She hadn’t yet decided how or when to reveal Daphne to an unsuspecting
Sanctuary.
“The Beysa is hosting a lavish celebration to honor the seasonal aspect of their
fish-goddess.” Rosanda smiled again and winked. “They tie Mid-Winter to the moon
rather than the sun. Our festivals will be long done with. Literally everyone
who’s anyone will be there.”
Chenaya hid a grin behind her water goblet as she sipped. “Thank you again, Aunt
Rosanda. I’m in your debt.”
Rosanda nodded with mock sobriety, but she struggled to repress a giggle. As her
aunt left, Chenaya noticed there was decidedly more bounce in her old step. When
the door closed and Chenaya was finally alone, she sprang out of bed. She loved
parties, and this festival came at just the perfect time. Gods, how she would
enjoy it! She went to the window, drew a deep breath of fresh air, and gazed up
at the sun that rose in the east. Thank you. Bright Father, she prayed,
Savankala, thank you!
She dressed hurriedly in a short red fighting kilt. Around her waist she
fastened a broad, gold-studded leather belt. She added a white tunic, then
sandals, and tied back her long hair. Lastly, she set on her brow a golden
circlet inset with the sunburst symbol of her god.
On the grounds of the estate, midway between the house and the Red Foal River,
Chenaya and her gladiators had constructed a workout arena. It was crude by
capital standards. There was no seating for spectators, but there was a complete
series of training machines, iron weights for strength development, wooden and