The Darathi Vorsi Prince (Song of the Swords Book 0) by Tameri Etherton Page B

transcribed. Often, her eldest son would join them. When the scroll revealed no more clues to his path, and Kaleigh could teach him nothing more about folding time, he knew it was time to leave.
    With sadness in his heart, he said farewell to his foster tribesmen, vowing to return again but knowing he might never fulfill the promise. Amdi had presented him with a fine stallion, a dapple grey named Lucitan. Rhoane steered his horse toward the west and Talaith, recalling his siste r’ s prediction the Darennsai would be found in the capital city. For near on a moonturn, he and Luc plodded onward, seeing few riders as they avoided major cities or towns.
    After his long sojourn with the Ullans, Rhoane enjoyed the solitude. His days were spent riding, stopping only to fish or trap his dinner. At night, he bunked down under trees, the stars his only source of light. Many times on his journey he sought advice from his goddess, and each time, silence was his answer.
    When he finally crested a hill and saw the glittering spires of the Crystal Palace in the distance, he was both relieved and apprehensive. If Carga had seen true, his mate was somewhere in this city. He only had to find her.
     
                 
     
    AT THE crossroad leading to the palace, Rhoane hesitated. As an Eleri noble, it was his duty to pay respects to the reigning sovereign, but his instincts told him to avoid the palace. Not one to shirk his duty, he turned Luc to the left, keeping the royal pennants in his sights as he traversed the broad avenues. Unlike Ulla, greenery flowered in abundance in the city. Trees rose above the rooftops, and everywhere he looked, blossoms of every shade, shape, and variety spilled from window boxes and garden beds.
    The streets were devoid of trash, the cobblestones worn but in good repair. Talaith was a city of wealth, that much was certain. He plucked at his Ullan tunic. Propriety dictated he bathe and change his attire before he presented himself to the empress, but he had neither the resources to find a bathhouse, nor the energy to expend on trivialities.
    The soldier stationed in the guardhouse swept Rhoane with a look of disdain when he requested an audience with the empress, which Rhoane accepted with equanimity. H e’ d been over three seasons with the Ullans and a moonturn on the road. He most likely looked like a street urchin. Except for Lucitan. No beggar would have a stallion of such fine breeding. Or a sword as magnificent as Claidholm Solais.
    A burly man with almond-shaped eyes and skin as dark as mahogany strode toward the gate, his face set in a grimace. In Elennish, he said ,“ I understand you wish to see Empress Lliandra .” Despite his size, the baritone voice was like velvet. Smooth, with a touch of elegance. This was a man accustomed to his orders being followed. A man probably born to a House of high honor.
    Rhoane inclined his head in greeting .“ I am Prince Rhoane of the Eleri. I seek an audience with your empress, but first I require a place to freshen up and change my clothing. I am certain your ruler would not appreciate a man too long on the road in her sitting room . ”
    “ Sir Baehlon .” A pretty lady with auburn curls and eyes of amber strolled past the knight .“ Surely you are n’ t going to keep an Eleri prince waiting? Look at him. H e’ s half-starved and has been too long in the sun. Take him to the east wing. There is an unused room near my fathe r’ s quarters. He can bathe in privacy and get a decent meal in him before he meets with the empress . ”
    The big man grunted, his look one of consternation and admiration .“ And if he is not who he says he is? Wil l yo u explain to Her Majesty the error of my judgment ? ”
    “ Of course .” Her smile lit up her entire face and most of the surrounding soldier s’ as well. A small crowd had grown around them, and the knight fidgeted with the buckle of his scabbard.
    “ Very well. You there, take this ma n’ s horse