Ship of Destiny by Hobb Robin Read Free Book Online Page A

kicked off their hinges. She spared only a glance for the atrium where overturned pots and browning plants littered the floor as she hastened after the hooded man. Where was he going? She caught a glimpse of his cloak as he entered a room.
    Malta’s room? Her granddaughter’s bedchamber?
    Ronica crept closer. He was muttering to himself. She ventured a quick peek, then stepped boldly into the room to demand, “Cerwin Trell, what are you doing here?”
    With a wild cry, the young man leapt to his feet. He had been kneeling by Malta’s bed. A single red rose rested on her pillow. He stared at Ronica white-faced, his hand clutching at his breast. His mouth worked, but no sounds came out. His eyes traveled to the club in her hand and widened even more.
    “Oh, sit down,” Ronica exclaimed in exasperation. She tossed the club to the foot of the bed and took her own advice. “What are you doing here?” she asked wearily. She was sure she knew the answer.
    “You’re alive,” Cerwin said softly. He lifted his hands to his face and rubbed at his eyes. Ronica knew he sought to hide his tears. “Why didn’t you . . . Is Malta safe, too? Everyone said . . .”
    Cerwin sank down to sit beside his rose on Malta’s bed. He set his hand gently on her pillow. “I heard you had left the ball with Davad Restart. Everyone knows his coach was waylaid. They were only after the Satrap and Restart. That is what everyone says, that they would have left you alone if you had not been traveling with Restart. I know Restart’s dead. Some claim to know what became of the Satrap, but they are not telling. Every time I asked about Malta and the rest of you . . .” He faltered suddenly, and his face flushed, but he forced himself to go on. “They say you were traitors, that you were in on it with Restart. The rumor is that you planned to turn the Satrap over to New Traders who were going to kill him. Then the Bingtown Traders would be blamed for his death, and Jamaillia would send Chalcedean mercenaries in to take over our town and deliver it to the New Traders.”
    He hesitated, then steeled himself to go on, “Some say that you got what you deserved. They say terrible things and I . . . I thought you were all dead. Grag Tenira spoke up for your family, saying that was nonsense. But since he left on the
Ophelia
to help guard the Rain Wild River mouth, no one has taken your part. I tried, once, but . . . I am young. No one listens. My father gets angry with me for even speaking of Malta. When Delo wept about her, he confined her to her room and said he would whip her if she even uttered her name again. And he’s never whipped Delo before.”
    “What is he afraid of?” Ronica asked bluntly. “That folk will label you as traitors for caring what became of your friends?”
    Cerwin bobbed his head in a sudden nod. “Father was not pleased when Ephron took Brashen on after our family had disowned him. Then you made him captain of the
Paragon
and sent him off as if you actually believed he could save
Vivacia
. Father took it that you were trying to show us up, to prove that you straightened out the son he threw away.”
    “What utter nonsense!” Ronica exclaimed in disgust. “I did nothing of the kind. Brashen straightened himself out, and your father should be proud of him, not angry with the Vestrits over that. But I take it that he is satisfied to see us branded as traitors?”
    Cerwin looked at the floor, ashamed. The dark eyes he finally lifted to hers were very like his older brother’s. “You’re right, I’m afraid. But please, torment me no longer. Tell me. Did Malta escape harm? Is she hiding here with you?”
    Ronica considered for a long moment. How much of the truth should she entrust to him? She had no wish to torture the boy, but she would not endanger her family for the sake of his feelings. “When last I saw Malta, she was injured, but not dead. Small thanks to the men who attacked us and then left her for dead! She,