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.Jharmin and his men broke camp and waited for Catrin and her party in a meadow.His guardsunfurled his standard, and Catrin got a chill thinking about riding into Ravenhold under the Kyte sigil."Your mother would be proud," Benjin said as he helped load her packs and secure them behindher saddle."I'm doing my best, but I fear it won't be enough.The hatred between the Mangst and Kytefamilies has lasted for ages, how can I hope to undo it in a day?""You can't," Benjin said."But you can take the first step.That's often the most difficult one.Fromthere, momentum will carry you along."In her new clothes, Catrin felt even more out of place.She had hoped to present an imposingimage, but she feared she only made herself stand out.The leggings were comfortable but still needed tobe broken in.Tossing her leg over her mount proved more difficult than she anticipated, and she sufferedthe embarrassment of having to try three times before she gained the saddle.With her staff resting in theheel Benjin attached to her stirrup, she rode comfortably.No one spoke as they approached Ravenhold, but the view of her ancestral home was aweinspiring.Jharmin's face bore no expression, but Chase was clearly stunned by what he saw.He'd seenbuildings that physically dominated the land, but Ravenhold seemed to be part of the surroundings, andthe landscaping lent to the effect.Lining the roadway that led to the imposing main entrance, guards stood at attention.Still asstones, they kept their eyes straight ahead, seemingly focused on nothing.Unnerved by the effect, Catrinwould almost have preferred leers and catcalls.Atop the central stair, the Lady Mangst emerged,followed by a slip of a girl with fire in her eyes.In the moment Catrin saw her, she resented anyone whohad said they looked alike.Lissa had a hard and self-righteous air about her, and the slanted sneer on herface appeared all too natural.Catrin's gut twisted when their eyes met; fury seared the air between them.Her grandmother stood serene and patient, apparently oblivious to the open hostility Lissa radiated.Jharmin approached with his head high and his chest puffed out, but he managed not to lookpompous or arrogant.It was a skill Catrin had to admire.He bowed to the Lady Mangst and Lissa.Catrin bowed as well, and Lissa's fury polluted the air; it washed over Catrin in waves as shestraightened, and she tried not to snarl.So much raw emotion was difficult to suppress."Lord Kyte," the Lady Mangst said formally."You are welcome in my home.I am grieved tohear of your grandfather's passing.You have my most sincere condolences."In Jharmin's eyes and the heady mixture of emotions radiating from him, Catrin sensed a struggle.She assumed he was trying not to let his distrust of the Mangst name despoil this opportunity."Lady Mangst, I humbly accept your hospitality and your sentiment," Jharmin said, and heseemed almost sincere."Come.Let us feast."Catrin walked alongside Jharmin."Thank you," she said."It is not for you that I do this," he replied."Whatever the reason, I thank you," she said, and though he made no response, she sensed hisguard drop just for a moment.It was a short walk to the banquet hall, and Catrin was amazed by whathad been done in such a short time.Arrangements of fresh flowers adorned each table, and liveriedservants stood ready with covered trays.Lissa was seated to her grandmother's right, and Jharmin sat toher left.Catrin took the seat next to him, and felt, once again, like an outsider within Ravenhold."It has been many years since this house hosted a member of the Kyte family," said the LadyMangst."It has been far too long.I welcome you, Jharmin Olif Kyte, and I thank you for the kindnessyou've shown my granddaughter." Catrin felt Lissa's glare."You have shown great courage and humilityin coming here.I commend you.""I've postponed my journey home so that we might discuss the future.As Catrin has said, thetime for fighting is past.""Agreed.""How, Lady Mangst, would you suggest we resolve the differences between our families?""Perhaps the Zjhon were right about one thing," the Lady Mangst replied."Perhaps a marriagebetween our families is for the best." Lissa's face flushed, and she glared at anyone who met her gaze."My granddaughter Lissa has reconsidered her refusal to marry.When it was the will of the Zjhon, shefound this difficult to accept.Now she sees that it is simply the best thing for our people."Lissa showed no enthusiasm for the prospect, but she did not voice any objections."Ah.So that is why you sent Catrin in her stead?""It is.""Lady Lissa, I've not heard you say this is what you desire.Do you wish to see this marriagethrough?" he asked, and the Lady Mangst nodded to Lissa."Lord Kyte, it would be an honor to join your house," Lissa replied formally."I suppose you have no reason to desire me as a husband, but a bitter marriage is not something Iseek.If you will not come to me of your own free will, then I suggest we look for some other way toresolve this conflict.Perhaps Catrin would have less aversion to marrying me?"Catrin opened her mouth, but she could find no words [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]