Sherwood Smith Quote
I sat up, fought against dizziness. Somewhere in the distance a single bell rang out the pattern for gold-candles and the beginning of another day.Drink.The cup was near to hand. I rose on one elbow and reached for it. Some sips later I felt immeasurably better. My eyesight cleared, and so did my thoughts.I remembered the interlude during the night, and frowned across the fire at my companion. He looked exactly the same as ever--as if he’d sat up for a single time measure and not for an entire night. The plain hat, simply tied hair, ordinary clothing unmarked by any device; I squinted, trying to equate this slight figure with that arrogant plume-helmed commander riding on the ridge above the last battle. , I thought grimly.You seem to know who I am, I said. Who are you?Does it matter?His use of my own words the night before surprised me a little. Did he expect flattery? Supposedly those so-refined Court aristocrats lived on it as anyone else lives on bread and drink. I considered my answer, wanting to make certain it was not even remotely complimentary. I’m exactly as unlikely to blab our secrets to an anonymous flunky as I am to a Court decoration with a reputation as a gambler and a fop, I said finally.’Court decoration’? he repeated, with a faint smile. The strengthening light of dawn revealed telltale marks under his eyes. So he tired. I was obscurely glad.Yes, I said, pleased to expand on my insult. My father’s term.You’ve never wished to meet a…Court decoration for yourself?No. Then I added cheerily, Well, maybe when I was a child.The Marquis of Shevraeth, Galdran’s commander-in-chief, grinned. It was the first real grin I’d seen on his face, as if he were struggling to hold in laughter. Setting his cup down, he made a graceful half-bow from his seat on the other side of the fire and said, Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Meliara.I sniffed.And now that I’ve been thoroughly put in my place, he said, let us leave my way of life and proceed to yours.
I sat up, fought against dizziness. Somewhere in the distance a single bell rang out the pattern for gold-candles and the beginning of another day.Drink.The cup was near to hand. I rose on one elbow and reached for it. Some sips later I felt immeasurably better. My eyesight cleared, and so did my thoughts.I remembered the interlude during the night, and frowned across the fire at my companion. He looked exactly the same as ever--as if he’d sat up for a single time measure and not for an entire night. The plain hat, simply tied hair, ordinary clothing unmarked by any device; I squinted, trying to equate this slight figure with that arrogant plume-helmed commander riding on the ridge above the last battle. , I thought grimly.You seem to know who I am, I said. Who are you?Does it matter?His use of my own words the night before surprised me a little. Did he expect flattery? Supposedly those so-refined Court aristocrats lived on it as anyone else lives on bread and drink. I considered my answer, wanting to make certain it was not even remotely complimentary. I’m exactly as unlikely to blab our secrets to an anonymous flunky as I am to a Court decoration with a reputation as a gambler and a fop, I said finally.’Court decoration’? he repeated, with a faint smile. The strengthening light of dawn revealed telltale marks under his eyes. So he tired. I was obscurely glad.Yes, I said, pleased to expand on my insult. My father’s term.You’ve never wished to meet a…Court decoration for yourself?No. Then I added cheerily, Well, maybe when I was a child.The Marquis of Shevraeth, Galdran’s commander-in-chief, grinned. It was the first real grin I’d seen on his face, as if he were struggling to hold in laughter. Setting his cup down, he made a graceful half-bow from his seat on the other side of the fire and said, Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Meliara.I sniffed.And now that I’ve been thoroughly put in my place, he said, let us leave my way of life and proceed to yours.