“You never told Svetlana of our true intentions, did you?” Athgar asked.
“No," admitted Natalia. "As far as she knew, I was returning to the Volstrum for my next assignment.”
“Then let us hope she still thinks that’s true.” He paused for a moment. “You know, we should have some reason for coming back.”
“I’ll tell them my new assignment is taking me deeper into the Petty Kingdoms, and we decided to visit on the way.”
“I suppose I should get used to acting as a servant again.”
“Nonsense,” said Natalia. “I’ll simply tell her I’ve received permission to breed with you. You are a Fire Mage, even if you’re not a Sartellian.”
Athgar laughed. “Breed. What a strange thing to say.”
“Agreed, but that’s the way the family does things.”
“But we’ve already bred, or is that breeded?”
She laughed. “I’m sure she’ll figure that out once Oswyn arrives. Don’t worry. Things like this happen on occasion. It might raise some suspicions, but nothing I can’t handle.”
“Providing she doesn’t know of our actions in Karslev.”
“Precisely. We’ll spend a week or two in Carlingen until Kargen and Shaluhk arrive, then head back to Runewald. Think of it as a nice vacation.”
“Vacation? What in the name of the Gods is a vacation?”
“The wealthy of the Continent often go on a trip to get away from the politics at court.”
“Like a pilgrimage?”
“More or less,” said Natalia, “but not necessarily for religious reasons.”
“Why would someone want to leave their home and family?”
“Not everyone is as pleased with their lives as we are. Don’t you sometimes feel being High Thane is a burden?”
“Yes, but I’m not the sort of person who runs away and hides."
|