All The Turns of Light Read Free Page B

tomorrow, at least one wedding will prove a bit merrier than expected. Surely there’s no harm in that.”
    “The Watch might reach different conclusions,” Meralda said.
    “Let’s not trouble the Watch with such petty concerns,” said Donchen. He pulled his chair close to Meralda’s and sat. “But enough about my rather uneventful day. Tell us about yours, dear. I surmise it was not entirely a pleasant one.”
    Meralda took in a breath. Sometimes I wish he weren’t quite so perceptive , she thought.
    “I have news.”
    Donchen leaned forward and brought his hands together below his chin, fingertips just touching.
    “It isn’t good news.”
    “No,” replied Meralda. “It isn’t. Donchen, have you had news from home lately? Family news?”
    “Tirlin is my home now, delight of my heart.”
    Mug simulated a faint gagging noise, which ceased when Meralda glared his way.
    “No, I have had no news.” Donchen sat back. “My decision to remain here was the final straw, as you say. I am sohata , for now and forever.”
    Sohata. Hang for ‘ghost.’ Which meant he was dead to his House, dead to his father, his mother, any family anywhere he might have, including his grandfather, the Emperor.
    Meralda struggled to find the right words.
    “The Emperor,” Mug said, turning his eyes away from Goboy’s glass. “He is ill?”
    Meralda took Donchen’s hands in hers. “I’m afraid so,” she said. “Gravely ill.”
    Donchen’s expression did not change. “The weight of years, or something else?”
    “There was no mention of foul play. Just the weight of years. I am so sorry.”
    “He gave me a golden dragon, when I was nine,” Donchen said. “An enchanted toy. It walked and roared, and spat tiny flames. He told me to enjoy the magic while it lasted, because all things pass from this world to the next. I was heartbroken on the day my dragon walked no more. We buried it in the garden, but he said my dragon would live on forever, in my heart.” He smiled wanly. “Thank you, Grandfather. I see the lesson now.”
    Mug turned all his blue eyes on Meralda. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
    “Not now, Mug.”
    Donchen’s smile vanished.
    “It’s about that bloody great whale of an airship, isn’t it?” Mug grumbled.
    “Mug!”
    As if in answer to her raised voice, a pair of flitting shadows darted from the Laboratory’s shelves. The dark splotches remained close to the ceiling, hiding themselves in the flickers of Meralda’s electric lamps, but Meralda knew they came to rest directly above her.
    She acknowledged the ancient staves with a silent greeting. Nameless, Faceless. All is well. Thank you, but I do not require any assistance.
    Mug snorted. “Oh, the sticks are paying you a visit now?” He waved his leaves in the air. “Shoo, the both of you, before I have you chopped into kindling!”
    Donchen stood, worry creasing his brow.
    “The Intrepid ?” he asked.
    “That numbskull King is getting ready to launch it early, isn’t he? With you aboard, I assume, to sit astride the flying coils in case they stop working halfway to Hang?”
    “Of course not, Mug. And show some compassion. Donchen’s grandfather is ill.”
    “I’m sorry about that.” Mug turned half his eyes toward Donchen. “I truly am. But I’m right about them hauling you aboard for the first airship crossing of the Great Sea, am I not?”
    “Nothing of the sort has been discussed by the Court, much less ordered by the King,” Meralda retorted.
    “Ha,” Mug said. “Then where have you been all day?”
    “With Shingvere and Fromarch. We were touring the docks, yes, but that’s all. Touring.”
    “Touring.” It was Donchen who spoke. “And I assume your elderly friends made no mention of any impending airship voyages?”
    “We both know the elderly gentlemen are prone to engage in the worst sort of baseless, idle gossip,” Meralda said.
    “Told you so,” Mug said.
    Goboy’s Glass flashed, and Mug’s reflection