The Vildecaz Talents: The complete set of Vildecaz Stories including Nimuar's Loss, The Deceptive Oracle and Agnith's Promise by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Page A

said Ninianee, a hint of something more than mischief in her light-green eyes. “We’ve much to contend with, between our father and Yulko Bihn. Would you rather I went? There’s plenty of time to get back before sundown.”
    “It is fine with me, but I suspect Papa is going to ask us both to go, so that every possibility for entertainment may be discovered,” said Erianthee. “He told me a short while ago he doesn’t want either of us to have to spend time with Yulko Bihn, or with his so-called student.” She put her hands together and rested her chin on her longest fingers. “Dinvee has been prowling for Hoftstan all morning, lying in wait for him and making a display of herself; he has gone out to make sure the work is done on the damage to the western wall.”
    “If he thinks he’s safe there, he’s mistaken,” said Ninianee. “She is searching for him even now, or I mistake the purpose for her prowling in the gardens and courts.” She shrugged. “I noticed as I came in that she seemed to be looking for something. I didn’t realize it was some one , not some thing .”
    “Hoftstan isn’t going to like this,” said Erianthee.
    “No; and I can’t blame him for that,” said Ninianee. She tugged on the bell-pull and went to the tube that ran down from her apartments to the servants’ assignment room, “I need hot water for my bath.” There was a muffled response, one which Ninianee seemed to understand. “No. I don’t want the bath-house, I want a the tub brought to my dressing room and filled with hot water.” She glanced over at Erianthee. “Tell Papa I’ll be ready to help you with plans for this evening in an hour or so.”
    “If you like,” said Erianthee, feeling a sudden touch of lethargy, and realized it was the effect of a spell – if only she could determine whose it was and why she had responded to it.
    “Are you all right?” Ninianee asked, aware that Erianthee was uncomfortable.
    “Yes,” said Erianthee. “I think so.”
    Ninianee was not completely convinced. “If you say so.”
    “Really. I’m fine. But I am concerned about you – with the banquet starting three hours before dark, you may find that it will not be easy to be away from the Great Hall.”
    “Don’t worry, Eri. I’ll make sure no one expects me at the banquet this afternoon. I’ll make sure the General knows I’m not to be disturbed.” She lifted her head. “How many guests will be here, do you know?”
    “Twenty-two according to General Rocazin,” said Erianthee. “The kitchens are busy as an ant-hill.”
    “All the more reason to be out of the castle for three or four hours.” She stretched. “I will join you in an hour, as soon as I am washed and dressed.”
    “I’ll wait for you in the Family Withdrawing Room,” said Erianthee. “I need to have a word or two with Rimdoch.”
    “I’ll wear riding clothes, and I’ll want to ride the red mare. Have the groom put my saddle on her.” She stretched and began to unfasten her dolaj, scratching the various small welts and bites that her doe-self had acquired in her dash through the woods.
    “Do you want any help?” Erianthee asked.
    “No. I can manage, thanks.” Suddenly Ninianee yawned, and looked over at her sister. “It should be quite a morning. When is the banquet scheduled, do you recall?”
    “Of course. Ver Mindicaz insisted last night that Papa give her a time so she could prepare – you know how carefully she plans. At four hours past mid-day was the time they agreed upon to begin the banquet, two hours later than usual for such an occasion,” said Erianthee. “Papa ordered this morning that the dining should begin as promptly as possible, with the entertainment to follow at once, and continue for as long as the guests want to watch.”
    “You’ll have quite an evening laid out for you,” said Ninianee, ironic and wistful at once.
    Erianthee shrugged. “No we won’t; not if you don’t hurry.”
    “Oh, all right.”