Norton, Andre - Anthology Read Free Page B

she'd decided? She sensed approval. But
perhaps that was just because he was proud of her for having faced her fear.
Anyway, she decided, he certainly wouldn't be purring if he were a magician who
wanted to use me to take over the rule of the kingdom.
                   Alfesian nodded to Perielle's escort when they
rode into the camp. He ignored Peri as he always had. They would all have
mounted and taken off, but Chith yowled. "Well, make it quick,” the
magician growled. So she was allowed to relieve herself and get a drink and a
handful of food before she was tossed back up on the pillion. She managed not
to shiver or to cry. Holding Chith helped.
                   The company traveled fast and quietly for
several days.
                   Being with Alfesian's group was an improvement
over being a prisoner in the palace. The magician gave no orders to the
contrary, so his "guest" was properly provided for. A woman was
assigned to attend her. Peri enjoyed being warm and well fed and treated
courteously—and not having to worry about being murdered in her sleep. She knew
that Alfesian, like her former captors, one day would decide that she was
unnecessary. But for now, and until they got to where they were going with such
stealth and speed, things were better.
                   During the long and silent rides. Peri decided
she had every right not to have recognized Chith as Alfesian's emissary. No cat
could be less like the one she remembered. She hoped she'd never need to see it
again. One evening at supper she asked about Alfesian's former familiar.
"He sauntered away from a sword thrust," someone said. "Guess he
thought he was invulnerable."
                   "But how . . ." she began.
                   "The new one? Wandered in one day acting
as if he's been here since B has followed A."
                   Peri didn't understand, for she could feel the
cat's active dislike of the magician. Couldn't Alfesian? If he did, didn't it
matter? She said nothing, but worried and watched. Alfesian's behavior showed
only his usual arrogance. Of course, so important a wizard as he would be
provided for. On this journey, it seemed he had no need for Chithit's services,
thus he took no notice of the cat. Chith stayed with Perielle day and night,
which delighted her. Being a sensible little girl, she avoided saying so or
showing it. She was adept at not calling attention to things she didn't want
noticed.
                   Late one evening, half-asleep and half
enjoying a beautiful sunset, Perielle roused when her rider halted his horse.
The company had paused in a rocky area of the high escarpment along which their
narrow path led. "Our destination," he said. He gestured out ahead.
At the foot of the cliff spread wide, wide sands bordering the wider sea. A
causeway stabbed across the glowing waters to a rocky island, seen in
silhouette, and more castle than rock. Alfesian's fief, Hope Denied. Peri
shuddered.
                   The last flickers of hope for her father's
life died. She knew he was not there. She had not let herself cry. She did not
intend to cry now. But the realization of her desperate and total aloneness in
the world crashed in on her and broke her barrier. Tears burst from her eyes
and poured down her cheeks. She sobbed uncontrollably, shaking as if with ague.
                   Alfesian noticed. In sudden, raging fury, he
ordered her to control herself. She cried harder, wailing in loss and fear and
dread. He changed from anger to menace. He would not be robbettof Krs triumph
by a blubbering idiot. She would serve his needs, and now, and never again
annoy anyone.
                   The nameless young man who had met and
attended Peri braved sure wrath by suggesting they wait until tomorrow, when
the child was not so tired, when her grieving had subsided. Alfesian waved a
hand negligently and the man fell back,