DragonLight by Donita K. Paul Read Free Book Online Page B

that the seven high races could relate to the position, rather than the attitude, Wulder stood in when observing their disobedience, arrogance, and distrust. With this revelation, his followers could identify their impertinent mind-set.
    Yes, that was it. Kale felt that all her good intentions had been disregarded by Toopka when the little girl denied sharing her confidences with her guardian.
    She studied Toopka and wondered again if this demeanor was real or just a well-performed sham.
    When they arrived at a castle portcullis at a side entrance, a servant in livery opened the coach door and arranged a footstool for them to use. Bardon stepped down first, then turned to give a hand to Kale.
    She glanced around the darkened meadow, saw kimens gliding down pathways meandering through the garden bushes and servants carrying lanterns as they raced about doing their duties. The air vibrated with activity. Then Kale’s gaze fell to her husband’s upturned face, and love swelled in her heart. He had taken all her grousing in good stead and persisted in bringing her to this. All his efforts were to provide for her a surprise he knew she would appreciate. She placed her hand in his.
    “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve done nothing but whine at you and raise objections.”
    He kissed the back of her hand. “You’re forgiven. Now, we’re going to have fun, and not think about duties and pressing needs, and whether or not there is enough fruit in the orchards to provide nourishment over the winter.”
    Kale’s face fell into an expression of dismay. “Isn’t there enough fruit? Are the crops poor this year?”
    Bardon shook his head. “Fun. We are going to have fun, pleasure, enjoyment. The crops are fine.”
    He winked.
    She grinned saucily and stepped lightly out of the coach. Not only did she look forward to the ball and the promise of more surprises, but she had noticed the long ride had not caused stakes’ stiffness to return to Bardon’s joints. With this good sign, Kale allowed herself to hope the kimens’ treatment would last weeks and maybe months. And she vowed to increase Bardon’s enjoyment of the evening in any way she could.
    Toopka hopped to the ground, took hold of Kale’s skirt, and hovered behind her. The minor dragons scattered, perching on slanted flagpoles, onto the tops of other carriages, on the ornamentation of the portcullis, on piles of fancy luggage waiting to be taken in, and on the covered steps. A well-dressed doneel matron approached. The light wizard allowed her ward to hide, knowing Toopka’s fits of shyness often occurred in the presence of her own race.
    As the matron drew closer, Kale realized she must be an important servant. The string of keys dangling from her waist, the stiffly starched apron over her gown, and the mobcap clearly indicated she was the castle’s housekeeper. In typical doneel fashion, her clothing was a bit showy for her position in the household.
    The woman’s black taffeta gown rustled as she walked. Shiny white silk peeked from beneath a cut-lace overlay on what should have been a simple apron. The floppy white hat sported more lace with a rainbow of ribbons woven through it. Kale grinned, thinking of the first doneel she had ever met. Much like Sir Dar, this doneel matron followed the prescribed standard of elegance common to their race.
    The appearance of the housekeeper made Kale pause.
Oh dear, I wish I’d taken closer notice at what Toopka chose to wear.
    The doneel child had a flair for bright colors, but little regard for coordinating her choices. Without looking back and drawing attention to the half-hidden girl, Kale brought to mind an image of her often-scruffy ward. Orange pantaloons sticking out from under a green and purple striped skirt, an under blouse that almost matched the leggings in hue, a tunic of a clashing shade of purple, a dotted scarf wrapped around her neck, and a gray bonnet that had once been white hanging down her back with the