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slipped away through a gate in the inner wall.
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'All set?' said Eldareth. Then we'll be away. Fare you all well and may we
meet again before the fires of next Firethorn are lit!'
The blessings of Nuth and Anuth be upon this party,' said Ariolne, drawing a
circle on the air with her staff. The inner gates swung open, then the tall
outer gates of filigree and jewels, and the first party was riding under the
arch; Elrill and Jthery in the lead, Eldareth and Tanthe following.
They passed out of sight, but Rufryd stood gazing after them. He couldn't
believe Tanthe had gone, that they might never meet again. Couldn't believe
that, knowing it, she'd still been so cold. Not upset, not even furious at
him. Just indifferent.
For a moment he considered galloping after them. Then Mirias slapped his
shoulder and said, 'Come on. Looks like Aventuria called you in opposite
directions this time.'
'No,' Rufryd said under his breath. 'Just sheer bloody-mindedness.' He checked
his saddlebags were secure, and swung on to Halcyon's back.
The second party was bigger. In addition to Rufryd, Dawn and Mirias,
Branq'elin and Mawrdreth had a retinue of eight Than'drathian riders who would
go with them to the Hall of Duke Tasq. Their dun horses were impressive;
muscular, athletic and showy, with thick necks, long straight heads and fine
muzzles, a high-stepping gait. They were all different shades of gold, with
dark dappling on their rumps, rippling black manes and tails, black shading on
their legs. Halcyon was small and delicate in comparison, though Rufryd had no
doubt he was at least their equal in stamina, and greater in speed.
Dawn and Mirias had stocky Paranian horses, like Eldareth's, dark chestnut
with flaxen manes.
Secured to her saddle, Dawn was carrying a basket containing four blue-doves,
with which they would send messages back to Parione. Rufryd could hear the
doves cooing softly, a fluid purr.
'Convey my greetings to your mother and father,' Helananthe was saying to the
Than'drathian nobles.
'Our realms stand firm together. I thank you for your bravery in undertaking
this journey on my behalf.'
'We do this as much for our parents' sake as for your majesty's,' Branq'elin
said stiffly. 'In respect of all you have said, the friendship you have shown
us and the undying bond between us, we pledge our loyalty. But still the
question of Thanmandrathor's sovereignty will rise again.'
'And when it does, we shall discuss it again,' said Helananthe, laying a hand
on Branq'elin's. 'Go swiftly, return safely.'
The party began to make their way towards the gates. Four riders of the
retinue went in front and four at the rear, with Rufryd, Mirias and Dawn in
the middle, just behind Branq'elin and her brother.
Again Ariolne said, 'The blessings of Nuth and Anuth be upon '
As she spoke, three bright red piper-birds came tumbling over the walls,
squawking loudly as they squabbled. Two swooped low over Mawrdreth's head,
tumbled to the courtyard flags and rose again in a flurry of scarlet feathers.
The third skimmed his horse's ears as it wheeled past, screeching. Spooked,
the horse crouched on its hindquarters and reared.
Taken unawares, the young lord tumbled backwards out of the saddle. Rufryd
heard the crack of bone as he fell. Halcyon shied. All around him, horses
danced and riders cursed as they tried to bring the startled animals under
control. Branq'elin leapt to the ground and knelt down at her brother's side.
'Mawrdreth? Oh gods, get a healer I'
His face was grey, his mouth a square of agony. When he tried to speak, all
that came out was a hiss.
'Fetch the physicians!' Helananthe barked at Lord Derione. 'Have a stretcher
brought at once!'
Derione rushed to obey. Ariolne was bending over Mawrdreth, running gentle
hands over his body.
The priestess seemed unmoved by his gasps of pain or by Branq'elin's distress.
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'He has broken his left leg halfway down the thigh. she said presently.
'Alas, Lord Mawrdreth, you are going nowhere now.'
'But I must!' he rasped. 'I can't let my sister go alone. Bind up this leg,
give me milk of poppies!'
Ariolne shook her head patiently. 'It will take more than bandages and
medicines to make you fit to travel. You will be spending at least the next
six weeks in the palace. I am sure your sister can stay with you; but you
cannot travel.'
He groaned. He appeared to lose consciousness, while Branq'elin knelt,
anxiously squeezing his hands and calling to him until his eyes fluttered open
again.
Rufryd, still in the saddle, watched the scene with a sense of doom. He wasn't
superstitious but it
seemed the most horrible omen, the blood-red pipers squalling over the wall,
halting their expedition before it had even begun. He, Dawn and Mirias
exchanged looks. They waited as brother and sister whispered to each other,
while the palace physicians and stretcher-bearers appeared from the inner
circles of the Citadel.
Presently Mirias said, 'Well, the three of us can still go alone, if it comes
to it.'
'I'd rather, if anything,' said Rufryd. 'We'd travel faster.'
'It's up to the Queen, though,' said Dawn.
Mawrdreth's leg was splinted and his tall body eased on to the canvas. Spots
of warm rain began to fall. Halcyon, never happy with rain, shook his head and
snorted emphatically.
Lady Branq'elin leaned over the stretcher, kissing her brother. He was borne
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