Part 31 (2/2)

It sickened him to sit at the table where Hircha had been raped, but he forced himself to make polite conversation and sip the bitter caja. Xevhan must have noted his reaction to the drink because he smiled. ”Caja is an acquired taste.”

”Yes.”

His shudder drew an appreciative chuckle from Xevhan. It seemed impossible that he could have beaten Hircha so brutally and then ordered his slave to rape her, but Keirith was convinced she was telling the truth.

When he'd told her he understood what she had gone through, she'd shaken her head impatiently. When he repeated the words, he saw understanding dawn. They'd exchanged no hugs, no rea.s.surances of sympathy, but the shared knowledge of their ordeals dispelled some of the taint of that day on the beach.

Resolutely, he put thoughts of Hircha aside and smiled at Xevhan. ”It is many days since we speak. Since we spoke.”

”The Pajhit was angry about our outing.”

”Old people do not understand fun.”

”He's not so old,” Xevhan reproved.

”He is not so young either,” Keirith said.

That provoked another chuckle. ”Your studies have been fruitful. You speak very well.” Xevhan eyed him over the rim of his cup. ”But I can summon Hircha if you'd be more comfortable.”

Keirith hoped his shrug conveyed disinterest. ”It is better if Hircha is not here. There are things I want to say to you. Alone.”

Xevhan slowly set his cup on the table, then turned to Miko. ”Wait outside.”

Without changing expression, Miko left. Keirith knew he'd still have to speak cautiously; neither the guards nor Miko would enter without Xevhan's invitation, but they could listen. He'd seen few doors in the palace; eavesdropping must be a popular-and informative-pastime.

”The Pajhit makes me teach him the trick of vision. He says if I do this, he sends me home.”

”I see.”

”I think he lies. I think he wants the trick for nothing. He does not teach me to s.h.i.+eld my spirit from another.”

Xevhan dipped a fragment of bread in his cup of caja and remained silent.

”You say you can teach me this.”

”I said I could try. But I doubt the Pajhit would approve.”

”He is not your master, is he?” Keirith tried to look innocent, as if the hierarchy of the Zherosi priesthood remained a mystery.

”Of course not.” Xevhan's voice was calm, but Keirith detected a slight flush on the sallow cheeks.

”Always, he is planning The Shedding. He does not teach. Or let me try qiij.”

Keirith had to ask Xevhan to repeat his response. Finally, he grasped that Xevhan was telling him qiij was forbidden to the uninitiated. ”You, I think, are a man who makes rules.”

Xevhan's gaze went to the doorway. ”Your guards will tell the Pajhit,” he said softly.

”They do not have to know.”

”The effects of taking qiij can last all day. And if you should become ill . . .” Xevhan shrugged. ”The Pajhit will find out. And your defiance will displease him.”

”I am an ignorant tree lover.” He'd heard that phrase often enough to know it by heart. ”What do I know of such dangers?”

”But I know. Why should I take such a risk for . . . an ignorant tree lover?”

Keirith took a deep breath. ”Four days ago, I see-saw-a sacrifice. At the temple of Heart of Sky.”

”Malaq permitted you to observe a sacrifice?”

”He wanted me to go to your temple. But I said no. His.”

Xevhan patted his lips with a napkin. Keirith wondered if he did it to hide a smile.

”I saw something at the sacrifice. A vision. The man on the altar becomes a Zherosi priest.”

”Who?”

”I could not see his face. But the head is shaved.” That was vague enough. All the priests shaved their heads. ”Since I come here, I see much. Greater visions than ever. This place . . . the mountain . . .” He allowed what he hoped was a dreamy look to fill his face. ”It is beautiful, the mountain. Like . . . like home. After the sacrifice, I try to see clearer. But the way is blocked. Qiij, I think, opens the way.”

Even if Xevhan didn't believe him to be the G.o.d made flesh, he might hope he would reveal something d.a.m.ning under the influence of the drug. Still, it was a dangerous gamble.

”Have you told the Pajhit about this vision?”

”No.” Keirith pouted. ”He takes knowledge and gives nothing in return.”

Xevhan considered and finally shook his head. ”I cannot give you qiij.” His fingers rose to stroke the tiny vial. ”Of course, if you should overpower me . . .”

For a slave to attack the Zheron must be a crime. Even Malaq might not be able to save him.

”I would, of course, swear you meant no harm. And would see to it that you were not punished for your foolishness.”

Or condemn him to the altar stone.

Keirith rose and bowed. ”As you say, great Zheron, it is foolishness. I thank you for speaking to me. And for your friends.h.i.+p.”

He was at the threshold when Xevhan called his name. ”Among our people, the host and guest drain their cups as a sign of friends.h.i.+p.”

Reluctantly, he took his place opposite Xevhan again and raised his cup.

”To new beginnings,” Xevhan said.

”New beginnings.”

Xevhan drained his cup and Keirith did the same. The caja settled into his belly with a comforting warmth that almost made up for its bitterness.

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