The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness #3)

Shocked, Alanna realized they were flirting. Even more surprising was her realization that Coram was a fine figure of a man, big belly and all. He’s not even very old, she remembered. He’s only forty or so. Plenty of soldiers wait that long to marry, till the itch is out of their feet....

Feeling Alanna and Faithful watching with interest, Coram let go of Rispah’s hand, blushing slightly.

He likes your coming here better now, Faithful commented from his perch on Alanna’s shoulder.

A door slammed upstairs, and a male voice yelled, “Rispah! I asked for charts of the Merchants’ Guild-House t’be sent up with my breakfast—”

“You have visitors, cousin!” Rispah called, winking at Alanna. “Right noble guests, if I’m any judge!”

Alanna put Faithful down on the floor, feeling uncertain and strange. What if George wanted nothing to do with her?

The tall thief rushed down the stairs and grabbed her, swinging her around as he laughed. “And I’ve been thinkin’ you forgot me,” he said, placing her on her feet once more. “Just look at you! Tan and fit and wearin’ the clothes of a Bazhir—”

Alanna looked up into his friendly hazel eyes and broke into tears.

Rispah took Coram’s arm with a smile. “I’ll show you t’ your rooms,” she said. “We’ll be certain you and Lady Alanna have all you need.”

After a worried glance at Alanna, who was sobbing into George’s shirt, Coram shook his head and followed Rispah. The King of the Thieves looked down at Faithful, who watched them with unblinking purple eyes from his seat on the floor. “You, too,” he said, jerking a thumb in the direction Coram and Rispah had taken. “Scat.”

She won’t tell you anything, you know, Faithful remarked as he obeyed.

“Will you not?” George asked Alanna, who was trying to wipe her eyes on the sleeve of her burnoose. He produced a large handkerchief from his breeches pocket and held it to her small nose. “Blow,” he ordered.

Alanna took the handkerchief from him and blew her nose, then wiped her streaming face. “How long have you been able to understand Faithful?” she asked, her voice still choked.

“I understand him only when he wishes me to. Now, what’re you cryin’ for?” When she shook her head, he probed further, “Did somethin’ happen while you were in the desert?”

“Yes,” she said reluctantly, “but it had nothing to do with the Bazhir. They treat me with respect.”

George’s eyes widened. “You had a fight with Jonathan.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“He hinted to me when he was ready t’leave for the South that he was planning t’pop the question.” Hope grew in the man’s face. “Are you tellin’ me you refused him?”

“I really don’t want to talk about it.” Her voice was forlorn.

George crushed her in a second massive hug. “And you shan’t,” he whispered. “Come. Take breakfast with me, and tell me what the Bazhir tribes are like.”

Sniffing, Alanna stepped away when he released her, and followed him upstairs. “I can’t believe you don’t know all about them,” she accused. “You’ve got eyes and ears everywhere else. Besides, surely Lightfingers and his friend gave you a full report.”

George grinned as he ushered her into his private rooms. “Ah, don’t be holdin’ my natural fears for your safety against me. Besides, the lads saw nothin’ worth reportin’.”

“All right.” Alanna sighed as he closed the door. “What would you like to know?”

It was an unusual company that George had assembled in House Azik. In addition to Rispah and Marek, there were three other rogues from Corus: two large and muscular brothers named Orem and Shem, and one small, whippy man called Ercole. Another man was also present, Joesh. Alanna didn’t know him. He was dark and handsome, slender, with wide shoulders and a walk that indicated almost perfect balance to Alanna’s trained eye. She had no idea why he was there; but the other men, as well as Rispah’s big female companion Harra, were present to help George deal with insubordination in Port Caynn.

“I don’t know why it is,” George explained that night as they sat before the fire and talked, “but all of a sudden the lads here thought they could take more than their share, and hold back what was meant for the city and my people. When I gently reminded them of their obligation to me, they actually said they wished t’be free of my rule.” He shook his head. “I came here fast enough and dealt with their ringleader and principals.”

Alanna, knowing quite well that George collected the ears—and sometimes the rest—of those who disobeyed his orders, hid a grin under her hand. She had no sympathy with thieves in the ordinary way, and none at all from any who underestimated George. “If it’s all cleared up, why are you still here?”

“I thought to see if I can ferret out more discontent,” he replied. “I also wished to have these rogues see I exist, and how I work. Mayhap I’m too aloof from my folk in the other towns and cities of Tortall, stayin’ as I do in the capital.” He looked at her frankly. “I’ve little to keep me there now.”