Sea Dragon Heir

by Storm Constantine

  VARENCIENNE AND NISKA RETURNED to Norgance in a subdued mood. Varencienne was intrigued by what she’d discovered, but also felt slightly guilty about her manipulation of Niska. It had hurt her. Still, Varencienne felt the ends justified the means. If she were to understand her husband and his family, she had to know the truth. She couldn’t wait to tell Pharinet she’d had a vision, although guessed the subject matter might not invoke a favorable response in her sister-in-law. However, this would have to be faced. Mentally, Varencienne was already squaring her shoulders for the confrontation. Back at Norgance, they discovered that Saska’s sister Dimara had arrived for tea. Varencienne and Niska went into Saska’s salon, where Ligrana sat with the other women. “What is the matter, child?” Saska demanded of Niska. “You look like you’ve been crying.” “A fall,” said Niska. “We went to the Chair.” Saska bustled forward. “Any injuries? Let me see.” Niska shied away. “No, it’s nothing. Just a knock. I slipped on the steps.” “You should be more careful,” said Dimara in an expressionless tone. “One mistake on the Pike and you’d not live to regret it. It is not a place for games.” Dimara’s tone needled Varencienne. “We were not playing games, Mistress Corey. I asked Niska to take me to the Chair, because I wished to find out whether the legends about it are true.” Niska expelled an anguished sound. “And did you discover anything?” Dimara asked. Saska and Ligrana had gone suspiciously quiet, as if deferring to the older woman. “As a matter of fact, yes,” said Varencienne. For a moment, the salon was tensely silent. Varencienne sensed she had angered Saska’s sister, but couldn’t really see how. Perhaps it was simply prejudice: she was Magravandian, a foreigner and an interloper. She held Dimara’s gaze fearlessly, challenging her to say something more, but after a few moments, Dimara looked away, like a cat who’d lost a staring contest. “Come and sit down,” Saska said loudly. “Ligrana can play us a tune. She learned a new one today.” Varencienne hurriedly gulped down some bread and ham, a slab of dense pale cake and a cup of tea. Ligrana obligingly played on her spinet, which meant no one had to talk. Niska could barely eat. She looked afraid. Varencienne wanted to leave Norgance now. She wanted to speak to Pharinet. Putting down her empty plate, she said, “I must go home now. I hadn’t planned to stay this long.” “It’s been lovely to see you, dear,” Saska said. “You must come again.” Varencienne stood up and inclined her head to Dimara. “Good day to you, Mistress Corey.” Dimara inclined her head stiffly. “Have a safe journey home.” Niska also got to her feet. “I’ll see you to the yard.” Once the salon door had closed behind them, Varencienne took hold of Niska’s arm. “I’m sorry about today. I can see it upset you.” Niska shrugged. “It’s not your fault. These things would have to come out eventually.” Varencienne kissed Niska’s cheek. “I appreciate you being frank with me. You didn’t have to.” She paused. “I hope I haven’t got you into trouble though. Your aunt looked furious to discover you’d taken me to the Chair.” “Oh, don’t worry about Dimara,” Niska said hurriedly. “She’s just very protective.” “I didn’t realize I was so fearsome!” Varencienne said, softening the remark with a laugh. On their way to the stableyard, they walked down a gallery, where long windows overlooked a water garden. On the wall opposite hung portraits of Niska’s ancestors, some staring grimly, others smiling, surrounded by children. Niska recited their names and little anecdotes about their history. She paused before the portrait of a young man astride a handsome bay horse. “And this is Khaster,” she said. Varencienne let go of Niska’s arm and approached the painting. “He’s beautiful,” she said, an inadequate response in comparison to the strange lurch she felt in her belly. The eyes of the portrait seemed to stare right into her. “He looks sad.” “That was painted just before he went to Magrast for the first time. He wasn’t happy about leaving home.” “Pharinet must have been devastated to lose him,” Varencienne said. Niska was silent for a moment, then said, “Yes.” Varencienne stole a sidelong glance at her. She itched to ask a question, but restrained herself. Niska must not be pushed too far, but the implication in her brief pause was extremely revealing.

  6

  SISTERS

  A SHORT DISTANCE FROM Caradore, Varencienne came upon Pharinet, who was riding to find her. Pharinet pulled her showy prancing stallion to a halt and demanded, “Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick.” Varencienne could not keep the sharpness from her voice. “Given that you’re on the road to Norgance, you must have some idea. I went to visit Niska. You told me we two should be friends, remember?” Pharinet inspected her with narrowed eyes for a moment or two. “You are a minx,” she said. “What are you up to?” Varencienne urged her horse past Pharinet’s. “I’m up to nothing. The same cannot be said of you.” Pharinet trotted her mount alongside. “Explain!” Varencienne made a careless gesture with one hand, although her heart was beating fast. Pharinet still had the capacity to intimidate her. “I know about Ellony and Khaster. Niska told me.” “So?” Varencienne could only admire Pharinet’s coolness. “I would have preferred to hear it from you. Something happened here, didn’t it, and in some way I think it affects me too. Why won?t you tell me? Don?t I have a right to know?? Pharinet shrugged irritably. “I probably would have told you eventually. Clearly, Niska neglected to mention that those memories hurt me deeply.” “She did mention that actually. She tried to explain why you’d kept silent.” “She shouldn’t have told you.” “I made her. We went to the Chair on the Mage’s Pike. I saw something there.” Pharinet did not hide her surprise. “Like what?” Varencienne felt uncomfortable now. Her vision seemed so unlikely. “I saw Ellony drag Thomist into the sea. It was a horrible sight. She looked like a demoness.” Pharinet’s face took on a furtive expression. “That’s impressive. Only Ellony ever had visions at the Chair before. But I suppose it makes sense that you should share that ability. You are the sea wife, after all.” “I’m not sure I agree with you. Surely being the sea wife involves rather more than simply being married to Valraven? I share no spiritual connection with him.” “Neither did Ellony.” Pharinet said, with what Varencienne interpreted as venom. “What else did you see?” “I saw you,” Varencienne replied. “I saw your face. You looked very upset. Then, images came to me of Caradore in flames, Norgance in ruins.” Pharinet hesitated for a moment. “Nothing else?” “Not.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. What do you think I saw?” Pharinet smiled tightly. “Let’s go home.” Varencienne pulled her horse to a halt. “No, we have to talk first. I have questions, I want answers. If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask Everna.” Pharinet laughed lightly. “There’s no need for threats, Ren. I agree entirely that we should talk. I would just like our conversation to take place in the privacy of my sitting room, that’s all.”