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Kerr had never seen anything like it before.
But oh, he had.
Yoshi had said Amra's murder was an act of sorcery from the dark ledger. He hadn't understood what she meant at the time, but now he knew instinctively that it related to this. This was the evil power she had sensed. The similarity between his beloved friend Amra and the poor unfortunate sacrifice showed him exactly how the deed had been done. Hidden here, amongst the animals where no one would think to look at the poor beasts, this goat had been sacrificed in Amra's name.
Sibias unfolded a piece of sacking and handed it to Patrino, gesturing beyond the horses. “Hurry, my boy. You have done well so far, you led the Aleemites a merry dance. Surely the sight of a little blood is not affecting you?"
The older man laughed, but Kerr could sense that Patrino felt discomfort. Kerr stepped back, and as he did Sibias looked in his direction, his head snapping up as if he had heard.
Kerr's heart hammered in his chest, his skin growing damp. He knew that if they found him watching, he was in grave danger.
A voice hissed to him from behind where he stood. “Step to your right. The moon is casting your shadow, move beyond it."
He did as instructed, seeking out sight of his rescuer as he did.
A tall figure moved swiftly through the shadows toward him. Still unsure, he was about to take flight when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning quickly, he found that he stared into the face of Amshazar. Kerr saw concern and restless emotions reflected in his eyes. Glancing back he saw that Sibias moved closer.
Amshazar held one finger to his lips.
Kerr looked from one to the other, suddenly afraid that he had walked into a trap. These two were oft together.
"Rest easy, young man. I will not let them know you are here."
Kerr saw Amshazar's eyes glistening in the darkness. Then he lifted his cloak, as if to conceal Kerr behind it.
Surely it would not be enough to conceal them both? With bated breath, Kerr listened. The footsteps grew closer. Sibias would see them there, in the shadows, surely? Cloak or not. Then he noticed how dense the darkness was behind the cloak, and felt a strange tingling in his limbs. The footsteps paused and then moved on, before retracing back to the spot where Patrino still labored.
As the cloak lowered, Kerr saw they were safe. Somehow, Amshazar had concealed them both. Kerr breathed somewhat easier. He knew little of this man called Amshazar, except that something about him made him feel in awe. That feeling grew.
Amshazar nodded toward the center of the encampment and put an arm around his shoulder, quickly leading him away from the spot.
"We must tell someone what we saw,” Kerr said when they were a safe distance away.
"No,” Amshazar replied. “Not yet. I will deal with Sibias when we reach Lhastari. If we acted on our knowledge now, we would alert Elishiba's enemies. They mean to undermine her. For the time being, we must act as if we don't know who has done this. We must show strength in the face of adversity."
Kerr frowned, not sure he understood.
"This has been done as a warning. Be vigilant now. Tell me, how does your mistress fare?"
"She is sick with worry. Yoshi has given Elra a sleeping draught and she rests now, but it is a troubled sleep. Amra's murder has affected us all.” His thoughts were still in turmoil. “Do you think the empress will be able to return home? I know she will not be safe in Lhastari, for surely there is more of this to come."
Amshazar gave a gentle nod. “You are not wrong there. Alas, she must continue on this journey, dangerous though it is. Be strong for her and her kin, you are helping by being with her."
Amshazar squeezed his shoulder, which somehow made Kerr feel stronger. “I will try."
"Be watchful. Together we can help her."
"Forgive me,” Kerr mumbled, “for I am so unsure."
"Do not be afraid. I know that it must seem odd, because you know me as one of the Karseedians."
Kerr nodded.
"I am here for another reason than that which might be obvious."
They were close to the center of the camp, and Kerr noticed that Amshazar had led him back toward the empress's tent, safely removed from Sibias and his suspicious task with Patrino. “There seems to be wrongdoing everywhere, it is difficult to know who to trust."
"You are not the first person who has said that to me tonight,” Amshazar replied with a rather sad smile. He stopped walking and faced Kerr. “You have been worried about your friend Kazeen, yes?"
