Page 9 of Lhora
She’d lost track of time when an odd sound caught her attention. Partly drawing her sword, she got to her feet and strained her ears, quickly recognizing the sound of approaching footsteps.
“Ho! Who goes there?” She expected a guard to be checking out the area. Maybe looking to see if she was still here after being informed by another soldier of her presence. She wasn’t prepared to see the Sarpi’s son emerge from the shadows. He paused when he emerged into the moonslight.
“I thought it might be you,” he remarked. “I saw you from the window over there.” He turned and pointed to the opposite side of the courtyard.
Lhora wondered why the Coltrosstian would be allowed to roam freely, especially after dark. Her eyes dropped to the sword at his hip. She got the impression he was adept at it, but was he skilled from being in combat or simply from practice?
“What are you doing here? I thought you were sleeping on your ship.”
“I talked Vadris Boe into spending the night here in the manse with me.”
Lhora allowed the little smile to cross her lips. “The Sarpi’s son is afraid to stay alone?”
The man’s eyes widened. “How did you… Oh. The torgart told you.”
“What he didn’t know was your name.”
“I’m Duren Sim Sarpen Sov.”
“Hello, Duren Sim Sarpen Sov. I take it you’re having trouble sleeping?”
“If you were lying in a strange bed inside the manse of your enemy, wouldn’t you?”
“Then why not stay on your ship?”
“Because I’m curious.”
“About what?”
“About Beinights in general. About the way you live. Your food. Your homes. Plus, I was hoping I might run into you again.”
He was telling her the truth. His sincerity allowed her to relax somewhat.
“What are you doing out here this late at night?” he queried.
“I didn’t get to eat until after you and your father were finished. I was feeling a bit stuffed, and thought I’d come outside, get some exercise and fresh air, and watch the moons rise.” She sat down on the bench, leaving plenty of space for him to sit on the stone next to her if he wanted to.
Duren advanced closer but chose to sit on another bench a few feet away. Turning back to the rising moons, she kept herself attuned to his vibes, resisting the urge to stare at him instead. His proximity was doing strange things to her, setting her nerves on edge in ways she hadn’t felt in a very long time. But in a good way.
“So you’re one of the Esstika’s guards?” He was initiating small talk. Lhora immediately went on the defensive.
“I’m part of her security detail.”
“You must be pretty good at what you do.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “What makes you say that?”
“You’re awfully young to be part of her military.”
“My age has nothing to do with my ability.”
“Then I applaud your skills…and your station, Lhora.”
She jerked her head around, her reaction automatic upon hearing her name. A name they hadn’t been given, as far as she knew. Too late, she realized she’d made a mistake when a wide grin crossed Duren’s face.
“There’s a lot you can tell us because of your closeness to the Esstika.” He chuckled. “You’ll be able to tell us everything about her. About her family, if she has one. About her private life, as well as her work life. All the juicy little details, including her weaknesses and vulnerabilities.”
He got up and walked toward her. Something had come over him. A change she couldn’t put her finger on. Jumping to her feet, she detached her shurr sword from its clip and swung it over her head.
