Mistress of the Night - Don Bassingthwaite [129]
Julith said, "We are beginning a search of our archives for references to the book, sir. Something might still turn up. Anything you could tell us about your own studies of it would be very helpful."
Strasus turned his gaze on her and replied, "Of course, mistress." His eyes sparkled. "Have we met before? And if we have, why haven't I noticed your rather considerable intelligence?"
"Julith has been hiding in other peoples' shadows," Feena said with a smile. "I think you'll be seeing more of her, though."
"Much like your remarkable archives, I think. I had no idea such a resource existed. It's fortunate it wasn't damaged during the attack. Astounding…"
He looked up at Moonshadow Hall's highest floor and absently poked Keph's thumb once more.
"Enough," Keph snapped. He pulled his hand away. "Do that again and I'll use it on you."
Strasus's face faltered. A moment later, so did Keph's. Feena and Julith exchanged a glance in silence. After the defeat of the Sharrans and the disappearance of the shadow mastiffs that had menaced the Stiltways, it hadn't taken long for Strasus Thingoleir to come looking for his son. Though Moonshadow Hall had suffered its own losses-Sharrans had injured a number of clergy and three priestesses had lost their lives-Feena had immediately offered the temple as neutral ground for a reconciliation between father and son. She had stood by Keph as he poured out his tale.
And Strasus had proven himself a loving father as well as a great wizard, sweeping Keph into a tearful embrace and offering him his forgiveness and support.
Not that there wasn't still tension between them. Keph's hand shook and fell down.
"Sorry," he said.
Strasus drew a slow breath. "Not to worry," he said with a credible attempt at levity. "I suspect it will only affect creatures summoned to our world by magic." He spread his arms. "You're welcome to test the theory."
Keph kept his hand at his side, but gave his father a thin smile. "Another time maybe."
An acolyte, a long bandage covering a wound on her arm, came hurrying acrpss the grass.
"Your pardon, High Moonmistress," she said. "There's word from Guard Captain Manas. They found the Sharran temple and Jarull Cartcoster has been rescued. The captain also sends his respects to you."
Feena flushed, but managed to keep control over her voice. "Thank you." Ignoring Julith's smile, she turned to Keph and Strasus and continued, "I've spoken to the high priest of Ilmater. He'll take Jarull in. His temple has experience in treating victims of torture."
Strasus bowed and said, "Thank you." He gestured and his staff rose from the ground to float into his hand. He nodded to both Feena and Julith. "I must go. Jarull's mother should hear the news from me."
Keph cleared his throat and said, "I should come with you."
Strasus shook his head. "Not yet, Keph. It's a commendable sentiment, but it's too soon. Give Hane some time." He touched Keph's shoulder and added, "You'll have enough to face you at Fourstaves House. Wait for me here. We'll go home together."
Keph nodded, biting his lip as Strasus turned and walked out of the courtyard.
Feena put her arm around him. "You did the right thing last night," she said. "You fought for your family and friends."
"If I'd done the right thing in the first place, I wouldn't have had to."
Feena drew him across the courtyard to the flashing water of the sacred pool. Julith paced after them.
"If I'd come to Moonshadow Hall when Dhauna Myritar first called me," she told him,