Страница 61 из 141
Tom checked the horses with the reins, keeping them wide to negotiate the wagon around a switchback. "Ask for Captain Lerner," he said at last.
Je
The reins moved ever so slightly, with practiced precision, guiding the horses around the bend. "I don't know if I'd call him a friend. I've dealt with him a time or two."
"Wine?"
Tom smiled. "No. Other things."
He apparently didn't intend to say what other things. Je
At the top, the road leveled out before a great gate through the massive outer wall of the palace. The guards stationed before the gate there waved them through, then blew whistles in a short series of notes to others, unseen, beyond the walls. Je
She nearly gasped as they cleared the short tu
Tom took it all in casually. Je
Before the hill of steps awaited a reception party of guards over a hundred strong. Tom pulled the wagon into the pocket they'd formed blocking the road. Je
Tom set the brake on the wagon as a soldier took control of the horses to keep them from moving. Before Tom could begin climbing down, Je
"This is as far as you go."
"But you-"
"You've done enough. You helped with the part I needed. I can handle it from here on out on my own."
His measured, blue-eyed gaze swept over the guards standing around the wagon. He seemed reluctant to accede. "I don't think it could hurt if I went along."
"I'd rather you go back to your brothers."
He glanced to her hand on his arm before looking up into her eyes. "If that's your wish." His voice lowered to little more than a whisper. "Will I see you again?"
It sounded more like a request than a question. Je
"We'll need to go down to the market to buy some horses. I'll stop by your place, first, right after I'm done inside with getting my friend released,»
"Promise?"
Under her breath, she said, "I have to pay you for your servicesremember?"
His lopsided grin reappeared. "I've never met anyone like you, Je
He had risked enough by bringing her this far-a risk he hadn't known he was taking, Je
With his powerful hand gripping her arm to halt her for a final word, he spoke in a low but solemn voice. "Steel against steel, that he may be the magic against magic."
Je
Not wanting to let the soldiers suspect that she might really be mildma
"I need to see the man in charge of any prisoners you're holding. Captain Lerner, if memory serves me."
His brow drew together. "You want to see the captain of the prison guards?"
Je
Je
As she started up the steps, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Tom wink at her. It lifted her heart. The soldiers had parted to let his wagon leave, so he flicked the reins and urged his big horses away. Je
"You," she said, gesturing to the man in the white robes, "take me to where you hold prisoners."
The man, the top of his head showing through his thi
"May I see the knife?" the man in the white robes asked in a gentle voice.
Je
Many of the soldiers were still watching. Je
He looked down his nose at the weapon before returning his attention to her. "And this is real?"
"No," Je
Showing no reaction, the man graciously held out a hand. "If you would follow me this way, madam."