Read The Exile and the Sorcerer for Free Online

the crash of surf below. A line of clouds hung over the horizon, but the sky above was clear. Sunlight glittered off the waves. The brisk wind, heavy with salt, snapped at her hair. It eased her tension, but the decision could not be put off. She had to take steps to silence the gossip, and one particular course of action was unavoidable.
    Brec had spoken of Sparrow. Presumably, Brec knew her own brother. Would he really be willing if she made a play for him? A rueful smile crossed Tevi’s face. Actually, his response was unimportant for her purpose. A more useful effect on gossip would probably be had if he ran from her screaming, “No, no, you beast, leave me alone!” But if he agreed...? Tevi pursed her lips. It probably would not be so bad. After all, she liked Sparrow. He was a friend.
    Tevi hung her head. She had to do it, but the coming evening would be a trial. The rest of her life would be a trial. She remembered her childish disappointment when she realised that being the Queen’s granddaughter did not automatically make her the best at everything.
    Tevi turned around. The sun was sinking to the horizon. It was time to go to the feast, but all things considered, maybe death in battle might not be so bad.

    *

    The smell of roast boar greeted Tevi on her return to the main square. The air was thick with ribbons of sweet smoke. Every child in Holric seemed to be gathered by the fire pits to watch the cooking. Many stood with eyes and mouths wide open, while others laughed and squabbled.
    Women had begun passing around flagons of wine and beer. There was no sign of the envoy and her comrades. Presumably, they were in the Queen’s hall. The mood in the square was cheerful, and for once, Tevi did not feel that she was the subject of hostile scrutiny. A gang of young women were sprawled to one side. Tevi was tempted to join them, but she had an objective to achieve that night. She turned in search of Sparrow.
    The interior of Lizard’s family hall was dark and noisy. Once her eyes had adjusted to the light, Tevi spotted Sparrow sitting surrounded by a group of small boys, helping to braid their hair. Tevi made her way to within a few feet, then came to a standstill, suddenly very nervous and uncertain. A boy tapped Sparrow’s shoulder and pointed in her direction.
    Sparrow looked up and smiled. “Are you looking for Brec? She’s only just gone.”
    “No...I was looking for you.”
    “Me?”
    “Well, I thought...you might like to come with me...if you’re finished here. And...we could see if the cider has settled. It might be nice if you and I, er”—Tevi knew she was flustered. She prayed she was not blushing as well—“spent some time together.”
    To her relief, and slight surprise, Sparrow’s smile broadened. “I’d like that. But I thought you were due to meet Brec. She was looking everywhere for you.”
    “We had no plans.”
    “I think it was important.”
    “I don’t know...” Tevi hesitated.
    “It’s not a problem. I’m going to be a bit longer with the children. When I’m finished, I’ll look for you. I promise.” Now it was Sparrow’s turn to be shy. He fiddled with the comb in his hand.
    “Right. I’ll go and find her. We’ll meet later.” Tevi shifted from foot to foot, wondering if she should hug him, but it felt false. Besides, all he had agreed to was meeting her at the feast. There would be time to say more later, and the cider would help.
    Once outside, Tevi raised her face to the sky and let out a deep sigh. Sparrow had seemed happy. Maybe Brec was right about him liking her. Tevi did not know whether to feel pleased or frightened.
    Remembering Brec, Tevi scanned the village square without success. “Have you seen Brec recently?” she asked a nearby woman.
    “I saw her head off to the beach a while back.”
    “Thanks.”
    Tevi jostled through the crowded square with as much speed as possible. The sun had not yet set, but already, some people were drunk. One almost