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As soon as I arrive back at Arichdamis's house, I sense sorcery. Perhaps Lisutaris is practicing. If she ever practices, that is; I'm not certain. Maybe it all comes easily and she doesn't have to. Arichdamis appears in the corridor, trudging mournfully towards the front door. It's a while since I've seen the old mathematician looking happy. Having house guests doesn't seem to agree with him. #2 в контекст | | |
"Sorcerers," he mutters, as he passes me. "Always arguing." #3 в контекст | | |
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"Lisutaris and Lasat. And Charius. I don't like any of them." #5 в контекст | | |
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"She's arguing too." The mathematician regards me wearily. "Have you found my plans for the crossbow?" #7 в контекст | | |
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"I wouldn't put it that strongly. You can draw up another set." #10 в контекст | | |
"The complex mathematics involved makes that a lengthy task," he tells me. "And for what? I'll still be disgraced when it's learned they were stolen from my house." #11 в контекст | | |
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"As she deserves," says Arichdamis, and sounds cross. "If she'd only been able to control her unnatural appetite for thazis, they wouldn't have disappeared in the first place." #13 в контекст | | |
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Arichdamis doesn't look convinced, and shakes his head sadly before leaving. As soon as he's gone, a tremendous commotion breaks out at the far end of the house. Voices are raised and doors slam. I recognise Makri's voice and I'm surprised to discover she's shouting at Lisutaris. #15 в контекст | | |
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"Because it's not something we can argue with Lasat about." #17 в контекст | | |
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"The dragon has to be caged!" says Lisutaris. "What else is the King going do? Let it fly around?" #19 в контекст | | |
"He shouldn't have brought it here in the first place if he was going to put it in a cage," says Makri. #20 в контекст | | |
"I really don't see what your objection is. Lasat has to work these spells to contain it." #21 в контекст | | |
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"Not appropriate? Whatis appropriate for a dragon? The only other times I've encountered them I've been trying to kill them. So have you." #23 в контекст | | |
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Lisutaris finally notices my presence. "Thraxas! Can you make any sense of this?" #25 в контекст | | |
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"Makri doesn't like to see some noble wild beast thrown in a cage. It reminds her of her own upbringing." #28 в контекст | | |
Lisutaris pauses, and looks surprised at my insight. Makri glowers at me. "I told you never to talk to me again," she mutters. #29 в контекст | | |
I'm ready for this, and whip Demelzos's fancy notebook from the pocket of my tunic. The queenstone jewel in the cover glints in the sunlight that's streaming through the back door. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to lead you into the tournament field. I brought you this." #30 в контекст | | |
I hand the book to Makri, who stares at it, puzzled. #31 в контекст | | |
"Highest-quality vellum," I add. "Excellent for taking notes during your intellectual pursuits." #32 в контекст | | |
Makri looks at the jewel set in the cover, then undoes the silver clasp to examine the notebook. It really is a fine item. The wealthiest student at the best university in the West wouldn't have anything better. Makri abruptly bursts into tears and runs out the room, something which does not entirely surprise me. Lisutaris, on the other hand, is baffled. #33 в контекст | | |
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"I just made things up with Makri. I told you it would be all right." #35 в контекст | | |
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"With a well-chosen gift. Makri is very susceptible to gifts. Because of her background, you see." I'm pleased with myself, and let it show. "Of course, not any old gift will do. It has to be right. I spent a long time hunting round Elath, looking for something special. Must have been in twenty shops before I found that notebook." #37 в контекст | | |
Lisutaris shakes her head. "There's something not quite right about this." #38 в контекст | | |
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"I mean that you upsetting Makri with your appalling behaviour and then getting away with it just by handing her a present doesn't seem fair, somehow. I'm sure you don't deserve to be in the clear." #40 в контекст | | |
"Well," I say, reaching into the small bag I'm carrying. "I may make the occasional blunder. "But Thraxas of Turai is always willing to admit his mistakes, and rectify them. Back in Twelve Seas, I was well-known for my tact. Here, I brought you these." I hand a bunch of flowers to Lisutaris. #41 в контекст | | |
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"To apologise for your inconvenience in having to visit Big Bixo's betting shop." #43 в контекст | | |
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"Of course not. The flowers are merely a small token of apology, and a sign of the tremendous esteem in which I hold you." #45 в контекст | | |
"Oh." Lisutaris seems quite taken aback. "Well thank you. I'll put them in water." #46 в контекст | | |
"You're welcome." I make a swift retreat, while I'm on top. All in all, it's been a successful morning. One moment the house is full of women who are angry at Thraxas. Next moment, everything is rosy. Who would have guessed, back in Turai, when Tanrose first told me that buying Makri flowers would have positive results, that the same tactic would prove so useful in the future? I'd never have stumbled on the idea myself. #47 в контекст | | |
After my busy morning, I could do with some rest. I retire to my room, remove my boots, lie down, drag the cover over me, and sink into a refreshing sleep. #48 в контекст | | |
Later in the day, as we make ready to leave, harmony has almost returned to the household. Lisutaris has her hand on Makri's shoulder, casting a minor healing spell on one of the many bruises she's picked up during the tournament. Lisutaris doesn't specialise in healing but she's quite capable of dealing with most injuries. Treating Makri's wounds with sorcery is allowed under tournament rules, providing any spell used has worn off by the time the fighters enter the ring. #49 в контекст | | |
"Not that anyone seems to be caring much about the rules any more," says Lisutaris. "I'm expecting Lasat and his cohorts to go all out to stop Makri today." #50 в контекст | | |
