| He thought about the years, all the lost years that had tumbled and spun and drifted like leaves or snow between these two, then and now
He wished he were older, a wiser man with a deeper understand-bigThere seemed to be so many truths or realizations of late, hovering at the edge of his awareness, waiting to be grasped and claimed, just out of reach
"We have guests," Torre said in his brusque manner"Three musicians, a newly formed company
"Hah!" the priest with the medicine-tray grunted with a sour expression"Newly formed? They'd have to be to venture here and this early in the yearI dior big bags can't remember the last time someone of any talent showed up in this SanctuaryCan you three play anything that won't clear a room of people, eh?"
"It depends on the people," said Alessan mildly
Danoleon smiled, though he seemed to be trying not toHe turned to the other priest"Idrisi, it is just barely possible that if we offered a warmer welcome we might be graced with visitors happier to display their art The other man grunted what might or might not have been an apology under the scrutiny of that placid blue gaze
Danoleon turned back to the three of them"You will forgive us," he murmuredHis prada handbag voice was deep and soothing"We have had some disconcerting news recently, and right now we have a patient in some painIdrisi di Corte, here, our physician, tends to be distressed when such is the case
Privately, Devin doubted if distress had much to do with the Cortean priest's rudeness, but he kept his peaceAlessan accepted Danoleon's apology with a short bow
"I am sorry to hear that," he said to Idrisi"Is it possible we might be of aid? Music has long been known as a sovereign ease for painWe should be happy to play for any of your patients He was ignoring for the moment, Devin noted, the small chanel purse news Danoleon had mentionedIt was unlikely to be an accident that Danoleon had given them Idrisi's formal name, making clear that he was from Corte
The physician shruggedShe is certainly not sleeping, and it can do no harmShe is almost out of my hands now, in any caseThe High Priest has had her brought here against my will
Not that I can do very much anymoreIn truth she belongs to Morian now He turned to Danoleon"If they tire her out, fineIf she sleeps it is a blessingI will be in the infirmary or in my gardenI'll check in here tonight, unless I have word from you before
"Will you not stay rolex watches ladies to hear us play, then?" Alessan asked"We might surprise you"I have no leisure for such thingsTonight in the dining hall, perhaps He flashed a small, unexpected smile, gone as quickly as it appeared, and went past them with brisk, irritated strides out the door
There was a short silence
"He is a good man," Danoleon said softly, almost apologetically
"He is a Cortean," Torre muttered darkly
The High Priest shook his handsome head"He is a good man," he repeated"It angers him when people die in his care His gaze went back to AlessanHis hand shifted a little on his staffHe opened his mouth to dior saddle spea |
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