Ship of Destiny (Liveship Traders, #3)

by Robin Hobb

Keffria surprised them all when she spoke on alone. ‘And also our private agreement regarding the liveship Vivacia, the product of both our families, and our hope that our families shall be joined in the marriage of Malta Vestrit and Reyn Khuprus.’ She took a deep breath. Her voice shook only slightly. ‘In sign of the link between our families, I offer to you my youngest son, Selden Vestrit, to be fostered with the Khuprus family of the Rain Wilds. I charge you to teach him well the ways of our folk.’ Yes. This was right. Let it all be formalized. Selden suddenly stood taller. He let go of his sack and came forwards. He took his mother’s hand and looked up at her. ‘Do I say anything?’ he asked gravely. Jani held out her hand. ‘I, Jani Khuprus of the Khuprus family of the Rain Wilds, do welcome Selden Vestrit to be fostered with our family, and taught the ways of our folk. He will be cherished as one of our own. If he so wills it.’ Selden did not let go of his mother’s hand. How wise the boy already was! He instead set his free hand into Jani’s. He cleared his throat. ‘I, Selden Vestrit of the Vestrit family, do will that I be fostered with the Khuprus family of the Rain Wilds.’ He looked at his mother as he added, ‘I will do my best to learn all that is taught me. ‘There. That’s done,’ he added.