Book: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall
Quotes of Book: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall
He stirred, though, at the sounds of the garden gate opening and low voices. "Tom?" he came out from under his sheltering quince, to find both Tom and Rodrigo-both of whom were amazingly, if flatteringly, delighted to see him. "We thought you was done for, sure, me lord," Tom said for the third or fourth time, following Grey into the kitchen. "You sure you're all right, are you?" The tone of accusing doubt in this question was so familiar that Grey felt tears come to his eyes. He blinked them away, though, assured Tom that he was somewhat banged about but essentially undamaged. "Gracias a Dios," Rodrigo said, with such heartfelt sincerity that Grey looked at him in surprise. He said something else in Spanish that Grey didn't understand; John shook his head, then stopped abruptly, wincing. book-quoteGrey stood up as they came in, Azeel hovering protectively behind Rodrigo. The young man stopped, taking a deep breath before bowing deeply to the gentlemen. "Your…servant. Sah," he said to Grey, and then straightened, turned upon his axis, and repeated this process to the general, who watched him with a mixture of fascination and wariness. Every time he saw Rodrigo, Grey's heart was torn between regret for what the young man had once been-and a cautious joy in the fact that some of that splendid young man seemed still to be present, intact, and might yet come back further. He was still beautiful, in a way that made Grey's body tighten every time he saw that dark, finely carved head and the tall straight lines of his body. The lovely cat-like grace of him was gone, but he could walk again, almost normally, though one foot dragged a little. book-quoteI would like you to go with me to Cuba," Grey said, looking from one to the other. "Rodrigo could go where I could not go, and hear and see things I couldn't. But…there might be some small danger, and if you choose not to go, I will give you enough money for passage to the colonies. If you do choose to come with me, I will take you from Cuba to America, and you will either remain in my employment or, if you prefer, I will find you a place there." Man and wife exchanged a long look, and at last Rodrigo nodded. "We…go," he said. book-quote