City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [27]
“I … wanted to see how you were, Uncle.” The air was warm and full of moisture, and Daine could see sweat on her brow.
“Don’t insult me. I know why you’re here. You want to know about Hadran and why you’re not welcome at the family door anymore. And who better to talk to than old Jura, the last dog chased from the house?”
As he talked, Lei seemed to regain a little of her usual fire. “Spare me your self-pity, uncle, I’ve got troubles enough of my own. At least you have your own private palace to sulk in.”
Jura chuckled, a horrible, rasping sound. “At least you still have spirit, girl. Very well. Ask your questions.”
“Why won’t Hadran see me?”
“Because he died a week ago.”
Lei gaped at him, shocked to silence.
“I understand he was torn to pieces. The work of a wild beast, perhaps—or a shifter of exceptional strength. Or a well-crafted homunculus, of course.”
Daine stepped up. “What are you saying? They can’t blame Lei for this?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jura said. “Even if she had been in Sharn, no one thinks she has the talent to build a homunculus with such power.”
“Then why?” Lei trembled with rage. “Why am I outcast?”
“Lower your voice, girl,” Jura said. “We may both be outcasts in the eyes of our house, but I am lord of this manor and I expect you to show proper respect.”
For a moment Daine thought that Lei was going to attack the old man, then she stepped back and looked down at the ground. “Why have I been cast out of our house, Lord Jura?”
“The last year has brought many changes to House Cannith, girl,” Jura replied. “The high council of the house was destroyed along with Cyre, and over the last month the barons have been fighting to establish a new order. Baron Merrix of Sharn is now the ultimate power in the south, and he personally ordered your excoriation.”
“I’ve never even met Merrix! I’ve only been in Sharn once before. What have I done?”
“The council may be dissolved, but Merrix would still need to justify his action to the surviving elders. You know the possibilities as well as I do. Treason, conduct bringing shame upon the house, and of course, miscegenation.” He cast a speculative glance at Jode. “You really don’t know?”
“No!” said Lei. “I’ve done nothing to warrant this!”
“Then perhaps it’s all a mistake.”
“Will you speak for me, uncle? Plead my case to the baron?”
“Talk sense, girl! I am as much an outcast as you are. I may have made contacts in the house over the years, but the baron would never speak to me, let alone listen to my words. And even if I could get an audience, I wouldn’t waste what good will I have built up on you. I have my own interests to look after. Now that my wife is gone, I hope to return to the house myself. Merrix needs powerful supporters, and gold I have to spare.”
Jode jumped in again. “I see! So while you cannot speak on behalf of the Lady Lei, you summoned us here to provide material assistance, yes?”
“You amuse me, halfling. No, I have no intention of wasting my coin on such a useless investment.”
“Then if I may ask, my lord, why did you grant us this audience at all?”
Jura smiled. “I have been an exile for many years, Jorasco. Perhaps it amused me to see someone in a worse position than my own.”
Daine’s hand tightened on the hilt of his dagger, and even Jode seemed close to anger. Lei put her hands on their shoulders, holding them back. “Then I believe our business here is concluded, uncle.”
“Not entirely,” Jura said, rising to his feet. “In truth, I agreed to see you at the request of an old … associate, who wanted me to set up a meeting on her behalf. If you want to speak with her, go to the broken church in Malleon’s Gate. Tell the keeper that you’re looking for the wind. And when she arrives, you’ll need to give her this.” He tossed the dark staff to Lei, who winced as if it burned her hands.
“Who—?” Daine began.
“I have said all I intend to say,” Jura snapped. “Now leave my house. Darkhart Woods is no place for unwelcome guests.”
Daine