“Dragon’s teeth,” he breathed. “Dragon’s teeth and tail. I left her behind.”
“Gleamdren!” Glomar cried, rallying himself and getting to his feet. He stood on the River’s edge, shaking his fists, his face red with anger. “We left her, cat! The queen’s own cousin, lost to the dragon’s clutches!”
Out of habit Eanrin fumbled for his comb, gnashing his teeth when he remembered he’d lost it. Running his fingers swiftly through his hair, he stepped down beside his rival. He spoke firmly, his face set. “We’ve got to go back for her, Glomar.”
“Right you are!” cried the captain. “I’m not leaving Etalpalli without her! I’ll not rest until Lady Gleamdrené Gormlaith is safe once again!”
“Oh. Yes.” Eanrin shook his head, frowning. “How silly of me. Her too, of course.”
8
STARFLOWER
THEY SET A GUARD around my father’s door that night. As though it were necessary! Foolish men. By myself, I might have slipped past them and vanished into the night. I could have crossed the gorge, on into the Crescent Lands and farther north, finding myself a home among people who did not know my face.
But I could not escape with Fairbird. And if I left without her, they would surely give my sister to the Beast.
Thus a guard was unnecessary that night. I sat before my father’s hearth, my sister curled up in my lap, Frostbite’s shaggy body pressed against my thigh. Where the Panther Master was, I could not guess. Perhaps trying to work some persuasion upon Wolf Tongue. That would be like persuading the giants of old to rise up from their stone sleep! Wolf Tongue had been too long in the Beast’s service to remember what mercy was. If he had ever known.
Fairbird slept. I wished I could enjoy a few hours of peace, sleeping beside my little sister as I had done since the night of her birth. But there could be no sleep for me that night. I tried to think instead. If I was to be wakeful, I wanted to be mindful, grateful for those final hours with Fairbird and my loyal dog. I wanted to store these memories for the long march I had ahead of me, on the north-facing road to Bald Mountain.
I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t possibly remember as I should. Even now, it fades. The play of light on Fairbird’s cheek . . . I see the glow, but do I remember how vibrant the color, how soft the contours of that little face? I don’t know. And Frostbite, growling and showing her teeth even as she slept. She sensed my fear, poor creature. How she would have protected me if she could!
Dawn came.
Had it been enough? I asked myself as light crept through the low doorway and I got to my feet and found a stake, a mallet, and a rope. Had I loved her enough? Had I treasured the moments with my sister, even when she drove me to distraction? Even though she had been the cause of my outcast state? Oh, Fairbird! I know your true name! I cannot remember when I learned it. Perhaps I always knew without realizing what I knew. Your secret is mine, my darling, treasured in my heart! And I would die a thousand deaths for your sake. You are my strength . . . and my downfall.
Frostbite woke at my movements in the house. She gathered her gangly legs under her and got to her feet, shaking away sleep and following me to the door of the Eldest’s House. The guards stood before the door, and I saw no pity in their eyes. I hesitated. I could not begin to guess at the consequences if they did not let me complete this final errand.
I took a step. The older of the two planted his spear before my feet. He did not have to speak. I read the warning in his face.
“Let her pass.”
My father’s voice drew my gaze. To my surprise, I saw that he sat some little way off, his panther skin drawn about his shoulders. He did not look at me or even at the guards. How had he known I stood there?
“Let her pass,” he said. “She must secure the dog.”
My guards exchanged looks. But the Eldest had spoken, and Wolf Tongue was not there to contradict. Unwillingly, the older man stepped back, withdrawing his spear. Moving slowly, so as not to seem frightened or harried, I passed between them, around the house, and down the southern side of the hill. Frostbite padded after me, her head low.