At Camp

Once they're outside the inn, Khela says, "I have mounts stabled nearby. Can you ride?" She looks to Conner and Merlin for answers, apparently presuming Celina can.

Remembering the hours of riding lessons at Nibbeak, Celina sighs. As Conner and Merlin hesitate to answer Khela, Celina puts a false chill in her voice, "They'll just have to make do." Conner seems to be good at getting Khela to underestimate him. Perhaps Merlin will catch on as well.

Conner simply nods at that assessment and moves to follow the ladies as they lead.

Khela leads them to a nearby corral, where loose netting holds in mounts of various types: dolphins, sharks, and other creatures that a woman could ride. A boy fetches Khela's mounts under her direction: three seahorses. Khela mounts up on one, and the youth offers Celina another.

The two men are left to mount for themselves.

All to the good. Conner can fuss with the Hippocampus and Merlin and he may have more chance to talk. Celina walks about the mount once and seats herself once the rig is inspected.

The cooler currents help clear Celina's head.

The Seaward lass follows Khela's lead out of this place. Celina finds it probable that Khela's mount will pick up her rider's eagerness to be off and keep a brisk pace. There likely will be more distance between Khela's progress and Conner's beast.

Khela also inspects her tack before mounting. Once she is sure Celina and Celina's servants are mounted properly, she mounts and leads the way, gesturing for the others to follow.

Once they're on the road, Khela gestures to Celina to ride with her.

Taking note of the compass points in relation to what might later be a battlefield of sorts, Celina watches the currents and distant landmarks as they leave the smuggler's inn. But Khela's gesture is plain and she hurries her mount a bit to draw closer to the dark-skinned siren.

Celina keeps nose to leeward for any vibrations of Pattern about. Llewella told what she knew but what she knew may have changed by the years. Celina amazes herself that her voice sounds so sure, "What now, my former teacher in all things? I have dreamed of your blade. Truly, I have thought about you often."

There is no sense that Khela is using the Pattern, but Celina's not very experienced in using it, and isn't sure she could detect it if Khela were subtle.

"I have thought of you often, as well. Even before I learned the truth of your heritage," Khela confesses. "I wish I could have been plainer with you when you were younger. Now, we can speak more freely. Now, there is no danger that you will be served as Cornelia and Cassia were--only as Martin and I were, in the old days. Which was bad enough."

"You say that there were eyes and ears then among the teachers at Nibbeak?" Celina swallows. "I suppose I can believe that. When did you learn of my heritage and from whom?"

"I have sources inside the court. I only heard the truth after you were sent away to the drylands." Khela scowls. "Had I known sooner, much would have been arranged differently. I always knew the Queen was unduly interested in you, but it never occurred to me that she was your mother."

"Neither did it to me," Celina growls the syllables in a Seaward merchant sailor accent that mangles the crisp Thari. She is silent sucking on her anger again for a moment. "How far to safety? I want you right now."

Khela's gaze meets Celina's for a moment. "An hour to camp, but my people need to move. We won't have time." She frowns. "Unfortunately."

"Then there will at least be hands and kisses before I rush off again." Celina says with bright eyes.

Celina easily shifts her seat and the hippocampus moves sinuously closer to Khela as they froth along. Glaring at the fine dark profile, Celina says, "You didn't know until I was sent off to dry, but you wanted to be plainer with me when I was younger? Why my dark sphyraena? Why dare so much only to teach timid lessons??"

"I suspected things, but I could not be sure unless I taught you. That you had some royal blood was obvious, or you could never have mastered your llaya so much as you have done. But if I'd drawn more attention to myself, they might have done all they threatened after they murdered Cornelia and Cassia. Do you know that tale, or did they keep it from you?" Khela watches Celina's reactions for a moment.

"They told me only what they wanted me to hear," Celina's face clearly is tight as if she will not grind her teeth. "If you would, speak it now so my charges behind us will not hear of it."

Khela nods. "I will be brief, then. Some few years ago, when I was a student, I became interested in Triton philosophy. There were many of us among the students who were drawn to it and studied it. We wondered why creatures with such a noble turn of mind were slaves. We thought they should be freed."

After a moment, she continues, "Some of us were too well-known, and too-powerful, like Martin and myself, and Cassia, to hold that opinion. The Queen sent spies among us. Montage was the deepest of them. He arranged to have Cornelia, one of our number, arrested, and had her killed. I know this because he told me himself, afterwards. He stood to profit handsomely by his treachery."

Khela looks at Celina. "They framed Cassia for the murder, and she stepped from the stair crying for liberty. Me, they exiled. Martin they imprisoned. The rest were disgraced and driven from court. And all this for our studies and belief the Tritons should be free."

"My wonder in walking the streets of Rebma was matched by my awe of the first Triton I saw there," Celina responds. Tears seep from her eyes invisible in the waters. "I cherished their quiet loyalty. Yet I have regrets in the things I did not ask and see."

Celina rides at Khela's side for minutes remembering.

"Was it only students talking then? Or was it power the Court could take because of your mistake? Or was there more to the young students than the asking of questions? What frightened the Court in your actions? Perhaps the spies lied about what you were doing to the Queen?" Celina turns the puzzle about in her mind. "Did you have no rebuttal with Llewella or Moire? No audience?"

"Mother didn't know what had been said to Moire. And Moire didn't deign to tell me what the evidence was. I was already convicted to her mind." Khela's eyes spark with anger.

In the mirror of Celina's eyes, those angry sparks dance in an emerald bonfire.

"What I learned came mostly from Montage, who was my accuser. Mother told me how well Cassia died. I never spoke to Martin again, and I don't know what became of him after he went into exile, so I never found out what he might have known."

Moire. Everything returns to she and her bloody defense of the binding on the Tritons. Celina grimaces. "Love, you tell me Montage this and Llewella that and, oh, if only I had been able to see Martin. You do not tell me what you did or planned with the Tritons, if anything. If that is your answer to my questions I love you none the less. Even will I love you once more."

"I spoke out freely. Too freely. I would have freed the Tritons without bloodshed," Khela replies. "But I have never been a republican or, despite reports to the contrary, a murderess. I did not raise an army until after I heard you were safely out of Rebma, no longer a possible hostage for my good behavior."

Celina nods, considering.

Celina studies Khela with hot eyes. "We get to your camp and you command your people to move. In the splinter of an hour as your camp breaks, we will make love and weep as needs be. You choose your Llaya. I will cherish mine. We will part.

Khela shakes her head.

"May Moire choke on this seaweed tangle of blood and lies! I go to Rebma to see she does."

"Moire will think twice before she comes against me. I have the sword--" Khela reaches down and touches the pommel of her blade "--and I have another assurance that she'll leave me be."

"I don't believe that since she's ready to dare all," Celina bites off each word. "You don't want to face Huon's army. I don't think you'll want to face Rebma's either. She'll come against you to test the blade and find if you have the truth of using it. Even if that costs her troops because everything she's done so far has been someone else's cost. How long can you spend your resources? Do you have a city behind you? At least I've heard nothing yet that makes me think Moire will hesitate to confront you and bleed you."

"She won't hesitate to harm either of us, but I have something she values more highly." Khela gives Celina a sharklike smile. "I have Loreena."

A crush of faces swirl past Celina's third eye as the name runs lightning through her mind and muscles. Moire, Loreena, Rilsa and most of all Jerod smiling and shaking his head at Khela's poor tactics. Her blood runs sudden hot, but a reverse of the bedroom currents it has kept until now.

Memory catches on Loreena's words, 'I'm sure grandmother wouldn't assign you any task that is beyond your means, Celina, although only you can truly judge your limitations.'

Celina imagines leaping from her mount and tackling Khela from her hippocampus. Thunking to the sea bed while choking the dark neck between tight hot hands.

Jerod would not approve. No, little starfish he would not. Celina bursts out laughing. She throws her head back and looses wild peals of mad humor. She weeps and laughs and lets it take her entire form, shaking the tension back like the most rigorous TaKhi exercise. Celina allows the energy to run wild and pulls herself back to the moment with effort.

She shakes her head slowly and wipes at her eyes. "Oh you fool."

"Perhaps," Khela says. "It may not be enough to save me, or the cause, but Moire has more to worry about. And Loreena is not my only resource." She falls silent as Conner and Merlin catch up to the two women.

"Well enough. Moire's machinations," Celina says quietly, "have ruined you once. Give her credit that she might eat her own young.

They come over a ridge, and Celina sees Khela's camp. Row upon row of tents cover the valley between the this and the next, and the camp is surrounded by a light fence of kelp. Men and sea creatures move between the structures.

The entrance to the camp is guarded by two of the largest Tritons Celina has ever seen.

Conner grabs the reins of the third seahorse and floats up onto its back. "Looks like we'll have to ride double." Conner comments and offers Merlin his hand to help him mount up. After all, it is unlikely that Merlin was trained in underwater equestrian skills and Conner does not feel like stealing a fourth mount in any case. Burdened with two riders, their mount would be hard pressed to keep up but Conner felt sure he could keep the ladies in sight. "That will give us a chance to talk on the journey at least."

"I will arrange things so I am a light burden," Merlin says quietly, and smiles at the jest. In fact, he seems to do exactly that, based on the lighter-than-expected resistance as Conner pulls Merlin onto the seahorse's back. Conner has no trouble imagining that a little shapeshifting might be involved.

"That's handy." Conner observed. "What exactly did you do?"

"I--" Merlin pauses and considers for a moment. "I do not have the Thari words. I made myself less." He shrugs, a bit shyly.

Khela gestures to them to follow her as she sets off.

"I mislike this business, Conner. What do you think is happening?"

"Between Celina and Khela? Celina's head and heart do battle for control of her body. Between Khela and Moire? Civil war with the Tritons as a focal point. It is Huon of the Horn's objective that I do not understand. From what I have heard of him, his revenge should be focused on Amber in the general and Bleys in the specific. I know not if this trip to Rebma is connected with that or no. You've met the man. What were your impressions?"

Merlin frowns. "Huon seemed very sure of himself. He has some goal in mind, but he did not tell us what it was. He was canny. What do you think he might be looking for that would give him an advantage against Bleys?"

Merlin's dark eyes are knowing as he gazes across at Celina and Khela.

Conner lets his gaze follow Merlin's and his eyes settle on Khela's shapely hip. "A sword to balance Werewindle." Conner answers. "Clearly Huon thinks it will be difficult to take. Otherwise, why bother with an army? For that matter, why arm his troops with rifles and then bring them underwater?" Conner shakes his head. "It is clear that Huon either knows far more or far less than we do about what is going on.

"Celina claimed her search was for the sword." Conner went. "Well she has found it and seems to have little inclination to take it. If Khela marches to war on Rebma and Celina joins her, what shall you do Merlin?" Conner inquires.

"I have not decided," Merlin replies. "What will you do, Conner?"

Conner does not answer for a moment. "From many other members of the family, I would take that answer as dissembling. A delaying tactic meant to have me open my mind before telling me what I want to hear." Conner pauses again. "Yet for some reason I take you at your word. You wish to support and protect your sister yet you have no real quarrel with Moire, Rebmans, or Tritons."

Merlin nods, once. It's a familiar gesture, but not one Conner associates with the young Chaosian.

Conner pulls on the reins of his seahorse to guide them away from a counter current. "I on the other hand have been beaten by two Tritons, had other Tritons kidnap a lady very dear to me, and whoever pulled the Triton's strings framed me for smuggling and murder. So I have personal reasons for wanting to see certain elements of Rebman Royalty fall down as far down as is possible. Then I will start digging so they can fall lower." Conner smirks.

"However, I mislike this Khela." Conner goes on. "And I do not fully understand the ramifications of free Tritons. So for now, I go along with Khela to learn more of her plans. If her goals and mine are in accord I shall join with her fully. If not, the best place to disrupt an army is from within."

"It will also be the best place from which to rescue my sister, should she need it," Merlin says thoughtfully.

"That is also a consideration." Conner agrees. "The more difficult scenario, for me at least, is what to do if Celina and Khela part company. The unknown cause of such an eventuality prevents definitive planning of course." Conner allows. "Of one thing I am certain. I have no intention of letting that blade fall into the hands of Huon of the Horn."

"What will you do to prevent that?" Merlin asks. "For if it is--what I suspect it is--it will have a will of its own. If it wants to go to Huon, you will have a difficult time preventing it."

"What do you suspect it is then? And why would you think it wishes to return to Huon?" Conner asks.

"It feels like my father's sword. And if it is one such, then it has a will of its own, and crossing that will, whatever it may be, will lead to--" Merlin hesitates, and finally settles on the word "--difficulties."

"No more difficulties that pitting my will against a family member or the Court of Rebma or the machinations of Dara or a Dragon." Conner opines. "I was in Heather Vale when Artemis took it for her own and in the ballroom when Cleph took Brita. I have never shied away from confronting things of power. Granted knowing when one is over matched is a vital thing."

Conner pulls on the reins once more to bring them more in line with the ladies ahead. Their conversation seemed to getting rather animated. "In any case, I agree with your assessment of the sword. I have not seen a blade that Real since Werewindle. However, if we are to assume that this blade is tied to the Pattern of Rebma as Grayswandir is tied to Tir's and Werewindle to Amber's, then its will should be to guard Rebma's Pattern and to return to the one bound to it. You imply that the one it was bound to was Huon." The fingers of Conner's right hand flutter up and down as though working out math in his head.

"Bleys was given Werewindle to oppose Huon of the Horn." Conner muses. "Possibly this was because Huon already wielded a Pattern blade. It would fit what little I know. I find myself wishing for a Trump of Bleys. A fuller story of his dealings with Huon would come in useful."

"Good luck getting it from him," Merlin replies. "I do not know to whom the Rebman blade is properly bound, but I do know what it is like to have willed steel turn in my hand. I pity Khela--or you--if you have to learn that."

As they catch up to Khela and Celina, they come over a ridge and see Khela's camp. Row upon row of tents cover the valley between the this and the next, and the camp is surrounded by a light fence of kelp. Men and sea creatures move between the structures.

The entrance to the camp is guarded by two huge Tritons.

The Seaward lass cannot disguise the awe she feels at the sight of the Tritons and she doesn't try. She grudgingly admires the army camp after taking her eyes away from the entry guardians.

For a few beats, Celina's blood speeds faster scanning the army. But she ponders that excitement and sees it is a clamor to power and lives spent over decisions made before and after today. That heady taste is a bitter tinge on top of the thrill.

I am not nearly the good person I learned to be. Instead I see Moire's daughter within. Celina chews her lower lip.

Celina eyes Conner and Merlin over her shoulder and speaks crisp Thari. "Khela plans to break camp immediately to avoid my uncle. This host will take some time to move out. Our next travel will be swift." She looks at Khela and purrs, her voice lower and liquid, "What first, swordbearer?"

"Do you still wish to parley as we discussed?" Khela asks Celina, ignoring the two men.

"Yes," Celina nods.

"So only here after showing us her strength and placing us in the midst of it does she talk of parley." Conner murmurs. It was an old adage to only negotiate from strength and clearly an adage known to Khela. Ordinarily, Conner would step forth to handle any such bargaining but Khela would not deal with him directly. Celina could order Conner to handle them, but this would make Celina look weak and be an insult to Khela to allow a mere man to deal with her as an equal. No, Celina must stand on her own in this.

Still that did not mean he could not help. "Merlin," Conner whispers, "if I wanted Celina to hear my words at a distance, how would I best manipulate space to accomplish that?" He asks. "I can see a brute force method of removing the space between here and there but was hoping for something more subtle."

"Transmit your voice between here and there with nothing between, so that you are speaking in her ear," Merlin suggests.

Khela, meanwhile, is smiling at Celina. "I will arrange it once we are within the camp." And she knees her mount, spurring it forward, down the ridge.

"So," Celina says and jolts her mount to follow Khela. She can imagine laughing or crying but does neither.

The tritons look upon Khela with what can only be described as awe. Their faces are not tattooed.

The Seaward cousin looks upon the tritons with reverence. Her eyes shine with the reflected wonder. About her mouth there are lines of tension from stronger emotions that do not sit well with her. She passes near the legends and whispers a childhood prayer she hasn't thought of in ten years,
"There is no subtle wonder,
there is yet deeper green."

Her mount falls a bit behind Khela's.

Khela outdistances them quickly.

"Merlin, Conner," Celina says lightly, "find out what you can. While the camp rushes about there should be opportunities. We need to understand more about the tritons working with her. This is your forte, gentleman. Make the most of it." She does not look back. "I'll support whatever mischief you get into and worry about punishing you later."

"Of course, lady." Conner replies as Celina seems to be keeping the role of master and servant out in public. "As you asked me to remind you, the sword is the key to all this mystery. Do find out what you can. Should you wish my voice in your ear as you negotiate, you shall have it." Conner offers. "That is also my forte." He reminds her.

Merlin lets Conner and Celina thrash this out.

Celina ponders Conner's response. She nods. He's right again, it would not hurt to set Khela at a distance on those times that Conner was present.

She calls over her shoulder to him. "And I will appreciate that voice in my ear. When I call, I hope you hear the respect I speak from."

Conner's reply is lost in the waves.

Khela has ridden ahead to the entrance of the camp, where she's speaking with the Tritons. She gestures to Celina to hurry and join her.

She does join Khela riding up and dismounting in a rush. Celina swallows thoughts and feelings more suited to a girl she is no longer.

And while Celina is interested in all things Triton, including instructions and manners of Khela's work with them, she glowers specifically at Khela as if all delays between now and horizontal dancing are personal affronts.

Celina drums her fingers impatiently on her hip and listens hard.

Khela is giving orders to the Tritons and her men to dismantle the camp and prepare to move. Her tent is to be left intact for at least another hour, longer, if possible, and she is not to be disturbed. This last is said with a sidelong glance at Celina.

The men and tritons murmur their agreement and set off to perform their assigned tasks. One of them takes their mounts and Conner's, and another shows Conner and Merlin to a tent where they may take refreshments.

Celina admits to herself that all the waking dream is both parts welcome hunger and unpleasant heart and the strength of those desires wars in her chest. There is a fire stretched from her throat to loins. She wills a great wind of hope to drive it hotter.

When Khela seems satisfied with those commands, Celina nods once to the departing Merlin and Conner before striding to the tent majore. She throws back the opening without scratching. She does not look back to see how Khela follows. Celina barely looks about before beginning to unbutton and tug at her clothes. With economy of moments, she is naked.

"And let the churning of this ground mark here was buried a dreamer," Celina says in a throaty prayer.

If Khela is there when Celina turns around, the Seaward cousin attacks her with kisses and hands. She drags her to ground with both hands at Khela's head as she savors the taste long denied.

Somewhat later, the two lie sated and curled together. Khela wraps a protective arm around Celina and pulls her closer. "It has been far too long. I have missed you more than I knew."

Celina tucks a heel behind Khela's rump and snugs her close. "Maybe it's because we're a lot alike. I don't know." Celina sighs. "You've spent years seeking justice and force enough to confront Rebma. I've spent weeks. Who do you serve now, Khela? Who do you trust?"

"I trust you. Enough to bring you here, and your men with you." Long fingers play lightly in Celina's hair. "That should tell you something. Anyone else, I would not have allowed to see even so much as you have." She smiles. "I serve justice, and myself."

Nodding, Celina imagines Moire saying just the same. "Justice and myself. We are shaped much alike as I thought. Certainly Moire shall be afeared of this pairing." As am I. Celina puts a kiss on Khela's cheek.

"I dreamed of a green blade before crossing you in shadow," Celina nods her chin at the weapon set aside. "I heard a tale from Reid of Amber. Is this then a relic of Rebma's past conflicts?" Celina grins. "And did you dream of it? Or come upon it by research and scholarly travails? Tell me all."

Celina runs a hand along Khela's dark sword arm feeling the muscle there.

Khela shifts under Celina's hand, and her eyes go to her blade. "I followed the legends. I took it from Cneve's tomb, where it did no woman any good, and have turned it to my own uses. This Reid, he is the son of Osric?" It doesn't sound quite like a question. "He and Cneve were brothers, then."

"Reid, son of Osric," Celina replies softly. "Has the green blade told you its name or shown its teeth to you? The blade has its own uses separate from yours."

"I am learning the llaya that will master it. It answers to me, and for now, that is enough," Khela says. "I will rename it to my purposes when the time comes."

Mirrors reflecting answers. Celina well imagines that her own answer would be almost the same. Her teacher moved within currents where she had little learning and trusted to find a way. It was foolish, but then fools were essential to destiny.

"I wish you well in that," Celina says, "and hope the timing works out sooner rather than later." A sudden stir within surprises her, Celina admires the particular curves of dark skin that tempt her to restart testing Khela.

Instead she asks, "When do I find out your plan for approaching Rebma? If we are going to be partners, I need to asses your strategy. How many tritons do you have to oppose, should I say 'liberate' their fellows? As I understand, t'was only a token force of tritons left in Rebma. Do you match that or better it?"

Khela smiles, her teeth white in contrast with her dark skin. "That depends on how many of those in Rebma stand aside, and how many join with me. But for now we do not approach Rebma. We let Moire's forces fight Huon's, and assess our strategy based on what happens after."

Celina looks baffled and a bit angry. "Khela! I spent most of my time in the city thinking the Tritons accomplished devotees of a contemplative fealty. Then I learned they were slaves bound to the will of the throne. Now you tell me some will stand aside. How will they have that choice if they are bound by an ancient enchantment?" Celina slips a hand to the back of Khela's neck massaging her with a tense motion. "Which is it? The Tritons are unable to make choices or they are? Are they perverting arcane orders or bound by honor after all?"

There is little tension in the neck under Celina's hand. Khela darts in and kisses Celina before answering.

"The Tritons are bound to Rebma. That--" and Khela gestures at the blade "--is also Rebma. When they are ordered by two masters, a Triton may choose which to obey. Those who wish freedom in their hearts will obey my commands, until I can unbind them. And my cause is just, which strengthens my llaya, and weakens Moire's."

Celina closes her eyes and considers order and a path of sparks spiraling up her legs. "I see. That actually bridges a number of chasms." She sighs, opens her eyes and puts another kiss on Khela's mouth.

"I suppose I've used the hour you gave me," Celina breathes Khela's scent as if this will be the last time. "Where do we go now? I want to see Loreena next."

"If you continue with that, we will stay right here." Khela's tone is teasing, but her eyes are intense. "Surely it will take them longer to take down camp than that. But," she says, raising a finger to silence Celina's protest, "if you want, we shall visit Loreena." The finger traces a line down Celina's sternum.

The Seaward girl growls in her throat as she rolls on top of Khela. A storm of kisses and tears follow.

[.....]

Somewhat later, Celina stretches her arms so far above her head that her shoulders groan. It does not decrease her luminous smile. Still not moving from Khela's side, she does a few TaKhi exercises to shake up her body and settle it back into watchful alert.

"I'm so glad this is such a large camp," she grins.

"I am as well." Khela's grin is lazy and languorous, for all that she was quite energetic a few minutes ago. "In a moment, unless you decide to delay me again, we should get up and make sure that my other guest is readier to move than we are."

"Of course," Celina laughs softly.

Outside the tent there are conspicuously loud noises that suggest to Celina that someone is deliberately not disturbing the women in the tent. Khela hears them too, and rises. She strides across the tent, picking up a cloth and wiping herself down briefly before moving to the tent flap and opening it. She speaks briefly with the Triton who looks in on her, then closes the tent flap again.

"It is time. Rise, my lovely sea anemone. Let us visit our kinswoman."

Celina is already standing and putting on her Parisian boots. "I'm almost ready." Once dressed again, Celina helps Khela arrange her hair. They leave the tent together, Celina somehow walking out first.

Khela and Celina are met at the entrance to the tent by a Triton. It may be the same one, or merely a similar one. It escorts the two women through the camp, which is rapidly being broken down by men, women, and Tritons. One tent remains undisturbed, though, and it is to this tent that the two women and their Triton come.

Another Triton guards the tent. It stands aside and lets Khela pass. She opens the tent, and Celina can feel the opening in her llaya.

From the entrance, they can see a woman tangled in sleeping nets. It is Loreena.

"How much trouble did she give you?" Celina steps forward and inspects Loreena for visible injuries. She doesn't even wonder why she feels no shock to be so calm. "And what became of her troop?"

Loreena looks uninjured. She's simply asleep, bound by the nets. Khela says, "She didn't have a troop. She had a triton. He's now a centurion in my forces. She's not ensorcelled, but the nets on her are."

Loreena rolls over, eyes blazing with hate. "Celina. I'd say it was a pleasant surprise to see you with the traitors, but it's really neither." Her tone is sweet as nectar.

Khela looks cooly at Loreena, waiting for Celina.

Celina doesn't know her emerald eyes are sharp as knives as she replies, "Cousin. I'd say it was a pleasant surprise to see you tangled in your own machinations, but it's really neither." Her tone is cool as cave water. "Is this the 'personal matter' that was too important for you to conduct the throne's mission to Paris? How awkward for you to be captured by traitors and displayed to the Seaward girl like trussed chum. Would you like a rescue? You don't look good in that color of net." She smiles.

Her eyes hate Celina, but not her voice. "I assure you this awkwardness is a passing thing, Celina, but if you would be kind enough to free me, kill Khela with that sword, and then fall on it, that would help."

Khela leans in towards Celina and whispers to her. "She is inventively abusive, but I admit I have no idea what to do with her." Her warm breath stirs the water by Celina's ear.

Celina nods to Loreena and perhaps Khela. "So noted, offer of rescue refused. Perhaps you think enough of your honor to give me your parole, Duchess? You don't have to be trussed while you remain prisoner. You could be untrussed chum if you agree not to attempt escape and allow me to repatriate you to Rebma under my command."

Loreena laughs, bitterly. "Why should I trust the word of traitors? If you forswear your oaths to Rebma, why would you honor yours to me. You may just wish to get me away to where you can kill me without witnesses."

[arcane question here: if the sleep nets are not affecting her, is it practical to assume the net has lost it's power, or Loreena's will is too strong, or something else Celina should understand that I do not?]

[Looks like she's under some other spell to keep her here and the nets aren't doing the sleep thing.]

"I have walked the Pattern of Rebma," Celina says, "and I speak for it's life and future, not Moire, who is only Regent despite all. Consider your words well, Cousin. I know there is no love between us."

Celina looks briefly about the tent and then considers her niece. "I can kill you here as there is no one present I fear to speak of it."

"You should be more careful than that," says Loreena. "It's the difference between being shoved off the steps and banished after your trial."

"We shouldn't bother," adds Khela. "She's not powerful enough to be worth it." She turns to Celina. "Unless you wish it, for personal reasons."

Celina shakes her head 'no' quickly enough for Khela to see that 'personal reasons' aren't on her mind. "I'm done with being careful for Moire's respite, Loreena. I'll give your legal advice due consideration later." Celina moves closer to the netted woman and squats to better speak eye to eye. "Is that your decision? Better to be killed on a royal mission? To goad someone into covering you with posthumous glory? You've more wit than that. More ambition at least.

"Don't you want a chance to see me shoved off the steps? Imagine it; me crushed like a gimcrack doll." Celina's voice is sad but her face is serene. "Give me your honor parole and I'll see you returned to your mother. Otherwise, your prospects shall turn considerably less comfortable than this net."

"I hope to push you off the steps myself. What would the terms of my parole be?"

Khela clears her throat. "Let me know when you've heard enough."

Celina nods 'yes' to give Khela an answer but traces the outlines of her fingertips left to right as she thinks. She looks straight at Loreena. "Ordinarily, a person of your rank would withdraw from the conflict until it is settled, neither leading, advising nor lending your staff and resources to the hostilities as a condition of freedom." Celina purses her lips. "That's how things were done before the Seaward Black Trench War. Yet those monsters did not take or offer parole." She shivers.

Celina sighs. "However, that would hardly be the precedent in Rebma's monarchy. If you agreed to that, Moire might exile you. So... I propose you surrender arms and all personal effects to me, pledge not to communicate to any triton or being without my permission and further, until I get you back to Rilsa, are forbidden to injure anyone except by my leave. You will temporarily be my vassal while I manage your return. You will serve on your honor.

"For which I will get you out of this confinement, see you back to Rilsa, protect you from my allies, respect your service and leave you whole." Celina pauses and crosses her arms to wait.

Before Rilsa can reply, Khela speaks up. "Why don't you think that over for a bit? You may never get a better offer." She holds open the door and gestures for Celina to step outside.

Celina walks past Khela without looking back at Loreena.

Outside the tent, the camp is rapidly disappearing. It look as if some parts have already been sent ahead. Khela leans in to Celina. "She knows too much for me to send her back now. What will you do if she accepts, my heart's fire?"

"I think she would see it as worse than being captive. Pledging her honor to serve me until I can place her back in her mother's care?" Celina chews her lower lip. "The offer was needful, but I don't expect much. She doesn't respect me. I think she knew about me before Moire wanted her to."

Celina kicks at the turf. "The parole." She hesitates. "I didn't know before I spoke how much like the triton's pledge it would be. Long ago there was great honor in the triton oath, but that virtue is buried in layers of silt and grime." Celina changes her posture and stands taller. "Well, if my niece accepts, then I'll keep her safe until we can trade words with Rebma. What Loreena knows does not harm if she travels with us and is silent."

Celina smiles but her voice is flat. "And if she breaks her word... sleeping nets will be a gentle caress of memory compared to her fortune."

"And if she does not accept, she will be carted around in my train like the baggage she is. I am not so unkind as to leave her to the tender mercies of an Uncle." Khela glances back at the tent.

Like a mirror, Celina glances the same way. "That seems appropriate. Depending on the tenor of refusal, however... I want to know more about what Loreena knows of Moire's lies. Loreena has been an avid listener at Moire's knee for the last many decades. If she refuses parole--- I think to interrogate her forcibly."

She looks at Khela. Her face is tight with strong emotion held in check. "Loreena frames things between us as deadly now. She wants my life. She is close to those I suspect of murder or worse. She's been twisted by things I still don't fathom. I feel compelled to understand her as she declares as my enemy. I'd rather not parlay the Sapphire Throne without hint of Loreena's perspective. The whole idea of grappling her mind is foul, but I feel I am in a fight for my life and yet holding back. So there you see my tender mercies. What do you think?"

Khela takes a long time to answer. "I have held my hand from her, but perhaps it is time to reconsider. If your mercies are untender, Moire may not forgive. If she defeats me, my end will be on the steps, or the quiet garrote they spared me the last time. I have nothing to lose if you choose to do it."

"That's well enough," Celina says. "Speaking as Moire's wet clay, I may not forgive the Queen or myself the next few months." And she adds in a bedroom voice, low and caring, "I'm glad to hear you are not seeing all this yet through blooded eyes. Very glad you held your hand."

Khela leans in and strokes Celina's shoulder. Her voice is soft. "I am glad it pleases you, my sea anemone. So little about this war pleases anyone."

As she straightens, Khela adds in a more normal voice, "It is time to move. Find your brother and your man, and we'll be on our way."

"So we shall," Celina turns away and scans for her companions through the full sphere. The camp is near packed out but she doesn't seem them at first. She moves and looks again, finally spotting them above with a triton.

Kicking off the sandy bed, Celina undulates fiercely from shoulders to toes, rising in that direction. The sea light paints her curves and sinuous motion with abstract patterns. When near enough, Celina hails them. "Time to travel once again."