‘I’d prefer not to.’
A difficult one, Illyra thought.
The woman’s hand emerged from the shawl to drop three old Ilsig gold coins on to
the velvet. The hand was white, smooth, and youthful. The Ilsig coins were rare
now that the Rankan empire controlled Sanctuary. The woman and her questions
were a welcome relief from Illyra’s own thoughts.
‘Well, then, what is your name?’
‘I’d prefer not to say.’
‘I must have some information if I’m to help you,’ Illyra said as she scooped
the coins into a worn piece of silk, taking care not to let her fingers touch
the gold.
‘My ser … There are those who tell me that you alone of the S’danzo can see
the near future. I must know what will happen to me tomorrow night.’
The question did not fulfil Illyra’s curiosity or the promise of mystery, but
she reached for her deck of cards.
‘You are familiar with these?’ she asked the woman.
‘Somewhat.’
‘Then divide them into three piles and choose one card from each pile – that
will show me your future.’
‘For tomorrow night?’
‘Assuredly. The answer is contained within the moment of the question. Take the
cards.’
The veiled woman handled the cards fearfully. Her hands shook so badly that the
three piles were simply unsquared heaps. The woman was visibly reluctant to
touch the cards again and gingerly overturned the top card of each rather than
handle them again.
Lance of Flames.
The Archway.
Five of Ships, reversed.
Illyra drew her hands back from the velvet in alarm. The Five of Ships – the
card had been in her own hands not moments before. She did not remember