Chapter 6

As the Star Shadow cruised through hyperspace, Talak, Kahlan, and Alliyanna gathered in the tiny, cramped galley to discuss their next move. The adrenaline from their close call on Glimansh was starting to wear off, replaced by a gnawing uncertainty about what lay ahead.

“We need to be more careful,” Talak said, running a hand through his hair. “That was too close. If Alliyanna’s disguise had failed while we were still planet-side...”

Alliyanna nodded, her disguise now entirely faded. “I’m sorry my cover started slipping. I’ll work on making it more secure for our next stop.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Kahlan reassured her. “Your negotiation skills more than made up for it. We made an incredible profit thanks to you.”

Talak agreed. “He’s right. Six hundred thirty-five thousand credits are far beyond what I expected. You’ve got quite the talent for trade.”

Alliyanna smiled ruefully. “My father insisted I learn the intricacies of trade. He said a ruler needs to understand economics as well as politics. I never thought I’d use those skills like this, though.” Her mother had taught that commerce was simply another weapon. Every contract won, every favorable bargain, every coin earned at an opponent’s expense was a victory. It was the way of House Kar’Jan’s matriarchs.

“Well, I’m glad you did,” Talak said. “That extra profit gives us more options moving forward.”

Kahlan nodded gravely. “Agreed. But we also can’t keep running forever. We need a long-term plan.”

Talak continued. “We need to make it too expensive or dangerous for him to continue going after you. I don’t have a plan for that yet, but I think we should work on it. Also, I think it’s time to get some sleep. Our next planetfall will be in three weeks. We can continue this line of thinking, develop a more detailed plan during this leg, and, with some luck, find a way to implement it.

Talak woke earlier than usual. The events on Glimansh still lingered in his thoughts, and sleep had come only in scattered intervals. Deciding there was little point in lying awake, he dressed quietly and made his way toward the galley. He rounded the corner and immediately stopped.

Alliyanna stood with her back to him, humming softly as she mopped the deck. She wore only a simple undershirt and matching undergarments. Her trousers, blouse, and jacket had been washed and hung neatly over the backs of the galley chairs to dry. For a heartbeat, Talak simply froze. It wasn’t scandalous. It was practical. A ship as small as the Star Shadow offered little privacy and even fewer changes of clothing.