On Fire's Wings - Christie Golden [28]
She saw Sahlik often, her benefactor Tahmu infrequently, and concentrated on mastering the art of pleasing Yeshi. It was an easy life, much easier than standing on a corner crying for customers, and Kevla thrived. Now and then, she would think of her mother, and with a pang wondered how she fared. As time passed, however, even that brief thought came with less frequency.
One day, Kevla glanced in the mirror as she was tidying Yeshi’s room and saw that her face had changed. Her cheeks were slightly less round, her eyes longer, her lips fuller. With a shock, she realized that more than a year had passed since she had first arrived at the House of Four Waters. She smiled at her reflection, and thanked the Dragon for her good fortune.
Kevla learned that Tahmu and several of his servants would shortly be leaving for a wonderful reason—the khashim of the Clan of Four Waters was going to fetch his son, the young master, and bring him home.
After Tahmu departed, Yeshi alternated between moping and anticipating her husband and son’s return. A few weeks after Tahmu departed, Kevla was in Yeshi’s quarters opening a window when she spotted a cloud of dust. She stared at it, frowning.
“Kevla,” asked Yeshi, “what do you look at?”
“I am not sure, great lady. There is some dust in the east.”
“Please the Dragon, not a dust storm,” muttered Tiah, as she shouldered Kevla aside to see for herself. She gasped.
“Great lady,” cried Tiah, “I am happy to report that a sa’abah rider comes!”
Yeshi was up from her cushions and at the window in a heartbeat. She squinted, cursing a little as the sun dazzled her eyes, and then laughed. She reached to hug Tiah, saying, “An extra glass of wine for you at the dinner tonight, sharp eyes! It is one of Tahmu’s scouts! My boy is coming home!”
She rushed from the room, crying, “Sahlik! Sahlik, Tahmu’s scout comes! Have wine and food ready for him!”
The three handmaidens hastened after their lady. They found her where Kevla had never seen her before—in the kitchens. Sahlik had prepared a plate of juicy fruits and light grains. There was a skin of wine at the ready, but the thirsty scout clearly preferred simple water. His dark face was white with sand and Kevla wrinkled her nose at his smell. But Yeshi had pulled up a stool right next to him.
“And my brother’s wife? Is she well?” Yeshi asked.
“Yes, great lady. She has many letters for you, which will be coming in the caravan. I would have brought them myself, but the khashim bade me travel lightly, to make good speed.”
“Yes, of course. Do not rush your meal, and when you are through, take all the time you like in the caverns.”
The exhausted man’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, great lady.”
The House exploded into activity. The rider was only three days ahead of the caravan, and much had to be done if the khashim and the heir of the Clan of Four Waters were to be received with all due honor.
The kitchens, which usually were quiet for at least a few hours in the depths of night, were bustling nonstop. Lambs, calves, and goat kids were slaughtered and prepared for the feast. Servants were sent to the marketplace for tempting tidbits to adorn the table. Cakes and pastries were prepared, stuffed with fruits both fresh and dried and drizzled with honey and crushed nuts. Barrels of wine, aging in the caverns where they were cool and protected, were uncorked and decanted.
All the rugs were taken out and beaten, the floors swept and mopped with precious, scented