The Queen of Stone_ Thorn of Breland - Keith Baker [66]
She could feel his words against her neck, and it took several moments for the question to register. I’m just leading him on, she thought.
“Medusa,” she said.
“Flamebearer Sarhain?” Minister Luala had spoken. Drego pulled away from Thorn.
“My apologies, minister,” he said, his dashing smile in place. “I left the hall to look for a latrine, and then I found myself in the midst of a story.” He glanced at Thorn. “I do hope there’ll be an opportunity for me to finish telling it.”
“As do I. Minister, Flamebearer, if you’ll excuse me, I must find Lord Beren. Olladra be with you.”
“Let the light of the Flame be your guide,” the minister said.
Thorn took hold of Steel’s hilt as she made her way through the crowd.
So now he knows what you’ll be doing tonight, Steel said.
“But won’t be in my way,” she muttered.
So you hope. I’m just glad that you’re not being seduced by his gallant ways and handsome features.
“Of course not,” Thorn said. And in truth, it wasn’t the feel of his breath against her skin that stayed in her mind.
It was the vision of a sword flashing toward his face.
Beren ir’ Wynarn was speaking with Drul Kantar. The oni wore a robe of dark blue silk bedecked with golden stars. Around his neck, a golden chain bore six crystal spheres of various sizes and shades … the six full moons, Thorn realized. She wondered if he had other crystals representing the other moons. Seeing a monstrous creature dressed in such finery was very odd. Kantar had a gentle manner, but he every bit as muscular as the ogre Thorn had fought on the previous night.
Beren scowled. “There you are,” he snapped. “I don’t expect to be kept waiting by my aide.” If Drul Kantar noticed the unusual emphasis Beren placed on the final word, he didn’t show it.
“My apologies, Lord Beren,” Thorn said. “Are we joining the others?” The rest of the envoys were already being ushered away by the ogre guards.
“In time,” Drul Kantar said. “At the moment, someone wishes to speak to you.”
Thorn moved toward the oni. “Drul Kantar, have you seen Lord Munta of Darguun today?”
Kantar chuckled. “Have no fear, my lady. Lord Munta’s head is still on his shoulders. I’m afraid that the chuul served at the feast disagreed with him. I believe his warriors are standing watch over his sickbed.”
They made their way down the dark, winding halls of the Crag. Thorn felt like she was walking through the body of some enormous beast; the tunnels were as indistinguishable as blood vessels. And I’ve already been through the bowels, Thorn thought.
They came to an arched entrance. Drul Kantar raised a hand.
“Give me a moment,” he said, stepping through the archway. Before long, they heard his voice. “Was this necessary?”
“Yes.” It was a woman’s voice, beautiful yet assertive. Familiar, but from her distance, Thorn couldn’t identify it.
“I’ve brought the Brelish ambassador. Can I leave you alone?”
“Are you questioning my loyalty, Drul?”
“Only your restraint.”
There was a low hiss. “Don’t worry,” the voice came at last. “I won’t do anything that can’t be undone.”
It’s likely a show, Thorn thought. Drul and this woman want us to hear the conversation. They’re trying to intimidate us.
A moment later, Drul emerged. “She’s waiting for you,” he said. “For your own safety, I suggest you keep your eyes fixed on the floor. An escort will be waiting for you when your business is concluded.”
Despite Thorn’s suspicions, the giant’s concern seemed sincere. She took the lead, keeping her eyes low as she turned the corner.
A statue stood in the way—a large, bulky figure carved from stone. Slowly raising her eyes, Thorn saw that it was one of the armored ogres that served as diplomatic escorts. His left arm was maimed; the jagged scar suggested that the damage was recent.
“Come in.” Another sound bloomed behind the woman’s voice. Distant rain, or the voices of a dozen hissing serpents. This was accompanied by a more disturbing sound … powerful jaws working at flesh.
Thorn recognized the speaker: Sheshka, the Queen of Stone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The Great Crag