Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 361
had no inn or friend to visit were crammed in here. They
squabbled over cart space, water and offal buckets. It was
wonderful chaos.
The queen had mentioned Rhiene in her story last night.
Her tale had not enlightened him much as to the nature of the
Winds. There was something to it, though, as of a mystery
whose solution hung just out of reach. He had thought about it
a lot, and was sure Armiger felt that sense of near-knowledge
too; unless the general had already seen the answer Jordan
himself could not.
He thought about this as he helped Suneil get the wagon
slotted into a narrow space near one wall. Jordan went to find
water and feed for the horses, and when he returned Suneil had
changed into fine silk clothes.
"I’m going to visit my people," he said. "Are you leaving
us here, young man?"
Jordan shrugged. "With your permission I’ll stay the
night and make a fresh start in the morning."
"Good. You see to my niece. I’ll be back before dark."
"Can we see the city?" asked Tamsin.
"If you’d like. Just don’t get lost."
He left with a spring in his step. Jordan turned to
Tamsin.
"How’s your ankle?"
"Good."
"Up for some walking?"
She held out her hand, smiling. "Lead on, sir."
Rhiene was much bigger than it seemed from above, and
much dirtier too. The everpresent foliage hid a great deal, and
Jordan supposed that was part of the idea. The overriding
purpose for the greenery, however, was to keep the Winds at