Free 03 - The Eternal Rose by Gail Dayton

the Law. Someone who is kin must offer the redemption price. The Habadra's message demands a particular kinsman—the father and mate. But we would have to send Stone anyway, because we have no other of Merinda's kin with us."
    “Right.” Stone sighed. “Are you sure I can't just bash somebody over the head and grab them?"
    Kallista couldn't help laughing. She loved the way Stone could always make her laugh. She loved Stone. “That's always an option, if the other doesn't work. But since it could make things a little tricky getting back home to Arikon, let's try negotiations and bribery first."
    She leaned her head against Viyelle's shoulder, needing the physical touch. Even the Daryathi accepted close friendship. “Think of it as a battle. A duel between the two of you. That's how I get through all that diplomatic and bureaucratic sparring. It is a battle. Just not with swords."
    “Too bad. I'm much better at head bashing.” Stone pushed himself to his feet. “I'm off to my lonely bed. May as well sleep, since there's nothing else going to be happening in it."
    “Best dress tomorrow,” Kallista reminded them, as the group dispersed. “We have to sparkle. Blind everyone with our shine. Tomorrow's the big day for impressing Daryath.” She sent a surge of affection through the links, spreading it through the web she'd created between their nine so all could sense the love from each of the others.
    * * * *
    At the fourth chime after dawn, give or take several ticks, the entire official Adaran contingent gathered in the embassy's entry courtyard. The escort troop was resplendent in gleaming metal helmets with horsetail plumes above long sleeveless gray jackets with double rows of brass buttons marching up the front. Kallista had to admit the new uniform design looked impressive.
    The hordes of diplomats and bureaucrats all wore their best multicolored court dress, most decorated with gold or silver embroidery. Kallista and her ilian outshone them all.
    All of them glittered with precious stones and gilt embroidery in various shades of red. Kallista's clothing differed only in degree. Some of the cloth still showed through the decoration on her iliasti's garments.
    They had decided to bring only the godmarked into official notice. Keldrey's sole assignment on this visit would be the safety of the children who would remain in the embassy. Kallista envied him, getting to stay behind. So did Stone. He believed the pomp and ceremony got in the way of reclaiming their son, and told them all so. Often. But since the Habadra had not yet contacted them, they might as well do the diplomacy show.
    When the party was arranged to Torchay's satisfaction, Kallista signaled the guard at the gate. It swung open and the state visit of Adara's Reinine to Daryath officially began.
    They paraded six abreast down broad avenues and over silent, swift-flowing canals back to the gate where they'd entered, then circled half the city before reaching the widest paved thoroughfare Kallista had ever seen. Even the avenue-parks around the palace complex in Arikon were not this broad. It arrowed straight through Mestada to the building where the en-Kameral met, the Seat of Government.
    Crowds lined both sides of the road, cheering wildly. The copper coins scattered by the Daryathi escort at the head and tail of the procession brought on the adulation. Kallista would rather have simply marched through town, but apparently this was the Daryathi custom and one neglected it at risk. So she smiled and waved and wished to be out of her stiff, heavy garment.
    Finally, they reached the Seat. Built of local white limestone, it glowed in the bright Southron sun. Broad steps led up to a colonnade shading a deep porch three stories high. Above the columns, a vast, reddish dome rose even higher.
    Impressed despite herself, Kallista dismounted, along with most of her escort. As she climbed the stairs, the troops gradually dropped behind, lining the stairs with