Shadow Honor - Book 1 of The Trial

Shadow Honor - 18

"How did you sleep, Styx? I trust that our beds were not too uncomfortable."

High Inquisitor Kinar Grembal regarded Styx curiously as the young man stirred his bowl of breakfast porridge. The old man's gaze was unsettling to Styx, but he couldn't determine why. Inquisitor Grembal had proven to be an excellent host and had treated him with the utmost respect, but there was something in his gaze that sent a shiver down Styx's spine whenever Grembal looked his way.

"It wasn't what I was used to, but it was certainly soft enough," Styx replied before eating another spoonful of porridge. "I don't know if I've ever slept better," he added after swallowing. "I appreciate your hospitality, Master Grembal."

"I enjoy having unique guests," Grembal remarked with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It is a rarity for there to be visitors to the Everbright City at all. Foreign dignitaries come from time to time, but they normally stay in the palace with the King." Styx shivered under Grembal's gaze as he added, "I must say this is the first time we've had a Shade visit."

"You're embarrassing him, High Inquisitor," Kirra interrupted with a dangerous edge. "Can't you lay off a bit?"

"Kirra, I have no intention of embarrassing my guests," Grembal replied in an offended tone. He glanced back to Styx and smiled. "I simply find him curious." His smile dropped again when he turned back to Kirra. "Maybe if you would come and visit every once in a while, I wouldn't have to interrogate your friends whenever they come by."

"This is hardly about you and me . . ."

"It always is, and you know it," Grembal replied with a snort. "I took care of you after your parents died, when no one else would. The least you could do is show some gratitude and pay an old man some respect by dropping by every so often."

"I'm sorry," Styx interrupted, growing more uncomfortable by the second, "it appears that I have walked into the middle of something here. Would you mind if I left you two alone?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I would mind," Grembal replied without hesitation. He turned to Styx and reached out to touch his hand, causing Styx's stomach to knot. "Stay. I'll behave. I won't bring it up again. Can we agree to a truce, Kirra?"

Kirra snorted and looked away, which tightened Grembal's smile. The smile had never touched his eyes anyway, but Styx kept that thought to himself as Grembal turned his attention back to him. "Have you enjoyed your time in the city so far?" He asked, stepping back into the role of the grandfatherly host instead of the unhappy parent.

"I suppose," Styx replied noncommittally before taking another mouthful of porridge. As Grembal continued to look at him expectantly Styx swallowed and explained, "It's a little bright for me. My eyes haven't adjusted yet. I'm sure that will improve with time."

"Yes, I'm sure it will," Grembal agreed. Then, with a slight shrug he added, "Depending on how long you choose to stay, of course."

"That hasn't been decided yet," Styx replied quietly, glancing back at Kirra. The look wasn't lost on either Kirra or the Grembal. It seemed as if Grembal was about to press for an explanation when a servant stepped into the room and bowed deeply to him.

"Excuse me sir," the servant said quickly, without straightening from the bow, "but Lady Alsha Tremlain has arrived. She is asking for Lord Kirra and your honored guest."

"If you'll excuse us," Kirra said before Grembal could reply. He stood and neatly placed his napkin next to his bowl of porridge before going on, "we have another appointment this morning."

"Very well," Grembal replied with a curt nod, "though I hope you will join me again for dinner."

"We'll see if we're available," Kirra answered with a fake smile. Without another word he gestured for Styx to follow him and left the room, not even waiting to see if Styx was coming.