Chapter 17.2.1

Home. I climbed down from Master’s Iving’s cart and stared up at the face of the Bardhall, it’s facade lit by the flickering light from the firepots where Lord Guerney’s men warmed themselves. Thirty marble steps reached up to the wide porch where the Masters would sit in judgement, and six ornate pillars held up the tympanum. I stared at the instruments carved there and remembered the feel of each one beneath my hands. Heard the sound of each in my mind. Smelled the scent of the common meal, wafting from the dining room. Felt both the ache of homesickness and the joy that I would soon be there.

And feared the reception when others found what had happened to me.

Our little parade moved on, turning to the alley behind the Bardhall where a door opened into the back courtyard. Here was the stable and the cart shed. Here also was a young man with shaggy dark hair and deep, black eyes. Old clothing, a bit on the small side. His skin was dusky, as if he had spent too many nights sleeping in the ash of the fireplace.

It couldn’t be, could it?

"What are you doing here?" Grandmaster Meiltung asked gruffly.

"I saw you coming," the young man answered.

"You – saw?" The Grandmaster stiffened, not at all pleased.

The young man brushed back his hair from his face. His voice took on a surly tone. "I was watching from the bedroom window."

"Why?"

"So I could be here to take the horses." He held out his hand for the reins.

Master Iving climbed down from his carriage. "Treble, have you eaten?"

"I was waiting for you to arrive."

It was indeed Treble. The child was a man. He was taller than I was, and there were muscles on his arms and shoulders. His voice had deepened to a tenor; his jaw was strong. I felt old.

"Don’t dwaddle, then. You don’t want to miss your portion. And there will be a treat tonight, if Gerard will play for us."

Treble looked at me. His gaze intensified, and I found myself being examined. Then a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. A bitter smile.

Some things about him had not changed.

Charles dismounted and helped Peter down. Then the knight announced, "I’ll care for my own horse, thank you."

Treble just shrugged and led the way to the stable, with Charles following behind. The rest of us went toward the Guildhall. I glanced back, just in time to see Charles pass something white to Treble.