On Fire’s Wings by Christie Golden Read Free Book Online Page B

expression.
    â€œIs—did the khashim make these?” she asked, turning her attention back to the pools.
    Sahlik laughed. “No man can create water, child. But yes, a tunnel was dug many years ago between here and the river. It is one of the House’s greatest strengths. We will never run out of water for drinking or bathing.”
    â€œB-bathing?” Kevla’s voice cracked.
    â€œOf course. Did you think I came all this way simply to give you a drink, girl? Take off that dirty rhia. Can’t have a servant to the khashima running around in that mouse-chewed thing.”
    Hesitantly, with a sudden bout of shyness, Kevla drew off the garment. Crossing her arms over her chest, she padded over to the larger pool and glanced at Sahlik for confirmation. At the old servant’s nod, Kevla sat down on the smooth stone. She took a deep breath, suddenly filled with a nameless, unreasoning fear, then swung her legs into the water.
    It was cool, soft, like a gentle hand caressing her legs. A bath. She, Kevla Bai-sha, was about to take a bath, in the underground spring of the greatest khashim in the land.
    She buried her face in her hands and began to sob. She wasn’t sure why, it just seemed that now, at this moment, it was the only thing she could do.
    And when suddenly Sahlik was there, her bony shoulder a curious comfort, her gnarled hands soothing Kevla’s hair, Kevla did not think to ask how Sahlik had understood so readily. She merely leaned into the embrace and sobbed her young heart out, her legs, submerged to the knees, splashing the alien water gently.

Chapter Four
    S ahlik was glad the girl wept. She knew it was not good to keep powerful emotions locked inside as if in a sealed jar. She herself was no stranger to tears stolen in rare moments alone, although life had been good to her in these later years. A smile curved her lips as she thought, I am perhaps the only woman I know who is happier as an old servant than a young wife.
    The smile faded. She knew the situation in which she had found herself as a young woman was far from unique.
    She held the girl as the child sobbed. When Kevla at last drew back, dragging her thin arm across her wet nose and face, Sahlik decided it was a good opportunity to begin the instruction of etiquette.
    â€œYeshi would have you flogged if you did that in her presence,” Sahlik said gently but firmly.
    Kevla’s eyes widened and she froze. “Cry? I would not cry in front of a khashima, ” she said.
    â€œI did not think you would,” replied Sahlik, “but I was referring to this.” She imitated Kevla’s gesture, exaggerating it. Through the tears still on her face, Kevla giggled. “If perchance something made you sneeze, or your eyes water, you would beg permission to excuse yourself and bathe your face. Like this.”
    Seated next to Kevla beside the pool, she bent, cupped some water in her hands and delicately splashed her face. By the Dragon, it felt good. Kevla followed suit, saying with a faint trace of pride, “I have washed my face before.”
    Sahlik smothered her laugh. “That’s good,” she said. “Now, it is time to wash your whole body.” She removed her own clothes and slipped off the edge into the pool. The water came to her waist. Each time, it became harder for her to climb out. She would ask Tahmu about installing some steps inside the pool.
    Kevla remained seated as if she had turned to stone, staring at the dark water.
    â€œAre you afraid?” asked Sahlik. Kevla hesitated, then nodded. “Do not be. I know how to swim and I will teach you. I will teach you many things, child. Now, slip into the water. I will be right here.”
    Kevla looked up, her eyes searching Sahlik’s. She took a deep breath, and then, displaying what Sahlik knew to be great trust, slipped into the water. True to her word, Sahlik caught her.
    â€œIt’s not too deep,” she said as