The Plains of Kallanash by Pauline M. Ross Page B

sixteen, the risk is part of the attraction, but at thirty -six… well, I wouldn’t claim greater maturity, but climbing over walls and evading guards is more effort and less fun, and the reward less… enticing. Or perhaps I just prefer the comfort of a bed these days.”
    She smiled, but he could see concern in her eyes.
    “Hurst, may I ask…?”
    “Anything, you know that.”
    “What have you and Jonnor decided… about you? And me, I mean.” She flushed a little, but still looked him straight in the eye.
    He tried to respond in the same calm way, but his heart was racing. “Jonnor feels it would be better if it were just the two of you. Less confusing.”
    She nodded, and he could read nothing in her face. “You’ve always… made your own arrangements, haven’t you?”
    “Yes. I have the Companions, after all. And there are… other options.”
    “And you’re… comfortable with that?”
    “I am.” Was there any hesitation there? He hoped not.
    “Because... I wouldn’t want you to think… I mean, I wouldn’t mind, you know… whatever the situation…”
    He smiled then, loving her more than ever. He leaned forward and stroked her cheek. “Thank you, Mia. But it’s fine.”
    And she beamed back at him. “If all goes well, perhaps I will have a child of my own by this time next year.”
    “Hmm. Don’t depend on that. It took Tella a long time.”
    “Oh, but that was Tella. No reason I should have the same trouble.”
    He hesitated. Should he say anything? But he had no wish to worry her, and after all, it might happen. So he let it pass, smiled and said nothing.

     
    7: Sky Ship (Mia)
    Mia watched Hurst's wagon leave, accompanied by his three Companions and a second wagon loaded with their travel boxes. She wished they could all journey together, but too many travellers from one Karning would overload the sky ships. When next she saw Hurst at the Ring, everything would be different, for she would be Jonnor’s wife in every way. She remembered her father’s warning about Hurst, and how he would feel if he were excluded. He had kissed her cheek when he left, as always, but was he more subdued than usual? She shook off her unease. He was just nervous about his coming interview, that was all.
    Jonnor was off with the builders, as usual, and her Companions were busy with the preparations for their own departure the next day, so she had many hours to fill. She had already packed her box. Normally she would have relished the chance to spend the day with her books, but not today. Today she could think of nothing but the coming night and what would happen then. Finally! She had waited so long. She understood Jonnor’s reluctance, and knew she was a poor substitute for Tella. Still, it was dispiriting to lie in her bed night after night hoping he would come to her, and being always disappointed.
    The hours trickled past. Jonnor returned for the afternoon stillness, but he went to his room to rest and as soon as the bell sounded again he was gone. She prepared the roast with unusual care that evening. She made sure there were two decanters filled with the best wine and she put on one of her prettiest gowns, a close-fitting one which showed off what little shape she had. She had no experience of men in real life, but her books had taught her a great deal and she knew men liked such things. She had read about other techniques, too, more intimate tricks, but she was not confident she could carry them off effectively. Besides, the advice she’d been given as she grew up was that a wife should be passive and allow the man to take the lead.
    When Jonnor returned for meat, he surprised her by making an effort to talk to her, or at least to respond to her chattering. It was rather a successful evening, despite the awkwardness, although neither of them ate much. She drank almost two goblets of wine, and Jonnor finished the rest of the decanter and began on the second. This time she was determined not to loiter