Page 22 of The Priory of the Orange Tree

Susa came to the gate in a robe of white silk, richly broidered. Her hair poured loose over her shoulders.

“Tané.” She slid the gate aside. “We must speak.”

Tané recognized the notch in her brow. They slipped into the alley beside the house, where Susa opened her umbrella and held it over them both.

“He is gone.”

Tané wet her lips. “The outsider?”

“Yes.” Susa looked nervous. She was never nervous. “There was gossip in the market earlier. A pirate ship was sighted off the coast of Cape Hisan. The sentinels looked all over the city for smuggled freight, but when they left, they had found nothing.”

“They searched in Orisima,” Tané realized, and Susa nodded. “Did they find the outsider?”

“No. But there is nowhere to hide there.” Susa glanced toward the street, her eyes reflecting its lanternlight. “He must have escaped while the sentinels were distracted.”

“No one could cross the bridge without the sentinels noticing. Hemuststill be there.”

“The man must be half ghost if he can hide himself so well.” Susa tightened her grip on the umbrella. “Tané, do you think we should still tell the honored Governor about him?”

Tané had been asking herself the same question ever since the ceremony.

“I told Roos we would collect him, but . . . perhaps if he stays hidden in Orisima, he will be able to avoid the sword and slip away on the next ship back to Mentendon,” Susa went on. “They might mistake him for a legal settler. He was no older than us, Tané, and perhaps not here by choice. I have no desire to condemn him to death.”

“Then let us not. Let him make his own way.”

“What of the red sickness?”

“He had none of the signs. And if heisstill in Orisima—and I cannot think it otherwise—the sickness cannot go far.” Tané spoke quietly. “Further association with him is too much of a risk, Susa. You took him somewhere safe. What happens now is up to him.”

“But if they find him, will he not tell them about us?” Susa whispered.

“Who would believe him?”

Susa took a deep breath, and her shoulders dropped. She looked Tané up and down.

“It seems all of the risk was worthwhile.” Her smile made her eyes sparkle. “Was Choosing Day everything you imagined?”

The need to talk had been welling up for hours. “And more. The dragons were so beautiful,” Tané said. “Did you see them?”

“No. I was asleep,” Susa admitted. She must have been awake all night. “How many riders will there be this year?”

“Twelve. The honored Unceasing Emperor has sent two great warriors to raise our numbers.”

“I have never seen a Lacustrine dragon. Are they very different to ours?”

“They have thicker bodies, and one more toe. It would be a privilege to ride with any of them.” Tané pressed closer under the umbrella. “Imustbe a rider, Susa. I feel guilty for wanting so much when I have already received so many blessings, but—”

“It has been your dream since you were a child. You have ambition, Tané. Never apologize for that.” Susa paused. “Are you afraid?”

“Of course.”

“Good. Fear will make you fight. Don’t let a little shit like Turosa get the better of you, whoever his mother is.” Tané gave her a scolding look, but smiled. “Now, you must hurry. Remember, no matter how far from Cape Hisan you fly, I will always be your friend.”

“And I yours.”

The gate to the inn slid open, making them both start. “Susa,” the girl called. “You need to come inside now.”

Susa glanced toward the house. “I must go.” She looked back at Tané, hesitated. “Will they let me write to you?”

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