Free Angus Wells - The Kingdoms 02 by The Usurper (v1.1) Page A

accompany him to
Estrevan,” said Bedyr. “Will she? It might be better she did not.”
                “I cannot speak for the Sister,”
Bedyr answered, “but I think I shall do my best to persuade her. ”
                Tepshen Lahl’s inscrutable features
creased in an expression Bedyr recognized as a frown. “You do not agree?” he
asked.
                The kyo hissed again, thoughtfully
this time, then said, “Will that not prolong the inevitable?”
                “Is it inevitable?” Bedyr heard the
defensive note in his voice and wondered if he truly acted wisely, or merely
out of sympathy for his blinded son. “By the Lady, Tepshen! Has he not suffered
enough? Is he not due some small compensation?”
                Tepshen nodded his agreement. “But
if Wynett remains true to her vows, would a swift parting not be for the best?”
                “I am not sure. ” Bedyr shook his
head hopelessly. “Perhaps. Or perhaps it would fuel the darkness that pervades
him. He needs hope, and if Wynett’s presence will give him that, then I shall
do my utmost to obtain it.”
                The kyo shrugged, focusing his
attention on his wine, and Bedyr saw disapproval in the motion. Tepshen would
not voice his objections unless asked, for his devotion to the Caitin line was
unswerving and save on those occasions when he considered contrary counsel of
greater value than silence, he obeyed his chosen leader with an unstinting
devotion.
                This, it seemed, was such a time,
though Bedyr, unsure of himself, was not certain but that he would prefer
voiced argument. He rose from the table, pushing his chair noisily over the
stone floor of the outer chamber, and crossed to the fire, helping himself to
wine. He sipped the spicy brew, studying Tepshen’s face as he leaned against
the mantel.
                “Tell me why you object,” he asked:
in this, as in most things, he felt the kyo’s advice would be of value.
                “Wynett has taken vows,” responded
Tepshen, “and she appears unwilling to forswear them. Sooner or later Kedryn
must accept that, and if she will not change her mind, then it is better he
accepts it early. To bring her with us to Estrevan merely prolongs foolish
hope.”
                “If it is foolish,” Bedyr nodded.
“But if it is not? You have seen them together; you have seen how she looks at
him.”
                Tepshen nodded. “I have, but she is
still a Sister.”
                “That is not irrevocable,” Bedyr
pointed out.
                “But unlikely to change,” Tepshen
answered.
                “Mayhap,” Bedyr shrugged, “and
mayhap I shall not be able to persuade her to go, but I think I must try.”
                “You are his father: if you think it
best, then so be it.”
                Bedyr smiled ruefully. “It may be
that in this instance a father’s wishes are not for the best.”
                “But,” said Tepshen, “you believe
they are.”
                “I do,” said Bedyr. “At the very
least, Wynett—if she agrees to accompany him—will have a chance to continue her
ministrations, and they may have some effect. Even if not, he will have her
company—and I think that without that his mood will become bleak. I would avoid
that if I can.”
                “Then persuade her,” said Tepshen.
                Bedyr nodded again, his smile
becoming warmer as he heard the acceptance in his friend’s voice. “Until this
parley is done, however, we are bound to High Fort.”
                “Aye,” the easterner grunted, then
turned as a knocking echoed against the door. Unthinking, he set a hand to his
scabbard as Bedyr crossed the room, shifting the lacquered case to his knees as
he set down his