Wintertide (29 page)

A name was whispered as she made her away around the long tables.

“Kiasidira. Lady Kiasidira.”

She smiled, shyly, nodding to some of the serving girls, calling them by name, and they curtseyed, eyes downcast. The last girl, though, had her hands full with a tray laden with wine goblets that tipped precariously as she attempted to bow. Khamsin grabbed the tray from her hands and, much to the surprise of the gathering, finished handing the goblets of red wine down the last side of the table. The girl smiled and giggled as the tray was returned to her. Evidently, they’d done this before.

Druke shot a quick glance at Egan who rose from his place. He clamped a hand on the younger man’s arm. “That’s, that’s…”

“Lady Kiasidira,” Egan finished for him as Khamsin caught sight of him and quickened her pace. She arrived flushed and a bit breathless.

“My!” She dusted her hands together. “Thought I’d never find you, Master Egan. I’ve never seen so many people together in one place. Is it always like this at Council?”

Egan saw that most in the Hall were still standing. And most were still staring at the young woman before him. “Do you think you should be down here, My Lady? I mean, we never expected, that is, it’s not proper for…”

“Tedmond will have something to say about this later, mark my words. But until then…” She shrugged and smiled, widely.

He had no choice but to return it. “My Lady, I think you’d best sit down, or else they will not.” He motioned to the crowd staring in their direction.

“Great Heavens, I feel like I’m the main attraction at the Market Fair!” She looked behind her for an empty place. Druke moved quickly sideways.

“My Lady,” he began as she sat down next to him.

She looked startled. “Druke! Oh, Druke! I’m sorry. I was so busy looking for Egan I didn’t see you!” She clasped his hand in hers.

“You look well, Master Druke. A lot better than when we saw the Mogra out on the marsh!”

“Aye, m’Lady.” Druke stared at her.

“But at least you knew what to say, then.” It was Egan and he couldn’t resist teasing the older man.

“I was just getting used to Camron tagging along when next Egan tells me you’re not Camron but Khamsin. And now we find out that you’re not Khamsin, either.”

“But I am,” she replied softly, looking from one to the other. “Mostly, I’m just Khamsin. It’s the only name I’ve ever been called, before now.”

“My Lady,” Egan accepted two goblets of wine from the girl and offered one to Khamsin. “You could never be just Khamsin. Even when you are Khamsin.”

They drank their wine while Druke had another ale. When the warmth had settled their nerves and calmed their fears, they talked to her as they had on the marsh, as a friend and companion. Khamsin glowed, happy to discuss the little memories they shared. Talk turned to Elsy and Druke groaned, but she was anxious to hear of the little girl and promised to give Egan some books to take back with him for the child. Then they talked of Pinetrail, his village and Druke’s, and other places in the North Land and Noviiya. She told them the story of the Mogra in the Bell Tower. And how the old Wizard, Ciro, had been angry because she never brought him a meatpie when he adopted the disguise of a stray dog.

They laughed, their laughter bringing others around them into the conversation, though timidly at first, afraid of Kiasidira. But not for long, as she was as excellent a listener as she was a storyteller.

Druke stood. A crowd gathered around them, seated on tabletops, kneeling on benches. He had all eyes and ears on him as he acted out the part of the Mogra in the marshlands. He recounted the story of when he and Egan, Khamsin as Camron, and Egan’s nephews, Skeely and Wade were trapped on a small island of dry land off the main marsh trail at midnight. And a creature with glowing red eyes hulked out of the darkness, stalking them.

He played the part so well, hunched over and swaying that he drew the crowd into the story, designating one man as a tree and another as Khamsin’s horse, Cinnabar. Druke moved stealthily around them, all the while offering a riotous explanation of what had been going on in his mind. So caught up in the scenario was the crowd that no one paid notice to a man, dressed like a Khalar Hill Raider, who threaded through them ’til he came to Lady Kiasidira’s side. He leaned on the table and slipped his arm around her waist, for she was standing, playing herself in the scene. He pulled her back against him.

She looked up surprised, then smiled.

He kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“So there was poor Wade, losin’ his supper. And Egan and Skeely lookin’ like two scared rabbits on a rock. So I turned to the only sane one among us, the lad we called Camron, and said ‘No use staying the night here!’”

There was a flurry of appreciative laughter.

“So he, I mean she and I picked up the camp
and
Egan and Skeely and Wade,” more laughter interrupted, “and we got on our horses and left!”

Druke turned to where Khamsin stood. He took a step towards her, smiling, the smile fading from his face as he saw the black-haired man with his arms wrapped around her waist.

“Egan?” Druke breathed through half-closed lips to the man behind him.

Egan turned and saw what Druke saw.

The Sorcerer raised his eyebrow in amusement. “A very well told tale, Master Druke.”

It was a comment anyone would make. At first no one around them took notice of who spoke. Or in whose arms Lady Kiasidira now rested. It was the boisterous man’s lack of response that made them take notice.

“Master Ro!” someone gasped. All heads turned as one in Khamsin’s direction.

The Sorcerer waited until the murmur died down and all eyes were on him. “Well,” he said, his voice carrying clearly through the crowd. “Did you really expect me to stay up there by myself, when all of you are down here having fun?”

There was a moment of tense silence. Then someone whose loyalty to his Kemmon was stronger than his fear of his Master banged his ale mug on the table, then raised it in traditional salute.

“Master Ro!” he called out. Instantly the cry echoed all over the hall, with ale splashing and wine spilling as a fierce look of pride entered the eyes of those who, only moments before, were chilled with fear. For in his three hundred years as Master, Rothal-kiarr had never come down to the Great Hall and joined the Kemmons. It was, and they realized it, the highest honor he could pay them.

The hall resounded with their appreciation.

Rothal-kiarr stood, though still not releasing his hold on Khamsin. He held one arm in the air for silence.

“Thank you,” he said, “for your tribute. And your continued loyalty. But I assure you I am not half as interesting as the tales being told right here. The night is yet young. You’ve barely made a dent in my wine cellar. So if you’ll continue, Master Druke…?”

He settled back against the table with Khamsin in his lap as the cheering died down. Druke, on cue, stepped back into the center of the circle and gave what many say was his best performance in all the Councils that night. A command performance for Lady Kiasidira, and Rothal-kiarr, the Master of Traakhal-Armin.

THE END

Praise for
Wintertide
:

“This story is a wonderful blend of magic and reality, allowing the reader to believe that such a place might truly have existed somewhere in the eons of time. With a fast-paced storyline, well-developed characters, and a flair for surprise, Linnea Sinclair has provided a delicious escape for all readers.”

–
Sabine Maurier for NovelSpot

“
Wintertide
is a fabulous story... Filled with fascinating characters, this novel will satisfy even the most discriminating of readers. I heartily give
Wintertide
5 stars and am looking forward to reading many more novels from this author.”

–
Goldie Thomas, Sime~Gen Reviews

“
Wintertide
will remain in one's memory long after the last page is turned. The telepathic cat, the mysterious wizard and the dangerous sorcerer all result in a mystical and surreal world of danger and intrigue. Richly detailed and carefully plotted, Sinclair's gift of storytelling creates a magical spell that haunts the imagination. Very highly recommended.”

–
Cindy Penn, WordWeaving

“Fans of epic fantasy adventures will quickly understand why
Wintertide
is a multiple award-winning novel. The key to the richly textured story line is the depth of the characters and the world that enables the audience to believe in magic, especially in a young girl's heart.”

–
Harriet Klausner, AllReaders.com

“...the reader is quickly taken on a journey that moves across the land and the heart, capturing the essence of a full-fledged epic in concise and imaginative imagery... Wintertide is an excellent piece of work.”

–
Tamara McHatton,
Rhapsody
Magazine

Praise for Linnea Sinclair:

“Linnea Sinclair takes space opera to a whole new level in this intense, sensual intergalactic adventure full of raw emotions, tough choices, and a love that spans the stars. An instant addition to my very small keeper list, and a must-buy not only for fans of science fiction-romance, but for fans of gut-wrenching, sexy, high-stakes romantic adventures.”

–
Jessica Andersen, author of
Nightkeepers
and
Dawnkeepers

“Linnea Sinclair writes in two of my favorite genres—science fiction and romance—at the same time. She does it very well, combining the richness and inventiveness of science fiction with the great characterization of romance. The romances are wonderful, the world-building strong. If you love either genre, you'll enjoy Sinclair.”

—Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Hugo award winning author of The Retrieval Artist Series and
Diving Into the Wreck

“Fun, Fast and Sexy! Linnea Sinclair always delivers a great read.”

–
Robin D. Owens, author of
Heart Thief
and
Heart Duel

“With her trademark snappy dialogue, smart characters, and sizzling romance, Linnea Sinclair has readers flipping the pages at light speed.”

–
Susan Grant, author of
The Legend of Banzai Maguire
and
Your Planet Or Mine?

“[Linnea Sinclair] has the knack of intriguing with romance and delivering a solid story too.”

–
Jacqueline Lichtenberg, author of
Dreamspy
and
Those of My Blood

“Linnea Sinclair brings her own dimension to the world of sci-fi/fanstasy romance. Her richly textured novels are to be cherished first page to last.”

–
Patricia Waddell, author of
Whispers in the Stars
and
True Blood

Praise for books in Linnea Sinclair’s Dock Five Universe:

Hope’s Folly
: 2009 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award Nominee

“Hang on to your phasers as Sinclair blasts off on another riproaring space adventure. In previous books, Admiral Philip Guthrie has been an aloof legend, but in this page-turner he's grappling with overwhelming odds. The technical details Sinclair provides add to the intensity of the story by keeping readers in the belly of the wounded ship along with its intrepid crew. A roller-coaster ride in the extreme! ”

—Jill M. Smith,
Romantic Times BOOKreview
magazine

Shades of Dark
: 2009 Prism Award Winner

Starred Review from
Publishers Weekly
!

“RITA winner Sinclair's sequel to 2005's
Gabriel's Ghost
mixes space opera with romance …the smashing climax will please everyone.”

Gabriel’s Ghost
: 2006 RITA® Award Winner

“Readers have come to expect the extraordinary from author Linnea Sinclair, but GABRIEL'S GHOST still exceeds all expectations! With the vision and texture of a poet, the heart of warrior, and the skill of a master, Sinclair creates a world of psychic gifts and shape shifters, of dangers beyond imagination and love beyond question.”

—Cindy Penn
, Midwest Book Review

Winner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA®, as well as the PRISM, PEARL, and SAPPHIRE, author Linnea Sinclair is a name synonymous with high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven science fiction romance novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair’s novels “have the wow-factor in spades.” Her books have claimed spots in the Locus Top Ten and received starred reviews in
Publishers Weekly
.  Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine consistently gives Sinclair’s books 4-1/2 stars (their highest rating).
Starlog
magazine calls Sinclair “one of the reigning queens of science fiction romance.” She’s the author of the exciting Dock Five Universe series that starts with
Gabriel’s Ghost
. Other Sinclair novels include PEARL award winners
Finders Keepers, Games of Command
, and
Hope’s Folly
(Dock Five book #3).