Skull Gate by Robin W Bailey Read Free Book Online Page B

Suddenly Oona noticed the cards that were spread across the table. She sat down again and drew a breath. “How did you fare in Kord'Ala?"
    Frost couldn't hold back a frown. “I'm a wanted fugitive, but we knew that much,” she answered. “Thogrin's offered my weight in silver to the man who finds me. Other than that...” She shrugged and got up, went to a small bundle that rested on the trunk where Oona kept her clothes. “I did turn a few cards, enough for coins to buy that new candle and a new paring knife and shawl for you.” She held up the thin wrap.
    Oona's face brightened. She pushed back her stool and rose excitedly. “Oh, child!” she exclaimed, grasping the shawl in her old fingers, carrying it toward the light to examine the delicate embroidery. “No one's bought me anything in years! It's beautiful!” She turned suddenly and threw her arms around her younger guest.
    Frost felt awkward as the old woman hugged her. She'd never been much for letting others touch her, and she could feel scarlet heat rising in her cheeks. The hug was nearly a wrestling grip; her arms were pinned. Opponents had tried to grip her like that to throw her down or squeeze the breath from her. She inhaled deeply, feeling the old woman's breasts against her own. Well, for friendship's sake, she could endure.
    Finally, Oona released her. “Did you say a knife? I have a good knife already, over in my basket."
    Frost moved to the trunk again and leaned on it. The bundle minus the shawl lay close at hand. “Well, actually I needed it for something; I'm done with it now, and it's yours."
    Oona's eyes narrowed. “Was there trouble?"
    She picked up the bundle and began slowly unwrapping. The knife was hidden under the first layer. She set it on the trunk. “No, not trouble.” She continued unwrapping. “Do you keep zimort in any of those jars, and any sisamy?"
    Oona's face screwed up suspiciously. In the candle's dim light, her eyes appeared to darken and shrink far back into her head. “There's zimort, but no sisamy,” she answered.
    â€œHellebore can substitute, you must have that?"
    The old woman nodded slowly.
    Frost finished her unwrapping but held the cloth so that whatever was within remained concealed. “I have no answers, Oona.” She spoke softly, slowly, but with intensity, locking the aged healer's gaze with her own. “I found none in Kord'Ala and none in the cards.” She indicated the display on the table. “They don't work for me; you know my curse. Aki is still missing. If I'm going to find her, I've got to get back into Mirashai.” She hesitated, knowing the gravity of what she was about to ask. “You're the only one who can help me do that, Oona."
    She brushed away the cloth and held up her prize.
    Oona gasped and stumbled back. “You don't realize what you're asking.” She stared, pale even in the candlelight. Then fear vanished, replaced with dark suspicion. Oona drew up to her full height, eyes glittering, angry, accusing. “How did you get that?"
    Frost kept her voice calm. “They hanged him at dusk outside the city gate."
    â€œWho's they?” Oona demanded.
    â€œThe garrison, some soldiers at Kord'Ala.” She was getting angry despite herself. She didn't like Oona's tone. Her voice dropped a note. There was an edge to it when she said, “I didn't murder him."
    Oona sighed. She came closer and peered at the severed hand her guest held up. “No, he'd have to be hanged."
    Frost was still petulant. “I had to go back and buy the knife. I didn't take one."
    Oona seemed not to hear as she studied the hand. She showed no desire to touch it, though. “It's the left one, good.” She looked up suddenly, and her eyes gleamed. “He'd have to be guilty, though, or it won't work. Was he guilty?"
    She chewed her lip. “We won't know until we try it."
    â€œThat could put you in a bad