Wayfarer (Wanderlust 2)

Chapter Fourteen

  The Governor was tall, compared to other Tallenese men, and Tanden got the feeling he wasn't used to looking up at people. The three of them had been whisked away as soon as the Governor had noticed them, and now they were standing in a much smaller room, more of an office than an audience chamber. It was still round, and richly decorated with furs and wooden carvings. The Governor, instead of sitting in his chair, was leaning against the windowsill behind the desk, framing himself with an absolutely gorgeous view of the valley and the mountain of new trees.

"So tell me, who are you?" the Governor asked. Jale had whispered his name to Tanden as they had been escorted to the room. Reng Runolorinn.

Tanden stood in front of the desk, very aware of the guards that stood on either side of it. Soren and Jale were a step behind him, and he could hear Jale whispering translations to Soren.

The Governor was clearly a little surprised when Tanden replied. "Lord Tanden from the Kingdom of Zianna, and my—" Tanden paused. This man was the Governor, meaning he was married to the Emperor. He adjusted Soren's introduction quickly. "My eeto, Soren. We have been travelling for years to learn about the customs and people of different kingdoms and empires. We hired Ranger Lirajaleanor in Till, to accompany us. We're not here in any official capacity, only following my own drive for information."

The Governor's gaze only flickered over to the other two when Tanden introduced them, the rest of the time he stared straight at Tanden. "You call yourself a lord. How valuable are you?"

"I'm the third son of the second richest family in the kingdom," Tanden said. "I hold some sway." Or he had held some sway, before exiling himself. "I would be delighted to help foster a better relationship between our countries."

"A generous offer, but one better made to my sister-eeto in Till. She has much stronger links to other countries. Or, made to the Emperor himself."

"Of course," Tanden agreed. "But as I said, I didn't come to be an ambassador. I truly just came to explore, and to learn more about this empire. We planned to travel inland for some time, before turning back and possibly meeting the Emperor when he moved to Till for the spring."

"At this rate, you will be stuck in Esler Tigo for the winter," Reng Runolorinn replied. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"Well, yes. For some time, at least."

"Hmm... Well, as noble guests, I would of course be happy to offer you rooms in the palace," Reng Runolorinn said. "I expect you would like to keep your ranger, although you do not seem to need her as a translator."

Tanden let a smile flicker across his lips, although he didn't quite like Jale being called 'his ranger'. "I completely owe my fluency to her," he explained. "And Soren does need a translator. I would be delighted to accept your offer for rooms, if Lirajaleanor is also provided one nearby."

"It can be arranged. Will you need two rooms or—" his gaze flickered to Soren, "—are you physical with your eeto?"

"I am."

"Are you physical with your ranger?"

"No."

"Two rooms, then," Reng Runolorinn said, with a nod. "I'll have servants prepare a room, and go with your ranger to help move your belongings. You will join me for dinner tonight. We will be dining with Tier's Prophet. You must also dress appropriately. Do you have other clothing?"

Tanden glanced down at his leather nautical jacket. While it was his favourite piece of clothing, he also understood that it wasn't exactly he fanciest thing he could choose to wear. "We have travel clothes, but nothing fit for a dinner."