The cardinal nodded. “I shall do what I can. Who do you have in mind?”
“Master Sin’Sagar. He is more than qualified.”
“The Andakkadian?” Cardinal Velten cocked his eyebrow. “A layman, then, or does he still worship the diabalhs of his home country? I do not know if I can convince the Church to …” He paused. Then his face brightened, and he continued, “… Or maybe I can. Inquisitors are in short supply these days, and Andakkadians believe that the Radiant Lord Elumenra is the same as Diabalh Emvisha. It should not be too big a leap to convince these stubborn old judges that this is enough faith to initiate him into their ranks. I shall discuss it with the parties involved. Expect news soon, my son.”
Estevan gave him a broad smile. “Thank you, Father. Now I can forgive you for the sword-bearers and the Venator knight you stuck me with on my recent travels.”
The Cardinal chuckled. “I had good reasons to, Estevan. You were so pained by Sir Jaqh’s loss, I feared it would make you careless. However,” he added, crossing his arms, “which Venator knight do you speak of? I did not request one to join you.”
Semras pursed her lips. That wasn’t how she had planned to tell him about Alaran.
“… What?” Estevan breathed.
She tugged at his sleeve. “You might want to talk to Cael about this …”
Her Wyrdtwined stared blankly at her, mind busy processing her words.
Holding back a fond smile, the Cardinal exhaled deeply. “Please do not fight with your brother again so soon. I have onlythis one tired, old heart,” he said. “If you ever need anything, you know where to find me. And if you ever do not find me, son, please dig up my bones from your mother’s garden and put them to rest on hallowed ground. I would appreciate it if you could cover up her crime as well. You prevented one witch purge. I trust you to stop another one if she does end up killing me.”
Then, with a spring in his steps, he walked out of the chamber. The door closed behind him with a loud thud.
Estevan blinked. “… I knew that knightly act was all pretend …” he muttered. Grabbing Semras’ hand, he strode outside the hall. “Cael, you gangly prick, get back here! I will eviscerate your spy!”
Laughing, Semras trailed behind him.
Estevangroanedinfrustrationat the empty street.
Cael had escaped long before his brother caught on to his deception. He had been right—Estevan had yet to best him in wits.
Sliding her arms around her irritated Wyrdtwined, Semras pulled him to her. “Come on, you can eviscerate him later. I’ll help you get rid of the evidence,” she teased.
Venator sword-bearers guarded the entrance to the House of Tribunal; from the corner of her eye, she saw one flinch.
Staring at the nervous man, she added, “I’mjoking. I’ve had enough murder for the rest of my life.”
Estevan kissed her on the nose. “Agreed. And where should we spend the rest of that life, witch?”
The word he had used so often in the past to taunt her now rolled off his tongue with an endearing tenderness.
“Your home, for a start,” she said, “then mine?”
“And then …ourhome?” Estevan kissed her—on the lips this time.
Paying no mind to the shocked murmur of the crowd passing by them on the street, Semras grabbed his nape and returned his affection with enthusiasm.
A soft wind blew through her hair, and she felt Estevan’s hand smooth her strands along her back. Melting into his embrace, Semras smiled contentedly. She had missed him like she had missed a part of her heart. Now, with his lips on hers, she finally felt whole again.
“Should I tellEnsito take a detour with the carriage?” spoke a voice into her ear. “You two look busy.”
Semras startled out of Estevan’s arms. “M-Maz?”
Chuckling, the air spirit blew around them. “I saw everything that happened inside. When Pagan came back alone, I knew you must have been up to something exciting again!”
A pleased smile stretched across Semras’ lips. The half-kelpie had done as she asked.
Then she groaned, remembering she hadn’t set a price for that help. She’d have to pay the debt before it decided on one for her.
“Maraz’Miri, who else is coming in that carriage? I have”—Estevan grabbed her chin and gave her a quick kiss—“plans”—he kissed her again—“if the car is empty.”
