Page 125 of Tashama
Carissian bowed. “I must speak with you further, my lady, later.”
“Certainly.” Tashama grabbed Listra’s hand as the princess hurried to greet her.
They exchanged light hugs so as not to cause Tashama further pain, then Listra frowned at her. “I have heard of the rash thing you did.”
Tashama touched her bandaged shoulder and grimaced. “Well, had I known how much this would have hurt, I might have had second thoughts.”
Listra sat in the chair the Karthlander healer offered her, then she leaned over close to Tashama so that no one could hear her words. “Why did you wish for me to go to the colonel’s tent, Tashama?”
Tashama smiled.
“You knew, didn’t you?”
“Yes. But we have more trials before anything can come of it.”
“I thought we were returning to Banff.”
“It’s not safe for us there, yet.”
“Then where?”
“Karthland.”
“Ohh,” Listra groaned. “Will I truly be more powerful than Daveal if I go with you after all of this is over?”
“Truly.” Tashama reached over and squeezed Listra’s hand. She would be her advisor, but she would wait to tell her once things were settled. If they were settled.
A figure loomed in the entrance of the tent. General Karam stood there. She nodded. “General Karam.”
He bowed slightly but said nothing in greeting.
“Is everything all right?” she asked.
The healer watched him in anticipation. Turning back to Tashama, he nodded.
“Good, then if you have nothing further to say to me, I will speak to you later.”
He bowed again with the greatest of effort, then hurried out of the tent.
Listra shook her head. “Seems he is not happy with the turn of events.”
“He is sulking because he didn’t think of the plan, but he will get over it.”
With the aidof the colonel and some of his men, Aleron and Tashama made their way to Napolia. While the others waited in the colonel’s home, Lieutenant Sanger led Aleron and Tashama into the palace.
“I’m not certain Princess Deloria will go along with us on this.” Lt. Sanger shook his head. “If her uncle finds out she has aided us…”
“She truly loves you and will do anything you ask of her, if she’s able,” Tashama said.
Once they arrived at Deloria’s quarters, she gave a start.
“Dismiss your maids,” the lieutenant said to her. She stared at Aleron, wearing monk robes, and Tashama dressed in the Bachava order.
“What is wrong?” She gripped Sangar’s hand firmly.
“Release your maids, and I will speak with you.”
Deloria motioned for her maids to leave. “What’s happening? Why are you here and not on the battlefield? Have you been relieved?”
