Wolf-speaker by Tamora Pierce Read Free Book Online Page B

said. The man would like us to succeed, but how can we, when wolves do such strange things?
    â€œTait, take those brutes away,” commanded Yolane. “This is a civilized gathering.”
    The huntsman stalked out, whistling to his dogs. They followed obediently, with an apology to Daine.
    As they went, they brushed past another man who entered, smiling wryly. He was broad-shouldered and handsome, dressed neatly in a white shirt, brown silk tunic and hose, and polished boots. His brown-blond hair was clipped short over a clean and open face. Coming up behind Numair, he said, “I hope you forgive my—”
    Numair turned to look at him, and the stranger’s jaw dropped. His hazel eyes opened wide in shock. “Mithros, Mynoss, and Shakith,” he whispered.
    Daine frowned. Until now, the only one she’d ever heard use that particular oath was Numair himself.
    â€œArram?” the man asked in a melodic voice. “Is that Arram
Draper
?”
    Numair gaped at him. “Tristan Staghorn? They told me you were still in Carthak, with Ozorne.”

THREE
    FUGITIVES
    â€œOh, Ozorne,” the newcomer scoffed. “No, I felt too—restricted, serving him. I’m my own man now—have been for a year.” He and Numair shook hands.
    â€œTristan, you know our guest?” The lady rose from her chair and walked toward Numair, as graceful as a dancer.
    â€œ
Know
him?” replied Tristan. “My lady, this is Master Numair Salmalín, once of the university at Carthak, now resident at the court of Tortall.”
    Yolane offered Numair a hand, which he kissed. “How wonderful to find such beauty in an out-of-the-way place,” he said gallantly. “Does King Jonathan know the finest jewel in Tortall does not adorn his court?”
    The lady smiled. “Only a man who lives at court could turn a compliment so well, Master Salmalín.”
    â€œBut Tristan didn’t call you that,” Lord Belden said coolly. “He called you Arram something.”
    â€œI was known as Arram Draper in my boyhood,” explained Numair.
    Tristan grinned. “Oh, yes—you wanted a majestic,
sorcerous
name when you got Master status. Then you
had
to change it, when Ozorne ordered your arrest.”
    Yolane and Belden looked sharply at Numair. “Wanted by the emperor of Carthak?” the woman asked. “You must have done something serious.”
    Numair blushed. “The emperor is very proprietary, Lady Yolane. He feels that if a mage studies at his university, the mage belongs to him.” He looked at Tristan. “I’m rather surprised to see
you
here. You were the best war mage in your class.”
    War mage, Daine thought, startled. That’s who Numair said blasted the mines and killed the Riders.
    â€œI brought the emperor to see reason,” Tristan replied, looking at Daine. “I’m sorry, little one—I didn’t mean to be rude. Who might you be?”
    â€œMay I present my student?” Numair asked. “Master Tristan Staghorn, this is Daine—Veralidaine Sarrasri, once of Galla.”
    Yolane’s lips twisted in a smirk. “
Sarras
ri?”
    Daine turned beet red. The lady knew it meant “Sarra’s daughter,” and that only children born out of wedlock used a mother’s name. She lifted her head. She was
proud
she was named after Ma.
    â€œAre you a wizard?”
    Maura’s question startled Daine: she’d forgotten the girl was even in the room. “No,” she replied. “Not exactly,”
    A manservant entered and bowed. “Ladies and lords, if it pleases you, your meal awaits.”
    Numair offered his arm to Yolane. She accepted it and guided him toward a door in the back of the room. “Would you explain something? We heard you were at the attack on Pirate’s Swoop last year. Wasn’t it from an imperial fleet? I was surprised His Majesty didn’t declare war on