Page 92 of The Poison of the Earth
Oleander perks up, surely to ask questions about the creatures and my attention turns to Lonan, who is speaking to Lord Larkstead.
“And will your soothsayer and Ordained be here this morning?” Lonan asks.
“They are one and the same. And yes, she will be,” he answers, smiling.
I eye the other three sons as they file in. They look like milksops. I grimace.
The door opens and I turn my head. The Ordained slips in, a curvy woman, her hair, a candy pink. She’s a bit taller than Ollie, I’d guess, and has lush curves.
She sits next to Lady Larkstead and nods to us. “The rebels.”
Lonan makes a noise of displeasure. “Misery’s Militia, actually. One is not a rebel when the arse upon the throne does not to care for his people. That Fae is not a rebel but a loyalist.”
The Ordained gazes at him a little too long. Her eyes turn to Ollie. “Lord Larkstead told me we are to speak more privately later.”
Ollie’s body is tense but she nods.
Lady Larkstead jumps in, “This is Ordained Eliska. She has been with us nigh on four years now.”
The rest of breakfast passes quickly, Lonan and I speaking with Larkstead while Ollie chats with the four sons that had shown up.
After our plates are cleared away, Lady Larkstead stands. “Boys. Help your brothers with the griffons.”
A low groan and I struggle not to roll my eyes.Lazy pricks.
But they quickly leave the room. Ordained Eliska looks to Larkstead. “Will you fill me in now, Leland?” She asks kindly.
He nods, his eyes indulgent. I ponder at that.
“This is supposedly the younger sister of King Alder. Commander Lonan and General Kai would put her upon the throne with our help. Before I agree, I want to be sure she’s truly of the King’s bloodline.”
She nods, face thoughtful. “That is easy enough to determine. I can do so, if you wish, and she agrees.”
Ollie makes a sound but I can’t get a read on her emotions.
Larkstead answers kindly, “Yes, please do Eliska.”
She looks to Oleander. “Do I have your permission to question you?”
Ollie looks downright riotous. I flick a glance to Lo but he looks as surprised as I feel.
“You want my permission?” Ollie asks, tone acerbic. “You won’t just do as your Master bids you?”
Eliska’s eyes flash, “No man is my master. And yes, I require your permission.”
Ollie’s gaze narrows. “Fine. You have it.”
Eliska stands smoothly and comes around the table. She sits in the empty seat next to Ollie and they turn towards each other, close enough that their knees are touching. The light coming in the narrow windows reflects off her pearl necklace declaring her a soothsayer.
I tense as the Ordained places her hands upon Ollie’s face. They gaze into each other’s eyes and Eliska quietly asks, “Are you of the Stonesthrow line that holds the High Throne?”
“Yes.”
The room is silent as they continue to stare at each other. Finally the Ordained responds clearly, “Truth.”
She drops her hands and stands smoothly. She turns to Larkstead, “I’ll be back this evening if you need me.” And she walks confidently out of the room. Ollie’s eyes trail after her.
Lady Larkstead claps her hands, “Wonderful! We’ll arrange an official event for the day after tomorrow.” She grins widely.
