Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 85
"I am." She laughed. "Oh, Jordan, I'm sorry we had to
meet this way. Our intention was to hire you, and you were to
receive all the benefits of our knowledge and skills. We were
going to pay you better than in coin for your service, and you
would return home equal to Castor or any of the monks in your
wisdom. You see, we did plan to tell you something about the
world you live in--the truth, not the myths you were raised on."
He heard her stand and approach. Close behind him, she
said, "And I will still honor that intention. We have more to
make up for now, but I promise you we will make it up.
Money is the easiest thing; I can pay you in knowledge, and
wisdom."
Jordan had lost the safety of his village and family.
Calandria May had told him a tale which, in the normal course
of things, would have sparked his imagination; it made a good
tale, people up there in the sky, fighting nameless gods and
stalking a demonic assassin across the plains and mountains of
the world. Now, though, he could only shake his head dumbly,
and try not to think at all.
For a while they stood looking out at the storm; when he
glanced at Lady May again, her eyes were hooded, her carven
features masklike. But she caught his eye and smiled, not with
her usual harsh amusement, but with sympathy. In that moment
she was beautiful.
"Let me show you something," she said.
She led him from the dining hall to another giant room.
Though there was no fire, it was just as warm in here, almost
too warm. Jordan had seen lights coming on as they entered
other rooms, so he was ready when those strangely steady spots
of illumination pinioned scattered armchairs and tables. He