Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,56
and entered. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. A small lamp in the living room to her right was the only source. Yanti sat cross legged in a plush chair, dressed in a white, cotton shirt and trousers, reading a small, leather-bound book. How he could see to read, Salmitaya couldn't imagine.
Yanti looked up and smiled, closing the book. “Well, my love.” His voice was honey. “I see you're back quickly. A bit too quickly.”
Salmitaya tried to meet his eyes but couldn't. “I saw Celandine in front of the Malt and Mane.”
“Celandine?” he remarked, raising and eyebrow.
“She was a novice...”
Yanti raised his hand, silencing her. “I know who she is.” He rose from his chair. “Interesting choice.”
“I don't understand,” said Salmitaya. “You…”
Yanti shot her a glance and drew close. “My love, there is much I know that you don't. The sooner you accept that, the easier your life will be.” He reached out and held her chin, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “You should stay out of sight for the time being. I wouldn't want you to come to harm. At least not yet.”
She began to tremble. Whatever his plans were, she knew she was disposable to him. She needed to prove her value in order to stay alive. “Let me help you,” she begged. “I can watch her without being seen.”
“I am pleased with your enthusiasm,” he replied, sounding almost sincere. “And I'm certain you could do a wonderful job. But I have enough eyes. No. I will restrict your movements to inside the house for the time being.” He released her. “You should be happy. It will be a respite from your normal duties.”
“Thank you,” she said in her most submissive voice. Yanti laughed softly. “Get cleaned and get rested.” Salmitaya bowed her head and turned to leave.
“I don't want you to worry,” Yanti called after her. “I will have much for you to do, soon enough.”
A chill ran down her spine, and tears welled in her eyes. Whatever he had in mind, she knew it wouldn't be good.
Chapter Sixteen
Dina entered the Malt and Mane, carrying a basket of fresh strawberries. She let the scent fill her nostrils. As a child, her father would take her into the forest to go strawberry picking. Most often they would eat half of them before they got home. Dina hadn't thought of that in many years, and a small smile crept across her face.
“You look far away.” Lee sat at the table next to the kitchen door.
The inn was typical for the area. Two large common rooms were on either side of the entrance. The one on the left had a dozen tables, each large enough to accommodate six people, while the other had a bar on the far side with tables lining the walls and a raised platform in the middle for entertainment. Just next to the bar were two doors, one leading to the kitchen and the other to the guest rooms. Brass lamps hung from the ceiling, and two small fireplaces were in opposite corners.
Dina joined Lee at the table and handed him a strawberry, which he took gratefully. “I was just thinking about when I was a child,” said Dina, still with a faraway look on her face.
“Is your father still alive?” asked Lee.
“No,” she replied. “As you know I'm older than I look, and I was very young when I found the Order.”
“I'm sorry.”
“It's fine,” she said, shaking off her melancholy. “It just I haven't been home in a very long time. And I'm still tired.”
Lee and Dina had only just arrived the previous night. Their trip was uneventful, but their pace had pushed her limits. Lee figured that Millet would make his way to the Goodbranch River and sail down. That would certainly cut down their travel time, and Lee wanted to arrive ahead of them.
“Perhaps you should rest,” Lee suggested.
“I think I will.” Dina picked out a large strawberry. “But not before I enjoy a few of these.” She popped it in her mouth and sighed with pleasure as she bit down.
“Good,” said Lee. “In the meantime I'll check with my contacts here. I should like to get the... feel of things.”
Dina nodded in agreement. “I can check the temples this evening,” she said, still chewing.
“I don't want you going off by yourself. I am certain there are agents of the north about. Probably informants among the locals as well.”