Ironcrown Moon (66 page)

So she took his arm and they walked to the palace landing stage where the tall ship was berthed.

The two guards at the gangplank’s foot saluted them but made no comment as they went aboard. Maudrayne dutifully admired the small luxurious cabin, and was particularly appreciative of the nautical books that had been collected for Dyfrig’s pleasure, and the colored charts pinned to the bulkhead that showed

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May, Julian - Boreal Moon 2 - Ironcrown Moon both the sea route to Gala Blenholme and the land route from there to Beorbrook.

“Dyfi will enjoy these greatly.” Maudrayne was sincere. “I thank you for your consideration, my lord. He’s a clever lad, but so very young

—and he’ll be afraid.”

Tinnis Catclaw chuckled. “That one? Not for long! He’ll be up in the rigging before we’re out of Gayle Firth and bedevilling the officer on watch wanting a chance to steer.”

“Shall we return to the palace?” she said. “I feel a small headache coming on.”

“Ah! I have the very thing in my own cabin. It’s just next door.”

He ushered her to it, found a crystal decanter and two silver cups, and went to rummage in a hanging locker above the washstand.

“Here it is, my mother’s own remedy for all manner of megrims. I never travel by sea without
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it.” He lifted a small glass phial that gleamed ruby-red, removed its stopper, and put four drops into a cup. Then he filled both cups with wine and handed her the one with the physick. “Drink up, my lady, and by the time we’re back at the palace, I guarantee that all your suffering will be gone.”

“Truly?” She met his eyes. “And tell me, Lord Tinnis: will it even banish my anguish at losing Dyfrig?”

“It will,” he said very quietly. “In a short hour.”

She looked into the cup, her lips tight. “Has my former husband, the King’s Grace, ever made use of this medicine?”

“No… but I’ve heard him recommend it most highly for distress such as yours.”

She said, “I know he sent you north to search me out, when Deveron Austrey was thought lost.”

“Yes.” He lifted one hand and gently touched the long tress of fiery auburn hair that spilled over her shoulder. “I came eagerly, as was my duty. But I would have come even more swiftly, had I recalled how beautiful you were. I saw you only three times when you dwelt in Gala Palace, for I was then a callow young mountain baron with small reason to visit the capital.”

“Ah.” With delicacy, she turned and stepped back, so that his hand must fall away. “Yet now I must drink.”

She lifted the cup, but before it could touch her lips he took hold of her wrist, staying it.

“We—we could talk. I may have another remedy that would better suit you.”

“Even though I’m prepared to take this one? Lord Tinnis, you perplex me. I’m weary and bereft and in need of peace.”

“My dear lady—Princess Maudrayne! It could be done. Not easily—but if you choose, it could be done.”

They stared each one at the other for a long moment. And then she told him her choice.

END OF BOOK II

THE BOREAL MOON TALE IS CONTINUED IN SORCERERS MOON

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