[Lanen Kaelar 03] - Redeeming the Lost Read Online Free Page B

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Raksfaa has sustained my spirit, but my belly longs for meat.”
    “As does mine. We have none of us eaten since
we left the Dragon Isle sinking into the sea below us, and we have endured many
days of desperate toil. We are hungry and we are weary, Shikrar, and we thirst.
Whither shall we go now to find sustenance?”
    “This is where I come in useful,” said a quiet
voice, and a man with golden hair and light blue eyes stepped forth. He bowed
to Idai, his eyes taking in the host of the Kantri behind us. I was impressed
that he managed to contain his astonishment as he spoke. “I’m Willem of
Rowanbeck, but only my mother calls me Willem, I’m Will. I live near here, and
I know of a farmer not ten miles away with a herd of good cattle. If you have
anything to trade for them, I suspect Timeth wouldn’t mind being the first in
Kolmar to have dealings with dr—with you.”
    Idai stood in Concern. “We have brought the
lansip trees, Shikrar, they are safe, but they must be planted soon and cared
for. When once they are established the leaves and the fruits will serve us for
trade—but what we shall do in the meantime I cannot imagine. What else have we
to offer the Gedri?”
    “There is khaadish, Idai,” said Varien, at the
same time that Rella said, “You have gold, don’t you?”
    “Khaadish?” asked Idai. Concern flowed into
Confusion. “What might be done with khaadish?”
    “Even a very litde of it can do a great deal,
Idai,” said Varien. “It is peculiar, I know, but the Gedri value khaadish greatly.
A small quantity, enough only to fit in my hand, will purchase food and a place
to rest for us all.” He turned to Will. “Would that suffice for your friend?”
    Will raised one eyebrow, and I marvelled again
at the mobility of Gedri faces. “I expect he’ll faint dead away. I don’t think
he’s ever seen gold before. But his farm is two long days distant, in the steep
hills to the north—”
    A hiss of amusement from behind me took me
unawares, and Kedra, coming up beside me, laughed. “Ah, my father, it is good
to know I can still surprise you!” he said. We touched soulgems by way of
greeting, as only parent and child ever do. “You are not known to me, friend,
but as you stand with Lord Varien and the Lady Rella I trust that you aire a
good soul. I am called Kedra, the son of Shikrar.”
    “Willem of Rowanbeck,” said Will, bowing. “I
am glad to meet you, Kedra, and I don’t want to be rude, but we were talking
about finding a way to get you and your friends something to eat.”
    “That is why I arrived so swiftly to offer my
services,” Kedra said, his eyes alight. “I heard your objection. A two-day walk
uphill for one of the Gedri is a very, very short way to fly, I suspect. Will
you come with me in token of our good faith, and treat with your friend on our
behalf? For I have khaadish with me.” He opened his hand, and there between the
great claws was a small lump of khaadish, gleaming and pretty enough but
useless for most purposes. Why the Gedri value it I will never know.
    Will, however, choked. “Sweet Lady! Here,
Kedra, Timeth is a friend of mine, but even I won’t fie for him so far!” He
bared his teeth in the Gedri expression of friendship. ‘That would be riches
beyond his wildest dreams. Half of it would be very generous payment indeed for
his kine and a sure guarantee of a place to rest for the next few months, while
he gets his breeding stock back to work. There is a good stream on his land as
well. But for pity’s sake don’t offer him that dirty great lump of gold! His
heart would stop at the sight of it.”
    Kedra bowed, his eyes alight with amusement. “Are
you of the kindred of Lady Lanen?” he asked. ‘Tour words remind me of hers.
Very well.” He carefully cut the lump of khaadish in half and dropped it in
Will’s outstretched hand.
    ‘That’s more like it,” said Will.
    “And now, Master Willem, will you trust me to
bear you?”
     
    asked