Cast in Wisdom (Chronicles of Elantra #15) - Michelle Sagara Page 0,83

reasons known only to Emmerian and the Arkon, Emmerian had chosen to escort them home. Of the Dragon Court, outside of the Arkon, Emmerian caused Bellusdeo the least friction, although her eyes had darkened a shade of orange when he had first made his request.

“I would recognize both Lord Illanen and Lord Baltrin,” Emmerian told Bellusdeo. “And some handful of their followers and the agents they employ and deploy. They have been under the Imperial gaze for some time; it is clear the nature of that surveillance will require some careful handling.

“I am certain that you can deal with most of the people either Lord employs, and I am certain you can provide Kaylin some of the protection required. But none of us are cognizant of the functions of the artifact she is now carrying, and where magic is used, the two might mix in an unfortunate way.

“If it displeases you, I will withdraw my request.”

The gold Dragon had stood rigid and immobile for three long beats. She then nodded, the nod as stiff and regal as any nod the Emperor might have given.

* * *

Kaylin was not a very happy person when she arrived home.

Helen was waiting in the frame of the open door, her expression concerned and possibly maternal. Kaylin remembered very little of her mother, and she was past the age where she needed one.

Mostly past the age.

“What are you carrying, dear?” Helen asked, although Kaylin was pretty certain she knew at least as much as Kaylin did; the fence was the boundary of Helen, and Kaylin’s walk up the drive gave her enough time to read Kaylin’s thoughts.

“Yes. I see.” She looked beyond Kaylin to Bellusdeo and Lord Emmerian. “Your sergeant sent you a mirror message.”

“I’m on leave of absence.”

“Yes, dear.”

Kaylin understood that the Halls of Law could do without her for a couple of days. She understood, when push came to shove, that they could do without her indefinitely. The city was full of people, and people needed work. The Hawks who had died on the night the High Halls had come under full attack had been replaced, and some of them had been more valuable to the force than Kaylin had ever been.

But she wasn’t as certain that the inverse was true. She wasn’t at all certain that she wanted to do without the Halls of Law or the Hawks.

“I see you’ve brought a guest. It is early for guests,” Helen added, a trace of apology in her voice. “I will ask the cohort to remove themselves to quarters that will be quieter. Wait a moment.”

“I’m not sure he’s staying,” Kaylin began.

“He will stay if you allow it. I believe he has something he wishes to discuss with both you and Bellusdeo.”

Chapter 15

Helen led Emmerian to the parlor, which had adjusted itself in size so that it could comfortably fit the four people who occupied it: Kaylin, Bellusdeo, Emmerian and Helen herself. Her Avatar wasn’t necessary, but she liked to occupy it when guests were present. The cohort were not considered guests at this point; neither was Bellusdeo.

Emmerian declined both food and drink, and as Kaylin had already eaten, Helen didn’t press it. She did offer three times, because apparently, the first refusal was somehow meant to be good manners. It didn’t actually mean no. This made about as much sense to Kaylin as multiple forks and spoons at a dinner table.

Helen’s heart, however, wasn’t in it; she knew manners and she employed them, but her attention was on the book that Kaylin had set on the nearest flat surface within reach. Hope squawked at Helen, who nodded, her expression one of concentration.

Emmerian, however, did not choose to notice this yet. Then again, he didn’t appear to notice more than his hands, which rested on his lap, for a long, quiet stretch. Bellusdeo was content to wait for something hot that looked like tea; Kaylin got hot chocolate.

“Is it safe for me to let this go?” she asked Helen.

“If you mean can I keep it here, then the answer is yes.” She hesitated.

“But?”

“You shouldn’t have it.”

“We visited the Arkon in an attempt to get rid of it. He didn’t want it, either. We intended to give it to Killian, but Killian was occupied.”

Helen’s silence was less comfortable than Emmerian’s, but both felt full of unsaid things. Kaylin was tired and cold, and as Helen had given permission to let the book go, she cupped the mug in her hands, more grateful for the heat