Free City of Sorcerers by Mary H. Herbert Page B

up. The bartering began and ended fairly quickly to each man's satisfaction. When the Jehanan left bearing his goods, the proprietor quickly wrapped up his prizes and put them away. There was no point displaying them at the gathering and drawing needless questions.
    He picked up the cloth he had used to wipe the jade box and was about to throw it aside when he noticed something odd. The dust on the cloth was a peculiar shade of red, almost like dried blood. There was dust on his hands as well. He studied the cloth momentarily, then dismissed it when Tam walked in to visit his horses. He tossed the cloth under the counter and went to greet her like an old friend.

    * * * * *
    Torel's companions were having such a good time, they did not notice he'd left.
    They were still laughing and talking as their horses splashed into the river for a well-deserved drink.
    Just across the water, Lords Athlone and Koshyn came out of the council tent, feeling drained by the long, hot afternoon of negotiations and arguments. They saw the party of young men nearby, and Koshyn hailed his young rider. The Dangari broke off from the group and came trotting over. Although he saluted promptly, his eyes seemed to look everywhere but at his chief’s face.
    "Is it done, lad?" Koshyn asked.
    "Yes, Lord. We finished it a while ago."
    "Good work."
    "Thank you, Lord," he said hastily, riding off before Koshyn could ask him anything else.
    Athlone watched him go. "Did he seem a little nervous to you?"
    "Like a dog caught with his nose in the dinner pot," Koshyn said. His eyes crinkled with amusement. "What do you suppose they were up to?"
    "A lot of drinking by the looks of them," Athlone said.
    "True. But that wouldn't set a burr up that boy. I just hope they finished the job before they started celebrating."
    "We could send someone to check."
    Lord Koshyn nodded. "Good idea."

    Both chiefs picked up their weapons from the pile left guarded by the entrance and began to walk slowly toward the camps. Athlone stretched his arms and groaned,
    "Gods' truth, I'm tired. I thought Fiergan would never give up on that kidnapping accusation against Gabria."
    Koshyn laughed. "The man could argue a gorthling to death. I suppose he'll come up with something equally as perverse tomorrow. Speaking of Gabria," he said, "how is she? I heard she's had a few strange turns lately."
    "Very strange. Truth is, I'm worried. We talked for a long time last night and could find no real answer. She is certain her brother was trying to warn her of something in a vision she had three days ago. She thinks these sudden feelings of dread and fear she's had since are somehow connected. We just can't figure out how."
    Koshyn whistled softly. "I didn't know she'd had another vision."
    "Of the Corin massacre again," Athlone said grimly. They reached the edge of the grove and stopped at the last pool of shade.
    Koshyn mulled over that news. "I can't believe that was really her brother. Spirits don't leave the realm of the dead. Maybe she had a premonition of some unknown danger that revealed itself as something familiar?"
    The Khulinin chief shrugged in frustration. "The gods only know, and they seem to be tight-lipped right now."
    "Have you talked to Ordan about it?"
    "Ordan is tolerant of magic, but he makes no effort to understand it. I don't think he can help," said Athlone, his tone short.
    Koshyn understood his friend's reluctance. After so many years of dealing with prejudice and hatred, especially among the priesthood, it was difficult for any of the magic-wielders to believe that a few of the clan priests were making an effort to accept them. "You may be underestimating him, Athlone. Talk to him. If nothing else, he may give you a different perspective on Gabria's vision."
    “I’ll think about it," Athlone said reluctantly. He clapped his friend on the back and suddenly grinned. "How about a shady seat and a cool drink?"
    Koshyn's blue eyes lit with pleasure. "My thoughts