Free Crystal Moon by Elysa Hendricks Page A

clashed with
    Kyne’s, but she saw no answers in his dark eyes.
    “What reward do you claim for your deed? Demand
    anything but your freedom, and I will see you receive it.”
    “I require nothing for doing what is right.”
    “Choose. A Cathor always pays his debts.”
    Sianna shivered at Kyne’s harsh tone, knowing he referred
     
    to more than this small obligation. What should she request?
    Whatever she asked, he would grant, no matter what it might
    cost him. Her life? Laila’s? Her father’s?
    “I wish to be allowed to work with your healer.”
    A flicker of disbelief crossed Kyne’s face, then he smoothed
    his features into an expressionless mask. Why couldn’t she
    read this man’s emotions? Since their brief connection, she had
    felt nothing of his inner thoughts. Judging him based on his
    words and actions alone left her floundering in the dark as if
    she were suddenly blind.
    “That’s all you want?” Zoa sounded disgusted and
    disappointed.
    “And a baby quinar.”
    Before Kyne could deny her request, Sianna hurried on.
    “Of course, I’d need someone to help me care for it, because I
    don’t know anything about quinar. If Rul Cathor gives his
    permission, would you be willing, Zoa?”
    “Oh, yes! Yes. Please say yes, Father. I’ll take ever such
    good care of Adda for you.”
    Kyne’s lips twitched as though he saw through Sianna’s
    ploy, but he managed to keep a straight face. “Very well, Sianna
    may have the quinar foal, if you agree to care for it for her.”
    “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Zoa threw her arms
    around Kyne, then Sianna. Before either could respond she
    whirled and raced away, her dark hair bouncing as she ran. “I
    told Etam I’d get a quinar before him.” Her words flew back at
    them.
    “Adda indeed. The little minx played us both for fools, and
    you went right along with her.”
    Even though the look of affection in Kyne’s eyes was for
    Zoa, Sianna found it ample payment for her small trick. “Does
    it matter? You intended to give the foal to her anyway.”
    “Yes, but how...never mind.” He stared at her, his features
    once again stern. “Why do you wish to work with the healer?
    Why not request a pardon for your crimes?”
    “Since I’ve committed no crimes, I hardly feel the need for
    a pardon.” She ignored the growing twitch at the corner of his
    mouth and continued, “I requested what I truly desire. I am a
     
    trained healer. I would put my skills to use where they are
    sorely needed. And I would not have you make a promise you
    might not be able to keep.”
    “What I promise, I deliver.”
    “I know.” He would deliver or die in the trying. After all
    the things her father had cost this man, she would not ask him
    to forfeit his honor.
    Without a word, he turned and led the way back into the
    great hall. Sianna scurried to keep up with his long strides.
    Somehow her failure to request a tangible reward irritated him.
    Could she never please this man?
    He halted amid the scattered pallets filled with the sick and
    injured. For a moment, compassion replaced his hard look, then
    he turned toward her and his annoyance resurfaced. “Althea, I
    have brought you an assistant. This is Sianna. Make use of
    her.” With that he turned and walked away.
    Bent with age, her hair the color of a stormy sky, the healer
    didn’t rise from the chair where she dozed. She looked up and
    nodded her acceptance of Sianna’s help. Weary resignation
    resided in the old woman’s eyes and soul.
    “Will you let me help you, Healer?”
    Althea stood slowly, her gaze probing Sianna. She touched
    her gnarled fingers to Sianna’s cheek. “Many have died because
    I am too old and my skills are too meager to save them. You are
    young to be a healer. Are you trained?”
    “I studied at the valetudinarian of the Sisters of Light.”
    A spark of hope flared in the old woman’s eyes. “Yes, I
    can feel your fire to heal. Once I had such.” She shook her
    head.