Finder: First Ordinance, Book One by Connie Suttle Read Free Book Online Page B

the information. I had no choice but to bear the scrutiny of both men as they examined my back. Whimpering would not help me, but I wished to do it anyway.
    "Wolter called them bone spurs," Rodrik muttered and I nearly collapsed with relief. "But after seeing them," Rodrik didn't finish and I stiffened again. "Never mind. It's normal for her, or so I understand. Finish up and I'll get her back to the palace." Rodrik stalked out again.
    * * *
    Nirok and his granddaughter were waiting inside Amlis' suite when we returned. My head was down and I watched Rodrik's boots carefully as we'd made our way from the stable to the palace. Futilely, I wished I were back in the kitchen; with Irdith dead, perhaps my life there might ease a bit.
    Instead, I was forced to try on two uniforms, both in Amlis' blue. The dress uniform had red piping, patterned after his formal and much more expensive clothing. Mine was fashioned of plain cloth, whereas his was fine velvets or linens.
    "These are for you—to wear beneath the uniforms," Nirok's granddaughter had pulled me into my tiny bedroom and offered me underthings. I'd never had any before; they were for better and higher born. Maid's gossip had informed me of the existence of such, and often boasted that this benefactor or that had made a gift of it.
    "It will keep your uniforms cleaner and fresher when you wear it," she coaxed, until I relented and pulled off my clothing to try on the delicate chemise and underwear. Six sets had been brought to me, and I was instructed to change every day and have the soiled ones laundered after a single use. Shrugging at the girl, who'd gasped at the wounds across my back when they were revealed, I kept the first set of underthings on and climbed back into my uniform.
    * * *
    "Finder," Amlis tapped a finger on his desk uncomfortably after Nirok and his granddaughter had taken their leave. "I understand now that you were only keeping me from harm." I stared at my feet. Rodrik, too, was inside the Prince's study, watching both of us carefully.
    "I want to offer this to you." Amlis pulled a gray leather pouch from a desk drawer and set it before me. It chinked when he settled it on the edge of his desk, and I realized it held coins. Many, if my guess was correct.
    Had I chosen to speak at that moment, I'd have told him that no coins could buy his life from those who wished to take it, and no amount of money would ever remove the memory of his or Rodrik's beatings. Risking another beating, I turned angrily and stalked out of his study, slamming the door behind me.
    * * *
    "I only tell you this because I am old and it no longer matters whether my death comes today or next turn," the physician's clouded eyes attempted to make out Rodrik's face. Nearly blind, the old physician had to rely on his sense of touch to treat many patients. If the King had allowed it, he would have left Lironis long ago.
    "There were two babes inside Tandelis' court that morning, one of which was Lady Rinda's. That is the one the King sent to the kitchens." A coughing fit engulfed the ancient healer, and his manservant quickly brought watered wine for the old man to drink.
    "That is the story he believes, at least," the physician croaked. "Have you ever thought to ask yourself why the deaths and deformities plaguing Fyris have not touched Lironis? I ask you to ponder that. And if you value your life and the life of your Prince, you'd best be well away from here before long." Wetness gurgled in the old physician's throat as he accepted another sip of wine.
    Without a reply, Rodrik turned on his heel and walked away. He hadn't failed to see the hopeless expression on the manservant's face, however. It begged Rodrik to take him along as well.
    * * *
    "So Father sent Lady Rinda's child to the kitchens. Was that better than killing her outright?" Amlis studied Rodrik's face. Rodrik revealed no emotion, except for the white lines around his lips. Rodrik was furious.
    At the time of Tandelis'