The White Road - Lynn Flewelling [166]
Thero wove a quick spell on the air with one finger and a burlap-wrapped wine jar appeared on the table, still crusted with snow from Mount Apos. He poured them goblets of the chilled Mycenian apple wine and they sat down at the table with the books.
Seregil took a long sip of the cold wine and sat back in his chair. "Oh, I have missed that!"
"The books?" Thero asked impatiently.
"I think you'll find this one of the most interest." Seregil said, showing him the one with the most drawings of rhekaros. "I don't know if the whole thing is about the making of them, but I tried to get as much of it for you as I could."
"Excellent!" Thero looked as happy as Micum's daughter Illia with a new necklace. "This is wonderful! Given Yhakobin's skills, this could prove very useful, even if it is incomplete. I'll need your expertise in figuring out the code, I'm sure."
"Once we get settled in again," Seregil promised, then presented Thero with the oo'lus. "I thought you'd like these, too."
"Also part of the long story," Alec told him.
Thero refilled the cups. "I'm ready to hear it."
It did take quite a while, even with two of them telling it. When they were done, Thero shook his head. "I'm sorry about Sebrahn, Alec."
"It was the best thing we could do," Alec told him, but there was still a raw edge of sadness in his voice.
"The things you two survive! It never fails to amaze me."
Seregil saluted him with his empty cup, then set it aside.
"Where are you going tonight? You're welcome to stay here."
"Thanks, but we're headed for the Stag," Alec told him.
"Shall I send word to Runcer?"
"No, thanks." As much as Seregil trusted the man who oversaw the running of the Wheel Street villa, he didn't want to chance word getting out of their return.
"When will you see the queen? She's not very happy with me for coming back without you, or about your extended absence."
"What did you tell her?"
"That you were still in Bokthersa, recuperating and visiting your family."
"Thank you. We'll send word to the Palace tomorrow after we've had a bit of a rest. And that's what I need right now. Come on, Alec."
Thero walked upstairs with them and saw them to the door.
"I know you'll guard those books carefully," said Seregil. "It's a relief to be rid of them."
"I'll take good care of them."
With that duty discharged, they backtracked through the Noble Quarter to Golden Helm Street and on past the round colonnade of the Astellus fountain and the arched entrance to the Street of Lights. The colored lanterns in front of the elaborate brothels were lit and there were still quite a number of people on the street, heading for the favors of a favorite courtesan, or the gambling houses at the far end. A good many were soldiers.
From here they entered a twisting maze of narrow streets toward Blue Fish Street.
They were nearly there when they heard the telltale scuffle of feet behind them. The lanterns were few and far between in this part of the city, but there was enough light from the nearest for Seregil to count five men. They were young and dressed like ruffians. He didn't see any swords, just clubs and staffs and a few long knives.
"And where might you be going?" asked one with a northern accent.
"Those are pretty horses you have there," said another with a head of wild curly hair.
Two of them were advancing, probably meaning to cut the lead reins of Windrunner and Star. Smelling the brandy on them, Seregil let out a heavy sigh. "You don't want to do this."
"I don't see the bluecoats anywhere," the leader said with a confident leer.
"He's trying to do you a favor," Alec warned.
The man laughed. "I think you two better come down off those horses. Now."
"Why would we do that?" asked Seregil.
The man swung his club in a vicious arc in front of him. "We mean to