The Ursuper

The glow faded as they returned to Isolt's bedroom, presumably to climb over the balcony.

But Piro and Isolt sat in the dark, knees wedged together for a long time. Every now and then a shiver ran through Isolt. Gradually, the foenix's body relaxed and Piro felt him vibrate with the cat-like purr that meant he was happy.

She cleared her throat. 'I think they've gone.'

Isolt nodded. Shuffling onto her knees, she moved one side of the map a little and peered through.

Meanwhile, Piro quested with her Affinity-enhanced senses. The room felt empty and, now that the crisis was over, she trembled with exhaustion.

'I think you're right,' Isolt whispered. She lifted the map aside and slid her legs out, dropping to the floor.

Piro followed her, the sleeping foenix in her arms. He seemed as exhausted as she was. Limping a little due to her sore toe, she put the foenix in his basket then crept across to the entrance of Isolt's bedchamber. The balcony doors were closed. Only the broken glass panel was evidence of Palatyne's treacherous plan.

Isolt stood in the doorway.

'They've gone, but I can't sleep in here.' Isolt closed the door to her bedchamber and wedged a chair under the knob.

'I don't think they're coming back,' Piro whispered. She felt dizzy, and flecks of light danced in her vision. 'I have to sit down. I think I might be sick.'

Isolt drew her over to the daybed, propping a pillow behind her back and wrapping the silk-covered eiderdown around her. The kingsdaughter lit a branch of candles and made up a tray of sweet wine, fresh fruits and nuts from the side-board.

Piro watched, her tired brain struggling to grasp the significance of this. But, when Isolt brought the tray over, her stomach revolted.

'At least have a sip of sweet wine,' Isolt insisted.

Piro took one mouthful, then another, nibbled some salted cashews and discovered she was ravenous.

Isolt sat at the other end of the daybed, resting against the carved footboard, and watched her eat with satisfaction. 'You could have left me to my fate but you saved me, Piro.'

'Of course.'

'I misjudged you.'

Piro shrugged as she peeled a honeydew melon, sucking the sweet pulp.

'What? Aren't you going to make me sorry?' Isolt prodded.

'No point,' Piro mumbled, mouth full.

Isolt eyed her for a moment. 'The Rolencian court must be very strange — '

'Strange?' Piro laughed. 'The Merofynian court is strange. Everyone holding their breath, too scared to say what they really think.'

'So you understand why I doubted you? And you won't hold it against me?'

Piro picked up another honeydew melon. 'These are very good. Want one?'

'Yes.' Isolt gave the first genuine smile Piro had seen from her.

As they ate, she studied Isolt surreptitiously. The Merofynian kingsdaughter licked her fingers and stared into the fire. She was still the same girl, beautiful as a porcelain doll, but the muscles around her mouth had relaxed. She looked somehow different.

Her face was no longer a mask.

Piro must have made some small sound because Isolt looked over to her. 'What?'

'I'm glad I grew up with a mother who adored my father and three brothers, even if they loved to tease me,' Piro said.

Isolt's eyes widened. 'You read my mind?'

'No. I don't — '

'You do have Affinity. Don't deny it.'

Piro nodded. 'But not much. If I could, I would have saved my father.'

'You are Affinity-born, just like Lord Dunstany. That's why he chose you for his slave.'

'I suppose so.' Piro hadn't thought of it that way. She licked her fingers and took another sip of wine, her thoughts returning to what was worrying her. 'I don't think this setback will stop Palatyne. Marrying you will make him the legitimate king-in-waiting.'

'After tonight nothing will convince me to wed him.' Anger sharpened Isolt's features, making her beauty more interesting. 'I'll tell Father how he broke in here and what he intended.'

'Your father is afraid of Palatyne, for good reason. I fear you'll get no help from him. When was your betrothal to be announced?'

'Spring cusp festival. He wanted to wed me on midsummer's day or sooner. But I can't marry him. I'd rather die!'

'Better that he dies.'

Isolt went very quiet. 'Palatyne is surrounded by loyal followers, plus there's the Utlander. Can you — '

Piro shook her head swiftly. 'Lord Dunstany said my Affinity visions are triggered by nexus points, moments when events hang in the balance. Most of the time I can do no more than guess a card.'

'Then I must run away. But they'll be watching me.' Isolt's frown cleared. 'I know. Every spring cusp I go to Cyena Abbey to receive the offering for the festival. I'd planned to leave in a few days anyway. I'll leave tomorrow. The abbess will give me sanctuary. She's very powerful. Palatyne will not dare invade the abbey to take me by force!'

Piro considered this. 'Normally you should be safe behind the abbey walls, but what if the king demands your return? An abbess cannot refuse a king.'

'Then I will renounce the world and become a nun. A king cannot command the goddess!'

Piro laughed softly, then sobered. 'When you are safe with the abbess, you must free me.'

'I free you now.'

Piro gasped. 'Just like that?'

Isolt nodded.

'Then I misjudged you,' Piro conceded. 'Back home, they said you were like your father, cunning, not to be trusted…'

Isolt sat forwards. 'Oh, Piro. I'm not — '

'I know.'

'I'm not like Father at all. I'm more like Mother, but she was weak. I'm not.' Tears glittered in Isolt's slanted black eyes. 'I'm strong. And, if I've become hard and cunning, it's because I've had to.'

'To survive.' Piro nodded. That made sense. 'But you can't free me yet. Not officially. I can't leave you suddenly. Palatyne would be suspicious. I'll stay with you until we reach the abbess. All I ask is passage on a ship to Rolencia.'

'You have it.' Isolt hugged her knees. 'When he came in here with that evil-smelling Utlander… I've never been so afraid in my life. Without your Affinity…'

Piro nodded. She tried to hold back a yawn and failed. Now that she had eaten, she wanted nothing more than to fall asleep.

Isolt smiled. 'Sleep, Pi- Seela. I'll keep watch.'

Piro snuggled down, marvelling how her position had changed from slave to trusted confidante in just one day.

Dunstany had been right. Isolt was the innocent pawn of her father, King Merofyn. Piro had to let the noble Power-worker know Isolt's plans. They would pass his mansion on the way out of Port Mero. She could leave a message there. The sooner they were out of the palace and beyond Palatyne's reach, the better.

Byren woke to find his back felt cold. Where had Orrade gone? He sat up. The cave's ceiling glowed with reflected light from the snow outside. And it was silent, other than the snores of his honour guard and the several monks. After filling Catillum's cave, the newest arrivals had taken up residence in this one.

What if Orrade had felt another Affinity vision coming on? The monks would report it to the mystics master and his best friend would be unmasked, forced to leave Rolencia, just when Byren needed him most.

Whatever the cost, he had to protect Orrade. Heart thudding, Byren rolled to his feet, slinging his cloak around his shoulders. Carefully, he stepped over the sleeping bodies that were packed tight as a litter of puppies. It was like this in all the caves.

With his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the cave, outside the starlight seemed bright. He blinked and lifted his head, listening, smelling the crisp mountain air.

'Over here,' Orrade's voice reached him, no more than a whisper.

He headed that way and found his best friend just around the bend in the trail, wrapped in his cloak.