Path of the Sun: A Novel of Dhulyn and Parno by Violette Malan Read Free Book Online Page A

couldn’t help shaking his own head and smiling back. Who could possibly see Dorian the Black Traveler and not know him again? “But when she saw that I was content to let that be, in no hurry to claim an acquaintance, she deigned to recognize me and introduce me to her young cousin.” He flicked his eyes toward where the two women were approaching with Dhulyn in close attendance behind them. “Watch how she calls me ‘Captain’ to make it less obvious that she is distancing herself from me in my capacity as Mercenary Schooler.”
    Parno hid his grin and came to his feet as the princesses approached.
    “Captain, seeing all your pupils thus occupied puts me in mind that neither my cousin nor myself have had weapons practice in some days. May we have partners from among your students?”
    Parno was not surprised when Dorian’s smile stiffened. The man was a Mercenary Schooler, first and foremost. To carry passengers as a cover for a secret mission was one thing—to have them spar with his youngsters was another. Parno had counted eleven apprentices when he and Dhulyn had come aboard the day before. Three were young women—two obviously sisters—one a man almost Parno’s own age, and of the seven younger men remaining, only two were not yet old enough to shave. The day before he had seen them drilling as a group—the Drunken Soldier Shora . From what Parno had seen, all eleven were more or less at the same stage of their Schooling—and therefore using white blades, not the dull, blackened practice swords.
    “As your bodyguard, Princess Cleona, I must suggest that you do not spar with any of the apprentices.”
    The princess lifted her eyebrows and blinked. “I saw them yesterday when we came aboard. They appear skilled enough to me,” she said in a tone that seemed to decide the matter. Her voice was rich and full, but Parno had yet to hear her speak with any real emotion. Was what Dhulyn suspected true? Had she left a love behind her, and did she show only her duty face to the world?
    “They are just skilled enough to kill you,” agreed Dorian. “But not quite skilled enough to avoid killing you. To be sure there are no accidents, you must have opponents much more experienced than these.”
    “And if we use staffs or wooden blades?”
    “Princess, if you think you cannot be killed with a quarterstaff or a practice blade, then you are definitely not sparring with any of my apprentices.”
    “What about one of you bodyguards? Surely you must be sufficiently skilled.” There. There was some emotion. Princess Alaria had the same rich voice as her cousin, but it was spoiled by an undertone of impatience.
    Dhulyn caught Parno’s eye over their heads. Parno was careful to keep his own face from registering anything. She raised her right eyebrow and shrugged. Shall I do it ? she was asking. Parno blinked twice. Go ahead .
    “I will spar at staffs with Princess Cleona,” Dhulyn said.
    “Excellent,” the princess said. “And Alaria can fight the winner.”
    But the younger woman was shaking her head. “Anyone who can best you at the staff, Cousin, will have no difficulty besting me. Make mine an archery contest, and I’ll agree.” Now Parno thought he detected a little eagerness in Alaria’s voice.
    Dhulyn was already dressed for combat in her loose linen trousers and vest quilted with patches of brightly colored cloth, bits of fur, lace, and ribbons, but Princess Cleona had some preparation to make. She began by lifting off the headdress she wore against the sun, revealing her golden hair tightly braided and clubbed to the back of her neck. Next came the waist harness bearing her knife and belt pouch, then her jewelry, and finally the princess toed off her bright green half boots. In the absence of boat shoes, bare feet would give her the best purchase on the deck.
    “Is there any part of the body you do not want bruised?” Dhulyn hefted the staff Dorian tossed to her and took her grip, right hand in