Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(51)
"You think the spread will be slow on newly-infected worlds because the core is mostly inaccessible?" Reah asked.
"Yes. I'd give anything to know what that Avii Queen did to hold this at bay. Otherwise, Fyris would have died long ago."
"Then perhaps we should visit my Larentii mate, to see whether he has anything in his Archives on the subject."
"I'd like to take Quin, but I don't know whether that can be easily accomplished."
"I like her," Reah sighed. "She's so level-headed. They should have let her run Fyris instead of those difiks who were in charge."
"I like her, too. Kaldill loves her. As does Daragar. That speaks volumes, all on its own."
"I know. Lendill is still in a snit—he thinks Quin will replace his mother's memory in Kaldill's heart."
"That's not true—he should know better," Lissa shook her head. "If he gives Quin any grief, I promise I'll kick his ass."
"I'll help," Reah laughed and lifted her cup of tea.
*
Avii Castle
"I have the report, my King," Justis handed the tab-vid to Jurris. Jurris handled it carefully—he was used to paper or parchment, instead of mechanical devices. "See, it shows that the remains were indeed Lirin's, and it shows that Lirin was Camryn and Elabeth's daughter."
"At least we know, now," Jurris sighed and handed the tab-vid back to Justis. "Did you thank the Kondari for their services? I can pay, if that's what they want."
"I believe that many things may pass freely between Kondar and Avii Castle, if you allow Berel and Quin to act as Kondari ambassadors. That is what the High President wishes, anyway."
"He does, does he?" Jurris leaned back in his chair and gazed up at his brother. "What if I refuse to allow Quin to be a Kondari ambassador?"
"Then she and Berel will likely stay in Kondar. The High President has named her a citizen of his realm."
"No, you misunderstand me," Jurris said. "Can the Avii not offer citizenship as well?"
"You're willing to allow this?"
"Many things have become clear since I was healed after Halthea's treachery. Wimla may be pregnant, and that could be due to Quin's talents."
"I am surprised by this, brother," Justis said. "Pleased, too, but certainly surprised."
"You think I don't realize what is happening? For too long, I did ignore it," Jurris held up a hand. "I blame Halthea for part of it, but the fault was mine."
"It helps to know that those who killed Camryn and Elabeth are dead, doesn't it?" Justis asked softly.
"Yes. I have been bitter during those years in between. If some way isn't found to combat the poison, those two may have killed us all. It is my hope that Quin will be the answer—or at least part of the answer—to solving this riddle."
"Then I have your permission to extend an invitation to Kondar to send ambassadors?"
"I will send it myself, under the royal seal," Jurris said.
*
"Do you mean to tell me your brother is making sense?" Gurnil blinked at Justis.
"Yes. I've brought a bottle of wine to celebrate better times," Justis said, holding up the bottle in question.
"Then let us hope that we find a cure for the poison, before we all die or are forced away from Siriaa," Gurnil replied. "Let me find cups and send for Ordin."
*
"Dena?" Ardis knocked on Dena's door inside the library.
"Ardis?" Dena opened the door.
"I wanted to ask a question," Ardis began. "You know I have no rank, now."
"Everybody knows that. It means nothing to me," Dena said.
"I understand—or at least I hoped you'd say that," Ardis floundered. "What I came here to say is this—will you agree to share my quarters? They're not much at the moment, but if I get my ranking back, you'll be a captain's lady, as you deserve."
"I'd settle for just being Ardis' lady," Dena wiped tears away.
"Thank Liron," Ardis muttered and pulled Dena against him. "I think I love you," he added, making Dena laugh through her tears.
*
Le-Ath Veronis
"Mom, I found this on a website that Tybus and I keep an eye on in the Campiaan Alliance," Teeg set a comp-vid in front of Lissa.
"What fresh hell is this?" Lissa narrowed her eyes at the offering. "Is this that criminal bulletin board you haven't shut down, yet?"
"We get leads from it, so it doesn't make sense to shut it down. Give me credit for something, okay?"
"Fine. Have a seat. I'll send for drinks. After today, I think I need one. Or several. Do they not know Marid's dead?" she looked up at Teeg.
"Apparently it's not widely known. Those crime bosses who bought that poison are sick, now, and out for Marid's blood for selling it to them."
"Then we need to put out the word that he's dead. It concerns me that they may target his family if they learn he's no longer available to torture."
"There's not a lot of reason or common sense among them if they feel they've been wronged," Teeg agreed. "Do you have any old-Earth Scotch? I wouldn't say no to that."