Page 62 of Queen Demon
Kai told her, “I would have you go too, but I want you to stay here, with Sanja, if you’re willing.” He was reluctant to leave Sanja even with the Tescai-lin, who would be certain to make sure she was cared for and taken to Avagantrum. What Bashat had said had left a pain in his heart, like a little shard of glass. He didn’t want her to think she was being abandoned, even temporarily. “I don’t want to leave her with someone she doesn’t know.”
Tenes looked toward Sanja, troubled understanding in her expression.I see. I will protect her with my life.
“I’ll leave you a note for my daughter Tanis at Avagantrum,” Ziede told Tenes. “If we don’t come back, the Tescai-lin will help you go there, and you’ll be welcomed.”
You fear you will not return,Tenes asked, glancing at each of them with concern.
Ziede’s voice was wry. “If things go badly, walking back from the Capstone of the World might take some time.”
Tahren turned her attention to the two Immortal Blessed and Arnsterath, but she said, “I’m worried about Dahin.”
The scholars still clustered around the artifact table, though a few had broken off to talk separately or sit down on one of the benches to take notes. Now all Kai could see of Dahin was a glimpse of his light-colored hair as he moved around in the crowd, talking animatedly.
“He’s doing his ‘important scholar’ act, isn’t he.” Ziede frowned. “I don’t know why it has to be an act, since he actually is an important scholar. But you’re right, he’s more… antic than he should be.”
“He’s getting what he wants,” Kai said, but he knew in his bones that something had been wrong with Dahin since this trip started.
Ziede said silently,Oh good, here comes Ramad. Just what we need.
Kai turned, and he knew his expression was not welcoming. Ramad stopped a few paces away. He said, “Can I speak to you?”
Kai was about to say of course not, when Ziede prodded him through her pearl.He’s distracted and tired. He may tell you more than he means to.
Kai did not make any reply because he knew he would sound like a sulky child. He just stepped away far enough to give the illusion of privacy.
“Thank you,” Ramad said, and he did sound tired.
In his own very weary heart, Kai thought Ramad truly intended nothing but good for the Rising World. Ramad was also in the process of bringing Arnsterath to Benais-arik. Bashat had already disposed of one intractable demon; that he might want another who could be more amenable to persuasion was very possible. She had acted as an expositor and participated in a plot against the Rising World coalition; the council would not be inclinedto treat her as anything but a criminal, especially the members whose lands were more plagued by wandering expositors than the Arik. Becoming Bashat’s pet demon might not be her only option, but it was the best one. Kai said, “Talk. I’ve already said everything I had to say.”
Ramad let his breath out. He looked around, as if hoping the situation had changed in the last few heartbeats. On the far side of the room, the Tescai-lin was still speaking to Domtellan, who had taken a seat on a low bench so they would be closer to eye level. Arnsterath stood at ease, staring at nothing, while the Immortal Blessed watched her warily. He turned back to Kai. “I thought you were going to your home.”
“So did I,” Kai agreed, then bit the inside of his cheek to remind himself not to give so much away. It might be gentle provocation, but it was still provocation.
Ramad watched him, something of frustration, something of concern in his expression. “I can’t leave it like this between us. We have to work together. The Tescai-lin is arranging for you to go with me.”
“The Tescai-lin would prefer it if you didn’t go at all,” Kai corrected. “They don’t trust you either.”
Ramad rubbed his face wearily. “Well, Bashat does, but I know that isn’t much of a recommendation.”
Kai wanted to growl. If only Ramad wasn’t so shitting reasonable.
“You have a reason to want to get there first,” Ramad said, his voice low enough that it was almost hard to hear under the noise of the other conversations. “I could help you if you’d let me.”
Kai let all his skepticism bleed into his face. “I’ve broken with Bashat. You haven’t. We don’t want the same things.”
Through her pearl, Ziede commented,This would be easier if he was stupid.
This would be easier if Bashat was stupid,Kai corrected her. It wasn’t Ramad they needed to worry about.
Sanja appeared at Kai’s side and made the Witchspeak sign forimportant.
Kai signed back,Tell me.
Sanja signed,Dahin took something out of that teacher person’s pocket and went away.
Kai’s gaze went to the artifact table, where the other scholars were still talking, then the rest of the room. Dahin was gone.A hundred shitting asses,Kai thought. He had known, he had known something wasn’t right.
“What?” Ramad said, frowning at Sanja. “Where?”
