Legacies by L. E. Modesitt Jr. Page B

greenberries from her sister’s place near Dekhron. We were also talking about whether Clyara might come and spend a summer with us, in a few years, the way Temra did when she was Clyara’s age.”
    Clyara glanced from her mother to Lucenda, and then to Veryl.
    Alucius could sense that the conversation meant much more than the words conveyed, but what? He could also sense that his mother did not care much for Dysar.
    Royalt cleared his throat, before offering the basket of fresh-baked bread to Temra. “Be good to have another young one around here. Specially in a year or so, even if it be just for the summer or harvest.”
    â€œClyara could use some time seeing what happens on a stead,” Temra replied. “It would be good for her before she gets too old to appreciate it.”
    Alucius wasn’t sure that Clyara thought of that, but the petite blonde girl continued to eat her ham and biscuits. Like Alucius, she ate the prickle slices sparingly.
    â€œAnyone who doesn’t know should see and work at it,” Veryl suggested serenely.
    After a moment of silence, Lucenda spoke. “Temra was telling me that Dysar thinks the Reillies are beginning to raid some of the older steads to the west and north of Soulend.”
    Temra added, “He and Clyon think that’s because the Matrites have taken over the Sloughs on the western side of the Westerhills and moved their horse soldiers in.”
    â€œSo the iron women are moving out the Reillies?” Royalt passed the prickle platter to Clyara, who passed it to Alucius, who passed it quickly on, ignoring the frown from his mother.
    â€œDysar doesn’t know,” Temra replied, “but the Lanachronans have moved more Southern Guards from Krost and Vyan to patrol the river roads around Tempre. That’s what he heard from the wine merchants.”
    â€œBad business,” Royalt grumbled. “Sounds like the Matrites are moving east. Means the Reillies won’t raid west or south, and that doesn’t leave anywhere but us.”
    â€œWhy do they raid, sir?” asked Clyara. “Why don’t they grow things like we do?”
    â€œBecause, young woman, the soil in the Westerhills is poor and because they have…” Royalt flushed, and then continued, “ah…too many mouths to feed.”
    Temra and Lucenda exchanged knowing glances.
    â€œThat’s always been the case,” Veryl said quietly, “and there’s no reason to dwell more on that now.” She smiled, a bright false smile. “Who’s for a slice of honey cake?”
    Even as he murmured, “Yes,” Alucius could sense the undercurrents around the table.
    â€œLucenda,” Veryl said, almost imperiously, “it seems everyone would like some.”
    â€œYes, Mother.”
    Behind his mother’s pleasant acquiescence, Alucius could sense a certain…something. Accomplishment? He wasn’t sure, but it had to do with more than the honey cake.
    Somehow, although Alucius should have enjoyed the cake, he didn’t, and no one said much more. Then, it was time for Temra and her daughter to leave.
    â€œThank you for everything,” Lucenda murmured as she hugged her friend. “Good luck.”
    â€œGood luck to you,” replied Temra.
    Clyara half-bowed to Lucenda, and then to Royalt and Veryl. “Thank you for supper, and for the honey cake.”
    â€œWe’ll get the wagon ready, Alucius,” Royalt declared, starting for the door.
    Alucius followed.
    Once Royalt and Alucius had rehitched the two horses to Temra’s wagon and seen the two off, Royalt turned to Alucius. “You need to get washed up and head for bed. No reading tonight. Be a long day tomorrow. Be waking you a half glass early.”
    â€œWe’re going farther with the flock?”
    â€œNo. Have some chores before we go. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”
    â€œYes, sir.” With the sense of