Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 109
Jordan's attention wavered between Axel and Calandria
May. As she had before, now she changed before his eyes, her
mobile face taking on a rakish smirk as she played up to the
young men. "Dear sir," she said, "Our friend is not well known
to you; he is to me. Hence, you can be forgiven for not being
prepared for him. I, however, am surely ready for any meeting
with Axel Chan." She put a hand on Axel's shoulder and shook
him lightly. Axel grinned stupidly.
"Axel, you will show your worthy opponent what you did
to him--later. For now, I need your ear. Get yourself cleaned
up and I will meet you in your quarters."
Axel winked at the youths. "In your dreams, Axel,"
added Lady May, as she turned to go.
Jordan stayed where he was. After a moment, Axel
noticed him, and his expression became serious. He waved
away the questions from the other men, and came to stand
before Jordan, hands on his hips. He smelled of wine and
sweat.
"Well. Mason, isn't it?" He stuck out a grimy hand.
"Axel. I met your sister."
anywhere near Emmy. "How is she?"
"Fine." Axel glanced after Lady May, who was
remounting the cart. "Don't tell her ladyship there, but I told
the way Jordan's face lit up. "Don't do that! She'll figure it out.
This is between you and me. I'll let you have it later, whenever
we can escape from her clutches for a minute or two."
Jordan opened his mouth, countless questions crowding
for expression. Axel gave him a friendly shove. "Be on your
way, boy. She wants you. We'll talk later."
Jordan nodded, and practically ran back to the cart. He