Back to Chapter 20 - Interested in the other works here? A Chef's perspective set of stories start Here
The Sand Castle was quiet outside the wall. Inside, military and civilian and slave mixed and mingled and flowed, chaotic if you did not know what the form and flow was. The gate bell was heard inside and some of the chaos quieted. The question was said in low tones through the hole, the voice on the other side not having a chance to finish before there was a whoop and the gate started to open.
The front yard was not big enough for all the people who tried to cram in. Laun had the squad with her and that added twenty to the close to squad number plus mounts already in the gravel area. Laun had salutes and warriors grips and a few shy kisses as they all crowded in as the gate closed again.
Calls could be heard through the small compound. Faces appeared at the door, the only one to push through with any success was Disa. Laun had hands on her, pulling her through the men and into the lamp-lit brightness of the building.
It was as if the Salam-Dir people had drawn lots to see who was to come to the Capitol City. Hunter was there, waiting until he could get a hug and a kiss before going out to look after Thunder. Erin was there, Mimi close behind but ignoring the red scarf for the few attentions he could get from Laun. Silar, dark in dress and skin but bright with his smile, knelt as Laun approached, rising for an embrace and kiss when Laun put her hand on his head.
There were others, mostly waiting in the garden areas. Lanterns were lit and the small plants had stick walls around them to keep inattentive people from stepping on them. Laun had a tankard of cold water in her hand and was sitting on one of the benches, surrounded by people before she could really do anything for herself. »Read More