Shadow War - Deborah Chester [125]
But where was there to go? What was there to do?
She was angry at being barred from the council meetings when the chancellors came daily to advise the emperor. Thus far, her complaints had not been heeded.
Reaching the armory, she paused while the sentries saluted and opened the doors for her. Walking inside, she found the air damp and chilly, not much more welcoming than the outdoors. The chancellor left her with a bow, and she and her guardsmen walked up the twisting stone stairs to the upper gallery that overlooked the fighting arena. The air smelled of men’s sweat, horse droppings, and tangy sawdust.
This was where she rode her horse when the weather permitted no other option. She found riding around the rectangular arena boring exercise, but it was better than nothing. Sometimes, the Imperial Guard trained in here.
When she reached the gallery, she saw Kostimon standing at the railing, gazing down at the activity below. Hovet, looking as sour-faced as ever, paced restlessly about with his hand resting on his sword hilt. Tirhin, handsomely dressed as always, stood near the emperor.
Surprised, Elandra paused. She had heard that Tirhin was in disgrace with his father, but evidently that was not true.
Lord Sien, looking bored, was also present. She felt distinctly uneasy at seeing him, and more than a little displeased. Choosing a protector was her business, not his. She did not want him here.
But she could not dismiss the man, and that irked her also.
Masking her emotions as best she could, she approached the party. Tirhin was the first to notice her arrival.
His expression was sullen, and he appeared to have lost weight. He was still pale, and he did not stand quite as straight as usual. He bowed to her, and she curtsied very slightly.
Hovet and Sien turned around, both bowing to her. She nodded her head in response and walked up to Kostimon.
“So the time has finally come,” she said softly, not wishing to startle him.
He didn’t look around. “Yes,” he said.
Both of his hands were clamped on the railing. He seemed intent on watching the light skirmishing going on below, but at last his yellow eyes swung around to meet hers.
“It is a special day, when a protector is chosen,” he said.
Over his shoulder she could see Hovet lift his chin proudly.
“Yes,” she agreed.
“It must be someone to whom you can entrust your life,” Kostimon went on. “Someone you will never doubt.” He pointed at the arena. “Five men. See them? The officers have worked hard to winnow out all but the very best, in terms of intelligence, ability, and fighting prowess.”
Her gaze ran over the men shifting about constantly on the sand. The pattern of their grappling confused her, but she did not wish to show it.
“And I, Majesty,” Sien said from behind her, “have brought truth-light by which to seal your choice.”
She forced herself to give the man a glance of courtesy. “Thank you,” she replied. “That is extra assurance, which I shall need.”
Her gaze moved to Hovet, and she gestured for him to come closer. He frowned nervously and approached, eying the emperor as he did so.
“You can give me the most practical advice,” she said, smiling at him in hopes of thawing his icy heart just a little. “What should I look for? What qualities should I expect?”
For a moment Hovet looked almost human. He softened visibly and his chest puffed out a bit. Nodding, he said, “Look at them, and I’ll show your Majesty. See, now, they’re all good men. Quick on their feet, well muscled. Look at those two, circling. See how when one moves, the other anticipates him? That’s what you need, Majesty. A man with instincts and the good sense to act on them. Someone who talks himself out of his own intuition is no good at your back.”
“I see.” Fascinated, Elandra watched a moment.
Hovet pointed. “That big one, over there. The tallest one, see? Now he’s got good reach on him. But maybe he won’t move as fast as a