The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
Page 90
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Youre dying. Your soul is at war. And another memory preoccupies you.
Tell me what you want, the Nightlord had said.
* * *
Scimina was in her quarters, being fitted for her ball gown. It was whitea color that did not suit her well. There was not enough contrast between the material and her pale skin, and the overall result made her look faded. Still, the gown was lovely, made of some shining material that had been further enhanced by tiny diamonds studding the bodice and the lines of the skirt. They caught the light as she turned on her dais for the tailors.
I waited patiently while she issued instructions to them. On the far side of the room, the human version of Nahadoth sat on a windowsill, gazing out at the early-afternoon sun. If he heard me enter, he did not look up to acknowledge it.
I confess Im curious, Scimina said, turning to me at last. I felt a fleeting, petty sense of pleasure at the sight of a large bruise on her jaw. Was there no magic to quickly heal such small wounds? A shame. What could bring you here to visit me? Do you plan to plead for your nation?
I shook my head. There would be no point.
She smiled, almost kindly. True. Well, then. What do you want?
To take you up on an offer, I said. I hope that it still stands?
Another small satisfaction: the blank look on her face. What offer would that be, Cousin?
I nodded past her, at the still figure in the window. He was clothed, I saw, in a simple black shirt and pants, and a plain iron collar for once. That was good. I found him more distasteful nude. You said that I was welcome to borrow your pet sometime.
Beyond Scimina, Naha turned to stare at me, his brown eyes wide. Scimina did, too, for a moment, and then she burst out laughing.
I see! She shifted her weight to one side and put a hand on her hip, much to the consternation of the tailors. I cant argue with your choice, Cousin. Hes much more fun than Tvril. Butforgive meyou seem such a small creature. And my Naha is so very strong. Are you certain?
Her insults wafted past me like air; I barely noticed. I am.
Scimina shook her head, bemused. Very well. I have no use for him at the moment anyhow; hes weak today. Probably just right for you, though She paused then, glancing at the windows. Checking the position of the sun. Of course you know to beware sunset.
Of course. I smiled, drawing a momentary frown from her. I have no wish to die earlier than necessary.
Something like suspicion flickered in Sciminas eyes for a moment, and I felt tension in the pit of my belly. But she finally shrugged.
Go with her, she said, and Nahadoth rose.
For how long? he asked, his voice neutral.
Until shes dead. Scimina smiled and opened her arms in a magnanimous gesture. Who am I to deny a last request? But while youre at it, Naha, see to it that she does nothing too strenuousnothing that would incapacitate her, at least. We need her fit, two mornings from now.
The iron chain had been connected to a nearby wall. It fell away with Sciminas words. Naha picked up the loose end, then stood watching me, his expression unreadable.
I inclined my head to Scimina. She ignored me, returning her attention to the tailors work with a snarl of irritation; one of them had pinned the hem badly. I left, not caring whether Nahadoth followed now or later.
* * *
What would I want, if I could be free?
Safety for Darr.
My mothers death given meaning.
Change, for the world.
And for myself
I understand now. I have chosen who will shape me.
* * *
Shes right, Naha said, when we stood together in my apartment. Im not much use at the moment. He said it blandly, with no emotional inflection, but I guessed his bitterness.
Fine, I said. Im not interested anyhow. I went to stand at the window.
Silence behind me for a long moment, and then he came over. Somethings changed. The light was wrong to see his reflection, but I could imagine his suspicious expression. Youre different.
A lot has happened since you and I last met.
He touched my shoulder. When I did not throw off his hand, he took hold of the other, then turned me gently to face him. I let him. He stared at me, trying to read my eyes, perhaps trying to intimidate me.
Except, up close, he was anything but intimidating. Deep lines of weariness marked paths from his sunken eyes; the eyes themselves were bloodshot, even more ordinary looking than before. His posture was slouched and strange. Belatedly I understood: he could barely stand. Nahadoths torture had taken its toll on him as well.
My face must have shown my pity, because abruptly he scowled and straightened. Why did you bring me here?
Sit down, I said, gesturing to the bed. I tried to turn back to the window, but his fingers tightened on my shoulders. If he had been at his best, he would have hurt me. I understood that now. He was a slave, a whore, not even allowed part-time control of his own body. The only power he had was what little he could exert over his lovers, his users. That wasnt much.
Tell me what you want, the Nightlord had said.
* * *
Scimina was in her quarters, being fitted for her ball gown. It was whitea color that did not suit her well. There was not enough contrast between the material and her pale skin, and the overall result made her look faded. Still, the gown was lovely, made of some shining material that had been further enhanced by tiny diamonds studding the bodice and the lines of the skirt. They caught the light as she turned on her dais for the tailors.
I waited patiently while she issued instructions to them. On the far side of the room, the human version of Nahadoth sat on a windowsill, gazing out at the early-afternoon sun. If he heard me enter, he did not look up to acknowledge it.
I confess Im curious, Scimina said, turning to me at last. I felt a fleeting, petty sense of pleasure at the sight of a large bruise on her jaw. Was there no magic to quickly heal such small wounds? A shame. What could bring you here to visit me? Do you plan to plead for your nation?
I shook my head. There would be no point.
She smiled, almost kindly. True. Well, then. What do you want?
To take you up on an offer, I said. I hope that it still stands?
Another small satisfaction: the blank look on her face. What offer would that be, Cousin?
I nodded past her, at the still figure in the window. He was clothed, I saw, in a simple black shirt and pants, and a plain iron collar for once. That was good. I found him more distasteful nude. You said that I was welcome to borrow your pet sometime.
Beyond Scimina, Naha turned to stare at me, his brown eyes wide. Scimina did, too, for a moment, and then she burst out laughing.
I see! She shifted her weight to one side and put a hand on her hip, much to the consternation of the tailors. I cant argue with your choice, Cousin. Hes much more fun than Tvril. Butforgive meyou seem such a small creature. And my Naha is so very strong. Are you certain?
Her insults wafted past me like air; I barely noticed. I am.
Scimina shook her head, bemused. Very well. I have no use for him at the moment anyhow; hes weak today. Probably just right for you, though She paused then, glancing at the windows. Checking the position of the sun. Of course you know to beware sunset.
Of course. I smiled, drawing a momentary frown from her. I have no wish to die earlier than necessary.
Something like suspicion flickered in Sciminas eyes for a moment, and I felt tension in the pit of my belly. But she finally shrugged.
Go with her, she said, and Nahadoth rose.
For how long? he asked, his voice neutral.
Until shes dead. Scimina smiled and opened her arms in a magnanimous gesture. Who am I to deny a last request? But while youre at it, Naha, see to it that she does nothing too strenuousnothing that would incapacitate her, at least. We need her fit, two mornings from now.
The iron chain had been connected to a nearby wall. It fell away with Sciminas words. Naha picked up the loose end, then stood watching me, his expression unreadable.
I inclined my head to Scimina. She ignored me, returning her attention to the tailors work with a snarl of irritation; one of them had pinned the hem badly. I left, not caring whether Nahadoth followed now or later.
* * *
What would I want, if I could be free?
Safety for Darr.
My mothers death given meaning.
Change, for the world.
And for myself
I understand now. I have chosen who will shape me.
* * *
Shes right, Naha said, when we stood together in my apartment. Im not much use at the moment. He said it blandly, with no emotional inflection, but I guessed his bitterness.
Fine, I said. Im not interested anyhow. I went to stand at the window.
Silence behind me for a long moment, and then he came over. Somethings changed. The light was wrong to see his reflection, but I could imagine his suspicious expression. Youre different.
A lot has happened since you and I last met.
He touched my shoulder. When I did not throw off his hand, he took hold of the other, then turned me gently to face him. I let him. He stared at me, trying to read my eyes, perhaps trying to intimidate me.
Except, up close, he was anything but intimidating. Deep lines of weariness marked paths from his sunken eyes; the eyes themselves were bloodshot, even more ordinary looking than before. His posture was slouched and strange. Belatedly I understood: he could barely stand. Nahadoths torture had taken its toll on him as well.
My face must have shown my pity, because abruptly he scowled and straightened. Why did you bring me here?
Sit down, I said, gesturing to the bed. I tried to turn back to the window, but his fingers tightened on my shoulders. If he had been at his best, he would have hurt me. I understood that now. He was a slave, a whore, not even allowed part-time control of his own body. The only power he had was what little he could exert over his lovers, his users. That wasnt much.
