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little tension go when Arman at last entered the library or the kitchen wherever
he was working or talking. Arman always managed to give him some contact,
a squeeze to the shoulder, or a hand briefly on his back, which was like water
to a drought-dying plant. It revived him not forever, but for a while
although he would begin to droop again if Arman were gone for long. It
angered him to be so dependent on another in this way, to be so weak and in
need of comforting. But the situation wasn t of his making, nor under his
control. All he could do was to work determinedly on his exercises, force
himself to tolerate more and more exposure to the emotions of strangers to
build up a callus on his heart, and to remind himself daily that he would not
have Arman here for long, so he had better not use him more than he
absolutely needed to.
Jena s reactions to Arman were always powerful and mixed, Kei found,
slightly amused by the mixture of her determination to loathe the man for what
he had done and who he was, her gratitude for the help Arman was giving
Kei, and her reluctant liking for Arman himself despite her intentions. It wasn t
as if Arman set out to charm Jena and she was always as rude to him as she
could get away with, but Arman didn t ever seem to mind, which seem to
puzzle her. It certainly led her to mutter frequent imprecations about him to
anyone who would listen, usually Kei and Kei had to wonder if she was
fooling even herself. It was one of the small entertainments of his day,
watching them at it.
They were in the library, Arman having missed supper, and Karus having
already retired for the evening feeling over-weary he said, which always
made Kei and Jena anxious when he complained of it. They both did as much
as they could to make his days easier, but Karus was just very old. Some
men lived longer, especially in Darshian, but he was one of the most elderly
Prij that Kei had encountered. Kei s healing skills could not make a man more
youthful, however much he wanted it.
Kei heard the front door of the house opening, Matez deep rumble and
Arman s tenor in response. A moment later, Arman was with them. As he
came to Kei s side and put an arm over his shoulder to look at what he and
Jena were working on, Kei could feel there was something serious on his
mind. Jena, would you mind if I spoke to Kei alone? I will then want to speak
to you if you can wait.
Yes, my lord. She was as puzzled as Kei was. Has something
happened? Not one of the villages....
No, nothing like that, but there s been a development. If you can curb your
curiosity then I ll tell you about it later, Arman said with a trace of impatience
in his tone.
You should forgive my suspicion, lord General, she said huffily. It s not
like we haven t had nasty surprises from you before.
Jena, stop it, Kei said. Please, leave us alone.
She narrowed her eyes at him, and seemed about to retort before gathering
her skirts up and leaving the library with annoyance showing in the stiff line of
her back. Kei watched her go with a sigh. Arman? What s happening?
Arman sat down in Jena s vacated chair. Communications with north
Darshian have been lost. I m to take a small force across Tirko Pass and
investigate. I could be gone weeks, or longer.
Kei looked at him with consternation. But...then what will I do? Will I have
to...will I go to another household?
Arman took his hand. Her Serenity has given me permission to take you
with me. I confess, I asked for that really before I had a chance to think it
through. Kei, do you want to come with me?
Arman s fingers were warm around his, but Kei could hardly feel a thing, so
suddenly had hope and happiness filled him. I can go home? he whispered.
But...no...I would have to return, would I not? He pulled his hand away from
Arman s and stared down at his notes, his vision suddenly blurring. He had
thought for a moment....
Arman put his arm around Kei and pulled him close. Kei, I don t know what
to offer. I can t just set you free or the others would suffer. But do you think
someone in your village would take your place, if we went so far? My orders
are to go to Vinri, but it will depend on what we find. We might turn back at
Fort Trejk I might be forced to go to Kislik, but it s unlikely. Albon is a long
way from the pass and I can t make that journey just for you...but if we did?
Kei blinked away the stupid tears of disappointment. It would be unfair to
ask.
No, it wouldn t, Arman said firmly, his arms around Kei s shoulder
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