Eona - Alison Goodman [19]
“. . . and I’ll need to restock with rice and some of that salted fish. Same as before.”
“I haven’t been paid for the last lot.” It was the innkeeper, his tone rising into peevish complaint.
“You’ll get it on our next pass over the mountain,” Haddo said. “Right now, my problem is hungry men, so have the supplies ready. We’re moving out at the dawn bell.” There was a pause and then Haddo asked, “Tell me, do you know the whereabouts of the merchant who arrived with us?”
“I think he’s out back overseeing the stabling of his animals. Why, is something amiss? They don’t bring more misfortune with them, do they? I gave them my best room, too.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure the lady’s misfortune will not taint you or your inn.” The lieutenant’s voice was wry. “I just want to offer them an escort tomorrow. That door leads to the stable yard, doesn’t it? Or must I go round?”
My heartbeat quickened. If Haddo went outside now, there was a chance he would see Ryko. I tried to estimate how much time had passed since Dela and Vida had left the room; not even a quarter bell. It was possible that Ryko was still being freed. We could not risk it; just a glimpse of the islander would give us all away. I had to stop Haddo. A few short steps took me to the top of the staircase, Dela’s warning loud in my head. She was right. I could not go downstairs; no respectable woman would approach two men by herself. I had to stay in character.
“All I’m saying is she’s got the markings of a lost one,” the innkeeper said. “I’ve seen a lot of them on their way to and from the Moon Lady Waters, and some of them never come right. He’d be better to return her to her parents and move on to one who can produce a living son.”
I clutched the handrail, his harsh words bringing a sudden, desperate idea.
“Keep your voice down, man,” Haddo said, lowering his own. I strained to hear his next words. “. . . to the Moon Lady Waters as fast as possible. It worked for my wife.”
“I meant no disrespect,” the innkeeper said hurriedly. “Your wife was one of the blessed. Maybe this girl will be, too. Go straight through, it takes you into the yard. The merchant is in the far stable.”
If ever there was a time for skillful pretense, this was it. I yanked a few of my braids loose and, with a mute prayer to the gods, pushed myself forward, bundling my tucked skirt even higher above my ankles.
“Is that you, husband?” I called, running down the stairs. “I have seen him, husband. I have seen our son!”
As I rounded the tight landing, I saw the startled, upturned faces of Haddo and the innkeeper. I smiled and directed my quavering words at the lieutenant. “He is in our room, husband. You must come now.”
I took the last of the stairs and grabbed Haddo by the arm, trying to tug him up the first step. The man was immovable. “He is crying, poor little man, and wants his father.”
A silent, horrified exchange crossed between Haddo and the innkeeper; She is mad, it said. What do we do? I tugged at him again. Men were always quick to believe in the madness of women.
Haddo peeled my hand off his arm. “Madam, I am not your husband. I am Lieutenant Haddo. Do you remember me?”
“Of course I remember you, husband.” I smiled into his pity. “What a strange thing to ask. Come now, before our boy returns to his sleep.”
“I’ll get her upstairs, sir,” the innkeeper said. “You go get her husband.”
They had to be kept from the stable yard. I pictured the wretched ravings of the bereft mother at the salt farm. “Look, he runs out to play,” I said, hoping they could not hear the desperation in my voice. “Come back, son.” Praying that both men would follow, I pushed past Haddo, batting my way through the door flags into the main courtyard.
“Wait, son. Wait for Mother.” I aimed my words at a trio of soldiers walking close by. They turned, eyeing me with surprise.
“It is too dark to play outside,” I added loudly, focusing