Then she drew back her hand as if surprised by her own intensity.
“In any case, there are others who need her,” she continued more calmly. She moved aside and Gilla saw another figure in the doorway behind her, tall, black haired, with a lithe poise that the rich gown she wore so awkwardly could not disguise and an energy that made even Gilla give way as she swept into the room past Myrtis.
“What are you doing? She’s not well enough-” Gilla began as the newcomer strode to the bed where Illyra lay, and stood looking down at her.
“They say the S’danzo have no gods, and no mages,” the woman said gruffly.
“Well, the gods the rest of us had aren’t talking these days, and the mages are useless. I need information. My old comrades said you’re honest. What will you take to See for me?”
“Nothing.” Illyra pulled herself up against the pillows, stony-eyed.
“Oh, no-enough of my comrades came to you in the old days that I know you keep to the traditional rule. If you take my coin you are bound to answer me….” She pulled gold from her pouch and held it out. Furiously, Illyra dashed it from her hand.
“Do you know who I am?” the woman said dangerously.
“I know you. Lady Kama, and there is nothing in Sanctuary that will make me See for you!” She caught her breath on a half-sob. “I could not even if I would.
When my-in the riots-my cards were destroyed. I am as blind as any of the rest of you now!” She finished with bitter triumph.
“But I have to know!” Kama said angrily. “I have promised to wed Molin