“Have you anything to say to the people of Laconda on this joyous occasion, sir? Any words you might care to speak will be received with gratitude and appreciation.”
It was Simna who spoke up, raising his voice above the general clamor. “You have to understand, noble sir, that my friend here is no orator. It is more in his nature to …” He halted as, to his considerable surprise, Ehomba not only stepped forward but mounted the royal dais to stand opposite the Duke and next to the Visioness Themaryl. He did not bother to raise his hand to quiet the crowd, but instead simply began speaking in his usual calm, measured tone.
“I vowed to the dying Tarin Beckwith of Laconda North to return this woman to her home and family. This I have done.” As he spoke, he ignored the Visioness’s sullen, unyielding scowl. “My obligation to him is at last fulfilled.” Turning to her he asked simply, directly, and utterly unexpectedly, “Now that I am free of any responsibility in this matter, I would like to know what it is that you want.”
She gaped at him. For an instant she thought that the tall, singular southerner was taunting her, making fun of her condition. But in spite of herself she had come in the course of the long journey back to Laconda to know him at least as well as any of his odd clutch of companions. In all that time, she had never seen him taunt, or ridicule, or mock anyone. Was it possible that the query was an honest one?
She did not have to meditate on a reply. Nor did she hesitate. “I want to go back to Ehl-Larimar.”