Hermiss threw her arms around Varia, laughing delightedly and crying at the same time, tears flowing down her cheeks. “Oh Varia,” she said, “I’m so happy for you! So happy! You deserve to have good things. You deserve them!”
They talked a little longer, of Duinarog, the Northern Sea, and Aaerodh Manor, then rode back to camp. From there, Varia, with an escort, accompanied Hermiss home. And when they parted, Varia told herself that this time she would surely write to her.
Varia rode directly back to Melody, whom she found alone. Macurdy had left, to give orders regarding the withdrawal, he’d said. Melody’s aura was darkened by jealousy, but showed only a slight residual effect of her concussion, an effect she didn’t feel and should be gone in another day. It also showed the usual hint of talent, but when Varia asked questions that should bring any latency to view, she found little. Even so, she decided to carry out the procedure as she had with Will, who’d actually shown more potential. It could do no harm, and if somehow it worked . . .
Melody was examining Varia as thoroughly as Varia had her. Mostly she saw physical beauty and poise, but her intelligence and power were also obvious. “Why did you come here,” Melody asked, “if you’re not married to Macurdy anymore? And why are you talking to me?”
Varia considered telling her, then didn’t. Macurdy would, if he wanted her to know. Meanwhile she lied. “He asked me to make sure your head injury doesn’t give you trouble in the future. But I’ll need to put a spell on you.”
Melody shook her head with no sign of a wince. “I’ll be all right. I don’t want anyone putting a spell on me.”
“I understand that. I’d feel the same if I were you. Will you allow it when Curtis comes back? If he sits with us?”
Melody pursed her lips, her eyes intent on the Sister. “If he’s here, yes. If he wants me to. It’s not that I think you’d do something bad. I just don’t like the idea.”
Varia smiled. Thank you, spear maiden, she thought, for the polite lie. I don’t blame you for distrusting me. “Fine. When he’s free, I’ll come back with him.”
Half an hour later she did. With Macurdy there, it took only two or three minutes to relax Melody sufficiently, four or five more to put her under, and another fifteen or twenty to run the procedure. Then, on a slow count, Varia brought her back to consciousness. After directing her attention to objects in the tent, to reorient her, she asked how she felt.
“All right,” Melody said slowly, as if examining how, in fact, she did feel. Then, “I feel fine,” and looked at Macurdy as if uncertain what was next.
He grinned at her. “Good. The army will start south the day after tomorrow. The last cohorts will leave two days later. Jeremid will take care of the planning and coordination.”
Melody looked bothered by that. “I’m your chief of staff!” she said. “That’s my job!”
“Uhm. Actually I had something more important in mind for you. I thought you and I could get married tomorrow afternoon. Jeremid and Tarlok will witness it, and Asperel. I claimed half a helmetful of silver coins from a Teklan plunder wagon, and rented the house of the district governor for two days and nights. The cook and servants come with it. The governor and his wife will stay in town with their son.”
Melody had listened, staring. Now, with a whoop, she leaped from the chair and embraced Macurdy, kissing him hard. Varia left without a word.
“Come back after dark tonight, Macurdy,” Melody growled, “and they’ll have to help you to the wedding. Loro can sleep with the Sisters if she wants to.”
Macurdy laughed, disentangling himself from her arms. “Omara wants you to rest till tomorrow, and there’s a lot I need to get done so I can give you my full attention after the wedding. I don’t want Jeremid interrupting us with a bunch of questions and authorizations to handle.”
She made a face at him. “All right, troll prince, one more day. One more day and you’re mine.” Her next kiss was less forceful and more sensual; he left grinning.