The Queen of Stone: Thorn of Breland by Keith Baker Read Free Book Online Page B

“My father was a very superstitious man, and he left strict instructions concerning treatment of the blade. I’m sure your mother wouldn’t want to see me wearing your clothes, would she?”
    “Probably not,” the Thrane said with a smile. “But I wouldn’t mind.”
    Thorn raised an eyebrow, glancing slightly toward the priestess. “Why, Lord Sarhain, should you be saying such things in the presence of Minister Luala—a holy woman?”
    “You labor under a common misconception, Lady Tam. We have our political differences, but my faith is based on defending the innocent from
supernatural
threats. So unless you’re some sort of disguised demon temptress, I need not shield myself from your presence. And if you must be formal, it’s Flamebearer Sarhain. But if we’re going to spend the next few days sharing a wagon, I’d prefer Drego.”
    “Then it’s only fair for you to call me Nyrielle,” she replied. “So … tell me all about Drego Sarhain.”
    The diplomat launched into his story—born to parents of low status, studying the courtly ways of his mother’scustomers, reading romance stories in addition to the holy texts of the church, becoming an apprentice to a minstrel until his magical talents were discovered, and, much to his surprise, drawn into government service. It was a good story; some of it might have even been true. But Thorn hadn’t been listening to Drego.
    Be careful
, Steel said.
The priestess is wearing protective charms. She’s safe from poisons, and her thoughts are protected from all divinations. Standard diplomatic warding—Lord Beren has much the same. Our guard Toli has a few tricks hidden away. And the two Thrane soldiers have spells strengthening their armor and potions of healing in those beltpouches. But your friend Drego—nothing at all
.
    “… so I was asked to perform for Cardinal Krozen himself,” Sarhain was saying.
    “Really? How is that possible?” Thorn tapped Steel as she spoke, continuing to feign interest in Drego’s story.
    Either he has the same sort of training you do—in which case he’s very good—or he’s using some sort of tool to protect himself from my examination. Either way, it means that he has something worth hiding. He’s not just a simple envoy. The question is whether he’s an envoy at all
.
    “That’s fascinating,” Thorn said to both Steel and Sarhain, and the Thrane beamed at her. Whatever he was hiding, he certainly had an enchanting smile. She examined him more closely. No gloves. No cloak. Not even a backpack or a satchel. Only the silver amulet around his neck and an unmarked copper band around one finger. What secrets was he protecting?
    “And what of you?” he asked her, having reached the end of his long tale. “What does Nyrielle Tam have to say for herself?”
    “Nothing so interesting,” she replied with a shy smile. “I thought I’d follow my father to war, but you know how it is. I’m just not cut out for bloody work.”
    Oh, you’re a lamb
, Steel said.
    “Honestly, I’m not even sure why I carry this,” she said to Sarhain, returning the dagger to its sheath. “I’ll probably end up hurting myself.” She looked down the bench. “Lord Beren! I’m sure Flamebearer Sarhain would love to hear about your deeds at Kalnor Pass.”
    “Ah!” Beren cried, leaning out to look past his guards. “A man after my own heart, always keen to hear a tale of blood and battle. Now tell me, lad, have
you
ever faced an ogre in battle?”

    Thorn continued to deflect further inquiries from Drego Sarhain, turning the conversation toward his companions or the difficulties of the journey. This was complicated by the fact that the Thrane priestess—Minister Luala—had taken a vow of silence, saving her words and her wits for the business at Flamekeep. Surprisingly, the gnolls proved to be more loquacious than the Thranes. Thorn noticed that each of them wore cords around their necks or wrists, with bits of metal, hair, or