Mato's gaze flickered, but he said quickly, "It does not signify, but you can't expect me to believe that she lives like you, speaks like you, and still claims she isn't cozar."

Nori had almost been enjoying watching Mato insult Brean, the caravan, and the cozar in general. Now her violet eyes went cold at Mato's a.s.sumption of her lineage, and she did not realize that, for an instant, her gaze echoed the chill of her father.

The Hafell looked across the fire, saw her expression, and hid a faint smile. Perhaps for once, she wouldn't need her brother. "KeyoNoriana Ember maDione," he summoned.

She stood reluctantly.

"If you're willing," he said. "Black Wolf, are you cozar?"

"No, Hafell," she answered truthfully. She started to sit back down, but Payne's words about standing up for herself came back to her, and she found herself adding, "To be completely honest, I believe-as someone pointed out so clearly earlier-" She looked directly at the elder, and her lips curled slightly.

"-I am a stubborn, shortsighted, small-minded mountain rat whose only real value to the county is in plunging to my death before I can breed more of the same."

There was a collective gasp around the circle, and Payne was on his feet beside her.

Elder Mato's face turned beet red.

Payne made the gesture for an interim speaker and stepped slightly in front of her. "I apologize for my sister, Hafell," he said quickly. "She is overwrought from the events of the past few days." Nori kicked his foot, but he didn't turn a hair as he finished smoothly, "I believe she meant to say that she was a stubborn, shortsighted, small-minded,Randonnen mountain rat."

The t.i.tters around the circle couldn't quite be suppressed. Kettre turned quickly away, but her fist was stuffed in her mouth, and her shoulders were shaking. Mato ground his teeth, and the Hafell regarded the two for a long moment. From the contortions of the muscles on the sides of Brean's jaw, Nori had the impression the Hafell was struggling as hard as the others.

The old Ell spoke for him. "As you heard, Elder Mato, Black Wolf is not cozar. She is only another guest among us."

"A guest," Mato snapped. "So you give her the haven of the caravan, and expect no work in return."

Payne stiffened, and several merchants frowned. A wise man didn't insult the traders with whom he might have to negotiate later, but Mato was in his righteous robe and drawing his line in the sand. Nori stepped out from behind Payne before he could retort for her. Her quiet voice carried clearly as she faced the old Ell. "I have always appreciated thekeyo berth the cozar have extended to me. I am pleased to perform any task that helps smooth the road for my friends.Seye in 'stina in yo. "

Ell Tai inclined his head approvingly. Salt and bread and water-it meant she had shared life with them and so was bound to them as a sister by all but blood. It was the travel oath for the cozar, as good as a contract in almost any circle. The old man turned sternly back to Mato, but Elder Connaught stood quickly instead. "May I speak?"

Both Brean and Ell Tai gave the elder a sharp look, but Brean nodded.

Connaughtc.o.c.ked his head at Mato. "I see that this is important to you, Elder Mato. Perhaps you would be willing to trade Black Wolf a dozen hunting shafts of Poorford Cedar from your Diton holdings, in place of the usual vet right."

There was another wave of murmuring at the suggestion of the rare wood. Nori and Payne both stared atConnaught . The elder winked subtly at the wolfwalker, and Payne felt the grin start on his face. Now, that was a payback favor. And while Nori was doing the vet duty, Payne could use that as an excuse to check in with the local council. If they did need to leave the caravan, this would be the perfect excuse to do so.

Mato stared in turn, then sputtered. "Poorford Ced-? But that's-" He broke off again. "Those are worth a fortune. Do you know how rare those trees are? We don't make three hundred shafts a year-"

"One silver for every three dnu is a bit steep for blue mange,"Connaught agreed. He added smoothly, "Unless the animals are suffering other conditions that will require more attention once thekeyo vet is on site. I hear that your friend's mount has a bit of softhoof. I understand that's quite contagious." Mato's lips thinned as Brean's expression went cold.Connaught smiled blandly. "And as you know, Black Wolf lost her bow and quiver at Stone Ridge. With her scouting duties, their replacement is as important to her as your friend's dnu are to him."

"You might as well ask for singing spruce," Mato snapped.

Connaughtshrugged. "A dozen shafts of either, Elder Mato, would cover ten or twelve hours of a ranked vet's time."

"That's . . . that's blackmail," he sputtered.

Nori said diffidently, "If it would help, Elder Mato, I am willing to forgo charging your cousin for the medicines for mange and softhoof. Instead, I would provide any needed medications from my own supplies."

Payne hid a wider grin. He knew as well as she did that, although the herbs used to treat blue mange and softhoof were worth as much as the arrows, they could also be gathered fresh in spring-if one was willing to brave the wilderness to find them. That had never been an issue for Nori.

Mato started to speak, then caught Nori's reference to his cousin. "My cousin? How did you-" He caught the dawning expression on the Ell's old face and glared at Nori. "Four shafts, perhaps," he snapped. "No more than that."

Connaughthad also caught the reference, and he glanced at Nori, then Payne. He raised one eyebrow.

Payne nodded almost imperceptibly, and the old man turned back to the cozar council. "A dozen shafts,"

he said firmly.

Hunter was staring at Nori now, and Fentris was regarding both the brother and sister with a thoughtful expression.

"Six shafts," Mato countered.

"A dozen."

"You're not even trying to bargain."

For the first time,Connaught let a flicker of anger into his voice. "This isn't a negotiation. It's payment for vet services rendered to you from a fully qualified vet, who has extensive knowledge of the indigenous life on this world, and who is ranked in two related fields. You would be hard-pressed to find someone else as knowledgeable and skilled as Noriana maDione on the road and available at this time of year. A dozen shafts, Elder Mato."

"Chak take you," he snarled. "A dozen shafts."

Connaughtglanced at Payne for his approval, Payne glanced at Nori, and she nodded her agreement.

The Ell held up his hand, though, before Payne could formally acknowledge the deal. The old man's face was hard, and he stared coldly at the elder. "You agree, Elder Mato: a dozen shafts of Poorford Cedar?"

"Aye," the elder snapped.

"You agree, Black Wolf: three hours of your healer skills?"

"Three?" Mato blistered. "We bargained for ten or twelve-"

The glance of the old Ell silenced him like a knife. "Three hours, Black Wolf?"

Nori didn't hesitate. "Aye, Ell Tai."

"Then thisbokat trade is concluded." There was a darker murmur, and it took Mato a second to realize what the Ell had said, but even as he opened his mouth to curse, the Ell quelled him with a glare. The old man glanced at Nori, then back at the flushed elder. He didn't take his eyes off Mato as he said softly, "You may begin your service, Black Wolf, as soon as thebokat shafts are delivered. This contract is in effect from this moment throughnoon tomorrow. If thebokat shafts have not been delivered by dawn so that you can complete the service within the contracted time, this trade is annulled and your duty is considered done." It was another statement, one even harsher, since payments of unusual materials could usually be delayed for up to a year. The Ell knew Mato had not brought the arrow stock with him; it was unlikely he could come up with the payment before the contract time expired.

Nori didn't look at Mato as she nodded respectfully. "Aye, Ell Tai." She stepped back to take her seat again, but she was shaking. Payne rubbed her arm up and down to soothe her, but the wolf in her was bristling. She barely waited for fireside to be dismissed before stalking away from the crowd.

She snarled low at Payne, "He's not just being used to push us. He's with them."

But her brother shook his head. "Take a breath, Nori. He's a chak, nothing more."

"How can you say that?" She almost spat the words. "Every duty he's asked of me would remove me from the caravan, just as Uncle Wakje said a raider would try to do."

"Aye, but he's not from this part of the county. He couldn't know of the ca.s.sar root stands if he hadn't been told about them. And he's never met his cousin till now. Why would he seek neDoshru out unless that had been suggested?"

That stopped her.

"Look, Nori-girl, I had time to check into his background."

"And?"

"And he's nothing more than a midrange elder. He's never made enough of an impression on anyone to be accused of more than making his mind up too quickly and sticking to his position after that no matter how wrong he is. And," he added softly, "he wasn't a problem for us until after Sidisport."

She halted at their wagon. She was beginning to feel the ebb of her anger, and now she flushed that it had been so strong. It had been . . . animalistic, she realized. She'd wanted to tear at Mato. She took a breath, let it out, and managed, "B'Kosan joined us in Sidisport."

"As did Murton, maSera, Woraconau, Gretzell, and half the otherchovas. "

Now he really had her attention. "Chovas duty is perfect cover for a raider."

"Aye, but-" He broke off. "Heads up, Nori-girl," he said, softly. He gestured with his chin down the aisle.

She followed his gaze. B'Kosan and his merchant were heading their way. Rezuku lifted a hand to catch their attention.

"My apologies to you both," the blond man said easily as he came up, though his eyes were sharp as they took in the brother and sister. Nori belatedly slipped her knife back in her belt. "I didn't mean to startle you." The merchant nodded at Payne, then turned to Nori. "MaDione, I offer my sincere apologies to you in particular. It was in my presence that Mato insulted you so grievously both earlier and at fireside."

The man ran his hand through his thin blond hair in a gesture that seemed almost practiced, and Payne's violet eyes narrowed. He didn't think the merchant sounded displeased at all. In fact, he could swear there was a smugness under Rezuku's voice that made Payne's attention stand on edge.

The merchant, with his gaze on Nori, didn't notice. "Please," the man added. "Tell me what I can do to make amends."

"My thanks for the apology, Merchant Rezuku, but I take no offense." She started to turn away.

"Black Wolf, maDione, let me do something. I have many contacts up and down the county. Perhaps I can help you arrange some interesting stops on this trip or on your Journey when you accept it-" He broke off as Nori's face went carefully expressionless. He added smoothly, "Or perhaps something as simple as sharing a cup of Germeni wine with me to a.s.sure me you do not think so poorly of me." He smiled charmingly. "I admit freely that I have an ulterior motive, but I swear I will mention to you only this once that I would like to do business with your uncle, the Lloroi, and that I hope I can drop your name in the conversation when I meet him."

She looked down the darkened wagon lane for a moment. Lanterns bobbled with the strides of cozar who headed for bed, while other parties gossiped animatedly as they headed out for the inns. A pair of women had stopped nearby to murmur a last bit of gossip. It was normal; the entire night felt normal, but still she felt uneasy. She wanted more steel at her side than the belt knife and boot knife she carried, and this merchant made her wary. Yet Payne said nothing, and they did want inside the man's wagon. Slowly, she nodded.

Rezuku gave her a smile. "Tomorrow?"

This time, she couldn't help glancing at Payne.

"The next day then," the blond man said smoothly. "After fireside. My best Germeni wine. I've brought several cases for trade, and I would consider it an honor to sample a bottle with you."

She nodded again.

The satisifed merchant strode away down the line of wagons, and B'Kosan gave her a grin over his shoulder as he trailed dutifully along.

Nori muttered, "Probably thinks that if he steals some wine, I'll have a drink with him, too." She scowled after thechovas. "If I looked like Uncle Wakje, men like that wouldn't bother me twice."

Payne chuckled. "If you looked like Wakje, you'd have a chin like a butcher, hands like a meat grinder, and eyebrows made of bollusk hair, not to mention forearms like my thighs." He glanced around to see that they were alone for the moment, then nodded after the pair. "I think I'll tag along in the shadows and see who else he talks to."

"Good." She opened her trail pack on the gate to do a check of her gear. "B'Kosan was far too interested in Fentris's and Hunter's reactions when that woman's inheritance came up."

Payne turned to look at her. "That was about land on the southern trade route."

She nodded. "I've got notes on activity all along that route, all the way down to Sidisport and back up the Randonnen border."

He said slowly, "That would explain the Tamrani presence and why Brithanas wants the Daughter of Dione." He caught her expression and said quickly, "He probably never saw you as anything else Nori-girl. He is Tamrani, and you're-"

"The Wolfwalker's Daughter," she finished flatly.

"Aye. Noriana is just an animal healer and a backtrail scout. Those aren't the skills a Tamrani usually needs." He added, "He must be trying to get a jump on some kind of change in the trade lanes. It would have to be big, though. Tamrani don't move unless there's heavy gold involved." He rubbed his jaw and looked back toward fireside.

She snapped her pack closed, and Rishte growled again in her head. She growled her agreement back.

But Payne put his hand over hers to stop her from slipping her pack on. "Don't go using that till after I get back, and till after you've had a talk with Brithanas. Get him to back off, but see what he knows, if you can. I'm going to follow B'Kosan."

She muttered a curse as she plopped her pack back on the gate. "Fine. I'll talk to him. Yes, now," she added before he could say it himself. She remembered B'Kosan's expression from that afternoon when thechovas suggested he challenge Mato for her. She caught his arm. "Payne, if you talk to B'Kosan, don't make any accusations. He's too much like Uncle Ki. He might challenge you, and it wouldn't be for fun."

He stared at her for a long moment. "I hear you."

The call of the wolf was a growling thing, deep inside her mind. It was yanking now like a leash. She tried to swallow her snarl, but she knew her voice was harsh. "Be careful, Payne."

His voice was dry. "Like Papa, Nori-girl."

"Aye, like Papa." Then he was gone, slipping after Rezuku. Nori looked down the now deserted lane, then reached back into the wagon, plucked an extra knife from the low rack, and strapped it onto her belt. She hesitated, then snapped a balanced blade out of the rack and tucked it into her boot sheath.

Then she strode away to find Hunter.

XXIV.

[Grasp hefts his sword.]"Whichone amI supposed to kill, anyway?"

"The one in blue."[Chenshi spits to the side and adjusts his sword belt.]

[Grasp peers across the stage.]"I don't see him."

"That's because he is beside you."[And Chenshi draws his blade.]

-fromPlaying with Swords, modern staging The tall Tamrani greeted her with a smile. She looked uncomfortable, and he hid his satisfaction. This should be almost easy. "Walk with me for a few minutes."

She c.o.c.ked her head at him and gestured toward an empty bench on the outskirts of the now spa.r.s.e fireside. "We can talk here."

He glanced at the small groups of colorful men and women. Half wore plain, dark colors for travel and work, but the other half were like vari birds at mating. Red shirts with black trim, yellow-green cloaks edged with violet braid, and royal blue pants with lime-green embroidery? They made a Tamrani ball look dull. He'd almost laughed in spite of himself when Shae had commented dryly earlier that his eyes almost hurt to see them. He said simply, "I'd prefer the verge to the camp."

"Why?" she asked warily.

"I enjoy a stroll in the evening. After tonight, I'd think you'd want one, too." She looked over her shoulder, and he added casually, "They've gone across to Vallier's train."

She shot him a sharp look. "Who?"

"Your uncles. Said something about talking to the other scouts. Your brother went off that way. Shall we?" He motioned for her to walk beside him.

She drew back. "I don't think so." It was too tempting to leave the firelight, the flickering lanterns, the cozar noise. Safety in numbers, Payne had said. There were at least four outriders nearby, none of them Sidisportchovas. "Here is good enough."

"But not as pleasant as a moonlit verge."

Rishte growled in her mind, and she scowled irritably. "I'm tired and sore, Hunter." And ready to snap at anyone who came near, she thought. "I just want to sleep. We can talk here if we need to."