City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [97]
There was no shortage of light on the deck of the Pride of the Storm. The ship’s railings were studded with crystal shards charged with cold fire. But these tiny torches were overshadowed by the enormous ring of elemental fire wrapped around the waist of the ship, the light from this belt of flame almost a match for the sun itself. There were a dozen Lyrandar servants scattered around the deck, polishing the railings and performing other forms of maintenance. But there were also a few guests, and after taking Lei’s pack the chief servant led Lei and Pierce to the small knot of guests—one of which was a massive owl—standing midship beneath the flaming arch.
“Master Calis?” the servant said. “Your guest has arrived.”
Lailin Callis was an enormous man, at least in girth. His long beard was dyed in various shades of blue, matching the swirling patterns of his loose robes. “Lei!” he bellowed, charging forward and embracing her. The small group of people watched him go with looks of mild bemusement. “What a wonderful surprise.”
“Surprise?” Lei said, breaking free and gasping for breath. “From your note, it seemed a matter of fate.”
Lailin’s face split in a massive grin. “Yes, well, that’s because you didn’t see the note I left last night—or this afternoon.”
“What do you mean?”
“A friend told me you were in town and would be coming to visit, but I had no idea when you might arrive. I’ve been leaving notes for you every time I leave the house.”
Lei smiled. “And my companion?”
“As if you would be traveling alone, my dear!” Lailin studied Pierce with a curious eye. “Although I must admit, I rather expected you to be in the company of a handsome young man. No offense meant.”
“None taken,” Pierce rumbled.
“And here I thought you’d finally unlocked the secrets of the stars and moons, Lailin. Nonetheless, I thank you for making me feel welcome. After what we’ve been through recently, it’s wonderful to have a chance to socialize.”
“And on that note,” he said as he led Lei and Pierce to the small group. He made a brief round of introductions of various merchants, and finally turned to the owl. “Allow me to introduce my companion of the moment. Master Hu’ur’hnn makes his home in the Bazaar of Middle Dura. Without question, he is one of the cleverest birds I have ever crossed wits with.”
“Too kind, Lailin,” Hu’ur’hnn said. Standing almost nine feet tall from the tips of his talons to his tufted horns, Hu’ur’hnn was a the largest owl Lei had ever seen, covered with gray-black feathers. He regarded Lei with yellow eyes the size of small saucers. “Lei, it is? And would you be House of Cannith, my lady?” His voice was strange and inhuman—deep, fluting tones twisted to form words.
Lailin caught Lei’s eye and spoke before she could answer. “Hu’ur’hnn used to be a windchaser in the sporting events of Dura. I’ve forgotten. Did you ever actually win a match, old owl?”
The owl rotated his head to face Lailin, a slightly disconcerting effect. “Indeed, this is well known. Difficult for the owl to race the Pegasus, but not impossible with proper plans and arrangements. My people admire such effort.”
“Your people?” Lei said. “Are there really so many owls in Sharn?”
“Less than a dozen. Mine are the people of the Bazaar, merchants and others who know the value of word and wit. It took diplomacy to overcome the Griffon and the Hippogriff. Now those same gifts are used in the service of Dura. But as to you …”
“I should probably introduce Lei to our host, Hu’ur’hnn. It’s