Judge Read Online Free Page B

is, what could Belaal gain?”
    “Gems. Gold, which they’ve promised to the Agocii and Eosyths. And, most of all, new ores for dangerous weapons.”
    “Ores similar to the ones we use for Azurnite?”
    She shook her head. “I wish they were Azurnite.” Her gaze rested on his sword, concealed in its black military scabbard. “May we see your new sword?”
    “You knew I would receive it?”
    “Yes . . .” She seemed ready to say more, but hushed, sad-eyed.
    Wondering at her wistfulness, Kien slid the exquisite blue sword from its scabbard. The early-autumn sunlight shimmered and danced against the blade, showing off the metal’s rich forged pattern of dark blue and deepest gray waves.
    Tzana scrambled from Ela’s lap and plunked herself downbeside Kien. She crooned over the sword, “Ooooo . . . it’s so pretty. I wish I could have one.”
    Kien smiled at her fragile old-woman features, wishing she could indeed have an Azurnite sword. It would mean she had the strength to carry a sword—or anything of a similar weight. It would mean that Tzana was healthy. The proper size and height for a near-adolescent girl. She had such spirit. . . .
    Ela sighed shakily. “I saw you with this sword. I’m glad you have it.”
    Kien eyed her. No, she wasn’t entirely glad.
    Ela looked away, but not quickly enough to hide the glitter of tears. Beka hugged Ela. “Don’t be upset! Everything will be fine—you’ll see.”
    “I have seen.” Ela mopped her face with her coarse mantle, then patted Beka. “It won’t be fine. But thank you.”
    Kien couldn’t endure her misery. He slipped the sword into its scabbard, crossed the space between them, and sat beside Ela. Tamri Het joined them, wringing her embroidery between her aged fingers. “Is there anything we can do, Ela-girl?”
    “Pray. For all of us.” Ela’s gaze turned distant, pained and frightened, as if absorbed in some nightmare. “And for Parne.”
    On impulse, Kien wrapped an arm around her in sympathy. Ela didn’t ward him off, which was alarming. Usually improprieties provoked her to feistiness. Now, however, she looked defeated. Kien jostled Ela gently. “Why are you so scared? You’ve faced equally dire situations before. You can manage this one.”
    She remained silent, and Kien continued. “Is there a chance the Infinite might forgive Parne?”
    “Forgive Parne for what?” Tzana demanded.
    “For turning against Him, though they know better,” Ela murmured. To Kien, she said, “The Infinite is always willing to forgive—if offenders truly regret their offenses and change their hearts.” Ela looked Kien in the eyes. “I’m not concerned with Parne alone. Please . . . don’t stray from the Infinite’s plans.”
    “I won’t. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?” Hewatched her, hoping for details or some encouragement regarding their respective missions. And, perhaps, their future.
    She shrugged, on the verge of crying. Had she seen what would happen in ToronSea? Kien said, “Let’s walk a bit.”
    Tamri Het shot him a fierce look. “Sir, you remain where I can see you.”
    Kien didn’t have to become a prophet to see Tamri running him through with his own sword if he misbehaved. “Yes, ma’am.”
    He helped Ela to stand, then set a slow pace. Despite her earlier temper, she was still ashen. Kien wished he could carry her. Cuddle her until she’d recovered. Tamri would kill him. He wasn’t sure about Ela. Opting for a slightly safer alternative, Kien led Ela to the stone base of a fallen pillar, made her sit down, then sat beside her. He enfolded her cold hands in his, rubbing warmth into her fingers. “Ela, when the bravest person I know is in tears, I’m worried.”
    She glanced away. “I wouldn’t be so weepy if you weren’t being so sympathetic.”
    Meaning she felt safe enough to be vulnerable with him? “I’m taking that as a compliment.”
    “I should have known you would.”
    “Should