Free Traitor's Sun by Marion Zimmer Bradley Page B

mischief.”
    “And Caleb?”
    Rafael frowned. “He is at Nevarsin,” he said somewhat abruptly. Herm understood his unwillingness to go on, for Caleb must be above twenty by now, and if he was at Nevarsin, then likely he intended to become a cristoforo monk. Although the sons of the Domains had been educated by the cristoforos for generations, it was rare these days for them to join the odd community in the far north, in the City of Snows as it was sometimes called.
    “Here we are at last.” Rafael stepped forward and opened a pair of doors, pushing them aside and gesturing them into a large sitting room. There was a fire burning in the grate, and the smell of recently applied beeswax rose from the heavy wooden chairs set around it, belying Rafael’s suggestion as to the state of the accommodations. The carpet beneath their feet was thick and free of dust, and the curtains across the window looked relatively new.
    It was a pretty room, furnished with a woman in mind. The walls were painted a pale golden color, and the tapestry that hung along the wall portrayed a group of ladies bent over an enormous embroidery frame. There were small footstools, upholstered in thick velvets, and several little tables as well as a longer one that would seat half a dozen people in comfort. A small arrangement of flowers sat in a vase in the center of it, and the faint smell of them mingled with the odor of the fire.
    Katherine looked around, her artist’s eye refreshed after the barrenness of the ship’s cabin. She turned and relaxed in the warmth of the room, then favored Rafael with a bright if tired smile. “This is very nice. Thank you. You cannot know how . . . this room is nearly as large as our entire quarters on Terra. And wood, real wooden furniture. We have that on Renney, and I think I must have been missing it without knowing. I hope it was not too much trouble.”
    Rafael shrugged easily. “The servants did everything. Now, the main bedroom is through that door, and the bathing chamber and privy are down the hall, second door on the right. You can’t miss it. There are robes and towels and all that, and I will have some food brought up as soon as you tell me whether you want breakfast or dinner. Lew says the food on the ships is abysmal, and that you would certainly want something tasty immediately.”
    “What is that other door?” Terése pointed to a closed portal on the far side of the sitting room.
    “Those are the other bedrooms, and you can choose the one you like,” Rafael answered. It was clear he had a great deal of experience with children, as well as a natural talent with them, despite his own doubts.
    Terése’s face lit up. “My own room? I won’t have to share?”
    “You are old enough to have your own room, Terése—such a pretty name.” Rafael gave Herm a look which spoke volumes, and he felt mildly embarrassed, even though the sparse living arrangements permitted him on Terra had not given him much choice. But Rafael was right. His daughter was much too old to be sharing a bedroom with a brother.
    Herm watched Katherine remove her cloak and look for a place to hang it. At that moment a servant appeared, a rosy-cheeked girl with her hair caught back in a wooden butterfly clasp, and she took it from Katherine. She bobbed a quick curtsy. “Welcome to Comyn Castle, vai domna. Dom Aldaran.”
    “Thank you.”
    “I am Rosalys, and I have been sent to look after you. Domna Marguerida told me to come. She said to say that she regrets she cannot come to greet you herself, nor Domna Linnea either, and hopes she will be forgiven.”
    “Of course,” Herm answered. “We understand entirely.” He gave Rafael a quick glance. Is Regis really dying?
    Yes, he is. It was a massive stroke, and the healers are unable to do anything thus far. Even Mikhail and Marguerida, with their incredible abilities, have been unable to help him, and, believe me, they have tried. My poor brother is beside himself with