her in the first place. Kenton woke to the sound of pounding on the door. He blinked drowsily, sitting up on his sand ... |
from me. That I sickened him, and that I always had, because I was dull and unexciting.” Kenton paused for just a moment, feeling helpless. Then she looked up, her wide, despairing eyes meeting his own, and he couldn’t hold himself back any longer. He walked forward, gathering her in his arms. She responded, resting he... |
elderly professor’s inspection. He looked her over, frowning. “What happened?” he demanded, satisfied that she wasn’t injured. “Baon said you sent him to get me, but that Divine-cursed lunk has told me almost nothing. Acron is…” “Dead,” Khriss finished. “What?” Kenton said with surprise. “He was an assassin,” Baon expl... |
right to play with the girl’s emotions. She’s just lost one love, she doesn’t need to start forming a bond with you, only to have it severed in four day’s time. But, still, he could hope. For some reason, it seemed like the incentive for surviving the fight with Drile had just grown much stronger. How did he find out? ... |
Eric said, opening Kenton’s door and walking into the room. “That party looks like a lot of fun.” Kenton snorted, turning. “Did you sleep well?” “Of course,” Eric informed, munching on some ZaiDon snaps in a small bag. “Unlike some other people, I didn’t stay up late yesterday.” Ais shook his head. Apparently, the dark... |
“That’s what they say,” Eric agreed. “Maybe they didn’t go together,” Kenton guessed. “Maybe he went after Vey, to bring him back.” “Makes sense,” Eric agreed. “But,” Kenton said, still pacing, “Where did Vey go?” “I don’t know,” Eric said with a shrug, popping the last snap into his mouth. He sucked on it instead of c... |
retreat, her first impulse had been to go find Kenton. Baon had suggested they return to darksider town, but she had ignored him, insisting that she got to the Diem instead. She had barely had the presence of mind to send him after Cynder. And here she was again, travelling across the lake toward the Diem. Off to bothe... |
through their work. In fact, it’s supposed to be the best Profession if one wants to try to become a kelzi.” Khriss frowns. “But, who determines who is a kelzi and who isn’t.” “It all depends on who the other kelzin acknowledge,” Kenton said with a shrug. “That seems ambiguous,” Khriss objected. Cynder chuckled beside ... |
feet away. “Good job,” Eric approved in Dynastic. “That is definitely going to encourage people not to be scared of you.” Kenton ignored him, walking forward and striding through the chamber’s open front. Inside he found a room decorated after Kershtian fashion, with sand-filled cushions and rugs woven from ShalRim fib... |
wasn’t proper to say such things. He needs my help, she decided. “Kenton, where are you going now?” “Back to the Diem, I suppose,” he said with a sigh. “I need to think.” “Then, I have some things I need to take care of,” she said. “I’ll come by later.” “All right,” he said distractedly. Khriss nodded to Baon and Cynde... |
how am I supposed to get him to tell me?” Gevin asked with a frown. “I don’t care,” Khriss said coldly. “That is your problem—I just want the information. You have one dayside hour to find it for me.” “One hour!” Gevin snapped. “That’s impossible.” “Then you’d better get moving,” Khriss suggested. “I don’t have much ti... |
“Lraezare,” Kenton said. Vey had run as far as he possibly could and still be in Lossand. “A three day round trip,” Eric mused. “I suppose we could make it. It’d be close, though.” “Let’s get moving, then!” Kenton said enthusiastically, rushing from the room. The Kezare Dockmaster was a strong Kershtian man of thick bu... |
The Dockmaster smiled again, then turned away from Kenton, rushing over to yell at a group of dockmen who had accidentally dropped a large box, cracking it and spilling grain onto the ground. “Vey covers his tracks well,” Eric noted. “He probably didn’t trust the Lord Farmer to keep quiet. I suppose we could swim there... |
reddened from lack of sleep. Of course, Kenton thought with a smile, I probably look just as bad. This has been a hard week for all of us. “I have to go, Elorin,” he explained. “Go?” Elorin asked with surprise. “But, you can’t. The Diem needs you, My Lord.” “It needs me to go to the south,” Kenton said, throwing a few ... |
remember what it’s called. That impossibly bad tempered trackt is down below, stowing his things. The good professor here has been teaching me to speak darksider. Listen,” Delious proffered his cup, speaking in a loud voice, “have some swine!” he said enthusiastically in Dynastic. Cynder shrugged, chuckling. “Close eno... |
my bones will be drying in the sun before this week is over.” He looked up, meeting her eyes. “I keep finding more reasons to survive.” Khriss looked at him with worried eyes. “But, last time…” Khriss said, obviously remembering the state he had been in when she found him. “It could be deadly,” she assumed. “The mastre... |
overmastery. It must have been… Khriss cried out as she saw Kenton slump out of his chair and fall to the deck. Ignoring decorum, she rushed to his side, grabbing him and yelling for him to stop. His eyes were closed, he was barely breathing, and his lips were parched as if he had spent days laying in the sun. Yet, his... |
to be alone,” he noted. Khriss blushed, realizing that she was still sitting in Kenton’s lap. She hurried to her feet, straightening her robe. Kenton coughed again, climbing into his chair with more difficulty. Baon looked at Kenton with keen eyes. “An attack?” he guessed uncertainly. Kenton shook his head. “It’s compl... |
What is the point behind taking away a Taisha’s possessions?” Delious shrugged, still staring at his wine. “It is a political tool, Lord Mastrell, and nothing else. In the eyes of the Law, everything the Helm owns belongs to me, which is why I can commandeer any ship I want. However, in reality, the Taisha is the means... |
“Then they took it all away,” Kenton said. Delious nodded again, downing another entire cup of wine. “This world has given me little to believe in, Lord Mastrell. Those I thought were my friends betrayed me. The Profession I assumed would protect me instead ripped away my life and gave me this foolish mockery in exchan... |
would have thought that you would find it encouraging. For a little while, at least, I’m no longer your Ry’Kensha. I’m just a normal man.” Ais paused. “It doesn’t matter. Your loss of power isn’t a revocation—it was done in the name of gaining even more strength.” “Very true,” Kenton admitted. “Say, Ais, I’ve been thin... |
watched him stumble down toward his cabin. Kenton had the right idea—she was beginning to feel a little bit tired herself. They still had about ten darkside hours left, if her measures were complete. She might as well spend it sleeping. She was, however, enjoying the transformation she saw in the landscape around her. ... |
on this trip, it was that leadership was more than titles and giving orders. It was an act of becoming something greater than what one had been before; it was doing things for others, things that they could not do themselves. It was a burden, true, but it refined as much as it hurt. She could look back on what she had ... |
to pick out of a crowd, and Lraezare wasn’t nearly as busy as Kezare. Khriss and the others were walking with him. “Lord Admiral?” an amazed voice said. Kenton turned. He had been so focused on studying the city that he hadn’t noticed the blue-robed attendant who had walked up the plank. He was a short man with tiny, c... |
Merchant again.” “Not as eager as I am to see his face when you walk in that door,” Delious said quietly. If Khriss were going to live on dayside, this would be the city she would choose. The sun was low in the sky, more than halfway down to the horizon. The resulting shadows were deep and cool, and now that it was low... |
And it didn’t look like there was any way around it. She deciphered the writing top—it was written in Kersha—which announced quite prominently that the enormous number in the second column was the ‘amount owed.’ “Good luck,” she mumbled, handing him back the ledger. Delious threw open the doors, striding into the home ... |
open at the top of the stairs, and a sweating Vey sprung out. “No!” he wailed. Kenton looked up at the Lord Merchant. The man was a wreck—his hands were shaking, his eyes wide, and his clothing disheveled. “Let’s talk,” Kenton said, smiling slightly to himself. “Lord Lokkall, do you mind if we use one of your rooms?” L... |
account private, which meant it wasn’t counted in the Lord Merchant’s public avowal of wealth. Otherwise, every Lord Merchant that inherited the Taisha would immediately lose it. “The Lord Mastrells used the debt to force the Lord Merchants into continuing to pay the tribute. Each quarter, the Lord Merchant would have ... |
to force people to do what I want. I won’t see the Diem’s rebirth founded on such principles. He turned with a quiet sigh, pulling open the door. How was he going to explain this to the others? Khriss would probably kill him. “Wait,” Vey objected. “What are your demands?” “Demands?” Kenton asked. “There are none, Vey. ... |
pick up the Lord General.” “Reegent?” the short Kershtian asked. “Where is he?” Kenton paused. “Didn’t he come with you?” Vey shook his head. “He disappeared from the Tower about the same time you left for Lraezare,” Kenton explained. “The rumors were that he had come with you.” “I know nothing of Reegent,” Vey said, h... |
possessionless—as per the Law, all that you had is now the Helm’s. Your service, such as it was, is appreciated.” Delious slumped back against the wall, his eyes wide with shock. “I’m… released?” he asked. “Now? After all this time…” Lokkall smiled, turning to Kenton. “As you see, Lord Mastrell, you appear to be withou... |
you vote with me, I will change my order, and only sell my carapace at half the going rate instead of a fourth. Those in favor, please make it known.” The vote was unanimous. To his credit, Lokkall managed to bear it without fainting. Delious nodded at the result, turning to the new Lord Admiral. “You are now Lord Admi... |
Khriss said with amazement. “I had little else to do,” Delious pointed out. “I have a question, Delious,” Kenton asked. “Why are you helping me? Your plan is finished; you won. Wouldn’t it be better for your profession to oppose the Diem?” Delious shrugged. “Perhaps,” he admitted. “The truth is, Lord Mastrell, that I e... |
with Drile and the judgement, which would occur a few hours later. He was so close. Vey’s support would not only bring him the Lord Farmer, but the loan should be enough to placate the Lord Artisan. The Diem would still have debts—however, many professions took out loans from the Guild. He could only hope that the Lady... |
river, feeling the cool breeze blowing against his face, the ship quivering slightly below him as it forced its way against the current. Perhaps someday he could be like Delious, but only if he survived the next few days. His powers still hadn’t returned. He was beginning to think Khriss and Eric were right—he had been... |
the same place as before, compiling a list of words he had collected from Lossandin, trying to outline the language’s grammatical structure with the help of the diminutive Lord Merchant. All of them seemed absorbed in what they were doing, and didn’t appear as if they would appreciate an interruption. And, since Eric w... |
without sounding too forward. She’d spoken now, however. There was nothing to do now but continue on. “Come back to darkside with me,” she repeated. “Don’t let him kill you, Kenton. Come to Elis with me. You’ll like it there—darkside is a beautiful place.” Kenton smiled slightly. “You should have asked me two weeks ago... |
as a couple of sailors pulled out short swords, standing defensively. They were probably trained to deal with the possibility of piracy. Only two were still standing, however—the captain and another man. Khriss followed his command, scuttling toward the doorway. Two of the assassins got there first, however, slamming t... |
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