The Threshold Child by Callie Kanno Read Free Book Online Page B

laying
down on her cool, welcoming cot. She blew her breath out in an audible sigh and
closed her eyes, instantly falling asleep.

 
    ***

 
    High in the Sharifal’s tower, Signe gazed out the window at the
training students below. She felt a wave of satisfaction as she watched the
sixth year Shi going through their maneuvers. These were the students who were
halfway through their education. There was much that they had learned, and even
more that they would learn in time. So much talent. So much potential.
    There was a soft knock at the door. “Enter.” Signe did not need to
turn around to know that Kendan had walked into the room. His quick, deliberate
step was easily recognized. “Well?”
    Kendan required no clarification. “Adesina is in top form. There
was some blood drawn, but not by her.”
      “And did she open the box?”
    Kendan hesitated before answering. “Yes.”
    “You verified this?”
    A quick nod went unseen by the Sharifal. “The stones were already
red when I opened the chest.”
    Signe sighed and turned to face the young Shar. Kendan’s
expression hardened slightly. “She freely admitted to opening the box. That is
something, is it not?”
    The Sharifal raised an eyebrow. “That does not change the fact
that she took matters into her own hands. She was not given permission to take
that action.”
    Kendan scowled at the floor. “I do not think that this exercise
should be held against a Shimat’s promotion.”
    She studied Kendan’s handsome face intently. “You did not feel so
in the past. Why is this different now?”
    Signe, who knew Kendan far better than any other being, watched
the almost invisible signs of emotion flicker across his face. She could see
clearly the inner struggle that would have been hidden to anyone else.
    “Adesina is naturally inquisitive. I did not order her to not open
the chest.” His voice was suddenly defensive.
    Signe smiled softly. “I will take that into consideration. What of
the other matter?”
    Kendan’s expression became strangely guarded. “I will see to it. I
intend to begin immediately.”
    There was something in Kendan’s tone of voice that didn’t ring
true. Her eyes narrowed slightly, becoming speculative. “What is it, Kendan?”
    Neither spoke for a few minutes. His eyes had returned to studying
the floor. “You are sending Adesina to the High City?”
    It was more of a statement than a question. Signe could hear the
discontent in his voice. “Yes.”
    Kendan’s gaze flashed upward. “Do you think that wise? The war is
most apparent in those lands.”
    She waved a strong hand. “The High City is neutral. They have
always been very firm on that point.”
    He snorted quietly. “That means nothing. The political intrigue is
stronger there than any other land. You are thrusting a brand new Shimat into a
war zone.”
    Signe was unmoved. “She has been trained, Kendan. She knows how to
handle herself.” She studied his face for a moment before continuing. “That is
not what is troubling you.”
    He stiffened ever so slightly, but merely shook his head. “It is
nothing.”
    The thoughtful silence persisted for another few moments. “Very
well.” Her tone was indifferent, but she kept her sharp eyes on the young man
before her.
    Kendan took a deep breath. “I must go prepare for my journey.”
    A tilt of the Sharifal’s head indicated dismissal. “May fortune
favor you, my nephew.”
    “Thank you, Aunt Signe.”

Chapter Five: The Shadow

 
    About two hours after sunset, Kendan knocked on Adesina’s door and
informed her it was time to leave. He was also wearing simple traveling
clothes, similar to the ones that had been given to her. Adesina thought it
strange to see him out of his Shar robes, but decided that it suited him. The
black robes made Kendan seem intimidating and unapproachable, whereas the dark
green and brown of his travel clothing gave him a more relaxed and friendly
look.
    She did her best to keep her