[halfblood chronicles 03] - with andre norton - elvenborn
TRANSCRIPT
8/2/2019 [Halfblood Chronicles 03] - With Andre Norton - Elvenborn
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/halfblood-chronicles-03-with-andre-norton-elvenborn 1/524
ELVENBORN
BookThree
ofthe
HalfbloodChronicles
AndreNortonandMercedesLackey
TOR
fantasy
ATOMDOHERTYASSOCIATESBOOKNEWYORK
PROLOGUE
V'kelLyonLordKyndrethstoodup,andloomedovertheCounciltableandtheCouncilorsseatedthere.MostofhisfellowElvenlordswouldnotmeethiseyes;thosethatdidsosharedacongratulatoryglancewithhim.The
CouncilChamberwasnotacomfortableplacetoday,andhehadensuredwithafeworderstotheslaveswhohadprepareditthatitwouldremainso.Cold.Dim.Thecushionsontheseatspoundedflat.Andeventherefreshmentswereill-servedatauniformtemperaturethatcouldonlybedescribedas"tepid."Alltokeepeveryoneherewishinghewaselsewhere,andlessthanpleasedwiththeonenotLordKyndrethwhowasnominallyincharge.
LordKyndreth'sstarwasintheascendantonceagain,andthistimehewouldsee
toitthatitdidnotfallasecondtime.
"Howisit,"heasked,toemptyair,"thatarebelliouspackofchildrenandformerslaveshavemanagedtoholdoffourallegedlywell-trained,well-ledandwell-suppliedarmies?AndhavedonesoforlongenoughthatpeoplearebeginningtocallthistempertantrumtheYoungLords'Rebellion?"
"LordKyndreth"venturedV'kelAnsterLordRechan,scramblingmightilyfortheupperhandhehadifhehadonlyknownitjustlost,"thisis,exactlyasyousay,nomorethanatempertantrum.Inconsequential.Nomorethanahandfulofestateshavebeenlost,oursuppliescontinuetomovewithoutmorethantheoccasionalambush,thereisnomorethanatrickleofslavesescaping,andourlivescontinueastheyalwayshave.Inbalance,thethreat"
8/2/2019 [Halfblood Chronicles 03] - With Andre Norton - Elvenborn
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"Atricklehere,alossthere,thecompleteinabilityofourso-called'invincible'armytobringourownoffspringtoheel,andyousayit'sinconsequential?"LordKyndrethroared,andhadthesatisfactionofseeinghischiefopponentwince."BytheAncestors,youfool,can'tyouseethataso-called'trickle'isallthatisneededtobleedustodeath?"KyndrethsawwithsomesatisfactionasubtleandunspokenshiftingamongtheotherCouncilmembers,andwatchedaspowercameovertohisside."Andwhat,mayIask,doyouproposetodoiftheseso-called'errantchildren'ofoursdecidetoallywiththeElvenbaneandherwizardsanddragons?"
There.Itwasoutintheopen,thethingthatnoonehaddaredtosay,andhewatchedasachillpassedoveralltherestofthem.Yes,evenLordRechan.
"Theywouldn't"someonewhispered.
"Don'teverbelievethat,"oneofKyndreth'ssupporterssaid,sharply.Hetooknoteofthespeakerandremindedhimselftosinglethatoneoutforsomespecialfavor."Whyshouldn'tthey?"
"Becausebecausebecausethey'reElvenlords!"thefirstlordspluttered,lookingsohorrifiedbytheverynotionthatonewouldthinkhe'dbeenaccusedoffatheringhalfbloodedchildrenhimself.
8/2/2019 [Halfblood Chronicles 03] - With Andre Norton - Elvenborn
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"Andwhenwhatevermagicthey'vediscoveredceasestopreventourmagicfromreachingandpunishingthem?"LordKyndrethasked."Whatthen?Doyouthink,doyoureallythinkthattheywillhesitateforonemomentbeforegoingovertothehalf-bloodside?"
Silence.
"Now,"Kyndrethsaid,intothatsilence,changinghisvoicefromchallengingtocalm,"Ihavesomesuggestions.ThefirstofwhichisoneIthinknoneofyouwillanticipate.Isuggestthatwecontinuetoallowourloyaloffspringtocontinuetheirlivesasusual.Idonotproposeinterferingwiththeirpleasures.Infact,ifanything,Isuggestaslightlylooserleashfornow.Andyoumaywellbeaskingyourselfwhy"
"Wellyes,"repliedLordRechan,lookinggratifyinglypuzzled."If,asyousay,theinroadsareslowlybleedingustodeath"
"Firstly,wedon'twantthebratstoknowit'sbleedingustodeath,andrestassured,theymusthaveearsandeyesamongus,andit'sprobablysomeofourapparently-loyalchildren.Secondly,wewanttoremindourapparently-loyalchildrenjusthowpleasantlifeis,whenone'ssireispleasedwithone."Hesmiled,slightly."Itiseasiertocatchaflywithasweetmeatthanwithvinegar.Andmeanwhile"hiseyesnarrowed.
"Iwillbea-huntingforabettercommander."
Andtohisimmensesatisfaction,therewasnotonesingleobjection.
1
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V'kelAelmarkiner-LordTornalsmileddownattheslavewhorestedherpale-tressedheadonhisknee.Shewashiscurrentpersonalfavorite,adelicateyounghumanfemalenestledtrustinglyagainsthisleg.Herthin,fine-bonedfaceandporcelaincomplexionpleasedhimwiththeirflawlesssymmetryand
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perfection.Shereturnedhissmileshyly,yetwithatouchofthecoquette,herround,blueeyesreflectinghercallow,unsophisticatednature.Norebelliousthoughtsdwellinginthatnarrowskullinfact,hewouldbesurprisedifshemanagedtoconjureupmorethanoneortwothoughtsofanykindinanaverageday!Herpedigreewasimmaculate,outofalonglineofcarefullychosenslavesfamedfortheirbeautyanddelicacytobenothingmorecomplicatedthananyotherornamentalobject.
Hesighedwithcontentment,andsmoothedthepalegold,silkenhairawayfromherbrowwithagentlecaress.Shewasexquisite;lovely,eagertoplease,pliant,graceful,innocentandincrediblyeasytomanipulate.Exactlythesortofslavethatgavehimthemostpleasure.Hecarefullycultivatedthatinnocence,andnoneofhisotherslaveswoulddarehiswrathbyspoilingthatnaiveté.Notalesoffloggingsormoreextremepunishments,noharem-storiesofhisother"favorites"andwhathadbecomeofthemnothingtohintthathehadaspectsshehadneverexperienced.Sofarasshewasconcerned,hewasthegentle,loving,e
ver-kindmasterthatshebelievedhimtobe.
Heturnedhisattentionbacktohismostimportantguest."There,yousee?"hesaid,gesturingexpansivelytothehallbeforethemanditsraucousoccupants."DidInotpromiseyouwouldbefarmoreamusedherethanindancingattendanceonallthedull,hopefulmaidensatyourfather'sfete?"
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ElvenlordAelmarkindidnotpossessenoughmagictocreateafancifulillusioninhisGreatHall,sotheluxurioussurroundingsherewereallquitereal;guestsathisentertainmentswouldalwaysfindthemselvesinthesameopulentroomthattheyhadgracedatthelastentertainment,ratherthananewandexoticsettingvastlydifferentfromtheirlast.Hemadeupforthelackofnovelsurroundingsbythelavishnessofhisentertaining,whichhadbeguntoearnhimsomethingofareputation.
Takethisroom,forexample:fortunatelyithadbeenbeautifullyconstructedinthefirstplace,andhehadonlyneededtoembellishitwhenitcameintohispossession.Thenorthandsouthwallsweremostlyofglassnorthwardslayanaturallake,artfullylandscaped,andsouthwardswerethepleasure-gardens.Theeastandwestwalls,paneledinwoodbleachedtosilver,heldsilver-rimmeddoorsthatledtotherestofthemanor.Theceilingwithitsbleached-woodbeamsfromwhichhunggreatsilverfantasiesoflights,crystals,tinyglasssculpturesandsilverfiligree,alsoboastedvasttransparentskylights;justnowtherefle
ctionofthemyriadlightsmadeitimpossibletoseeanythingoftheoutsideworld,butlater,whenthelightsweredimmed,thestarswouldshineimpassivelydownonthecelebrants.Theblackcarpetofthefloorwaskindtothebarefeetoftheslaves,butAelmarkinhadselectedblackcarpetinglargelybecauseitwaseasytocleanafteroneofhisentertainmentsandwasfarmoreforgivingasurfaceforadrunkenrevelertofallonthanmarbleorwood.Theeastandwestwallswerehungwithsilverdraperies,andthesilverdining-coucheswereupholsteredinblacktomatchthecarpet.Betweeneachcouchandthenextstoodanenormoussilvercenser,fromwhichcamesensuousandintoxicating
incense-smokes.Silvertablesstoodbeforeeachcouch,andtheguestsprovidedtheonlytouchofcolorintheroom.Thecouchesthemselveseachheldtwooccupants,aninvitedguestandacompanionofhis(orher)choosingeitherafellowguestoroneofAelmarkin'sharem-slavesdressedinsilvergossamerandmatchingsilvercollar.Picturesquewine-slaves,dressedinabbreviatedsilvertunics,stoodateachcouchwiththeirsilverpitchers,andmoreslavesdressedinsilvertunicsandgossamerskirtsortrewsservedtheguestswithplatesofdainties.Enoughwinehadbeendrankbythistimethattheguestswerestartingtoraisetheirvoicesinless-than-delicatejests,andlosewhatfewinhibitionstheyhadwhentheyarrivedhere.
V'sherTennither-LordKalumelraisedonelong,silvereyebrowsardonicallyashesurveyedtheoccupantsofthediningcouchesbeforeandbelowhim."Imustadmit,"hedrawled,"thatseeingVarcalememakingafoolofhimselfisfarmoreentertainingthanfendingoffwould-bebridesandtheiranxiousfathers."
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Aelmarkinlaughedandcontinuedtocaresstheplatinumtressesofhisslave,chosenoutofallthepossiblecandidatespresentedtohim,becauseshemostresembledadelicateElvenmaiden.Hedressedherlikeanelvengirl,too,inflowinggownsofdelicatepastelsilkswithhuge,butterflysleevesandlongembroideredtrains,orderingherattendantstoweavestringsofpearlsinhersilver-blondhairandtoarrangeherhairsothatitcoveredtheroundtipsofherears.Solongasonedidn'tlooktoodeeplyintohereyes,theillusionwascomplete;andhecouldusehismagictochangeherblueeyestoElven-greenifhechose.Hernamehadbeen"Kindre"untilheordereditchangedtotheElven"Synterrathe."
TheaforementionedVarcalemewaschasingoneofthewine-girlsaroundhiscouch;theflower-wreathshehadboundaroundhisbrowshadslippedsidewaysandwasobscuringoneeye,andthefactthathehaddrunkmostofthewineinhernow-emptyflaskwasnotaidinghisabilitytocatchher.Shehadcastonelookathermaster
whenshebeganeludingthoseclutchinghands,toseeifheobjectedtoherevasions;hehadnoddedslightly,andsheneedednofurtherencouragementtokeepdodginghisadvances.Varcaleme'scouch-companion,oneofhispersonalconcubines,atall,dark-hairedwenchgownedinbrilliantemeraldthatmatchedtheberylofhercontrollingcollar,seemedrelievedthatshenolongerhadtoentertainhim,andwasnibblingonspicedfruit,wearingabored,butwary,expression.
Nowtherestoftheguestshadtakenaninterestintheproceedings,callingout
encouragementtoVarcalemeortheslave,takingbetsonwhetherornothewouldcatchher,asshedodgedhisoutstretchedhandsandoutpacedhisstumblingfeet.MostofAelmarkin'sguestsweremale,withascantpairofElvenladies.Oneoftheladies,cladinpearlysilksthatrevealedscarcelylessthantheslaves'costumes,hadbroughtherowncouch-companion,amuscle-boundhumangladiator;theotherElvenlady,swathedfromnapetoankleinskin-tightblacksatin,had
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comewithanotheroftheElvenlords-whowasnotheraffianced.Oftheremainingtwentyguests,halfhadbroughttheirownconcubines,andhalfhadmadeaselectionfromtheslavesofferedtothembyAelmarkin.
AlloftheElvenlordspresent,withtheexceptionofAelmarkinandtheladywhohadbroughtherownmaleconcubine,werethesonsofrulingElvenlordsbuthadnotjoinedtheYoungLords'Rebellion.Mostofthemsawthemselvesaslosingfarmorethantheywouldgainbyrebelling,andtherestwerecynicallyhopingfortherebelliontoeliminatetheirfathersforthem.
AelmarkinandV'dannTrianaLordFalcionwho,despitebeingfemale,wasLordoftheFalcionholdingsinherownright,andthus(itrecentlyhadbeenruled)wasentitledtothetitleofLordratherthanLadyorer-LordweretheonlyElvenlordsintheroomwiththeirownestatesandproperty.Aelmarkin,however,was
hardlyaGreatLordhispropertywasafractionofthesizeofanyofthosewithrealpower;mostofhiswealthcamefromthesaleoftheexquisitelybredandtrainedconcubineswhowereliterallyworththeirweightingems.Thatgavehimacertainstatus,butnorealpower.AsforTriana,herstandinghadplummetedafterherinvolvementinthedebacleoftheSecondWizardWar,andshewasnolongeradesirableallytoanyoneontheGreatCouncil.Shegenerallykepttoherselfonherownestate.Hesuspectedthatshewasbidinghertime,waitingtoseewhichwaythewindblewintheYoungLords'Uprising,beforeshetriedtowormherwaybackintothegoodgracesofthepowerful.
Asapartyguest,however,shewasstillofvalue;anacidwitandareputationfordepravitygaveherallthefascinationofacaptivatingserpent,andpeopleenjoyedseeingwhatshewouldsayordonext.AnytimeAelmarkininvitedhertooneofhisentertainments,heknewhewouldhavefullparticipation,andherownpartiescontinuedtobeextremelypopularamongtheyoungersons,thosewhodidnotpossessgreatpower,andthosewhodidnothaveaCouncilseat.
AelmarkinwasbynomeansascertainastheGreatLordsthatTrianawouldremainoutofpowerfortheforeseeablefuture.Shewasclever,resourceful,andlearnedfromhermistakes.TheWizardWarsandtheRebellionwerechangingeverything;itwasalwayspossiblethatTrianawouldprovetobeapotentallyatsomepoint.Itwasevenpossiblethatshewouldsomehowclawherwaytopowerentirelyonherown.Theextentof
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herboldnesswasdemonstratedinherdresstonight;gownedintransparentsilkslikeaconcubine,sheknewverywellthathowevertemptingshemightbe,therewasnooneherewithsufficientpowertodaretouchherwithoutherconsentandsoshetauntedthemwithherveryappearance.
Besides,shehadnoscruplestospeakof;helikedthatinawomanprovidedhedidn'thavetomarryher.
"HaveyouheardanythingmorefromtheCouncilaboutyourpetition?"Trianacalledtohimfromacrosstheroomwithahalfsmile.Hergladiatorofferedherachoicetidbitwithaservilegesture;sheallowedhimtofeedittoher,nibblingatitwithwhite,sharpteeth.HewasnewtoAelmarkin,butthatwashardlysurprising;Trianawentthroughmaleslavesatanastonishingrate.
Heconcealedawince;Trianahadavestedinterestintheoutcomeofthatpetiti
on,anditwasonequiteoppositetohis.Shewouldbringupthesubject;he'dcherishedthenotion,whenhe'dscheduledthisentertainment,thatitmightbeavictorycelebration.Sinceitwasn't,hehadhopednoonewouldbringupthesubject.
"Theydeniedit,"hesaid,tryingtosoundasifhedidn'tcareabouttheoutcome,eventhoughhisdefeatateathim.
Trianamadealittlepoutofsympathy,andTennithturnedhisheadtogazeatAelmarkinwithastonishment."No,really?Ishouldhavethoughtthatyourcousinhadprovedhimselfmentallyunbalancedahundredtimesoverbynow!"
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Abouthalfoftheguestslookedpuzzled;theydidn'tknowwhoAelmarkin'scousinwasandhereallydidn'twishtoenlightenthem.
"Really!"chimedinanother,sendingawayaserverwithaflickofanimpatienthand,"Yourcousinisquiteapieceofwork,Aelmarkin.Playingsoldierwithhumanslavesasifhewasstillaninfantplayingwithtoys!It'sridiculous!Ifhewasgoingtohaveanobsession,itatleastoughttobeadignifiedobsession!"
"Oh,Idon'tknow,"purredTriana,runningherfingeralongthearmofhergladiator."Someofusliketoplaywithsoldiers."Theslaveblushedfromthetopofhisheadtowellpasthiswaist.
"Onwhatgroundsdidtheydenyyou?"Tennithasked,andAelmarkinwonderedifhe
detectedacertainmaliciousenjoymentinTennith'stone.Tennithmightnotbealordinhisownright,butheoutrankedAelmarkin,andhewasn'taboveflauntingthatfactandembarrassingAelmarkinatthesametime.
ButTennithwouldfindoutforhimselfwhattheCouncilhadsaidifhesimplybotheredtoaskhisfather.Aelmarkin'sbestprotectionlayinpretendingthedecisionmeantverylittletohim."Theydidaverytiresomething;theyhadtheproductionrecordsfromtheestateforthelastfiftyyears
broughtout,andnothingthereshowsthatcousinKyrtianisneglectinghisestateorhisduties.Theydecidedthatheisn'tunbalanced,merelyeccentric,andthateccentricityishardlygroundsfortakinghisinheritanceandgivingittothenextmaleheir."
"Nextmaleheir?"Trianaaskedsignificantly,withalittlefrown."Isn'thismotherstillalive?Wouldn'tshebetheappropriateheirevenifhewasdisinheritedonthegroundsofinsanity?"ThatwasTriana'sinterest;anythingthatbarredanotherfemalefrominheritingcouldeventuallybeusedagainsther.
"Hismotherisnotmysister,"Aelmarkinreplied."She'snotthenextheirofblood-descent,asyousoclearlywereforclanFalcion.IfKyrtianwereremoved,theestatewouldcometome,naturallyandlegally."
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"She'sprobablytheonerunningthings,then,"Tennithpointedout."Ifshedoesn'twanttobesentbacktoliveinherfather'shousehold,shehastomakeitlookasifyourcousiniscompetent."
"Thatmaybe,butI'venohopeofprovingit,"Aelmarkingrowled,wishingthatLadyLydiellhadresembledthechildathisfeetratherthantheclevercreatureshewas.Herecalledhisintendedpose,andforcedalaugh."Well,IsupposetheCouncilhadtorulethewaythattheydid.LordJaspirethtoldmerathertartlythatiffitnesstoholdtitleandpropertywastobejudgedonthebasisofunusualhobbies,halftheCouncilwouldlosetheirseats."
"Half?"Tennithlaughed."Morelikethree-quarters!Lookedatinthatlight,it'sobviousyouareavictimofnecessity."
Aelmarkinsignaledtohiswenchtorefillhisgoblet,andsippedatthevintagewithdeliberation."MuchasIwouldliketoseethelandsofmyclanadministeredproperly,Isuspecttheywillcometomeintime,anyway.Kyrtianshowsnosignofmarrying,whichinitselfoughttoprovehisunfitness,andit'sentirelypossiblehe'llmanagetobreakhisneck,ordosomethingequallyfoolishtohimself,ashecareensaroundthecountryside."
"Breakhisneck?"queriedthesecondlady,lookingpuzzled,asdidherescort."
I'mafraidI'mratherlost,Aelmarkin.Idon'tknowanythingaboutyourcousin.Whoishe?Ishedoingsomethingdangerous?"
Thattriggeredlaughteramongsomeoftheothers,whoweremorefamiliarwithAelmarkin'scousinthanshewas.Trianatookpityonherprobablybecausethelady'sescortwasneitherclevernoroutstandinglyhandsomeandexplained.
"We'vebeendiscussingKyrtianV'dyllLordPrastaran,"Trianasaid,givingAelmarkin'scousinhisfullnameandtitle."Surelyyou'veheardsomethingabouthim?"
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Theladyshookherhead."Notreally,"sheconfessed,thenrealizedthatTrianawaspatronizingher,andputonacoolairasshetriedtosavethesituation."ButIdon'tpaymuchattentiontotheprovincials."
Aelmarkinsnorted."He'scertainlyprovincial,I'llgrantyouthat,LadyBrynnire.Heneverleavestheestateunlessheabsolutelyhasto.HecouldgetaseatontheGreatCouncilifheonlyworkedatit,buthewon'teventry!Instead,hespendsallofhistimecollectingbooksandstudyingofallthenonsensicalsubjectsmilitarytactics!"
"Militarytactics!"Trianaeruptedinpealsoflaughter."Oh,Aelmarkin,evenifheisseriousandnotseriouslyunbalanced,justwhodoeshethinkhe'sgoingtousemilitarytacticson?Everyoneknowsthehumansandthe
halfbloodsdon'thaverealarmies!Theydon'tfightproperbattles!AndasfortheYoungLords"
Shestopped,becauseitwasentirelypossiblethatthiswasatouchysubjectforsomeofAelmarkin'sotherguests.ButTennith,whosefatherwashighlyplacedintheGreatCouncilandthuswasthehighest-rankedElvenlordpresent,finishedhersentenceforher.
"TheYoungLordsareadisorganizedpackofrabble,"hesaidloftily."Onceasolutionisfoundthatnegatestheirabilitytonullifymagic,they'lldissolveandcomecrawlingbacktotheirfathers,beggingforgiveness.Inthemeantime,itisimpossibletousetacticsagainstsomeonewhodoesn'tknowwhatthewordmeans."
"Oh,thatisn'tthebestofit,"gloatedLordPratherin."Henotonlystudiesthisnonsense,hepracticesit!Personally,Ithinkhe'snevergottenoverplayinginthenurserywithtoysoldiers;hejustdoesitnowona
granderscale."WhenBrynnirestilllookedconfused,heleanedoverthecouchinherdirectionandexplained."Hemakesuptwoopposingarmiesoutofslaves,mydear,andpersonallyleadsonearmyintobattleagainsttheother,ifyoucanbelieveit!Nottosettleagrievanceorforanyotherreasonablepurpose,notevenfortheentertainmentofwatchingthemslaughtereachother!No,hedoesthisjusttoseehowstrategiesworkoutwithlivingsubjects!"
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Astheotherschortled,howled,orsimplylookedsmug,accordingtotheirnatures,LadyBrynnirelookedstartled,thenshocked,thenamused."Aelmarkin!IfIdidn'tknowyou,I'dbetemptedtothinkyouweremakingthisup!"
"Sadly,mydear,Iamnot,"Aelmarkinreplied,andlookedtoTennith,whonoddedinconfirmation.
"Really!"Brynniregiggled,alittlenervously."Well,eccentricisnotwhatIwouldcallhim!"
"Hetakesafterhisfather,dearlady,"saidTennithsmoothly."Whichmightbesaidtodemonstratethat,sadly,madnessisinheritedinhisfamily.Surelyyourecallthatpoordementedfellowwhovanishedseveralyearsago,
outhuntingsomeobscurerelicsofEvelon?"
"Yes!"Brynnirereplied,brightening."Ancestors!Youdon'tmeantotellmethatwasKyrtian'sfather?"
"Thesame,"Aelmarkintoldher,withaheavysigh."Asadcaseindeed.AnditshouldhavebeenobvioustotheGreatCouncilfromthatfiascothattheestateshouldnothavebeenputinthehandsofhisson."
"Ishouldsaynot."LadyBrynnirenoddedherhead,afterexchangingalookwithherescort."Atleast,Iwouldnothave."
"Noranyoneelsewithanysense."Aelmarkinthoughtitmorethantimetochangethesubject,andsignaledforthedancers.
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Themusicians,whohadbeenplayingsoothing,quietbackgroundmusicuntilthismoment,abruptlychangedmoodandtempo,startlingtheguestswithathunderofpercussion.
Thelightsdimmed,andamistarosefromthecensers,ascented,coolmistthatrelaxedandyetstimulatedthesenses,evenasitobscuredthecouchesandtheiroccupants.Onlythespaceinthemiddleofthecouchesremainedclear,litfromsomeinvisiblesource.
Thedancersraninfromalldirections,dressedinthemerestscrapsofanimal-hide,paint,beads,andfeathers,andmeanttorepresentwildhumans.NotthatanyofAelmarkin'sguestshadeverseenwildhumansnorhadAelmarkinhimself,forthatmatterbutthatwouldhardlymatter.Mostentertainmentsfeatureddancersmimickingthegracefulandetherealdancesoftheirmasters,ordancerschangedtoresembleanimatedflowers,birds,orflames.Aelmarkinwantedtostartlehisguestswithsomethingdifferen
t.
Thedancebeganwithastonishingleapsastheperformershurledthemselvesacrossthefloorwithtotalabandon,theirunboundhairstreamingoutbehindthem.Then,asdrumspounded,thefemaleshurledthemselvesatthemales,whocaughttheminvariouspositions,whirledthemaround,andflungthemontothenextpartner.Therewasfrankandunflinchingeroticismintheirchoreography.EvenAelmarkin,whohadseenthempracticing,felthispulsequickenattheirrawsensuality.
"Ancestors!"Tennithmutteredunderhisbreath,hiseyeswide."Whatisthis?"
"Anancientfertilityrite,soI'mtold,"Aelmarkinsaidcasually."Ithoughtitmightbeinterestingtowatch."
Tennithdidn'treply;hiseyesweregluedtothedancers.
Halfcombat,andhalfmating-frenzy,itwassometimesdifficulttotellifthedancersintendedtocoupleorkilleachother,andtheperformancebuilttoapulse-poundingcrescendothatendedinatangleofbodiessuggestiveofboth.
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ByAelmarkin'sorders,thelightsdimmedgraduallyasthedanceended,leavingtheroombathedonlyinstar-andmoonlight.Ashehadhoped,theperformancehadachievedthearousingeffecthehadintended.Hisguestshadturnedtheirattentionstotheircouch-companions,andasthedancersandservantsslippedaway,Aelmarkinturnedhisattentiontothecensers,increasingthemistrisingfromthem.Theslavesalreadyknewtodustmoreoftheintoxicatingdrugsoverthecoalstherein.
Magicdidnotcomeeasilytohim,andhehadtoclosehiseyesinconcentrationeventoperformsominoraconjuration.Asheopenedhiseyes,herealizedthatheandhislittleslavewerenolongeralone.Aslimformsatontheendofhiscouch.
"Well,Triana,"hesaidblandly,concealinghissurprise."Whateverbringsyoutomyside?ForgivemeifIdoubtthatyouhaveeroticintentions."
Shemadeapoutingmotionwithherlips."Aelmarkin,Idobelieveyouhaven'taromanticparticleinyou!"
"Neitherdoyou,"hecountered."So?"
"Ijustwonderedwhatitwouldbeworthtoyoutoseeyourcousinunseated,"she
saidcasually,castinghereyesdownandtracingalittlepathonthefabricofthecouchwithherfinger.
"Isupposethatwoulddependonthecircumstances,"herepliedjustascasually."Itwoulddomenogoodatallif,forinstance,hisestateswereruinedintheprocess.Whydoyouask?"
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"Norealreason.Justthatwomenoftenhavesourcesofinformationthatareclosedtothemen."Shegavehimanarchsmile,butherefusedtorisetothebait.ThelastthinghewantedwastogiveTrianasomethingshecouldusetomanipulatehim!
"Justasmenhavesourcesthatareclosedtowomen,"hecountered,withanarchsmileofhisown."Especiallysomeonelikeme.Dorecallwhatmystock-in-tradeis,mydear.Concubinesdon'tspeaktoladies."
Shesmiledwithmaliciousdelight."IfIhadn'tmadeavownevertomarry,Iswear,Iwouldproposetoyouonthespot,Aelmarkin!YouandIaretwoofakind."
"YouandIwouldkilloneanotherbeforeayearwasout,"hereplied,andtouchedhisfingertothebottomofher
chin,drawinghertohimforabrief,dangerouskiss."Now,you'veleftthathandsomestudallalone.Bettergetbacktohimbeforehepinesaway."
"Orfallsasleep."Sherosewithasinuousgraceworthyofanyofhisdancers."I'lltellyouwhat;I'lllayabetwithyou.IbetthatIcanfindsomethingtodiscredithimbeforeyoudo."
"Andthestakes?"heasked.
Hersmilewassosweetlypoisonousthatittookhisbreathaway."Somethingwebothsworenevertodo.Ifyoulose,youtrainamaleslaveforme.AndifIlose,Itrainafemaleforyou.Butyoucan'tlimitmeastomeans.Isitawager?"
TheideaofowningaslavetrainedbyTrianamadehisheadswimandhisbreathcomeshort.Nowherewere
stakesworthyoftheplay!
"Done,"hesaidimmediately.Shelaughed,andglidedawayintothemist.
Hefeltatentativetouchonhiswrist,andbelatedlyreturnedhisattentiontohiscurrentfavorite.Helooked
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downather,andsawbythefurtivecolorinhercheek,hermoistlips,andhershiningeyesthatthedanceandthesighsandvagueshapesmovinginthemistaroundthemhadproducedtheeffecthehadanticipatedonher,aswell.
"Lord,"theslavebreathed,lookingupathimcoylyfrombeneathherlong,flutteringlashes,"Doyouwishmyfurtherservicethisevening?"
Thoughuntouched,shewasbynomeansunawareofthedutiesofaconcubine,anditwasclearfromthemoisteagernessinhereyesthatshewasreadytofulfillthoseduties.
Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,savoringwhathewasabouttodo.Hehadwaysofcontrollingtheslaveshetrainedthatwentbeyond,farbeyond,theslave-collarandmagiccoercion.Hehadsubtletorturesthatwerefar
moresophisticatedthananythingTennithdreamedof.
"Idon'tbelieveso,"hesaid,justascasuallyasifhewererejectinganot-quite-ripefruit.Thenhelookeddownatherandfrowned."Mydearchildissomethingtroublingyou?Youseemtobealittlepuffytonight.Orperhapsyouhavejustgainedalittleweight?Perhapsyoushouldreturntoyourquarters."
Thegirlputherhandtohermouth,stiflingasob;hereyesbrightenedfurtherwithtears.Quicklyasaflutteringbird,shefledintothemist.
Hechuckledtohimself.Hehadcarefullymanipulatedhermindforweeksnow,andthiscarefullychosenmomentwasthebeginningofadelightfulinterlude.
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Hehadmadeapointofpraisingherslenderfigure,ofleavingnodoubtthathetreasuredherslimness.Doubtingherownmirror,certainthatshehadlostherrealbeauty,anddesperatetogainhisregard,shewouldbeginstarvingherselffromthismoment.Atfirsthewouldtauntherbyreferencestoplumparmsandchubbycheeks,byinquiriesifshethoughtsheoughttochangeherdiet.Onceshetrulybegantostarveherself,hewouldswitchtothenextphase.Shewouldbeginrefusingfood.He,ofcourse,wouldurgeallmannerofdaintiesonher,whichshewouldeatunwillingly,onlytopurgeherselfofthemattheearliestopportunity.
Hislipscurvedinaslightsmile.Watchinghertortureherself,allthewhilecertainthathewasstillasgentleandconsiderateasever,wouldbehighlyamusing.Eventually,shewouldprobablydie,ofcourse,butnotbeforehegainedagreatdealofpleasurefromwatchingherridiculoussufferings.Ifhewasfeelinggenerous,hemight
evensaveher,wipingouthermemoriesofeverythinguptothismomentsothathecouldsellhertosomeoneelse.Inanycase,therewouldbeweeks,possiblymonths,ofpleasureahead.
Andfurtherpleasure.Betweenthetwoofthem,heandTri-anawouldalmostcertainlyfindawaytobringhiscousinKyrt-iandown.
Helaughedsoftly;howhisfortunehadsuddenlyturned!Thismightwellturnout
tobethevictorycelebrationhehadhopedfor.
Hisappetitesuddenlyaroused,hereachedforthenearestwine-wenchtosatisfyhisneedsofthemoment.
PoorKyrtian.Hehadnonotioneventhathehadanenemy,muchlesshowformidablethatenemywas.
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OnedidnotnormallyseeanElvenlordsmudgedwithdirt,twig-scratched,andrathertheworseforseveralhoursoftrampingthroughuntamedforest.IwonderhowmuchscandalIwouldcauseifevenoneoftheGreatLordssawmeinthisstate?Kyrtianmused,asheheldasideanerrantlimbofabush,takingcarethatitdidnotrattle,andmakingcertainthehumanbehindhimhadafirmgriponitbeforehereleasedit.Itwasimpossibletoseetheman'sexpressionbehindhishelm,butthefellowsketchedarespectfulsalutewithhisfreehand.Ahwell;knowingmyreputation,theywouldprobablynotbeatallsurprised.
KyrtianV'dyllLordPrastaranledhisskirmishingbandoflightlyarmedhumansinperson;veryfewElvenlordswouldeverhaveputthemselvesinthatinferiorandvulnerableaposition.Especiallynow,withhumans,halfbloodedWizardsandyoungerElvenlordsallinrevoltagainsttheGreatLords,themerenotionofleadingagroupalone,withoutthepresenceofafullycollar-controlledandloyalty-spelledbodyguard,wassomethingthatwouldneveroccurtomostofthem.
Kyrtiancarednothingfortheiropinions,sincelittlesecretwasmadeofthefactthattheycarednothingforhis.Hisreputationwasaseccentricashishobby,andthatwasthewayhepreferredthings.HisGrandfatherhadeschewedpoliticswhentheGreatLordsdisdainedhisadvice;bynow,stayingoutofpoliticswassomethingofafamilytradition,andKyrtianwasquitepreparedtocontinuethattradition.
Atthismoment,asalwayswhenonmaneuvers,allofhisattentionwasfocusedonhisbattle-strategiesandhissurroundings,totheexclusionofeverythingelse.Hisinitialbattle-planwassovaguethatatthispointhewas
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ratherrecklesslymakingdecisionsmomentbymoment.Hesuspectedthathisopponentwascountingonthat,assumingthatKyrtian'swell-knowncautionwouldalsomakehiminflexible.Itwasareasonableassumption;Kyrtianjusthopedthathecouldprovethatitwasanincorrectone.Thatwasthepointofthisexercise,afterall.Thiswasthefirsttimehehadevermetanopponentinanythingotherthanasetbattle.Wherewastherightbalanceofcautionandinitiative?Nothinginallofhisbooksandstudieshaddealtwiththatmagicformula.
Sweattrickleddownthebackofhisneck,butaheadbandunderhishelmkeptitfromdrippingintohiseyes.Hefeltabriefflashofsuperiorityasheclimbedthesteepandrock-strewnslopebeforehimwithnosenseofstrain,notevenanincreaseinhisbreathing.HowmanyofthepamperedGreatLordswouldbeabletodoasmuch?Certainlyhewassweating,buthewasn'tintheleasttired,andifatlasthemanagedtobringhisskirmisherstoafight,hewouldbeasreadyforactionasanyofthem.
Sensesalertfortheleastsignofwarning,hepickedhiswayonecarefulstepatatimethroughthesparseunderbrushoftheforest.Hismenspreadoutinhiswake,carefullyfollowinghisexample.Hisswordwasoutandreadyinhislefthand;thatwouldgivehimalittleadvantageagainstanopponent,shouldonesuddenlyappearbeforehim,butnotmuch.Theenemyfighterslurkingsomewhereaheadknewhimandsomehadfoughthand-to-handagainsthimbefore.
Theenemyallthatheknewforcertainwasthattheywerehereinhispatchofpristine,old-growthforest,andthattheirnumberswereequaltohis.Themostlogicalplacetofindthem,theweatheredremainsofanancientfortification,hadbeenempty.Heassumednowthattheyprobablyplannedtosetupanambushforhisskirmisherssomewhere;theyknewhewascoming,andhedoubtedthattheyintendedtomakeapitchedbattleofit.Intheirplace,hewouldn't.
Hisadvantagewasthatheknewthesewoodsaswellashisopponentsdid;heshould,sinceeverythingforleaguesaroundherebelongedtohim.Hehadmadeamentaltallyofalltheobviousplacesforanambush,andhehopedhecouldapproachsuchplacesfromunexpectedangles,andwithluck,catchthefoemenbysurprise.
Anambushedambushhardlysporting,Isuppose.Hesmiled,knowingtheexpressionw
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ashiddenbyhishelm.Well,firsthewouldhavetopullthisoff.Thenhewouldworryaboutwhetheritwas"sporting"assuminghe'dwontheencounter,ofcourse.
Afterall,itisthevictorwhowritesthehistories,andheistheonewhogetstodeterminewhatisfair,afterthefact.
Amovementtoonesidecaughthiseye;onlyoneofhismen,tryingtoshooawayanirritatingflywithaminimumofobviousmovement.Theyknewbetterthantoslapatinsects,lestthesoundbetraythemtotheenemy,andhefeltsorryforhishumanfighting-men.Forallthathesweatedasheavilyasanyoneofthem,insectsseldomplaguedelves,perhapsbecauseelves,notnativetothisworld,didnotsmell"right"tothepeskybugs.
Kyrtianfrozeandraisedhishandtosignaltohismentodolikewise,ashethoughthecaughtamurmurofvoicesupahead.Holdinghisbreath,heclosedhiseyesandconcentratedonlistening.
Perhapsperhaps.Heopenedhiseyesagain,andconsideredtheirpresentlocation,frowningashedidso.Heandhisfighterswereapproachingaridgeoverlookingoneofthelesser-usedpathwaysthroughtheforest.Theridgewasanobviouslocationforanambushplacementonthepartofhisfoes,i
ftheyassumedheandhismenwouldtakethatpathbelow.Itwouldbeverydifficultforhispartytocreepupupontheenemyunseenifthatwaswheretheywere.
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Heraisedhisrighthandabovehisheadtodescribethreecircleswithhisindexfinger.Thefighterimmediatelybehindhimmadethesamemotion,andinduetime,aslightlybuilt,litheyoungfellowbythepeculiarhumannameofHorenGosakmovedcautiouslyandnoiselesslyintoplacebesideKyrtian.
Theylockedeyes,Kyrtian'sgreenonesmeetingthehuman'sbrown;Kyrtiannoddedtowardstheridgeinthedirectionofthevoicesandmadethehandsignalforambush.Horennodded,andleavinghisswordandsword-beltbehindinKyrtian'skeepinglesttheycatchinthebrush,droppedtohishandsandkneestosnakehiswayuptowardstheridge,movingsolowtothegroundthathelookedlikeacrawlinglizard.
ItwasalwaysawondertoKyrtianhowyoungHorenmanagedtodisappearintolandscapethatwassobarrenofobviouscover.Sometimeshewonderediftheabilitywassomeuniqueapplicationoftheso-calledhuman
magics.Thatwasentirelypossible,andwouldhavecausedfarmorescandalamongtheGreatLordsthanKyrtian'slittleeccentricityofleadinghisfightersinperson.Althoughitwasthelawthatallhumanslavesbefittedwithcollarsthatinhibitedtheirownpeculiarmagic,noslaveonthePrastaranestateshadeverwornanythingbutadecorativecollarsincetheElvenlordscametothisworld.Andno"slave"onthePrastaranestateshadeverbeenaslaveinanythingbutname.
Humansmakeverypoorslaves;Grandfathertriedtotellhisarrogantcompatriots
that,andtheywouldn'tlisten,andnowthey'repayingthepriceforignoringsuchsageadvice.ThefirstLordPrastaranhadretiredtotheestatehe'dbeenallotted,proceedingtheretoputhisowntheoriesto.workinregardtotheaboriginalinhabitantsoftheplace.Beforehedrownedinaflashfloodwhilenearlytwentyofhisdevoted"slaves"alsodrownedinfranticattemptstosavehimhehadformedthelooseconfederationofprimitivesthathadbeenlivingonthepropertyintoathrivingandprosperouscommunitythatnotonlyacceptedhimastheiroverlord,butwereabsolutelydevotedtohiswelfare.
Kyrtian'sfatherhadinheritedthatcommunity,andhadcherishedandfosteredit,recognizingitforthevaluableresourcethatitwas!NowitwasKyrtian'stoguideandguard,foringuardingthehumansunderhisprotection,hewasalltooawarethathewasguardinghisownprosperity.
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HiswanderingthoughtswereabruptlyrecalledbyHoren'sreturn,astheyoungmanwriggledintocoverbesidehim.Withtheaidoftwigs,pebbles,andafewhand-signals,Horenswiftlylaidoutthedispositionoftheenemyforcesahead.
Kyrtianstudiedthearrangementforseveralmoments,grindinghisteethalittleinfrustration.Asusual,theenemycommandershowedbrilliantskill.Itwasanappallinglysuperiordisposition.Obviouslyonecouldn'tapproachthemfromthefrontortherear,sowhatdidthatleavehim?
Wecouldretreat,butthatwouldleavetheminpossessionofthewoods,andtheywouldwinthiswithoutafight.Thatwasunacceptable.Isthereenoughroomonthetopofthisridgetoflankthem?
Hedidn'twanttodividehisforceifhecouldhelpit,andhe'dhavetoifhew
antedtouseaclassicpincermaneuver.Thatwouldn'tbeagoodideaanyway;onethatthegrounddidn'tencourage.He'dhavetosendhismentofightagainstbothendsoftheenemyambush-lineinawaythatwouldonlyallowoneortwofighterstocloseinatatime;thatwouldputthematanimmediatedisadvantage.
FinallyKyrtiandecidedonsomethingtrulyunorthodox;waitinguntiltheenemycommanderwasfrustratedenoughtocomelookingforhim.ShortexplorationbyHorenproducedtheplacewhereanyopposingforcewas
mostlikelytodescendfromtheridge.Aftercarefuldeliberation,hesetupanambushofhisown.
Ofcourse,theweaknessofthisplanwasthattheoppositionmightnotdecidetocomedownonthissideoftheridge.Thatwouldleavehim,inhisturn,waitingtospringanemptytrap.Still,theoccasionalmurmurofvoicesthroughthehushoftheforesttoldhimthathisopponentsweregettingtiredofwaiting.
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Probablytheyhadbeeninplaceeversincehisownforcehadenteredthewoods.Horenwentoutagaintospy,sothatKyrt-ian'stroopswouldatleastknowifthefoemovedoffinsomeotherdirection.Kyrtiansettledintohisownpositionandheldoffboredombymakinganinformalbird-countbasedonthecallsheheard.
Timecrawledpast,buthispatiencewasfinallyrewarded.Horenslitheredbacktotakeuphisweapons.Kyrtianpumpedhisfistintheaironce,andheardafaintrustleofleavesashismencaughtthesignal,relayingitdowntheline,andreadyingthemselvesforaction.
Hehadchosenhisownplaceperfectly.Anotherfaintrustleofleavesandtheoccasionalsnappingofatwigwarnedthattheenemywasonthemove,andshortlyafter,themenappearedfilingcautiouslydowntheslope
belowthem,flittingfrombitsofcovertotheirnextposition.Kyrtianwaiteduntilhewascertainthatalloftheenemyskirmisherswereimmediatelybelowtheirownposition,hisnervessotautthathisskintingled,muscleswereafire,hispulsepoundinginhistemplesandhisears.
Waitforit
Ifhesprangtheambushtoosoon,hisownmenwouldbesurrounded.Hedidn'tkno
wexactlyhowmanymentheenemyhad,sohecouldn'tcountheads....
Waitforit
Hedidn'tdarepermithisforcetobeoutflanked.
Now!
Histhroatcrackedwithayellashebrokeoutofcoverandcharged,hismenstreamingdowntheslopebehindhim.Thestartledskirmisherswhirledtofacethem.
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Kyrtianskiddedtoahaltontheslopeashenearlyranintoafighterwhowasconsiderablytallerthanhe.Inthatmoment,aswasalwaystrueforhimoncethefightingstarted,everythingnarrowedtothissingleopponent.Theirswordsclashedtogether,hisopponentcounteredwithacleverparrythatsenthimleapingawaylestthefightertrytograpplewithhim.Nextthemantriedtocirclehim,butthatwasthelastthingthatKyrtianwasgoingtoallowatthemomenthehadtheslightadvantageofbeinguphill,andthatwastheonlyadvantagehereallyhadoverthisbulkieropponent.
Kyrtianretreatedasfastastheotheradvanced;nothingwasgoingtoforcehimtoturnifhecouldhelpit.Somewhereinthebackofhismindhewasdimlyawareofshouts,theclashingofmetal,andallthedinofbattle,buthewastooseasonedtoeverbedistractedfromhisownlineofcombat.GivingupontheployofforcingKyrtianoffhigherground,thefellowswunglow,hardandwide,scythingatKyrtian'slegs;Kyrtianusedtheopportunitytoslashattheman'ssword-handashehimselfskippedbackwards.
Hereallyhadn'texpectedtheluckofafullstrike,buthisopponenthadevidentlyanticipatedablowtotheheadratherthanthehand.Thefighterduckedtoonesideanddidn'tgethishiltupintimetodeflectKyrtian'sblow.
Thebladepassedthroughtheother'swrist,leavingbehindaglowingline.Thefightercursed,transferringtheswordtohislefthand,tuckingthe"disabled"handintohisbeltatthesmallo
fhisback,aspertherulesof
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combat.Ifhehadn't,he'dgetawarningafterthebattlewasoverandthesecondtimeherefusedtoacceptablow,themarkedareaorlimbwouldtrulygocompletelynumbanduselessuntilKyrtianremovedthemagicthatrendereditso.
HewasbynomeansasgoodafighterwithhisweakhandasKyrtianwas.Aclumsyattemptatanoverhandblowlefthisarmpitunprotected,andtheElvenlordexecutedafatalthrust.Thebladevanisheduptothehiltwithnoresistance,andthemanjerkedinreactiontotheall-overtinglethatthe"death-wound"gavehimasthesignthathewas"dead."
Nowthefighterglowedthecolorofnewleavesallover;withagood-naturedcurse,hesalutedKyrtian,sheathedhisblade,andremovedhishelm,joiningfiveofhisfellow"deadmen"onthesidelines.Allofthemwereglowingthesameyellow-green,whichmeanttheywerealloutoftheenemyf
orces.Kyrtianmadethemistakeofallowinghimselfabriefpausetogloatwithoutlookingbehindhim.
Amomentafterthat,asuddenelectricjolttoldKyrtianthathehadbeentakenfrombehind.Ruefullylookingdownathimself,hesawthathe,too,wasglowing.
"Galkasht!"hecursed,intheOldTongue,andheardSargeantGel'sfamiliarlaughinanswer.Hesheathedhis
ownswordindisgust,pulledoffhishelm,andwenttojointheotherdead.
Geldidnotgetachancetoenjoyhisvictoryforlong;Horenroseoutofabushbehindhimandcaughthimacrosstheneckasheturned.GelsworeevenmorecolorfullythanKyrtianhad,whilehisownmenjeeredandcatcalledfromthesidelines.
"Whoisithasneverbeenhitfrombehind?"calledone,infeignedinnocence.
"Youowemebeerforthenextmoon,Sargeant,"oneoftheothersheartlesslyremindedhim."AndyouoweHorenthreenight-watches."
"Don'tremindme."Thehumanpulledoffhishelmandthrewittotheground,gla
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ringatthembuttheyknewtheyweresafe.The"dead"couldsayanythingtheylikedaslongasthebattlewason.Thatwasanotheroneoftherules,meanttobesurethatnooneturnedmock-combatintoarealfight.
"Temper,temper,"scoldedathird,asHorenvanishedtoseekanewopponent."Atruewarriorneverfightswithanger."
"I'mnotfighting,"Gelpointedoutsourly,hisjawclenchedtight.
Gelpickeduphishelmafteranotherscorchingglareandstampedhiswaydownthehilltothesidelines.Kyrtianhidhisowngrin,andgaveGelacommiseratingslapontheshoulder.
"Toobad,oldman,"hesaid,withwhathehopedwasagoodcounterfeitofsympat
hy."That'scombat-luckforyou."
'That'scarelessness,youmean,"Gelgrowled,asheruffledhissweaty,grizzledbrownhairtodryit."Don'tcoddleme,Kyrtian;Igotyouwhenyoustoppedtogloat,thenIwasservedthesamedish.What'smore,youambushedmewhenIlostpatience.You'regoingtowinthisone.Iunderestimatedyou."
Sinceatthispoint,thosewhoglowedyellow-greenoutnumberedthosewhoglowedred-orangebythreetoone,thatwasfairlyobvious,soKyrtianheldhistongueandtriedassumeamodestexpression.
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"Ithinkwecancountthisexperimentasuccess,"hesaidinstead."Iwasn'tsurewe'dbeabletomakethetransitionfromarena-fightingandset-battles,butit'sobviousthismodeisgoingtowork."
"I'dkeepitattheskirmish-levelforawhile,"Gelcautioned.
"Iintendto,"Kyrtianassuredhim,asmoreofthe"dead"onthesidelinescheeredthesurvivingfightersonorshoweredthemwithabuse."Atleastuntileveryone'sgottenafairamountofpracticeatthis.Idon'twantpeoplestumblingaroundbreakinganklesinrabbit-holesorrunningintoanalicornandgettingskewered.We'reoutheretofight,notgethurt."Heloosenedhisthroat-guardandyankeditoff.
Gelbarkedalaughatthat,andKyrtianhadtogrin.'That'sastrueasitsoundsabsurd,"Gelchuckled."Andit's
trueyou'dhavelessluckgettingpeopletovolunteertofightforusiftoomanyoftheboysstartedcomingbackwithbrokenbones,orworse."Hestuckhisthumbinhissword-beltandwatchedthefighterswithpardonablepride."I'lltellyouwhat,thoughI'dpittheseladsagainstanyoftheprofessionalfightersI'veseenwhenitcomestocombatratherthangladiatorialgames.They'dwin."
"That'sratherthepoint,thoughIhopeitdoesn'tcometothat.There'llbefarlessbloodshediftheygoupagainstconscripts."Kyrtianwatchedasthelastofhismensurroundedthelast
ofGel'sanddemandedtheirsurrender."TheElvenlordscancompelmentofight,buttheycan'tcompelthemtofightwell.Speakingofvolunteersthefield-folkaregoingtoneedanotherholidaybeforetoolong."
"We'dbetterthinkaboutorganizingamelee,then,"Gelsighed.Hehatedsettingupmelees,astheywereagreatdealofwork,andasinrealbattles,mostofthepeoplewhotookpartinthemhadnoideahowtoactuallyfight.Agoodpercentagegotmuddledanddidtheoppositeofwhatthey'dbeenordered,andwhentheygotmuddled,
theygenerallyconfusedthosewhoweretryingtoobeytheorderscorrectly.Still,everyoneontheestateenjoyedthemock-warsandwerehappytovolunteerforthem;therewasgreatexcitementinbattlewhentherewasnochanceofdyingandlittlechanceofgettinghurt.Awar-daymeantageneralholidaywithfeastingandmusic,anddancingforthosewhowere"killed"beforetheywerecompletelyexhausted.
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Notthatanyonegotkilleddeliberatelyjustsohecouldgodancing,sincethosewhoweretooexhaustedtodancewerepamperedandtreatedlikeheroesregardlessofwhichsidewon.
EversincethefirsttimethatKyrtianandhisright-handmanhadexpandedtheirwar-gamestoincludethegeneralpopulationoftheestate,theexercisehadprovensopopularthathumansandelvesalikehadcometoexpectandanticipateawar-dayeverytwoorthreemoonsorso.Kyrtianjustcouldn'tbringhimselftodisappointthemandtheonetimehe'dtriedtoholdafeastwithoutawar,therehadbeensuchprotestthathe'dneverdareddoitagain.
"Idon'tsupposeitcouldbeawoods-battle,couldit?"heaskedwistfully."Oroh,whataboutasiege?"
"Withthemanorasthetarget?No,betteryet,theDowager-House;noone'sused
itindecades,andit'sbeenyearssinceitwascleanedandairedout.It'llgiveyourLady-Motheranexcusetogetitsettorightsincaseweneeditforsomething.Ancestorsknowwhat,butwemight."Gelmulledthatoverashismendeclinedtosurrender,electingtofighttothelastonestanding."Thatcouldbedoneifyoucouldmanagemock-arrowsandmock-stones;perhapsmock-boiling-oil."
Kyrtianstaredathim,aghastatthepicturethatconjuredup."Ancestors!You'recertainlybloody-minded!"
"Ifyouwantasiege,youmightaswelldoitright,"Gelargued."Thatmeansthatthebesiegerswillusebows,andthebesiegedwillpeltthemwithwhatevertheycanfromthewalls.Now,canyouproducethepropermaterial,orcan'tyou?"
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"Iprobablycan,"Kyrtianadmitted."Butyoudorealizewhatthiswillmean,don'tyou?"
"Hugecasualtiesearlyon,whichmeansthebattlewon'trunlong,whichmeanswe'llgettothefeastingsooner."Gelgrinned."WhichmeanslessworkformeandmoreforyourobligingLady-Motherinarrangingtheentertainment."
"AndprobablyapopulationincreaseinninemonthsunlessImakesuretodoseeveryparticleoffoodontheestateagainstconceptions,"Kyrtiansighed."Whichmeansmoreworkforme,bothinconcoctingthenewmagic-weapons,andinseeingtoitthatwedon'tgetthatfloodofnewbirths.Youknowwhathappenswhenthewomengettobeinonthecombat!Whyitisthatmock-fightinggetsthemsostimulated"Heshookhishead."SometimesIthinkthatyouhumansaresodifferentfromusthatI'llneverunderstandyou.Still"
"Asiegewouldbefun,"Gelsaid,persuasively,ashismendropped,onebyone,beneaththeswordsofKyrtian'sfighters."We'veneverdoneasiegebeforewithlivefighters.Thingsthatworkonthesand-tablewithmodelsdon'talwaysworkwithlivingpeople."
Thetemptationwastoogreattoresist."Allright,"hedecided."Startplanningandworkingtowardit.I'll
researchthemagicneeded.Ifitdoesn'tlookasifwecanpullitoffinamonths'time,we'llhavetheusualfield-meleeinstead."
"Done!"Gelcrowed,andslappedhimontheshoulder,justasthelastofhismenfell.Atthatpoint,Kyrtian'sremainingfightersrushedup,cheering,andtherewasnopointintryingtotalkuntilthevictorycelebrationwasover.
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Aswasusual,thetwogroupsofcombatantstrudgedoutoftheforesttogetherasasinglefraternalmasswithnosenseofmarchingorder.Theforestcouldwellhavebeendevoidoflifeatthispoint;birdsandbeastswereprobablyfrightenedintoimmobilitybythelaughterandtalking.Atanyrate,Kyrtiancouldn'tspotsomuchasarabbitorasparrowastheyfollowedthefainttrackofanoldroadbeneaththetrees.Thesunwasjustsetting,andathick,goldenlightpouredthroughthebranches,gildingtheedgesoftheleavesandtouchingtheclouds.Tired,butcheerful,friendsandcomradestradedcongratulations,boasts,andoutrightliesasKyrtianandGelbroughtuptherear.Kyrtianneverpermittedanyonetocarryhisarmorforhim;likehismen,heborehisownequipment,atleastasfarastheirtransportation.Therewerewagonsandacarriagewaitingjustoutsidethewoodstocarrythemallbacktothemanor,sinceitwouldhavetakenthemhourstoreturnonfoot;Kyrtianwasverygladtobeabletotosshishelmtohisdriverandallowhisbody-servanttotaketheheavyarmoroffbeforeheclimbedintothecushionedcomfortofthecarriage.Asatokenofhisprivilegedrank,Gelsharedboththeattentionsoftheservantandthecarriage;themenhelpedeachotherandmadedowiththecushioningeffectof
athicklayerofhayintheirwagons."Ah,thebenefitsofrank,"GelsighedashesatbackinthecarriageoppositeKyrtian.Kyrtiangrinned.
AssoonasGelgothimselfseated,thedriverturnedthehorsesandsentthecarriageonitswaywhilethewagonswerestillbeingloadedwithmenandarmor."Ancestors!"Kyrtianexclaimed,astheservanthandedhim
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aflaskofcool,sweetwater."I'vebeenlookingforwardtothisallafternoon!"Hetookalongdraught,timinghisdrinkwiththejoltingofthecarriagesohedidn'tbreakhisteethontheneckoftheflask,beforehandingittoGel.
"You'dthinkwe'dgettiredofthisnonsense,"Gelresponded,leaningbackintothesoft,darkbrownvelvetcushionsafterhe'dcorkedtheflaskandhandeditbacktoyoungLynder,Kyrt-ian'sbody-servant."Yourdearmotherkeepssayingwe'retoooldtoplayatbeingsoldiers,andsometimesIwonderifshe'sright,atleastaboutme.Everytimewecomebackfromoneofthesegames,Iaskmyselfifitisn'ttimetostop."
"Youonlythinkthataslongasittakesforyoutogetyourwindback."TheyoungElvenlordgrinnedathiscompanions,andLynderchuckled."Andmotherhasadifferentsetofprioritiesfromyouandme.Whatdoyou
expecthertosay?She'snotjustafemale,she'salady,andifshehadherwaywe'dallbedriftingaroundtheestateincloudsoftranquilmusic,perfume,andrefinement.Ifitwereuptoher,you'dbecultivatingroses,andI'dbecultivatingillusionsandcourtingsomefragilelittlelilyofamaiden."Heacceptedtheflaskbackandtookanotherdrink."NotthatyouneedtoapologizeforhavingaknackwithrosesbutIdon'tthinkyou'dwanttospendyourlifeamongtheflowers."
Gelrolledhiseyes."Godsforbid!"heexclaimed."I'ddieofboredominhalfa
day!Rosesareallrightforahobby,butnotasalife'swork!"
"I'dprefertendingrosestobeingforcedtospendmytimecultivatingahighbornmaiden."Kyrtianlaughed,thesoundinterruptedoddlybythejouncingofthecarriage."Atleastyoudon'thavetomakeconversationwithaflower,evenifyoudohavetobecarefulofthethorns.It'seasiertoavoidthornsthantrytokeepastrangewomanfromseeingthingssheshouldn't."
Hetriedtokeephistonelight,buthislaughtersoundedabitstrainedinhisownears.Thesubjectofwivesandheirshadbeenmuchonhismother'smindandtonguelately;hardlyadaypassedwithoutheralludingtoitatleastonce.Itwasasubjecthewasnoteasywith.Heenjoyedhislifethewayitwas,andhadnorealwishtobringastrangerintohishome."Ancestors!I'dhavetosetupanentirelyseparatepartoftheestatetokeepher
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properlysecluded,andthatwouldbeasmuchofaboreascourtingherwouldbe!Iswear,ifitweren'tforbiddenI'dwedastout-heartedhumanwenchfromrighthere."
Gelmadeasourface."Attheleast,we'dneedtheDowager-Housesettorightsjusttoconfinethegirlin,andsomehowkeephermewedupthereindefinitely.IfTenebrinth,SelazianandPelenalhaddaughtersthingswouldbeagreatdealeasieronallofus.You'dthinkoneofyourclientswouldhavethegoodsensetotakecareofthatlittleproblemforus!"
Kyrtianrepliedwithcompleteseriousness."Iwishtheyhad.Nothingwouldhavepleasedmebettertotakeoneofthemintomyfamilyline;they'reallfinegentlemen.Asitiswell,somedaysoonIsupposeI'llhavetopleaseMotherandgolookingamongstsomeoneelse'sunderlingsforawife.EventuallyI'llfindamaidenwho'sofsufficientlylowranktobetoooverawedtonoticemyeccentricities."
"She'llhavetooverlookmorethanthat,"Gelwarnedhim,"Oryou'llhaveherrunningbacktoherPapawithstoriesofhowyoucan'tkeepyourslavesproperlyunderyourthumb."
Kyrtianfeltcompelledtogivehismother'scounterstothosearguments,whichwerethesamethathehimselfhadraised."Elvenmaidensinmosthouseholdsarekeptclose-confined,Mothersays.AndamaidenoflowrankshouldbedazzledbyhernewsurroundingsandtoomuchinaweofMothereverto
questionthings.Wethinkthataslongasherservantsobeyedher,she'dneverknowwedothingsdifferentlyhere."Hecompressedhisbrowsinalittlefrown."I'dhavetomakesurethatshewasneverallowedtoabusethem,though...andthatcouldtakesomemanagement."
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Gellookeddubious,butonlysaid,"Ifyou'djustleavethewife-huntinguptoyourMother,youcanbesureshewon'tchoosesomeonewe'llhavetoworryabout.Shehasentrytoallthebowers,andifshecan'tfindsomeonesympathetictoourways,shecanatleastfindsomeonewhoistootimidtospeakupaboutanything,toostupidtocare,orhasbeentoocloselyshelteredtoknowwhatisandisnotusual."
"Isupposethat'stheonlyrealsolution,"Kyrtiansighed,andwincedatthethoughtofamouse,adolt,orafrailflowerasawife.Whatadisgustingsituation,hethought,frowning.AndI'mgoingtohavetodosomethingaboutitfairlysoon.Motherisn'tgoingtoallowmetoputitoffmuchlonger.
Gelsnortedathisruefulexpression,asaparticularlyhardbouncesentthemallintheairforabriefmoment."Don'tmope,"herepliedsternly,thenadded,withacrudechuckle,"Atleastyouaren'tgoingtobesaddledwith
awifewhohasthehipsofacow,themannersofapig,andthefaceofahorse.YouElvesareneverlessthanhandsome,soyouwon'thavetowishforabagtoputoverherheadwhenyoudoyourdutytopresenttheestatewithanheir."
Kyrtianflushed,feelingthetipsofhisearsburn.Gelhadbeenhisteacher,companion,andfriendforaslongashecouldremember,butthehumancouldbeamazinglycoarse,sometimes.Howonearthcouldheexplainthatwhatmadehimdreadmatrimonywasthefearthathe'dfindhimselfboundforcent
uriestoadull,insipididiot?Howcouldhepossiblygetupenoughinterestinamaidenlikethattodohisdutybytheestateandtheclan?Gelwouldonlylaugh,andtellhimthatitwasn'twhatwasbetweenagirl'searsthatmattered
IfIcouldfindsomeonelikeMother,hethoughtwistfully,I'dwedhernomatterwhatherrankwas.DidFathereverreallyknowhowluckyhewastofindamaidenwithwit,courage,sense,andintelligence?Whatarerankandmagicworth,comparedwithqualitieslikethat?
"We'llhavetotellMiladyaboutthenewschemeforasiege,"Gelsaidcheerfully,interruptinghisthoughts."She'llprobablywanttohaveahandinitherselfthistimeandIthinkyououghttogiveherabitofacommand.Maybethenshe'llstopteasingusaboutourpastime."
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"Youknow,youcouldberight."Kyrtianbracedhimselfasthecarriagehitaseriesofrutsthatthreatenedtobouncethemallagainsttheceiling,rattlinghisveryteeth.Thiswastheworstpartoftheroad;inamoment,everythingwouldsuddenlysmoothoutastheyreachedthepavedsection."Maybeifshegetsatasteofthis,she'llrealizejusthowchallengingitis."
Myonlyotherchoicewouldbetotellherthetruththatitisn'tagame,thatGelandIaretrainingthehumanstodefendtheestateiforwhencombatcomeshere.Idon'twanttodothat;Idon'tknowthatdangeriscoming,Ijustfeelitinmybones.Theirestatewasrelativelyisolated,andheandhismothercertainlywerenotinthefirstsocialcircles,butstill...firsthadcometheElvenbane,thatweirdwizard-girlwhohad,byallrepute,single-handedlyengineeredanuprisingoftotallyunsuspectedhalfbloods.NotthatheexpectedanytroublefromthehalfbloodshispeoplewereperfectlyfreetojointheWizardsanytimetheywantedto,andnoneofthemdid.Still,tohaveadreadedlegendcometolifeandtakedownthemostpowerfu
lElvenlordontheCouncil,anddoitwiththeaidofLordDyran'sownson,whoshesomehowsubvertedwell,ithadalloftheElvenlordslookingformorehalfbloods-in-disguiseintheirmidst.
AndwhentheGreatLordswerelookingforonething,theymightfindsomethingelsetheydidn'tcarefor.
Thenhadcomeasecondrebellion,thistimeoftheElvenlords'owndisregardeds
econdandthirdoffspring,the"spares,"whichapparentlyinvolvedanewsortofmagicthatdisruptedeventhemostpowerfulElvenmagic.ThatwarwasnotgoingwellfortheGreatLords.Itwasn'tsomuchthatthey'dlostagreatdealofterritory,fortherelativelysmallnumberofYoungLordswhohadrevoltedhadonlytakenafewestates;theproblemwasthatthey'dtakenandheldthem,andcontinuedtohold,andalthoughKyrtiandidn'tknowthisforcertain,hesuspectedtheyweremakingthemselvesfelt.Theywereathorn,notintheside,butinthefoot,andonewhich
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wasfeltwitheverysteptheGreatLordstook.Thatmadethemedgy;alwaysadangerousthing.Kyrtiandidn'tliketheideaofhavinganedgy,inquisitiveGreatLordnosingaroundanywherenearhisestate.Orhispeople.
AndifanythinghappenedbecausetherewasaninquisitiveGreatLordsniffingaroundwell,hewantedtobereadyforit.
"Maybeshe'llwanttotakeuptheswordforherself,"Gelsuggested,withaslytwinkle."Youknowshe'dbegoodatit.Ithinkifsheevergotafeelforrighting,she'dbeasaddictedtoitasweare."
"Oh,there'sathought!"Kyrtianlaughedwickedly."Icouldmakehermysecond-in-command.Thenwhatwouldyoudo?"
"Goonmykneesandsubmit,"Geladmitted."Andbowtotheinevitable.I'veseenhermoveandI'veseenheratthehuntshe'sgotbetterreactionsthanyoudo.Ancestors!Putabowinherhands,andI'llsurrenderonthespotratherthanfaceher!"
Thecarriagejoltedonelasttime,asthewheelsbouncedupontothepavement,thenKyrtianandGelsettled
backwithidenticalsighsofreliefasroughridegavewaytosmoothrollingthatwasascomfortableassailingonasmoothlake.
"Itrustyou'vetakencareofthingsforthemenasusual?"KyrtianaskedLynder.TheyounghumanhadonlybeenKyrt-ian'sbody-servantfortwomonths,buthe'dbeenmeticulouslytrainedbyKyrtian'spreviousman,andtheElvenlordwasconfidenthecouldhandlehisnewresponsibilitiesasinvisiblyashispredecessor.
Themanlookedalittleanxious."Thebathhouseisclearedandready,dinner'sbeenheld,there'stobemusicandlate-leavefortheotherservantstojointheentertainment"Hehesitated,andglancedpleadinglyatGel,clearlywonderingifhe'dmissedsomething.
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"Exactlyright,Lynder,"Kyrtiansaidsoothingly,totakethelookofanxietyoutofhiseyes.Lynderhadprobablymissedoneortwodetails,buttheotherservantswouldseetoitthateverythingwentsmoothlyanyway.Afteryearsofthesemock-battles,everyoneknewwhatwasexpectedafterwards.Thehouse-andfield-servantswereexpectedtorescheduletheirownbathssothatthereturningfighterscouldhavetheplacetothemselves.Dinnerhadbeenheldbacksothatitwouldreachthetableshotandfreshastheycameoutofthebathhouseanditwouldn'tbetheusualbreadandstew,butsomethingalittlefancier.Roastmeatorchicken,usually,achoiceofside-dishes,andsomethinginthewayofasweet.Therewouldbealittleextrabeernotenoughtocauseproblems,butaglassortwomorethanusualforeveryone.Someofthehouseholdmusicianswouldcomedownafterdinner,andtherewouldbesomelivelymusicanddancing,andifbedshadtwooccupantsornoneinthemtonightinsteadofone,noonewouldbetakentotask.Tomorrowwouldbeaquarter-holiday,workanddrilltostartabitlaterinthemorningthanusualsothatthemencouldsleepinabit.Allinall,themenwouldfeelthemselveswellrewardedfortheirhardworktoday.
Andweneedtobeginplanningthenextholidaybytomorrowatthelatest,Kyrtianremindedhimself.Hedidn'tliketomaketheintervalsbetweenholidaystoolong;hedidn'twantthehouse-andfield-servantstostartfeelingaggrievedatthespecialtreatmentthefightersreceived.
Thecarriageslowedandcametoastop;inthedustygoldlightthatwasswiftlyfading,aservantinemerald-greentunicandtrewsopenedthedoor,andKyrtiangotout,followedbyGeland
Lynder.Round,blue-whitelightshanginginclustersoffourfrombronzepostsalreadyblazedoneithersideofthewhitestonestaircasethatledtothefrontportalsofthemanor.Moregreen-liveriedservantstookpossessionofthearmorandarmsasKyrtianlookedabout.Gelsalutedandstalkedofftowardsthebarracksinthattireless,agelessstridethatKyrtiancouldneverimitate,withthefinalraysofthesettingsunilluminatinghimlikesomegod-touchedheroofhumanhistory.
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KyrtianranupthealabasterstepsofthemanorwithLynderclosebehind,deepshadowsnowgivingwaytobluedusk.Atthetopofthestairs,doubledoorsofcastbronzewouldhaveswungopenatthemeresttouchofhismagic,butheignoredthementirely,intendingtotaketheinconspicuousdoorkeeper'sentryattheside.Thegreen-claddoorkeeperhadexpectedjustthat,andwasholdingopenthesmallerportalforhim,bowingslightlyashepassedthrough.
"Beker!"Kyrtiangreetedhim."Isyourwifebetter?"
Thehuman'slongfacebrightenedatthequestion."Oh,muchbetter,LordKyrtian!Wecannotthankyouenough"
"You'llthankmebynotlettingthingsgettosuchapassbeforeyousaysomething,"Kyrtianreplied,withjustenoughofasterntonetohisvoicethatthedoorkeeperwouldknowhewasserious."Don'tkeepgoingbacktothe'pothecary;whenthesimplecuredoesn'twork,gotoLordSelazian.That'swhyIkeephimasaretainer,Beker;makethelazyloutworkforhisliving!"
"Yes.LordKyrtian,"thedoorkeeperwhispered,bowingfurther."Iwill,mylord."
"Carryon,Beker,"Kyrtianreplied,andmovedon,leavingthedoorkeepertoshutthingsupbehindhim.
"Lynder,remindLordTenebrinthtohaveatalkwiththeapothecary,willyou?"Kyrtiansaidinaquietasideastheystrodedownthemiddleoftheentrancehall.Athick,pale-greycarpetbeneaththeirfeetmuffledallsoundoffootfalls,andalthoughthealabasterceilingandgrey-veinedmarblewallswe
renotimposing,Kyrtianthoughttheyhadagreatdealofdignityaboutthem."Ican'thavemypeoplegettingsickandrelyingonthatthatherb-shamanforeverything!Iwouldn'thavehadhimatall,ifyouhumanshadn'tinsistedonhim."
"LordKyrtianitisfrighteningforsomeofustoaskaLordforanything,muchlessaskhimtotreatusforour
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ailments,"Lynderrepliedwithhesitation."Youforgetsometimesthatalthoughmanyofushavebeenbornandraisedinyourservice,manymorecomefromoutsidetheboundaryofyourestate,andthingsareverydifferentinthegreaterworld."
"Well,that'swhyIwantyoutoremindLordTenebrinthtotalktotheapothecary.Isuspectthemanmightbeencouragingthosefears,andifthat'strue,Iwantitstopped."Kyrtianfrowned."Ancestors!Thelastthingweneedistogetaplaguestartedbecauseamanwhothinksrattlingbonesandbrewingteascancureeverythingwon'tgiveuptryingtillhispatientsaredead!"
"Withyourpermission,LordKyrtian,I'llaskSergeantGeltohaveawordwithhimfirst."KyrtiansawoutofthecornerofhiseyethatLynderwassmilingalittle."TheSergeantcanbeverypersuasive."
Kyrtiannodded,astheyturneddownasidecorridortothefamily-quarters."Itrustyourjudgment,Lynder.ButdofeelfreetobringTenebrinthinonit;heismySeneschal,afterall."
Lyndermovedaheadtosmoothlyopenadoorontheright-handsideofthecorridorbeforeKyrtiancouldtouchithimself."Yes,LordKyrtian,"hereplied,andasKyrtiansteppedthroughthedoorintohisprivatequarters,hewasengulfedbyservants.
Inotherhouseholds,theywouldhavebeencalled"slaves,"anditwastruethatKyrtianwastheirtitularownerbutifanyoneofthemwantedtoleave,hewouldhaveonlytopetitiontheElvenlordandpermissionwouldbeinstantlygranted.Somehow,someway,KyrtianwouldfindawaytosmugglethehumanouttotheterritoriesheldbytheWizardsorthefreehumans.Notthatanyonewouldeveraskforthatpermissiontheworldopentofreehumanswashostileanduncomfortable,andentirelytoodangeroustobemuchofatemptation.
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AshadbeenthecasewithKyrtian'sfatherandgrandfather,Kyrtianandhismotherwererespected,admired,evenbeloved,notonlybythehumansoftheestate,butbythefewElvenretainerswhocalledthemtheirliege-lords.Therewerethreewhowereofthemostimportance;theaforementionedTenebrinthwhosepositionasSeneschalpredatedKyrtian'sbirth,SelazianthePhysicianwhohadbeenstudyingthediseasesofhumansaswellasElvesforliterallycenturiesandLordPelenal,Kyrtian'sAgent,whohandledalltheaffairsoftheestatethatneededtobeconductedoutsidethewallsoftheestate.
KyrtianandhismotherwereasdependentonPelenal'sgoodwillashewasontheirs,buthehadnevergiventhemevenamomentofunease.Pelenalboughtnewslaves,negotiatedcontracts,andhaggledtogetthebestpricesforthefoodstuffsproducedbythismostfertileofestates.Pelenalwasoneofthosemostdespisedofcreatures,anElvenlordwithsolittlemagichemightjustaswellhavehadnone
atall.DespitethefactthattherecouldnotpossiblyhavebeenabetterAgentinalloftheestates,PelenalwouldneverhaveattainedthatpositionofpowerintheserviceofanyoneotherthanKyrtian'sfamily.Heknewthat;sawElveswithmoremagicthanhegrovelingforcrumbsatthetablesofgreaterElvenlords,anddemonstratedhisgratitudeinthemosttangibleoftermsonaregularbasis.
Thatwasjustaswell,becausewhererealpower,thepoliticalpoweroftheCounciloftheGreatLordswas
concerned,Kyrtianhadnone.Hisonlypowerwaseconomic,andthatwasinnosmallpartduetoPelenal'sclevermanagement.
Still,thatpowercouldbeformidable.
Asservantsswarmedoverhim,strippinghimtotheskinastheypropelledhimtowardsthebathingroom,heallowedhimselftheluxuryoffeelingjustalittlesmug.Politicalpowercamea
ndwentevenmagicpowercouldfadewithtime,orbelosttofurthergenerationsbuteconomicpowerwasamuchmoredependable,ifunderratedforce.Hisgrandfatherhadunderstoodthat,evenifhisfatherhadn'tbuthisfatherhadtheservicesofTenebrinthtoensurethattheestate'sprosperitycontinued.Pelenalhadsimplybuiltonthatfoundation.
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Thebathing-room,ofgreen-veinedmarblewithshiningsilverfixtures,featuredasunkentublongerthanKyrtianwastall,anddeepenoughforhimtosinkinuptohischin.Justnowitwassofullofsteamitwasdifficulttoseeacrossit.Kyrtiansteppedintothetubcarefully.Whenfathervanished,thingscouldhavebeenverybad,ifmotherhadn'thadthegoodsensetoaskTenebrinthifheknewsomeonehecouldtrusttobecomeouroutsideAgent.Kyrtianeasedhimselfdownintothehot,juniper-scentedwaterofhisbath,thinkingashedidsothathisMotherwasalmostasremarkableinherwayashisGrandfatherhadbeen.Themorehelearnedaboutrunningthisestate,themoreamazingitwastohimthatnothinghadgonewrong.ThankstoTenebrinthandPelenal,whostudiedthedemandsoftheotherestatesandtheresourcesoftheirownwiththefiercededicationofawarriorforhiscraft,Kyrtian'sestatewassoprosperousthatevenhisworstenemieswouldneverdreamofforcingaconfrontationwithhim.
Heclosedhiseyesandfragrantsteamroseupandfilledtheroomfurtherwithscentedfog.NooneLordwould
everdarechallengeme,hethoughtcontentedly.Andprobablynottwoorthreetogether.Notthatthey'relikelyto,sinceIdon'tmeddleinpolitics,buttheystillwouldn'tdare.Notwhentheselandsfeedandclotheathirdofthem.Notwhenthefruitsofourlaborsareservedupontheirtables,whenourwinesarethechoicest,oursilksthefairest.
Granted,anElvenlordwithpowerfulmagiccouldtransformwaterandashesintothefinestwineandchoicestmealsbutitwasstillwaterandashes,andwouldn'tnourishanybetter.Ittooka
greatdealofmagictocreatesuchillusions,magicwhichcouldbeputtobetteruse.IllusorygoldhadnocommercialworthbutthegoldinKyrtian'streasurywasrealenough.
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No,nooneisevergoingtotryanypoliticalgameswithus,hetoldhimself,astheheatofthebathwarmedandsoothedallofhistired,strainedmuscles.Theywouldn'tdare.Pelenalwouldn'tselltothem,andthenwherewouldtheybe?Halfthestuffthatgoestofeedtheirslavescomesfromhere;mostofthemdon'tbothergrowinggrainanymore,orraisingsheepforwoolandflaxforlinen.
AsoftenasheaskedTenebrinthiftherewasanythingtheSeneschalwantedasarewardforallhisgoodservice,Tenebrinthhadneveraskedforanythingbutthemosttrivialoffavors.LordTenebrinthoftenseemedtoKyrtianthemostcontentedofbeings;hehadawifewhoadoredhim,andthefreedomtomanagetheestateashesawfit.Tenebrinth'schiefpleasureoutsideofhisfamilycamefromtryingoutlittletheoriesofmanagement.Overthedecades,hehadweededoutalltheonesthatdidn'tworkatall,ordidn'tworkwell,andnowhewasintheprocessoffine-tuningandbalancingeverything.TheonethingthatTenebrinthwouldhavewantedthatKyrtiancouldn'tgivehimwasachild.
AndifIcould,Iwould.Ithinkwepayforourlonglivesinourlackofchildren.Itwassad,really,foriftherewaseveranElvenladyborntobeamother,itwasTenebrinth'swife,LadySeryana.
Andofcourse,itwouldbesomucheasieronallofusiftheyjusthadadaughter.Itwouldn'thavematteredhowyoungthegirlwas;Kyrtianwouldbemorethanwillingtowaitforhertogrowu
p.Afterall,hehadallthetimeintheworldbeforehim;Elvesdidageanddieeventually,but"eventually"wasseveralcenturiesaway.
MaybewhatheoughttodowouldbetoinvestigatethoserumorsthatsomeElvenlordshaddiscoveredwaystoenhancetheirfertilitywithmagic.Ifthatweretrue,andhecouldfindawaytopurchasetheservicesofsuchamagician
Thatwouldsolveeveryone'sproblem,wouldn'tit?
Itwasaneasysolutiononthesurface,butlikedeepwater,sucha"solution"couldcovermorethanwasimmediatelyapparent.
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ThefavormightcostmorethanI'mwillingtogive.Whatifthemagewantedslaves?HowcouldIsendoffanyofmypeopleintorealslavery?Whatifhewantedsomeofmyfighters?WhatifhewantedGel?
Evenifthatdifficultynevercameup,therewastheimaginarygirltoconsider.Shemightnotlikeme.Shemightlikeme,butnotenough.ShemightfallinlovewithsomeoneelseevenPelenal.Hewincedawayfromtheideaofforcingamaidentowedbecauseshe'dbeenbetrothedtohiminhercradle.Howcouldanygoodcomeoutofsuchabadbargain?
Gelisright.Ishouldleaveituptomother,hedecided,withaslightsinkingofhisheartandacontradictoryfeelingofrelief.I'lltellhersoatdinner.Thatshouldmakehersohappyshe'llletusbesiegeherverybowerifwewant!
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AsLynderreplenishedthegobletofcoolwateratKyrtian'srighthand,theyounglordsoakeduntiltheachesin
histired,soremuscleseased.He'dhaveremainedinthebathuntilhewasindangeroffallingasleep,ifnotfortwofactors.Hisstomachcomplainedthatithadn'tgottenanythingbutwaterforsometime,andheknewhis
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motherwaswaitingforhimtohavedinnerwithherandoutofpolitenesswouldnottouchamorseluntilheappeared.Servantssentoffforaplatteroffinger-foodswouldhavetakencareofthehunger,buthewasnotgoingtoberudetohismother!
Itisn'twisetoberudetoone'smother.Sheknowseverythingaboutyourchildhoodthatispotentiallyembarrassing.
Reluctantly,hesteppedupoutofthewater,drippingontothemarblefloor,andwavedoffanotherattentiveservant,takingthesoft,snowytoweltheladheldouttohim.Wrappingthetowelaroundhimself,hereturnedtohisbedroomtofindclothinglaidoutoverastandandwaitingforhimtodon.ThisclothinghadbeenselectedbyLyndertocomplementwhateverhismotherwaswearingfordinner.Itwasasmallgesture,butonethathismotherappreciated,anditonlycostalittleextraattentiononthepartofthe
servants;suchattentionwasnoburdentothem,forshewasasbelovedtoherstaffasshewastoherson.
Tohisrelief,thewaitingclothingwascasual,acomfortabletunicandtrewsofheavyambersilkwithasimplegeometricdesigninbronzebeadworktrimmingthecollarandbelt.Thatmeanthismotherwasinacasualmood;infact,withanyluck,shehadarrangedtodineonthebalconyoutsidethelesserdining-room,wheretheycouldwatchtheirhumandependentsdancingandlistentotheirmusic.
Heknew,becauseshehadtoldhim,thatotherElvenlordsgenerallychosetodineamidself-created,fantasticsettingsbuiltofillusion,asimplerversionoftheillusionshe'dseenatthefewElvengatheringsandfeteshehadattended.Hehadneverbeenabletofathomwhytheywouldwishtodosuchathing.Howboringmustitbe,surroundedbysomethingsoutterlycontrolled,inwhichoneknewtothemomentexactlywhatwouldhappen?Hepreferredrealweather,realsunsets,andthespontaneityofliveperformers.Butthen,he'dnevercaredmuchforeventhemostelaborateofillusions,farpreferringthebeautiesoftherea
lworldtogossamerfantasies.Evenhissuiteheldabutsingleillusion,tobringtheoutdoorsthathelovedinsideregardlessofweatherorseason.Hehadcreatedanetherealforestgladeandwaterfall,illuminatedinaperpetualtwilight,inthecornerofhissittingroom.Thisillusionopenedhissuiteandmadetheroomseemtoextendfarbeyondtheactualwalls.Hecouldeasilyhavehadarealwaterfallputin,butthatwouldhavemadethesittingroomrathermorehumidthanheliked.Thethreeroomsofhissuitesittingroom,study,andbedroomwereotherwise
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allastheyhadbeenbuilt:greycarpet,whitewallsandceiling,simple,unornamentedfurnishingswithframesofpalebirch-woodandfatcushionsingrey-blue,grey-green,andslate-grey.Sourceless,gentlelightbathedtherooms,butcouldbeextinguishedwithasinglecommandmagic,yes,buthardlyillusion.
Hedonnedthesoft,comfortablesilkgarments,slippedonapairofbutteryleatherindoorbootsandbeltedthetunicwithamatchingsash.Afteraquickglanceathimselfinamirrortoensurethathehadnotforgottenanything,hesetoutforthedining-chambers,leavingtheservantstocleanupbehindhim.Thesamesourcelesslightasbrightenedhisroomsilluminatedthehallwayswhoseonlyornamentsweresmalltablesplacedatintervalsagainstthewall.Henotedwithapprovalthatnowthatitwassummer,someonehadreplacedthestatuesthathadstoodoneachtablewitharrangementsofflowerswhichgentlyscentedtheairwithoutbeingcloying.Somuchbetterthanalltheincenseandheavyperfumeshe'dencounteredinthefewothermanorshe'doccasionallyvisited!Hismothermadelifehereintoanartform,somethingthat
appearedeffortlessandwasanythingbut.Itrequiredasmallarmyoftheirfaithfulservants,workingincarefulharmony,toachievethe"simple"effectsthatotherscreatedwithillusions.
Asheapproachedthediningchambers,thelightsubtlychanged,growingwarmerintone,andtheflowerarrangementsherewerenolongermadeupofbloomsofwhiteandpalepastels,butofrichercolors.Thiswasclearlytheworkofhismother'shandandmind.Theimpressionnowcreatedwasthatofcheerandwelcome,
andhenotedproudlythatonceagain,itwasaccomplishedwithouttheuseofasingleillusion.
Lynderwaitedpatientlyoutsidethedoorofthelesserdining-chamber,confirmingKyrtian'sguessthatheandhismotherwouldbediningwithoutthecompanyofanyoftheotherElvesoftheestate.Lynderopenedthe
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bronze-edgeddoorforhim,andhepassedthroughwithanodofthanks.Subduedlightingandanemptytablegreetedhim,andtheopencasementdoortothebalconybeyondbeckonedhimonward.
Outonthealabasterbalcony,apairofbronzelampsgavejustenoughlighttobeusefulwithoutbeingobtrusive.Aservantwithacartladenwithcovereddisheswaitedbesideasmalltableflankedbytwochairs.Hismotherrosefromthefurthestoftheseashesteppedontothebalcony,andheldoutherhandtohimwithawelcomingsmile.
V'dyllLydiellLadyPrastaranwasnotthemostbeautifulofElvenwomen;hergreeneyeswereatouchtooshrewd,hercheekbonestoosharplydefined,hermouthatoncetoogenerousandtoosardonic,herwinglikeeyebrowstooinclinedtoarcupwardsinwryamusement.Herfigurewastooslighttobecalled"generous,"and
toomusculartobecalled"delicate";infact,shewasanotabledancerandathlete.Andshewastootallforthecurrentfashion,withfullyasmuchheightasherson.Tonighthermoon-palehairwascaughtatthebackofherheadinasingle,practicalknot,onlyrelievedbythreestrandsofbronze,moonstoneandamberbeadsthreadedontoslenderlocksofhairbehindherleftear.Herclothingwasvirtuallyidenticaltoherson's,exceptthatsheworeadividedskirtinsteadoftrews.Shefollowednofashions,andsetnone;shewasalawuntoherself,andassuch,fitthePrastaranestateandclanperfectly.
Kyrtiantookherhand,droppedafilialkissonit,andassistedherbackintoherseatbeforetakinghisown.Hesniffedappreciativelyatthesavoryscentsarisingfromthefirstdishastheservantuncoveredathicksoupandoffereditfortheirapproval.
Lydielltooktheladleherself,andmeasuredouttwoporcelainbowlsfull."I'vealreadyquizzedLynder,soIknowthatyoubeatGel,"shesaidwithamusement."AndIalsoknowthathemanagedtokillyouintheprocess
ofbeatinghim.Aratherdubiousvictory,don'tyouthink?"
"Isupposeitwoulddependonwhetheryouwerethecaptainwhowaskilledorthegeneralwhosenthim,"Kyrtianpointedout."Myimaginarysuperiorwouldhavenoreasontobeunhappyabouttheoutcomeofourbattle."
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Lydiellmadealittlegrimaceofdistaste."Yournot-so-imaginaryrelationswouldeitherbeverygrievedorverypleasedifyourdemisehadbeengenuine,"shecountered."YourobnoxiouscousinAelmarkininparticular"
Kyrtianknewwhatwascoming,andthistimedecidedtopreemptthelittlespeechabouthisdutytothelegacylefttohimbyhisfather."MyobnoxiouscousininparticularisgoingtobeverywnhappyassoonasyoufinishtheprojectI'dlikeyoutoundertake,Lady-Mother,"heinterrupted,tappingherhandplayfullywithhisindexfinger."IwantyoutogohuntmeoutacoupleofsuitablefemalessoIcanmakeaselectionforabride.I'dlikelyonlybunglethejob;you,however,willmanageitbrilliantly."
Lydiellstaredathimwithhermouthslightlyopen,hereyeswideandhereyebrowsarchedashighastheywouldgo."Areyouserious?"shedemanded."Areyoureallyreadytowed?"
Shedidn'tsay"atlast"butshedidn'thaveto.
Heshrugged."AsreadyasIameverlikelytobe,andwithalltheunrestabout,itwouldprobablybebettertogetitoverwithbeforeitbecomesimpossibleforyoutotravelaroundtofindmesomeone."
Lydiell'sexpressionassumedafaintcastofguilt."IsworetoyourfatherIwouldneverpressureyouintomarryingsomeoneforwhomyouhadnoaffection,"shebegan."And"
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"Andyouaren'tgoingtonow,"herepliedfirmly."I'vejustgottenovertheexpectationthattheperfectwomanwillsomehowdropoutoftheskyongossamerwings,emergenixielikefromtheriver,ormaterializespirit-wiseoutoftheforest,andmakemefallintopassionatelovewithher.Agirlwhowon'tbecomeariskforusisfarmoreimportant,andyou'rethebestjudgeofthat.Sofarasmyownneedsareconcerned,someoneIcantolerateoverbreakfastwilldonicely.Ifwehavesomethingsincommonsothatwedon'tbaffleorboreeachother,betterstill."Heputhishandoverhismother'sasitrestedonthetable,andhefeltittremble."Tomymind,itisfarmoreimportantthatshefeelloveandaffectionforyou,mylady."
"Ifyoufoundawifewhomyoulovedbutwhodidn'tcareforme,IcouldalwaysretiretotheDowager-House,"shebeganbravely,butheshookhishead.
"IknowGrandmotherlovedtheDowager-Houseandretiredtherebecauseshefoundtoomanymemoriesinthesehalls,butthatwon'tbethecaseforyou.Icouldn'tcareforanyonewhodroveyououtofyourownhome,soIrelyonyoutofindmesomeonesensible.Iwillbehappywithsafety,sense,andintelligence,inthatorder.Now,"hecontinued,seeingthelightinhereyesanddecidingtotakeadvantageofthesituation,"GelandIwanttostageanotherholiday-battle,andwethoughtwe'dhaveasiegeoftheDowager-Houseinsteadoftheusualwoods-battleorfield-melee.Doyouthinkwecouldarrangethat?"
Assurelyasifhehadthehumanmagicforreadingthoughts,heknewshewasengrossedinrunningoverthevariousmatrimonialpossibilitiesinhermind,andthatthemomenthehadsaidGel'sname,shedismissedtherestofthesentenceasirrelevanttotheall-importanttaskofmatchmaking."Oh,certainly,"shesaidabsently,allowingtheservanttotakeawayhersoupandserveheraportionofbakedeel,adishshenormallynevertouched.Sheateit,too,takingdaintybutrapidbites,allofherthoughtsoccupiedwithmoreimportantthingsthanfood.
Hegrinnedtohimself,anddevouredhisownportionwithoutfurthercomment,congratulatinghimselfonhisclevermaneuver.He'dgottenherapprovalofthesiegewhichshewouldbelatedlyremember,sometimelatetonightasshewentoverthedinnerconversationinhermind.Bythattimeitwouldbetoolatetoretracttheapproval.Andithadn'tcosthimanythingotherthansomethinghe'dalreadymade
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uphismindtodo.Satisfactiongavehimaheartyappetite,andheenjoyedeverybiteofhisdinner.
Downbelowthebalcony,thelawnstretchedoutinaplush,velvetyslopeforsomedistancebeforeitflattenedoutandbecamethevillagegreensharedbyallofthehumanservantswhohadearnedcottagesinthemanor-village.Surroundedbylanternssuspendedfromstandsplungedintotheturf,itwasbrilliantlyandfestivelyilluminated.Thegreenservedasfairgrounds,dance-floor,andfeast-tableinfineweather,anditservedthelattertwopurposestonight.Thewarriors,victoriousanddefeatedboth,celebratedatlongwoodentablesthathadbeencarriedoutfromtheirbarracks.Otherservantsandfield-workers,theirdinnerslongover,slowlycamebygroupsoftwoandthreetojointhefun.Festivetorchesburnedbrightlyateitherendofeachtable,andalittlebandofmusicianshadsetupatthefarendandplayedraucousdancing-tunesthatwereunlikeanythingeverheardatanElvencelebration.Kyrtianratherlikedhumanmusic,himself,andheknewhismotherwasamused
byitbuttocomparehumantoElvenmusicwouldbelikecomparinganoisyforeststreamtoanilluminatedwater-sculpture.Theywerebothmadeofmovingwater,butwiththatallresemblanceended.
Gelandadozenothershadalreadyfinishedtheirdinnerandfoundthemselvespartners,andweredancingwithgreatenthusiasmandabandon,ifnotskill.Fromtherosycheeksandsparklingeyesofthegirls,noneofthepartnerswereinclinedtocomplainiftheirtoesgottroddenon,occasionally.Kyrtianfinishedhismealin
silence,andsettledbackinhischairwithaglassofwine,watchingtheswirlandchaosoftheever-increasingcrowdofdancers.
"Aboutyourobnoxiouscousin"Lydiellmurmuredunexpectedly,startlinghim.
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"Whatabouthim?"Kyrtianreplied,glancingather."Hedoesn'twanttovisitagain,doeshe?Ithoughtwe'dmanagedtocurehimofthatafterthelasttime."
Lydiellwinced."Italmostcuredmeofwantingtostayhere,"shesaid,shuddering."IfI'dhadtositthroughonemoreeveningofyouJroninginthatflatvoice!You'dhavemadeeroticpoetryunbearablydullwiththatvoice!"
Kyrtiangrinned."Ithoughtthemonotonewentwiththesubjectmatter.YoucanthankGelforthat,bytheway.Ihadnoideaheknewsomuchaboutthetacticalimportanceofcampsupplyandsanitation;bythetimehewasdonefillingmyheadwiththeinformation,Icouldhavewrittenamonographonthesubject."
"Remindmetohavehimservedanicedishoflivescorpions,"shesaid,withatouchofexasperation."HemighthavetakencaretorecallthatIwasgoingtohavetoendurethateveningtoo!But,togobacktothesubjectno,yourcousinAel-markinhasnointentionofvisiting.Evidently,however,hedoeswanttomakeupfortryingtodisinherityou."
"Oh,really?"Kyrtianfelthiseyebrowsrisinginanimitationofhismother'smostsardonicexpression."Howfraternalofhim.What,exactly,doeshewant?"
Lydiell'sfacegavenohintofherfeelings."Hewantsyoutovisit.He'sinvitedyoutoaagathering,ofsorts.LordMarthienandLordWyvarnaaresettlingtheirdisputeathisestate."
Kyrtianwasunpleasantlysurprised."TwoGreatLordsaresettlingafeudandAelmarkinwantsmethere?Whateverfor?"
Lydiellshookherhead."Idon'tknow,"shereplied,soundinghonestlyperplexed."Perhapshehasdecidedheshouldchangehisbehavior,inthehopeyou'llforgethispetition.Orforgiveit,atleast."
Kyrtianmadeasourface."PerhapshejustwantstoshowtheGreatLordsthatI'
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mascrazedasmyfather.Afterall,Ihavethesameobsessionwiththepastthatfatherdid.He'sprobablyhopingI'llstartdroningaboutEvelonhistory,oraskingifanyofthemhaveancientbooksintheirlibrariesthatIcouldhavecopied."
"Darthenianwasn'tcrazed,"Lydiellsaidsoftly."Andneitherareyou.Itisn'tmadnesstobeconcernedaboutthepastit'smadnesstotryandpretenditneverhappened.LookatthesituationtheGreatLordshavecreatedatwarwiththeirownsons!Iftheyhadrememberedthepast,andthefeudsthatsentusfleeingEveloninthefirstplace,theymighthaveavoidedthistragedy."
"Isometimeswonderifitisn'talittlemadtopursuethepastsorelentlessly,"Kyrtianreplied,hismoodsuddenlyshadowed."Whyelsewouldfatherhavedisappeared?"
Lydiell'scheeksflusheddelicatelywithanger,butshedidnotgivereintoit."Whyelse?"sheasked,andansweredthequestionherself,forcefully."Acombinationofdedicationandbadluckor,perhaps,theacquisitionofaruthlessenemy.Idon'tknowwhatDarthenianwashuntingwhenhevanished,mylove,forhekeptitasecretevenfromme,butIdoknowthatitwasimportantandpotentiallyverypowerful.Thatmadethesecretadangerousone,andthatwaswhyhekeptitfromme.Itispossiblethathemetwithanaccident.Itisalsopossiblethatsomeonebesidesmetookhimseriouslyandwishedtolearnwhatheknew,orpreventhimfromdiscoveringanythingthatmighthavegivenhimanedgeintheendlessjostl
ingforpower."
"Areyousuggestingthathewasmurdered?"Kyrtianaskedslowly.Itwassomethingthathadneveroccurredtohim.
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Lydiellsighed."Idon'tknow.ItispossiblebutIcannotevenguessathowlikelyitis.Ihaveneverseenorheardanythingtoallowmetodismisstheidea,orthatconfirmedit."Herexpressionwashauntedbythatveryuncertainty."Nevertheless,letothersrememberhimasanunstabledabblerfordelvingintotheoldestofourrecordsIknowbetter,andsoshouldyou."
Kyrtianimmediatelyfeltashamed,andbenthisheadinmuteapology."AndIshouldnotallowtheviewsofV'kelAelmarkiner-LordTornaltoshademyopinionofevensotrivialaquestionaswineselection,muchlessanythingimportant."Hefrowned."I'vehalfamindtoturnhisinvitationdown.It'scometooquicklyontheCouncil'sdecision,andAelmarkinisnothingifnotpersistent.Hesurelyhassomethingplannedasanattempttoembarrassme."
ButLydiellshookherhead."That,youmustn'tdo.Hehasmorepoliticalpowert
hanyou,andhecouldmakethingsdifficultifyouoffendhim.DoyoureallywanttowasteyourtimecounteringhispettynastinesswiththeCouncil,whenyoucouldavoidhavingtodosobyattendinghisgathering?"
Kyrtiansighed,knowingwithresignationthathewasgoingtohavetogoandplaythefooltokeepAelmarkinhappy."Notreally.Whenisthisfarcescheduled?"
"Inthreedays,"Lydielltoldhim,andpattedhishandcomfortingly."Cheerup,"sheoffered."It'sonlyforanafternoon.Howhardcanitbetomaintainyourcomposureforanafternoon?"
Howhardcanitbetomaintainmycomposureforanafternoon?Kyrtianaskedhimselfsavagely,asheglareddownatthesandsofthearenatoavoidmeetinganymorecontemptuousoramusedglances.HarderthangettingthebetterofGelinasword-bout,that'show!
Fromthemomenthe'dsteppedoutofthePortalintoAel-markin'smanor,he'drealizedtwothings.Thefirst:Lydiellhadbeenabsolutelyright;ifhehadn'tshownhisfaceandhissanityatthisfunction,Aelmarkinwouldhavebeenabletosaywhateverhelikedandbebelieved.Thesecond:itwasgoingtostresshispatienceandhisactingabilitytothelimittoputupwiththeattitudeofeveryotherguestthatAelmarkinhadinvited.Hehadneverfeltsoutterlyout-of-placeinhislife.Why,hehadmoreincommonw
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iththehumansofhisestatethanhedidthesestrangecreaturesofhisownrace!
AgreatmanyofthemwereapproximatelyhisagemuchyoungerthanAelmarkintheidleoffspringofGreatLordswhodidn'tcaretoattendthisparticularchallenge-fightthemselves,butwantedtosendrepresentatives.Ofcoursethismeantthathewassurroundedbythosewithlittletodoexceptchatteraboutothersoftheirset,currentfads,uselesspastimes,andnewfashions.Thepeopleoftheirsocialsetwerepeoplehedidn'tknowanythingabout,andthepursuitstheyfoundsoimportantwell,hecouldn'timaginewhyanyonewouldwastetimeonsuchthings.Butintheireyes,hewasclearlyimpossiblybackward,out-of-step,andprovincial.
Noneofthemknewanythingaboutanyofthesubjectshecaredabout,whichmadehimsoundbothaboreandaboor.
Andafterhe'dshownaflickerofstartlementatstatementsheconsideredoutrageous,theyprobablyputhimdownascallowandaprig.
Well,bytheirstandards,Iamaprig.Idon'tconsideranafternoonspentinhavingmyjadedappetitesarousedbypoorhumangirlswhoonlyexisttoserveasmyconcubinestobeparticularlyamusing.
Afterthefirsthour,theysnubbedhimopenly,andwithunveiledcontempt.
This,strangelyenough,madehimveryuncomfortable.Hehadn'texpectedthemtomakehimfeelthatway.Hecouldtrytotellhimselfthatthesepeopledidn'tmatter,thatallhehadtodowasremainpoliteandcomport
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himselflikeagentlemanandnothingtheyreportedbacktotheirfatherswoulddoanyharmbutthatdidn'tmakethesneersandthesniggeringanyeasiertobear.Hedidn'tlikethem,buttheyweremanyandhewasone;itwasalltooeasytofeelthehurtofthescornedoutsider.Hetrulyhadn'tanticipatedthatsortofreactionfromhimself,andhewishedtherewasawayhecouldgracefullyextricatehimselfandgohome.
Ashestaredfixedlydownatthewooden-walledarenabelowhim,heheardwhispersbehindhim,andsnickering,andfeltthebackofhisneckgrowhot.HewasjustgladthatGelwasherewithhim,intheroleofbodyguard;somehowitwaseasiertostaycomposedwithGel'sstone-facedexampletocopy.
I'montheirchoiceofground;thebestIcanhopetodoisgetoutofthiswithoutmakinganymajorblunders.Mothercouldn'tpossiblyhaveknownhowslipperythissituationcouldbecome.H
ewasacutelyawarethattheyhadfarmoreexperiencethanheatthemaneuveringofintrigueandpolitics.Hefelthorriblyyoung,shallow,andnaive;thesepeoplehaddrunkmachinationwiththeirfirstmilk,andhehadnoideahowtodealwithsituationstheywouldn'tevenhesitateover.
Kyrtianhadtakenaseatinthefirstrowtoavoidmeetingtheireyesanylonger,buttheycontinuedtospeaktoeachotherinvoicespitchedforhimtooverhear,tauntinghimtorespond.
"Who,exactly,isthisfellow?"askedanarrogantyoungmalealittletoKyrtian'sleft.
"MycousinKyrtian,"Aelmarkinsaidlightly."SonofthelateLordDarthenian,myuncle."
"LordDarthenian..."someonemurmuredbehindhim."Thatnamesoundsfamiliar.Do
n'tIknowitfromsomeoldstoryorother?"
"Trycouplingthenamewithdaft,"drawledanother,soundingsosmugthatitwasallKyrtiancoulddotokeepfromstandingupandgoingforthefellow'sthroat."DaftDarthenian,pot-hunter,excavatorofthingsbetterleftburied,andpursuerofuselessoldmanuscripts.Missinginpursuitofsame,and
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presumeddead,oh,decadesago."
"Now,Ferahine,there'snothingwrongwithhavingahobby,"repliedAelmarkin,inatonesotolerantthatKyrtianclenchedhishandsonthearmrestsofhischairtokeephimselfinhisseat."Isn'tinsect-collectingassilly?I'veseenyousendslavesoutbobbingaboutinfieldsandforestswithanetandabottleandallthoseboxesofdeadbeetlesarejustasuselessasunreadablemanuscripts!"
"Pointtaken.Still,hobbiesareallverywell,Aelmarkin,"saidthedrawler,"Butnogentlemanandnosanefellowgoesoffhimselftodigupnastyolddiscardsinpartsunknown,now,doeshe?Icertainlydon'tgoramblingthroughbriarswithnetsandbottles!That'swhatslavesarefor!Andhewentoutalone,too!Why,thatwassimplyinsane,ifyouaskme."
Kyrtiangrittedhisteeth.Heknewhewasmeanttooverhearallofthis.Heknewtheyweretryingtoprovokehim.Andtheywereonlysayinginhishearingwhattheytoldeachotherandwhattheirelderssaid.Ifhejustkepthistemper,hewouldlearnagreatdeal.Iftheythoughthewastoodulltounderstandortoocowardlytorespondwhatpossibleharmcoulditdo?
Still,itwasthehardestthinghehadeverdone,tositthereandletstrangersabusethememoryofhisownfather,
withoutchallengingthem.
"Alone!"exclaimedthefirstspeaker."Whydidn'thetakeslaves,ifhewouldn'tsendthemtodohishuntingforhim?Aelmarkin,admitit,hemusthavebeenderanged!"
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Therewasanaudiblerustleoffabric,markingAelmarkin'scarelessshrug."Hewasalwayssecretiveaboutthesehuntsofhis,andnevermoresothanonthelastone.HewashuntingthesiteoftheGreatGatethatbroughtusfromEvelon,andthethingsthatwerediscardedasuselessbecausetheynolongerfunctionedafterpassingtheGate.Why?Ihaven'tanotion."
"Yes,well,it'sobvioushewasanobsessive,attheveryleast,"saidthedrawler,dismissively."AndjudgingfromthedisasterofaconversationIhadwithKyrtian,yonder,obsessionrunsinthefamilyblood.Allthepoorfoolcantalkaboutismilitarymatters!History,tactics,battlesnoonecaresabout."Asneercreptintothedrawl."Asifanyonewouldevergivethelikesofhimcommandoversomuchasasquadoflatrine-diggers."
BynowKyrtian'sneckburned,hischeekswerenearlythesametemperature,andhisjawandshouldersached
withthestrainoftightly-clenchedmuscles.Hegladlywouldhavegivenhalfhispossessionsfortheopportunitytocomeatanyofthosefoppishfoolsinbarehandedcombat!
Andthat'sjustwhattheyexpectfromyou,heremindedhimself,tryingmentallytothrowalittlecoldwateronhisoverheatedtemper.Theythinkyou'reanatavisticbarbarian,andtheymayverywellbewaitingforyoutostandupandattackthemphysically!TheywouldhavetherighttochallengeyouorbringyouupinfrontoftheGreatCouncil.
Andthat,beyondashadowofadoubt,waswhatAelmarkinwantedhimtodo,forsuchanattackwouldprovetoeveryone'ssatisfactionthathe,Kyrtian,wasjustasmadasAelmarkinclaimedinhispetition.AnElvenlordandagentlemandidnotsettledifferenceshand-to-hand.AnElvenlordandagentlemanissuedaproperchallenge,andsettleditasthisfeudwasbeingsettled.
Ihavetokeepmymouthclosedandmyeyesopenandfindoutjusthowthesethingswork!hetoldhimselfvehemently.SothatifIgetachance,Icanarrangeforthesefoolstoeattheirwordswithoutsalt!
Besidehim,Gelstoodatwaryattention,asimpassiveasanystatue,andasinvisibletothesefoolsasanyotherbodyguard.Gelhadheardeveryword,toobutyouwouldneverknowitbylookingat
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him.
CopyGel,hetoldhimself.Stayquiet,ifnotcalm.Wait,andwatch.Heknewonlythatthesefeudsweresettledintrial-by-combat,usingslavesasproxies.Ifhisfighterswerebetter-trainedthanthese
Thenitmightbeworthdealingwiththesedoltsinawaythey'IIunderstand.
Abruptly,conversationbehindhimceased,assomesignalhedidn'trecognizewarnedtheidlersthatthecombatwasabouttobegin.Abruptlycaughtupinspiteofhimself,Kyrtianleanedforwardwiththerest,asthelightinthearenabrightened,andthelightsabovetheirseatsdimmed.
5
---
Twobronzedoors,oneateachendofthearenaanddecoratedwithhammeredimagesofarmoredfighters,openedontothesandsofthearena.Twolinesofheavily-equippedfighterspacedthroughthem,movingponderouslyintothelight.Therewerefourteenofthesehumansinall,sevento
eachside.Onesetwasarmoredinpalegreen,withawingedserpentbadgeinbrilliantblueontheirbreastplatesandshields,theotherinemeraldgreenwiththebadgeofarearingalicorninwhite.
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Thearmorwasimpressive;themeninsideitwerelessso.Kyrtianstudiedeachofthefightersminutely,weighingandmeasuringtheirgeneralstrength,notingthekindsofweaponseachmancarried.HeassumedthatGelwasdoingthesame.
"Ancestors!"cameanotherwhisperfrombehind."Whatcanbesofascinatingaboutahandfuloffighters?Ishesoprovincialthathe'sneverseengladiatorsbefore?"
Kyrtian'sneckburnedagainforamoment,buthecalmedhimselfquickly.Withsomethingbeforehimtostudyandanalyze,hefinallymanagedtothinkofhisownsituationintermsoftacticsratherthanemotions.
Mostofthemaretakingmeforaprovincialboor,butthosearetheoneswhoareignoringme.Thecommentsmightbecomingfromthosewhoaresuspiciousofmethinkingthatthe"provincialfool"mightjustbeapose.TheywouldbetryingtoprodmeintoeitherdoingsomethingtypicalofafoolsuchaslosemytemperandinsultthembackortodoorsaysomethingthatwillgivethemmoreinformationaboutwhatI'mreallyherefor.IfIdoneither,I'llconfusethemfurther.It'sevenpossiblethatAelmarkinisbehindtheprodding.Thepossiblenumberofplotsandcounterplotsgoingonbehindhisbackmadehimfeeldizzy.
Andthesestrangersseemedevenmorealientohim.Howdidtheydoit?Howcouldanyonelivelikethat,spendingmostofeverydayinguardingagainsttreachery,andtherestinplanningtreachery?Itwoulddrivehimmadinnotime.Hecouldnotimaginehowtheycopedwiththeconstantparanoia.
Perhapsthatiswhytheyspendsomuchtimeindebauchingthemselves.Onlybyimmersingthemselvesinpleasurecantheyrelaxforafewmoments.Ifthatwassohefeltsuddenlysorryf
orthem.Butnottoosorry.
Thebestweaponhehadtouseagainstthemwastheuncertaintyherepresented,theveryfactthathewasunknown.NomatterwhatAelmarkinhadtoldthem,theyprobablywouldn'treallybelieveituntiltheyhadprovedforthemselveswhathewas.Theywouldtendtojudgehimagainstthestandardoftheirownbehavior.
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Whatwouldoneofthemdoinasituationsimilartohis?Playthefool?Tryandfindanally?
Probablylookforanallyoraprotector;hopefullybydoingneither,hehadconfusedthemfurther.HewishedhecouldtalkopenlytoGel;ofallthetimesheneededadvice
Thenagain,Gelmightnothaveanybetternotionofhowtohandletheseeffetecreaturesthanhedid.
Well,othershavemistakenmycautionforalackofimaginationinthepastsoperhapsthatiswhatisgoingonnow.Icanonlyhopeso;itwillmakethemunderestimatemefurther.
Allhereallyknewwashowsuchsituationswouldhavebeenhandledinthefarpast,asrecountedinthehistory
bookshespentsomuchtimeperusing.Inthedaysoflongago,therehadbeenlesstimeandleisureforlongplotsandpoliticalmachination.TheElvenlordsofoldhaddealtwithproblemswiththeirownkindinwaysthat"humanbarbarians"wouldfindperfectlyfamiliar.
IfoneoftheFirstLordschosetodealwiththeinsultsinsteadoftamelyacceptingthem,hewouldhavecalledhisenemyoutforaduel-by-magic.
Thatmakesasatisfyingfantasythesedaysaswellprovidingyoupictureyourselfasthewinnerratherthantheloser.
Inlaw,thatwasstillanoption,butitwasonethatveryfewevertookanymore.Morethanninety-ninetimesoutofahundred,insultswereansweredandargumentssettledbyproxy,inthearena,atthehandsofhumangladiatorsliketheonesbelow.Hardlyfair,sinceclearlysomeonewhosemeanswerelimitedcouldn'taffordto
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keepandtrainasmanyfightersassomeoneofgreaterrankandpower,butsomeoneofgreaterrankandpowerwouldalsobemuchstrongerinmagicthanalesserlordsoitwouldn'tmakeagreatdealofdifferencetotheoutcome,whetheritwassettledbycombatormagicduel.
It'sevenpossibleforsomeonewithweakmagictobecomewealthyenoughtoaffordfirst-qualityfighters,ortogainanallywithaccesstosuchfighters,butnothingincreasesthepowerofthemagicthatsomeoneisbornwith.Isupposecombat-by-proxyismarginallymorefairthancombat-by-magic.
Itwouldn'tbequiteasviscerallysatisfying,though.
IwonderhowI'dfareifIdecidedtochallengeoneofthecharmersbehindmetoamagicduel?Haveanyofthemevenbotheredtopracticeandtraintheirpower?Therewasnowayofjudgin
ghowstrongtheywerebythewaytheywereacting,andhereallydidn'tknowhowstronghismagicwasincomparisonwiththeirs.Goingintosuchachallengeblindwouldbethestupidestthinghecoulddo.
Hedidn'tusemagicexceptwhentherewasnowaytoaccomplishsomethingwithoutit.Hereallydidn'thavemuchuseforillusions,sohe'dneverreallypracticedthem,buttherewasnoreasonwhyevenanillusioncouldn'tbeusedasaweapon.OtherElvenlordsseemedtowasteagreatdealofpoweronoutward
appearancesforinstance,asAelmarkinhad,turninghismanorintoanimpossibleconfectionthathardlyresembledadwellingatall.Butwasthatthewastethatitseemedtobe?
Isitakindofblufforevenawayofdemonstratingpowerwithouttheriskentailedbycombat?
Foramoment,hefeltaflickerofconcernthathehadn'tdonelikewise;shouldhehavecreatedanopulent
illusorycostumeliketheirs?Whatwouldthesepeoplethinkiftheysawhisunadornedhome?Didtheythinkhimweak,andoflittleaccount,becausehedidn'tcreateandmaintainfantasticillusions?
Itdoesn'tmatter,hetoldhimselfquickly.Nooneevercomestovisitwhoneedstobeimpressed,andI'mnottheonlyoneherewearingordinaryclothing.
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Heremindedhimselfthathisstatus,andthatofhisfamily,remainedsecurebecausetheyproducedwhatothersneeded,andtheyhadnopowerthatanyoneelsecoveted.Itwasareassuringthought,andonethatcalmedhisnew-bornconcerns.Hewantedtolookharmlessandinconsequential;he'dnearlyforgottenthat.HewantedpeoplelikethesefriendsofAelmarkintounderestimatehimandhisfamily.
Hegavehimselfamentalshake.Thesepeoplewerecontaminatinghimhehadn'tbeenamongthemforevenhalfaday,andalreadyhewasthinkingaboutchallengesandstatus,worryingbecausetheythoughthewasaprovincial,insularbumpkin!Sowhatiftheydid?Thatwaswhatkepthimandhissafe!Letthemjockeywitheachotherheremindedhimself.Letthemignoreus.Aslongastheyconsideruspoliticallyinsignificant,buttoousefultodisturb,we'IIremainsecureandsafe.
Unless,ofcourse,thefamilyholdingslookedsoprosperousthattheybecameachoiceplum,ripeforpicking.CertainlyAelmarkinthoughtso;wasitpossiblethatsomeother,moredangerousopponentwouldcometosharethatbelief?
PerhapsperhapsheoughttoconsultwithLydiellwhenhereturnedhome.Maybeitwastimetocreateafewcarefully-craftedbluffs.Lydiellwasclever;surelyshewouldbeabletoconcoctanexcuseforKyrtianto
demonstratehispowersinsuchawaythatwouldmakeitappearthatKyrtianhadincredibleability.Or,atleast,thathehadenoughmagicalpowertomakechallenginghimmorecostlythantheprizewasworth.
Somethingtomakeitappearthatitisn'tworthupsettingthewaythingsarenow,that'swhatweneed.Somethingtoshowthatthereisnothingtobegainedandagreatdealtobelostinadirectconfrontation.
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Itmightbealltohisadvantagethatmostconflictsweresettledinthearena.Heknewforcertainthatinstrengthandagility,hisownworstfightersweretheequalofeventhebestofthefightersdownthereonthesandandweresuperiortomostofthemenwaitingtofight.Ifitcametoachallenge-matchlikethisone,Kyrtianwasconfidentthathissidewouldnotlose.
Thatrealizationmadehimrelaxalittle.Really,hewasworryingfornoreason.Aslongasissuesweresettledbyhumangladiatorslikethosebelowhim,hehadnothingtofear.
Infact,themorehestudiedthosefighters,themoreconfidentofthatfacthebecame.Itwasodd;thosegladiatorsallseemedagoodbityoungerthanhewouldhaveexpected.Thiswasanimportantmatch,orsohehadbeenledtobelieve.Sowhyweren'tthetwoantagonistsfieldingtheirolder
,moreexperiencedgladiators?WhatisitthatGelsays?"Experienceandduplicitywillovercomeyouthandenergyeverytime."
Hehadmanagedtolosetrackofwhatthegossipsbehindhimwerechatteringaboutwhilehemulledoverhisownsituationandstudiedthecombatants.Whenheturnedafractionofhisattentionbacktothem,hediscoveredtheywereplacingbetsontheoutcome,notonlyofthewholecombat,butonthefortunesofindividualfighters.Mildlyintrigued,heeavesdroppedwithoutshame.
"Youmustknowsomething,ifyou'rebettingthathigh,"thedrawlersaidsuspiciously."Don'ttakethebet,Galiath!He'stooconfident!Ithinkhebribedthetrainerstotellhimsomething!"
"Nonsense,hedoesn'tknowanythinghe'sjustbluffing,andI'vewantedachancetogetthathorseforages!"repliedanewvoice,onethatKyrtianthoughtwasslurredjustalittlewithdri
nk."I'lltakethatbet;yourracehorseagainstmyred-hairedconcubineandtwojeweledarmletsthattheonewiththetwoswordsdrawsfirstbloodbeforehe'smarked!"
Ittookamomentforthesenseofwhattheyweresayingtosinkin,andwhenitdid,hefeltalittlesick.Theideaofequatingthevalueofahumanwiththatofahorseno,aslessthanthatofthe
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horse...ithithimwiththeforceofablowtothestomachjusthowforeigntheirwayofthinkingwastohis.He'dknownitintellectually,ofcourse,butthiswasthefirstconcreteexamplehe'dwitnessed.Upuntilnow,Aelmarkin'sslaveshadn'tbehavedanydifferentlythanhisownservantsattheirmostdiscreet.
Itrulyamthealienhere.Iftheyknewhowwetreatourhumans,theywouldn'thesitateforamomenttobringusalldown.Hewouldbeconsideredatraitortohisrace,andworsethantheWizardsandthewildhumans.Hehadtoremembertokeephisguardup!
Thetwofeudingpartiesfinallyarrived,withgreatfanfare,atexactlythesamemoment.WitheachoftheElvenlordscameanentourageofglittering,fancifully-costumedhangers-on.Therewereboxseatsateitherendofthearena,directlyabovethetwodoorsthathaddisgorgedthecombatants;thoseboxeswerenowoccupiedbythenewly-arrivedlordsandtheirentourages.Kyrt-ianfoundthathecouldno
tforthelifeofhimremembertheirnamesandHousesnotthatitreallymatteredtohim.Hewould,ifhewasintroducedlater,congratulatethewinnerandbeproperlysympathetictotheloser.Itwasn'tlikely,though,thatAelmarkinwouldmakesuchanintroduction,unlesshethoughthehadawayofmakingKyrtianloseface.
Howtheytooktheirseatsandinwhatorderwasclearlyaschoreographedasanelaborateritual.NeitheroftheLordswishedtobeseatedfirst,andtherewasmucharrangingofthechairsandjockeyingofseatingbeforethe
twoGreatLordssatatpreciselythesamemoment.Theyglaredateachotheracrossthespanofthearena,beforeturningawaywithstudiedindifferencetospeakwithacompanion.
NowAelmarkin,ashost,stoodup;Kyrtiancaughtthemovementoutofthecornerofhiseye,andturnedjustenoughsothathecouldwatchhiscousinwithoutbeingobviousaboutit.
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"MostnobleLords,"Aelmarkinsaid,hissmoothandimpersonalwordscarryingeffortlesslyabovethewhispersofthoseseatedallaroundhim,"Youhavedeterminedtosettleyourdifferencesintrial-by-combat,andhaveacceptedmyoffertohostthisventure.Areyoustillofthesamemindtoaccepttheoutcomeofthiscombatasthesettlingofyourfeud?"
Heoftheazureserpentrepliedwithagruff,"Aye"whileheofthewhitealicornsimplynodded.
"Verywell,"Aelmarkinsaidcalmly."Lettherecordshowthatbothagreetobeboundbytheoutcomeherebelowus.Letallwhoyeassembledheresobearwitness."
"Wesobearwitness,"cameachorusofvoices,someindifferent,sxjmefulloftenseexcitement.Ahushcameoverthem;allwhispersandmovementstopped.Soprofoundwasthesilencethattheslightestrustleoffabriccameasashock.
Asifthishadbeenasignal,thefightersbelowtensed.
Aelmarkinsurveyedthetwoopposedlinesoffightersforamoment,anoddsmile
onhislips."Verywell,"hesaidatlast,intothestillness."Begin."
Kyrtian'sfullattentionimmediatelyturnedtothearena.Thetwolinesoffightersleaptateachother,hurlingthemselvesacrossthesandtomeetinaclangorofmetalandharshmaleshouts.Thenoiseechoedinsidethearena,makingKyrtianwinceinvoluntarily.Addedtothenoiseoffightingwastheclamorofshoutsandcheersbehindhimandtoeithersideofhim,astheonlookerscheeredthecombatantson.
KyrtianwasstilltryingtofigureouthowAelmarkinintendedtoscorethiscombat,whentheswordsmannearesthimmanagedtobeatdownhisopponent'sguardandlaidopentheother'ssword-armfromshouldertowristwithasingleblow.
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Thernanscreamed,anddroppedtohisknees,atorrentofshockinglyscarletbloodpouringfromthewoundintothesandashisbladefellfromhisslackfingers.
Foronemoment,Kyrtianwasstartledbyhowrealisticthewoundwasthenherealizedthatitwasn't"realistic,"itwasreal.
Hefeltasifsomeonehadrammedhiminthemidsectionandknockedallthebreathoutofhim.Hestartedtoshake,asawaveofsickhorrortwistedhisthroatandstomach.
It'srealit'sreal.They'retryingtoreallykilleachother.
They'redying,andallsoacoupleofidiotscansettleanargument!Senselessus
elessinsane!
Then,strangely,italldissolvedunderafloodofblindingrage.Helostcaution,lostfocus,losteverythingexceptthewilltomakeitallstop.Heroseabruptlytohisfeet.
"No!"heshouted,spreadinghisarmswide,hisvoicesomehowcarryingabovethenoiseofcombat.Hispowers,leapingtoanswerhiswill,pouredout;anangryandviolentburstofmagictore
outofhim.
Itflungthecombatantstotheirownsidesofthearena,anddroppedeverymaninthearenatohiskneesexcepttheinjuredone,whowasfranticallytryingtoclosehisgapingwoundwithhisgoodhand.
Thesuddensilence,heavywithanger,seemedlouderthanhisshout.
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Foramoment,noonemovednooneseemedabletobelievewhathehaddone.
Theninaninstant,bothoftheGreatLordsturnedtostareathimwithanangerasoverwhelmingashis.Kyrtianfelttheweightofthatanger,allofitdirectedsolelyathim,andcametohissenseswithastart.
Thismighthavebeenatacticalerror....
Thelordofthewhitealicornwasthefirsttorisefromhisseat;therewaslightninginhisgazeandthunderinhisvoiceasheaddressed,notKyrtian,buthiscousin.
"Aelmarkin,"theElvenlordsaid,enunciatingeachsyllablewithcare,"Itrustyoudidnotanticipatethis?"
Aelmarkinalsorose,andhisvoicefairlydrippedapologyandconcern."Goodmylord,Iassureyou,Ihadnoideathatmycousinwouldindulgeinsuchbizarrebehavior!Idoapologize,Iwouldneverhaveinvitedhimif"
Kyrtian,whohadbeenstaringdownatthewoundedfighter,nowbeingaidedbyoneofhiscompanions,feltfuryovercomehisgoodsenseagain;heswungaroundtofacehiscousin,twistinghislipsintoasnarl,aredhazesettlingacrosshisvision.
"Bizarrebehavior?Bizarre?Icallitsanitystoppingutterlysenselessandwantonwaste!What"
"Waste?"shoutedtheotherfeudinglord,furiously,theiceinhisvoicefreezingKyrtian'swordsinhisthroat."Waste?Whatdoyouknowofwaste,youimpudentpuppy?Youprovincialidiot,wholetyouinamongcivilizedbeings?I"
"Iapologizeagain,mylords,"Aelmarkinprotested,wavinghishandsaboutfrantically."Please,takeyourseats
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andthecombatcanresume"
"Resume?Resume?"Atthat,Kyrtian'sragesprangtofullandinsensatelifeagain,andgrewuntilitwasbeyondanything,hehadeverfeltbefore.Hewentcold,thenhot,thencoldagain,andastrangehazecameoverhisvision."Haven'tyouheardawordI'vesaid?Thisidiocywillnotresume,notwhileI'mstandinghere!"
"Thatcanberemedied,''mutteredsomeone,asGelfinallyputacalminghandonKyrtian'sarm.Kyrtianhadthesensenottothrowitoff,buthewasquitereadyatthatmomenttosnatchupaswordhimselfandtakethemallonsingle-handed.
"Don'tbackdown,"Gelmuttered,"butgetholdofyourself.Thinkfastifyoucan'tsalvagethissituation,we'regoingtohavethreefeudsonourhands,twowiththemandonewithAelmarkin."
Aelmarkinwassoangryhecouldscarcelythink.Whenhe'dinvitedthatfoolKyrtianhere,he'dhopedthepuppywouldmakesomesortofblunderthatwouldprovehewasasfoolishasAelmarkinclaimed.Well,he'dblunderedallrightbuthe'dmanagedtodoitinsuchawaythatnowAelmarkinwaspotentiallyinasmuchtroubleashewas!Howhadhemanagedtostopthecombat?Wheredidhegetallthatmagicpower?
Tothedesertwiththat!HowamIgoingtosavemyself?
Thiswasnothingshortofadisaster.Theamountofstatushestoodtoloseoverthisdebaclewasincalculable.ThismightevencosthimhisCouncilseat.
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"Please,mylords,"hesaid,entreatingly,tohistwofuriousguests,"myyoungcousinhasneverseenoneoftheseexhibitionsbeforeand"
"Exhibitions?"AelmarkinblinkedatthetoneofKyrtian'svoiceamomentagoithadnearlycrackedwithstrain,andKyrtianwasclearlyashortstepfromlosingcontrolentirely.
Suddenlynowtheangerwasstillthere,butitwascontrolledanger,andoverlaidwithcalculatedscornworthyofanexperiencedCouncilor.HeturnedtoseethatKyrtian'sfacewasnowacarefullyhaughtymask.
CouldKyrtianactuallysalvagethissituation?
"Exhibitions?"Kyrtianrepeated."Isthatwhatyoucallthesesenselessslaughters?"Hislipcurledinwhatwasunmistakablyasneer."Isupposeifyourideaof'sport'istotaketamepetsandlinethemupfortargets,thenyoucouldcallsomethinglikethisanexhibition,butIcertainlywouldn'tdignifythisidiocywithsuchaterm."
Aelmarkinsawwithhopethatthetwofeudinglordshadforgottenallabouthim.Kyrtian'sdeclarationandattitudehadcausedthemtofocusalloftheirinsultedrageonhim.
"Isupposeit'stoomuchtoexpectyoutoanswerthatstatementofutternonsensewithanythinglikeachallenge?"askedLordMarthien,hisvoicedrippingwithsarcasm.
"Yesitis,"Kyrtianreplied,answeringsarcasmwitharrogance,"Becauseyourfightersarenomatchformine.Youwouldlosebeforethecombatbegan.ThatiswhyIsaythisissenseless.Theleastofmyfightershasfouryearsofcombatexperiencethebestofyourscan'tpossiblyhavemorethanone.No
,lessthanone,sinceIdoubtyourmeneversurviveeventhatlong."
Thatarrogancetookthemratheraback;LordWyvarnaglancedatAelmarkinasifaskingforconfirmationoftheastonishingstatement.Aelmarkinmadeaslightshrug.
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"Andarewesupposedtoacceptthisbluffatfacevalue,impudentpuppy?"LordWyvarnademanded.
Totheirastonishment,Kyrtianlaughed,albeitmirthlessly.
"Youwouldbewiseto,sinceitishardlyabluff,"hereplied."Considerwhatyoualreadyknowaboutmeandmyhobby.ConsiderthatIhaveverylittletodoexcepttrainanddrillmyfightersineverypossiblestyleandmannerofcombat,andthatIdonotandneverhavesoldanyofthemforanyprice.ConsiderthatIhavebeendoingthiseverydayforthepasttenyearsatleast,personallyoverseeingthetrainingandpracticeineveryaspect.Meanwhile,whathaveyoubeendoing?Entrustingthetrainingandpracticeofyourgladiatorstoothers,quitewithoutsupervision,andslaughteringthebestofyourmeninuselessexhibitions.Andwhatstakedothoseyouentrustwiththistraininghaveinyoursuccessorfailure?Whatpersonalincentivehavetheytomakecertain
thatnothingislefttochance?Andhowmanyofyourgladiatorsdieorarecrippledintraining?Forthatmatter,whatincentivedoyourgladiatorshavetosucceed?Thebestandcleverestofthemaresurelycontrivingtogetthemselvesmildlycrippledinthefirstweekofyourso-called'training!'Itwouldseemtomethattheverysmartestones,theoneswhowouldmaketheverybestfighters,wouldseetoitthattheywerealwayscrippledintraining,inordertoavoidbeingslaughteredinoneofyourso-calledexhibitions!"
Kyrtiancleverlyleftthequestionshangingintheair,andnowAelmarkinsawacertainwarinesscreepovertheexpressionsofthetwofeudinglords.
"AndIsupposeyouhaveabetteridea?"boomedanewvoice.
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BothAelmarkinandKyrtianturnedtofacethenewspeaker,whostoodupfromamonghisson'sentourage.Aelmarkinwasstartled;hehadn'trealizedthatLordLyonhadcomewithhissonGildor
Damn!Hashebeenthereallalong,ordidhejustarriveforthecombat?DidIsomehowinsulthimbynotnoticinghim?Cananythingelsegowrongheretoday?
Aelmarkin'sthoughtsscurriedafteroneanother,likefranticslavestryingtocleanupaterriblespill.V'kelLyonLordKyndrethLordLyonoftheGreatHouseofKyndrethstoodwrappedinascarletcloakembroideredwithleapingstags,hisarmscrossedoverhischest.Aelmarkinshivered;themanwasoneofthemostpowerfullordsoftheGreatCouncil.AvotefromLordLyonwasworththreefromanyonewithalesserCouncilSeat.Thenumberofallieshehadthenumberofpeoplehecouldmakeorbreakwithasingleword
Aelmarkinheldhisbreath.Allhisownprayersmightbeansweredinthenextfewmoments.IfKyrtianinsultedLordLyonbadlyenoughifheconvincedLordLyonthathewasasinsaneandunstableasAelmarkinhadbeenclaiming...
Elvenborn61
Thenbeforethisdaywasover,Aelmarkjnmightbeorganizinghisslavesforthemovetohisnewproperties.
KyrtianlookedatLordLyon,averitableiconofpower,asifhewerenomoreimportantthananyofthelessersonsandhangers-on.
"Yes,"hesaid,simply,"Ihave.AndI'mquitepreparedtodemonstrateit,hereandnowinfrontofyouall."
6
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That'sV'kelLyonLordKyndreth,"GelhissedinKyrt-ian'sear.Kyrtianmadethefinger-signforIunderstand,butdidnotlookawayfromthetall,powerfully-builtnoblewhohadaddressedhim.Thatwasonenamehedefinitelyrecognized,andthehalf-formedplanhehadthrowntogetherinaninstantofpanic-riddenthinkingtookonanewimportanceandurgency.IfhecouldpersuadeLordLyontousehismethods,notonlyintraining,butinchallenge-matches,howmanythousandsofliveswouldbespared?ForifLordLyondecreedit,alltrainingandmatcheswouldbeperformedKyrtian'sway.
Soheturnedhishalf-formedplanintoabluff."Infact,"hecontinued,ascalmlyasifhespokethetruth,"Icameherehopingtostopthisnonsenseforalltimewithsuchademonstration."
"Really?"LordLyonlookedamused,whichbodedwellforKyrtian."Andhowisthat?Itakeityouintendalivedemonstration,andnotsomeillusoryshadowshow."
"Pitonefighterofyourchoosingagainstmybodyguard,"Kyrtiansaid,boldly."Theywillusemymethodsoffighting.Theywillfighttoadeath-wound,butneitherwillbeharmedbytheexperience.Youcanusethebestofyourmentheoneyouwouldleastcaretolosewithoutanyfearthatharmwillcometohimandyouwillbewithouthisservices."
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"Indeed."LordLyonlookedfromonesideofthearenatotheother."Wyvarna,MarthienifIproposedusingmybodyguardinthiscombat,wouldyouaccepttheresultsofsuchaduelinsteadofusingyourgladiatorsassettlingyourdispute?"
Thelordofthewhitealicornlookedsullen;thelordoftheblueserpentrespondedfirst."Howwouldwedecidewhichfighterrepresentedwhichofus?"
"Drawlots,"Lyonsaidcarelessly."Iknowmymantakessecond-placetoveryfew,andIhardlythinkLordKyrtian'smanislessexpert."HeturnedbacktoKyrtian."Iagreeinprinciplethatthisisawasteoffighting-strength.Thetrainingisexpensive,andit'sallgonetowastewhenafighteriskilledorrunsofftojointhosedamnedrenegadeWizards.Beforethecurrentunpleasantness,therewerenoWizardstorunoffto,ofcourse,andtherewasnoneedtofieldbattle-troops,butourpresentsituationdoescal
lforsomechangesinourowncustoms.Infact,someofthemembersoftheCouncilhaveevenaskedopenlyifitmightbewisetooutlawchallengesaltogethertosavethewasteoftrainedfighters."Hesmiledthinly."Somehaveevensuggestedthatifchallengersareunwillingorunabletoconductduels-by-magic,thattheyshouldtakeswordinhandthemselvestosettletheirquarrels."
Astonishedmuttersandafewgaspsfollowedthatannouncement,andLordsWyvarnaandMarthienlooked
openlydismayed.
LordLyonlookeddownhislong,aristocraticnoseatKyrtianwithahintofsardonicinterest.KyrtianraisedhischinandremindedhimselfthathislineagewasaslongandproudasthatoftheHouseofKyndrefh."Howmuchbetter,then,ifyoucanhaveyourchallengeswithoutthelossofasinglefightingmanorspillageofasingledropofblood?"hedemanded."Maybeyourgladiatorswillstoprunningoffiftheyknowtheyaren'tgoingtobekilledinasenselessgrudge-match.AndIknowIneednotpointouttoaLordof
yourexperienceandwisdomthatsuchtrainingwillmakebetterfield-forcesthananythingourfoescancreate.Thinkofthekindoffightersyouwillfield,whenyoucanbreedthebesttothebest,thengivethemrealcombatexperiencewheretheycanlearnfromtheirmistakes!"
"Bloodlessmatches?Where'sthesportinthat?"someonebehindKyrtianmuttered.
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Kyrtianignoredthecommentandignoredthefactthatthespectatorswereleaving,onebyone,grumbling.HehadLordLyon'sattention,andhewasnotgoingtogiveitup."Iamwellawarethatmanyconsidermyinterestinthepasttobeeccentric,"hecontinued,"butbecauseofthatinterest,IhavelearnedatleastoneofthesecretslostwhenwepassedtheGatefromEvelon.IknowhowtheAncestorsconductedtheirduels-of-honorandtheirtrainingsessionshowtheytaughtandpracticedcombatwithoutpullingblows,withoutusingbluntedweapons,yetwithoutspillingblood.Didn'titeveroccurtoyouthattheymusthavehadsomewaytolearnsword-workthemselveswithoutriskinghurt?Afterall,unlikeus"herehelookeddownhisnoseattheyoungLordsaroundhimwithablandexpression"theyengagedinsword-duelsthemselves,andnotbyproxy.TheirmethodiswhatIusetotrainmyownfighters.Furthermore,Igiveeveryable-bodiedhumanonmypropertiesabasictraininginfighting-skills,againstthedaythattheymayneedtodefendthemanoruntilmyrealfighters
cancometotheirrescue!"
HedidnotsaywhatfoehetrainedhishumanstofighthefiguredthatLordLyonwouldassumethathemeantthearmyoftheWizardsoroftheWildHumans,notanarmycommandedbyhisfellows.NotaflickerofmistrustappearedonLordLyon'sface,onlyagrowinginterestandifanyoneherehadbeenthinkingabouttheideaoftakinghisholdingsbyforce,thatlaststatementwouldgivethemareasontothinkbetteroftheplan.
"Ifallthisistrue"LordLyonturnedtoasilent,black-clad,flame-hairedhumanwhostayedathissidelikehisshadow."Kaeth-getdowntothearenaandgetsomearmorandweapons.Iwanttoseehowthisworks."
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Thehumansaluted,andleftLordLyon'sside,jumpingdownintothearenaandwalkingpastthegladiatorsascasuallyasiftheywerestatues.KyrtiancaughtGel'seyeandnodded;Gelfollowedhim.
"Ibelievethatyouwillfindthiswellworthyourtime,LordLyon,"Kyrtiansaidevenly,thenturnedtothefeudingparties."Mylords,willyoumakeyourchoiceofcombatant?"
Therewasmoregrumbling,butfinallyitwassettledthatLordMarthienwouldberepresentedbyGel,andWyvarnabyLordLyon'smanKaeth.Sinceitwasobviousthattherewasnolongergoingtobethebloodyspectaclethateveryonehadplannedon,noonereallywantedtoremainanylonger,andbothlordslostmostoftheirentourages,leavingonlytheirhumanbodyguardsandoneortwootherslavesinattendance.
AsforAelmarkin'sguests,theyhadalldepartedaswell,probablyreturningtotheGreatHallandthefoodanddrinkandotherpleasurestheyhadabandonedtowatchthecombat.ThatleftonlyAelmarkin,LordLyonandayounger-Lordwhowasprobablyhisson,acoupleofyounglordswholookedtobefriendsofhisson,andKyrtian.Thosewhoremainedseatedthemselves,andwaitedwithvaryingdegreesofimpatienceforsomethingtohappen.
Gelwasnostrangertogettingintoarmorquickly,andneither,apparently,wasLordLyon'sred-hairedbodyguard.Bothappearedatthesamedoorofthearenaaremarkablyshorttimelater;GelmusthavetoldKaethnottobotheraboutweapons,forneithermancarriedany.Kaethlookedupathismaster,whonoddedtoLordWyvarna;Kaethimmediatelypickeduponeofthediscardedshieldsstackedatthesideofthearenabearingtheazureserpent,andGeltookoneofthediscardedwhitealicornshields.
"We'veagreedtolongswordandshield,master,"Gelcalledup,inaservilevoic
ethatKyrtianhardlyrecognized.Hesuppressedanervouschuckle,andnodded.
ThenKyrtianfixedhisgazeonapointonthesandatGel'sfeet,andconcentrated,drawingmotesofpoweroutofhimself,andspinningthemintothefabricofapairofhisveryspecialblades.
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He'dconjureduplongswordssomanytimes,thatitwashardlyanyeffortatalltospinoutamerepairofthem.Theairabovethesandmistedbriefly,thenshimmered,andapairoffinebladescondensedoutofthemistasKyrtianfeltaslightinwarddrainofpower.HelookeduptoseethatAelmarkinwaswatchingclosely,withalookofintenseconcentrationonhisface.
IwonderifhecanfollowwhatI'mdoing?HashethetalenttoreadallthespecialmodificationsI'vemade?
GelgesturedtotheidenticalswordsandletKaethpickfirst.
Thebodyguardpickedupthenearest,andgaveitanexperimentalswing,thenrappedhisshieldwithit.Theshieldgaveoffaperfectlynormalmetallicclang,andKaethnoddedwithsatisfa
ction."Feelslikearegulationlongsword,LordLyon,"hecalledupintotheviewingstands,squintingagainstthelight."Maybeabitbetterbalancedthanmost."
"Thesebladeswillactinallrespectlikeanormalbattleweapon,"Kyrtianassuredthefewwhowereleftinthestands,butconcentratingonLordLyon."Withasingleexception,thatis.Theywillnotcauseanyphysicaldamage.Gel,pleaseofferyouropponentatarget."
Gelheldouthissword-armwithagrin,knowingthatKyrtianwouldeliminatetheshockofbeingstruckforthispartofthedemonstration.
"Kaeth,ifyouwouldswingatGelplease,andcutoffhisarm?"
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LordLyon'sslavedidnothesitate;hetookafull,overhandswingatthearmGelextendedforhimasLordLyonleanedforwardalittlewithinterest.ThebladepassedthroughGel'sarm,leavingaglowingline,andmakingabouthalfhisbodyglow.
"Woundscauseaslightshocktothewoundedmantotellhimthathehasbeenwounded,andthebladeleavesamarkthatheandanyrefereescansee,"Kyrtianexplained."Thereisnoothereffectonthefightersostruck,butforthepurposesofscoring,thereisfullattentionpaidtotherealitiesofbattle.ThelongerGelstandsthere,themoreofhimwillglow,representinghowcloseheistodeathbyblood-lossfromsuchamassivewound.Ifhehadonlygottenaslightwound,therewouldonlyhavebeenamarkandashock.Eventually,accordingtotheruleswefollow,hewillglowalloverandbeforcedtoretire."
"Andifthewoundwasimmediatelymortal,he'dglowalloveraswell?"LordLyon
supplied.
"Yes,andhewouldgetalarger,quiteunmistakableshock."
Kyrtianreplied.Hepermittedhimselfasmile."Weallowfortheheatofcombatcausingpeopletoforgetthemselves,andtheshockstheyreceivewillgettheirattention."Henegatedtheglowwithamoment'sthought,andGelshiftedhisfeetinthesand.
LordLyonnoddedthoughtfully,andevenWyvarnaandMarthienlookedmoreinterestedthantheyhadbeen."I'msuretherearemoredetailsthatIwillwanttoaskyouaboutlater,"LordLyonsaidafteramomentofsilence."Butmeanwhilelet'ssettlethisquarrelandhaveourpracticaldemonstration,shallwe?"
Atthispoint,KyrtiancaughtadecidedlyunfriendlyexpressiononAelmarkin'sf
ace.Itwasthereforonlyamoment,butitremindedhimthathiscousinwasthehostofthiscombat,andthatKyrtianhaddonehimafairamountofdamage.
Butmaybetherewasawaytobeginrepairingthatdamageoratleast,doingsomethingtomakeupforit.Nevermakeanenemythatyoudon'thaveto,heremindedhimself,andnevergive
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anenemyyoualreadyhaveanotherexcusetoactagainstyou.
"Cousin?"hesaid,gesturingtothearena."Ashost,yoursshouldbethehonor."
Aelmarkinlookedbrieflystartled,thensuspicious,butstoodup.Hebowedtothetwoforwhomthisentirecombathadbeenarranged."LordMarthien,LordWyvarna,willyourfeudbesettledbytheoutcomeofthischallenge?"
"Aye,"camethereplygrudgingly,butwithoutmuchhesitation.
"Beitwitnessed,"Aelmarkinintoned.
"Wesowitness,"camethechorusofKyrtian,LordLyon,Lyon'sson,andapairofhangers-on,thinnerthanbefore,butenoughtosatisfycustom.
"Verywell,"Aelmarkincontinued,asGelandKaetheyedeachotherandsettledintonearlyidenticalstances."Begin."
Aelmarkinseatedhimself,andcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.Kyrtianleanedforwardtowatchwhathesuspectedwouldbeaveryfineshow.
Therewasnorushtocombatandclashofweaponsthistime,notwithtwosuchseasonedfighters.Theycircledeachotherwarily,takingcarefulmeasureofeachother,makingtinyfeintsandgaugingthespeedofresponse.
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GelandKaethwereagoodmatchforoneanother,andalthoughAelmarkinleanedbackinhisseatandlookeddreadfullybored,LordLyonandthetwofeudingElvenlordswerequicklyontheedgeoftheirchairs,recognizingthelevelofskilleachmanrepresented.KyrtianfeltathrillofprideashewatchedGel'scatlike,powerfulmoves;itwasobviousthatKaethwasanextremelywell-trainedandprobablyveryexpensiveslave,andregardedGelashisequalinability.
Whenthefirstexchangecame,itwassudden;Kaeththoughthedetectedaweaknessanddrovein,makingGel'sshieldandbladeringwithaflurryofblows.Gelcounteredsuccessfully,andwhenKaethsprangback,bothofthemhadtinyglowingmarks,Kaethalongthebackofhissword-handandGelacrosshisforehead.
Wellusedtotherulesofthegame,GeldidsomethingthatsurprisedKaeth;hesprintedbackwardsoutofreach
foramoment,justlongenoughtopullascarffromaroundhisneckandwhipitaroundhisforehead.KyrtianriskedaglanceatLordLyon,andsawhimfrownsuddenlyinpuzzlement,thenjustasquicklynodandsmileslightly.
Good.HeunderstandsthatifGelhadn'tdonethat,theglowwoulddropoverhiseye,obscuringhisvisionasbloodwouldwithoutascarftostopit.He'sbeginningtounderstandhowcomplextherules-magicis.
Kyrtianabandonedhimselftowatchingthefight,abletoenjoyitasademonstrationofgraceandexpertise.HenoticedthatKaethwasgrinning,justasGelwas;evidently,Kaethseldomfoundhimselfwithanopponentofcomparableability,andwithoutneedingtoworryaboutcripplinginjuriesordeath,hadgivenhimselfovertotheexhilarationandvisceralpleasureofsuchaduel.Witheachexchangeofblows,oneorbothofthecombatantscameawaymarked,butonlysuperficiallyandbythetimethey'dacquiredhalfadozen"cuts"each,LordMarthienandLordWyvarnawereontheirfeet,cheeringtheirrepresen
tativesonwithasmuchvigorastheywouldhaveusediftheircontesthadgoneasplanned.Kyrtian'sownheartwaspoundingatthispoint,andhisfistsclenchedwithexcitement.Itwasaterrificcombat,andhehonestlywasn'tcertainwhohewishedtoseewinit.
KyrtiannoticedapatterninKaeth'sshieldwork,aweakness,atendencytopush
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anoncomingblowtotheoutsideratherthanholdupunderit.Thatsparedtheshocktotheshield-arm,yes,butitlefthimopenforaslidingparryundertheshieldorafeintandadrivestraighttothechest.Ifhesawit,certainlyGeldid
Gelmadealittledancetotheside,anotherblowtowardstheshieldbutitwasn'tablow,itwasafeint,andhefolloweditwithalungestraightforKaeth'sunguardedthroat!
ButKaethwasreadyforhim!Thepatternhadbeenaruse,aluretoseeifGelwouldtakeit!Hedodgedaside,movingjustenoughsothatGel'sbladeslidoverhisshoulderwithoutharminghim,andslashedupinaviciousgut-thrust.
Gelstiffened,andburstintoglowinglight.Obedienttotherules(andhisownsenseofhighdrama),hetoppled
overanddroppedtotheground,"dead."
LordLyonrosetohisfeet,applaudingenthusiastically,asKaethsalutedhim,thensalutedLordWyvarna,whowasalsoonhisfeetandcheering.So,forthatmatter,wasKyrtian
andoddlyenough,LordMarthien.
"BythebloodofourAncestors,Lyon,Ihaven'tseenabetterfightindecades!"LordMarthienshouted,asKyrtianbanishedtheweapons,andKaethofferedhisnowfreehandtoGeltohelphimup."It'sworthlosingthechallengetohaveseenit!"Heturnedhisattentionbrieflytothearena,andwavedgraciouslyatGel."Wellfought,boy!Icouldn'thavehadabetterchampion!"
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Hegathereduptheremainsofhisentourage,andinamazinglygoodhumor,ledthemout.
KaethandGelleftthearenainasimilarstateofaccord,andLordWyvarnamadehiswaytotheareaofseatingwhereLordLyonstillstood,clearlyinahighfloodofeuphoria.Afteramomentofhesitation,Kyrtianfollowedtojointhem.
Whenhereachedthem,hefoundtheminvolvedinarehashofthecombat,butLordLyonbrokeoffwhenhenoticedKyrt-ian'sapproach.
"Well,youimpudentyoungpuppy,youwererightandIwaswrong!"Wyvarnaexclaimed,laughing.HeshowedKyrtianafriendlyfaceforthefirsttimesincehe'denteredthearena."Ancestors!Thatoldfool
MarthienwasrightforthefirsttimeinhislifeevenifI'dbeentheonewholost,I'dhavethoughtitwasworthittohaveseenafightlikethat!"
Heshookhishead,andnowthathewascloser,KyrtianrealizedthatWyvarnawasmucholderthanhehadthought.ItwasoftendifficulttotelltheageofanElvenlord,butahintoflinesatthecornersofhiseyes,andacertainsharpeningofthetipsofhisearsindicatedthathewasolderthanLordLyon.IfLordMarthienwasjustasold
ThenI'vegottenmyselftwoverywell-entrenchedallies;maybenotaspowerfulasLordLyon,butcertainlyrespectedbytheCouncil.ThisiscomingoutbetterthanIdaredhope!
"AndIthinkitwasjustaswellthatitnevercametoachallengewithyoungKyrtian,here,hmm?"LordLyonasked,slyly."Givenhowwellhisbodyguardfoughtwhatmusthistrainedfightersbelike?"
Kyrtian'srespectforLordLyonroseanotch.He'sremindingWyvarnathatthiscouldhavebeenveryexpensiveandhe'smakingsurethatWyvarnawillspreadtheword.SoalthoughImightbeconsideredadolt,I'madoltnoonewillwanttochallenge.
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LordWyvarnagaveanexaggeratedshudder,andlaughedagain."Damnmeifyouaren'trightaboutthat!Hismenwouldhavecutminetopieceswithoutevenbreathinghard!"HeclappedKyrtianontheback,hard,tryingtomakehimstagger.Kyrtian,whohadbeenexpectingsomethingofthesort,bracedhimselfandstoodfirm,smiling.
"ItwasapleasuretoshowyouthesecretIdiscovered,mylords,"herepliedblandly."OfallthethingsIdislikethemost,wasteishighestonthelist,andthereisnoreasonotherthanlossesinarealbattletohavetoreplaceagladiatororafighting-slavebeforehistime.Humansarehardlydifficulttobreed,butittakestimeandresourcestotrainthem,resourcesthatcouldmoresensiblybeputtootheruses!Besides,ifwekeepkillingthestrongestandcleverestofourbreeding-slaves,whatdoyouthinkwe'llendupwith?Thesetechniquesarequiteeasytolearn,andeveneasiertoapply;ifyoucansetacollar-spell,youcancreatethesetrainingconditions."
Wyvarnagaveahalfsmile,andglancedoveratLordLyon."ThenIexpectwe'llbegettingamandatefromtheCouncilaboutusingthemshortly,eh,Lyon?"
"Ibelievethatyoucancountonthat,Wyvarna,"LordLyonreplied,justasblandlyasKyrtian.
Wyvarnacoughed,andthenshrugged."Well,timeschange,andtheoneswhowon'tchangewiththemarefools,"hesaidtonooneinparticular."I'llbeoff;Marthienwillbesendinghisconciliation-party,andIshouldbetheretoreceivethemproperly,orthere'llbeanotherfeudonmyhands."
Withthat,LordWyvarnaturnedandledhisownentourageoutofthearena,leavingKyrtianstandingbesideLordLyon.
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"Well,eitheryouarethecleverestyounglordlingIhaveeverseen,ortheluckiest,"Lyonobservedsoftly."Iwouldn'thavegivenyouanyoddsofgettingoutofthatsituationintact."
"Theluckiest,mylord,"Kyrtianrepliedquicklyhopingthathesoundedmodest."IfearthatalthoughIhadcometothiseventintendingtodemonstratemydiscovery,Imadeaprofoundmistakeinpermittingmyfeelingstogetthebetterofme,initially.Iam,Ifear,averyprovincialfellow,andthiswasthefirstcombat-trialIhaveeverattended.AndifIoffendedyouwithmyuntutoredmanner,Idoapologize,forIhadnointentionofoffendinganyone."
Andonceagain,heturnedtohiscousin.Aelmarkin'sexpressionwassoblanditcouldnothavebeenanythingotherthanamask.Hewasprobablystillinfuriated.
"Cousin,Imustaskyourforgivenessforusingyourpremisesastheintendedvenueformydisplay,butwell,nottoputtoofineapointuponit,thisistheonlycombat-challengeIhaveeverbeeninvitedto,soopportunitieshavenotexactlybeenthickupontheground."HehadnorealhopethatthiswouldpacifyAelmarkin,butatleastitwouldmakeitlookasifhe'dtried.
"Iwouldn'tworryaboutitifIwereyou,Aelmarkin,"LordKyndrethtoldthestone-facedElvenlord,witharaisedeyebrow."Icanpromiseyou,thislittledemonstrationisonlygoingtoreflecttoyourglory.Ifyoulike,IcanevenspreaditaboutthatyoucolludedwithyoungKyrtianhere"
"Towhatend,mylord?"Aelmarkinaskeddryly.
"Ah,well,toamostproperend.Youareawareofthedreadfulwastageoffighte
rswe'vehadinthiscampaignagainsttheso-calledYoungLords.AndIassume,giventheageandrankofyourtwomainguests,youwereawarethatIwouldappearatthiscombat.Ofcourseyouareawareofmykeeninterestinnewmethodsoftrainingourfighting-slavesfaster."LordKyndrethsmiled;thesmileremindedKyrtianofalargecatwithitspreybeneathitspaw."Soyoudecidedtohelpyourcousinandyourselfatthesametime,bygivinghimavenuetodemonstratethefruitsofhishobbyforme.Hmm?"
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Aelmarkin'sexpressionremainedasblandascream,buthebowed."Asyousay,mylord,andIamdeeplygratefultoyou."
"NomorethanIamtoyou."Thiswasclearlyadismissal,andAelmarkintookitassuch.
"Imustreturntomyguests,mylord,ifImayexcusemyself?"Aelmarkinbowed.
LordKyndrethwavedhimoff,andAelmarkindeparted;thelineofhisbackbonesuggestedfurthertroubletoKyrtian.Butthatwasforthefuture;therewasalargerandmoredangerouspredatorinfrontofhimstill.Aelmarkinwasajackalatbest.LordKyndrethwasalionintruthandnotjustinname.
"Thankyouagain,mylord,"Kyrtiansaid,meaningit.
"Hmph."LordLyoneyedhimasifsuspectingfurthercleverness."Well,Ishallbewantingtocomevisityouwithinthenextfewdays.Iwanttodiscussyourtrainingmethodsandotherthings."
"Iamatyourservice,LordLyon,"Kyrtianreplied,stunned."IwillsendaPortal-tokentotheCouncilHallinyourname."Beforehecouldthinkofanythingelsetosay,theOldLordhadsketchedabriefsaluteandturnedaway,leadingwhatwasleftofhisentourageoffthroughtheexit.
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7
---
EverytraceofthebloodyconflictthathadprecededGel'sfighthadbeenclearedawayfromthepreparationroombythetimethatheandtheotherlord'sbodyguardretiredtoit.Eventhearmorwasgone;allthatremainedwasthepresenceoftheliveriedgladiatorsthemselves,dividedintotwotightgroupswithacarefulspacebetweenthem.Divestedofarmsandarmor,toGel'seyestheylookedabsurdlyyoung,barelyoutofboyhood.ThetwosetsofgladiatorshoveredatarespectfuldistancefromGelandLordKyndreth'smanastheytookoverthepreparationroomforthemselves.Gelsuppressedasmileofamusement;therewasmorethanatouchofhero-worshipinthoseyoungfaces.Heandhisopponenthadnotonlysavedthesechildrenfrominjuryand
death,theyhadprobablyputonthemostskillfulcombatthecallowladshadeverseen.Hewasjustgladthathewasgoingtobeabletoreturntohisownestateandgetawayfromallthoseadmiringeyes.
AsGelfollowedKaethJared'sexampleanddivestedhimselfofarmor,clothing,andwalkednakedintothewhite-tiledwater-cascadecubicleasifhebelongedthere,hewasthoroughlyconsciousofgratitudeforbeingabletocleanupaftertheirstrenuousbout.Withalloftheyoungstersstillwatching,awe-filledeyesgluedto
him,Gelwasmorethanalittleuncomfortableasheplungedunderthewarmcascadeofwaterandletitsoothemusclesthathadbeenaskedtoworkwithoutaproperwarm-up.Hewonderedwhytheotherfightersdidn'tsayanythingtohimoratleast,toKaethJared.Theymightnotknowhim,butsurelytheyknewKaethatleastbysight.Well,they'vegottongues,hetoldhimself,asheduckedhisheadunderthesteamingwaterandletitpourdownhisneckandback.Iftheydon'twanttousethem,that'snotmyproblem.
KaethJaredmusthavebeenmoreusedtothisodd,semi-frightenedtreatmentfrom
hisfellowhumans,asheactedonthesurfaceasiftheotherfighterssimplyweren'tthere.
Onthesurface,anyway.
ToGel'sexperiencedeyes,hemovedasifhenotedandanalyzedeverymoveanyo
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fthemmade,howeverinconsequential.Thatspelled"assassin"aswellas"bodyguard"toGel,whichactuallymadeagreatdealofsense,consideringLordKyn-dreth'sprominenceandtheuncertaintimes.TherewasnotellingiftheYoungLordsorhisownpeersmightdecidetoreverttotheancientwaysofdealingwithanobstacleintheformofanotherElvenlord.Whobettertoguardagainstassassinsthananotherassassin?
Still.Itarousedhissuspicions.Inallhislifetime,Gelhadencounterednomorethanfourassassins,andhehimselfwasoneofthem.
AndIwonderifKaethJaredhasmadethesameconclusionsaboutmethatIhaveabouthim....
Thefirsthadbeenhisownteacher,thethirdhadbeenhisteacher'steacherasuccessionoftrainedmento
guardtheestate'slord,justincase.Thefourthhadbeenontheauctionblock,andthatparticularsetofskillshadn'tbeenmentionedintheauctioncatalog.Althoughitmomentarilytemptedhimtohavesomeoneelsehecouldtrustwithhislord'ssafetyhehadsaidnothingtotheSeneschalwhohadbeenlookingforafewchoiceyoungsterstointroducetothefreedomoftheestate.Itwasabadidea;likehisownteacherhewouldtrainhisownsuccessor.Therewasnotellingwherethatmanhadbeen,orwhyhewasontheblock.
Foramoment,GelrecalledhisteacherwithgreatfondnessHakkonShorhadnotbeenGel'sfather,buthemightjustaswellhavebeen.He'dhelpedraiseGelfromthemomentthatGelshowedthesortofathleticpotentialthatmadehimtheskilledfighterhewastoday.Hakkonhadn'thadsons,onlydaughtersnotthatone
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ofthemwouldn'thaveservedperfectlywellasKyrtian'sbodyguard,butnoneofthemtookafterHakkon;inpointoffact,theyweresweet-naturedandabsolutelyoblivioustohalfofwhatwentonaroundthem.NowTirithShor,who'dbeenHakkon'sfather,feltthatwasjustaswell,butGelknewithadbeenagreatdisappointmenttotheOldManthathissonwouldn'tbetheonetostandatthenextLord'sside....
KaethJaredwasanunlikelysortforanassassin,ifyouonlysawhimclothed.Tallandslim,pale,withhairofadarkauburnandlong,cleverhands,hedidn'tlookparticularlystrong.Ifyousawhimnude,howeverorincombatyourealizedthathewasagreatdealstrongerandmoreagilethanheseemed.Therewasn'tanounceofsuperfluousfleshonhimanywhere,andthemuscleshehadwerewireandwhipcord;tough,andpowerful.
GelwonderediftheothershadnoticedKaethJared'sunusualalertnessandcauti
on,anddecidedthattheyprobablyhadn't.Theywerejustordinaryfighters,andwouldn'tbetrainedorpracticedinsuchcarefulobservationanddeduction.TheywereprobablyjustimpressedbytheboutthatheandGelhadcompletedandperhapsalittlestunnedatitsbloodlessoutcome.
PartoftheirawemightverywellhavebeenduetothelackofscarsonKaeth'sbodyandhisown.Intheoldmethodsoftraining,atsomepoint,whentwofightersmet,theywouldcovertlyreadtrueexpertiseinmartial
artsnotbythenumberofwoundscollectedovertheyears,butbytheabsenceofscarring.Anunmarkedbodyintheirworldmeanteitherthatone'slordvaluedonesohighlythathegrantedtheuseofmagicinhealing,orthatafighter'sreflexesweresoswiftandmovementsoagilethatnoopponentevergotachancetolandablow.NeitherhenorKaethweremarredbymorethanafewtriviallines,longhealed.
AsGelemergedfromthecascadeofwaterandshookhisheadlikeadog,hecaughtKaethwatchingoutofthecornerofhiseye;Kaethknewhe'dbeencaught,andunexpectedlygrinned."Youg
avemethebestboutI'vehadinalongtime,friend,"hesaid,pitchinghisvoicejustloudenoughtobeheardoverthesoundofthewater-cascade."I'mimpressed."
"SoamI,"Geladmittedfreely,asthecircleofsilentgladiatorsstrainedtheirearstoheareverysyllableeitherofthemspoke."AndIdon'tmindsayingthatifyou'dhadthebenefitofLordKyrti
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an'ssystemtotrainunder,you'dbesomuchbetterthanmethatitwouldn'thavebeenacontest."
"Iwouldn'tknowaboutthat,"Kaethreplied,quicklyenoughtosalveGel'sbruisedego."ButifI'manyjudgeofLordKyn-dreth,he'llbeusingthissystemofyoursbeforethemonthisout.Andifhedoes,everyotherlordwilldothesame,orbethoughthopelesslyprovincialandout-of-step.Withenoughapprovalbehindhim,hemightwellmandatethissystemthroughtheCouncil."
Theencirclingmenletoutasuppressedsigh;sothatwaswhattheyhadbeenwaitingtohear,andperhapsKaethhadknownthat.Gelsympathized;suchnewswouldbelikeareprievefromadeath-sentence.
Like?BytheStars,itisareprievefromadeath-sentence!Iwonderhowmanyoftheircomradeswerekilledin
training,andhowmanymorekilledinfeud-combatortheirmasters'entertainments?Nowtheonlythingthey'IIhavetofearisbeingdraftedintotheOldLords'ArmyandsentupagainsttherebelsortheWizards.
"Idaresayyou'reright,"Gelagreed,wavinghishandinfrontofthecascadetostopit,thenreachingforatowelfromtherackbehindhim.Atthatpoint,aservantappearedtosummonthegladiatorstotheirrespectivelordsforthereturntotheirhomeestates,andwithpalpabledisappointment,thetwogroupsofmenfiledoutofthe
preparationroom.
Kaethwavedhisownhandatthecascadebeneathwhichhe'dbeenstanding,andthesoundofrushingwaterwasreplacedbysilence.Heseizedatowelanddriedhimself,thenwrappeditaroundhiswaistasGelalreadyhadandexchangedawrysmilewithhiscompanion."Aloneatlast!"hesaid.
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Gelchuckled,warily.Foranassassin,thismanhadaremarkablesenseofhumorandnoreticenceaboutshowingit."Iwouldhardlyhavethoughtmyconversationwasthatentrancing."
Surelyhe'sherebyaccident.AssassinsarenormallysentagainstkeyhumansinanElvenlord'sentourage,andtherewasnowayofknowingwhowouldbeplayingbodyguardtoKyrt-ian.Wasthere?
"It'sbetterthantheirs."Kaethjerkedhisheadinthedirectionoftheexitdoor."Thosepoorblockheadsdon'thavemuchtotalkaboutexceptfighting,food,andsex.Ifthey'dgottenupthecouragetospeaktous,you'dhavefoundthatout."
Gelraisedaneyebrow."Well,they'reyoung,"hepointedout,ashefollowedKaethcarefullyintothemain
room.
"Andundertheoldsystem,notlikelytogetolder,"Kaethretorted,gettinghisclothingofftheshoulder-highshelfbesidehim,andlayingitoutonapolishedwoodenbench."Howold'syouroldestfighter?"
Gelconsideredhisreplycarefullybeforeanswering,usingtheopportunitytolayouthisowngearasachanceto
stallalittle."Ifyoucountretiredfighterswhocouldstillpickupaweaponindefenseoftheestatetheoldestjustturnedseventy-eight."
Kaethwasactuallytakenaback,andletoutalowwhistleashereachedforhistrews."Idon'tknowthatI'veeverseenahumanthatold,muchlessafighter!Youmeanyourlordactuallyputshisoldmenouttopastureinsteadofputtingthemdown?GreatAncestors,man,howmanyoftheseretiredfightershaveyougot?"
"I'mnotsure,"Gelreplied,hissuspicionsaroused.He'saskingtoomanyquestions.He'satrainedassassin,1knowheiswhatifhe'stargetingKyrtian?
ItwaspossibleLordKyndrethcouldbeapatronandallyoftheobnoxiousAelmarkin.Itmightbethathe
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wouldwaitjustlongenoughtolearnKyrtian'straining-technique,theneliminateAelmarkin'sinconvenientcousin.
InfacthemighthavebeenbroughttogetridofKyrtianrighthereandnow,whichwaswhyKyrtiangottheinvitationinthefirstplace!Maybethat'swhyLordKyndrethwantstocometoourestatenow,togetthesecret,thengetridofKyrtianwheretherearen'tanywitnessesandmaybegetridoftheLadyatthesametime!
Bynow,Gelhadgottenhissecondwind,andsuchalarmingthoughtsonlyincreasedhisenergy.AndKaeth,allunsuspecting,hadactuallyturnedhisbacktohim.Iftherewaseveratimewhenatrainedassassinwouldbevulnerable,thiswasit.
Geldidn'tevenpauseforabreath;heacted.Hehadbeenbentover,tyinghisb
oots;nowwithoutwarning,heturnedhisposeintoacharge,stayingcrouchedoverandrushingKaeth,shoulderinghimintothewallface-first.HeheardKaethgruntashehitthewall,butbeforehecouldsecuretheassassin,Kaethwrithedlooseatrifle.Hisreactionswereasswiftasaserpent's,andhemanagedtogethimselfturnedaround,butnotbeforeGelgrabbedawristineitherhandandsmashedthemintothewall,thengothiskneeuptoreinforcehishold.NowGelhadKaethpinnedagainstthewallwithbothwristsimprisonedoverhisheadandGel'skneeinhisgut.
Hislegsarestillfree.Ifhecankickmylegoutfromunderme
Flushed,butimpassive,hestaredintoGel'sgrey-violeteyesforalongmomentasGelwaitedforhimtospeakoract.HiswristsunderGel'shandsshowednosignoftension,norwasthereanyindicationthatheintendedresistanceorstruggle.
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Butthatcouldbearusetogetmetodropmyguard.
"Isupposeit'stoomuchtoaskwhatpromptedthisahratherunexpectedactionofyours?"hefinallyaskedmildly,abitoutofbreath,butcompletelypolite,inspiteofthesituation.
Gelglaredathim,buthedidn'tdrophiseyes."Isupposeyou'regoingtodenyyou'reanassassin,"herepliedflatly.
"Ah!"Theexpressionlesseyesnowreflectedunderstanding,andthemouthrelaxedatrifleinafaintsmile.'WowIunderstand!YouthinkLordKyndrethhastargetedmeatyouorperhaps,yourmaster!Beatease,friend;LordKyrtianisinnodangerthatIknowof,otherthanfromhisownconnivingcousin.Andyou'reinnodangeratall,leastofallfromme."
Itfelthonest.Gelwantedtobelievehim.
"Butyoudon'tdenyyou'reanassassin"Gel'sinstinctswarredwithhisintellect.HisinstinctsandhissensessworethatKaethwastellingthetruthhismorecynicalmindwarnedhimthatthiswasjustatrick.Still,hewasverytemptedtoreleasethefellow;thisjustdidn'tseemlikealie.
"Hardly,sinceyouseemtohavecaughtmeasone,"Kaethreplied,withasurprisingamountofhumor."AlthoughmyownLordisn'tnearlyasobservantasyou,sinceheistotallyunawareofmytraining;Iwenttohim,boughtatauctionaftertheunlamenteddeathofmyoldlord.Still,onceanassassin,astheysay,thecloakneverdropsfromyourshoulderssoI'llqualifyitbyadmittingforLyonLordKyndreth,I'manactiveagent,butaninactiveassassin,noramIeverlikelytolethimknowofmymoreesotericabilities."
"Huh."Slowly,carefully,Gelrockedhisweightbackontohisownfeet,andreleasedKaeth'swrists.Justasslowly,Kaethdroppedhishandsfromthewallandrubbed,thenflexed,hiswrists,testingthem."Andjusthowdidyoubecomeaninactiveassassin?"
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"Lookforyourself."Kaethreachedupandpulledtheneckofhistunicopen,thentiltedhischinupsothatGelcouldseehisslave-collarclearly.Itwasn'tthesealofLyonLordKyndreththere,butthatofthedeceasedand,asKaethhadsaid,unlamentedLordDyran.
Thingswerebeginningtoaddup.
ThenobleLordDyran,whotrainedallmannerofslavesinskillsbestleftunexamined...andwhoseestatewasbrokenupanddividedamonghisrelatives,withwhatwasleftgoingtoauction.AndthatwaswhereIsawanotherassassin!
Thatsealcouldn'tpossiblybecounterfeited,either.ThefactthathewasstillwearingDyran'scollarmeantthathe'dbeenclaimedafterDyran'sdeathotherwisethenewmasterwouldinsistonhavingtheoldcollarremoved
andhisownputon.Gelbackedup,givinghimalittlemorespace."Interesting."
"Mybelovedformermaster,"Kaethsaid,withatouchofironicinflectionontheword"beloved"thatdidnotescapeGel'snotice,"WasnotthesortofElvenlordtoforgetthetraditionsofhisAncestors."
"Includingassassination?"Gelrepliedevenly.
KaethnoddedwithadignitythatimpressedGelinspiteofhimself."Evenso.Iwastrainedfromchildhood,havingshownunusualabilityforgettingintoandoutofsupposedlyguardedspacesandplaceswithoutbeingcaught.Whetherornotyouchoosetobelieveme,IwillsaythatmytrainingwasneveremployedagainstElvenlords...."
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"NotthatDyranwouldhavehesitatedifhe'dthoughthecouldgetawaywithit,"Gelinterjected.Again,Kaethnodded,thistimewithashrug.
"Bethatasitmay,myusualtasksweretoactashisintelligenceagent,whichishowIwasemployedatthetimeofhisdemise.And,notknowinganybetter,thatishowmytalentswereadvertisedwhentheestatewasbrokenupandtheslaveswenttoauction,asanagentandbodyguard."Kaethturnedhispalmsup,andshruggedhisshouldersagain.
"Andyou,ofcourse,wereundernocompulsiontoenlightentheauctioneers."Gelfeltareluctantsmilecreepingoverhislips;ifthisstorywastrue,Kaethwasaverycleverfellowindeed.Hardlylikelyhe'dtellthem,whenitwasalotmorelikelythattheotherElvenlordswouldorderhimdestroyedrather
thantakethechanceofoneoftheirnumbergettinghishandsonatrainedassassin."Idon'tsupposeiteveroccurredtoyoutobolt?"
"Ofcourseitdid,"Kaethreplied,andsatdownonthebench,indicatingtoGelthatheshoulddothesame."Oh,don'tworryaboutanyoneoverhearingus.Iftherehadbeenanyonelisteningorwatching,they'dhavebeeninherethemomentyouwentformythroat.IcostKyndrethaveryprettypenny,andhe'dtakeitpersonallyifsomeonedeprivedhimofmyservices."
Andthiscouldbeaset-up,butit'sgettingrathertoounlikelyandcomplicatedno,IthinkI'llgowithmyinstinctsandtakehimathisword.
"Naturally,itoccurredtometofleetotheWizardsandtheWildHumans,"herepeated,"Butwell,1learnedafewthingsaboutthesecollarsthatIwasn'tsupposedto.OnlyDyrancouldcompelmemagically,andoncehe
wasdead,nootherElven-lordcanharmmethroughthiscollar,unlessheisDyran'sequalorbetterinpower.Thatwasareasontorun.ButDyranwasascleverabastardashisreputationclaimedIcanstillbetracedandpursuedthroughthecollar,andanyattempttotakeitoffwilldeprivemeofmyhead.ThatwasDyran'slittlefail-safeincaseanyoneeverdecidedtosubvertme."
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Kaethblinkedslowly,andlookeddeeplyandpenetratinglyintoGel'seyesforamoment."Interesting,"hemurmured."I'dheardrumorsaboutLordKyrtian'speople..."
Thenheshookhishead,asifitwasnoconsequence."Ioverhearagreatdeal,asallbodyguardsdo,andKyndrethhastheusualfailingofourmastersthatheforgetshowmuchhisslavesseeandhear.IhopeyouwillbelievemewhenItellyouthatKyndreth'splansaresuch,andsocomplex,thatitisunlikelyhecouldeverfitatrainedassassinintothemwithanydegreeofconfidence."
"MaybeagainsttheOldLords,andthelordsthathaven'trevolted,"Gelobjected,"butwhatabouttheYoungLordswhoarestillinrevolt?"
"Abarepossibilityiftheyactuallydevelopedaleaderwithenoughcharismato
makethemallworktogether."Kaethadmitted."Butit'smorelikelythatcattlewillflybeforethathappens.Andbesides,evenifhedid,sonsaren'tsothickonthegroundthatthevictim'srelativeswouldbeveryhappythattheerrantladhadbeeneliminatedratherthanreturnedtotheparentalfold."Hesmiled,butthistimetherewasnohumorinit."Afterall,ayoungsterwhohashadallthoughtsofrebellionneatlywipedfromhismindcanstillfunctiontosirethenextgeneration,eveniftherestofthetimeallhedoesissitinacorneranddrool."
ThatshockedGel;he'dheardrumorsthatsomeoftheOldLordshadtheabilitytotamperwithanotherElvenlord'smindandmemory,butthiswasthefirsttimeanyonehadsaidanythingthatconfirmedwhathehadprivatelythoughtwasaratherwildtale.
HedidhisbesttoseemasnonchalantaboutitasKaethwas,however."PuttingitthatwayIsupposeyou'reright.Kyn-drethwouldgetnojoyfromthesurvivingrelativesifhewipedoutanheir,nomatterhowtheyfelt
aboutthatheirwhenhewasalive."Heshookhishead,andallowedhisdisgustandbafflementtoshow."Damn,butthisisastwistedasballofsnakes!Howdoyoumakeitallout?"
"Earlytraining,mostly."NowKaethactuallyrelaxed,andforthefirsttime,Gelsawhimdropallofhisdefensivemannerisms.HeknewthathewasmeanttoseethatandheinstinctivelyknewthatKaethnow
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trustedhimasfarashehadevertrustedanyonebuthimself."PoliticsamongtheElvenlordsit'sconsideredahighart.SometimesIthinkit'sapitythatnoonewilleverknowhowaccomplishedanartistIambutmyself."
Gelhadtochuckleatthat,andKaethsmiledareal,unmaskedsmileinanswer."Well,I'maplainman,andItellyounowthatI'drathermapbattlefieldstrategythanpoliticalstrategyanyday."
"It'scleaner."TheregretinthatvoicewassodeepthatGelcouldhavedrownedinit.Foramoment,theybothfellsilent,thenKaethcoughed."WellbeforeLordKyndrethwonderswhatistakingmesolong,andsummonsmewhatcanyoutellmeaboutthistrainingmethodofLordKyrtian's?"
Gelstudiedhisexpression,andcametoaninterestingconclusion.Heapproves.Granted,ifhismasterasks
whatweweretalkingabout,thiswillgivehimsomethingtofeedtohim,buthealsoapprovesofthisandwantstoknowforhimself.Fascinating.Iwouldn'thavethoughtthatanassassinwouldbeinterestedinpreservinglives.
"He'sdoingsomethingwithhismagicthat'sinitiallycomplicatedtosetup,butdoesn'ttakeagreatdealofpower,"Geladmitted."That'swhathe'stoldme,anyway.Notbeingalord,Idon'tknowthemechanicsofit."Hebroodedamoment,thinkingbacktothefirsttimethatKyndrethsetthespell
s."Therearetwodifferentpiecesofmagicinvolved:onetocreateaweaponthatlooksandfeelsreal,buthasnomoresubstancethananillusion;andtheotherthathesetsonthefighterthatworkswiththeweaponandreactstowhattheweapondoes."
"Sensesit,youmean?"Kaethasked,hiseyesintent.
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"Iguessthat'sclose,ascloseasanythingahumancanunderstand."Gellickedhislips."Anyway,thatsecondspelliswhatmakestheglowandtheshockwhenyou'rehit.Thefirsttimehedidit,ittookhimmostoftheday;hesaysitgetseasierasyougetusedtoit.Andaccordingtohim,it'salmostassimpletoworkthespellsonalotofpeopleasitistocastthemforonehesaidsomethingonceaboutgivingthemagicextraenergyanditcopiesitselfforaslongasyoufeedit."Helaughedwithembarrassment."Thatprobablysoundsstupid,butthat'sthebestIcantellyou."
"No,no,itmakessense,"Kaethtoldhim."I'veheardthemtalkingaboutthat,whentheywanttocreatealotofsomething,liketreesorflowersdoingthefirstone,thensettingittocopyitself.That'showtheycantellthedifferencebetweentheillusionthatareallypowerfullordcreates,andonecreatedbyanunderling.Youneverseeapowerfullordmakingcopies;inhisillusions,everytree,everyfloweris
different."
"Whatever.That'sthebestdescriptionIcantellyou."Heponderedamoment,thendecidedtogiveKaethsomeinformationthat,shouldhefeeditbacktoLordKyndreth,wouldbeaprotectionforKyrtianratherthanadanger."KyrtianhasasmanyregularfightersasanyotherGreatLord,butIhavetotellyou,allwedoispracticeeitherindailydrillusinghismethod,orinactualbattle-simulations.That'stheregularfighters.Onceafighterisoverforty,hegoesonlight-duty;hehassomeotherjob,butkeeps
inpracticearcherypractice,mostly,thoughsomeofthemkeeptheirswordandspearworkrightuptotheiroldstandards."
"Whichmeansyoudon'tjusthavegladiators,youhaveanarmy,trainedtofighttogether."Kaethpulledonhislowerlip."Andyouhaveaback-upcorpsofthoseoldermen.Interesting.OnlyafoolwouldchallengeyourLord."
Thatwassaidasastatement,notaquestion.
Good.LetKyndrethchewonthat!"Exactly,"Gelnodded."That'sbecauseLordKyrtianlikestoseehowbattle-strategyreallyworks,ratherthanjustreadingaboutit.Weworkoutnewcombatsimulationsfairlyoften,becauseunlesssomeonestepsintoaholeandbreaksalegorsomethingequallys
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tupid,wecomeoutofcombatwiththesamenumberoffighterswewentintoitwith."
"It'sadamnedgoodsystem,"Kaethagreed,finally."Sogood,itmakesmewonderwhattheadvantageistoLordKyrtian.Trainedfighterscouldrevolt,iftheyputtheirmindstoit,"
Gellaughedeasily."Well,foronething,therearen'tanyrealweaponsaroundwherewecangetholdofthem.They'realllockedupinthearmoryunderKyrtian'sseal."
"Sohedoesn'thavetoworryaboutaslave-revolt."Kaeth'sfacecleared,andhenodded.
"And,ofcourse,knowingyouaren'tgoingtogetinjuredorkilledmakesthemenwillingtopractice."
"Hewouldn'thavetheexpenseofbuyingorraisingreplacements,either."Kaethsighedinopenadmiration."Brilliantstrategy,especiallyforsomeonewithnopoliticalallies.Aftertoday,noonewilldarechallengehimtoafeud;hispositionissecureagainstallnormalavenuesofchallenge.Iwouldneverhavethoughtit,givenhisreputation."
"Notexactlybadstrategytomaketheothersunderratehimuntilhewasready,wasit?"Gelsaidslyly,andKaethactuallylaughed.
Gelhadtheimpressionnowthatdespitehissinistertraining,KaethJaredwasaprettydecentsort,andthatsurprisedhim,morethanalittle.He'dalwaysconsideredassassinstobe
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Tobescum,actually.Isuspectmostofthemare.Thisone,thoughwell,he'sgotmyrespect.
Histhoughtswereinterruptedbyadiscreetcoughfromthedoor,whereapairofyoungladsinAelmarkin'sliverystooduneasily."YourLords"thenearestsaid,atremorinhisvoice.
"OurLordsrequireus,"Kaethsuppliedwithanod.Suddenlythemaskdroppedoverhisfaceandhewasallcoolsurfaceagain,remoteandunreadable."Ofcourse,immediately."
GelstoodonlyafractionbehindKaeth,whoturnedandofferedhishand."Itwasapleasureineverysense,"Kaethsaid,thewarmthofhistonebelyinghislackofexpression."Iwouldliketomeetyouagainundersimilarcircumstances."
Gelclaspedtheofferedhandsolemnly."Ihopethatwecan,"herepliedaswarmly,"andIlookforwardtoit."
Andwiththat,theyparted.AsGelfollowedhisguide,hewonderedwhatKaeth'semotionswere.Hedidn'tthinkhewasmistaken;somethinghadresonatedbetweenthem.
Maybenotfriendship,atleastnotyet,hedecided,ashesawKyrtianwaitingupaheadwithasenseofreliefthattheordealwasfinallyover.Butdefinitelyadmiration.Andneitherofuswantstoeverhavetokilltheother.Thathastocountforsomething!
8
KyrtianpassedthroughthePortal,whichonAelmarkin'ssidewasagreatgilded
bas-reliefgatewideandtallenoughforacargo-wagontopassthrough,andonthemanorsidewasanornately-carvedwoodendoorwithahighlintelfeaturingthefamilycrest.HehadbeeninaprofoundlythoughtfulstateofmindfromthemomentthathehadpartedwithLordKyndreth,andGeldidn'tinterrupthismusingsbytryingtotalktohim.Thenagain,itwasentirelylikelythatGelwastootiredtotalk,whichdidn'thurtKyrtian'sfeelingsintheleast.
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LongstandingfamilytraditionofcautionsituatedthePortalinsideasmallchamberwithwallsofstoneandalockeddooroffire-toughenedbronzeasinsuranceagainstanenemyusingittopenetratetheheartofthemanor.Invitedguestsweremetherebyanescortandletout,andthechamberitselfwouldholdnomorethantenatthemost.The"key"tounlockthedoorwasthepresenceofafamilymemberorsomeoneelse(likeGel)towhomthelockhadbeensensitized.Ofcourse,itwaspossibletooverpowertheescortandopenthechamberdoorthatway,butthedoorwasguardedeverymomentofeveryday,andatleastoneguardwouldbeabletoraiseanalarm.TherewouldbenoinvasionsoftheestatethroughthisPortalorsoitwashoped.Afterallofhisstudiesinmilitarytactics,Kyrtianwasonlytooawarethataclevercommandercouldthinkofwaystogetpasttheirprecautions.HisonlycomfortwasthatmostoftheElvenlordswerenotveryclevercommanders.
KyrtianpartedwithGeljustoutsidethePortalChamber,astheguardstriedto
pretendtheyweren'teavesdropping."Well,we'reinforitnow,"hesaid,inmingledprideandchagrin."Ithinkthisisthehighest-rankedmemberoftheGreatCounciltocomeheresinceGrandfather'sday,andwe'regoingtohavetomakecertaineveryoneistotallypreparedandunderstandswhattheyneedtodo.ThesoonerwestartpreparingthestaffandservantsforLordKyndreth'svisit,thesoonerwecangetitoverwith,andtheneverythingcangobacktonormal."
"Andthelongerwedelay,themoreweriskaninsult.Don'tworry,I'monit,"theSergeantsaidwithawave."YougobreakthenewstotheLady."
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Gelmadeforthetraining-quartersatatrot,andKyrtianreflectedthattheSergeantwasprobablyalreadyfivestepsaheadofhiminplanningthings.Andonethingwasabsolutelycertain;thevisitcouldnottakeplaceuntileveryservantontheestatewassowell-rehearsedintheappropriateconductofaslavethatnothingwouldforcehimtodepartfromit,notinsult,notpunishment,andcertainlynotcarelessness.ThoseservantsclosesttoKyrtianandhismotherwouldhavetobethebestactorsofthelot,whichmeantthatcertainoftheyoungerandlessexperiencedhouse-servants(suchasLynder)wouldbereplacedforthedurationwithotherswhohadbeenpromotedtootherpositionsorhadevenretired.Kyrtianwouldcertainlybedoingwithoutmostofhispersonalservants,whowouldbeattendingLordKyndreth,butthatwasasmallpricetopayforkeepingupthedeceptionthatthiswasanormalElvenhousehold.
AllthatwouldbeinthehandsofGel,LadyLydiell,andLordTenebrinththeSen
eschal,andthesoonerheletthelasttwoknowwhatwasabouttodescendonthem,thebetter.Gelwasright;LordKyndreth'svisitcouldnotbepostponedforlongwithoutoffendinghim.
HepausedforamomenttolocatebothhismotherandtheSeneschal;thiswasnotimetowastepreciousmomentshuntingforthembyordinarymeans.Themerestwhisperofmagictoldhimthat,aswasoftenthecaseatthistimeofday,Tenebrinthwaswithhismotherinthelatter'soffice,probablygoingoverthehouseholdand
estateaccounts,makingplansforthenextcoupleofmonths,ordealingwithissuesoftheservants.ThatcouldnotpossiblyhavebeenbetterforKyrtian'spurposes.Bycatchingthemtogether,Kyrtianwouldonlyhavetogoovertheprospectivevisitandthereasonsforitonce.
Lydiell'sofficewasliterallyatthecenterofthemanor,overlookingeverything.Themanorboastedfivetowers,oneateachcornerandoneatthecenter,withthecenter-mostbeingagoodtwostoriestallerthantheothersafulltwelvestoriestall.Thetowersgavethemanoralookofdelicacyandatten
uationthatKyrtianfoundbothattractiveandamusinglydeceptive,forthebuildingitselfhadbeenconstructedtosurvivealongsiege,andhadbeenbuilttowithstandsiegeweaponsthatforthemostpartnolongerexisted.Lydiell'sofficewasaglass-walledroomattheverytipofthecenter-mosttower,aplacethatwould,inwartime,beoccupiedbyatleastfourlookouts.Evenintheworstweather,itwasasnugandwelcomingplace,asthetowerwasoneofthefewplacesinthemanorthatdependedonmagicformorethanlightingandadecorativeillu
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sionortwo.Magic,andnotmechanicalcontrivances,heatedandcooledthetowerandprotecteditfromtheworstweather.Magicalsoensuredthesafetyofanyoccupantsofthetransparenttubeheenteredatthebottomofthetower,poweringthelittleplatformunderhisfeetthatslowlyrosethroughthetowertothetop.Nohumancouldusethiscontrivancebyhimself,notevenifthathumanwasblessedwiththehumans'ownformofmagic.Inthisway,whensheworked,Lydiellcouldbeassuredthatnoonecouldinterruptherwithouthavingtogofirsttooneofelvenblood.Thereweredrawbackstobeingasapproachableasthelordsofthismanorhadalwaysbeen;theshort-livedhumanstendedtocometothemwithanyproblemthathadthemstymiedformorethanafewmoments,assumingthatlongexperiencegrantedunfathomablewisdom.
Ifitdidthat,therewouldn'tbeaYoungLords'Warnow.TheOldLordswouldhaveknownbetterthantoletthemgetasfarastheydid.Andtherewouldn'thavebeenasecondWizardWareither.
Theinterveningfloorsofthetowerwere,forthemostpart,unfurnished,althoughthiswastheoldestsectionofthemanorandeverythingelsehadbeenconstructedaroundit.Theroundroomsweretoosmalltouseforanythingbutoffices,andonlyLydiellandTenebrinthhadneedofanoffice.SoKyrtianpassedroomafterround,empty,alabaster-walledroomwithnothingmoretoentertainhimthanbriefglimpsesoftheoutsidethroughtheweapon-slitsthatservedinplaceofwindows.Eventhelookofalabasterwasdeceptive;thetowerwasbuiltofsomethingfarstronger,thoughtoomuchmagicwentintotheconstru
ctionofthematerialforanyonetouseitthesedays.ThistowerwasanartifactofthefirstfiftyyearsaftertheElvescrossedoutofEvelon,whennooneknewifthisworldwouldprovetobeasdangerousastheonetheyhadleft,atimewhentheelven-bornexistedascloselycrowdedtogetherasanyoftheprimitivehumansintheirhuts,andwaitedforsomethinginfinitelymoredangeroustodescendwithoutwarningthanamobofweak,short-livedhumans.
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Tenebrinth'soffice,justbelowLydiell's,wasemptyandun-tenantedasKyrtianhadanticipated.Thatoffice,andLydiell's,werenearlydoublethesizeoftheroomsbelowthem.Thewallsswelledouthere,givingthetowerthelookofadeepplateorshallowbowlbalancedonacandlestickandcoveredwitharound,pointedsilverdishcoverthatwastheoverhanging(andprojectile-proof)roof.ThewindowsinTenebrinth'sofficewereonlyhalfthesizeoftheonesinLydiell's,butwereglazedwiththesameimpervioussubstanceusedinsteadofordinaryglassineveryopeningofthistower.Lightthatcamethroughthissubstancelostsomeofitscolorandstrength,makingitappearasiftheofficelayunderwater.
NowKyrtianheardvoices,andasherosethroughtheceilingofTenebrinth'sofficeintothatofLadyLydiell,LordTene-brinthhimselfgotupfromhischairtogreethim.LadyLydiellremainedseated,butwelcomedhersonwithasmileandanextendedhand.
TenebrinthwasalittleolderthanKyrtian'sfatherwouldhavebeenhadhestillbeenalive,havingapprenticedinthepositionofSeneschalunderKyrtian'sgrandfather.HehadservedinhisofficialcapacityforaslongasKyrtianhadknownhim,andasoneofKyrtian'stutorsaswell.AswithallElvenlordsaboveacertainagebutbelowthepointofbeingconsideredancient,itwasimpossibletotellexactlyhowoldhewas.Tall,thinnerandlessmuscularthanLadyLydiell,withalongjawandnoseandprominentcheekbones,hairconfinedwitha
silverclaspatthenapeofhisneck,helookedexactlylikewhathewas,astudiouscreature,seriousandcarefulinthoughtandspeech,atruescholarandthinkerwhopreferredtojoustwithhismindandnothisbody.
"Well,Iseeyousurvivedyourencounterwiththeyoungtygers,"theSeneschalsaidgenially."Permitmetocongratulateyou."
Kyrtiansteppedoutofthetube,kissedthebackofhismother'shand,andtookthechairthattheSeneschalofferedhim."Believeme,itfeltlikebeinginatyger-pit,"herepliedwithfeeling."Ican'timaginehowanyoneenjoystheseso-calledsocialoccasions."
"Theyaren'tallasbadascombatchallengesseemtobe,"LadyLydiellsaidwithatouchofsympathyanda
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shrug."Someofthefetescanbepositivelypleasant,especiallythefetesforunweddaughters.Thepresenceofwomenseemstomaketheyoungtygerssheaththeirclawsandhidetheirteeth,atleastlongenoughtolookcivilizedwhileinthecompanyoftheladies."
Kyrtianhaddebatedwhetherornottotellhismothereverything,anddecidednowthatonthewholeshewasbetteroffnotknowingabouthowhehadinterruptedthechallenge-combat,sinceonlygoodhadcomeoutofhisnear-blunderintheend."Well,Iknowyoudon'tcarewhowonthedisputebutGelandImanagedtopulloffalittletriumphthatIthinkyoutwowillapproveof."
Tenebrinthblinked,andhismotherraisedaneyebrow."Oh?"shesaid."Nowwhathaveyoutwogotteninto?"
"Well,there'sgoodnewsandthere'sinconvenientnews,"hereplied,"Theinconv
enientnewsisthatLyonLordKyndrethwantstovisitforlongenoughtolearnmytrainingandcombatmethods.Thegoodnewsisthatthereasonhedoesisthatwepersuadedthetwofeudinglordstohavetheirdifferencessettledinacombatmyway,betweenGelandLordLyon'sman.Lyonwasimpressed,andnotonlywantstoknowhowthespellsareset,butsaidinthepresenceoftheotherlordsthatheintendstomakethisthewayinwhichfightersaretrainedanddisputessettledfromnowon.Afterseeingbloodlesscombat,hesaysthatheagreeswithme;theoldwaysaretoowastefultocontinue."
Witheveryword,LydiellandTenebrinthgrewmoreandmoreastonished,eyeswideningandmouthsdroppingslightlyopen.ItwasTenebrinthwhocouldnotrestrainhimselfasKyrtianleanedbackinhischair,asatisfiedsmileonhisface.
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"BytheAncestors,boy,thatisn'tgoodnews,it'swonderfulnews!Doyourealizewhatthismeanstothehumansoutthere?"Tenebrinthwavedhisarmattheworldoutsidethewindows.
"Wellmostly,"LadyLydiellinterjectedgently."Therearegoingtobethoseofourracewhosethirstforbloodandcrueltywillnotbesatisfiedwithbloodlesscombatandwhowillcontinuetowastethelivesofgladiators.NotevenLyoncouldgetalawthroughtheCouncilforbiddingthemtokilltheirownslaves.ThatstrikesattheheartandsoulofwhatnearlyeveryElvenlordseesashisbasicrightsovercreaturesheconsiderstobenobetterthanbeastsandproperty."AtKyrtian'snodofagreement,shesmiled."Nonetheless,Tenebrinthisright.MostoftheElvenlordswillbeonlytoopleasedwiththenotionthattheycansettledifferencesthroughbloodlesscombat.It'sagreatdrain,breedingandbuyingexpensivefightingstock.Thefurtherexpenseoftraininggladiatorsandkeepingthemintrainingisbadenough;it'sworsetohavetheirexpensivepropertymassacredduringtraining,andnearlyasbadwhenthemassacrehappensinsettlingapetty
argument,leavingthemtotraingladiatorsalloveragainiftheywishtomaintaintheirpositionandstatus."
Tenebrinthnodded."That'sbeenacomplaintoftheLesserLordsagainsttheGreaterforthepasttwogenerationsveryfewhavetheresourcestotossawayslaveswithoutconsideringtheexpense!LordLyonwillgainagreatdealofsupportamongtheLesserLordsforthis,ifhemakesitpolicyandalmostasimportantly,hewon'taggravatetheGreater.Hestandstowinallaround."
Lydiellpattedherson'shand."I'msopleasedthatIwon'tevenaskwhattroubleyoutumbledintoinordertoachievethisremarkablegoal!"
"Mother!"Kyrtianobjected,hopinghedidn'tsoundguilty.
"ButthepriceofthisisthatwearetoexpectLordKyndrethsometimeinthei
mmediatefuture?"theSeneschalinterjected."Didyouactuallysetadateforthevisit?"
"Nodatehasbeenset,andItoldhimthatIwouldsendhimaPortal-keywhenIhadthingsreadyforhim.Itriedtogivetheimpressionthat,aswewereasmallhousehold,reclusiveandunusedtovisitors,weneededtimetoprepareforthevisitofsoprominentaguest.Hewassatisfiedwiththatsofar
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asIcouldtell,andIhavenointentionoflettinghimsetfoothereuntileveryoneisprepared.Thatwon'tbeuntilyoutwoandGelhavegottentheservantsandfield-handsreadytoholduptheillusionthatthisisanordinaryestate,"Kyrtianassuredhim."Hedidn'tseemallthatimpatientandhewasn'toffendedthatIcouldn'tofferhimourhospitalityimmediately."
"Nodoubthehasbusinessofhisowntotakecareofbeforehecanaffordaformalvisit,"theSeneschalmurmured,asiftohimself.
"Morelikelyheistakingthetimetoseewhoisandisnotourally,goingbacktothetimeweallleftEvelon,"Lydiellrepliedtartly."Someoneofhisrankandstatuscan'taffordanallywithaninconvenientnumberofdeadlyenemies."
"Well,theonlyenemywehavethatIknowofisAel-markin...."Kyrtiansaid,lettinghisvoicetrailoffandlookingathismotherquestioningly.
"Correct;Aelmarkinisouronlyopenenemy,withtheremotepossibilitythathisalliesmightchoosetothrowinonhisside,"hismotherconfirmed."ThoughoncetheyseethatLyonhasthrowninwithus,howeverbriefly,theyareunlikelytobackAelmarkinagainstusinanythingimportant.ThanktheAncestorswenevermeddledinpoliticsoneithersideofthefamily!We'llhaveacleanslate,sofarasLord
Lyonisconcerned.Allwehavetoworryaboutiskeepingupappearancesforafewdaysatmost."
"Idon'tintendtoaskanythingofLordLyonforthis,Mother,"Kyrtiansaid,hesitantly."AndIdon'tintendtomakeitseemasifIconsideritagreatfavoronmyparttoteachhimmymethods.IwantittoseemasifI
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considerthistobehowshall1putthis?somethingthatItrulybelieveshouldbeoffered,partofmydutytotheElvenlordsasawhole.Iwanttogivehimtheimpressionofasolemnyoungmanwhoisdevotedtothewelfareofhispeople.WhichIam;justnotthepeoplethathethinks."Hesmiled."There'snopointindisillusioninghimonthat."
"Exactlyright;anyoftheordinarystatus-grubberswoulddotheopposite,"sheconfirmed."Byactingdifferentlythanheexpects,you'llcatchhimoffguardandhewon'tknowquitewhattothinkofus.Atbest,hemaydecidethatwe'reworthhavingasapermanentally.Theworsthe'llassumeisthatwearesoquietlyprovincial,sowrappedupinourownwaysandlife,withsuchquaintideasofloyaltyandduty,thatwearenothreatorchallengetoanyone.We'llbesafetopatronize,andhe'llbemotivatedtoprotectusfromanymoreofAelmarkin'smaneuverings."
"Formypart,Iwouldsaythatthiswouldbethebestthinghecouldassume,"Kyrtianreplied,relieved."CanItakeitthatyouapprove?"
"Completely,"LadyLydiellsaid,asTenebrinthnodded.Kyrtiansmiled,alittlethrillofpleasureticklinghisspiritatthenotionthathisfirstforayintothedangerousworldofGreatLordsandpoliticshadcomeoffsosuccessfully.
EventhoughIalmostturneditintoadisaster,heremindedhimself.Thisisnotthetimeforhubris!
Hetookhisleaveofbothofthemandsteppedintothetube,whichheldhiminplaceuntiltheplatformrosetoreceivehim.Oncehehadbeendepositedonthegroundfloor,heheadedstraightfortheWestTower,whichheldallfivefloorsofthegreatlibrary.
Heplannedtodoalittlegenealogicalinvestigationhimselfbeforehisownplanswentanyfurther.
InthehomeofeveryElvenlord,GreatorLesser,therewasalwaysaGreatBookofAncestors,keptuptodatebyeithertheLadyoftheclanoraclerkshepersonallysupervised.Everybirth
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,death,andweddingwaspromptlyreportedtotheCouncil,whichsentoutimmediatenotificationtoeveryhousehold,howeversmallandinsignificant.NomarriageoralliancecouldbemadewithoutconsultingtheGreatBook,whichdatedbacktotheexilefromEvelon.
KyrtiansatatthetableholdingtheGreatBookonitsslantingstand,anddrewitclosertohim.Ashealwaysdid,becausethoseFirstDaysfascinatedhim,KyrtianopenedtheBooktothefirstpagewherethenamesofallofthosewhohaddaredtheGateoutofEvelonwerewritten.Fullyhalfofthemwereinscribedwithdeath-datesthatcamewithindaysorweeksoftheCrossing.SomehaddiedofthestrainoftheCrossingitself,orofinjuriessustainedinEvelonbeforetheCrossing.
FewinthesedaysrealizedthatthosewhohadmadetheCrossinghadbeenthelosersinawarthathadsplitElvenkindandsetonehalfwarringagainsttheother.TheCrossinghadbeenthe
desperateattemptofthedefeatedtoescaperatherthansurrender,notthevaliantandboldmoveofthosewhowereinsearchofanewworldtoconquer.Thatwasonefactthatthosewhoruledherenowpreferredtoforgetandburyinthepast.
OfthesurvivorsthatremainedaftertheCrossing,nonewerestillaliveatthepresentday.Elvenlordslivedlong,providednoaccident,illness,inheritedweakness,ormurderdisposedofthembeforethenormalspanoffourorfivecenturies,buttheywerehardlyimmortal.Kyrtian'spaternalgreat-grandfat
herhadbeenoneofthelongest-livedsurvivors,as(henowlearned)hadLyonLordKyndreth'sgreat-grandsire;mostotherElvenlordsinthesedayswereyetafurthergenerationdownthelinefromtheoriginalinhabitantsofthenewland.
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Heturnedthepagetotracehismother'sline,ratherthanhisfather's.Odd,hethought,ashenotedsomethingthathadneverseemedimportantbefore.I'mliterallythefirstmaleanywomanofherlinehasproducedsinceEvelon
"ThatiswhytherewasnogreatobjectionwhenIweddedyourfather,"saidLydiell,behindhim,asifshehadthehumangiftofreadingthoughts.Hewastoousedtoheruncannyabilitytodothiswithhimtobestartled;hesimplyturnedandsmiledatherasshesteppedforwardanotherpaceandplacedherhandaffectionatelyonhisshoulder.
"NooneleastofallAelmarkineverthoughtIwouldproduceamaleheir,"shesaidquietly."Thatwaswhytherewasnoobjectionraisedtothemarriage,andwhyAelmarkinissointentondispossessingyouofyourinheritancenow.Heassumedthattheripeplumofourestatewoulddropintohis
lapwithoutanyeffortonhispartorthathecouldsomehowconniveorforcemetowedmypresumeddaughtertohim."Lydiellsmileddownatherson,whosebirthhadspoiledAelmarkin'splans.
"Buthe'sreallyacousininnameonly,"Kyrtianobjected,tracingbackAelmarkin'sline."Hispeoplehaven'tbeendirectlyrelatedtoourssinceEvelonitself!Itwasourgreatgrandfatherswhowerecousins,andthere'sbeennoclosermarriagesincethen."
"Butifyoutracecarefully,he'stheonlyothermaleheirtotheClan,"Lydiellpointedout."That'sasmuchyourgreatgrandfather'sandgrandfather'sfaultasanythingelse.Oncetheyhadasingle,livingchild,theneedtoprotectwhatwehadbuiltheretookprecedenceovertryingtosireanymorechildren.Theyeachhadonemaleheirbyonemarriageandnofurtherchildren;nodaughterstowedoutsidetheClan,nosecondsonstosecurealliances.Granted,theywereexceptionallylong-lived,andthat'swhatsavedus,butIwasthefirstbridetocomefromafamilynotboundinanywaytoyourClan,andifyourfatherwasstillwi
thus,bynowyouwouldhaveatleastayoungersisterorbrother,becauseIwouldhavepersonallyseentoit,ratherthanacceptedtheedictthattherewasnoneedforfurtherchildren."
NowKyrtiannotedsomethingelsethathadsomehowescapedhisattention.Hisagelessmotherwasnearerinagetohisgrandfatherthanhisfather!Shesawhiseyesrestingonthebirth-da
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teunderhername,andchuckledrichly.
"Iwonderedwhenyouwoulduncoverthat!"shesaid."Yes,I'lladmitit;Irobbedthecradle!Whenyourgrandmotherwiserormorepragmaticthanherhusbandknewthatshewouldnotsurviveyourfather'sbirth,shehadenoughtimetohandpickasuccessor.Sheturnedtoourfamily,whohadbeenherfriends;shewantedmysister,butthefamilyhadalreadywedheroff,soshechoseme!Butshehadreckonedwithoutyourgrandfather'sloveanddevotion;herefusedtotakeanotherwife,especiallyoneasbarely-nubileasIwas.Still,forthesakeofmyfriendshipwithher,Ivisitedoftenandlong,tryingtoamuseyourgrandfatherandpossiblyevenpersuadehimintimethatIwasfascinatinganddesirable!Iwishyouhadseenme,stillbarelypastmypresentationfete,slinkingaroundhereasifIwasahardenedseductress!"
SinceKyrtiancouldn'timaginehismotherslinkingaroundlikeaseductressata
nyage,hesplutteredalittleandreddened.
"Well,whenseductionfailed,IthoughtIwouldwinhimbyshowinghimwhatadevotedmotherIcouldbetohisson,"shecontinued."Therewasonelittlewrinkleinthatplan;bythetimeIthoughtofit,yourfatherwashardlyofanagetoneedmothering!ButIpersistedincultivatinghim,onlytofindthathissonandIweremutuallyfallingheadoverheelsinloveassoonashewasoldenoughtothinkofsuchthings!Yourgrand-sire
wasmuchamused,andsowasmysister,Moth."
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"Moth,"ofcourse,wasV'ternMorthenaLadyArada,nearlyafullcenturyLydiell'ssenior,andtheonlysurvivingrelictofLordArada'stinyClan.Sheheldasmallestategrantedherbyherlatehusbandinherownright,withnoinconvenientcousinstopesterher.
Kyrtiansighed.WhenhelookedattheGreatBook,inthecomplicatedwebofintermarriagesandsecondandthirdmarriages,hisfamilystoodallalone,likeasinglestrandofsilkofftoonesideofthegreaterpattern.
"Ihavenottoldyouthisbefore,butAelmarkintriedtoforceamarriageonmewhenyourfatherfirstdisappeared,"shecontinued,ascalmlyasifithadhappenedtosomeoneelse."ThatwaswhenMothcametomyrescue;shedugupanobscurelawpreventingamanfrommarryingthewidowofhiscousinifshealreadyhadamaleheir.ShevisitedeachoftheGreatLordsherselfandpointedouttoeachoneofthemwithexamples
howthatlawwouldprotecttheirownsonsfromcertainoftheiropponentsifanythinghappenedtothelordhimself.Needlesstosay,theyupheldthelawtoaman,andAelmarkinhadtoslinkawaywithhistailbetweenhislegs."
"Nowonderhehatesyou,"Kyrtianreplied,enlightened.
Shesniffeddelicately."Personally,Iprefernottowasteanemotionasempower
ingashatredonthatworm.Itwasobviousfromthestartwhathisplanswerewhenhecameslinkingaroundhere,oozingfalsesympathyandgroomedandjewel-bedeckedtowithinaninchofhislife.EvenifIhadbeenthefoolishwomanhethoughtIwas,Iwouldquicklyhaveseenthatsuchanalliancewouldmeanyourdeath.Nomatterwhatmypersonalfeelingswereonthesubject,IwouldneverhaveplacedyouorourpeopleinthehandsoftheodiousAelmarkin!"
"Thankyouforthat!"Kyrtianlaughed.
"Andsometimeyoumightthankyourauntfordevisingthemeanstoprotectusboth,"sherepliedcheerfully,withalightsqueezeofherhandonhisshoulder.
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"Well,howevermuchyouplayatmodesty,IthinkthatyouwouldhavefoundthesolutionjustasquicklyasLadyMothifyouhadn'thadherhelp,"hetoldher."Youaretwooutofthesamemold,ascleverasyouarebeautiful,andfarmoreintelligentthananymeremales."
"Ionlyneededtobecleverenoughtotakeadvantageofourisolation,"shesaid,withalaughathisattempttocomplimenther."Afterall,weareoutbackofbeyondofnowhere,andIdoubtthatanyoneotherthanAelmarkinwouldevenconsiderwantingourestateforthatreason;"Hertoneturnedscornful."Andfrankly,IthinkifAelmarkinknewhowmuchworkitistokeepthisestatesoprofitable,he'dquicklychangehismindaboutwantingit."
"Ionlywishthatweretrue,"Kyrtiansighed."It'sonlyalotofworkbecauseofthewaywetreatourhumanfriends;ifthisestatewererunonthesamelinesasanyother,theprofitswouldprobablybemuchhigher.At
least,"heamended,"That'swhatTenebrinthtoldmeonce."
"That'sbesidethepoint,"Lydiellsaidresolutely."ThepointnowistomakesurewegetthemostoutofLordLyon'svisit,withoutmakinganyblundersandwithoutsacrificinganyofourindependence.YougooffandconsultwithGeloverdinner;I'lldothesamewithTenebrinth.We'regoingtowanttopleaseLyonwithoutdazzlinghim,charmhimwithoutmakingitlookasifwehaveanythinghereallywantsotherthanyourknowledgeandexpertise.AndyouandGeloughttoputyourheadstogethertosee
ifyoucanthinkofanythingelsehemightwantoutofyouinparticular."
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KyrtianclosedtheGreatBookwithadeterminedsnap."You'reperfectlyright,asusual,"hesaid."I'llgochangeintosomethinglessostentatiousandfindGel,andwe'llgetdowntobusiness."
Butinspiteoftheexcitementofthemoment,therewasonethinghehadrealizedashewalkedoffinsearchofGel.Withalloftheconversationaboutmarriagesandalliances,forthefirsttimesincehe'dcomeofage,Lydiellhadnotevenmentionedtheprospectofhisownmarriage!
Andthatwasenoughofareliefthathisstepsbecamenoticeablylighter.
9
Overthenextseveraldays,heandGelweresobusywithpreparationsforLordKyndreth'svisitthathehardlyhadtimetodoanythingotherthaneatandsleep.Hecertainlydidn'thaveanytimeforstagingevencombat-practice,sothefighterswerelefttofendforthemselvesuntilGelcouldtakeovertheirpractice-sessionsusingtheold,bluntedwoodenweaponsinsteadofthemagicones.
Healreadyknewthathedidnothavetoworryaboutthefighterstakingadvantag
eofhisinattention.ThankstoaveryrealsenseofwhatGelwouldhavetosayanddoaboutit,iftheyspenttheirtimeidle,theytookituponthemselvestofollowtheusualcourseofexerciseandsimpledrill,variedwithhand-to-hand,unarmedcontests,inwhichtheworstaccidentthatcouldbefallwouldbeabrokenboneortwo.
Kyrtianalsoknewthatthefighterswouldnotgivethegameawaybyactingout-of-character.Theyweremilitary,heartandsoul,andwouldnomorespeakout-of-turnorhesitatetoobe
yanorderthanfly.No,thefighterscouldbecountedupontoplaytheirpartsliketheprofessionalsthattheywere.
Itwastheregularservantsandfield-handswhohadtobedrilledinsubservienceuntilitbecamesecondnature,andmanytimesKyrtianwasstronglytemptedtomeddlewiththeirmindsbymeansofmagictokeepthemfrom
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forgetting.ItwasfinallyGelwhocameupwiththeexcellentsolutionofactuallyworkingthroughtheelf-stonesontheirseldom-worncollars,settingupawarningtinglewhenevertheweareralteredhisorherposturefromthatofcompleteservility.
Thatworked,andfarbetterthanKyrtianhadexpected.Theservilepose,withshouldersslightlyhunchedandeyesontheground,forciblyremindedpeopleofhowtheywereexpectedtoact."Itwon'tmatteriftheylookcowedandafraidallthetime,"Gelpointedout."LordKyndrethwon'tknowit'sallactingapart,nomatterhowexaggerateditseemstous.Arealslavejustcan'tbetooservile;iftheygrovelalot,he'llonlythinkyou'rekeepingtheirleashesshortandusingthewhipagreatdeal.NowmuchasIhatetobringthisup,butwhatifKyndrethdoesn'tbringalongsomeofhisownwomen?He'llexpecttobeofferedentertainment,evenifheturnsitdown."
"Idon'thaveanyconcubinestoofferhim,"Kyrtianpointedout."Isuspectthat'soneofthethingsAelmarkintriestouseagainstmewiththeotherLords,thatI'mah"
"Virginalandchasteandprobablysexless,hencenofitheir,"Gelgrowledbluntly."Well,youmaynothaveaharemtoofferhimatthemoment,butwhatareyougoingtodo?Haveyoumadeanyplans?"
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"Motherhadanidea,"Kyrtianreplied,butmadeafaceofdistaste."Idon'tlikeit,mindyou,but...shethinksit'sjustthatI'mtoofastidious.She'sgoingtosendTenebrinthtotheslavemarketsandbuyaprettyconcubineortwojustbeforethevisit;she'llmeddlewiththeirmemoriestomakethemthinkthey'vebeenhereforthelastcoupleofyears,keepthemisolatedinatinyharemoftheirownandhavemeofferthemtoLordKyndreth."
"You'retoofastidious,"Geltoldhimbluntly."It'sperfect.Theywon'tknowanythingaboutus,andtheywon'tberelatedtoanyonehere.Ifthere'san...accident...wewon'tbelosinganyofourpeople."
Kyrtian'sdistastegrew,buthecouldn'tdenythatGel'spragmaticviewwasatleastpractical."Andwhatdowedowiththemafterwards?"heaskedsourly.
Gelshrugged."Hardlymatters.Concubinesaren'tthebrightestasawhole,andIsuspectanythatyourmotherpickswillbeveryprettyandverydimmuchsaferthatway.Wecouldprobablymarrythemofftosomeone,ifyou'vegotnotasteforhavingthemaround.Orsellthemagain,"HeraisedaneyebrowatKyrtian'sexpression,andsnorted."Doyourselfafavor;letyourmotherandTenebrinthdealwithit.Keepyourhandscleanifyoudislikeitthatmuch."
Asifmynotknowingmakesitanybetter,hethoughtgrimly.No,that'snoanswer."I'lltellMotheryouagreewithheridea,andeventhoughIdon'tliketheidea,Iagreeit'snecessary,therereallydoesn'tseemtobeabettersolution."
"Thereisn't,"Gelsaid,withemphasis."Whatelsedoyouwanttodo,askforvolunteers?"
Thatwasdefinitelynoanswer.Heshookhishead."I'lldothememorymanipulationmotherisn'tgoingtobeabletoimpartmanyconvincingillusionsaboutumImean,it'snotasifshe'samale"Heflushed,anddidn'tcompletethesentence,butgotthedistinctfeelingthatGelfoundhisembarrassmenthighlyamusing."We'lldowhatwehaveto,allofus,andtrytomakethingsupafterwardsifthere'sanyonehurtbythis."HejusthopedthatLordKyndrethwasn'toneofthosewholeftwomendamaged."Icanalwaysmakethegirlsforget
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everythingwhenhe'sgone,"headded,asmuchforhisownbenefitasforGel's.
Gellookedrelieved."You'llneverbearealcommanderifyoucan'tmakethedifficultdecisionsandcarrythemout,"heremindedhiserstwhilesuperiorperhapsjustatouchsmugly.
"Ijustdid,didn'tI?"hereplied,irritated."Enough;we'respendingmoretimeonthisthantheissuewarrants,andithasnothingtodowithyourpartinthis,whichisgettingthefightersready.Well?"
Gelgrinned."Oh,they'reready.Veryeagertoshowtheirpaces,andjustaseagertoseeyouvindicated.Havenofear,theyknowtheirparts.We'llgiveLordKyndrethashowheisn'tlikelytoforgetforthenextthreecenturies."
Trianaconsideredtheslavedispassionatelyararestateofmindforher.Therewereseveralconsiderationshere,nottheleastofwhichwasthis;howfarcouldonetrustahuman?AsshehadtoldAelmarkin,sheseldomtrainedfemaleslaves.Neverwasnottheoperativeword;neverwasnotawordtobeusedatallamongtheElvenlords,whoselongliveshadnoroominthemfornever.Soonerorlater,whateveritwasthathadbeenvowedagainstwouldhappen.Mind,therewereElvenlordssorigidintheirthinkingthattheyactuallybelievedthattheycouldsaytheywould"never"dosomethingbutTri-anaknewbetter.
Thiswomanwasnotofherbreeding;thefemaleslavesthatTrianabredonherownestatewerestrictlyutilitarian,andwhilenotplain(shecouldn'tbeartohaveanythingplainoruglyabouther)wereaboutasanimatedasstatuesinthepresenceoftheirmistress.Thisgirl,bought,notatauction,buthandpickedfromamongtheofferingsofaprivatesale,wastheoppositeofstoicandunanimated.Shewastrainedasadanceras
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wellasinharemskills;shewasveryintelligent.Triananeededawomanwhowasintelligent,butwithintelligencecametheliabilityofthinkingforone'sself.
Howfartotrusther?Thatwasthequestion.
"WoulditsurpriseyouverymuchtolearnthatIneedaspy?"sheaskedaloud.
Theslaveshookherheadslightly,enoughtoindicatethatshewasnotsurprised,butnotsomuchthatthemutereplycouldbeconsideredimpertinent.
"Themotherofacertainyounglordispurchasingharemslaves,andIintendthatyoushouldnumberamongthem,"Trianacontinued."Ineedtoknowwhatgoesoninhishousehold,andhare
mslavesareinauniquepositiontofindthatout."
"Butharemslavesarekeptinisolation"thegirlrespondedtentatively.
Trianasmiled."Butmendonotheedtheirtongueswhenamongthem,"shecorrected."Icouldhavemerelyplantedateleson-ringonyouandsentyouonasapassivelistenerbutIwouldnotlearnatenthasmuchasI
willwhenyouworkformeinfullknowledgeofwhatIwant."Sheconsideredthegirlfurther."Itisyourdutytogivemethat,butyourpreviousmasterindicatedthatyouarebothersomelyintelligent"
Herethegirlflushedandlookeddownatherfeet.
"andasaconsequence,IamawarethatmeredutyisnotgoingtoextractwhatIwantfromtheplacetowhich
Iamgoingtosendyou."Trianachuckled,andthegirllookedupagaininsurprise."Oh,comenowIamnotoneofthoselordswhoprefersslavestohavenothoughtsoftheirown!Youlittlemayflyhumansmaynothavethecapacitytoappreciatewhatyourmasterscan,butyouarestillasmotivatedbytheprospectofgainasweare.Iknowfullwellthatonceplantedinthishousehold,yourleashwillbeslippedandyoucanandwilldoasyoupleaseinthismatter."Sheleanedforward,catchingandholdingthegirl'sgazewithherown."Ihavean
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incentivetoofferyou,sothatyouwillworkthatdearlittlemindofyourstothefullestonmybehalf."
Aflickerofemotionpassedacrossthegirl'sface,andsheflushedagain."Incentive,Mistress?"sheventuredbreathily.
Satisfiedthatshehadfoundthecorrectkeytothelockofthegirl'sambition,Trianaleanedback."Areward,ifthatwordpleasesyoubetter;arewardforexemplaryservice.Exertyourselftotheutmostonmybehalf,findawaytoconvinceKyrtiantoleavetheharemdoorunbarredtoyourcomingsandgoings,andaboveall,reporteverythingyouseeandhear,howeversmallandseeminglyinconsequential,tome.Dothat,satisfyme,andattheendofayearinhisserviceIwillhaveyouretrieved.Youcanretirehere,andnamewhatyouwillforyourconditionsofliving,neveragainbeingrequiredtodoanythingyoudonotcarefor.FromacottageandmateofyourchoicetothesuiteandserviceofayoungLady.Orifthisismoretoyourl
ikingyoumaygotoyourwildbrethrenamongtheWizards.Icanarrangeforthataswell."
Fromtheslightquickeningofthegirl'sbreath,Trianaknewshehadcaughther.Mine,shethought,withsatisfaction,andnoddedtosetthehook,nowthatthebaithadbeentaken."Thiswillnotbeeasy,"shewarned."Youwillhavetobendyourwholemindtothetask,andyouwillhavetokeepLordKyrtianandhismotherfromeverguessingthatyouarenotwhatyouseem.Ifyoudonotsatisfyme"sheshrugged"Iwillnotbe
abletopunishyou,obviously,butIcanandwillleaveyouinplace,andyouwillliveanddietheconcubineofaminorlordinatinyharemwithunvaryingroutine.Kyrtiandoesnotoftenhaveguests,soyouwouldnoteven
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havethatprospecttobrightenyourdays.Ibelievethatsomeonelikeyouwouldfindthatsortoflifemaddeninglyrestrictive."
Theslavedidnothesitateevenforthesmallestpartofamoment."Iwillserveyou,Lady,"thegirlreplieddecisively."Youwillfindnothinglackinginmyzeal."
Trianalaughedaloud,withaglanceatthegirltoinvitehertojoininhergoodhumor.Ah,Aelmarkin,shethought,asshesettleddowntoinstructthegirlintheuseoftheteleson-ringandherinitialduties.Thiswagerisalreadywon!
Gelknewhisbusiness,nonebetter.Kyrtianleftthematterofthehouseholdtohismother,andtookchargeoftherest.Nowthatthewarningswereinplaceandtheattitudeofthefield-hand
sandfarmershadbeenestablished,hejudgedthatitwastimetopreparethegeneraloutwardappearanceofhispeople.Theymustlookself-sufficientandprosperous,butnottooprosperous.Theservantsmustnotlooktoohealthy,toohappy.Infact,theonesinthefieldsmustnotlookhappyatall.
Hespentadayconsideringhowtoaccomplishthat,researchingspellsofillusion,wonderingwhathewoulddoifLordKyndrethdetectedthemorbrokethem.Kyndrethhadnotgottenwherehewasbybeingafool,andifhe
detectedillusions,hewouldwanttoknowwhattheyhidhewouldfirstsuspecttreachery,buthewoulddefinitelywanttoknowwhytherewereillusionsonhumanslaves.
Finally,inthetwilight,hedecidedtotakeawalktoseeifthefreshairwouldclearhisheadoutandletsomefreshthoughtsin.
Thestarswerejustcomingout,andafinebreezecarriedthescentsofthegard
ensonitswings.Hetookamomenttoextinguishtheglowingglobesilluminatingthepathways,forheknewthegardenpathsbyheartandhadnoneedofthelights.Atthemoment,hewouldratherenjoythedarkness,notbecausehewasbrooding,butbecausehewantedhismindtorest.
HowdidAelmarkin'sservantslook?Thatwouldbethesortofthingtogethisow
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npeopletoemulate.Despitetheirservilestances,therewasstillsomethingwrongaboutthemthathecouldnotputafingeron.Hetookslow,deliberatestepsandcasthismindbackafewdays,tryingnottofrowninconcentration.Itwasn'tanexactmemoryhewanted,afterall,butanimpression.Howdidtheordinaryservants,theoneswhocleanedtheroomsandbroughtthefoodfromthekitchen,seemtoanobserver?
Itwaseasyenoughtoremembertheprettyones,theupper-levelslaves,whosedutiesincludedbeingdecorative.Thoseweren'ttheoneshewanted,atleastinpartbecausehewasn'tcertainanyofhispeoplecouldmanageaconvincingimitationofapleasure-slave,andinpartbecauseitwouldn'tdoanyharmforLordKyndrethtobelievethathishouseholdwasontheaustereandsoberside.LetKyndreththinkofhimashard-working,somewhatobsessedwithhishobby,andnotreallyinterestedintheopulentlife.Thatwoulddonoharmatall.
Itwillalsoreinforcetheimpressionthatwearen'tworththeattempttotakeusover.Profitcanonlybestretchedsofar;wemightbeausterebecausewecan'taffordtoomanyluxuries.
Tryashemight,allhecouldcomeupwithwasavagueimpressionofsameness,asifthelesserservantswereallasalikeasants,andasinterchangeable.Theycouldhavebeenfurniture,floor-tiles,theplinthsuponwhichstatuesstood,theyblendedsowellintothebackground.
Withaflashofinsight,herealizedatthatmomentthatthiswaswhathewanted!
Theymusthaveallbeeninsomedrablyuniformtunics,orthelike,hedecided.Theyaren'tsupposedtostandouttheyshouldbeinvisible.Drabtunicswoulddothat.Nomatterthathedidn'tknowwhatsuchatunicor
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what-notshouldlooklikeanyoftheseamstressescoulddealwiththatdetail.He'dtaketheneedtothemfirstthinginthemorning,andletthemdecidehowtomakeeveryoneonthemanorlandsuniformlydrab.
Asformakingpeoplelookunhappy...hegrinnedasanotherideacametohim.I'llhavethefield-workersstickaburrorapinsomewhereintheirclothingwhereit'llirritatethemwithoutreallyhurtingthemorputstonesintheirshoes,orwearshoestootightortoobig.That'llgivethemallsourexpressions,shouldanyofKyndreth'speoplecomesnoopingabout.
Heyawned,andrealizedthathe'dbeenupfartoolongbuttheywereallgoingshortonsleep,tryingtogetthemselvesready.Bed,hedecided.Andfirstthinginthemorning,themanorseamstresses.
Eventhoughhewokevery,veryearlyjustatthebreakofdawn,infactwhenheshowedupunannouncedattheseamstress'sworkrooms,theywerealreadywellintotheday'slabors.Thatsurprisedhim;he'dalwaysknown,inavagueway,thathispeoplebegantheirworkearly,longbeforeheawoke,buthehadn'tevergivenmuchthoughttowhatthatmeant.
Herewasalarge,well-litroom,furnishedwithcomfortablechairsinwhichseveralwomenwereseated,sewing
diligently.Therewasalargetablecoveredwithapieceoffabricatthefarsideoftheroom,andawomanwithawickedly-bladedpairofscissorsmadedeftcutsinit,foldingandlayingasidethepiecesshehadmadeasshewentalong.Boltsoffabricwerearrayedinarackalongonewall,ribbonsandothertrimwerewoundaroundwoodenconesonpegs,andspoolsofthreadwerearrangedinlittleracksbesidethem.Heputhisneedtothechiefoftheladies,aformidabledamewithsilver-streakedhair,explainingtheeffecthewanted,andwhy.Shepursedherlipsandfrowned.
"Mylorddoyourealizewhatyouareaskingwhenyourequestcommonuniformtunicsfortheentireestate?Aye,we'veenoughseed-sackmaterialabout,butnotimeevenasimpletabardwithnohemswouldneedsideandshoulderseams,andit'dbesocrudeitwouldlookmakeshift"
"Dye,"interruptedoneofthewomenengagedinsomemysterioustaskthatseemed
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toinvolvetheedgesofagreatdealoffabricthatpooledoneithersideofher."Don'tbotherwithmakinganythingnew,justfireupdye-potsandhaveeveryonecomeinanddunkanoldtunicandtrews,soyougetthelookofwearaswellashavingitlookuniform."
"Oh,well-thought!"theolderwomanexclaimed,herbrowclearing."Thatmightbeaproblem,mightn'titifitlookedasifeveryoneintheplacehadnewclothes!"
"Forcolorblack'dbebest,walnut-blackthecheapest,andwe'vegotplentyofthat;soonorlate,everybodyneedssomebitofblack,andthatwayIdoubtthere'llbemuchcomplainingaboutspoilingsomethinggood."Thewomanwasverypleasedwithheringenuity,andsowereKyrtianandhersupervisor.
"Aye,that'stheway!Thenkee,Margyt!"TheheadseamstressbeamedandpattedKyrtianontheshoulderasifhewasasmallboy."Don'tworryyourheadaboutit,myyoungLord,we'llhandlethisforyou;whenthedaycomes,everybody'Ubemakinganicedepressingbackground."Sheactuallypushedhimgently,butpushedhim,neverthelessoutthedoor.Hedidn'tresist;infact,hewasratheramusedatthesituation.He'dhadnoideahowthingswererunonthedomesticside,butclearlythiswomanwasasmucha"commander"inherownranksasGelwasinhis!
Andhehadnodoubtthatshewouldgetthejobdone,either.Shehadtheairaboutherthatsaidshewouldriderightoverthetopofanyoneandanythingtocompletewhatevershe'dpromised.
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Hewentbacktohisownpreparations,callingineachofthesupervisorsofwork-partiesandexplainingtothemwhathewanteddonetheburrsandallandwhy.He'ddiscoveredaverylongtimeagothatifpeopleknewwhytheywerebeingaskedtodosomethingthatseemedsenseless,theyweremuchmorelikelytocomply.
"Now,Idon'twantanyonetostartgettingtoocreative,"hewarned."Don'tletanyonegomaimhimself,ortrytocounterfeitplagueorsomething,butifpeoplegetotherideasabouthowtolooklessthanhappyandhealthy,letthemgotoit.ParticularlyI'mabitworriedaboutthelittlechildrengivingthingsawaytheolderoneswillbeallrightifyouputittothemasbeingimportant,butthelittlestareusedtorunningrightuptoanystrangerandsayingwhattheythink."
"There'reseveraloftheparentsfiguringonthatnow,mylord,"oneofthesupervisorsassuredhim."Ifnothing
else,everybody'sagreedthatwecanhidethelittlestoffsomewherenobody'llseethem,allinagroup.Perhapswecouldtakethemoutintothewoods,andletthemhaveacamping-excursion.Leaveittous,we'lltakecareofit.Tellthemit'saholidaytreat,andthey'llbegoodaslambs."
SomanydetailsassoonasKyrtianthoughthe'ddealtsuccessfullywiththelast,anotheroccurredtohim.Itwasn'tuntildayslaterthathismotherapproachedhimashewasarrangingwithoneofthebuildingcrewstomake"alterations"totheworkers'quarters.Ithadoccurredtohimbythenthat
itwasunusualenoughforhispeopletohavetheirownlittlehomesandvillagesinsteadofbeingherdedintovastwarehouseswhentheyweren'tworkingandhe'dbetterhavetheirquarterslookshabbyandill-made!
LadyLydiellwaitedpatientlyasheandthebuildersquicklyworkedoutwhatwasneeded;itwasprettyclearthatshewantedtospeakwithhimalone,sohedismissedthemassoonashecould,andclosedthedoorofhisownnewofficebehindthem.
Shesatwitharustleofsilkandaswirlofscarletskirts."YoutoldmetocometoyouwhenIhadyourharem,andIhave,"shesaidsimply,andthewordshithimlikeasplashofcoldwaterinhisface."They'rereadyforyoutopreparethem."
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Hedidn'tallowtheshocktofreezehisthoughts,though."Idon'thaveanythingonmyplateatthemoment,soIhadbestseetothem,then,"hetoldher,andwaspleasedtoseeabitofsurpriseinhereyesthathewaswillingtodealwiththeunpleasantdutysoquickly.Sheknewthathehatedmeddlingwithhumans'mindsthroughtheircollars,especiallyforapurposelikethis
Butonthewhole,he'dratherjustgetitoverwithsothathewouldn'thavetodwellonit.
"That'sfine,"sherepliedquickly,gettingtoherfeetwiththatgraceheadmiredsomuchandwassomuchapartofher."Comealong;I'veconvertedyouroldnurserytoaharem;itwasthemostsecuresuiteinthemanorandtheonlyonenotinuse."
"Ithadtobethemostsecure,didn'tit?"hechuckled,openingthedoorforher
."Notonlydidyouhavetoworryaboutsomethinggettinginatme,youhadtoworryaboutmegettingout!"
"Andamischievousescape-artistyouwere,too,"sheretorted."Well,IcantellyouthatIamveryproudofTenebrinth,andyouwillbe,too,whenyouseethesewomen.Withalloftheupheavals,theslave-tradehasbeenverymuchdisrupted"
"WhichIwillnotshedtearsover,"heresponded,withahintofafrown.
"Nevertheless,ithasmadehistaskharder."Thelookshegavebacktohimwasoneofreproach."Manyoftheslave-marketshavebeencloseddown,andothershaveonlythemostmeagerofselection.Ontheotherhand,if
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ithadn'tbeensodisrupted,Idoubtwewouldhavefoundthreewomensoperfectlysuitedtoourpurposes.IdoubtthateventhegreatLordKyn-drethwillwonderwhyyourharemissosmall,onceheseesthesegirls."
"Oh?"Nowhiscuriositywaspiqued.
Shenodded,herhairfallinginagracefulcurveacrossherbrowasshedidso.Shepusheditbackwithanimpatienthand."Firstly,Iverymuchdoubtthatanyoneotherthantheirtrainerandformerownerhaveeverseenthem,whichmakesitmucheasiertocarryoffthefictionthatyouwouldhaveownedthemyourselfforseveralyears.Secondly,ifthetradewerenotsodisrupted,Idoubtifwewouldhavebeenabletogetthematall;they'dhavebeensnappedupbeforetheyreachedthegreatermarkets."
Nowhewassurprised."Aretheythatattractive,then?"heasked,hiscuriositymorethanpiqued.
"Theyarenotpreciselygreatbeauties,althoughtheyarequitehandsomewell,makethatjudgmentforyourself."Bythistimetheyhadreachedthedoorandnowguardedofhisformernursery.Theguardssteppedaside,facesasexpressionlessasstatues,andLadyLydiellopenedthedoor,gesturingtohimtogoinahead.
Hedidso,feelingthefainttingleofasecond"door"ashecrossedthethresholdthatwouldpreventthewomenfromcrossingituntilitwastakendown.ThatwasusualenoughinharemstokeepthemoutoftheLady'sBower;itwasnecessaryhere,tokeepthemfromwanderingandseeingthingstheyshouldn't.
Thethreewomenhadclearlybeentoldtoawaithim,fortheywerestandinginposesthatwerealittletoo
contrivedtobenatural.Thatwaswhenheunderstoodwhathismotherhadmeant.
Therecouldnotpossiblyhavebeenthreewomenmorestrikinglydifferent.Thefirst,tall,withpalegoldhairandvividblueeyes,hadanangularfaceandafigureasslenderandwillowyasanyElvenlady,andafar-awayexpressionasifshelivedentirelyinacloudofdreams.Shehadposedherselfbesideagiantvaseofflowers,
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musingonasingleenormouslily-blossom,herfrilledandlacygownechoingthepastelcolorsoftheblooms.Thesecond,abrunettewithbrowneyesfullofpassion,fulllips,andasensuousbody,fairlyradiatedpromises;sheloungedagainstapillarinawaythatthrustherbosomforwardstrainingthesilkofherscarlet,form-fittingwrapandallowedhertowatchhimwithaprovocative,flirtatious,sidewaysglance.Thethirdhadatumbleofflamingcurlsandmerrygreeneyes,adancer'sbodyofstrengthandagilityclothedinasimplebluetunicthatleftherlegsbare,andtheexpressionofacompletelyinnocentchild;shelookedupfromthekittenshewasplayingwithtosmileathimwithafacefulloflaughter.Itseemedthatinthesethree,allthevarietyofanentireharemwasencompassed.Andonlyastatuecouldhavefailedtorespondtothesilentinvitationseachofthemsenttohiminherownway.
"Yousee?"LadyLydiellsaidquietly,asthethreesanktothegroundindeepcurtsies.Heglancedather,andsawthatshehadaglintofmischiefinherowneyes."Well,dearest,isitsafetoleaveyoualonewiththem?"
Hecouldn'thelpit;heflushedbuthecovereditwithahalf-mockingbow."You'regoingtohavetoifI'mtogivethemconvincingmemories,"hetoldher,causinghertoblush.Itwaswithabitofsatisfactionthathebowedherout,andturnedtofacehisnew"acquisitions."
Hewastryingtothinkofsomethingtosaywhentheydescendedonhimasabodyandmadespeechirrelevant,
atleastforthatmoment,andthemanythatfollowed.
SergeantGelfollowedLordTenebrinthintotheOldTower,hismoodnotpreciselyapprehensive,buttingedwiththatemotion.LadyLydiellrarelyspoketohimface-to-face,andthiswasthefirsttimethatshehadeverrequiredhimtoattendherinherprivateoffice.
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HehadneverbeeninsidetheOldTower;fewhumanshad,onlytheoneortworequiredtocleanLydiell's,andTene-brinth's,offices.Oneofthelords,ortheladyherself,wouldhavetohavebroughthimpersonally;therewasnootherwayforhimtousetheonlymeansofaccess,whichwasabizarretransparenttube.Hecouldn'timaginehowhewassupposedtoclimbitandentereditwithTenebrinthratherdubiouslyonlytosuppressastartasthefloorbeneathhimbegantorise.Itgavehimaqueasysensation,despitehisfamiliaritywithmagic,toridethiscontraption.Itjustdidn'tseem...natural.Round,emptyroomafterroompassedhimorrather,hepassedthemasherosewithnorealsensationofmovement.
Hebegantowonderifhewouldeverreachthetop,whenfinallyoneoftheroomsshowedsignsofoccupationasdidthenextafterthatandthentheplatformslowedandcametoastopatthetopmostlevel.
Lydiell'soffice,atthetopofthetower,hadadizzyingandunrestrictedviewthathe,asamilitarycommander,couldseewasofincalculablevalueforthechatelaineofthemanororthecommanderofitsdefenses.Theofficewallswereallwindow,andhewonderedashesteppedgingerlyofftheplatformwhatastormwouldbelikeuphere.
Lydiellgreetedhimwithasmile,whichmadehisapprehensionvanish.Sheevenrose;thatwasanunexpectedhonor,andhebowedasdeeplyashecouldwithoutlookingridiculous.TheLadyd
idnotlikegroveling;noneofherclandid.
"SergeantGel,please,makeyourselfeasy,"shesaid,asshegesturedwiththatgraceonlytheElvenlordspossessedtowardsanunoccupiedchair."Thisisnotanofficialsummonsrather,itisapersonalone.Ihaveadesiretoconsultyou."
Tenebrinthevidentlytookthisasthesignaltodepart;hesteppedbackonthelittleplatformanddiscreetlydroppedbacktothenextlevel,leavingthemalone.
GeltookhisseatandexaminedtheLady'sface,andswiftlyunderstoodwhyshewantedtoseehim."Kyrtian?"heasked,wastingnowords.
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Shenodded,andtookherplacebehindherdesk,claspingherhandsonthesurfacebeforeher."Ihadhoped,"shesaid,hesitantly,asifshewasvoicingthoughtslongheldinsecret,"thatIcouldkeepKyrtianisolatedfromthepoliticsoftheGreatLordsandtheCouncil.Unfortunately,itseemsthatthetimesconspireagainstmyhopes."
"Itdoeslooklikehe'sgoingtogettangledupwhetherhelikesitornot,"Gelsaidcautiously,hiseyesneverleavingherface,unnervingasitwastolookherstraightintheeyes."MyLady,Idon'tmindtellingyouthatIdon'tliketheideaanybetterthanyoudo."
"I'mnotcertainyourealizejusthowtangledhe'slikelytoget,"Lydiellreplied,afaintfrown-linecreasingheragelessbrow.Gelcouldn'tforthelifeofhimreadthoseoddemeraldeyestheElvenlordsallhad,butatleastshe
wasn'ttryingtohideherfacialexpressions."LordKyndrethisnotgoingtobecontentmerelytolearnafewtrickswithmagictohelptrainhumanswhenherealizesjusthowextensiveKyrtian'sknowledgeandpracticalexperienceofmilitarymattersis,heisgoingtowantmysontoexercisehistalentsintheserviceoftheOldLords.HewillcertainlywantKyrtiantocommandaforceagainsttheYoungLords,andpossiblykeephimonaftertheYoungLordsarecrushed,tomoveagainsttheWizardsandthewildhumans."
Gelsworeunderhisbreath,angryathimselffornotthinkingofthathimself.AnditwasfartoolatetotrytotalkKyrtianoutofabandoningthefull-scalemaneuvershehadplanned.TheboywasdeterminedtoprovetoLordKyndreththatthiswastheonlywaytotrainfighters,andnothingwoulddobuttoshowhimhoweasyitwastoholdthespellsneededonentirearmies.
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LadyLydiellsighed."Yourfacetellsmethatmyfearsarelikelytoberealized.Oh,whycouldn'thehavebeenanartistoramusician,orobsessedwithwithoh,horticultureorsomethingequallyfrivolous?"
"Atleastheisn'tbentonbeingthedeadoppositeofhisfather,myLady,"Gelrepliedgrimly."You'dnotlikehimasafop,oralazylayabout.Orworse,fallinginwith"
Hehesitated;afterall,hewasahuman,andLydiellwasEl-ven.Bloodwasblood
ButLydiellsurprisedhimwithabittersmileandalightanswer."Fallinginwiththepamperedpervertsthatmostofmykindare.Youdon'tneedtosparemyfeelings,Gel;wecannotaffordtobelessthanhonestwitheachotherifwearegoingtobeabletokeepKyrtianoutofthepitfallslyingbeforehim."
Ah,cowflops.WhydoIhavetofeellikeit'smethat'shisfather?I'dresteasieratnight.HemightbeonlyafewactualyearsolderthanKyrtian,butinrealterms,hemightjustaswellhavebeentheElvenlord'sfather.Bythestandardsofhisrace,Kyrtianwastheequivalentofastripling,althoughbyhumanreckoninghewasinhislatethirties.Inknowledgeandgeneralresponsibility,hewascertainlythatbutintheunconsciousthingsthatcharacterizedanadolescent,hewasverymuchGel'sjunior.Hisboundlessenergy,hisenthusiasm,histendency
toactratherthansittingbackandwaitingforeventstocometohimthosewerethecharacteristicsoftheyoung,andmadeGelfeelveryold.
Thestrength,speed,andenduranceofyouthwerealsohis,andmightbeforthenextcenturyortwo,whichmadeGelfeelevenolder.He'dnoticedoflate,muchtohischagrin,thathewasslowingdown,losingsomeofhisedge;infact,heandthatmanofLordKyndreth'shadtalkedaboutthat.Kaethwasn'tgettinganyyoungereither,andifheeverhadtoactuallyfoilafellow-assassin,thatcouldbefat
alifhedidn'ttakestepstocompensate.
We'IIbothjusthavetobesneakiertomakeupforwhatwe'relosing,heremindedhimself.Youthandenthusiasmarenomatchforexperienceandtreachery.
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"Ihatetoadmitthis,mylady,"hesaid,feelingashamedthathehadnotanticipatedthissituation,"butI'vekepthimasignorantasyouhaveofthewaythingsare"hewavedhishandvaguelyatthewindows"outthere.AndIdiditforprettymuchthesamereasonsasyou,Ifigure.Whythrowsomethingathimthathecouldn'tchangeandwouldonlyworryabout?"
Ah,allthoseoldlessonscamebacktohimnow,ofbeingtakenofftheestateasTenebrinth'spage,sohecouldseejusthowtheotherElvenlordsreallyactedandthought.Tenebrinthhadcollaredhim,ofcourse,andifhe'ddonesomethingevenslightlystupidwhich,evenasachildhehadn'tbeenlikelytotheElvenlordcouldhavequicklycontrolledhim.Andinapeculiarway,that,too,hadbeenpartofthelessonsinjusthowfragileandpreciousthelifehumansledherewas.
Lydiellnodded."Andatthispoint,ifwetrytotellhimthatLordKyndrethis
nomoretobetrustedthanAelmarkin,hewouldonlymakethewrongdecisions.He'dtrytoputKyndrethoff,ororsomething.Andnowthathe'sarousedKyndreth'sinterest,hecan'tdothatwithoutarousingsuspicionaswell."
"Damnallpoliticsanyway,"Gelsaidsourly."Kyndrethisgoingtousehim,makeatooloutofhim,andgivehimnothingbutfinewordsandemptypraiseforhistroubles"
"Yesbut"Lydiellbegan.
Gelwaited,butshedidn'tcompletethethought.Hespokeintotheheavysilence."Butitmightnotbebadforhim;solongashe'svaluabletoKyndreth,he'snotgoingtobewasted.Andaslongashe'svaluable,Kyndrethwillseethatwe'releftalone,nomatterhowpeculiarsomethingsaroundheremaylooktohim."
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Lydiellnodded,andGelfeltacertainreliefthatsheagreedwithhim.Therewasselfishnessinhismotivation,andheknewthat;aslongasKyrtianwasnotonlyaliveandwellbutundertheopenprotectionofsomeonelikeLordKyndreth,Gelandtheotherhumansontheestatewouldbeperfectlysafe.Aelmarkinwouldn'tdaretrytointerfereorcontinueinhisattemptstogaincontrolofthemanorandlands.
AsforthehumanslivingelsewherehumansthatKyrtianwouldbeveryconcernedaboutifheknewhowbadthingscouldbeonotherestatesGelfounditdifficulttoworryaboutthewell-beingofpeoplehedidn'tknow.Thesufferingsofhumanslavesonotherestateswerejuststoriestohim,andalthoughhebelievedthemintheabstract,hejustcouldn'tmakehimselfcarewhenpeopleheknewneededhiswholeconcentrationandconcern.
Hecouldn'treallybelieveinanythinghehadn'tseenwithhisowneyes,notdeepdownwhereitcounted.
Thosearealloldstories,anyway,anditmakesnosensethesedaysthattheElvenlordswouldwantonlywasteormartheirownpossessions.Withwildhumansontheborder,dragonsinthesky,theWizardsthreateningtostartthewarupagainandtheirownchildreninarmedrevolt,theycan'taffordthesortofgoings-ontheydidinthepast.Slavery-yes,therewasnodoubtthattheElvenlordswereharshmasters,andkepttheirhumans
undercompletecontrol.Itwasaterriblethingthathumanselsewherehadeveryactioncontrolledbysomeoneelse,thattheycouldmakenoteventhesmallestdecisionabouttheirownlives.Butstarvation,torture,abusewhy?There'snoreasontodoanyofthosethings;astarved,abused,orinjuredslaveworksless,andisworthless,thanahealthyonewhoispunishedonlywhenhedeservesit.
"Lady,Ipledgeyou,Iwillnotlettheboyoutofmysightorcare,nomatterwhatLordKyndrethwantsofhim,"hepromised,comingbacktoconcernshecouldunderstandandseeforhimself."I
'matreacherousoldbastard,andifIthinkhe'sintrouble,I'lldosetheboy'swine,makeKyndreththinkhe'shadafit,anddraghimhomemyself."Hesurprisedhimselfwithhisownsuddenfierceprotectiveness,andtriedfeeblytosmile."Oncewe'vegothimsafe,wecantalkhimintoplayingwitless.Ifhe'slosthissenses,hemightnotbeofvaluetoKyndreth,buthewon'tbeathreat,either."
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Andthatwasthebestpromisehecouldthinkoftogiveher,poorasitwas.
LydiellsentGelbacktohisworkwithoutfeelingmuchcomfortfromhiswords.Shewasverytroubled,andcouldseenoimmediatewayoutofthedilemmathathadcomeatthemoutofnowhere.Ihadhopedtokeephimisolatedfromallofthis,buteventshaveconspiredagainstus,shethoughtsomberly,staringoutthewindowattheplacidfieldsspreadsoinvitinglybelow.ThankstothetwolatestWizardWars,Kyrtian'sobscureskillsarenolongerwithoutvalue;hewillbedrawnintoElvenlordpoliticswhetherhelikesitornot.ButGelisright;tellinghimsomeoftherealitiesofthesituationwon'thelphim.Hemightbebetterifheremainsinignorance.IfheknowswhattheElvenlordsarereallylike,hisownsenseofhonorjustmightdrivehimtomakesomeverydangerouschoices.If,however,KyndrethfeedshimwhattheOldLordswanthimtoknow,andconvinceshimtohelpthemthenkeepshimignorantofthetruthhewillservethemwellandstayoutoftrouble.
Therewasonepositiveeffectofallthewarfareandquarreling;therewerenowherenearasmanyoftheOldLordsasthereoncehadbeen,andthosethatremainedweremostlyveryshrewd.Theyhavelittlepowertospare,andwon'twasteanytoolthatcomestotheirhandswhenitcostslittletokeepthattoolcontent.ThereareveryfewDyransaboutinthehighercouncilsthesedays.
Shesighed,tastingthebitternessofherownexpedience,thesourknowledgetha
tbykeepinghimignorantshewasplayingthesamemanipulativegamesasthoseshedespised.
Kyrtianwouldbeused,indeed,butwasn'titbettertobeanunwittingtoolthanadeadhero?
Icannotseeanyotheroptions.
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KeepinghimpurposefullyblindedaboutthetruenatureofhisfellowElvenlordsmighthavebeenamistake,butshecouldnotseehowshecouldhavedoneanythingelse.
Geldidhaveagoodidea,sheremindedherself,ifitlooksasifKyrtianisindanger.Everyonethinkshisfatherwasmad,andnoonewouldbeparticularlysurprisedifhewentmadunderthestrainstheywillprobablyputhimunder.Oh,Ancestors,whydidItrytokeephimsheltered?Whycouldn'tIhavegivenhimsomearmoragainstthethorn-mazeheisabouttowalkinto?
Sheonlyprayedthatherdecisionwouldnotcausemoreharmthanshehadeverdreamtpossible.
10
"IhopeIdon'tlookasnervousasIfeel,"Kyrtianmutteredtohimself,ashere-checkedhisappearanceinthegilt-edgedmirrortohisright.He'dlostcountofthenumberoftimeshe'dglancedintomirrorstoday,makingcertainofwhat?Hewasn'tquitesure;heonlyknewthathedidn'twanttolooklikeLordKyndreth'ssonGildorandhiscronies,nordidhewanttoapetheappearanceofLordKyndrethhimself.Hewantedtolookmature,sober,perhapsatouchonthescholarlyside,butabletoholdhisowni
nphysicalcombataswell.Lookingprosperous,butnotnecessarilyopulent,wasasimportant;onreflection,perhapswhathewantedwastolookasifhecouldbeLordKyndreth'sintellectualequal,butnotasifhealreadyassumedthathewas.Aftergoingthroughatleastfourchangesofclothingandnearlydrivinghispoorservantsmad,hefinallysettledonaconservativetunicandtight-fittingtrewsofsoftdoeskindyedarichblueandslashedtodisplaythesilversatinofhisshirt.Matchingbootssuitableforsomehardwalkingcompletedtheoutfit,withaheavysilverchainandfilletconfininghishairashisonlyjewelry.JewelswouldnotimpressLordKyndreth,whowasapowerfulmage
andknewhoweasilysuchthingscouldbeproducedbyillusion.
ThemirrorhekeptglancingintowasjustoutsidethePortalChamber;atanymomentnowLordKyndrethandhisentourageshouldbecomingthrough.Thedoortothechamberwasopen;itwasreallytoosmalltoallowforagracefulexitofsolargeagroup.Servantsinthehouseholdcolorslinedthechamberandthehalloutside,but
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Kyrtianwasthesolerepresentativeofthefamily;hewastheheadoftheClannow,anditwouldbetrayanunhealthyinfluencefromhismotherifshewereheretoreceivetheguestsaswellashe.
Theservants,well-schooledintheirroles,kepttheireyescastdownasKyrtianfidgetedwiththechainaroundhisneck.Atlonglast,thePortalshimmeredwithenergy,andKyrtiansnappedtoattention,presentingamaskofcalm,theperfectpictureofawelcominghost.
ThefirstfiguresthroughthePortalwere,naturally,LordKyrtian'sbodyguards,oneofwhomwasthefightercalledKaeththatKyrtianrememberedfromthecombat.TheydeployedthemselvesoneithersideofthePortalwithsmooth,efficient,andpracticedmovements,makingabarrierofthemselvesbetweenthePortalandKyrtian'sservants.Theymustgothroughsuchmaneuversconstantly;whatsurprisedhimwasthattheylookedalertandsuspicious,notbored.Theservantstooknonotice;Gelhadlecturedt
hemonwhattheycouldexpectandwhattheyshouldormoreappropriately,shouldnotdo.Theykepttheirplaces,asifthissortofquasi-militaryinvasionhappenedeveryday.
LordKyndrethwasnextthroughthedoor,followedbyhissonGildor.Kaethmovedinclosertohislord,standingunobtrusivelynearby,closeenoughtointerceptanyaggressiveaction.KyrtianmovedimmediatelytowelcometheElvenlord,makingsurethathisownmovementswerenon-aggressive.
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"Welcome,mylord,"hesaid,pitchinghisvoicelow,butputtingwarmthintoit."Andthankyouforbeingpatientenoughtowaituntilwecouldwelcomeyouwithallthehonorandcomfortthatisyourdue.Ihopethatyouwillbepleasedwithwhatwehavetoshowyou."
LordKyndrethtookKyrtian'sextendedhandinhis,inafirmclaspthatwasclearlyatest.Kyrtianreturnedanequalpressure,andLordKyndrethsmiled,eversoslightly,ashereleasedKyrtian'shand."ItisIwhoshouldbethankingyouforyourhospitality,LordKyrtian,"hereplied,astheymovedforwardtopermittherestoftheentouragetocomethrough."Yourhouseholdisaquietone,andIunderstandthatyouhavefewvisitors;wearecreatingquiteadisruptionforyou."
Kyrtianmadetheexpecteddisclaimers,ashekeptoneeyeonLordKyndrethandtheotheronLordGildorandthepartoftheentouragethatwascomposedofGildor'sfriends."Ihesitateto
mentionthis,mylord,butwewerenotexpectingsolargeagroupperhapssomeoftheguestswouldacceptaccommodationinapavilion?"
LordKyndretheastaneyebackathissonandhisson'sfollowers,whowereclearlyintoxicatedandlikelytoremainthatwayforsometime."LordGildorandhisassociatesarenotremaining,"herepliedsmoothly."Theycameonlytoviewthepitchedbattle,andwilldepartassoonasthedemonstrationiscomplete."
Kyrtiandidnotletoutasighofrelief,butsomeofhisconcernlefthim.HousingGildorandhiscronieswasthelastofhispotentialproblems,andtheonlyonehehadn'tanticipated.
LordKyndrethandhisservantsshouldbehaveinpredictableways,butGildorandhisdrunkenfriendswereneitherpredictablenorsafefortheservantstobearound.Theywereusedtogettingtheirwayinallthings,usedtotakingwhattheywanted,anditwasentirelypossiblethatwhattheywantedw
ouldinvokeautomatic,unthinkingrebellioninthehumanservants,whowerenotusedtobeingtreatedasobjectstobeusedanddiscardedatwill.ButifGildorandhiscronieswerealreadyplanningtoleaverightafterthedemonstrationwell,Kyrtianwasconfidenthispeoplecouldholdthingstogetherforthatlong.
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"Thedemonstrationisready,myLord,"hesaid;andgestured,bringingseveralpre-selectedservantsforward."Mypeoplewillguideyourservantstoyourquarters,sothatallwillbeinreadinessforyourcomfortwhenthebattleisover."
"Excellent."Kyndrethdidnothing,butKaethmadeagesture,sendingtwoofthebodyguardsandseveralofKyndreth'sslavesladenwithbaggagetojoinKyrtian'sservants.Kyrtian'speoplequicklytookovermostoftheburdensoftheluggageandledtheothersdownthecorridortowardstheguest-quarters.LordKyndrethgaveanexpectantglanceatKyrtian,whotookthehintandledtherestofthegroupthroughthemazeofcorridorstothebalconyoutsidethelesserdining-room.Thissamebalconyoverlookedthefieldusuallyusedforcelebrations;todayitwouldbethesiteofabattle.
Forthisoccasion,thebalconywasshelteredfromtheglareofthesunwithanawningmadeoftapestry,givingit
thelookofaviewing-standforaformaltournament.Banksofcomfortableseatsawaitedthevisitors,andrefreshmentshadbeenpreparedandsetouttogreetthem,allunderthewatchfuleyeofLadyLydiell.Outofthecornerofhiseye,KyrtiansawthesmuglysuperiorexpressionsofGildorandhisfriendschangedtolooksofgratificationandpleasure.Obviouslytheyhadnotthoughttofindasophisticatedlevelofhospitalityinthisprovincialhousehold.
NowKyrtianpresentedhismothertotheguests;Lydiellhadgonetogreateffort
toappearasatypicalElvenlady.Gownedandcoiffedashersonhadseldomseenherbefore,herexpressionthatofaflawlessstatue,sheresembledhereverydayselfverylittleindeed.Kyrtianhadnotseenheruntilthismoment,andwincedinwardlyashethoughthowlongshemusthavespentinthehandsofherservantstoachieveherappearance.Hersilverhairhadbeendividedintohundredsoftinybraids,whichhadthenbeenarrangedinaseriesofdrapedloopsandknotsheldinplacewithjeweledpins.Herpastel-huedgown,ofmultiplelayersofmisty,cobweb-likeblue
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fabric,withsleevesandtrainthattrailedbehindher,couldnotpossiblybemoreimpracticalforhernormalduties.Eachandeveryhemhadbeenedgedinlacesofineitwasclosetotransparent,andlikelytosnagoneverythingunlessgreatpainsweretakentopreventsuchadisaster.Tiny,sparklingmotesofgemswinkedamidthemistyfoldsofthegown,andmoregemsstrungongossamerstrandsofsilverwreathedherneck.Fromhertoestothelasthair,Lydiell'scostumewassofragileitinvitedruininthemereactsofmovingandwalking.
That,however,wasnotanElvenLady'sbusinesstoworryabout;itwasthedutyofherslavestomanagesleevesandhems,andseetoitthathergownremainedperfectandpristineatalltimes.Soitwastoday;anytimeLydiellmoved,shewastrailedbyfourwomenwhoseonlypurposewastoseethatshecouldmoveaboutaseasilyasagracefulimageinaperfectdaydream.
This,ofcourse,wasexactlywhatLordKyndrethexpectedtosee,sohesimplybowedoverLydiell'shandandescortedherbacktoherchairwhileGildorandtherestchoseseats.LordKyndrethtooktheplaceofhonoratLydiell'srighthand,andKyrtianassumedtheseatatherleft.Assoonaseachguestwasinhischosenseat,aservantpresentedhimwithachilledglassofsparklingwineandaplatterofdaintiesfromwhichtomakeachoice.GelandKyrtianhadleftnothingtochance,noteventhenumberofguests;ayoungpagehadsprintedtothebalconywhileKyrtianandLordKyndrethspoketoreporttheexactnumberofElvenlordsthathadarrived.Therewasneitheronechairtoomany,nortoofew,andpreciselythecorrectnum
berofservants,onetoeachguest.Thehumanslaves,LordKyn-dreth'sbodyguardsincluded,allstood,ofcourse.Noslavesatinthepresenceofhismasters.
Onlywheneveryonewassettled,didthetwo"armies"moveoutontothefield.LordKyndrethleanedforwardinhisseatimmediately,hisattentionrivetedonthecombatants.Forhispart,Kyrtiantriednottofidgetnervously,thoughnotbecausethesuccessofthecombatwasindoubt.No,itwasonlythathewasnotonthe
fieldhimself;thiswouldbethefirsttimehewasonlyanobserverratherthanaparticipant.Hefound,somewhattohisownchagrin,thathedidnotmakeaverygoodobserver.
Asthetwoforceschargedtowardseachother,shoutingtauntsandbattle-cries,Gildorandhisfriendsweremomentarilydiverted.Butasthecombatcontinuedanditwasclearthatitwouldbeabloodlesscombat,as
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manaftermanglowedscarletorblueandhadtoretiretothesidelinestheyquicklylostinterest.
"Howmanymencanyouholdthismagiconatatime?"LordKyndrethaskedquietly,asKyrtianignoredthemutteredjeersandscornfullaughterofGildorandhisfriends.
"Idon'tknowforcertain,mylord,"Kyrtiansaidhonestly."I'veneverhadoccasiontotryitonmorethanathousand,soIhavenotyetfoundanupperlimit."
"Athousand!"Kyndrethwasclearlyimpressed,evenifhissonwasunderwhelmed."BytheAncestors,thatisremarkable!Thereshouldbenodifficultythenintrainingbattalionsoffightersinfieldmaneuverssolongasseveralmagesareusedtoholdthemagicinplace!"
"Ishouldthinknot,mylord,"Kyrtianrespondeddeferentially."Especiallyifthemagesconcernedarepowerfulonessuchasyourself.Iamcertainthatyouwouldfinditatrivialtasktoholdthemagicontwicethatnumber."
Behindthem,Gildorandhisfriendsweremakingdeepinroadsonthewine,showingquiteclearlyjusthowboredtheywerewiththecombat.Nevertheless,givenLordKyndreth'sinterestandapproval,theydidn'tdarebetoovocalintheircontempt.
FinallytheirrestlessnessgottothepointwhereitannoyedLordKyndrethhimself.Thebattlehaddevolvedintoamassofsinglecombatsbetweenthemostskilledofthefighters,anditwasobviousitwouldbesometimebeforesheerwearinessbecametheundoingofmanyofthefighters.LordKyndrethabruptlystoodup,andKyrtiantookthatashewasmeantto,blowingtheshrillwhistlethatsignaledtheendofthedemonstration.
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Obedienttothesignal,fightingceasedimmediately,andinthesuddensilence,LordKyndrethturnedtohishostwithabroadsmile.
"Thishasbeenamostimpressivedemonstration,LordKyrtian,"hesaid,withasmuchwarmthasKyrtianhadeverseenhimdisplayuntilnow."Evenmoresothanthesingle-combatyouoriginallyshowedus.IamlookingforwardtolearningthisnewapplicationofmagicinthenextfewdaysbutIfearthanmysonandhisfriendshavepreviouscommitmentsandmustbeontheirway"NowheleveledagazeonhisbemusedsonthatshooktheyoungElvenlordintomomentarysobriety."Mustn'tyou,Gildor?"
Theyoungerlord,startledbyhissire'sabruptchangeofmood,stammeredouthisreply."Ofofcourse,certainly,"hebabbled."Previouscommitments,pressingengagements,andalltha
t.Sosorry.Excellentshow.Beonourwaynow"
"MypeoplewillshowyouthewaybacktothePortalChamber,LordGildor,"Kyrtianreplied,withasfineadisplayoftheheightofgoodmannersasanyonecouldhaveasked.Hegavenohintthathehadheardthedisparagingremarks,northathewaswellawarethatGildorwassodrankheprobablycouldnothavefoundthedoorwithouthelp."IcannottellyouhowgratifiedIwasbyyourpresence,orbyyourappreciation.Ihopethat
wewillbeabletogiveyouabetterdemonstrationofourhospitalityatsometimeinthefuture."
Gildorandhisfriendsfiledbackintothedininghall,subduedbyLordKyndreth'senthusiasticreceptionofthedemonstration.Therewerenomorejeeringasides,nomoresnickers.Kyrtianwasundernoillusionsaboutthis;hefullyexpectedthatthemomenttheyoungerElvenlordspassedthePortal,theywouldbegintheirscornfulgossipagain.Butfornow,itwasobviouswhothemasterwas,andwhatthemasterapprovedandallthe
younglordsfellobedientlyintoline.
Odd,Kyrtianthought,asLordKyndrethexchangedsomepolitecomplimentswithLadyLydiellandthelastoftheunwantedvisitorspassedthroughthedoorsofthelesserdininghall.Iwouldhavethought,giventhewayhelikestopuffhimselfupandbluster,thatGildorwouldhavesidedwiththeYoungLordsagainsthisfather.Lord
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Kyndrethisn'tgoingtopassoverpoweranytimeintheforeseeablefuture,andIwouldhavethoughtthatbynowGildorwouldbehungryforthatpower.
Perhaps,though,Gildorlikedcomfortbetterthanpower.Perhapshealreadyknewhedidn'tdaretochallengehisfather.Or,perhapsGildorwaslessambitiousthanKyrtianwouldhavebeeninhisplace.Asitwas,Gildorhadprestige,status,andacarefree,pamperedexistence.Ifhesatwherehisfathernowhe'dsway,hemightactuallyhavetowork.
KyndrethturnedtoKyrtian,whocollectedhisscatteredthoughts."IbelievethatIwouldliketoretiretomyquarterstopreparefordinnerandthinkaboutallyouhaveshownme,"hesaid."Unlessyouhavesomethingmoreplannedtoshowmetoday?"
"Onlyonething,andthatisontheway,"Kyrtianreplied,withaslightsmile."Please,allowmetoescortyou.PerhapssomequestionswilloccurtoyouthatIcanansweraswewalk."
TheybothbowedtoLadyLydiell,whonoddedgravelytobothofthemwithoutspeaking.Kyrtianwaitedwhileoneoftheservantsheldthedooropenforthem;healsowaitedforthebodyguardstoflankhisguestbeforetakinghisownplacebesideKyndreth.Otherthanthat,hepaidnoattentiontothebodyguards.
Kyndrethglancedsharplyaroundastheypassedalongthehallways;foramoment,Kyrtianwonderedwhathadcaughthisattention,thenKyndrethansweredhisquestionwithaqueryofhisown.
"Youusenoillusionhere,doyou?"Kyndrethasked,asifsurprised.
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"Verylittle,mylord,"Kyrtianreplied,andsmiledslightly."Perhapswearesomewhatconservativeinnature,butwemymotherandI,thatisprefertherealtotheillusory.Illusionis"Hegropedforwords.
"Cheap?"Kyndrethsurprisedhimwiththewordhehadbeentryingtoavoid,andtheironicliftingofhiseyebrow."Itendtoagree,actually.Anyhalfwaycompetentmagecancloakrottingtimberandmoth-eatentapestryinillusion.Tomaintainagraciousandattractivehomewithoutillusionrequiresdedicationandeffort.Illusionis,Ibelieve,thelazyman'sway."
"Iagree,mylord.Wehereprefersubstancetostyle,onemightsay."Again,heventuredasmile."Ourhomemaybeold-fashionedinstyle,butthatisthepriceofpreferringsubstance."
Bythistime,theyhadreachedtheareaoftheoldnurserywhichwasnowthenewharemandKyrtianpaused."Iwouldliketoofferyouallthecomfortsofourhouse,mylord.Ifyouwouldcaretopasswithin?"
LordKyndrethcouldeasilyseetheshimmerofpowerthatcloakedthedoor,whichmeanthisbodyguardswouldnotbeabletofollowhiminside.ButtherewasalsonodoubtwhatKyrtian'swordshadimplied,andhewas
probablycuriousjustwhatsortofharemthenotoriouslyasceticKyrtianhad.Hesignaledtohisbodyguardstojointhetwoguardsatthedoor,andfollowedKyrtianwithin.
Thethreeyoungwomenwerewaitingforthem,androseinstantlytotheirfeet,pausingjustlongenoughforLordKyndrethtogetagoodlookatthembeforetheysanktothegroundindeepcurtsies.
Fortheveryfirsttime,KyrtiansawtheGreatLordsurprised.Sosurprised,infact,thathisjawdropped,justatrifle.Theherecoveredhiscomposure,andturnedtoKyrtianwithaslygrin.
"Youyoungdog!"heexclaimed,andclappedKyrtianontheshoulder."Nowondernothingtemptsyoutomixwiththeotheryoungsters.Theyhaven'tanythingtoofferthatcouldevermatchthesetreasures!"
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Kyrtianbowedhisheadslightly."SoIbelieve,mylord."Hegestured,andtheyoungwomen,flushingprettily,roseagain.LordKyndrethsurveyedthemagain,hiseyeslingeringoneachinturn.
"IbelieveIshalltakeupyouroffer,"hesaidwithachuckle."Butafterdinner.Thereis,astheAncestorssaid,apleasureinanticipationthatthewisemanlearnstocherishasmuchasthefulfillmentofthatanticipation."
"Verytrue,mylord,"Kyrtianmurmureddeferentially."Verytrue."
LordKyndrethwasasurprisinglygooddinner-guest.Heateanddrankmoderately,gavepraisetothecook,andtookcaretoinvolveLadyLydiellintheconversation.Kyrtiangraduallyrelaxed
.Thevisitwasgoingwell;ifitcontinuedinthisvein,theentireexpenditureoftimeandenergywouldhavebeenwellrepaid.
Asthedessertcoursewasbroughtin,LordKyndrethturnedtoKyrtian,andforthefirsttimetherewasahintofhesitationinhisexpression."LordKyrtian,thereissomethingthatIhavebeencuriousaboutforaverylongtime,butIhesitatetobringupasubjectthatwouldcauseyouoryourLady-Motheranydiscomfort."
"Whatsubjectwouldthatbe?"Kyrtianasked,cautiously.
"Iamandhavebeenverycuriousaboutyourlatefather,"camethesurprisinganswer."Moretothepoint,Iamcuriousastohisreasonsforvanishingintothewilderness.Iknowsomehavemadeinappropriateobservationsabouthim,butIsawnothinginyourfather'sdemeanorbeforehevanishedtomakemebelievethathehadanythingbutverygoodreasonsforhisactions."
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Kyrtianglancedathismother,whonoddedslightly.Theunspokenmessagewasclear:hecouldgoaheadandrevealsomeofwhathealreadyknew.
Kyrtianclearedhisthroat."ThereisatraditionsomemightcallitalegendinourfamilythatwhentheElvesfirstcameacrossfromEvelon,themachinesandmostofthebookstheyhadbroughtwiththemweretooburdensometocarry.Morepressingconcernshadtobedealtwithinthehuntforaplacetoliveandthemeanstodoso,ancientknowledgewasofnouseinsuchabrandnewworld.Soallthesethingsweremoreofahandicapthananadvantage,andtheywerecachedshortlyafterthesearchformorehospitableterritorybegan.Forsomereason,nooneeverwentbackforthemperhapsonlybecausetheElvenlordsweretoobusysubduingthenatives.Thosecachesofancientknowledgewerewhatmyfatherwashuntingwhenhevanished."
"Interesting."LordKyndrethpulledathislowerlipinthought."Assumingthatthereisusefulknowledgetherethatwehavelost,whichisquitepossible,whoeverfoundthosecachedmaterialscouldhaveadistinctadvantage."
"SinceIreplicatedmymethodsofcombat-trainingbymeansofresearchintotheoldbookswestillhave,Isuspectthereisagreatdealofknowledgethathasbeenlostorforgotten,"Kyrt-ianreplied,somberly."Frankly,Ihavenoideawhatmightlieoutthere,nordidmyfather.Wesimplyhaven'tgo
tenoughinformationeventomakeaguess."
WhathedidnotobservewasthatLadyLydiellknewsomethingmoreandhadtoldKyrtianherfamilytraditionsaswellashisfather's.AnditwasnotparticularlyflatteringtotheGreatLordsofthisland.
ThetaleoftheCrossingwasonethattheGreatLordshadprobablydonetheirbe
sttoforget.TherehadbeenacivilwarinEvelon,andtheirsidewastheonethatwas,atthetimeoftheCrossing,thelosingside.TheancestorsofthecurrentErven-lordsdecidedtoescapethroughtheGatetheywouldbuildtogether,takingtheirchancesonfindingahospitablelandwitheasilycowednativesontheotherside.Itwaseitherthat,orfacesurrender,andhavetheirpowerreftfromthembythewinners.Theresultwouldbethattheloserswouldliveon,butenslaved,anddisgraced.
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"Official"historysaidlittleofthewar,anddidnotevenhintthattheElvenlordsmighthavebeengettingtheworstoftheconflict.Instead,bycommonconsent,theAncestorswereregardedasbold,fearlesspioneers,strikingoutontheirownwhenlifeinEvelongrewwearisomethroughitsnever-changingsameness.
LadyLydiellknewmore,preservedthroughthefemaleline.EventhoughithadbeenagreedthatalloftheElvenmageswouldpooltheirstrengthandmagic,themoreunscrupulousandselfishheldback.Asaresult,whentheGatewentup,someweredrainedofmagicpower,whileothersstillhadenoughtomakethemtherulersontheotherside.
ThatwasthedifferencebetweentheoriginalGreatLordsandtheLesserLords,andnot,astheGreatLords
wouldhaveeveryonebelieve,amatterofintelligenceandinheritedpower.
"Themachinesthatcameoverseemedtoencounterdifficulties,possiblyduetothedisruptiveeffectoftheGateontheirspells,andmayhavebeenabandonedasaconsequence.Myfatherhadfoundaspeculativedocumentsuggestingthatthewar-machinestheybroughtwiththemcouldbedrainedforpower,eveniftheynolongerworkedcorrectly,"Kyrtianwenton."Ifso,theycouldprovideareservoirofmagictofallbackonwhenamage'sownpowersweredepleted."
Onceagain,hesawLordKyndreth'seyesnarrowslightly,ashecontemplatedthispossibility.Kyrtian'sfatherhadintendedifitcouldbedonetorestorethemagictothoseElveswholackedit.LordKyndrethwasprobablythinkingintermsofkeepingallthatpowertohimself,tobedoledoutashechose.
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Thatwouldgivehimunprecedentedpoweramonghisownpeers,andanunprecedentedtooltomanipulatethem.AmagewithsucharesourceathisdisposalwouldbewhattheElven-lordshadneveryethad.
AKing.
"Atanyrate,thatwaswhyFatherwasouthuntinglookingforthemachinesandthebooks,andobviouslythiswasnotsomethingthatarationalmanwouldhavehumanslavesdoing,becauseofthedangersimplicitinexposingslavestothingssounknownandunpredictable,"Kyrtianfinished."Thehumansdohavetheirownformofmagic,afterallandwhoknowswhatexposuretothosemachineswoulddo?Itmightfreethemoftheircollarsmightgivethempowerstomatchours!No,thatwasataskhepreferredtokeeptohimself."
"Icanseewhyandyourfatherwasafarwisermanthananyonehasgivenhimcreditforbeing,"LordKyndrethsaidgravely."Nowyouhavegivenmetwiceasmuchtothinkabout...."
Kyrtianshookhishead."ButthistalkoflostmachinesandcachedbookssuchthingssurelymustwaituntilwehavedealtwiththeHalfbloodsandourownrebelliousyouth."HedeliberatelyframedthereplytoincludehimselfintheoppositepartytotheYoungLords,andhesawLordKyndrethsmileinreply.
"Youarecorrect,"theGreatLordreplied."Andlongbeforewedothat,thereismuchwemustaccomplishnottheleastofwhichistodojusticetothefinaleofthisexcellentmeal."
Kyrtiansignedinternally,andansweredKyndreth'ssmilewithoneofhisown.Hehadbeenacceptedperhapsnotasanequal,butcertainlyasanally.AndthatshouldputpaidtoCousinAelmarkin'splansforthenear
future,atleast.
"Verytrue,mylord,"hemurmured."Youareentirelycorrect,asusual."
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Oneworry,atleast,wasoffKyrtian'smindbythenextmorning.Assoonasheawoke,hepaidacautiousvisittotheharem;ifanythingunpleasanthadhappenedtotheyoungwomen,hewantedtobetheonetodealwithit.Hewas,afterall,theoneresponsibleforthem.
Butasithappened,LordKyndrethhadtreatedallthreeoftheharemwomenverywell;had,infact,giventhemeachahandsomegiftofjewelryforpleasinghim.Theywereexcitedandhappy,anddidnotmakemuchofanefforttodisguisetheirhopesthattheremightbemoresuchvisitsandpresentsfromtheGreatLord.Kyrtianfounditrathertouching,actually;theyweresolikethreelittlegirlsintheirinnocentpleasureatbeingrewardedwithbaubles.
TherewerethreeotherElvenlordsinKyndreth'sentourage,butnoneofthemwereofhighenoughstatustobe
offeredtheservicesoftheharem.Theywouldhavetoputupwithenforcedchastityuntiltheyreturnedtotheirownhomes,forhouse-servants,unlesstheyactuallyofferedthemselvesorwereofferedbythehost,wereconsideredoff-limits.IfLordKyndrethhadshownhimselftobelukewarminhisregardforKyrtian,suchabreachofetiquettecouldhavetakenplaceanyway,butnotwhenKyndrethhadshownhisfavor.Kyrtiancouldremoveatleastthisoneminorconcernfromhislonglistofworries;thegirlswouldnotbeabusedbyhisguest,norwouldhisservantsbemistreatedbyKyndreth'sunderlings.
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AssoonasLordKyndrethputinanappearanceandhadbrokenhisfast,therestofthedaywasspentinanoddrole-reversal,asKyrtiantutoredtheolderLordinthemagicofmock-combat.
Itfeltawkward.Itwasalsodangerouswork,andnotfromamagicalstandpoint.SomehowKyrtianhadtosimultaneouslybeteacheranddeferential(butnotgroveling)LesserLordtoKyndreth'sGreater.Kyrtianwalkedanarrowlinebetweenthosetwoextremes,andhedarednotdeviatefromit,ifhewantedLordKyndreth'sprotection.
ButLordKyndrethwantedthisknowledgebadlyenoughtoexerthimselftobeaccommodatingandcharming,andslowlyKyrtianbegantorelax,forgetabouthisowncarefulpose,andsimplyinstruct.
He'dcalledinallofhisfighterstoactassubjectsforthepractice,thoughinitiallythemagicwasonlycastonone.KyrtianwassureenoughofhisownmasterythathereckonedhecouldcounteranymistakesLordKyndrethmadebeforetheycausedanyharm,anditwasaveryrealmeasureofthetrusthismenhadinhimthatthefighterstookthatforgranted,standingrelaxedandunconcernedwhileLordKyndrethfelthiswaythroughtheweavingofthecomplicatedmagerythefirsttime.Ittookafinetouch,adelicatetouch,toensurethatthefighteren-spelledfeltenoughofawarningtingletotellhimthathe'dbeenhi
t,evenintheexcitementofcombatyetwaskeptfromactuallybeinghurt,whichwouldbecounterproductive.
"Thisistheoppositeofthewaywetrainourgladiatorsnow,"Kyndrethobserved,pausingtowipehisbrowwithaspotlessscrapofwhitesilk,whichhethendropped,withoutthinkingaboutit,onthegroundbehindhim.Hisownmanautomaticallyretrievedthehandkerchiefandsteppedbackagain.Kyndrethneverevennoticed."Whentheypractice,evenwithbluntedweapons,thepointisthattheywillbehurtiftheyallowablowtofall,
andsotheirdefense-workissupposedtoimprove."
"Yes,butifthatblowfalls,eveninpractice,itcandisableaman,"Kyrtianpointedout,asthefighterwaitedpatientlyforKyndrethtocompletethespellcasting."What'sthegoodoflearningfromyourmistakeifyouenduplosingsomuchtimeinrecoveringfromyourinjurythatyouhavetogobacktothebeginningagain?
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Conditioningisasimportantastraining,orsomyexperienceleadsmetobelieve."
"Oh,youarearguingwiththeconverted,youngfriend,"Kyndrethchuckled,casuallymassaginghishandsasiftheyfeltstiff."I'velostfartoomanyfineandpromisingspecimenspermanentlytoso-called'trainingaccidents.'It'sacostlybusinesstoocostly,whennowweneedfightersforrealcombatmorethanweneedgladiators."Heresumedthetaskbeforehim,andthefighterbegantohaveafaintlyglowingaura.
"Inthecaseofmenwhoarestubbornaboutacknowledginghits,Idosetithighenoughtohurt,though,"Kyrtianadmitted,ashesupervisedLordKyndreth'seffort."Therearesomefellowswhogetsoworkedupduringafightthatnothinglessthanrealpainseemstogetthroughtothem."
"ThosemenIwouldputinthefrontlines,"Kyndrethobservedwryly,withasideglanceatKyrtian."Iftheyarethatimpervious.I'veseenafewofthose;theyhaveakindofmadnessinbattle.It'susefulifthey'reinthefrontline,butthey'reasmuchadangertofriendastofoeanywhereelse.Iput'emonthepointofathrust;letthemcarvetheirwayin,andtakegroundbehindthemwithfightersthatcankeeptheirheads."
Kyrtiannodded,althoughhehatedtothinkofanyofhisfightersbeinginthefrontlinesofrealcombat.His
eyesnarrowedashekepttrackofLordKyndreth'sprogress."There"hecautioned."Thatisexactlythelevelyoucanusuallysetitat.That'sperfect."AsKyndrethletgoofhiscontrolofthefieldaroundthefighter,Kyrtianflexedhisshoulderstoeasesomeofthestraininthem."Nowwebuildtheweapon."Hesmiled."That'snotasdifficult;it'sjustalittledifferentfromatrulyexpertillusion."
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OnceKyndrethhadtheinitialmagicset,hewasabletoswiftlymakecopiesuponasmanyfightersasKyrtianhadpresent."Thisisamazing!"heobserved,hiseyeswideningalittle,ashistotalpassedtwenty."Thefirstoneisdifficult,butthereisverylittledrainoncetheinitialfighterisdone!1hadexpectedthistobequiteexpensiveintermsofpersonalenergy."
"Ibelievethatisbecauseyouaren'texactlyreplicatingthemagicIbelieveyouaresimplyspreadingittoincludeeverysubsequentfighter,"Kyrtianobserved,pleasedwithhowquicklyLordKyndrethhadlearnedthespecialtechniques.Thesoonerhehasmasteredallthis,thesoonerhecanbegone,andwecangetthismasqueradeoverwith."Ihopethatmakessensetoyou."
"Perfectsense."Kyndrethgavehimanoddlook."Doyoualsomakeastudyofthemechanicsandtheoryofmagic?It'sanesotericbranchofstudy,andoneIhadnotassociatedwithsomeo
newhoissoclearlyawell,asoldier,sotospeak,ratherthanapurescholar."
"OnlyalittleIhadtodoacertainamountofstudytoreplicatethis"hewavedhishandvaguelyattheassembledfighters."Iwon'tclaimtobeagenius,oreventohaveaparticularknackforresearch,onlyagreatdealofpatienceandpersistencewhenitcomestosomethingI'minterestedin."
LordKyndreth'sexpressionblankedforamoment,asifKyrtian'sattitudehadtakenhimaback,buthesaidnothing.
"Well,let'shavethefighterspairoff,andseethemagicinaction,shallwe?"Kyrtiancontinued,wonderingwhatthatlookmeant.HaveIbeentoomodest?HaveItippedmyhand?Orisitjustthatheisn'tusedtohearingsomeonethatdoesn'tboastabouthisprowess?
"Anexcellentplan."LordKyndrethsteppedtothesidelines,andKyrtiansignaledtothefighterstobeginsparring.LordKyndreth'spleasureinthediscoverythathisreplicationofthemagicfunctionedexactlythesameasKyrtian'swasobvious.
Forhisownpart,Kyrtianwasjustaspleased.Foronce,hedidn'thavetohold
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bothsidesinthespell,andthatfreedupenoughofhisattentionthathecouldmorefullyappreciatetheskillofhismen.
Kyrtiansignaledtohismentostop,andturnedtohisguest,hisownfeelingofaccomplishmentmatchingLordKyndreth's."Youareamarvelouslyquickstudy,mylord,andnoonewoulddoubtyourmasteryofmagic,"hesaid,wimnointenttoflatter."Idonotthinkyouneedtolearnanythingelsefromme.Youhavethetechniquenow,andallthatyouneedispractice.IntimeyouwillprobablybefastereventhanIatsettingthemagic."
"PracticeissomethingIcangetathome;IwillnotstrainyourgeneroushospitalitylongerthanIhaveto,"theGreatLordrepliedimmediately,muchtoKyrtian'sveiledrelief.Hewantstoleavesosoon!ThanktheAncestors!
"Truly,itisagreathonortobeyourhost,"heprotestedanyway,forform'ssake.
"Andtruly,itisagreatinconvenienceforyou,"Kyndrethsaid,withjustatouchofmockeryinhisvoice."Iamnotblind,Kyrtian.ForallthatyouandyourLadyMotherlivegraciously,yourmeansarelimited,andIamaburdenonthem.Thisisasmallandveryprivatemanor,andmyfolkareanintrusionandaninconveniencetoyourroutine,nomatterhowyoucloakthatingoodmanners.Ishallbegyourfor
bearanceforjustthisonenightmore,forthereissomethingIwouldliketodiscusswithyou,buttomorrowmyfolkandIwillleaveyouandyoursinpeace.MeanwhileIfeelinstrongneedofabathandarest!"
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BeforeKyrtianhadachancetoreacttothefirstpartofthatstatement,LordKyndrethhadclappedhimonthebacklikeanoldfriend,thenturnedtodismissthemagichehadcastoverthefighters.Hestrodeoffinthedirectionofthemanor,presumablytoreturntotheguestquarters,leavingKyrtianinchargeofhisownpeople.
"Youdidwell,men;Gel,takeoverthepractice,"wasallhedaredsay,notknowingwhetherhewasundersomecovertobservation.Herecastthemagic,andSergeantGelassumedcommand,barkingoutorderstopairoffandstartsparring.Hewatched,anobserverratherthanaparticipant,asthefighterswentthroughtheirusualpaces,changingweapons,changingsparring-partners,untiltheywerealldrenchedwithsweatandexhausted.Itwasverydifficulttoremainaloof;hishandstwitchedtoholdasword,andseveraltimeshehadtoforcehimselftoremainquietwhensomeonerequiredcorrection.Itwouldnotdoforhimtocorrectthemenhimself;hemustbepatientandwaitforGeltospottheproblemanddealwithit.Kyn-drethmighthaveamanwatching;hecould
haveamagical"eye"observingthem.ItwouldnotdoforKyrtiantobeseenwadinginasifhewasofnohigherestatethanhisowndrill-master.OnlywhenthemenwerecompletelyexhausteddidhedismissthemandpermitthemtoreturntotheirownquartersunderthesupervisionofSergeantGel.Andonlythencouldhereturntohismother'sofficeandfindoutwhatLordKyndreth'sthreeunderlingshadbeendoingwhileheandKyndrethwereoccupiedwiththefighters.
LadyLydiellwaswaitingforhimasherosethroughthefloorofheroffice;she
musthaveseenhimapproachingfromthepractice-field."Tenebrinthtookthemriding,"shesaidimmediately,knowingwiththatacuitythatsometimesresembledahuman'smagicwhathewantedbeforeheevenvoicedthequestion."Theyjustwantedexercise;Ithinktheywerebored.Tenebrinthtookthemonatourofthehunting-reserve,whichisfarenoughawayfromanyofourlittlevillagestokeepanythinguntowardfromhappening,andIthinktheymayactuallyhavedonealittlehuntingthemselves.Lookyoucanseethemfromhere"
Shepointed,andhewenttothewesternsideoftheoffice,peeringintothedistanceuntilhecaughtsightoffourbrilliantlycoloredatomiesmakingtheirwayalongsideatreelinethathadbeenreducedbydistancetoamereblurofgreen.
"WhataboutKyndreth'shumanslaves?"heasked,withouttakinghiseyesoffthedistantriders.
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"Theyremainedwithintheguest-quarters,exceptforthebodyguards,whowerekeepingyouandKyndrethundersurveillance,"Lydielltoldhimcalmly."Andsomeofourpeoplewereinturnwatchingthem.Itmademewonderhowmanylayersofwatchers-watching-watcherswecouldhavehadbeforepeoplebeganrunningintoeachother!"
Kyrtianturnedawayfromthewindow,andcaughthismother'sironicsmile."Itwouldbeaninterestingexperiment.ThathumanKaethisaverysharpfellow;Ihavenodoubtthatheknewhispeoplewerebeingoverlooked.Ishouldn'tliketohavetopitGelagainsthim;IthinkthatGelmightbeoutmatchedincertainareas."
"Thenletushopeweneverneedto."Lydielllookedathimsharply."Whatisit
thatyouhavenottoldme?SomethingKyn-drethsaid?"
"Somethinghehasyettosay,"Kyrtiansighed,chagrinedthatshewasabletoreadhimsoeasily.IshouldknowbetterthantothinkIcanhideanythingfromher."Helearnedthemagicquitequickly;actuallymorequicklythanIhadanticipated.Whateverelsehisaccomplishmentsmaybe,thereisnodoubtthathedeserveshispositionasamageandaGreatLord."
"Donotattempttodistractme;Iamtoooldtoplaythatgamewith,"Lydiellresponded,atouchsharply."Whatwasthisabout'somethinghehasyettosay'?"
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"Heimpliedthathewishestodiscusssomethingwithme,possiblyatorafterdinner.1havenoideawhatitis."Kyrtiantriedtoshrugitalloffasofnoimportance,buthismotherimmediatelylookedconcerned,thentriedtoconcealit.
"Didhesayanythingelse?"sheasked,alittletoocasually.
"Onethingmorethatheandhispeoplewillbeleavinginthemorning,whichisnottoosoonforme."Feelingoverlyconfinedbytherelativelyformalgarmentshe'dbeenbuttonedintothismorning,Kyrtianruinedtheeffortsofhisbody-servantsbyrestlesslyunbuttoningthecollarofhistunicandrunninghishandsdistractedlythroughhishair.
"Atleastthatisgoodnews."LadyLydiellsankintoherseatbehindherdesk."
Iknewthischaradeofourswouldbeastrain,butIhadn'texpectedittobeasmuchofastrainasithasbeen."
Kyrtiannoddedinagreement,andtookaquickglancebackatthewindow.Thetinyfigureswerenolongersotinyandweregrowinglargerbythemomenttheridersmusthavedecidedthattheyhadexercisedenoughforoneday.Eitherthat,orKyn-drethsentamagicalsummonstothem."IfIamgoingtocontinuethegame,Ihadbestgetdowntomyquarterstodressfordinner,Lady-Mother.Sincethisisto
beLordKyndreth'slastnightshouldn'twedosomethingwellelaborate?"
"Indeedweshould,andIwillfollowyourexampleassoonasI'veseenthecooks."Sherosefromherchairandmovedaroundherdesktokisshimfondlyonthecheek."Wemustshowhimeverypossiblehonor.WeneedtodriveithometoLordKyn-dreththatwearereclusive,butneithermad,norbarbaric."
Kyrtianwastemptedtobreakhislong-standinghabitanduseillusiontoaugmenthiscostume,fortheclothinghisservantslaidoutforhimwasnotthesortofthinghewouldhavechosenforhimself.Itwasimpressive,yes,buttheplushvelvettunicofasobermidnight-bluewassoheavilyornamentedwithgoldbullionandtinybeadsmadefromsapphiresandemeraldsthatitweighedasmuchasarmor,andthehighcollarwasprobablygoingtodrivehimtodistractionbeforetheeveningwasoverandhecouldtakeitoff.
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Nevertheless,heallowedhismentoassisthimintothestiffcostume,andmadehisappearanceinthegranddiningroomwellaheadoftheirguest.SomehowLadyLydiellhadworkedmiraclesamongthecooks,fortherewaseveryevidenceofamealworthyoftheroomintheoffing.Thetable,deckedinsnowydamask,wasadornedwithadozendifferentglassesateachplace,andthesideboardwasladenwithsmalldishesandamyriadofspecializedknives,forksandspoons,each(bytherulesofetiquette)suitedonlytoveryparticularsortsofcourses.Alsobytherulesofetiquette,therewasonlyasingleplateandnoutensilsateachplace.Theparticularsilverwareneededforeachcoursewouldbelaidwiththecourse,andwhiskedawayagaintopreventanyfauxpasindiningonthepartofaguest.WhenLordKyndrethandhisthreeunderlingsappeared,conductedbyahouseholdservant,eventheyseemedsurprisedandimpressedbythepreparations.
Lydiellarrivedlast,inagownofdeceptivesimplicity,onethatKyrtianhadneverseenherwearbefore.Itwasonlywhenshedrewnearthatitwasobviousthatonlythe"cut"ofthegownwassimple;withclose-fittingsleevesandamodestneckline,itwascomposedentirelyofminiatureinterwovenlinksandplaquesofsilver,eachnolargerthanagnat,eachplaquestuddedwithdiamondsnolargerthantheheadofapin.Sheseemedtobegownedinshimmeringfish-scales,orthatfabuloussubstance,dragonskin.
AndIthoughtmycostumewasuncomfortablyheavy!hethoughtinawe.He'dhadno
ideasheevenpossessedsuchathing;itcouldn'tbeillusion,butwherehaditcomefrom?
Iwonderifitcouldturnablade?hethought,ashewaitedforLydielltobeseated.TherewasnotellinghowoldsuchagarmentmightbeitmightevendatebacktoEvelonitself.Ifso...perhapstheladiesofthoselong-gonedayshadmadeavirtueofthenecessityofwearingprotectivearmoreventoafestivemeal.
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Theytooktheirplaces,andtheceremonialmealbegan,courseaftercourse,untilKyrtianlostcountofthem.Eachcoursewasnomorethanataste,abiteortwoofsomedelicacy;thentheplatesandcutlerywerewhiskedawaytobereplacedbyanewsetting,anotherdish.Colddishesandhot,savory,salty,sweet,sourfragrantnoodles,lightlycookedandseasonedvegetablessculptedlikeflowers,flowersmadeintotinysaladsofpetals,tinyportionsofbarelysearedmeatgarnishedwithrareherbsandsauces,soupshotandchilledeachcoursewasaccompaniedwithadifferentdrink.Thiswasnotalwayswine;itcouldbeaspicedjuice,atea,ordelicatelyflavoredspringwater,whateverbestcomplementedthecourse.
Itcouldnotbecalledameal,itwasaneventuntoitself,athingwhichswiftlyacquireditsownmomentum.IfKyrtianwasamazed,LordKyndrethwasnotalthoughitseemedhewasvery,verypleased.Hourspassed,thesunsetfadedoutsidethewindowsandwasreplacedbythenightandstars;Kyndre
thandhispeopleexertedthemselvestobecharming,andLadyLydiellwasequallycharmingandwitty.Kyrtianwasawed;he'dneverseenhismotherquitelikethisbefore,andhehadtostretchhisownwitstokeeppacewiththeothers.
Finally,thelastcoursewasplacedbeforethemandthefactthatitwasthefinalcoursewassignaledbythedisappearanceofeveryhumanservantthemomenteachplatewasplacedbeforethediners.Eachplateheldasingledelicate,gildedfruit-icethesizeofLydiell'sgracefulhand.Eachscoo
poficehadbeenmoldedintotheLionofLordKyndreth'sHouse,withthedetailspickedoutinsugar-crystalsandpearlescenticing.
LordKyndrethstoodup,andraisedhiscuptoLadyLydiell.
"Mydearhostess,"hesaid,inavoicefullofwarmthandadmiration."IcannotimaginehowyouconjuredupaCourtfeastonlessthannonotice,butallowmetodeclarethatyouaresurely
theequalofanyGreatMageintheland,andIbowtoyourprowess.Idrinktoyou,LadyLydiell!"
Therestansweredhistoast,andLydiellgracefullyacknowledgedthecomplimentwithanodofherhead.
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Kyndrethsatdownagain."IcanseebyallofthisthatmyjudgmentofyourHousewasnotmistaken.IfyoudonotmoveinthecirclesoftheCouncil,itisnotbecauseyoudonotmeritsuchattention,butbecauseyouchosenottoseekit."
HelookedfromLydielltoKyrtian,andbackagain.ItwasLydiellheevidentlyexpectedtoanswer,anditwasLydiellwhomadethereply.
"MyLordKyndreth,ourfamilyhaslongpreferredtokeepourowncompany,andlivequietlyandevenreclusively,"Lydiellmurmured."Itisnotoutofunseemlypride,Ibegtourge,butoutofmodestyandagenuinepreferenceforaquietandreclusivelife.Allofusmylatehusband,hisfatherbeforehim,andmysonaswellasmyselfaremoreofthetemperamentofascholarthanofacourtier,andthelifeofaseeminghermitsuitsuswell.Perhapsourneedsandpleasuresmayseemsimpletoyou,butwefindthattheysatisfyeverywishand
desirewehave,forourwishesanddesiresarefortheinnerworldofthought,ratherthantheouterworld,whichothersmightfindstimulating,butwefindcontentiousanddisturbing."
Kyndrethsighed,abitmelodramatically,perhaps."AndIwishthatyoucouldcontinuetoenjoythatquietlife,myLady,butthetimes,Ifear,willnotpermityourmodestytodenythegenuinetalentsthatliehiddeninthislittlehavenofyours."
NowheturnedtoKyrtian."LordKyrtian,Idonothavetotellyouwhatyourreputationisamongtheignorant;youhavehearditalreadyfromthemouthofyourkinsman,Aelmarkin.IwaspreparedtodiscountthatreputationwhenIacceptedyourinvitation,butnowIfindthatyourkinsmanwasnotonlyincorrect,hewas"Kyndrethshookhishead."Wordsfailme.Ael-markiniseitherpoisonouslyprejudicedagainstyou,orcompletelyblind.Ihaveseenandheardenoughintwodaystoconvincemethat,despiteyourowndisclaimers,
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you,LordKyrtian,arenothingshortofamilitarygenius.Thisisnomereeccentrichobbythatyouhave,itisagenuinevocation."
Kyrtianopenedhismouthtoprotest,butKyndrethsilencedhimwithawaveofhishand.
"Youhave,withnohelpotherthanthatofsomeancientmanuscripts,uncoveredatrainingmethodthatcreatesexpertfightersinafractionofthetimewehavetakenheretoforeandasyouyourselfpointedout,withnoneofthecriminalwastagethatourmethodentails.Ihaveseenyourstrategicabilityinaction,Ihaveseenyourcarefulattentiontoeveryaspectofmilitarylife.LordKyrtian,youcannotremainahermitanylonger;youaredesperatelyneeded.TheHighCouncilneedsyou."
"Icannotimaginewhyyouwouldthinkthat,"Kyrtianstammered,takencompletelybysurprise."Youalreadyholdthekeytothetraining-magic,andyouareagreatermagethanI"
"Weneedyourmilitaryknowledge,"Kyndrethinsisted."BetweenthewarswiththeWizardsandtherevoltofourownungratefuloffspring,therearepreciousfewwiththewisdomandknowledgetocommand,andnonewithyourtalent.Weneedyou,LordKyrtian.Weneedyoutoleadourarmies."
Outofthecornerofhiseye,Kyrtiansawhismothertense,andrealizedthatalthoughhehadnotanticipatedthisdemand,shehad.
"Youalreadyhaveleaders,"heprotested."Leadersofhigherrankthan1.1wouldnotdare"
"Withmybacking,noonewoulddaredisputeyou"Kyndrethcountered,grimly."Wi
thmybacking,IcaneasilypersuadeeveryCouncilorthatmattersthatyouaretheonlypossibleCommandingGeneralforourforces."
Kyrtianwasdumbfounded;hehadhopedthatKyndreth'sgratitudewouldbringthemarespitefromAelmarkin'senmity,buthehadnotexpectedKyndrethtoproposehetakehisplaceamongtheGreatestoftheGreatLords!
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"LordKyndreth,pleasedonotthinkmeungratefulrather,Iamstunned,"hemanaged."AndsurelyyourealizethatIhavenopracticalexperience!"
LordKyndrethraisedhiseyebrow."AllthepracticalexperienceofourcurrentCommanderhasavailedhimnothing,"hepointedout."Thesituationwithouryoungrebelshasbeeninstalemateforthelastmonthandmore."Hepaused."Andthatistogonofurtherthanthistable;onlythemembersoftheCouncilareawareofit."
"Stalemate"Kyrtianbithislip."Howmuchterritoryaretheyholding?"
"Roughlyhalfoftheestatesareinthehandsoftherebels,"Kyndrethreplied.
"Wearefortunatethatnoneofthemarevitaltotheeconomytheyweremostlyestatesproducinglittleexceptslavesandluxuries.Nevertheless,thatisagreatdealofterritorytobeinunfriendlyhandsandthereareisolatedestateswithinthatterritorythatarestillinthehandsofourpeople,loyalfolkwhoneedanddeservesuccor."NowhelookedshrewdlyatLydiell."UnlessIamverymuchmistaken,oneofthoseistheestateofLadyMorthena,yourkinswoman."
"LadyMoth?"Lydiellpaled.Kyrtianbithislip.Granted,LadyMothhadconspicuouslynottakensides,andiftherebelshadtroubledher,Lydiellcertainlywouldhaveheardaboutitbynow.Still,shemightbepresumedtobeindanger.
"LadyMorthenaisencircledandcertainlytrapped,"Kyndrethcontinued,hiseyesnickingfromLydielltoKyrtian."Asyet,shehasheldcontroloverherslaves,sothatshehaspreventedanyincursionsontoherlands.
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Asyet,therebelshavenotattemptedanyseriouseffortatcapturingher.Buthowlongwillitbeuntiltheyseeherasavaluablebargainingtool?SheisaGreatLady;thehonoroftheHighLordsandtheCouncilwouldbecompromisedifsheweretobecapturedandheldagainstherwill.Wewouldeitherbeforcedtoabandonherwhichisunthinkableormakeconcessionstotherebelswhichisalsounthinkable."
Itisallunthinkable.Kyrtiangrittedhisteeth.KyndretheitherkneworguessedthathewouldbeextremelyloyaltothosemembersofhisfamilyunlikeAelmarkinwhodeservedloyalty.HehadknownthatLadyMothwasclosetotheterritoryheldbytherebels,forsheherselfhadtoldthem.TheYoungLordscouldnotblocktelesonmessages,anddidnoteventry;sofarLadyMothhadseemedentirelyunconcernedaboutherpositioninthemidstoftheYoungLords,evenprofessingtoacertaindetachedsympathyfortheircause.ButLordKyndrethwasright;iftheYoungLordscaredto,theycouldtakeLadyMothcaptivetouseherasabargaining-chip.AquickglanceatLydielFsfacetoldhimallheneededtoknow;thiswasnoidles
peculation,butarealpossibility.
"Youmustgivemetimetoconsiderallyouhavesaid,LordKyndreth,"hemanaged,finally."Iamstunned.Ineedtimetoshakemythoughtsloose."
"Icansympathize,"Kyndrethsaidgravely,buttherewasasmileofsatisfactioninhiseyes.HealreadyknewthatKyrtianwouldagree,justasKyrtianalreadyknewhemustagree.Itwasonl
yamatteroftime,andtimewasnothisfriend.
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LordKyndrethretiredtohisguest-suiteandthecompetenthandsofhisbody-slaveswithafeelingoftotalcontent-ment.Notonlyhadhejustsavoredthepleasureofenjoyinganexquisitelyprepared,presented,andservedHighCourtfeast,buthewasperfectlywellawarethathewasabouttoacquireamostusefuladherent.HehadseenyoungKyrtian'sreactiontothedoubletemptationsofpowerandtheopportunitytoplaythehero.HehadalsonotedLadyLydiell's.Theboymightbenaive,buthismotherwasno
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Kaeth'strainingmusthavebeenimpeccable;LordKyndrethonlywishedthathecouldhavegottenKaeth'strainersalongwiththebodyguard.Whentheslavegrewtoooldtoserve,itwouldbedifficulttoreplacehim,anditwouldbynecessitybewithaninferiorspecimen.
Kyndrethturnedhisbackonhisbodyguardandtookaseatbesideanillusoryfireburningintheveryrealmarblefireplaceoneofthefewillusionsinthissuite.Theflamesdancedwithrainbowcolors,andasthefire"burned,"itgaveoffapleasantscentofcedarandaloes-wood,butnoheat.
"Well,Kaeth,"Kyndrethsaidtothefire,"theboywilltakethebait,I'venodoubt.Hedoesn'tdarerefuseit."
"True,myLord."Asalways,Kaethwasaseconomicalwithwordsaswitheverythingelse."He'llacceptby
morning,Iexpect."
"He'sasgoodasIthink."Thatwasastatement;Kyndrethdidn'texpectKaethtodisagree."Theboyisgoingtobreakthedeadlockforus.TheonlyreasonAelmarkinmanagedtoconvinceeveryonethathewashalf-madwasbecausehestayedmeweduphere.Anyonewhohadbotheredtotalkwithhimformorethanhalfanhourwouldhaveknownhewassaneandbrilliant.Ifhe'dbeenoutinsociety,Aelmarkinwouldn'thavehadachanceofmakingalaughing-stockoutofhim."
"Heisbetterthanyouthink,myLord."
Astonished,LordKyndrethswiveledhisheadtolookathisnormallylaconicbodyguard."Indeed?"hemanaged.BytheAncestors,Ican'trememberthelasttimeKaethvolunteeredacomment,muchlessanopinion!Thisyoungstermustbesomethingtrulyoutoftheordinary!
"Ihaveexaminedhislibrary,hisstrategy-room,andsomeofhisownwritings,mylord.Ialsowatchedhismenwhenhecommandedthem.Itisonethingtocommandmen;itisanothertoleadthem.LordKyrtianisaleader.Menmaynotalwaysobeyacommanderoratleast,theymayonlyobeytheletterofhiscommands,butnotexertthemselvesbeyondthatbuttheywillalwaysfollowaleader."Kaeth'sunreadableexpressiondidnot
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changebysomuchasahair,butLordKyndrethfanciedhe'dheardthefaintesthintofapprovalinthebodyguard'svoice.
Interesting.Veryinteresting.
Heturnedbacktothefire.Itwouldn'tdotogiveKaethtoomuchdirectattention.Theslavewasintelligent,highlyintelligent,andKyndrethneededtobeverycarefulhowhehandledtheman.Toomuchattentionmightgivehimasenseofself-importancethatcouldaffecthisusefulness."Allthemorereasontoputhiminchargeofthearmy.HalfthetimeLordLevelishastodrivethetroopsintoactionwithpainandpunishment.Ifthetroopshadsomeothermotivation,thatalonemightensureourvictory."
"LordLevelis,"camethesurprisingreply,"willbemortallyoffendedbybeingreplacedbyaLesserLord."
Again,Kaethhadvolunteeredanobservation.LordKyrtianmusthaveimpressedthemansomuchthatKaeth'scarefulself-controlwascrackingatrifle.Kyndrethlaughedmirthlessly."Byaneccentricnobody,youmean,butofcoursecannotsay.Ifhisdearcousinistobebelieved,ahalf-madnobody.LordLeveliswillhavetosurvivebeingoffended;hehasdonenothingtoendearhimselftome,hehasbungledeveryattemptatputtingdowntherebels,andheisnotoneofmyadherents.Icanaffordtooffendhim;lethispatronfindawaytoconsolehim."
Therewasnoreply;thehumanreallycouldn'treplytothestatementswithoutbeinginsolent,andLordKyndrethwouldnottolerateinsolence,evenfromaslaveastrustedashisbodyguard.
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"Theboy'spositionwillbesafeenoughwhenitisclearthatIamhispatron,"KyndrethcontinuedforKaeth'sbenefit."Icouldhavehiminstalledtomorrow,ifIchose.Levelishasbungledtoomanytimes,andhewillnotdaremoveagainstmeoranyoneIchoosetoreplacehimwith."
"Perhapsnotagainstyoubutoutonthebattlefield,LordKyrtianwillnolongerbeunderyourdirectsupervisionorprotection.LordLevelismaymoveagainsthimthere;myLord,thebattlefieldisachance-riddenplace,andaccidentsdohappentoeventhemostcareful."
Well,well!Idobelievethatisanotheropinion!
KyndrethcouldnotresistthetemptationtoseewhatelsehecoulddrawoutofKaethfurtherobservations,evensuggestions?Thiswasmorethanthebodyguardhadshownofhimselfinyears
!
"PerhapsIshouldsendyoutowatchoutforhiswelfare,"hehalf-jested.
"Iwilldowhateveryoudirect,myLord,"cametheexpressionlessreply,andKyndrethsighedwithdisappointment.Kaethhadrevealedallthathewasgoingtoandprobablywouldnotventuresomuchasablandcommentforthenextyear.
KyndrethhadnointentionofassigningKaethwhowasfartoovaluablewherehewastothetaskofseeingtoKyrtian'swell-being.Theboywilleitherbeabletoprotecthimself,ornot.Andifhecannot,thenhedoesnotdeservemypatronage.Therewasthatbodyguardofhisown,afterallamanwhohadcomeveryclosetodefeatingKaethincombat.Havingthatparticularslaveinhistrainshowedacertainamountofself-preservingsense.
Leveliswouldn'tbeabletoeliminatehimuntilafterhe'dbrokenthestalemate,anyway,andbythentherealworkwouldbedone,andLeveliscouldhavehisoldpositionbackifhereallywantedit.Bythatpoint,Kyndrethwouldhavewhathewanted;creditforbreakingthebacksoftherebels,andwhentherebelsweredefeated,Kyrtianwouldbe
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expendable.Stilluseful,perhaps,butexpendable.
Gelhadstoodsilentwatchthroughoutthelongmeal,listeningtotheconversationwithafaceasimpassiveasthatofthebodyguardKaethandwhentheservantsvanishedhedidthesame.
Buthedidn'tgofar.Likeeverypublicroominthismanor,therewasaspy-holewhereatrustedconfederatecouldlistentotheElvenlordswhentheythoughttheywerespeakingamongthemselves.
Hedidn'ttrustLordKyndreth.NomatterhowthatparticularElvenlordacted,hewouldneverdoanythingthatwasn'tinhisowninterest;solelyandcompletelyinhisowninterest.Hemightlullothersintobelievingthatheactedoutofsayfriendship,oreventhealtruisticwishtodosomeonewhomightde
servehelpafavor,buttherewouldalwaysbeahiddenreasonforsuchactions,andeitheralatercost,oracurrentbenefit.
ItwasmoderatelyinterestingtohearKyndrethspeakingsoopenlyinfrontof,andto,hisbodyguardKaeth.Itwasn'tunheardoforout-of-character,though;afterall,whatwastheuseofhavingafully-trainedandintelligentbodyguardifyoudidn'tmakeuseofallofhisskills?
Thespy-holewasacleverlittleconstruction,builtwherethechimneywouldhaveactuallybeenhadthefireplacebeenrealandfunctional.Therewasenoughroomtositcomfortablywithoneeartothewall,foreheadrestingagainstapaddedprojection,intheutterdarknessnotasinglepeep-hole,notevenathinlittlecracktobetraythepossiblepresenceofaspyhere.
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So,thecurrentcommanderisgoingtobeanenemy.Thatwasnosurprise,thoughitwasagoodthingtohavetheman'sname.Tenebrinthcouldputsometimeintoinvestigatingthefellow.Itmightwellbepossibletocompensatehiminsomewayforthelossofhisimportantpost.
Itmightbepossibletoplacatehimwithnomorethanasimplevisit.Kyrtianplaysthehumblesoulverywell.
Themurmurofvoicesintheotherroomcontinued,andhestrainedtoheareverynuance,wishinghealsohadsomewaytoreadLordKyndreth'sthoughts.
Thecurrentcommanderisn'tKyndreth's?That'sgoodtoknow;Kyndrethprobablyknowsnexttonothingabouthim,andifKaethdoes,he'sonlysaidthatthefellowisgoingtobeinsulted.Well,insultscanbenegatedwitha
purgingdoseofhumility.IfKyrtianpaidanimmediatecallonLevelis,afteracceptingtheappointmentbutbeforeitbecamegenerallyknown,andgroveled...
MustaskTenebrinth.Thatcanbeatwo-edgedsword.
Assumingthatthecurrentcommandercouldnotbeplacatedorboughtoff,therewasapossibilitythatLeveliswouldreverttotheancientwaysofEvelon.TheElvenlordwasnotlikelytoact
openlyafterthedisplayatthechallenge-duelhostedbyAelmarkin,noonewasgoingtoissueachallengethattheyknewtheyweregoingtolose.Achallengetoaduel-by-magicwaspossible,andtherewereseveralpotentialwaysofdealingwithit.KyndrethandtheCouncilcouldforbidit.Kyrtiancouldacceptandtheduelcouldgoon,andhecouldeitherwinorloseandineithercase,Gelwouldhavetobecertainthatthestakesweren'ttoohightolose.Whatisthelimitonstakesinthesethings?MustaskTenebrinth.Ifit'sprettymuchatoken,itmightpayKyrtiantoloseanyway.
ButiftheCouncilforbadeaduelaltogetheronthegroundsthatthechallengewasspeciousandmadepurelyoutofpique,Leveliscoulddecidetotakemattersintohisownhands.ThatleftthepossibilityifLevelishadorcouldpurchaseaproperly-trainedslaveofassassination.HewishedverystronglythathehadKaethathisdisposalaboutnowanassassinwouldbethebestpossibleexpertatspottinganother.
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Iwouldlikeafawn,morethanjewels.Orakittenofmyown,liketheonethatslippedinwhenwefirstcamehere.Anykindofpet.KaraandGiannawouldn'twanttosharetheharemwithananimal,though.
Karatriedanothergown,andrejecteditimmediatelynotthattherewasanythingwrongwithit,butbecauseshehadwornittwodaysago.
Well,maybeLadyLydiellshouldn'thavegivenussuchextensivewardrobeswhensheboughtusandinstalledushere,Rennatithought.Halfofallthiscostume-changingisonlybecauseKara'sgotanexcusetotryoneverythinginhercloset.
KaraandGiannatwitteredateachother;whatdidRennatineedwithabirdwhenshehadthem?"Theblack,"
shesaid,inthefirstavailablemomentofsilence."Weartheblack.It'sattherightendofthecloset."
Twoheadsswiveledontwoswan-likeneckstopeerinherdirection,bothsetsofeyes,blueandbrown,equallyuncertain."Black?"Karasaiddoubtfully."But"sheshuddered."He'llthink"
"Black'snotformourning,notwiththem,"Rennatisaid,anticipatingKara'sobjection."Iknowit'snotacolor
youusuallywear,butLadyLydiellhasperfecttaste,andshewouldn'thaveputtheblackinyourwardrobeifshedidn'tthinkyou'dlookgoodinit."
ThefairanddeceptivelyfragileKarapursedherlipsinthought."Icouldtryit,Isuppose"
Thethoughtwasmothertotheact;inameremoment,thegownofseventeenoverdressesmadeofsheerestsilk
wasinaheaponthefloor,andKaraslidtheheavysatinblackoverherheadwhileGiannapickedupthediscardedgown,shookitout,andputitbackinthewardrobe.Gianna,fortunately,hadamaniaforneatness.Karasmoothedthebias-cutgownoverherflatstomach,settledthepointedneckline,andtwitchedthelongsleevessothatthepointsofthecuffscamedownpreciselyoverthebacksofherhands,thenturnedtogazeatherreflection.
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Giannawasalreadystaringinawe,herlipspursed."Oooh,Kara!"sheenthused."It'sperfect,Ren'sright!Wearit!"
Anditwasperfect;Kara'smisty-blueeyesinthereflectionwerewidewithsurpriseasshepulledherlonghairoveroneshouldertofallinasilver-giltcascadealongtheshiningblacksatin.Rennatismotheredasmile."Rememberthosesilver-and-jetornamentsthatpuzzledyouinthejewel-chest?"sheprompted."Iwouldbetthatthey'remeanttogowiththeblack."Astheothertwowomendoveforthejewel-chest,Rennatiwentbacktoherownthoughts.SheandGiannaweremorethanreadyforanypotentialcallfortheirservices;itwasonlyKarawho'dbeenindecisive.Karacouldnevermakeuphermindaboutanything,andpreferredtobeledbytheothertwo.
WhichwasfinewithRennati.Giannawasthenaturalleaderoftheharem,ifonecouldbecalleda"leader"inagroupofthree.Rennatiwasindifferenttowhotooktheleadinsuchpressingquestionsaswhattoeat,whatmusictoplay,orwhattowear.EvennowKarasatpassivelywhileGiannadecidedwhattodowithherhairandthewealthofsilverandblackornamentsthatwereobviouslysupposedtogointoacoiffure.
Giannahadbeenreadyhoursago;lastnightshehadwornaclose-cutscarletvelvetgownwithacleavageso
lowandtightthatshenearlypoppedoutofitnotthat,withhergenerousfeatures,shewasn'tperilouslyclosetopoppingoutofanythingshewore.Tonightshefavoredadustyrosethatwasnottight-fittingatall,butplungedsolowinthebackthattherewasnotasingleoneofherperfectly-sculpturedvertebraethatwasnotonshow,andasusual,shehadmadeuphermindafterswiftlyriflingthroughhercloset.Rennatihadbeenreadyevenearlier;lastnightshehadwornanemerald-greensheaththatmatchedhereyes,slittothehipsoneitherside,andtonightitwasapalegreentunicwithanasymmetricalhemandnoshoes.Shedidn'texpectLord
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Kyndrethtogettoher,anyway;sheexpectedtodancewhiletheothertwoworkedtheirwilesonhim.LordKyndrethhadexpressedpleasurewithherdancinglastnight,andshehadn'tevenbeguntoshowoffhertalent.Iftheothertwooccupiedhisbed,thatwouldgiveherararemomentalonetoactivateherteleson-ringtospeakwithherrealMistress.
Shehadn'tlearnedmuchexceptthatKyndrethwaspleased,verypleased,withLordKyrtian,andintendedtobecomehispatronbutsherememberedLadyTriana'sinstructionstoreporteverything.Theyhadn'tyetbeenallowedoutofthetinyharem,thoughneitherKaranorGiannaparticularlycared.Rennatiwouldhavelikedthechancetogetout,rarethoughitmightbeforaconcubinetohavethatchance,butshehadtoadmitthat,althoughthesuitewasrelativelysmall,itwassumptuouslyappointedandshouldsatisfymostcravings.
Itevenhadwindowsgazingoutontheworld;fromthelookofthings,theirsuitewasinatower,forthewindow-seatwhereRennatiloungedwasatsomeheightaboveawide,greenlawn.Thereweretreesinthefardistance,althoughwithtwilightdarkeningtheskyitwashardtodistinguishanythingbutavague,bluishblurattheendofthelawn.Thiswasanovelty;Rennatihadneverbeeninaharemthathadaviewoftheworldshehadlastseenasayoungchild,andshespentasmuchtimeaspossibleinthewindows,watchingtherestofLordKyrtian'sslaveswalkingfromheretotherewithpurposeintheirsteps,orevenworkingonthatplushygrass.
Anythingtheymightpossiblyhavewantedhadbeensuppliedtothem.Thereweretheusuallutesandharpstoplayon,iftheydesired,ortheycouldleavetheinstrumentstoplaybythemselveswithatouchofthehandonalittlesilverstudintheneck.Iftheychosethelatter,theinstrumentssomehowalsosuppliedanaccompanimentofdrums,bells,andflutes.Therewerematerialsforembroideryandbeadwork,scents,cosmeticsofeverysort,hair-dressinginstruments,andevenbooks,thoughRennatiwastheonlyoneofthethreeofthemwhocouldreadwithanyproficiency.Thebathroomwassmall,butonedidn'tnecessarilyne
edabathonecouldswimin,andthefoodinvariablypleasant,ifnotsumptuous.Still,onedidn'tparticularlywantafeastpresentedtooneeverydayinaharem;itwasaltogethertooeasytoovereat,andthatwouldbeadisasterforthefigure.
Thedoor-chimesenttheothertwointoaflutter,andRennatirosefromthewindowseattojointhemasthey
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flewintothereception-chambertogether.
LordKyndreth,tall,broad-shouldered,andhandsomeenoughforanytwohumans,strodeunaccompaniedintotheroom.Allthreeofthemdroppedtothefloorinaprofoundlydeepcurtsythemomenthisfootcrossedthethreshold.HelaughedatKara'seagerfaceasshelookedupathim.
"Well,lastnightyouwerealily,sowhatareyoutonight,hmm?"heteased."Ablacknarcissus,perhaps?"
"Iamwhateveryourlordshippleasestocallme,"Karareplied,risingfirst,withanexpressionofadoration.
Sheprobablydidn'tfeeladoration,butshewasadeptatassuminganyexpressionshethoughtmightbemetwith
pleasure.
"Asitshouldbe,"heresponded,gesturingtoKaraandGi-anna,andgatheringeachintoanarm."Comenow,lastnightIhadbutabriefintroductiontoflame-hair'sdancing,andIameagertoseemore."
Hetookaseatonacouchpiledhighwithsilkandvelvetpillows,stillwithagirloneithersidetoministerto
him.Rennatimadetheroundsoftheroom,touchingeachofthewaitinginstrumentsinturn,thensetthetimeforthedancebyclappingherhandsforameasure.Theinstruments,inconcert,struckupalivelypiece;sheletitplaythroughforfourmeasuresbeforeleapingoutintotheroomandsettingherflyingfeetintomotion.
This,ifanything,waswhatshelivedfor.Shewouldratherhavediedthannotdance.Herfirstowner,aLordofdiscriminatingtastes(sohestyledhimself)andlimitedmeans,hadgrownboredwithherpassion,andhad
decidedtodisposeofherinaprivatesaletofinancethepurchaseofanewgirltotrain.
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"There'snothingatallwrongwithher,"he'dtoldLadyTri-ana,"It'sjustthatshe'salwaysdancing.I'dreallyliketofindanewgirlwhohastalentsthatarealittlemorerestful.Onedoesn'talwayswantprancingabout;it'sveryfatiguingtowatchafterawhile."
ForLordKyndreth,however,Rennati'spassionapparentlyhadthevirtueofnovelty,evenifhewassobusywithKaraandGiannathathepaidscantattentiontothenuancesofRennati'sperformance.Andlongbeforeshewasweary,hewasfullyinvolvedwiththem.Ornamentshadbeenremovedandsetcarefullyaside,alongwithafewbitsofclothing,andwhenRennatisignaledtheinstrumentstoplayquietlytothemselvesandstoleoutoftheroom,noneofthethreeevennoticed.Thatwasfairenough;she'dbeenLordKyndreth'sfirstlastnight,whichhadleftKaraout.Karanodoubtwantedachanceforabetterpresenttonight.
Rennatistoleupthestairstotheuppermoststoryofthetowerwheretheirbedroomswerenotsomuchbedrooms,ascurtained-offalcovesofaroommeantnevertobeseenbytheeyesofaLord.Heretheycouldpracticewithcosmetics,sometimestohilariouseffect;heretheykeptthelitteroftheirpreviouslives,personalbelongingstooshabbyforaLordtosee.Karahadabatteredolddoll,muchlovedandworn,andeverybitof"jewelry"sheeverowned,goingrightbacktoastringofpiercedsea-shellssomelittleboy-childhadoncegivenher,uptoherowneffortswithneedleandbeads.Therewereadozenworks-in-pr
ogressonatable,alongwithadollbeingcostumedwithbeadsandbits.Giannahadmanagedtokeepholdofallofherattemptsatartworkandkepthersuppliesandeaseluphere.Shewasmakinganattemptatastill-lifeofKara'swork-table,butKarakeptmovingthingsaround,muchtoherfrustration.
Rennatihadbooksnottheprettyleather-boundvolumesofpoetrydownstairs,butdirtyoldthingswithtorncoversornocoversatalloneverysubjectunderthesun,rescuedfromtheLord'strash-heaps.And,ofcourse,
shehadLadyTriana'steleson-ring.
Withafewhesitantwords,sheactivatedit.
Itwastoosmalltoallowapicture;itsentandreceivedvoicesonly.Asshehadbeentoldtoexpect,thefirst
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voicewasunfamiliar.
"Whocalls?"thevoiceasked.
"Rennati,"sherepliedbreathlessly,alittleastonishedandalittlefearfultobeholdingathingofsuchgreatmagicinherhand.
"Ahwaitonemoment.LadyTrianawillwishtospeakwithyouherself."
Thering,aberylliketheoneinhercollar,fellsilent.Rennatiwaitedpatiently;solongasnoonecameupheretointerrupther,shewouldwaitforaslongasshewastoldto.Elvenlordswerebusy,anditwasnotreasonabletoexpectonetodropwhatevershewasdoingsimplytocomeandhearwhatamereconcubinehadtosay.
Finally,"Speak,"saidanimperiousfemalevoicefromthering.
"IhavebeenheresinceyouragentsentmetoLadyLydiell,"Rennatisaidinstantly."Iamwithtwootherconcubines,inatower,inasmallharem.Icanseeoutsidefromthewindows,butIhavenotyetbeenallowedtoventurepastthedoor.LordKyrtianhasbeenhereonceonly.HeisentertainingLyonLordKyndreth,whowas
herelastnightandisherenow.LordKyn-drethisgoingtobecomeLordKyrtian'spatron.HetoldKaratonightthatLordKyrtianhaspleasedhimandthatwemustnotexpecttoseeverymuchofourmasterforsometime,sinceheisgoingtogoawaytotakechargeofanarmy."
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Therewasanoddlaugh."Well,thatratherputsakinkinmyplans;ifhewon'tbethere,youwon'tbeabletolearnmuchfromhim.Ontheotherhand,ifyoudomanagetogetout,youcanseeagreatdealmorewhenthelordhimselfisaway.Andthisothernewsmorethaninteresting.Itakeitthatthisisallyouhaveformefornow?"
Rennatinodded,forgettingforamomentthatshecouldnotbeseen,thenhastilysaid,"Iamsorry,butthatisindeedallIhavelearned."
"Itisnotagreatdeal,butthequalityisgood,andIampleased.Notifymethemomentyoulearnanythingmore.Youmaydeactivatetheringnow."
Obediently,Rennatipassedherhandoverthering,shuttingoutthelightfromt
heroomforamoment,whichturneditintoanordinaryberylagain.Thensheplacedtheringinthedarkestcomerofherjewel-box,andhurriedbackdownstairs.
Afterall,itwasnottoolatetoearnanothergenerouspresentfromLordKyndrethandmoreimportantly,hemightbeinclinedtotalkafterwards.Elvenlordorhuman,iftheydidn'tsleep,theywereallofteninclinedtotalkafterwards.
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Thesunshiningdownonthetopofthehighesttowerofthelady-keepimpartedadrowsywarmthtoLady
Moth'sbackthatshewasthoroughlyenjoying.Shehadalwayslikedthegentleheatofthesun;herlatehusbandhadoncescornfullyaccusedherofbeinghalf-lizardforthewaysheenjoyedbaskinginthegarden.Butevenifithadbeenthedeadofwinter,shewouldhavebeenuphere,forthiswastheonlyplaceontheentireestatethatgaveanunrestrictedviewdownintothevalleybelow.Andwhatshewatchedthroughtheeyepieceofherbitofantiqueequipmentwasfascinatingindeed.Therewasnobreezetostirthesilken,silvery-bluefoldsofherdress,
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ordisturbthesimple,straightfallofherhair,nortomakebreezeswavedistantbranchesbetweenherandtheinterestingscenesofarawayinthevalley.Shefeltsorryforthetinylittlefiguresthatsheknewbytheirdrabtunicswerehumanslaves.Firstonebrightly-coloredcreatureinscarletparadedthemoutandsetthemtoworkinthekitchen-garden.Thenasecondappeared,cladinaviolentblue,fartoosoonforthemtohaveaccomplishedmuch,andmarchedthemofftodrillwithweapons.
Thenathirdemergedfromthestables,thisoneinbronzesatin,andranthemoffintothefarm-fields.Whatthosepoorbewilderedslavesmustbethinkingnow,shecouldnotevenbegintoguess.
"LadyMorthena?"saidadiffidentvoicefrombehindtheEl-venlady."Whatareyoudoing?"
LadyMothtookhereyeawayfromtheeyepieceoftheold-fashioned,gold-and-bronzetelescope,andturnedtosmileathermostrecentguest.
"Iamusinganolddevice,mydear,"shesaidtotheyoungerwomaninakindlyvoice,knowingthatLadyViridinawouldneverhaveseensuchathingasatelescope."Infact,itdatesquitebacktoEvelonoratleast,thelensesinitdo.Itiscalledatelescope,andalthoughInormallyuseittoexaminestars,atthemomentIam
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usingittospyuponourneighbors."Shepattedthelongcylinderofbronze,withornatecurlicueschasedintothemetalandinlaidwithgoldwire,foritwasaveryoldfriendandlong-timecompanion.
LadyViridina'spalebrowwrinkledwithpuzzlement,withafaintfrownonafacethatwasattenuatedbylongillness."Whyareyoubotheringtodothat?"shewondered."Theyalreadytellyoueverything,don'tthey?"
"That,mydear,iswhatIamascertainingformyself."LadyMothputhereyebacktotheeyepiece,andcontinuedtomakementalnotesonthemovementsoftheYoungLords'slavesoutsidetheGreatHouse."Inpointoffact,Iratherdoubtthattheyaretellingmeeverything.Forinstance,thereseemstobesomedisagreementdownthereaboutjustwhoisinchargeofwhat.JustduringthetimeIhavebeensittinghere,Ihaveseenonehaplessgroupofslavesherdedfromoneuncompletedtasktoanothe
rbythreedifferentYoungLords."Shechuckled,andherlaughterwasechoedfaintlybyhercompanion,whopattedtheknotoflong,silverhairatthebackofherheadself-consciously."Thatiswhatcomeswithage,Viridina;suspicion.Istoppedtakingthingsatfacevalueavery,verylongtimeago."
"SodidIbutthedifferencebetweenus,Ithink,isthatyoufoundotherwaysoffindingoutwhatyouneededtoknow,andIdidn'teventry,"Viridinasaidruefully,twistingherhandsinthefinesilkofherflowingand
many-layeredvioletgown."IfIhad,perhaps"
Shedidn'tfinishthesentence,butLadyMothwasnotabouttoallowhertosinkintoself-recrimination."Ifyouhad,Idoubtthatitwouldhavemateriallychangedanything.YouandIwerefirmlyunderthethumbsofourunlamentedLords,andnoknowledgeorevenforeknowledgewouldhaveallowedustochangewhathappenedtous.Knowledgeisnotalwayspower."Shesmiledagain."Ifitwas,fondasIamofmyTower,itwouldbeLadyMothwhoruledthemanordownthere,andnotthatrabbleofYoungLords."
LadyMothhadknownverywellthattherewasgoingtobeaslaverevoltwhentheYoungLordsstagedtheirownrevolutionagainsttheirelders.Herownslaveshadtoldher.Shehadalreadytakenherselfoutofherdisagreeablehusband'shome;shehadmadeabargainwithhimifhegaveherthelady-keep,whichhadbeentheDowager-Houseattachedtohisestate,shewouldmakenotroubleforhimwhen
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hefiledadivorcementwiththeCouncil.HehadhiseyeonaveryyoungElvengirlhistasteshadbeguntoruntothebarely-pubescentinthepastfewyearsandhewasheartilytiredofthewifewhocouldnotorwouldnottakehimasseriouslyashethoughtheshouldbetaken.
"IwishyouhadmanagedtotaketheManor,"LadyViridinasighedwistfully."Ihatetothinkwhatdamagethosecarelessboysarewreakingtoyourbeautifulhome."
LadyMothonlyshrugged."Ihaveanequallybeautifulhomehereandmuchmoremanageable,"shepointedout."It'sprobablyjustaswellthatIdidn'ttry."
Forherpart,shehadbeensoheartilytiredofherlordthatgiventhatshewouldnotberequiredtoremarryandcouldhaveanestablishment,howeversmall,ofherownshewaspreparedtoall
owhimtosaywhateverhepleasedaboutherinordertoobtainhisfreedom.Shesuspectedthathewouldclaimshewaspleasuringherselfwithhumanslavesbutasitfellout,henevergotthechance,soherreputationsurvivedintact.
"MayIlook?"Viridinafinallyasked,allowinghercuriositytoovercomeherreticence.Mothjustlaughed,showedherhowtofocustheinstrument,androsesothatDinacouldtakeherseat.
Moth'shusbandhadnotevenlivedtoencountertherevolt,thoughwithoutadoubt,ifhehad,heandhissonwouldhavebeenonoppositesidesoftheconflict.Herson,whohadsuddenlybecomeasconservativeashisfatheroncehewasintherulingseat,hadmanagedtobeslaughteredalmostimmediately,andherdaughterhadfledafteranabortiveattempttorulethemanorherselfhadfailedmiserably.LadyMoth,aswasthetraditioninherfamily,hadalwaystreatedherslaveswithconsiderationandrespect,entirelyasiftheywereservants,not
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slaves,andasiftheywerefreetoleaveherserviceiftheychoseto.ShehadtakenallherslaveswithhertotheTower,everyslaveforwhichshecouldconcocteventheremotestexcusetohavewithherafactwhichprobablywouldhaveprovidedamplefodderforherhusband'saccusations.Oncethere,shehaddeactivatedtheelfstonesinalloftheircollars,makingthemmerelydecorativeshams,andtoldthemfranklythattheynowwerefreetogoorstay.Theyall,toamanandwoman,chosetostay.Whentherevoltwasatthebreaking-point,herslaveshadtoldher.Theyhadfortifiedtheplace,shehadarmedthosewhoknewhowtouseweapons.Together,theyhadoutfacedrebelliousex-slavesandYoungLords.Infact,herburlyyoungguardscalledher"littlemother,"andtookasmuchcareofherasifshehadtrulygivenbirthtothemunlikeherownoffspring.
"Whynotusescryinginsteadofthisdevice?"Dinaasked,movingthetelescopetogazeatanotherpartofthevalley.
"Because,mydear,theplaceisadequatelyshieldedagainstscryingoh,notbymagic,byallthatironandsteelthey'vemanagedtocollect."Shestareddownatthevalley,onefingertappingherlipsthoughtfully."Verycleverofthem,actually;therearen'tthreeofthemtogetherthatareamatchforasingleoneoftheOldLords,butthemetaldoestheirworkforthem."
Needlesstosay,herson'smagichadnotbeenenoughtosavehimfromenragedan
dmistreatedhumanswhocameinthemiddleofthenighttobeathimtodeathinhisownbedespeciallynotwhentheyarrivedbedeckedinthinironarmbands.
Duringthechaosoftherevoltitself,someofherson'sslaveshadescapedtoher;therestfledtotheWizardsandthewilderness.WhenmorearmedbandsofescapedslaveshadcomeupontheTower,herpeopleprotectedandguardedherwhileshestoodreadytousedeadlywar-magicsifitbecamenecessary.Sheknewaboutthe
effectsofironandsteel;shewouldnothavemadeanyattempttoblastattackers,unlikethosefoolishElvenlordslikeDina'shusband.Sheplannedtoblastholesintotheearthbeneaththeirfeetortousehermagictolaunchlargeandheavyobjectsatthem.Mostofheranxietyhadnotbeenforherself,butforherpeople,iftheycouldnotconvincetheirfellowhumanstogoawaypeaceably.Shedidn'twantthemhurtonherbehalf,andshedidn'twantthemtohavetowitnesswhatshemighthavetodotoprotectthemall.
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Dinastood,andrelinquishedherseatwithasmile."Verycleverofyoutoknowthethingsthatcan'tbeinterferedwithbythatmetal,"shesaid,asMothtookherseatagain.
"Notclever,dear,onlyresourceful.IfIwereclever,I'dhavemanagedtofindawaytoeavesdroponthem."Thatirritatedher;shestillhadn'tmanagedtoinsinuateareliablespyintotheirslave-stock.
ShewasnotentirelycertainwhatherpeoplehadtoldmaraudersduringthosefirstweeksoftheRevolttodissuadethemfromattackingtheTower;thereprobablyhadbeenseveraldifferentstories,specificallytailoredtoeachgroup.Itwastrueenoughthatafew,selectescapeeshaddecidedtoswelltheranksofherownfolknodoubt,becausetheywereunwillingorunabletomakethestrenuousjourneyoverthemountainstoanuncertainandprobablyuncomfortablybarbaricexistenceinthewilderness.
Notthatsheblamedthemintheleast.Shehadalwayshadanampleportionof"Lady-magic,"andalthoughherhusbandhadnotbeenawareofthefact,shewashisequalintherealmsofElvenmagicusuallytaughtonlytomen.Haditbeennecessary,shecouldhavedefendedtheToweraswellasmanyElvenlords,andprobablybetterthanmost.Now,hermagicwenttoensuringthecontinuedsurvivalofherdiminishedestate.Shedideverythingneededtoensureexactlytherightweatherforthefarmfields,shewentoverthefieldsandgardens
dailytomonitorandencouragegrowthandhealthinplantsandanimals.Shehadtheknowledgeandthelongmemorytotellthemwhattheyneededtodo,andwhen.Theytrustedher,herlearning,herjudgment,herexperience.Thatwaswhatshehadbroughttothetable;theyhadbroughttheirlabor.Returningtothegrandtraditionofherfamily,theyhadworkedtogethertomakesurethatElven-bloodandhuman-bloodprospered.
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"Isthereanythingyou'dlikemetodothisafternoon?"Dinaasked,diffidently.
Mothexaminedherfriendcarefully.Therehadbeenmoments,inthosefirstdaysafterViridinatookrefugewithher,thatshetrulyfeltthatViridinawouldneverbeentirelysaneagain.ButDinawasstrongerthanMothhadfirstthought;evenafterescapingmurderatherLord'shandsandseeingherLordincineratedvirtuallyatherfeet,shehadnottrulyhadabreakdownofhersenses.Ittooktimeandcarefultending,butshehadrecovered.Mothdecidedthatitwastimeforhertohelpdoherparthere.
"Wouldyoumaketheroundsofthekitchen-gardensforme,dear?Iwouldreallyappreciateit,andIknowyoumusthavetendedyourowngardensthousandsoftimes.Ineedn'ttellyouwhattodo."MothfeltherselfbothjustifiedandrewardedwhenDina'sfacelitup.
"Gladly!Ihavebeenfeelingso"shegesturedfrustrationwithbothhands"souseless.Andaburdenonyou."
"Youhaveneverbeenaburden,"Mothliedgracefully.Dinaonlysmiled,recognizingthelie,andthegraciousnessbehindit,andturnedtogobackdownthestairs,hersleevesandtrailinghemflutteringbehindher.
Aftermostoftheescapingslavesweregone,butbeforeMothhadachancetomoveherselfandherpeoplebacktotheGreatHouse,theYoungLordshadmovedin.Occasionally,evennow,shecursedherselfforhesitatingbutontheotherhand,theGreatHousewasmuchlessdefensible,andevenwithhernewfollowers,shestillhadreallynotenoughpeopletoadequatelystaffandrunapropertythatwastentimesthesizeofthatattachedtotheTower.
TheYoungLordshadtakenovertheabandonedestate;theyhadbroughttheirownslaveswiththem.LadyMothwasnotentirelycertainwheretheyhadgottenthoseslaves;manyofthemseemedterriblyyoungfortheworktheywererequiredtodo.ShesuspectedthattheYoungLordshadraidedthebreeding-farmsofsomeoftheOldLordswhilethelatterwereoccupiedwiththefighting,carryingoffhordesofconfusedandfrightenedcreaturesbarelyoutofchildhood.
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Poor,poorthings,shethought,takingonelastlookthroughthetelescope,herlipstightening.Well,atleastthereareenoughofthemtodotheworktheyareorderedtodo,andtheyaresavedonehorror.Theirmastersaretoobusywiththeirownconcernstoabusethem;confusionistheworsttheyhavetoface.
ThereasonshehadaskedDinatotakeherplacein"working"thegardenwasthatshehadanappointmentwiththeYoungLordsquitesoon,anditwasboundtobestressful.Shehadcomeuphereinthefirstplacetogetalittlemoreinformationbeforeshefacedthem;nowitwastimetochangeintoariding-habitandmaketheshortjourneyovertotheirstronghold.
Shechoseherclothingcarefully:atailored,severehabitofstarkblack,withonlythebaresthintsofsilveratthe
cuffsandthroat.Shedressedtointimidate;thelastthingshewishedtobethoughtwas"feminine."Hergroombroughtherhorsearound,alongwithherguards,andshemountedandmadetheshortjourneytowhathadoncebeenherhome.
Shewasaccompaniedbyfourburlyyoungmenhumans,notElves,andhumansthatworescale-armorofiron,notbronze,andhadostentatiouslybarenecks.Mothhadplayedthegameofwitsandtreacheryforcenturiesbeforethesestriplingshadeverbeenborn.
Theywere,oneandall,lessthanacenturyold;whenshesweptintothemeeting-chamberinhertrimsable-silkridinghabit,herhairinanuncompromisingknotboundinablacksilksnood,withallfourofherescortsflankingher,theyfoundthemselvesrisingfromtheirseatsdespitewhatevertheiroriginalintentionshadbeeninthewayofgreeting.
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Shepausedatherseat,lookedgravelyupanddownthetablewithanunreadableexpression,andonlythendidshesitwhichinturn,allowedthemtoresumetheirseats.Shemightnotbetheleaderhere,butintheirhearts,theyallacknowledgedherpower.
Whichismorethantheirfatherswould.Thenagain,sheprobablywouldn'teverusetacticsthiscrudewiththeirfathers.
Shelistenedwithoutcommenttothereportsoftheirprogressorlackofitagainsttheirfathers.Thesituationwasclearlyatstalemate,andhadbeenforsometimenow.Thiswasnotnecessarilybad,andhadtheyaskedheropinion,shewouldhaveadvisedpatience.Whenthereisstalemate,itisoftenpossibleforfrustrationtodriveonesideortheothertomakeacrucialmistake.
But,ofcourse,theydidn'taskheropinion,andshedidn'tofferitsinceitwasclearthattheywouldnotbelieveamerefemalewouldhaveanyexperiencerelevanttothe"man'swork"ofwarfare.
Asiftheyhaveany!shethought,withoutamusement.Butwarfarewasnotwhyshehadcometothismeeting.Eventuallytheygotaroundtothetopicshewishedtocover,intheformofasi
nglecasualcommentbyoneoftheleastintelligent(tohermind)ofthelot,occasionedbyoneofherbodyguardsstiflingacoughatoneofthemorefatuoussuggestions.
"LadyMorthena,"saidLordAlrethane,withafrownonhisface,"Ireallydonotknowwhatyouarethinking,allowingarmedanduncontrolledslavestocontinueinyourservice."
"Theyarenotslaves,theyaremywillingservants,"shecounteredsmoothly."IfindthatIsleepbetter,knowingthatmysleepisguardedbyfaithfulpeoplewhoservemefromloyaltyandnotbecausetheyareforcedto."
"Loyalty?Loyalty?"Alrethaneexploded."Areyouactuallyascribingacivilizedemotiontothesesimple-mindedbarbarians?They'reabarestepabovethebeasts!"
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Anotherdiscreetcoughremindedhimthathewasinsultingpeoplewhowerefreemen,armed,andprotectedwitharmorthatwouldstopbothmagicandblades.Hestopped,abruptly,andavertedhiseyes.
"Hehasapoint"someonesaid.
Morthenalookedupanddownthetableagain,examiningexpressions,andwasdisappointed.
So.Nothinghaschanged.Shehadhopedthatsome,atleast,oftheYoungLordswouldhavestartedtoseesense.Insofarasthehumanswereconcerned,theYoungLordswereoftwocamps;themajorityascantmajority,butenoughheldhumansandhalfbloodsinthesamecontemptasdidtheir
elders.Theminority,ledandcoachedbyLadyMoth,wantedtoseehumansandhalfbloodsgivenequalstatuswithElves.Sofar,noneofthosesheconsideredtobe"wavering"hadchangedtheirminds.Shehadhopedthatthisparticulardisplay,showingjusthowfarshetrustedherpeople,wouldhavehadsomeeffect.
Atleasttheminoritysawtoitthatthehumanslavesownedbytherestwerenotmistreated.
AndtherehavebeenenoughchancesalreadythatthosewhohadthecourageandinitiativetoescapetotheWizardshavealreadydoneso.
Theslavestheynowhadprobablyservedoutoftheusualmixoffearofthecollar,aninabilitytoimaginethatanythingcouldbedifferent,andaninabilitytogettheirhandsonanyironorsteelwhichwouldrenderaslave-collaruseless.Shesuspectedthatitwastheformertworeasonsthatwerethestrongest,sinceanyonewhoreally
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wantedthemetalringsthatwouldnegatethecollarscouldhaveonefromMoth'speoplejustbyasking.Pitywouldonlytakehersofar;iftheslavesherecouldn'tlookbeyondtheirfear,iftheydidn'thavethebasicintelligencetoimaginesomethingdifferentfromtheircurrentlife,shecouldn'thelpthem.
Iwon'tpresstheissueanyfurther;ifIdo,I'llonlyweakenmyownparty,andiftherestoftheseyoungfoolsturnonme,Iwillhavetobarricademyselfwithinmyownlandsandhopetheygrowboredwithme.Therewouldbenopointintryingtoflee;IamnotatallsanguineaboutthelikelihoodofafullEl-venlordfindingawelcomeamongtheWizards,evenifDina'schildrenareamongthem.
HerthoughtsweremomentarilydistractedbythatreminderofDina'schildren.PoorDina;shehadn'theardanythingfromthemsincetheypartedfromheronMoth'sdoorstep.Itwas,afterall,justaslikelytheywerein
hidingsomewhereotherthanamongthehalfbloodedWizards.Onlyoneofthemwasahalf-bloodanywayLorryn,theboy.Sheyrenawasoffullelvenblood,andshecouldnotimaginethegirlbeingwelcomedbytheWizards.
It'slikelythatalthoughLorrynmighthavebeenabletoconvincetheWizardsthatSheyrenawasnotactuallyanimmediatedangertothemwhenhefirstencounteredthem,hewouldneverbeabletoconvincethemthatRenaiscompletelyharmless.Andifhecouldn'tconvincethemthathisownsisterwas
n'tgoingtobringdisasteronthem,he'dneverbeabletomakethembelievethatanancientElvenladylikeMothwasontheirside.
Poor,poorDina;sheworriedsomuchaboutthem,althoughshetriednottoshowit.TheoneregretthatMothhadwasthattherewasnowayforhertodiscoverifDina'stwochildrenwereallright,orevenwheretheywere.
Itisthemostlikely,actually,thatRenaisensconcedsomewhereoffinthewilderness,farfromElvenlord,human,orhalf-blood.Shehasmagicenoughtokeepherselfsafewell,accordingtoDina,shehasmagicenoughtocontrolalicorns!AndLorrynwouldneverallowhertocometoharmorsufferanywantifhe'swiththeWizards,he'llseetoitthatshe'sgotfoodenoughandshelter.Inaway,sheenviedthetwoyoungsters.IfI'dhadtheyouthandtheopportunity,I'dhavegonerightoffthemap.Theworldiswide,afterall;wideenoughto
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Oh,theyoungfools.
Theroomshenowentered,oneofthefinestlibrarieseverassembledinthisworld,was(hadtheyonlyhadthewittorealizeit)fullofinformationtheYoungLordscouldusetohelptheirowncause.Shebreatheddeeplyofthescentofleather,vellum,parchmentandpaper,tookalonglookaroundtheshelvesthatherhusbandhadonlyseldompermittedhertoaccesswhilehewasalive,andsettowork.
Manyoftheoldestbookshadnotbeentendedinfartoolong;shewouldnotpermitanybook,howevertrivial,tosufferfromtheworm'stoothorthedecayofage.Whenevershewashere,shespentafewhoursincleaningandrestoringthoseancientbooksnomatterhowtrivialtheyseemedtobe,therewasnotellingwhensomescrapofknowledgeinthemmightproveuseful.
Mostofhertime,however,wasspentinlookingfortheonesthatshewouldrathernotleavetothecuriouseyesoftheYoungLords.
LadyMothhadhelpedyoungKyrtian'sfatherwithhisresearchinthisverylibraryonceortwicebeforehisdisappearance,and.shewaswellawarethathehadknownbetterthanshewhatlayhere.Sheonlyknewwithinherownbookswasasetofvery,veryancientworksthatKyrtian'sfatherhadconsultedinhissearchesfor
ancientsecrets;shedidnotknowwhichbookstheywere,norwhattheyheld.
Nevertheless,sinceshehadbeenforcedtoquittheplace,shehadbeendeterminedthatatthefirstchanceshewouldgetinhereandfindthemagain.SincetheYoungLordsgothere,shehadbeenusinghervisitstofindeachandeveryoneofthosepreciousvolumesandtakethembacktotheTower,afewatatime.WhateverwasinthemhadledtothedeathofoneErven-lord;shesuspectedthatwhathehadgoneseekinghadsomehowkilledhim.Whichimpliedthatthesecretstobefoundinthosebookscouldbev
ery,verydangerousindeed.
NoneoftheYoungLordscaredwhatshedidinthere.Soassheworkedonthetaskofkeepingthelibrarycleanedandpreserved,andsheferretedoutthosepreciousfewbookssothatoneday,perhaps,shecouldpresentthemtoKyrtian,theywerecompletelyoblivioustothevalueofwhatshewastakingoutright
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underneaththeirverynoses.
Ishallhavetodosomeresearchofmyown,I'mafraid,shereflected.Adangeroussecretwasexactlywhatshewaslookingfor,afterall;therewereafewoldhalf-rememberedstoriesofthingsthathadbeenabandonedrightaftertheCrossing,andtechniquesthathadbeenforgotteninthehastetofindandbuildasecurehaven.
Forherpart,atthemoment,shewouldbehappytofindsomewaytocommunicatewithhernephewotherthanbytelesonormessenger.
Shehadjustbeeninformedthismorningofaverydisturbingrumorasyetunconfirmed,butshehadbeenhopingtohearsomethingeithertoconfirmordenyitattoday'smeeting.OneofherservantstookperiodicandveryriskyventuresintothelandsstillheldbytheOldLords,comingbackjust
afterdawnwiththesituationasviewedfromtheEnemy'svantageandhehadtoldherthattherewasareportthatKyrtianhadtakencommandoftheOldLords'army.
Ifthatwastrue
Ifthatistrue,thentheothersidehasmadeadesperategamble,andallunknowinghashitupontheonething
thatwillprobablygivethemvictory.Andthethingis,theseyoungfoolswillbedeadcertainthatputtingKyrtianincommandoftheEnemyisgoingtobetheonethingthatwillensuretheOldLords'defeat.Youngidiots.
Ifonlyshecouldspeaktohim,andpersuadehimthatshewasoneoftherebels,surelyhewouldthinktwiceabouthiscurrentallegiance!
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Idon'tdareuseatelesonthosearetooeasilymonitored.Andnoneofmyhumanshavethehumantypeofmagicthatletsthemtalkmind-to-mindwitheachother.AndIwon'tsendoneofmypeoplewherehemightbecapturedorconscriptedintothearmy.Itisaterriblepositiontobein.
Shewasgoingtohavetostartstudyingtheseoldtomesherself.
Afterall,itwasafarbetterideathansittingwithherhandsfolded,waitingfordisastertoovertakeallofthem.
Besides,shedecidedfirmly,shovinganotherancientvolumeintothesaddlebagforherguardtotakewithhim.Iwillneversitbywithfoldedhandswhilethingsfalltopieces.
notevenifsomeonetiesmeintothechairandbindsmyhandstogether!
14
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IntheheartoftheCitadel,thehomeofthehalfbloodedWizards,Lorrynignoredthedroneofvoicesaroundthetableandtookjustamomenttomarvelathissurroundings.Itseemssostrange,evennow,tofinallybemyself.Noillusions,nocarefullyhidingwhatIamInspiteofeverything,allthehardships,allthedanger,eventhesillyaggravations,Lorrynwasnotsorrytobehere,amongHalfbloodslikehimself,atlast.
ThismostspaciousofcavernsintheirnewhomethattheWizardsusedasameeting-hallwasapleasantplaceinwhichtofindoneselfsolongasnoonewasmeetinginit.Apeculiarityofthecavernsallowedawonderfulflowoffreshairthroughhere,solongascertainopeningsthatservedasdoorsandwindowswereleftopentocatchthesummerbreezes.Lastwinterthingshadgottenalittlestaleinthisroom,andwithsuchahighceilingittendedtobedankandchill.
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Unfortunatelyforhissheerpleasure,therewasameetinggoingon,andLorrynwasgladthathehadampleexperienceinkeepingapleasantexpressionplasteredonhisfacewhilehehimselfwasnotfeelingintheleastpleasant.Hehadaheadachelikeatightbandaroundhishead,andhehadinsertedhistongueatriflebetweenhisteethtokeepfromgrindingthemandmakingtheheadacheworse.
HowisitthatCaellachGwainhasmanagedtofindtheprecisenasalwhinebestcalculatedtosetmynervesonedge?heaskedhimself,ashenoddedaffablyattheelderWizard.Heactuallycouldn'tmakeoutmorethanhalfofwhatthemansaid,thankstotheweirdacousticsintheplace,butthenhedidn'thavetolistentoCaellachtoknowwhathewasgoingtosay.Themanislikeatelesonstuckonendlessrepetitionofthelastthingitsent.
Thiswassupposedtobeameetingabouttheprogressmadeinsettinguptheshee
pandcattlefarmbelowtheCitadel,butCaellachhadtakenitoverasusual.HewasintentonlyonrecreatingasmuchoftheoldcomfortofthefirstCitadelintheirnewhomeashecouldmanage,andhehadtakentheopportunityofabriefallusiontotheoldCitadeltoairhisusualgrievance.
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Whichis,ofcourse,thattheWizardsarenottreatedlikeEl-venlordsoftheHighCouncil.Oldfool.Hasn'thefiguredoutyetthatwhenonegrouplordsitoveranother,theunderlingsaregoingtowanttostrikeback?
Theoldman'slitanyofcomplaintswasasfamiliartoLorrynasthetextureofthewoodentablehestaredatashecontrolledhistemperandhisexpression.Thebeginning,middle,andendofCaellach'stroubleswereseatedinhisowngreed.HewantedalltheeffortoftheyoungerWizardsandthehumanstogointomakinghimascossettedashehadbeenbeforethesecondHalf-bloodWar.Hedidn'tcarethattheyhadtobeself-sufficientnow,andcouldn'tstealmagicallyfromtheElvenlordsanymore.Hedidn'ttroublehimselftothinkthatitwasfarmoreimportanttoseetotheraisingofsheep,goatsandcattle,thecultivationoffields,thantoscrubanoldwizard'sflooronadailybasis.
AndheabsolutelyhatedthatthemajorityoftheHalfbloods,votingdownCaellachandhiscronies,hadmadetreatiesofalliancewiththeIronPeopleandwiththeTraderclans,givingthemthestatusoffullequalsandhonoredpartners.Thesewerefullbloodedhumanswhohadthestatusoffullequalsandhonoredpartners.Thoughhedidnotdarecomeoutandsaysodirectly,thisattitudeincensedCaellachandhisilk,fortotheirminds,thehalfbloodedWizardswereclearlysuperiorineverywaytomerehumans,andthus,shouldbetreatedassuch.
Andweshouldallberunningandfetchingforthem,tendingtotheircomfort,givingthemofourselvesandthefirstfruitsofourlabors,soastorewardthemforthefatiguingeffortoftheirmagicsonourbehalf.Lorryn,whowasnotonlyhalfbloodedhimself,buthadbeenbroughtupasanElvenlordwithalloftheattendantprivileges,foundCaellach'sattitudejustasinsultingandabsurdasanyofthehighlyindependentIronPeopleorTraderclanfolkdid.Therewasnothinginherentlysuperioraboutawizard.Yes,theyhadmagics,butsodidthehumans.AndsincetheyhadbeensettledhereinthenewCitadel,theolderwizardshadnotexertedthemselves
onceforthecommongoodexcept,rarely,toteachsomeofthechildrenhowtousetheirpowers.
RatherthanlisteningtoCaellach'swords,Lorrynlistenedtothetonebehindthewords.He'ddiscoveredhepossessedaninterestingknackforferretingouttheemotionsandmotivesbehindwhatpeoplesaid,providedthattheyweren'tasskilledatcoveringthemselvesashewas.Heheardinjured
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self-esteemandaffrontthatwasexpectedbuthealsoheardfear,andthatwasinteresting.Hehadnotanticipatedthat.
Ishouldhave,though,hethought,raisinghiseyesandstudyingCaellach'sexpressionasthemanshiftedhiseyesawayfromLorryn'sdirectgaze.Caellachwaslookingabitunkempt,nowthattherewasnoonetowaitonhim.Hisclothing,theusuallongrobeaffectedbymostoftheolderWizards,wasabitstainedandfrayedaboutthehem.Hisgreyhairwasbrushed,butnolongerhungabouthisshouldersinakindofthickmantleinstead,itwasheldbackuntidilyinatail,anditseemedtoLorrynthatithadgottenabitthinatthetemples.Peopledotendtoreacttonewthingseitherwithinterestorfear,andreally,IthinkCaellachGwainistoohideboundtoreactwithinteresttoanythingnew.
LorrynalreadyknewthatCaellachwasafraidofthedragons;thatwasabundantlycleartoanyonewithhalfan
eye.TheoldWizardwouldn'tsetfootoutsidewhenthereweredragonsaboutintheirnaturalform,andasfortheonesshiftedintohalf-bloodorhumanshapewell.Iftheytookseatsononesideofthetable,itwasasafebetthatCaellachwouldplacehimselfasfarfromthemasphysicallypossiblewhilestillremainingatthetable.
HisdislikeoftheTradersandtheIronPeoplewasalittlemorecomplicated,andhardertounderstand.Lorrynletafewoftheoldwizard'sactualwordsladenwithangerandapprehensionsiftinpasthisownthoughts.
Whatintheworldhadtheoldman'strewsinawad?
"andhowdaretheydemandpaymentinadvance,muchlessatall,for"
Ah.Thatwasenoughtogetthekey.Lorrynhadthetailofthetree-snakenow.Caellachwasn'tincensedthathewasexpectedtopayinadvanceforthegoodsthattheTradersbroughtherehewasangrythathewas
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expectedtopayatall.PossiblybecauseCaellach'sonlyavailablecoinwas,quitefrankly,debased.Hewasn'tthemostpowerfulWizardanymore,hewasn'tthemostskilled,andhisgreedhadledhimtoexpendmostofhisenergiesonhisowncomforts,leavinghimwithlittlethathecouldusetobarterforthingshewanted.
"Andasforthosebarbarians"
Thirdlegtothestool;hewasincensedthattheIronPeopleshowedhimnodeferenceatallanddidn'tneedhismagic.
ThoughwhyCaellachshouldthinkthatamobofill-regulatedcave-dwellingrefugeesshouldconsiderthemselvesmorecivilizedthanawell-regulatednomadicpeoplewasbeyondLor-ryn'simagination.But
prejudicehasnothingtodowithlogic.PerhapsitwasbecausetheIronPeoplewerecompletelyunimpressedbytheWizards.Theydidn'tneedWizardstodefendthemselvesfromtheElvenlords;theyhadtheirironornamentsandapowerfulwarriorclass.Nottoputtoofineapointonit,theyhadactuallyheldtwoElvenlordsasenslavedprisonersforthepurposesoftheirownamusement.ThemostthatCaellachGwainhadevermanagedwastoescaperelativelyunscathedfromthem.
Thathadbeenanearthing,too.Caellachandhiscronieseitherdidnotrealize
,orwouldnotadmit,thatitwasn'ttheEl-venbane'sfaultentirelythattheoldCitadelanditsdwellershadbeendiscovered.TheWizardshadbeendancingontheedgeofaknifeforaverylongtime,whatwiththeirpilferingsfromtheElvenlordsandall.SofarastheElveswereconcerned,therewasonlyonekindofgoodhalfbloodadeadone.Halfbloodsweren'tevensupposedtoexist,andmostoftheElvenlordswereutterlydevotedtomakingcertainthattheydidn't.Lashana'sactionshadonlytriggeredtheavalancheofElvenretribution,notcausedit.
Andifithadn'tbeenforherquickthinking,andherdraconicfriends,thewizardswouldn'thavesurvivedit.
Whatwasmore,theyweren'toutofthewoodsyet.Aslongasthehalfbloodedwizardslived,theElvenlordswouldtrytoeliminatedthem,treatyornotreaty.IfCaellachGwainandhiscirclethoughtanydifferently,they
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weredeludingthemselves.
NotthattherewasanythingnewinthenotionofCaellachGwaindeludinghimself....
Finally,Caellachranoutofthingstosay,andsatdown.Lor-rynhadveryquicklyfiguredoutthatallowingtheoldWizardtorantandwhine,whileunpleasanttolistento,generallyhadthesalubriouseffectofmakinghimsilentfortherestofanymeetingofwhichhewasapart."Thankyou,Caellach;yourexperienceis,asalways,apparenttoallofus,"hesaid,graciously.Caellachbegantopreen."Yourobservationsarecontinuouslyfascinating."Heignoredthegrimacethatoneoftheyoungerhalfbloodsmadeathimfrombehindtheshelterofonehand,andthespasmsthatcrossedseveralotherfacesinanefforttokeepfromburstingoutintolaughter."NowI'dliketoputthematteroftheproposedupperpastureforthegoatstoavote.Allinfavor?"
EvenCaellachraisedhishand,seduced,nodoubt,intothinkingthatthegoatswouldlookafterthemselves,andnotrequireshepherds,nowthattheyhadsomeofthehugecattle-dogsraisedbytheIronPeopleattheirdisposal.Lorrynmadecertainthattherewerenodissenters,andnodded."Good.We'reallagreed.Halfden,wouldyouseeaboutfindingsomevolunteersforthejobandgettingthemtometobeinterviewed?"Heneededhumansforthistask,preferablychildrenwiththeabilitytospeakmind-to-mind,sothattheycouldcallforhelpiftheysawanything,oriftherewassomethingouttherethatneithertheynor
thedogscouldhandle.
MoreoftheservantsthatCaellachGwainthinksarehispersonalproperty.
Halfden,oneoftheolderex-slaves,nodded,andLorryncalledthemeetingtoaclose.
Butlikeitornot,hewasn'tquitedonewithCaellachatleastsofarasCaellachwasconcerned.
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Asheroundedacorner,someonejumpedathimfromtheshadows.Instinctivelyhesidesteppedanddrewhishiddendagger,withadefensivemagicmeantdeflectalevin-boltalreadyinplace.
"You'regettingbetter,"Shanalaughed,leaningagainsttherockwallwithherarmscrossedoverherchest,lookingquiteasifshehadnotbeencatapultingherselfacrossthehallwayfromanaturalnichejustatthelevelofhisheadamomentbefore.
"Ishouldhopeso,"heretorted."Youcertainlygivemeenoughpractice.Wereyoulisteninginonthemeeting?"
"Iwasandyouareagenius.AndsomesortofmagethatIhaven'tquitefiguredout."Shetiltedherheadtotheside,quizzically."HowyoumanageCaellachandhowyoumanagetonotstrangleCaellachisquitebeyond
me."
Lorrynlaughedandofferedherhishand,whichshetook."Nomagicjustpolitics,"hetoldher."Verbalself-defense.Ididn'tspendmuchtimeamongtheschemersandplotters,butIdidhob-nobwithsomeofthemand,ofcourse,Ialwayshadtobeabletoplacatemyfather.Ilearnedearlyhowtosaynothingwhileseemingtosayeverything."
Shesqueezedhishand."It'sstillsheergenius.NomatterhowhardItry,Ican'tmanagepeoplehalfaswellasyoudo."
Heglancedasideattheyoungwomancalled"theElven-bane."Shedidn'tlooklikethestuffoflegends;herscarlettressesweretiedupontothetopofherheadinaverypracticaltail,whichsheoftentossedlikeanimpatienthorseplaguedwithflies.Herhandsomefacewasnothinginbeautycomparedtothehomeliestof
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elvenladies,andherfigurewassowell-muscledthatmostofthemwouldhaverecoiledinhorroratthenotionoflookinglikeher.Todayshehadonasleevelesstunicofleatherandapairofcoarseslaves'-clothtrewsbuttohiseyes,shecouldn'thavelookedbetterifshe'dbeenenrobedinhissisterSheyrena'spresentation-gown.
"Ihopeyouaren'tbotheredbymetakingonallthesemeetingslikethis,"hesaid,hesitantly."You'resupposedtobetheleader,Iknow,but"
"AmIjealous?Oh,FireandRain,getthatideaoutofyourheadthismoment!"sherepliedwithalaugh."IneveraskedtobetheElvenbane,youknowandtheonlyreasonbesidesthatstupidlegendthatpeoplepayanyattentiontowhatIthinkisthatIthinkquickerthantheydo.Handlingtheoldgoatsisnotajobthatrequiresquickthinkingandyouhavethe"Sheconsideredforamoment,headtiltedtooneside."the'manner
born'ishowI'dputit.Yousaythings,andpeopledothem,insteadofarguingwithyouaboutit."
Hethoughtthatifshewasdissemblinginanyway,hewouldbeabletotell;hewasgettingprettysensitivetohernuancesnotthatshehadmany,forshewasastrikinglyopenperson.No,sheseemedtobehappywithhimtakingherleadershiprole.
"IfIcouldfindadoubletoplayElvenbaneforme,I'ddothatinaheartbeat,"shecontinuedonwards,obliviousofhisscrutiny,"AndthenIcouldjustbeShanaagain."
"SpeakingofjustbeingShanaohcraftyone"heledherdownasidepassagethatbroughtthemoutontothetopoftheCitadel,intothewarmairandsunshine,wheretheycouldsitandtalkwithoutbeingoverheard.
Shedidn'tflingherselfdownontothegrassassheusuallydidwhenbroughtoutside."Craftyone,hmm?Iknowwhatthatmeans."Shesaunteredcasuallyupthehillalittlewaystoagrassyknollwithashade-treeatopitdownwindofthehalf-hiddenentrance.Nowtheycouldspeakwithoutbeingoverheard.Onlythendidshedropdownintothegrassinthesun,withallofthepleasureofherfoster-motherdragoninbasking.
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"Askaway,"shesaid,asheploppeddownbesideher."I'vejustspentthebetterpartofthemorningtalkingtoKemanbutIneedyourhelptoreachShadow."
Shana,freedfromtheresponsibilitiesoftheday-to-dayrunningoftheCitadel,wasconcentratingonthevastlymoreimportantprojectofcollectingintelligencereports,bymeansofamplifiedtelepathy,fromKemanandsomeoftheotherpeoplesheandLorrynhadoutinthegreaterworld.AlthoughitwouldnotbepossibletosendeitherahumanorahalfbloodintothemidstofElvestospyunderaspellofillusion,thehalfbloodswerenotlimitedtoillusionaslongastheyhaddragonswiththem,forthedragonscouldactuallyshifttheirshapetoappearlikeanyoneoranythingtheyliked.Shana'sfoster-brotherKemanandhisprobablemateDorawereShana'sshapechangedspiesamongbothcampsofElves.
"Yourmotherisnotonlydoingwell,sofarasDoracantell,she'stakingover
someofLadyMoth'sdutiesonthehome-fields,"Shanatoldhim,smilingathissighofrelief.Itmightnotbethemostimportantpieceofinformation,butitwastheonethatwasmostlikelytorelievehismind."Dorathinksthatshe'sprobablywellovertheshockofwell,youknowbynow."
"IknowIdoheradisservicebythinkingofherasbeingsofrail,"hereplied,chafingonefingeragainstanothernervously,"Butthat'showshelooks.Andshe'smymother"
"Youcan'thelpbeingprotectiveofyourmother,Iknow.Ifeelthesamewayaboutmymother."Bythis,shemeantnotherrealmother,whopresumablyhadbeenanElvenlord'sconcubine,butherfoster-mother,whowasadragonandnotmuchinneedofanyone'sprotection.ButLorrynrefrainedfromsayingthis.
"Isthereanychangeinthesituationthere?"heasked,andShanashookherhead.
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"Stalemate.TheOldLordscan'tbreakinandtheYoungLordscan'tbreakout.Occasionalskirmishesandfeints,butnothingworthtalkingabout.LadyMoth'snoclosertogettingtheYoungLordstoseethathumansarewellpeople.Anduntilshedoes,they'regoingtobeignoringtheoneresourcetheyhavethatmighttipthescalesintheirfavor."Shanasoundedcuriouslyindifferenttothesituation,moreasifitwasachessgamethatshewasobserving,ratherthanplayingin.Lorrynwonderedhowshecoulddetachherselffromitsoeasily.Hecouldn't.
"Now,ontheothersidethere'ssomethingjustcomeupthatKemanthinksisgoingtogivetheOldLordstheadvantage,andamajoroneatthat."Shetossedherhead,andher"tail"switchedlikeanimpatienthorse's."They'vegotanewcommander,andfromwhatKemansays,he'sabsolutelybrilliant."
Therewasnoindifferenceinhervoicenow,andhesatupabitstraighter."Anewcommander?Who?Ithoughtthattherewasn'tanOldLordinthelotthatcouldcoordinateaproperattack!"
"KemansayshisnameisKyrtian.KyrtianV'dyllLordPras-taran."Sheturnedherheadtolookkeenlyintohisemeraldeyeswithherown,themarkoftheirElvenlordbloodalongwiththepointedearsandElvenmagics.
"Heardofhim?"
"Vaguely."Andthat,inandofitself,wasinteresting.ItsuggestedthatforsomereasontheHighCouncilhadelevatedanobodyintoapositionofmajorimportance,withnostepsinbetween."IthinkhisfatherwassupposedtobeascholarIknowtherewassomethingwhenIwasachildaboutLordPras-taranwhovanishedoffintheWasteLandsbetweenhereandthesiteoftheGatethatbroughtusfromEvelon."Hewavedvaguelyinasoutherlydirection."Hekeepskepttohimself,andhissondidthesame.Until
now.Andwhy,onewonders?"
"Apparently,becausehe'sbrilliant.AndaccordingtoKeman,becausehe'sgotawayoftrainingslavestobesoldierswithouttheuntidyprocessofhavinghalfofthemcuttoribbonsinorderthattherestgetexperienceinfighting."Shedrammedherfingerssilentlyonthesideofherleg."Andyourea
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lize,ofcourse,thatthisisnotgoodnewsforus."
"No."Thatwasclearenough;ifthisKyrtianwasasbrilliantasShanasaid,hewasn'tboundbytraditionhewouldusewhatworked.BeingencasedintraditionlikeachrysalisnevermeanttobeopenedwastheonlythingthatkepttheOldLordsfromhammeringtheirless-experiencedoffspring.
"AgoodcommanderwiththeresourcesoftheOldLordsbehindhimcantakethedefensesoftheYoungLordstopieces,"shecontinued,turninghergazeinthedirectionofElven-heldlands.
"Whenhedoesthat,he'llhaveprovedhimselftohismasters,"Lorrynagreed."Anditwon'ttakethemanytimeatalltobreakthetreatyandsendhimafterus."Hefelthisstomachturnoveruneasily."Idon'tsupposeyou
haveanygoodnewsforme,doyou?"heaskedplaintively.
Sheshookoffherownsombermood."Iknowwhatyou'rethinking,andyou'reright;untilweknowsomethingaboutthisKyrtian,thereisnopointinimaginingallthethingshemightormightnotdo.Besides,MeroandRenaaredoingverywellforus,andtheIronPeopleseemtolikethemagreatdeal."
"TheIronPeoplehelpedusholdofftheElvenlordsthelasttimewithoutactuallygettinginvolved"Lorrynmused,feelingabitlesshag-riddenatthethoughtofanotherconflictwiththeElvenlords."Iftheyjoinedusthistimebetweenthemandthedragons"
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"ItmightbetheElvenlordsdoingtheretreating,"Shanafinishedforhim."OneofDora'slairishelpingthemtofindgrazingandoreandlatelytherehavebeensmallgroupsof'wild'humansturningupwhospeaksomedialectthattheIronPeopleunderstand."
"DoyousupposetheycouldbewhatisleftoftheCornPeople?"Lorrynasked,hiscuriositynowpiqued.
Shanashrugged."TheycouldjustbeTradersweknewalreadythattheIronPeoplehavehadsomecontactwithTraders.Kemansaystheyareslowlybringingintheirfamiliesanddependentstojointheencampment,andsomeofthemhavebeensayingit'ssaferthanhidinginthewilderness.Theydoknowfarming,though"
"Grazingandfarmerstohelpwithcrops."Lorrynpulledagrassstemtochewonit
."ThatwouldsuittheIronPeopledowntothebone.They'dprefertomakeasettlement,iftheycan.It'shardtorunproperforgesunlessyou'resettled.DidyoutellMeroaboutthisnewElvencommander?"
Shenodded."Itoldhimtopasstheinformationon,asheseesfit.There'sbeenacomplication;wereallyneedtofindareliablesourceofiron.MeroandRenacan'tdoanythingaboutfindingsome,andifwe'regoingtokeeptheIronPeopleasallies,wehavetogetadragontofindusamine."
"Thatremindsmewe'vegotaniron-relatedproblemofourown."LorrynwishedprofoundlythatCaellachGwainwasn'tattheheartofsomanyofhisproblems."ThereisanotherproblemamongthewizardssofarasCaellachGwainandhiscroniesareconcerned."
"Themagic-twisting."Shanamadeaface."Well,we'veknownaboutthatforaslongaswe'vehadanyamountofironaroundus;youjustincreaseyourfocustogetaroundthewaythemagic
warps.OryouusethewarpI'veseenOrienactuallylobalevin-boltaroundacorner!What'stheproblem?"
"Youngerwizardscanlearnhowtodealwithit,becausethey'reusedtousingsemi-preciousstonesasfocuses.Caellachjustdoesn'twanttheironaround,atall.Sofarashe'sconcerned,it'sonemoreChangeintheWayThingsWere,andthat'swhathewantstogobackto."Lorrynsighed,andfelthi
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sheadachecomingback.WhywasitthatsomanyoftheproblemsseemedtobeginandendinCaellachGwain?
"He'sjustlazy,"Shanasnorted.
"WellIagree,heis,butnotalloftheolderwizardsare,andthey'rehavingthesameproblemsadjusting.Andtheyaren'tcomplaining,they'rejustsufferingquietly."
"Suffering?"Shanaraisedaskepticaleyebrow.
"Well,notsufferingthen,butit'shardfortheoldones.Theyaren'tasfit,theyaren'tashealthy,andit'sharderforthemtolearnnewthings.Noneofit'soutofstubbornness."Hefeltverysorryforthemhe'dseensomeofthemstrugglingtouseafocus-stonetodothingsthatpre-adolescentswereacco
mplishingwithoutathought.He'dwatchedthemsufferwithachingjointsandcoughsandcoldsfromlivingincavernsratherthanthecomfortableroomsoftheoldCitadel.Mostimportantly,he'dseenthemdisheartenedandfrustrated,thinkingthatafteralloftheiryearsinhiding,theywerenowconsideredtobelittlebetterthanuseless.
"Iknow."Itwasherturntosigh."It'snotfair,isit?Ifitwasn'tforthem,Iwouldn'tbehere.ButIdon'tknowwhattodoaboutit.Wecan'tstopthingsfromchanging"
"No,butletmethinkaboutthisone."Heofferedherashysmile."You'vesaidityourself;you'retheonethat'sgoodwithplansandstrategy,I'mtheonethat'sgoodwithpeople.Maybewecanfindawaytoturnallthistoouradvantage."
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"How?"Thatskepticallookagainbutthistimehehadjusttheglimmeringofanidea,andhemethergazefirmly.
"Idon'tknowbutthere'salwayspossibilities,aslongasyoukeepyoureyesopenforthem."Andonthatpositivenote,hegottohisfeetandofferedherhishand."Let'sgotakeawalkandblowthecobwebsoutofourbrainsbeforewegobacktowork."
"Cobwebsdogetinthewayofclearsight,"sheagreed,tohisgreatpleasure."AndIcoulduseawalkwithyou."
Andthoselasttwowordsincreasedhispleasuretenfold.
15
Renahadbeenworkinghardmostofyesterday,changinggrassesandleaveswithherelvenmagicintosweettreatswithwhichtheIronPeoplecouldlureintheyoungbullsfortheirfirstlessonsinbeingaccustomedtosaddlesandbeingridden.Horsescouldbebrokentosaddleitwasnotthebestwaytoteachthem,butitwassuccessfulbutbulls,never.Theirstubbornnaturesandthegreatcouragebredintotheirlinemadeit
impossibletobreaktheirspirit,sotheonlywaytotrainthemfortheirdutiesaswar-bullswastobeginbytemptingthem,gently,intocaptivity,andrewardingthemforeverysignofcooperationwiththeonethingtheyalwaysrespondedtofood.Morespecifically,atreat,atastetheycouldn'tfindontheirown.Likepeople,cattlehadasweettooth,andnowthatRenawasactingasanenvoytothesepeople,shewasdeterminedtodoeverythingthatshecouldtobringtheweightofdebtovertothewizards'sideofthescales.Ifthatmeantthatshespenthalfadaychanginggrassintothegoodieswithwhichthebull-trainerscouldrewardtheiranimals,sobeit.
Themagicthatelvenladiesweretraditionallytrainedinwasagentleartoftransformation,whichtheyusuallyusedtotailorgarmentsseamlesslytofitlikesilkenskins,tosculptflowersintogossamerandfantasticshapes,ortomakeothercosmeticchanges.Renahadlearnedtouseittoturntherelativelyinedibleintoedibleandtastyand,atneed,tostopabeatingheart.Ithadlatelyoccurredtoherthatsh
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ecouldalsouseittostartaheartthathadstopped,orperhapstocurediseaseormendawound,butshehadnotyethadtheopportunity(orthecourage)totry.
Thenormalnoiseofthecampwokeherjustafterdawn;thesoundsofvoicesandcooking,thefar-offlowingofthecattleherds.ShelivedwiththeIronPriest,Diric,andhiswifeKala.ThegreatfriendoftheElvenbaneLashana,halfbloodedMero,whowasopenlycourtingRena,alsolivedwiththem,butKalawatchedoverbothofthemwithassternaneyetoproprietyasifRenawastheirownchild.DiricandKalahadgiventhemseparatesleeping-chambersonoppositesidesofthefamilytent.Renafoundthatreassuring;raisedasashelteredelvenmaiden,isolated,forthemostpart,fromallmalesbutherbrotherandfather,sheenjoyedMero'sattentionsbutshewasalsouncomfortablyshyaboutbeingcourted.Notthatshewantedhimtostop!Bynomeans.Butshewasnotyetpreparedtogoanyfurtherthanahesitantkissortwo.
Still,wakingupinthecoolofthedawn,withthebustleofthecamparoundherandabreathofbreezecarryingthescentsofgrassandthesmokefromdung-fireswaftingundertheskirtsofthetent,shefeltjustalittlelonelyinhersolitarybed.
Lorrynisn'tsoshybutthen,Lorrynisn'tagirl.Shesighed.IwishIwaslikeShana.Shanaisalwayssostrong,sobrave,andsheneverworriesaboutwhatpeoplewillthink.ShewonderedifShanaandLorrynshared
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abed;shewondered,inthefreedomofthoughtthatbeingonlyhalf-awakelenttoher,justwhatwentonwhenonedidshareabed.Mero'scarefulkissesandcaressessentstrangesensationsthroughher;pleasant,ohmyyes,butstrange.Surelyitwasn'twelllikethecattle,orthebirdsofhergarden....
Herthoughtsdrifted;shelistenedtothecheerfulvoicesofwomenpreparingthemorningmealoutside.Shelikedthesoundoftheirvoices;theyweredeeperthanthoseofthewomenshewasusedto,eventhehumanslaves.Lovely!Insteadofthatannoyingbird-liketwitter,thiswasamelodiousmurmur.
Then,ofcourse,themoodwasbrokenasachilddidsomethingwrong,itsmotherraisedhervoiceinascold,andanotherchildbegantocryinsympathy.Renawokeentirelyatthat,andlaughedatherselfandhernotions;howtypicalofanelvengirltotryandcastaspeciousglamorieoversomethingrichandsatisfyinginandof
itself,iflessthanperfectandnotatalltranquil.
Shestretched,yawned,andwriggledoutofherblankets,givingherselfaquickwashintheleatherbucketofwaterthatstoodjustinsidetheflapthatconnectedherportionofthetentwiththatofDiric'swife.TheIronPeopleworelooseandcomfortableclothingperfectlysuitedtotheirnomadicwayoflife.KalahadfittedRenaoutwiththeoutgrownclothingofhereldestdaughterwellsuitedtotheslimbuildofanelvenfemale.Womenofthesepeopleeitherworeasimilaroutfittothemenloosetrouserswithadraw
stringwaistandasleeveless,v-neckedshirtorlong,embroideredgownsfittedtothewaistwithapairoftiesintheback.Ineithercase,thecolorswereearthyandbold.Renacouldnotimagineanythinglesslikethegownsshehadonceworninthebower,withtheirtrailinghemsandsleeves,tightly-lacedwaists,andpastelcolors,allinthemostdelicatesilksandsatins.
Todaysheslippedintooneofthedresses,awarmbrownlinenthatwouldhavemadeherlooklikeableached-
outlittlewaxdollifshestilllookedlikethepallid,timidgirlwhohadescapedfromherfather'smanor.Butalthoughshestillhadthepalesilver-gilthairofthatgirl,herskinwasawarmivory,sunkissedandglowingwithhealth,andtherewasnothingthatwasbleachedaboutheranymore.
Shesighed,though,asshepulledthedressonoverherheadandtiedthestrapsbehindherback.Herfirstduty,
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todayasever,wastoseeifshecoulddoanythingwiththecaptiveElvenlord,Haldor.
Asiftherewasanythinglord-likeabouthimnow!
NeitherHaldor,norhisfellow-captiveKelyan,wereentirelysaneanymore,butHaldorwasworse.WhensheandMerohadcomebacktothecampoftheIronPeople,oneofthefirstthingsthatDirichadrequestedofherwastoseeifanythingcouldbedoneaboutthetwocaptives,whohadbeentakenbythegreat-grandsiresofthecurrentIronPeopleandpressedintoserviceasentertainers,usingtheirmagictocreateillusions.Theyclearlycouldn'treleaseeitheroftheElves,foreveniftheyweren'tmentallycompetentanymore,theystillknewtoomuchandtheycouldn'tgivethemovertotheWizardseither,atleastnotinRena'sopinion.Inthetimethey'dbeengone,Haldorhadlapsedintoastuporortorporandcouldscarcelyberousedenoughtoeat.IthadfallenuponhisfellowcaptiveKelyantotakecareofhim,butatleasttheywerenolo
ngerforcedtoentertaintheIronPeople,andthankstoRena'stransformativemagicstheirdietwassomethingotherthancurds,milk,andmeat.
Shehatedgoingnearthem,totellthetruth.Shewasn'tafraidofthem,buttherewasn'tanythingshecouldreallydoforthemeither.Shehadtherathersickfeelingthattheywerebothtoofargonetohelp.Ifonlytherewassomewaytowipetheirmindscleanofeverythingthathadhappenedtothemsincethey'dbeencaptured!Thentheycouldbeputtosleepandsetdownbyadragonsomewhereperhapswhereoneof
theEl-venlords'trading-caravanscrossed
Shepaused,onehandonthetent-flap.That'snobadidea,shethought,struckbythenotion.AndmaybeMeroistheonewhocoulddojustthat!Mero,likeallthehalfbloods,hadboththemagicsofhishumanmother,and
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thoseofhisElvenfather.ThehumanmagicsincludedtheabilitytounderstandthethoughtsofotherscouldMerochangethemaswell?
Sheliftedthepartition-flap,intendingtoaskhimassoonasshesawhim,buttoherdisappointment,hewasnowheretobefound.NeitherwasDiric,forthatmatter;onlyKalawasinthepartofthetentthatservedasacommonareaforeatingandsocialfunctions.TheIronPriest'samplewifewasbentoverherbreakfast-preparations,andlookedupatRena'sentrance,herteethshininginastartlinglywhitesmileagainstherdarkbrownskin.
TheIronPeoplewereunlikeanyhumansthatRenahadeverseen;theirskinswereablack-bronze(nearertoblackthantobronze)andtheirebonyhaircurledmoretightlythansheep'sfleece.Nomads,thoughnotbynature,theydescendedfromalonglineofcattle-,goat-,andgrel-breederswho
sereligionandlivescenteredaroundtheirforges.Inthelong-agowhentheEl-venlordsfirstcametothisworld,theyhadaclosealliancewithanotherhumanraceoffarmers,nowvanished,calledtheCornPeople.TheIronPeopleprovidedthe"meaty"sideofthedietaryequation,theCornPeoplethegrainsandvegetables.TheIronPeopleworkedinleatherandmetal,theCornPeopleinpotteryandfabric.ThentheElvenlordshaddescended,anddrovethemore-mobileIronPeopleintothesouth,presumablyaddingtheCornPeopletotheirlonglistofslave-nations.
"ThereisanothergroupofCornPeoplecome,"Kalasaidcheerfully."DiricandMerohavegonetospeakwiththem.Iexpectthembackbeforetoolong;theywentoffwithoutanyfood,andIhaveneveryetseenamanwhocandowithouthismorningmealwithoutbecomingcross."
Renalaughed,andwentoutsidetotheirlittlefiretohelpKalawithhermeal-preparations.
EversincetheIronPeoplehadarrivedinwhatnowappearedtobetheirancientpasturage,thisplainbelowthemountainswheretheWizardsandTraderkinlived,smallgroupsofpeoplewithflax-coloredhairhadbeendriftingintotheircamp,claimingtherightofancientalliance.TheyresembledthedescriptionsthatLorrynhadreadintheoldhistories,andtheycertainlyspokealanguagesimilartothatoftheIronPeople,sotherewaseveryreasontothinkthattheyweretheremnantsoftheCornPeople.
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CertainlyDiric'sfolkbelieveditandwelcomedthemaslong-lostkin.MerowasperfectlypleasedtoseethemcomingtotheIronFolk;iftheoldalliancecouldbere-established,withtheCornPeoplefarmingpartoftheplainsforgrain,thefiber-cropsofhempandflax,andvegetablesastheyoncehad,theIronPeoplewouldhaveonemorereasontosettle.Therewasplentyofgoodgrazinghere;alltheyneededtobeperfectlyhappywasasteadysupplyofironore.
Ifwecaninducethemtosettleifwecouldjustworkoutawaytofindthemenoughiron!shethought,helpingKalabyspreadingthethinbatterformorningcakesonthehotstonethatservedherasanoven.Allofthefamilieshadsuchastone,flatandblack,polishedsmooth,whichservedasacookingsurfaceortokeepfoodsorliquidswarm,andtheywerecherishedastheimportantobjectstheywere.Thethin,toughpancakesthattheyusedforbreadwerecookedonthesestones,eggscouldbefriedatopthem,pots
ofteaorsoupkeptwarmonthem.Theywereburiedincoalstoheatthemforcooking,thecoalsandashesbrushedtoonesidewhenthesurfacewasneeded.
Renaspreadthebatteratopthestonewithcircularmotionsofahornspoon;Kalaperformedthetrickiertaskofjudgingwhenthethincakesweredoneenoughtopeeloffandflip,andshediditwithfingerstoughenedbymanyyearsofworkingatherownjewelry-forge.Renawouldn'thavedaredtotry;she'dhavecomeupwith
blistersonthetipsofeveryfinger.
Thefinishedcakes,paper-thinandtasty,weretossedintoabaskettowait.Breakfastwasalwayscakes,milk,alittlecheeseormeat,andwhateverfruitcouldbefound.Therewerebramblesouthere,andtheberrieswerejust
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comingripe.Renaherselfhadgatheredsomeyesterday,aftercheatingabitbysofteningthethornswithhermagicsothattheywouldn'tstickherwhileshegatheredthefruit.
Justastheyfinishedthelastofthebatter,theyheardthevoicesofthetwomen:Diric'salow,cheerfulrumblelikethewheelsofaheavycartonabumpyroad,Mero'sacleartenor.
"Ihaven'tanyideawherethis'LordKyrtian'camefrom,"Merowassayingastheycamearoundthesideoftheroundtent."Therecertainlywasn'tanyElvenlordcommanderbythatnamewhenIhadanyregularcontactwiththeElvenlords."
BythatRenarealizedthatMerohadbeencatchingtheIronPriestuponwhathe'dbeentoldlastnightwhenShanahadfinallybeenabletoreachhimwithherthoughts.
"Butthiscanmeanverylittletous,"Diricobjected,thenpausedtobendandgivehiswifeamorning-kissbywayofagreeting.Hewasatall,round-facedhuman,heavilymusclednotsurprising,giventhathewasthechiefPriestofareligionthatcenteredaroundtheforge.Renawasnogoodatjudgingtheagesofhumans,butMerosaidheguessedthatbothDiricandKalawereprobablyintheirfifties."Kala,myrock-dove,theyoungonetellsmethattheDemonshaveanewWar-Captainintheirbattlewiththeirownrebelliousyouth.Thisone
seemstohaverathermoresensethanthelast,andismakingprogressinhiscampaigntobringthemtoheel.Meroisconcernedthatthiscouldmeantroubleforus."
"Thiscanhaveverylittletodowithus,"Kalaagreedcomplacently."Except,perhaps,good.Letthemconcentrateoneachotherandforgetthatwearehere."
"Butthat'sjustwhatwon'thappenifthisKyrtianissuccessful,don'tyousee?
"Meroobjected,asRenanoddedvigorously.
Butthegray-hairedIronPriestonlyshookhishead."Timeenoughtobeconcernedifithappens,"herespondedwithashrug."MypeoplewillbemorefretfulthattheirforgesaredarkthanthatsomewaramongDemonshaspossiblytakenanotherturn."
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MerobithislipandlookedtoRenaforhelp,butshecouldn'tofferhimany.Diricwasright;theIronPeoplehadn'thadtoengagetheElvenlordsincombatforgenerations,andlegendswereunlikelytoarouseanyanxietyintheirheartsatthispoint.Butthelackofironfortheirforgeswasaproblem,andacurrent,evenurgentone.
ItwasaconcernfortheWizards,aswelltheYoungLords'RebellionhadbeengroundedonthefoundationoftheironjewelrythattheIronPeoplehadmadeandtheWizardshaddistributed.Wearingthisjewelry,therebelsnotjustyoungersons,buttheabusedandreviledLesserLordswithverylittlemagic,whooftenweretreatedasbadlyasanyhumanslavewereprotectedfromtheGreatLords'magic.Forthefirsttime,theywereabletoactwithoutfearoflevin-boltandparalyzingpain,andacttheyhad.
Butthathadusedupthescantstoreofrawiron,andtheIronPeopleweregrumblingaboutthelackofmaterialtoworkwithandwonderingiftheirsacrificetohelpsavetheWizardsbygivingtheGreatLordsanewthreattoworryabouthadbeenworthit.Sofar,theonlybitsofironthatthedragonshadbeenabletofindhadbeencoaxedoutofthegroundanddroppedasrawlumpsbetweentheterritoryclaimedbytheWizardsandthestrongholdsoftheElves.Theyformedabarrierofprotection,difficulttofindanddisruptivefaroutofproportiontotheirsmallsize,andtheWizardswereveryreluctanttoremovethem,howeverbadlytheIronPeoplewantedthem.
TheplainfactwasthattheIronPeoplewerenotgoingtomakeanymoreoftheirjewelryfortheWizardsunlessanduntiltheWizardscameupwithmoreiron.Andthesupplyofjewelrytosneakinamongtherebelshadlongagorunout.Howmuchmoredisruptioncouldbeaccomplishedifsimpleirontorquescouldbesentinamong
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thehumanslaves?Thoseironbandscouldnegatethemagicthatcontrolledtheslavesthroughtheircollarswiththem,escapescouldbesuccessful,andeventhetakeoverofanentireestate.Withoutthemnothingwouldchange.IfthisLordKyrtianmanagedtoconquertheYoungLordsbypowerofarmsalone,theWizardswoulddesperatelyneedanotherdiversiontokeeptheElvenlordsoccupied,andthehumanslavescouldonlylookforwardtomoreabuse,morerepression.
Diricatehisbreakfastwithaplacidface,oblivioustotheconcernsofhisguests."TheTrader-peoplearetocome,also,atlast,"heoffered,betweenbites."OneofthenewCornPeopletoldmethattheywerefollowingnomorethanafewdaysbehind,withburdensoftrade-goods.Iameagertoseethem,andIthinktherestwillbealso."
Renasmiled,despiteherconcerns."Ihavenodoubt,"shereplied,thinkingoft
heexcitementthateachnewboatloadofTraderscausedamongtheWizards.
"Theyaregoodpeople,"Merooffered."Youwon'tbesorrythatyoudecidedtoopenfulltradewiththem."
"Soyousaidincouncil,thoughtherearestillthoseofmyfolkwhothinkweshouldsimplytakethemasslavesandhavethemandtheirgoods."ThegleaminDiric'seyeremindedRenathatthe
IronPeoplewerequiteusedtotheideaofhavingotherhumansasslaves.Thereweren'tmanyslavesamongthetents,mostlytonPeoplewhohadbeensoldbytheirparentsorwhohadsoldthemselvestorepaydebts,buttheydidexist.Merohadbeenrathertakenabackwhenhediscoveredtheirexistence.
"AndIpointedoutthen,asIwillrepeat,thatitwillbefarmoreprofitabletotradehonorably.Ifyoutakethemandtheirgoods,"MeroremindedtheIronPriestshrewdly,"youwillonlyhaveafewslavesandthegoodsthey
carried.Nomorewillcometoyou.Butifyoutrademorewillpourintoyourcamp,andyouwilllikelybeabletobarterwhatiscommontoyouforwhatisworthagreatdealtoyou."
"Eh,now,didIsaythatIdidnotfeelthesameway?"Diricasked,ingenuously,pretendingthathehadneverevenentertainedthenotion,althoughbothRenaandMeroknewhowhardtheyhadarguedtoswayhimtotheir
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wayofthinking.ThiswouldbeonemoreholdontheIronPeople,onemorereasonforthemtostayhereinsteadoflookingforanotherspottosettle.Rightnow,withagrowingnumberofvoicescallingforanothermovetosomeplacethatmighthavemoretoofferthanjustwaterandgrazing,theTraderscouldprovidewhatMeroandRenaneededuntilsomehow,somewhere,theycouldcomeupwithasourcefortheall-importantiron.
TheTradersarrivedridingonofallimprobablethingspack-grels.Theseincrediblyuglyanimals,long-legged,long-necked,withbulgingeyesandblubberylips,servedthetrading-caravansintothedesertcommandedbytheElvenlords,butMerohadhardlyexpectedthattheTrader-clanswouldhaveany.Upuntilthispoint,hehadthoughtthattheytraveledexclusivelyafootoronwater.
TheIronPeoplewerejustassurprised,andevenmoreexcitedtoseeahalf-dozenofthecreaturestheythemselveshadoncedependedon.Intheoldestchronicles,theIronPeoplehade
venbeenreferredtoasthe"grel-riders."Itwasonlywhentheyhadbeendrivensouththattheyhadlostthegrels,whichhadnotsurvivedthearduousjourneyandthenewpeststhatthecattlehadshruggedoff.
Thegrelswerelessenthusedtoseethesenewdark-skinnedhumanstheyhadnolongtraditionofassociation,andtheyshiedandbellowedattheunfamiliardarkfaces,muchtotheIronPeople'sdisappointment.
"I'msorry,buttheyaren'tverybright,andtheythinkanythingtheydon'trecognizeisgoingtoeatthem,"thegrel-handlerkeptsaying,overandover,stumblingalittleovertheunfamiliarsyllablesoftheIronPeoples'tongue.Eventually,whenthebeastsrefusedtocooperate,thecuriousgotovertheirdisappointmentandsettleddowntoserioustrading.
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Eachsidelaidoutthegoodsthattheyhadbrought.TheIronPeopleofferedhides,driedmeat,baskets,ornamentalbead-work,skilledleatherwork,hornbows,andweaving.Theyhadlinenflaxgrewabundantlyontheplains,andoutridersmadesurethatthecattledidn'tdevouritbeforethewomenhadachancetogatherit.Theydidnothavesheep,althoughtheydidhavegoatsandwereskilledatspinningandweavinggoat-hair.TheTradershadrawwool,glass,stone,andpotteryobjects,flourandsalt,someveryspecificwoodproductslikelongbowsofyew,whichthewarriorswereveryimpressedwithandarrowheads,whichwerealwaysinshortsupply.Theyalsohadsomecoppertrinkets,copperpots,andafewingotsofcopper.Butmostofall,ofcourse,theIronPeoplereallywantedironmorethananythingelse,andattheinitialtradingsessionitwascleartoRenathattheyweredisappointednottoseeany.
Still,theycoveredtheirdisappointmentwell,andtradingonthefirstdayproceededbriskly.Attheendoftheday,Halkan,thespokesmanandleaderofthisparticulargroup,invitedtheimpo
rtantmembersofthetribetodinnerinhistent,andincludedMeroandRenainontheinvitationmoreoutofpolitenessthananythingelse.TheTraderclanshadasetoffirmagreementswiththeWizards,anditwasn'tasifhecouldhaveexpectedanythingnewoutoftwoenvoystotheseodd,ebony-skinnedfolk.
MerohadneverseenanactualcampoftheTraderclansbefore,andlookedaroundwithlivelyinterestastheyaccompaniedDiricandKalatothemodestfeast.TheIronPeoplelivedinroundtentsconstructedofhidesand
felt;theTradershadsquareandrectangularpavilionsofsturdyheavily-waxedcloth.Beneaththewax,randompatternsofblotchesofgreenandbrownhadbeenpaintedonthecanvas,andhethoughtthatitwouldbedifficulttospotsuchtentsinthemiddleofaforest.Outhere,ofcourse,theylookedabitodd.
Allaroundtheoutskirtsofthecampwerewickercagesonpoles;theyweren'ttorchesorlamps,andMerocouldn'tevenguesswhatfunctiontheyweresupposedtoserve.Astheyalltooktheirplacesbeneathan
ornamentalpaviliontoenjoytheirhosts'hospitality,hefoundthattheTradershadelectedtoplacetheirguestsonflatcushionsaroundacentralservingarea,withTradersalternatingwiththeirguests.ThatputoneoftheTraders(anervous,thinfellow)betweenhimandRena,whichwasalittleannoying.Hewasworriedthatshemightbeuncomfortablewiththeseatingarrangements,buthehadn'treckonedwithherearlytrainingifshewasuncomfortablebetweentwostrangers,shedidn'tshowit.
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Meromostlystucktosmall-talkwithhistwoneighbors,allowingDiricandhisfellowchiefstomonopolizetheconversation.Butjustastheywereservedadessertofhoney-drenchedfruits(fromtheTraders'stores)andbeatencream(suppliedbytheIronPeople),somethingremindedhimofthosecuriouswickercagesandheaskedaboutthem.
Outofcourtesy,sothattheIronPeoplecouldunderstandeverythingthatwassaidaroundthecircle,theybothspokeintheIronPeoples'tongue."Ah!ThosearetoprotectusfromtheDemonsandtheirmagic,"saidtheyoungTraderwhosenameMerohadn'tcaught."Weputfool'sgoldinthem,anditworksastheironjewelrydoes."
Headssnappedintheirdirectionfromallaroundthecirclethemomentthattheword"iron"wasspoken."What
isthis?"Diricdemanded.
TheClan-chiefexplained,andtriedtodescribethecontentsoftheward-basketsinsuchawaythattheIronPeoplewouldunderstand,butDiricwasbaffled."Wait"hesaid,finally,andsentoneoftheyoungerTraderstofetchoneofthebaskets-.
InfrontofDiric'sinterestedgaze,heopenedthetopofthebasketandpoured
outaboutthreefistfullsworthofglittering,gold-coloredstoneswithroughsurfaces."Fool'sgold,"theTrader-chiefsaiddismissively."Foolsthinkitisrealgold;itisgoodonlyforkeepingthe"
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"Oh,Ishallmeltdownthewasteandcastitintoasettingforit,"Kalarespondedabsently."Itwillbeadifferentstylethanyouhaveseenheretofore,butIthinkyouwilllikeit.Wehaveagreedtoexchangeitfortherawpyrites,sothattheTradersneednolongerwastethesepreciousthingsinbasketsonpolesinordertoprotectthemselves.Oneweightofjewelrytotenweightsofpyrites."
TherewasnodoubtinRena'smindthatKalathoughtshewasgettingthebetterpartofthebargain.Renacontinuedtowatchherforawhile,butKalabecamesoinvolvedinherworkthatitseemedanintrusiontostay,andshegotupandwenttolookforMero.
"Wehaveaproblem,"shesaidtohim,worriedly,assoonasshecaughtsightofhimhurryingtowardsherthroughthetents.
"Iknow;Dirictoldmethetrade-agreement,"hereplied,justasworried."Imean,it'sagoodthingthatthey'vegotsomeiron,butthiscutsusrightoutofeverything.TheycangetmostofwhattheyneedfromeithertheCornPeopleortheTraders"
"sowhatusearetheWizardstothem?"Renaconcludedforhim."IftheElvenlordsdomanagetodefeattheYoungLordsandcomeafterus,whyshouldtheIronPeoplebothertohelpnow?Th
ere'snothingintheallianceforthem!"
Meronodded."They'renothingifnotpractical."Hesethischin."Right.Firstofall,weneedtogetintouchwithShanaandletherknowwhat'shappened.Maybeshe'llhavesomeideas."
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"Andnext?"Renaasked,hopefully.Merowasresourcefulsurelyhecouldthinkofsomethingtheycoulddo!
"Ican'tthinkofa'next,'"hereplied,dashingherhopes."IonlywishIcould...."
16
---
Kyrtiansatwearilyonhishorsebeneaththebroilingsun,andwaitedforhisscouttocomereporttohim.Ahead
ofhimsomewhereweretheretreatingforcesoftheYoungLords.Theywerefarenoughaheadofhistroopsthattherewasn'teventhetell-talesignofadust-cloudonthehorizon.
Itwasuncanny,itwasindeed.Themoment,theverymomentthattheCouncilagreedreluctantlytoputhiminchargeoftheirforces,someonemusthavealertedtherebels.AndthatsamesomeonemusthavetoldthemthatinLordKyrtiantheyweregoingtofaceatrainedcommanderandtrainedtroops.Becauseheneverevengotachancetofaceanarmyinthefield,onlyafewskirmishersmeanttodelayhim
whilethearmyitselfretreated.
Thatwaswhathisscoutswereoutlookingfornowskirmishers,traps,falsetrails.And,justpossibly,signsthattheYoungLordshadchosenaplacetomakeastand.Buthedidn'treallyexpectthat,notforsometimeyet.Theyweretoofarfromareastheyheldsecure,norwasthegroundparticularlygoodforturningatbay.
Meanwhile
Thescoutoneofhisownpeoplecamerunningup;themanstoppedathisstirrupandsaluted.
"Report,"Kyrtiancommanded.
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"Mylordall'sclear,andtheothershavemarkedoutasecurecampsite,"themansaidcrisply."Nosignoftheenemy,otherthanthemarksofretreat."
"Verygood."Kyrtiansalutedindismissal,andthescouttrottedofftoreturntohisowngroup.HelookedoveratGel,whowasalsomounted,andwaitingjustbesidehim.
"Well?"heasked.
Gelbarkedalaugh."It'smakingyourreputationeasilyenough,"hesaid."ButIwouldn'tcountonittolast."
"I'mnot."Hesighed."Let'sgetthemmoving.Ifwecampearlyenough,Icandrillthemsomemore."
"Goodplan."Gelwheeledhishorseawayandheadedtowardsthemainbodyofthearmy,pausedforarest,torelayKyrtian'sorders.Kyrtianstaredatthehorizonandwonderedwhentheinevitableblowwasgoingtofall.
Rennatisighed,brushedherhairbackoverhershoulders,andbenttolookouto
fthewindowinhersleeping-alcove,craninghernecktoseeasmuchoftheviewbelowheraspossible.SinceLordKyrtianhadleftandshedidnotknowwhy,onlythattheirservantssaidthathehadgonetherehadbeennothingtoreporttoLadyTriana,andnothingwhatsoeverhadhappenedhereintheharem.Nomorevisitorshadcome,andnothinghadbeentoldtotheconcubines.Rennatihadassiduouslypracticedherdancing,butonecouldn'tfilleveryhourof
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thedaywithdancing.Ithadbeenheronepassion,butnowshehadalltheleisureshecouldeverhavedreamedoftopracticeandperfectherart,andsherealizedthatwithoutanaudiencetoappreciatewhatshedid,simplypracticingandperfectingnolongerwasenoughforher.
TheothertwoconcubineswerehappilyoccupiedwiththecontentsofseveralcheststhatLadyLydiellhadthoughtfullysentup.Somehowshehadknownthatthelastbatchofdressmakingmaterialswasexhausted,andshehadsuppliedatruehordeofpreciousthingsswathsofsilks,satins,andvelvets,yardsoftrim,bucketsofglitteringglass,shellandstonebeads,goldandsilverandsilkenembroiderythreads,andeverythingtheheartcoulddesireforthemakingofdressesandornaments.AthoughtfulgiftthathadrathersurprisedRennati,actually;nothinginherlifewouldhaveledhertoexpectanysuchattentionsfromthechatelaineandmotherofayounglord.AndifRennatihadbeenjustalittlemoreliketheothertwoslavesofLordKyrtian'sharem,shewouldhavebeenrightdowntherebesideGiannaandKara,planningdresses,sewin
g,andmakingdelicatelittleamulet-necklaceswiththewealthofbeads.
Shehaddonesomeofthat,butlikeherdancing,therewasonlysomuchputteringwithtrinketsthatshecoulddobeforeshelostinterest.Concubinesweresupposedtobeobsessedwithclothingandself-ornamentation;Rennatilikedclothingwellenough,andsheenjoyedlookingpretty,butshehadalwaysfeltfrustratedandconfinedbylifeintheharem,thoughshehadtakenverygreatcarenevertoshowit.Thealternativetothe
haremwasthelifeofafield-orhouse-slave,andtheywerenottreatednearlyaswellastheconcubines.
Theviewfromherwindow,thoughrestricted,wasmoreinterestingthananythinginsidetheharem.Atleasttherewassomethinggoingonoutthere,somethingdifferentfromtheinterioroftheharemtower.Weatherchanged,slaveswalkedpast,birdsflewby.Andshewas,frankly,puttingoffreportingtoLadyTriana.TheLadyhadbeenincreasinglyimpatientwithRennati'slackofinformationand,thelasttime,hadthreatenedto
revokeherbargainunlessRennatihadmoretoreportthenexttimeshecalled.
Atlast,withagrimace,shedecidedthatshecouldn'tputitoffanylonger.Shepickedupthelittleboxofpersonaljewelry,anddugtheteleson-ringoutfromitshiding-placeamonghertinytreasures.Carefullysheputiton,spokethefewwordsthatactivatedit,andstaredintothedarkgreenmurkoftheberyl,waitingforavoice
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tocalltoherthinlyacrossthevastdistancebetweenthismanorandLadyTriana's.
"Well.Sothisiswherethedisturbancehasbeencomingfrom."
Rennatistarted,andlookedup,forthevoicedidnotcomefromthering,norwasitLadyTriana's.
LadyLydiellstoodinthedoorway,andinhershock,Rennaticouldonlystareatherdumbly.Elvenladiesneverenteredtheharem,muchlesscameintotheconcubines'privatequarters!ShehadfeareddiscoverybyGiannaorKara,orperhapsevenLordKyrtianhimself,butnever,everbyhismother!
TheladywasnotdressedinthesamefashionthatshehadbeenwhenRennatifirstmetwithher;infact,she
lookedverylittleliketheshelteredLadyofthemanorthatRennatiknewhertobe.Withherlong,silverhairboundintoasevereknotatthenapeofherneck,nocosmeticsonherface,andnojewelswearingasoftbrowndividedskirtandmatchinglong-sleevedtuniconlyherairofauthoritybetrayedherrank.
Hereyeswerequiet,unreadablepoolsofmurkygreen,exactlyliketheberylinRennati'sring;herfaceasexpressionlessasastatue.
LadyLydiellcalmlytookthefewstepsneededtocrossthedistancebetweenthedoorwayandRennati,andheldoutherhand.
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"Whomeveryouhavebeenreportingtowon'tansweryou,child,"theLadysaid,withnosignofangeroranyotheremotionthatRennaticoulddetect."I'vetakencareofthat.Youmightaswellgivethatteleson-ringtome."
Numbly,Rennatitooktheringoffandhandedittoherthenautomaticallydroppedtoherkneesbesidethecouchshehadbeenseatedon,andbowedherhead,claspingherhandsbehindherback,waitingfortheLadytopunishher.
Hervividimaginationpaintedadozenpicturesforherofwhattoexpectinthenextfewmoments,asherheartbeatsorapidlyshehadtroublebreathing,andsheshiveredwithfear.Hermouthdried,herthroatclosed,andshefeltasifshewasabouttofaint.Shewouldbepunished,ofcourse.Shehad
betrayedherMasteratthebehestofanotherElvenlord,true,butthatwasnoexcuse.Noslavecouldbetrayhermasterandbecaught,andexpecttoescapewithoutpunishment.Attheleast,shewouldbesentoutintothefields.Attheworst
"Whatonearthareyoudoing,child?"LadyLydiellasked,inanastonishedvoice,whichturnedexasperatedasRennatiremainedwhereshewas."Oh,forgetuplittlefool!I'mnotgoingtohurtyou!Andlookatme!"
AutomaticallyRennatileaptobedientlytoherfeet,turningherastonishedeyestotheLady'sfaceasherheartskippedbeatsandherchesttightenedalongwithherthroat.Foramoment,shethoughtshewouldfaint.
LadyLydiellfrowned,butnotinsuchawayassayLadyTrianahadfrowned.Thisfrownwasjustannoyance,notsomethingthatwouldfreezetheblood.Itwasanimpersonalfrowntherewasnorealangerin
it.ThoughRennati'sskinfeltcoldandclammy,herheartslowed,justalittle,andthetensioninherchesteased.
"'Sitdown,"LadyLydiellsaidshortly,andRennatiobeyed,hereyesfixedontheLady'sface."Andtellmeaboutthisring.Whogaveittoyou?Why?Andwhathaveyoubeentellinghim?"
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"Her,"Rennaticorrectedautomatically,andclappedherhandtohermouthinrenewedalarm.Butwhennoslap,stingofthecollar,orindeed,anyothercorrectioncame,shetookhercourageinbothhands,andbeganhertale.
Therewasnoreasontolie;ifLadyLydiellcaredto,shecouldhaveitalloutofherinamoment,eitherundertheinfluenceofdrugsorbyapplicationofpainthroughthecollar.AndatthispointtherewasnochancethatLadyTrianawouldkeephersideofthebargain,whichhadspecifiedthatRennatiremainundetected.SoRennatitoldeverything,fromthemomentthatLadyTrianapickedheroutofaslave-saletothelastthingthatshehadreported.Asshespoke,LadyLydiell'sfrownsoftened,untilwhenatlastRennatifellsilent,theelvenlady'sexpressionwasnoworsethanthoughtfulandslightlydisapproving.
Asshespoke,andLydiell'sexpressioneased,so,too,didthefeelingofpanicandfear,theawfulsickfeelingin
herstomach.Asshefinishedherlastwords,Lydiellnodded.
"Itcouldhavebeenworse,"shesaidwhenRennatifellsilent."Youhaven'tgiventhatcreaturemuchthat'sgoingtobeofanyusetoher,andforewarnedisforearmedastheysay."ShewatchedRennatiforafewmoments,thenappearedtomakeuphermindaboutsomething."Standup,child,"shesaid."Iwantyoutocomewithme."
Thefearreturned,redoubled,andherheartracedagain,herbreathcomingquicklyasshetriedtogetairpasttheterribletightnessofherthroatandchest.Nowitcomes,Rennatithought,heartsinkingwithdread.But,ofcourse,shecouldn'tdisobey.ShefollowedLadyLydielldownthestairs,pastGi-annaandKara
Andoutpastthebarrieratthedoorthatkeptunauthorizedslavesfromgettingintotheharemandtheconcubinesfromleavingit.Therewasafainttingleonherskinasshepassedt
hroughtheshimmeringcurtainof
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magicpower,andsheshivered.Nowshewasoutside,andawayfromthescantprotectionofthepresenceoftheothertwo.WhatwasLadyLydiellgoingtodowithher?Handherovertothegladiators?
"You'reintelligent,andIdon'tthinkyou'reabadchildatheart,"Lydiellsaid,asiftoherself,thenlookedoverhershoulderatRennati,whoshrankinsideherselfwhenthosepenetratinggreeneyesmethers."I'musuallyconsideredagoodjudgeofcharacter,bytheway."
"Yes,mylady,"Rennatiwhispered,sinceitseemedthatLadyLydiellwaswaitingforananswerastheywalkeddownamarble-facedhallway.
"I'mgoingtotakeachancewithyou,"Lydiellcontinued,stillholdingherwiththat,sharpgaze."I'mgoingtodo
somethingthathasneverbeendonewithahumanfromoutsideourowncircle,bornandraisedamongus.I'mgoingtoshowyouexactlywhatyou'vejeopardizedwithyouractions."
Andforthenextseveralhours,RennatifoundherselfhauledalloverLordKyrtian'sestate,seeingthingsthatlefthergaping,toooverwhelmedtospeak.Thisthisplacewasnothinglikeanywhereshehadeverbeenbefore!
Atfirst,itonlyseemedasifthiswasjustanordinaryestate,althoughtheMasterandMistressofitwereunusuallykindtotheirslavesandtreatedthemextraordinarilywell.First,theLadytookhertoeverynookandcrannyoftheGreatHousenotonlythroughtheroomsthatsheandhersonandtheotherElvenlordsofthehouseholdused,butintothekitchen,thestill-room,thelaundry,thesewingandweavingroom.EverywheretheLadywasgreetedwithrespect,thoughnotservility;moreimportantly,shedidn'texpectorseemtodemandservility.IneveryotherhouseholdRennatihadbeenin,slaveswereexpectednevertospeakunlessdirectly
addressed,nevertoraisetheireyestothemistress'sfaceunlessgivenpermission,andnever,ever,todoastheseslavesdid,andactuallyapproachthemistresswithareportoraquery.ButRennatiquicklybegantorealizethatLadyLydiellnotonlywasincrediblyapproachable,shewasalsogreetedwithactualaffectionbyherslaves.
Affection?Fromslaves?Howwasthatpossible?
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"Whatdoyouthinkofourhomesofar?"Lydiellasked,astheymovedoutsideandheadedforalong,lowbuilding.Thiswasaquestionthatwouldhavebeenappropriateifaskedofanequaloroneonlyslightlyinferior,butnotofaconcubine.Concubineswerenotsupposedtohaveopinions.Theywerebarelysupposedtothink.
Thequestionsurprisedherintohonesty,nottheleastbecausetheslavesinthekitchenhadactuallycalledcheerfulandwelcominggreetingswhentheLadyhadfirstentered,leavingRen-natidumbfounded."Idon'tunderstand,"shesaid."Theylikeyou!Howcanslaveslikeyou?"
Shehadn'treallyexpectedareply,unlessitcameasareproof.ButwhatLadyLydiellsaidinresponsetotheimpulsiveexclamationshockedhertothecoreandleftherspeechless.
"Theylikemebecausetheyarenotslaves,"Lydiellsaid."Neitherthey,northeirancestors,wereeverslaves;here,inthisonemanor,noElvenlordhaseverenslavedahuman."
What?Rennatifeltherheartactuallystopforamoment.
"Theyareinmyemploy,"LadyLydiellcontinued."Theyaremyhelpers,andwere
specteachother.KyrtianandIprotectthemfromtheoutsideworld,ashisfatherdidfortheirancestors,andhisgrandfatherfortheirs,andforthatprotection,theyandtheirfamiliesserveus,"theLadysaidquietly."Wehaveneverhadslaveshere,andnevershall,ifweareleftalonebytheLadyTrianasoftheworld."
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Itwassuchanastonishingstatementthatithadtobealie.ItwassimplynotpossiblethattherewasafamilyoftheElven-lordsthathadn'tenslavedhumans!
Andyethowcoulditbealie?WhyshouldtheLadymakeupsuchanastonishingstory?Whatpurposewoulditserve?Andhowcouldshehavegottenallofherslavestoactinsuchanaturalway,unlessitwastrueandnotalie?
AsRennaticontinuedtofollowLadyLydielloutintothefields,tothecottagesofthefarm-laborers,tothebarracksofthefighters,shehadbeenprotectedbyacoreofutterdisbelief,butthemoreshesaw,themorethatcoreeroded.IftheLadyhadonlyshownherthehouseholdservants,shewouldnothavetrustedwhatshesaw,butherewerepeoplewhoshouldneverhaveseteyesonthelady,who,iftheyeverbysomechancehadseenhershouldneverrecognizetheplainly-dressedLadyfortheauthoritythatshew
as.Buttimeaftertime,theLadywasmetwithwelcomeandgreeting,withthekindofcommontalkthatmightbesharedwithatrustedhumanoverseer,butneverwithanElvenlord,andsheherselfaskedquestionsaboutthefarming,training,ortheslavesthemselvesandtheirfamilies(families?Impossible!)thatshowedshewasintimatelyfamiliarwiththeminutiaeoftheirlives.
Evenso,RennaticlungtoherstubbornrefusaltobelieveinthismiracleofElvenkindness,rightupuntilthe
twoofthemapproachedasetofsmallbuildingsconstructedaroundagarden.Rennaticouldnotimaginewhattheycouldbe,buttoherincredulousearscamethesoundofhigh,shrillvoicesthevoicesofchildren
AsLadyLydiellcameintoviewofthegarden,thechildrenplayingtherecaughtsightofher,andrantowardher,shriekinggreetingsatthetopsoftheirlungs.
"LadyLidi!LadyLidi!""Comeseemypuppy!""Willyoumakeussweeties?""LadyLidi,Jordyfoundafrog!"
LadyLydiellonlysmiledserenelyasthehordeofsmallchildren(someofthemverygrubbyindeed)swarmedallaroundher,holdingupflowers,afrog,apuppy,dolls,andtoybowsandarrowsforherapproval.AsRennatistared,hermouthdroppingcompletelyopen,theLadygaveeachofthechildrenh
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ergravestattention.
Nowsheknewwhytherewerenobreedingpens,nomassnurseries,noothersignsthathumanslaveswerebredherewiththesamecaretoselectionandcarelessnessastofeelingsaswerecattleandhorses.Theclusterofsmallbuildingswerehouses.Housesforfamilies.Familieswhowereallowedtokeeptheirchildrenwiththem.Andsincetherewerenobreedingpens,thismustbethenormhere,nottheexception,asitwasontheestatethathadbredRennati.
Thesechildrenwereutterlyfearlessinthepresenceofthechatelaineofthemanor.TheymustneverhavereceivedsomuchasanunkindnessfromanElvenlord.
AndlookattheLadyherself!Shecouldn'thavebeenmorepatientwiththishordeofexuberantchildrenifshe
hadbeentheirnursemaidorbelovedrelative!
Rennatiletfallthelastofherdisbelief,andfelttheworldwhirlingaroundher,turnedutterlyupsidedown.
"Willyoupleasemakeussweeties,LadyLidi?"askedoneoftheboys,polite,butboldasayoungrooster.
LadyLydielllaughed."Allright.Oneflowereach.Gopickfreshones."SheturnedtoRennati,whoclutchedabeamembeddedinthecornerofthehousebesideher,feelingactuallydizzy."Elvenwomenaretrainedtousetheirmagicinsmallwaysratherthanlargeyou'llfindmostofthemmakingfoolishsculpturesoutofflowers,butthat'sabastardizationofwhatweoriginallydidinEvelon.Wehealedwoundsandsometimessicknessbutmostimportantofall,wemadetheinedibleedible.LadyMothtaughtmethatlittletrick,whichshelearnedfromhermother.Istilluseittomakehoney-sweetsfromflowersforthechildrenah,heretheycome!"
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TherewereplentyofflowersinthelittlegardensthatRennatinownoticedaroundthehouses,andithadn'ttakenthechildrenlongtopickoutwhichflowertheywishedmadeintoatreat.Shenoticedthatthegirlsgenerallychoseroses;well,shewaspartialtorose-petalcandiesherself.Manyofthemsuckedthorn-woundedfingers,butnoneofthemcomplained.Theboysseemedtoprefersunflowers,dahlias,anythinglarge.Butonelittlegirlattherearofthegroupcameupholdingasingleviolet,andlookedtoLadyLydiellwitheyesfilledwithdisappointment.
"Sahshi,what'sthematter?"Lydiellasked,seeingherandherdistressatonce,andmotioningfortheotherstoletherthrough.
"Yousaidonlyone,"Sahshiwhisperedimploringly."ButIlikevi'lets"
"Ohdearchildren,doyouthinkit'sfairforSahshionlytohaveonetinyviolet?"Lydiellappliedtotherestofthechildrenandhadtheybeenpen-bornandnursery-raised,whereitwaseverychildforhimself,Rennatiknewwhattheanswerwouldhavebeen.Butnothere.
"No!"cametheclamor,instantly,andwithoutprompting,severalofthemrantonearbygardens,bringingback
bunchesofvioletsthattheypressedintoSahshi'shandsuntilthechildcouldn'tholdanymore.
Herfaceglowingwithhappiness,SahshiheldupthevioletsforLadyLydielltotransmuteandthengaveRennatiafurthersurprise(asifsheneededoneatthispoint)bysharingouthersweetswiththeothersastheywaitedintheirturnforLadyLydielltogettothem.Thiswasprobablyjustaswell,forhadsheeatenthemallherselfshewouldsurelyhaveearnedherselfabellyache,butneverbeforehadRennatiseenachildofthe
lowest,fieldworkerclasswhowouldnothaveimmediatelyshoveledatreatintohermouthwithbothhandsanddevoureditasfastasshecould,stuffingherselfuntilshewassickbecauseitwouldbeagesbeforeshemighttasteanyothergoodthing.
Itwasall,inaword,impossible.
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WhenLydiellhadfinishedwiththelastflower,thechildrenthankedherandstreamedbacktotheirplayground,asmallsquaresurroundedbyrough-hewnlogsenclosinganareaofsoftsandthatheldstumpsandbarstoclimbon,aboardwithseatsoneitherendpoisedonahewnblockofwoodthatallowedtheendstoriseandfallwithchildrenbalancedonseatsthere,andotherthingsthatthechildrenseemedtoenjoyswarmingover.
Thesethingsallshowedsignsofagreatdealofwear;theyhadn'tbeenplacedthererecently.Thiswasnoartificialsettingmadeforherbenefit,toswayheropinion.
Asifmyopinion,theattitudeofamortal,actuallymeanssomething!ButtoLadyLydiellitdid,itpatentlydid.
LydiellturnedbacktofaceRennatiwithaquizzicalsmileonherface."Well?"shesaid,pointedly.
Rennatifeltcoldandhotatthesametime,andtherewasafaintbuzzinginherears."Whatisthisplace?"sheasked,thickly.
"Ah.Thatisaverygoodquestion."LadyLydielltookRen-nati'sarm,asifshewasRennati'soldestfriend.
"Comebacktothemanorwithme.Ithink,whenyouhavehadsomethingtodrinktosteadyyou,youwillhaveagreatmanymorequestions,andIwilltrytoanswerthem."
Intheend,Rennatithoughtshewouldnevercometoanendofherquestions.Lydiellansweredeachandeveryone,withinfinitepatienceastheysatinelegantchairsoneithersideofalittletableononeoftheoutdoorterraces.Hereshewaseatingdaintiesthat,inherexcitement,shedidnottrulytaste;drinkingsomethingthat
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mightjustaswellhavebeenwaterforalltheattentionshepaidtoit;andarrangedacrossfromahighbornel-venladyononeoftheprivateterracesasifshe,too,wasElvenborn.Thesunshonedownonthegardensbelowthem,althoughtheywereshadedbyafineclothcanopyoftapestriedlinen.Afewwomenworkedinthegardensbelow,theverypictureofbucoliccontentmentwell-clothedinpracticalleggingsandlong,looselinentunics,protectedfromthesunbybroad-brimmedstrawhats,andnosupervisorinsight.
SlowlyshebegantoreallyunderstandjustwhatitwasthatLordKyrtian'sfamilyprotectedhere.Thatwaswhentheenormityofherowntreacherydawnedonher,hittingherwiththeforceofablow.Ifshehadstillbeenabletoweep,shewouldhave,then;she'dhavebrokendownandhowledwiththepainofwhatshehaddonetotheseamazingElvenlordsandtheirhumancharges.Shewantedto;herthroatclosedandshenearlychokedonherunshedtears,butweepinghadlongsincebeentrainedoutofher,andshecouldnotcry,notevenforthis.
Concubinesdidnotweep;itspoiledtheirlooks,andonlyannoyedtheirmasters.
Butthedepthofherdespaircouldnotbemeasured,andshecouldnotsimplysitthereandbearitinvisibly.
Sheslippedfromherseatandsankdowntoherknees,thenprostratedherselfonthestoneoftheterrace,notdaringtolookattheLadylestshecrackintoathousandpieces.
"Ah,"saidtheladysoftly."Nowyouunderstand."
Itwashard,hardtospeak;hardtogetwordsaroundthatlumpofguiltandpaininherthroat."Yes."Itwasallshecouldmanage.
"NowIhavequestionsforyou,"LadyLydiellsaid,inavoicethatwarnedshewouldinsistonanswers.
Rennaticouldnotbeartolookintothefaceoftheoneshehadsovilelybetrayed,andsheremainedwhereshewas,prostratedonthestoneoftheterrace,speakingbrokenlytothesoftgreyslabjustbelowhernose.Thelady'squestionswentonaslongasRennati'shad,everydetailofherlife,of
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herbargainwithLadyTriana,pulledfromhergently,butinexorably.
Itseemedtogoonforever,andwhenshewasdone,shefeltdrainedofeverythingexceptpain.TherewasnothingthatLadyLydielldidnotknowabouthernow,andsurely,surely,thepunishmentshesorichlydeservedwouldbeforthcoming.
Theladyfinallymadeasoundawearysigh."Getup,child,andsitdownsothatIcantalktoyouproperly."
Rennaticouldn'tmovebutamomentlater,shefoundherselfbeingmoved,asLadyLydielltookherelbows,liftedhertoherfeetandreplacedherinherseat,aseffortlesslyasifsheweighednothing.Perhaps,fortheLady,shewasnear-weightless;shewasclearlyapastmistressofElvenmagic,andhowcouldRennatiknow
whatwasandwasnotpossibleinmagic?
"Now,"theLadysaid,hereyesboringintoRennati'sasiftostareintoherverythoughts."Youunderstandwhatyouhavedonetous.Areyoupreparedtomakeamends?"
BynowRennatihadexhaustedallemotionsbutonehope.Andunderneathallthatheavy,blackdespair,hopestirredandeasedtheconstrictionofherthroatenoughtoletherbreathealit
tle.Numbly,shenodded.
Speakingcarefullyandexactly,LadyLydielloutlinedwhatRennatiwastodo.AndRennatiagreedtoit,withouteveroncemakingasingleobjectionoraskingwhatwouldhappentoherwhentheinevitablemomentcamewhenshewasnolongeruseful.
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Ithadbeenalong,veryhardday,mostofitspentinthesaddle,andKyrtianwasalreadyweariedwhenhismothercalledhim.
Sofar,thecampaignagainsttheYoungLordswasturningintosomethingotherthanthehard-sloggingbattlehe'dbeenledtobelieveitwouldbe.Infact,ifitwasn'tfortheevidenceofthedevastatedestateshe'dseen,withmanorshalf-burnedandfieldslefttoweeds,itwouldhavebeensomethingofafarce.
BecausethemomenthetookcommandofthearmyquiteliterallyfromthemomenthetookcommandofthearmytheYoungLords'directoppositionmeltedaway.Quitesimply,theyturnedandran.
Now,asacommander,hehadtoagreewiththeirtactics.Hebroughtwithhimhis
ownpeople,whowouldhavestrengthenedthelineasnothingelsecouldhave.Thenextpitchedbattlewouldhavebeenaconclusiveone.TheYoungLords'armywasnotnearanyareathatcouldbeusedasasecurebase,andsupplieshadtobeproblematic,evenwiththeuseofmagic.Ifhehadbeenintheirsituation,he'dhavedonethesame.
Butnowhewasinpursuit,whichmeantthatwhentheydidtakeastand,itwouldcomeasasurprisetohim,andwouldbeongroundoftheirchoosing.Andveryprobablyhewouldbefacingtheir
restedforcewithhisownwearyone.
Kyrtianstareddownatthetinyimageofhismotherintheteleson-screensetintohiscampaign-desk,withGelwatchingoverhisshouldermakinginterestednoises.
"Triana?"hesaid,finally."AelmarkinIcouldunderstand,butwhywouldTrianawantanagentinour
household?"
Gelsnorted,beforeLydiellcouldanswer."That'ssimpleenough.They'reworkingtogether.OrAelmarkinthinkstheyare.FromallI'veheard,thatb"hecoughed."ah,femaleisanevennastierpieceofworkthanyourcousin,ifthat'spos-sible.Sneakier,anyway.Whatdoyouthinkaboutthisgirl?Canyoutrustwhatshe
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says?Canyoutrustwhatshe'lldo,nowthatyou"
Lydiellsmiled."Oh,comenow,Gel.ThisistheLadyyou'retalkingto.Howmanyofourpeoplehavethehumanmagic?Andhowmanydoyouthinkwerekeepingwatchonthegirl'sthoughtswhileIquestionedherbesidestheonesIaskedtojusttomakesurethattheothersdidn'tmisssomething?"
Gelhadthegracetoblush."Shouldn'ttryandteachmygrandamwhatmushroomstopick,youmean.Sorry,m'lady.Soshe'ssafe?"
"Morethansafe.Ithinkweshouldkeepher,"cametherathersurprisingreply."She'sveryintelligent,she'scleverwhichisnotatallthesamethingasbeingintelligentandshe'sgotakindnature.I'dbeveryhappytoseehermakeherhomewithourpeople.Shecouldbeveryusefultouswehaven'tg
otmanypeoplewho'vebeenraisedintheslave-pens;shegivesusalookintothatworldthatisbeyondprice."
"Notasmyconcubine"Kyrtianblurted,andflushedwhenGelchuckled.
"Iratherdoubtthatbythetimeshe'slearnedtotakeherplaceamongourpeopleshe'dbewillingtobeanyone'sconcubine,"Lydiellreplieddryly."Andafterall,thatwouldbethepoint,woul
dn'tit?"
"ItakeitthatyourplanistohavehersenddearestTrianaasmuchdisinformationasyouthinkshe'llswallow?"Kyrtiansaid,hastilychangingthesubject.
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"Itseemsapitytowastetheopportunity,"Lydiellagreed,hereyestwinklingalittle,orsoKyrtianthought,althoughtheimagewassosmallitwasdifficulttotell."Ifitseemsthattheployisworking,perhapsyoumightwanttohaveherwithyou.Iunderstandthatmanyofficershaveaconcubineortwowiththem"
BeforeKyrtiancouldobject,Gelreplied."That'sagoodidea,whenyou'resurebeyondashadowofadoubtthatwecantrusther,Lady,"heenthused."IfTrianaisreportingbacktoAelmarkin,wecanfeedhernonsenseleavenedwithjustenoughtruthtomakeitseemthatthegirlisdoingmorethanthebwomaneverexpected."
"Iwouldn'tcallTrianaa'bitch,'Gel,"Lydiellsaidmildly."It'saterribleinsulttoallfemalecanines,whichare,onthewhole,rathernicecreatures."
Gelnearlychokedonhislaughter,andKyrtianfelthisfacegrowhot.Whathadgottenintohismotherlately?
Orwasitonlythatnowhismotherconsideredhimenoughofanadultnottomincewordsaroundhim?
"Intheabstract,itsoundslikeagoodideatome,providedthatbringingheroutheredoesn'tputherinany
danger,"hetemporized."AndIdon'tmeandangerfromthefighting;that'sturningouttoberatherwelltamerthanIthought.Fornow,anyway.Someone'sconvincedtheYoungLordstorun,ratherthanstandandfight.Ican'tsayI'munhappyaboutthatitcertainlymakesmelooklikeabrilliantcommander.Butwhilethisgirliswithinthewallsofourestate,she'ssafeenoughfromTrianaifshecomesouthere,andTrianadecidesthatshewantsmorethanafewwordsoverateleson-ring,itwouldbenogreatchoretofindsomewaytokidnapher.HumanslavesandElvenlordsarecomingandgoingfrommyquartersallthetime,GelistheonlypersonI'dtrusttokeephersafe,andheandIcan'thaveheronthebattlefieldwith
us."
AndIreallydon'twantafemalecomplicatingthingsaroundhere,headded,butonlyinthought.Hereallydidnotwanthismother-worryingaboutthedanger.Therewas,ofcourse,agreatdealmoreofthatthanhewasgoingtotellherabout.Whentheinevitablehappened,andtheYoungLordsturnedatbay
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Lydiellpursedherlipsinthought."Thathadn'toccurredtome,"sheadmitted."Forthatmatter,itwouldn'ttakeagreatdealofeffortonTriana'sparttosendsomeonetoyourquarterstointimidatethegirl,andwecan'thavethat.Well,let'sholdthatployinreserveforawhile,incaseTrianastartsurgingitonher.ItmaybethatconcoctingastorythatI'vemadeherintomyprivatemaidwhileyou'regoneandshecan'overhear'myconversationswithyouwillbeenough."
"Ishouldthink,"Kyrtiansaidfirmly."Ancestors!Foronce,youhavebeentheonewithalltheinterestingnews!AllIcantellyouiswhatIhavebefore;that,andI'mnearertoLadyMoth'sestateandIthinkIcanpushthelinesbackfarenoughtoputherinourhandsagainwithintheweek."
"Assumingshewantstobe,"camethethoughtfulreply."Allthingsconsidereddoy
outhinkyoumightbeabletopushjustfarenoughthatshecansendamessageorcometoyouherself,withoutcuttingherofffromtheYoungLords?"
Again,Kyrtianwassurprisedbythequestion,buthesawimmediatelywhyhismotherhadaskedit."NooneislikelytoquestionmeaslongasIpushthemback-somewhere,"heresponded."Youthinkshehasworkedherwayintotheirconfidence,don'tyou?"
"Yes.AndI'mnotentirelysureyoushouldbeworkingsohardtodefeatthem."LadyLydiellfrownedslightly."Thereisthis:whiletheGreatLordsareconcentratingontherebels,theyaren'tpayinganyattentiontous."
"OrtheWizards,"Geladded.
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"OrtheWizards,"sheagreed."ButifyoudefeattheYoungLords,theyarecertaintowantyoutoleadanarmyagainsttheWizardsnext."
TheveryideamadeKyrtian'sheartsink,andhefeltalittlesickfornotthinkingofthathimself.Ofcoursetheywould!Andwhilehedidn'tintheleastmindbringingtheyoungpupstoheelfortheolddogs,theveryideaofpittinganarmyofslavesagainsttheirfellowhumans
"I'llresignfirst,"hesaidhurriedly."I'llfindanexcuse.OrGelcanbreakmyleg."
"Oryourskull,"Gelgrowled,buttherewasapprovalinhisvoice."We'llworryaboutthatwhenthetimecomes.Inthemeantime"
"Inthemeantime,I'llsaygoodbye,andyoucanthinkaboutwhattodoaboutMoth,"Lydiellsaidfirmly."Ifwetalkanylonger,someoneisboundtotryandmirrorthissending.Watchyourback,mylove."
"Iwill,"Kyrtianpromised,andthetelesonwinkedout,leavingbothhimandGelwithfartoomuchtothinkabout
andfartoolittletimeforthinking.
17
---
TheplightofoneyoungwomancouldnotholdKyrtian'sattentionforlong.Solongasshewasnolongerathreat,hedidn'tparticularlycarewhathismotherdidwithher.
Truthfully,hecouldn'tevenrememberwhichofthethreegirlsshewas;shewasLydiell'sproblemnow,andhe
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wouldjustassoonthatthingsstayedthatway.Withinafewmoments,hehadevenforgottenhernameashisattentionturnedtothemoreurgenttaskofchanginghisstrategytodealwithMothandtheYoungLordsinlightofthisnewinformation.
Itwasjustagoodthingthattheyhadalreadysettledattheireveningcampsite.Outsidethetentwastheusualcacophonyofhundredsofhumanssettingupcampfiresandbedrolls,gettingfedatthemess-wagons,andbeingorderedaboutbytheirelvenofficers.Themellowgoldenlightofnear-sunsetmadethewesternwallofKyrtian'stentglow;theairwasfullofdustandthescentoftrampledgrassandwoodsmoke.Therewasfoodonatrayonhiscamp-bed,virtuallythesamesortoffoodthatthehumanfighterswouldbeeating,butKyrtianignoredit.Gelwouldprobablynaghimintoeatingiteventually.
"Well,weneedtorethinkourbattle-plan,"hesaidtoGel,spreadinghisterrain-mapoutovertheblankblack
glassoftheteleson-screensetintothetopofhiscampaign-desk."Thequestionis,whatcanwepushtowardsnowthatwillallowustogetcloseenoughtoMoththatshecansendsomeoneouttousifshewants,withoutmakingstraightforherestateorlookasifwe'retryingtoavoidthatestate?"
"Goodquestion."Gelpulledathischinwhilehestudiedthemap,frowning."Damngoodquestion.Whatabouthere"hisfingerstabbeddownataspotonthemapwheretheyhadnotedapossibleslave-camp,onefullof
formergladiators."Wecanletitoutthatwethinkthisisatraining-campfortheYoungLords'soldiers.Thatoughttobereasonenoughforanyone."
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TakingthearmyinthatdirectionwouldallowthemtoskirtMoth'sestatewithoutactuallytakingitandwouldgivethemacorridorforastrikedeeperintoYoungLords'territory.Kyrtiannodded,andreachedabsentlyforhismugofwater,takingasiptoeaseathroatticklingwithinhaleddust."Let'smakeareporttoLordKyndrethandsuggestthechangeofplan.Iwanthimtoargueagainstmeforalittle."
"Why?"Gelgavehimaquizzicalglance,browsknitted.
Kyrtianrefoldedthemapcarefullyandsetitaside."Becausethisisgoingtoserveusinmorewaysthanone.He'sgoingtopointoutthatwithaverylittleeffortIcanrescueMoth.I'mgoingtocounterthatMothisprobablysafewheresheis,thattheYoungLordsprobablyhaven'teventhoughtaboutoneoldwomaninatinyestate,andpushingtowardstheYoungLordsatthatpointwillmakethemthinkt
hatMothisvaluabletous.Iwanthimtoseethatit'spossiblesomeoftheoldretainersheldbehindthelinesthathavebeenignoreduntilnowcouldbeusedashostages.Itdoesn'tseemtohaveoccurredtotheYoungLordstodothatyet,butIwantKyndrethtorealizehedoesn'twanttogivethemtheidea.IdowantKyndrethtofocusonthatandnotlookforotherreasonswhyImightnotwanttopushatthatpoint."
"That'llgivehimsomethingmoretothinkabout,"Gelsaid,pullingonhischinuntilKyrtianwonderedifhewas
goingtostretchitoutofshapesomehow."Aye,andthat'llgivehimonemorethingtowarntheothersabout."
"WhichwillgivetheCouncilsomethingelsetothinkaboutbesidestheWizards.Itmightevengivethemareasontoordermetoholdbackuntiltheycanfindwaystogetthepeopletheywantoutofharms'way."KyrtiannoddedasGel'seyeswidened."Yousee.Youknow,IneverthoughtI'dbetryingtothinkupwaystogetKyndrethtopullourforcesbackbutthatcouldbethebeststrategyatthemoment."Thebackofhisneck
achedwithtension,andherubbedit,hopingthataheadachewasn'tcomingon."Ineverthoughtthiswouldbesocomplicated,"hesaidplaintively,tonooneatall."IfIhadknown"
"Ifyou'dknown,youstillwouldn'thavebeenabletoescapethis,"Gelpointedoutbluntly."Kyndrethwantedyou;whatKyndrethwants,happens."
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Therewasnorealanswertothat,andGelknewit.Kyrtianjustshookhishead,andwincedalittleatthestartofthatheadachehe'dhopedtoavoid.
HekeyedthetelesonwithKyndreth'sseal,placingitfacedowninthelittlerounddepressionmadeforreceivingsuchsealsintheupperright-handcorner,andwithatouchandaword,activatedthespell.Asheexpected,hecontacted,notKyndrethdirectly,butoneoftheGreatLord'smanyunderlings.
Theplainly-cladElvenlordstaredupathimwithasolemnandexpectantexpressiononhislongface."WouldyoupleaseconsultwithLyonLordKyndreth?"Kyrtianaskedpolitely."PleaseinformhimthatIbelieveweneedtochangeourbattle-plans."Heexplainedhisnewplanscarefullyandthereasonsforthem,whiletheunderlingtookdetailedandcopiousnotes,occasionallystoppingandaskinghimpolitelytorepeatorelaborate
onsomething.Kyrtianwasimpressed;he'dencounterednofewofLordKyrtian'sflunkieswhohadbeenutterlyboredwithhimandhiscampaignsincehe'dbeenputinchargeofthearmy,butthisfellowwasnotofthatilk.
"I'mtobeyourliaisonwithLordKyndrethfortheforeseeablefuture,LordKyrtian,"theunderlingsaidsolemnly."LordKyndrethhasmadeitveryclearthatyourreportsaretobegivenhisfirstconsideration,andIhavetheauthoritytobreakinuponhimatanytimeincludinginhissleep,ifyoushoulddeemyourreportto
besufficientlyurgent."
Well,well,well.Kyrtianblinked."It'snoturgent,sincewe'llstillbemovingthroughterritorythattheYoungLordshaveabandonedforatleasttwomoredays,butIshouldliketohearhisopinionbeforewebreakcampandmoveatdawntomorrow."
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Theunderlinggaveaslightbowofhishead."Ishallseetoitthathereadsthisreportandcommunicateyourrequesttohimwithinthehour,LordKyrtian."
Theteleson-screenwentblankagain,andGel,whohadstayedcarefullyoutofrangeforthedurationoftheconversation,chuckled."Itseemsthatyourvaluehasgoneupintheworld,Kyrtian."
"Soitdoes,"Kyrtianreplied,andputathin,flatplateofbe-spelledbronzeovertheteleson-screen,fittingitintotheslightdepressionwheretheglasshadbeeninsetthere,topreventitfrombeinginadvertentlyactivated.ShouldsomeoneLordKyndreth,hopefullywishtocontacthimwhiletheplatewasinplace,theplateitselfwouldglowandemitapleasantrepeatingchimetoalerthim.Kyrtianalways"plated"histelesonwhenhe
wasn'tusingithimself;itwaspossibleforoutsiderstoactivateone'sscreenandspyonwhatwasgoingonwithinitsrangeiftheyhadakeytoitliketheoneshehadtoLordKyn-dreth'stelesonandhismother's.Andkeyscouldbeduplicatedbyeventheweakestofmages.
Withtheplateinplace,heturnedtoGel."Interesting,don'tyouthink?"heasked."AreyouthinkingwhatI'mthinking?"
"ThatLordKyndreth'sownstatusisgoingupbecauseofwhatyou'vemanagedtodoouthere?"Gelcountered.AtKyrt-ian'snod,hepursedhislips."Ifthat'sthecase,hemaywantyoutopressaheadtoMoth'sestateanyway."
"Sowehavetothinkofanalternateplan."ThemoreKyrtianthoughtaboutit,thelesshewantedtopresstheYoungLordsnowholdingtheestatethatMoth'shusbandhadonceowned."We'vegottogivehimaricher
victory.Notjustthepossibility,buttherealthing."
"Ah,horseturds,"Gelsaidsourly."Youdon'taskmuch,doyou?Letmegetsomescoutsout;maybetheycanfindusajuicyprize."
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Hestalkedoutofthetenttoroundupafewofthescoutswhohad,inalllikelihood,settledinattheircampfireandwouldnotbepleasedtobesentoutagain.ThescoutswereallElvenlords,ofcoursethepreviouscommanderhadnottrustedhumanstorunfreeandactasscouts,andKyrtianwasnotgoingtoriskanyofhisownpeopleinthissituation.Noneofthemhadmorethanthebareminimumofmagic;theywereElvenonlybybenefitofbirthandblood.IntheworldoftheGreatLordstheywereusefulonlyasoverseersandsupervisorsofhumansandbreedersofpossiblematesforunmarriedsonsorthemselves.Theywereexpendable,andoftentreatedworsethanslavesdeemedtobemorevaluable,suchastreasuredconcubinesorskilledgladiators.
Fromthebeginning,Kyrtiantreatedthemwithrespect,andasaconsequence,hadgraduallywontheirloyaltytothepointwheretheyhadacceptedGelasKyrtian'ssecond-in-command,somethingnoGreatLordwouldeverdo.Hetookpainsnevertoshowthemthathefeltsorryforthem,buthedid.InthelongstoryoftheElvenlordsinthisplace,nexttothehistoryoftheenslavedandabusedhumans,theirswas
thesaddest.
Achimingfromthebronzeplateathiselbowbrokeintohisthoughts,andhehastilyuncoveredtheteleson.
ThecraggilyhandsomefaceofLordKyndrethhimselfstaredupathim,andKyrtianmadeasketchysalute."Hrotheranpassedonyourrequest,andthereasonforit,"Kyndrethrumbled."Myfirstthoughtwasthatthe
youngpupswouldn'tdarethreatenharmtoanotherElvenlordorladybut"hechuckledharshly"mynextthoughtwasthattheyalreadyhave."
"Well,"Kyrtianreplied,"yes.Frankly,we'venowayofknowingifthedeathsofsomeoftheLesserLordsontheirestateswereatthehandsofrevoltingslaves,oroftheYoungLords.Theywouldn'tadmititiftheyhadkilledoneofus,notwhentheyknowverywellhowharshthepenaltieswillbewhenwedefeatthem."
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"Theyjustupandchangedmarch,LittleMother,"theswarthy,squatyounghumantoldher,asshekeptrefillinghisglassandhisplate.The"boys"tendedtoforgetabouteatinganddrinkingwhiletheywereoutthere,andcamebackstarvedandreadytodrinkalake."It'sasiftheygotdifferentorderslastnight."
LadyMothconsideredthisinformationforamoment,thenmadeuphermind."Lasen,onafasthorse,howlongdoyouthinkitwouldtakemetocatchuptothearmy?"sheasked.Themanstaredather,understandingslowlycomingintohisbrowneyes;hisbrowwrinkledwithconcernsothathelookedlikeaworriedhound.
Heknewher;heknewbetterthantotryanddissuadeher.Hedidn'thavetoreadherthoughtstoknowwhattheywerealthough,ifhehadcaredto,heprobablycouldhave,sincehewasoneofthefourwithwizard-powers.
Hewon'tthough;thoseboysthinkit'simpolitetohearthoughtswithoutpermission,ifyou'reafriend.Heprobablywouldn'teventhinkofdoingitunlessmylifeorhiswasatstake,thedearchild.Therewasnothinginherthoughtsshecaredtohidefromanyonethesedaysthoughwhenshe'dbeenyounger...
"Youcouldcatchthembysundown,"hetoldher,slowly."Butthequestionis,canyoucomeatLordKyrtianthroughallofhisarmyandcomeawayagainbacktous?"Afleetingghostoffea
rtraveledacrosshisfacethen,anditwasthatfearsheansweredbeforesheaddressedthespokenquestion.
"Ihavenointentionofabandoningallofyou,mylad,"shesaidfondly,andtappedhisshoulderinmock-admonitionwiththebookshewasholding."Neverfearthat;youandtherestareallthefamilyIhavenow,andallthefamilyIwant.IwanttotalktoKyrtian,that'sall;IthinkIcandoalotforallofusifIcanjusttalktohim."
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Lasenlookedskeptical,andLadyMothsmiled."LittleMother,thisistheArmyCommander,notoneofyourYoungLords."
"He'snoolderthantheYoungLords,mylad,andwhat'smore,ifyouthinkI'mgoodtomypeople,youshouldseehis!Ipledgeyoumywordforit."
Lasennoddedslowly.Mothdidn'toftenpledgeherword;allherhumansknewthatwhenshedid,shewasbeyondcertainofwhatshepromised.Alittleoftheconcernclearedfromhisface.
"Asforgettinginandout"shechuckled"nofearthere,either.Solongasthereisn'tanotherElvenlordI
havetooutwit,I'llgetinandoutagain."
"I'llhaveStarfootsaddledandwaitingandit'smyselfthatwillcomewithyou,then,"Lasensaid,inavoicethattoldherthathewouldbejustasstubbornassheonthatpoint.Sheinclinedherheadintacitagreement,andwentofftotellViridinawhatsheintended,andtochangehergownforsomethingmoresuitedtothetaskathand.
Lasenwaitedatthedoorofthestable,Starfootandanotherhorsesaddledandready,whenshearrived,cladinbreechesandsombertunicofbrowndoeskin.Starfootwasamaresonamed,notbecauseshewaslovely(forinactualfactshewasasuglyasamud-pieandscrawnyasasapling),butbecauseshewasfleetasanyshooting-star.Shewasperfectforsuchatask;hermud-colorwouldhideher,justasthebrownofMoth'sclothingwouldservethesamepurpose.Lasenhadchosenanothermud-colored,swifthorse,ageldingthatwasStarfoot'shalf-brother,andalreadyworedust-greytunicandbreechesforthesamecamouflagingpurpose.
AndLasenhadoneotheradvantageasherguideandguard;hehadthehumanmagicofspeakingandhearinginthoughts.Noonewouldgetneartothemwithouthimknowing,andtheycouldavoidthearmy'sownscoutsandsentrieseasily.ThatwastheonethingthatidiotElvenlordsalwaysforget,Moththoughtsourly,asshemountedStarfootalittlestiffly.Humanmagicmakesitpossibleforthemtoknowlongb
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eforeanenemyarrives.
Itwasalong,hardride,evenforMoth,whowasusedtoridingtheboundsofherownestateeveryday.Theydidnotstopexcepttorestthehorsesandallowthemtodrinkandsnatchamouthfulofoats.AnditwasaftersunsetwhentheyfinallysawthecampfiresofKyrtian'sarmyfromthetopofahill,likestrange,yellowstarssprinkledacrossthehillsideoppositethem.
Lasenstaredattheencampment."Thepasswordis'Afinesatinsheep,'"hesaid,afteramoment'spause.
"Sheep?Notsheet?"sheasked,nonplused.
"Definitelysheep,"hereplied."They'reusingnonsensephrasesjusttomakethi
ngsabitmoresecure."
Mothdismounted;noneedtoorderLasentowatchthehorsesandlieconcealedwhileshemadeherwayintothearmy.Hevanishedintothedarknessbehindher;sheworkedhermagiconherself.
Shewasalreadyasthinandbonyasmanyhumanmen,andherloosetunicconcealedwhattherewasofher
figure.Withherlonghairknottedonthetopofherheadandhiddenbeneathacap,sheneededonlytoalterherappearanceatrifletopassasaslave:roundherears,darkenherskin,andsolongasshekeptherheaddown,simplydarkeninghereyeswouldsufficetohidewhatshewas.
Andthemagicofelvenwomen,afterall,wastoaltersmallthings....
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Ithurt;thatwastheworstofit.Herearsburnedasifshehaddippedtheminboilingwaterassheroundedthepoints,andshebithernetherlipuntilitbledtokeepfromcryingout.Thenitwastheturnofhereyesnotsodifficult,this,tochangethecolor,andnotaspainful.
Then,followingthewhisperedconversationthatLasenhadgivenherbeforehevanished,shewalkedintothearmyencampment.ThankstoLasenshehadthepasswordsheneededtopassthesentriesquiteasifshewaspartofthearmyherself.Nooneevengaveherasecondglance.
Asshestrodestifflyamongthecampfires,intheflickeringlightfromfireandtorchthatmadeitpossibletopulloffthenextpartofherruse,shekeptasharpeyeoutforsomethingshecouldusetogetupasfaras,andeveninto,Kyrtian'stent.Onepieceatatime,shemanagedtopilferatray,aplate,andarough-hewnwoodencup;withabreathofherownmagic,theyacquiredapatinaofsilver.Watertookon
therosyhueofwine,andacoupleofchunksofwoodbecamemeat,cheeseandbread,atleastonthesurface.Asnatchedhandfulofweedstransformedintotasty-looking"garden"greensputthefinaltoucheson.Thisalllookededible(althoughitwasn't)butbynomeansmorethanascanttouchabovetheordinarysoldiers'ra-.tions.Sheknewhernephew;knewthatwaswhathewouldeatbychoice.Shedidn'twantherexcuseforentrancetobesnatchedawaybytheofficiousservantofsomelesserElven-lordjustbecauseitlookedtastyenoughtobeappetizingtohismaster!
Bythistimeshewaswelluptotheclusteroftentsofthecommanders;thelargersizeofKyrtian'smadeitobviouswhichwashis.Therewereguardsonthetent,butherage,size,andburdenmadeherstatusanderrandobvious,andtheygaveherthemerestofcursoryonce-overstoensurethatshewasn'tarmedbeforeholdingtheflapasideandsendingherin.
KyrtianandhishumanshadowGelwerebentovermaps,seeminglyoblivioustoanythingelse.Sheclearedher
throatostentatiously.
Neitherofthemturnedaround,orevensomuchasstarted."Weknowyou'rethere,"Gelsaidcrosslywhichrelievedhersomewhat,sinceshe'dbeenalittlealarmedathoweasilyshehadgottenclosetohernephew,unchallenged."Putitdownandgetout."
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"That'safinewaytotalktoyourLord'saunt,"shereplied,loudlyenoughsotheycouldhearher,butsoftlyenoughthathervoiceshouldn'tcarrytotheguardsoutside.
Theypivotedsofasttolookather,theireyessowideandshocked,thatshechuckled.
"Moth?Moth?"Kyrtiansqueaked.
"Voicejustnowstartingtobreak,boy?"Mothrepliedwithagrin,puttingdownherinedibleburden."Alwayskneweverythingaboutyouwasslowtogrowbutyourmind,butisn'tthatabitmuch?"
"So,that'sthesituation,then,"Kyrtianfinished.Thearrivalofhisauntonhisverydoorstepanddisguisedasahumanslave,noless!hadbeensomethingofashock.Apleasantshock,however."AndIdon'tmindtellingyouthatI'vebeenscramblingtofindsomeexcusenottorescueyou."HeandMothhadbeentalkingnonstopforsolongthattheywerebothhoarse,andoncehegotoverhissurprise,hehadneverbeensogladtoseeanyoneinhislife.
"Well,"sheruminated."YoucanseewhyIwasinnogreathurrytoberescued.T
heseyoungrebelsarestillnotthebestanswertoourtroubles,butthey'readamnsightbetterthantheirfathers."
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Hereachedforapitcherofsomethingshehadconjuredupoutofwater,ahandfulofblossomsandabitofmagicandpouredcupsofthestuffforbothofthem.Whateveritwas,ithadasgoodaneffectonahoarsethroatashoneyedtea."Idon'tknowwhattodo,"headmitted."Ican'tstopcommandingthearmyitwilljustmeanhumansslaughteringhumans.AtleastthiswayI'mkeepingbloodshedtoaminimum.ButifIdefeattheYoungLords,motherthinkstheGreatLordswillturnthearmyagainsttheWizards,andnevermindthetreaty."
"Yourmother'sright,"Mothsaidsourly,hermouthtwistedupintoascowl."TherewasneveranagreementreachedbyanyoftheGreatLordsthatwasn'tbrokenassoonasoneortheotherofthemcouldmanageit,andthat'safactyou'dbettergetusedto.There'snohonoramongthem;yourcousinisjustabitmoreopenabouthistreacherythanmostofthemare.Ifhewasgood,he'dhavehadyourestateyearsago."
Kyrtiancouldonlyshakehishead.Sincetakingcommand,hehadgottenoneexampleafteranotheroftheduplicityofhisownrace,andhewasstillhavingahardtimegettingusedtoit.Whatwasthepointofallthisdouble-andtriple-crossing,anyway?Wasn'ttheworldwideenoughforeveryonetoprosper?
Evidentlynot,oratleast,notsofarastheGreatLordswereconcerned.
Gel'ssardonicexpressionandoccasionalsarcasticcommentshadmadeitveryclearthathewasnotanywherenearasinnocentasKyrtianhadbeen.And,allthingsconsidered,LadyLydiellprobablywasn'teither.
"Look,"Gelsaid,breakingintohisthoughts."Weneedaplan,andIthinkIhaveone,butitdependsonMoth'sabilitytoscarethewheyoutofthesepetrebelsofhers."Heraisedaneyebrowather."Canyou?"
"Dependsonwhatyouandthisarmyofyourscando,"shetemporized."What'stheplan?"
"Youcangoasyourselftothistraining-camp.Thegladiatorswilltrustyourhumans,Isuspect;fighterstendtotrustotherfighters.Whateverittakes,seeifyoucangetthemtolistentoyo
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uandagreetowhatyouwanttodo."
Shesmiled."Itwon'ttakemuch,"shetoldthemboth,wearinganexpressionthattoldthemshewasmightilypleasedwithherself."Icannegatetheircollars;I'veenoughbitsofirontodothat.We'vedonesomeexperimenting,andallittakesisathinsheetofitslippedinbehindandaroundthelockandberyl,andyoucanprythecollaroffwithouthurtingtheslave.Ialwayscarryafewpieceswithmenow,justincase."
"Hah!"Gelhitthetablewithhisfist,greatlypleased."Good!Youtell'emthatwhenweattack,iftheyscatterinsteadoffighting,we'llopenupourlinesataparticularpointinsidetheforesttolet'emthrough,thenswallowthemupintothearmy."KyrtianimmediatelysawwhatGelhadinmindtheyhadacadreoffightersthatGeltrustedtrainedupnow,whowereactuallyloyaltoKyrtian.Soevenif,say,LordKyndrethwaswatchingvia
magic,allhewouldseewasthattheenemygladiatorsscatteredandnothingmore.HealsohadagoodideawhatGelwasgoingtosuggestnext.
"Then,"hetookover,"Moth,yougotoyourrebels,andsuggestthattheybreakupandgetoutoftheestates;taketothehillswithsmallgroupstoavoidbeingcaptured,andstartaguerrillawar."
Hisauntabsorbedallthisforamoment,thenasmilebrokeoutonherface."Isee!Iscaretheyoungsters,bytellingthemwhatIpersonallywitnessedoftheslaughteroftheirbesttroops,andconvincethemthattheycan'tpossiblyholdoutdirectly.Theyabandontheestates,oratleasttheonesthatstillhaveolderrelativesamongtheGreatLordstoclaimthemwhichishalfofwhattheirfatherswant.Icanbe'rescued'andserveastheireyesandearsintowhattheirfathersareuptowhichgivesyoueyesandearsintowhatthey'redoing,soyoucanarrangethingstoyourliking.Youstillhaveawarthatyoucanfightintinyskirmishes,withoutevercomingtoaconclusion."Hergrinwidened."Icanevenoffertohidetheringleadersands
omeoftherestonthepropertyIholdnow,andtheycanruntheirfightfromthere."
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Kyrtiangaveheralittlebowofrespect.Sheshouldhavebeenageneral."WhichmeanstheGreatLordswon'tsendmeagainsttheWizards,atleast,notforawhile."Heconsideredthenextmoveintheplan."Wecandelaythingsforawhile,whileItryandcomeupwithabettersolution."
LadyMothlaughedmockingly."Andmyrewardistogetmyhusband'sestateback,whichisnobadbribeformycomplicity,boy."
"Therehastobesomethinginthisbargainforyou,myLady,"hedemurred.Sheshookherheadathim.
"Ithinkthiswillworkforawhile,anyway,"Gelvoicedhisownopinion."Ilikeit.AndI'vegotnoparticular
objectiontopatchingtogethertemporarysolutionsforthenexttwodecades."
LadyMothstoodup."Timeformetogo.Boy,whenyouhavethetime,findanexcusetocometotheestateI'vefoundsomethingsinthelibraryIthinkwillinterestyou."
Shedidn'twastetimeonfarewells;LadyMothwasnotonetowastetimeonanything,asKyrtianrecalled.Abriefembraceforhim,andasketchysaluteforGelwasallshegave,thenshew
asoutofthetentandbackonherwaytoherwaitinghumanescort.
Gelfollowedherout,tobesureshegotbacksafelythroughthelines.Whilehewasgone,Kyrtianfoldedthemaps,tidiedthetent,andremovedthebronzeplaquefromtheteleson.HewantedtotalktoLadyLydiellaboutthiswhileitwasallstillfreshinhismind.Itwasworththechanceofbeing"overheard,"althoughgiventhatthiswasaveryoddhourtobetalkingtoher,thatwaslesslikelythistime.
Lydielllistenedtohisbriefsummarywithhereyesalight."IfthishadbeenanyoneotherthanMoth,Iwouldhavesaiditwastoogoodtobetrue,"shesaidwhenhewasfinished."ButitisMoth,andfrankly,it'sexactlythesortofthingIwouldexpectoutofher.Welllookwhatshe'sdoneonherown,discoveringhowtonegatethecollar-spellsandgetthemoffwithouthurtingtheslaves!"
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"Usefulbitofinformation,that,"Kyrtianmurmured,thinkingoutloud."Itwouldhavetobeahumanthatdidit,though;Iwouldn'twanttochanceeitherpoisoningbythemetalormagicalbacklash.Mother,howamIgoingtokeepLordKyndrethfromsuspectingthatsomethingisupwhenallresistancesuddenlymeltsaway?"
"Bystagingmoreofaroutatthisnextmock-battlethanyou'relikelytogetfromthehandfulofformergladiatorsthere,"shesaidinstantly."YouandIwillcreateaGatefromheretothere,andwe'llsendthroughallofourpeoplethatcanfight.They'llposeasslavesoftheYoungLordsthey'llholdaline,thenbreakandroutstraightbacktotheGateandhome.ThatwillgiveyousomethingtoconvinceKyndreththatyou'vewonaconclusivevictory."
"AGate?CanIdothat?"heaskeddoubtfully."AmIstrongenough?"
"Notbyyourselfbutrememberwhatyoudiscoveredaboutcombiningmagicfromseveralpeople?"shecountered."Youhavemeandtheothershere;togetherwewillhavequiteenoughtocreateaGate."
Henodded,andbegantofeelmoreconfident."PerhapsIshouldinviteLordKyndrethtoobserve?"
"Atadistance,"sheanswered."WiththeCouncil.There'sanoldviewing-telesonintheCouncilChamber;theyprobablyhaven'tuseditsincethedisastrousdebaclewithLordDyran."
"ButifIchoosewheretoputtheteleson-sender,they'llseewhatIwantthemtosee."Thiswascomingoutbetterandbetter."AndwithalloftheGreatLordsjostlingabout,theyaren'tgoingtonoticetheGate"
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"Theywon'tnoticeitanyway,"Lydiellsaidwithconfidence."It'sverynoisy,buttheywon'tbeexpectingitandthey'llbetoofaraway.They'dhavetoknowsomethinglikethatwasgoingon."
"Oh,Icancoveritwithsomelevin-boltsanyway,"Kyrtiandecided."They'dbeexpectingsomethingofthesort.MotherIthinkthisisgoingtowork"
"Ineverdoubtedthatyouwouldfindaway,"shesaidserenely.
Whentheyendedtheirconversation,andhehadcoveredtheteleson-screenagain,hewaitedimpatientlyforGeltoreturnsothathecouldworkoutallthedetailsofthisadditiontotheplan.
ForthefirsttimesincehehadtakenoverthecommandoftheGreatLords'army,hebegantohopehecouldsave,notonlyhisownpeople,buteveryoneinvolved.Oratleast,almosteveryone.Andthatwassomuchmorethanhehadeverthoughthe'dbeabletodo,thathefeltasifhehadjustdrunkanentirebottleofsparklingwine.
Now,let'shopeallthisdoesn'tprovetobeasephemeralaswine-joy!
18
TheearsoutsideLordKyrtian'stentarealotkeenerthanhehasanyreasontoguess,Kemanthoughtwithglee,asheheardKyrtianconcludingthesecondconversationofthedaywithLadyLydiell.So,Elvenlord,whyhaven'tyoufiguredoutthatyouhavedragonsonyourdoorstepliterally?
Keman,Shana'sfoster-brother,was,ofcourse,thatdragon.Sowashispartnerinthisspyingendeavor,althoughshecamefromaLairthathadneverknowntherewereotherdragonsintheworlduntilshemethim.Dragons,withtheirabilitytoshapechangeintovirtuallyanythingtheychose,wereuniquelysuitedtospyingontheElves,whocouldeasilycrackanydisguisewroughtwithillusions.Inspiteofthefactthatinhisrealformhewaseasilyfortyorfiftytimesthebulkofeventhestrongestandtallestmalehuma
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n(orElf)he'deverseen,thedraconicgiftofbeingabletopushmassandweightelsewheretheycalledit,"intotheOut"madeitpossibleforhimtomasqueradeasevenasmallchild.
HeandDorahadshapechangedthemselvesintohumanfightersandinsinuatedthemselvesintotheGreatLords'armyassoonasitbecameobviousthatthisnewcommanderwasjustasbrilliantastheoldonehadbeenincompetent.WhentheyfirstbeganthistaskonShana'sbehalf,theyhadgonefromoneGreatLord'shouseholdtoanotherintheformsofvariousslavessincenoGreatLordeverbotheredtotakenoteofamerehumansolongashedidn'tdisobeyandhadnohintofmagicasanElfunderstooditabouthim.TheyhadactuallybeeninLordKyndreth'shouseholdasapairofpageswhenthefirstnewsofLordKyrtian'svictoriescamein.FromthereithadbeenamatterofsimplicitytoinsinuatethemselvesintothecompanyoffighterstheGreatLordsenttoaugmentthearmy.
Theonlyhardparthadbeenslippingawayatnighteverysooftentohunt,foradragonneededvastlymorefoodthanahuman.Eventhathadn'tbeentoohorriblydifficult,andtheyhadbeenkeepingShanainformedfaithfullyofallthatthisnewcommanderwasdoing.Ithadtakenhimalittletimetogetusedtohispartner'soutward
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appearance,however;havingagrizzled,muscle-bound,surlymalelookathimwhilehewashearingDora'svoiceinhismindwasalittleunsettling.Andithardlyneededtobesaidthatwhiletheywereintheseguises,theycouldnotevenmakethemostcasualofaffectionategesturestowardsoneanother,noteventhesortsofthingsthathadbeenpossibleaspages.Onlywhentheyflewintheirownshapescouldhecourtherasshedeserved.
KemanandDoraweren'ttheguardsjustoutsidethetentflapsofLordKyrtian'stentthatpositionwasreservedforthehandfulofmenthatSergeantGelhadtestedandtriedandfoundtrustworthy.Foronething,althoughbothdragonsmightlooklikefighters,theydidn'thaveanyrealskillwiththeformidableweaponsthattheyheldskilldidnotcomewiththeshape,alas.Theyhadn'tevenbeenamongthevolunteershopingforsuchaposition.No,theywereguardingthewagonsholdingthepossessionsoftheotherElvenlordsservingasKyrtian'sofficers,possessionswhichhadnotbeenunpackedfordays(muchtoth
edisgruntlementoftheirowners)sincethespeedofmarchhadnotpermittedthekindofleisurelycampingwithluxuriesthatthepreviouscommanderhadallowed.
Itwasagoodthingthatdarknesscloakedanyfaintsignsofhisimpatience,forKemancouldhardlycontainhimself.TheyhadknownforsometimethatLordKyrtianwasveryunlikeLordLevelis,thepreviouscommander,inmorewaysthansimplecompetence.Foronething,hismethodoftrainingwasastounding
usingmagictocounterfeitbladesandotherweapons,sothatitwaspossibletoacquirerealskillwithoutevergettinghurt!Forthefirsttime,ahumanslavedelegatedtothepositionof"fighter"stoodadecentchanceofsurvivingandwouldmanagetogetthroughhistrainingperiodwithoutbeingkilledormaimed.
Thatinandofitselfhadbroughtexcitementamongtherankstoafeverpitch,buttherewassoonmoretorejoicein.RumorintherankshadsoonbeenprovedtruththatLordKyrtianactuallycaredaboutthehumanswho
servedintheranksandwasnotinclinedtothrowthemintocombatandusethemupthewayhispredecessorhad.ButuntiltonighttheyhadnotrealizedhowwildlydifferenthisattitudestowardhumanswerefromthoseofotherElvenlords!
ItseemedthatLadyMothandthelateandlamentedLordVa-lynwerenottheonlyonesoftheirkindtoregard
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humansassomethingotherthanobjectsofpossession,creaturesdestinedbybirthtoserveandbeconsumedandtossedawayatthewhimsoftheirElvenmasters.EventherebelliousYoungLordshadprovedsomethingofadisappointmentoncetheyhadamodicumofpowerthehumansundertheircontrolmightnothavetofeartheterriblepunishmentsinflictedonthembymagicanymore,buttheywerestillslaves,andtreatedassuch.NotsowithLordKyrtian,whoseverysecond-in-commandwasahuman,muchtothefurtherdisgruntlementoftheElvenlordsservingasofficers.
WaituntilShanahearsallthis!hethought,hardlyabletocontainhimselfandwaitforthenextshiftofguardstocomeandrelievethem.
ItwascleartoKemanatleastthatsomeonefromtheWizardswasgoingtohavetoapproachLordKyrtian.Theycouldn'taffordnotto,now.Itwasclearfromhistwoconversationsthathedidnotwanttofindhimself
forcedtohuntdowntheWizards,whichhewould,ifhemanagedtodefeattheYoungLords.
Whatwasmore,itwasentirelylikelythathecouldfindthemandbeatthemincombat.TheonethingthathadsavedtheminthepastwasthattheElvenlordshadusedmostlymagicagainsttheWizardsandtheWizardshadusedmostlymagicagainsttheirfoes.TheproblemwasthattheWizards'maindefensenowwastheuseofironwhichwasbrilliant,butdidpreventthemfromusingmagicoffensively.Thedragonscouldhelp,butthey
wereasvulnerabletorealweaponsashumansandhalfbloodswereandLordKyrtiancouldfieldanarmyofslavesthatwouldhavenodifficultyindefeatinganyWizardarmy.
Unless,ofcourse,theIronPeoplecouldbeconvincedtohelp.Ah,butwhyshouldthey?Whyshouldtheyactuallyfight,whentheythemselveswereinnorealdangerfromtheElvenlordsandtheycouldalwaysgoback
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tothesouthandsafety?Theirleader,theIronPriestDiric,certainlylikedShanaandherfriends,buthewasapragmaticsort,andhecouldlosehispositionifheadvocatedsomethingthatwouldbringdangertotheIronPeoplewithlittleornoreward.
Ah,butnowtheyknewthatLordKyrtiandidn'twanttofighttheWizards.True,hemightfindhimselfinthepositionwherehehadtoappeartofightthem,butiftheWizardswereinsecretpartnershipwithLordKyrtian,hecouldobeytheorderstodosowitheveryappearanceofobediencetotheCouncil.If,forinstance,heknewwheretheWizardsactuallywere,hecouldhuntunsuccessfully,butdutifully,everywherethattheyweren'tuntiltheCouncilgottiredofitallanddisbandedthearmy.
Soonerorlatertheywoulddojustthat;especiallyiftheWizardswereabletohelpinthatdirection.Itwouldn'tbedifficulttostagescenesofabandonedcampsandgreatdesolation,tomakeit
lookasif,oncechasedfromthehavenoftheCitadel,theWizardshadfounditimpossibletosurviveinthewilderness.
Keman'sthoughtsfilledwithcontemptforthe"OldWhin-ers."Theywouldhavehadthatveryproblemifithadn'tbeenforShanaandthedragons.CaellachGwainandtheotherslikehimwerenomoreequippedtotakecareofthemselvesthanthepamperedElvenlordsthemselveswouldhavebeenifstrippedofmagicalpowers.Putsomeforlorn"settlements"together,.madeofmudhutswithcrumblingwalls
andcaved-inroofs,andscatterafewbonesabout,andleavethemforLordKyrtianto"discover"andtheElvenlordsmightbeconvincedthatifanyhalfbloodsdidsurvivetheywerenotworthpursuing.
Andthen,Kemanthought,whenwe'resecureagain,wemightevenbeabletosecretlytradewithLordKyrtianforthingsthatweneed.AlthoughhelikedDiricandtheIronPeople,andthefolkoftheTraderclans,enormously,itmadehimveryuneasythattheWizardsnowdependedonthesetwosetsofrelativestrangers
(whoafterallhadagendasoftheirown)forthethingstheycouldn'tproducethemselves.KemancouldneverforgetthattheIronPeoplehadonceheldhim,Shana,Mero,andFatherDragoncaptiveIronPriestDirichadnearlybeentoppledfromhisseatofpoweronce,anditcouldhappenagain.Kemanwouldratherthathisfriendsandfoster-sisterhadonemorelayertotheirnetofsurvival.
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TheWizardshadoncestolenwhattheywantedfromthesupply-wagonsoftheElvenlordsthemselves,butthathadallcometoanendwhentheElvenlordsrealizedthattheystillexistedandwerepilferingsupplies.Suchtheftsweretoodangerousnowand,infact,hadbeenforbiddenbythetenuoustreatythattheElvenlordshadagreedtowiththembuttheWizardswerenotcraftsfolkorterriblysuccessfulfarmers.Huntersohmy,yestheymerelyhadtomagicallytransportananimalfromtheforestorfieldsbymagictokillit,andeventheleastskilledofthemcoulddothat,formagicwasonestalkerthatnobeastcouldscent.Meatofallsortstheyhadinabundance,andhides,andtheratherlovelyhornsofalicorns,butthebesttheywereabletodointhewayofagriculturewasabitofvegetable-gardening.Shana,oneofthefewWizardstomanagethetransportationspellthatenabledhertomovelivingcreaturesintact,hadbeenabletobringtheflockofsheepthathadbeenattheoldCitadel,andhadpurloinedsomechickensthathadstrayedandsoweretechnicallynotElvenlordproperty.KemanandKalamadeahadbroughtthemgoats,andevenhorses,buttheterrainaroundthecavestheyhadtakentoliveinwassimplyunsuitedforcultivatinggrain.
Andasforcrafts,well,atsomepointtheyweregoingtorunoutofcloth,andthereweren'tmorethanadozenofthefully-humanex-slavesamongthemthatknewhowtospinandweave.Therewasonesinglepotter,andnoglassmakers.Asformetal-smiths,well,thelesssaid,thebetter.True,theIronPeoplehadsmithsinplenty,buttheyweredownintheplain,andthusfartherehadn'tbeenagreatdealthattheWizardscouldprovidethattheIronPeoplewantedintrade.
AtleastthreequartersofthatlackofskilledworkerswasduetotheattitudesofCaellachGwainandhiscronies.Whatsensiblewildhumanorevenaformerslave,especiallyonewithskillsandatrade,wouldcaretosettleamongpeoplewhoregardedhimasaninferiorpeonwhoshouldbehappytoservehis"betters"withnothought
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forcompensation?NofewoftheslavesthathadescapedduringtheYoungLord'sinitialrevolthadsettledbrieflywiththeWizardsthendriftedoffwiththeTraderstosettleelsewhere.
They'reasbadastheElvenlords,Kemanthought,notforthefirsttime.
FornowtheywererelyingonthethingsthathadoncebeenstockpiledintheCitadel;theyhadn'tbeenabletocarrythosethingsawaywiththem,buttheCitadelhadsomehowremainedunpenetratedoratleast,noonehadbotheredtolootitordestroywhatwasinit.Shanahadteamsoftheyoungerwizardsworkingtogethertotransporteverythingpossibleoutofthereandintothehandsofthosewhoactuallyownedthethingsorintothestorage-roomsoftheirnewhome.Somethingswereinsurplusanythingthatdidn'tgetuseduporsuffermuchfromwearandtear.Nevertheless,theyhadmoremanymorebodiestoclotheandmouthstofeedthanthey'dhadbackwhenonlyhalfbloodedWizardslivedintheoldCitadel.
Butiftheycouldsetupatrading-agreementwitharealEl-venestate...well,thentheirtransportationmagicscouldbeusedtoswaphidesandmeat,rawlumber,eventhegemsandpreciousmetalsthatweresoeasyforthedragonstocoaxupoutoftheearth,formostofthosethingsthattheynowdependedontheTradersandIronPeoplefor.
Don'tdependonthateggtohatchjustyet,Keman,hewarnedhimself.ReporttoShanafirst.It'smoreimportanttogettothepointwherewe'vegotanagreementwiththisKyrtianthatwillpreventhimandthearmyfromcomingafterus!
Theirreliefpartyarrivedjustthen,twostriplinghumansthathadbeenrecruitedfromtheranksofthegladiatorsandlookeditmuscledeverywhere,includingbetweentheirears.Theypresentedthemselveswiththeproperpassword,andheandDoragratefullysurrenderedtheirarmstothenewsentries
andploddeddownthehilltotheirowncampsite.Theyhadmanagedtomakethemselvesunpopular,notbyunpleasantbehavior,butsimplybybeingunfriendlyandtaciturn.Noonedislikedthem,butnoonewantedtoassociatewiththemeither.Humans,inKeman'sexperience,whenawayfromtheirfamiliarsurroundings,neededtosocialize.Whenanyparticularhumanofferedacoldshoulder,hewasgenerallyshutouttacitly.
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SoKemanandDorahadalittlefiretothemselves;theyundertooktheirdutiesinsilence,andnowtheycollectedtheirrationsfromthecommoncamp-kitchenwithoutcommentbeyondagruntoranod.Theybroughttheirfoodbacktotheircamp,andtoallappearancessettleddowntotheirbelateddinners.
Ah,butbeneaththesurface,thoughtswereflyingbetweenthem.Theywere,infact,mostlyfinishedwiththatrathermeager(bydraconicstandards)meal,beforetheexchangesgotbeyondincredulous:Canyoubelievewhathesaid?:andsimilarexclamationsofastonishment.
:HowsoontonightdoyouthinkShanawilltryandmakecontactwithus?:Doraaskedatlast.:Wehavetotellheraboutthis!IfwecansomehowgetthisKyrtianonourside,itwillmakeallthedifference!:
Keman'sfaceshowednoexpression,buttherewasnothingbutgleeinhisthoughts.:It'swhatwe'veneededallalong,reallywhatShanahasneeded:heamended.
:Oh,wedragonshavethrownourlotinwiththeWizardsnow,nomatterwhatsomeofusthink,:Dorasaidcheerfully.:It'swhatweneed,anallyandapersoninsidetheranksoftheElvenlords.:
Kemanthoughtachuckle.:Itwouldn'thurttheTraderclanstodiscoverthey'vegotsomecompetition,either.:HewasbeginningtoresentthecasualwayinwhichtheTradershadassumedthattheWizardsweretotallyattheirmercynowwhenitcametothingsthattheWizardscouldn'tproduce.HispersistentfearwasthattheTraderswouldlearnthattheIronFolkmostvaluedandneededthemetalthatgavethemtheirname,andwouldfindawaytosupplyitinquantity,therebygivingtheIronPeoplenoreasontocontinuetheiralliancewiththe
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Wizards.Thatcouldbeadisaster;withouttheIronPeople,theWizardsdidn'thavealotoffighting-typesifitcametorealcombat.
:Butifwecangetthisnewcommanderonourside,wewon'tneedanyfighters!:Doraremindedhimexcitedly.
:Iwouldn'twanttoabandonthealliance,though,:herepliedwithcaution,ashetookhertinplateandhisown,andscrapedcoalsintobothofthemtoburnofftheremainsoftheirstewthemostcommonwayanyofthesehumansherecleanedtheirdisheswhentheyweredonewiththem.Eventhecookscleanedtheirgreatpotsthiswaysometimes.Especiallylately,withKyrtianmovingthearmyfromdawntojustbeforedark,chasingtheYoungLords'army.
:Well,doyouthinkyou'vesufficientlycalmeddownenoughtohelpmereachShana?:heteased,ashesatdownacrossthefirefromher.
Herreplywasnottranslatable,butwasrude.Healmostcrackedhisdisguisewithagrin,thentheysettledintotheirtasklookingfromtheoutsideasiftheyweretwomiddle-aged,wearymendozingbytheirfire.
ShanahadhardlybeenabletobelievewhatKemantoldher;infact,themomenthe'dtoldherwhatLordKyrtianwasplottingwithhisauntMorthena,she'daskedhimtowaitforamoment.Then,herbloodsingingwithexcitement,sherantogetLorrynsothathecouldhearandverifyitbeforeitactuallysankinastruth.
Shepoundeddowntheroughstonecorridors,redhairstreamingbehindher,fromherchamberstothecommon-room,wherehewassittingwithZedandoneortwoothers,practicingworkinginconcertandusinggemstones
tofocusandamplifytheirpowers.TheseweretheskillsthattheyoungerwizardshaddevelopedthatenabledthemtodosomuchmorethantheireldersabilitieswhichCaellachGwainandhiscroniesresentedwithoutactuallytroublingthemselvestolearn.
"Kemanhassomenews,"shesaidbreathlessly,asthelittlegrouplookedupwithsomesurpriseatherhasty
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entrance."I'dliketohearwhatyouthinkaboutit,ifyoucansparethetime,Lorryn."
"Certainly;wewerejustaboutfinishedanyway."Lorrynstoodup,andhandedthebasket-fullofbabychickshe'dbeencradlinginhislaptoZedwithagrin."IneverthoughtthatI'dfindmyselfpurloiningchickenswithmagicwhenIranofftojointheWizards!"
"Hah.Canyouthinkofanybetterwaytopracticethe'safe'transportationspell?"Zedcountered,withhisownwidegrinsplittinghistannedandswarthyface."Ifyouflattenachickortwo,it'snogreatloss."
"Butthey'resowell,cuteI'dfeelguilty,"Lorrynprotested,lookingdownattheyellowballsoffluffwhiletheycheepedsleepily.
Zedonlygrinnedwider."Allthemoreincentive,then,"hepointedout.
"Let'stakeawalk,"Shanasuggestedagoodexcusetogetawayfromtheothers.Shedidn'twanttoraisehopesthatmightbecrushed;Lorryncouldbetrustedtoconsiderallpossibleoutcomesandnotjustthemostdesired.Togethertheycoulddiscusspossibilitiesgrimaswellashopeful.
WhichisjustanotherreasonwhyI'mgladhe'swithme.She'dfallenintothehabitofconsideringhimasapartnersoquicklyitwasalmostasmagicalasanyspell.Hownot?Sheknewshecoulddependonhimtodosomethingwhensheaskedhimto,butevenmoreimportantly,sheknewshecoulddependonhimtodosomethinghesawneededdoingevenifshedidn'task.
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Afteraquickwalkuptooneoftheconcealedexitsonthetopofthehillcoveringtheircave-complex,thetwoofthemwereoutunderthestars.Itwasn'tlikelythatthey'dbeoverheard,butShanarelatedwhatKemanhadtoldhermind-to-mindanyway.Justbecausesomethingwasn'tlikelythatwasnoreasontoassumeitwouldn'thappen.
AndtheOldWhinersarejustasliketosetsomeonetospyonusasnot,shethoughtresentfully.ThefatwouldbeinthefireiftheyeventhoughtthatIwasgoingtoopennegotiationswithanElvenlord!
:Ancestors!:Lorrynexclaimed,.-Thisisfantasticnews!Iwouldnever,everhaveanticipatedthis!:
WhileShanawenttogetLorryn,Kemanhadbeenwaitingpatiently;nowshesatdo
wnonarockandconcentratedonthefocus-stoneinherhand,contactinghimonceagain.
:IhaveLorryn,:shetoldhim,openingherthoughtsslightlysothatLorryncouldsensewhatKemanwastellingher.:Canyougothroughallthatagainforbothofus?:
Kemanwasonlytoowillingto;ShanasensedbothLorryn'sgrowingexcitementandthatofDorabehind
Keman'scarefullycontrolledthoughts.ButLorrynsoberedimmediatelyafterthefirstburstofincredulousenthusiasm,anddidn'tinterruptanymorewhileKemanconcludedhisreporttoShana.Itwasdifficultenoughforthemtomaintaincontactatsuchextremedistance,andShanaappreciatedthathekepthisownthoughtsquietwhilesheandherfoster-brotherfinishedtheirbusiness.
ButKemanhadanideaofhisownfortheirsituation,thathevoicedbeforetheybrokeoffcontact.:Shana,whydon'tyouaskMotherandKalamadeatofindironforyou?Oh,Iknowitinterfer
estoomuchevenwithourmagicforthemtobringittothesurface,butsurelytheycanfindit,andonceit'sbeenfound,youcanworkouthowtomineit.SurelytheIronPeopleknowhow!:
.7canask,:shereplied.
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:Good!Themoreclawswehavesharpened,thebetter,:washisfinalreply.
"That'snotabadthought,"Shanasaidaloud,asamentalsilencefilledtheplacewhereKeman'sword-thoughtshadbeen.Sheheadedbackdownintothecaverns,withLorrynfollowingbesideher."ButIthoughtthedragonsdidn'tmuchlikebeingaroundiron"
"Theydon't,"Lorrynagreed,"ButFatherDragonandyourfoster-motherAlaraarelikelytoagreetodojustaboutanythingwithinreasonthatyouaskthemto,don'tyouthink?"
"Hmm.SomehowIcan'tbelievethatit'sgoingtobethateasy,"Shanatoldhim,skeptically."Still,there'snoharminasking."
"Andnotimelikethepresent,"Lorrynagreed.Shewasnotatalldispleasedwhenhetookherhandandsqueezeditencouragingly,thendidn'tbothertoletitgoastheydescendedonceagainintotheCitadelcorridors.
Andwhentheyfoundthetwodragonswho(nexttoKeman)hadmostcloselyalignedthemselveswiththeWizards,sheputthequestiontothem.
Theyhadmadethemselvesreallairshere,whichwasnogreatdifficultyforadragon,acreaturewhocouldshaperockandearthtoitswill.ThetwoofthemwereinAlara'slair,recliningintheirnaturalformsinsmoothhollowsfilledwiththesoftsandthatdragonspreferredtorestin.FatherDragonKalamadeabyactualnamewasnotathisfullsizeinhere,fordragonsneverreallystoppedgrowingaslongastheylived,and
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FatherDragonwasvery,veryoldandhissizewasimmense.HewouldhardlyhavefitinoneofAlara'shollowsifhehadn'tshiftedpartofhisbulkintotheOutfirst.
Evenso,bothofthemwerehuge,dwarfingthetwohalf-bloodsnexttothem.Alara'sscarlet-scaledtorsocouldhaveservedasahutifitwerehollow.
"Ithoughtwhatyouneededweregemstonesandpreciousmetalstotradewith,"AlararespondedtoShana'squestion,herbobbingheadindicatingherconfusion."That'swhatwe'veallbeenlookingfor.That'swhatyouaskedustofind."
Shanagrimaced."Iknow;thatwasmymistake.Ithoughtso,tooactually,Ididn'treallythink,notevenwhenShadowtoldushownervytheIronPeopleweregettingwithoutanynewsourceof
metalfortheirforges.Twomistakes,then.Isuppose,ifIhadthoughtaboutitatall,IjustassumedthatnowthattheIronPeopleweresettling,they'dfindtheirowniron.So,canyoufindit?"
"Moreorless,"Kalamadearumbled,liftinghisheadfromhisforeclaws."Remember,afterall,thatweusemagictofindthings,andsincetheRottenMetalinterfereswithmagic,itsverypresenceisgoingtointerferewithlocatingit.We'llactuallyhavetodosomeroundaboutreckoningonwheretheinterferenceisstrongestto
findveinsofore."
"Iknewitcouldn'tbeallthateasy,"Shanamutteredtoherself,butatleastFatherDragonseemedtothinkthattherewasawaytoworkaroundtheproblem,andthatwasmorethanshehadexpected.
"Wealsowon'tbeabletobringittothesurfacethewaywecanthesilverandgold,"Alarasighedregretfully.
"Sooncewefindit,you'llstillhavetodigforit,andit'llbeoreratherthanthenice,purenuggetsofotherthingswecanbringup."
"Oh,Ancestors"Lorrynsaidinmockdismay."Thinkofitonemorereasonforable-bodiedfolkstohavetoleavetheCitadel,whichmeansfewerservantstoattendtothewhimsoftheOldWhiners!Theymightactually
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havetolearntocleanupafterthemselvesonceinawhile!"
ShanahadnoticedthatLorrynhad,ifanything,lesspatiencewithCaellachGwainthanshedid,althoughyouwouldneverhaveknownitbythewayheactedwiththeoldwizardandhiscronies.Shesmiled."Iwouldn'tmindtakingmyturnontheendofashovel,"shevolunteered."Especiallyifitmeantthatyouwouldtakeoverdealingwiththeminsteadofme."
Hegroanedandshookhishead."Oh,Shanaallright.Isupposethatamongthethreeofus,ParthAgon,DenelorandIcanhandlethem.I'venoticedadistinctimprovementinParth'sattitudeeversincehe'sseenjustwhatanidiotCaellachisbeing."
"AndDeneloralwayswasadear,"Shanasaid,speakingfondlyofherformerteacherandthe"master"toher
"apprentice."
Kalamadeasnorted."Iwouldnothaveusedthatdescription,"hesaid."Buthecertainlyisfarmorewillingtoadapt,accommodate,andchangethananyoftheotherolderwizards.Well,Iwouldsaythatwehavesomethingofaplan,then.AlaraandoneortwooftheothersshouldbetheonestogolookingforRottenMetal;whentheyfindsomethatisnottoofarbeneaththesurface,youandafewhardysouls,Shana,canseeaboutdiggingsomeup.MeanwhileLorrynwilladviseParthAgon,withthehelpofDenelorandme."
Shanaalmostlaughedaloudatthatlast.IfCaellachwasafraidofanything,itwasofthedragons,andKalamadeawasthemostimposingofhiskind.Caellachhadtriedandnearlysucceededinundoingallofthereformsoftheyoungerwizardsonce,whenShanahadbeenawayfromtheCitadel.Asithappened,shehad
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beenthecaptive,atthetime,oftheIronPeople,ashadKalamadeaandKeman.SotherehadbeennooneinplacetokeepCaellachGwainincheck.
"YouorI,Shana,willalwayshaveapresencehere,andLorryn,too,Ithink,"FatherDragonrumbled,confirmingherthought."Atleast,untilthedaywhenCaellachGwainswellsupwithindignationandexplodes."
Theyalllaughedsohardattheimagesconjuredupbythatstatementthatasleepyolderwizardpaddedgrumblingintothelairtolodgeaprotestathavinghersleepdisturbed,andwentawaymutteringunderherbreath.
19
Kyrtiansatuneasilyonhishorseinthechilldarknessjustbeforedawn.Hehadbroughtinhistroopsjustaftermidnight,positioningthemasifthiswasgoingtobearealfightandnottheshamthingthatheandMothhadarranged.Afterall,theonlypeoplethatknewitwasashamwerehisownpeopleonbothsidesofthecomingbattle,allofMoth'speople,andheandGel.Itwasagiventhatsomeofhiscommanders(ifnotallofthem)werereportingtooneormoreoftheGreatLords.Kyrtianwantedthemtoreportthemostimpressivevictoryyetandthemostdecisive.
Thiswouldbeenjoyableonlyifhewasdowntherewithhistroops;hewouldhavegivenagreatdealtobeabletoleapoutofhissaddleandheadupthemenheknewsowell.Well,theonlyreasonitwouldbeenjoyableisbecauseIknowhowmuchofthisattackissham.
Ancestors,butitwascold!Armorandpaddedgambesonweren'tdoingalotagainstthedankness,which
penetratedeverything.Infact,thearmorwasonlymakingthingsworse;itsuckedheatawayfromhiminsteadofholdingitin.
Andwasthereactuallydewcondensingonit?
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Acolddropletsparkledforamomentjustbeforehiseyes,thendroppedoffthetipofhishelmtosplashontohisnose.
Therewas.Heshiveredandtriedtostophimself;itonlymadehisridiculous,useless,over-ornamentedarmorrattle.
Notpossibleforhimtojoinhismenwheretheywaitedforthesignaltoattack,ofcourse.TheGreatLordswhowerehisultimatemastersherewould,oneandall,havehadhimhauledupinfrontofthemforrecklessnessandblatantdisregardforhisposition.
Sohehadtositonahorseonahillmakinganexcellenttarget,incidentally,hadhismagicnotbeensostronganddirecthisfightersfromafar.Neveroncedirtyinghishandswithactualcombat,oh,no.Thatwas
beneathhisdignityasacommander,anddamagingtotheauthorityofElvesingeneralandtheGreatCouncilinthepersonofitsdesignatedcommanderinparticular.
Atleastthistimehewouldhavesomethingtodobesidessitandwatchandissueanoccasionalorder.Moth'syoungrebelsweregoingtobeveryvisiblyinthefieldtoday;theywerealsogoingtobewearingsomeofthat
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bizarrejewelryshe'dtoldhimabout.Theycouldn'tworkanymagicwhilewearingit,butthatdidn'tmatter,sincemostofthemdidn'thavethatmuchinthefirstplace.Itwouldprotectthemfromhislevin-bolts;theywantedtodemonstrateinthemostpublicforumpossiblethattheirfatherscouldnolongerthreatentostrikethemdowninthatparticularfashion.
Icannotimaginethat.Ijustcan't.Iknowintellectuallythattherearemenouttherewhothinkoftheirsonsaspossessions,andareperfectlywillingtodestroythemandtrybegettingasonagainiftheir"possessions"offendthem,butIstillcannotfathomitinmyheart.
Sincetheirfathersdidn'tknowitwasonlysetsofgold-platedcuffsandtorquesthatprotectedtherebelliousYoungLords,andnotsomenewsortofmagic,thisdemonstrationwasgoingtosettheCouncilratherwellaback.
Therebelsaren'tjustYoungLordseither,thoughmostofthemhereare.Mothhadgivenhimabriefsummaryoftherebellionandtosaythathe'dbeenshockedwasanunderstatement.There'saconsiderablenumberoftheoneswhoareLordsonlybecausetheyaren'thuman,thescornfullydisregardedElvenlordsnoonetalksabouttheoneswithlittlemagic.Mothhadintroducedhimtotwoofthosebitterrebels,menLordKyndreth'sageifnotolder.IwonderiftheGreatLordshaveanyideahowcordiallytheyarehatedbysomanyoftheir
"inferiors"?
Mind,thisinvulnerabilitytolevin-boltswasn'tgoingtodotherebelsanypracticalgood,intheplannedscenario.Kyrtian'sarmywastoolargeandwell-organized,andwhentherebelsfled,theirarmywouldfallapart.Kyrtian'smenhadorderstotakeanyonewhosurrenderedasaprisoner;therebelshadnoillusionsabouttheloyaltyoftheirslave-fighters.Whentheyfled,theirarmywoulddropweaponsandcapitulate.Kyrtian'svictorywasacertaintyasfinelyscriptedasaCourtdanceandaspredictable.
Itwasdefinitelygettinglighter.Whenhe'dfirstbroughthisreluctantmountupherebeneaththesetrees,ithadbeentoodarktosee.Nowthehorizonhadlightened,andhecouldmakeoutthedarkshapesoftreesandundergrowthbeneathhim,andinthedistance,thesquareandrectangularbulksofthebuildingswheretheirquarrywaitedsupposedlyasleepandunawareofthearmyabouttodescendonthem.
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Goodthingwearen'tgoingtohavetobesiegethisplace;we'dbehereformonths.Beforebattles,oreventhepracticesheandGelhadheldontheestate,heusuallygotatighteninginhisstomach,adrymouth,andhisskinfelthypersensitive.Nottoday;infact,ifanything,hewasboredandhewanteditoverwith.Theconclusionherewasforegone;theonlyquestionwaswhetherornotanyofMoth'speoplewouldbeinjuredbeforetheycouldsurrender.
TheYoungLordshadactuallychosentheirsupposedstrongholdwellalthoughtherewasn'tamanontheGreatCouncilwhowouldhavevalueditproperly.ForthelastcoupleofcenturiesithadbeentheveryminorholdingofaveryminorEl-venlordwhohadnotbeenswallowedupbysomegreaterLordonlybecauseheneverquarreledwithanyone,nevergaveoffensetoanyone,andraisednothingmoredesirablethanherbsandspices.Thiswasfinickywork,farmorethananyGreatLordhadanyinterestin
undertaking,soV'traynIldrenLordJe-reminandhiswife,daughterandslaveshadbeenleftinpeace.Untiltherebellion,thatis.Atthemoment,LordIldrenandhishouseholdweresafelywaitingouttheconflictintheircara-vanserieinoneofthecities.
Somuchforhim;whatwasofinterestwashismanor,whichinthefarpasthadbeenoneoftheoriginalfortifiedmanorsofthisregion,builtbackwhenhumanshadarmiesandwereconsideredatleastathreattoElvenkind.It
hadbeenfurtherfortifiedatthebeginningofthefirstWizardWar,makingitquiteasnuglittleretreat.ItwasKyrtian'sopinionthatitsformerownerwouldhavedonebettertoremainbuttonedupinsideitratherthanfleeingtothecityandthecrampeddiscomfortofhistinycaravanserie.
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Buthehadn't,andtherebelshadappropriateditasaplacetohouseandtraintheirhumanfighters.
Ithadbeen,therefore,ofminorstrategicimportanceuntilthismoment.ButheandMothhaddecidedthatfortoday'spurposeitwouldplaytheroleoftherebel'sheadquarters,sothatwhentheYoungLordsallwenttogroundonMoth'sestateafteraspectacularrout,noonewouldbelookingforthemthere.
ItwasagiventhatnooneontheCouncilwouldwonderwhypeoplewhohadbeencleverenoughtochooseadefensiblestructurelikethisoneastheirheadquarterswouldalsoleaveitforapitchedbattleoutsidethewallsofthestructure.Analyzingtheenemy'sstrategywasnotaskillthattheGreatLordsoftheCouncilexercised.Solongasthingswenttheirway,theywerenotinclinedtoaskwhyorlookthesituationoververyclosely.
Whichiswhytheyareinthisparticularquandaryinthefirstplace.
Birdstwitteredsoftlyandsleepilyoverhead.Theyhadbeguntowake;itwouldn'tbemuchlongerbeforetheattack.
Lightseepedintothelandscape,revealingitinshadesofblue-grey.Roundedsh
apeswerebushes,trees.Pointedones,rockyoutcrops.Andinthefardistance,leaguesbelowhishill,thesquaresandrectangleswerethefortifiedmanor.
Thelightstrengthened,althoughtheonlysignofthesunrisetocomewasthesteadybrighteningintheeast.Asinglefigurestoodsentryonthewallsbelow;thoseoftheGreatLordsobservingthisintheirtelesonsmustbelaughingnow.Onesentry!Andthegateswideopen!
Thegateswerewideopensothatthearmywithincouldboilouteasilywhich,inamoment,whenthesentry"spotted"thefirstofhistroopsattemptingtoapproachbystealthandsoundedthe"alert",theywould.
Thedistantfiguresuddenlymoved,andthethinwailofatrumpetcarriedupto
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Kyrtian'sears,andthepeaceofthemorningshatteredlikebrittleglassasfighterseruptedfromeverygate,shouting,theirvoicesrisingtoKyrtianinaconfusedbabble.
Timetogivethesignal.
Kyrtianstoodupinhisstirrups,pointedhisrighthandskyward,andlaunchedaboltofmagicuptothedeepblue-greybowlofthepre-dawnsky:notalevin-bolt,butoneoftheharmlessillusion-boltsoftenusedtoenliveneveningentertainments,asoundlessshowerofcoloredsparksoflighthighintheair.Andnowitwastheturnofhisarmytoemergefromtheplaceswherethemenhadlainhiddenhalfthenight,notshouting,buteerilysilent,likeanarmyofspirits....
Buttheydidn'tstaysilentforlong;thatwastoomuchtoexpectoffleshandb
lood.Halfwaydownthehilltheirnervesortheirexcitementgotthebetterofthem,andtheirownthroatsopenedwithacollectiveroar.Beneathhishorse'shooves,thegroundshook,andtheterrifiedbirdsburstoutofthetreeabovehim.
Atthatmoment,beforethetwoarmieshadevenmet,KyrtianspottedtheYoungLordscomingoutofthegatesoftheirfortress.Heknewthembytheircolorfularmor,ridingoutthroughthefloodoftheirownfighters,theirhorsescarriedalonglikeflotsaminastream.
Ha!
Hehadbeentoldnottoholdback,andhedidn't.Assoonastheforemostoftheridersgotfreeofthehumanseaabouthim,Kyrtianaimedgatheredhispowerfromthedepthsofhissoulclaspedbothhandsabovehishead,andletloosealevin-boltatthenearest.
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Thelevin-boltstreakedfromhisclaspedhandsacrossthespacebetweenthem,afire-streamingcomet,andthosewhosawitandhadthetimetoreactflungthemselvesscreamingoutofitspath.Anyonewithanyexperienceoflevin-boltswouldseethatthisonewasdeadlyandstrong.
Ithitithit!Kyrtian'sthroatclosedforamomentwhatifMothwaswrong?Butinthesamemoment,heknew,heknewthatMothhadnotbeenwrong,forhisfatallevin-boltinthemomentofstrikingfragmentedintoathousandshardsoflight,blindinghisviewofhistargetforjustamoment.Inthenextmoment,therewashistarget,unharmedthoughthepoorhorsewasfrozeninplace,allfourhoovesplanted.
Yes!Itworks!Nowsurethathewouldnotkillsomeone,Kyrtiandidn'thesitate,andatlasthehadalittleofthe
thrillofbattle,theexultationofsuccess;boltafterboltflewdownthehillandintothechestsoftheYoungLords;boltafterboltshatteredontheirdefensesjustasthefirsthad.
Bynowthefightersofbothsideshadclearedoutofthewayofthebolts,whichmeantthatasidefromafewscatteredpairslockedincombat,themainbodyoftroopsweren'tactuallyfightinganyone.That,too,waspartoftheplan.
Butinsteadoftakingheartfromthefailureofhislevin-boltstokillasanysanecommanderwouldhavetheYoungLordsapparently"panicked"whenconfrontedbyamageofsuperiorpower.
Theyturnedtailandfled;notinabody,butbreakingfromtheirarmy,sendingfighterstumblingoutofthewayofthehoovesoftheirboltingsteeds,andscatteringineverypossibledirectionexcepttowardstheenemy,whippingtheirhorsesinafrenzyoffeignedfear.Andatthesightoftheirleadersinarout(whichwas,of
course,thesignaltocertainofthehumanfighterstomoveintothenextphaseoftheplan),therebelarmyitselfsuddenlybrokeoffcombatbeforeithadevenbegun.Leaderless,itwaseverymanforhimself,andthehumanswereundernoobligationtocarryouttheordersofmasterswhohadabandonedthem.Mostsurrenderedorfledwithinmoments.Thelion'sshareoftheoneswhofledwereKyrtian'sbroughttoaugmenttheYoungLords'troopsandmakethearmylookformidableenoughtohavebeenarealthreat.Kyrtian'smen,throwingdown
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theirweaponsthebettertofleeunencumbered,wereheadingforaGatethatwouldtakethemhome.
Therestdroppedtheirweaponsaswell,butthrewthemselvesontheirfacestosurrenderKyrtianhadcountedonthat,andhehadthesatisfactionofseeingthatthesurrenderingfightersmanagedtoimpedethosewhomighthavefollowedtheoneswhofled.
Nowtherewassomepleasure,thethrillofseeingaplanunfoldperfectly,thoughtherewasandwouldnotbeanyoftheexcitementandtriumphofarealvictory.
TheGreatLords'fighterspursuedbutthevanguardwascomposedofmoreofhisownmen,andtheymanagedtoobstructthepassageofthemenbehindthembygettingtangledupwiththosewhoweresurrendering.Thismanagedtoimpedetherestofthefighters,slowingthemandpermittingthevanq
uishedtogetaheadstart.Bythetimerealpursuitgotunderway,theenemywasalreadytoofaraheadtopursueeffectivelyafoot.So,giventhatKyrtiangavenoorderstourgethemonfromhishilltopcommand-post,theybegantheeasiertaskoftakingchargeofthosewhosurrendered.MothandLadyViridinahadtakentheprecautionoftamperingwitheveryslave-collartomakeitseemthattheYoungLordshadfoundawaytooverridetherightfulowners'compulsions.Gladiatorialslavestheonlyonesthatwerereasonablecandidatesforcombatweren'tsoplentifulthesedaysthatanyonewouldevenconsiderkillingorpunishingthesemenforsomethingtheycould
nothelp;iftheiroriginalownerscouldn'tbedetermined,they'dprobablybeallottedamongtheGreatLordsasbooty.
Furtherenricheningthecoffersofthosewhodon'tneedit.Kyrtianfeltalmostdepressed,ashewatchedthechaosofthebattlefieldsortitselfintotidygroupsofprisonersandcaptors.Theredidn'tseemtobemanydead
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orseriouslywounded;therewereafewdistantfiguresstillontheground,buttheyweremovinginawaythatsuggestedinjurybutnotserioustrauma.
Ishouldbegladofthat.Andhewasbuthealsofeltasifhe'dbeencheated,somehow;allofthepreparationforabattlemore,farmore,inthewayofplanningandorganizationbutnoneoftheexcitement.Themosthefeltwasgratitudethatitwasdonewithandthereweresofewcasualties.
Thesunwasonlyjustcrestingtheeasternhorizon,themerestfingernail-paringofhotrose,andthebattlewasover;sofarastheGreatLordswereconcerned,thewarwiththeirrebeloffspringwasover,too.Nowwouldcomethehardpart;huntingthemdownindividually,orwaitingforthemtocomecrawlingback,lookingforforgiveness.Thatwaswhattheywouldbethinking,anyway,andKyrtianwasnotabouttoallowthemtodiscoveranypartofthetruth.
Hesignaledtohishorse,andletitplodbackdownthehilltohistent.TimetopreparehimselfforLordKyndreth'scongratulations,andpretendtoanelationhedidn'tfeel.
Thesubcommandersmilledaboutinthebackground,notdaringtoapproachsuchexaltedpersonagesasLordsoftheCouncilwithoutbeingsummoned,butclearlyhopingtobenoticed.
Kyrtian,ontheotherhand,wasverymuchthecenterofattention,andnotfeelingparticularlycomfortableinthatposition.
"Brilliant!"Kyndrethboomed,asKyrtianduckedhisheadmodestly."Brilliant!Clearlytheyneverguessedyouwouldforceamarchafterdarktogetintoplacebeforesunrise."
"IhadmadeapointofalwaysbivouackingbeforesunsetuntilIknewwheretheyhadmadetheirheadquarters,mylord,"Kyrtiansaid,asLordKyndrethacceptedaglassofwinefromoneoftheslaves."Iwantedthemtoseeapatternandbecomeusedtoit."
Kyrtian'stenthadbeenclearedofeverythingexcepttablesandchairsborrowed
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fromthoseofhisunderlingswhoinsistedontravelingwithsuitesoffurniture;withcarpetsonthefloorandslavesholdingtraysofrefreshments,itcouldnothavelookedlesslikehiscampaignheadquarters.ButLordKyndrethhadinsistedonGatinghere("withaselectfewoftheCouncil,nothingtotroubleyourselfabout")totenderhiscongratulationsinperson."Nothingtotroubleyourselfabout"hadentailednon-stop,franticworkonthepartofhisstaffupuntiltheverymomentthatthetemporaryGateopenedandKyndrethandentouragemarchedthrough.
"Haofcourse,you'dneverdonesuchathingbefore,sotheylackedtheimaginationtosupposethatyouwoulddoitnow,"Kyndrethlaughed,astheotherthreeGreatLordshehadbroughtwithhimnoddedwisely."Ofcourse,oldLevelisneverdidsuchathingeither."
"Levelis,"saidonelong-facedLordsourly,"neverexertedhimselftotravelmorethanaleagueortwoata
time."
"Levelisisanoldfool,"LadyMothsnapped,joiningthediscussion,wineglassinhand,"andifithadbeenleftuptohim,I'dstillbepenneduponmyestatenextMidwinter."
Mothrodeover,escortedbyherbodyguards,soonenoughtowelcometheCouncilorsalongwithKyrtianandtoserveashishostess.Thiswasnotthefirsttimeintheconversationthatsheh
admadeapointofmentioningthatKyrtianhadrescuedherfromtherebels,anditprobablywouldnotbethelast.
"Entirelypossible,mylady,"thesour-faceCouncilorsaid,withaslightbow."Andnowwhatdoyouplan,youngcommander?"hecontinued,turningtoKyrtian.
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Kyrtiansighed."Now,mylord,comesthemosttedious,mosttime-consuming,andleast-rewardingpartofthiscampaign,"hereplied."WehuntdownthefugitivesoneatatimeandbringthembacktotheCouncilforjudgment.I'dcalculatedthatsomethinglikethiswouldoccur,andplannedforitfromthebeginning;thisisataskforsmallerpartiesofmen,andifyouwillpermitme,mylords,Iwouldprefertousemyownmenifpossible.Icancountonthemnottodamagethefugitiveswhentheyarecaught.Asfortherestoftheforcewell,ifitweremydecisiontomake,Iwoulddisbandit.Anarmyisessentiallyagreatbeastthatisallmouthandstomachoutofwhichnousefulworkcanbegottenwhenitisnotengagedinacampaign."
"Wewilltakethatunderconsideration,"LordKyndrethreplied,withaglanceathisfellowCouncilmembers."Itdoesmakesense,however."
He'sthinkingabouttheWizards.Kyrtiantookasipofwineandtriedtolookunconcerned.
"Oh,comenow,Kyndreth,theboy'sright,"saidthesourone,appropriatingatidbitfromoneofthetraysandexaminingitasifheexpectedtofindabugonitbeforeputtingitcautiouslyinhismouth."There'snopointinkeepingthesemensittingaboutdoingnothingmoreusefulthanmilitarymaneuverswhenwecouldhavethem
allbackonourestatesdoingsomemeaningfulwork,evenifit'sonlyinthebreedingpens."
He'snot.AndhemightnotbeinfavorofanotherWizardWarifthesubjectwerebroachedatthemoment.
"AndLevelis,"pointedoutaCouncilmemberinmidnightblueanddeepgreen,whowasmakingsteadyinroadsonthewinewithoutshowingtheleastsignofintoxication,"wouldimmediatelya
dvisetokeepthesemenouthereunderhiscommand."
"AndyouknowhowIfeelabout"Levelis,"Kyndrethacknowledgedwithafaintsmile."Anothersalientpoint,butonethatisbetterdiscussedinCouncil,don'tyouthink?"
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"Hmmm,"saidthefellowinblue,butdidn'taddanythingmore.
Howishedrinkingsomuchandstayingsober?
Kyndrethimmediatelychangedthesubjectbacktothecurrentvictory,butKyrtiancouldn'thelpbutnoticethattherewasanaspectofitthathedidnottouchontherebels'abilitytocounteracthisownlevin-bolts.ItwasthefourthmemberofKyndreth'spartywhobroughtitup.
"Ihadnonotionthatyouhadsomuchmagicofyourownandhowwerethosebratsmanagingtododgeyourlevin-bolts,Kyrtian?"heasked,incredulously."Ithoughttheyhadn'tbutdribletsofmagicoftheirown!"
Heshrugged."Ineversawanythinglikeit,"headmitted."EveniftheyhadbeenusingshieldsasIknowthem,thelevin-boltswouldn'thaveactedinthatwaywhencontactingashield.I'mbaffled."
"Huh.Iwonderiftheyfoundanythinginmylibrary...."Mothmused,asifthinkingaloudbutherslyglanceatKyrtianalertedhimthatshewasabouttopresenthimwithanopportunityforsomething.
Butwhat?
"Yourlibrary,mylady?"Kyrtianasked,obeyingherprompting."Whatdoyoumean?"
"Oh,whenIgotintotheGreatHouseontheestate,thelibrarywasinarightmess,"sherepliedpromptly,"booksdownofftheshelves,pileduponthetables,leftlyingopensomethingon
theorderofthehuggle-muggleyourfatherusedtocreateintherewhenhewasdoinghisresearch,Kyrtian,butonalargerscale.My
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householdiscleaningupthechaosnow,buttotellyouthetruth,it'sasiftheywerefollowinghisleadandlookingforsomething."
"Perhapstheyfoundit"Kyndrethsaidslowly,speculationcreepingintohisgazeashelookedfromMothtoKyrtianandbackagain."Perhapshavingdiscoveredthattheson'slittleeccentrichobbywassodeadlytotheircause,theythoughttocounteritbyfollowingthefather'sexample."
KyrtiandidhisbestnottostareatMothwithhismouthopeninshock,gatheredhiswits,andseizedtheopportunityhe'dbeengivenwithbothhands."IfthatistrueandIdorecallmyfatherbeingveryenthusiasticoversomethinghefoundinLadyMorthena'sbooksthentherebelsmighthavedonejustthat,andweneedtodiscoverwhatitisthattheyfound!"
"Agreed!"saidtheCouncilorinblue,instantly."Someoneshouldbeginimmediately!"
Iwishmothercouldhearthat.Myfatherhasjustgoneinaninstantfromcrazedeccentrictovindicated.
HeturnedtoLordKyndreth."Mylord,ifImaybesoboldanyonecantrackdownfugitives;it'sonlyamatter
ofhavinggoodhuntersandendlesspatiencebutIknowthedirectionofmyfather'sresearchasnooneelsecould.WouldtheCouncilbepleasedtopermitmetocoursethisparticularhare?"
LordKyndreth'sspeculativeexpressiongaveKyrtianthethrillofexcitementthattheshambattlehadnot."What,precisely,washelookingfor?"
"Away,orperhapsadevice,"Kyrtiansaid,veryslowly,"forthosewithlittlemagictoamplifythatmagic."Evenashesaidthat,herealizedthatthiswouldnotbepleasanthearingforthosewhosepowerfulmagickeptthematthetopofthehierarchy."Presumablyitwoulddothesameforthosewithgreatmagicaswell,"headdedquickly."Iwouldassumeitwouldworkforanyonewhousedit,whether'it'isadevice,anobject,oramethod."
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"WhatsentyourfatherintoLadyMorthena'slibrary,LordKyrtian?"askedthewine-lovingLord,witheveryevidenceofinterest.
"Hewasastudentofourhistory,andcouldnotfathomwhywewereunabletoreplicatesomeofthefeatsoftheAncestors,whenaccordingtothefragmentsofchronicleshefound,eventheleastoftheAncestorscouldaccomplishwhattheGreatLordscould,"Kyrtianrepliedcarefully,lookingearnestlyintotheolderLord'sintenteyes."Andhecouldseenoreasonwhymagicshouldbethinninginourbloodlines."
"Agoodpoint."Kyndrethmulledthatoneover,astheotherCouncilorslookedinterested,eveneager.Eventhesour-facedonelostsomeofhisdourlook.
Kyrtianthoughtaboutsayingmore,thoughtagain,andheldhispeace.ItwasMothwhodroppedanothertidbitintothepoolfortheshiningcarptogobble.
"Itwasalloftheoldestbooksthatwereleftlyingabout,"sheobservedinnocently."ThesamesortsofchroniclesexactlythatKyrtian'sfatherusedtolookat.Andmywordthedustwasunbelievable!"
"Kyndreth,Ithinkweoughttolettheboyinvestigatethis,"thesour-facedCouncilorsaiddecisively."Lethimkeephisownfightingslavesincasehefindsnothingandelectstohuntdownourfugitives,whileyoutaketherestofthearmybacktothemustering-barracks.WecandecidewhattodowithitafterKyrtiandeterminesifthere'sanythingtothishuntingaboutintheoldchroniclesornot.Meanwhile,we'vegotmenandarmsreadytosendoutonthechancethatoneofourpuppiesmanagestoscrapetogetheranotherforceandmountsanattackononeoftheoutlyingmanors."
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"Goodplan!"secondedtheoneinblue,anddrainedhiswineglass."Personally,Ithinkthey'regoingtocrawlbacktousbeggingformercy,butI'dratherbereadyforthetreacherousyoungdogsjustincase."
LordKyndrethlookedinbemusementfromonetoanotherofhisfellowCouncilorsevidentlyhewastheonewhonormallyconcoctedalltheplansinCounciloflate,andhewassomewhattakenabackthatthesethreehadsuddenlydevisedasolutionoftheirown.
"Wedon'tneedamajorityvoteforthis,Kyndreth,"thewine-loverpointedout."Kyrtianwon'tactuallybedoinganything,notunlesshedecidesthatthere'snothingtobefoundinthatlibrary,andbythenthewholeCouncilwillhavehadachancetosit."
LordKyndrethlaughed."Iseethatyouhavealreadymadeupyourminds,"hesaid,geniallythoughKyrtianwonderediftherewasahintofannoyance,andevenanger,underhissmoothwords."Asithappens,Iamentirelyinagreementwithyou,iffornootherreasonthanthatitgivesourfineyoungcommanderanopportunityforsomewell-earnedleisurebeforewelayanyfurtherburdensonhisshoulders."HecockedaneyebrowatKyrtian."Iamcorrectinrecallingthatyouconsiderdelvingintomountainsofmustyoldbookstobeanenjoyableleisureactivity?"
Kyrtianlaughed."Youarecorrect,mylord,"heagreed,smilingagenuinesmileforthefirsttimethatafternoon."Likefather,likeson,yousee."
"Wellthen."ThesmileLordKyndrethreturnedneverreachedhiseyes,buttherewasnosignofdisapprovalthatKyrtiancoulddetectinit.
IsuspecthisannoyanceisreservedatthismomentforhisfellowCouncilors.
Kyndrethspun,andfixedoneofKyrtian'ssubordinateswithasteelygaze."You'veheardtheplan,Astolan.You'reinchargeofeverythingbutKyrtian'sslaves.Givethelotagoodfeedandgoodrest,thenmarchthem
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andtheprisonersbacktomustering-barracks.We'llsortouttheprisonersthere.AndseetoitthatyoumakeasgoodtimecomingbackasLordKyrtiandidgoingout."
LordAstolanwentflushed,thenpale,anddrewhimselfupstraightasanyofGel'srecruits."MyLord!"heresponded,withacrispsalute,followedbyabow,justforgoodmeasure.
Kyndrethtransferredhisgazetotheothers."Therestofyouseethathesucceedsinmakinggoodtime,"heconcluded,makingitperfectlyclearthatthepenaltyforfailurewouldlandonalloftheirshoulders.
Beforetheycouldmakeanyreply,Kyndreth'sattentionhadalreadygonebacktotheotherCouncilors."Shallwemakeourdepartures,mylords?"heasked,makingitveryclearthathewasleaving,andiftheotherswantedtoremain,theywouldhavetofindtheirownwaysback.Andsinceheheldtheke
ytothetemporaryGate...
Therewasnodissension.
KyrtianescortedthemtotheGate,andwatchedthestrangelyshiningstructurefadeanddisappearaftertheypassedthroughit.HereturnedtohistenttofindLadyMothentertaininghissubordinateswithscandal.
"Well,Astolan!"hesaidcheerfullyashepushedthetent-flapaside."Mythingsarealreadypackedupandoutoftheway,andyoursareherewell,partofthemanywaysowhydon'tIjustroundupmyslavesandescortLadyMothbacktoherestateandleaveyoufreetofollowLordKyndreth'sorders?"
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Astolanswelledwithprideandself-importance.Clearlyhehadn'texpectedtobeconfirmedinhisnewiftemporarycommandsosoon."Certainly,mylord,ifthatisyourwish"
"Itis;ifwestartnow,wewillallbeatLadyMoth'sestatewellbeforesundown,"hesaidfirmly,andofferedLadyMothhisarm."MyLady?"
Sheswepthimacurtsy,andallowedhimtoseeaglimpseofthewickedamusementinhereyesbeforeacceptinghisarm."Mylord,"shereplied."Letusgoinsearchofthatso-admirablechiefofyourslaves,thatso-sternfellowGel,andbeonourway.Icannotwaittobehome,nowthatIknowthatmyhomeissafeagain."
Howisshemanagingtokeepastraightface?"Ishallbeatpainstokeepiteverso,mylady,"hereplied,
deadpan,andwasrewardedbytheshakingofhershouldersasshetriedtokeepfromlaughingastheysweptout.
20
Herguidepausedattheedgeofthemining-pit,andShanasurveyedtheactivitybelowherwithanintensefeelingofsatisfaction.Thedragonshad,incredibly,foundaplacenotthatfar
fromtheNewCitadelwhereironorelayneartothesurfaceoftheearth,makingitpossibletoextracttheprecioussubstancewithouthavingtodigdangerousundergroundtunnels.
Thedragons,however,hadgivensomestrictordersregardingminingoperations.Thefertiletopsoilwastobecarefullyremovedbeforetrueminingbegan,andsetaside;whenaspothadbeenplayedout,theharvestedsoilwastobereturnedandreplantedwithsaplingsculledfromtheforest,orclumpsofmeadow-flowers.Although
thismadeverylittlesensetomostoftheWizardsandallofthehumans,thedragonsweresoadamantaboutthisthatnooneargued.
Shana,however,fullyagreedwiththisinjunction.Shehadlivedamongdragonsfortoolongnottothinkintermsofcenturiesratherthanyearsandthescarsleftonthelandbyun-consideredminingwouldlastfor
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centuries.Inthedesertandthemountains,resourceswerenotinexhaustible;toscarthelandandleaveitthatmuchlessabletosupportthehumansandWizardsoftheCitadelwasunthinkablystupid.Nomatterwhatelseshewas,shehopedthatevenherownworstenemieswouldneverthinkofherasthatstupid.
Agreatdealofworkwasrequiredtoproduceafewingotsofiron.Inthepitbelowher,twentyorthirtyquiteburlymen,broadshouldersandbackspouringsweat,laboredwithpicksandshovelstofillcrudewheelbarrows.Thebarrowswereintheirturntrundledupadirtramptotherimofthepitbylessburlymen,somewomen,andevenafewadolescentboyswiththemuscletomakethegruelingtripoverandover.
Attheoppositerimofthepitstoodtheirprimitivesmelter,themysteriesofwhichwereofnointeresttoShana.ThatwasZed'spurview,andsofarasShanawasconcerned,aslongashisfuel-cuttersandcharcoal-burnerscut
theirtimberselectivelyandreplantedwheretheycut,shedidn'tcare.Herconcernwasfortheirontotradewithandthelanditcameoutof,notforhowtheironwasproduced.
Itwasthenumberofpeopleatworkherethatsurprisedherandtheirages.ShehadsentZedandhiswould-beminersoffwiththeyoungdragonwho'dfoundthisplace,andtherehadn'tbeenasingleoneofthemmuchover
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theageoftwentynorwereanyofthemparticularlymuscular.Butdownthereinthepitwerementhatcouldhavebeenlabor-slavesforanElvenlord
"Whatdoyouthinkofmycrew?"calledZed,ashewavedatherfromacrossthepit.Theminerslookedup,glancedfromhimtoShana,andgrinnedbroadly.FireandRain!Theylookedlikelabor-slavesandwerescarredlikegladiators!
Notafamiliarfaceamongthem....
"Ithinkthey'reveryimpressive,"shecalledback,assheandherguidemadetheirwayaroundtheedgeofthepit."ButwhatI'dreallyliketoknow,"shecontinued,asshecamecloseranddidn'thavetoshout,"iswheretheycamefrom"
Zedlaughed."They'reslavesex-slavesactually.Thesameex-slavesthatoldCaellachdroveawayfromtheNewCitadelbytreatingthemasslavesratherthanourfellow-creatures."
"But..."Shewrinkledherbrow,puzzled."They'reworkingjustashardharderthantheywouldhaveifthey'dstayedattheCitadel."
"ButI'mnottreatingthemasslaves,"Zedpointedout."Idon'texpectthemtoworkhereforthesheergratitudeofservingawizardandgettingnothingmoregenerousthanfoodandshelter.Theyeachgetafairshareoftheironwesmelt;theycantradeitbacktomeforwhateverweWizardshavethattheywant,orforwhatI'vegottenfromtheTradersortheIronPeople.Thatwaytheactualironstaysinourcontrol,buttheygetafairwagefortheirwork."Heraisedaneyebrow."We'regreatbelieversinwageshere."
Sheshookherheadinadmiration."Zed,that'sbrilliant!Aretheysettledhere?Dotheywanttostay?Cantheybuildavillageorsomething?"Itwouldbewonderfultohavethesestrongfolknearbytherewassomuchtheyneededsimplelaborersfor,andShanadidn'tintheleastobjecttobarteringforworkdone.
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"TheywanttoknowwhetherCaellachislikelytopokehisnoseinherefirst,beforetheyactuallybuildasettlement,"Zedrepliedwithagrimace.
Shanaglanceddown,andsawthatallworkhadstopped,whiletheformerslavesalllistenedforherreply.
Shewasnotatallloathtogiveit,pitchinghervoicesothattheworkerscouldhearitaswellasZed.
"CaellachGwainisaboutaslikelytoappearhereasIamtobewelcomedintotheranksoftheElvenlords,"shesaid,withatouchofacidichumor."He'sgottensobadabouthavingthetiniestbitofironnearhimthatwe'vetakentowearingthefalse-goldpendantswhenwearen'tworkingmagic.Lorryncallsthem'Caellach-chasers.'"
Zed'sguffawdrownedanythingfromtheworkers,butShanasawplentyofgrinsastheybentbacktotheirwork.
"Ithinkyoucancountonasettlementgoinguphere,then,"Zedreplied."There'senoughironoreheretokeepthesmeltergoingforyearsandyears,andmorethanenoughworkforeveryone.Whoeverisn'tmining,smeltingorhaulingcanbeputtoworkonthereplantingandrestorationofplayed-outareas."
"Iwasafraid,afterIsawthatfirstloadofingots,thatIwaspushingyoutoohardoverhere,"shesaidintonesaimedonlyforhisears,oncehestoppedspeaking."I'mgladtoseethatIwasmistaken."
Zedpattedhershoulder."Anythingbut,"hereplied."Ahwouldyouliketoseethesmelter?Ornot"
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"Not,"shesaidfirmly."I'mnoCaellach,butthismuchironkindofmakestheinsideofmyheaditch."
Zedshrugged."Doesn'tbothermeasmuch,butthenI'veneverhadasmuchoftheelvenmagicasyoudo.Here,I'llshowyouwherewewanttoputasettlementinstead.Ithinkyou'llbesurprised."
Heturnedawayfromthesmelterandheadedintothewoods.Shanafollowedhim,gladtogetoutofthehotsun,awayfromthesmelterandunderthetree-shadows.
"HowdidtheIronPeoplereacttoourfirstdelivery?"Zedasked,withacuteandthoroughlyunderstandableinterest.
"Bythrowingafestival,orsoMerotellsme,"shewashappytotellhim."I'mafraidthattheTradersareabitdisappointed,though."
"TheTraderscanlearntolivewiththeirdisappointment,"Zedsaidsmugly."Nowwecanstartdoingmoretoprotectourselvesandwecansendoutthejewelryagain."
"Thatcan'thappentoosoonforme,"Shanasaidfervently."It'snotjusttheYoungLordswhoneedit,thoughthemorejewelrywecangetintotheirhands,themoredisruptionthey'llmakewiththeGreatLords.No,IwanttogetpiecestotheLadies,andIespeciallywanttogetitintothehandsoftheslaves."
Wantwastoomildaword;eversinceshehadlastheardfromKemanandDora,shewaspositivelywildtogetthejewelrymovingoutintotheElvenlandsagain.IftheycouldgetLordKyrtianontheirside
ThejewelrymightputLordKyrtianontheirside.IfhehadawaytoprotecthisownpeoplefromElvenmagic,toprotecthislandsfromthemagicalattacksofotherElvenlords,therewasnodoubtinShana'smindthatLordKyrtian'sownintenselyloyalfighterswouldbemorethanamatchforanyphysicalforcethattheGreatLordscouldbringagainsthim.Itwasonlyattackmagicalattackthatheneededtofear.
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Andtreachery.Therewasthat.AndtheGreatLordswerepastmastersattreachery.
"Youthinkitmightnullifythecollars?"Zedaskedwithinterest,"Remember,ifwecan'tdothat,wemightaswellnotgivethestufftothem."
"IthinkIknowhow."Eagerlysheoutlinedheridea,whichhadcometoherjustthatmorning."Ifwemakeasortofclamshelldevicethatclosesovertheberylinthecollar,backandfront"shemimedtheideawithherhands"somethingthatwilllockinplace,tight,evenifwecan'tgetthecollaroff,wekeepcommandsfromgettingtotheelf-stonesandthestonefromactuallydoinganythingtothewearer."
Zedconsideredtheidea."Interesting.Itdoesn'thelpsomeonelikeaconcubine,whomighthaveacollarstuddedwithberyls,butacommonworkerwon'thavemorethanone.SounlesstheLordsstartreplacingallthecollarsonalltheirslaves,whichwouldbeexpensive,evenforthem,wecouldfreewholegroupsatatime!"
Shanagrinnedwithglee."Thatwasmyideatheclamshellswouldn'tbebig,anditwouldn'tbehardtodistributethem.Forinstance,wecouldsmuggleawholebagfulouttotheworker
sinafield,theslavetakingthewater-bucketaroundcouldpassthemout,andthewholegroupcouldboltatonce."
Ortheshellscouldbepassedaroundanarmy,atnight,undercoverofdarkness.Andwhenthemorningcomes,andcoercionnolongerworksonthefightersandtheyaresafefrommagicalattack,howmanyofthemwillremaintofightfortheirmasters?
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"Tricky,"Zedsaidwithadmiration."It'stoobadthatcollarsareusuallymetal,notleather;wecouldincorporatecuttersintotheedgesoftheclamshell,andnullifytheberylandremovethecollarallinonego.Well,thisiswherethecampis,andwherethemenwouldliketoputinapermanentsettlement."
Therewasn'tmuchthereatthemoment,anditwasagoodthingthatnotonlywasithighsummerbuttherehadbeenremarkablygoodweather,fortheshelterswerebarelyenoughtokeepofftherain.Shanacouldseehowitwouldmakeaperfectspotforasettlement,however,andshemadealltherightsoundsofenthusiasmforZedandhispeople.TherewasnodoubtinhermindthatsheandLorrynhadmadetherightdecisioninputtingZedinchargeofmining,smelter,andcrewstomanbothoperations,althoughshewouldnothavepicturedhimasaleader.AndCaellachGwainhad,ofcourse,arguedagainstthemerethoughtofputtingsomeoneasyoungasZedinchargeofanything.
Shecompletedherinspectionifthatwasnottooofficialawordformerelylookingthesituationoverinshortorder.Thingscouldnotpossiblybebetter;atthemoment,shereallydidn'twantproductiongoinganyfaster.Itwouldn'thurttradetokeeptheIronPeoplewaitingfortheiringotsjustalittlebetweeneachshipment;shedidn'twantthemtostartthinkingthatthesupplywasunlimited,andshehadalongtalkwithZedonjustthatsubject.Hewasdisappointedinoneway,andrelievedinanother.Hewouldn'thavebeenunhappytobeaskedtofindmoreex-slavestorecruit,butontheotherhand,hedidn'twanth
isworkforcegrowingpastthepointwherehecouldhandleeverythinghimself.
Intheend,ShanaandthelatestloadofcrudeironingotsreturnedoverlandtotheNewCitadelbypack-mule,arrivingjustaboutsunset.
JustintimeforCaellachGwaintorunstraightintothem.
Hestared;hebegantoshakewithanger.Inamatterofmoments,hewaspracticallybesidehimselfwithrage.
"Whatareyoudoing,girl?"hescreamedatthetopofhislungs,drawingeveryonewithinhearingdistancetothemouthofthecavernwheretheunloadingwastakingplace.
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"Ishouldthinkthatwasperfectlyobvious,"sheretorted.Afterthelongwalkforshewasnotgoingtoridewhenshehadtwoperfectlygoodlegs,andherweight-equivalentinironbarscouldbeloadedonamuleinherplaceshewashotandtired,andnotinthemoodforthetemper-tantrumsofirascibleoldmen.
"Youidiot!"heshrieked."Bringingthatfilthystuffhere?Bringingitinsidethecaves?You'remad!You'recrazed!Howisanybodysupposedtoworkmagicwiththatfoulgarbagepracticallyontopofus?"
Thereweresomegrumblesandmutteringsfromtheolderwizardsinthecrowdthathadgatheredaroundthem,butthistimeShanastoodherground.Itwasabouttimethattherecalcitrantwizardsadaptedtothesituation,insteadofexpectingsomeonetoworkaroundtheirreluctancetochange.
"You'llworkmagicarounditthesamewayweyoungstersdo,"shesaidfirmly,handsonhips,glaringathim."Ishouldthinkyou'dbegratefultome!Themoreironthereisaroundhere,thesaferyouare!Haven'tyouatleastfiguredthatoutbynow?"
Usuallyshemadesomepretenseofpolitenesstotheoldman,butshewasinnomoodforhimatthemoment,
andherattitudesenthimintoanincoherentfrenzy.
Thatwasjustaboutthelaststraw.
"Shutup,youstupidoldman!"shescreamedandsincehersopranowasconsiderablymorepiercingthanhishoarsehowls,evenheheardher,andstaredather,mouthagape.
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"Eversincewearrivedhere,allyou'vedoneiscomplain!"sheshouted,herfaceflushed."We'vefedyou,clothedyou,seentoitthatyougotyourcreaturecomforts,andyouhavedonenothing,nothingtohelptherestofus!You'reaparasite,CaellachGwain,you'reasuselessasasecondnoseandyouaren'tevenhalfasentertaining!Nowshutupandlearntoworkmagicaroundironlikeeveryoneelse,oror"
"Orwhat?"Gwainsneered."You'llturnmeovertotheEl-venlords?That'sjustwhatyouwoulddo,isn'tit?Elvenbane?"
Ashotasshehadbeenthemomentbefore,nowshewascold."No,"shesaidflatly."ButonlyyouwouldthinkthatIcould.No.Ifyouwon'tlearntoadapttoournewlifehere,CaellachGwain,Iwillseetoitthatnooneelse
willcossetyoufromthismomenton.Youwillfindyourownfoodorstarve,cleanyourownclothingorgodirty,cutyourownfirewoodorfreeze.Soonerorlater,you'llfigureouthowtolivelikearesponsibleadult,andhightime,too."
Andwiththat,sheturnedonherheelandstalkedoff,pushingherwaythroughthesurroundingcrowdofmingledyoungandoldwizards.
Someonegrabbedherelbow;shestartedtopullawayblindly,whensherealizeditwasLorryn."Don'trunoff,"hemuttered."Notnow.Thisisn'toveryet."Heturnedherbacktofacethecrowd.
"I'veheardthemuttersandthecomplaints,"hesaidloudly."I'veheardthemfromthemomentthatIarrivedhere.Icouldn'thelpbutnoticethatmostofthemcamefromthesamesetofmouthssolet'sjustaddressthissituationonceandforall.I'mcallingaconvocationofallWizards."
"Here?"someonegasped."Now?"
"Hereandnow,"Lorrynagreed."Igiveyouallaquarter-candletogeteveryoneassembled;whoeverisn'therebythenI'llassumehasnointerestinthewaythingsarerunintheNewCitadel
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,anddoesn'tfeeltheneedtohavehisvoiceheard."
AbouthalfofthosepresentshotorlumberedoffineverydirectiontogatherfriendsandenemiesfromeverypartoftheCitadel.ShanalookedaskanceatLorryn.
"Isthisagoodidea?"sheaskeddoubtfully.
"Ithadtohappensometimesoon,"Lorrynreplied."Betterthatitcomesasasurprisetobothsides;Caellachandhiscronieswon'thaveachancetopreparethemselves."
"Andwe'reprepared?"shereplied,staringathimincredulously.
"Morethantheyareandwhat'sthebesettingsinofeveryoneoftheWhiners?"heasked,andansweredhimselftriumphantly."Laziness!That'swhyIonlygavethemaquarter-candle.Howmanywillthinkit'stoomuchtroubletodragthemselvesawayfromwhateverthey'dplannedorwereinthemiddleof?"
"Maybeenoughtomakearealdifference,"shesaidslowlyforalreadytheyoungwizardswerecominguptotheclearingattheentrance,broughtinbytheyoungsterswhohadscatteredlik
equailtobringthemessagetoeveryonewithinreachofapairoffleetfeet.
Withthehelpofacoupleoftheirfriends,Lorrynpreparedthearea.Thiswasalsothespotwherefirewoodwaschoppedandstored,andtheyoungwizardsgottowork,rollinginsomelogsfortheless-than-healthytositondowninfront,andsettingupsawnsectionsoftrunkforhimself,Shana,andpresumablyCaellachtostandonso
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everyonecouldseethem.Caellach,ofcourse,merelystoodaboutandobservedthemsourly.Moreandmorepeoplewerearrivingwitheverypassingmoment,andbythetimetheallottedspanwasgone,theonlyWizardsnotpresentwereascanthandfuloftheoldestorlaziest.Thebiggestsurprisewasthenumberofpurehumanswhohadcomeaswell;virtuallyeveryfullhumanintheCitadel.
Withagreatdealofoveractedinfirmity,Caellachbulliedacoupleofhumanyoungstersintohelpinghimupontoonetrunk-section,asShanaandLorryntooktheothertwo.
"Now,settledown!"Lorrynshouted,veryloudly,sothatthosewhowerechatteringandmillingaboutobedientlystoppedtalkingaloudandturnedtheirattentiontowherethethreeofthemstood."Allright,then.IamgoingtomoderatethisconvocationsinceI'mtheonewhocalledit."
"Butyou'reShana'slover!"Caellachsputtered,red-faced.
Shanawasgoingtoprotest,butLorrynbeathertoit.ThefuriouslookthatLorrynturnedonhimsenthimfromredtowhite,andheevenshrankbackalittle.NoonehadeverseenLorrynangrybeforeandhelookedpositivelymurderous.
"Iamnot,"herepliedintothesilence,"Lashana'slover.Wearefriends,andshehasbeenrelyinguponmyexperienceonmyfather'sestatetohelpherhandleyouunrulylot.Evenifthatweretrue,itwouldhavenothingtodowiththissituationanditwouldbenoneofyourbusinesssolongasherfostermotherapproves.Iamoffended,CaellachGwain.Idosuggestthatyouconfineyourwordstotheissuesathand,orIwillbetemptedtochallengeyou."
Challengehim?Whatonearthdoeshemeanbythat?Shanathought,bewildered.Ca
ellachGwainevidentlyknew,though,forheturnedevenwhiter,andstammeredanapology.
"Theprimaryissueathand,"Lorrynsaid,whentheoldwizardwasdone,"isagreateronethanjustthepresenceofironwithintheCitadel,orthenumberofpeoplewhoareattendingtotasksotherthan...housekeeping."Hisblandexpressiongavenohintastohisownfeelingsonthesubject,andalthoug
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htheywerenosecrettoShana,fromthelooksonthefacesofCaellach'scronies,theywerenotsureifhewasShana'spartisanornot.Hemightbecourtingher,buthewasalsoanaristocrat,usedtotheattentionsofhundredsofslaves,soshouldn'thebeontheirside?Forthatmatter,hemightonlybeusinghertogetthepowerofleadershiphimselfshesawthatinthenewspeculationwithwhichCaellachregardedhim.
"CaellachGwain,"Lorryncontinued,turningtotheoldwizard,"youhavevoicedyouropinionsoftenenoughfortheearsofyourfriendsandsupportersImustinsistthatyoualloweveryoneintheCitadeltohearthem."
Caellachstaredathim;triedwithoutsuccesstostarehimdown.Hisexpressionremainedinscrutable."Asmoderator,Iwillnotbequestioningeitherofyou.Instead,youwillanswerquestionsfromeveryoneexceptme.Iwillseetoitthattherearenointerruptionsandthatyoubothhaveafairchancetobeheard."
What?ThattookShanacompletelybysurprise,andshefeltseriouslyshaken.Whatonearthwasheafter?SurelytheOldWhinerswouldtrytomakeherlookafool
Butitwastoolatetobackoutnow,foreitherofthem,asLorrynfieldedthosewhowantedachanceandselectedoneofCaellach'scroniesforthefirstquestion.
"YouweretheonethatbroughttheElvenlordsdownonusinthefirstplace,girl,sowhat'veyougottosayforyourself?"shoutedtheoldman,whopracticallytrembledwitheagernesstofinallyhaveachancetoconfrontherinfrontofwitnesses."Ifithadn'tbeenforyouandyourpretensionsofbeingsomemythicalElvenbane,we'dstillallbebackintheCitadelandcomfortable!"
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Think!Don'treact,think!"InevercalledmyselftheElvenbane,"sheretorted,throttlingdownpanicandirritationthatmingleduncomfortably,settingherinsidestopsy-turvy."IneverevenheardoftheElvenbaneuntilafterIwasbroughttotheCitadel.Andbesides,itwasthedragonsthatmadetheElvenbaneupinthefirstplace,notme!"ShecaughtsightofFatherDragonbackinthecrowd,inhishalfblood-shape."Right,Kalamadea?"
Gazesfollowedhers,andseveralofthemorewary,elderlywizardswhofoundthedragonsasuncannyasCaellachdidclearedawayfromhim.FatherDragonclearedhisthroatmodestly."Well,itwasmostlymydoing,"headmitted."Butyes.WedragonscreatedthelegendoftheElvenbane,andwewerejustassurprisedastherestofyouwhenthelegendcametolife."Hewarmedtohissubject."Webelieve,wedragonkin,thatcertaincreaturesareendowedatbirthwithgreathamen-leai,whichisthepowertobecomeFateratherthantobe
steeredbyit,andItellyouallnow,Lashana,evenasaninfant,showedsuchtremendoushamenleaithatevenifshehadbeenraisedbyalicornsinthewilderness,thelegendwouldhavefitteditselfaroundher.Everydragonacknowledgesthatnow,whetherornottheycountherasafriend.Whereshewalks,greatchangewillfollow."
ThatwasnotwhatShanahadhopedhewouldsaynothinglikeit,infactbutshegamelytookupwhereshehadleftoff."AsforallofyoustillbeingintheCitadel,Idon'tthinkyouwouldhavelastedundetectedformuch
longer.Youweretakingtoomanyrisks.Someonewouldhavefoundoutwhygoodsandsupplieswerevanishingandwheretheyweregoing,ifnothingelse.TheElvenlordswerealreadystartingtowonderaboutthatevenbeforeIjoinedyou."
"Didn'tIsaythatwastoorisky?"saidawizenedoldscrapofawizard,beforehewashushed.Lorrynhadalreadysignaledsomeoneelsetoaskaquestion,andShanafeltherheartsinkasshesurveyedthefacesaroundher.Shehadfelt,andsounded,weakanduncertain.Shehadn'tconvincedanyone,
andFatherDragonhadn'thelped.
"Whatmakesyouthinkyou'rebetterthananyoftherestofusatleading?"shoutedsomeonefromtheback."Bothofyou!"
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"Idon't,"Shanarepliedpromptly,butCaellachwasalreadyswellingwithself-importanceandranrightoverthetopofher.
"Ihavedecadesofexperience,nottomentionintelligenceandwisdom,"heboasted,"whichisfarmorethanthisimpudentlittlegirlcanclaim.Idonotmakeimpetuousdecisions,andIdonotrushtoembracesomethingjustbecauseitisnovelandnew.Thereisnodoubtinmymindthatthesituationhereiswellonthewaytobecomingintolerable,betweenthesefoolishinnovationsinmagicanddangerousliaisonswithbarbaricwildhumans,nottomentioncreaturesthataren'tevenhuman.Theyoungshouldservetheirelders,notdictateabsurdrulestothem!Theyshouldbethrilledtotradetheirserviceforthewisdomthatwehavegathered!"Hewarmedtohissubject,surroundedashewasbyhisownnoddingsupporters,payingnoattentionatalltotheexpressionsofsomeofthosewhowerefarthestaway."WhatshouldweWizardshavetodowithhumans,anywayexceptinthatthey,too,shouldbeeagertoserveus!Wearemorepowerful
,wearelonger-livedandhavetheopportunitytogarnerfarmoreexperiencethanwhatcanbelearnedinthefewyearsthesemayflyhumansenjoy.Itisclearthatwearefarsuperiorineverywayandthisgirl,thischild,thinksthatwearetotreatthemasequals!Never!Iwillnevertoleratetreatingsuchdebasedcreatures,creatureswhoshouldbecompetingindevotiontome,asmyequals!"
Anactualgrowlarosefromthehumanswhomadeupthebulkofthecrowdperhapsfewofthemhadever
realizedjusthowdeeplyCaellach'sprejudiceswent,norhowpoisonoustheywere.AtthatmomentShanarealizedLorryn'stacticsinallowingthisconvocationtotakeplaceinthewayithad,forhehadpermittedCaellachfullfreedomtosaywhateverhechosewithhisfollowersaroundhim,andtheoldwizard'smouthhadrunawaywithhim.
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"Debasedcreatures,arewe?"cameanangryshoutfromoneofthecarterswhohadbroughtthelastbatchofironingotsupfromthemine."I'dliketoseeyoutryyourhandatalittlehonestwork,yousoftwhiteworm!"
"Youcanjustfetchandcarryforyourselffromnowon!"cameanother,disgustedvoice,alongwithachorusofsimilarsentiments.EvensomeofthechildrenthatCaellachhadcowedintoobeyinghisdemandstookheartfromthesentimentsoftheirelders,andaddedtheirshrillvoicestotherest.
Caellachandtheotherswoketotheirdanger,butconsiderablytoolateforanyretraction.TheygatheredinaknotaroundCaellachanditbecamepainfullycleartothemhowtinyaminoritytheyformed,asaseaofangryfacessurroundedthem.Shanaandhershortcomingswerequiteforgotten.
LorrynallowedthemenoughtimetoreallybegintofrightenCaellach,beforeusingalittletouchofmagictoamplifyhisvoicesothatitcarriedoverthenoiseofwhatwasfastbecomingamob.
"Friends!"heboomed."Quiet!Please!"
Surprisesilencedallthevoicesforthemomentjustlongenoughforonesinglevoice,thevoiceofherfoster
motherAlara,tobeheard.
"Shana,theobjectionsseemtobetoallofthechanges,"Alarasaid,inthefirstreasonedvoiceShanahadheardinthelastfewmoments."Andyoureallyweretheauthorofmostofthem.Sowhathaveyoutosayabouttheobjections?"
"Ifyoudon'tchange,"shesaid,veryslowly,choosingeachwordascarefullyas
ifshepickedherwayacrossatreacherousswamp."IthinkyoubecomejustliketheElvenlords."
Thatbroughttruesilence,inwhicheventhesighingofthebreezeintheirclearingseemedloud.Itwasasilencethatbeggedforanexplanationanddrewfurtherwords,howeverunwillingly,outofher.
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"Theyhaven'tchanged,notsincetheyconqueredthisplace,andmaybenoteveninlongerthanthat,"shecontinued."Theyassumethatthey'retheproperlordsoftheuniverseandthatnothingtheywantorthinkordocanbewrongnomatterhowmanytimesthingshappenthatprovethattheyarewrong.Whenyoudon'tchange,yougetbrittle,andthenextthingthathitsyouwillbreakyou."
Shelookedpastthefacesofherownfriends,outtothehumans,inwhoseeyessmolderedresentmentforallWizardsnow,evenher."Changingmeansthatwecan'tsitinourCitadelandthinkwe'resuperiortoanythingjustbecausewecandosomethingswell.Don'tyousee?"Shefumbledalittle."Weallneedeachother.Oh,Icanbringinalivesheepfromthehillswithmagic,butIdon'thavethefirstideaofhowtotakeclayandmakeawatertightcup,andlet'sfaceit,ifI'mthirsty,Ineedthatcup,andthepersonwhocanmakeitissuperiortomeatthatmoment!Don'tyousee?"shepleaded."Ineverwantedtobealeader,butIdon'tknow,maybe
KalamadeaisrightandhamenleaihassomethingtodowithitandIjustcanseethatweallneedtochangeandweallneedeachotherifwearegoingtosurviveandmaybe,ifthey'lllearntochangealittle,weevenneedthem"
ShegesturedhelplesslyatCaellachandhisfriends,unabletoputwhatshewantedtoshowthemintowordsthegreatpuzzlethatshesawinhermindthatsomehowhadplacesforallofthemtofitinto.
Butevidently,althoughtherewassomepuzzlementoutthere,shegotpartofherpointacross.Theresentmentandangerhadfaded,andalthoughthereweregrimacesatthethoughtofincludingCaellachandhisilkbackintothefold,thereseemedtobeacceptanceoftheidea,too.
Thencamethethingshehadn'texpected
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"It'shardonanoldman,allthischanging,"saidoneofCael-lach'scroniesplaintively."It'shard,girl.Yougoalongwithyourlifealleven,thensuddenlyit'sallupsetbut"
Hetookadeepbreath,andshuffledacrossthespacebetweenCaellach'scrowdandtherestoftheconvocation.Helookedupather,andheavedasigh."Ihateallofthisuncom-fortablenessandhavingtodowithout,"hecontinued,halfincomplaint,halfinresignation,"butI'dratherstandwithyouthanagainstyou.Justdon'tasktoomuchallatonceofanold,tiredman,willyou?"
Shegotdownoffhersliceoftree-trunkandofferedherhand.Hetookit,andthatwasthebeginningoftheend.Inonesandtwos,therestofCaellach'sfollowerscameovertoherside,althoughmostofthemjusttriedtoblendbackintothecrowdanddidn'tactuallycometostandwithher.Itdidn't
matter;they'dabandonedCaellach.Eveniftheydidn'tentirelyagreewithher,eveniftheywerestillgoingtoargueandgrumble,they'dabandonedtheirleaderandtheyhadopenedthemselvesuptothepossibilityofchange.
Itwasenough.Fornow,itwasenough.
21
RenatookherplaceonthecarpetnexttoMeroinDiric'stent.Theflapswererolledknee-high,andscrimsoflooselywovenlinenkeptbugsoutwhileallowingabreezetoflowthrough.Itwasdinnertime,amealmuchenlivenedthesedaysbytheadditionofvegetablessuppliedbytradingandthegardensthattheCornPeopleweregrowing,aswellasbythechangedherbsprovidedbyRenaherself.Dinner,sharedwithDiricandKala,wasamore-than-pleasantmeal,nowthatthefirstlotofcrudeironingotshadarrivedfromtheCitadel.Once
again,Diric'sstarwasintheascendant,sofarashispeoplewereconcerned;andhehadlostthatworriedfrown.Kalawasjustaspleasedandfarmoreopenaboutit.Afterall,theIronPeoplenowhadeverythingtheyneedediron,goodgrazingandwater,andeventheremainsoftheiroldallies,theCornPeople,tosettleinsomewherenearbyandcommencethefarmingthattheywouldnotorcouldnotdo.
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RenaandMerowerereapingthebenefitsaswell;astherepresentativesoftheWizards,everyonewithaforgewantedtoknowwhattheyknewaboutpossiblefutureproduction,andtherewerenofewfolkswhowantedtoseeiftheycouldsomehoweasetotheheadofthequeuewaitingforthenextshipment.TheTraderclanswerealittlediscomfitedtofindthattheywerenolongertheonlysourceofiron,butthey'dgottenoverit,particularlynowthatthewomenamongtheIronPeoplehadbeguntoexperimentwithfacetingthefool'sgoldandpolishingyetanotherformofmineralwithahighironcontentthattheTradershadbroughtin.Bothmadefine"gems"forsetting,thenew"oil-iron"inparticularhavingalovelyliquid-blacksheentoitthatlookedwonderfulinblackened-ironfiligree.Sonowthewomenhadmorematerialfortheirtinyjewelryworkshopsthanthey'deverhadbeforeandthenewmaterialshadbroughtonaspateofcreativitythathadeventhemenintriguedandhoveringoverthewomen'swork,tryingtoreckonhowtheycouldcoaxtheirmates,mothers,sisters,andfriendstoproducesomeofthenewworkforthem.Diricalreadysportedleatherarm-guardsinlaidwithironsettingsthatheldlargeoil-ironcabochons,courtesyofKala'shands,andshewasworkingonamatchingcollaraswell.
Hewassettingsomethingofafashion,muchtoRena'ssilentamusementandKala'sopenglee.
ItseemedanauspicioustimeforRenatoseeaboutsomethingshehadbeenplanningforawhile.
Kalabroughtinplatesofflatbread,broiledmeat,thinlyslicedvegetables,andbowlsofsouredcream.TheIronPeoplecouldnowenjoyoneoftheirfavoritemealsflatbreadrolledaroundspiced
meatstripsandvegetables,
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garnishedwithdollopsofcream.RenaandMerohadcometoenjoytheseasmuchastheirhosts,andMeroquicklymadehimselfarollassoonasKalasettheplattersonthecarpetbeforethem.
"HowbadlydoyouwanttokeepyourtwoElvenlords,Diric?Theydon'tlookveryhealthytome,"Renaasked,asDiricreachedforapieceofflatbread.
Hedidn'tevenpauseinhismotion."Theyhaven'tbeenalotofuseforsometime,"headmitted,layingapaper-thinsliceofcucun-podandsomeofRena'ssweetenedandtenderizedgrassesontheflatbread,followingitwithstripsofmeatandadollopofsouredcream."Outofrespectforyourwishestheyhaven'tbeenentertainingus,butIdon'tthinktheywouldnowevenifwetriedtoforcethemintoitwithbeatings.Ithinkthey'regoingmad,actually.Theirkeepercanbarelygetthemtoeatanddrink;I'mtoldalltheydoisstareatwhateverthey're
pointedat."
"Ithinkthey'vegonemad,"Renareplied,relievedtohearthematter-of-facttoneinhisvoice."YoucanstillgetKelyantotalkifyoutryhardenough,butHaldoryourkeepersarehavingtofeedhimbyhand.Iwantthem,ifyoudon't."
"Tellmewhatyouwanttodowiththem,first,"Diricrepliedcautiously.
RenatookadeepbreathandlookedtoMero,whogaveheranencouragingsmile.ShelookedbackintoDiric'ssable-browneyes,andtoldherselfwhatafundamentallyreasonablemanhewas."IwantIwanttotrysomething.Iwanttoseeifmymagicscanchangepeople'smemories.Therehavebeenrumors,ohforever,thatsomeoftheOldLordscandothat,andIshouldthinkthatsincewomen'smagicsamongmypeopleareuseddelicately,itshouldbeeasierforawomantodothatthanaman.SinceKelyanandhisfriendarealreadymad,I
can'thurtthemfurther,andImaybeabletohelpthem."Shesteeledherself."IfIcanhelpthem,thatisthereareseveralthingsIwanttodowiththem.Thefirstthingistofindouthowtheelf-stonesoftheslaves'controllingcollarsaremadeandhowtheslavesarecontrolledbythem."
"Shana'sgotthisideathatwouldtakelessironthanthejewelry,"Meroputinhelpfully,hisgreeneyesalight
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withenthusiasmforhisfriend'splans."Sortofaclamshellarrangementtoclosearoundtheberyllikethis"hedemonstratedwithhistwohandssnappingtogether"andcutitofffrommagicgettingoutorin.Thosewouldbeeasytogetintotheslavesinsackfuls,andifeveryonewhowasreadytoescapeallsnappedtheiriron-clamshellsovertheirstonesatonce,theycouldmakeanjnforit.TheElvenlordswouldn'tbeabletopursueanysingleindividualortrackhimeither,andbythetimesomeonewithenoughmagictocastlevin-boltswassummoned,theslaveswouldbelonggone."
"Butwehavetoknowhowtheelf-stonesworksowecanseeiftheplanwouldwork,"Renacontinued,asDiricsetdownhishalf-eatenflatbreadandleanedforward,intriguedbytheidea."Ineverlearnedhow,andIdon'tthinkLorryneverdid,either,butKelyanprobablydid.SoIwanttoseeifIcangethimtoshowme.IfIcan'ttrickhimintodoingit,maybeMerocangetthememorystraightoutofhismind.Onceweknowhowtomaketheelf-stones,wecantesttheclamshells."
"Butthatisnotallyouplan,Igather?"Diricasked,withheavyeyebrowsraised.Helookedmorethanintriguednow,helookedenthusiastic.
"Umno."Shedecidedtogoaheadandtellhimherentireplanwhilehestillwasopentoit."Iwanttowipeawayeverytraceintheirmindsofbeingcaptured,oftheIronPeople,andreplaceitwithsomethingelse."
"Whatelse?"Diricwantedtoknow."Why?"
"Ithought"shefalteredforamoment,thenwenton."IthoughtI'dconstructsomenewmemoriesillusionsreallyoutofthewayLorrynandIwanderedaroundinthewilderness.OrmaybeMerocanhelpmeputthings
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intheirminds,whenI'veblankedouttheoldmemories.AndonceIknewthattheyweren'tgoingtorememberanythingabouttheIronPeopleortheWizardsordragonsoranything,I'dputthemtosleepandgetKemanoroneoftheotherdragonstodropthemsomewherenearenoughtoanestateforthemtofindtheirwayback."Shebitherlipandwaitedfortheinevitablereaction.
"Youmeanthatyouintendtofreethem?"Diric'seyebrowshadcrawledallthewayuptothetopofhisforehead."Youthinkweshouldletthemgotojointherestofourenemies?"
"Well,wecan'tkillthem!"shesaid,alittledesperately.
ForamomentshefearedthatDiricwouldrespondwith,"Andwhycan'twe?"Butheregardedherthoughtfully,pullingonhislowerlip,andsaidnothingforaverylongtime.
"Ifthatwasyourplan,"hereplied,pitchinghisvoicelow,"itseemsawasteofaperfectlygoodresourcefordeceptionthatwecanfurtheruseagainsttheDemonsthatyoucallElvenlords.Ratherthangivingtheprisonersmemoriesofwanderingaboutinthewilderness,whynotgivethemmemoriesthatarecompletelyerroneous?"
"Suchas?"Renaasked,herheartlifting.Hewasgoingtoletherdothis!Finall
yshewasgoingtobeabletodosomethingthatwouldhelppoorKelyanandHaldor,butmaybehelpoutShanaaswell!
"OhIthinkwecanworkoutsomething.MakethemthinkthattheywereheldcaptivebytheWizards,moreWizardsthantheElvenlordshaveanynotionexist."Diricgrinnedinthatsuddenwaythatmadehimlooklikeaboyfullofmischief."AndintheirmindswecanlocatetheirprisoninsomeimpregnablefortresssomewhereintheoppositedirectionfromtherealCitadel."Hewinkedwickedly."Forthatmat
ter,concoctasetofWizardsthathaveneverevenheardofourset!MaketheDemonsthinkthattheyhaveanenemythatuntilthatmomenttheyhadknownnothingabout!MakethemwastetimeandwarriorstryingtofindthisnewsetofWizards!"
Meroutteredawhoopoflaughter."Ancestors!Whatanidea!It'llhavethemscramblingtoguardtheirrear,it'll
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havethemfightingoverwhichsetofWizardsarethemostdangerous,andbestofall,itwillbuyusmoretimetogetstronger!"
"Exactlyso."Diricpickeduphisforgottenmeal,andwavedhisfreehandatRena."Ifthatisyourplan,child,takethemandwelcome.Theyarenothingbutaburdennow,andifyoucansucceedinyourplan,youwillconvertthemtoanasset."
Hesaidnothingaboutwhatwouldhappentothemifshecouldn'twipetheirmemoriesclean,butshedecidedthatshewoulddealwiththatiftheoccasionarose.ShethankedtheIronPriestandturnedtoherownuntouchedmealwithagoodappetite.
DirichadsomethinghewantedtodiscusswithMeroafterdinner,andRenadecidedthatshemightaswell
tacklethefirstpartofherplanstraightoff.Notbeingahalfbloodwassomethingofahandicap,asshecouldn'treadthemindsofthetwoElvenlordsdirectlysowhatsheplannedtodowastotryandcoaxtheinformationoutofthemusingwords,illusion,herownsex,andgentleprodding.She'dhadtheTradersbringheranold,deactivatedcollarfromoneoftheescapedslavesworkingwithShana;shebroughtthiswithherassheenteredtheirtent.
"Kelyan?"shecalled;she'dputondieillusionofoneofthefinegossamergown
sshe'dworninheroldlife,andasKelyanrousedfromhisapathetictranceandslowlyraiseddulleyestolookather,shecreatedasecondillusion,thattheywereinatypicalroomthatonewouldfindinanElvenmanor.Sheusedashermodeloneoftheroomsinwhichherfatherwouldinformallyentertainguests,butkepttheplaceshroudedinshadows.
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Kelyanlookedterrible;hisemeraldeyeswereclouded,hispalehairhunglankandbrittle,theonlytimehechangedhisclothingwaswhenhiskeepersstrippedhimofthesoiledclothing.Renawasn'tsurewhathadtriggeredthisdiveintoinsanityperhapshe'djustsnappedwhenhe'dfirstseenKemanindragon-form,orperhapshehadjustgivenupwhenitbecameobviousthateventhoughtheWizardshadbeenacceptedasallies,therewasnowaythattwoElvenlordsweregoingtobereleased.Buthiscurrentconfusion,andthewayinwhichhedriftedinandoutofaworldofhisownmaking,wouldhelpher.Shehopedthatinhiscurrentmentalstatehewouldeitherbelievethathewasbackamonghisownpeople,orwasdreaming;eitherwouldserveherequallywell.ItwasunlikelythathewouldrecognizetheRenaheknewintheElvenlady-guiseshehadjustcreatedforherself;she'devendoneherselfupinHigh-Fetefashionwithexaggeratedcosmetics.
Hiseyesbrightenedashetookinherandhersurroundings;therestillwasn'tagreatdealofsanityinthem,but
therewasmoresense.Toreinforcetheillusionshehadcreated,shehidKelyan'scompanionincaptivityintheshadowssothathewouldn'tseeHaldor'smotionlessformandhavehisillusionbroken.Hedidn'tseemtonoticeorcare.
"Mylady?"hisheadtiltedinquiringly,showingthathereallydidn'trecognizeher.
"Sheyrena,"shesupplied."Welcometomyfete,LordKelyan."
"MyLadySheyrena."Henoddedhishead."DoIknowyou?"
Good.Hedoesn'trememberorrecognizeme,orsomethingdeepinhisminddoesn'twantto.He'dmuchratherliveindreamsthanintheworldhe'sinnow.
"Iamthedaughterofafriendofyourmother's,"shereplied,apingasbestshecouldherownmother'smannerwhenwithaguest."Thankyouforcomingwithyourmothertomylittleentertainment.IwonderedifIcouldimposeuponyourgoodnatureforatriflingtask?"
"Iamatyourcommand,"heresponded,withahandoverhisheartandaslightbo
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w.
"Ihavetakenanewbody-slave,alittlegirlwhohasnotyetbeenfittedwithacollar,"sheliedglibly."Asyouknow,myfatherwillnotreturnfromhismeetingswiththeCouncilforseveraldays,andIwonderedcouldyouhelpmewithclearingandsettingthissothatIcanuseitonthechild?"sheheldoutthecollar,andhetookitfromherfingers.
Andfrowned,slightly."Thisishardlyafitcollarfortheneckofalady'sslave,"hepointedout.
Shepouted."ItistheonlyoneIcouldfindthathasnotbeensetandplacedontheneckofalivingslave,andIdon'twanttowaitforsomeonetoconstructoneforme,"shesaidwithjustahintofpetulance."Besides,I'vetakenaparticularfancytothisonechild.She'squitepretty,andIdon'twant
Fathertodecidetogivehertosomeone.Ifshe'ssealedtome,heshan'tbeableto."
Kelyansmiled,andshesmiledback,instantlyformingaconspiracyoftwoagainsttheirgreedyelders."Inthatcase,Ishallbehappytosetittoyouonyourbehalf,"herepliedeasily.
Hebentoverthecollarandwentimmediatelytoworkonit
Andshefollowedtheslightestnuanceofthatworkwithanintensitythatsurelywouldhavestartledhim,hadhenotbeenconcentratingonthecollartotheexclusionofallelse.
Shehadbeendoubly-prepared;incasesheneededtousethisployagain,shedidn'twanthimtothinkitwasanythingotherthanadream.
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Whenhefinishedhismagics,shethankedhimprettily."Youhavedonemeagreatgoodturn,LordKelyan,"shesaid,flirtingsubtlywithhiminawaythatwouldprobablyhavehadMerowildwithsuppressedjealousy."HowcanIproperlythankyou?"
Shepliedhimwithdruggedwineassheflutteredhereyelashesathim,perfectlyawarethathewouldn'tactuallydoanythingotherthanflirtback.Therewasarhythmtothissortofcourtship;untilhehadherfather'stacitpermissiontoapproachher,hewouldonlyindicategallantinterest.Hewouldn'twanttofindhimselfcalledintoachallengethathemightnothavethetrainedslavestomeet.Leasinggladiatorstomeetachallengewaspossible,butexpensive,sincesomeofthemwouldalmostcertainlydieinthecombat.Bettertobecautious.
"Performinganyserviceforafairladyisaprivilege,notaburden,"hereplied,downingthewineinasinglegulp.Asshehadplanned;she'ddoctoredthewinetomakeitstastesmootherthanhoneyanddisguiseitsnature.Sherefilledhisglass,andhedownedthataswell.Shepassedhimalittlebowlofhighly-salted,toastedbitsofrootalsomanipulatedbyhermagic.Themoreheate,thethirstierhewouldbecome.
"Thankyou,"hesaidafterhisfirsttaste,andwhenshelefttheplatetherebesidehishand,hedidn'tobject."Ido
nothavethecompanyofalovelyladyoftenenoughthatIseeitaslessthanarewardinandofitself,"hecontinued,nowsippingfromhisglassandnibblingatthesnacks.
Shelaughedsoftly,producingatinklinglittlesoundthatsurprisedherandmadehiseyeswidenwithapproval.
"Idonothavethecompanyoffineyounglordsoftenenoughtothinkitlessthanatreat,"sherepliedinthe
samevein."Tellmesomethingofyourself."
Hewasnotatallloathtodoso,andshecontinuedtoplyhimwithwineaswellasconversationuntilhiseyesdrooped,hisheaddropped,andhecollapsedlimplydownontothepallethe'dbeensittingonallthistime.Withathoughtandaflickofherfingers,shebanishedalltheillusionsshehadcreated,leavinghimagaininthefelt-
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walledtent.Whenhewokethenextmorning,ifherecalledtheincidentatall,itwouldprobablybeasadream.
Thensheblewoutthelights,andlefthiminthedarkness,turningthecollarovertriumphantlyinherhands.
NowitwasKala'sturnonthenewprojecttoliberatetheslaves;sheexaminedthecollarandthestone,andsetaboutmakingtheclamshellclaspthatwouldlockthestoneawayfromwearerandmage.Shewascertainshecouldmakesuchamechanism;thetrickwouldbetocreateonethatwassmallenoughtoconceal,butlargeenoughandsturdyenoughtohaveaneffectiveseal.
Meanwhile,droppingherguiseandcomingasherself,RenaattemptedtoengagethetwoElvesinconversationseverydaywhileMero"eavesdropped"ontheirminds.Asshetalkedtothemor,asoftenasnot,atthemshe
played,delicately,withhermagicinsidetheirheads.
WhentheGreatLordsremovedmemories,theydidsowholesale,leavingbehindablank.Shehaddelvedintothemysteriousworkingsofthebrainaswellasshecould,andnowshesuspectedtheircrudeefforts,difficultastheywere,createdamentalinfant.Probablyafterwardstheirvictimhadtobere-taughteventhesimplestofthings,whichwaswhysheitwasusuallyarebelliousgirlwhowassocavalierlytreatedwouldn'tmakeareappearanceforayearormoreaftershewassubjectedtothetreatment.Renaw
antedtobemoresubtle.
Sowhileshetalkedandspieduponthephysicalworkingsinsidetheirheads,shedidsoonthesameminutelevelthatsheworkedwhenmakingtheleavesandplantssweetandtastyorjustplainedible.WhenMero"saw"amemorythatheknewtheyneededtoexpungewhichwouldbewhenoneoftheElvesactuallythoughtaboutithesignaledRena.Shewouldknowthenwhereitphysicallyresided,andthat,shecouldchange.Afterafewdays,shebegandoingjustthat.Gently,shebroketheconnectionsthatma
dethememories,thenerased
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themaltogetherwiththetiniestofshocksmuch,muchsmallerandmoresubtlethanthosethatcausedbrainstorms.Whenshewasdone,thoseparticularmemoriesweregone.AskKelyanaboutthem,andhewouldlookatherblankly.
Shehadhopedthatshewouldbeabletoremovethememoriessequentially,butalas,thatwasnotpossible.Memory,itseemed,wasapeculiarthing.Itwasn'tsequential;memorychainsledoddlytoincidentsthatseemedtohavenothingwhatsoevertodowiththetriggeringrecollection.
Butonethingwasabsolutelycertain,andthatwasthemoresheerased,themorenormalKelyanandinparticularHaldor,sincehewasthemostwithdrawnbecame.
Whenthathappened,memorieswereeasiertotriggerandthus,toremove.Rena's
progresswiththemcameinleapsandbounds,andsoontheywerebothasactiveandalertasthey'dbeenwhenfirstcaptured.Thatwaspromising,sinceitwouldhavebeenthenextthingtomurdertodropthetwoofthemunconscioussomewhereifHaldorwasstillnear-catatonic,butitcreatedanewproblem.
Astheyregressedintothepast,theynolongerhadthememoriesthattoldthemthatresistancewasofnouse,thatescapewasnotpossible.Byhavingtheireveningfooddrugged,buildingillusions,andinterrogatingthem
separately,Renawasabletoconvincethemthatsheandherquestionswerenomorethananintriguingdream.Shedidn'tevenhavetoconvincethemthattheywereinthemidstofadreamsequence,sinceshewasabletoerasethememoryofeachnightbeforesheleftthemdruggedandsleeping.
"Butwhatarewegoingtodowiththem?"sheaskedMerodesperately,threedaysaftershehadbegunthistask,whenHal-dorhadannouncedhisintentiontoescapefromtheircurrentcaptivitythenextday.Shedroppeddownbesidehimonthegrassoutsidetheirtent,bothofthemstaringupatthe
star-begemmedskyovertheirheads.Herhandreachedforhis,onlytofindhisreachingforhers.Shetookcomfortfromthetouch."Soonerorlater,they'regoingtotrytomakearun,andthat'sonlygoingtomakeaterribleamountoftrouble."
"Keep'emdruggedbyday,"Meroadvised,squeezingherhand."Wehavetofigureouthowtogivethemanew
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past,andIhaven'tworkedthatoneoutyet."Moonlightfloodedthecamp,almostbrightenoughtoreadby.Heshookhisheadather."Idon'tknow.Illusions?Butthatwouldtakeasmuchtimetoshowthemasitwouldforthemtoliveit?Imightbeabletosticknewmemoriesrightintheirheadswheretheoldoneswere,butforonepersontocreateallthat"
"Doesithavetobeoneperson?"Renainterrupted."Whatiftherewereseveral?"Sheflushedwiththeexcitementofsuddenlyseeingapossiblesolution."Wedon'thavetobetheonestomakethenewmemories!WecouldaskKalamadeaandAlaratocomegetthem,andShanaandZedandsomeoftheotherWizardscouldallpitchtogetheranddoit!"
Meroshookhishead."Idon'tknow,"hereplieddubiously."Wouldn'tthosememoriesgetawfullyconfusingwithsomanypeoplemeddling?"
"Isn'titbetterforusiftheyareconfusing?"Renacountered,feelingevenmorecertainthatthiswastherightwaytohandletheproblem."Wedon'twantthemtohaveawholepicture,wejustwantthemtohavefragments,don'twe?Letthemthinktheyweredruggedmostofthetime,orenspelled,butthemoreconfusingtheirmemoriesare,themoreconfusedtheOldLordswillbe."
"AndthemoreconfusedtheOldLordsare,themorelikelythatthey'llbealarme
dIseewhereyou'regoingwiththis."Merochuckledunexpectedly,andhuggedher."You'reright,Rena,you'reright!I'lltryandreachShanaandexplainallthisandseeifshefallsinwiththeplan.I'llkeeptryinguntilIreachher."
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"AndI'llwipetheirmemoriesbacktotheircapture,"shesaidhappily,securenowthatherplanwouldworkexactlyasshehadhoped.
Inafewdays,thedragonsarrivedbutquietly,withoutfanfare,intheguiseofWizards.RenahadneverseenAlarainthatform;Shana'sfoster-motherhadchosentoresembleaverysturdywomanofindeterminateage,withhighcheekbonesandhairofdeepbrown.Kalamadea,ofcourse,woretheguisewithwhichtheIronPeoplewerealreadyfamiliar,andwhenheandshewalkedintothecampatdawn,Diricandtheotherleadersofthegroupwelcomedhimthoughthewelcomewastemperedwiththememoryofthelasttimetheyhadseenhim,inhisrealshapeofahuge,blue-blackdragon.
"We'vecometocarryoffyourinconvenientguests,"FatherDragonsaidgenially,beamingasifhe'dhadthegreatestoftreatsbestoweduponhim.Nomatterthatthelasttimeanyoneofthe
IronPeoplehadseenhim,itwasasadragon;hebehavedsonormally,andlookedsoharmless,soinoffensive,thatitwashardforanyonetothinkofthemenacingdragonwiththoseguilelessgreeneyespeeringatthemoutofaseaofwrinkles.FatherDragonplayedthepartofaneccentriclittleoldmantoperfection,andsoonhadDiricchattingwithhimliketheoldfriendhewas.WithDiricactingsonormally,therestofhispeoplerelaxedaswell.
"AndwhathaveyoudonewithMyre?"heasked,atlast.
"WegaveherovertothekeepingoftheCornPeoplefornow;theydonottrustherintheleast,forItoldthemonlythatshehadnearlybetrayedusandherownpeopletotheDemons."Diriclookedsmug,andRenahadtosmile.Thatwasatleastpartlytrue,afterall!"Theygiveherfieldtaskstodo,andnofoodifshewillnotwork.Shehasquicklylearnedthevalueofcarryingoutwhatsheistoldtodo."
"Obviously,youaren'tconcernedaboutherescaping?"Alaramadethataquestion;shecouldn'tquitecontrolthepainshefeltatthispositionhersecond-bornfoundherselfin,butDiricmisinterpretedit.
"Oh,no,lady!Ifshewishestorunoff,wewilllether!Sheisnotsogreatahelptousthatwewouldmissher,andshecannotremovethecollarthatkeepsherlookingasoneoftheDemons'sl
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aves.ShecannotgobacktotheDemons,sotheWizards,we,theCornPeopleandtheTradersallknowofhertreacheryandwouldnotremoveit."Hesmiled."Ifshewishestowandertheplains,aloneandunaided,inpreferencetoremainingwiththeCornFolkwhereshehasfoodandshelter,well,lethersavorherfreedom."
Alarasighed,butsaidnothing;Kalamadeacoveredhersilencewithchatter.Renagaveheralookofsympathy;forallthatMyrehadbeenamiserablythanklesschild,Myrewasherdaughter.ItmusthavetornpoorAlara'shearttohavetosidewithonechildorchildren,countingShanaasAlara'sfoster-daughteragainstanother.
"We'llwaituntildarktotakethem,sowedon'tdistressyourpeopleunduly,"Kalamadeawassayingquietly,astheotherEldersofthetribemadetheircautiousgreetings,lostinterest,andwentbacktotheirusualtasks.
"Thatiswell,"Diricsaidjudiciously,thenbrightened."ButyoumustalsoseetheprogressmyKalahasmadeuponyourotherneed!Andyoumustseethenewjewelsmylady-smithshavemade!Come!"
RenaandMerospenttherestofthedayinthecompanyofDiricandthetwodragons.Diricmusthaveshownthemeveryjewelryforgeinthecamp,andalthoughAlaradidnotonceasktoseeherwaywarddaughter,RenahadtowonderifDiricwastryingtodistractthedragontokeepherfrommaking
thatveryrequest.
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Atlastatlonglast,forevenRenawasbeginningtotireofwatchingjewelersatwork,ataskshenormallyfoundfascinatingthesunset,anddarknessfell.
Sheleftthen,toseetothetwoshenowconsidered"her"charges.Shefoundtheminsensible,sothoroughlydruggedthatnotevenaheartyshakingcouldwakethem.Nothinglesswoulddo;obviouslytheycouldn'trideoutofhereassheandMerohaddone,a-dragonback.Theywouldhavetobecarried.
SheandfouroftheyoungerIronPriestsbundledtheunconsciousElvesintothesamekindofswaddlingsthattheIronPeopleusedfortheirinfants,onlyadult-sized,completewitharigidboardverylikeacradle-board.Theswaddlingswouldpreventthemfrommoving,theboardwouldensurethattheywouldn'tbendinthemiddle;
nowtheycouldbeputinanetsling,tobecarriedindragon-clawsbacktotheCitadel.
Oncepackageduplikeapairofparcelsfordelivery,theIronPriestseachtookanendandunceremoniouslycarriedthemotionlessbundlesoutintothedarkness.
Renafollowedbehind,astheyoungPriestsintheirpeculiarclothheadressesandleatherapronscarriedthe
bundlesasfarastheopengrasslandsoutsideofthecamp,putthemdowninthewaitingnets,andhurriedoff.Theydidn'tlookbackandRenadidn'tblamethem;ifsheherselfhadn'tspentsomuchtimewithKemaninallofhisforms,shewouldhavebeennervousaroundthedragons.
AndKalamadeaandAlarawouldbebackfromfeedingatanymoment....
Thesudden"wind"thatcameupallaroundher,thethunderofunseenwingsoverh
ead,warnedherthattheywerehere.
Silveredbythemoonlight,castingblackshadowsthatstretchedacrossthefrantically-wavinggrassesinfrontofthem,theybackwingedinbesidetheircharges.Renasteppedbackinvoluntarily;shehadsomehowforgottenhowbigthefullyadultdragonswereintheirtrueforms.FatherDragonusually
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"IsupposeIcan,can'tI?"shereplied,andturnedsothathisarmwentaroundhershoulders."Well,then"shecontinued,playfully,feelingstrongandemboldenedbyhersuccess,"Don'tyouhavesomeahcourtingtocatchupon?"
Foramomenthestaredather,asifunsureofhowtoreact."Ido?"hesaid,alittlestupidly.
thenhegrinned,broadly."IsupposeIdo,"hesaidwithfarmoresense...
...thenproceededtomakeaverygoodstartonallthatcatching-up.
22
---
LadyTrianasupervisedthepreparationofherreceptionchamberwiththesamecareagoodgeneralwouldhavegiventothepreparationofbattle-plans.Thingswerebeginningtomove,atlast,althoughnotentirelyinthedirectionshehadwanted.Aelmarkinwasonhiswaytohermanorsheknewthis,ofcourse,becauseshehad
notgivenhimanaccess-keytoherPortal,andasaconsequencehehadtomakethelastlegofhisjourneythehardway,overlandfromthemanorwhereAelmarkinhadafriendwillingtoallowhimtheuseofhisPortal.Heprobablydidn'tevenknowthatshehadaPortal.Thereweren'tmanywhoshetrustedwithkeystoit,soitwasn'tcommonknowledge.
She'dhadplentyoftimetoprepareforhimbynow,andheknewthat.Alreadyshehadanadvantageoverhim.
Shehadbeenexpectingthisvisitforsometime;infact,shewassurprisedthathehadn'tturnedupbeforethis.Aelmarkin'scousinLordKyrtian,ratherthandisgracinghimself,wasdistinguishinghimselfonthebattlefieldagainsttherebelliousYoungLords.AfterthatlastroutoftheYoungLords,hisstarwasparticularlyhighwiththeCouncil.Aelmarkinmustbefurious.
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SheonlywishedthatshehadnearlyasmuchofanadvantageoverAelmarkinasshewasgoingtopretendshehad.Herlittlespyinthehousehold,keptasshewasintheharemandwithnoaccesstoyoungKyrtianwhenhewasawayonhismartialbusiness,hadprovedoflittleuse.ThedomesticdetailsthattheslavehadbeensendingwereonlyofinterestinthattheyshowedhowthoroughlyKyrtian'smotherheldthereinsofthemanor.Apity,that.ItappearedthatTrianawasgoingtohavetodomostoftheworkofsubvertingLordKyrtianherself.
Butitwas,ofcourse,nottoheradvantagetoallowAelmarkintoknowanyofthis,andshedidn'tintendto.Shewouldprobablylethimknowthatshehadthespy;thatwouldbeusefulwithoutgivingawaytoomuch.
WhenAelmarkinarrived,whatshedidintendwasthatAel-markinwouldseeasideofherthathewouldnever
haveexpected.Allhehadeverseenwasthetemptress,andthatwasallhewasreadyfor.Heprobablyexpectedthatshewouldtrytouseherwilesonhim.
Menweresopredictable.
Shehadtwodifferentreceptionchambers,fortwoverydifferentpurposes;thisonealsoservedastheofficefromwhichsheranherownlittleestate,andassuch,itwasbothtotally"like
"herandcompletelyunlikeanyofthefacesshepresentedtotheoutsideworld.Itwasnotspareandasceticbyanymeans;thedeskbehindwhichshesatwasaworkofart,fittedtogetherfrommassivepiecesofhand-carved,petrifiedwoodpolishedtoa
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mirror-gleam,andfittedaroundhersothatshecouldkeepeverybitofworknearathandwithouthavingtoreachforit.Thecharcoal-colored,leather-upholsteredchairthatcradledherwasascomfortableasanysybariticcouch,andglidedonrailsintoandoutofthenichewithinthecurveofthedesk.Therewasamatchingcouchacrossfromthedesk;itmatchedsuperficially,thatis,butithadbeenmadesothat,althoughitwasextremelycomfortable,itwastreacherous.Betheoccupanteversotall,whoeversattherewouldfindthathisheadwaslowerthanhers,andgettingupcreatedsomeawkwardmoments.Fortherest,thechamberexudedarestrainedopulence;soft,darkgreycarpetwithsubtlegrey-on-greypattern,silver-greysatindraperiescoveringthewalls,lighterincolorthanthecarpetbutwiththesamepattern.Theonlycolorintheroomlayinthestoneofthedesk,whichdrewtheeyelikeamagnet,awayfromTriana.Whichwasthepoint;itwasdifficultforabeautifulelvenladytoappearintimidating,butthedeskmanagedtooverwhelmsimplybybeing.
Aelmarkinhadreachedthegatesofherestateandbeenadmittednotlongago.He
wouldarriveatanymoment,andshewasperfectlyreadyforhim.
Meanwhileshebusiedherselfwiththeaccounts.Withthefallinherfortunes,herlittleestatehadtobeself-supporting,fortherewerenomoregiftswell,callthemwhattheywere,bribesforthcomingfromthosewhowishedtoattachthemselvestoarisingstar.Shesupposedshecouldhaveimprovedherfortunesbymarrying,butthatwashardlyasolutionthatwastohertaste.Therewasn'tanyonefreeamongtheOldLordswhowasn'ta
closematchforherwitsandwhowouldn'thedgeheraroundwithsomanyconstraintsthatitwouldtakeallofherenergyjusttocontinuetoenjoyherselfasshehad.AndasfortheYoungLordsstillloyaltotheirsires
well,shewasnotmindedtowet-nurseacallowyouth,whohadnoinclinationtowork,nointerestsbuthisownamusement,andnoambitionsexcepttoindulgeinsexandgames.She'dbebetteroffadoptingsuchayoungfoolthanweddinghim;atleastthenshecouldtreatthefellowlikethechildhewas.
So,followingherfallfromgrace,shehadappliedherselftothebusinessofraisingandtrainingveryspecialslaves,exquisitecreaturesmuchindemandfortheirbeautyandskills.Therewasalwaysawaiting-listforherprettyboysanddecorativemenshewasanexpert,afterall,inthethingsthatmademalesbothornamentalanduseful.TherewereplentyofElvenlordsAelmarkinforonewhobredandtrainedlove
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lyfemaleslavesfortheluxurytrade,butTrianawastheonlysupplierofmalesforthesamepurpose.SomewereboughtbyElvenlords,butnotnearlyasmanyaswereboughtbytheladiesnotthatthelordstheseladiesansweredtowereevermadeawareoftheexistenceofthesespecialslaves.LadiesmightwellbehedgedaboutbyruleandcustomandkeptcloseintheharembutnothingpreventedthevisitsofanotherLady.
Triana,say,withasmallentourageofherspecialslaves.
Now,onceTrianaandherslaveswerewithinthewallsofanestate,itwaschild'splayfortheladyshevisitedtopurchaseoneormore;unlessshewastotallyhedgedabout,shehadsimplytoorderthattherequisitepricebesenttoTriana'sstewardbyherownhouseholdsteward,whowouldnotgainsayher.Theslavesthenvanishedintothehousehold,assignedtothelady'spersonalservice,nevertobeseenoh,mostcertainlynever!bythe
masterofthehouse.Itwaseasyenoughtodo,forevenonestatesthatbredtheirownslavestherewerealwaysmorebeingpurchasedaspecialskillmightbeneeded,ortheslavesthemselvesdisobligedbypresentingonewithtoomanyofonesexandnotenoughoftheother.ThepurchaseofagreatmanyofthesemaleslavesthatTrianasocarefullytrainedwasconcealedundertheblandheading"householdexpenses."
OneofTriana'sownslaves,sleekinherliveryofdarksilverandmidnight,cametothedoorofthechamber,
andTrianalookedupandnoddedacknowledgmentofhissilentsignal.Amomentlater,asecondarrived,Aelmarkinintow.
"V'kelAelmarkinel-LordTornal,myLady,"heintoned,asAelmarkinsaunteredpasthimintotheoffice.BothslavesvanishedassoonasTriananoddedtothem.
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"Aelmarkin,itisapleasuretoseeyou,"shesaid,exudingsubduedwarmth."Forgivemefornotrisingtogreetyouproperly,butasyousee,youhavecaughtmeinthemidstofmylittlechores."
Now,Aelmarkinknewverywellthatshehadgottenampleenoughwarningofhisimminentarrivaltohavesether"littlechores"aside,andsheknewthatheknewandheknewthatsheknewthatheknew,sotheyweremostcomfortableintheirmutualknowledge.Helookedthevisitors'couchoverbeforesittinginit,andwasprobablynotsurprisedtodiscoverwhatadisadvantageitputhimat.
"Mycursedcousinhascoveredhimselfwithglory,"hegrumbled,asaslaveappearedatthedoor,offeredhimwine,anddisappearedagain."1hopeyou'vebeenmakingbetterprogressthanI.Itwillbeworthittometolosethisbetifyoucanbringhimdown."
Shesmiledenigmatically."Youareawarethatthekeytoallthisistoeithergetridofhismotherorencouragehimtoputherinherappropriateplace?"
Aelmarkinwasn'tstupid;shehadtogranthimthat.Hesatupordidsoasmuchasthecouchwouldallowhim."Soit'sLadyLydiellwhorulesthatroost,doesshe?I'dsuspectedasmuch.That'shardlysurprising,givenhowlongshehasbeenthesoleauthorityonthatestate."Helookedsour,andwould
probablyhaveaddedhisdisapprovalofaladyassumingsuchauthority,butthatwashardlypoliticinTriana'spresence.
"Butit'shightimethatLordKyrtianassumedhisproperroleasheadoftheestate,Ishouldthink,"Trianareplied,carefullyexaminingherflawlesslypolishednails."AndIexpect,afterallofhisvictoriesinthefield,he'snotgoingtobecontenttositbackandletsomeoneelsemanagehispropertyanymore."
Aelmarkinrelaxedbackinhisseatandproducedathinsmile."Andtherightwomancouldwould!certainlyencouragehiminthatdirection,wouldn'tshe?Theonlyquestioninmymindis,towhateffect?"Thesmilehardened."Itisnotgoingtopleasemeparticularlytofindthatthemotherhasbeensupplantedbytheequallycompetentwife."
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Sheleftoffexamininghernailsandgavehimachilllook.Howverylikeamaletoassumethatsheintendedtotakethemother'splace!"Idoassureyou,Aelmarkin,thatweddingthatchildisnopartofmyplans.Thereisnothingabouthisestatesorhispersonthatcouldtemptmetothefollyofputtingmyestatesandmypersonintohislegalcontrol."
"Seethatyouremainofthatmind,"Aelmarkinrespondedshortly.Therewasnomistake;hefullyexpectedhertobethatfoolish!Didhethinkthateveryfemaleinexistencelivedonlytowed?
"Thethoughtwouldneverhavecrossedmymind,andisnopartofmyplans."Sheallowedatingeofcontempttocolorhergaze."Didyoucomeallthiswaytofencewithme,orhaveyouanotherpurposeyouhaven'tyetrevealed?"
Hehadcometodiscoverwhat,ifanything,shekneworhaddone,ofcoursebutshesuspectedthat-hehadalsocometokeepaneyeonher.OfcoursehehadbeguntothinkherplansmightincludeweddingKyrtianaswellasseducinghimhe.wasamale,afterall,andhewasblindedbytheautomaticassumptionthateveryfemalewantedultimatelytobesomeone'sladyasiftheonlypossibleidentityafemalehadwasthroughhermalerelatives.
Idiot.
Butshecouldusehim.Thislittleexercisethathadbegunasabethadtakenonalifeandapurposeforherfarbeyonditsoriginal.No,shedidnotwantKyrtianorhisestatesbutshedidwantthatseatontheCouncilthathadbeendeniedherforsolong.ShewantedtobecountedastheequalofanyGreatLord.Sheknewhow
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not?thatLordKyndrethonlyintendedtosupportKyrtianforaslongasittooktodestroytheYoungLords'RevoltandpossiblytheWizards.Oncethatwasover,KyrtianhadthepotentialtobecomeadangerousrivalforLordKyndreth'sascendancyintheCouncil.HewouldbealtogetherpleasedtofindsomeonewillingtohelpandplacedtoeliminateKyrtianwhenthetimecame.Notbyassassination,nothatwastoocrude,andbesides,therewasthesmallproblemofgettingawaywithmurderonceithadbeencommitted.Thataltogether-too-efficientbodyguardofKyrtian'swasanotherproblem.
Buteliminationbyothermeansthatwasanothercoveyofquailaltogether.OnceTrianawasclosetoKyrtian,trustedbyhim,therewereanynumberofoptionsopentoher.Shecouldarrangeforhimtodosomethingthatwoulddisgracehimentirelysomethingtodowithslaves,perhaps.Hetreatedthatbodyguardwithsuspicioussoftness,andLydiell'sfamilywasknownforitsridiculouscossetingofhumans.PerhapssomethingcouldbeconcoctedlinkinghimtotheWizardsasasympathizer.Orifnoneofthatseemed
possible,afemale,allowedcloserthananymale,coulddothingsthatwerenotopentomen.Shecouldadministerdrugsthatwouldenfeeblemindorbody,butgraduallyandmostimportantofall,irreversibly.ShecouldleakimportantfinancialorotherdetailsoftheestatethatwouldallowsomeonelikeKyndrethtoworkthemagicthatwouldruinititsmainsourceofincomelayinfoodstuffs,afterall,andproperlymanipulatedweatherorinsect-plaguesforseveralyearsinarowcouldbringthefamilytoitsknees.ShecouldandwouldencourageinfatuationonKyrtian'spart,alongwiththegivingofveryexpensivegiftsandrecklessbehaviortoimpressher.
Itwaspossiblethatshecouldarrangehimtobankrupthimself,ingamesofchanceandthelikeortobreakhisownneckinsportandthehunt.
Or,even,toemulatehisfatherandvanishintothewilderness,nevertobeseenagain.That,inparticular,appealedtoher.
Encouraginghiminthatdirectionhadgreatpotential,andshouldn'tbeallthat
difficult.Thewildernesshadkilledthefather,sowhynottheson?
Thereweresomanyoptionsopentoher,onceshegotclosetoKyrtian,thatshehadnointentionoflimitingherselftoanyoneplanforthemoment.
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Meanwhile,itwasactuallypossibleforAelmarkintoproveuseful.
"Ifyouwouldcaretostayforavisit,Ithinkwecanaccommodateyou,"shesaid,smiling,andsurprisinghim."Haveyoucomepreparedtoremain?"
Sheknewhehad,ofcourse;althoughshemightnotknowthecontentsofhisbaggage,shecertainlyknewtheweightandvolume.He'dbroughtacart-fullandonlytwopersonalslaves,sohe'dbeenintendingtoinflicthimselfonherforagoodfortnightatleast.
"IconfessIwashopingthatyouwouldtendertheinvitation,"herepliedcautiously.Clearlyhehadhopedtotrickorbullyherintotheinvitation,andhadnotthoughtforamomentthatitwouldbeofferedfreely.
"Thenwhydon'tyousettlein,"shesaidairily,wavingahandatthedoor,whereatherinvisiblesignal,theslavewhohadbroughthimherearrived,havingrespondedtothatsummons."I'lldealwithmylittlehouseholdaffairs,andwecandiscussplansoverluncheon."
Shekeptinvisibleheramusementathisstrugglestoextricatehimselffromthecouch,andrespondedtohisnone-too-graciousbowwithanodofherhead.Asheaccompaniedtheslavetothe
guestquartersshewentbacktoheraccounts.Whilenotofspellbindinginterest,theywereimportantafterall,andneededtobeattendedto.Thesedaysshedidn'ttrustthatanythinghadbeendoneproperlyunlesssheherselfhadrunacriticaleyeoverit.
Nowluncheonwascertainlygoingtobeinteresting.Shewasquitelookingforwardtoit,afterall.
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ShecountedonthefactthatshehadwelcomedAelmarkin,andthattherewasn'tagreatdealforhimtoamusehimselfwithonherestate,toensurethatassoonashehadconvincedhimselfthatshewasn'tplayingadeepergamethanhethought,hewouldleave.
And,infact,thatwaspreciselywhathappened.Althoughhehadclearlycomepreparedtoremainforaweekormore,withinthreedayshewasgone.
Shehadspeededhisdeparturebybeingridiculouslyvirtuousforthedurationofhisvisit.Sheheldnoparties,entertainednootherguests,andalthoughhedidhaveaccesstosomeattractivefemaleslavesshemadeitpolitelyclearthatifhedamagedthem,hecouldconsiderthempurchases.Hisfinanceswerenotsosecurethathecouldcontemplatethepurchaseofoneofherslavesattheuxoriousvaluation
shewouldmake,thatprettymuchputpaidtothatpossibleamusement.
Thatlefthunting(whichhedetested),landscape-viewing(whichboredhim),andgaming(whichhewasill-equippedfor,eithermentallyorphysicallynorwouldhehaveenjoyedei-~therlosingtoahumanslaveorwinningoveronewhowasallowinghimtowin.Noindeed.
So,offhewent,liberatingherfromhisunwelcomecompanyandallowingherthefreedomtofindoutjustwhatKyrtianwasupto.
Thatmeantaselectdinner-party.NotoneofthelibertineaffairsthatshethrewforthoseoftheYoungLordswhowerestillloyaltotheirfathers,butasedate,yetveryluxuriousdinnerforthosefewoftheGreatLordswhofoundheramusingandcouldaffordtobeseenwithher.
Whichincluded,ofcourse,LordKyndreth.
First,shespentaprofitablehourinthekitchens,informingthestaffofherplansandterrifyingthemwithcasuallydroppedtalesofwhathadhappenedtoslaveswhosefoodandservicedispleasedtheGreatLordswhowouldbeherguests.Ofcourse,onethingthatseparatedherestablishmentfrom
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thatofotherElvenlordswasthathermealsreliedontheskillsofherkitchen-slavesandnotonillusionnowherservantswouldexertthemselvestotheutmosttoplease.
Shedidnottroubleherselfaboutthemenu;herchiefcookwoulddeterminethat.Heknewwhatwasbest,freshest,atitspeakofripeness;heknewwhatfowl,fish,andmeatswereatperfection.Shecouldleaveallthattohim,andsetaboutdeliveringtheinvitationsviatelesontoherselectGreatLordssixofthemaltogether,includingLordKyndrethandhissonGildor.Gildorwasabore,butshewouldseethathissimpleneedsweretakencareof.
Allmale,ofcourse;therewouldbeonefemale,butonlyahumanslave,Gildor'sfavoriteconcubine.Hewasabsurdlyfaithfultothecreature,butwhenLordKyndrethissuedadelicatehintthatGildorwouldprobablywanttobringher,shelaughedlightly.
"Childrenmusthavetheirtoys,mustn'tthey?"shesaid,withjustahintofmockery."Nomatter,mylord.Ishallsupplytherestofyouwithcomelycompanions,soshewillnotbeconspicuous.Imaynotspecializeinsuchslaves,butIpromisethatyouwillbecontentedwithwhatIsupply."
"Thatwillsuitmeverywell,"LordKyndrethreplied,fromthedepthsofthetelesonembeddedinthewall
acrossfromherdesk,whichwasnormallyhiddenbehindthedraperiesthere.Heseemedjustasamusedbyhisoffspring'sdoggedinfatuationasTrianawas."Yourhospitalitywillbegracious,asalways."
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"ThenIcanexpectyoutomorrownight."Shesmiledathim,exertingallhercharm."Good.Youstillhavemyteleson-keyIassume?"
"Ineverletitoutofmykeeping,"heassuredher,asalloftheothershad."Tilltomorrownight,then?"
"Tilltomorrownight."Sheallowedhimtobreaktheconnection,andsatbackinherchair,well-contentforjustamoment.
Butonlyforamoment,forshehadadecisiontomake.Shouldshedisplayherexpertiseinmagic,bycreatingafantasticalsettingforherparty,ordistinguishherselfbyhostingthedinnerwithnomagicwhatsoever?
Withmagic,shedecidedafterlongconsideration.Butitmustbesubtle.Thesemenwereexpertsinpowerfulmagic,anditwouldbefarmoreimpressivetocaressthemwithsurroundingsthathadacalmdepththantobombardthemwithsayanenchantedexhibitionofsonganddance.
Subtletywouldtaketimetoproduce;shehadbetterstartonitnow.
Sheletthechairglidebackonitsrails,andtookherselftoherdiningroom,walkingaroundittostudyeveryangle.
Shouldsheattemptanillusionofspace,orcreateanatmosphereofintimateenclosure?
Theauraofintimacywouldbebetterforherpurposes.
Shecalledinherservants,andsetthemtoremovingthediningtableandchairsfromherlastpartyandreplacingthemwithtwo-persondiningcoucheswithattendanttables.Bythetimetheyreturnedwiththemoss-green,velvetydrapesshewantedforthecouches,shehaddecidedonthetheme.
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Overhead,stars.Asabackdrop,moss-coveredstones,asifthisplacewasadeepandnarrow,secretvalley.Slowly,aridwithgreatcare,Trianabuiltuptheillusionasshesatononeofthecouches,spinningitoutofairandenergy.Sheplaced,andre-placedeachstone,eachgracefultree,eachtinyviolet,untilshewassatisfiedwiththebalanceandharmony.Tendrilsofenergyformedintobranchesanddissolvedagainuntilshewashappywiththeeffect.
Awaterfall?No.Everyonehadwaterfallslately;they'dbeendonetodeath.Instead,shesimulatedthecallsoffrogsandcrickets,andasinglenightingale.
Shecalledforrefreshmentsandrealtreesintubsthatwouldbemaskedwithdrapedvines,supervisingtheslavesastheymovedtherealtreesintopositionaroundthesixcouches.Itwasalreadypastsundown,butherguestswouldarrivewellbeforedinnertomorrow,andshemusthavethediningroomreadylongbeforethen.
Sheoverlaidanillusionofmossonthecarpet,visualonly,asthecarpetitselfwassoftenoughtothetreadtoplease.Thatleftonlyscenteasilytakencareofwithnoillusionatall.Sheleftordersforgarlandsofflowersandleavestobedrapedbetweenthetubbedtreesandwreathedaroundthecouches.
Shesatdownononeofthecouchesandsurveyedherworkwithacriticaleye,ma
kingminutechangeshereandtheresothatthegrottoappearedrandom,entirelynatural.Eventheskyoverheadwasaclevervariation;shehadkeyedthestarstofollowthemovementsoftherealsky.Bythetimeshedeclaredherselffinished,shewasexhaustedwiththeunaccustomedlabor.Butitwouldallbeworthit,tomorrow.
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Trianasurveyedherguestsandsmiledopenly.Gildorandhisfavoriteconcubinewereinstalledonthemostprivateofthecouches,attherearofthegrotto.Gildorclearlyconsideredthistobeafavor,notaninsultandso,evidently,didhisfather.
Eachoftheotherfiveguestssharedhiscouchwithanattractivefemaleslave,too,butthesemenwereallpowerfulandprobablyhadconcubinesthatmadethesegirlslooklikefield-slaves.Forthemtheseslaveswerenothingmorethansentientfurniturethatservedthemsilentlywithoutneedingdirectionpleasantaccoutrements,whichdemonstratedthethoroughnessandthoughtfulnessoftheirhostess,butnothingmore.Theyateandtalkedasifthegirlsweren'teventhere.Andthegirlshadbeenwell-schooled,ifnotgiventhekindofintensivetrainingthatTrianalavishedonhermaleslaves;theyactedontheneedsoftheirtemporarymastersbeforethosemastersevenknewtheyhadaneed.Cupswererefilledafterasinglesip,platesreplacedwithonesfilledwithnewdaintiesthemomentthehotfoodsbegantocoolorthecoolones
towarm.
Trianaherselfhadnocompanion,andateverylittle.HerguestshadloosenedupenoughtobegintospeakofCouncilbusiness,andshewaitedforthesubjectofLordKyrtiantocomeup,asGildordalliedwithhisconcubine,completelyoblivioustohiselders.
ItwasLordKyndrethwhobroachedthesubject,launchingintoadescriptionoft
heaftermathoftheclimacticbattlethatroutedtheYoungLords.
"Sowherearethewretches?"askedLordWendrelith,hisbrowwrinkledwithsuppressedanger."Allthat'sbeencapturedareslaves."
"Scatteredlikeflushedquailbutunlikequail,theyaren'tregathering,"LordKyndrethreplied."Isuspectthat
they'veeachconcoctedbolt-holesduringthetimetheywereholdingusoff,andnowthey'vegonetoground.Howmuchtimeandeffortareyouwillingtospendintrackingthemtotheirlairs?"
"Notnearlyasmuchasitwilltake,Isuspect,"saidLordVan-driendryly.
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"Itwillbeamassiveeffort,"LordKyndrethagreed."Everytrackingteamwillhavetohavealordwithitonewhoseloyaltyisunquestionedandcannotbesubverted.Humanslavescanbedeceivedorcorrupted."
LordWendrelithshookhisheadindisgust."Ancestors!We'deitherhavetotrackthemdownoneatatime"
"Whichwouldtakeforever,evenbyourstandards"Trianainterjectedsoftly.
"orstripourestatesofsupervisors.Neitherisaviableoption,"Kyndrethsaid,nodding.
Triana,seeingthatshehadnotbeenrebuffed,putinanotherofherobservations."Aren'ttheynowcraftingtheir
ownpunishment?"
AnotheroftheGreatLordsturnedhisfullattentiontoTriana."Thatisaveryinterestingidea,myLady,"LordArentiel-lansaid,withanintenselyalertexpressioninhiseyes."Couldyouelaborate?"
"Theycannothavemorethanoneortwoslavesapiece;theydarenotcollectingroupsofmorethanthree.They
willnothaveanythingthatwethinkofasdecenthousingnotsomuchasahuntinglodge.Theyarelikelytobelivingincavesorothercrudeshelters.Noneofthemaretrulypowerfulmagicians;iftheywishtoeat,theymuststeal,hunt,gatherwiththeirownhandsandthoseoftheoneortwoslavestheystillretain."Shelaughed,inavoicelowandhusky."Itisentirelypossiblethatmanyofthemareoutthere,burningtheirdinnersoversmokingfires,onlytoshiverthroughthenightinscantshelter,evenaswespeak."Shesmiledsweetly."Icannotimagineapunishmentworsethanthatlivinglikeawildhuman,andknowingthattheonlywaytorectifythesituationistocomegrovelingbacktous."
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AllfiveoftheGreatLordsstaredatherforalongtime;thenLordKyndrethbrokeoutinunexpectedlyloudlaughter,inwhichhewasjoinedbytherest.Gildorlookedupatthemforamomentwithoutinterest,thenwentbacktohisconcubine.
"BytheAncestors,myLady,Ithinkyouhavetherightofit!"saidLordArentiellanwithadmiration."Mymiserablebratiscertainlywelcometoalltheburnedrabbitandrainhecanstand."
"Whatofthearmy,Kyndreth?"askedVandrien."Ifitwereuptome,I'ddisbandthem."
ToTriana'sveiledjoy,therestmurmuredagreement.
"It'suptothefullCouncil,ofcourse,"Kyndrethdemurred."AndtherearetheWizardstothinkof."
"True..."Vandrienmused.
"Whowewill,inevitably,outlive,"Trianapointedoutquietly."Withhalftheir
bloodcomingfromslave-stock,Icannotseethattheywouldhaveouryears.Withnomoreofthefullblood,theywilldilutetheirstocktothepointthattheyarenomorelong-livedthanmereslaves.Assumingthattheydon'tkilleachotheroffintheirownquarrels."
"Onceagain,myLady,yousurpriseanddelightme."LordVandriensatupenoughtogiveherthefullbowofrespect."Iaminyourdebtforsuchreasonedobservations."
"Thankyou."Sheloweredhergazemodestly.
"Still,theWizards...thequestionis,whetheritispossiblethattheycouldposeathreattous,simplybyexistingandservingasatemptationtotheslavestorevolt."Kyndrethraisedaneyebrow."Afterall,ourown
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offspringdid."
"Andslaveswouldhavenodifficultywiththenotionofoflivinglikewildhumans."Arentiellannodded."Still,Idon'tknow"
"Ifyoudisbandedthearmy,thereisaquestionofwhatLordKyrtianwoulddowithhimself,"Trianasuggestedgently.
"Ifyouaskme,heoughttobeontheCouncil!"ArentiellansaidimmediatelybutTrianasawLordKyndrethexchangeapointedglancewithoneoftheothers.Shestrovetocatchhiseye,andnoddedslightly.
LordKyndrethlookedsurprised,thenspeculative,thenreturnedhernod.
Sheleanedbackintohercouch,secureinthecertaintythathermessagehadbeenreadandunderstood.
Whenthelasthoneyedgrapehadbeeneaten,andthelastpleasantryexchanged,theGreatLordstooktheirleaveoftheirhostess,onebyone.LordKyndrethsenthissonandtheconcubinebackthroughthePortalandmadeasiftofollow,butfoundasuddenexcusetoremainuntilalloftheothershadle
ftbuthimself.TrianahadaccompaniedthemtothePortalherselftobidthemapolitefarewell,andnowfoundherself,asshehadhoped,alonewiththeGreatLord.
"So,mylady,"Kyndrethsaid,whenthelasthazeofenergyhaddiedfromthePortalmouth."YouseemtohavesomenotionsaboutLordKyrtian."
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"Youarecomingtothepointwithunaccustomedabruptness,ifImaysayso,LordKyndreth,"Trianademurred.
"IamsomewhatconcernedaboutLordKyrtian,"theGreatLordreplied,shiftinghisweightrestlesslyfromhisleftfoottohisright."Imayhaveawakenedsleepingambitioninhim,andifnowhefindsnooutletforit,hemaybedistressed."
"Hemayusehisnew-wonreputationwithintheCounciltothedisadvantageofothers,"Trianaretorted,comingtothepointjustasdirectlyasLordKyndrethhad."Thestrategiesofwarandpoliticsarenotunalike.Ontheotherhand"
"Yes?"Kyndrethprompted.
"Hisenergiescouldbeturnedelsewhere,bysomeonewhoiscleverenoughtodeviseachannelforthem."Shelookedupathimfrombeneathherlonglashes,andsmiled.
"Andwhatwouldthisdistractioncostme,ifImayask,mylady?"Kyndrethwaswastingnotime;itoccurredtoTrianathathemightbemoreworriedaboutKyrtian'sambitionsthanshehadthought.
Shedecidedtoriskallonasinglethrowofthedice."TheCouncilSeatonceheldbymyfather."
Hismouthpursed,buthedidn'tlookasifheparticularlyobjectedtothenotion."Itcouldbedone...therehavebeenfemalesontheCouncilbeforenow."
Buthehadn'tcommittedtothebargaineither."Thesamecleverpersonwhofoundoneoutletforhisenergiescouldturnthembacktoamoreunfortunatedirection,ifbargainsmadearenotkept."
Nowhesmiled,wryly."Youhaveawaywithwords,mylady.ThebargainwillbekeptandIbelievethatyouwillfindouryoungCommanderattheestateofhisAunt,theLadyMorthena."
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Shesmiledradiantlyathim."Thankyou,mylord.ThatisallIneed."
Hegaveherafullcourtbow."AndallIrequire,aswell."HesteppedtowardsthePortal,whichbegantoglowwithenergyinresponsetohisproximity.Thenhepausedonthethreshold,tolookbackoverhisshoulderather."Goodhunting,myLady,"hesaid.
"Andtoyou,mylord"shereplied.Andhewasgone.
23
---
Shanahadn'tseenKelyanandHaldorinagesandshewouldhavebeenhard-pressedtorecognizethemnow.Renahadbeenrighttotakeaction;perhapsthechangeinthetwo"young"Elvenlordshadbeensogradualthatithadpassedrelativelyunnoticedbythepeoplewhosawthemeveryday,buttoShana'seyesthechangewassomethingofashock.Elvenlordswererarely"robust"byhumanorhalfbloodstandards,butKelyanandHaldorwerewraith-thin,bonesshowingthroughskingonequitetranslucent.Theirsilve
r-gilthairwaslankandbrittle,andtheybruisedbadlyandeasily.ThedragonshadbroughtthemtotheCitadelinastuporinducedbyMero;
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afterwakingthemonlyenoughtostuffthemfulloffoodanddrinkandcleanthemupaftertheirjourney,Shanahadputthembacktosleepagain.
Twoelvencaptivessummarilydumpedontheirdoorsteponemoreproblemtotryandfix.
Thistimeshewasataloss;thiswasnotherareaofexpertise!Ifithadn'tbeenforLorryncominginandvolunteeringtofindagrouptohelpherwiththem,shewouldn'thaveknownwheretostart.
NowShanaandthegroupofyoungwizardsLorrynhadcalledtogetherstareddownattheirpairofcaptivesastheysleptinamagic-inducedfog,illuminatedbyapairofmage-lights.Anditwasn'tjustwizardsthatLorrynhadaskedforhelp,either;thegroupincludedsomeofthestrongestofthehuma
nmagesthatShanahadevermetaswell.
Iwouldn'thavethoughtofthatstupidofme.Humansaretheoneswiththemagicthatworksonthoughts.Therewereseveralofthemnow,livingamongtheWizards,drawndownoutofthehillsbythepromiseofaplacewheretheycouldlivewithoutfearofbeingcapturedbyelven-ledslave-huntingexpeditions.TheystayedbecauseCaellachhadbeenveryquieteversincehehadbeendefeatedinthewarofwordswithShana.Shewas
notaltogethercertainjusthowlonghewouldremainquiet,butfornowshewasgoingtotakethegiftandnotworryabouthim.
Oneofthesehumanmagicianswasamiddle-agedmancalledNarshy,whoseabilitytocreateillusionswithinthemindsofthosewhowerenotadeptattheIronPeoples'mind-walltechniquewasnothingshortofboggling.Itwashe,evidently,thatLorrynhadfirstthoughtofwhenMerohadfirstsuggestedthattheWizardstakeoverwhereMeroandRenahadbeenforcedtoleaveoff.Narshycouldsometimesevenge
tpastthemind-wallandbecauseofthat,Shanaconsidereditagoodthinghewasontheirside.
ItmadeShanawonderbeforeshedismissedtheidea,appalledthatshe'devenconsidereditifNarshycouldbeusedtomanipulateCaellachGwain.Abaseandimmoralideabutoh,sotempting!Ithadtakenadistincteffortofwilltoputtheideafirmlyaside.
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ItwasjustagoodthingthatCaellachregardedthefullhumanswithsomuchdisdain,though.Shewouldn'thaveputitpasthimtousetheweaponthatshediscardedasimmoral.
Forthatmatter,wasitimmoraltobetinkeringwiththemindsofthetwoElvenlords?
Probably.Buttheywerealreadymad.We'deitherhavetokillthemorfixtheminsuchawaythattheycan'teitherbetrayusortheIronPeople.Shewascaughtbetweentwoequallydistastefulsolutionsbuthadnorealchoice,sinceMeroandRenahadalreadymeddledwiththesituationpastmending.
BothElvenlordslayonpalletsinthemiddleofasmall,disusedroom,withthei
rhumanandhalfblooded"physicians"clusteredaroundthem."Well,itshouldn'tbetoodifficultfortenortwentyofustogethertoconcoctwhatevermemoriesofbeingheldyouwantusto,"NarshytoldShanawithsuchsupremeself-confidencethatShanafeltakindofgrudgingadmiration.Whetherhewasrightorwronghere,itwouldbenicetobeabletofeel,justonce,thatsamesortofself-confidence."Withthatmanyofusworkingatonce,wecanjustengravethenewmemoriesinplacewithinafewdays.So,wheredoyouwantthesetwotohavebeenheld?"
"Umm"shehadn'tthoughtthatfar,totellthetruth,butifsheadmittedthat,wouldsheloseauthorityintheireyes?Theywerealllookingatherasiftheyexpectedhertopresentthemwitheverythingtheyneeded,readytogo."WhatabouttheoldCitadel?"shesuggested,unabletothinkofanythingmorecleveronsuchnon-existentnotice."Thatwaywewon'thavetomakeanythingupwouldn'trealmemoriesbebetterthanonesweconcocted?"
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"ButtheElvenlordsknowabouttheoldCitadel,"someoneprotested."Wouldn'ttheyhavefoundthesetwo?"
BeforeShanacouldanswerthat,someoneelsediditforher,withgleeintheirvoice."No!BecausewecanuseourmemoriesoftheoldCitadel,butwedon'thavetohavethemthinkthattheplacetheywerekeptwastheoldCitadel.Ifwedon'tleavethesetwowheretheoldCitadelactuallyis,whoeverfindsthemwillthinkthattheirprisonwassomewherenearwheretheywerefound!LettheElvenlordsthinkthatthere'sanotherhiddenCitadelsomewhere."
"WhatabouttheforestontheedgeofLordCheynar'sestate?"Lorrynsuggested,fromtherearofthegroup."It'sgotabadreputationanyway.Ancestorsonlyknowwhat'sinthere;plentyofhuntershavegoneinandnever
comeoutagain.Chey-narwon'tevensendhisownmeninthereafterescapedslavesanymore."
"That'strueenough,"Shanasaidthoughtfully."IrememberthatMerotoldmeaboutsomespookysortofinvisiblethingthatgothishorseinthereandnearlygothim,whenheandVa-lynwereescaping."Shecouldn'thelpit;shecaughtherselfsmilinggrimly.TherewereplentyofthingsinthosehillsthatweremorethanamatchforElvenlords.
"Goodenough,"Narshysaid,takingthedecisionasmade."That'swhatwe'lldothelotofyouthatlivedintheoldCitadel,let'sprysomeofthosememoriesoutofyourskullsandgetthemsharedaroundsowecanstuffthesetwofullofthem."
Shanawaspleasedandamazedatthewayhemanagedtotakecontrolofthelittlegroupandherdthemofftoacornerwheretheycouldworkundisturbed.Withasenseofreliefthatwasquite
palpable,sherealizedthatthistime,foronce,someoneelsewasgoingtotakecareofaproblem.
Unbelievable."Wheredidyoufindhim?"sheaskedLorryn."Heactsasifhe'sbeeninchargeofpeople,mageseven,beforethis"
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"Hehasbeenthat'swhyIaskedhimtotakechargeofthisgroupofyours,"Lorrynreplied,thensuddenlylookedanxious."Youdon'tmindIhopehereI'vegoneandusurpedyourauthorityandnowsohasNarshy.Pleasetellmeyouaren'tupset!"
"Mind?Ishouldthinknot!"Sheshookherheadandsmiled,tiredly."Idon'tknowhowyoujustdothis,findtherightpeopleandgetthemtotakeoverthisorthatjobIcan'tseemtofindtherightwaytogetpeopletothinkforthemselvesorfindtheonesthatcantaketheinitiativeontheirown."Shebitherlipastheall-too-familiarfrustrationarose.
"Maybeit'sbecauseyoucan'tbelievethatyoudon'thavetodoeverything,"Lorrynsaidgently."That'sallIdo;Ifindthepeoplewhoaregoodatsomething,IaskthemtodothejobandIbelievethattheycan.ThenIgetoutofthewayandletthemdoit,intheirownway,attheirownpace."
Therewasnogracefulwaytoreplytothat,andshejustsatdownonastoneledge,feelingtotallyinadequateandutterlydeflated."Ineverwantedtobealeader,"shesaid,forlornly."Ifanybodyhadaskedme,Icouldhavehadthechancetosayno."
"Iknow."Hesatdownbesideher."I'dratheryouwerefreetodowhatyou'regoodat;planning,thinking,
comingupwithsolutions.You'reallboggeddownwithtryingtogetpeopletoseethatyoursolutionsaresensibleortocomeupwithbetterones.Youspendhalfyourtimetryingtoconvincepeople,andtheotherhalftryingtoherdthemintoworkingonthesolutionratherthansittingaroundandarguingaboutit.I'dratheryou-didn'thavetoworryaboutallthat."
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"SowouldI."Suddenlyshefeltlikeweeping,andswallowedthelumpinherthroat,blinkingrapidly."But"
Heinterruptedher."Wouldyoutrustmetotakewhatyouaren'tgoodatoffyourplate?"heasked,lookingearnestlyintohereyes."I'mbeginningtothinkthatIamaleader,thatit'sinmynaturepeoplelistentome,andI'mgoodatgettingthemtocooperate.ButwouldyoutrustmetodowhatI'mgoodatsothatyoucandowhatyou'regoodat?"
Ittookheramomenttoworkoutwhathewasgettingat,andheprobablywasn'tentirelycertainofithimself.WouldsheputhiminthepositionthatCaellachGwainwantedsobadly,trusthimtocarryoutwhatshecouldseeweretherightplansanddecisionsforher?Shouldn'tshehavesomeoneolder,someonefromtheoriginalWizardsoftheCitadel?
ButneitherDenelornorParthAgonwhoshouldhavebeentheleaders,andwhoShanahadexpectedwouldactastheleadersseemedtobeuptothejob.Insteadtheyhadbeendelegatingmoreandmoreauthoritytoher,regardlessofhowshefeltaboutit.Denelorneverhadcaredtostirhimselfmorethanhehadto,afterallshealreadyknewthathisbesettingsinwasslothandParth
Parth,shesuddenlyrealized,wasold.Howold,shedidn'tactuallyknow,notin
yearsbutoncetheyhadgottensettledhereanditseemedthatsheandheryoungwizardshadthesituationwellinhand,he'dstartedtakingabackseat,lettingherfightwithCaellachandhiscronies,waitingforhertomakethedecisions.Fromvaguehintsovertheyears,sherealizedthathemustbeatleastacenturyold,andperhapsmore.
He'stoooldandtiredtoleadanymore,especiallynowthattheWizardsaredoingthingsandnotjusthiding.Hedoesn'twanttheleadershippositioneither.It'stoomuchforhimnow.
MaybethatwasthecasewithDenelor,too.
ButcouldshehandoverthatmuchauthoritytoLorryn?Itwouldmakeherterriblyvulnerable.
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Asvulnerableasifhetrulyismylover,thewayeveryoneseemstothinkheisandthisisthesortofthingthey'dexpectmetodo,startmakinghimmymyrulingconsort.Thiswillonlymakethemmorecertainthatwe'reloverseventhoughwe'renoteventhoughI
Sheflushedasthatthoughtcame,unbidden,andshemusthaveforgottentoshieldit,forsuddenlyheflushed,too."Ican'thelpwhatotherpeoplethink,"hesaid,defensively."Ican'thelpitthatwethatI"
Sheflushedagain,fumbledforwords,andcouldn'tfindany.
"Thisisn'taverynicepositionforyou,"hesaidatlast."Evenmyownsisterthinkswe'reyouknow.Nomatterwhatwedo,peoplearegoingtomakeuptheirownmindsaboutyourperson
allifeandthere'snothingyoucansayordothatwillchangewhattheythink.Butthatdoesn'tmakethingseasyforyou,whenthere'snothinggoingonbetweenus."
"Norforyou,"shemanaged."Imean,hereI'vebeendumpingallthesethingsonyou,andpeoplearemakingalltheseassumptions,andyouaren'tevengetting"Nowherfacereddenedsoitfeltasifshewereinchesfromafire.
"Assumptions!Idon'tmind,butI'mnotinthesamepositionthatyouare.It'sgottobeintolerableforyou!"heexclaimed."IShanaIwish"
Suddenly,everythingfellbeautifullyintoplace,asifthebrokenshardsofavaseflewbacktogetheragainbeforehereyes.Sheknewwhathewished;hedidn'tneedtosayit,hewasprojectingitsoforcefullythathewas
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almostshoutingthewordsinherhead.Hewantedthoseassumptionstobetrue,buthehadbeenafraidthatifhetriedtopushhimselfontoher,shewouldreactbysendinghimaway.Hehelovedher.Hereallydid!And
FireandRain!Ifeelthesameway!
Lorrynwasn'tjustasupportiveandcleverfriendanymore.Itwasn'tjusthisfriendshipsheneededandwanted.Howlonghadshebeenfeelingthisabouthim?Whendidshestopfeelingmereattraction,justenjoyinghiscompany,andsuddenlystartneedinghispresencethewaysheneededtobreathe?
"Ididn'tIdon'twanttoforceyouintoanything,"hewassaying,alittlewildly."Iknewhowyou'dfeltaboutValynandIdidn'twantyoutothinkIthoughtIcouldreplacehim!Iwantedustobefriends,reallygood
friends,andIwantedittobethatwecoulddependoneachother,andthenafterawhile,whenthingsstartedtogetcalmeddown,andwehadtheleisuretothinkaboutourselveswecouldImeanIknowthatIdon'tknow"
"Oh,hush,"shesaid,suddenlyfullofahalf-madjoy,andkissedhim,puttingeverythingshefeltbehinditjustsoshecouldgetitallpastthewildtideofhisfeelings.
:oh:sheheardinhermind.
Andthen,forsometimelesstime,therewasnoroomineitheroftheirmindsforwordsatall.Finally,forthatonemoment,nomatterwhatwouldcomeafter,everythingwasperfectly,completely,right.AndsheknewthatshecouldtrustLorrynmorethanshecouldeventrustherself.
"Thisisn'texactlythechoicestspot"hesaid,finally,intoherhair."We'reratheroutinpublic,nottomentionouraudience."
"Isupposetheycouldwakeup."Shanasighedandreluctantlybroketheembrace.
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Shesmootheddownherhair,self-consciously.Hebrushedastrandortwooutofhereyesandtuckeditbehindherearforher."Haveyouanytimetospare?"heaskedwistfully.
Nothere'sthis,andtheforges,andtheslave-collars,andthedefensesand
"I'llmakesome,"shereplied.
Theironyofthesituationwasthattheonlypeopleaffectedbythissea-changeintheirrelationshipwereLorrynandShanathemselves.Butoh,thedifferenceforthem!
NooneseemedtohavenoticedthatLorryn'squartershadbeenstrippedandconvertedintoastoragearea.SpitefulcommentsfromCaellachGwainasreportedbyShana'ssharp-earedobserversamongthechildrenwere
innowisechanged.Andyetthedifferencetoher!
Buttheworldoutsidetheirchamberwasnotgoingtogoaway.
AplanalargeandcomplicatedplantosafeguardtheCitadelforeverwasbeginningtotakeshapebetweenthetwoofthem.WhennewscamefromKemanthatLordKyrtianhadeithergivenorbeenorderedtogivethecommandofthearmytosomeoneelsewhiletheCouncildebateditsfuture,thene
edforthatplantookonanewsenseofurgency.
TheoldCitadelhaddefensesthatthisonedidn't;itwastimetoputtheminplace.AlaraandKalamadeawerethechiefarchitectsoftheCitadel,anditwastimetoconsultwiththem.
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SheandLorryn,AlaraandFatherDragonsattogetheroverathree-dimensional"map"oftheCitadel,sculptedinremovablelayers,tryingtoplanwhatnextneededtobemoldedoutoftherocksoftheirmountain.Onegrimconsiderationescapetunnels.JustincasetheGreatLordsdecidedtosendtheformidableLordKyrtianafterthem.Another,aduplicateoftheCitadelfarenoughawaytofleeto,butnearenoughthatanevacuationcouldtakeplacebymeansofthetransportationspell.TherewereenoughWizardsabletouseitnowthattheentirepopulationcouldbeevacuatedwithinhours,andtheadvantageofthespellwasthattherewouldbenotrackstotracethemby.
TheexistenceofthisduplicatewhichwasnearenoughtoZed'siron-minestoprovideextraprotection,butatthispointhardlymorethanafewchambersmoldedoutoftherockbysomeoftheyoungestdragonswasfornowaclosely-keptsecret.Evenfromthedragonsworkingonit.Alarahadtoldt
hemitwasnothingmorethananewsetoflairs.
Whichwealsoneed,Shanathought,wonderingjusthowthintheirresourcescouldbestretchedbeforethingsstartedsnapping.
"Theprisonershowgoesthememory-making?"FatherDragonasked.HeandAlarawereinhalfbloodformat
themoment,ortheywouldneverhavefitintothemap-chamber."Idonotwishtoalarmyouunduly,butthesoonerwecandropthosetwowheretheycanbefound,thebetter."
"Narshy'ssortedoutwho'sthebestatplantingthenewmemories,andhe'sgotthemstuffedwithaboutayear'sworth,"Shanareplied,tracingapossibleexittunnelfromtheloweststoragechamberontothemodelwithawaxpencil."Wedecidedtomakethememoriesconfusedandfoggy,asifthey'dbeenkeptdrugged."
"WenominatedCaellachastheChiefWizardofthisimaginarylot,"Lorrynputin,gettingagrinfromFatherDragonandaheadshakefromAlara."Wehadtohavesomebody,andatleasthe'smemorable."
"Narshysaysweshouldbeabletoplanttheminafewdays.Hetooktherealmem
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oriesofbeingcaptured,putnewfacesonthepeopledoingthecapture,thentookitfromthere."Shanabroodedoverthemodel."He'susingasmuchoftheirrealmemoriesashecan,justchangingthefacestoWizards,thetentstorockwallsandeliminatingtheironcollars.He'smakingthoseintosomethinglikeslave-collars,sothattheElven-lordswillthinkthatthisnewlotofconcoctedWizardsareactuallybetteratusingelvenmagicthantheElvenlordsthemselvesare."
"Agoodtouch,"FatherDragonSaid,admiringly.
"NowifonlyIcouldfigureoutawaytobeintwoplacesatthesametime,"Shanasaid,staringdownatthemap.
KemanandDorahadnotbeenabletogetanynearertoLordKyrtianwithoutrevea
lingthemselves,thanksinnosmallparttothesuspiciousSargeantGel.Shanahadnotdaredaskthemtotakethatfinal,irrevocablestep.IneeddesperatelytoseeLordKyrtianformyself!Onlythenwouldsheknowwhetherornothewastrulytobetrustedandiftrusted,tobeapproached.Butifshewasgonefromhere,therewasnotellingwhatmischiefCaellachmightnotgetupto.IfshewasdelayedifsomethinghappenedcouldLorryncontroltheoldtroublemakerforlong?OrwouldCaellachmanagetoregainhisholdoverhisoldfactionandsetthisentirewarrenseethingwithsomanyquarrelsandbadfeelingsthatitwouldallfalltopieces?
"Yourmindoryourbody?"Kalamadeaasked,suddenly,withanoddbirdliketwistofhishead.
"Whatdoyoumean?"shereplied,wonderingwhathadpromptedthatsortofreply.
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"Wellifit'syourmindthatneedstobeintwoplacesatoncethatis,ifyoufeelthatyouhavetobeabletoseeandmakedecisionsyourselfaboutthingsgoingonintwodifferentplacesatthesametime,thenwecan'thelpyou,"Kalamadeasaid."Butifit'syourbodythatneedstobeseenintwoplacesif,forinstance,youwantedtoleave,andhadconfidenceinsomeoneenoughtolethimmakedecisionsforyoubutyouneededasortoffigureheadorpuppetofyourselfsothatcertainpeoplewouldn'tdecidetomaketroublewhileyouweregone
"Acertainpersonwhosenamerhymeswithdrain,"Alaraputin,withaslywink.
"Exactlyandifthat'swhat'sconcerningyou,well,that'sentirelydifferent.Andit'ssomethingAlaraandIcanhelpyouwith."FatherDragonlookedparticularlysmug,anditdidn'ttakelongforShanatorealizewhy,whathemeant,andshewantedtosmackherselfintheheadfornotthinkingofitsoo
ner.
"Ofcourse!"sheexclaimed."Oh,Motherthere'snoreasonwhyyoucan'tshape-shiftintome,isthere?Youknowmewellenoughtocounterfeitmeforeverybody"Sheflushed,asLorrynlaughedandmadeaface."well,practicallyeverybody!"
"Noreasonatall,"Alarasaidagreeably."AndIdon'tknowwhywedidn'tthink
ofthisbefore,whenYou-Know-Whobecamesointerferinganddisagreeable.Unlessitwasbecauseweweretooworriedaboutwhathadhappenedtoyoutothinkofit."
Alreadyhermindwasracing;ifAlaracoulddothis,andwaswilling,thenshecouldgoinpersontoseethisLordKyrtianandmakeadecisionaboutwhetherornotsheshouldtrytomakeanallyofhim.
SheexchangedaglancewithLorryn."LordKyrtian,"hesaidsimply,theirmindsfollowingthesametrack.
"Ican'tmakeadecisionabouthimwithoutseeinghimmyself,"shereplied,nodding.
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"Norshouldyou,"Kalamadeasaidfirmly."KemanandDoraaregoodchildren,butiftheymakeapoorchoice,theyhavetheoptionofflyingawayfromWizardsandCitadelandall.Not"headdedhastily"thatIbelievethattheywould,buttheoptionisthere,lurkingbehindtheirthoughts,anditcouldmakethemabitlesscautious."Herubbedhischinthoughtfully."IbelievethatsameoptionmighthavemademetoocavalierinmyowndecisionsatthetimeoftheFirstWar."
SinceShanahadoccasionallywonderedthatherself,therewasnogoodanswershecouldmaketothat.
Sinceshecouldn't,sheheldhertongue."LorryncancontrolCaellachbetterthanIcan,"shesaid,withcompleteconfidenceandawinktohim."AndLorrynissomeonetherestwilllistento."
Theylistentohimmorethantheydotome,actually.Maybebecauseheneverwasawizard'sapprentice.ThereweresomeprofounddisadvantagestohavingbeentherawestofrawbeginnerswithintheoldCitadelandtheoldregimeitself,andthatwasoneofthem."There'sonlyonedifficulty,andthat'swell,ifanyonelooksintoAlara'smind,they'regoingtoknowsheisn'tme."
"Butthetroublemakersarenottheoneswhoareatalladeptwiththepowersofhumanmagic,"Lorrynpointedoutlogically.
Alarajustshruggedoffthedifficulty."HowoftenisanyonelikelytosnooponthethoughtsoftheElvenbaneanyway?"sheasked."Ishouldn'tthinkithappensoften,andbesides,Icanprobablylearnmind-wallwellenoughtokeepthemout."
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Perhaps.Perhapsnot.Dragonmindsaren'tlikeours.ButAlarawasrightthatinallthistime,Shanahadveryseldomfeltthetouchofanother'smindonhers,andeventhenitwassomeonewantingtocommunicate,notsnoop.
"IcantakeyoutowhereKemanandDoraare,"Kalamadeacontinuedserenely."NowthatLordKyrtianhastakenleaveofhiscommandwhiletheGreatLordsdebatewhetherornottodisbandthegreaterpartofthearmy,KemanandDorahavejusttodayfollowedhimtoLadyMorthena'sestate."
"LadyMoth?"Lorryn'sexclamationmadethemallturntolookathimandthisnewsmusthavecomeasasurprisetohim."Butthat'swheremymotheris!LadyMothisoneofheroldestfriends!"
"Really?"Thatwasinteresting,butnotoverlyso,anditdidn'tseemparticularlyimportanttotheircurrentsituation.ButLorrynwascontinuing.
"Youremember,we'vebeengettingsomecommunicationsfrommotherirregularletters,"hecontinued."LadyMothisn'tjustanyelvenlady.Shehasnevermistreatedherhumansthey'reservants,notslaves,toher.Infact,whenweleftmotherwithher,justatthestartoftherevolt,shewasridingtheboundsofherestatewitharmedhumanmenwhocalledher'LittleMother'andtreatedherwell,withaffectio
n."
Thatgotherattention.TheonlyElvenlordthatshehadeverseentreatedwithaffectionbyhumanshadbeenValyn."Really?"AndLordKyrtianhadgonetherewhy?"Iwonder"
"Don'twonder,goandfindout,"FatherDragonurgedher."DoitbeforetheGreatLordsmakeuptheirmindswhattodoabouthim.Becauseiftheydon'tdecidetousehim,youcanbesuret
hatthey'lltrytodestroyhim."
"Wouldthatbesobad?"Shanacountered,knowingthatshesoundedheartlessbutshehadtobringupthepoint,becauseotherswould.Ifitcamedowntoit,herauthorityrestedononething,andthatwastheabilityoftheresttotrustherdecisions.Withsomerareexceptions,thehumansandWizardsoftheCitadelwouldsee
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ElvenlordstakingdownotherElvenlordsasastepintherightdirection,andnottroublethemselvesastowhatmightfollow.
"Itcouldbe."ThatwasLorryn,lookingtroubled."Foronething,Shana,ifwecanmakehimanally,he'dbebetterthananyonehereattheartofwar.Foranotherhehastobeoneoftherareones,likeLadyMoth.Ifhe'sremoved,allthehumansonhisestatewillbeindeadlydangerfromwhoevertheyputinhisplace.Youcan'twantthat!"
Shegroaned,buthadtoagree;ifallthatwastrue,eveniftheymanagedtorescueallofLordKyrtian'sslaves,itwouldstrainthecapacityoftheCitadeltosupportthem.Whywasitthateveryturnoffatebroughtmoreandmorepeopleforwhomshehadtoberesponsibleintoherpurview?
"HemaynotrealizejusthowtreacheroustheGreatLordsare,Shana,"Kalamadeasaidquietly."Hemaynotdreamhe'sindanger.Ifnothingelse,hedeservestobewarned."
"Andthebestpersontowarnhimisme,Isuppose."Shetriedtosoundresigned,butasidefromthepressureandburdenofapparentlyadditionalresponsibilities,shedidn'treallyfeelresignedatall.Shefeltexcitedthiswasthesortofthingshewasgoodat.
ButLorryntoseparate,eventemporarily,nowthattheyweretogether
Onceagain,hereadherfeelingsaswellasherthoughts.
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"Yougo,"hesaid,softly,beforesheevenlookedathim."Youhavetogo.I'llseenoonemakestroublehere,andyou'llbethereandbackagainbeforeyouknowit.Itcan'ttakemorethanafewdaysatmost,canit?"
"Iwouldn'tthinkso,but"Nowshelookedathim.
:I'llmissyoueverymoment,butthisissomethingonlyyoucando.Hemightnottrustadragon.Hewon'ttrustthatsomestrangewizardhastheauthoritytospeakforallofus.Renacan'tgetheresoonenoughtotalktohim,evenifshe'dbewillingtoleaveMew.Butyou'retheElvenbane.Ifyoumakehimanoffer,he'llbelieveyou.:
Andthere,afterall,wastheheartofthematter.Shewasdistinctive;noonecouldmistakeherforanythingotherthanwhatshewas.HerdescriptionhadcirculatedtoeverypartoftheEl-venlor
ds'domainnow,andonceLordKyrtianseteyesonher,hewouldknowwhoshewas.
:Justpromisetocomebacktome.:
Thatwastheeasiestpromiseshehadevermade.
24
---
Kyrtian'snosetickled,andherubbeditabsently.Whyisitthatinspiteofdecadesofpractice,theAncestorshadhandwritingthatwasuniformlyatrocious?Thetinywordsnotonlylookedasthoughtheyhadbeenwritten
withtheaidofalens,theyconformedtonoschoolofcalligraphyhe'deverseen.
Kyrtianlaboredhiswaythroughyetanotherpersonaljournal,makingnotesonsheetsoffoolscapforlatertranscriptioninhisownneat(andextremelylegible)hand.Thisbusinessofconcoctinga"personal"script-stylemusthavebeenacommonaffectationamongthebored.Butwhytheyshouldchoose
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toalsowriteasifpaperwasmorevaluablethangoldwasbeyondhiscomprehension.
HereinLadyMoth'slibrary,itwassoquiethecouldalmostheardustmotesfallingoutoftheairtoaddtotheaccumulationonthebooks.LadyMothhadbroughtbackallthevolumesthatshehadextractedduringthetimethattheYoungLordswereusingtheplaceastheirheadquarters.Thesituationwasreversednow,andshecommandedherlatehusband'sestateandholdingsassheshouldhavedonesometimepast.Withnoarmytocommandandnowartofight,theYoungLordswerehardlyinneedofacommand-post,althoughtheywerestillfullofanimpotentdefiance.
Kyrtianreachedforaglassofwaterandabsentlytookasip.
Forthemoment,theYoungLordswerelivingonthegroundsofthedowager-estate
,LadyMoth'sTower,hidingintheoneplacewherenoonewaslikelytocomelookingforthem.Wearingillusorydisguisestomakethemlooklikehumanslaves,itwasunlikelythatevenifasearchwasmadethereforthemthattheywouldbefound.
Aslongastheycanholdtogether,andnothavesomeonegetachangeofheartanddefect,theyshoulddoallright.
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He'dtalkedtothemall,andatthemoment,hedidn'tthinkthatlikely.Notwhiletheyweresafeandnothavingtosufferanyserioushardships.
NotevenMoth'sownslavesknewwhotheywerethestorywasthattheyhadbeenpartoftheYoungLord'sarmy,andthatMothwasshelteringthemtokeepthemfrombeingpunishedforhavingbeenconscriptedinthefirstplace.
ItwasasituationthatmadeithardforKyrtiantokeepastraightfacewheneverhethoughtaboutit.Livingamongtheslaveswasgoingtodothemaworldofgood.
Alreadyhe'dseensignsofachangeinattitudetowardsthehumansfromsomeofthem.HehadeveryconfidencethatiforwhentheRevoltstartedagain,itwouldbeonaverydifferen
tfooting.
Ifithappened,theyalreadycountedonithavingaverydifferentending.TheirplanscalledforhimtoeitherjointhemopenlyorpermittheGreatLordstoplacehimbackincommandofthearmyandproceedtoactuallydoaslittleaspossible.Then,attherightmoment,hecouldturntheCouncil'sarmyagainsttheGreatLordsthemselves.
ButIdon'twanttodothatifIcanhelpit.Suchawarbecauseitwouldbeawar,andnotarevoltwouldbebloody.Mostofthecasualtieswouldbehuman;therewasjustnogettingaroundthat.AndalthoughiftheYoungLordshadchangedtheirattitudetowardsslave-owningbythenthehumansontheirsidewouldhaveanactivestakeintheoutcome,theywouldstillbetheonestakingthefullforceofthefighting.TherewerefarmoreofthemthantherewereElves,andasphysicalfighterswell,theYoungLordswerenotverygood.
Kyrtian'splan,whichhehopedtotalktheYoungLordsinto,wasmoresubtle.Hewantedthemtocreepbacktotheiraugustfathersoneatatime,insecret,andgrovel.Theywouldstillhavetheironjewelrythatkepttheirfathersfromworkingmagiconthem;thatwaskey.
Aftertheyreturned,andoncetheymanagedtoregainsomefreedomofmovement,h
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ehopedtheycouldworktheirownwaybackupthroughthehierarchy,andattritionamongtheGreatLordswouldeventuallyputthemintheseatsofpower.
Suchaplan,however,didhaveanumberofdrawbacks,nottheleastof"whichwasthattherewereplentyoftheGreatLordswhowouldquitereadilyslaytheirrebellioussonsandunderlingsoutofhandiftheyeversomuchasshowedtheirfaces.Andoncebackinafather'sgoodgraces,therewasalwaysthechancethatsomeonewouldturntraitor.Thatwouldbe...awkward.
Sofornow,theywereinhiding,andiftheyweren'taccomplishinganything,atleasttheyweren'tgettingintotroubleeither.
MeanwhileastheCouncildebatedthenextusetheyweregoingtomakeofhim,and
hiserstwhileenemiescooledtheirheelsincircumstanceshehopedwouldteachthemsomeempathy,hewasusinghisenforcedleisuretogetbacktothesearchforhisfather.
Theanswertohisfather'swhereaboutswasinthisroom,somewhere,hewassure.Thetroublewasthattherewassomuchtowadethrough,andnoneofithadeverbeenproperlycataloged.Personaljournalswerecrammedinnexttothesortofromanticnovelsconsideredappropriateforladiestowhileawaytheirhourswithbooks
onfloraandfaunawerepiledatopmapsandvolumesonmagic.
Hisnosetickledagain,andheunsuccessfullytriedtosuppressasneeze.MothorherfriendViridinawereinhereadozentimesaday,tryingtocleanoutthedustmagically,buteverytimeheopenedavolumemoreofitflewupintotheairinclouds.
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Moth'sfamilyhadamaniaoftheirownforcollecting.Mostofthislibraryhadcometoherfromvariousfamilymembers.Theywere,however,indiscriminateintheirmania.Inthecaseoftheoneswho'dacquiredbooksandmanuscripts,thedefinitionofa"book"seemedtobe"anycollectionofpaperwithcoversonit"andthedefinitionof"manuscript"was"anycollectionofhandwrittenpaper."Asfarashecouldtell,therewasnomethodinwhatthey'dselected,nocategories,noattempttoplaceavalueonanything.
Perhaps,ifhe'dbeeninherebeforetheYoungLordstookresidence,he'dhavebeenabletofindthethingshisfatherhadstudiedthathadgivenhimhisrealclue.Buttheyhadsimplyshoveledeverythingtheyfoundtothesideinheapssothattheycouldusetheroomfortheirownpurposes,andMothhadn'thelpedwhensheextractedthebooksthatshethoughtwereimportant.Moth,blessher,hadbeenundertheimpressionthatshe
hadkeptsomeorderandcleanlinesstothelibrary.
Yes,well,thatwasbeforewefoundtheboxesinthestorage-chamber.Moth'shusbandhadmaintaineda"show"library,withthingshethoughtworthkeepingattractivelyshelved.Therestwhichamountedtofourorfivetimesthevolumeofworksonshowhadgottenpackedintoboxesandstackedupinastoreroombehindthelibraryitself.Mothhadthoughtthatthestoreroomwasemptyuntilthey'dopenedthedoor.Intheirsearchformapstheycouldusetoplantheircampaignandtheplansofmanorsandestate-ho
uses,theYoungLordshadrummagedthroughitall,bringingsomethingsintothelibraryandleavingthem,removingotherthingstomakeroomforwhattheybroughtin.Whateverorderhadoncebeenherewasgonecompletely.Nowthestoreroomhadshelves,andsodidtheunusedofficenexttoit,andtheunusedreception-roomnexttothat,andKyrtianwastryingtobringsomeordertothechaos.
Kyrtian,however,wasfastbecomingconvincedthathisanswerlay,notinprintedbooksorilluminated
manuscripts,interestingasthosemightbe,butinthepersonaljournalskeptoftenbyelvenladies,andinfrequentlybytheirlords.
HisfatherhadalmostcertainlydivinedthelocationofthePortalfromsomethinginhere.Thatlocationwaslost,andwhatwasmore,thereseemedtobeevidencethattheAncestorswhohadbuiltthethinghadengagedinan
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activeefforttohidethatlocationfromtheirdescendantsandevenfromsomeoftheirownwhohadcomethroughthePortal.
Why?Thatwasagoodquestion.Perhapstheyfearedatraitorintheirmidstwhowouldre-openthePortaltotheirenemies.ThePortalitselfhadcooperatedinerasingmemories;itwasfairlyclearthattheCrossingwassuchatraumaticordealinandofitselfthatasubstantialnumberofthosewhoCrossedcouldnotrememberagreatdealofwhathappenedimmediatelythereafter.
Andperhapssomeofthosefolkwere"helped"toforget.
None,notone,oftheGreatLordsthathadcreatedthePortalandsurvivedtheCrossingleftanysubstantiverecordsaboutit.Thatmuchwasfact.Nordidanyofthehistoriansanotherfact.Sowithnoofficialrecords,he
wasleftwithonlyoneothersource,theunofficialonesandofthose,thebestwouldbetherecordsofthosewhowereconsideredtooinsignificanttomatter.
Theladies...ahyes,theladies.
Andtheeccentrics.
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SomeofthosejournalswereattractivelyboundandmightatonetimehavebeenshelvedinthemainroomandthatmightbewhereKyrtian'sfatherhadgottenhisinformation.
OrhemighthavefoundsomethinginofficialrecordsthatKyrtianhadsomehowcompletelyoverlooked.
Kyrtianranadustyhandthroughhishairinfrustration,thentoldhimselfsternlynottogetsoimpatient.Afterall,hisfatherhadbeenhuntingforthePortalfordecadesbeforeKyrtianwasborn;bythetimehefoundwhathewaslookingfor,hehadprobablygottentothepointthathewassofamiliarwiththeAncestorsandthewaytheirmindsworkedthathewasabletointuitthingsthatweren'tobvious.
SohewaswadingthrougheverythinghandwrittenthatMothhadinthislibrary,withtheGreatBookof
Ancestorsbesidehim.Beforehecouldeliminateanymanuscriptorjournal,hefirsthadtofigureoutwhowroteit,oratleastwhotheauthor'scontemporarieswere,thendiscoverwhetherornottheauthorlivedfarenoughbacktohavemadetheCrossing.
SinceitwasalmostaguaranteethatmostofthemanuscriptshefoundwouldbefromtoolateaperiodtomentiontheCrossingexceptinpassing,hewouldthentrytofindeveryothermanuscriptthatcouldbeattributedtothatperson.Mostpeoplewhowereaddictedtojournal-writinghad
producedmultiplevolumesoverthecourseoftheirverylonglives.Iftheauthorwasoftoolateaperiod,well,ithelpedtobeabletoweedouteverythingthatcouldbeattributedtoherpen.
Itwasapainfullylogicalandmethodicalplanofdealingwiththesituation.Itwasalsoverytedious,verytime-consuming,andvery,verydusty.
KyrtianhadtwohelpersatleastGel,andthatlittlefemaleconcubinethatLadyTrianahadbeensoconsiderateinplantingonhim.He'dsentforhera-purposeoncehe'dturnedoverhiscommissiontoLordKyndrethwhiletheCouncildebated.IfTrianawassointerestedinwhathewasdoing,hewasinclinedtoallowhermoreinformationthanshecouldcomfortablydigest.HehadanotionthatshewasworkingwithAelmarkin,atleastforthemoment.LadyMothhadbeenveryhelpfulinpresentinghimwithasummaryofherpastbehavior,and
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fromthathe'dformedtheopinionthatwhatevergamesheplayed,whateveralliancesshemade,herultimategoalwouldservenoonebutherself.
Now,tohismind,thebestpossiblewaytohandleherwastogivehertheinformationhewantedhertohave.Gelhadexaminedthegirlhimself,interrogatinghertothepointofexhaustionandeventears,anditwashisopinionthatLydiellhadsucceededin"turning"her.WhenevershereportedtoTrianaandTrianahadbeenveryinterestedtolearnjustwherehewasandwhathewasdoingrightnowGelwasthere,makingcertainshestucktothescriptthey'dagreedon.
Nevertheless,shedidn'tknowexactlywhatitwashewasdoinginMoth'slibrary;whatshedidn'tknow,shecouldn'tbeforcedtorevealifTrianaorAelmarkinevergottheirhandsonher.SheknewonlywhatshesawwhichwasthathehadorderedallthebooksdownofftheshelvestobesortedthatMoth'sslaveshadthen
reshelvedandcatalogedalloftheprintedmaterial.Whiletheyworked,heexaminedthehandwrittenstuff,creatingasecondcatalog,andsheandGelshelvedwhathewasdonewith.Shecouldn'treadelvenhand-script;shedidn'tknowwhathewaskeepingandwhathewasrejecting.Soalthoughshenowhadawealthofinformationabouthismovements,noneofitwaslikelytodoTrianaanygood.
HeactuallyexpectedtheinfamousTrianatoputinanappearancebeforetooverymuchlonger.Hecouldn'tseehowshecouldpossiblyresisttryingtopryintohisaffairsinperson.Shewoul
dprobablyalsotrytoseducehim;thatwasherpatterninthepast.Hehadheard,evenfromMoth,thatshewasagreatbeauty,andnotapassive,statuesquecreatureeither,butlively,witty,aggressive,andnotafraidtoshowherintelligence.Suchawomanhadlearnedhowtoturnherlooksandfascinationintoaweaponlongago.ShemightevenhaveapproachedLordKyndrethaswellasAelmarkin,preparedtouseanyoneandanythinginherquestforpersonalpower.If
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thatwasthecase,shemightwellhavemethermatchinLordKyndreth,whohadbeenplayingdeepgamesforfarlongerthanlittleLadyTriana.
AncestorsI'veturnedintosuchacynic
Thereweretimeswhenhelongedforwhathehadbeenwhentheworstofhisworrieswasworkingoutlittlebattle-plansandconspiringwithLydielltokeepAelmarkinatadistance.TothinkthathehadactuallylookeduptopeoplelikeLordKyndreth!
Well,Iknowbetternow.
Ithadn'tjustbeenhisownexperiencesthathadenlightenedhim,northenight-
long,acid-washed"franktalk"thatMothhadhadwithhimwhenhefirstarrived.Itwasthetestamentoftheseverymanuscriptsbeneathhishands,thatoutlinedthemachinationsandbetrayals,theabuseofpowerandtheuseofit,fromthepointofviewofthosethatthepowerfulconsideredtooinsignificanttomonitor.Mind,someofthemwerenoprizes,either,actinglikechickensinthehenyard,turning,whenpecked,tohammeronthosebeneaththem.Butithadbeenanenlightening,ifdistastefuleducation,wadingthroughthepagestheyprobablythoughtnooneelsewouldeverread.
IsitanybetteramongtheWizardsandfreehumans,Iwonder?Withmostofhisillusionsgone,hehadtoguessthatitwasprobablymoreamatterofdegree.TheGreatLordsweresopowerfulandthosewhoaspiredtotheirpowerweresofixatedonachievingit,thattheverypowertheyallheldorcravedcorruptedthem.Itwasinevitableunless,likeMoth,theywereacutelyawareofjusthowdangerousthatmuchpowerwas.Thefactthattheylivedsuchverylonglivesonlymeantthatthecorruptionandselfishnesswasetcheddeeperthanitcouldeverpossiblygowithamerehuman.
Buttherearetheothers.LikeMoth,Lydiellandmyself,Ihope.Powerdidn'thavetocorrupt,ifyouknewjusthowdangerousitwas,andwerewellawarethatitcameburdenedwithincredibleresponsibilities.HehopedthattherewerethoseamongtheWizardsandfreehumanswhoknewthat.
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PerhapsthatwasthekeytothoseamongtheElvenlordswhodidtreatthehumanswhohadcomeundertheirprotectionwiththesameconsiderationthattheywouldhavegivenanelvenunderling;andthoseelvenunderlingswhotreatedhumansasequals.TheyweretheoneswhohadfeltthebootoftheEvelonoverlordsontheirbacks,andhadlearnedfromtheexperienceorwho,atleast,haddeterminednevertotreatonewithlesspowerastheythemselveshadbeentreated.AndthoseAncestors,intheirturn,hadpassedtheirattitudedowntotheiroffspring.
Weretheremoresuchhouseholdsashis.andLadyMoth's?Possiblyforamoment,hedaredtohopethattherewere,hidingtheirnaturejustasheandhisfatherandgrandfatherhad.Theywereprobablyjustlikehisfamilyremainingquietly,self-sufficientlyinthebackground,permittingtheGreatLordstobelievethattheywerehopelesslyprovincialandnotworthtroublingwith.AncestorsknewthatifAelmarkinhadn'tbeensuchathornintheirside,theirhouseholdwouldneverhavecomeunderthescrutinyof
Kyndreth,andhewouldneverhavebeenforcedintothe"open"tofindhimselfrecruitedasamilitaryexpert.
Herealizedatthatmomentthathe'dbeenstaringatthesamepageforquitesometime,andhadn'tdecipheredawordofit.
Gah.I'mascholar,notaphilosopher!Hebentovertheclosely-writtenpageaga
in.
WhispersfromtherearofthelibraryintrudedonhisattentionbecauseoneofthewhispererswasGel,andtherewasatoneintheman'svoicehe'dneverheardbefore.
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Hetookaquickglanceoverthetopofthemanuscript.Sureenough,therewasn'tagreatdealofshelvinggoingon,butGelandtheprettylittleconcubinecertainlyhadtheirheadsclosetogether.
Well,well,well!Thegranitecragcracksatlast!
Hedidn'tknowwhethertolaughorbeannoyed.Notthathewantedthegirl;oh,shewasattractiveandtalentedenough,butsowerethetwoothergirlshismotherhadpurchasedforhim.Butofallthetimesforhistough-mindedpartnertopicktogosoftoverawoman,thishadtobetheworst!
Ontheotherhand,thiswasGelhewastalkingabout.Gel,whohadtaughthimthebusinessofwarandfighting,Gelwhostuckbyhissidelikeafaithfuldog,Gelwhohadneveraskedforanythingforhimself.Howcouldhe
possiblybeannoyedthatGelhadfinallyfoundsomeonewhotouchedhisheart?
Oh,Ancestors.
Nowhowwashegoingtojuggleallthis?Hiddenrebels,possibletreacheryfromhissuperiors,thehuntforhisfatherandnowGelinlove?Whatnext?
Ashestaredatthenot-so-younglover,hefeltataponhisshoulder.LadyMothhadcomeintothelibrarywithouthisnoticing,andsheworehermask-face,theonethatgenerallymeantthatshewaswell,uptosomething.
"WehaveavisitorthatIbelieveyouwillwanttomeetyourself,"shewhispered,afteraglanceatGelandthegirlwhowerecompletelyoblivioustoanythingelsegoingonaroundthem.
OhnonotTriana
"YoumaytellLadyTrianathat"hebegan.
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ButMoth'seyebrowsshotup,andsheinterruptedhim."Idon'tknowwhyyoushouldbeexpectingher,"Mothreplied,"butit'snotLadyTriana.AndIdothinkyoushouldputdownthatstupidjournalwrittenbyanequallystupidblockheadandcomewithme.Now."
Seeingthatshewasnottobedenied,Kyrtiansighed,markedtheplacewherehewasleavingoff,andstoodup.
Theloversnevernoticedthathewasleaving.ThatinitselfwasanindicationofjusthowhardGelhadfallen.
Oh,Ancestors,IonlyhopethatTrianadidn'tplacethatgirlwithmetogetatGelratherthanme....
Withhisthoughtsflittingbetweenamusementandconcern,hewasn'tpayingagre
atdealofattentionwhenMothbroughthimintoatinychamberkittedoutasasitting-room,whereayoungwomanwaited,pacingupanddowninfrontofthewindows,displayingnogreatpatienceherself.Allhenoticedatfirstwasthatshewasred-hairedandgreen-eyed,clothedinthesamesortoftunic,boots,andtrewsasacommonlaborer,withthephysiqueofsomeonewhowasathleticandverymuchusedtotakingcareofherselfinanyandallcircumstances.Hecouldn'timaginewhyMothhadinsistedhemeetthispersonunless,perhaps,shewasoneofMoth'shumanservantsandhadinformationabouttheYoungLords?
"LordKyrtian,"Mothsaidformally,"IbelievethatyouhavemanythingstodiscusswithLashana."Shetippedherheadtothesideashesighedwithexasperation,stillwonderingwhatshewasgettingat.Shepursedherlips,
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buthergreeneyesheldtheghostofamusementinthem."Ibelieveyoumightknowherbyanothername.Elvenbane."
WHAT?
Helosteveryvestigeofexasperation,annoyance,impatienceinthatmoment.Hestaredatthewoman,whostoodpoisedlikeadeerabouttoflee,tryingtomakehismindbelievewhathisearshadjustheard.
Redhairbutelveneyes.Andtheears.Wizardblood,unlessit'sanillusion
ButMothwouldneverhavebeenfooledbyanillusion.MothhadmetWizards.Moth'sfriendViridinaherson
wasawizard.
"LashanaarrivedbearingaletterfromViridina'shalfbloodson,verifyingheridentity,"Mothsaid,asifdivininghisthoughts.
Sheprobablyis,theoldschemer!Shedoesn'tneedtoreadthoughts,sheknowsmelikeherfavoritesonnet!
"Iamfascinatedtomeetyou,Lashana,"hesaidcarefully."OrshouldIcallyou'Elvenbane?'"
"Pleasedon't,"theyoungwomansaidfirmly.Shewasstilltenseandveryill-at-ease."It'snotanameIeverclaimedformyself."
Bothofthemstoodsoawkwardly,sostiffly,thatMothbegantochuckle."Kyrtian,Lashana,forAncestors'sake,sitdown!Youlooklikeapairofbadcarvings,Idoswear!"
Kyrtianrelaxedmarginally,andgesturedtoLashanatotakeaseatonthecushionedbenchnearesther.Shedidso,movingasifshewasanoldcreaturewithfrozenjoints.Heselectedaslightlylowerseatonastool,toput
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hiseyesalittlelowerthanhers.
"Idon'thavemuchtime,"shesaid,finally."AndI'mnotcertainhowtobegin."
"Icantellyouthat,"heoffered,andtriedasmile."Beginwithwhyyouknewyoucouldtrustmenottokillyouonsight."
Ashehadhoped,suchadirectandbluntapproachwaspreciselytherightwaytoapproachher,andshebegantellinghimthemostamazingstorythathehadeverheardinhislife.Helistenedandhadtoworknottoallowhismouthtofallopenwithshockmorethanonce.Tothinkthattwoofherpeoplehadgottencloseenoughtohimtostandguardonhisverytentsothattheycouldspyonhim!HewouldhavetohaveawordwithGelaboutthat,later.
Atsomepointhiscapacityforsheerastonishmentwasexhausted,andhecouldonlylistentoherinasortoftrance.Itwasalltooimpossibletobelieve,andyethehadtobelieveinit.Thethingsshetoldhimfittoowellwithwhathealreadyknew.
Then,aftertalkinguntilshewashoarse,shepaused,andexchangedasignificantlookwithLadyMoth."So,"
shesaid."Nowyoutellmetotakemyselfoff.Or"
"OrIaskyouifyourWizardswoulddareaccepttheElven-lordCommanderasanally,"hefinished,havingalreadycometotheconclusionthatthis,andonlythis,couldbethereasonwhyshehadcometohim.Brilliantaudaciousandcompletelylogical.Andontheotherhand,completelyillogicalthatsheshouldevertrustafullblood.
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Shestaredathim,andsuddenlyeverybitoftensionranoutofher,justlikewaterrunningoutofacrackedjar."FireandRain!"sheexclaimedweakly."You'rejustasKemanclaimedyouare!"
Hewonderedifshehadreadhisthoughts,usingthesamehumanmagicthatsomeofhisownpeoplehadandMoth's.
"Onlythesurface,"sherepliedinstantly."Idon'tpry;noneofuswould.Andifyouwant,Icanteachyouamethodtokeepeventhesurfacethoughtsprivate."
Helookeddeeplyintoheremeraldeyes,solikeandunlikeafullblood's,andsawonlysincerityinthem.He'dbeenaroundhumanmagestoooftentofeelunnervedbyherinstantresponsetohi
sthought."I'dappreciatethat,"hereplied."Butitcanwait.So,nowIassumeyouknowaboutmyownpeople?"Asudden,blindingideaoccurredtohimatthatmoment,thewaythathecould,finally,safeguardhisownpeopleandhismothernomatterwhathappenedtohim,andhesawthatshesawitinhisthoughtsbythesurprisethatflashedintohereyes.
"Yes!"sheexclaimed."Oh,indeedyes,LordKyrtian,wecan,andwewill,takeyourfolkiftheymustbe
evacuated!Portalsthetransportationmagicwhateverisneeded;betweenyourpeopleandminewecandowhateverittakestogetthemtosafety.Andyouneedn'tfearforyourmotherandtheotherElvesofyourhouse,eitherwehaveLorryn'shalf-sisterwithusandsheisaswelcomenowamongusasheis!"
Nowitwashisturntofeelreliefthatmadehimsag."BlessedAncestors,"hemurmured,passingahandoverhisbrow."Ifyouknewwhatitmeanttometohearthat"Thenhesmiledweakly."WhatamIsaying?Ofcourse
youknow."
Butrelieffromoneproblemdidn'thelpmuchwiththeothers,andifthisyoungwomandidnothavemuchtime,theyneededtomakeplans,urgently."Blessyou,Lashana.Nowlet'sdecidebetweenuswhatIcandoforyouandyours."
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Gelwasnothappywithhim.
"Nexttime"Gelmutteredunderhisbreath."Thenexttimeyougomakinghare-brainedmeetingswithoutme,withwomenyou'veneverseenanddon'tknowanythingabout,I'lltakeyoutothehorse-troughandholdyourheadundertillyoucometoyoursenses,Iswear!"
Kyrtiansaggedagainstthebackofhischair,butwasnotgoingtobackdownthistime.Hedidn'tblamehisoldfriendbutsomethinghadtoldhimthatLashanaandGelshouldn'tmeet,yet.Therewasn'tenoughtimetonegotiateallofGel'ssuspicions,notandcometoanunderstandingbeforeshehadtoleave.Ancestors!Thedangershehadputherselfinbycomingtohimdirectly!Andthedangerhadincreasedwitheverymomentthatpassed;therewasnotellingwhocouldhavediscoveredherthere.
Gel'sdinnersatuneateninfrontofhim;hehadalreadystuffedhismealdownhisownthroatashe'dexplainedthemiraclethathadhappenedinthatincongruouslyordinaryroomthisafternoon."Gel,Morthenawastheretheentiretimeandwhatcouldonelittlewizard-girlpossiblydotome?"heasked,reasonably.
Gelonlygrowled."Isupposeyouknowshecouldhavebeentalkingthingsshe'sgotnoauthoritytopromise?"
"Morthenasaysshehastheauthority,andthat'sgoodenoughforme."HismindwastoofullofplansnowtobeputoffbyGel'sirritation.Hisoldfriendwasmostlyjustannoyedthat,forthefirsttime,hehadmadeplansandforgedapactwithoutGel'ssupervision."IknowwhatI'mdoing,Gel,"hesaid,withperfectconviction.
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Gellookedathimwithoneeyebrowraised,thenslowlyandgrudginglynodded.Andhisexpressionchangedcompletely.Hewentfromangertodefeat.
"Iguessyoudo,"hesaidslowly."Iguessyoudon'tneedmeanymore."
Nowitwashisturntofeelexasperated,andhetossedhisforkdownonhisplate."Ohfordon'tberidiculous.I'dassooncutoffmyrighthand!Now,lookweneedtotryandthinkofallpossiblecontingencieshere,andhavesomesortofskeletoninplaceif"
Therewasataponthedoor,andLadyMothpokedherheadintothelibrary."IfIdidn'tknowbetter,I'dsayyouwereawizard,orelseyousomehowconjuredthebaggagebysayinghername,"shesaidsourly."Iseemtobeattractingallmannerofvisitorstoday."
Thistime,Kyrtianknewthatthenamethatsprangintohismindwastherightone."Oh,no"hesaid,grimacing."LadyTriana.Justwhatweneed."
25
---
"Moth!CanyoukeepthebLadyTrianaoccupiedforalittle?"Kyrtianasked,alittledesperately.Heranbothhishandsthroughhishairfrantically."Ican'tseeherjustyet"
"Oh,probably."Moth'sannoyancewasturningtoamusement."Infact,I'lltakeitasachallenge.Obviously
you'dbettertalktoGel;I'msurehecanadviseyou.Besides,you'reinnostatetoentertainaladytheleastyoucandoiscleanyourselfup."Motheyedhimwithdisfavor."Believeme,you'dbetterhaveyourwitsaboutyouandpresentamarblefacadetoLadyTriana.I'llgoandinsistshetellmeeverytinydetailofeveryaffair,quarrel,andinconsequentialbitofmaneuveringamongtheGreatHouseholdswhileyoudoso.I'vebeenisolatedforsometimeandeveryoneknowswhataterribleoldbusybodyIam.IfIcan'tengageher,Viridina
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can."
"Youarenotold,"heprotested,earningasmile."Thankyou."
Mothwasright;heneededtimetogethiswitsabouthim.WhileLadyMothleftthelibrarytokeephervisitorbusywithafloodofgossip-undertheexcusethatsheneededtobecaughtuponallthenewsshehadmissedwhilesurroundedbytheYoungLordsKyrtianhadalotofworktodo.AndfirstonhislistwastowarnthegirlthatTrianawashere.
ButwhenKyrtiangotupfromthetable,Gelfinallybrokeofftheconversationwithhisyoungwoman.Renna?Reanna?Ren-nati,thatwasit.Bothofthemlookedupasheapproached.
"I'vebeentellingRennatithatyouhadavisitor,"Gelbegan,andKyrtianfeltasurgeofpanic,whicheasedasGelwenton,withaliftofaneyebrow,"It'sarathergoodthingthatthosepoormisusedslavesthattheYoungLordscommandeeredhaverealizedthatnoblameisgoingtobeattachedtothemandsentoneoftheirnumbertotalktoyou."
ThanktheAncestorshedidn'tgivehertherealstoryyet!Kyrtianthought,relieved."Yes,well,youcan'tblamethemforwantingtosendasortofdelegatetometopleadtheircase,"herepli
ed,mendaciously."Theycan't
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haverealizedthatLadyMothwouldtreatherhumanservantsexactlythewaywetreatours.Butwe'vegotanothervisitor,itseems.LadyMothtellsmethatLadyTrianahascomecalling."
Rennati'sfacewentdeadwhite;thatalonewouldhavebeenagiveawaythatshehadbeencovertlyservingTriana,evenifKyrtianhadn'talreadyknownthewholestory.Trianahadchosenhertoolverypoorly,onthewhole,ifshesoreadilybetrayedherselfbyhermereexpressions.
ButTriananeverreallythoughtofhumansmuch,exceptascat's-paws.SheprobablyneveronceconsideredthatheorGeloranyonethatmattered!wouldbearoundtoseeherreactionifTriana'snamewasmentioned.
ButGelimmediatelyputhisweatheredpawoverherslimhand,andsaidgruffly,
"Now,Rennatisheneedn'tevenknowyou'rehere"
"Onthecontrary,"Kyrtiansaidfirmly,"IwantTrianatoknowshe'shere.Infact,Ihavesomethinginminditmightbealittlehumiliatingforyou,"hecontinued,turningtothegirl,"butifyoucanweatherabitofhumiliation,Ithinkwecanturnherattentionawayfromyoucompletelyandforalltime,ifyou'llcooperate."
Heexplainedwhathewantedhertodo,andalthoughthegirlflushedwithembarrassment,andGelgrowledovertheplan,theybotheventuallyagreeditwastheonlypossiblesolution."She'llprobablycorneryouatsomepointthisevening,ifonlytogetherteleson-ringback,"hecautioned."Ithinkwecanmanagetointerruptthatconfrontationbeforeshecandoanythingtoyou,butyouknow,ifshedoestakebackthering,itwilleffectivelyseverallcontactwithyouandshowthatshe'sgotnomoreinterestinyou."
AndifwhatLashanatoldmeistrue,wecanalsoexpecttohaveadevicetocompletelyneutralizethecollarsheplacedonyouinadayorso,hethought,butdidnotsayaloud.ThatwasasecrethewishedtokeeptohimselfuntilLadyTrianawaslonggone.
Rennatinodded,andlickedherlips."Ithinkthatwouldbebest,mylord,"shewhispered,asGelsqueezedher
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handcomfortingly."I'llgotomyquartersandprepare."
"AndI'dbettergotomine,"Kyrtiansaid,stiflingagroan.Heleftthetwoofthemalone;nodoubtGel,whohaddeliveredencouragingspeechestofightersinthepast,couldfindthewordstoputcourageintothislittledancer'sheart.
Hedidn'thaveagreatdealofclothingwithhimsuitableforformaloccasionsbuthehadtherunofLadyMoth'smansion,andaskedherservantstorummagethroughtheclosetsofherlatehusband'swardrobeandselectsomethingappropriate.Heworkedalittlejudicioususeofmagictoadjustthefitofthesober,blacksilkandsilveroutfittheybroughthim,anditmadehimpresentableenough.Hedescendedfromthesecond-floorguestquarterstoLadyMoth'sdrawingroomlooking(hehoped)likethesuccessful,butno-nonsense,militarycommanderhewas.
Theladiesbrokeofftheirconversationasheenteredthespacious,pale-pinkandgoldchamber;LadyViridinaandLadyMothflankedLadyTriana,perchedondelicatechairsoneithersideofthesofathatTrianaoccupied.
Ifwomen'sclothingservedasaweaponandgivenallthatKyrtianknewaboutTriana,therewasnodoubtinhismindthatforher,itdidthenLadyTrianahadcomearmedtotheteeth.Nothingabouthercostumewas
excessive,therewasnothingaboutitthatanyotherladycouldtakeexceptiontoexceptthattheflesh-coloredsilkofhergown,thoughitcoveredherliterallyfromnecktoknee,couldnothaverevealedmoreofherunlessshe'dbeenstarknaked.Buttheeffectwasoh!sosubtle;thesilkwasheavy,notthin,andhercharmsweredisclosedbyimperceptibledegreesasshemoved.Thecolorcontributedtotheeffect,andknowingwhatheknewnowaboutthelady,Kyrtiancouldn'thelpbutadmirehertacticalexpertiseonherownbattlefield.
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Thatdidnot,however,meanheintendedtofallvictimtoit.
Hehalf-bowedtoallthreeladies,thentookastepforwardandmadeamoreformalbowoverTriana'shand."LadyTriana,Ihaveheardagreatdealinpraiseofyou,"hesaid,keepingtheironyoutofhisvoice.
"Likewise,LordKyrtian,"shereplied."Mostespeciallyfrommyfriend,LordKyndreth.SomuchsothatwhenIheardyouwereherewithLadyMorthena,IthoughtIwouldtrespassonherhospitalityandcometoseeyoumyself."
Verynice.DropKyndreth'snamesothatIknowIcan'tjustdismissyououtofhand,thenturnonyourcharm.Shewascertainlydoingallofthat,andtheamazingpartwasthatitwasnotatallblatant.Ifhe'dbeenthenaive
fellowhewaswhenhe'dfirsttakenoncommandofthearmy,heprobablywouldhavefallendirectlyforher.Kyrtianhadalwaysbeeninclinedtogivepeoplethebenefitofthedoubtuntilhemetthemhimself;ifhe'ddonethatwithTrianahewouldhavebeencertainthatshecouldnotbeasbadasshe'dbeenpainted.
So,letmethink,whatshouldmyreactionbe?Hereallydidn'twantverymuchexcepttoseethebackofher;hedoubtedthattherewasverymuchhecouldlearnfromher,andfrankly,therewasfartoomuchthatshecould
learnfrom,orabouthimifshestayedverylong."IdohopethatIamnotabitterdisappointmenttoyou,butIfearthatmostpeoplefindmequiteboring,"hesaidbluntly."Andtheygenerallytellmesotomyface.Idon'tcultivateanyinterestsoutsideofthebattlefield,mylady,andatthemoment,Ican'taffordto."
Thattookherabackforamoment;hewatchedherasshetriedtothinkofsomethingflatteringtosaythatwouldn'tsoundlikeflattery."Well,sinceIhaven'theardyouspeakmorethanafewsentences,I'mnotinany
positiontojudge!"shereplied,withathroatylaughthatprobablystolethebreathofmanyanimpressionablelad.
"Itwon'ttakeyouverylongtoverify,"washisreply,brusquetothepointofrudeness.Thenhewassavedfromfurtherpleasantriesbytheservantcometoannouncedinnertowhich,ofcourse,Trianawasofnecessity
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invited.Shewouldhavetostaythenightaswell,sinceshehadcomethewayanyuninvitedguestwouldhaveoverland,fromthenearestpointtowhichshehadaPortalkey.PossiblyKyndrethhimselfhadgottenherasfarasthearmycamp,whichwasquitenearenoughforaneasyday'sride.IfshewasonanykindoftermswithKyndreth,hewouldhavefoundthataneasythingtodo.
WhichmeantthatitcouldbeKyndreth,andnotAelmarkin,thatshewasworkingwith.
Orboth.GivenwhattheElvenbanehadtoldhimaboutKyndreth,therewasverylittledoubtinhismindthatthemomenthiserstwhilebenefactorsawhimasapossiblerival,hewouldbeeliminatedandthat,ofcourse,playedrightintoAel-markin'splans.So,itdidn'tmatterwhethershewasworkingforhiscousinortheGreatLord,whathehadtodowastopainthimselfasutterlyunlikelytoengageinpoliticsthebluffsoldier,happiestwhenonthebattlefield.
Verywell;nowhehadhiscourseofaction.Mothhadordereddinnerinanintimatesetting;thatsuitedhimverywell.Overthecourseofthemeal,heworkedhardtoestablishhimselfasamonomaniac,obsessedwithwarandtacticsprimarilyandsecondarilywithdiscoveringthewhereaboutsofhisfather,oratleast,hisfather'sfate.EveryhintthathemightoncetheCouncilhaddecidedtheyneededhisservicesasacommandernolongerseekaCouncilseatwasrebuffed."Never!"hesaidatlastwhenshestoppedhintingandsuggesteditoutright.
"It'ddrivememadinaday.I'drathertakeupflower-sculpting!Atleasttheflowerswouldn'targuewithme!"AndthatwasverymuchtoTriana'ssurprise,thoughinterestinglyenough,nottoherdiscomfiture.Infact,onceheestablishedthatcourse,sheencouragedit.
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"Inthatcasewell,yourtrainingmethodscertainlyworkwonderswiththegladiatorialslaves,"shesaidsmoothly."Perhaps,ifyouaren'tinterestedinbreedingthemyourself,youcouldestablishatrainingschoolinconcertwithabreeder."
"Imight."Thenhethrewheranothermentalpuzzletochewon."Ofcourse,"hecontinuedpompously,"aslongasthosewretchedWizardsareinexistence,theCouncilwillrequirethearmytoexterminatethem,andthey'llneedmetoleadthatarmy.Theymayhavebeenclevertacticianscomparedtowell,Iwon'tmentionnamesbutI'mbetter."
ThankstoLashana,heknewwhatshedidn'tthattwolong-heldElvenlordshadjustbeenturnedlooseinthevicinityofLordCheynar'sestate,withfalsememoriesofbeingheldbyasecond,entirelyunknowngroupofWizardshiddeninthestrangehillsandforestssomewherenearthere.Heknewth
atoncetheCouncillearnedofthesespeciousWizardssonearthem,therewouldbepanic.Andhewouldbecalledontofindthem.
EspeciallyifTrianabroughtwordofhishubristoKyndrethorAelmarkinorboth.ForKyndreth,sendinghimonahuntfortheseWizardswasawinningstrategyallaround.Iftheydefeatedhim,hewouldalmostcertainlydieinthepasttheWizardshadmadekillingtheElvencommandersakeypartoftheirstrategy,andthatwasn'tlikelytochange.Ifhedefeatedthem,Kyndrethwouldgetthecredit,andhecou
ldbedeflectedbackintothehuntforhisfather'sfate.ForAelmarkin,well,doubtlesshiscousinwouldhopeforhisdefeat,andbidehistime.
WhenKyndrethheardhisplanforfindingtheimaginaryWizards,he'dbedoublypleased....
"Pardon,mylord,"saidoneofMoth's"slaves"inasformalandstiffamanneraseventhemostprotocol-
obsessedElven-lordcouldhavewished,"butthematteryouwishedtoattendtotheslavesyourequestedhavebeenbrought,andareawaitingyourpleasure."
Theladalmostgavehimselfaway;Kyrtiancaughtthetwinkleinhiseye,buthisownsoberexpression,onlybarelylightenedwithdourpleasure,kepttheliveriedservantfromlosinghiscomposure."Ibegyourpardon,
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mylady,"hesaidtoTriana,"butIhadarrangedforacertainmattertobedealtwithatdinnerthisevening,andIdidn'tthinktocancelmyorders.Iamsureyouwon'tmindmyattendingtoit."
"Whatachastisement?"Forjustamomenttherewasanavidityinhereyesthatmadehimsick.ThanktheAncestorsIwaswarnedagainsther
"No,myladyareward,actually."HeturnedtoMoth'sslave,stiffinhisformallivery."Havethembroughtin."
Theladbowed;amomentlater,incameGel,escortedbytwoofthefighters,followedbyRennati,escortedbyapairofMoth'shandmaidens.Allhumans,ofcourse
Kyrtianallowedhimselfasmile."SargeantGel,"hesaid,inthemostoverbearingmannerpossible,"youhavedistinguishedyourselfinmyserviceforyears,butinthiscampaignagainsttherebels,youtrulyhaveoutshoneanyotherslaveinmypossession.Iamloathtoloseyou;however,Iamevenmoreloathtolosesuchapatentlyexcellentbloodline.Ihavedecidedtoretireyouandtoensurethatyourlinecontinues,andprovidesmewithmoreoutstandingfightersandtacticiansinthefuture,Iampresentingyouwiththishandsomewenchasyourmate."Hegestured,andthetwohandmaidensusheredRennatiforward.Thepoorchildwasblushingfuriously,castinghereyesdown.Gelhadmanagedtocontriveanexpressionofutterdumbfo
undedness."She'squitealittleathleteinherownright"helaughedcoarsely"whichshouldcomplementyourownattributes,andI'msurethatprovidingmewithmoreofyourstockwillbeapleasuretoyou,givenherexpertiseandaccomplishments."
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Geldroppedhiseyes,andwentstifflytooneknee,andfromthewaythathisneckhadreddened,KyrtianknewthatitwasonlythefullknowledgethatthisinsultingspeechwasmeantforTriana'sbenefitalonethatkepthisoldfriendfromexplodingwithrage."Thankyou,mygraciouslord,"Gelgotoutthroughclenchedteeth.Fortunately,withhisheadbowed,itsoundedsincereandhumble."Icanneverbeworthyofthishonor"
"Well,gotakethegirlandseeaboutrewardingmygenerosityasquicklyaspossible,"Kyrtiansaidairily,wavingadismissivehand.Gelgotup,tookRennati'slimpandunresistinghandinhisown,andratherabruptlyhauledheraway,followedbytherestofthe"slaves."
Oh,I'mgoingtopayforthisthenexttimewepractice.
HeturnedtoTriana,whosefacewasastudyinshock."Nicelittledancermymotherboughtforme,"hesaiddismissively."Knowsherbusiness.PerfecttomakesuretheoldfellowcandohisdutybyherandbymeIcanguaranteeshe'sbeenwelltrained.Ontopofthat,she'sgotafantasticphysiqueandreflexes.IfIdon'tgetasetofunbelievablebodyguardsoutofthosetwo,I'lleatmybootswithoutsauce."ThenhepretendedbelatedlytoseeTriana'sstunnedexpression."Oh,yourpardon,'myladyIhopeIdidn'tshockyoubybeingsofrank,butIunderstoodyouwereabreederofsomenote"
Shequicklygotholdofherself,andsmiledfalsely."Oh,youdidn'tshockmeintheleast,mylord,"shereplied."Iwasjustcontemplatingwhattheresultsofthatmatingarelikelytobe.Splendidbodyguards,nodoubtbutforgivemeforhopingthatthestocktakesafterherlooks,ratherthanhis!"Sheproducedanotherofthoselow,breathylaughs."YouwillrecallthatIbreedforesthetics!"
"Ofcourse,ofcourse."Hethenturnedtheconversationtosomethingelse,andeventuallythedinnergroundits
waytoitsfinale.
Helefttheladies,aswasthecustom,toconcludetheireveningtogetheroversweetwinesandconversation,blessingthecustomforallowinghimtoescapethetablebeforeTriana.
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Shewould,withoutashadowofadoubt,trytogetatRen-nati.Butitwouldn'thappentonight,anditwouldn'thappenonherterms.ItwouldbetomorrowatthetimeandplacethatKyrtianhadpicked.
ThepalepinkmarblehallwayoutsideLadyTriana'sguest-suitelooked,Kyrtianreflectedwithnolittleamusement,asiftheyhadplannedanambushfortheelvenlady.Inasense,theyhad.Rennatiwaitedinamarble-panelednicheclosetothedoor.Alittlefartheralong,behindasecondbronzedoorleftjustthetiniestbitopen,LadyViridinawaited.Andfartherstill,watchingfromtheendofthehallway,behindthepaneleddoortooneofthesitting-rooms,wasKyrtianhimself.IfTrianagavethelittledancertoomuchtrouble,LadyViridinawouldappearandifViridina'spresencedidn'tgiveRennatiachancetoescape,hewouldputinanappearanceandclaim"his"slave.
Thedoorsmadenosoundastheyopened,ofcourse,andtheonlycluehehadthat
TrianahadfinallyemergedwasthesoftpatterofRennati'sfootstepsontheheavycarpet.
"Mylady,Ibegyourfavor!"Rennati'shigh,clearvoice,withahintofdesperationinit,rangdownthehallway.Alittlejudiciousmagicallowedhimtoheareverywordassheap-'proachedtheelvenlady.
"Mylady,"Rennatirepeated,assheflungherselftoherkneesbesidethewaitin
gTriana,whohadpausedbesidetheopendoor."Mylady,forgivemeIfailedyouIknowIhavefailedyou"
"Indeedyouhave,"Trianasaid,inalevelvoice."Theinformationyougavetomewasoflittleuse.YouwerenearLordKyrtianonlyonce,andthatbriefly.Andnowhehasturnedyouintoamerebreeder,whichwill
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removeyoufromthehouseholdaltogetherandoccupyyourtimewiththingsofnointeresttome.Iamnotpleased."
Kyrtianpeekedthroughacrackwherethedoormettheframe.Rennatibentherhead,tremblingwithfear.Thepoorchildwasn'tacting,shereallywasafraidofTriana.Itwasterriblybraveofhertotakethisstep,butitwastheonlypossiblewayforhertoescapeTriana'stoils,andbothsheandKyrtianknewit."Ihadnochoice,mylady,"Rennatirepliedhumbly."Iamonlyaslave;IhavenocontroloverhowIamdisposedof."
"Hmph."Kyrtiantookanothercautiouspeek;TrianastoodoverRennatilookingdownatthegirlwithameasureofdisgust."Ifyou'dhadanounceortwomoreofambition"Sheshookherhead."Idonotrewardincompetence,girl.Agoodpartofyourfailureisyourownfault.Youdidnotmakeyourselfindispensableto
LordKyrtian."
"Yes,mylady."Rennaticouldn'thavegottenanylowertothegroundwithoutprostratingherself.
Trianaproddedatthedancerwithherfoot."You'vemanagedtomaneuveryourselfintoyourownpunishment,fool.You'llbenothingmorethanabreederfortherestofyourlife.Andbredtothathideousoldman!Youcan
expecttobebeatenwhenyoudon'tpleasehim,andtakenlikeananimalwhenyoudo.Onthewhole,ImustsayIcouldn'thavecontrivedanythingbetteraschastisement."Shelaughed,acruellaughthatmadeevenKyrtianshiver."Itrusthe'llmakeyousuitablymiserable.Now,youhavesomethingofmine,Ibelieve?"Sheputoutherhand.
Rennati,shakinglikeawillowinawindstorm,pulledtheteleson-ringfromherfingerandmanagedtoplaceitinTriana'spalm.Trianaslippedtheringonherownfinger,spurnedthedancer
withherfoot,pushingheroff-balancesothatshesprawledclumsilyontothecarpet.Withafinal,nastychuckle,Trianastalkedoff.
Rennatilaywhereshe'dfallen,shakingviolently,untilTrianawasoutofsight;KyrtianandViridinaremainedinhidingaswell.Oncetheywerebothsureshewasgone,theybothrushedoutintothehall
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OnlytofindthatRennatiwasshaking,notwithfearorintears,butwiththeweaklaughterofrelief.Kyrtianhelpedhertoherfeet,andViridinafussedoverherforamomentastrangesight,that;anelvenladyseeingtothewelfareofamerehuman!
"I'mallright,reallyIam,"Rennatiprotestedatlast."Thankyou,mylady,thankyouforbeingsoclosebutIamallright.Iwasonlyafraidthatifeitherofyouhadtointervene,shewouldsensesomethingwasn'tquiteright."
"Youdidwonderfullywell,younglady,"Kyrtiantoldherapprovingly."Wonderfullywell.Icouldn'thaveaskedforbetter.Imustsaythatyou'veshownanabilitytoplay-actthatIhadn'texpected."
"IwasafraidIwasgoingtostartlaughingwhenshedescribedpoorGel,"Rennatitoldhim,dimplingandcoloringprettily."Shecouldn'thavebeenmorewrongabouthim"
"Andit'sjustaswellthatshedoesn'tknowthat.It'smyturntoapologizeforputtingyouthroughallthatembarrassmentnow,andlastnight,"hecontinued,"andIhopeyou'llforgivemeforit."
"Onlyifyou"shecoloredmoredeeply."Onlyifyoudon'ttakebackwhatyousaidaboutmeandGel"
"Mydearchild,thatisbetweenyouandGel!"heexclaimed,holdingupbothhandsinmock-defense,asbothRennatiandViridinagiggledlikeapairofyounggirls."Ihavenothingtodowithit!Ifyouhavetheaudacitytocollarandtamethatwretchedman,youmayhavejoyofhim!"
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Stiflingtheirlaughterintheirhands,ViridinaandRennatiretreatedintoViridina'ssuiteforsomewomanishreason,hehadnodoubt,perhapstoplantheconquestofpoorGel!Ah,Gel,youwretchedman,youhaven'taprayeragainstthem!Whateveritwas,theimportantmissionhadbeenaccomplished;Triananolongerhadaspyinhishousehold,anditwasvanishinglylikelythatshe'dgetanotherinthere.Nowhecouldcontinuewithhisownlibrarysearch,andwaitforthetwo"lost"Elvenlordstobefound,fortheCounciltolearnofthe"newWizards"andforthepanictobegin.
Trianaleftthatveryday,andnoone,leastofallKyrtian,wassorrytoseeherleave,althoughLadyMothmanagedtoconveytheopposite.WithTriana'sdeparture,everythingwentbackto"normal."
Kyrtian,however,gaveuptryingtouseRennatiandGelashishelpers.Instead,hecommandeeredacoupleof
theslavesthathadbeenliberatedfromtheYoungLords,apairofremarkablyintelligenttwins.Bredandtrainedtobehouseholdslaves,nothandsomeenoughtobeputto"frontofthehouse"duties,theyhadbeenwastedbothonthemenialtasksthey'dbeenassignedandasthefightersthattheYoungLordswantedthemtobe.Theyquicklylearnedwhathewantedofthem,andastheyhadbeentaughttoreadandwrite,weresoonactuallyhelpinghimwithhishuntforinformation.Oncehehadidentifiedtheauthorofjournalsthatweretoolatetobeofanyinteresttohim,theboyscouldpickthroughtheremainingvolumesandeliminateanymorebythesameauthor.Astheyshelvedthesebooks,thetaskinfrontofhimbegantolookabi
tlessdaunting.
MeanwhileRennatihadevidentlytakenhimathisword;shewasthe"aggressor"inthiscourtship,andinKyrtian'sopinion,Gelmightjustaswellrunuptheflagofsurrender,becausehehadn'tachanceintheworld.Notthatheseemedtobeunhappyabouttheprospect.ButitwascertainlyanoddthingtoseetougholdGelwanderingaboutthegardens,eyesfaintlycloudedwithbemusement,holdingabasketfortheflowersRennatiwasselectingtogracethevasesofLadyMoth'schambers.
Threedayspassed,thenfour,andtherewasnosignthatthetwo"lostLords"hadyetbeendiscovered.Ontheonehand,Kyrtianwasperfectlyhappywiththis,sinceitgavehimmoretimeamongthebooks.
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Ontheotherhand,hegrewmoreanxiouswitheverydaythatpassed,fortherewasnotellingwhatLordKyndrethandtheCouncilwereupto,whattheywerethinking,andperhapsmostimportantlyofall,whetherTrianahadbeenconvincedthathewasnotambitiousforaplaceontheGrandCouncilasaGreatLord.OnlyifshewasconvincedwouldsheinturnconvinceKyndreth.
TherewasnofurthersignfromtheElvenbane,either,butKyrtiandidn'ttrulyexpectanything.Ithadbeenterriblyriskyforhertocometohim;itwouldbebetterforthenextmeetingtotakeplacesomewhereinthewilderness,perhapswhilehepursuedthefalseWizards.
Then,onthefourthdayafterTrianaleft,camethesummonstothetelesonthathehadbeenwaitingfor.Ittookallofhisself-controltomaintainacurious,butcalmexpressionwhenhegreetedLordKyndreth'simageintheflatglass.
"Somethingentirelyunexpectedhascomeup,myLord,"Kyndrethsaid,intonesofcontrolledurgency."TwominorEl-venlordsthatwethoughthadsomehowbeenkilledonahuntingexpeditiondecadesagohaveturnedup.TheywerefoundbytwoofLordCheynar'sslavesandbroughtstraighttohismanor,andtheirstorywell,it'sterrifying."
Ancestors!Theymanagedtowalkallthewayfromtheforesttotheestate?They
musthavebeenexhausted!
"Whereweretheyallthistime?"Kyrtianasked,carefullyassuminganexpressionofconcern."Iknowthatforesthasanevilreputation,buthowcouldtheyhavebeenlostfordecades?"
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"TheysaythattheywereheldasprisonersbyWizards,"Kyndrethcontinued,"andtheaccidentofarockfallinthecaveswheretheywereheldiswhatallowedthemtoescape.ThereisonlyoneproblemtheWizardsthatheldthemarenottheWizardswithwhomwefought!"
"Ancestors!"Kyrtianexclaimed,fallingbackalittleinfeignedshock."Butthat'sterrible!"
"Itis,andtheCouncilwasinanuproaraboutit,"Kyndrethrepliedwithvisibleunhappiness."Wehavetofindthesecreaturesandeliminatethem.IftheyarelairedupsomewherewithinstrikingdistanceofCheynar'sestate"
"Thentheyaretooclose,howeverfewinnumbertheymaybe,"Kyrtiansaidfirmly."Iwilldealwiththematter,
myLord.Thisispreciselythesortofthingmypersonalslavesaretrainedfor.Wewilltakeasmallforceintotheforesttofindtheplace,thenreturnwithalargeroneandwipethemout."
"IknewIcouldrelyonyou,"Kyndrethsaid,withevidentrelief,andbroketheconnection.
Withalaugh,Kyrtianleapttohisfeet,feelingverylikearacehorsefinallyletloosenowhecouldshowwhat
hewasreallymadeof;thismighthavebeenwhathehadbeentrainingforallofhislife.
AndletKyndrethandtheothersschemeastheywould,forhewasfinallyontherightside.
26
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Kyrtian'sownestatewasroughlyhalfwaybetweenMothspropertyandLordCheynar's,aroundtheperimeteroftheraggedcircledefinedbytheoutermostElvenlordestates.Althoughitmighthavebeenshortertocut
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throughtheheartofelvenlands,itwasquickertotakeMoth'sPortaltohisownproperty,selectthemenhewanted,andgofromtheretothenearestestatewithaPortalthathecouldgetaccessto.Inthiscase,itwastheestateofthelateunlamentedLordDyran,whichhadeventuallywoundupinthehandsofLordKyndreth.Dyran'sestateborderedonthedesert;Cheynar's,betweenDyran'slandandtherestoftheelven-heldworld,wasinwell-wateredhillsthatranuptolow,forestedmountainsthatwereequallywellwatered.Somuchwater,infact,thattheestatespentmostofthewintershroudedingreycloudsthatdrizzledcontinuously.Therecouldnothavebeenagreatercontrastinterritory,butthatwasn'tthemostinterestingpart.Theinterestingpartwas,beneaththosehillsandmountainscaves,andagreatmanyofthem.
GoinghomefirstalsoallowedhimtotakeRennatibacktotheestate.ThattookoneburdenoffhismindandwouldgivehimanexcusetoleaveGelaswell.Notthathedidn'twantGelalongbutthiswouldnotbeamissionwhereGel'sexpertisewasneeded.Giventhathecouldnotbeathome,hewantedsomeonehetrustedto
bethere.LadyLydiellwascleverandcunning,butshewasnosoldier.Ifsoldierswereneeded,Gelcouldcommandaswell,ifnotbetter,thanKyrtian.
Asforhisowntroops,thosewhowereleftwerebythistimeheartilytiredofrealwarfareandreadytogobacktothefarm,field,andhouseholdpositionstheyhadleft.Itwastimetotakethemhome,tooandbythegreatestofgoodfortune,hewouldbetakingallofthemhome.Therehadbeenonlyminorcasualtiesamonghisownpeople,nodeathsatall,andthoseinjuriestheysustainedwereneithercri
pplingnorincapacitating.Thatwasnotbyaccidentorentirelybygoodfortunealone;Kyrtian'smen,withtheirgreaterexpertiseinfightingthantheYoungLords'conscripts,hadshowntheirclearsuperiorityinthefieldinallways.
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Hewasterriblyproudofthem.Thepointwas,theyweren'tprofessional,trainedfighters;theywerefanners,house-servants,herders.Buttheyhadappliedthemselveswithwillandenthusiasmtohistraining,andwhencalledontousethattraining,theyhaddonesowithallthededicationhecouldhaveaskedfor.
Hedidn'tquiteknowhowtorewardthem;thekindofgreatfeastheusuallyheldforasuccessful"campaign"waswoefullyinadequateasarecompense.AndasheshepherdedthelastofhispeoplethroughMoth'sPortal,hemadeamentalnotetoaskhismotherheropinion.Ofallpeople,shesurelyshouldhavesomenotion.
Finallytherewereonlythethreeofthemlefttocrosshimself,Gel,andRennati.AndashewatchedtheothertwowaitingpatientlyforthePortaltoclear,withGel'sarmopenlyandprotect
ivelyaroundtheapprehensivelittledancer,heknewwithconsiderableamusementthattherewasatleastonepersonhehadhadnodifficultyinfittingarewardto.Therehadbeenagrainoftruthinthatpompousandincrediblyinsultinglittlespeechhe'dmadeinfrontofLadyTriana;hereallydidhopethatGelwouldhaveasonorseveraltotraintotakethefather'splaceatKyrtian'sside.NoonecouldhavehadabetterbodyguardorfriendandKyrtianwasnotlookingforwardtothedaywhenhewouldhavetotellGeltostanddownandletanothertakehisplace.Butlikeitornot,thefactwasthatunlesssomethinghappenedtohim,KyrtianwouldlikelybeservedbyGel'sgreat-
great-great-great-grandchildren.Near-immortalitycamewithitsowncosts.
Heshookoffthemelancholythought,andbroughthismindbacktothepresent.LadyLydiellwouldbeveryamused,hewassure,whensherealizedwhathadhappenedbetweenRen-natiandGel.Aninveteratematchmaker,shehadbeentryingtopairGeloffforyears.She'dfindthecurrentsituationentirelytoherliking.
She'llhavethemtuckedupinalittlecottageorsuiteoftheirowninthemanorbeforethetwoofthemgetachancetoturnaround.
"Goonthrough,youtwo,"hesaid,wavingatthem.HeturnedtoMoth,astheysteppedintotheutterblacknesswithinthePortal.
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"Areyougoingtobeallright?"heasked."Canyoukeepthoseidiotchildrenfromtryingtostarttherebellionalloveragain,orsomehowgettingcaught?"
Shelaughed."ThedayIcan'tkeepanunrulypackofpuppieslikethatundermythumb,nowthatthey'vehadagoodscare,isthedayyoumightaswellstartplanningmyfuneral-games.Youandyourboysshowedthemthateverythingthey'dwonagainsttheirfatherswasduetotheirincrediblegoodluck,theWizards'iron,andtheGreatLords'incompetence.They'rehappyenoughtobeescapingthehounds,andIimaginethey'llstaythatwayforsomelittlewhile."
Hehadtosmileatthat."Ishouldhaveknownbetterthantoask;Ishouldbeaskingthemiftheythinkthey'llbesafefromyou."
"Indeedyoushould."Mothsmiled,andwinked."Twoorthreeofthoseladsarerathertoothsome,andstillyoungenoughtotrainproperly.I'mnottoooldtoremarry."Shegrinnedashelaughed."Now,getonwithyou.Bynow,poorLydiellisprobablywonderingifthePortal'sbrokendown."
Heembracedher,thensteppedacrossthethreshold.
Assoonasherecoveredfromtheshockofcrossing,whichwasalwaysdisorienting,hesawthathismotherhadalreadysortedoutthenewrelationshipbetweenGelandRennati.AndmuchtoGel'ssurpriseandbemusement,shehadtakenitallinstrideandwithconsiderableaplombandfromthesoundofthings,hadbegunmakingplansforthemwithoutwaitingforKyrtian.
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Heh.IwonderifheexpectedMothertobeshockedoroutragedthatRennatihasmanagedtocapturehim?Heshouldhaveknownbetterthanthatgivenallthematchmakingshe'sdoneallovertheestate!He'sjustluckysheneverseriouslytookitintoherheadtofindawomanforhim,orhe'dhavebeentieduplongbeforethis.
"Ourpeoplewillexpectawedding-ceremonyandafeast,ofcourse,"shewasexplainingtoabewilderedRennati."OurGelisapersonofgreatimportancehere,andifwedidanythingless,peoplewouldfeelcheated.We'llhavetohaveallofthefightersandtheirfamilies,ofcourseIwonderifwecouldhavethewholethingintheopenair?Ican'tthinkofanybuildingontheestatelargeenoughtofiteveryoneinside"
"But"Rennatisaid,feebly,lookingalarmed.
"Oh,Iknowyou'venoideawhattodo,child,"Lydiellcontinuedcalmly."Butourpeopleneverhadtheirtraditionswrenchedfromthemandburiedpastretrieval.Theyhavetheirpriestsandtheirritualsexactlyastheydidbeforewecameonthescene.Don'tconcernyourselfwithit;theyknowwhattodo,andifyoucanlearnacleverdance,youcancertainlylearnasimpleweddingceremony.Now,thiscouldfitinverynicelywiththegeneralhomecoming;yourweddingcanbethestartofaweekoffestivitiesand"
"Mother,mylove,"Kyrtianinterruptedher."Don'tforget,withallyourplanning,IhavetobeoffwithaselectcrewonLordKyndreth'sWizard-huntassoonasmaybe.ThiswillhavetolookasifIconsiderittobeasurgentashedoes."
"SoGeltellsme,"Lydiellsaidserenely."Allthemorereasontohavetheweddingassoonaspossible.Ihavebeenplanningthesehomecomingcelebrationsforafortnight,andyouwillbehereforatleastthefirstdayandnightofthem!AndifKyndrethgetsimpatient,Iwilltellhimthatyouneededt
hetimetoselectexactlytherightgroupofscoutsandhunters."
Kyrtianbowedtotheinevitable."Yes,Mother,"hesaidobediently,andbeatahastyretreattohisownsuite,leavingGelandRennatitofacehisformidablemotherandallherplansalone.
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Acoward'sploy,andhewouldsurelyhearallaboutitfromGeloncetheSargeantgotaway.Butinthemeanwhile
Hecantakecareofhimself.Atleastforawhile.OnceRennatigetsoverbeingdazed,she'IIprobablyjoinforceswithmother,thefemalesagainstthepoor,helplessmale.I'veneverseenawomanthatcouldresistanopportunityforacelebrationandanewgown.Gelwon'thaveachance.
Butoh,themorehethoughtaboutit,themorehehopedthathisowntimetowedwouldn'tarriveanytimesoon.
IthinkI'llrunoffandhaveMothtakecareofeverything.I'llhideinherlibraryuntiltheverylastmoment,sonoonecanswarmoverme.
Hepushedopenthedoorstohisownroomsandsighed;itseemedanagesincehe'dbeenhere,andthesightofhisownquarterswasverywelcome.
Butmorewelcomestillwasthebathroom,thereadytub,andthesmilingservantswaitingtohelphim.
Hedidn'tstopfortheirhelp;hethrewoffhisclothesandplungedintothehotwater,relaxingcompletelyinthepenetratingheat,ashehadnotbeenabletodosinceheleft.MuchashelovedandtrustedLadyMoth,shehadallthoseYoungLordsstilllurkingonherpremises,andLadyTriana'sunexpectedarrivalonlyprovedthateventheformidableLadyMorthenacouldbesurprisedbyunexpectedvisitors.Furthermore,sheadmittedlaterthatshehadnonotionhowmanykeystoherPortalherlatehusbandhadhandedabout.Itcouldbemany,itcouldbe
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few,butthefactwastheyprobablyexisted.Andifanyonewaslikelytoferretthosekeysout,itwouldbeKyndreth,Tri-ana,orAelmarkin.Asaresult,hehadnotreallybeenabletorelax,evenwhileonherestate.
And,ofcourse,whileoncampaignhe'dhadnosuchluxuriesasthis.Justthethoughtofallthetimeshe'dgonetobedachingandbruisedandbathlessmadethisallthemorepleasurable.
ItmightbeawhilebeforeIgettoenjoyitagain.Althoughhishuntforthenon-existentWizardswasbyitsverynatureawild-goosechase,hewouldhavetoconductitasifitwasserious.Thebareessentialsforcamping,nomorethansixmen,andtheywouldhavetokeepthemselvesfedoffthelandasmuchaspossible.Therewouldbenohot,soakingbathsoutthereintheforests.
Hewas,however,tooenergeticbynaturetorelaxfortoolonginahotbathwhenhewasn'tbone-tiredandwasn'tcurrentlyachingandbruised.Soonenoughhewasoutanddressed,andwentlookingforhisfather'snotes.Theywerestillwherehehadleftthem,inthelibrary.Aquickglancethroughthemtoldhimeverythingheneededtoknow.
HesenthisbodyservantLyndertofindGel.Justaboutnow,Gelshouldbefranticforawaytoescapethetwofemaleswhowereplanningaweddingaroundhim,will-he,nill-he.
Sureenough,withinmomentsLynderandGelwereback,Lynder'seyesdancingwithmerriment,Gellookingdistinctlyharried."Beforeeveryonegetswrappedupinthisfestivalbusiness,IwantyoutohelpmepickoutsixofourtrackersforthispseudoWizard-hunt,"hetoldGel."Iwantmenwhodidn'tgooutasfighters,butwhocanstillbespared.It'sgettingclosetothefirsthay-harvest,andIdon'twanttoleaveMothershort-handedevenbyatrifle."
"Icantellyouwhowithouteventhinkingaboutit,"Gelrepliedimmediately."Kar,Tem,Shalvan,Resso,HaleanandNoet.They'reallthejuniorforesters;theydon'thelpwiththeharvestandtheirda'scanlivewithout'emforabit.Whysomany?Youplanonactuallydoinganythinginthere?"
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"It'sdangerous;itisn'tgoingtobeapleasuretrip,"Kyrtianwarned."EvenifthenewWizardsareafabrication,therearestillalotofdeadlycreaturesinthatarea.Andyouaren'tgoingtobealong."
Gel'sfacefell,buthealsolookedresigned."Iwasafraidyouweregoingtodecidethat,"hegrumbled."Damnitall,Kyrtian"
"Gel,you'reafighter,atactician;you'reneitherahunternoraforester,"Kyrtianpointedout."You'dbeoflessusetomethanoneofthoseboys.You'llbeofmoreuserheretomeandMotheronthebarechancethatAelmarkintriessomethingwhileI'mgone.Motherismanythingsbutnotasoldier."
Gel'smouthtightened."You'renotthinkinghe'dconvinceKyndrethtoputthisplaceundersiege?"
"I'mnotthinkinganything,"heliedwithastraightfacebecausethatwaspreciselywhathewasthinking.Hedidn'ttrustAelmarkinandhedidn'ttrustKyndreth,either.MaybehewasstillusefultotheGreatLordbutmaybehewasn't,anymore."Kyndrethstillneedsmeaslongashethinksthere'satribeofWizardshidingrightonourborders.I'mmoreworriedaboutwhatAelmarkinmightdoortry.ButbetweenyouandMother,withMothtofeedyougossip,you'llseethroughanythinghetriesbeforehe'sdonemorethanmakeatentative
probe."HeclappedGelontheshoulder."Iamnottryingtoputyououttostudlikemyfavoritewarhorse,althoughIsuggestyoumakethatcharminglittledancerintoaveryhappywife!Iamallocatingmyresourceswherethey'lldothemostgood.IneedyouandMotherhere,watchingfortrouble,whileIgointotheforestandwaitfortheElvenbanetocontactmeagainwhichshewill,sincetheforestisthemostlogicalplaceforthat."Herubbedhischinthoughtfully."There'soneotherthingbeforewehadtoleaveMoth's,Iwasreadingsomepersonaljournals,andsomethingIranintoremindedmeofsomeofFather'snotesthatheleftbehind.It's
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possiblewe'vebeenlookingfortheGreatPortalinthewrongplace.Ithinkit'sunderground,andtheareaaroundCheynar'sestatehasalotincommonwiththeforestourancestorsfledthroughwhentheyfirstarrived."
Gelknewexactlywhathewashinting."Thosehillsareriddledwithcaves!"heexclaimed."Cometothinkofit,ifyourancestorsfoundthattheirPortaldropped'emintoacave,theywouldn'thavebeendispleasedaboutthat,Iwouldn'tthink;comingintoastrangeworldinaprotectedspot."
"It'sonepossibleplacetolook,"Kyrtianagreed.Hedidn'ttellGeltheonethingthatconcernedhimdeeplytheAncestorshadfledthevicinityoftheGreatPortalinterror,butwhy?ThatwastheverylastthinghewantedGelthinkingaboutwhenhewasgone."That'swhyIwantyourhuntersandtrackers.AslongasIhavetopretendI'mhuntingforWizardslivingincaves,Ihaveeveryexcusetocheckeverycavewecomeacross."
"Thenyoudon'twanthuntersandtrackersor,atleast,notallhuntersandtrackers,"Gelsaiddecisively."You'llneedmenthatcankeepallofyoufed,butyou'llalsoneedmenwho'reusedtoclamberingaroundunderground.InsteadofKarandTem,IwantyoutotakeKar'sbrotherHobie,andyourladdyLynder,there."
"Lynder?"Kyrtianturnedtohisbodyservantinsurprise."Lynder?WhyLynder?"
"BecauseLynderandHobiehavebeentryingtokillthemselvesclimbingdownholesinthegroundontheirsparetimeeversincetheywereintheirteens,"Gelreplied,wryly,asLynderflushedabrilliantscarlet."Ifyou'regoingtobedoingthesame,Isuggestyoutakepeoplewho'vehadtheexperienceofnearlydrowningwhenacloudburstoutsidefloodedthecavetheywerein."
"Wegotoutaheadoftheflood!"Lynderprotested,turningredder."Wehearditcoming!"
"Anditwouldbeusefulifyouhadacoupleofladswho'dbeenstuckinapassagetheyrealizedabittoolatewastoosmallforthem."Gelwasclearlyenjoyinghimself.
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"Itwasn'ttoosmalloriginally,"Lyndermuttered."Therockshifted."
"IcanseeLynderhasplentyofexperience,"Kyrtianinterrupted,tryingnottolaugh,althoughhealsofeltverysorryforthepooryoungman."Haven'tyoutoldme,timeandtimeagain,thatthebestteacherisexperience?"
"HobieandIhavebeencave-exploringforthreeyearsnowwithoutasingleseriousmishap,"Lyndersaid,gettinghisblushingundercontrolandtryingtogatherthescatteredshardsofhisshattereddignity."Andthekindsofminorinjurieswe'vehadcouldhappenscoutingthroughaforestordoingsomeheavyworkonthefarm."Hedidn'tglareatGel,whowasstillclearlyamused,butKyrtiansensedthathewantedto.
Gelfinallytookpityonthelad."Kyrtian,Iwouldn'thaverecommendedyoungLy
nderifIdidn'tthinkhecouldguardyourstepsaswellinhisworldasIcaninmine,"hesaidgenerously,andnowLynderflushedwithpleasureratherthanembarrassment.
Kyrtiannodded."InthatcaseLynder,Iwantyoutogetthecave-exploringgeartogetherforseven.GelandIwilltakecareoftherestofthesupplieswe'llneed.I'dlikeeverythingreadyby"Hethought,andimpishlydecidedtoteaseGelalittlemore."I'dliketoleavetomorrow,but"
Gelturnedwhite.Lyndershookhishead."Gearforsevenwe'llneedsomespecialclimbingequipmentandwedon'thaveanythinglikethathere.I'llhavetogetstraighttotheblacksmith,andheandhishelperswillhavetoworktherestoftodayandalltomorrow.Therestwilltakeabitofhuntingamongthestores."
"Butyoucanhaveitbythedayaftertomorrow?"Kyrtianpersisted.
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"Ifyoudareleavebeforethisweddingfolderol"Gelgrowledunderhisbreath,glowering.
Kyrtiancouldn'tholdbackhislaughterandthenhehadtorun,forSargeantGellungedforhim,andheknewthatifGelgothishandsonhismaster,the"master"wouldwindupinthebathtubagain,butthistimefullyclothed.
Theycouldn'tgetawayinlessthanthreedays,afterall.
Ontheeveningofthesecondday,GelandRennatiwerewedatsunsetinanopen-airceremony,presidedoverbyanoldmanwearingalong,blackrobe.Soincrediblydignifiedwasthisindividual,andsofullofsolemnity,KyrtianhadadifficulttimeinrecognizingHobie'sfatherRand,themanor'schiefstablehand,whoalwayshada
jokeforeveryone,usuallyribald.
Randfirstwaftedsmokeoverthecouple,then,whilechantingunderhisbreath,sprinkledthemwithwater,wavedalightedtaperaroundthem,andblewdustatthem.Thenhedrewawobblycirclearoundallthreeofthemwiththepointedendofastaff.StilldroningachantthatKyrtiancouldn'tmakeheadortailof,heconductedalongritualthatinvolvedanamazingamountofsprinklingofherbsandwaterandsaltonthepartofthehappycouple,agreatdealofwalkingincirclesandfigure-eights,andthe
sharingofbreadandsalt.
Finally,atRand'slow-voicedorder,theyheldouttheirconjoinedhands,andRandboundtheirhandstogether.Then,turningtothecrowd,asthelastwinkofthesundescendedbelowthehorizonandthefirststarscameout,hespreadhisarmswidebehindthem.
"Handsareboundasheartsarebound;twoareone!"heshouted.
Atremendouscheerarosefromthehugecrowdcometoseetheceremony.Then,ofcourse,camethecelebration.Therewasaverygreatdealofwineandbeeravailable,therewasdancingandwillinggirlstobuildupathirst,andallofKyrtian'schosenpartywereyoungmenwithhardheadsandtheusualinabilityofyoungmentorememberwhatahangoverfeltlikeduringthetimethatthedrinkwassli
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dingsmoothlydowntheirthroats.Asaconsequence,noneofKyrtian'ssixweregoodformuchonthefollowingday.
However,thatwasnotsobad,becausethatwasthedayofsomeoftheriskiercompetitionsthewrestling,thehurlingoflargeobjects,thegamepittingtwoteamsagainsteachotherincompetitionforaninflatedbladder,withnoholdsbarred.Nursingheadachesanduncertainstomachs,itwaseasytopersuadethesixthattheyshouldbespectators,notparticipants.
Onthemorningofthethirdday,adaydevotedtothegentlerpursuitsandcompetitionsofthewomen-folkfootraces,target-shooting,milking,sewing,andcookingcompetitionstheywereinfinefettleandhighspirits,andquitereadytogo.Sowastheirequipment,andKyrtianwasnotgoingtoallowthetemptationofanotherfeast,dance,anddrinkingsoireeincapacitatethemalloveragain.Bymid-morninghehadthemalllinedupat
thePortal,fully-laden,withstillmoreoftheservantsequallyburdened.
LordKyndrethhadpromisedhorsesontheotherside,andKyrtianwasgoingtoholdhimtothatpromise.Hesenthispartyandalloftheservantsthroughfirst,andwaitedfortheservantstoreturnbeforepassingthroughthePortalhimself.Therewerenofarewellsthistime.HehadchosenatimewhenLydiellwasbusysupervisingandjudgingacontest,andasforGelwell,hehadn'tseenhisoldfriendsincetheceremony,andhehopedthatRennatiwasteachinghimafewofthetricksshe'dshownhim....
HepassedthedarkandcoldanddisorientationofthePortalandwithajolt,cameoutontheotherside.
"LordKyrtian?"
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Heshookhisheadtoclearit,andforcedhiseyestofocus.ThepersonwhohadaddressedhimwasararecreatureanelderlyElvenlord,whosethinning,silverhairandfaintly-linedfacecameassomethingofashock."Yes,"hesaid,"I'mLordKyrtian."
Theelderlygentlemanbowed."IamLordRathien.LordKyndrethdirectedmetosupplywhateveryourequire."
Well,thatwaspleasant."Ineedenoughhorsestocarryallofthislot,"hesaid,wavingatthesuppliesandequipmentheapedoneithersideofthecorridorleadingtothePortal.
LordRathieneyedthepileswithanexperiencedglance."Sevenriding-mountsandasmanypack-mules,"hesaidwithauthority."Youwillfindthemulescancarrymorethanhorses,andtheirtempersaresteadier.When
youcampintheforest,tethereachhorsetoamulebeforeyoustakeoutthelineshouldanythingattack,themuleswillrununfailinglyawayfromdanger,theywillnotplungeblindlyintofurtherdanger,andtheywillstopwhenpursuitstops."Hesmiledthen,withgreatcharm."Iamveryfondofmules,myself."
"SoIsee."Kyrtiansmiledback,butLordRathienhadalreadyturnedaway,andwasorderingasetofhumanslavestopickupthepiledgoodsandtakethemtothestables.AllKyrtianandhispartyhadtodowastofollow.
Bynoon,withthemulesloaded,horsessaddled,andamuletetheredbehindeachrider,theywereontheirway.Histaskcompleted,LordRathienwasgonebythetimetheyrodeoutofthegates;KyrtianwonderedifhewasoneofLordKyndreth'sunderlings,orwasalegacyfromLordDyran.Hewascertainlyefficientandifhetreatedtheslavesexactlyashedidthemules,well,atleasthedidn'ttreatthemworse.Kyrtian'sownyoungmenhadbeencautionedastohowtobehaveoncetheywereofftheestate,sotheyhadnotdoneanythingtoarouse
Rathien'ssuspicions.Theirtensionhadbeenpalpableduringthattime;theyhadn'tdaredtospeak,lesttheysaysomethingun-slavelike,ortoraisetheireyesaboveKyrtian'sknees,lesttheirpostureordemeanorbetraythem.
Oncetheywereallontheroad,however,theyrelaxed."SargeantGeltoldusthatweweregoingdownincaves,m'Lord,"Hobiesaid,urginghishorseupbesideKyrtian's,asLynderdidsoont
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heotherside,andtherestofthesixgotinascloselyastheycould,thebettertohearwhathehadtosay."Why'sthat?"
"Well,youknowthatwe'rechasingafterWizardsthatdon'treallyexist,"Kyrtianbegan.
"Ayesir.Betterthanchasingonesthatdo!"repliedHobie.Oneofthemenintherearlaughed.
"They'resupposedlylivinginanundergroundstrongholdwherewe'regoing,sowe'llbeexploringcaves.Now,asithappens,Ithinkmyfathermayhavebeenhuntingthesesamecaveswhenhedisappeared,andI'mhopingwe'llfindsomesignofhimthere."Themanwhohadlaughedsoberedimmediately,andthereweresomesympatheticmurmursfromallofthem.
"Yousurelydon'texpecttofindhimafterallthistime,doyou,m'Lord?"Hobieaskedhesitantly.
Kyrtiansighed."Notafterallthistime,nonotalive,atanyrate,"hesaidsadly."But,youknowmyclaimtotheestateiscloudedaslongasnooneknowswhatbecameofhim.AnduntilMotherandIfindoutwhatreallyhappened..."
Heletthesentencetrailoff.Hobiedroppedhiseyesforamoment."Well,m'Lord,"Lyndersaidintothesilence,"ifthere'sasigntobefound,we'llfindit.HobieandIhavefoundagreatmanystrangethingsincaves."
"Suchas?"Kyrtianasked,tochangethesubjectandcheerthemenupagain.Touchingastheirsympathywas,he'dfarratherhavelaughteraroundhimthangloom.
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Itwas,afterall,alongridetoLordCheynar'sestate,andtherewasnoreasontomakeitunderacloudofdepression!
TherewasquiteenoughthatwasdepressingaboutLordCheynar'sestatetohavesuitedadozenfuneralprocessions.
Themanor,surroundedbypineforest,boastednothinginthewayofmagicalamenities;nomage-lightstoilluminatethedarkness,noillusions,allworkdonebyslavesormechanicaldevices.ThepineswereofavarietythatKyrtianwasunfamiliarwithsodarkagreenastobenearlyblack,andinhabitedbyflocksofcrows.Cheynar,ataciturnindividualwithverylittlemagicofhisown,warmedslightlytoKyrtianwhenthelattercongratulatedhimonsomeofhismechanicaldevicesandwhenKyrtianatdarknessmadecheerfuluseofthelanterns,ratherthanshowingoffbycreatinghisownmage-lights.
Hewarmedstillmoreoverdinner,andfinallycameoutwithsomethingentirelyunexpected.
"Iknewyourfather,"Cheynaroffered."Imean,Imethimhewasherejustbeforehedisappeared."
ThatelectrifiedKyrtian,andhecouldnotconcealhisshock."What?"heexclaimed."Butwhydidn'tyou"
"Whydidn'tIsaysomething?"Cheynaraskedshrewdly."Idid,toLordDyran.Isupposehedidn'tthinkitimportantenoughtopassittoyourLadyMother.Butthen,hewasn'tatallpleasedwithwhatyourfatherwashunting."
"TheolddevicestheAncestorsbroughtwiththem."Kyrtianwastornbetweenexcitementanddespair.Ifhismotherhadknownwhereherhusbandhadlastbeenseen,wouldithavemadeadifference?Couldtheyhavefoundhimstillalive?
Cheynarnodded."Oneofthoseyourfathersaidwouldputthoseofuswithweakmagiconaparwiththose
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whoarestronger,"hetoldKyrtian."Idon'tknowifLordDyranknewthat.Yourfathertoldme,atleastinpartbecausehesawallthemechanicaldevicesIusearoundhereinsteadofmagic,buthemightnothavesaidanythingtoDyran."Heshrugged.
"AndLordDyranwasoneoftheGreatLordsoftheCouncil,anyway,"Kyrtiansighed."AndmyfatherandIwell,we'renothingliketheequalsofanyGreatLord.IdoubtthatLordDyranevenpaidanyheedtoanythingfathersaid.Youknow."Hehalf-smiledatCheynar,hopingthatCheynarwouldwarmalittlefurther,andseehimselfinthesamepositionasKyrtian."Whenwe'reuseful,we'reequalsatthefeast-table,butoncetheydon'tneedusanymore..."
Cheynartookthebait."Probablyhejustthoughtthatthemanwashalf-crazed,ifheeventooktimeforathoughtatall,"Cheynarsaid,andwithsomesympathy."ButIcantellyouthis"
Hepausedsignificantly.
"IfyouaregoingWizard-huntinginthosecaves,you'llbewalkinginthestepsofyourfather.Becausethelasttimeanyonesawhimthatwaswherehewasgoing,too."
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Onesetofitemsintheirpackswasimmediatelyusefulthemomenttheyenteredtheforest:raingear.Kyrtianhadneverseensomuchraininhislife;hewasgladthathe'dcheckedontheclimatewhenarrangingforthesupplies.Andoh,theadvantageofbeingonequaltermswithone'sfemalesinanelvenhousehold!Hehadnotrealizedthatsilkcouldbemadesocompletelywaterproof.Evidentlythatoft-derided"women'smagic"usedforflower-sculptinghadagreatmanyotherpurposesthatthewomenthemselvesknewbutseldomshared.Hecertainlydidn'tblamethem,the"lordsofcreation"thatElvenlordsconsideredthemselvestobewouldprobablygreetsuchinnovationsastrivialandwomenkeptpentupintheirbowers,disregardedanddiscardedastoysthemselvescouldhardlybeexpectedtosharesuchknowledgevoluntarily.Hecouldwellimagineseveraldisgruntledladiessittingaroundintheirbower,contemplatingtheirdrippingmenfolk,andsayingtoeachotherwithglee,"Well,whydon'ttheyjuststoptherain?"
Rain-capes,withhoodssnuggedinaroundtheirfaces,coatswithanouterwater-
proofedsurfacebeneaththat,meantthatwhatcouldhavebeenamiserablesituationwasmerelyinteresting.Providedthatonecouldmanagesomehowtoseepastthegloom,thiswasatrulyuniqueforest.
Morewaterproofedsheetswhichwouldlaterserveassheltersfortheirthreetentscoveredthesevenpackscarriedbythepackmules.Thismeantthattheirsuppliesandbelongingsweredryandwouldstaydry;nosmallconsiderationwhen,attheendoftheday,theyweregoingtobeabletocampdry.
Toomuchwaterwas,inthelongrun,betterthantoolittle.Thiscouldhavebeenahuntinthedesert,andevenKyrtianwasnotentirelysurethatmagicwouldbeenoughtoensurewaterforeveryone.Grelsweretheonlyoptioninthedesertfortransportation,butneitherhenoranyoneonhisestateknewanythingaboutgrels.Theirmainproblemhereandtosomeextent,inthecaveswouldbetopreventgettingwetandcoldwithnowaytogetwarmanddryagain.
Gamewascertainlyavailable,ifnotpreciselyplentiful.Onewouldexpectlargegamehere,andyettheonlyanimalsthatmadeanappearanceweresmallgame.Well,theadvantageoftravelingwithforesterswasthattheydidn'tscornsmallgameinafutilesearchforsomethinglarger.Thefourforestersquicklytradedtheirheavierbowsandarrowsforhandcross-bows,andtookcarefulshotswithouteverseemingtoaim.Onebyone,plump
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littlebodiesaccumulated,tiedtothecantlesandpommelsofsaddles.
Therainneverstopped.Itletup,fromtimetotime,decreasingtoameredrizzle,whichpercolateddownthroughthetreesanddrippedfromeverylimb,everyneedle.Then,whentherainresumed,itobscuredeverythinginthedistance,farornear,reducingvisibilitytoafewhorse-lengthsaheadoftheleadrider.
WhichwasnotKyrtian.
Heknewverywellthathewasnotaforester.Thatwaswhyherodeinthedeadmiddleofthestring,withLynderinfrontofhimandHobiebehind,twooftheyoungforestersaheadandtwobehind.Itsurprisedhim,alittle,thatanentiretrainoffourteenanimalscouldmakesolittlenoise,butthetrackthattheyfollowed,whichledinthegeneraldirectionofapurportedcave-entrance,wasankle-deepinal
ayerofpineneedles.Theyproceededatanamblingwalk,andnotjusttosavethehorses.
Upattheheadofthestring,Noetrodewithhisheadslightlycocked,listening.Behindhim,Shalvanconcentratedonpeeringthroughthemistandrain.Attherearofthetrain,HaleanandRessosharedthesameduties.
Beyondtheomnipresentsoundsofrainploppingontotheircapes,intotheneedle-bed,tricklingdowntrunks,anddrippingontoleaves,therewereothersoundsoflifethatKyrtiantooktobegoodsignsthatnothingelse
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wasstalkingthem.Oncethecrowsgotusedtotheirpresence,thebirdsstoppedmakingalarm-callsandwentbacktotheircrow-businesswithonlyanoccasionalappearanceasiftotakenoteoftheirprogress.Unexpectedshowersofdropletsheraldedthepassageofsmallbirdsthroughthebranches,andlittlerustlesbetrayedthepassageofthoseplumplittlesquirrelsandrabbits.
Bymid-afternoon,Kyrtianknewhismenwerelookingforaplacetostopandmakecampforthenight.Alreadytherewasachangeinthequalityoflightunderthesetrees,andhisnerveswerejustatrifleonedge.Hedidn'tknowwhy,justthattherewassomething...odd....
Noetheldupahand,andtheentirecavalcadestopped.NowKyrtianknewwhathadhimonedgetheabsoluteabsenceofanysoundotherthanthedrippingofwater.Eventhecrowsweregone.
"Idon'tlikethis,"Noetsaid,inalowvoice,butonethatcarriedeasilyinthesilence."Thehorsesandmuleshaven'tnoticedanything,but"
"Butmaybethat'sthepoint,ifthisisahunter,"Ressoreplied."Ifitworksbyambushandstealth."
"Shouldweturnback?"Kyrtianasked.
"Yesbutslowlyandcarefully.Justturnyourhorsesandmulesinplace,people.ShalvanandIwillbecomerear-guard.
We'llstopbackatthatstreamwecrossed,andtryfollowingitforawhile."
"Withanyluck,it'llleadustothecavesanyway,"Hobieopined.
Onebyone,theyturnedtheirhorsesanddrewthemulesbehindthem,therearmostfirst.ShalvanandNoetalreadyhadtheirheavybowsoutwitharrowsnockedtothestrings.AndasforKyrtian
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Hisfingerstingledwithpower.Atanymoment,hecould,andwould,launchalevin-boltintowhatevermightemerge.
"It'soutthere,allright,"Shalvansaidgrimly,asNoetturnedhishorseandmule."It'supthetrailofftooneside,inthebushes.Everysooftenthebushshakes,andfromthemovement,I'dsaythatit'saboutthesizeofahaywain.It'snotmovingmuch,though.Idon'tknowifthat'sbecauseit'snotcertainofus,orifit'sterritorial."
HeturnedhishorseasNoetstoodguardandtheymovedatthesameleisurelypacethey'dmaintainedallalong,backupthewaytheyhadcome.ThebackofKyrtian'sneckprickled.Whatwouldwhateveritwasthinkofitspreymovingawayfromit?
"Uh-oh"ThatwasResso,nowinthelead,andthehaironKyrtian'sheadliterallystoodstraightup.Pacingdeliberatelytowardsthemwasnotoneanentireherdofalicorns.Theirredeyesflashed,andtheblackstallionintheleadtossedhisheadwithitswicked,slightlycurved,spiralhorn.
"Don'tmove,"Haleansaidinastrangledvoice.
Kyrtianhadnointentionofmoving.Onealicornwasdangerous;whatwasaherd?Theyweretrapped,betweenaveryvisiblemenaceaninvisibleone.
Thealicornstallionsnortedandmovedtowardsthem.Kyrtianwonderedwhatwasgoingoninthosenarrowheads.Shouldheflingalevin-boltatthem?Butifhedid,whatwouldthethingbehindthemdo?Andwouldn'ttheirhorsesspookifhedid?Noneofthemwerewar-trained
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Noneofthemarewar-trained.Muleswillrununtilthere'snopursuit.Themulesaretetheredtothehorsesandviceversa.
"Giveyourhorsesfreerein,andhangon,"Kyrtianordered,feelingthatsenseofpresenceanddangerathisbackincreasing,justalittle."Andduckyourheadsonthecountofthree."
Thealicorn-stallionpawedthegroundandbareditsfangs.
"One.Two.Three!"
Onthecountofthree,Kyrtianfiredakindoflevin-boltstraightupovertheir
heads.Itexplodedinablindingflashandaviolentboomthatactuallyshatteredthenearbylimbsoftrees.Thehorses,asKyrtianhadhoped,boltedandsodidthealicorns.
Thehorsesshotforwardinthedirectiontheyhadbeenfacing,alongthegametrail.Thealicorns,foeandpreyforgotten,scatteredinalldirections,someoffintothewoodstoeithersideofthetrail,someturningandfleeing,andthree,followingthestallion,charginghead-downtowardsthem.Atthelastmoment,thealicornsveereda
littletotheleft,andthehystericalhorsestotheright.
Kyrtianhungontohismountwitheverybitofstrengththatarmsandlegspossessed,duckinglowalongitsnecktokeepfrombeingknockedoutofhissaddlebylow-hangingboughs.Hoovesthunderedallaroundhim;evenifthehorsesweren'tstickingtothegame-trail,theywereatleaststayingtogether.Behindhimheheardaroar,andthebattle-screamofanal-icorn,butwhateverwasgoingonwouldhavetoremainamystery.
Hisheartraced,hishandsandlegsached,andheclenchedhisteeth;hecouldn'tseewhatwashappeningorwheretheyweregoing.Hismount'smanelashedhisfaceuntilhiseyeswatered.
Then,soonerthanhe'dthought,hefeltthehorsebeginningtoslow,feltaweighttuggingatthelead-rein
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fastenedtothesaddle.Thehorsedidn'tlikeit;hetriedtosurgeforward.Themulewasn'thavingany.
Gradually,themulewon.Theheadlonggallopslowedtoacanter,atrot,andfinally,thehorse'ssidesheavingandsweatpouringfromhisneckandshoulders,awalk.Kyrtiantookuptheslackinthereinsandbroughthismounttoastop,andlookedaround.
Therainhadslackenedagain,andthroughthemizzle,hecountedhismenscatteredamongthetreesandquicklycameupwiththerightnumberofridersandpackmules.
"Ancestors!"hebreathed,inprofoundestrelief.Themensaidnothing;theysimplyguidedtheirwearybeastsbacktowardshimuntilonceagaintheyformedacoherentgroup.
"Everyoneallright?"heasked,astheirhorsesstoodwithheadshanging,andflanksa-foamwithsweat.Onlythemuleslookedunperturbed.
"I'vebeenworse,"repliedNoetlaconically."Gonnakillwhoeverdesignedthissaddlewithapommelrightwhereitdon'tbelong,though."
Noetdidlookalittlepale,andinacertainamountofpain.Kyrtianwinced,andhastilychangedthesubject."Doesanyoneknowwhereweare?"
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"Weboltedinthegeneraldirectionofwherewewantedtogo,"reportedShalvan."Sothestreamshouldstillbethatway"hepointedwithhischin,ratherthanhishand."Wemightaswellgetonwithit,thehorsesaren'tgoingtobethebetterforstandinginthecoldandrain,andthey'regoingtoneedwaterafterthis."
Onceagaintheyformedup,butthistimenotinsinglefilesincetheyweren'tfollowingatrail;HaleanrodeontherightflankandRessoontheleft.And,nottoomuchlater,theycametothestream,muchtoeveryone'srelief.
Therewasn'tmuchtimebeforenightfall,andwiththeovercastskiesandtheforestallaround,darknesswouldcomesoon.Theyquicklymadecamp,withKyrtiantendingtothefire-makingchores.Theypitchedtheirthree
tentsinatriangle,withthefireinthecenter.OncethetentswerepitchedandRessotookupthecooking,therestgatheredmorefirewoodwhileKyrtianranacircleofmage-lightsaroundthetentstostandbetweenthemandwhateverwasinthewoodsoracrossthestream.Asfirewoodwasbroughtin,hestackeditnearenoughtothefirethatitstoodadecentchanceofdryingoutsomebeforeitwasused.
Thelastthinghedidwastorunastringhungwithsmallbellsaroundthetrunksoftreesbeyondtheglowofthemagelightataboutankle-height.Anythingthatbrushedagainstthatstringwould
setthebellsjingling.
"Doyouthinkweneedtoworryaboutsomethingcominginfromabove?"heaskedNoet,withafrownofconcern.
Noetglancedup."Notthroughbranchesthatthick,"hereplied."Iwouldn'tthink,anyway."
Darkness,asKyrtianhadanticipated,camequickly.Theytetheredthehorsesandtetheredthemulestothehorseswithinthecircleofmagelight.Therainactuallystoppedoncedarknessfell,andastheygatheredaroundtheirfire,Kyrtianfelttheirmutualfearofwhatlurkedoutsidethatmagiccircledrawingthemalltogetherdespiterankandrace.
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Ressohadmanagedtogrilltheday'scatchtastily,withaminimumofburning,skeweredontwigsoverthefire.Withthatandjourney-cake,andsweetwaterfromthestreamattheirbacks,theymadeasatisfyingmeal.Theyhadthrownthebonesintothefireandwerereadytodividethenightintowatches,whenavoicefromthedarknesssalutedthem.
"Hellothecamp!"
Kyrtianknewthatvoice,andhadbeenhopingtohearit.Hestoodupeagerlyandwavedinthedirectionfromwhichithadcome.TheElvenbanewalkedcalmlyintothemagelightcirclewithouttrippingoverthelineofbells.
"Wellmet,LordKyrtian!Goodidea,thosebells,"sheremarkedcheerfully,asshejoinedthembesidethefireandofferedKyrtianherhand.Todayshewaswearingapairofbreechesandatunicofsomethingglitteringandblue,coveredwithjewel-likescales,awicked-lookingknifestrappedoverit.Herabundantauburnhairhadbeenboundbackatthenapeofherneckinasevereknot.
Themenwerestaringatthisunexpectedvisitorwiththeirmouthsdroppingwideopen.
"Gentlemen,"Kyrtiansaidsolemnly,firmlyrepressingtheurgetolaughatthemasheacceptedLashana'shand."MayIpresenttoyouLashana?AlsoknownastheElvenbane"
Ifhehadsetoffanotherofthoseexplosivelevin-boltsintheirmidsthecouldn'thavegottenamoreinterestingreaction.
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Noetpracticallychoked,HobieandShalvanletoutinvoluntarywhoopsofsurprise,RessoleapttohisfeetwearinganexpressionofsuchuttershockthatKyrtianwouldnothavebeensurprisedtoseehimfaintdeadawayinthenextmoment.OnlyLyndermanagedtoretainhiscomposure.Hegottohisfeet,gatheredhisyoungdignityabouthim,andtookthehandthatKyrtianrelinquished.
"Mylady,thisisanhonor,andaprivilege,"hereplied,bowingoverthehandbeforereleasingit.
"Ohpish,"shesaid,blushingalittle,butclearlypleased."Didn'tLordKyrtiantellyouthatI'dbeinterceptingyououthere?"
"LordKyrtiandidn'tknowyouwould,heonlyhopedyouwould,"Kyrtianrepliedforhimself."Won'tyoujoinus?"
Howshehadgottenthere,howlongshehadbeenoutinthewoodswatchingthem,hedidn'tknow.And,truthtotell,itdidn'tmatter.AshismentooktheirseatsagainandLashanasettledeasilyamongthem,itwasveryclearwhythisyoungladywizardhadbecomealeader.Shedrewalleyestowardsherinawaythathadnothingtodowithherlooksorhersex.
"Well,here'swhatIcantellyou,"shebegan."WetheWizardshavegotwatchersonyourestate,myLord,andthatofLadyMorthena.Ifanythingshouldthreatenthem,we'llknow,andwe'llbeabletoevacuateasmanyorasfewpeopleneedtobegottenout."Shedimpled."AndmayIsay,thatisquiteacelebrationyourpeopleareputtingon!I'dliketoaskyourmotherifshewouldorganizeoneforus,someday,whenthingsaremorestable."
Kyrtianfeltagreatweightliftfromhisshoulders,butLashana'snextwordsmadehimtenseagain."AcertainLadyTriana"shearchedherbrowathim,andhenoddedgrimlyhisacknowledgementthatheknewtheLady,"paidanother,veryshortvisittoLadyMorthenaafteryouleft.SheclaimedthatshewishedtoconsultLadyMorthena'sfavoritelibrary,andindeed,sheleftagainwithinafewhours.Shearrivedanddepartedby
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meansofatemporaryGatesetupjustoutsidetheLady'sestate.Idon'tsupposeyoucancastanylightonwhatshewaslookingfor?"
Kyrtianshookhisheadreluctantly."Ihaven'taclue.ButknowingTriana,itcan'tbeforanyone'sgoodbutherown."
Lashanasnorted."Believeme,Iknow.I'vehadsomeexperienceoftheLadymyself."
"Mycondolences."Thatresponsestartledasmilefromher.
"Thearmyminusyourcontributionoftroopshasmovednearertothetrade-cityofPrethon,whereit'seasiertosupply.I'massumingthatintheabsenceofanactualplacetoputthemperma
nently,that'swherethey'llstay,campedjustoutsidethecitywalls."Lashana'sgreeneyestwinkled."Whichis,ofcourse,preciselywherewe'dlikethem,asfarfromournewCitadelaspossible,whichwaswhywesuggestedthisplaceasthelocationoftheimaginaryWizards.Eveniftheydecidedyouweren'tmovingfastenoughforthem,thisismiserablecountrytotryanddoanyhuntingofinvisiblepeoplein,andtheplaceisabsolutelyhollowwithcaves.Youcouldspendacenturytryingtohuntthroughthemall!"
"ActuallyIwantedtoaskyouaboutthat,Lashana,"Kyrtiansaidhesitantly."Doyouhavethetimetohearsomehistory?"
Whenshenodded,helaunchedintothestoryashehadpuzzleditoutoftheAncestors'arrivalinthisworld,andfolloweditwiththemorepersonaltaleofhisfather'sowninterestinthatarrivalandthethingsthatmight
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havebeenleftbehind."SothelastplacewherehewasdoingresearchbeforehedisappearedwasLadyMoth'slibraryandthatwaswhereIfoundsomepersonaljournalsthatgavedescriptionsthatsoundedlikethisarea"Hewavedhishandatthedrippingforestbeyondthecamp."Youmustadmitthatit'sprettydistinctive.AndtheveryfewpassagesthatdescribedtheCrossingmademethinkthattheAncestorsmighthavecomeoutintoacave,andnotabovegroundaseveryonehasalwaysassumed.ThenwhenwestagedatLordCheynar's,"heconcludedtriumphantly,"LordCheynaradmittedthatmyfatherhadgoneoffintotheseforests,andthathewasprobablythelastElvenlordtoseemyfatheralive!"
Lashanapursedherlipsthoughtfully."Thatthat'sinteresting.Youknow,IdiscoveredthatWizards,atleast,canusegem-stonestohelpconcentrateandamplifytheirpowers.Idon'tknowifthey'llworkforElvenlordsthatway,butitstandstoreasonthatifourpowerscanbeamplifiedbysomething,socanyours."
"Ican'tseeanyotherwaythattheAncestorscouldhavebuiltthethingsthattheydid,"headmitted.Shetiltedherheadtotheside.
"It'saverygoodthingthatItrustyou,LordKyrtian,"shesaidinameasuredtone."OtherwiseIdon'tthinkIcouldallowyoutoleavethesewoodsalive."
Lynderleapttohisfeet,hishandonhisdagger-hilt,andtheothersweren'tfarbehind.Lashanaappearedunconcerned.
Andsheprobablyhasgoodreasontobe.She'dbeafooltohavecomeherealone,andnomatterwhattheElvenbaneis,noonehaseversuspectedherofbeingafool.
"Sitdown,allofyou,"hesaidmildly."Don'tyourealizewhatahorriblemenacewouldbeletlooseintheworldifsomeonelikeAelmarkingothishandsonawaytomakehimselfasstrongasLordKyndreth?She'sonlyspeakingsense."
Shemadealittlegestureofthanksinhisdirection."Now,there'soneotherthingI'dliketoshowyou,
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somethingmypeoplewillshortlybehandingouttoMoth'sandyours,amongothers,thendistributingcovertlyamongthefield-slaves."Sheheldoutalittleobject,shapedratherlikeanopenclamshell,ofadullgreymetal.Hestartedtoreachforit,andshehastilypulleditback.
"Don'ttouchit,LordKyrtian!"shewarned."Atleast,notwithyourbarehand!That'swhatyoucallDeathMetalforgediron."
Hehastilydrewbackhisfingers.He'dtouchedunprotectedsteelbefore,intheshapeofoneoftheironcollarsthatMoth'sownslavesworeundertheirpseudo-slavecollars,andithadburnedhimlikeacid.Hewasinnohurrytorepeattheexperience.
"Ibroughtanactiveslave-collarwithmetoshowyouwhatitdoes,"shecontinued."Watchwithyourmagic-
senses."Shetookoutaleatherslave-collarsetwithacloudyberyl,whichwas,indeed,active.Shefittedthebackhalfoftheclamshelldevicebehindtheberyl,thensnappedthetophalfoverit,andnippedacatchtosqueezeitclosedandlockit.
TheElfstonewentdeadtohissenses.Helookedatherhand,withthedull-greyobjectlockedaroundwhathadbeenanactivedeviceforthecompletecontrolofaslave,dumbfounded.Thenhelookedupintoherknowingeyes.
"Ancestors"hebreathed."You'vedoneit.You'vefoundawaysnaponeofthoseoveracollar-stone,andyoucancutthecollarrightoffwithouthurtingtheslave!"
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"Orleavethecollaron,itwon'tmatter,andanymagicthatanoverseerflingsatafleeingslavewillsimplymisfire,"shepointedout,barelyconcealingherglee."Wehavetheiron,wehavethecraftsmen,andwehavethewaystogettheseintothehandsoftheslaves.Withinmonths,yourYoungLordsandmyWizardswillbethelastthingsthattheGreatLordswillbeworryingabout!"
"Slaverevolts"murmuredShalvan,wonderingly.
"Allovertheestates,"Lashanaagreed."WhichiswhyI'mherewithyou.Everymomentoftimethatyoucanbuyuswithyourwizard-huntingwillenableustomakethatmanymoreofthesedevices,andbringthemomentoffreedomforallhumansthatmuchcloser."
"Atwhichpoint,mylord,"Lynderpointedoutdiffidently,"Ourpeoplewillalso
betheverylastthingthattheGreatLordswillbeworryingabout."
"Exceptthatifyouandyourscanpullthisoff,Lashana"hebaredhisteethinaferalgrin,therecollectionofthestorieshe'dheardfromthemistreatedslavesshelteringwithMothfreshinhismind"youmayconsidermyestatetobethetraininggroundforanewhumanarmy!"
Heheldouthishand;sheclaspeditjoyfully,ashismenmadethesoundsofsubduedcheeringevennow,theydidn'twanttoarousetheattentionofthingsthatmightbeoutthereinthedarkness.
"LordKyrtian"sheseemedtobesearchingforwords,thengaveupaltogether,andjustshookherhead,herfaceradiantwithsmiles."Thankyouseemsinadequate."
"It'searlydaysyet,"hewarned,asthemensettleddown,althoughhecouldnothelpbutfeelalittleintoxicatedwiththeheadyintellectualwineshehadjustpouredforhim."We'vealongwaytogo."
"Sowehave."Shesoberedaswell,andstartedtostowtheirondeviceandthecollarinherbelt-pouch,thenevidentlythoughtbetterofitandhandedittoLynder."Here.Ifyou'vegotcra
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ftersandasourceofDeathMetal,youmightwanttostartduplicatingtheseyourself."
Lyndernodded,andstowedthedeviceaway.
"NowaboutthecavesandyourfatherIthinkImightbeabletohelpnarrowyoursearchalittle.Yousee,I'verunthesehillsmyself."Lashanathenbeganataleofherown,aboutthetimewhenshe,amerechildthenandnotyettheElvenbane,hadrescuedabandofhumanchildrenwithhumanmagicwhoweregoingtobeculledbyLordTreves'soverseer.
LordTreveswouldthatbeLadyViridina'sLord?Moth'sfriend?Whatanoddcoincidence!
Lashanahadhelpedthemescapeandfleeintotheseveryhillsand,byanotheroddcoincidence,hadrunintotheinfamousyoungLordValyn,fleeingwithhiswizardlinghalf-brotherandlookingforWizardstoprotectthemboth.
Thestorywasanabsorbingone,andLashanatolditwell.Hecouldseeinhismind'seyethehuddleoffrightenedchildren,thedrenchedandmiserableyoungValynandtheequallymiserableMero.Shedescribedthestrangemonsterstheyhadencountered,oneofwhichsoundedeerilyfamiliar.
"Ithinkwenearlyranintooneofthoseinvisiblelurkingthingsbackthere,"Noetsaidthoughtfully,anddescribedbeingtrappedbetweenitandthealicornherd,andhowKyrtianhadsolvedthesituation.
"Whichiswhyhe'sthegeneral,andwearen't,"Lynderputin,asLashanashookherheadinamazedadmiration.
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"Thatcertainlysoundslikeoneofthemwell,asyoumovedeeperintothehills,moreorlessinthatdirection"shepointed"anddon'tworry,wecanguideyoutomorrowthewierdlingsgetthicker,andodder.Now,supposethatthisPortalofyoursisn'tentirelyclosed?I'veheardfromSheyrenaandLorrynthatyourAncestorsleftaprettynastyplacetocomehere...."Shelookedathimwithspeculation.
Henodded."IfthePortalisn'tquiteclosedandshutdown,yes,thingscouldslipover,whenenoughresidualpowerbuiltuptoletthePortalopenforamoment.Andwhatcameoverwouldbeveryunpleasant."
"Andtheareanearestwheretheywerecomingthrough?"sheprompted.
"WouldbetheplacenearestthePortal,ofcourse."Hefeltanotherburstofelationbutthenworry."Thatwouldmakeitthatmuchmoredangerous.I'mnotsureIshouldaskyoufellowstoshareinsomethinglikethisit'sprettycertainthatFatherisdead"
There.He'dsaidit.Itcouldn'tbeunsaid.
"solookingforwhatbecameofhimisreallyonlymyconcern"
"Balderdash!Beggingyourpardon,myLord,"Lynderexclaimed."Yourfather,andhisfather,andhisfatherbeforehim,aretheonesthatallowedustogrowupinfreedom.It'sasmuchourconcernasyours."
"Andmypeoplehavewaysofdealingwithmostofthesecreatures,orgettingyouaroundthem,"Lashana
added."We'vebothgotmagic,youknow,andmine'senoughdifferentfromyoursthatthey'llcombinewell.I'dbepleasedtohelpyouout,here."
"It'ssettled,then,"Shalvansaid,astherestofhismennodded.
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Onceagain,Kyrtianfeltasurgeofemotionspride,gratitude,atouchofembarrassment.Butmostofall,thewarmthofknowingthattheywouldsupporthim,andtheyknewthathewouldsupportthem,throughanything.Andadifferentkindofwarmth,ofdiscoveringanunexpectedfriendandcomradeinthewomancalledtheElvenbane,whowassoverydifferent,andsoverymuchmore,thanhehadeverimaginedhertobe.
"Theninthemorning?"hemadeitaquestion.Shelaughedandstoodup.
"Inthemorningyoucanexpectmeandafriend,"shepromised."Anduntilthen,sleepwell.Anddon'tworry,you'rebeingguarded.Sogetagoodnight'ssleep."
Andwiththat,shewalkedoffintothedarkness.
Andmanaged,again,nottotripoverthebells.
"MyLord,"saidShalvan,lookingafterherwithundisguisedadmiration,"beggingyourpardonmyself,butthatisonefinewoman.Nottomytaste,"headdedhastily,"butonefinewoman."
"Yessheis,"Kyrtianagreed."Andnottomytaste,either!ButIhopeshefindsamanwhodeservesher,
assumingthat'swhatshewants!IwillmakenoassumptionsaboutanythingtheElvenbanemightwant!"
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hewasdull,thatdidn'tmeanhewasn'tcapableofkeepingsomethingstohimself.
Trianahadherownideasofwhatelsemightbegoingon,whenaquickcheckwithLordKyndrethconfirmedthatKyrtianwasplanningonanewexpeditionatthebehestoftheCouncil.Whathadn'tmadeanysensewaswhyhewouldhavebeeninterestedinthecavesbeneaththosehillsbeforethatsecondbatchofWizardsmadeanappearance.Becausehehadbeensheknewit,becausesheknewsomeofthequestionshe'dbeenasking,andsomeofthemapsandbookshe'dbeenrequesting,beforethetwomind-addledcaptiveshadappearedinLordCheynar'sforest.
Ithadn'tmadeanysense,thatis,untilshevisitedMorthenaagain,determinedwhathe'dbeendoingthereinthefirstplace,andferretedoutjustwhatbookshe'dbeenlookingat.Thetwoslaveswhohadbeenhelpinghimwerenochallengetoher;withinmoments,shehadthemeagerlypullingvolumesd
ownforherperusal.
Nowsheknew.Andshewas,perhaps,betterthananyotherElvenlord,equippedtofigureoutwhatKyrtian'sulteriormotiveswere.TherewereherownfamilialtraditionsoftheCrossing,andjournalsshehadidlyleafedthroughinmomentsofboredom.PuttingKyrtian'ssuddenfascinationwiththejournalsinMorthena'slibrary
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togetherwithhisfather'slifelongobsessionwithfindingtheGate,andsheknew,sheknew,thatheexpectedtofind,atlonglast,sometraceofhisfather.
Butasimportant,givenLordKyrtian'snew-foundimportanceasamilitaryleadertotheGreatLords,weretheweaponssupposedlyleftbehindasuseless.Withthoseweapons,LordKyrtianwouldnotneedanarmytoimposethewilloftheGreatLords.Withthoseweapons,hecouldbecomeaGreatLordhimself.Perhapsmorethanthat.Perhapstheirfirstking?
Perhaps.Thatdullexteriormightconcealagreatdealofambition.
Unlesssomeoneelsegotthereatthesametime.SomeonewhocouldbringaccurateinformationbacktosayLordKyndreth.
Orsomeonewhocouldusethatinformationforherself.
Trianalikedtokeepherplansfluid.WhichwaswhyherslaveswereputtingtogetherthegearthatsheandtwomaleslavesmenwhoknewhowtohuntandtrackwouldtakethroughthenearestGateandontothethrice-bedamnedrain-soakedforestthatLordCheynar'sestatebordered.
LordCheynardidnotapproveofTriana.Nomatter.Shedidn'tneedhisapproval,andshedidn'tneedhishelp.Shedidn'tevenneedtogetontohislands;shehadonlytojourneytohisestateandfollowthefencesandwallsaroundit,enteringtheforestwhereshepleased.HermenweregoodenoughtofindKyrtian'strackandfollowit.
Evenifthatmeantshedidhavetocampinawretchedforestintheconstantrai
n.JustbecauseTrianalovedhercomforts,thatdidn'tmeanshewasn'tperfectlypreparedtosacrificethemwithouthesitationfortherightincentive.
Withouthesitation.
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Notwithoutcomplaint.Shekickedsavagelyathertrain.
Aelmarkinbroodedovertheinjusticeoftheworldfromthecomfortofafavoritelounge,staringatadelicatestonesculptureofadancerasifithadoffendedhimpersonally.
Aelmarkindidnottrusthiscousin.Therewasmore,muchmore,tothisbusinessofpursuingstupidWizardsinahalf-inaccessibleforestthanappearedonthesurface.Kyrtianmightbedull,hemightbeobsessive,buthewasn'tstupid.
Aelmarkintracedacircleintheupholsterywithhisfingernail.KyrtianwasnotgoingonwhatAelmarkinwouldconsidera"militaryexpedition."Hewasn'ttakinganyotherElvenlordswithhim,norwashetakingaverylargeparty.Infact,hewasn'ttakinganyslavesotherthanthosefromhisownhouseh
old;eitherhewasridiculouslysureofhimself,or...
...orhethoughttherewassomethinginthatforestthathecoulduseforhimself.Whatcoulditbe?
Therehadtobesomething.Therewasnoreasontotakethatsortofrisk,unlesstherewasapowerfulreasonforit.SomethingtodowiththeWizardsthemselves?Aelmarkinhadn'theardanything
thatmadethemsound
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differentfromtheonesthathadalreadybeendrivenoutintothewilderness.Quitetothecontrary,infact,itseemedverymuchasiftheywerefewer.
Except...
ExceptthattheyalsohadthatcuriousabilitytonullifymagicthattheYoungLordshadsomehowacquired!
Aelmarkinslappedthearmofhisloungewithafeelingofangrytriumph.Ofcoursethatwasit!Sofar,noonehadmanagedtocatchanyoftheringleaders,sonooneknewjustwhatthetrickwasbutifKyrtiancouldcaptureaWizardandgettheanswerthatway,he'dbeinapositiontodemand,andget,anythinghewantedfromtheCouncil,includingaCouncilseateveniftherewerenovacancies!
AndifthathappenedAelmarkin'schancesofgettingtheestatedroppedtolessthanzero.Foralltheirbickering,noCouncilmemberhadeverbeenknowntobackamovetooustanotherCouncilmemberfromhislands,position,orseat,andnotjustbecauseit"wasn'tdone."Theyguardedtheirprimacyjealously,andwhenanoutsiderthreatenedone,hethreatenedall,andtheyclosedranksagainsthim.
Foramoment,Aelmarkindespaired,andbeganpoundingthearmofhisloungewithfrustratedfury.Hebroketheunderlyingwoodenframewithacrack,buthisangerdidn'teaseuntilthearmoftheloungesagged,itsstructurereducedtofragments.
Finallyhistemperworeout,andhewasabletothinkclearly.Helefthisstudyandwentoutintohisgardenstocontinuethinking.Theskywasovercast,butthepalloverhisspiritwasdarkerthanthegreysky.
Hehadtothink...ashepaced,hisfeetmakingnonoiseonthevelvetysodofthepaths,heignoredthemurmuroffountainsandartificialwaterfallshepassed.
First,thisallmightcometonothing,buthedidn'tdaretotakethatchance.Kyrtianwastoogoodatfindingwhat
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hewantedtofind.Persistentobstinatelypersistent.
Second,itwasjustbarelypossiblethatKyrtianwouldfail;eitherhewouldn'tfindawizardorhewouldn'tbeabletotakeonecaptive.Aelmarkinthoughtsourlythatthiswasnotsomethingheshouldcounton;Kyrtian'sluckhadbeendisgustinglygood.Persistenceandgoodluck.Itwasdamnablyunfair.
Third-Third...
Ithithim,blindingasarayofsunlancingthroughtheclouds.Hehadn'teverexpectedduplicityoutofKyrtianbuthehadn'texpectedbrilliance,either.Whatifallofthiswasadouble-game?
WhatifKyrtianplanned,nottocaptureaWizard,buttotreatwiththem?Whatifheintendedtoallywiththem?
Ridiculousthought,ofcoursebutitstoppedhiminhistracks.Bothbecauseoftheaudacityofit,andthepossibilitiesthemereideaopenedup.
IftheGreatLordsthoughtthatwaswhatKyrtianhadinmind,theirsupportofhimwouldnotonlycollapse,
they'dturnonhim.Rightlyso,ofcourse;treasondidn'tevenbegintocoverit.
Well,therewasonlyonewaytofindout,andthatwastofollowKyrtianhimself.EvenifKyrtiandidn'tmeantreason,perhapstheappearanceoftreasoncouldbemanufactured.
Forthefirsttimeinmanydays,Aelmarkin'sspiritsrose.
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Heevenlaughedoutloudatthethought,hismindworkingbusily.Thefirstthing,ofcourse,wouldbetofollowKyrtianandseeif,againstallprobability,Kyrtianreallywasatraitor.Itwouldbebestnottohavetomanufactureanythingoutofwholecloth.Ifhecouldfindeventheappearanceofduplicity,hecouldbuildonthat.This,ofcourse,meantthathecouldnottrustthistoanyoneelse.
LeastofallLadyTriana.
Hecurledhislipincontempt,tryingtoimagineLadyTrianaactuallyexertingherselfenoughtofollowKyrtianasfarasCheynar's,muchlessentrustherselftotheprivationsofroughcamping.Shecouldn'tbebotheredtovisitherowngardenswithoutadozenslaves,apavilionandcushions.
Nomatter.Thiswasn'tsomethingtobesharedwithanyone.Andthesayingwas,a
fterall,thatifyouwantedtobesureofsomething,youhadbetterseetoityourself.
Besides,therewasonelastpossibility,onethathedoubtedevenTriana,asruthlessasshewas,wouldthinkof.Hecouldarrangealittle"accident"tobefallKyrtian,especiallyifhehadleftthatbodyguardofhisbehind.
Ohyes.Nowhehadit.Kyrtianwouldnotleavethatforestashehadenteredit.
Whenhecameout,itwouldeitherbeasaprisoner,orinashroud.
Forthefirsttimethatday,hesmiled,andtheslavewalkingpatientlyandinvisiblybehindhimtosupplywhateverthemasterneededshudderedatthesightofthatsmile.
CaellachGwainpacedtheunevenstonefloorofhismiserableexcuseforaroom,browfurrowed,abankedfire
ofangerinhisgutthathadn'tdiminishedintheleastinthetimesincethatwretchedgirlhaddebatedhiminfrontoftheentirepopulationoftheCitadel.Howhadhelethimselfgetdrawnintothat?Adisaster,atotaldisaster;andhestillcouldn'tseewhereithadallgonesohorriblywrong.He'donlytoldeveryoneexactlythetruth!
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Atthetime,ithadseemedlikeastrokeofthepurestluck;thebrathadnoexperienceatmakingspeeches,andshedidn'tknowhowtoexudetheconfidentauthoritythathecertainlycould.Andoverandaboveallofthat,hehadbeentheoneintheright!Miserablecreature!Howhadshemanagedit?How,whenhehadspokennothingthatwasnottrue,hadshemanagedtoturnvirtuallyeveryoneintheCitadelagainsthim?Bythetimeherealizedthateverywordhespokewasturningmorepeopleawayfromhim,ithadbeentoolate.
Hekickedashoeoutofhispathwithasavagewishthatitwastherearendofoneofhisso-called"friends"whohaddesertedhimlikethecowardsthattheywere.Asaconsequenceofthatdebate,hehadbeenleftutterly,completelywithoutservants.Noonewouldliftafingertosomuchaskeephimfromtrippingoveranobstacle.
Eventhehumans,eventhehumanchildren,ignoredanycommandhegavethem.Ifhewantedtoeat,rather
thanenjoyingamealinquietdignityinhisroomalone,hehadtotrudgeuptothecavernusedasacommondininghall,sitdownatoneofthecommonbencheswhereverhecouldfindaplace,andservehimselffromacommonpot.Therecouldnotpossiblybeanythingmoredegradingthanthataregularpunishment,thricedaily.Howhehatedit!Hedidn'tknowwhatwasworse;havingtostarvehimselfuntilthelastmomentandcontenthimselfwithwhatevertheresthadlefthimsothathecouldsitatabenchalone,orbravingthecrowdtogetsomethingedible,buthavingtobearthesnickersandthewaypeopleostentatiouslyspreadthemselvesoutsoastoleavenoroomattheirtablesforhim.Atleasttheywerestillpermitt
inghimtoeat.TherewereagrowingnumberofloudremarkseverytimeheappearedthatthereshouldbearuleinthenewCitadelabouthavingtodosomeworkifyouwantedtoeat.
Ingrates!He'dshowthem!Iftheyforbadehimmeals,he'dgobacktotheoldways,andstealhisownfoodbymagicfromtheElvenlords'stores,andtotheNetherworldwithLashana'sstupidtreaty!Thatwouldshowthem!
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Atleasthe'dhavesomethingdecentthen;realcheese,realbread,hamandsausage.Hah.Ifheevenfilchedfoodfromthekitchens,hecouldhaveanythingheliked!
Hethoughtsourlyofhislastmeal;harshly-flavoredgoat-cheese,stringymuttonandnotmuchofit,somenastymessofwildgreens,andbreadmadewithcoarsely-groundflour,heavyanddark.Iftheywantedhim"punished,"diequalityofthefoodaroundherewaspunishmentenough.HowhelongedforthegoodthingsfilchedfromtheElvenlords,thedelicately-smokedmeats,thefinecheeses,sweetbutterandclottedcream,thecakesmadewithproperflourandsweetenedwithwhitesugar!Hismouthwateredatthemerethoughtofthem.
Heglaredatthefireinhis"fireplace"fortunatelyforhim,hehadsecuredthisroombeforehiscurrent
disgrace,soatleastithadafireplace:Ifyouwantedtocallamerealcoveintherockwallwithanopen-toppedshaftpuncheduptothesurfacewithdraconicrock-magica"fireplace."Whenitrainedupabove,waterdrippeddownintothefire,andwhenthewindblewwrong,itdrovethesmokebackdownintohisroom.Rightnowitwasraining,anddropssizzledandspatintheflames,threateningtoputthemout.Ifhewantedafire,henowhadtogatherthewoodhimself,andifhedidn'twanttheplagueythingcloggedwithash,hehadtosweepitoutanddisposeoftheasheshimself.
Atleasthewasputtingsomethingsoveronthemall.Heknewverywellwhenfirewoodwasdeliveredtootherrooms;hejusthelpedhimselfwhentheoccupantswereout.Andasfortheashes,well,hedidn'tsweepthemanyfartherawaythanthehall,andservethemallright.Theycouldeithersweepthemupthemselvesortramplethemeverywhere;hedidn'tcare.
Ithadfinallycomedowntothis;ajobhe'dspentmostofthedayonuntiltheangerinhisheartstartedto
interferewithhisscryingspell.SpyingwithhisownmagicontheWizardlingchildrenteachinghisformercroniesthemagicsthattheyusedtotransportthemselveswithoutharmandmagnifytheirownpowers,sothathecouldlearntousethosemagicswithouthavingtohumiliatehimselffurther.Andhehadtohavethoselessons,becausehehadnochoice;ifhewantedsomething,hehadtoobtainithimself,andhedidn'thavethepowerheneeded,alone.
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Andeveryday,newhumiliationswerepiledatoptheold.Nooneappearedtocleanhisquarters,andhe,he,hadtoeitherdoithimself,orfindsomethingoneofthewretchedchildrenwantedanduseittobribethelittlebeasttodothework!And,ofcourse,whattheywantedwasneversomeuselesstrinketofhisownorsomethinghecouldjustgoandappropriatefromthestores,ohnoitwasalwayssomethingdifficult,andusuallysomethinghehadtousehisownpowerstofetchfromtheoldCitadel!Itmadehimsoangryhecouldhardlythinkforhoursafterwards.Helongedforthedayswhenhecoulddropsomethingonthefloorinthesupremeconfidencethatwhateveritwaswouldbewhiskedoffimmediatelytobediscarded,putaway,orcleanedasthecasemightbe.
Anditwasallthefaultofthatoverweeningfemale.
Shewasuptosomething,too.Nogood,ofcourse;thatwentwithoutsaying.Hecouldtellthattherewassomethingintheair,somethingclandestinegoingon;fromthewaysheacted,fromthewaythatloverofhersacted.He'dfeltthetransportationspellbeingtriggeredmoretimesthanitshouldhavebeenoflate,nowthatheknewhowtorecognizeit.Anoisymagic,that;nothingsubtleaboutit,andohsotypicalofafemale,tousesomethingthatonlydrewattentiontothecaster.Heknewhowtouseithimselfnow,ofcourse,nothankstoanyone'seffortbuthisown.He'dgonebacktotheOldCitadelinperson,torummagethroughnotonlyhisownquarters,buttheroomsofasmanyotherpeopleashecouldbeforehegrewtoot
iredandhungrytostaythereanylonger.Afterall,ifyoudidn'tknoworrememberwhatwasinaparticularplace,youcouldn'tbringitbackbymagicunlessyoudidsomefairlypainstakingscrying.He'dpiledwhathewantedinhisroomwhenhecould,andhe'dmadeplentyofnotesonwhathecouldn'tpickupthathewantedinotherrooms.Hewasgettingmorepossessionstogethernow,besidesthearmloadofthingshe'dbroughtbackwithhim.
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Soheknewquiteenoughaboutthetransportationspelltorecognizeit,andtherewasnodoubtinhismindthatitwasbeingusedagreatdealbyLashanaherselfoflate.Andforwhat?Therewasnoneedtouseittobringlivingthingshereanymore,nowthattheyhadflocksofsheepandgoatsandevencattleyoucouldbringanythingyouwantedherequietly,withtheoldmagicsthattheWizardshadalwaysusedbefore,tostealwhattheywantedrightoutfrombeneaththenosesoftheElvenlords.
InfactthatpeculiardiscordantfeelinginthebackofhisskullsignaledthatsomeonewithintheCitadelhadusedthatparticularmagicagain.IthadtobeLashana.Andinnowaycoulditbeforanyone'sgoodexceptthatselfishbrat's.
Butnoone,noonewouldbelieveasinglewordhesaidagainsther.Nottheirde
arElvenbane,thepersonwhohadbroughtthemthedragons(treacherous,sneakybeasts,whosemindscouldshiftaseasilyastheirshapes),theTraderclans(untrustworthy,wildhumanbarbarians),andtheIronPeople(follytoputfaithinanypeoplewhowerenotonlywildhumanbarbarians,butwhohadtheirowndefensesagainsttheElven-lordsanddidn'tneedallies).EveryonesoeasilyforgotthatitwasbecauseofLashanathattheyhadneededthose"allies,"andneededtoleavetheircomfortable,easylifeintheoldCitadelinthefirstplace!
Shewasuptosomething;heknewit,hecouldtasteit!Shewasuptosomething,anditcouldonlymeannewtroubleforeveryoneelse!
Ifonlyhecouldfindoutaboutitbeforeeverythingfellapartifhecouldcatchheratsomefollyandproveshewasuptosomethingthatwouldonlydrageveryonehereintosomenewdanger,they'dallbelievehimagain!
Thatwasitthatwasit!
Hekickedanothershoefromhispath,butthistimewithatriumphantcackleoflaughter.Thatwouldservethebratherjustdesserts!He'duseherownfancymagicstospyonherandfindoutexactlywhereshewasgoingthenhe'dusemoreofthemtofindoutwhatshewasdoing!He'dcatchherred-ha
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nded,andthenhe'dhaulherbacktotheCitadelandmakeherconfessinfrontofeveryone!Oh,itwouldserveherrightforherownmagictobeusedagainsther!
Heturnedabruptlyandrummagedthroughthelitteronhisdeskforthepieceofsmoke-quartzthatservedhimforamagnifierofhispower,thenclearedaspaceandconcentratedonthescryingspell.Lashanadidn'tdiscovereverythingaboutmagic,afterall!Shehadn'tbeentheonetolearnthatinscrying,youdidn'thavetolookforaplaceyouknew,orevenapersonjustaparticularobjectorkindofobject.ThatwashowtheyfilchedprovisionsfromtheElvenlords,backinthegoodolddays....
SoratherthanlookforLashanabecauseshemightbealertedifshesensedsomeonescryingforherhelookedforanobject.Somethingshealwayswore.Adragon-skinbelt,madefromtheshedhideofherso-called"fosterbrother"anduniqueinthatithadbeendulledwithdyesothatitdidn'
tcatchtheeyethewaythebrilliantlycoloredskinnormallydid.
Whenhefoundit,hewouldfindherthenhewouldstudywhereshewascarefullyverycarefully.
Thenthenexttimesheleft,hewouldfollow,alittlebehind.He'dfindoutwhereshewasgoing,andwhatshewasdoing.
Andthemomentthathefoundouthersecret
Heclosedhishandintoafist,andsmiled.
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29
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Trianalayonherstomachonthecold,hardgroundbeneathabush,peeringdownatanencampmentinthetinyvalleybelowher.Waterdrippeddownonthehoodofhercloakfromthebranchesaboveher,andalthoughthecloakitselfwaswaterproof,mistpermeatedeventhecleverly-magickedfabricsomewhat.Itwasnotacomfortableposition,buthersheerastonishmentatthesightthatlaybeneathherallowedhertoignoreherdiscomfort.
Therewasacampsitedownthereinthemizzle,withsixoreightstandingfigures,puttingtheplacetorights,andonesittingfigure.Itwastheseatedonethathadherattention.
"Yousee,mylady?"murmuredthehumantrackerinTri-ana'sear."ItisasItoldyou.ThereistheElvenlordyouwishedtofind."
Well,itwasanElvenlord,allright,butitwasnottheoneshehadintendedto
find.Notthatthetrackercouldbeblamedinthiscase.Hedidn'tknowwhatLordKyrtianlookedlike,especiallyatadistance.Hecouldn'tknowthatKyrtian,thefool,wouldneverhavesatbackandwatchedwhilehisslavesputupacamp.ButwhatinthenameofalltheAncestorshadgottenAelmarkintostirhislazybehindandcomeouttothishowlingwilderness?
Shewasratherpleasedtoseethathedidn'tlookveryhappy.Hunchedover,elbowsonknees,evenfromhereshecouldseehisfrown.Ancestors!Shecouldfeelhisfrown.Hisslavesweretr
yingtolightafireandnothavingalotofsuccesswiththewetwood;heslumpedonastoolbeneaththeshelterofhistent,watchingthem.Shecouldn'ttellwhathewasthinkingfromhere,butamomentlater,hepointedhisfingeratthepileofwoodanditroaredup,causinghisslavestoleapbacklesttheybescorched.
Coulditbethathe,too,wasfollowingKyrtian?Andwithouteverbotheringtoi
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nformher?
Shegroundherteethinasuddenflareoftemper.Thenerveofhim!Howdarehe
Butjustasquicklythetempersubsided,becauseshecouldn'thonestlysustainit.Hadn'tsheexpectedthis?Andhadshebotheredtotellhimwhatshewasplanning?Ofcoursenot,sowhybeangrywithhimwhenshewasdoingthesamething?Andalthoughtoherthiswasjustawager,tohimitwasagreatdealmorethanthat.Enoughtoforcehimintoaplacethatwasasalienanduncomfortabletohimasitwastoher.
Well,ifhewasfollowingKyrtian,shewouldjustfollowhim!Itwouldsaveheragreatdealofwork,forhewasbynomeansaswoods-wiseashiscousin,norwerehismen.Onlyifhebegantoflounderwouldshehavehermenstrikeoutontheirown.
Meanwhile,Kyrtianwasboundtogoundergroundeventually;hehadtolookforWizards,andhewantedtolookfortheGreatPortal,andbothwouldbeincaves.Ifthecaveswereasextensiveasrumorpaintedthem,itwouldbechild'splaytogetaheadofAelmarkin.
"You'vedonewell,"shewhisperedbacktotheslave,whobeamedather,thesmileofpridetransformingan
otherwiseunhandsomeface."Watchthem.IwillsendKartartoyou.Whentheyleave,youbothfollow.SendKartarbacktofetchustowheretheycampnext."
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"Mylady,"theslavebowed.Hewasahardman,asweretheothersshehadwithher;forest-trackersall,theywereusedtotheroughestofconditions.Hewasoutfittedfortheforest,intoughcanvas,sturdybootsandawaterproof,hoodedtunic.Sheworethesame,withmodifications-anadditionalwaterproofcloak,andherclothingmadeofmaterialsthatwerejustastough,butsoftertotheskin.Fromthelookofit,Aelmarkinhadtakennosuchprecautions,andshesmiledgrimlyassheeasedherwayoutfromunderthecoverofthebushandbackdowntheothersideofthehill,whereanotherofherslavesawaitedher.
Heledhersilentlydownatangleofdeer-trails;onlytheAncestorsknewhowhewasfindinghisway,andshedidn'tworryaboutit.Thatwashisjob,andhe'dbeentrainedvery,verywellforit.Shedidwish,however,thattheneedforstealthhadnotrequiredthehorsesbetiedupquitesofarfromAelmarkin'scamp.Thethingaboutdeer-trailswasthatthedeerdidn'tcareabitiftherewerebranchesstretched
acrossthepath,orrootstotripuptheunwary.
Itwasduskbythetimesheandherescortrodeintoacampthatwas,thankstohergoodsenseinpickingtherightsortofslavesforthisjob,inmuchbetterstatethanAelmarkin's.Therewasaverysmallfireburningbeneathaclevershelterofbranchesthatnotonlyshieldeditfrommostoftheomnipresentrainbutdissipatedthesmokerisingfromitsotherewouldbenoplumeabovethetreestobetraytheirpresence.
Goodmen.ShewasgladthatshehadboughtthemfromLordKyndreth,onceshe'dlearnedtheywerenotonlyforesters,buthadbeentrainedtoserveaswar-scouts.Theywereefficient,unobtrusive,quiettheyalreadyknewhowtoworktogetherasateam,andtheydidn'tneedconstantsupervision.
Andtheyalreadyknewtheirrewardcouldbeverygreatindeediftheyservedherwell.She'dgiventhemataste
ofit.Therewasatimeforthelash,andatimeforthevelvetglove,andwhenyouneededsomeone'sutmosteffortinaskill,thevelvetglovewastheonlysensiblechoice.
Besides,theyweren'tbadlooking,anyofthem,althoughtheywerecraggyandrough-hewnandtheywereapleasantchangefromherusualprettytoys.
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Sodespitebeingchilledanddamp,shebestowedpraiseallaroundandmadesureKartarwaswell-provisionedaswellaswell-fedbeforehesetofftojoinhisfellowtrackertokeepwatchoverAelmarkin'scamp.Dusklingeredforalongtimeouthere,andKartarhadacleartrailtofollow.He'dbeinplacebydark.
Inspiteofherdislikeforthiswholesituation,thingswerebecominginteresting.Definitelyinteresting.Shesmiledagainassheacceptedaplateofslightly-charredmeatfromoneoftheslavesandretiredwithitintotheprivacyofhertinytent.ShemightneverforgiveKyrtianifitturnedouthehadledherouthereonsomeidioticwild-goosechase,butifhehadn't
Ifhehadn't,thismightprovetobethebestopportunityforupsettingthebalanceofpoweramongtheGreatLordsthathadcomealonginawhile.
Andtherewasalwaysoneotherpossibilityshecouldpursueonewhich,giventhecircumstances,couldprovidealotofsatisfactionevenifthiswasawild-goosechase.
IfAelmarkinhadn'ttoldherwherehewasgoingandwhathewasupto,heprobablyhadn'ttoldanyoneelse.ExceptpossiblyCheynar,andthenitwouldn'thavebeenmuch.Everyoneknewtheseweredangerousforests.
Herforest-trackershadbeentrainedforwar.Hishadn't.Andnooneknewthatshewasinthesehillsaswell.
Soifheandhismenjustdisappearednoonewouldbesurprised,norwasitlikelythatanyonewouldcomelookingforhimonceCheynarreportedwherehe'dgone.
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Shewouldn'twinherbetbutshewouldn'tloseit,either.AnditjustmightbeworthviolatingeverylawandcompacttheGreatLordshadswornjusttoseehisfacewhensheslithisthroat.
ThiswasthedarkestforestKyrtianhadeverhadthemisfortuneofcampingin.Hefoundhimselfwonderingashekepthalfofhisconcentrationontheconversationaroundthefire,andtheotherhalfonthesoundsoutinthewoodsbeyondthecamp,iftheovercastskieshereeverlifted.Surelytheyhadtoatsomepoint...itcouldn'trainallthetime.Couldit?
Andyet,therehadn'tbeensomuchasanhoursincethey'denteredtheplacewhenithadn'tatleastmisted.Anditwasagoodthingthatheandhismenweren'tdependingonthatoldsawoffindingnorthbylookingformossonatreetrunk,becausemossgreweverywhere,thickasacarpetinmostplaces.Ifevertherewasaspotmeant
bynatureforambushes,thiswasit.Sofarthey'dmanagedtoavoidanymoreofthoseinvisiblewhatever-they-weres,buttheverynatureofthegloom-ladenlandscapehadhiswholegroupedgy.
ThesnapofatwigbroughtKyrtianandeveryoneinhiscamptoinstantalertness.Thewhistleofaskylarkcameoutofthedarkness,andtheyallrelaxedagain.Amomentlater,Shanaandayoungmalewizardwalkedintothecircleoflightcastbythefire,theomnipresentmistsparklinglikegemsontheedgesoftheirhoods.
"Idon'tknowhowyoudothatgettingpastmysentries,"Kyrtiancomplainedgood-naturedly."Ihopenooneelsecan."
"Onlyhumansthathavetheirspecialmagic,dragons,andWizards,"Shanatoldhim,grinning,asshesettleddownonabitoflogthatoneofthemenrolledtothefireforher."Speakingofwhichthisismyfoster-
brother,Keman."
"Iampleasedtomakeyouracquaintance,"Kyrtiansaidpolitely,butwarily."So,you'reanotherwizard,then"
"Ah,actually,I'mnot,"theyoungmansaiddiffidently,withaglanceattheEl
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venbane."Shanathinksit'stimeyouwereah"
"Ifyou'regoingtotrustus,wehavetogiveyouareason,"Shanasaidbriskly."I'vealreadytalkedthisoverwiththeotherleaders,andtheythinkit'stimeforyoutobeentrustedwiththebiggestsecretwehave."
"Whichwouldbewhat,exactly?"Kyrtianreplied,wishingshewouldjustgetstraighttowhatevershewasgoingtosay.
"First,justindulgemeanddowhateveritisthatyounormallydotodispelanillusionoraglamor.Kemanisn'texactlywhatheseems,"Shanasaid,andtherewasacertaintoneinhervoicethatmadehimlookatherwithsuspicionforamoment.Justwhatwassheupto,anyway?Wasthis"fosterbrother"ofhersfullyElvenor
perhapshuman?No,ifhewashuman,therewouldbenoneedforallthissecrecyandfiddlingabout.
Butitwasobviousthathewasn'tgoingtogetanyfurtherinformationoutofthewomanunlesshedidassheasked,so,withasigh,hegatheredthreadsofmagicandwovethemintoanet,castingitoverthetwoofthem,justforgoodmeasure.HemightaswellseeiftheElvenbaneherselfwasunderaglamor.
Nothinghappened.Thetwoofthemremainedexactlyastheyhadbeenwhentheywalkedintothefirelight.
NowKyrtianwaspuzzled.Hadthemagicbeencountered?Itcouldn'thavebeendeflected;he'dhaveseenthat.Couldtheyhaveabsorbedit,thennegatedit?Buthow?"Areyoucarryingsomethingnewthatworkslikeiron?"heasked."Orhaveyou"
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Henevergotachancetofinishhisquestion,becauseinthenextmoment,theyoungmanwhohadbeenstandingatthefireside,lookingaltogetherasnormalasitwaspossibleforawizardtolook,suddenlybeganto...change.Hedidn'twrithe,exactly,butheblurredandtwistedinawaythatinducedareallyviolentcaseofdizzinessandnausea.ItfeltasifsomethingwaswrenchingKyrtian'seyesoutoftheirsocketsandstirringuphisgutsatthesametime,andKyrtianclappedhishandoverhismouthandturnedaway.Hewasn'talone;therestofhismenweredoingthesamething,theircomplexionsinvaryingshadesofgreen.
Whatinthenameof
Assoonasheturnedhiseyesawayhissymptomssubsided,andhelookedup,glaringatLashana,angryaccusationsonhislips.
Whichdied,ashecontinuedtolookupandupandupintothejewel-likeandsurprisinglymildeyesofaverylarge,sapphire-bluedragon.
Atleast,hethoughtitwasadragon.Hecouldn'tthinkofanythingelseitcouldbe.Itwashuge,scaled,winged,fangedandtaloned.Thereweren'tmanyothercreaturesthatfitthatdescription.
Ashestared,heheardthemenbehindhimreactingtothepresenceofthecreature.Onewasprayingintheancientlanguageofthehumans,onewascursingwithremarkablefluency,andhedistinctlyheardthethudofathirddroppingtotheground,presumablyhavingfainteddeadaway.
NotthatKyrtianblamedhimintheleast.
"Youcancastalltheillusion-breakingspellsyoulike,butdragonscanlooklikeanythingtheycaretoandyouwon'tknowit.Thedragonsareshape-changers,yousee,"heheardtheElvenbanesay,quitecheerfully,butitwasasifheheardherinthefardistance.Hismindwasstilltooinvolvedwiththeimpossibilityofwhathehadjustwitnessed,andthesheerpresenceofthedragonitself."That'sourbiggestsecret,andthatgivesusundetectablespiesamongyouElvenlords.Thedragonscangoanywhereandbeanyt
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hingoranybody,andyoucannevertellthatthey'rethere,becausethey'renottakingonillusions,they'retakingontherealformofwhatevertheyimitate.They'vebeenspyingonyourpeopleoh,forever.FromthemomenttheElvenlordsarrivedhere,theEldestsay."
"Oh,"Kyrtiansaid,faintly."Isupposedragonsmusthavebeeninmycamp,then?"
Lashanaletoutapealoflaughter."MygoodLordKyrtian,dragonswereguardingyourtent.AndneitheryounoryourgoodSargeantGelhadanynotion!"
"Actually,"thedragonsaid,withanoteofapologyinhisdeepvoice,"Iwasoneofthem.Sorry.Hatetoeavesdropandallthat,butwereallydidn'thavemuchchoice.Wehadtoknowwhatyouwere,youunderstand.SuddenlyyouweredoingallsortsofefficientthingsagainsttheYoungLords,a
ndwecalculatedthatyou'dbecomingafterus,next."
Kyrtianwasn'tentirelycertainhowthedragonwasspeaking;thevoiceseemedtorumbleupoutofthedepthsofthatmassivetorso,andthemouthopenedandclosed,butthedragondidn'thaveanythinglikelips,andhecouldn'tfigureouthowitcouldshapewordswiththatmouth....
"Atanyrate,thisisourbiggestsecret,andnowyouknowit,"Lashanacontinued."Sowell,youcanseethatwetrustyou."
"Ah...yes."Carefully,verycarefully,Kyrtianfeltblindlyforthepieceofloghe'dbeensittingonandloweredhimselfdownontoit."I...canseethat."
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ThedragonloweredhisheaduntilhiseyeswerelevelwithKyrtian'sface."Youcandousasmuchharm,knowingthis,aswecouldeverdotoyou,youknow,"thecreaturesaid,quietly.
"Forgiveme,"Kyrtianmanaged,finallygatheringsomeofhiswitsabouthim,"Ifatthismomentwithamouthbigenoughtoswallowmewholenotanarm's-lengthawayfrommeIfindthatalittledifficulttobelieve."
Thedragonsuddenlyrearedup,andforamoment,Kyrtianwascertainthattheywereallgoingtobeswallowedup
Butthenanenormous,rumblinglaughstartedsomewheredeepinsidethedragon,bubbledupthroughthelong,longthroat,andemergedfromtheupturnedsnoutasatrumpetinghoot.
Itshouldhaveterrifiedhimandhismenfurtherstill.Itwasacompletelyaliensound,somethingthatcouldhavemeantthethingwasabouttoattackthem.Butsomehow,itwasn'tfrighteningatall,somehow,inthedepthsofKyrtian'smindwherethebasestofinstinctsgibberedinterrorandtriedtocrouchassmallaspossiblesoasnottobenoticedbythismonster,ittranslatedasexactlywhatitwasthe
laughterofafellowcreaturewhomeantnoharmatall.Andthatprimitivepartofhimstoppedgibbering,andrelaxed....
"Lookaside,LordKyrtian,"thedragonsaid,whenhe'dfinallydonelaughing."IthinkI'dbestcomebackdowntoyourlevel."
Hedidn'tneedurging,notafterhispreviousexperience.
WhenKemanlookedagainlikeanordinarywizard,poorRessohadbeenrevived,andtheywereallseatedaroundthefire,Kyrtiancontemplatedthewizard-dragonfromacrosstheflamesasLashanaandtheforestersdiscussedwhichofseveralpossiblecavestheyoughttopenetratefirst.Hecouldn'thelphimself;hecouldn'treconciletheapparentsizeofthewizardwiththeobvioussizeofthedragonhe
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'dbecome.Thepuzzleateathim;hecouldn'texplainit,couldn'trationalizeit,andwhenhecouldn'tfindanexplanationforsomething,hehadthebadhabit(andheknewitwasabadhabit)ofworryingatittotheexclusionofeverythingelse.
Finallythedragonhimselfleveledastareacrosstheflamesandsaid,"What,exactly,isbotheringyou,LordKyrtian?"inatoneofirritationmixedwithamusement.
"Wherediditcomefrom?"Kyrtianblurted,asconversationceasedamongtheothers."Imean,you'renolargerthanRessorightnow,andyou'renotexactlyhavingthatlogsplittingunderyoufromyourweightbutwhenyouwere"hewavedhishandswildly"thatwasn'tair,thatwasmasswell,lookattheimprintsyouleft!Sowherediditcomefrom?Andwherediditgo?"
Kemanshrugged."Elsewhere,Kyrtian,"hesaid."That'sallIcantellyou.Wecallit,'shiftingintotheOut.'WemovetherealbulkofourselvestoandfromtheOut,butwell,wedon'tknowwhattheOutis.It'shere,butit'ssomewhereelse"
"Butwhenyouknowwhattolookfor,adragoncastsasortofshadowwhenhe'sinanotherform,"Lashanaputin."It'snotthekindofshadowyougetfromlightfallingonyou,butit'sthere,andwhenyou'velearnedhowtoseeitandlookforit,youcanalwaystellwhethersomethingisadragonor
not."
Kyrtiancouldonlyshakehishead,morepuzzledbytheexplanationthanbynothavingone.Butatleastthatobsessivepartofhismindhadittoturninsideoutandexaminewhilehesetmostofhisattentiontoworkonmoreimportantthings."Nevermind,"hesaid,afteramoment."WhatinthenameoftheAncestorsarethoseinvisiblehorrorsthatlieinwaitforyouondeertrails?Andwhatcanwedoaboutthem?"
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LashanaandKemanexchangedalookandanod,andtheplanningmovedintomorepracticalspheres.
CaellachGwainwasbesidehimselfwithrage.
He'dfollowedLashanatothisbenightedforestoncehe'dscryedoutherlocationandonceshe'dabandonedit,trustingtodistanceandpreoccupationtokeepherfromnoticingthe"noise"ofhisarrival.Ofcourse,justasheapportedintothespot,thewretchedtreesdeliveredaloadofwaterfromtheirdisturbedbranches,creatingtheeffectofalocalizeddownpourforamomentortwo,whichwascertainlyenoughtodrenchhimfromheadtotoe.Sincehehadn'ttakentheprecautionofwearingawaterproofcape,neverthinkingthatLashanawoulddropherselfintothemiddleofarainstorm,hewashardlypreparedforsuchareception.
Histemperwasn'timprovedwhenhefollowedthecleartrailthatsheandwhoevershe'dbroughtwithherhadleft.Itledthroughunderbrushjustthickenoughtobeanuisance,catchinginhissoggyrobesandsnarlinghishair.Anditwasdark,plaguetakeitall!Ifhehadn'tkindledamage-light,hewouldn'tbeabletoseewherehewasgoing!
Fortunately,he'dbeenonthealertforthethoughtsofothers,becausehemanagedtodetectthesentriesbeforetheygotaglimpseofhislight,anddouseit.Andhewasabletoavoidthemthesameway,thoughhiscommandofthought-sensingwasn'ttheequalofsomeonewho'dwastedhistimehoningittoafinepitch.Stillheknewhumanthoughtswhenhesensedthem.SowhatwasLashanaupto?HadshefoundyetanothergroupofwildhumanstobringtothenewCitadel,usingupmorepreciousresourcesthatshouldhavegonetosupportWizardsandnotuselessmouths?
Hespottedafire,then,andbelatedlycautiontookover.Hewouldfarratherhavescryedoutwhatwasgoingon,butthatwouldhaverequiredlightsoinstead,hecreptonhandsandknees,witheverybonecreakinginprotest,untilhewascloseenoughtoseemostofthefiguresthere,ifnothearwhattheyweresaying.
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Sureenough,itlookedlikeanotherplagueylotofmerehumans!
Butthen,theonethathadhisbacktoCaellachturnedhishead,andCaellachfroze.
AnElvenlord!
Andthere,chattingawaywithhim,justasboldascouldbeLashanaandKeman.
Heverynearlyrushedoutfrombeneathhiscoveringbushandaccostedthemthenandthere.Asitwas,sheerrageheldhimfrozeninplace.
Howdareshe!Traitor!Unnatural,ungratefulwretchedgirl!
Hewantedtothrottleher,thereandthen.Hewantedtoblastherintoahundredthousandbits.AftereverythingshehaddonetotheWizards,whohadtakenherin,taughther,shelteredher
Hejustsatandshookforalongtime,whileshe,oblivious,chatteredonasifshewasoldfriendswiththemall.
Hedidn'tknowhowlongitwasthathesat,encompassedbyangersohotitburnedawayeveryvestigeofthought.Butfinally,itebbed,andwhenitdid
Unholygleefloodedin,replacingtheangerwithsavagejoy.
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Hehadhernow.Finally,finally,hehadher!Lethertrytodenythis!Whentheothersheardaboutit,they'dthrowherintoaprisonshecouldneverescapefrom!
Hehadtogetback,though,beforehecouldlayanycharges.Andtodothat,hehadtogetfarenoughawayfromherethatthenoiseofthetransportationspellwouldn'tbenoticed.
Andhemustn'tgetcaught.Notnow,notwhenvictorywassoclosehecouldtasteit.
Heopenedhismindasheneverhadbefore,payingobsessiveattentiontothewhereaboutsofallofthesentry-slaves.Whenhemoved,hedidsoonlywhenheknewthattheywerenowherenear,andthesoundsofhismovementwouldnotreachthem.Heliterallyfelthiswayalongthepaththathadbroughthimhere,moving
loosetwigsoutofthewaysothathewouldn'tsteponthemandbetrayhimself.Atleastnowthesoddennatureofthisforestworkedforhimratherthanagainsthim;thickmossapparentlycoveredeverysurface,andthefallenleavesheencounteredweretoowettocrackle.
Whenhewasfinallyfarenoughawaythathefeltsafeindoingso,hekindledamage-lightonceagain,gottohisfeet,andshovedhiswayalongthefirstclearpathhespotted.Hedidn'tparticularlycarewherehewasgoinganditreallydidn'tmatter.HecouldgetbacktotheCitadelfrompracticallya
nywhere;whatreallymatterednowwasthathegetawayfromhere.
Thefurtherhegot,thebrighterhemadehislight;atfirst,asthelightitselffrightenednocturnalanimalsoutofhispath,hewasafraidthatthedisturbancestheymadewouldbetrayhim,ordrawinsomethinglikeanalicornthatcouldbearealdangertohim.Butthefurtherawayhegot,thelesswildlifehesaw,untilatlasttheredidn'tseemtobeanythingatallalongthepathbuthimself.
Theymusthavehunteditalloutonthewayhere,hethoughtvaguely,mostofhisattentiononwhathewasgoingtosaywhenhegotbacktotheCitadel.Herecalledsomevagueadmonitionsbythestupiddragonsthatoneshouldn'thuntanareaout,butapparentlythatElvenlordpaidaslittleheedtosuchthingsashewouldhave.Andnowthatthetrailwaswideandbeautifullyclear,hewasgoingtogettoapointwherehecouldtransport
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himselfbackinamatterofmoments,nowjustassoonashegotpastthatclusterofbushes
Theviolentshakingofthebusheswastheonlywarninghegot.Thenhewasengulfedinsomethinghorrid,andslimy,andhismage-lightwentout.Therewasamomentofabsolutesurprise,followedbyaneternityofhellishpain,andintheend,only...nothingness.
Andthentherewasnosoundatallonthetrail,exceptthenoisesofsomethingfeedinginthedark.
30
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KemanandShanaelectedtoremainwithKyrtianandhismen,butonlyaftermodifyingtheirappearancetothatofordinaryhumans.Thatwasaprecautionarymeasure,easytomaintain,butvitaljustincasesomeonecamelookingforKyrtianordecidedtoscryforhim.
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Besides,asKemanpointedout,they'dbeeninthesewoodsbefore.They'dhelpedrescueapenfullofslavesfromLordCheynarbytakingthemintothisforest,andeveniftheydidn'texactlyknoweverytrailandrock,atleasttheyknewenoughaboutthedangerstokeepKyrtian'speoplefromwalkingintotrouble.Orrather,moretrouble.Kyrtianhadalreadyhadonenarrowescapefromtheambushbeasts.
Andtheywerebothrathergoodatfindingthings,Kemaninparticular.WhenKyrtianexplainedindetailwhathethoughthewaslookingfortheplacewherehisfatherhadgonehuntingancientartifacts,probablywithinacave-complexandthedetailshe'dgleanedfromtheancientjournals,theybothvolunteeredtheirservices.ShanawentwithKyrtianandhispeople,toactasalookoutforalicorns,ambushbeasts,andotherun-pleasantries,whileKemanwentoffonhisown.
Itdidn'ttakeKemanverylongatalltocomeharingbacktothemainpartywith
afindinhishandsandagrinonhisface.
"Wheredidyoufindthat?"Kyrtianexclaimed,seizingtheoddly-shapedchunkofmetalthatKemanhadfoundasifitweremadeofbegemmedgold.Ithadprobablybeenflat,once,withrollededgesontwosides.Nowitwastwistedandcrumpled,likeapieceofpaperthathadbeenwaddedup,thensmoothedoutagain.
"Upthatway"Kemanpointed."Youknowdragonscantellwherecavesare"
HecouldtellimmediatelybyKyrtian'sexpressionthat,no,hedidn'tknowthat,buthecontinuedwiththeexplanationanyway.
"I'vejustbeencruisingattreetoplevel,probingforcaverns.Ifoundaplacewheretherehadbeenabig
entrancethatledintoahugecomplex,butthere'dbeenarock-fallthatblockedtheentrance,andwhenIlandedtolookitover,Ifoundthatthiswascaughtintherocks."Hetiltedhisheadtothesidewithcuriosity."Whatisit,anyway?"
"Ihaven'tthevaguestclue,"Kyrtianreplied,turningitoverinhishandswitheveryevidenceoffascination.
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"Butfeelit!Feelhowlightitis?Isitanymetalthatyourecognize?"
"Well,no,"Kemanadmitted.Thelightness,andthelackofcorrosion,hadbeenwhatattractedhiminthefirstplace.Thedullgreybitofdebris,twistedanddistorted,hadblendedverywellintothefallenrocks,andonlyadragonwouldhavebeenabletospotitatonce,bythedifferent"feel"associatedwithit.
"Andlookatthis"Kyrtianpointedtoatinylineofengravedfigures,inciseddeeplyenoughthatnoteventhemistcollectingonthesurfaceobscuredthem."Yousee?That'sancientscriptElvenscript!"
Kemanpeeredatit."Whatdoesitsay?"heasked,dubiously.Hecouldn'tbegintoguesswhatanElvenlordwouldchoosetoengraveonapieceofsomethingthatlookedlikenothingmorethanabitofshelf,but
probablywasn't.Itcouldbeanything.Abitofapoem?"Touchthiswhodares?"
Kyrtianchuckled."Itsays,'Keepthisedgeup.'Notwhatyouexpected,isit?"Buthiseyeswereafirewithexcitement."Ke-man,thisismustbeapieceofoneoftheartifactsfromtheCrossing!We'vefoundtheGreatPortal!"
"Wehave?"Kemanrepliedwithsurprise.Heshookwateroffhishoodwithagestureofimpatience."Ididn'tknowwewerelookingforit.Ithoughtwewerelookingforyourfather."
"MyfatherwaslookingfortheGreatPortal,andI'msurehefounditbutsomethingmusthavehappenedandhecouldn'tgetbacktous."TheElvenlord'sexpressionsuddenlydarkened.Kyrtiandidn'tsaywhathethoughtthe"something"was,andKemandecidedthathewasn'tgoingtoask."Howrecentwasthatrock-fall?"
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"Therehavebeenseveral,Ithink."NowKemanwasonfirmerground;iftherewasonethingthatadragonknew,itwasrocksandcaves."Imanagedtogetthisbitoutfromunderthebottomlayer,butitlookstomeasiftherewasonelargefallquitesometimeago,andseveralsincethen.There'sstillanopeningbigenoughforapersontosqueezeinside,buttheopeningusedtobewellbigenoughformymother,muchlessme!Ididn'tfindanythinglikewell,bones,"headdedhastily,realizingonlythenthathemightwellbedescribingtheplacewhereKyrtian'sfatherhaddied.Hisadditiondidn'treassureKyrtianintheleast;Kyrtian'sexpressiondarkenedfurther.
KyrtianhandedtheartifacttoShana,whoexamineditcuriously,butpaidmoreattentiontotheElvenlordthantothepieceofmetal.Itsuddenlyseemedveryquiet,intheirlittlecampunderthetrees.Quietenoughtohearwaterdrippingeverywhere,tohearthefaroffcallsofbell-birds.Hisfacesha
dowednow,allexcitementgone,theElvenlordstaredoffintothetreesforamoment."Howfaristhis?Canwegettheresoon?"
"Twodays,Ithink,overthetrails,"Kemantoldhim,afteramomenttotryandgaugedistances."Icouldflyyouthere,oneatatime"
ButbothShanaandKyrtianshooktheirheads."Idon'twanttodividetheparty,
"Kyrtiansaidfirst."AndLashana,Iknowthatyoucanusemagictobringusthere,but"
"ButI'llfallonmynoseafterwards,"Shanasaidbluntly."Andifyouneedme,Iwon'tbeabletodoanything.No,overlanditis."Shesighed,thensmiled,andtriedtomakelightofthesituation."Ahwell.Ihaven'tgottennearlyenoughhardexerciselately,andyoudohavehorsestohelp.KemanandIwillbetheonlyoneswhohavetowalk"
Kemanburstintolaughter,asshehitherheadwiththeheelofherpalm.
"Idon'tthinkyou'llbewalking,Shana,"Kemantoldher."Ifyou'lljustgivemeachanceto'change'intosomethingmoresuitable"
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Kyrtiangotthehintimmediately.ItwasonlyamomentofworkasKyrtianhastilyavertedhiseyesandan"extra"horsestaredatShanamockingly.
"Whatcolorwouldyoulike,foster-sister?"heaskedshapingthemouthandlarynxabitoffthehorse-form,sohecouldtalkproperly."Roan?Bay?Black?"Witheachsuggestion,hechangedhiscolortomatch."Howaboutanicebuckskin?Orspots?Stripes?Checks?"Thechangesflashedacrosshishideinbewilderingsuccession.
"Ew!"Shanawrinkledhernoseatthelast."Brown.Please.Brownwilldoverynicely."
"Notevenalicorn-whitewithprettyblueeyes?"heteased,fadingoutthechecksintoauniformbrown.And,for
goodmeasure,makingthehairmuchbetteratsheddingwater.Bythispointhehadconcludedthatheshouldhavetakentotheguiseofahorsealotsoonernoneedforrain-capesand,infact,therainfeltrathergood!Itcertainlykeptthebitingfliesaway.
TheirexchangehadlightenedKyrtian'smoodalittle,butitwasveryclearashegavehismentheirneworderstomoveoutthathewastense.Kemandidn'thavetoaskwhy;ithadbeenclearwhenhe'dtoldthemofhismissingfatherthathedidn'texpecttofindhisparentalive.Aftertheinitial
burstofexcitementfaded,howcouldyoupossiblylookforwardtofindingabodyorwhatwasleftofone?
Hehurriedthemallintopackingupthecamp;itwasinterestingtoKemanthatevenunderthepressofurgency,Kyrtian'speopleworkedefficientlyandwithoutfumbling.InfarlesstimethanKemanwouldhavethought
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possiblegivenhisexperienceevenwiththeIronPeople,everythingwaspackedproperly,stowedonthehorses,andtheywerereadytoleave.
TheotherslookedtoKyrtianfororders;hegesturedtoKeman,whoobviouslywastheonlyonewhoknewwheretheyweregoing,andKemanandShanatookthelead.Kyrtianrodebehindthem,andeveryoneinhispartygavehimarespectfuldistance.Withastonyexpression,andhismouthsetinagrimline,itwasprettyclearthathedidn'twanttotalktoanyone,anditseemedbesttoleavehimalone.
Itwasavery,veryquietride.Noneofthemenwantedtobreakthesilence,andevenShanadidn'ttalk.Therainstartedupagainshortlyaftertheytooktothetrail,obscuringthedistancebehindaveilofgrey,butKemanwasn'tworried.Dragonscouldn'tgetlost;heknewwherehewas,exactlyinrelationshiptowheretheirgoal
was.Theonlythingstandingbetweenthemandthatrock-coveredcaveentrancewasthetriflingmatterofseveralleagues.
Itwouldhavebeenfunny,ifithadn'tbeensoimportantthatTrianakeepthepresenceofherpartysecret,notonlyfromAel-markin,butfromKyrtianaswell.Asitwas,wheneveryoneelsesuddenlypackedupfornoapparentreasonandbegantomove,Triana'sgrouphadtoscrambletocleanouttheircampandmovedeeperintotheforest.
Itwasanearthing.Kyrtian'spartydidn'trideinontopofwhereTriana'scamphadbeen,buttheycamecloserthanTrianaliked,andAelmarkin'sbunchdidjustblunderonthrough.IfhisforestershadbeenhalfasgoodasTriana'sslaves,they'dhavespottedthesignsofrecentoccupationforcertain.
Butafterthat,itwasasimpleenoughmattertotrailbehindAelmarkin.Hewas
leavingatrailasbroadasahighwayandmakingnoefforttohideitbutinterestinglyenough,Kyrtianwasn'tgoingtoanyefforttoconcealhistraileither.
Hemusthavefoundsomething.Thatwastheonlypossibleexplanation.Trianawishedsheknewwhatitwas.
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Onlywhentheypushedonpastdarkwasshecertainthatitcouldn'tbeWizardsbecauseKyrtiankindledmage-lightsandsentthemupabovetheirheadstoilluminatethetrail.Herownscoutsreporteditandwhenhergroupwasonthetopofahill,shecouldoftencatchaglimpseofthelightsflittingamongthebranchesofavalleybelow,likeimpossiblyhugefirefliesinthedistance.
Hewouldn'thavebetrayedhispresencethiswayifhethoughthe'dfoundsignsoftheWizardshewassupposedtobelookingfor.Atleast,shedidn'tthinkhewould.
Thetroublewas,hecoulduselights,butneithershenorAel-markindared.
Thathadhergrittingherteethinfrustration,untilitoccurredtoherthattherewasonething,atleast,thatshe
coulddo.Shecouldmakemage-lightsofadifferentsort.Notpowerfulenoughtolighttheirpath,buttinythingsthatwouldmarkwhereKyrtian'shorses,andAelmarkin's,hadgonebyfollowingthescentintheair.Iftheotherssawthem,they'deitherassumetheywereordinaryfirefliesorweresomebizarrecreaturenativetotheseforests.
Ittookherthebetterpartofanhourtogetthemagicright,butintheenditwasworthit;thetrickwastosetthespelltoseek"horse,"butwiththespecificexclusionsofthehorsessheandhe
rgrouprodeotherwise,allthelittlemotesdidwasclusteraroundher.Soeveniftheywerestumblingdownthepathinthedarknessnow,theyhadsomethingtofollow.Whatamiserableexperience,thoughwet,cold,theendlessmizzleintheface,anditseemedasiftherewereentiretreesjustwaitinguntiltheypassedbeneathtodropaloadofwaterontheirheads.Theydidn'thavetoworryaboutmovingquietly,thoughthereweresomanyfrogscallinginadozendifferent
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tonesthroughoutthewoodsthattheycouldhaveblunderedaboutthrashingthroughthebushesandneverbeenheard.
PresumablyAelmarkincameupwithsomethingthatworkedequallywell,sincetheydidn'trunrightintothebackofhisgroup.TrianawasdreadfullyafraidforsometimethatKyrtianwasgoingtorideallnight,forheshowednosignsofwantingtohalt.Therainpouredonpastdusk,andonlyslackenedtotheusualmistlongafterdark,butstillKyrtianroadon.
BythistimeshewasconvincedthatKyrtianhadgonequitemad,butherbestforesterassuredherthatno,notevensomeoneasdrivenasKyrtianwasgoingtobefoolishenoughtopresshimselfandhismenthathard.Andtheslavewasprovedright;afterwhatseemedlikehalfthenight,herforemostscoutcamebackwiththeintelligencethatbothKyrtianandAel-markinweresettlinginforthenight,an
dwiththeprofoundestrelief,Trianadirectedherownmentodothesame.
Butthemomentthatthefirstthinlightshowedamongthetrees,thescoutswhowatchedthecampscamebackandrousedthem,andtheywereoutofbedrollsthathadjustgottencomfortableandoffagainintothefogofpre-dawn.Kyrtianwaspushinghard,andTriananeededtomakeadecision.Shecalledherbestmantoridealongsideher.
"Canweoutflankmycousingetaheadofhimwithouthimrealizingthatwe'reouthere?"sheasked.Notforthefirsttime,shewasgladshehadboughtthesemenfromLordKyndreth.Whoeverhadtrainedthemhaddonesuchagoodjobthatshedidn'thavetogivethemexactinstructionsshehadonlytoaskforwhatshewanteddone,andtheyworkedoutawaytoaccomplishitiftheyhadtheskills.Unfortunatelytherewasonethingthattheydidnothavetheskillsfor.Theyweren'tverygoodcooks.Theydidn'tseemtomindeatingsquirrelandharethatwashalfrawandhalfburned,butshehadbeguneatingtheleatheryjourney
-breadinpreferencetothegametheyprovided.
Theslaveponderedherquestion,thennodded."Ibelieveso,mylady,but"helookeduneasy,andwipedafilmofmoisturefromhisforeheadthatwasn'tfromthemist."itisn'ttheforestthat'stheproblem.It'swhat'sintheforest.Weknowofal-icornherdsattheveryleast,andtheoutridersha
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veseensignsofotherthings.Worsethings,myLady,thanalicornstallions."
"Worsethings?"Shewrinkledherbrow."Whatsortsofsigns?"
"Oneofthemcameacrosssignsthatsomethinghadkilledandeatenseveralalicornsinthepastweekorso."Hegrimaced."Iwouldnotcaretoencounteranythingthatcoulddothat."
"AndIsupposehedidn'tseeit?Hadnoclueastowhatitwas?"Ifsheknewwhattheyneededtoguardagainst,shecouldperformsomespecificmagicsmagicthatwouldeitherrepulsethecreaturesoratleastgivewarningoftheirpresence.Butwithoutknowingwhatitwasshewastryingtowardoffshecouldwasteherenergyandskillshooingawayspiders,onlytohaveagiantslugdescendonthem.
"Nothingwe'veeverseenorheardof,myladythescoutdidn'tgetnear;hesaidtheplacelookedlikeanambushinthemaking.Fromwhathetoldme,thealicornsweretorninpieces,andIwouldn'tevenexpectoneofthosedragonswe'veheardabouttodothat."Shegavehimasuspiciousglance,buthedidn'tlookasifhewasexaggerating.
Well,thatdidfitinwithwhatshe'dbeenwarnedaboutthisplace.Kyndrethhimselfhadbeennone-too-eagerto
golookingforpurportedWizardsinthesehills,andhadjumpedtoacceptKyrtian'soffertotrackthemdown.She'dprobablylosesomemeninthis.Nowshewasgladshe'dboughtthemoutrightfromKyndrethinsteadofborrowingthem.Whenanaccidenthappenedtoaborrowedslave,itwasamazinghowthevalueofthatslavesuddenlyincreased....
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"Doit,"sheorderedhim."Sendtheoutridersahead,findusaclearpathsowecangetaroundAelmarkinandrunalongsideKyrtian.You'resupposedtobeLordKyndreth'sbest,aren'tyou?"
Hebowed."Yes,mylady,"hesaid.Nohesitation,noexcuses,noobjections.Justobedience.Exactlywhatshehadpaidfor.
Well,notallthatshehadpaidfor.She'dalsoinvestedinexcellence;sofar,theseslaveshadbeenmostsatisfactory,butnowtheyhadbetterwellprovethattheycouldgobeyond"satisfactory."
Orwhenshegotback,she'dbehavingsomewordswithLordKyndreth.
Butrightnow,shehadbetterkeepherownmindonthejobathand.Iftheseslavescouldn'trisetothechallenge,shemighthavetoabandonthemtotheirfateandnarrowhergoaltogettingherownselfoutintact.
They'djustpausedlongenoughtopassaroundrationsforlunch,eatinginthesaddle,beforetheafternoondownpourarrivedonschedule.Bynightfall,theyshouldbeatKeman'scave-complex.Asraindrummedonthe
hoodofhercapeandafewcolddropsslippedaroundthecollarandgotdownherneck,Shanawasgratefulthather"mount"wasKeman,andnotarealhorse.Shecouldn'thavefallenoffifshe'dwantedto,notevenonthesteeptrailshewastaking,andatthemoment,sheneededtobeabletoconcentrateonholdingthementallineofcommunicationwithLorrynastightlyaspossible.Therewasalotofdistancebetweenthemandsomethingunexpectedhadhappened,somethingthatmadeallthediscomfortshefeltcompletelyirrelevant.
CaellachGwainhadvanishedfromtheCitadel.
:...sowhenhedidn'tturnupforbreakfast,either,Halathoughtitwasmorethanodd,:Lorryntoldher.:He'spulledsulksbefore,usuallywhenhe'smanagedtosquirrelawayfoodinhisroom,butmissingthreemealsinarowwasexceptional.Thedoorwasboltedfromtheinside;itwasn'thardtogetitopen,notwithahalfdozen
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Wizardsworkingonitbuthewasn'ttherewhenweopenedit.:
CaellachGwaingone!Itwassotemptingtoallowherselftowallowinsheerrelief,butCaellachGwainvanishedoutofhisownroomwasapuzzlethatonlypromisedmoretrouble.
Shewipedrainfromherfaceandclosedhereyes,concentrating.:Youdon'tsupposehe'slearnedthetransportationmagic,doyou?:sheasked,apprehensively.
-.That'sexactlywhatI'mafraidhashappened,:wasthegrimreply.
Well,thatmadeperfectsense.Youdidn'thavetoattendlessonstogettheadvantageofthem.ThemiserableoldtoadcouldsimplyhavesatinhisroomwithascryingglassandlearnedeverythinganyoftheotherOldWhiners
waslearning.
:You'vegotagoodreason,I'llbet.:
ShefeltLorryn'snod.:HisroomwasfullofthingsfromtheoldCitadelagoodmanyofthemnothisproperty,somanyoftheOldOnestellme.Bytheway,that'sputhimbeyondthepale,ifthat'sanycomforttoyou.EventheOldWhinerswhowerehismostvocalsupporterswerewildwithragewhenthey
foundtheirpropertyinhisroom.There'snowayhecouldhaveknownwheresomeofthosethingswerewithoutgoingbackinperson,becausetherewerealotofsmall,valuabletrinketsthatwerehiddenawayindrawersandchestshe'dneverseentheinsideof:
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Herheartsank.:Sohecouldbeanywhere.:Ifheknewthetransportationspell,allhehadtodowasbefamiliarwithaplacetogothere.Shesupposeditwasevenpossibletobecomethatfamiliarusingsimplescrying.
:TheoldCitadel,somenewhideawayofhisown,evenoutspyingonyou,:Lorrynreplied,andtherewasapprehensioninhisthoughts.:Youknowwhatwouldhappenifpeoplefoundoutwhereyouarerightnow,whatyouweredoing,andwhoyouweredoingitwith.:
NevermindthatLadyMothwasclearlytheWizards'friend,thatLorryn'sownmotherandsisterwerefullbloods.Thiswasdifferent.ThiswasconsortingwiththeGreatLords'chosengeneral.Shecouldtrytoexplainuntilherfacewasblue,butifCaellachGwainbrokethenewsataninopportunetime,well
:That'smyworstfear,becausetherearesomeoftheyoungsterswhothinkthattherewasasecondburstoftransportationnoiserightafteryouandKemanleft.:ShesensedLorryn'sworry,andshemorethanagreedwithit.
:FireandRain!:shesworeangrily.:Thatwouldbejustlikehim,wouldn'tit!:Eventhroughheranger,shetriedtothinkifshe'ddetectedanythingsinceshe'darrived.:Hemightbehere.Hemightnot.Ifhecameinfarenough
fromus,Iwouldn'thaveheardthearrival.:
:Look,I'mgoingtodotwothings,andthefirstisthatI'mgoingtoturnhisroomintoanironcage,:Lorryntoldher.:Andwhenhetriestotransportbackinhe'llgetashock.Zedtrieditwitharock,andwhathappensisthatyoubouncebacktowhereyoucamefrom.:
:Withademonofaheadache,Icanonlyhope,:shesaidsourly.:He'lltrytogo
toanotherpartoftheCitadel,ofcourse:
-.Maybe,maybenot.BecausethenextthingI'mgoingtodoisstartplantingironwedgesallovertheCitadelexceptindesignated'magicrooms,'andthosewillbebrandnewonesthatFatherDragonisgoingtocarveoutforus.:Hesoundedwell,ratherpleasedwithhimselfforcomingupwithaplanso
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quickly,andshedidn'tblamehim.
:Zedcanpoursimplewedgesforuseasilyenough,can'the?:sheasked.
:Withnoproblematall;he'salreadypouringthem,thechildrenareplantingthem,andFatherDragonhasthefirstmagicroomcarvedout.I'vebeenwantingtodothisforawhile,anyway.It'sonemoredefenseagainsttheElvenlords,evenifitisanuisanceforustoconfinedoingmagictothosespecialrooms.:Hesighed.:Still,it'llbeworthit,andwecanhavethewholeCitadelprotectedbytomorrow.CaellachGwainwillhavenowayofknowingwherethesaferoomstotransporttoareorwhattheylooklike.Sotogetbackhere,he'IIhavetoapporttosomewhereheknows.:
Herangerfadedassheconsideredthat..7don'tthinkhe'ssetfootoutsidethe
cavesmorethanadozentimessincewearrived.Therecan'tbethatmanyplaceswherehecanapportback.:
-.AndIcanhaveallofthemwatchedbypeoplewetrust.ThatleavesonlytheoldCitadelforhim.:Lorrynsoundedabsolutelysmugwhenhesaidthat,andshedidn'tblamehim.
:HecangolivethereandrotforallIcare,:shesaidmaliciously.MaybetheGreatLordswilldecidethatour
fictitiousWizardslivethere.Thatwouldservehimright,iftheyfindhimsittingtherelikeanoldtoadinahole.:
.-Well,justkeepalertforanysignofhim,love,:Lorryncautioned.:He'satwistyoldbeast.I'mnotsureIcanthinkofeverywayhecouldthinkoftocauseusharm.:
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.7will,:shepromised,andgavehimawordless,lovingfarewellthatshehopedremaineduntaintedwithherangeratCaellachGwain.
"Well,that'snotgood,"Kemanmutteredupather,shakingtherainfromhismane.Hehad,ofcourse,beenlisteningin.
"No,it'snot.ShouldwetellKyrtian?"Shewasoftwomindsonthesubject.Itwasn'tasifKyrtiandidn'talreadyhaveenoughonhishandsanditwasn'tasifhismenweren'tperfectlycapableofcatchingoneoldmanwhowasanythingbutwoods-wiseifhewasspyingonthem.
Unless,ofcourse,hewasusingthetransportationspelltogethimawayeachtimeitlookedasifhewasgoingtogetcaught.
Butshehadn'theardthedistinctive"noise"associatedwiththatspell!
"Iwouldn't,"Kemanrepliedafteramoment."It'snothisbusiness.It'swizardbusiness.LetLorryntakecareofthingsattheCitadel;youandIwilljusthavetobeveryvigilantfromnowon."
"Ihopeanambushbeastgetshim,"shegrumbled.
Kemanshookhishead."Iwouldn'twishthatfateevenonCaellachGwain.Andyoushouldn't,either."
"Wellmaybenotanambushbeast.ButIwouldn'tmindseeinghimtreedbyanalicorn,"sherelented.
"NorwouldI,fostersister,"Kemanreplied."Maybewe'llhavetheprivilege.Andmaybehe'lljustgetintotroublehecan'tgetoutof,allonhisown,withoutourill-wishinghim.Thatwouldbebestofall."
"Isupposeitwould,"shesighed,andleftitatthat.
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31
---
DuskandShanalookedupthroughthegloomandthedrizzleatthemountainofrubblemarkingthesitethatKemansworehidamajorcave-complex.
Well,ifitdid,theoriginalcave-mouthmusthavebeenbiggerthananythingShanahadeverimagined,muchlessseen.Itlookedfromthisperspectiveasifhalfthesideofthemountainhadcomedownovertheyears,anditwasn'tasmallmountain.Steep,though;verysteep,coveredwithtreesandbrushthatclungtotheslopewith
vegetativestubbornness,andprobablykepttherestofthemountainfromlosingitsouterskin.
Themostrecentfallhadbeenquiterecentindeed,andhadaddedbulktothepileontheleft-handside.Thereweretrees,largetrees,crushedunderallthatrock,withtheremainsofdeadleavesstillclingingtothebranches.
Mage-lightshoveredoverthepileasKyrtian'smenlookedonapprehensively.Kem
anbacktohuman-formandKyrt-ianclimbedtherock-piletothesingleopeningthatKemanhaddiscoverednearthetopofthemound.
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"Ishegoingtobesafe?"oneofthemenaskeddubiously,asKemanofferedKyrtianahand-upoveratrickybit.Shanawasdead-certainthathewasn'tworriedaboutKeman.
"Keman'sadragon,"sheremindedhim."Theydon'tknowrock,theyliverock.Kemanfeelswhereeachpebbleisrubbingandmightbeloose.He'llknowifsomethingisgoingtoslipbeforetherockknows."
"You'dbetterberight,"Lyndermuttereddarkly."IclimbIexplorecavesallthetimeandIwouldn'tgouptherewithoutspendingweekscheckingmypath."
"You'renotadragon,"sheretorted,andturnedherownattentiontothebaseofthepile.There,inaplacewhererockhadbeenmeltedandreformedtostabilizethearea(theindisputablemarkofdragonstone-shaping),was
whereKemanhadfoundthestrangepieceofmetal.Shanaexaminedthespotonherhandsandkneeswithherownlittlemage-light,andinafewmoments,therewasnodoubtinhermindthatwhathehadfoundwasnotarandombitofsomethingthatmighthavebeendroppedbyacuriousElvenlordlongago.Therewasmoreofthestuffunderthatoriginalrock-fall.Asshebroughtherpinpointlightinclosetotheground,shesawathinedgeofsomethingsquashedalongtheboundaryofrock-pileanddirtthatdidn'tlookanythinglikethefracturededgeofarock.Whatitdidlooklikewasanothersheetofmetal.
Justwhatwasunderthatpileofrock?
Justwhatisinsidethiscave?That'swhatIshouldbeasking....
Shelookedbackupagain.Atthatmoment,Kemanturnedandwavedbackdownather.Theymusthavefoundtheentrance.Amage-lightlefttheformationandswungpurposefullytowardsthetwofiguresuponthepile,
thenvanished,seeminglyintotherocks.Therewassomeactivityupthere,asthetwobentoversomething.Amomentlater,thefirstfigurefollowedthelightintothetumbledrocks.KemanremainedbentoverwhileKyrtian'smenfidgetedrestlessly,theneventuallystartedbackdownthepile.ClearlyKyrtianhadgonedowninsidethecavebyrope,andKemanhadremainedjustlongenoughtoseethathewassafelydown.
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"Nowwhat'sKyrtianthinking?"themanbesideShanamurmured,fretfully."Weoughttobemakingcamp,notclimbingaroundincaves."
"Kyrtian'sprobablyseeingifwecancampinthecave,"oneofhisfellowspointedout."Itwouldbealotdrier,andwewouldn'thavetoworryaboutThings."
"Unless,ofcourse,thoseThingshavebeencomingoutofthecave,"Shanawarned,darkly.ThemoreKyrtianhadexplainedwhathehopedtofind,thelessshe'dlikedtheideaofcrawlingaroundinthere.Sofar,everysignhadpointedtotheconclusionthatKyrtianwasright,andthiswasthesiteofhisrace'sentryintothisworld.WhatifthatGreatPortalhadn'tquitebeenclosedorhadbeenreopened?FromwhatLorrynhadtoldher,Evelonwashellishatbest;therewasnotellingwhatkindofhorrorslivedbackthere.TheambushbeastsandtheotherweirdthingsinthisforestcouldbecomingoutofEvelonorbeensentb
ytheElvenlords'enemies,theonestheyhadfledheretoescape.
FireandRain!Iftheywerethelosersintheirfight,Idon'twanttomeetwhattheElvenlordsweknowthoughtwassobadtheywouldriskrunningintoanunknownworldratherthanfaceitorsurrendertoit.
Kyrtian'smendidn'tlookveryhappywithherobservation,soshedidn'tsharea
nymoreofherthoughts.Forewarnedwasforearmed,butnopointinmakingthemtoonervous.
Kemancamedowntheslideagreatdealfasterthanhehadgoneup;moresure-footedthananygoat,sinceheneedn'ttroublehimselfaboutthestabilityofthesurfacehetrodon.Helookedasgleefulasonlyadragoncould,withtheprospectofanewsetofcavestoexplore."Theoutermostcavernhasalotofthingsinit,buttheyall
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looklikepersonalbelongingsthatpeopledroppedwhiletheywererunningaway.Kyrtianwantstocampinthere,"hetoldthem,asheleaptdownfromthelastboulder."Rightnow,weneedsomeropestogetdowninside."
"Andjusthowarewegoingtogetthehorsesupthatmess?"oneofthemendemanded."Theywon'tgo,andIdon'tblamethem."
"Oh."Kemanclearlyhadn'tthoughtofthat,andobviously,neitherhadKyrtian."Icouldstabilizeit,butthatwouldtaketime"
"Andthenwhatareyougoingtodo?Lowerthemonarope?HobieandLyndercangowithmylord,andtherestofuswillstayouthere,"themanrepliedfirmly."They'retheonesthatg
omuckingaboutinholes,notus.Youjustputsomeofthosemagicsonourcamptokeepthehorrorsaway,andwe'llbefinewaitingintheopen."
KemanlookedatShana,whojustshrugged.Theseweren'thermentocommand."GoseewhatLordKyrtianhastosayaboutthat,"washeronlyadvice.
SobackupthepilewentKeman,andbackdownagain,justasquickly."Hesaysi
t'sallright,butcampawayfromtherock-fallarea,"hecalledasheleaptfromrocktorock."SoweneedtoscoutasecureareaHobieandLynder,though,hewantsyoutobringuptheclimbinggearheaskedfor."
"Whataboutthecampingstuff?"Lynderaskedimmediately."Howarewegoingtogetthatdown?"
Kemanjustlaughed.
"LeavethattoShanaandme,"hesaid;sothetwomenKyrtiancalledforgatheredupapackapiece,andseveralcoilsofrope,andbegantheclimbwhileShanaandKemanandtherestwenttolookforagoodplacefortheotherstosetup.
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Theyfounditsoonenough,anindentationinthesideofthehill,toosmalltobecalledavalley,toolargeforaravine.MoreofapocketinthehillsidethatShanacouldfenceoffwithmagicforthemtokeepthehorsesconfinedandscreenthecampfromview.
Thatwaseasyenoughforhertodo;anillusionofsolidhillsideandvegetation,layeredontoabarrierthatwouldonlyletpeoplepass.Shekeptthemage-lightsgoingwhiletheysetupcamp,thenoncetheyhadafireandtheirownlanternsgoing,dismissedallbutoneofherlights.ThensheandKemancollectedallofthegeartheyweregoingtoneedinsidethecave.Hehadtakentheformofsomethingrathergrel-like,withabroad,flatbacktocarryagreatmanypacks,andfourstrong,limberlegsendinginclaws.
Itwasaverygoodthingthathehadtakenallthegear,becauseShanahadahardenoughtimegettingherselfupthatslope.Itwasasmuchofascrambleasaclimb,testingeachfootholdonly
tofindherfeetskiddingasloosescreedislodged,grabbingdesperatelyforahandholduntilshecouldgetherfeetfirmlyplantedagain.Fortunately,oncetheyreachedthetop,HobieandLynderwerewaitingwithropessetuptobringdowneverythingabitatatime.KemanhimselfcarriedShana,pick-a-back,withherarmswrappedaroundhisneck,legswedgedunderthemuscleswherewingsmetshoulder.Hewasinhisownshape,ofcourse,climbingdownwiththeagilityofaflyonawall,disdainingtheuseofrope.Shekepthereyesshut;ifanything,itwasalotfarthertothefloorofthecavethanithadbeentothegroundoutside,andtherock-fallhadpiledupintoamuch
nastierbarrieronthisside.
Oncetheyweredownonfirmsoil,though,sheopenedhereyestotakeherfirstlookaround.
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Mage-lightsupnearthevaultedtopofthecaveimpartedasoftglowthatwasasgoodasdaylight.Therewasrubbisheverywhere,abouthalfofitbeingwood,leaves,branches,andotherdetritusthathadblowninorwashedinbeforethecavewassototallysealedup.Buttheotherhalfofthelitterwasn't.Itlooked,justasKeman'sbriefdescriptionhadsuggested,asifagreatmanypeoplehadcomethroughhereladendownwithpersonalbelongings,andforonereasonoranother,hadsimplydroppedthemorleftthemhere.
Quiteclearly,themesshadbeenpokedat,dugthrough,andnestedinbyallmannerofanimalsoverthecourseofseveralcenturies.Anythingoffabricorleatherhadlongsincegottensoclosetothepointofdisintegrationthatallyouhadtodowaspokeitanditfellapart,leavingonlybitsofmetalandless-identifiablesubstancesthathadbeenusedasornamentationorfastenings.Someofitwasarmor;recognizablebreastplatesandgreaves,helmsandvambracespokeduphereandthereamongthewreckage.Therewereboxesthatfelltobitsata
touch,revealingatantalizingglimpseofwhattheircontentsmighthavebeenbeforethose,too,fellintopilesofdustandfragmentedflakes.Therewereswordsandknivesandaxes,butalsolessrecognizableobjectsandsomethatShanacouldn'tmakeoutatall.
Itwasn'tsomuchthemetalobjectsthemselvesthatwerefascinating,itwasthemetalsthattheyweremadeof.LivingamongtheElvenlordsasshehad,Shanawasfamiliarwiththewaysinwhichtheymadebronze,brass,copper,silver,andgoldserveanynumberofpurposesbuttheobjectsshefoundwe
ren'tmadeofanyofthosemetals.MostwereconstructedofthedullgreystuffthatKemanhadfound,verylightandstrong,butclearlynothingfamiliar.Otherobjectsweremadeofsomethingequallylightandthin,andlookedlikeceramicorglass,butwhateverithadbeenitwasbrittleandshatteredwhenflexed.Itcouldn'talwayshavebeenthatbrittle;presumablyagehadrendereditfriable.
Thissadlitterlayamongtheleavesandsticksthathadblownorbeencarriedinovertheyears,themoundsof
dirt,ofdustandcobwebs,thebonesoflittleanimalswhohadlivedanddiedhereorhadbeenbroughtinandeaten.
ButtherewereotherboneshereaswellthatwerenotofanimalsandwhenShanaaccidentallykickedahelmetanditrolledanddisgorgedaskull,shedecidedthatshe'dhadenoughofexploringandhurriedbacktothespot
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thatHobieandLynderhadclearedofdebrisandweremakingintoacamp.Kyrtianhadalreadygatheredasmallpileofthingsthere,andwasgoingthroughthemwhiletheothertwoputtogetherafireandthemakingsofahotmeal.Therewascertainlynoshortageoffuelforthefire,anyway.
"It'sapitynothingofthebookssurvived,"Kyrtiansaid,lookingup,assheapproachedthefriendlywarmthofthefire."They'veallgoneutterlytobitsthatnotevenMothcouldreconstruct."
"Idon'tthinkit'sapityatall,"sheretorted."Kyrtian,itlooksasifthesepeoplewererunningfortheirlives,andsomethingmadesurethatnotallofthemgotoutofhere.ThatEvelonofyourancestorsmusthavebeenworsethanevenyouthought,andI'drathernotknowanythingaboutit."
"They'reyourancestors,too,Lashana,"Kyrtianpointedoutwithsurprisinggent
leness."Manyofthemwerearrogantandselfishcreatureswho,assoonastheygotawayfromthosewhowereexploitingthem,turnedaboutandoppressedothersbutsomewerelikeme,likemyfather,andlikeyourfriendValyn.Andtheyknewaverygreatdealthatwewouldfinduseful,ifwecouldrediscoverit."
"Allthatgreatlearningdoesn'tseemtohavedonethemmuchgoodhere,"Lynderobserved,lookingaroundthecave,andshuddering."DoElvenlordsleaveghostsbehindwhentheydie?"
Shanaknewexactlyhowhewasfeeling.Shehadspentagreatdealofherlifeincaves,andnormallyshefeltquitecomfortableinthem,butthisonehadanatmospherethatshecouldonlydescribeas"haunted."Everywordtheyspokewhisperedandechoedinawaythatwasquiteunnerving,withbitsoftheirownconversationlingeringlongpastthetimewhenShanawouldhaveexpectedthesoundstodieaway.
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Andnowthattheywereallgatheredinaroundthefire,Kyrt-ianhadthriftilycanceledhismage-lights.Shewasusedtothewaythatafiremademovingshadowsoncave-walls,butherewereshadowsthatmovedwithintheshadows,andplaceswhereblotsofdarknessweretherewhenshelooked,butgonewhenshelookedagain.Asforthesmellundertheusualdamp"cave"scent,therewasahintofsomethingmetallicandharsh.
Itwasonlythefirstinaseriesofcaves,asKemanhaddescribed,forinthewalloppositetherock-fall,adarkmawofafurtherentrancegaped.Sheguessedthatthiscavernhadbeenwater-carvedatsomepoint,butwherethewaterhadgonewasanyone'sguess.Perhapsithadsunkfurtherintothedepthsofthehills,andtheywouldencounteritastheygotdeeperintothecaves.Itwasahalf-domenow,therock-fallcoveringwhathadbeenavastentrance;the"ceiling"wasagoodthreeorfourstoriesabovetheirheads.Underallthedebris,thefloor
wasofsand,whichatleasthadthevirtueofbeingdryandsofterthanrock.
ButthiscavewasnotwhatKyrtianhadcometohunt,notreally.TherelicsherewerenothingmorethanthesignthatthisplacewaswhatKyrtian'sfatherhadbeenlookingfor.TherewasnosignoftheElvenlordhimselfunlesssomeofthosebones
No,hewouldhavefoundsomethingtorecognizehisfatherby,Ishouldthink.
Therewasalsonosignofhis"GreatPortal,"oranythinglikeit;nosignofthecomplexdevicesKyrtianhaddescribedwhenhe'dtoldShanawhathewaslookingfor.HowlongbeforeKyrtiandecreedthatitwastimetomovedeeperintothecomplex?Theonlyconcessionto"makingcamp"sofarwasthefireandafewrocksasseatsaroundit.
Kyrtiansawherglancingreluctantlytowardstheopenentranceattherear,andcaughthereye."Whateverisintherehaswaitedfordecades,"hesaidsadly,shethought."Itcanwaitanothernight.Werodelikefoolstogethere,we'retiredandwetandcold.We'dbefurtherfoolstogoclimbingaroundinanunknowncaveinthisstate.Peoplegetthemselveskilleddoingstupidthingslikethat."
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Lynderletouthisbreath;clearlyhe'dbeenholdingitthemomentKyrtianbegantospeak,dreadingbeingtoldtheyweregoingtohavetogathertheirstrengthandbeoffagainoncethey'deaten."Thankyouforthat,myLord,"hesaidstoutly."You'vepreventedmefromhavingtosaythesamething.IwasafraidifIdid,you'dbeangry,andifIdidn't,SargeantGelwouldhavethehideoffmewhenwegotback."
"IwouldhopeIwouldneverbethekindofleadertoputyouinthatsortofuntenableposition,Lynder,"Kyrtianreplied,butawearysparklecamebackintohiseyes,atleastforamoment."Foodandsleep,myladsandmylady"headded,bowingtoShana."That'swhat'scalledforhere.Andperhapsalittlenarrativefromyourfriendonwhatitwasliketoeavesdropoutsidemytent.Iamcurioustohearaboutthat."
Kemanbowedinhisturn."Theonlydifferencebetweenusandyourusualguards,LordKyrtian,wasthatwe
havemuchsharperhearingandoneofuswasaladyherself."
"Ohreally?"Kyrtianleanedforward."Pleasegoon...."
Hourslater,thefiredieddowntocoals.Kemanhadgoneouttocatchhimselfsomethingofanappropriatesizeforadragon'sdinner.Beforeheleft,ShanaandKyrtianhadbothtakenthetimecomparingnotesthewhiletofenceintheirlittlecampwithprotectivemagic.Interestinglyenough,neith
erofthemhadchosentousemagic-shields.Instead,theyhadbothoptedforsomethingthatwouldtriggeranalarmifcrossed,clearingacirclethatKemancouldeasilyseesothathewouldn'ttriggerthealarmbytrippingitwhenhereturned.Afterall,hecouldsimplyshapeshiftintoaboulder,andnothingwoulddisturbhisrest;hedidn'tneedalarmstowarnhimofdanger,sincedangerwouldpassbywithoutnoticinghim.
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Despitethoseprecautions,despitebeingweary,Shanawashavingahardtimegettingtosleep.Ifconversationshadechoeduncannilyaroundthewalls,thelittlesoundstheothersmadeastheymovedorsighedormumbledintheirsleepwereworse.Someonewouldcoughalittle,orturnovermomentslaterthesoundcameback,muchdistorted,intosomethingthatsoundedlikeafootstep,orawhisperedword.Sometimesmultipleechoescameback,abreath,amurmurofnot-quite-intelligibleconversation.
Shedidn'tactuallyfallasleepuntilafterKemanfinallyreturned.Heenteredasadragonathin,snake-likedragon,theonlywayhecouldfithimselfinthroughthattinyopening.Heremainedasadragon,curledupjustoutsidetheboundary.Hissolidpresence,bulkinglargesocloseathand,finallymadeherfeelsafe.Andinthatmoment,sleepcame.
Triana'speoplehadpitchedasecludedcampatadiscreetdistancefromthesite
thatwasevidentlyKyrtian'sgoal.Raindrippedsteadilyonthecanvasofhertentasshepliedtheforesterwithquestions,asoftglowfromamage-lightsuspendedabovethemshiningdownonhisfaceandhighlightingrough-hewnfeaturesthatTrianahadbeguntotakealikingto.Theruggedlooksofallofthesemenwerebeginningtogrowonher;bycomparison,hercarefully-sculptedandtrainedslave-toys,thoughmoredefinedandmuscular,actuallyseemedratherboyishandimmature.
"So,fiveofthementered,andtherestarewhere?"Trianaaskedherscout.
"GraciousLady,Icouldn'tfindthem."Hedidn'tshrug,butshewonderedwhathisimpassiveexpressionhid.Probablynervousness,fearofheranger;hewasdefinitelysweating,justathishairline."Istayedtowatch,thenremainedoncetheyhadbeeninsideforsometimeanddarknesshadfallen.IclimbedtotheentrancetomakecertainthatLordKyrtianandthefourwhoaccompaniedhimintendedtosetupcampthere;theyhadgeardownthereenoughtodoso,andsuchseemedtobetheirintentions.WhenIwenttolo
okfortheothers,however,theycouldnotbefound."
"Ican'tbelievehewouldhavesentthemback,"shemusedaloud."No,I'msurehemusthavecreatedanillusiontocloaktheircampitiswhatIwouldhavedoneinhisplace.Orelsetheythemselvesaretakingnochancesonthecreatureslurkinginthisforest,andhavehiddentheircamp...."
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"Itwasquitedarkbythattime,mylady,"hesaiddiffidently.
"AndyoucorrectlyrememberedyourorderstokeeptrackofKyrtian,nothisslaves."Shenodded."Didyoumakeanyefforttoseewhatwaswithinthecaveitself?"
Heshookhishead."LordKyrtianhadmage-lightsallthroughtheplace,butitisverylarge,andahardclimbdown.Thefloorislitteredwithdebris,butIcouldnottellyouwhatitwasatthatdistance.Theusualtrashonefindsinacave,Isuppose."
Sohehadcomestraightbackhere;thatshowedafinebalancebetweenobedienceandgoodsense.Shesmiledathim,andthoughtthathisnervousnessebbed,alittle."You'vedonewell;Iwoul
dratherthatyoucamebackheretotellmewhathappenedthanwastetimeintryingtodiscoverthewhereaboutsofalotofmenwhowillprobablydonothinguntiltheirmasterreturns."Shelaughed,then,andhermanrelaxedalittlefurther."AsIhavesaidbefore,whatKyrtiancando,Icando.Ihavenoneedofyoumeninsidethatcave;IhavenointentionofconfrontingLordKyrtian,Ionlywishtodiscoverwhatheisupto.Icandothatbeingcarefulandusingmyownpowersofillusiontocloakmypresenceonceoneofyouhashelpedmeclimbdown.You,meanwhile,havemanagedtooutflankAelmarkinandgetushereonlyalittlebehindLordKyrtian'smen.Ibelieveyoudeservea
bitofaholiday."
Nowtheslaveunbententirely."Thankyou,mylady,"wasallhesaid,butshesawtheexpressioninhiseyeschangetooneofwarygratitude,ratherlikeasomber,alertcoursing-houndofferedanunexpectedtreat.She
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offeredhimacupofherwine;heaccepteditwithaprofoundbowanddrankitoffatagulp.Apity;itwasagoodvintage,butlikelyhewouldn'tknowgoodfrombad.Perhapsshewouldeducatehim.
"IwillgointothecavetomorrowtofollowKyrtian.BeforeIdo,Iwouldlikeyoutofindagood,out-of-the-wayplacetocampthatisunlikelytobestumbledacrossbyAelmarkin'smen.I'llcloakitwithillusionandyouallcandisportyourselvesasyouwilluntilIreturn."Hiseyesabsolutelylit,andshelaughed."Andyes,thismeansyoumayhelpyourselvestoanyoftheprovisions,thewineincluded.Idon'texpecttohavetospendmuchtimeinthathole,andwhenIreturn,ourbusinesswillbetomakeallspeedback.Toomanyprovisionswillonlyslowusdown."
Shewouldtaketheprecautionofchangingthewinesothatitmadeanyonewhodrankittranquilratherthan
rowdy.Shecouldalwayschangeitbackwhenshereturned.Betterthattheylazealittlewhileshewasgone;itwouldruinherplansentirelyforAelmarkin'speopletodiscoverhersbecausetheywerecarousingandsingingorfightingbehindhercloakofillusion.
Ifsomethingelsecameacrossthemandtheywereincapacitated,welltherewereotherwaysshecouldgethome.Iftheydidn'ttaketheprecautionofsettingasobersentry,theyweren'tworththemoneyshe'dpaidforthem.
"Haveanothercup,"shesaid,withadazzlingsmile,refillinghisgoblet."ThengoandtelltheotherswhatIjusttoldyou.I'llwantclimbinggearreadyformefirstthingwhenIwake;youcanseemesafelydown,thenreturnheretotheotherstowaitformyreturn."
Afewhourspastdawn,Aelmarkinstoodlookingupatavastpileoftumbledrocks;thetrailapparentlyended
there,accordingtohisforester.Asusual,theskiesdripped.Heshookrainoutofhiseyeswithirritation;wasthereneverabreakfromthewretchedstuffhere?
AndKyrtian,Ancestorscursehim,hadfoundawayoutofthewretchedstuff."Acave?"Aelmarkinsaidincredulously."There'sacaveupthere?AndKyrtiancrawledinthere?"
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"Yes,myLord,"theforestersaidintothegroundatAelmarkin'sfeet."Itisavery,verylargecave;theopeningisneartothetopofit.Icouldnottellhowmanyofhismenwentinwithhim,butthemaintrailendshere,andIcanclearlyseewhereanumberofpeoplewentupthatslopeandenteredintoagapatthetop.WithoutlightIcannotseewhatisinside,butiftheywerestillimmediatelyinsideit,Imustsupposethey'dhavelightsoftheirown,soIpresumethey'vegoneindeeper."
"BytheAncestors."Aelmarkinbegantochuckle."Well,it'sprettyclearthat,whateverishere,it'snotWizards.Unlessthisissomeforgottenentranceintotheirlair."
"Forgotten,mylord,ornolongerinusebecauseoftherock-fall,"thescoutsaid,headstillbent."ButIdroppedatorchwithin,whenIcouldseenosignsofLordKyrtianorhismendownbelow,andbeforeitgutteredoutall
Isawwaslitter.Itappearsthatifthisplacewaseverinuseasanentrance,ithasnotbeenusedsoforaverylongtime."
"That'sgoodenoughforme!"Aelmarkinreplied.Heconsideredthesituation."I'lltakeyouwithme;therestcancamphere.We'llseeifwecan'tdiscoverwhatKyrtianthinkshe'supto."
"Itwillbeverydifficulttoconcealourselvesinacave,mylord,"themanbeg
an.
Aelmarkincuthimoffwithagesture;thewaterfromAel-markin'ssoddensleevespatteredhimfromheadtotoe,andAelmarkinfeltabitofsourpleasureastheslavewinced."Notforamage,youfool!Getwhatevergearwe'llneedwe'realreadyhoursbehindhim."Helookedaroundattherestofhisslaves."Andyou!Putupa
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propercampthistime!WhenIgetback,Iexpecttoseesomethingotherthanahalf-pitchedtentandafirethatwon'tstart!Andgetmoving!"
Heputastingofwarninginhisvoicetoremindthemofthestingofhispunishments,punishmentsthathehadinflictedfrequentlythroughtheircollarseachtimetheybumbledatask.Itgotthemgoing,althoughsluggishly.
Well,nomatter.Inafewmoments,hewasgoingtobeinsideadrycave.Iftheycouldn'tmanagetoputacamptogetherproperlybythetimehegotback,onthewayhomehe'dstartcripplingthemandleavingthembehindonthetrailtoattractthehorrorsthatseemedtostalktheseforests.Thatwouldgivehisdearcousinsomethingtohavetodealwithonhiswaybacktocivilization.Attheleast,Kyrtianwouldbedelayedinreturningtohispatron,LordKyndreth.
AndatthemostAelmarkinwouldnolongerhaveanythingstandingbetweenhimselfandeverythinghewanted.
ThismustbethatfabledPortaltoEvelon,withallofthethingsthathadbeenleftbehindscatteredabout.TheWizards,iftheyexistedatall,certainlyweren'there.OpportunitywaitedandFatesmiledonAelmarkinatlast.Anddependingonwhathefoundinthatcavewell,bythetimehereturnedhome,Ae
lmarkinmightevenbeabletogiveLordKyndrethhimselfalittlehealthycompetitionforascendancyontheGreatCouncil.
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Trianalookedupatthedim,unevenovalofgreylightthatmarkedtheopeningtotheouterworld,andabsentlykickedsomethingdryandcracklingfrombeneathherfeet.Therewasnosignofherslave,butshehadn'texpectedhimtolingeronceshewassafelydown.ShewonderedifshehadsurprisedherforesterbygettingdownintothecaveratherhandilywithnothingmoreinthewayofhelpthanoneoftheropesthatKyrtian's
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peoplehadleftbehind;shecertainlysurprisedherself.
Thenagain,itwasveryinterestingwhatsortsofthingsonecoulddowithmagicwhenonewasterrifiedoutofone'swits.Ithadbeenaverylongwaydowntothefloorofthecavefromthattinyentranceabove;fortunatelyKyrtian'sownpeoplehadleftalltheirropesbehind,readytoclimboutwhentheyreturned,soatleastshehadhadthecomfortofknowingherlifelinewastestedandtried.
Ah,butKyrtianhadneverbeentaughtthesubtleartofElvenfemalemagic,andifhecamebackhe'dhavethebenefitofherpassage.She'dhadnonotionshecouldmakearopestrongerorherselfbrieflystrongeraswell.Bythetimeherfeettouchedthefloorofthecave,shehadimpartedthetransitorystrengthofoneofherforesterstoherarmsandlegsandshecouldhaveusedtheropeshedangledfromtolowerahorseandwagonwithoutworryingaboutitsnapping.
Soataguess,sheoughttobeabletogetherselfbackupthetumbleofrockwithoutmishapandnoassistance;itwasadmittedlyeasiertoclimbwhenonehadmagictohelp.
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Itwastemptingtothinkaboutblastingherwayoutwithlevin-bolts,though;she'dbeenpracticingforyearsnowinsecretandshewasgettingquiteproficient.Itwouldmeanlessexertion.However,thereweredrawbacksaswellintheglimpsesshe'dgottenoftheceiling,shewasn'taltogethersureofhowstableitwas,anditwouldn'tdoheragreatdealofgoodtobringtheceilingdownonherselfinsteadofblastingherwayout.
Notsubtle,mydear.Notyourstyle.
Besides,unlessKyrtiancametogriefinthere,shedidn'tintendtoleaveanytraceofherownpassing,soshewouldprobablyhavetogetoutthehardway.
Meanwhile,inthegleamofhermage-light,theonlysignthatKyrtianhadbeenherewasadeadcampfireanda
clearedcircleamongtherubbishlitteringthefloor.Hemusthavegoneofflongbeforesheevenwoke,andhadgottenagooddealaheadofher.Soifshewastodiscoverwhathewasupto,shehadbettergetmoving.
Shepausedlongenoughtorecoverherbreathandherpowershe'dbeenhotandsweatyaswell,butinthecold,dankcave-airshe'dcooleddownquicklyandwasgladofthecloakshe'dbroughtwithher,tiedinabundleaboutherwaist.
Nowforalittlemagic.Shesmiledtoherselfasshewovepoweraroundher;thiswassubtle,andnotsomethingameremalewouldeverappreciate.Theillusionshecastuponherselfwasarathercleverone;itwasn'tpreciselyinvisibility,sincethatwasn'tstrictlypossible.Instead,shecloakedherselfintheimageofwhatwasbehindher,sothatanyonelookingatherwouldseeonlywhatherbodyordinarilywouldhaveobscuredakindofreflection,butnotexactly.Theillusionwasn'tperfect;itcouldn'tbe.Anyonelookingcloselymightwellseeafaintoutlineofherbody,ornoticehershadowonthefloor.Thatwaswhy
sheworealightcloakthatcoveredherfromheadtotoe,forabulkyirregularoutlineagainsttheroughrockofthecavewaslesslikelytobenoticedthanonewitharms,legs,andahead.
Shehadarathercleverdevicewithheraswell,aconeofmirror-finishedmetalwithahandleatitspoint.Shebroughthermage-lightdownandcoaxeditintothecone.Nowshecoulddirectal
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lofthelightwhereshechosewithouthalf-blindingherself,orsettingthestupidthingtohoveraboveherhead.Shecastthebeamoflightreflectedoutoftheconearoundherself,andusedittopickapathacrossthedebristoanopeningattherearofthisenormouscavern.
Shebegantowishthatthelightwasn'tshowingherwayquitesoclearly.Asthelightpickedoutthisorthatobjectamidstthesticksandleavesandtrash,she'dhavehadtohavebeenblindnottospotthebitsofarmorandthebones.
Boneswhichwerenotallthebonesofanimals,norofhumanslaves,evenifthearmorcouldhavebeenmistakenforanythingbutelven-made.
Herskincrawledastheemptyeye-socketsofanelvenskullglaredatheronthe
edgeofhercircleoflight.Shehadalreadyknownthatsomethingterriblehadhappenedhere,butitwasonethingtoknowthatintellectually,andquiteanothertobeconfrontedwiththeevidenceofutterdisaster.
Achillthathadnothingtodowiththetemperatureofthisplacesettledoverher,andsheresistedtheurgetofleebackupthatropeintotheopen'.Whateverhadhappenedherehadoccurredaverylongtimeago,evenbythestandardsoftheElvenlords,andnothing,notevenghosts,couldlingerforthatlong.Butshefanciedshecaught
awhiffofancientdeath,ofbone-dustandterror,andshecouldn'tkeepherimaginationfrompaintingscenesthatwerenotatallcomfortable.
Nevertheless,asshepickedherwayacrossthefloor,sheavoidedlookingtoocloselyatanythinglargeenoughandwhiteenoughtobebone.
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Weretherewhispers,outthereinthedark?Wasthatamovement,notintheshadow,butoftheshadow?Shetoldherselfresolutelythatshewasn'tafraid,thatonlystupidslavesbelievedinspirits,but
Thereweresoundsoutthereinthedarkness,soundsthatcouldbeechoes,butcouldbesomethingelseaswell.Shecouldn'tevenimaginewhatcouldhavekilledsomanyElves,soquicklyandtheslavessaidthatthespiritsofthosewhodiedviolentlylingered,hungeringafterthelifethey'dlostandeagertoavengetheirdeathsonanythingliving.
Shefoundherselfstartingateveryunexpectedsound,andlongedforthemomentwhenshereachedthefarwallandtheentrancedeeperintothecaves.
Shehadassumedthatonceshegottotheentranceintothenextcaveshewouldfindherpathclear.Infact,shefoundnothingofthekind.
Whathadbeenlitteronthefloorofthecavewasatangledblockagehere;someone,Kyrtianandhispeople,sheassumed,hadclearedapathwaythrough,butiftheartifactstherehadnotalreadybeenreadytofallapartatatouch,itcouldn'thavebeendoneinlessthanaweek.Herethecartsoftheref
ugeeshadjammedattheentrance,andthereweremany,manymorebones,enoughsothatitwasnolongerinherimaginationthattheyimpartedtheirowndryhintofancestralcorruptiontotheair.Bigbones,these,thebonesofdray-animalslongsinceforgotten,fortheyhadperishedalongwiththeirmasters,tangledintheshaftsofdisintegratingcartsinattitudesthatsuggestedatideofunreasoningpanichadwashedoverthemandsentthemscatteringbeforeit.
Andmoreelvenbones,thistimeoneswithoutarmor.Women?Oldmen?
Adisintegratingwagonthathadbeenladenwithsmall,slendercreaturesittookheramomenttogetpastthedisbelieftounderstandthatthishadbeenawagonfullofchildren.
Itwashardtoimagine.Oneseldomsawelvenchildren;theywereusuallykeptin
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nurseriesuntiltheywereconsideredoldenoughtominglewiththerestofsociety.Shecouldhardlyimaginesomanyinoneplace.Whatsortofspiritwouldachildleavebehind?Somethingwispyandmelancholyorferalandvicious?
WhateverhadsenttheElvenlordsintoflighthadterrifiedtheirbeastsaswell.Trianabegantofeelacertainreliefthatthefewscrapsofinformationshe'dgleanedhadnotbeenmorespecific,thatlegendnowpaintedtheCrossingasamatteroftriumphratherthanthetragedyithadsoclearlybeen.Shedidn'twanttoknowthedetailsnow;therewerealreadytoomanydetailswritlargeinthebonesofthosewhohadnotsurvivedtobecomeherancestors.
Shereachedoutherhandtosteadyherself,andwoodwenttodustathertouch,enlargingthepassagethatKyrtian'speoplehadalreadymade.Herveryskinflinchedawayfromthatdust,butitroseincloudsabouther
anddriedhermouthandthroat,asifthedeadthemselvesrosetomakeclaimsonher....
Don'tbesuchasuperstitiousidiot!shescoldedherself,butwithouteffect.Herpoundingheart,thebloodrushinginherears,herveryskinwererebelstoherreason.
Butsheforcedherselfpast,andonceoutofthejam-up,thewaysuddenlycleared.Nomorebones;oratleast,
nonethatflashedwhitelyatherinthecircleofherlight.Justthings.Belongings,discarded,unidentifiable.Shecouldcopewiththings.Especiallythingsthatwenttoatomsatatouch,collapsinginonthemselvesandleavingnothingbehindthatcalledupuncomfortablyfamiliarimagesinthemind.
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ThepaththatKyrtian'sunderlingstookwasplainlyscribedinthatlitter,atrailwhereonlybitsofmetalshonedullyinthedust.Shepausedamomenttolisten,andthoughtshecaughtthefaintestofmurmursfromsomewherefarahead;coveredherlight,butsawnoglimmersinthedistance.Whereverhewas,ifthatwas,indeed,thesoundofhimandhispeople,itwasfaraheadofher.Shehurriedon,suddenlyhungryforthesightofsomethingliving,evenifitwasanenemy.Alivingenemyrightnowwaspreferabletothewhispersinthedark.
"Thisplacemakesmyskincrawl,"LyndermutteredtoShana."Idon'tseehowhecanstandit."Hewaspale,frecklesshehadn'tnoticedbeforestandingoutclearlyacrosshischeeks.Shealsohadn'tnoticedhowyounghewasbeforethis;allofKyrtian'speopleweresocompetentandconfidentthatshe'dtakenthemallformatureadults.NowshesawLynderforthebeardlessboyheactuallywas,newlyjumped-u
pfromapage,perhaps.Well,feardidthattopeople.
Shanadidn'tseehowtheirleadercouldseemsounaffectedbytheplace,either.Kyrtianhadmage-lightsfloatingsilentlyovertheirheads,settoavoidcollisionwiththeceilingbutotherwiselightingupthisseriesofsmallercaveswithpitilessclarity.Thetangleofcartsandbeastsatthemouthofthiscomplexhadbeentheworst,ofcourse;Shanahadbeensotemptedtofleescreamingawayandswarmrightbackuptheropeintothe
cleanrainoutside.
Andthecartfullofwhathadbeenchildren!NomatterwhattheElveshaddonetoher,totheWizards,andespeciallytotheirslavesthethoughtofthatcartloadofchildrendyingtangleduptogetherinthedark
Ithadmadeherthroatcloseandhereyessting,andshedidn'tcarethatithadhappenedhundredsofyearsago.
TheythinkI'mfearless,shehadtoldherself.Andthathadmadeherclenchherteeth,thrustoutherchin,andpretendthatherwholebodywasn'tflinchingawayfromthewreckage,thebones.Shesquaredhershoulders,andtensedtokeepherselffromshivering.Theseweremenshehadtoimpress;theyweren'tWizards,theyweren'tslaves.Shewasalegendtothem,andiftheylostfaithinthelegendthe
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ywouldlosefaithinthecause.Sheneededthem;more,probably,thantheyneededher.Ifallittooktokeeptheirfaithwastopretendtobeutterlyfearless,itwasasmallpricetopayforthatfaith.
ButKyrtianhadonlydirectedtheenlargementofapassagealreadythere...apassageshowingtheimprintofasinglepairofnarrowfeetinthedust.
Hisfathermadeit;hemusthave.Kyrtianknowsthai.Thisiswhathe'sbeenlookingfor,andallhecanseeisthosefootprintsleadingusdeeper.
Kyrtianhadspentalongmomentstudyingthoseprints...thenhehadtakenthelead,faceimmobileandexpressionless,astheresthadtostretchtokeepupwithhim.
"I'veneverseenhimlikethisbefore,"Lyndercontinued,wipingsweatfromhisfacewithhissleeve,leavingbehindasmudgeofthedustofthedeadobscuringthefrecklesscatteredacrosshischeeks.Heshuddered.
"He'snotthinkingaboutyouoraboutanyone,"Kemansaidslowly."He'scompletelyinsidehisownhead."
Thethreeofthemexchangedglances;shereadinLynder'sfacethatheatleastwouldrathernotbeprivytowhatwasinKyrtian'sheadjustnow.Sheratheragreedwithhim.
Itwasbadenoughbeingouthere.Thedeeperintothisstringofcavestheygot,themorethefeelingofdoomwhetherlingeringorimpendingshecouldn'tsayincreased.She'dneverbeenclaustrophobicbefore,butshefeltthewallsoftheselittlecavesclosinginonherorwasitthattheyseemedtopulseandheave,slowly,asif
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theyalltraveleddownthegulletofsomeimpossiblyhuge,sleepingmonster?Ifthewallsclearlyhadn'tbeenrock,thefloorclearlythesame,itwouldhavebeenalltooeasytosuccumbtotheillusion.
"Doyoufeelit?"Kemanmurmured,forherearsonly."Thatkindofdroneinthebackofyourbrain?Likethere'ssomethingjustbarelyawakeoutthereandwe'retouchingtheedgeofitsdreams?Orthere'ssomethingsinginganastydirgeinitssleep?"
Shenodded.Shedid;had,infact,sincethey'dbeenhere.Itwasn'tgettinganystronger,andifKemanhadn'tsaidanything,she'dhaveputitdowntonervesbutitwasthere,asoundsodeepitcouldonlybefelt.ShewonderedwhatelseKemanheard;hehadthebenefitofsensesthatcouldbeenhancedwithoutanyimmediatelimit.
"There'snothingalivedownhere,either,"Kemancontinued,andshivered."Notevenslime."
Nothingalive.Unheardof.Cavesalwayshadtheirownlittlecommunityofcreatures:insects,bats,mice,andthefungithatthelittlestfedonbeforetheyinturnbecamethepreyofthebiggest.Whereweretheyall?
Andwhatdrovethemaway?
Shecouldn'tseeKyrtian'sfacefromherplaceattherearofthegroup,butLynder'swasbleachedaswhiteasthebonesthey'dleftbackthere,andshefanciedherownwas,aswell.Lifeleachedoutofthemwitheverysteptheytookdeeperintothemawofthemountain.
Shanasuddenlyfeltthattheywouldneverleavethisplace;thattheywouldcontinuetostumblealonginKyrtian'swakeuntiltheydroppedintheirtracksanddied.ThatthiswaswhathadhappenedtoKyrtian'sfathernoaccident,butthemountainsuckingthelifeoutofhimasheploddeddeeperintoitsdepths,luredbyitspromiseandthreatuntilhestumbledandcouldnotriseagain.
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Then,withoutwarning,Kyrtianstopped.
Themage-lightsunderKyrtian'scontrolshotpastthemoutintosomevastspaceahead,andtheykeptfromblunderingintohimonlybyswervingtohisrightorleft.Whichbroughtallofthemtostandnexttohimattheedgeofanabruptdrop-off,staringoutintoacavernthatcouldhaveswallowedanycaveShanahadeverseenwithoutatrace.Herpulseracketedinherthroat:hownearlyshehadgoneovertheedge!
Atleast,thatwasherinitialreaction.Assheteeteredontheedgeandhereyesadjusted,itbecameclearthatthedrop-offwasnotnearlyasfaraspanichadmadeherthink.Shemighthavebrokenananklehadshegoneover,allunwarned,butnoworsethanthattheillusionofasheerprecipicewasjustthat,illusion.Aftertheinitialdrop,asteepslopeslantedawayfromthemtothefloorofthisnewcave.Itwaswhatbulkedhereinorderedrows,offinthedistance,thatdrewtheeyeandconfusedthemind.
Objects.No.Constructs.Thingsofmetal,gears,wheels,thingsthatmightbearmsorlegsorneither.Bigasahouse,someofthem.Rowuponrowofthem,threeabreast,leadingbacktothebiggestconstructofall,ahugearchofsomedullgreenstuffthatlookeddeaderthanthebonestheypassedbutfeltaliveandfullofbroodingmenace.
Overeverythinglay,notmerelyafilm,butathickshroudofdust,obscuringtheshineofmetal,softeninganglesintocurves.Thickasablanketinsomeplaces;sothickthatsectionshadactuallybrokenoffandfallenfromthesides.
"Whatarethose?"Shanaasked,hervoicehighandstrained.
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Kyrtianonlyshookhishead."Idon'tknow.Thereisn'tanyonealivewhocouldtellyou.Oh,Iknowwhattheyarecollectively,they'rethingstheAncestorsmadetoservetheminallthewaysthatslavesdonow.Magiciswhatmadethemwork,butoncethePortalclosed,theywouldn'tworkanymoreandtheywereabandoned.Astowhytheywouldn'twork,Ican'tsay."
"Servethem?"Lyndersaid,puzzlementinhisvoice.
Kyrtian'stonewasasdryasthedustlyingovereverything."Ofcourse.Youdon'tthinkourAncestorseverputhandtotoolthemselves,doyou?Theycreatedthesethingstoplowanddig,buildandteardown"
"Andmakewar?"Kemanasked,harshly.
Kyrtianglancedathim,mouthsetinathinline.Buthistonewasmild."Makewar?"hereplied,softly."Ohyes.That,certainly.Aboveallotherthings.TheAncestorsmadewaramongthemselves,warofasortthatmakeseverythingwedidtotheWizardsseemthemerestgame."
ShanalookedawayfromKyrtian'sfacebacktotherankuponrankofconstructions,andshuddered.Underthedust,metalgleamedwithcruelefficiency.Werethoseblades?Wasthatareaper
ofcornoroflives?Adiggerofditchesorofgraves?
Shedecidednottoaskaquestiontowhichshedidnotwanttoknowtheanswer.
ButKyrtianmadeastrangledlittlesound,andabruptlyjumpeddownfromtheedgeofthecave-mouth,landinginacrouchonlytosprintofftoonesideofthehugecavern,wheretherewereafewofthemechanismsthat
werenotinsuchorderedrows.Withamuffledoath,Lynderfollowed,thentherestofthem,trailingalongbehind.
Aelmarkincursedthemenwholoweredhimdowneverytimehecollidedwithanotherrock,lashingthemthroughtheircollarswiththepunishmentofpain.Itwasnotenoughtosatisfyhim,buthedaredtodonomore;
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toomuchandtheyonlybecameclumsier.He'dassumedfoolishly,inretrospectthattheycouldsimplylowerhimdowncomfortablytothebottomoftheplace.Instead,hewashavingtopracticallywalkdownthetumbledslopeofrocksthatwasthemirrorofthepileoutside;justasdifficultasbeinghauledupthatslope,butmorepainful,sincetheidiotsabovekeptdislodgingrocksthatfellonhisheadandtheykeptloweringhiminaseriesofjerks.Eachoneendfcdinacollisionwithmorerockssinceeachtimehewascaughtoff-guardandoff-balance.
Idiots!Hewouldcertainlyleavesomeofthembehindasbaitforthemonstersinthisbenightedplace,andatthatitwasbetterthantheydeserved.He'dsuspecttheyweredoingthisonpurposeexceptthathispunishmentswereworsethananythinghewasenduring.
Whenhefinallybumpeddownwithapainfulthudontothefloorofthecave,hegavethemallafinalreminder
ofhispoweroverthemthatmadethemyelp.Theechoesoffourhowlsofpainreverberatedlongenoughtogivehimafleetingmomentofsatisfaction.Hepickedhimselfupoutofthedustandkickedthetrashhe'dfallenonoutofhiswayangrilybeforesendinghismage-lightuptoilluminatemoreofthearea.
Nopointinlookinguptoglareatthem.Theyweregone,ofcourse,Scuttlingbacktotheshelteroftheirtentsandtheirfire,wheretheywouldstay,probablylazingaboutandtryingtofindnon-existentsuppliesofwine
amonghisbelongings.Heknewtheywouldn'tleavethecamp;theyweremoreafraidoftheforestthantheywereofhim.Foresterstheymightbe,butthiswasn'ttheirforest,andtheyweresuperstitiouslyterrifiednotonlyoftheveryrealmonstersamongthetrees,butthespiritstheysworethey'dheardinthenight.They'dbewaitingforhimwhenhereturned,allright...notknowingthatifhishopeswerefulfilled,hewouldn'tneedthem.He'dhavepowerenoughtoblastthisplaceopenorcreateaGatehome.Orfly,ifhechose.Thatwouldbenovel;
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therewereoldlegendsofhowtheAncestorsflew,onthebacksofmetal-beakedbirdswithrazor-tippedwingsandscythesfortalons,howtheywouldduelintheairuntilbloodfelllikewarmrainonthefacesofthosebelow.Perhapstherewereconstructslikethatwaitinghere....
Well!Hewasn'tfindingthemstandingaboutandkickingtrash.NorwashediscoveringjustwhatKyrtianwasuptoifitwasn'thuntingrelicsoftheAncestorsortheWizardshewassupposedtobepursuing.
Heturned.ItwasclearenoughwhereKyrtianhadgone,thepaththroughthedebriswasplainenoughforawomantopickout.Itwasalsoclearthatthiscavewasn'tlitteredwithjustthetrashthatthewindhadblownin.SoKyrtianhadfoundtheplacewheretheGreatPortalhadmadeanentranceintothisworld!
"BytheAncestors!"Aelmarkinsaidaloud,andhisownvoicerepeatedhisastonishmentinechoesthatwhisperedinthecaveasifacrowdmimickedhissurprise.
AskullanElvenskull,bythehigh-archedforeheadandthenarrowjawlaydirectlyinhispath,glaringathim,asifdaringhimtopass.
Aelmarkinsneeredatit.Whatmatterafewbones?Boneswerenothing.ThoseoftheAncestorsthatdiedhereweren'tAncestorsatall,werethey?Theyhadn'tgottentheirbloodlinesanydeeperinthisworldthanthefloorofthecave.WhatmatterthatAelmarkin'spathledoverthosebones?Thatwaylayhisfortune,andhewasn'tgoingtoletthebonesofafewdeadfoolsstophim.
"You,"hetoldtheskull,contemptuously,"areanothing.Adead-end.Youcan'tevenmanagetoblockmyway."
Hebroughthisbootedfootdownontheskulldeliberately,smashingit.Itbrokewithnomoreeffortthandestroyinganegg.Hisnextsteptookhimpastthefragilefragments,andhedidn'tlookback.
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Thedemi-barricadeatthetunnel'smouthdidn'tstophim,either;infact;hetookagreatdealofgrimpleasureinbullyingpastit,kickingatthecartsandthebonesofthelegendarydray-lanthansandseeingthemdisintegrate.Notasmuchpleasureashemighthave,sincethewreckageprettymuchfelltobitsatatouch,butenough.
Somefoolsmightfindallthishorrifying.Allhefeltwasmorecontemptfortheweaklingswhohadbeensoafraidofpursuitforofcourse,itcouldonlyhavebeenpursuitthattheyfearedthattheyallowedtheirpanictoturnwhatcouldhavebeenanorderlyprocessionintoarout.Andforwhat?
Sotheirbonescouldrotonthefloorofacavebeforetheyevensawthelightoftheirnewworld,that'swhat.
Hewondered,ashepenetratedfurtherintothecave-complex,ifallofthelegendsofharmonyandcooperation
weresomuchrotafterall.Itwasobviousfromthisdecayedchaosthattherehadbeenpanic,fighting,buttherewasnosignofwhateverwasthecause.Unless,ofcourse,theAncestorshadbroughtthecausewiththem....
Whatifthey'dbegunfightingamongsteachotherforascendancyassoonastheygotsafelytotheotherside?
Thatwouldcertainlyexplaintherout
Infact,suchanexplanationmademoresensethantheofficialversionoftheCrossing.
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Suppose,justsuppose,thatnotalloftheAncestorshadgiveneverythingtheyhadtothecreationoftheGreatPortal?Thatwaswhathewouldhavedone,comedowntoit.Now,supposethatfaction-within-a-factionhadthenturnedontherest,whentheywereoutofmagic,depleted,vulnerable?
Hegrinnedsavagely,kickingabitofdebrisoutoftheway.Ofcoursethatwaswhatmusthavehappened!Itexplainedallofthis,andexplainedwhynoonehadevercomebackhereuntilthesecretofjustwherethePortalwashadbeenlosttomemory.Afterall,thosecleverbastardswho'dwonwouldn'twanttochancecominguponasurvivoramidthewreckage,orchanceonsomeoneuncoveringtherealversionofwhathadhappened!Andbesides,thingshadbeenhardenoughonthosewhosurvived,creatingtheirstrongholds,waitingtoseewhatperilslurkedinthisnewworldandtryingtodefendagainstwhatevermightcome.
Then,ofcourse,theAncestorshaddiscoveredthehumans,andrealizedtheydidn'tneedconstructswhentheycouldhaveslavesinstead,slavesthatdidn'tneedrepairs,couldbreedtheirownreplacements,andcouldbecontrolledwithabareminimumofmagic.
Properconservationofresources,that.ItspokewellfortheclevernessoftheElvenlordswhohadsurvivedtobecomehisAncestors.Clever,cleverfellowsindeed;theywouldbeproudofhimnow,whohadretracedtheirfootstepstorediscoverthesecretsoftheirpowerandtakewhatrightfullybelo
ngedtohim.
Ofcourse,thatwouldonlybethebeginning.OncehehadtakenKyrtian'sestates,he'dconsiderhisnextmoves.Therewere,afterall,manypossibilitiesforthefuture,andeverythingwoulddependonjustwhathelearnedhere.Onlyonethingwascertain;Aelmarkin,andnotKyrtian,wouldbetheonetohavethebenefitofwhateverlayhere.
Andwhatwasmore,Kyrtianwouldn'tbecomingoutofhereatallifAelmarkinhadanythingtosayaboutit.
Atleast,notalive.
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33
LyndertookoffatarunafterKyrtian,hisfeetslappingontherockfloorofthecaveandkickinguppuffsofdust,butShanaandKemanhesitated,exchangingfirstaglance,thenaguardedthought.
;Ihaveafeelingthatsomething'sabouttogohorriblywrong,:Shanabegan,notatallhesitanttolooklikeafoolifindeedshedidinfrontofherfoster-brother.Afterall,he'dseenherdoandsaystupidthingsplentyoftimesinthepast.
ButKemannodded,confirmingherapprehensionswhich,ofcourse,onlymadethemworse.:SodoI.It'snotjustthathum.There'ssomethingdownhere,asleepmaybe,andIdon'twanttodisturbit.:Hepaused,andhiseyesflickedtooneside.:FireandRain!Lookatthemage-lights!:
Shanabitherlip,whenshefollowedhisdirectionandrealizedthatKyrtian'smage-lightswereslowlypulsing,waxingandwaninginstrengtheversoslightlyandveryslowly.HadKyrtiannoticed?Wouldhe?
:Ithinksomething'sdrainingthemalittleatatime,:Kemancontinued.:ThenKyrtianincreasesthepowertothemwitkcutthinkingaboutit,anditallbeginsagain.AndIdon'tthinkitwo
uldbeagoodideatouseanystrongermagicinhere.Itmight...wakesomethingup.:
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Wakesomethingup...sohefeltittoo.Thesenseofpresencewasstrongernow,althoughthedroninginthebackofhermindwasnot.:We'dbetterfollowKyrtian,then,:shesaidreluctantly.
Theyfollowedhistracksinthedustacrossthefloorofthecave,passingamongtheoddandarticulatedshapesofmetalandglassandstrangersubstances.Theyloomed,theseobjects.
TheybulkedaboveShana'shead,exudingunsubtlemenace.Althoughhowthatwaspossiblewithoutpossessingeyesorfaces...
Shefeltherskinflinchingawayfromthem,notingafewmomentslaterthattheconstructswerenotarrangedinquitetheorderlyfashionthattheyhadfirstthought.
Norweretheyundamaged.
Deepinthemiddleofthepack,theypassedtwotangledtogether,asifthey'dblunderedintoeachother.Thencameonethathadbeensmashedbeneathamassiverock,perhapsdetachedfromtheroofofthecavern.Thenanother,fallenoveronitsside.
Thenonethatlookedmelted?Yes,alldownonesidetheconstructsagged,andtherewereplacesalongtheleadingedgeswherethethinglookedlikebutterthathadbeguntorun,thenhardenedagain.
AlowmurmurofvoicesfromtheothersideofthethinggaveacluetoKyrtian'swhereabouts,buttherewassomethingharshanddesperatelyunhappyinthatmurmurthatmadethembothslowtheirpacesandedge,withgreatcare,aroundthecornerofit.
Kyrtianstoodfacingtherockwallofthecave,everymuscleasrigidastherockhefaced,andforamoment,allthatShanacouldunderstandwasthattherocklookedasifithadmeltedlikebutterinthesun,justasthemetaloftheconstructhad.
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Then,slowly,hermindencompassedtheshapeintherock.Intherock,likesomeobscenebas-relief,likeahaplessinsectcoatedinwaxandpreservedforalltime,likeafancypastryenrobedinathinglazedshell.Like,mosthorriblyofall,likesomethingcaughtinanice-storm,preservedperfectlybeneathathinsheathoficethatreplicatedeverydetailoftheno-longer-livingthing.
Therewasaman,anElvenlord,embeddedinthesatiny-smooth,meltedandre-solidifiedrock.Notcarvednotunlesstherehadbeenasculptorworkingherewhowasutterlymad.Notwiththeexpressionofutter,blindingterrorthatshesawonthesubject'svisage.
ShanacouldnotseeLordKyrtian'sface,andforthat,shewasprofoundlyglad.Theeloquentlineofhisbackbonetoldhermorethanenoughtoomuch,truthbetold.
Desperatelyunhappy?Thatwastootame.Thiswasamanwhoshould,byallrights,breakintoahowlofdespairatanymoment.
ThiscouldonlybeKyrtian'sfather.Badenoughtofindbonesandonlywonderathowhehadperishedthiswasinfinitelyworse,themomentofdeathcaughtandheldonshowforalltime.
Shedidn'tknowKyrtianwellenoughtooffercomfort,butheclearlyneededitatthemoment,andjustasclearlywouldnotacceptitfromanyonestandingabouthimnow.Shecouldhardlyblamehim;ifshehadbeensearchingforAlaraalltheseyearsonlytofindherlikethis
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Allofthemstoodinawkwardsilence,asilencethatstretchedonandonuntilitbecameunendurable.Shana'snervesshriekedunderthestrainofwaiting,andlongedforsomeone,anyone,tobreakitsolongasitwasn'ther.Kyrtiancouldnotpossiblybearthisnoonecould!
ButitwasKyrtianhimselfwhofinallydidso,andwithutterlyunexpectedwords.
"Lightthelanterns,"hesaid,thewordsemergingasastrangledcroak,butclearenoughforallthat.
"M-m-mylord?"Lynderstammered,withoutcomprehension.
"Lightthelanterns.I'mgoingtokillthemage-lights.Something'sfeedingont
hemandIdon'twanttogiveitanythingmore"
Hedidn'tfinishthesentence,butwiththatinfrontofthem,hedidn'thaveto.Lynderandtheotherhastenedtoobeyhisorder,breakingoutthecandles,theoil,andthelanterns,andthemomentthatthefirstwickwaskindled,Kyrtianextinguishedhismage-lightscompletely.
This,ofcourse,leftthemhuddlingaroundalanternthatinnowaygaveafractionofthelightthatthemage-lightshad,whiletheothershastenedtolighttherestofthewickswithaspillkindledonthefirst.ShanawasjustgladthatKyrtianhadhadtheforesighttoorderlanternsbroughtinthefirstplaceandthateveninthemidstofagriefshecouldn'tevenbegintounderstand,hehadn'tlosthimselftomourning,madness,orboth.
Shehurriedforwardtohelptheothers;thelampswerekeptdryuntilneeded,soshefilledthemwhiletheothers
litthemandsetthetransparentchimneysinplacetoprotectthemfromdrafts.Whenshelookedoverathim,Kyrtianstillhadn'tmoved,excepttoplaceonehandonthebreastofthatterriblefigureinthewall.
Shestillcouldn'tseehisface.Shestilldidn'twantto.
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Butshewishedwithallhersoulthathewouldweep.
Trianawassurprisedwhentheglowofmage-lightsaheadofherwinkedout.
Shedimmedherownlightinautomaticresponse,lestitbenoticed.Nowtherewasbarelyenoughlightcomingfromherlittlemetalconetoletherseeherwaywithoutstumbling,andsheusedonehandonthecavewalltosteadyherselfasshecreptalong.WhyhadKyrtiandousedhislights?
Then,asafaintyellowglowcamefromtheopeningaheadofher,sheunderstoodthatalthoughhehaddousedhislights,hewasn'tindarkness.Thelightcomingfromaheadwaspoorandweak,andshewonderedifsomedisasterhadbefallenKyrtian,orhismen,tomakehimlosecontrolofhismage-lights.
Thefeelingofunfocusedhorrorthathadstalkedherfromthemomentthatsheenteredthisplacewashedoverherinredoubledstrength.Itwasonlybystoppinglongenoughtotakeafewdeepbreathsandswallowasipofwaterfromaflaskatherbelttoeaseherfear-driedmouththatsheforcedherselftogoon.Whateverwasouttherehadn'tdevouredKyrtianyet,orwherewouldthelightbecomingfrom?
Asherpulsepoundedinhertemplesandherhandsgrewcold,shereachedthemou
thofthenextcave,andassheextinguishedherownmage-lightlestitbetrayher,atlastsheheardvoices.OneofthemwasKyrtian's,with
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aharsh,gratingtonetoitshe'dneverheardbefore,butthelowtoneandtheechoesmadeitimpossibletounderstandwhatheandtheotherswithhimweresaying.Still,hewastalking,andhewouldn'tbedoingthatifsomethinghadattackedhim.Shewonderedwildlyforamomentifhewastalkingtosomethingthatbelongedhere
Butno.Thatdidn'tmakeanysense.Therehadbeennosignsoflifehereatall,notevenbats,sowhatcouldsuchathingliveon?AndtherewerenotracksinthedustexceptKyrtian'speople,sonothingwasgoingintooroutofthiscave-complex.
Intheflickeringanduncertainlightshebarelymadeoutthebulkyshapesofhugeobjectsthesizeofgardenshedsandlargerrangedinutterlystillandsilentranksinfrontofher.Greathulkingshapes-frozenintoimmobilitynow,butsomehownotdead;theycrouched,waiting,watching.Andatt
heedgeofhervision,thearchoftheGreatPortalforthatwasallthatthesoaringarcofgreenish-blackattherearofthecavecouldbebroodingoverthemall.Movingshadowsofmenperformedanincomprehensiblepantomimeagainsttheright-handwall,wherelanternsmustbe.Therewasawhisperofacridscenttotheairhere,afainttasteofmetalandtheflavoroflightning.
Everythinginstinctiveinherscreamedtogoback,forgetwhatshesawandgo,flee,now.Thiswasnothinglike
whatshehadexpectedtherewassomethinghorriblywronghere,andifshestayedshe'dfindoutwhatitwas.Allofthosethingsoutthere,staringwithouteyes,waitingforjusttherighttrigger,therightactiontosetthemfree....
But...butifsheleft,shewouldleaveempty-handed.OnlyKyrtianwouldknowthesecretsthatlayhere.Andthatwasinsupportable.
Willtriumphedoverinstinct,andsheforcedherselftogoon.ShedecidedatthatmomenttoapproachtheplacewhereKyrtianandhispeoplewerebytakingthelongwayaroundtheedgeofthecavern,droppingdownfromtheledgeassilentlyaspossible,thenmakingherwayaroundthecavernwithonehandoutstretchedagainsttherockwalltoguideher.ShewouldpassbytheGreatPortal,andthatalonemightholdsomeusefulinformation.Andshewouldn'thavetowalkamongthosethings.
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TheGreatPortalithadenabledtheAncestorstotravelfromanotherworld.Perhapsitstillheldenoughmagictotakeherhomeafterall,someoftheoldestPortalscouldbeusedtogoanywherethatoneheldakey,andshehadthePrimeKeytoherownPortalintheformofthesignetringonherrighthand.Ifthatwastrue,thenshewasn'ttrappedhere;ifanythingwentwrong,shecouldescapeinaheartbeat!
Thatthought,whenitoccurredtoher,broughtasuddeneaseofherfearthatalmostmadeherstagger,andshecaughtherselfwithonehandonthecavernwall.Reliefsuffusedher,makingheralittlelightheaded.ThehulkingshapesoftheAncestors'chattelsnolongerseemedtostareatherwithinsensatemenace.Theywerejustthings.Old,deadthings.NomatterwhatKyrtianhadfound,orthoughthehadfound,theserelicscouldn'tthreatenanythingoranyoneiftheyeverhad.Herimaginationhadrunawaywithher,andshewasasbadas
anynursery-boundchildinconjuringupnightmaresforherself.
Whateverhadslaughteredallthosepeoplebackinthemaincavecouldn'thavecomefromhere,anyway.WhenthePortalclosed,theconstructshadalldied.Everyoneknewthat.ItwasineveryversionoftheCrossingthatshehadeverread.ThatwaswhyithadbeensoimportantthattheAncestorsfindorcreateasourceofslave-labor,sincetheynolongerhadtheirconstructstodotheirworkforthem.
Withrenewedconfidence,andapurelyinternallaughofscornatherownfoolishness,shecontinuedon,feelingforeachstepasshetookit,sinceshecouldnolongerseewhereshewasgoing.Andallthewhile,shestrainedherearsforsomehintofwhatKyrtianwassaying,watchingtheenormousshadowscastontheoppositewallbythewaveringlightofhislampsmovinginagiganticpuppet-play.
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Aelmarkindousedhismage-lightwithacursewhenherealizedthatthefaintglowaheadofhimmustbecausedbyKyrtian'speopleinthenextcave.He'dfinallycaughtupwiththemonlytocomeperilouslyclosetoblunderingintothem.Hesworeathimselfforbeingsostupidhowcouldhehaveletsomethingthatsimplecatchhim?Heonlyhopedthatnoneofthemwerebrightenoughtohavenoticedhislightbehindthem.
Theroughcircleoflightaheadseemedawfullydimandveryyellow.Odd,that.WhywouldKyrtiangooutofhiswaytocreateayellowlightwhenthenaturalblue-whiteofmage-lightswassomuchbetterandtruer?
Thenagain,itwasKyrtian.Itmightbefirelight;hemighthavefoundwhathewaslookingforanddecidedtocamp.Itmightbelamplight,becausehewasn'tasgoodamageasAel-markinhad
thoughtandhewasrunningoutofenergytokeepthemage-lightsgoing.Hewasperfectlycapableofdoingwithoutmage-lightaltogether,forsomeotherpeculiarreasonofhisown.
ItwasonlywhenAelmarkinactuallyreachedthemouthofthenextcavernandonlyjustsavedhimselffromtumblingovertheedgethatheunderstoodthatthelightswereindeedlanterns,andthatKyrtianhadelectedtousetheminsteadofmage-lights,andhecursedagain(butonlyinhishead)whenthatsimplefactcamenearto
undoinghim.
Itwasaverynearthing;onemoment,hewaseasinghimselfalongthecavern,andthenext,hisquestingfootmetemptyair,andunfortunately,hehadalreadytrustedsomeweighttoit,notanticipatingthattherewouldbeadrop-off.Aelmarkinteeteredonthebrinkforaheart-stoppingmomentbeforehisflailinghandcaughttheedgeofthewallandhewasabletosteadyhimself.
Heburnedtheairwithaflurryofmentalcursesbeforehisheartstoppedracingandhewasabletoreallylookatwhatlaybelowhim.Butthenohthen,hisheartracedforanentirelydifferentreason!
Therebelowhim,rankedandwaitinglikesomanyplacid,sleepingbullocks,weretheancientconstructsthat
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theAncestorshadbroughtwiththem.Rowuponrowofthem,waitingforthepropertouchtobringthemaliveandcallthemtoservice.
Histouch.Neverdoubtit.Hecouldhardlywaittogetdownamongthem!Whatneedwouldhehaveofslavesorgladiatorsorevenarmieswiththesepowerfulcreationsathiscommand?
Hismouthgonesuddenlydrywithanticipation,heascertainedthatthedropwasnowherenearaslongashe'dthought,andeasedhimselfbelly-downovertheedge.Therockscrapedhimeventhroughthetoughleatherofhishunting-tunic,buthehardlyfeltitinhishastetogetdownamongthosethingsoutofanotherworldandtime.
Besides,heneededtogetundercover,incaseoneofKyrt-ian'sslavescamesnooping.Itwouldbeadisasterto
comethisfarandthenbetrippedupbyoneofKyrtian'swretchedslaves.
HefeltbetterwiththebulkofseveralofthethingsbetweenhimselfandKyrtian'slamps.Safeenoughtokindleavery,verydimhand-lightofhisown,onewhichcouldbehiddeninhisfistandusedonly,heldclosetothemetalsidesoftheconstructs,toseeifhecoulddecipheranyoftheancientscript.Hehopedtofindinstructionstheresurelynoteveryonewhowasaskedtocontrolthethingsinthepastactuallylearnedhowtodosobeforeattemptingtooperatethem!Failingthat,hehopedforlabels,orsomeevocative
namethatwouldtellhimwhatthethingswereusedfor.
Butashemovedsilentlyfromonehugebulktothenext,brushingoffaliteralcoatofdustthatfelltothegroundinasheet,hewasdisappointed.Thoughhelookedashighashecouldreach,instructionstherewerenone;nornames,eitheratleastnotonthesidesthatheexamined.Hedidn'tdaremovetothesidefacingKyrtian's
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lamps;badenoughthathewasamovingshadowamongunmovingones!ThemurmurofvoicessuggestedthatallofKyrtian'speoplewerestillwithhim,butwasbynomeansatrustworthywayoftellingforcertain.
HecursedtheAncestorsnowhowstupidcouldonebe,toneglecttoleaveinstructionsfortheuninitiated?Unlessthoseinstructionshadbeeninoneofthebooksbackinthemaincave,booksthatcrumbledatatouch....
Foramoment,hedespaired.Butthencameastrokeoflucksoincrediblehehardlydaredbelieveit.
Asheclosedhisfistaroundhishand-lightindisappointmentatagainfindingnothing,hecaughtafugitivehintofglowinggreenoutofthecomerofhiseye.
Heturned,withpainfulslowness,tohisleft,andforamomentfeltnothingbutawashofdisappointmentwhentheredidn'tseemtobeanythingthereexceptanotherconstruct,andthisoneutterlywithoutanythinglikewritingontheside.Itdidhaveasetofbladesandclawsthatsuggestedwarlikeintentions,notthatknowingitspurposewoulddohimanygoodunlesshecouldgetitmoving,whichheobviouslycouldn'twithoutinstructions.Butthenashestared,hiseyesadjusted,andhesawit.
Afaintglowofgreen,inthemidstoftheblanksideoftheconstruct,exactlyliketheglowofanactivatedElf-stone.
Hesidleduptothething,stayingintheshadows,andquestedoveritwithafinger.Onlytheglowandasubtlechangeintexturefrommetaltostoneinformedhimthatthethingwasthereatall!Ithadbeeninsetflushwiththesurface,andinthedimilluminationfromthehand-light,hewouldn'thaveseenitexceptfortheglow.Itwas
anElf-stone,orsomethingverylikeone.Andwhenheopenedhisfisttobringhishand-lightuptoitthehand-lightdimmed,andthegreenglowbrightened.
Hecouldhavepummeledhimselfforstupidity.Ofcourse!Whywouldyouneedinstructionstomanageoneofthesethings?AllyouneededwastheElf-stone,bothtopoweritandtocontrolit!And,ofcourse,thatwaswhy
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allofthethingshadcollapsedintoinertiawhentheGreatPortalclosed!ThemagicpoweringthemthatwasapartoftheAetherofEvelonranout,andtheElvenlordswho'dbuiltandsustainedthePortalhadnothinglefttosupplythem!Uttersimplicity,but,ofcourse,theLesserElvenlordswho'dheldbacktheirownpowereitherhadn'tknownhowtheconstructsworked,orhadbeensobusyeliminatingtheirdangerousrivalsthattheyhadn'tbotheredtotrytolearntousethethings!
Orperhapstheyhadbeensoafraidofpursuitthattheyjustabandonedthebrutes.
Orwell,itdidn'tmatter.Thepointwas,theyhadbeenabandonedandtheywerethereforthetakingandnowAel-markinknewhowtotakeandusethem!
Itcouldn'tbeanysimpler.Anditdidn'tmatterwhatthisbehemothwasoriginal
lyintendedtodo,either.Itwasbig,ithadtobebrutallystrong,anditwascertainlybrutallyheavy.ItcouldkillKyrtiansimplybysteppingonhim.
Aelmarkinsmotheredahowlofglee,andplacedthehandholdinghishand-lightagainsttheElf-stoneembeddedintheconstruct'sside.Itsuckedinthepowergreedily.Thehand-lightvanished.
AndthenAelmarkinfeltitwakeandlookformore.Andfeltitsfierceconcentrationfocusonhim.
Hetriedtopullhishandawayinaflashofalarm.
Butbythen,ofcourse,itwasalreadytoolate.
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KyrtianhadfinallyallowedLynderandKemantoleadhimtoaseatonanearbyoutcropofrock.Hefelthollow.Andexhausted.Asifhehadweptforayear,althoughhewasdry-eyed.
Atleastmotherisn'there.Thatwasallhecouldthinkof.Atleastshecan'tseethis.Idon'tthinkshecouldbearit.Ithinkshe'dgomad.
"No,don'ttrytochipitout,"hesaidwithdifficultyinanswertoLynder'squestion."Idon'teverwantLadyLydielltoseehim.Notlikethat,anyway.Maybewecanfindawaytocoverhimover"
Heshuddered,aspasmofathingthatlefthimsweatingandshaking.Whatmusthavehappened?Hemusthave
somehowwakenedoneofthosethings.Maybeitfedoffhismage-lights,andhedidn'trealizewhatwashappening.Hemusthavebeensoexcitedtooexcitedtothinkclearly.
Heburiedhisheadinhishands,shudderingallover,inspasmshecouldn'tcontrol.Hewantedtohowl,torailatfate,andaboveallthings,toweep.Whycouldn'theweep?
Whichoneofthesehulkshaddonethedeed?Hewantedtoknowthat,suddenly,wi
thafierceangerthattookhimandlefthimshaking.That,aboveall,hehadtofindout!He'dfindthethingandtakeittobitswithhisbarehands,andgrindthebitstodustandscatterthedustoverthebarrendesert,bytheAncestors,hewould!
Hestoodup,stillshaking,andturnedtowardsthemjustintimetoseeoneofthemslowlyrisingupfromamongitsfellows,toweringhigherandhigher,withsomethingdoll-likeandscreamingclenchedinonefearsomeclaw.
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Fearstrucktinesoficedeepintohisgut,butKyrtianhadnotspentalltheseyearstrainingforbattleinvain.Beforethethinghadfinishedstanding,hebarkedanorder,which,ifhisvoicecracked,wasnonethelessloudenoughandauthoritativeenoughthateveryonereacted.
"Takecover!"heshouted,evenwhilehehimselfwasdivingforshelterbeneaththeslopingfrontofthenearestconstruct.
EvenLynderandHobie,thoughtheyhadnotactuallyfoughtwithKyrtian'stroopsagainsttheYoungLords,hadtrainedlongandhardwithallofKyrtian'smenandreactedimmediatelytohisbarkedorder.Bythetimetheconstructhadgottentoitsfullheight,Kyrtian,LynderandHobiewerealloutofitsfieldofvisionorsohehopedunderaslopeofmetalthatcastadeep,blackshadow.
AndIonlyhopethisthingdoesn'tdecidetocomealive,toohethought,squeezingasfaroutofsightashecould,thoughhisskinshrankfromcontactwiththechillandslightlygreasymetal.
Whentheyhadalltuckedinandgoneimmobile,heriskedaglanceatthewallandthehalf-circleoflanterns.ShanaandKe-manwerenowhereinsight,butatleasttheywerenowhereinhisline-of-sight.Hehadtohope
thatifhecouldn'tseethem,neithercouldtheconstruct.Ifit"saw,"thatis.Itmightuseothersenses....
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"Nowwhat?"LynderhissedintoKyrtian'sear.HesoundedasdesperateasKyrtianfelt.
"I'mthinking!"hehissedback.Hewasn'tworriedaboutthatthinghearingthem;thevictimithadinitsclawwasmakingenoughnoisetocoverjustaboutanything.Thescreamingwashorrible,butworsewasthefeelingthatheknewthetorturedvoice.
ThevictimAnElvenlord;he'dseenenoughinthatmomentofhorrortoknowitwasn'tahuman.Butwho?Whocouldhavefollowedhimhere,andwhy?NotanyofLordKyndreth'speople,sincenoneofthemknewwherehewasgoing,precisely,andsurelynoneofhisown.
Thevictimblubberedbetweenthescreams,incoherentinhisterror.Itwassickeningtolistento.
No,noneofthemwouldhavetrailedafterme,simplybecausenoneofthemcouldhave.They'realltotallyunsuitedtotrampingaboutinthewilderness,thanktheAncestors.
Asfrighteningasthescreamswasthesilencebeneathit.Theconstructmadenosoundatall.
Theonlypersonlikelytohavefollowedhim,andwiththeskillstodoso,wouldhavebeenGel,anditcertainlywasn'tGelinthatmonster'sclaw!
Yetthevoicewasfamiliar.
Whothen?Hestrainedtomakeoutanythinginthescreamsandbabblingtogivehimaclue,ashismouthdriedwithfearandhisinsidesseemedtoturntowater.Anenemy,then?ButwhatenemywouldhavefollowedhimonwhatwassupposedtobeafairlydangerousmissiontohuntoutWizards?Anenemylookingforsomethingtodiscredithimwithperhaps?Anenemyplanningtofind,orplant,somethingtoKyrtian'sharm.Orevenanenemyhopingtoarrangean"accident"outherewheretherewouldbenowitnesses?Thatwassomethingthat
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Aelmarkin
Ancestors!hethought,stunned,nowhearingwhatwasfamiliarinthosescreamsandwailsechoingacrossthecavern.It'sAelmarkin!
ThatAelmarkinhatedhimenoughtotrytodiscreditormurderhimwasnosurprise,butthathe'dactuallydarethewildernesstodosowassomethingsoout-of-characterthathecouldn'tberatehimselffornotthinkingofitbefore.Hisworstenemy
Whohasmanagedtoblunderintothis.
Fortunately,hedidnothavethetimetobattlehisconscienceoverwhetherornottoattemptarescue;therewas
awhine,andaflashoflightsweepingacrossthecavefloor,andthescreamscutoffwithdreadfulfinality.Thethreeshelteringbeneaththestill(thankfully!)lifelessconstructbecameveryquiet,hardlydaringtobreathe,assilencedescendedwithleadensuddenness.
Kyrtianfoughtdowntheurgetoboltforthemouthofthecavethathadbroughtthemhere.Whoknewwhatsortofweaponsthisthinghad?
Nomagic,Kyrtiandecided.Especiallynotlevin-bolts.Ifthismonsterwaswhathadbeenfeedingonhismage-lightsanddrainingthem,whatsortofpowerwouldalevin-boltgiveit?Orworsewhatifanotheroftheconstructsabsorbedthepowerandcameawake?Hewasfairlycertainthatthisonewasn'ttheonethathadgottenhisfatherthoughhisfathermustcertainlyhaveawakenedoneoranotherofthebehemoths,probablybyusingmage-lights.Thisonewasnowaprovenkiller;theycertainlydidn'tneedtoawakenasecond!
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Sowhatcouldheuseagainstthismonster,ifnotmagic?
Notbowsandarrows.Notswords.Andwe'vepreciouslittleelse.
Therewasawhir,acreakingofmetal,andsuddenlysomethinglikeanenormousupturnedbowlattachedtothreemetalstrutsslammeddownontothestonewhereheandhismenhadjustbeen,sendingupacloudofdust.Asecondfollowedthefirst,smashingoneofthelanterns.
Amomentlater,Aelmarkin'slimpbodydroppeddownbesidetheseconddisk.Therewasnomistake,nowthatKyrtiancouldseetheterror-twistedfeatures.ItwasAelmarkin,allright.Andtherewasnodoubtinhismindthathiscousinwasquite,quitedead.Notwhenhisbackbonebentthatfar,ora
tthatangle.
Kyrtianfroze;almostdirectlyabovethem,heheardthatpeculiarwhiningagain.Hecouldn'tseeanythingbutthosetwometallegs,buthisimaginationpaintedapictureoftheconstructsomehowturningthetoppartofitselftopeerdownatthegroundbelow,searchingforthem.Hefeltlikeamousehidinginaloginafield,watchingthelegsofacat.Onlyhehadnoideajustwhatarcanesensesthismonsterwasusingtolookforthem.
Andasiftoreinforcethatimaginaryimage,twinbeamsoflightsweptovertheirhidingplaceandpassedoverthefloorwheretheyhadallbeenstanding.
IfIknewwhatitsweaponsanditsabilitieswere,Imighthaveabetterchanceoffiguringoutwhattodoaboutit
Ashoutbroketheominoussilence,makingallthreeofthemstartandclutchateachotherininvoluntaryreaction.
"Hey!"Shanacalledfromsomewheretotheright,herownvoicecracking.
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Thewhinebecameawhir;somethingclackedangrilyoverheadandinmeremoments,thethinghadtakentwoearth-shakingstridesthatgotitoutofKyrtian'sfieldofvision.Heheardandfelteachfootstep;itwasbipedal,fromthesound.AnditwasdefinitelyafterShana.
Shana!Whatareyoudoing?
Itwasn'tquietinthecaveanylonger.Theconstructmustnothavebeenaverygracefulthing;itsoundedasifitwasstumblingintoorkickingasideeveryobstacleinitspathinitsefforttogettotheElvenbane.Lynderwincedwitheachcrash;Hobiejustsatasfrozenasafrightenedsparrow.
Thenitstopped.Thewhiningnoisebeganagain,anditsoundedfrustrated.Kyrtianheldhisbreathagain,andsodidtheothertwo.Ifitheardthem
"Ho!"
ItwasKeman'svoicethistime,fromanotherpartofthecave.Theconstructwasawayagain,blunderingitswaythroughthelifelessformsofitsfellows.Itmightbebipedal,butitobviouslywasn'tunstable;hehadn'theardanythingthatsoundedlikeastumbleoramisstepyet.
Whataretheydoing?Notknowingwhattheywereuptowasmaddening!Notbeingabletoseethemonsterwasworse!
"Shouldwetryandgetalook?"Lynderwhisperedinhisear.
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"Notyet,"hewhisperedback.Justthenthecrashingandthrashingaboutstopped,andthewhiningrecommenced,soundingmorefrustratedthanbefore.Itcouldn'tfindKemananymorethanithadbeenabletofindShana.IfmagicfeedsitcouldImakeitgodormantbydrainingmagicpoweroutofit?
Itwasworthtrying.Theonlytroublewas,inordertodrainsomething,hehadtoactuallybeinphysicalcontactwithit.
AndjusthowamIgoingtodothatwithoutendinguplikeAelmarkin?Heshuddered,andkepthiseyesavertedfromtheremainsofhiscousin.
"Hey!"ThatwasShanaagain,fromyetanotherpartofthecave.ItsoundedasifsheandKemanwereworkingtogethertoluretheconstructawayfromwhereheandLynderandHo-biehid.Wasthatwhattheyweretryingtodo?Getthethingawayfromthecave-mouthsothatthethreeofthemcouldescape?
Hecouldn'tdenythatchancetohismen.Anditwouldbethrowingtheblessingbackintheirfacetohavethemrisksomuchandnottaketheopportunity."Startworkingyourwaybacktothemouthofthecave,"he
whisperedundercoverofthecrashesandthuds."Butdon'tmoveunlesstheconstructismoving,too.Getoutofthecavesaltogether,thenbringbacktherestofthemen,andanyequipmentyouthinkmighthelp.I'llstayhereandhelpShanaandKemandistractthething."
"But"Lynderbegan.
"That'sanorder,"hehissedfiercely,andtoenforceit,tookachanceandscut
tledfromundertheirshelterintothespacebeneathanotherheadingintheoppositedirectionofthecave-mouth.
Heslidunderitjustintime;thenoisestoppedagain,andthewhiningbegan.
Thiswasn'twherehe'dhavegonebychoice;thethingwaswheeled,somethinglik
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eahay-wain,buttheclearancebetweenthecavefloorandthething'sbottomwasn'tmorethanhalfthatbeneatharealwagon.Hehadbarelyenoughroomtohide,andhecouldn'thelphavingnightmarevisionsofthethingwakingupanddecidingtosquashhimbyloweringitselfdownontopofhim.Hewassweatingandice-coldatthesametime,andfightingapanicthatthreatenedtokeephimfromthinkingatall.Ifanything,theviewfromunderherewasworsethanthefirstshelter,anditseemedtotakeforeverbeforeheheardKeman'sechoing"Ho!"
Theconstructcrashedoffinpursuit,andKyrtianscrambledoutfromunderthe"wain"totakeshelter,notunder,butbehindyetanotherbehemoth.Thistimehewantedtoseewhatthethinglookedlike,whatitwasdoing.
Itlookedlikeaboxontwolegs,withapairofbluntcrab-likepincersonarmsattachedtoeithersideofthebox.Itwasn'tveryfast,anditwasn'tatallgraceful,butitwaspowerful.Someof
thosecrasheshadn'tbeenbecauseitwasplowingintoobstacles,itwasbecauseitwaspickingthemupwithapincerandtossingthemasideiftheyweresmallenough.
Ancestors!Ihopethosetwoaren'tanywhereunderwhat'sbeingdropped!
Twolightsweretheymage-lights?atthefrontoftheboxprojectedthebeamsoflightthathehadseen
sweepingthegroundlookingforthem.Theyswiveled,lookinguncannilylikeeyes,andtheresemblancemadehimshiver.Histunicclungdamplytohisbackandhishandsachedwhereheclutchedthesidesofhishiding-place.
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Itstoppedandsweptthegroundarounditwiththoselight-beams.Sowhereweretheothertwo,andwhywasn'titabletospotthem?
Hefrowned,thinking;KemanandShanamustbepoppingup,shouting,andmovingoffagainwhileitblundereditswaytowardsthem,butthethingmustnothaveverygoodvision,orsurelyitwouldseethemgettingaway.Thatwassomethingtokeepinmind.
"Hey!"cametheexpectedcryandthatwaswhenKyrtianrealizedthatShanaandKemanwerebeingevenmorecleverthanhe'dthought.Theyweren't"poppingup"wheretheconstructcouldseetheminstead,apieceofdebriswentflyingthroughtheairandlandedontopofanotherconstructwithaclatteratsomedistancefromwheretheshouterwas.Theconstruct'slightbeamssnappedacrossthelength
ofthecaveandfocusedonthat.Andwherethejunklandedwaswheretheconstructheaded.Nowonderitwasn'tabletofindwhatitsoferventlyhunted!
Hedashedoutofcoverlongenoughtogetapieceofdebrishimself,laboringunderthedoublehandicapofnotwantingtodistractthethingfromitscurrenthunt,andbeingcarefulnottogowherehemightinadvertentlycastashadowormoveacrossthelantern-light.Maybeitdidn'thavegoodvisionandmaybeitdid.Thiswasn'tthe
timetofindout.
Hekeptoneeyeonthecave-mouth.Ican'tstartbringingitbackoverhereuntilLynderandHobiearesafethrough....
"Ho!"Amuch,muchbiggerpieceofdebriswentflying.ThatwasKeman,whomustbeverymuchstrongerthanShana.
Wellofcoursehe'sadragon!Kyrtianthoughtoftheimmensely-strongshapeKemanhadtakentobringShanaandthegeardownintothecaves.Itwasn'tmuchbiggerthanahuman,butnohumancouldhavedonewhatKemanhad.
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Thethingfasteneditslight-beamsonthejunkwhileitwasstillintheair,andstartedafterit.
Kyrtianglancedoveratthemouthofthecave,justintimetoseetwinshadowsslipovertheledgeandintothedarkholethatwasthestartoftheirroadtosafety.
Reliefmadehismouthdry.Atleasttheywereoutofthis.
Thatwasthegoodnews;thebadnewswasthatthethingwasmovingfaster,andmoresurely,everytimeitcrossedthefloor.Insteadofrunningoutofpower,itseemedasifmovementwaspermittingittoloosenupjointslongheldimmobile.Itwasagoodthinghehaddecidedtojointhislittlegame.Itlookedasifitwasgoingtoneedthreeplayers.
Theconstructreachedthespotwherethedebrishadlandedbutthistimeitstoodasifitwasconsideringsomething,thenslowlymoveditslightsalongthepaththatthejunkKemanhadthrownhadtaken
Oh,Ancestors.Thethingcanthink.It'sfinallyfiguredoutthatthedebrisisn'twhatitwants,andthatsomeonemusthavethrownit.
Hedroppeddownoutofsight,lookedhastilyaround,andpickedaplacetohide.Farenoughawayandnearenoughtoreach.Hehoped."Ha!"heshoutedwithallhismight,andflunghisownpieceofjunk.
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Hewasalreadyrunningflat-outforhishiding-placewhenthepiecelefthishand.Hedoveandrolledbeneaththeconstructandlaytherewithhismouthclampedaroundhissleevetomufflehispantingasthefootstepscrashednearerandnearer....
"Ha!"Shanaheard,andknewimmediatelythatitwasn'tKe-man.SoKyrtianhaddecidedtogetintothe"game."Shesparedamomentto"feel"withhermindforHobieandLynder,andtoherimmensereliefsensedtheminthevicinityofthecave-mouth.Andtheir"presences"werereceding.Kyrtianwasnofool,thoughhemightbebravetothepointoffoolhardiness.
Still,shewasgladofhisaid,andgladderstillhe'dgottenthetwoweakestmembersofthegroupoutofdanger.
:Kemanhe'ssentthemforhelp!:
:Oratleasthe'ssentthemaway.:Kemanreplied,astheconstructcrasheditswayacrossthefloor.:Idon'tknowhowmuchhelptherestofhismencouldbe...eveniftheygetherebeforethisthingcatchesoneofus.:
Well,neitherdidshe.Butrightnow,thatwassecondonherlistofconcerns.Thefirstwashowtokeepherself,
andKeman,andKyrtianoutoftheclawsofthemonster.Fearseemedtosharpenallofhersenses,andmadeherthoughtsfaster.Oncethiswasoverifshelivedthroughitshe'dcollapse.Nowshewasallcalculation.
:Whatisthatthing,anyway?:Maybethewaytofiguringouthowtogetridofitlayinwhatitwassupposedtodo.TheAncestorsmadethewretchedthingsasslavestodoalltheirworkforthem.Whichwaswhywhentheyfoundthisworldfullofhumanstheyhadn'tneededthethingsthathadgonedeadonthemandpresumably
hadn'tbotheredtoretrievethem.
Butthemonsterwassilentagain,anditwasherturntodistractit.Shehadherpieceoftrashready,anicelightpieceofsomethingmetallicthatshouldmakealotofclatter."Hey!"sheyelped,andtosseditbackwardsoverherheadasshespedoffintheoppositedirection,scootingundertheplatformofsomethingthatvaguely
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resembledahutwithaporch.
TheAncestorsmadethemasslavesWhatcouldtheypossiblyhavewantedwiththatthing?Two-legged,piercingthroughthegloomofthecavewithlights,hugepincers
Shecringedbackintohershelterasthosetwinbeamsoflightsweptalittletooclose.Thethingwasgettingfaster,andmorenimble.Thatwasnotgood.
Andthistimeithadn'tgonefortheplacewherethetrashhadlanded,butforsomewherenearertheplacewhereshe'dbeenstandingwhensheshouted.Thatwasworse.
"Ho!"shoutedKeman,andthethingwhirledandlurchedoff.
Whatcouldthatmonsterpossiblybegoodfor?Sheduckedoutofhershelterandtookaquicklookaround,justintimetoseeitpickupanotherhorse-sizedconstructandtossitaside,foralltheworldlikeoneofherfarmers,tossingasideastoneorabrickthatwasinthewayoftheplow.
Hereyeswidenedinvoluntarilyassheimaginedthethingpickingupsaytheloadonawagon,andmovingittoabarn.
Ofcourse...that'swhatit'sfor.
:Kemanthatmonsterit'smeanttomovethings.:
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:Well,it'sdoingagoodjobofit!:Kemanrespondedacidly.:Italmostdroppedthatlastbititthrewawayrightontopofme!:
:No,no,I'mtellingyouwhatit'smeanttodo!That'sthejobit'smeantfor,tomovethings.That'swhattheAncestorsmadeitfor!:
Thethingstopped,andstartedhuntingforKeman,sweepingitslightsovertheincreasingly-chaoticandincreasingly-tangledranksofconstructs.:Sowhatdoesathinglikethatneedtodoitsjob?:cameKeman'sreply.
"Ha!"shoutedKyrtian,andthemonsterwasoffagain.ShananoticedthatKyrtian
hadn'tbotheredtotossanyjunkthistime.Hemusthaveseenthatthemonsterwasn'tfooledbyitanymore.
:Astrongback,stronglegs,strongarms.It'sgottolearn,Isuppose,:sheventured.
:Well,thisone'slearning!It'sfiguringoutitshouldn'tchaseafterthedecoyswe'vebeentossing.Don'tbotherthrowingthings.Justyell,andrun,:hereplied.:Whatelse,doyouthink?:
:Kyrtian'salreadyfiguredoutwearen'tfoolingitanymore.Um.Itwouldneedgoodbalance.Noteasytotipover,nomatterhowheavythethingisithastopickup:shesuggested.
:Somuchformyideaoftrippingit:Themonsterwasdefinitelygettingmorenimbleasitmoved.Therewaslessblunderingintothingsnow,morepickingthemupandtossingthemaside.Whywasitchasingthemifitwas
supposedtobeacargo-mover?CouldtheenemiesoftheAncestorshavesomethingtodowiththat,orhadthethingjustgonewellcrazyinallthecenturiesofinactivity?
:Youlikelywouldn'twantittocutthingsup,sothosepincersmustbeblunt.:Shewastryingtothinkofanythinguseful.
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:Yes.Itdidn'thavetocutthatElvenlordinhalf,onlycrushhim,:camethesardonicreply..-Whoeverhewasandwhateverhisbusinesswas.:
.¦FollowingKyrtian,ataguess.MaybetheGreatLordsdidn'ttrusthimasmuchashethoughttheydid.:Sheshookherselftogetridofthedistractingspeculations.Itwasherturn.Shegotoutofhershelter,pickedupaflatpieceof'glass'andchoseanotherhidingplace.Maybeifshethrewitinadifferentwaythanjusttossingitanyhow,itmightstilldistractthemonster.
"Hey!"shescreamed,sentthethingspinningofflikethesaucersthatthechildrenplayedwith,anddashedforcover.
Shereacheditjustintime,andwasalarmedtoseethatthistimetheconstructaimedforthecenterofthearc,nottheplacewheretheglasslanded.Tooclose!
:Keman!Canthatthingreachbehinditself,doyouthink?:
ShesensedKeman'sheadpoppingupcautiously,andgotabriefglimpseofwhathesawbeforehedovebackdownintohiding..7don'tthinkitcan!:herepliedwithexcitement..7don'tt
hinkitcanseebehindit,either!:
So.Thatwasoneweakness.No,two!
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:Ifyoutookdragon-form:shehardlydaredsuggestit,andKemanwouldneedtimetotaketheformbutindragon-formKemanwasjustasbigasthemonsterwas.Couldhebeamatchforit?
.7couldleapontoitsbackandkeepitoccupied,:Kemanrepliedfirmly.-.ThenyougettoKyrtian,andbothofyougetintothetunnel.I'llfollowonceyou'regone.I'llberightonyourheels.:
.But:sheprotestedshehadn'tintendedthatatall!
:Youmightaswell,sinceI'mgoingtodowhatIwanttoanyway.:Andheclosedhismindofftoher.
Damnhim!shethoughtwithaflareofangerandshookthatoff,too.Notime,therewasnotimeforanythingnowbutaction.
ShesensedwhereKyrtianwas,andwaited.
"Ha!"theElvenlordshoutedhoarsely,andmadehismove.Shedidthesameassoonasthemonsterwasoutofsight,planningherruntoendnearhis.
Themonstercametoahaltalmostdirectlybetweenthem,andshefroze,holdingherbreath.Lightsweptoverherhiding-place.Once.Twice.
Diditguess?Weredimsenseswakingup,becomingkeenerasitsmovementsgrewsurer?Instinctshriekedathertoshrinkback,furtherintohiding;sensetoldhertokeepabsolutelystill.
"Ho!"Kemanshouted,andthethinglurchedoff.BeforeKyrtianhadachancetomove,Shanadid,divingunderthewheeledvehiclethatconcealedhim.
Shefoundherselfnose-to-nosewiththeElvenlord,whosewhitefaceheldanexpr
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essionofuttershockatseeingher."Weneedtogetittoturnassoonasit'sontopofKeman,"shewhisperedwithoutpreamble."He'sgoingtotakedragon-formandjumponitfrombehind."
"Anddowhat?"Kyrtianasked,aghast.
"HowshouldIknow?"shesnapped."He'sdecidedthat'swhathe'sgoingtodosowecangetoutthewayyourtwomendid.Hesayshe'sgoingtofollow"
"WellIthinkIcandrainthatthingifhecangetitimmobilized"Kyrtianbegan,andthecrashingfootstepsstopped.
BeforeKyrtiancoulddoanything,Shanarolledoutfromunderneaththeconstruct
andstoodup."Hey!"shescreamed,wavingherarmsthistime."Hey!Stupid!Overhere!"
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Barkinghiselbowsonthestonefloorinhishastetogetout,Kyrtianscrambledfromundertheconstructjustintimetoseethemonsterturntowardsthem.
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Itwasnotanencouragingsight.Anditgotrapidlyworse.
Shanajuststoodthere,wavingherarmsatit,andthetwobrightspotsfartoomuchlikeglaring,angryeyesonitssquare,flatfrontpannedoverthespacebetweenthemandpinnedherinacircleofwhitelight.
Hismouthwentdry,andfearrandownhisbackbonelikeatrickleoficywater.Thethingemittedanangrywhine,andlurchedforward.
Butbeforeithadtakenmorethanasinglestep,somethingmovedinthedarknessbehindit,ashadowyformhebarelymadeoutagainsttheglare,thatwaveredandsurgedupwardsallinaninstantandthenlunged.
Keman!
Monsteroffleshagainstmonsterofmetal.Thedragonlandedsquarelyontheconstruct'sback,clawsshriekingagainstitssides.Themonster'slegsbuckledbeneaththedragon'sweightasKyrtianstaredinfrozenfascination
Andthatwasallhehadtimetosee,asShanagrabbedhiswristandwrenchedhimaround,pullingathim."Run!"sheshouted,showingherheelsasagoodexample,andhedidn'tneedasecondinvitation.Themonstermightbeencumbered,butitcertainlywasn'tdefeated,andbehindthemthesoundsofitthrashingaboutandKeman'sclawsscrabblingtotakeholdwereproofenoughofthat.
Feargavehimanewburstofenergy.TheysprintedacrossthecavefloorwithSh
anaslightlyintheleadnotbecauseKyrtianwasplayingthegentleman,either.Thegirlmusthavespentherchildhoodscramblingacrossroughgroundlikethis;wherehestumbled,sheskimmedoverobstacleslikeafrighteneddeer.
Shemusthaveaseparatesetofeyesinherfeet....
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Behindthem,crashesandearth-shudderingimpactstestifiedthatKemanwasstillinthefight.Ancestorsblessyou,dragon.Butgetyourselfoutofitassoonaswe'reclear!
Shereachedtheledgefirstandvaultedupontoitlikeanexpertacrobat,turningjustintimetoofferherhandtohelphimscrambleupbesideher.Herhandwashardandtough,withsurprisingstrengthinit.
KemanAquickglanceoverhisshouldershowedhimthatthedragonstillclungtenaciouslytothebackoftheconstruct-monster,andnothingthemonstercoulddowasshakinghimoff.
HegrabbedShana'shandandhauledhimselfupbesideher,turningimmediatelytofacethefight,hopingthatKemanhadsomehowgottencleverenoughtooutwitthething.
Andhisheartleapt.Althoughthemonster's"arms"flaileddesperately,itcouldn'treachthedragonwiththem,andthosepincerswere,nexttoitsfeetandweight,itsbestweapons.Kemanhadhishindclawslodgedfirmlyalloverthething'sbackhalf,andhisforeclawsclampedoverthefrontedge.Kyrtianfeltasmileashesawwhatthedragonhaddonewisely,hewasnotmakinganyfurtheroffensivemoves.Instead,hewascontenttoletthemonsterwreakfurtherdamageonitselfasitblunderedabout,tryingtodislodgehim.Kemanhadhistailcurled
tightlybetweenhislegsandoutofharm'sway,hiswingsfoldedtightlyacrosshisback,andhislegsalltuckedinsothattheconstructcouldn'tscrapehimoffwithoutfirstscrapingprotrudingsectionsofitselfoffaswell.
Thelightsonthefrontswiveledindependentlyasittriedandfailedtoilluminatethedragononitsback.Itthrewitselfrepeatedlyagainstthewalls,andbuckedlikeagreenhorse,butcouldn'tgetridofhim.Ithadn'tyet
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thoughttorolloveronitsbackbutmaybeitcouldn't.Kemanwaswinningjustbyvirtueofstickingonitlikeaburr.
Infact,ithadtakensomevisibledamage,notonlyfromthewallsofthecave,butfromalloftheotherconstructsithadblunderedinto.Therightleghadasortofhitchinitsmovement,now,andthesideswerescarredwhereithadbasheditsskinagainsttherock.KyrtianwincedasitflungitselfintQthewallofthecave,crashingintoanotherconstructintheprocess,andwonderedhowKemanmanagedtostaywedgedontothething.Whatmadethebattleallthemoreuncannywasthatasidefromthecrashofmetalonrockandmetalonmetal,andanunderlying,angrywhirorhum,theentirebattlewastakingplaceinsilence.Itfeltasifoneorbothofthemoughttobegivingtonguetoterriblebattle-roars.
HefeltShanatenseupbesidehim.Then,suddenly,Kemanmadeamove.
Whilethemonsterwasstilloff-balance,heletgowithhisforeclawsandstabbedthemdownviciouslyatthelights.Hecaughtthem.Withagrindingshriekasifthemetalitselfscreamed,hewrenchedfirstone,thentheother,offthefront.Metalandwiresnappedandtore,andKemantossedthelightsaside,likeacruelboypullingthelegsoffabeetle.
Ifthemonsterwasevergoingtodisplayavoice,itshouldhavethen
Thelightswentoutastheyfell,leavingonlythelanternsheandhismenhadlitasilluminationforthecave,andhugeshadowssprangupbehindtheconstructanditsdraconicburden,writhingandtwistingasthethingthrashedandKemantookanewpositiononitsback.
Nowwhat
"Run!"Shanashoutedagain,andasheturnedtodoso,hesawKemanflinghimselfoffthemonster'sbackatlast,halfrunning,halfflying,straightforthecave-mouthwheretheystood.
That'swhat!
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Hedidn'twaittoseeifthemonsterwasgoingtofollow,orifbytakingitslightsKemanhadalsoblindedit.Heignoredhisachingsideandputeverythinghehadintoaflat-outdashforthemaincave.Withinmoments,theywerefleeingthroughthedarkness,withnothingmorethanthegreylightattheendoftheseriesofdemi-cavestotellthemwheretheirgoalwas.
Ascrabblingnoisebehindhimmadethehaironthebackofhisneckstandstraightup,andsomewheredeepinsidehimhefoundanotherburstofspeed
Itwasinsidethetunnel.
Itwasclosingthegapbetweenthem!
Itwasrightontopofhim!
Somethinggrabbedhim,closingaroundhiswaistandspinninghimoveronhissideasitcarriedhimforward!Airrushedpasthimashiscaptorpickedupspeed.Heflailedatitwithfistsandheels
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"Shtothai"saidamuffledandindignantvoiceatthebackofhisneck."Ishee!"
Keman?
Teethshrankawayfromhimevenasherealizedtheywerestickingintohim,andasKemanran,hisjawsformedthemselvesaroundKyrtian'sbody.
Kemanmadegreaterspeedthananysmaller,two-leggedcreaturepossiblycould;fromhisinvertedpositioninthedarkness,Kyrtiancouldn'tseemuch,butwhenhetwistedhishead,thedim,roundlightthatrepresentedtheplacewherethelastsetofsmallcavesmettheentrancecavewasgettingbigger.Anditwasdoingsoalotfaster
thanithadwhenhewasrunning.
Hecouldn'ttellwhereShanawas,butKemanwouldn'thaveleftherbehind,soshemustbewiththem.Probablyshe'dbeenabletocatchholdofhisneckontherunandvaultherselfintoplacelikeatrick-rider.
Behind
Ametalliccrashthatdeafenedhimforamomentandshooksmallrocksloosetoraindownontotheirheadsprovedthatthemonsterwasn'tblindandwasstillcomingforthem.Frombehindcamethescrapeandgroanofprotestingmetal,andmorecrashesasthemonsterforceditselfintotheopening.
Kemanfoundmorespeedsomewhere;hot,metallicbreathpantedinandoutoverKyrtian'sbody,andKyrtian
pulledinhisarmsandlegsandtuckedhisheadintokeepasmuchofhimselfinsideKeman'smouthashecould.
"Anks,"Kemansaidshortly.
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Thenoisefrombehindwasn'tfallingaway.Eitherthethingwasstilltryingtofollowthem,orithadsucceededingettinginandwasontheirheels.
Aviolentimpactadust-stormKemanburstthroughwhatwasleftofthebarrieroftangledcartsandbonesandrelics,andoutintothemaincave
Andsuddenlytossedhisheadupinaslewing,sidewaysmotion,lettinggoofKyrtianashedidso.
"Aiiiiiiiii!"
Kyrtianscreamedasheflewthroughtheair,andscreamedagainassomethingsnatchedhimoutofitaseasilyasachildcatchesaball,thenslammedhimdownonabony,scalysurfacethati
nexplicablyhadasaddleonit.
Heclutchedtheleather,dazed,andevenashiseyestookintheimprobablesightofadragonneckandheadstretchingawayinfrontofhim,strangeandskeletalinthedimlight,thedragonlurchedintoarun.
Ancestors!Moreofthem?
AheadofhimKeman,withShanaclingingtohisneck;hemustnothavepausedforasinglestrideashetossedhisburdenofElvenlordtotheother.Kemanscrabbleduptherock-pileattheentrancefirst,withnoregardforniceties,dislodginganythingthatwaslooseinhishastetogetout.Astheyfollowed,lurchingandslippingwhilerockswenttumblingbeneathandaroundthem,Kyrtianduckedasmorerocksshowereddownonthem,andthedragonherodecuppeditswingsforwardtodeflectsomeofthefallingdebrisfromhim.Hisheart
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pounded,andhisfingerswereclampedsotightlytothesaddlethattheyhurt,andallthewhileheheardthescreechofprotestingmetalechoingbehindthem,coming,coming
Thentheywereatthetop,miraculouslywidenedthenout
Kyrtiangaspedinsteadofscreamed,asthedragonthrewitselfintoemptyspace.
Itglidedheavilydowntheslope,wingswide-spreadaroundhim,andskiddedintoanabruptlandingatthebottom.
Kyrtianwasn'treadyforthat.Helosthisgrip,andtumbledawkwardlyoverthedragon'sshoulderanddownto
theground.Thedragonspunaroundonitshindlegs,nimbleasagoat,andracedbackuptheslopetojointheothers,threeofthem,whowereallclusteredaroundtheopening.
KyrtianlookedforShanaandfoundherintheembraceofanotherwizard,shakinglikealeaf,andwhisperingwhatsoundedlikeaname.Thewizard,wholookedvaguelyfamiliar,strokedherhaircomfortingly,butspokestraighttoKyrtian.
"Ihopeyoudon'twanttogetbackinthere.Ever.Thedragonsaresealingtheentrance."
ShanarelaxedagainstthesupportofLorryn'sshoulderandcradledthewineskininbothhands;shedidn'tusuallydrinkmuchwinebutaftertoday
Ifanyonedeservesadrink,Ido.
ShehadneverbeensogladtoseeanyoneinherlifeasLor-ryninfact,shehadn'trealizedthattheotherdragonswerethereuntiltheywerealloutofthecaves.
Keman,Alara,Dora,andKalamadeahadsealedtheentrancepastanythingotherth
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ananotherdragongettingthrough.They'dbroughtdownhalfthemountain,itseemed,thenfusedtherockstogetheruntiltheywereexhaustedandlimp,theirbrightcolorsgonepale,theirscalesdull.Theworkhadbeenurgentenough;they'donlyjustbroughttherocksdownwhensomethingbeganattackingthepilefrominsidethemountain,audibleevendownbelow.Thatwaswhenthey'dbegunfusingtherockstogether,andthemomentthatthemonstercontrivanceencounteredthefusedsection,theblockagewasobviouseventoanidiotoraconstructforitbeganbashingsomethingitself?itsclaws?againsttherock-fall.Butifitintendedtoloosenthoserocks,itwasgoingtomeetwithfailure.
Thedragonsworkedthepilefromthetopdown,creatingaplugofrockthatwasnotgoingtomove.Theonlywaytogetoutnowwastoblowoutthetopofthemountain,ortunneloutatanotherplace.
Therewasnowaytheyhopedthattheconstructwasgoingtogetatthemnow.
Thesoundofbatteringstillcamefromwithinthepile,butitwasweakernow,andslower.Maybehopefullyitwasrunningoutofmagicalenergy,andwouldrelapseintoitsquiescentstate.
Whatever;we'renotgoingtowaitaroundheretofindout.
Shetookanotherpullonthewineskin,andclosedhereyes.Lorryn.Oh,thankyou,Lorryn.Thankyouforthinking,forbeinghere.Itwasperhapsatthatmomentthatshereally,trulyrealizedhowmuchshecaredforhim.
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LorrynhadjustfinishedexplainingthesituationwithCael-lachGwaintoLordKyrtianwho,atthispoint,wasstunnedandbatteredenoughtoacceptjustaboutanything.Hejustnoddedatallthesalientpoints,soatleasthewaslisteningandtookitallinasiftheaffairsofWizardswereeverydaythingstohim.
Huh.Thenagain,afterthepoliticsoftheGreatLords,ourlittlequarrelsprobablyseemsmallbeans.
Kyrtian'smenhadbandagedtheirscrapesandbruises,appliedremediesinsideandout,andsuppliedallofthemwithfoodanddrink.Includingthedragons.Blessthem,they'dgoneoutanddraggedbackthreedeaddeerasmallmealbydra-conicstandards,afterallthatexertion,butenoughtohelprevivethem.Thefirethey'dbuiltwasimmenselycomforting,andforonce,itwasn'training.
"...soafterwemadesurehecouldn'tcomestraightbacktotheCitadel,wewaited.Whenhedidn'tcomebackatall,Ifinallydecidedthathe'deitherfollowedyou,orhe'dfinallylethisarrogancetakehimintoasituationhecouldn'tgetoutof,".Lorrynsaid.
"Andgoodriddancetobadrubbish,ifyouaskme,"Kemangrumbledunderhisbreath.Heandtheothersweretoobone-wearytoshift;they'dcurledthemselvesaroundtheentrancetothecamp,makingaformidable
barrierbetweenthecampandanythingthatmightevenconsidergoingafterwhatwasinsideit.Kyrtian'smenwerestillwide-eyedandalittlenervousaboutbeingsurroundedbydragons,butwerehandlingitallremarkablywell.Kemanwasflank-to-flankwithDora;thesightoftwoyoungdragonsbeingasaffectionateasanytwoyoungloversseemedtogoalongwaytoreassuringKyrt-ian'smen.
Isupposeitmakesthemseemmorehuman....
"Kemanhasbeentalkingwithme,atnight,"Dorasaid,andthebareskinaroundhereyesandmouthflushedadelicatepink.ShanasawtwoofKyrtian'smenexchangeaknowinglook,andhidasmile.Whenhumanswho'dneverseendragonsbeforethiscouldrecognizeashyblushonthefaceofone,thingswouldbeallright."Wecanspeakovergreaterdistances,mind-to-mind,thanyoucan.Andwemisseachotherwhenwe'reapart."SheeyedShanawithguilt."I'msorryKemandidn'tmentionitbefore,butwedidn'twa
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ntyoutofeelbadlybecausewecouldtalkandyouandLorryncouldn't."
"Ofcourse,"Kyrtiansaid,withaslowsmile."Icancertainlyunderstandthat."Hepassedhiswineskintooneofhismen,andsettledbackagainstthebulkofKemanascomfortablyasifheusedadragonasabackresteveryday.
Doraflushedagain."SoIknewwhereyouwere,generally.And,ofcourse,LorrynhadalreadybeentotheplacewhereShanaandKemantransportedtointhefirstplaceandheknewhowtogettherehimself."
Ishouldhaveknownthelovebirdswerechattinginsteadofsleeping,shethoughtwithalittleenvy.Itwouldhavebeenalotnicerifshe'dbeenabletodothatwithLorrynwithouttheaidofKeman.Onthewholethough,it
wasadamnedgoodthingtheyhadbeenbillingandcooingeverynight.Iftheyhadn'tbeen,shemightnotbehererightnow.
"SowhenDoratoldmethatyouhadfoundthecaveandwhenCaellachGwaindidn'tcomeback,Idecideditwasmoreimportanttogetouthereandseeifwecouldfindhimbeforehefoundyou,"LorrynsaidwithashrugwhenShanatiltedherheaduptogivehimameasuringstare.
"Yousupposedhe'dbeenabletofollowus,then?"sheasked.
"Icouldn'ttakethechancethathehadn't,"Lorrynreplied."Ifiguredthatbringingthreedragonsalongwouldmakecertainhedidn'ttryanythingiforwhenwecaughthim."
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"Iknewtheywerecomingofcourse,"Kemanputin."ButalltheyweresupposedtodowastolookfortheOldWhiner.Theyweren'tgoingtobutttheirsnoutsinonus,whyshouldthey?Therewasnoreasonto.Whenwegotback,you'dhavejustfoundoutthey'dcaughtthewretch,soIdidn'tseeanyreasontobotheryouwithit."
"YouleftmeinchargetodealwithCaellach,"LorryntoldShana,meetinghergazefrankly,andshegavehishandalittlesqueeze."WithoutCaellach,therewasnoonetoorganizediscontent.Frankly,knowingwherehewasandkeepinghimfrommakingconspiraciesoutofhalf-truthswasmoreimportantthanmybeingdirectlyincommandforadayorso."
Shenodded,andsmiled.Howcouldshenotagreewithhimwhenhewasobviouslyeverybitascompetentas
shewas?Shelefthimincharge;thatmeanttobeinchargeandmakedecisionswithoutconsultingheriftherewasnoneedto.Itwouldbeprettyabsurdtobeangrywithhimfordoingjustthat.
Butshecouldtellhimallthatlater,whentheywerealone.Fornowitwasenoughtoknowthatshedidn'thavetobe"theElvenbane"aloneanymore....
"Wetransportedinthismorningandflewhere,butwenever,everexpectedyoutowakeupamonster!Andletmetellyou,"Lorrynconcluded,"thoselastfewmomentswhenthatthingattackedyouandwewerestillintheairweretheworstinmylife."
"Theyweren'tanyjoyforus,Icantellyou,"Kemangrumbled.
"Sothatwaswhyyouwentaheadandattackedthething!"Shanaexclaimed.
"Yousurelydidn'tthinkI'dbestupidenoughtodothatwithoutbeingprettysureIknewwhatIwasdoing,didyou?"Kemanrepliedindignantly."IthinkIdidallrightwithouttheirhelp,thankyou.Wedidn'tevenreallyneedthemtogetoutofthecave,andIknowIcouldhaveatleastblockedtheentranceenoughbymyselftoholdthatmonster,longenoughforusalltotransportoutofhere,anyway!I'll
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admitIwasgladtoseethem,anditmadegettingthatthingbottledupeasier,butwethreewereperfectlyabletodealwithitonourown."
"Youmighthaveatleasttoldmethattherewashelpcoming,"Shanapointedoutreasonably,shethought,butKemanonlysnorted,andforamoment,shewasirritated.
"Ididn'texactlyhavetimetodiscussitwithyou!"hesaid,lookingjustasirritatedasshewas."Andweweren'tinanytrouble,anyway!"
Shedecidednottoquarrelwithhimbutthisnewattitudeonhispartwassomethingshehadn'texpected.NotfromKemanthegentle,Kemanherlittlebrother
Kemanthenot-so-little-anymore....
She'dhavetotakethatintohercalculationsfromnowon.Males,shethought.Hewassomuchmorereasonablewhenhewasstilladragonling!IthadtobeallofthecourtingandcooingwithDora,shefinallydecided.
Hewasn'ta"kid"anymoreanditlookedasifhewasgoingtobelikeeveryotheradolescentmaleandstart
provingit.
Nowhe'dbehavelikemostoftheotheryoungmaledragonssheknew.Wizardmalesandhumanmales,forthatmatter.Nextthing,he'dbeflyingmock-combatsanddoingacrobaticsforDora'sadmiration.
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Lorrynmusthaveguessedatherthoughtsormaybeshewasthinkingthemalittletooloudly.:Noworries,:hesaid,squeezingherhand.:He'llgetoverit.AndIassureyou,I'mpastit.:
:ThanktheAncestors!:shereplied,herhumorcomingback..7thinkI'dsendyoutotheIronPeopletogetitbeatenoutofyouifyouweren't!:
"AllIcansayisthatI'mgladyoucame,"Kyrtiansaidfervently,withagratefulslaptoKeman'sflank."Whateverisintherecanremaininthereforever,sofarasI'mconcerned."Heshuddered,andsaidnothingmore,butShanacouldonlywonderifhewouldfeelthatwaysometimeinthefuture.Afterall,hisfatherorwhatwasleftofhisfatherwasstillinthere.
Well,itwouldn'tbeherproblem.Hewasforewarnednow,andifhedecidedheha
dtogoback,heknewhe'dbettercomewithplentyofhelp.
And,beingwithoutaladyfriendtoimpress,hejustmightactinasensiblemanner,unlikecertainyoungdragons.
Shecockedhereartolistenforamomenttothingsoutsidethecamp.Thesoundsfrominsidethemountain
weredefinitelyweaker."DidyoufindanysignofCaellach?"sheasked,belatedlyrecallingthatthiswaswhytheirrescuershadcomeinthefirstplace.
"Wefoundwherehe'dtransportedinsohedidmanagetolearnthespellandthenwefoundambush-beasttracksontopofhis,"Lorrynsaidgrimly."Wedidn'tbothertofollowthembacktotheden;therewasenoughbloodtoprettymuchguaranteethatCaellachmusthavebeenthebeast'sdinner."
Hermouthformedintoasoundless"O"butshecouldn'tthinkofwhatelsetosay.Lorrynwaitedforamoment,thencontinued."Mythoughtistojustlethimvanish.IftheotherOldWhinersminkhe'sgoneofftotheoldCitadelorsomewhereelsetoliveinluxurywiththeirbelongingsandwithluxurygoodsliftedfromtheElvenlords,they'renotgoingtomakeamartyroutofhim."
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"Whereas,iftheyfoundouthisownstupiditykilledhim?"shecountered."Wouldn'tthatdestroyhiscreditwiththem?"
"Thensomeonemighttryandmakeitlookasifyouarrangedforhisdeath,"Lorrynreplied,withagrimace.Thefireflaredupforamomentandgavethemallalookofraptconcentration."It'donlybeourwordforwhatreallyhappened."
"Asufficientlycleverfellowcouldevenmakehimouttobeamartyriftheydidbelievethatanambushbeastkilledhim,"Kyrtiansaidunexpectedly."Afterall,hewasthelastsupporteroftheOldWays,andhewastryingtogetinformationthatwouldshowtheothersthatyouandyourNewWayswerefomentingtreacherytoyourownkind.Itwasn'tstupiditythatkilledhim,itwasawillingnesstosacrificehimselftoprovethetruth."
Shanastaredathimforamoment,astonished.
Wheredidhegetthat?It'spossibleit'sevenlikelybutIwouldn'thavethoughtofit!
EvenLorrynlookedsurprised."I'mgladyou'reonourside,"Lorrynmanaged,aft
eramoment."Ifyoucanthinkofthingslikethat"
Kyrtianshrugged,hiseyesbleakinthefirelight."Ididn'talwaysthinkthisway,"hepointedout."IsupposeIcanthankmylatecousinAelmarkinformyeducationandmylossofinnocence."Thenhesmiled,andhelookedmorelikehimselfagain.
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"Well,yourcousingotexactlywhathedeserved,"Kemansaid.
ButKyrtianshrugged."MuchasI'mgladIwon'thavetoworryabouthimanylonger,Iwouldn'twishthedeathhegotonanyone."
Shanacompressedherlips;shewasn'tfeelingthatgenerous.EspeciallywhennowthatshecametothinkaboutititwasentirelypossiblethatithadbeenAelmarkinwhowokethatblastedconstruct."Idoubthewouldhavesaidthesameofyou,"shesaidbrusquely.
Kyrtiansighed,andlookedwearyandpensive."You'reprobablyright.No,youareright.Butitwouldmakememorelikehimtothinkthatway,soIwon't."Hisjawfirmed."Irefusetodesce
ndtohislevel.SoI'llforgivehim."
"Nowthatheisn'theretomakeanymoretroubleforyou,eh?"Kemansaidshrewdly.
"Hismenareshiveringwithfearinanill-madecamp,outthatway,"FatherDragonputin,unexpectedly."Shallwerescuethem,doyouthink?"
"Yes!"saidKyrtianandLorryn.
"No!"saidShanaandKemanatthesamemoment.Allfourexchangedglances,anditwasShanawhobrokethedeadlock.
"Allright,"shesaidgrudgingly."IsupposewecanroundthemupandtakethembacktothenewCitadelwhenyou'veleft,Kyrtian.Zedcanprobablyfindauseforthem."
"We'llleavethewaywecame,"saidKyrtian,withasigh.
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"Havingfoundnothingbutemptycaves.Wehavealargerplantothinkof."
"Indeed,"Kalamadearumbled,anditseemedtoShanathathespokeforallofthem."AndnowrestWehaveagreatdealofworkaheadofus."
Indeedwedo,shethought,asLorrynhelpedhertoherfeet,andledhertothetentthattwoofKyrtian'smenhadvacatedforthem.
Kyrtianstretched,feelingeverysinglescrape,bruise,andpulledmuscle.Butjustasmuchashelongedforhomeandahotbath,hedreadedfacinghismotherwiththenewshehad.
Absently,todistracthimselffromhisowngloomythoughts,hepattedKemah'sside."Idon'tsupposeIcould
talkyouandyourlady-friendintoturningupinafewdays,couldI?"heasked."I'dloveformothertoseeyouforherself."
Anditwoulddohergoodtodistractherfrommybadnews.Oh,ofcourse,shehadbeenassumingalltheseyearsthathisfatherwasdeadbutitwasonethingtoassume,andanothertoknow.Whenyouassumed,therecouldalwaysbethatlittlehopelurkinginthebackofyourheartthatyoucouldn'tquitegiveup....
Heknewhewasnevergoingtoactuallytellherwhathehadfound.Itwouldbeenoughtotellherthathe'dfoundhisfather'sremainsandnotgetanymoreelaboratethanthat.
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Andtellherthat,yes,hedidfindtheGreatPortaljustashe'dalwaysexpected,butthathewaskilledinanaccident.Thatitlookedasifhewastakencompletelybysurprise.Thatwouldleaveherwiththecomfortableimpressionthathe'dneverknownwhatwasgoingtohappentohim.
Kemanlaughed."Ofcourseyoucould!Infact,IthinkIwillaskLorrynandShanaifDoraandIcanbetheWizards'liaisonswithyou.Theydon'tneedusparticularlytospyontheGreatLords,andtheadvantageofhavinguswithyouratherthanWizardsisthatwewon'tdisguiseourtruenaturewithillusion.WecanposeasaLesserLordandhisLady.ShouldyouhaveanymorevisitsfromsayLordKyndreth,nomatterhowmanyillusion-dispellingmagicshecasts,we'llpasshistest."
"Ihadn'tthoughtofthat!"Kyrtiansaid,inwearysurprise,feelingarenewedstirringofpleasure."Considertheinvitationtendered,then.Thatwouldsolveanynumberofproblems."
Doranudgedhimwithhersnoutaffectionately."Ithinkthatwouldbelovely,myLord,"shereplied."Idon'tsupposeyouhaveanycavesonyourproperty,doyou?"
Kyrtianrepressedtheautomaticshudder;afterwhathe'djustbeenthrough,henever,everwantedtogoundergroundagain
ButhelookedoveratLynder,whogrinnedsheepishly,andansweredforhim."Quiteafew,miahyour"
"JustDora,"thefemaledragonsaid,inakindlytoneofvoice.
"Ah."Lynderrubbedthesideofhisnosewithhishand,self-consciously."Dora,then.Yes,HobieandIhave
foundquiteafew.Limestonecaves,water-carved,withlotsofformations."
"Lovely!"thefemaledragonsaidwithenthusiasm."LordKyrtian,youwouldn'tmindifwetookoverone,wouldyou?"
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"We,"isit?hethought,holdingbackachuckleatthewayKeman'sexpressionchangedfromstartlementtopleasure.Nowondertheyoungcockisstartingtostrut!Mightbeaverygoodthingforallofthemtoseparatethisyoungfellowfromtherestofhispeers,sohe'slesstemptedtoactwell,likeayoungcock.Withthecurrentstateofthings...besttogethimsettled.ThenexttimetherewasasituationinvolvingyoungKeman,theurgetotryandprovehimselfcouldhavesomeseriousconsequences.
"Iwouldconsideritanhonor,"hesaid,toboththeirsatisfaction.
"Shana'ssousedtodependingonme,youknow,andIthinkitwouldbebetterforherifshegotoutofthathabitandstartedwelldependingonLorryninstead,"Kemansaidinaslightlypatronizingundertone,withaglanceatthenowoccupiedtent."IpracticallyraisedherwithMother'shelp,ofcourse,butIdidmostofit."
Thatconceptmadehisheadswimforamoment!"Ahreally?"heasked.
Kemanchuckled."Ihadallsortsofpets.SofarastheothersofourLairwereconcerned,shewasjustonemore!Untilshestartedtalkingandactinglikeaperson,ofcourse."
ItmadeKyrtian'sheadswimalittlemore."Intheverynearfuturewhenyou'resettledonmyestateandwe
havethetimeyouaregoingtohavetotellmeallaboutthat,"hesaid,asfirmlyashecould.
HewasnotgoingtodisabusetheyoungdragonofhisnotionthatLashana"depended"onhim.Hedidfeelapangofjealousythough,overthatyoungWizard,Lorryn....
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No,hecorrectedhimself.Notjealousy.Envy.
Itwasn'tthathewantedShanashewasahandsomeyoungwoman,butnot,well,notthetypehewasattractedto,really.Except,perhaps,forthosecharacteristicsofmindandspiritthatheadmired.No,whathewantedwasthekindofrelationshipthatsheandLorrynsoclearlyshared.Whathismotherandfatherhadoncehadtogether.
Ancestors.Won'tthatbeasurpriseforMother.Buthedidn'tthinkhe'dgiveherfreereintogohunthimupawife.Notatthemoment.Therewerealotofdifficultdaysaheadofthem;theywereallgoingtohaveagreatmanymoreimportantthingstooccupytheirtime.
Likehowtosurvive,foronething.
HewasundernoillusionthatwithAelmarkingone,allofhistroubleswereabouttovanish.Quitethecontrary.HewasnowintothemorassofthepoliticsoftheGreatLords,hehadtheYoungLordstoworryaboutand
AndI'mtechnicallyatraitor.I'mconspiringwiththeWizardstocreateaslaverebellion.
Allthat,inadditiontotryingtokeephisownpeoplesafe.Ifhethoughtaboutittoolong,itseemedimpossible,andhebegantodoubthe'devenmanagethatlast,andinsomewaysmostimportanttask,muchlessalltherest.
Buthewasn'taloneinthis,now.Foronce,itdidn'talldependonhimandhispaltryskills.We'llbedoingittogether,dragonsandElvenlords,Wizardsandhumansworkingtogether.Atlast.
Andwiththatformidablecombinationhehadtobelievetherewasnoproblemthattheycouldnotultimatelydefeat.
EPILOGUE
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Trianahadneverbeenparticularlyafraidbeforeshe'denteredthesecaves.She'donlythoughtshe'dencounteredterrorbeforetheconstructcamealive.
Butthemomentthatthethingaroseoutoftherest,likesometerrifyingmetalinsectwithascreamingAelmarkininitsclaws,sheknewtrueandparalyzinghorror.
BythenshehadbeenbesidetheGreatPortal,andasthethingblunderedbackandforthacrossthecaveinpursuitofKyrtianandhispeople,sheshrankintotheshelterofoneofitscurvedsides,prayingthatitwouldn'tseeher,wouldn'tblunderintoher.Thatwasallshecouldmanage;herkneesscarcelyheldherup,andshecouldn'thaverunifshewantedto.Shewasdrenchedinacold,coldsweat;everytimethethingcameanywherenearsheheldherbreathuntilshenearlypassedout,lestithearherbreathing.
Shewassureshewasgoingtodie.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,shestaredmortalityintheface,andrealizedthatshecouldn'tbearit....
Shecouldn'tbearit.Inamoment,shewasgoingtofaint,orscreamandbetrayherself.Shetrembledandsweated,andclenchedherfistsuntilherlongnailsbitintoherpalmsandmadethembleed.
Onemoment,therewasthemetalmonster.Thenthemetalonewasattackedbyadragon.
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Itwasimpossible.Itwastoomuch.SheclutchedatthePortalside,andturnedherfaceintoitandrefusedtolook.Itdidn'tmatterwhichoneofthemwonthesurvivorwouldfindherandkillhershe'ddielikeAelmarkin,screaminginterrorandpain;shedidn'tstandachance
Shefoughtdownthescreamthatthreatenedtoescapetearsscorchedherfaceandherthroatachedwiththeneedtoshriekandshriek,butifshedid,she'ddiethenandthere,andshewantedtolive....
Somethingsnappedinsideher.Hermouthopened,butnothingcameout.Shefeltherselfstarttocollapse,thenblacknessswoopeddownonherlikeadragon,andtookhersenses.
Whenshewoke,thecavewasquiet,andshelaysprawledatthefootoftheGreatPortal.Thecavewasstill
illuminatedbytheuncertainyellowlightofKyrtian'slanterns,orwhatwasleftofthem.
Suddenly,shedidnotwanttoknowifKyrtianhadmetthesamefateasAelmarkin.Itwasonethingtoseemerehumanslavesdie;itwasanotherthingentirelytoknow,toseethehandofdeathcutdownanotherElvenlord.
No.Thecaveswerenotentirelyquiet...inthefar,fardistance,outintheen
trancecave,perhaps,somethingbatteredmonotonouslyatthestone.Sincethe"something"soundedlikemetal,itmusthavebeenthemetalmonsterthatsurvived.
Soitwasbetweenherandtheonlywayout.
Foramoment,shethoughtshewasgoingtofaintagain,butasherhandsclosedconvulsivelyandhernailsbit
intoherpalm,sodidthebandoftheheavysignetringshewore
Thering.Thering!ItwasherPortalkeyandshelayinthebiggestPortalofthemall!
Shakingineverylimb,shegottoherfeetsomehow,anddismissedtheillusions
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hewore.Ifthiswasgoingtowork,shewouldneedeverymorselofpower.
ShefacedtheGreatPortal,closedhereyes,andslowly,carefully,begantoweavethelinesofenergythatwouldopenalong-dormantPortallikethisone.Itwasgoingtotakealotthisonehadbeenmadebytheconcertedeffortofdozensofmages,andshewasonlyone.
Butshealsodidn'thaveanychoiceifshewantedtolive.
Bitbybit,sluggishly,thePortalbegantorespond.Thelinesofpoweroozedintoplaceratherthansnappingcrisplyintotheirpositions.Thepatternsformed,butoh!soslowly!
Andthen,withnowarningatallthePortalsnappedtofullandvibrantlife!
Startled,Trianaopenedhereyes.
Theshimmeringcurtainofpowerwithintheglowinggreenarchshivered.
Parted.
Andanentirelynewhorrorsteppedthrough.
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LikesomeunsanctifiedmeldingofElfandreptile,thethingstoodtwiceastallasshe.Itwaslong-limbed,sexless,andentirelynaked,coveredinitsownblue-greenscales.Ithadatailthatlashedbackandforthrestlessly,ahairlesshead,legsthatbentthewrongwayattheknees,aliplessmouthfullofpointedteeth,andmosthorribleofalleyesshewouldhaverecognizedonanyElvenlord.AnditsawhertheinstantitwalkedthroughthePortal.
Beforeshecouldmove,ithadclearedthedistancebetweentheminasingleleap,andseizedher.
Itsstrong,scaledfingersclosedaroundherwaist,inagripunbreakableasmetalcables.Nowshescreamed,shriekedandfought,butshemightaswellhavebeenfightingthemetalmonster.Ithadnoexpressionwhatsoeverontheflatplatethatwasitsface.
Itevensmelledlikeasnake,mustyandgreen,andthesmellmadeherevenmorefrantic,somehow,triggeringfearssoatavisticthatshetoreoffnailsandbitlikeananimaltryingtogetfreeofit.Herentirebodyfeltafire;nothingexistedforherbuttheoverpoweringneedtoescape
Allfornaught.Thethingneverevenwinced.Itwasimpossiblystrongandutterlyimplacable;themomentthatshetired,itflungheroveritsshoulder.
Reducednowtomindlesspanic,sherenewedherfight,buthershrieksmadenoimpressiononit,andshemightaswellhavebeenfightingwiththestoneofthecave.
ItcarriedhertothePortal,whichshimmeredwithactivity.Shescreamedastheyapproachedtheshiveringcurtainoflight.
Theytouchedit.Andpassedthroughit.
AndthePortalclosedbehindthemagain.
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LordKyndrethsteepledhisfingerstogetherandstaredathissonGildor,whohadjustbroughthimnewsthatwaswellpeculiar.Hewasn'tcertainwhattomakeofit.Hewasevenlesscertainwhattodoaboutit.
HehadyoungKyrtian'sreportonhisdesk,awrittencopyofwhatKyrtianhadtoldhimviatheteleson,andalthoughhecouldfindnofaultinit,ithadlefthimfeelingvaguelyunsatisfied.Granted,everyoneknewwhattheforestborderingChey-nar'sestatewasdangerous,fullofalicornsandtheAncestorsonlyknewwhatsortsofworsethings.AndtherewasnorealreasonwhyKyrtianshouldhaveactuallyfoundthepurporteddenofhalfbloodsinthere.Afterall,they'dbeenhidingforcenturieswithnoonesuspectingtheirpresence,sowhyshouldoneyoungElvenlordfindthemnow?
Butthereportfeltincomplete.AsifKyrtianwashidingsomethingfromhim,althoughhecouldnotevenbegintoguesswhatthat"something"was.
AndnowGildor,poordullardthathewas,walkedintothestudywiththeastonishingnewsthatLadyTrianaandAel-markinweremissing.Thattheyhadlefttheirestateswithcampinggearandatrainofslavesthatincluded(inTriana'scase,atleast)slavestrainedasforesters.Andnow,bothweremissing,theirestatesinconfuseddisarray,theirslavesleftwithnoorders,uncertainofwhattheyshoulddonow.GildorandhisfriendshadturnedupatAelmarkin'sestateforaplannedeventoneatwhichLadyTrianawasalsosupposedto
appeartofindthatbothweregone,vanished.
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"Thankyou,Gildor,"Kyndrethtoldhisson,withthegravityduetoamajorpieceofintelligence."Thankyouverymuch.Wouldyoucaretoinviteallofthosefriendsofyourswhoweredisappointedoftheiramusementhere?Iwillbehappytoentertainthemforaweek,ifyoulike."
Ashe'dexpected,Gildor'sdullfacebrightenedattheprospect;KyndrethsummonedhisstewardandsenthissonoffwiththelesserLordtoorganizetheentertainment.Thatis,LordBelathwouldorganizetheentertainment,andGildorwouldsummonhisfriends...itwouldbeagreatdisruptiontoKyn-dreth'swork,infact,hemighthavetoretiretothehunting-lodgeortheoldDowager-Housewhiletheyoungroisterersrompedthroughhishalls.ButthatwouldbeasmallpricetopayifGildorcontinuedtobringhimtidbitslikethisone.
WasthiswhatKyrtianwashiding?
Thatdidn'tfitwithhisreadingoftheyoungLord.Kyrtianwasnotlikelytoconcealthefactthathiscousinhadcometogrief,andevenlesslikelytohavemurderedAelmarkinhimself.KyndrethcouldreadilyseewhyAelmarkinwouldfollowKyrtianintothewildernessAelmarkinwouldbeperfectlyhappytoengineeran"accident"outthere.Butif,inthecourseoftryingtosetupsuchanaccident,itwasAelmarkinwhoperished,andKyrtianfoundoutaboutit,whywouldKyrtianhideit?
Whywouldhewantto?IfAelmarkinwerehoistuponhisownpetardoftreachery,Kyrtianshouldbeonlytoopleasedtotrumpetthefacttoalltheworld.
AndasforTrianavanishingatthesametimewell,theonlythingthatLordKyndrethcouldimaginewasthatforsomereasonshehadgonechasingafterKyrtianaswell.Althoughhecouldnotimaginewhy.
Kyndrethgroundhisteeth,feelingfrustrationwellupinsidehim.Thiswasanentirelynewexperienceforhimandhedidn'tlikeit.Always,always,fromthetimehefirstcametopowerandtookhisCouncilseat,hehadknownwhowasdoingwhat,andwhy.Especiallywhy.Andnowthingswerehappeningthathehadnotbeentoldof,hadnotanticipated,andworstofall,hehadnorealnotionofthemotivationsthatlaybehindtheseincidents.
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MotivationswhatintheworldcouldhavebroughtAelmarkinoutintothewildernessbesideshatredforKyrtian?Or,forthatmatter,LadyTriana?Whatcouldthetwopossiblyhaveincommon?
Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,emptiedhismind,andviolentlysuppressedtheemotionsthatcamewellingupinthewakeofthatfrustration.Emotionwasnotuseful.Heneededlogicandreasonandaboveall,planning.
Andonceheclearedhismindofemotion,somethingelseoccurredtohimatlonglast.TheonethingthatTrianaandAelmarkindidhaveincommonwasthegroupthattheyassociatedwithsociallytheyoungersons,andsomefewyoungerdaughters.UntiltheYoungLords'Revolt,thathadincludedtherebelliousYoungLords.
Whatif,ratherthantrailingafterKyrtian,AelmarkinandTri-anahadgonequitecoincidentallyintothesamearea,intendingtomeetwiththefugitives?
WhatifAelmarkinandTrianahadbeenthespieswithintheranksoftheOldLordsfortheyoungsters?
IfthatwasthecasenowonderAelmarkinhadbeensointentonfosteringtheimpressionhiscousinKyrtianwasdotty!Andnowonderhe'dbeensodisgruntledwhenKyrtianwasplacedinchargeofthearmy!
Itwasonlyatheorycouldbynomeansbeprovedbutitwouldn'thurttokeepthetheoryinreserve.Itmightbeuseful.
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Meanwhile,heshouldbetheonetospreadthenewstotherestoftheCouncil,ifatallpossible.HowmanyotherCouncilmembershadoffspringlikelytobeinvitedtothatabortedparty?Notmanyandnonewerelikelytohavementionedthedisappearancesyet.
Good.Hemightbeswimminginaseaofuncertainties,buthecouldmakesomethingoutofthisyet.
Hestraightenedhisback,calledforstrongwine,andbegantoplanwhathewouldtelltheCouncil.Andashedidso,hefeltafaintsmilecrosshislips.
Attheveryleast,hewouldgainsomething.Trianahadsomeancientcousinorotherwhowouldswiftlyclaimherestate,butAelmarkin'snearestrelationwasKyrtian...andKyrtianwasunlikelytowantAelmarkin'stiny
holdingorhisbusinessofbreedingpleasure-slaves.Whenanestatewentunclaimed,ittraditionallywenttotheHeadoftheCouncil.
Whichwas,ofcourse,LordKyndreth.
Andiftherewasanyquestionofwhetherornotitshouldbeconfiscated,well,Kyndrethcouldbringupthattheory,brandingAelmarkinasatraitor,andoverturningallpossibleobjections
toconfiscatingtheproperty.
Kyndrethnoddedtohimself,feelingfirmgroundbeneathhisfeetagain.Goodenough.Heknewwherehewasnow.HewouldcalltheCouncilMeeting,announcethedisappearances,andseewhoreacted,andhow.Thatwouldtellhimagreatdealandinthemeantime,hewouldsendhisstewardsintotakecontrolofAelmarkin'spossessions.
Hetookalongbreath,andkeyedtheteleson.Shakethetree,andseewhatfruitfellandhowfar.
Andwhateverhappened,tomakecertainthatitprofitedhim.