They’d be at the royal stables for only a couple weeks, just until the major and minor races started and all racers converged on the Heart of Becar. They’d be required to stay at the official race campsite then, a few miles beyond the city. “We can sleep in the stables.”
Lady Evara sniffed. “You cannot. Quiet quarters are a must for a well-rested rider, as well as private baths, funds for new racing clothes, and a chef dedicated to our needs. I will draw up a list.” She flounced away from them, into the silken tent that had been erected for her at the back of the boat. Her three servants followed, one still carrying the fishbowl.
Augur Yorbel was watching her leave as if she was more alarming than a kehok, and Tamra decided she did indeed feel sorry for him. “Raia, can you check on the kehok? The new sights might be alarming him.” She waited until Raia scurried across the deck to the cage before saying in a low voice, “You have no idea what you’re doing, do you?”
He jumped as if startled, then looked sheepish. “It’s obvious?”
“Frankly, yes.”
“I am out of my depth. Ask me to read a soul, ask me to save a soul, and I can do it! I have trained for that. But ask me to restart a racing program at the highest level on the most public stage . . . Well, I am wondering what I’ve gotten myself into.”
She laughed, liking that he was so honest about it. “How did you get stuck with this?”
He hesitated. “I volunteered.”
“That was your first mistake.”
“I’ve made a few.” He sighed mournfully, as if he were cataloguing every single mistake he’d ever made.
“You’re the first augur I’ve ever met to admit he’s ever made any,” Tamra said. Certainly you’d never catch Augur Clari saying anything as vulnerable as that. She guarded her infallibility as if it were a precious jewel. “Us ordinary people are in over our heads on a daily basis. You get used to it.”
“Then will you be my guide?” He sounded so innocent, with a hint of pathetic, that it was charming, and Tamra couldn’t help smiling. She wondered if he’d ever spent much time out of the temple. Poor sheltered augur, she thought, and found herself actually believing it. “Tell me what’s needed, and I will see you get it.”
“Just the basics for me. And whatever will placate Lady Evara. You don’t want her making your life miserable.”
He shot a look at the silken tent.
“She’s testing you right now, to see how far she can push her demands. Like a toddler. My advice? Listen to everything she says, and then do what you think is best, regardless of whatever she demands. Really, that’s the only way to handle the wealthy.”
He smiled, and it transformed his whole face, changing him from an unapproachable augur to a man with warmth and humor. “You’re the first ‘ordinary person’ I’ve met to ever give life advice to an augur, instead of the other way around.” Then, more seriously: “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I—”
From the tent, Lady Evara called, “Augur Yorbel? We have matters to discuss!”
He sighed; then his face smoothed back into a pleasant, professional demeanor. Bowing slightly to Tamra, he crossed the deck. She watched him.
As soon as he’d left, Raia returned. “That was so sweet.”
Tamra frowned at her. “What?”
“He admires you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Tamra said. “He was asking for advice.”
Raia was grinning. “I think it’s romantic.”
Tamra wavered between annoyance and amusement. She certainly hoped that Augur Yorbel wasn’t having romantic thoughts about her. She had no time in her life for such foolishness, especially in race season. “I don’t need romance in my life right now. I have something more important: a purpose. And so do you.” She pointed at the statue of a crocodile on the side of the river. It was carved of pink stone, polished so it shone. “Concentrate on that statue. Learn its curves, its shadows. Your mind must be strong and focused if you’re to win the next race. For the rest of the journey, I want you to pick objects we pass and let them fill your thoughts. See if you can ignore the wonders of the Heart.”
“Fine, but you shouldn’t ignore your own heart.”
“Focus!”
“Okay, okay.” Quietly, Raia said, “But love is important too.” Then, with more determination, “And I won’t lose again.”
Tamra shook her head. “Just when I think you almost understand, you say something ridiculous. It can’t