Parlay

With Father Lefwith's suspicions settled for the moment Rachel led them back out into the light of day. Legend held that the sun did not hold sway over Ugelor no matter the hour, but those legends were false. It was not the day of Ugelor that unbelievers had cause to fear, but its night. She watched the faces of each of the visitors with a visage of good cheer. They thought her deceived by Cador, or worse corrupted. But with this she had planted seeds of doubt in them. "What hosts would we be if we didn't offer our guests something to eat? There should be a banquet tonight, I think, my lord."

Cador crossed his arms over his plated chest. "The peasants gave me a gift of venison yesterday," he said, with the deep tone of a crouching lion. Rachel loved most to hear his voice in her ear, but hearing him stand tall against these wouldbe conquerors was nearly as good.

"It's been months since I had venison," said John, meeting Cador's eyes. He knew well that the deer of the realm were the personal property of his uncle the king in Carvalem, but he was much intrigued by this sorceror warlord.

"You've never had venison like this. My cooks are masters without compare. I brought them with me from Deglon. Now, my lords, let me show you to your resting places. Lady Rachel must be tired, and she won't want to miss the festivities tonight." He looked at her with his blazing brown eyes, and she wondered with a genteel smile whether her father's men could see the lust there. Her legs still ached from the passion they'd shared that morning. There was no need for sleep, with the generosity of the deep gods.

"Do you have guests often?" asked Sir Odo, probing, careful. He had always been clever. Rachel guessed her father had sent him to ensure that the campaign against Cador would not be led astray by the ambitions of men. Baron Fulke of Losk may have understood the heart of men, but he underestimated woman; it was why she had left him in the first place.

"All the time," said Cador. "High and low. I'm still new to my position. I try to invite the peasants to dine with me whenever I can, so they can see I'm not the monster they're afraid of. Now, let's away, so my lady can have her peace." His eyes glimmered with the taunt. It was only polite to refer to Rachel in such reverent terms, but the touch of possessiveness could not be mistaken.