LITMIR.BIZ

Скачать книгу

about who she really is. I hope, for all our sakes, that you tell her the truth rather than attempt to shield her from her destiny.”

      On his way out the door, he looked over his shoulder and added. “Especially since a person with your experience knows one can’t hide from fate.”

      He was gone before Lanead could utter a word.

       #

      Kahl finally gave up on studying. His mind was in a turmoil and he was unable to concentrate. He looked at the top bunk. Maybe Mat had the right idea. They’d been trying to read the human book on etiquette for hours until Mat had declared he needed a rest and had thrown the book to the side.

      But one thought continued to dominate Kahl’s mind. Would it be such a bad thing being a human?

      “I could see Britea,” Kahl whispered to himself. Then he shook his head. Who was he fooling? For the mission to work—whatever that mission was— he couldn’t afford distractions. But Kahl was getting the distinct impression he and Mat were being left in the dark about the true purpose of the assignment. All they had received so far were hints, riddles, human books, and tests.

      He was beginning to feel more than a bit frustrated.

      A loud knock at their door interrupted his train of thought.

      “Who is it?” demanded Mat from the top bunk before Kahl could say a word.

      “First Mate Tanet. You have a visitor.”

      Mat stuck his head over the side of the bunk to share a startled look with his cousin. Who would be coming to visit them?

      “It’s got to be my mother,” whispered Mat as he jumped down.

      Kahl darted upright. “I hope nothing terrible has happened.”

      Mat froze at his words. “Well, let’s find out, shall we?”

      Kahl’s anxiety multiplied when he saw who was waiting for them outside their door.

      High Priest Myltan.

      The Dyhaeri clergy took in their stunned expressions. “I believe you two have questions.”

      Mat was the first to recover. “Um…yes?”

      “Walk with me.”

      Kahl and Mat exchanged puzzled looks before following the high priest. It took only a moment for them to notice the three Dyhaeri marines standing by the bow of the vessel deep in conversation with two Weltonians, one of whom was First Mate Tanet.

      The high priest led them to the ship’s stern, which at that moment, was deserted. “How has your stay been on the Peacekeeper?”

      Kahl watched an uneasy expression cross Mat’s face.

      “Eventful.”

      The high priest raised an eyebrow. “I hope I don’t have to remind you two to treat Captain Riverun with respect?”

      “No, sir,” said Kahl. Mat nodded in agreement.

      High Priest Myltan regarded them for a long moment. “Good. Your mothers are well, and our home is safe for the time being. Now, onto the crux of the matter. What do you know about your assignment?”

      There was a moment of silence before Mat spoke. “Not much, to be honest. I thought being banished to the Peacekeeper was simply punishment. I wasn’t aware at first that we were to be assigned to the Malaquey Royal Court. Then, just in the last week, I discovered that was our new mission.”

      High Priest Myltan smiled dryly. “The royal court is not your final destination, but we will have to go there first.”

      Kahl frowned. “If I may ask, high priest, what is the true assignment then?”

      The priest was silent for several heartbeats. “The situation within Namira is worsening. For four decades, we have observed and waited for the Malaquey government to respond, but all they have done is take in refugees and attempt diplomatic negotiations, which have all failed. As Dyhaeri, our policy is not to get involved in human affairs.” He looked at Kahl, who felt his face grow warm at the scrutiny. “However, it appears our approach of noninterference is about to change, and we need you two to help us.”

      “H…how?” stammered Kahl while Mat gaped at the high priest.

      “You’re both young and handsome. I believe you can accomplish much more than an ancient one like me.”

      Mat and Kahl shared a brief look of disbelief before the older cousin raised his hand.

      “Yes?” said High Priest Myltan.

      “Permission to speak freely, sir?”

      “Granted.”

      Mat took a deep breath. “Sir, we are the two least qualified Dyhaeri to deal with the human mess. So why did you really choose us? Lies and half-truths will only get us killed, so please, cut the Alkynaia crap and tell us what we need to know to keep us alive among the humans.”

      Kahl’s jaw dropped. He half expected the high priest to punish Mat for his insolence.

      The Dyhaeri priest stared at the angry Mat for a moment, then suddenly started laughing. This alarmed both cousins.

      “It’s all right. It’s just that it’s been a long time since I had a reason to be amused,” said High Priest Myltan when he finally recovered. “The Seers chose you. They said only you two could make this work, that your inexperience and temperaments were key factors…” he paused thoughtfully before adding, “Especially when considering your human counterparts.”

      Mat’s face paled at the mention of the Seers. “Does this have to do with a prophecy?”

      Kahl’s mind flashed back to when his mother had muttered something about a prophecy. “Which one?” he asked without thinking.

      The high priest narrowed his eyes. “Who mentioned a prophecy?”

      Mat and Kahl shared a look.

      “I’m waiting for an answer.”

      Kahl decided to take the plunge. “Well, it’s logical to suspect that considering you mentioned the Seers. So, my question is, does this involve a short-term prophecy or one we’ve been anticipating for thousands of years?” Mat nodded in agreement,

      The priest gave the two younger Dyhaeri a startled look. “You are perceptive, but I’m afraid I can’t reveal anything at this point.” High Priest Myltan sighed at their frustrated expressions. “In time, more will be revealed, but for now, know you don’t have to become humans for this assignment.”

      Even as he felt a flicker of disappointment, Kahl saw his cousin’s shoulders drop with relief.

      “My advice to you is to learn everything you can from Captain Riverun. His experience is invaluable and will help you survive.” High Priest Myltan turned to go.

      “Wait!”

      The high priest turned to face Kahl.

      “You mentioned our human counterparts? Who are they? Are they soldiers at the Malaquey Royal Court?”

      “Good question,” agreed Mat, but Kahl ignored him and concentrated on the high priest’s expression, which gave nothing away.

      “That too, in time will be revealed. For now, you two have to learn a lot about the Malaquey government, so we can better assess the political situation and what they plan to do about Namira’s Queen. Good day my sons. I will send your regards to your mothers.” He left before Kahl could protest. The young Dyhaeri was determined to go after him but found Mat blocking his way.

      “Let him go. He’s said all he’s willing to share.”

      “But don’t you want to know more?!” demanded Kahl.

      “Oh, I do. I want answers,

Скачать книгу