The Radisha nodded. I understand. You two come with me.

Narayan rose but Ram did not budge. I asked, Will you wait outside, Ram? Just for a while?

Yes, Mistress. He went out with the others. Id bet he did not go five feet past the door.

Before they left Narayan started telling the Radisha I needed a physician.

The anger and frustration faded. I calmed down, thought I understood.

Croaker had been struck down by a random arrow. In the confusion his corpse had disappeared. Only now I knew he had not been a corpse at all. And I thought I knew whence that arrow had come. My everloving sister. Just to get even with me for having thwarted her attempt to displace me when Id been empress in the north.

I knew how her mind worked. I had evidence she was loose again. She would continue to keep us apart and punish me through him.

She was whole again. She had the power to do whatever she willed. She had been second only to me when I was at my peak.

I came as close to despair as Ive ever come.

The Radisha invited herself in without knocking. A tiny woman in a pink sari accompanied her. The Radisha said, This is Doctor Dahrhanahdahr. Her family are all physicians. Shes my own physician. Shes the best. Even her male colleagues admit shes marginally competent.

I told the woman what I had been suffering. She listened and nodded. When I was done, she told me, Youll have to disrobe. I think I know what it is but Ill have to look.

The Radisha stepped to the cell door, used her own clothing to cover the viewport. Ill turn my back if your modesty demands it.

What modesty? I stripped.

Actually, I was embarrassed. I did not want to be seen looking as bad as I did.

The physician spent a few minutes examining me. I thought so.

What is it?

You dont know?

If I did I wouldve done something about it. I dont like being sick. At least the dreams had let up since the initiation. I could sleep.

Youll have to put up with it a while longer. Her eyes sparkled. That was a hell of an attitude for a physician. Youre pregnant.

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Croaker posted himself where he could be clearly seen from the city. Murgen stood beside him with the standard. Swan set off in a boat the cavalry had stolen off the banks of the river north of the hills.

Murgen asked, You think hell come?

Maybe not himself. But somebody will. Hell want to make sure, one way or the other.

Murgen indicated the Shadowlander soldiers along the shoreline. You know what thats about?

I can guess. Mogaba and Lady both want to be Captain. She took care of Shadowspinner but thought it might be inconvenient if she told Mogaba. As long as hes trapped in Dejagore hes no problem.