Page 51 of Ryld's Shadows
Chapter Eleven
“I see the companion is with you today.” Lady Jessamine quirked a golden eyebrow at Kai. “Does this mean the lessons are going well?”
Only long practice allowed Kai to control his features. Her continued contempt for Hank irked him, an annoying flaw in an otherwise bright persona. Though he supposed it was normal for aelfe royalty and Elvenhome hadn’t provided any incentive to break the habit. For his part, Hank stayed outwardly serene, pretending he didn’t notice as he ate the dainty sandwiches on offer for lunch. He was a little too good at the calm mask. Far too much practice, Kai presumed.
“I believe there have been steps forward.” Kai sipped at his orange blossom tea. Quite nice. He preferred something stronger, but it was pleasant. “Yarrow and Yew give Ryld much to consider, things he has not been able to face before. He has asked for us to leave him in peace so that he might meditate on these things.”
“Thatisgood news.” She beamed at him—her regard nearly blinding. It was all Kai could do not to reach for his sunglasses. “I had hoped, since Yew is perhaps very like Ryld in some ways, that they would be able to communicate well.”
“So far, I’m encouraged.” Kai set his cup down. “I wonder, my lady, if I might impinge on your good will just a bit more.”
“Kai!” She let out a silver-bright laugh. “You are my friend. If you require anything, please ask.”
He gave her a nod, gratitude and acknowledgment. “Thank you. And perhaps you will wonder at my concern, but I have reason. We came across a…hmm, what amounted to a small city of flower fairies yesterday. So many living in one grove. I’ve never seen such a thing. The little queen told us that many of her people have died, and I fear an epidemic in their community. Would you have a healer willing to visit them? To see if they might root out a cause?”
Her frown was one of concentration, perhaps worry. “I’m happy to send a healer for you, my dear Kai. But I’m afraid the cause will be as it has been these past few years. I have warned the little ones about overcrowding. Flower fairies were never meant to live together in such numbers. And yet they insist on it.”
“Have they told you why?”
“Safety, their queen claims. Something about this forest. She’s never been terribly clear.” Her smile took on a wry note. “I do try to assist those within my reach, you know. Aelfe or not. We assist the vasse when they need it. The kolle when they allow it.”
Kai asked in his driest tone, “And the drow?”
“You knowshewould never accept help from me.” Lady Jessamine made a sour face, though her smile returned swiftly. “I’ve even established an orphanage, near the edge of Elvenhome. No child is turned away, no matter what race.”
“That must be quite an undertaking.” Kai knew how logistically complicated caring for children could become. AURA struggled every year to place those younglings who crossed over alone.
“I have administrators, of course. Proper childcare professionals.” Her laugh was too regal for a giggle, but it came perilously close. “I would never attempt such a thing on my own.”
“Of course, my lady. Still, I commend you for your civic mindedness.”
She brightened even further, an idea obviously occurring to her. “Would you like to visit the orphanage? It would please me to have you see the work we’ve been doing.”
Visit a building full of children…perhaps not his favorite way to spend the day. But… “Hank, would you like to go?”
Hank put his plate down. He seemed startled to be addressed directly. “Um, sure, Mr. Hiltas. I’m kind of at loose ends today.”
“Good. Thank you. We would find a visit of great interest, my lady.” He was going to have a talk with Hank about the subservient role. It puzzled him that Hank would take it on willingly.
“Wonderful!” Lady Jessamine clapped her hands. “I’ll have horses and a guide waiting for you in half an hour. Would that do?”
“Perfect, my lady.” Kai rose and offered a bow, waiting until they were well down the corridor before he murmured to Hank, “Mr. Hiltas?”
Hank shrugged. “They don’t see me as a person, in case you didn’t notice. It seems, I dunno, safer somehow to play faithful servant.”
“Hmm. So long as it’s not unduly distressing, I appreciate your discretion. Perhaps, ah, keeping you under the radar is best.”
“Kai?”
“I don’t… Something is itching under my skin. Which generally means something is not right. But I can’t imagine what yet. Eyes and ears open.”
“Yes, sir.” Hank gave a serious nod.
“If you persist with the servile playacting in private, I may smack you.”
Hank only laughed.
True to her word, Lady Jessamine had horses waiting—the lovely beast Kai had ridden previously, and a draft horse for Hank. It was, of course, a beautiful draft horse since it lived in an elven stable, but the message that Hank’s size and station didn’t merit an actual riding horse was clear.
