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attack. So?
Artross came to a stop in front of her, placed his foreleg on her knee, and looked up with beseeching
eyes. Kale tightened her lips and hardened her heart. At last she released the tension, accepting the
explanation from the mottled white dragon.
So you took that as an excuse not to discuss and not to even think of those oh, my, Artross. That is
not a nice word.
The white dragon scowled. And when Bardon didn t tell me, you all assumed he thought I shouldn t
know of this event she hesitated because I d been sick at the ball.
Kale looked at Bardon.
He shrugged. This is their excuse, not mine.
She gazed down at the dragon and then swept her glance over the others on the log. I wasn t sick at the
ball. I had an upset stomach from the excitement and the rich food. I was not sick!
The minor dragons nodded their colorful heads and then shuffled off, apparently through with receiving
her lecture. Pat pounced on a cricket that Kale had seen the chubby brown dragon eying while he waited
for her to finish her tirade. Metta flew to a tree limb and sang with the local birds. Celisse and Greer
departed as well.
Well, Kale said as she released a gust of air.
Bardon took the lid to the jar from where it lay in her lap. Well, indeed. He screwed on the lid and
handed the jar to her. You re done.
I am?
Yes.
What are we going to do about all this?
I would appreciate it if you would begin by forgiving me for being a dolt.
She grinned and placed her hand on his cheek. The welt had lost some of its flame already. I do.
Then you must forgive the dragons for trying to protect you.
She glanced around at her crew, who did not look at all repentant but were busy having fun in their quiet
dragon way. Yes, they meant well.
And then we go on with our quest. Paladin has given us a charge to find out as much as we can
whenever we encounter the Followers.
And you saw Paladin, when?
Bardon rolled his eyes and slapped his head in a mock gesture of chagrin. It was so difficult keeping the
ball a surprise, I ended up guarding every thought. I was so worried about spoiling your pleasure in the
gala event, I kept my lips buttoned on any number of issues.
Kale sighed. I think I m already tired of this adventuring. It does strange things to my husband s
honesty.
We ve only just begun.
She waved a dismissive hand at the tent and disheveled camp. But I enjoy sleeping behind four walls
with a roof overhead and the windows closed.
That can be arranged, lady of mine.
13
A POOR MAN S HOME
After a day of travel, Bardon and Kale landed in a field near a small settlement on the Hierson River.
They unsaddled Greer and Celisse, tucked the gear into a thicket, and walked into town.
Bardon pulled Kale s arm through his and kept her close. Walking right beside him, she was less likely to
notice his wincing. The long ride had stiffened his joints.
People lingered in the streets, even at the dinner hour. Small clusters of adults talked earnestly while
youngsters darted in and around the crowd.
Do you think today s market day? asked Kale.
There do seem to be a lot of people for such a small village.
There s the inn. Kale pointed across the street.
Pain shot through Bardon s thighs as he took the two steps down from the wooden sidewalk to the
street. He grabbed the wrought-iron handrail to keep from falling.
So much for not telling Kale he hurt. May I borrow Gymn?
The green dragon hopped from her shoulder to his without waiting for her reply.
The stakes? Kale whispered.
Bardon nodded once. I believe the poison from the black dragons set it off again. I was feeling fine.
We ll get you in a comfortable bed for the night. Maybe tomorrow you ll feel better.
Bardon didn t bother to answer but gritted his teeth as they mounted three steps and entered the inn.
Round tables seating four to six customers apiece crowded the room. Air swept in the open windows in
gusts that sent the red curtains fluttering.
Kale, which one of these people is the proprietor?
Kale looked around the room and then discreetly pointed. That tumanhofer.
They approached the innkeeper, who was giving three young servants their orders. The gentleman
clapped his hands, and the children scattered.
He turned to Bardon and Kale. May I help you?
A room for the night? asked Bardon.
I can barely serve you supper. A bed is out of the question. But there s a few folks in town in the habit
of renting a room during market days.
Kale looked quickly around. Is that what all this commotion is about? These men don t look like
farmers.
The tumanhofer sneered. This lot? No, they re not farmers. They call themselves Followers, and they
cause a lot of trouble.
Trouble? asked Bardon.
Oh, I don t mean they drink and carouse. They re demanding. They want their food fixed just so, and
my wife is accustomed to fixing meals that make your mouth water as soon as you get your first whiff of
what s in the pot. But no, they don t like it. They want slop I d throw to the pigs.
They fuss over the rooms not being clean. My rooms are clean. But they want everything taken out but
the beds and fresh linens brought up as if we hadn t changed the sheets since the last customer.
And they sit around and whisper. That drives me batty. They hush when I come near as if I wanted to
know what their confounded secrets are. And they look down on me and my family. I d rather have you
in my rooms, but I ve already filled up.
Bardon studied the groups of mariones and o rants. Do they come here often?
Once a month. It s too often, but I can t say I don t like their coins. I fill up my coffers and wouldn t
have to rent a room any day of the time in between if I didn t want to. But these Followers are trouble,
and it s good to have regular folk stay a night or two after I ve had my fill of this lot.
He caught a passing child by the back of his collar. Jahannasamran, take these people to the Buckners
or the Peeps first. Take em around till you find them a room, then hurry back.
Yes, Da. Jahannasamran bobbed a bow to his father and then to Bardon and Kale. If you ll follow
me.
Don t use that word follow, son, the innkeeper grumbled under his breath.
The boy gave him a cheeky grin and trotted to the door with Kale and Bardon behind him. He led them
to the outskirts of town on the opposite side of where they had left Celisse and Greer.
The second house admitted them, and the marione housewife gave Jahannasamran two daggarts and a
coin for his trouble.
Come in. Sit down. My name s Elma, and my husband is Garmey, but he s off learning from the
visitors.
Kale removed her cape and hung it on a peg. The dragons crept out of their pocket-dens and roosted on
shelves, the mantel over the hearth, and sturdy furniture. Bardon and Kale took the wooden seats Elma
indicated at her table. The common room held the kitchen, dining area, and a gathering of soft chairs
around a fireplace. The home matched Elma s friendly smile.
Elma tiptoed closer to the big chair where Dibl perched. Aren t you a pretty one?
Dibl flipped backward, landing on his feet again on the same spot. Giggling rippled from under the
kitchen table.
Are they dangerous? asked the marione housewife.
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