Mistress of the Night - Don Bassingthwaite [55]
"Feena…" she began in awe.
Feena held up a hand. "Don't say it." She groaned and sagged, stopping for a moment to catch her breath, then said, "Moonmaiden's grace, if the House of the Moon speaks against Dhauna, they'll turn me out faster than a burned griddlecake." She glanced up at Julith. "I don't think you'll be especially welcome either."
"If that's the way Mifano and Velsinore choose to act," Julith replied, "I'll stay while Mother Dhauna needs me and no longer." She surveyed the party. "Do you feel up to going on? You're doing very well tonight."
"Aside from acting like a girl around Manas, coming close to walking away from Strasus Thingoleir out of boredom, and causing a scene with Mifano and Velsinore…?"
"No," Julith said, "in spite of that. Strasus and Dagnalla Thingoleir, Endress Halatar, Arthagus of the Miracles-none of them are fools, Feena, but they all respected the Moonmistress-Designate."
She stepped back a pace and bowed. Feena drew a deep breath.
"Moonmaiden's grace," she said again, "they did, didn't they?" Feena felt warm and confident all through her body. "And Mifano and Velsinore?"
"Have been put in their place," said Julith.
"Bright Mother of Night. Thank you, Julith." She straightened up. "But I think that's enough. The Moonmistress-Designate has had her evening and can retire for the night with dignity."
"The Moonmistress-Designate-but not Feena," Julith said, and made a face as they turned toward the entrance to the garden terrace, the stairs back down to the street, and the waiting carriage. "You'll still go back to the Stiltways?"
"I need to get out," said Feena. "Especially after that." She tossed her head in the direction of Velsinore and Mifano. "Besides, you heard what Manas said. The city guard knows nothing more about the Sharran. They don't even know he was a Sharran. I have to try to find out more."
"You could go to Manas with what you know. I think he'd appreciate it."
Feena gave her a dark glance, and Julith shrugged.
They had brought Feena's linen blouse, homespun skirt, and sandals with them in the carriage. As they rattled along, Julith helped Feena slip carefully out of the gown and into her own clothes. Feena sighed and rubbed the silk of the gown between her fingers.
"I don't think I've ever worn a dress this fine before in my life."
"I'm sure it won't be your last chance," Julith said. She folded the dress, then held out a velvet bag.
Feena exchanged the silver filigree and opal crescent for her plain chain and battered medallion, hiding the medallion under her blouse.
"How do I look?" she asked.
Julith grinned and reached out to mess up her hair. Feena spluttered, brushing hair out of her face. "And now?"
"I wouldn't let you into my party," said the younger priestess, her lips pressed together. "Moonmaiden watch over you, Feena." She reached up and banged on the carriage roof. "Driver, slow down!"
"I'll be back by dawn," Feena promised.
As the carriage slowed to a walk, she opened the door and hopped out carefully. The driver twisted around and gawked at her, but Julith rapped on the roof and ordered him to pick up the pace once more. Feena turned away from the carriage and down a street that led toward the chaos of the Stiltways.
She trotted through the streets in silence. It felt good to be out on her own again. Even with Julith's support and quiet suggestions over the past several days, even with her performance that night, Moonshadow Hall had started to wear on her once more. Ceremonies, rituals, prayers, meetings with the temple staff, meetings with important followers of Selune-even when she had left most of those things to Velsinore and Mifano, it appeared there were responsibilities she couldn't delegate away. Thanks had been delivered to the temple on behalf of the ruling council and the Nessarch, Yhaunn's mayor, for the swift action that had prevented an epidemic of disease in the slums. Feena had been forced to stand and accept