Shards of Time Read Free Page B

doings. Has anyone ruled out magic?”
    “I’ll be looking for signs of that, of course,” Thero replied.
    “Where exactly did this happen?” asked Seregil.
    “In the Hierophant’s palace in the old capital city of Menosi. The late governor, Archduke Toneus, was rebuilding the palace precinct and refurbishing the oracular site, with the intent of presenting it all to Queen Elani as a tribute when she visits this summer.”
    “That would certainly have earned him some favor.” Alec claimed the last rasher of bacon from the platter. “So, you think by mucking around in the old ruins, he might have disturbed some angry spirits?”
    “It seems plausible,” Thero replied. “For centuries the whole island has been said to be haunted. Travelers and bards tell endless stories of meetings with people in ancient clothing or children being spirited away all over the island, not just around Menosi. How much truth there is in them remains to be seen, but with so many stories, I’m willing to suspend my doubts until we get there. Ghosts exist, and it would be stranger if there weren’t any on an island inhabited for so long. Whatever the case, if Elani plans to go to Kouros this summer to tour the island and visit the site of the oracle, her mother and uncle won’t want her in any danger.”
    “No, of course not,” said Alec. “How exactly were Toneus and his lady killed?”
    “The report sent from the governor’s secretary, Lady Zella, described the bodies as having been literally torn to pieces. A very grisly business.”
    “Hmmm.” Seregil drew arabesques with the tip of his knife in the remaining yolk of his poached egg, still looking skeptical.
    “It’s thrown the island into renewed unrest and there is some fear of a popular uprising,” Thero went on. “There may be a more down-to-earth explanation of the disappearances, and she fears the worst. The queen is sending Klia to Kouros as acting governor, and I’m going along—”
    Seregil chuckled. “Indeed?”
    “It’s a royal commission,” Thero replied tersely, but the tips of his ears had gone a bit pink.
    While Thero had been formally recognized as Klia’s lover a year ago, this was the first time an Orëska wizard had ever had such a close connection to the royal family, so whether or not they could marry was still uncertain, as there was no precedent for it on either side. The Orëska wizards, most of whom maintained a vow of celibacy, were quietly scandalized. On the royal side, it was decided that it would be more tasteful to postpone the wedding until after young Queen Elani was safely married. Since Elani hadn’t yet taken a consort, much less produced an heir, Klia was still in the line of succession, so her liaison with a wizard—made sterile by their magical nature—had obvious advantages for allaying any lingering suspicions that Klia had pretensions to the throne.
    Seregil and Alec both thought it was all overly complicated and silly, but for the time being Klia and Thero still ostensibly maintained separate residences: Thero in his tower, Klia in her chambers at the Palace. Time away from the city no doubt offered a welcome respite from societal scrutiny.
    “I’m going along to investigate the haunting,” Thero finished, “and I could really use your help. In fact, Klia has already suggested to the queen that the two of you come inyour capacity as Watchers, as well as Micum Cavish. If you agree, I’ll send word to him immediately. Your particular skills would be much appreciated. Of course, the queen can’t make it a formal commission.”
    “Of course not.”
    “Will you be bringing Mika?” asked Alec. With a wink in Seregil’s direction, he added, “You could make a family outing of it.”
    Thero ignored the jest. “Yes. I won’t expose him to danger, of course, but the journey should be most educational. He’s never been away from Rhíminee.”
    Just then the boy burst in from the garden. “Will they come with us,