The Wyvern's Spur - Kate Novak [104]
"No, Aunt Dorath. I had not. I thought it was worth the risk if it helped us find the spur."
"If your uncle knew anything about the spur, don't you think he would have told me?" Aunt Dorath snapped.
Giogi bit his tongue.
"That book and this room are off-limits to you for good reason. Isn't it bad enough that one of those spells killed your uncle?"
"But, I thought-" Giogi began, but, catching sight of Frefford, who stood behind Aunt Dorath, shaking his head warningly, he let his words trail off. Obviously Frefford hadn't wanted to worry the older lady with his theory that something had broken in.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Dorath," Giogi said simply. "I shan't do it again."
"And who is this?" Dorath asked, finally noticing Olive standing very quietly to one side.
Frefford stepped forward. "Surely, Aunt Dorath, vou must remember Olive Ruskettle-the bard that sang at my wedding reception."
Dorath squinted at the halfling. "You're the one with the companion who tried to kill Giogi."
"Um, yes," Olive admitted, "but we stopped her in time if you'll remember."
"Oh, I remember. I just don't know why you bothered. Giogi is determined not to see out his first quarter-century. However did you get involved in this harebrained scheme?" Dorath asked Olive.
Olive picked her words carefully. "I came along as an advisor. I have some experience with magic. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough to prevent your nephew from setting off the firetrap. I am so sorry that we alarmed you. I think perhaps you are right. This room is beyond my expertise, as well as that of your nephew's. We should all leave immediately."
Pacified some by the halfling's agreeableness, Dorath grew calmer. "Perhaps, Mistress Ruskettle, since you are here, you and my nephew would care to join us for lunch. I know Gaylyn would be glad for the company. Confinement has been so tedious for her. She's such a high-spirited young woman. Giogi will be glad to make some time in his castle-destroying schedule, won't you?"
"What are you having?" Giogi asked.
Aunt Dorath shot the young nobleman an angry look.
"Glad to stay," Giogi quickly amended.
"Then after lunch you can take some packages up to the House of the Lady, for the memorial service tonight. Frefford can then devote some time to Gaylyn."
"I'd be happy to oblige," Giogi said.
"It's just like your Uncle Drone to leave a note behind that we use Selune's temple for his memorial service," Dorath said as she began descending the stairs. "He knew how much I hate traveling up that hill."
Olive and the gentlemen followed the elderly woman down the outside staircase. Olive shot a look back into the room, but, of course, she saw no one within, only the massive clutter. With the excitement of the last few minutes, and her state of confusion and indecision about Cat, and, of course, her anticipation of lunch, the halfling completely forgot the unseen figure that had followed them up the tower's inner staircase.
16
The House of the Lady
The cook at Redstone lacked Thomas's talents with sauces and seasonings, but Gaylyn's company added considerable cheer to the lunch. She was shrewd enough not to ask about Cat in front of Aunt Dorath, but she regaled them with funny stories of the naughty things she did as a child. Olive got the impression the lady would turn out to be a pretty permissive parent.
Steele never showed up for the meal. which also added to everyone's lightheartedness. Sudacar did show, and, giving Giogi one of his sly winks, seated himself beside Julia and attended to her every word.
Giogi and Olive both felt very strange watching Julia's behavior in Sudacar's presence. She'd become the model of a sweet, modest young lady in the Lord of Immersea's presence. Giogi's feeling of family loyalty struggled with his urge to warn Sudacar of Julia's natural viciousness. Olive, for her part, was reminded of Cat, who kept her sardonic nature around Giogi in check to keep his favor, and around Flattery to keep her head from being staved