BookTwoofTheLastHeraldMage

Magic'sPromise

byMercedesLackeycopyright1990

(version2.0)formatted,spellcheckedandcomparedtooriginal.finishedOctober9,2003

Dedicatedto:

Elizabeth(Betsy)Wollheim

Whosaid—"Goforit"

One

Theblueleathersaddlebagsandacanvaspack,alla-bulgingwithfilthyclothingandmiscellaneousgear,landedinthecornerofVanyel'sroomwiththreedullthuds.Thelute,stillinitspaddedleathercase,slitheredoverthebackofoneofthetwooverstuffedchairsandlandedwithasofterpumph,torestinthecradleofthewornredseatcushion.Oncesafelythereitsagged,leaningoversidewayslikeafat,drunkenchild.Thedarkleatherlutecasegloweddullyinthemidmorningsunstillcominginthesingleeastward-facingwindow.Twoyearsofmistreatmenthadnotmarredthefinishtoomuch,althoughthecasewasscuffedhereandthere,andhadbeentornandremendedwithtiny,carefulstitchesalongthebelly.

Vanyelgrimacedattheall-too-visibletear.Torn?No,notearwouldbethateven.Saycut,orslashedanditwouldbenearerthetruth.Praynobodyelsenoticesthat.

Betterthelutecasethanme...thatcamecloserthanIreallywanttothinkabout.IhopeSavilnevergetsagoodlookatit.She'dknowwhatthatmeant,andshe'dhaveacat.

Herald-MageVanyeltooktheotherchairgracelessly,droppingallhisweightatonceintotheembraceofcomfortableupholsteredarms.

Homeatlast.Havens,Isoundlikethepackhittingthecorner.

"O-o-oh."Vanyelleanedback,feelingeverymuscleinhisbodycryingoutwithlong-ignoredachesandstrains.Histhoughtsfumbledtheirwayintohisconsciousmindthroughafogofutterexhaustion.Hewanted,morethananything,toclosehisgrittyeyes.Buthedidn'tdare,becausethemomenthedid,he'dfallasleep.

SomedayI'mgoingtorememberI'mnotsixteenanymore,andkeepinmindthatIcan'tstayuptillallhours,thenrisewiththedawn,andnotpayforit.

AfewmomentsagohisCompanionYfandeshadfallenasleep,standingupinthestable,whilehewasgroomingher.They'dstartedoutonthislastlegoftheirjourneylongbeforedawnthismorning,andhadpushedtheirlimits,eatingupthelastdregsoftheirstrengthjusttogettothesanctuaryof"home"the

sooner.

Gods.IfonlyIwouldneverhavetoseetheKarsiteBorderagain.

Nochanceofthat.LordandLady,ifyouloveme,justgivemeenoughtimetogetmywindback.That'sallIask.Timeenoughtofeellikeahumanagain,andnotakillingmachine.

Theroomsmelledstronglyofsoapandthebeeswaxusedtopolishthefurnitureandwallpaneling.Hestretched,listeningtohisjointscrack,thenblinkedathissurroundings.

Peculiar.Whydoesn'tthisfeellikehome?Heponderedforamoment,foritseemedtohimthathismodest,goldenoak-paneledquartershadtheanonymous,overly-neatlookofaroomwithoutacurrentoccupant.Isupposethat'sonlylogical,hethoughtreluctantly.Theyhaven'tbeenoccupied,much.I'vebeenlivingoutofmypacksforthelastyear,andbeforethatIwasonlyhereforacoupleofweeksatatimeatmost.Gods.

Itwasacomfortable,warm—andquiteaverage—room.Likeanyoneofadozenhe'dtenantedlately,whenhe'dhadtheluxuryofaguestroominsomekeeporother.Sparselyfurnishedwithtwochairs,atable,adeskandstool,andawardrobe,acurtained,canopiedbedinthecorner.Thatbedwasenormous—hisonerealindulgence:hetendedtotossrestlesslywhen—andif—heslept.

Hesmiledwryly,thinkinghowmorethanonepersonhadassumedhe'dwantedthatparticularbedforanotherreasonentirely.They'dneverbelieveitifItoldthemSavilgetsmoreeroticexercisethanIdo.Oh,well.Maybeit'sagoodthingIdon'thavealover;he'dwakeupblackandblue.AlwaysassumingIdidn'tstranglehimbyaccidentduringanightmare.

Butotherthanthatbed,theroomwasratherplain.Onlyonewindow,andthatonewithoutmuchofaview.Itcertainlywasn'tthesuitehecouldhavecommanded—

ButwhatgoodisasuitewhenIhardlyseeHaven,muchlessmyownroom?

Heputhisfeetuponthelow,scarredtablebetweenthechairs,indefianceofetiquette.Hecouldhaverequisitionedafootstool—

ButsomehowIneverthinkofituntilI'mfiveleaguesdowntheroadheadedout.There'sneverenoughtimefor—foranything.NotsinceElspethdied,anyway.Andgods—pleaseletmebewrongaboutRandale.

Hiseyesblurred;heshookhisheadtoclearthem.Onlythendidheseethepileofletterslyingbesidehisfeet,andgroanedattheall-too-familiarsealontheuppermostone.ThesealofWithen,LordofForstReachandVanyel'sfather.

Twenty-eightyearsold,andhestillmakesmefeelfifteen,andindisgrace.Whyme?heaskedthegods,whodidnotchoosetoanswer.Hesighedagain,andeyedthelettersourly.Itwasdauntinglythick.

Hellfire.It—andeveryotherproblem—candamnedwellwaituntilafterI'vehadabath.Abath,andsomethingtoeatthatdoesn'thavemoldonit,andsomethingtodrinkbesidesboiledmud.Now,didIleaveanythingbehindthelasttimeIwasherethatwasfittowear?

Hestruggledtohisfeetandrummagedinthewardrobebesidehisbed,finallyemergingwithashirtandbreechesofanoldandfadedbluethathadoncebeendeepsapphire.Thankthegods.NotWhites,andIwon'tbewearingWhiteswhenIgethome.It'sgoingtobesonicetowearsomethingthatdoesn'tstainwhenyoulookatit.(Unfair,naggedhisconscience-properlytreated,theuniformofHeraldicWhiteswassoresistanttodirtandstainsthatthenon-Heraldssuspectedmagic.Heignoredtheinsistentlittlementalvoice.)AlthoughIdon'tknowwhatI'mgoingtodoforuniforms.DearFatherwouldhardlyhaveknownhisson,coveredinmud,stubbled,ashesinhishair.

Heemptiedthecanvaspackonthefloorandrangforapagetocomeandtakethemishandleduniformsawaytobeproperlydealtwith.Theywereinexceedinglysadshape;stainedwithgrassandmud,andblood—someofithisown—somewerecutandtorn,andmostwerenearlyworn-out.

He'dhavetakenonelookandfiguredI'dbeenpossessed.NotthattheKarsitesdidn'ttrythat,too.Atleastnear-possessiondoesn'tleavestains...notonuniforms,anyway.WhatamIgoingtodoforuniforms?Oh,well—worryaboutthataftermybath.

Thebathingroomwasattheotherendofthelong,wood-paneled,stone-flooredhallway;atmidmorningtherewasnooneinthehall,muchlesscompetingforthetubsandhotwater.Vanyelmadethelongtrudgeinahalf-daze,thinkingonlyhowgoodthehotwaterwouldfeel.Thelastbathhe'dhad—

daze,thinkingonlyhowgoodthehotwaterwouldfeel.Thelastbathhe'dhad—exceptforthequickoneattheinnlastnight—hadbeeninacoldstream.Averycoldstream.Andwithsand,notsoap.

Oncethere,heshedhisclothingandleftitinaheaponthefloor,filledthelargestofthethreewoodentubsfromthecopperboiler,andslidintothehotwaterwithasigh—

—andwokeupwithhisarmsdrapedovertheedgesandgoingnumb,hisheadsaggingdownonhischest,andthewaterlukewarmandgrowingcolder.

Ahandgentlytouchedhisshoulder.

HeknewwithoutlookingthatithadtobeafellowHerald—ifithadn'tbeen,ifithadevenbeensomeoneasinnocuousasastrangepage,Vanyel'stightly-strungnervesandbattle-sharpenedreflexeswouldhavedonetheunforgivable.He'dhavesenttheintruderthroughthewallbeforehehimselfhadevencrawledoutofthedepthsofsleep.Probablybynonmagicalmeans,but—magicalornonmagical,hesuddenlyrealizedthathecouldeasilyhurtsomeoneifhewasn'tcareful.

Heshiveredalittle.I'mhairtriggered.Andthat'snotgood.

"Unlessyouplanonturningintoafish-man,"HeraldTantrassaid,craninghisheadaroundthepartitionscreeningthetubfromtherestofthebathingroomandintoVanyel'sviewwithcautiouscare,"you'dbettergetoutofthattub.I'msurprisedyoudidn'tdrownyourself."

"SoamI."Vanyelblinked,triedtoclearhisheadofcobwebs,andpeeredoverhisshoulder."Wheredidyoupopoutof?"

"Heardyougotbackacoupleofcandlemarksago,andIfiguredyou'dheadherefirst."Tantraschuckled."Iknowyouandyourbaths.ButImustadmitIdidn'texpecttofindyouturningyourselfintoaraisin."

Thedark-haired,duskyHeraldcamearoundthesideofthewoodenpartitionwithanarmloadoftowels.Vanyelwatchedhimwithahalf-smileofnot-too-purelyartisticappreciation;Tantraswasasgracefulandashandsomeasakingstaginhisprime.Notshay'a'chern,butagoodfriend,andthatwasalltoorare.

Andgettingrarer,Vanyelthoughtsoberly.Though,Havens,Ihaven'texactlyhadmyfillofromanticcompanionshipeither,lately...well,celibacyisn'tgoingtokillme.Notbyanystretchoftheimagination.Gods,Ishouldapplyforthepriesthood.

TherewasconcernintheolderHerald'sdeep,softeyes."Youdon'tlookgood,Van.Ifiguredyou'dbetired—butfromthewayyoupassedouthere—itmusthavebeenworseouttherethanIthought."

"Itwasbad,"Vanyelsaidshortly,reluctanttodiscussthepastyear.EvenforthemostpowerfulHerald-MageintheCircle,holdingdownthepositionsoffiveotherHerald-Mageswhiletheyrecoveredfrommagicalattack,drainage,andshockwasnotamissionhewantedtothinkaboutforalongwhile,muchlessrepeat.Hesoapedhishair,thenduckedhisheadunderthewatertorinseit.

"SoIheard.WhenIsawyouplayingdeadinthetub,Isentapageuptoyourroomwithfoodandwineandsentanotheroneoffforsomeofmyspareuniforms,sincewe'reaboutthesamesize."

"Nametheprice,it'syours,"Vanyelsaidgratefully,leveringhimselfoutofthetubwithagroanandacceptingthetowelTantrasheldouttohim."Ihavenothingworthwearingrightnowinthewayofuniforms."

"LordandLady—"theotherHeraldswore,lookingathimwithshock."Whathaveyoubeendoingtoyourself?"

Vanyelpausedinhisvigoroustoweling,lookeddown,andwasalittlesurprisedhimselfattheevidenceofdamage.He'dalwaysbeenlean—butnowhewaswhipcordandboneandnothingelse.Thentherewerethescars—knifeandswordscars,ascoringofparallelclawmarksonhischestwherethatdemonhadtriedtoremovehisheart.Burnmarks,too—hewasstripedfromnecktokneewiththreethin,whitelineswheremage-lightninghadgottenthroughhisshields.Andtherewereafewotherscarsthatweresouvenirsofhisboutwithamasterofmage-fire.

"Myjob.Livingontheedge.TryingtoconvincetheKarsitesthatIwasfiveHerald-Mages.Playingtarget."Heshruggeddismissively."That'sall.Nothinganyofyouwouldn'thavedoneifyoucouldhave."

"Gods,Van,"Tantrasreplied,withahintofguilt."Youmakemefeellikeashirker.Ihopetohellitwasworthwhatyouwentthrough."

shirker.Ihopetohellitwasworthwhatyouwentthrough."

Vanyelcompressedhislipsintoatightline."IgotthebastardthatgotMardicandDonni.Andyoucanspreadthatasofficial."

Tantrasclosedhiseyesforamoment,andbowedhishead."Itwasworthit,"hesaidfaintly.

Vanyelnodded."Wortheveryscar.Imayhaveaccomplishedsomethingelse;thatparticularnecromancerhadaflockofpetdemonsandIturnedthembackonKarsewhenIkilledhim."Hesmiled,orrather,stretchedhismouthalittle."IhopeittaughttheKarsitesalesson.IhopetheyendupproscribingmagicaltogetherontheirsideoftheBorder.IfyoucanbelieveanythingoutofKarse,there'srumorthatthey'redoingjustthat."

Tantraslookedupagain."HardontheGifted—"heventured.

Vanyeldidn'tanswer.HewasfindingitveryhardtofeelsorryforanyoneontheKarsitesideoftheBorderatthemoment.Itwasuncharitable,un-Heraldic,butuntilcertainwoundshealed—andnotthephysicalones—hewasinclinedtobeuncharitable.

"There'smoresilverinyourhair,too,"Tantrasobserved,headtooneside.

Vanyelmadeaface,justasgladofthechangeinsubject."Node-magic.EverytimeItapintoit,moreofmyrootsgowhite.Moondancek'Trevawaspuresilverbythetimehewasmyage;IguessI'mmoreresistant."Hesmiled,itwasfaint,butarealsmilethistime."Onenicething;allthosewhitehairsgivemerespectImightnototherwiseget!"

Hefinisheddryinghimselfandwrappedthetowelaroundhiswaist.Tantrasgrimacedagain—probablynotingtheknifewoundonhisback—andhandedhimanothertowelforhishair.

"Youalreadypaidthatforfeit,bytheway"hesaid,plainlytryingtolightentheconversation.

Vanyelstoppedtowelingoffhishairandraisedaneyebrow.

"YoustooddutyformelastSovvan."

Vanyelclampeddownonthesuddenacheoflossandshruggedagain.Youknowyougetdepressedwhenyou'retired,fool.Don'tletitsinkyou."Oh,that.Anytime,Tran.YouknowIdon'tlikeSovvan-nightcelebrations,Ican'thandlethememorialservices,andIdon'tliketobealone,either.Standingrelaydutywasasgoodasanythingelsetokeepmymindoffthings."

HewasgratefulwhenTantrasdidn'tpressthesubject."Thinkyoucanmakeittoyourroomallright?"theotherasked."Isaidyoudon'tlookgood;Imeanit.Fallingasleepinthetublikethat—itmakesmewonderifyou'regoingtopassoutinthehall."

Vanyelproducedsomethingmorelikeadrycoughthanalaugh."It'snothingaboutaweek'sworthofsleepwon'tcure,"hereplied."AndI'msorryIwon'tbeabletostandrelayforyouthisyear,butIhavetheObligatoryFamilialVisittodischarge.Ihaven'tbeenhomein—gods,fouryears.AndeventhenIdidn'tstayformorethanadayortwo.They'regoingtowantmetomakethelongstayI'vebeenpromising.There'saletterfrommyfatherwaitingformethat'sprobablyremindingmeofjustthatfact."

"Parentssurelyknowhowtoloadontheguilt,don'tthey?Well,ifyou'reoutofreach,Randalewon'tfindsomethingforyoutodo—butisthatgoingtoberest?"Tantraslookedhalf-amusedandhalf-worried."Imean,Van,thatfamilyofyours—"

"Theywon'tcomeaftermewhenI'msleeping—whichIfullyintendtodoalotof."Hepulledonhisold,cleanclothing,revelinginthefeelofclean,softclothagainsthisskin,andstartedtogatheruphisthings."AndthewayIfeelrightnow,I'djustassoonplayhermitinmyroomswhenIgetthere—"

"Leavethatstuff,"Tantrasinterrupted."I'lldealwithit.Yougowrapyourselfaroundadecentmeal.Youdon'tlooklikeyou'vehadoneinmonths."

"Ihaven't.Theydon'tbelieveinworldlypleasuresdownthere.Greatproponentsofmortificationofthefleshforthegoodofthespirit."VanyellookedupintimetocatchTantras'raisedeyebrow.Hemadeatragicface."Iknowwhatyou'rethinking.That,too.Especiallythat.Gods.Doyouhaveanyideawhatitwaslike,beingsurroundedbyallthosedevastatinglyhandsomeyoungmenandnotdaringtosomuchasflirtwithone?"

"Weretheyoungladiesjustasdevastatinglyattractive?"Tantrasasked,grinning.

grinning.

"Iwouldsayso—giventhatthesubject'sfairlyabstractforme."

"ThenIthinkIcanimagineit.RemindmetoavoidtheKarsiteBorderatallcosts."

Vanyelfoundhimselfgrinningback—anotherrealsmile,andfromtheheart."Tran,gods—I'mgladtoseeyou.Doyouknowhowlongit'sbeensinceI'vebeenabletotalkfreelytosomeone?Tojoke,forLady'ssake?SinceIwasaroundpeoplewhodon'twinceawaywhenI'mminusafewclothes?"

"Areyouonaboutthatagain?"Tantrasasked,incredulously."Doyoureallythinkthatpeoplearenervousaroundyoubecauseyou'reshaych?"

"I'mwhat?"Vanasked,startledbytheunfamiliarterm.

"Shaych.ShortforthatHawkbrotherwordyouandSaviluse.Don'tknowwhereitcamefrom,justseemslikeonedayeverybodywasusingit."Tantrasleanedbackagainstthewhite-tiledwallofthebathingroom,foldinghisarmsacrosshischestinadeceptivelylazypose."Maybebecauseyou'reasprominentasyouare.Can'tgoaroundcallingthemostpowerfulHerald-MageintheCirclea'pervert,'afterall."Hegrinned."Hemightturnyouintoafrog."

Vanyelshookhisheadagain."Gods,Ihavebeenoutoftouchtomissthatlittlebitofslang.Yes,ofcoursebecauseI'mshay'a'chern,whyelsewouldpeoplelookatmesideways?"

"Becauseyouscarethehelloutofthem,"Tantrasreplied,hissmilefading."Becauseyouareaspowerfulasyouare;becauseyou'resoquietandsosolitary,andtheyneverknowwhatyou'rethinking.Havens,thesedayshalftheHeraldsdon'tevenknowyou'reshaych;it'stheMage-Giftthatmakesthemlookatyousideways.Notthatanybodyaroundherecaresaboutyourbedmatesaquarterasmuchasyouseemtothink.They'realotmoreworriedthat—oh—abirdwillcraponyouandyou'lllevelthePalace."

"Me?"Vanyelstaredathimindisbelief.

"You.You'vespentmostofthelastfourorfiveyearsincombatzones.Weknowyourreflexesarehypersensitive.Hellfire,that'swhyIcameinhereto

wakeyouupinsteadofsendingapage.Weknowwhatyoucando.Van,nobodyI'veeverheardofwasabletotaketheplaceoffiveHerald-Magesbyhimself!Andtheveryideaofonepersonhavingthatmuchpowerathisbeckandcallscaresmostpeoplewitless!"

Vanyelwascaughtwithoutareply;hestaredatTantraswiththetowelhanginglimplyfromhishands.

"I'mtellingyoutheplaintruth,Van.Iwishyou'dstopwincingawayfrompeoplewithnocause.It'snotyoursexualpreferencesthatscarethem,it'syou.LevelthePalace,hell—theyknowyoucouldlevelHavenifyouwantedto—"

Vanyelcameoutofhistranceofastonishment."WhatdotheythinkIam?"hescoffed,pickinguphisfilthyshirt.

"Theydon'tknow;theyhaven'ttheMage-Giftandmostofthemweren'ttrainedaroundHerald-Mages.Theyhearstories,andtheythinkoftheMageWars—andtheyrememberthatonce,beforetherewasaValdemar,therewasathrivinglandtothefarsouthofus.NowtheDhorishaPlainsarethere—averylarge,circularcrater.Nocities,nosignthereeverwasanything,noteventwostonesleftstanding.Nothingbutgrassandnomads.Van,leavethatstuff;I'llpickupafteryou."

"But—"Vanyelbegantoobject.

"Look,ifyoucanspendmostofayearsubstitutingforfiveofus,thenoneofuscanpickupafteryouonceinawhile."Tantrastookthewettowelsawayfromhim,cuttingoffhisobjectionsbeforehecouldmakethem."Honestly,Van."

"Ifyouinsist."HewantedtotouchTantras'mindtoseeifhereallymeantwhathesaid.Itseemedafantasticalnotion.

ButTranhadnotinvited,andaHeralddidnotintrudeuninvitedintoanother'smind,notunlesstherewasanoverridingneedtodoso.

"Is...thathowyoufeel?"heaskedinawhisper.

"I'mnotafraidofyou,butletmetellyou,Iwouldn'thaveyourpowersforanyreward.I'mgladI'mjustaHeraldandnotaHerald-Mage,andIdon'tknowhowyousurviveit.Sojustletmespoilyoualittle,allright?"

Vanyelmanagedaweaksmile,troubledbyseveralthings—includingthat"justaHerald"business.ThatimpliedadivisionbetweenHeraldsandHerald-Magesthatmadehimveryuneasy."Allright,oldfriend.Spoilme.I'mjusttiredenoughtoletyou."

Thefogofwearinesscamebetweenhimandthecorridor,andhewasfindingitallhecoulddotoputonefootinfrontoftheother.Lady,blessyouforTantras.Therearen'tmanyevenamongtheHeraldsItrainedwiththatwillacceptwhatIamaseasilyashedoes.Whetherit'sthatI'maMageorthatI'mfey—althoughIcan'tseewhyMage-powerswouldfrightensomeone.We'vehadHerald-MagessincetherewasaValdemar.

Iwishhewasasrightaboutthatashethinksheis;Istillthinkit'stheotherthing.

Thestonewassocoolandsoothingtohisfeet;iteasedtheacheinthemthatwasthelegacyoftoomanyhours—days—weeks—whenhehadsleptfullyclothed,readytodefendtheBorderintheblackest,bleakesthoursofthenight.

Thatreminderbroughtbleakerthoughts.EverytimehecamebacktoHavenitwaswiththeknowledgethattherewouldbefewerfamiliarfacestogreethim.Somanyfriendsgone—notthatIeverhadmanytobeginwith.Lancir,MardicandDonni,Regen,Dorilyn.Wulgra,Kat,Pretor.Allgone.NotmanyleftbesidesTran.There's—Jays.Savil.Andy,andhe'saHealer.Erdane,Breda,acoupleoftheotherBards.HowcanIbeanythingbutsolitary?EveryyearI'mmorealone.

TruetoTantras'promise,Vanyelfoundanoverflowingplatewaitingforhimbesidethepileofletters.Itheldapairofmeatpies,softwhitecheese,andapples,andbesidethegenerousplateoffoodwasanequallygenerouspitcherofwine.

I'dbetterbecarefulwiththatstuff.I'mnotusedtoitanymore,andIbetit'llgostraighttomyhead.

Hestifledagroanashesaggeddownintotheemptychair,pouredagobletofwine,thenpickedupthetopmostletter.Hebrokethesealonit,grittedhisteeth,andstartedin.

ToHerald-MageVanyelfromLordWithenAshkevronofForstReach:MydearSon—

Vanyelnearlydroppedtheletterinsurprise,andrereadthesalutationtobecertainthathiseyeshadn'tplayedtricksonhim.

Greatgoodgods."MydearSon?"Ihaven'tbeen"dear,"muchless"Son"for-years!Iwonderwhathappened—

Hetookalongbreathandcontinued.

Thoughyoumightfinditdifficulttobelieve,Iampleasedandgratefulthatyouaregoingtobeabletofindthetimeforanextendedvisithome.Despiteourdifferences,andsomehardwordsbetweenus,IamveryproudofmyHerald-Mageson.Imaynotcareforsomeaspectsofyourlife,butIrespectyourintelligenceandgoodsense.Iconfess,Vanyel,thatyouroldfatherhasneedofsomeofthatgoodsense.IneedyourhelpindealingwithyourbrotherMekeal.

Vanyelnoddedtohimselfwithcynicism.Nowwecometoit.

HehasmadesomeexcessivelypoorjudgmentssinceIturnedoverthemanagementofsomeofthelandstohim,butthisspringhehasoutdonehimself.He'stakenthecattle—good,solidincome-producingstock—offLongMeadowandinstalledsheepdownthereinstead!

Vanyelchuckled.WhoeverWithenhadropedintobeinghisscribeonthisletterhadreproducedhisfather'stonesperfectly.Hecouldfeeltheindignationrisingfromthepage.

Andasforthatso-called"Shin'a'inwarsteed"hebought—andamoreill-tempered,ill-favoredbeastIneversaw—thelesssaid,thebetter!AlltheseyearsIspentinbuildinguptheForstReachline—andhe'llundoitallwithoneunmanageablestud!Ifeelsurehe'lllistentoyou;you'reaHerald—theKinghimselftrustsyourjudgment.Theboyhasmereadytothrowhimdowntheblamedwell!

Vanyelshiftedalittleandreachedforawedgeofcheese.Thisletterwasprovingtobealotmoreenlighteningthanhe'dhadanyreasontoexpect.

ThisisnotimeforMeketobemuckingabout;notwhentheremaybetrouble

acrosstheBorder.MaybeyourememberthatalliancemarriagebetweenDeveranRemoerdisofLineasandYlynaMavelanofBaires?TheonethatbroughtahalttotheLinean-Baireswar,andthatbroughtthatminstrelthroughherethatyouweresotakenwithasaboy?Itdoesn'tseemtobeworkingout.There'vebeenrumorsforyearsthattheoldestchildwasabastard—nowDeveranseemstohavegivensubstancetothoserumors;he'sdisinheritedtheboyinfavorofthenextinline.InsomewaysIcan'tblamehimtoomuch;eveniftheladdidn'tlooksomuchlikehisuncle—I'veseenboththeboyandtheman,andtheresemblanceisuncanny—therumorsalonewouldhavebeenenoughtomakehisinheritanceshaky.Iwouldn'ttrustthatentireMavelanfamily,frankly.Apackofwizardlysnakes,thelotofthem,theonlytimetheystopstrikingateachotheriswhentheytakeonanoutsider.Ionlythankthegodsthatthey'vestayedateachother'sthroatsallthistime.Butthere'vebeensomenastynoisesoutofthemaboutTashir'sdisinheritanceandifitgetstobemorethannoises,wemayhavetroubleacrosstheBorder.Yourbrotherisallfiredupforawar,bytheway.Gods,thatisthelastthingweneed.IjustthanktheLadythatRandalehadthegoodsensetosendaplainHeraldintoLineasasenvoy,andnotaHerald-Mage.AgoodsolidHeraldmightbeabletokeepthisfromgrowingintoanotherfeudliketheonethemarriagewassupposedtostopinthefirstplace.TheLineanswillcertainlybefarmoreinclinedtolistentoaplainHerald;theydon'ttrustanythingthatsmacksofwizardry,andgivenwhattheMavelansdidtothem,whocanblamethem?

Vanyelbithislip,thehalf-eatenscrapofcheesedanglingforgottenfromhisfingers.Withenwasshowingagreatdealmorepoliticalastutenessthanhe'devergivenhisfathercreditfor.ButthisbusinessinLineas—

Please,hesentupasilentprayer.Notnow—

It'sevidentlyworrisomeenoughthatRandalesentyoursisterLissaandherGuardCompanytokeepacross-BordereyeontheMavelans.You'dknowwhatthatwouldmeanbetterthanyouroldfather,Ithink.Ifwe'reluckyandthingsstaycalm,perhapsshecanslipoffforafewdays'visitherself.Iknowyou'dbothlikethat.Bytheway—Ihopeyouaren'tplanningonbringinganyofyour—friends—homewithyou,areyou?Youknowitwouldupsetyourmother.Youwouldn'twanttoupsetyourmother.BythehandofRadevelAshkevronandmyseal,LordWithenAshkevron.

Vanyelgrimaced,droppedtheletterbackdownonthetable,andreachedforthewinetotakethebittertasteofthoselastwordsoutofhismouth.Heheldthe

thewinetotakethebittertasteofthoselastwordsoutofhismouth.Heheldthecoolmetalofthegoblettohisforeheadforamoment,anautomaticreactiontoapainmoreemotionalthanphysical.

:Hedoesn'tmeantohurt,Chosen.:Yfandes'mind-voicetouchedthebitterness,butcouldnotsootheit.

:Awakeagain,dearling?Youshouldsleep—:

:Toomuchnoise,:sheobjected..'Equitationlessons,andI'mtootiredtofindaquietcorneroftheField.I'lljuststandherebythestableandletthesunbakemysoremusclesandwaitforthebabiestogoaway.Yourfathertrulydoesnotmeantohurtyou.:

Vanyelsighed,andpickedupameatpie,nibblingtheflakycrustlistlessly.:Iknowthat.Itdoesn'tstopitfromhurting.IfIweren'tsotired,itprobablywouldn'thurtasmuch.IfIweren'tsotired,itmightevenbefunny,:Heswallowedanothergulpofwine,painfullyawarethateventhesimpleactofchewingwasbecominganeffortHeputthepiedown.

:Youhavenothingleft,:shestated.:Noreservesatall.:

:That'sridiculous,love.It'sjustthatlastpushwemade.AndifIhaven'tanythingleft,thenneitherhaveyou—:

:Nottrue.Imaybespentphysically,butyouarespentemotionally,magically,mentally.Chosen,beloved,youhavenotsparedyourselfsinceElspethPeacemakerdied.:

:That'sbecausenobodyhadachoice,:heremindedher,reachingforapieceofcheese,butholdingitupandstaringatit,noteatingit,seeingothertimesandplaces.

:Everybodyelsehasbeenpushedjustashard.ThemomentpoorRandaletookthethronethatfragilepeaceshehadmadeforusfelltopieces.Wehadnowarningitwasgoingtocometothat.MardicandDonni—:

Thecoldhandofgriefchokedhisthroat.ThelifebondedcouplewhohadbeensuchsteadfastfriendsandsupporterstohimhadbeentwoofthefirstvictimsoftheKarsiteattacks.HecouldfeeltheechoofhisgriefinthemourningofYfandes'mind-voice.

:Poorchildren.Goddessholdthem—:

:'Fandes—atleasttheydiedtogether.I—couldwish—:hecutoffthethoughtbeforehecoulddistressher.Hecontemplatedthewhitewedgeofcheeseinhishandasifhehadneverseenanythinglikeit,andthenblinked,andbegannibblingatit,tryingtoforcethefoodaroundtheknotofsorrowblockinghisthroat.Hehadtoeat.He'dbeensurvivingonhandfulsofparchedcorn,driedfruit,anddriedbeeffortoolong.Hehadtogethisstrengthback.Itwouldn'tbelongbeforeRandalewouldneedhimagain.Well,allhereallyneededwasacoupleofweeksofsteadymealsandsleep....

:Youasktoomuchofyourself.:

:Who,me?StrangethoughtsfromaCompanion.Whowasitwhousedtokeepnaggingmeaboutduty?:Hetriedtoputameasureofhumorousteasingintohisownmind-voice,butitfeltflat.

:Butyoucannotbetwentyplacesatonce,Chosen.Youarenolongerthinkingclearly.:

Thecheesehadfinallymigratedinsidehim,andmostofthelumpinhisthroatwasgone.Hesighedandreachedforthemeatpieagain.Withenoughwinetohelp,hemightbeabletogetthatdown,too.

Thetroublewas,'Fandeswasright.Forthepastfewmonthshe'dbeenreducedtoalevelwherehereallywasn'tthinkingmuchatall—justconcentratingoneachstepasitcame,andtryingtosurviveit.Ithadbeenlikeclimbingamountainattheendofalongandgruelingrace;justworryingaboutonehandholdatatime.Notthinkingaboutthepossibilityoffalling,andnotabletothinkaboutwhathe'ddowhenhegottothetop.Ifhegottothetop.Iftherewasatop.

Stupid,Herald.Lookingatthebarkandnevernoticingthetreewasabouttofallonyou.

Thesuncominginhiswindowhadcreptdownoffthechairandontothefloor,makingabrightsquareonthebrownbraidedrug.Hechewedandswallowedmethodically,notreallytastingwhathewaseating,andstaredattheglowingsquare,hismindgoingblankandnumb.

:Randaleusesyoubeyondyourstrength,becauseofthenodes,:Yfandessaidaccusingly,breakingintohisnear-trance.:Youshouldsaysomething.He'dstopifherealizedwhathewasdoingtoyou.IfyouwerelikeotherHeralds,unabletotapthem—:

:IfIwerelikeotherHeralds,theKarsiteswouldbehalfwaytoHavennow,insteadofonlyholdingthedisputedlands,:herepliedmildly.:Dearest,thereisnochoice.Ilostmychanceatchoicesalongtimeago.Besides,I'mnotasbadlyoffasyouthink.AllIneedisabitofrestandI'llbefine.We'redamnedluckyIcanusethenodes—andthatIdon'tneedtoresttorecharge.:

:Exceptthatyoumustuseyourpowertofocusandcontrol—:

Heshookhishead.:Beloved,Iappreciatewhatyou're,tellingme,butthisisn'tgettingusanywhere.IhavetodowhatI'mdoing;I'maHerald.It'swhatanyoftheotherswoulddoinmyplace.It'swhat'Lendel—:

Grief—hefoughtit,clenchinghishandhardonthearmofhischairashewilledhisemotionsintocontrol.Controlyourself,Herald.Thisisjustbecauseyou'retired,it'smaudlin,anditdoesn'tdoyouoranyoneelseanygood.

:Icouldwishyouwerelessalone.:

:Don'tencouragemeinself-pity,love.It'sfunny,isn'tit?:hereplied,hislipstwitchinginvoluntarily,thoughnotwithamusement.:DearFatherseemstothinkI'vebeenseducingeverysusceptibleyoungmanfromheretotheBorder,andI'vebeendamnednearcelibate.Thelastwas—when?:Theweeks,themonths,theyallseemedto;blurtogetherintoonelongendurancetrial.Abriefmomentofcompanionship,thenaparting;inevitable,givenhisdutiesandJonne's.

:Threeyearsago,:Yfandessupplied,immediately.:ThatrathersweetGuardsman.:

Vanyelrememberedtheperson,thoughnotthetime.

"Hello.You'reTheHerald-Mage,aren'tyou?"

Vanyellookedupfromthemaphewasstudying,andsmiled.Hecouldn'thelpit—thediffident,shysmiletheGuardsmanworebeggedtobeanswered.

"Yes—areyou—"

"GuardsmanJonne.Yourguide.Iwasbornnothalfaleaguefromhere."Theguilelessexpression,thetannedfaceandthatchofhair,thetinynetofhumorlinesaboutthethoughtfulhazeleyes,allconspiredtomakeVanyellikethismanimmediately.

"Thenyou,friendJonne,arethedirectanswertomyprayers,"hesaid.

Onlylater,whentheywerealone,didhelearnwhatotherprayerstheGuardsmanhadananswerfor—

:Jonne.Oddforsuchatoughfightertobesodiffident,evengentle.Thoughwhyheshouldhavebeenshy,whenhewasfiveyearsolderandhadtwicemy—uh—experience—:

:Yourreputation,beloved.Alivinglegendcamedownoffhispedestalandlookedtohimforcompany.:Yfandessenthimanimageofamarblesaint—statuehoppingoutofitsnicheandwrigglingitseyebrowsinacome—hitherlook.Therewasenoughofatiredgiggleinhermind-voicetogetanequallytiredchuckleoutofhim.Buthesoberedagainalmostimmediately.:Andthatlastedhowlong?Twomonths?Three?Certainlynotmore.:

:Youwerebusy—youhadduties—bothofyou.Itwasyourdutiesthatpartedyou.:

:Iwas,:herepliedbitterly,:afool.Morethandutieswouldhavepartedusintime.IknowexactlywhatI'mtryingtodo—whenIadmitittomyself.I'mtryingtoreplace'Lendel.Ican't;Ican'tever,sowhydoIevenbothertotry?Alovelikethathappensonceinalifetime,andI'mnotdoingmyselformywould-bepartnersanyfavorbytryingtorecreateit.Iknowit,andoncethefirstglowwearsoff,theyknowit.Anditisn'tfairtothem.:

SilencefromYfandes.Therereallywasn'tmuchshecouldsay.Hewaslefttocontemplatetheinsideofhisownthoughts,asfaintsoundsofdistantpeopleandabitofbirdsongdriftedinhiswindow.

Damnit,I'mfeelingsorryformyselfagain.Heraldsarealllonely;itisn'tjustme.We'redifferent;madedifferentbyourGifts,madeevenmoresobytheCompanions,thendrivenevenfartherawayfromordinarypeoplebythisfanatic

devotiontodutyofours.Herald-Magesareonesteplonelierthanthat.Hecouldn'thelphimself;thenextthoughtcameautomatically,despitehisresolutionnottofallintoamorassofself-pity.Thenthere'sme.BetweenthelevelofmyGiftandmysexualpreferences—

Heburiedhisfaceinhisfreehand.Gods.Iamafool.Ihave'Fandes.Shelovesmeinawaynooneelseeverwilloreverdid,except'Lendel.Thatoughttobeenough.Itreallyought—ifIwasn'tsodamnedselfish.

Sheinterruptedhisthoughts.:Van,youalmostneedafriendmorethanalover.Adifferentkindoffriendthanme;onethatcantouchyou.Youneedtobetouched,youhumans—:Hermind-voicetrailedoff,grewdim,inthewaythatmeantshewaslosingherbattletofatigueandhadfallenasleepagain.

"Youhumans."Thatphrasesaiditall.Thatwasthetellingdifference,herealizedsuddenly.Thetellinglack.Yfandeswasnothuman—andsheneverfeltexactlythewayahumanwould.Therewasalwaysthetouchofthe"other"abouther,andthestrangefeelinghegot,some—times,thatshewashidingsomething,somesecretthatshecouldonlysharewithanotherCompanion.Itwasnotacomfortablefeeling.Hewasjustasgladshewasn'tawaketopickitupfromhim.

Hedraggedhimselfupoutofthedepthsofhischairtorummagepaperandapenandinkpotoutofhisdesk.Heslouchedbackdownintothecushionsandchewedthoughtfullyontheendofthepen,tryingtocomposesomethingthatwouldn'tsetWithenoff.

ToLordWithenAshkevronofForstReachfromHerald-MageVanyelAshkevron.

Sofar,sogood.

DearFather:I'msorryI'vehadtoputoffspendinganylengthoftimeathome—butdutymustalwayscomebeforeanythingelse,andmydutyasaHeraldistotheordersofmyKing.

Helickedhislips,wonderingifthatwasabitexcessivelypriggish.Probablynot.AndIdon'tthinkI'llsayanythingabouthowvisitsoflessthanadaykeepMotherfromhavingvaporsatme.Hereachedforthegobletagain,andanotherswallowofwine,beforecontinuing.

AsforMeke,I'lldomybestwithhim,Father.Youmustrememberthough,thatalthoughIamaHeraldIamalsohisbrother—hemaybenomoreinclinedtolistentomethanhedoestoyou.WithregardtoyournewsaboutBairesandLineas—maythegodshelpus—Ihaveseenfartoomuchofconflictoflate.Iwasprayingforsomepeace,andnowyoutellmewemayhaveaSituationonourverydoorstep.UnlessRandaleasksmetointervene,thereisn'tmuchIcando.Letushopeitdoesn'tcometothat.IpromiseIwilltrytoputsomesenseintoMeke'sheadaboutthataswell;perhapswhenhehasheardsomeofwhatIhaveseen,awarwillnolongerseemquitesoattractive.Perhapswhenheseessomeofwhatwarhasdonetome—no,Father,Iwasnotbadlyhurt,butIpickedupaninjuryortwothatleftscars.Itmaybethatwillimpresshim.

Heclosedhiseyesandcarefullypickedouttheleastloadedwordshecouldthinkofforthenextsentence.Whenhethoughthehadit,heconcentratedonsettingitcarefullydownonthepapersothattherecouldbenomistake.

Withregardtomy—friends;IpromisedyoutenyearsagothatIwouldneverindulgeinanythingthatyoudidnotapproveoforthatmadeyouuncomfortableunderyourroof.DoyoustillfinditsodifficulttobelievethatIwouldkeepmyword?

Henoblyrefrainedfromadding"Odd,nooneelseseemstohavethatproblem."Thatwouldnotserveanypurpose,andwouldonlymakehisfatherguilty,andthenangry.

Idohavearequesttomakeofyou,andareminderofapromiseyoumadetomeatthesametime.YoupledgedtokeepMotherfromflingingyoungwomenatme—underotherconditionsIwouldnotfeelthatIneededtoremindyouofthispromise,butItrulycannothandlethatparticularsituationthistime,Father.I'mexhausted;youcan'tknowhowexhausted.AllIreallywantissomepeace,somequiettimetorestandcatchupwiththefamilymatters.Pleasedomethisonesmallfavor;Idon'tthinkit'stoomuchtoask.Yours,Vanyel.

Hefoldedtheletterandsealeditquickly,beforehehadachancetoaddapostscripttothattemptinglyemptyspaceatthebottom.AllIwantfromyouandMotheristobeleftalone.Ineedthatrest.BeforeIfallonmyface.

Hepickedupthesecondletter,andheavedasighofrelief.Liss.Oh,blessyou,bigsister.MyantidotetoFather.

ToHerald-MageVanyelAshkevronfromGuard-CaptainLissaAshkevron:DearestVan—ifhalfofwhatI'vebeenhearingaboutyouistrue,I'mtemptedtoabandonmycommandandkidnapyouandhideyousomeplaceuntilyou'vehadsomerest!Thankthegodssomebodysawenoughreasontogiveyoualeave!Andbeforeyoubleattomeabout"duty,"justyourememberthatifyoukillyourselfwithoverworkyouwon'tbearoundtodothatduty!

Vanyelsmiled,bitinghisliptokeepfromchuckling.GoodoldLiss!

Ishouldtellyouwhat'sgoingonouthere,sinceyoumayberidingrightintoanotherhotbedoftrouble.DeveranofLineashasdisinheritedhiseldest.Theboysupposedlyhasmage-power,which,sincehismotherdoesnot,isbeingreadthatheisprobablyabastard.TheLineansinanycasearenotlikelytoallowanyonewithMage-Giftstoruleoverthem—butthisTashirisaltogethertoolikehisUncleVedricforcomfort.AndVedricisprotestingthetacitsluronhis"goodname"—notthathehasone—andisbeingbackedbytheentireMavelanClan.Isupposeitisabitmuchtoimplythatyourbrother-in-lawwasfornicatingwithhisownsisterbeforeyourmarriagetoher.Havensbless—talkaboutsoiledgoods!

Atanyrate,Isuspectthere'sfarmoretoitthanthat;what,Idon'tknow,buttheMavelansseldomuniteforanythingandthey'reunitingonthisone.Imuchdoubtit'soverconcernforVedric'sreputationortenderfeelingsforTashir.Myguessisthere'sanotherattemptatacquiringLineasintheoffing—butsincethey'rebothclients-by-alliancetoValdemar,theMavelanscan'tjustbeginflingingmage-fireoverthere.Randalewoulddefinitelytakeexceptiontothat.

Sohereweare,campedontheBorder,andwatchingforonefalsenote.Whatreallyworriesmeisthatit'sVedricwho'sfrontingthis;they'reallsnakes,buthe'saviper.Theonlyreasonhe'snotLordMavelanisbecausehisbrother'sbeenverylucky—orsmartenoughtobuysomereallygoodspiesandbodyguards.Vedricisdefinitelythemostambitiousofthelot;myguessishe'sbeenpromisedLineasifhecangetitquietly.ThroughTashir,perhaps.

Vanyelfoundhiseyebrowsrisingwitheverysentence.LissahadcomealongwayfromthenaiveswordswomanwhohadacceptedthatcommissionintheGuard.ShewasalotmorepoliticallyastutethanVanwouldhavedreamed—whichgavehimthesecondsurpriseoftheday.FirstFather,thenLiss—nobadthing,either.NoonelivinginthedaysofKingRandalecouldaffordtobe

politicallynaive.

Ihopetostealawaylongenoughtospendatleastalittletimewithyou,love,butdon'tcountonit.There'snothinggoingonovertly,butthewholethingfeelsverytouchytome;likethemomentsbeforethestormhits.IfIfeelthesituationhascalmeddownenough,I'llcome.Bewell.Love,Liss.

Thatwasbyfarandawaytheeasiestlettertoanswerhe'dhadinalongtime.Hescrawledaquickreplyofaffection,includingthefactthathemissedherbadly,sealedthenote,andlaiditwiththeother.

Thereweretwoorthreeotherletters,allnothingmorethaninvitationstovariousentertainments;huntingparties,mostly,atnobleestates,partiesmeanttolastaweekormore.Despitethefactthatheneverattendedthesethings—wouldn'thaveevenifhe'dhadthetime—theinvitationsneverstoppedcoming.Hewrotebrief,politenotes,andsatbackagain,staringatthepacksinthecorner.Heknewhehadtosortthingsoutofhistravelingkitforhistriphome—andhejustcouldn'tmustertheenergy.Itwassomucheasierjusttositandletallthekinksinhismusclesrespondtothesoft—motionless!—chair.

Arapatthedoorinterruptedhislethargy;itwasthepagesentbyTantras,withthepromiseduniforms.Andonemorething;anote—andVanyelrecognizedRandale'shandwritingontheoutside.

Oh,gods—no,no!Foramomenthetensed,fearinganothercalltodutyontheeveofhispromisedchancetorest.Thenhesawthatitwasn'tsealed,notevenbyRandale'spersonalseal.

Herelaxed.Nosealmeantitwasn'tofficial.Hetookitfromthewide-eyedpageandmotionedtotheyoungstertostayforareply.

Vanyel;comebyafterCourtandsaygood-bye—don'tcomebeforethen;ifI'mnotbeingofficial,Idon'thavetofindsomethingforyoutodo.Orrather,Idon'thavetoassignyoutooneofthehundredmessesthatneedsdealingwith.I'msorryyouaren'tstaying,butIunderstand,andifyouweren'tplanningonleaving,I'dprobablytieyoutoYfandesanddriveyouoffbeforeIworkyoutodeath.Butdocomeby;Jisawantstoseeher"UncleVan"beforehevanishesagain.Randale.

:Ifyoudon'tmakethetimetoseeher,I'llbiteyouwhenyoutrytosaddle

me.:

Vanyelhadtosmotheralaugh.:Wokeupagain,didyou?WhyisitanythingaboutJisasnagsyourattentionlikenothingelsedoes?:

:Becauseshe'sadorable—asmostsix-year-oldhumansarenot.Besides,she'syourdaughter.:

:I'mjustgratefulshedoesn'tlookanythinglikeme,:hereplied,sobering.:Ifshe'dgottenthesesilvereyesofmine,forinstance—orblackhairwhenbothRandaleandShavriarelightbrown.Don'tyoudareletthatsliptoanyone!:

:NotevenanotherCompanion,:shereassuredhim.:I'mnotsureIunderstandwhattheproblemcouldbe,though.Shavriwon'tletRandalemarryher,soshoulditmatterwhoJisa'sfatheris?:

:Itwoulddisturbsomefolk,becausethey'relifebonded.Besides,wedon'twantanyonetoknowthatRandale'ssterile.Ifhehastomakeanalliancemarriage—thatcouldruinit.AndtherearedamnfewpeopleeveninsidetheHeraldswhowouldunderstandsomeonewantingachildbadlyenoughtogotobedwithsomeoneotherthanherlifebonded.:

Yfandes'mind-voicewashesitant.:Truth,Chosen—itseemstobotheryou.:

Vanyelleanedfartherbackintothechair,scrawlingrepliestotheinvitationswithhalfhisattention.Itdidbotherhim,andinawaythatmadehimreluctanttoeventhinkaboutShavri,sometimes.:It'snotthat,:hetemporized.:It'sjustthatI'mworriedaboutthem.:

Buttheuneasyfeelingcontinued,anuncomfortableunhappinessthathecouldn'tdefine.Sohecontinuedhastily,:PoorShavri;youcan'tknowhowmuchshewantedthatchild.Thatwastheonlyreasonwedidit.:

:Youlikeher.:

:OfcourseIlikeher!:heanswered—again,justashadetooquickly.:SheandRandale—they'refriends;howcouldIhavetoldthemno?:Heshiedawayfromexamininghisfeelingstooclosely.:Besides,itwasneveranythingmorethanaphysicalexerciseforeitherofus.Nomoreinvolvedforme,certainly,thandancing.ShavribeingaHealer,shecouldmakesureshe"caught"thefirst

time.Neitherofuswereemotionallyinvolved,oreverlikelytobe.:

:Isupposethatcouldhavebeenaproblem,:shereplied.

:Exactly.That'swhyShavriandRandaleaskedmetohelpinthefirstplace:Iwasperfect;aHerald,alreadyafriend,physicallyable,andnotgoingtogetromanticallyentangled.:

:Don'tyou...wantthechild,sometimes?:Yfandessoundedwistful.Vanyelwasabitsurprised.

:Frankly,no.I'mnotverypaternal.Ittakesmorethanseedtomakeafather,love.Greatgoodgods,canyouseemeasaparent?I'dbeawful.RandalehaswhatIlackinthatdepartment.:Histhoughtsdarkened,asherecalledwhathadbeenbotheringhimsincehescannedthepalacewhentheyrodein.:'Fandes,I'mworriedaboutthem.WhenLancirdied—truth,IalmostexpectedTavertoChoosemeKing'sOwn.Instead—insteadhechoseShavri,andI'mdesperatelyafraiditwasn'tbecauseshewasRandale'slifebonded.I'mafraiditwasbecauseshe'saHealer.:

TherewasalongsilenceonYfandes'part.Then,:Whyhaven'tyousaidsomethingbeforethis?:

:Because—Iwasn'tsure.I'vebeenwrongaboutthingssomanytimes—andIdidn'treallywanttothinkaboutit.ShavritoldmeoncethatshewasafraidthatRandale'ssterilitywasasymptomofsomethingworse.Ididn'tknowwhattosay,soItoldhernottoworryaboutit.Butnow—youknowhowsensitiveIam;followmylinetoRondale—:

Vanyelcould"feel"everyHeraldandHerald-MageinHaven,alltiedtohimbyakindoftenuousnetworkoflinesoflife-energy,witheveryidentityasplaintohimasifhecouldseethefaces.MostHerald-Magescouldfollowthelinetoanyonewhohadsharedmagicwiththem;Vanyelcouldfollowthelineofanyonewhohad"sharedmagic"justbyvirtueofbeingaHerald.HehadthelinethatledtoRandalewithouteventhinkingaboutit,and"felt"Yfandesfollowitdownwithhim,SeeingwhatheSaw.

:There's—somethingnotright,:shesaid,afteramoment'sstudy.:Somethingoutofbalance.Physically,notmentallyoremotionally.ButIcan'ttellwhatitis.:

:Exactly,:heagreed.:Ifeltitassoonaswecamein;hewasn'tlikethatwhenweleft.IwishIwasaHealer-AdeptlikeMoondancek'TrevaorevenlittleBrightstar.They'remuchbetteratunderstandingimbalancesthanIam.:Herubbedhisforehead,hisheadachestartingagain.

:Idon'tthinkIwilleverforgetthelookonShavri'sface,whenyoutoldherthiswasn'tthefirsttimeyou'ddonesomeonethefavorof—uh—studservice.:Yfandes'mind-voicecoloredyellowwithlaughter,andhewasjustaspleasedtochangethesubject.

:MoondanceandStarwindwantedachildtoraise,andneitherofthemcanfunctionwithafemale,:heremindedher,:andSnowlightwaswillingtohavetwins,oneforher,oneforthem.:

:Youcertainlyproducelovelychildren.:

:Brightstarisagoodlad,:hesaid,shyly.:They'rerightlyproudofhim—andthat'stheirdoing,notmine.ButI'mbeginningtothinkIoughttorentmyselfout.DoyouthinkIcouldcommandthesamefeesasaShin'a'instud?:

:Oh,atleast,:shegiggled,ashereachedforpenandpaper.:DoubleifyourGiftandbeautifulsilvereyesbreedtrue!:

Hesmotheredachuckle,andturnedallhisattentiontothereplythepagewaswaitingfor.Dearestfriends;ofcourseI'mcomingby.Don'tyourealizethatyou'remylasttasteofsanitybeforeIspendthefallwithmylunaticfamily?

Hesealedthislastnoteandhandedthemalltothepagetotakeaway.Hestoodandhauledthepacksovertohisbed,resistingthetemptationtothrowhimselfthereinsteadofhisbelongings,andbegansortingouttheitemshe'dneedforhisvisithome.

Therewasanawfullotofmoneyinthere—moneyhedidn'tremembergetting,butitallseemedtobeinthosesillylittlesealed"stipend"bags,mostofthemstillunopened.Atleastahalf-dozen.Thenagain—hehadn'thadmuchtospenditon,goingfromposttopostlikeamadman,nevergettingregularmeals,seldomsleepinginarealbed.Hecombinedallthebagsintoone,andtossedtheemptiesontothetablefortheservantstocollect.Thenhadsecondthoughts,andaddedsomecoinstothepileofemptybags.Noharminleavingalittlesomethingfortheoneswhokeptthingspickedupforhim;theydidagoodjob.Theycouldhavejustsealedtheroomupuntilhereturned,buttheykeptitopen

Theycouldhavejustsealedtheroomupuntilhereturned,buttheykeptitopenandaired,eventhoughthatmeantextrawork.He'dacquiredamuchgreaterappreciationforgoodservantssincehe'dbecomeaHerald.

Hereturnedtohispacks;therewerealotofsmall,valuabletrinketshejustbarelyrememberedbeinggiftedwithinthere.

:Whydopeopleinsistongivingmeallthisstuff?:heaskedYfandes,alittleirritably.:Itisn'tbribery;I'dhavesensedthatandgivenitback.:

:Itoldyou,:shereplied.:Theywantedsomethingoftheexcitementofyourlifetoruboffonthem,sotheygiveyouthings.That'swhatitmeanstobeHeraldVanyel,secondonlytoKing'sOwn.:

Hemadeasoundofcontempt,ashesortedthroughthethings;jewelrymostly.:IbettheythinkIhaveeverythingIcouldwant.Isupposeonalotoflevels,Ido.I'mungrateful,Iguess.Idon'tknowwhyI'mnothappier.:

:VanyelAshkevron,youarebeinganidiot,:sherepliedacidly.:Stopfeelingguiltyaboutfeelinglikeyou'reoverworkedandunhappy!You'reonlyhuman!:

:Beloved,IthinkyouknowmebetterthanIknowmyself.:Helaughedtokeepfromwincing;shewascuttingabittooclosetothetruth.Hishandfellonmorejewelry,andhechangedthesubject.:Ah,nowtheseIremember;Iboughtthemhonestly.:HeselectedthethreetrinketsthathehadthoughtwouldpleaseRandale,Shavri,andJisawhenhe'dseenthem;acloak-claspforRandaleintheformofavineofHeal—AlltwiningaroundaberylthegreenofaHealer'srobes—apendantthatmatchedforShavri—andawonderfullittlearticulatedcarvingofaCompanioncompletewithformalpanoplyforJisa.Therestwentbackintothepack;hewouldneedpresentsforthemobatForstReach,andtherewassurelyenoughtheretomakeastart.Hepausedwiththelastpiece,acrystalmage-focusstone(rose-quartz,sadly,andnotastonehecaredtoworkwith)stillinhishand.

:ThinkSavilwouldlikethis?:

:Youknowshewould.Rose-quartzisherPrimeFocus,andyoudon'toftenseeacrystalthatbigorthatclear.:

:Good.:Heputitwiththelittlegiftsonhisbedsidetable.

Thebedlookedbetterthanever.

:Courtesycalls,:Yfandesremindedhim.:Thenyoucan'ttakeanap.Lazy.:

Hegroaned.:Tootrue.Oh,well.:Hepickedupthecrystalandslippeditintohispocket.:Savilfirst.She'llputmeinagoodmoodfortheothers.:

TherewasatouchofsmileinYfandes'mind-voicewhenheslippedouthisdooranddownthehall—stillbarefoot.:Youdon'treallyneedtobeputinagoodmoodforJisadoyou?:

Hegrinned;althoughshecouldn'tseeit,shewouldfeeltheriseinhisspirits.:No—butifRandiendsupgivingmeanassignmentanyway,Iwon'tfeelsobadaboutit!:

Two

Vanyel'sroomwasinthe"oldPalace,"theoriginalbuildingdatingbacktoKingValdemar;intheoldestsectionstillusedforHeralds'quarters.Savil'ssuitewasinthenewwingaddedsomefourteenyearsago.Shenolongeroccupiedthesuitehe'dhadwhenhefirstwasputinhercustodybyLordWithen—shedidn'tteachmorethanonepupilatatimethesedays,sohavingnousewhatsoeverorasuitewithfourbedrooms,she'dmovedinsteadtoanothersuite,stillonthegroundfloor,thoughwithoutanoutsidedoortothegardens;Movinghadbeensomethingofarelieftobothofthem;herformerquartersheldtoomanysadmemories,memoriesofthepainfulweeksfollowingTylendel'ssuicide.

Vanyelhadhelpedwiththatmove,sinceithadcoincidedwiththeirreturn—himinfullWhites—fromthePelagirHillsandtheValeoftheTayledrask'Treva.ThetouchiestparthadbeenmovingthemagicWorkRoom:atransferofenergiesratherthanphysicalfurniture.Savilhadleftthattohim;sincethey'dsharedmagicsointimatelyandsooftenheknewher"resonances,"andmoreimportantly,herprotections"recognized"him.

Themagicaltransferhadbeenakindofgraduationexerciseforhim—nottoprovetoSavilthathecoulddoit,buttoprovehisability—andhistraining—totherestoftheHerald-Mages.HecouldstillrememberJaysenKondre'sface,whenhe'dstoodinthemiddleofthenewWorkRoomand"called"theshieldsandprotections—andthey'dswarmedupandfollowedhimlikebeeswithamigratingqueen,settlingintoplaceassolidlyasifthey'dbeencastonthenewroomfromthebeginning.Jayshadlookedasifhe'djustswallowedalivefish.

Savil'ssuitenowwasoffourroomsonly;herproteges'bedroom,andherbedroom,sittingroomandWorkRoom.

:Van—:Yfandessaidsleepilyintohismind.:AskJaystogetyouaWorkRoomthistime.YouneedaWorkRoom.:

:Ithoughtyouwereasleep.HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyouthatIdon'tneedonebeforeyou'llbelieveme?:hereplied.

:But—:Evenafteralltheseyears,Yfandesstillwasn'tusedtotheideathatVanyel'smethodsweren'tquitethesameastheotherHerald-Mages'.

:IcanuseSavil'sifI'mworkingformalmagic.WhenI'minthefield,Idon'thavetimetomuckaboutwithformalities.:

:But—:

Heshookhishead,gladthattheonlyotherpeopleaboutwereusedtoHeraldsandthewaytheyseemedtomutteratthemselves.Whenhe'dbeeninthefield,he'dfrequentlygottenknowinglooksandavertedeyes.:Gobacktosleep,'Fandes.:

Shegaveup.Yououghttoknowbynowthatyoucan'sout-stubbornme,sweetling.

Savilwasstillhismasterwhenitcametomagicthatrequiredlong,painstakingsetups.Vanyel'stalentslayelsewhere.Hehadneithermasternorevenpeerwhenacrisiscalledforinstantdecisionandinstantaction.Itwasthatabilitytousehispowersonamoment'snoticethatmadehimsecond-ranktonooneinpower,andsecondonlytoShavriintheHeraldicCircle;that,andtheabilitytousethelinesandcurrentsofpower,andthenodeswheretheymet,astheAncientshaddoneandtheTayledrascouldstilldo,thoughnoneoftheotherHerald-MagesexceptSavilcould.

Hesquintedagainstthelightasheenteredthenewwing.Thepanelingofthenewsectionhadnothadtimetodarkenwithage:thehallshereseemedverybright,thoughtheynolongersmelled"new."

Thissectionfeelsevenemptierthantheoldquarters;Idon'tthinkmorethanhalftheground-floorroomshaveclaimants,there'slessthanthatonthesecondfloor,andnoneatallonthethird.Ican'tseehowwe'lleverfillit.

Thehallwassoquiethecouldhearthemurmurofvoicesfromoneofthefarthersuiteswithoutstraininghisearsatall.AquickLookgavehimidentities;SavilandJays.Hepausedforamomentandsentthetentativelittlemind-probeonaheadofhimthatwastheThought-sensingequivalentofaknockonthedoor,andgotawaveofwelcomefrombothmindsbeforehehadtakentwosteps.

Nowsureofhisreception—andthathewasn'tinterruptinganything—hecrossedtheremainingdistancetoSavil'sdoorandpusheditopen.

Savil,hersilverhairbraidedlikeacoronetonthetopofherhead,wasenthronedinherfavoritechair,ahuge,bluemonstrosityascomfortableasitwas

enthronedinherfavoritechair,ahuge,bluemonstrosityascomfortableasitwasugly.TallJaysen(whoalwayslookedbleached,somehow)washalf-sprawledonhercouch,butheroseatVanyel'sentrance—thendidadoubletake,andstaggeredbackastep,handtheatricallyclutchedtohischest.

"Myheart!"hechoked."Savil,lookatyournephew!Barefoot,shaggy-headed,andshabby!WhereinHavenshasourpeacockgone?"

"HegotlostsomewheresouthofHorn,"Vanyelreplied."Ilastsawhiminatavernsingingtrioswithmymindandmywits.Ihaven'tseeneitheroftheminawhile,either."

"Well,yousurelycouldn'ttellitfromthereportswegotback,"Jaysenanswered,comingquicklyforwardandclaspinghisforearmswithnosignoftheuneasinesshe'doncehadaroundtheyoungerHerald."There'sthreenewsongsaboutyououtofyouryeardownsouth,incaseyoudidn'tknow.Veryaccurate,too,amazinglyenough."

Vanyelsighed."Gods.Bards."

Jaysencockedhisgrayingheadtotheside."Youshouldbeusedtoitbynow.Youkeepdoingthingsthatmakewonderfulsongs,sohowcantheyresist?"Hegrinned."Maybeyoushouldstop.Becomeabricklayer,forinstance."

Vanyelshookhisheadandgroaned."It'snotmyfault!"

Jaysenlaughed."I'dbestbeoffbeforethattriowrecksmyworkroom.DidSaviltellyou?I'vebeengiventheprotégésyou'dhavegottenifyouhadn'tbeeninacombatzone.Countyourblessings—one'safarmgirlwhohadmuchratherbeafighterthanaHerald-Mage,thankyou;one'saverybewilderedyoungmanwhocan'tforamomentimaginewhyhewasChosenandasaresulthasnoconfidencewhatsoever;andthethirdisanoverlyconfidentsharpsterwho'sactuallyaconvictedlawbreaker!"

"Convictedofwhat?"Vanyelasked,amusedatthewoebegoneexpressiononJaysen'sface.

"Chicaneryandfraud.Theoldshell-and-peagameatMidsummerFair;hewasactuallyChosenonthewaytohissentencing,ifyoucanbelieveit."

"Icanbelieveit.It'skeepingyoubusy,anyway."

"Icanbelieveit.It'skeepingyoubusy,anyway."

"Itisthat.It'sgoodtoseeyou,Van."Jaysenhesitatedamoment,andthenputonehandonhisshoulder."Vanyel—"Helockedhispale,near-colorlessblueeyeswithVanyel's,andVansawdisturbancetherethatmadehim,uneasy."Takecareofyourself,wouldyou?Weneedyou.Idon'tthinkyourealizehowmuch."

HeslippedoutthedoorbeforeVanyelcouldrespond.Vanstaredafterhimwithhismouthstartingtofallopen.

"Whatinthenameofsanitywasthatabout?"heasked,perplexed,turningbacktohisaunt,whohadnotleftthecomfortableconfinesofherchair.Shelookedupathimmeasuringly.

"HaveyouanynotionhowmanyHerald-Mageswe'velostinthelastfouryears?"sheasked,herhigh-cheekbonedfacewithoutanyreadableexpression.

"Twodozen?"hehazarded.

Nowshelookeduneasy.Notmuch,butenoughthathecouldtell."SlightlymorethanhalfthetotalwehadwhenyouandIcamebackfromk'Treva.Wecan'treplacethemfastenough.TheMage-Giftwasneverthatcommoninthefirstplace,andwitharateofattritionlikethat—"Shegrimaced."Ihaven'ttoldyouaboutthisbefore,becausetherewasnothingyoucoulddoaboutit,butafterthedeathsofthelastyear,youshouldknowthefacts.Youbecomemoreimportantwitheachloss,Van.YouweretheonlyoneavailabletosendtoreplacethosefivecasualtiesontheKarsiteBorder.Youweretheonlyonewhocouldreplaceallfiveofthem,allbyyourself.That'swhywecouldn'trelieveyou,lad,orevensendyouoneotherHerald-Magetogiveyouabreather.Wesimplydidn'thaveanyonetosend.Speakingofwhich—"SheraisedoneeyebrowasshegavehimsuchapenetratinglookthatVanyelfeltasifshewasseeingpasthisclothestocounthisribsandmarkeachofhisscars."—youlooklikehell."

"Can'tanyonegreetmewithoutsayingthat?"hecomplained."You,Tran,Jays—can'tyoutellmeI'mlookingseasoned?Orpoetic?Orsomething?"

"Horseturds;youdon'tlook'seasoned,'youlooklikehell.You'retoodamnedthin,youreyesaresunken,andifmyOthersensesaren'tfoolingme,you'vegotnoreserves—you'reonyourlastdregsofenergy."

Vanyelsighed,andfoldedhimselfupatherfeet,restinghisbackagainstthefrontofherchairandhisheadagainstherknee.Thatwas"home,"andalwayswouldbe—asSavilwasmorehismotherthanhisbirth-motherevercouldbe."It'snothing,"hereplied."Atleastnothingalittlesleepwon'tcure.Comeon,youknowhowyoufeelattheendofatourofduty.You'restillyouroldtactfulself,Savil."

"Tactneverwasoneofmystrongtraits,lad,"shereplied,andhefeltherhandtouch,andthenbeginstrokinghishair.Heclosedhiseyesandrelaxed;musclesbegantounknotthatmusthavebeentensedupforthepastyear.Forthefirsttimeinmonthstherewasnoonedependingonhim,lookingtohimforsafety.Itwasnicetofeelshelteredandprotected,insteadofbeingtheshelterandprotection.TherearetimeswhenI'dgiveanythingtobeachildagain,andthisisperilousclosetooneofthem.

"Iammortallytired,Savil,"headmitted,finally."Ineedthisleave.Itwon'ttakelongtorestup—butIdoneedtherest.Youknow,Ididn'taskforthis.Ididn'twanttobeaHerald-Mage,IwantedtobeaBard.IsureasHavensdidn'tasktobe'VanyelDragonsbreath,'orwhateveritisthey'recallingme."

"Demonsbane."

Theincreasinglyshrilltoneofhisownvoicefinallypenetratedhisfog."Savil,I—amIwhining?"

Shechuckledthroatily."You'rewhining,son."

"Hellfire,"hesaid."Iswear,everytimeIlosealittlesleep,Iturnfifteen.Abrattyfifteen,atthat.I'mamazedyouputupwithme."

"Darlingboy,"shesaid,herhandsomehowstrokinghisheadacheaway,"You'veearnedalittlewhine.You'rethinnedoutinmorewaysthanone."Shesighed."That'stheonethingIregretmostaboutthepastfewyears—youneverdoorsayanythinganymorewithoutthinkingaboutit.That'sgoodforHerald-MageVanyel,butI'mnotentirelycertainaboutVanyelAshkevron."Therewasalongsilencebehindhim,then—"There'snojoyinyouanymore,ke'chara.Nojoyatall.Andthatbothersmemorethanthecircledeyesandthincheeks."

"We'veallenduredtoomuchthelastfiveyearstobeabletoaffordtodothingswithoutthinking.Asforjoy—istherejoyanywhere,anymore?We'vealllostsomuch—somanyfriendsgone—"

lostsomuch—somanyfriendsgone—"

Anotherlongsilence."Idon'tknow."

Heclearedhisthroat,andchangedthesubject."Ididn'tfeelathirdhere.Youaren'tteaching?"

"Can't;don'thavethestaminaanymore.NotandbeGuardian,too."

He'dhalfexpectedthat.Andhehalfexpectedwhatquarter."SotheymadeyouGuardian?Inwhoseplace?"

"Lancir's.Shavrican't;shetried,andshecan't.ThefourGuardianshavetobeHerald-Mages.We'dhopedHealing-Giftwascloseenough,butshedidn'tpassthelasttrial.Ithinkshe'srelieved.It'sapity;theGuardianoftheEasthasalwaysbeenKing'sOwn,but—"

"Inthatcase,thepresentIbroughtyoumaybehandy."Heshiftedsothathecouldgetathispocket,andpulledoutthecrystal.Heclosedhishandaroundit,feelingallthesmoothplanesandanglespressingintohispalm."Don'tyouneedaPrimeFocusstoneofyourowntosetintheWeb?Ithoughtyoudidn'thaveagoodPrimetouseforanythingbutpersonalstuff."

"Youdo,andIputastonethere,butitwasaSecondaryFocus,anamethyst,andnotwhatI'dhave—"

Heraisedthehandholdingthecrystalabovehishead,partinghisfingerssoshecouldseeit,butnotopeninghiseyesormovinghishead.

"Sunsinger'sGlory!"shebreathed."Wheredidyoufindthat?"

"Giftedme,"hesaid,astheweightlefthishand."Peoplekeepgivingmethings,Savil.AnopaloramberIcouldhaveused—still—youcanuseit,sodo."

"Ishall."Herhandbegantostrokehishairagain,andheheardthelittleclickasshesetthestonedownonthetablebesideher."Thatwillmakemyjobabiteasier."Shechuckledrichly."IthoughtIwassoluckywhenitturnedoutmyresonancesworkedbestwithrose-quartz—notlikeDeedrewhowasstuckwithtopaz,orJusten,withruby.Nice,cheapstone,Ithought.Won'thavetogobankrupttryingtogetagoodone.LittledidIknowhowharditwastofinda

good,unflawed,largecrystal!"

"LittledidyouknowyouweregoingtoturnoutaGuardian,"hereplieddrowsily.

"Hmm,true."Hermindtouchedsoftlyonhis.:Vanyel,ke'chara,youarenotwell.There'smoresilverinthislovelyblackhair.:

Hecouldn'tliemind-to-mind,nottoher,sohetemporized.:Thesilver'sfromworkingwiththenodes;youshouldknowthat.Asfortherest—I'mjustweary,teacher—love.Justweary.Toomanyhoursfightingtoomanybattles,andallofittoomuchalone.:

:Heart—wounded?:HerMindvoicewasetchedandfrostedwithconcern.

:No,heart-whole.Justlonely.Onlythat.Youknow.Ihaven'ttimethesedaystogocourtingafriend.Notonbattle-lines.AndIwon'taskformorethanfriendship—gods,howcouldIaskanyonetomakeanemotionalcommitmenttosomebodywho'souttryingdailytogethimselfkilled?I'mbetteroffalone.:

Thehandonhishairtrembledalittle,andrested.

:Iknow,:shereplied,finally.:TherearetimeswhenIwishwithallmyheartIcouldtakesomeofthatfromyou.:

:Now,now,don'tencouragemeinmyself-pity.Honestly,youand'Fandes—:"Ifwisheswerefishes,we'dwalkonthesea,teacher—love,"hesaidaloud."I'dratheryoucouldkeepFatherandMotheroffwhenI'mhome."

"Soyou'refinallymakingthatmajorvisitthey'vebeenplaguingyoufor?"Shetooktheunspokencueandswitchedtoless-intimatevocalspeech.

"RandalesentmewordjustasIwasleavingtheBorder.Severalweeksleaveofabsenceatleast.AndImustsay,thatwhileI'mlookingforwardtotherest,I'mnotatallsanguineaboutthislittlesojourninthebosomofmylovingfamily."

"OutofexperienceI'mforcedtotellyou:eveniftheybehavethemselves,you'realltoolikelytofindyourselfthecourtofappealforeveryfamilyfeudthat'sbeenbrewingforthelasttenyears,"shesaid,andlaughed."Andnoonewilllikeyourjudgmentsandeveryonewillaccuseyouoffavoritism."

willlikeyourjudgmentsandeveryonewillaccuseyouoffavoritism."

Heopenedhiseyesandmovedhisheadaround,proppinghischinagainsttheseatcushion."AndMotherwillhauleveryeligiblefemaleforleaguesaboutinon'visits,'andFatherwillgocross-eyedtryingtoseeifI'mattemptingtoseduceanyoftheyoungmenontheestate.AnddearFatherLerenwillthundersermonsaboutfornicationandperversityeveryholyday,andglare.Jerviswillsnipeatme,trytogetmeangry,andglare.AndMother'smaidMelennawillchasemeallovertheproperty.Andonandon."Hemademournfuleyesather."IfIhadn'tpromised,I'dbegreatlytemptedtotakemychanceswithRandalefindinganotheremergencyandstayhere."

"IthoughtLissawasstationedrightnearForstReach.Shealwaysusedtobeabletoprotectyou."Savilgavehimahalfsmile."Shewasaverygoodlittleprotectorwhenyouwereachild."

"Idon'tthinkshe'sgoingtofeelshecanleaveherassignedpost,"hesaid."ItseemsthatBorderisheatingup."

"Justwhatweneed.AnotherSituation."

"Exactly."

"Youcouldhavedealtwiththisearlier,Isuppose."

Hesnorted."Notlikely.ThatwholemonstrousmessoftangledemotionsandmisconceptioniswhyIneverhavespentmorethanadayathomeifIcanhelpit.Ifitisn'tMotherflingingwomenatme,it'sFatherwatchingmeoutofthecornerofhiseye."Hethrottleddownsavagelyonthewaveofbitternessthatcrawleduphisthroat,butsomeofitemergeddespitehisgoodintentions."Gods,Savil,Iamsodamnedtiredofthewholedance.Ireallyneedtotakeacoupleofweekstorest,andwhereelsecanIgo?YouknowIdaren'tstayhere;ifIdo,Randalewillrecruitme.Hewon'twantto,hewon'tmeanto,butsomethingwillcomeup,andhe'llhaveto—andIwon'tbeabletosayno.IfIwenttoLiss—assumingshehassomeplacetoputme—she'dendupdoingthesamething.I'matool,andneitherofthemdaresletatoolstandidle,evenwhenitmightbreak."

"Easy,lad,"Savilcautioned,herfacecloudedandtroubled.

Hegrimaced."Diditagain.Sorry.Iwon'tbreak.I'mnotsureIcanbreak.

Thefactis,Istilllookallright,andIreallydon'twantRanditoguesshowdrainedoutIam.Ifheknows,he'llfeelguilty,andthere'snothinghecando.Hehastodowhathedoestome.So—"Vanyelshrugged."Thestraindoesn'tshow;itwon'ttakelongtoputright.I'masmuchtoblamefortheoverloadasRandi.Icouldsay'no'—butIneverhavetheheartto."

"MaybeyoushouldchoosesomewheretogobesidesForstReach.Oronlystaythereforadayortwo,thengooffvisitingfriends,orbyyourself."

"Idon'twanttogooffsomewherealone,I'lljustbrood.AndIhaven'tanyonetogoto;k'Trevaistoofaraway.You,atleast,havehadAndyforlongerthanI'veknownyou."Hesighed."I'msorry,I'mwhiningagain.Ican'tseemtohelpit,whichmightbeasymptomofhowonedgeIam.Thatistheonlythingthatreallyworriesme;I'mhair-triggeredanddangerous,andIneedsomepeacetogetbalancedagain.AllIcanhopeisthatMotherandFatherdecidethatIlookasbadasyouandJaysthink,andleavemealoneforabit.Longenoughtogetsomereservesback,anyway."

Itwastheclosesthe'dcometoadmittingthathewasn'treallycertainhowmuch—orhowlittle—reserveshestillhad,andhequelledtherestofwhathealmostsaid.

"Youdon'tlookgood,eventheyshouldseethat,ke'chara."Shetoyedwithabitofhishair,andworriedatherlowerlipwithherteeth."Youknow,Ihaven'tbeenbackin—yegods,notsinceIcheckedyouallforMage-Gift!MyFamilialVisitationismorethanoverdue."

"But—you'reaGuardian—"Hoperoseinhim.IfonlySavilwouldbethere,he'dhaveonekindredsoulinthelions'den!Hehadnodoubtshewasmorethanuptothetrip;hecouldfeelherstrengthevenasheleanedonit.

"Won'ttakemebutadaytosetmyfocusintheWebandthenIcanGuardfromForstReachaseasilyasfromhere.It'sonlyamatterofSensingthreatandsendingthealert,youknow.It'snotasifIactuallyhadtofightanything.Andit'sonlybecauseIneedtokeepthatlittlecornerofmymindtunedtotheWebwakingandsleepingthatIdon'thaveaprotégé—tenyearsagoIcouldhavedonewhatJaysisdoing;Guardandteachthree."Shenodded."Thisisnobadnotion.Providedyoudon'tmindhavingmethere—"

"Mind?"Heseizedherhandandkissedit.

"Thenexpectmeinabout—oh,twoweeksafteryouarrive.It'lltakeKellanalittlelongertomakethetripthanyouyoungsters."

"Savil,ifyouonlyknewhowgratefulIam—"

"Pish.I'mselfish,iswhatIam."Asmilestartedtotwitchatthecornersofhermouth."Wecanguardeachother'sbacksthisway.I'mcountingonyoutosavemefromWithenasmuchasyouarecountingonmetosaveyou."

Heroseandkissedherforehead."Idon'tcarewhatyousay,it'sthemostgenerous,unselfishthinganyone'sdoneformeinayear.AndyoujustmaysavethisvisitfrombecomingthelegendofhowHeraldVanyelwentberserkandlefthisentirefamilytiedtotreeswithragsstuffedintheirmouths!Aboutwhattimeisit?I'mallturnedroundaboutfrombeingsofarsouth."

Shecheckedtheangleofthesuncominginherwindow."I'dguessjustafterCourt."

"Good;IhavetocatchRandaleandShavriandsaygood-bye.HepromisedifIdidn'tcomewhenhewasbeing'official'hewouldn'tfindsomethingformetodo."

"Thenoffwithyou,ke'chara,andI'llseeyouatForstReach—andthankyouforthinkingofme,"shefinished,touchingthestoneonthetablebesideher.

"Becauseyouthinkofme,love."Hekissedhercheek,thenherforeheadagain,andlefthersuite.

HestoppedfirstathisroomtochangebackintoasetofTran'sWhitesandputonthesoft,lowbootsHeraldsworeindoors;notascomfortableasgoingbarefoot,buttheybeattheridingbootshandsdown.Andifhedidn'tchange,hemightnotbeletintotheKing'squarters—everytimehecameback,itseemedfewerfolkknewhisface.

Thataccomplished,andnoweveryinchhisusualneatself,heheadeddowntotheoldestpartofthePalace,theextensivesetofroomssharedbyKingRandale;hislifebondedandKing'sOwn,Shavri;andtheirdaughter.

Hehadscarcelycrossedthethresholdofthesparselyfurnishedaudience

Hehadscarcelycrossedthethresholdofthesparselyfurnishedaudiencechamber—hisunfamiliarfacegivingamoment'sapprehensiontothetwoGuardspostedatthedoor—whenasix-year-old,curly-headed,miniaturewhirlwindburstthroughthefartherdoorandflungherselfacrosstheaudiencechamberathim,evidentlyblithelycertainhewouldcatchherbeforeshefell.

Whichhedid,andswungheraround,upandoverhisheadwhileshesquealedwithexcitementanddelight."UncleVan!"shecrowedatthetopofherlungs."UncleVanUncleVanUncleVan!"

Hestartedtoputherdown,butshedemandedahugandakisswiththesameinfectiouscharmher"father"Randalecoulddisplaywheneverhechose.Vanyelhoistedherintoacomfortablecarryingpositionandcompliedwithoutanargument,thinkingashedidsothatitwasagoodthingthatshewasstillsotiny.

"NowhowdidyouknowIwascoming?"heaskedher,asherbrightbrowneyeslookedsolemnlydownintohis.

"Feltyou,"shesaid,givinghimanotherhug."Feltyouinmyhead,allblue—glowyandswirly."

Henearlydroppedherinshock.Thatwassurelythemostvivid—andaccurate—descriptionofhisaurahe'deverheardoutofanyonebutanotherhigh-rankingHerald-Mage.

"OraHealer,"saidShavri,comingupbesidehimashegapedatthechild,andJisagiggledatthefacehewasmaking."Healersseeyouthatway,too,Van.Andno,Iwasn'teavesdroppingonyourthoughts—theywereplainenoughfromthatpoleaxedlookonyourface."TherewasstrainandfearunderShavri'slighttone,asifshewalkedanarrowbridgeaboveabottomlesschasm."Besides,youaren'ttheonlyoneshe's'feltinherhead'duringthelastthreemonths.Let'sstartthisgreetingover;hello,Van,haveyouahugforme?"

"Always."Hewasalreadybracinghimselffortrouble;withthatlookonherfacetherewassomethingseriouslywrong.Andthatmeanthe'dhavetobethestrongone.

HeincludedShavriinhisarms,whileJisaflungherarmsaroundboththeirnecksandcuddled."Jisasweet,canIputyoudownlongenoughforpresents?"

"Presents?"Jisawasnodifferentfromanyothersix-year-oldwhenthatwordcameup.Shesquirmedalittle,andhesetherdown,thenextractedthelittleCompanion-figurefromhispouchandhandedittoher.Sheshriekedwithdelight,andranoutsidetoshowittothetwoGuards.Shavriwatchedhergo,hergypsy-darkeyesdarkerwithunconcealedlove—andsomethingelse.Somethingsecretandprofoundlyunhappy.Hisfirstreactionwastowanttoholdher,protecther,makethatunhappinessgoaway.

Randi'slifebonded—

"That'squitealittleimplingyou'reraising,Shavri,"hesaid,instead."Incrediblyunspoiled,giventhatI'dlayoddsshe'sthepetoftheCircle."

"Yousaythateverytimeyouseeher,beast,"shereplied,flashinganuncertainsmile,startlinglybrightinhersober,darkface.

"Well,it'strue."VanyelLookedquicklyaround,ascertainedthattheyweregoingtobealoneforafewmoments,andaskedquickly,"Howishe?"

Thesmilevanished,andthefearandunhappinesswereplainforanyonewhoknewhertoread.:Oh,gods—Van,he'ssick,Ican'tmakeitgoaway,andIthinkhe'sdying.AndIdon'tknowwhy.:

:What?:Hegatheredhisscantresourcestosupporther—andtohidethefactthatherfearwasmakinghimtrembleinside.

"He'swellenough,"shesaidlightly,butMindspokehimwithavastlydifferenttone.:There'ssomethingwrong;itisn'taffectinghimmuchatthemomentotherthansteadyweaknessandadizzyspellnowandagain—butitkeepsgettingworsewitheachspell.And—oh,Van—I'msoafraid—:

Hetightenedhisarmaroundhershoulders.:Easy,flowerlet—:"Thenitsoundslikethere'snoproblemwithmytakingthisleave.":Howlonghasthisbeengoingon?:

Herunshedtearsknottedboththeirthroats.:Eightmonths.It'ssomethingIcan'tHeal,thegodsknowI'vetried!:

Hefeltchillcreepoverhim.:Forgiveme,Shavri,butIhavetoaskthis.Givenworstcase—ifitissomethinglife-threatening,anditkeepsgettingworse,

howlongdoyouthinkhehas?:

:Ifhekeepsweakeningatthesamerate?Fifteenyears—maybeless,certainlynotmore.Gods,Van,hewon'tevenseefifty—hewon'tevenseehisgrandchildren!Elspethwasseventy-sixwhenshewasCalled!:

Therewasanotherthought,unspoken—butVanyelfeltit,sinceittouchedsonearlyonhisownprivateloneliness.

I'llhavetogoonalone—

Heheldherclosetohischest,withherfacepressedintohisshoulderasshestrugglednottocry,andclampeddownatightshieldtopreventanystraythoughtfromreachingherandfrighteningher.Savilsupportedyou.YousupportShavrithesameway,hetoldhimself,belowthethresholdofherabilitytoMindhear.Letherknowshewon'tbealone.Gods,gods,they'rebothsoyoung,noteventwenty-five...andsoshelteredalltheirlives.Oh,Shavri—yourpainhurtsme—

"Easy,love,"hemurmuredintoherhair.:Doesheknow?:

:No.Notyet.Healer'sCollegiumdoes;they'reworkingonit.Wedon'twanthimtoknowuntilit'scertain.NowyouknowwhyIwon'tmarryhim.Van,Icouldn't,I'mnotstrongenough,Ican'trule!Notalone!Andwhenhedies—andIwon'thaveJisaforcedontothethronetooyoung,either.:Hermind-voicestrengthenedwithstubbornness.:Solongaswe'reunwedded,itcan'tbeforcedonmenoronJisauntilallthecollaterallinesareexhausted.I—:

Hefeltthesurgeofterrorandgrief,andtriedtoprojectstrengthtoher,notallowinghertoseehowfragilethatstrengthwasatthemoment.Withgrimcertaintyheknewthatshewouldnotbeabletocopeiftheworstcame—unlesssomeoneshetrustedwastheretohelp.Andtheonlyoneshetrustedtothatextent—theonlyoneRanditrusted—washim.Gods.TheyreallythinkIcandoanything—andI'mnomorereadyforthisthansheis.

Hepushedthethoughtaway,concentratedontryingtoeasesomeofthatfear.:Gently,sweet.Don'tborrowtrouble.Don'tassumeanything.Youmaycurehimyet;thismayturnouttobesomethingridiculous—andyoubothmaygetrunoverbyabeer-wagontomorrow!:

Thatstartledaweakchuckleoutofher,andsheblinkedupathimthrough

Thatstartledaweakchuckleoutofher,andsheblinkedupathimthroughtearsshewasdoingherbestnottorelease.

:Worryabouttomorrowwhenitcomes;enjoynow.Now,what'sallthiswithJisa"feelingpeopleinherhead?":

Footstepsmadebothofthemlookup."Areyouseducingmylady,HeraldVanyel?"askedRandale,KingofValdemar,holdingouthisarmstoembracebothofthem.

"I'dratherseduceyou,youcharmer,"Vanyelrepliedcoyly,battinghiseyelashesattheKing.Buttherewasanedgeofbitternessthereinhisbanter,anddespitehisbestintentionsitmusthavecreptintohisvoice.Hesawahintofstartlement,thenofworry,creepintoboththeirexpressions.

Lightenup,dammit,hetoldhimselfangrily.They'vegottheirownproblems—theydon'tneedyours.

Hegrinnedandwinked,andbothofthemrelaxedagain.

Randalelaughedheartily,andhuggedhimhard,takingShavriawayfromVanyelashedidso.AndVanyelfeltastrangetwinge;anotherflashofuneasiness.

Gods,what'swrongwithme?

Hedidn'tstoptothinkaboutit.Thehugwasn'tashardasithadbeenayearago—andtherewasatransparencyaboutRandalethatmadeVanyel'sheartlurch.Randalehadgrownaneatbrownbeard—wasittohidethefactthathischeekswerealittlehollower?Wasthattidy-to-a-faultbrownhairalittlelackluster?Therewereshadowsunderhisdarkeyes;weretheytherefromlackofsleep,orsomemoresinisterreason?WithinafewbreathsVanyelhadnotedadozensmallsignsof"somethingwrong"—allofthemlittlethings,thingsthatsomeonewhosawhimday-in,day-outmightnothavenoticed.ButVanyelhadbeenawayforayear,andthethingshesawshookhim.Gods,gods—myKing,myfriend—Shavriisright.You'reill,attheveryleast—

RandalewasnotaHerald-Mage;hisGiftwasFarSight,andhisMindspeechwasnotassureathingasVanyel'sandShavri's.ForonceVanyelwasgratefulforthatlack.HechangedthesubjectbeforeRandalecouldnotehisunease.

"ItseemsyourlittleshadowisdevelopingprecociousGifts,"hesaid."Atleastshesaidshe'feltmecominginhermind.'"Jisaranbackin,andattachedherselftoVanyel'sleg."Didn'tyou,imp?"Helookeddownather,surprisedbythesurgeoflovehefeltforthechild.

Shenodded,verywellpleasedwithherself.

"WethoughtabouttakinghertoSavil,butshe'sbeensobusy,"Randalereplied,shrugging."Idon'tsupposeyou'dtesther,wouldyou?That'samajorspellforanyoneelsebutyouandSavil."

"NowIseethereasonforalltheconcernthatIstopby!"Vanyelteased."Notthatyou'vemissedme!"

"Van—"Shavrisaidindignantly."Inever—"

Randalechortled,andshehithisshoulder."Youcanjuststopthat,youbeast."

Jisagiggled,andVanyellookeddownather."Holdstillforaminute,impling,"hesaid."I'mabouttomakeyourheadfeelfunny,likeMamadidwhenyouhadthemeasles."

"Allright,"Jisasaidcalmly,andVanyelhadthesuddenunsettlingfeelingthatshewouldpermithertotally-trusted"UncleVan"tochopoffherhandifhewantedto.

Herestedhispalmonthetopofherbrowncurls,andfocusedoutanddown—

—andcameoutagain,blinking."Well."

"Well,what?"ShavriandRandaledemandedinthesamebreath.

"Shewon'tbeaHerald-Mage,notunlessshegetsblastedopenthewayIdid—whichIdonotrecommend,"headdedlightly,tryingtocatchhisbreath.Eventhatlittlemagichadbeenmoreofastrainthanhehadthoughtitwould."Butshe'scarryingthepotentialinadoubledose;she'llcertainlypassittoherchildren.ShewillbeaMindHealer;sheisanactiveEmpath,andherMindspeechcenterisopeningearly,too.Withthatcombination,Randale,she'll

verylikelybeKing'sOwnafterShavri."

Gods,sheissolikeme.RightdowntotheMage-potential.Jisa,sweetling,IswearIwilldoanythingtokeepyousafe—

Shavritrembled,andRandale'sarmtightenedaroundhershoulder."IsshelikelytobeChosenanytimesoon?"

Vanyeldidnotanswerimmediately.:'Fandes?:hecalled,softly.:Areyouawake?:

:Andfollowingtheconversation.Yes,providedit'sneedfulforhertogetthetrainingandshestaysassweetassheis.I'dsaybyageten.Maybesooner,twoyearsfromnow.:

"Yfandesguessesthatifsheneedsthetraining,betweenageeightandten.Remember,forthepresumptiveKing'sOwn,thatwon'tbeabondedChoosing—shewon'tbonduntil—untilshegetstheoffice.Thenshe'llbondwithTaver."VanyelignoredbothShavri'sfrightenedfaceandRandale'selation."So,giventhat—there'salittlesomethingsheandIoughttodo."

Hefocusedhimselfdownagain,pullingonYfandes'strengthtoassisthisown,andthankingthegodshecoulddoso,becauseJisashouldnotremainasopenasshewasnow.Thistimehedidnotclosehiseyes,butlockedthemwiththechild's,andshowedherwithoutwords—forshedidnotyethavesufficientMindspeechtousewords—howtoshieldherselffromunwantedthoughtsandemotions,andunshieldagainatwill.Hewas,hefeared,theonlypersonwhocouldhavetaughtheratthisstage;EmpathynotbeinganormalHeraldicGift,andmostHealersnotusingitinthewayaHerald-Magecould.

Heshowedherhowtofindhercenter—sheknewwithaninstantofstudyinghimhowtoground.Thefundamentalsithadtakenhimsolongandsopainfullytolearncametoherwiththeeaseofbreathing,perhapsbecauselearningwasaseasyasbreathingatherage,andperhapsbecausehislearninghadcomeatthecostofsomuchlossandpainthathadnothingtodowithhisGifts.

"—there.Thatshouldholdheruntilshe'sgotenoughtobetaughtformally.Teachheryourself,Shavri.Youwon'tfindanyoneintheHeraldswithEmpathyasstrongashers.Whenshe'sgotitatfullpower,she'llbeabletocontrolamobinfullcry."

Shavrihadherselfbackundercontrolagain,andthesmileshegaveVanyelwasgenuine."Thankyou,love."

Heshrugged."Nothanksneeded.BeforeIforgetit—Ibroughtyoutwosome'pretties'also."

Shavritookthependantwithanexclamationofgenuinedelightashehandedthematchingcloak-broochtoRandale."Van,youshouldn'thave—"shebegan.

"OfcourseIshouldhave,"hesaid."WhoelsehaveIgottobringthingsto?"Itcameoutbleakerthanheintended.

"Oh,Van—"Hereyessoftened,andRandaleclearedhisthroatandblinked.Theyreachedoutinthesamemomentandeachtookoneofhishands.Heclosedhiseyes,andforaninstantallowedhimselftofeelapartoftheircloseness.

Butitwastheircloseness,nothis.

AndIhavenoright.

"Mama,Ihavelessons,"saidasmallvoice,stillatVanyel'sknee.

"BrightHavens,soyoudo!"Shavriexclaimed"Van—"

"Go,"hesaid,wrinklinghisnoseather."I'llbebackinafewweeks,andmaybethistyrantofaKingwillletmestickaroundforawhilethistime."

SheshooedJisaoutandfollowedherwiththelightstepofayounggirl.Randale'sgazefollowedbothofthem.

"Yousirewonderfulchildren,Van,"hesaidsoftly.

"Youraisebetterones,"Vanyelreplied,uneasily."YouareJisa'spapa,don'tyoueverforgetit.Iwasnothingmorethantheconvenientmeanstoaratherattractivelittleend."

TheKingrelaxedvisibly."Ikeepthinkingyou'regoingtowantherback—especiallynowthatshe'sshowingGifts.She'smorelikeyouthanyouknow."

Vanyellaughed."WhateverwouldIdowithher?GreatIgoodgods,what

kindofaparentwouldImake?Ican'teventrainthepalacecatstostayoffmypillow!No,Randi,she'sallyours,ineverythingthatcounts.IwouldratherbeUncleVan,whogetstospoilher."

Randalereachedoutwithoutlookingandsnaggedachairwithonehand.HeswungitaroundandputitinfrontofVanyel."She'dmakeagoodQueen."

"She'dmakeaverybadQueen,"Vanyelreplied,drapinghimselfoveritasRandaletookanother."ThethingsthatmakeagoodMonarch'sOwnareweaknessintheMonarch."

"Like?"

"Empathy.She'dbevulnerabletoeveryonewithapetitionandthepassiontobackit.She'dbetemptedtouseprojectiveEmpathyonherCounciltomakethemvoteherway.MindHealersaredrawntotheunbalanced;butaMonarchcan'twastetimedealingwitheveryHeraldintraumasheencounters."Vanyelshookhishead."No.Absolutelynot.JisaisgoingtobealovelyyoungwomanandagoodMonarch'sOwn;besatisfiedwiththat."

Randalegavehimawrylook."Yousoundverysureofyourself."

"Shouldn'tIbe?"Vanyelfoldedhisarmsoverthebackofthechairandrestedhischinonthem."ForgivemeifIsoundarrogant,butotherthanSavil,Iamtheexpertinthesethings.AskmyauntwhenI'mnotaroundandI'llbetmoneyshe'lltellyouthesamething."

Randaleshrugged,andscratchedthebackofhishead."Iguessyou'reright.Iwashopingyou'dbackme,though—"

"Why?"Vanyelinterrupted."SoyoucanhavesomethingelsetopressureShavriintomarryingyou?"

Randalewincedathisbluntness,andprotestedweakly,"Butthat's—Imean—dammit,Van,Ineedher!"

Gods,soyoung...souncertainofhimself,ofher.Soafraidthatwithoutbondshewon'tholdher."Youthinkshedoesn'tneedyou?Randi,she'syourlifebonded,doyoureallyneedanyfurtherholdonherthanthat?She'dratherdiethanloseyou!"

Randalestudiedthebackofhishand."It'sjust...Iwantsomethingalittlemore—"

"Ordinary?"Vanyelfinishedwryly."Randi,Heraldsareneverordinary.Ifyouwanted'ordinary,'youshouldhavebecomeablacksmith."

Randaleshookhishead.

VanyelgrittedhisteethandpreparedtosaytoRandalewhatnooneelsecould—orwould."Nowyoulistentome.You'remakinghermiserablewiththepressureyou'vebeenputtingonher.She'sdoingexactlywhatsheshould;she'sputtingValdemarandValdemar'sKingaheadofherownwishes."

Mostly.

"Sheknowsthesituationwehavejustaswellasyoudo,butshe'swillingtofaceit.ThingswenttopieceswhenyourgrandmotherElspethdied,andthey'vebeengettingworsesince—steadily."

"I'mnotblind,Van,"Randaleinterrupted."I—"

"Quiet,Randi.I'mmakingaspeech,andIdon't,often.Iwantyoutothink.There'saveryrealprobabilitythatyou'llhavetobuyuspeaceononeofourBorderswithanalliancemarriage—exactlyhowyourgrandmotherboughtuspeacewithIftel.AndwhydoyouthinkshenevermarriedBardKyranafteryourgrandfatherdied,hmm?Sheknewherduty,andsoshouldyou.Youhavetostayfreeforthat."

Randalewasflushing;Vanyeldidn'tneedEmpathytoknowhewasgettingangry."Sowhatbusinessisitofyours?"heburstout."Ithoughtyouwereafriend—"

"Iam.ButI'maHeraldfirst.AndmyfirstdutyistoValdemar,nottoyou."Vanyelsatstraightupandlethisfacegrowverycold;knowingwhathewasdoingandhatinghimselfforit.Randiwantedhisfriend,andatsomelevels,neededhisfriend.HewasgoingtogetHerald-MageVanyelAshkevron."You,Herald-KingRandale,cannotpermityourpersonalfeelingstointerferewiththewell-beingofthiskingdom.YouareasmuchHeraldasI.Ifyoucannotreconcileyourselftothat—giveuptheCrown."

Randaleslumped,defeated.Nooneknewbetterthanhethattherewasno

Randaleslumped,defeated.NooneknewbetterthanhethattherewasnoHeirorevenHeir-presumptiveyet.TheCrownwashis,likeitornot."I...IwishI...there'snooneelse,Van.Nooneoldenough."

"Thenyoucan'tresignyourCrown,canyou."Vanyelmadeitastatementratherthanaquestion.

"No.Damn.Van—youknowIneverwantedthis—"

Memory.

Balmyspringbreezesplayedoverthelawn.Randilaughingatsomething,somejokehehadjustmade—Shavriplayingwiththebabyinapatchofsun.Bucolic,pastoralscene—

ShatteredbythearrivalonalatheredhorseofaQueen'sMessenger.Inblack.

Randijumpedtohisfeet,hisfacegoingwhite.ThemanhandedRandaleasealedpackagewrappedinsilk,butRandididn'topenit.

"HeraldRandale—yourgrandmothertheQueensendsmetotellyouthatyourfather—"

ThepackagefellfromRandale'sfingers.Thebluesilkwrappingsunwoundfromthecontents.

ThesilvercoronetoftheHeir.

Anaccident.Astupidaccident—amissteponaslipperystaircaseinfullviewofeveryone—andtheHeir,Herald-MageDarvi,wasdeadofabrokenneck.AndRandalewasHeir.

Vanyel'sheartachedforhim.Andhedarednotshowit.Pitywouldbewrongatthismoment,buthesoftenedhisvoiceandhisexpression.

"ItoldyouJisawouldmakeabadQueen.Imeanteveryword.Shavriknowsallthis,too,youcanbetonit.AndI'mtellingyouyou'retearingherinpieces,puttingherbetweenloveforyou,andwhatsheknowsisherduty."Randalelookedathimasifhewantedtointerrupt."No,hearmeout—you'vesympathizedoftenenoughwithmeandmymatchmakingmother.Howin

HavensdoyouthinkShavrifeelswithyouputtingthatsamekindofpressureonher?"

"Notgood,"Randaleadmitted,afteralongmoment.

"Thenstopit,beforeyouputherundermorepressurethanshecantake.Leaveheralone.Letitlieforanothertenyears;ifthingshaven'tcometoaconclusiononewayoranother,thenbringitup.Allright?"

"No,"Randalesaidslowly."It'snotallright.Butyou'reabsolutelycorrectabouttherebeingnochoice.Notforanyofus."

Vanyelrose,andswungthechairhe'dbeenslouchedoveroutoftheway.Randaledidthesame.

"Don'tspoilwhatyouhavewithwhatyouonlythinkyouwant,Randale,"hesaidsoftly,takinghisfriendandKing'sarm."Thisisexperiencetalking;theonethingaboutthebrieftimeIsharedwithmylovethatIhaveneverregrettedisthatIneverconsciouslydidanythingtomakehimunhappy.Hadourtimebeenlonger,maybeIwouldhave;Ican'teverknow.ButatleastIhavenomemoriesofquarrelsorhardwordstoshadowthegoodmemories."

Randaletookhishand."You'reright;I'mwrong.I'llstopplaguingher."

"Goodman."

Randi—oh,Randi—Close;Randalewascomingtooclose.Itwasbeginningtohurt—

ThenRandale'sservantenteredbehindhim,theKing'sformaluniformdrapedoveronearm,theroyalcircletintheotherhand,andaharriedexpressiononhisface.Vanyelforcedalaugh,andtookthewelcomeopportunitytoescape."NowunlessIhaulmyselfoutofhere,I'mgoingtomakeyourmanthereveryunhappy."

"What?"Randaleturned,startled."Oh.Oh,hellfire.Ihavegotthatdamnedformalaudiencebeforedinner,don'tI?"

"Yes,sire,"theservantreplied,asexpressionlessasastone.

"ThenI'dbettergetchanged.Vanyel—"

"ThenI'dbettergetchanged.Vanyel—"

Vanyelputhisarmaroundtheyoungerman'sshouldersandgavehimanaffectionateembrace."Justgodoyourduty,andmakeherhappy.That'swhatcounts.I'moff;I'llseeyoubyMidwinter,certainly."

"Right.Van,bewell."Randalelookedathim—reallylookedathim,forthefirsttime.HestartedtoreachforVanyel'sarmwithanexpressionofconcern;Vanyelduckedhisheadtoconcealthesignsofweariness.

"I'mneverill.Go,go,go—beforeyourmankillsmewithalook!"

Randalemanagedagrin,andfollowedtheservantbackintotheprivateroomsofthesuite.Vanyelspentamomentwithhiseyesclosedinunvoicedprayerforhim,thentookhimselfbacktohisownroomandhislonged-forreunionwithhisbed.

Three

Morning.Vanyelwokeslowly,surroundedbyunfamiliarwarmthandsoftness,andputbitsofmemorytogetherastheydriftedwithinreach.

Hevaguelyrememberedgettingtohisroom,surroundedbyfatiguethatincreasinglyfoggedeverything;recallednotingabriefmessagefromTran,andgettingpartiallyundressed.Hedidnotrememberlyingdownatall;hedidn'tevenremembersittingonthebed.

Bytheamountoflightleakingaroundthebedcurtainsitwasprobablymidmorning,andwhathadwakenedhimwashunger.

Hissoftbed—cleansheets,arealfeatherbed,andthosewonderfuldarkcurtainstoblockoutthelight—feltsogood.Goodenoughtoignorethedemandsofhisstomachandgivepreferencetothedemandsofhiswearybody.He'dhadafairamountofpracticeinshuttingoffinconvenientthingslikehungerandthirst;there'dbeenplentyoftimeslatelywhenhe'dhadnootherchoice.

Healmostdidjustexactlythat,almostwentbacktosleep,buthisconsciencetoldhimthatifhedidn'tgetup,he'dprobablysleepforanotherday.Andhecouldn'taffordthat.

Clothing,clothing,goodgods,whatamIgoingtodoaboutclothing?

Therewasnowayhisuniformswouldbecleanedandmended,andhewasgoingtoneedtotakeafewwithhimevenifhedidn'tplantowearthem.Andhehadtohaveuniformstotravelin,anyway;technicallyaHeraldtravelingwasonduty.

Waitamoment;wasn'ttheresomethinginthatnotefromTranaboutuniforms?

Hepushedofftheblanketswithapangofregret,pulledthebedcurtainsaside,wincedawayfromthedaylightfloodinghisroom,andsatontheedgeofthebed,waitingforleftoversfromhalf-recollecteddreamstoclearoutofhisbrain.Hisshouldershurt.

HavetodosomethingaboutthatmusclestrainbeforeIstartfavoringthat

arm...remembertoputlinimentonit,anddosomeofthoseexercises.

Birdschirpednewsateachotherrightoutsidehiswindow.Ithadbeenaverylongtimesincehe'dpaidanyattentiontobirdcalls—exceptassignalsofthepresenceorabsenceofdanger.

Themusicalchatterwasquitewonderful,preciselybecauseitwassosanelyordinary.Ordinary.Peaceful.Gods,IamsotemptedjusttofallbackontothemattressandtohellwithstartingforForstReachtoday.

Butapromisewasapromise.Andifhedelayedgoingoneday,itwouldbeeasytorationalizeanotherdelay,andanother,allofwhichwouldonlyleadtoRandale'srecruitinghim.Whichwaswhatthetripwassupposedtoprevent.

HepulledhimselfupoutofbedwiththeaidofthebedpostandreachedforoneofTantras'uniforms.Clean,LordandLady,cleanandsmellingofnothingworsethansoapandfreshair.Oncehemanagedtogethimselfstarted,habittookover.

Hereachedwithonehandforoneofyesterday'sleftoverapplesintheirbowlonthetable,andTantras'notewiththeother.

Goaheadandtakemystuffwithyou.Idon'tneedthese;they'resparesthatweremadebeforeIputonallthatmuscleacrosstheshoulders.Abittightonme,theyshouldbejustalittlebigonyou.Tellmewhatyouwantdoneandgetoutofhere;Idon'tmindtakingcareofsomeofyourpaperworkforyou.I'llseethatyournewuniformsarereadybythetimeyougetback;Supplytoldmethere'snochanceofsalvagingyouroldones.Tran.

Morethanalittlebig,Vanyelthoughtwryly,standingupandsurveyinghimselfintheratherexpensiveglassmirror(apresentfromSavil)onthebackofthedoor.He'dhadtotiethebreecheswithanimproviseddrawstringjustsothey'dstayup,andthetunicbaggeduntidilyoverhisbelt.Helooked—exceptforthesilverinhishair—ratherlikeanadolescentgivenclothing"togrowinto."They'dhavebeenallrightayearago,but—oh,well.Nobody'sgoingtoseemeexceptthefamily.Icertainlydon'thaveanyonetoimpress!

ButTran'svolunteeringgavehimanotionaboutsomeotherthingsheneeded.Herummagedoutthepenandpaperhe'dusedyesterday;bynowhereckonedthosenoteswerewellonthewaytotheBorderandForstReach.

Anotherreasontohailoutofhere.IfIdon'tarrivesoonaftertheletter,they'llworry.Hislettersshouldbeathimtotheholdingbyafewdays,atleast.

Hewroteswiftly,butneatly;"neatasaclerk,"Tranwaswonttotease.Ordermenewcloaks,wouldyou?Andnewboots.Ineedthembadly;I'dbeashamedtostanddutythewaytheyarenow.

Andsinceyou'rebeingsokindastokeeptrackofthis,askSupplytoworkmeupasetofspareuniformstoleavehere,andhavethemkeepasethereatalltimes.Nexttimetheremightnotbeanyonemysizewithextrasformetoborrow!Thanks,Van.

Hepackedquickly,withouthavingtothinkaboutwhathewasdoing,nowthathe'dfinallygottenhismomentum.Afterthelastfouryears,hecouldpackfatigue-drunk,pain-fogged,druggedtohiseyebrows,orasleep—andhehad,atonetimeoranother.

Heswunghiscloak—itwasmoregraythanwhite,andalittleshabby,buttherewasnothingtobedoneaboutthat—overhisshoulder,pickeduphispacks,pluckedhisluteoffthechair,andheadedout.InthedarkandechoinghallonhiswaytoCompanion'sFieldandthestable,heinterceptedapage,gavethechildthenoteforTantras,andaskedforsomekindofbreakfasttobebroughttohimwhilehesaddledYfandes.

Shewasalreadywaitingcalmlyforhimattheentrancetothetackshed.:They'vecleanedallmytack,:shetoldhim,:butthesaddleneedsmendingandtherestisn'twhatitshouldbe.Iwouldn'ttrustthechestbandtotakeanystrainatall,frankly.:

:Swordcutsandburnsaren'tfixedwithsaddlesoap,:heremindedher.:We'lljusthaveto—waitamoment—whataboutyourformalgear?That'snextthingtobrandnew.Godsknowwe'veuseditwhat—once?Twice?:

Herearswentup—hersapphireeyesfixedonhim—

Andhehadthatcuriousanddisorientingdoubledimageofherthathe'dgottensometimesinthepast,theimageofadark,wise-eyedwoman,weary,butsmilingwithnewly-kindledanticipation,flickeringinandoutwiththegracefulwhitehorse.

Gods,ifIneededasignofhowdragged-outIam,that'sit.Hallucinatingagain.Dreamingawake.GottobebecauseIneverreallythinkofherasa"horse"evenwhenI'mridingher.

Heblinkedhiseyesandforcedhimselftofocusproperlyasshereplied,asexcitedasagirlbeingtoldshecouldwearherholidaybest—:Chosen,couldweuseit?Please?:

Hechuckled.:Youlikebeingdressedupandbelledlikeagypsy,don'tyou?:

Shetossedherhead,andarchedherneck.:Don'tyou?I'veheardyoupreeningatyourselfinthemirrorofamorning,especiallywhentherewassomeonetoimpress!:

"Youfightdirty,"hesaidaloud;andwentinsearchofherformaltack,grinning.

Oneofthekitchenwenches,abright-eyedlittlebrunette,barelyadolescent,broughthimhotbreadandbutter,cider,andmoreapplesaboutthetimehemanagedtofindwhereYfandes'formalpanoplyhadbeenstored.Thesaddlewasconsiderablylighterthanthefieldsaddle,andfancier;itwastooledandworkedwithsilveranddyedadeepblue.Thechestandrumpbandshadsilverbellsonthem,asdidthereinsofwhatwasessentiallyanelaboratehackamore.ThereinsweretheremoreforhisbenefitthanhisCompanion's,andmoreforshowthaneither.Therewaslightbardingthatwentalongwiththeoutfit,butafterregardingitwistfullyforamoment,YfandesagreedthatthebardingwouldbefarmoretroublethanitwasworthandVanyelbundleditaway.

Hepausedamomentandbitintothebread;itwasdrippingwithmeltedbutter,andheclosedhiseyesattheunexpectedpleasuretheflavorgavehim.

Oh,gods—freshbread!

Thetastewasbetterthanthemannathatthepriestssaidgodsate."Bread"forthepastyearhadmeantrock-hardjourney-breadatbest,moldycrustsatworst,andanythinginbetween—anditwasneverfresh,muchlesshotfromtheoven.Therehadbeenbutter—sometimes—rancidinsummer,asrock-hardasthejourney-breadinwinter.

It'sthelittlethingswemissthemost—Iswearitis!Ordinarythings,thingsthatspell"peace"and"prosperity."Hethoughtbrieflyofthesword-comradeshe'dleftontheBorder,andsentupabriefprayer.Brightestgods,grantboth,butespeciallypeace.Soon,beforemorebloodisshed.

Afterthathealternatedbetweenbitesoffoodandadjustingofharness.ThekitchenwenchlingeredtowatchhimsaddleYfandes,drapedovertheopenhalf-doorofthestable,squintingintothesunlight.Therewassomethingbetweenhero-worshipandstarry-eyedromanceinhergaze;finallyVanyelcouldn'tstanditanylongerandgentlyshooedherbacktoherduties.

Henotedoutofthecornerofhiseye—withmorethanalittlealarm—thatshewasclutchingthemughe'ddrunkfromtoherbuddingbosomasthoughithadbeentransformedintoaholychalice.

:Lookslikeyou'vegotanotherone,Chosen,:Yfandescommentedsardonicallyashefastenedhispacksbehindhersaddle.

:Thankyouforthatstartlinginformation.That'sjustwhatIneededtohear.:

:It'snotmyfaultyouhaveafacethatbreakshearts.:

:Butwhy—oh,nevermind.:Hegavethegirthalasttugandswungupintothesaddle.:Let'sgetoutofherebeforesomeoneelsedecidesshe'sfalleninlovewithme.:

Theygotthroughthecityasquicklyastheycould,andoutontotheopenroadwhereitwaspossibletobreathewithoutchokingonthethickcloudofdustandotherodorsofthecrowdedcity.ItwasalittlestrangetoridewiththesoftchimeofthebellsmarkingeverypaceYfandestook;itmadehimnervousforthefirstfewleagues,untilhemanagedtoconvincehisgutthattheywereinfriendlyterritory,andinnodangerofalertingenemyscoutswiththesound.Afterthat,thesoundbegantosoothehim.Likemuted,rhythmicwindchimes—

I'vealwaysadoredwindchimes.AndInevergettomeditatetothemanymore.

Heslowlybegantorelax.Yfandeswasinnogreathurry,althoughher"traveling"pacewouldhaverunarealhorseintothegroundafterhalfaday.

"traveling"pacewouldhaverunarealhorseintothegroundafterhalfaday.Thishadbeenagentlesummer,turningintoawarmandevengentlerfall,justenoughfrosttoensurethattheharvestsripened,notenoughyettoturntheleaves.OnceoutofHaven,Exile'sRoadwoundlazilythroughrustling,goldengrain-fields,andfieldsofsweetlyripeninghay.Themorningairwasslightlycool,butthesunwaswarmenoughthatVanyelsoonrolledhiscloakandbundleditbehindhissaddle.

Itwasveryhardtostayawake,infact.Hismusclesrelaxedintothefamiliarconfigurationsofriding.

Memoryflicker—thek'TrevaVale.Savil,schoolinghimonYfandes."Youthinkyou'rearidernow,lad.WhenI'mdonewithyou,you'llbeabletodoanythingahorsethatyoucandoontheground."

Himself,slyly."Anything?"

Shethrewasaddlebagathim.

FromheretotheBorderthelandwasthenextthingtoflat;long,rollinghillscoveredwithcultivatedfields,interruptedbyfragrantoakgrovesthatoccasionallyamountedtosmallforests.

:Youreallycouldsleep,youknow,:Yfandeschidedhim.:I'mnotgoingtoletyoufalloff.Itwon'tbethefirsttimeyou'vetakenanapthatway.:

"I'mhardlygoingtobecompanyforyoulikethat."

Sheshookherhead,andthebellsonherhalterlaughedforher.:Yourpresenceiscompanyenough,Chosen.Iranlonefortenyearsbeforeyoubondedtome.Justhavingyouwithme,wholeandhealthy,ispleasure;youneedn'tthinkIneedentertainingwhenwearen'tworking.:

WithabriefflashofpainandpleasureherememberedhowhehadneverneededanythingbutTylendel'spresenceeither....

:Yes,:sheagreed,followingthethought.:Exactly.:

Sohehookedhislegaroundthesaddlepommel,crossedhisarmsandtuckedtheendsofhisfingersintohisbelt,thensaggedintoacomfortableslouch;chinonchest.Itdidn'ttakelong.

Hecameawakeallatonce,hishandreachingautomaticallyfortheswordhewasn'twearing.Therewasaninstantofpanicbeforeherememberedwherehewasgoing,andwhyhewasgoingthere.

"Whydidyoustop?"heaskedYfandes,whohadcometoanunmovinghalt—whichwaswhathadwakedhim—inthemiddleofthecompletelydesertedroad.Therewasnothingbutopenmeadowoneithersideofhim,dottedwithsheep,thoughtherewasnosignoftheshepherd.Crowscawedoverhead,andthesheepbleatedintheirpastures;otherwisesilenceprevailed.Thesunwaslowenoughaheadofthemtoforcehimtosquint.Itmustbelateafternoon,earlyevening.

:There'saninnjustbeyondthenextcurve,sleepyone,:Yfandessaid,ahintofamusementtingeingherthought.:It'slaterthanlunchandearlierthandinner,butI'mtiredandI'dreallyliketostopbeforeIgoanyfarther.:

"Havens,love,youshouldhave—"

:No,Ishouldn'thave.Thisisthefirsttimeyou'vereallyrelaxedinIdon'tknowhowlong.Haveyouthoughtaboutthewayweresonate?:

Hesawinstantlywhatshemeant."So—youwererelaxingwithme."

:Inverydeed,andrevelinginit.FirstjourneyI'vebeenabletoenjoyinawhile.ButIwouldliketostopnow.:

"ThensowouldI."Heunwrappedhislegfromthepommelandstretchedit;shewaiteduntilhisfootwasbackinthestirrup,thenresumedhereasyamble,notquiteawalk,notquiteacanter."Isthisatemporaryhalt,orarewestoppingforthenight?"

:Thenight?:sheasked,wistfully.Therewasahintofsomethingmoretherethanshewassending.

"You'renottellingmeeverything,"heaccused."Whythisinn?"

:Well—youwon'tbetheonlyHeraldthere.Herald-CourierSofyaisthere—:

"Chosenby?"Hehadashrewdhunchwherethiswasleading.

Shecurvedherneckcoquettishly,andlookedupandsidewaysathimoutofonehugeblueeye.:Gavis.:

Heshookhisheadather."Ah,yes—theonethathasbeensettingallthecourier-recordslately.Whythispenchantforover-muscledcourier-types,alllegsandnobrains—"

:Heisnotover-muscled,:sherepliedindignantly,breakingintoateeth-rattlingtrottopunishhim.

"Butbrainless?"hetaunted,feelingunusuallymischievous.

:Hejustdoesn'tspeakupunlesshehassomethingtosay.UnlikecertainHerald-MagesIknow.:Shekickedonce,jarringeveryvertebrainhisspine,beforesettling,allfourfeetbracedinthedustoftheroad,andplainlygoingnowhere.

Hereachedforwardbeforeshecouldstophim,andtweakedherear."Well,sinceyouwanttoarrangealittleassignation,don'tyouthinkyou'dbettergetthecooperationofyourChosen?"

:Ican'timaginewhy,:shereplied.

"Wecouldmoveoutofthecenteroftheroad,andIcouldgroomyousothatyoulookedyourusuallovelyselfwhenwerodeintothatinnyard,insteadofbeingallcoveredwithroaddust.Icouldevenbraidyourtailupwithsomeoftheblueandsilvercordthatwaswiththebarding.IfIfeltlikeit."

:—Vanyel—I—:shefloundered.

"AndIdofeellikeit,youridiculouslyvaincreature,"hesaid,leaningdownandputtingbotharmsaroundherneck,restinghischeekonhercrest."Andtothinkthattheycallmeapeacock!HasitbeensolongsinceIteasedyouthatyou'veforgottenwhatitsoundslike?"

:Oh,Vanyel—ithasbeenalongtime.:

"Thenwe'llhavetoremedythat."Hedismounted,stillabitstifffromhislongdoze,andopenedthepackwiththecurrycombinit.Somethingelse

longdoze,andopenedthepackwiththecurrycombinit.Somethingelseoccurredtohimashewormedhishanddowninsidethepack."Just—domeaverybigfavor,sweetling—"

:Hmm?:Sheturnedherheadandblinkedbackathim.

Hefishedoutthecombandthecords."Please,pleaseremembertoshieldmeoutofyourtrysting,allright?Youforgotto,thelasttime.Here,let'sgetoutoftheroad."Hestifledasigh,astheymovedundertheshadeoftreebesidetheroadway."Idon'tgrudgeyouanypleasureatall,butit'sbeenaverylongtimesinceIdidanynumberofthings—andteasingyouisonlyoneofthem."

Yfandestwitched,theclosesttoblushingaCompanioncouldcome.

VanyelallowednohandtotendYfandesbuthisown,nomorethanhewouldhavepermittedastrangertoseetothecomfortofhissister,thecloisteredpriestess.'Fandesfrequentlyprotestedthiswasn'tnecessary,butthisafternoonshewasn'tcomplaining.EspeciallynotwhenyoungGavispranceduptothefenceoftheinn'sopenwagon-fieldwithaproudcurvetohisneckandacertainlightofanticipationinhiseye.VanyelkepthisamusedthoughtstohimselfasYfandesflirtedcoylywiththehandsomeCompanion,andwishedhernothingmorerisquethana"pleasantevening"whenheopenedthegateintothemeadowforher.

Shegavehimalonglookoverhershoulder.:Vanyel,youaren'tmadeofstone.Iwishyouwouldfinda—comrade.Youwouldbemuchhappier.:

Hewincedawayfromtheidea.:I'vebeenoverthiswithSavil.Andyou.UntilIcanstoptryingtoreplace'Lendel,I'mnotgoingtocheatmyselfandmywould-bepartner.:

:Idon'tseethat.Ifyou'refriends,itwouldn'tbecheating...nevermind.:

:Go,andenjoyyourself.:

:Oh,IthinkIcanmanagethat,:shesaidwithdeliberateinnocence,gavehimaslowwink,thenfriskedoffwithGavisincloseattendance.

Thetackhedidentrusttothestableboy,thoughthelad'swide-eyedawein

hispresencelefthimfeelingjustabituneasy."Awe"wasnotsomethinghewantedaimedinhisdirection.Itfelttoocloseto"fear."

Hesteppedintotheopendooroftheinn'scommonroomwithhispacksoveroneshoulder,andstoodblinkinginthesawdust-scentedgloom,waitingforhiseyestoadjust.Theleanandnervousinnkeeperwasathiselbowinabreath,longbeforeVanyelcouldseeanythingotherthanshadows,moreshadows,andadimwhiteforminonecornerthatwasprobablyHeraldSofya.ItseemedasifheandtheotherHeraldweretheonlygueststhisearlyintheafternoon,butthiswasharvest-season.Thelocalswereundoubtedlymakingthemaximumuseofeverymomentofdaylight.

"MilordHerald,anhonor,apleasure.Howmaythishumbleinnserveyou,milord?"

"Please—"Vanyelflushedathiseffusiveness."Justdinner,aroomifyou'veonetospare,useofyourbathhouse,foodformyCompanion—ItookthelibertyofturningherloosewithCompanionGavis."Nowhiseyeshadadjustedenoughthathecouldseewhathewasdoing;hefumbledinhisbelt-pouchandpressedcoinsintotheinnkeeper'shand."Here;I'monleave,notonduty.Thisshouldcovereverything."Actuallyitwastoomuch,andheknewit—butwhatelsedidhehavetospenditon?Themangapedatthemoney,andbeganbabblingabouttheroom:"Royaltysleptthere,indeedtheydid,KingRandalehimselfbeforehiscoronation—"Vanyelborewithitaspatientlyashecould,andwhenthemanfinallywounddown,thankedhiminadiffidentvoiceandentrustedeverythingbutthelutetothehandsofoneoftheservantstobecarriedawaytotherentedroom.

NowhecouldmakeoutHeraldSofyainthecorner;adark,prettywoman,quiteyoung,quitelean,andnotanyoneherecognized.Shewaspayingstudious,courteousattentiontoherjackofale;Vanyeldriftedovertohertablewhentheinnkeeperfinallyfledtothekitchenvowingtobringforthadinnerinstantly,which—fromthedescription—wouldhavesatisfiedboththeworstgourmandandthefussiestgourmetintheKingdom.

"HeraldSofya?"hesaidquietly,andshelookedathiminstartlement.Hesurmisedthecause,andsmiled.

InallprobabilityherCompanionhadbeensotakenupwithYfandesthathe'd

neglectedtotellhisChosenVanyel'sidentity.Orelseshewasn'tmuchofaMindspeaker,whichmeantGaviswouldn'tbeabletogivehermorethanimages.Shehadprobablyassumedthesamewastrueforhim."YourGavisMindspokemyYfandesontheroad,andshetoldmebothyournamesbeforewearrived.MightIjoinyou?"

"Certainly,"shereplied,afterswallowingquickly.

Hesatonthesideofthetableoppositeher,andsawtheveryfaintfrownasshetookinthestateofhisWhites."Iapologizeformyappearance."Hesmiled,feelingalittleshy."Iknowitwon'tdomuchfortheHeraldicreputation.ButIonlyjustgotleave,andIdidn'twanttowaitforreplacementuniforms.IwasafraidthatifIdid,they'dfindsomereasontocancelmyleave!"

Sofyalaughedheartily,showingafinesetofstrong,whiteteeth."Iknowwhatyoumean!"shereplied."Itseemslikeallwe'vedoneiswearoutsaddle-leatherforthepastthreemonths.There'refourofusonthisroute,andthefarmersarebeginningtocountonuslikeacalendar;oneeverythreedays,outtotheBorderandback."

"ToCaptainLissaAshkevron?"

"Thesame.AndletushopetheLineanBorderdoesn'theatupthewaytheKarsiteBorderdid."

Vanyelclosedhiseyes,asachillcrawleduphisbackboneandshivereditselfalongallofhislimbs."Godsspareusthat,"hesaid,finally.

Whenheopenedhiseyesagain,shewasstaringathimveryoddly,buthewassavedfromhavingtosayanythingbytheappearanceoftheinnkeeperwithhisdinner.

Vanyelstartedinonthesmoked-porkpiewithanappetitehedidn'trealizehe'dhaduntilthesavoryaromaofthegravyhithim.Sofyaleanedbackagainstthewallandcontinuedtonurseherdrink,givinghimanoddandunreadableglancefromtimetotime.

He'dbeentoonumbfromthelong,gruelingridetoappreciatehismealyesterday.He'dstoweditawaywithouttastingit,asifithadbeentheironrationsormake-doofthecombatzone.Butthismorning—andnow—thehomefareseemedfinerthananythinglikelytobesetbeforeRandale.

fareseemedfinerthananythinglikelytobesetbeforeRandale.

"Ihopeyoudon'tmindmystaring,"Sofyasaidatlast,asheliterallycleanedtheplateofthelastdropofgravy,"butyou'regoingafterthatpieasifyouhadn'tseenfoodinaweek,andyou'reratherstarved-looking,andthatseemsveryoddinaHerald—unlessyou'vebeenstandingdutysomewhereextraordinary."

Henoticedthenthe"blank"spotinthebackofhismindthatmeant'Fandeswaskeepingherpromiseandshieldinghimout.Hegrinnedalittletohimself;thatprobablymeantthatGaviswasdoingthesame,soSofya'scuriosityabouthimmustbeeatingheralive.

"I'veseennearlynofoodforaweek,"herepliedquietly,andpausedforamomentwhentheservinggirltooktheplateawayandreplenishedhismugofcider."Idon'tknowifyou'dcallmydutyextraordinary,butitwasharderthanIexpected.I'vebeenontheKarsiteBorderforthelastyear.Mealsweren'texactlyregular,andthefoodwasprettyawful.ThereweretimesIshared'Fandes'oatsbecauseIcouldn'tevenattempteatingwhattheygaveme;half-rottenmeatandmoldybreadaren'tpreciselytomytaste.Alltoooftentherewasn'tmuchtogoaround.And,totellyouthetruth,sometimesIjustforgottoeat.Youknowhowitis,thingsstarthappening,andthenextthingyouknow,it'stwodayslater.That'swhy—"hegesturedathistoo-largeuniform,andgrinnedwryly."Thesituationwasharderonclothingthanonstomachs."

Hersableeyeswidened,andsoftened."YouwereontheKarsiteduty?Idon'tblameyouforrunningoff,"shereplied,withahintofachuckle."IthinkIwould,too,Herald—youneverdidgivemeyourname."

"Vanyel,"hesaid."VanyelAshkevron.Lissa'sbrother.Iknow,wedon'tlookatallalike—"

Butherreactionwasnotatallwhathehadexpected.Hereyeswidenedevenfarther,andshesatstraightup."Herald-MageVanyel?"sheexclaimed,loudenoughthatthefarmersandtraderswho'dbeguntricklinginwhileVanyelwaseatingstoppedtalkingandturnedtolookwiththeirmouthsdroppingopen."You'reVanyel?"Hervoicecarriedembarrassinglywell,androsewitheveryword."VanyelDemonsbane?TheShadowStalker?TheHeroof—"

"Please—"Vanyelcutheroff,pleadingly."Please,it—yes,I'mVanyel.But—honestly,itwasn'tlikeyouthink."Hegropedforthewordsthatwouldmakethenear-worshiphesawonherfacegobacktoordinaryfriendliness."Itwasn't

thenear-worshiphesawonherfacegobacktoordinaryfriendliness."Itwasn'tlikethat,itreallywasn't—just—thingshadtogetdone,andIwastheonlyonetodothem,soIdid.I'mnotahero,or—I'mjust—I'mjust—anotherHerald,"hefinishedlamely.

Helookedaroundthecommonroom,andtohisdismaysawthesameworshipintheexpressionsofthefarmfolkaroundhim.Andsomethingmore.Fear.

AnechoofthatfearwasinSofya'seyesaswell,beforeshelookeddownatherale.

Heclosedhiseyes,settlinghisfaceintoacalmandexpressionlessmask,thatbeliedtheachethattheirfearcalledupinhim.He'dwanted—acceptance,onlythat.

Tran,Tran,youwereright,Iwaswrong."Becarefulwhatyouaskfor,youmaygetit."Gods,IaskedforsignsthatTranwasright.AndnowIhavethem.Don'tI?

Heopenedhiseyesagain,butthereverenceandadulationhadn'tvanished.Therewasapalpablyclearspacearoundhimwherethe"commonfolk"hadmovedalittleaway,asifafraidtointrudetoocloselyonhim.

EvenSofya.

Andtheroomhadtakenonthesilenceofachapel.

I'mabouttoruintheireveningaswellasmine.Unfair,unfair—theremustbesomethingIcandotosalvagethissituation,atleastforthem.

"Youknow,"hesaid,withforcedlightness,"iftherewasonethingImissedmorethananything,itwasachanceforalittlemusic—"

Hereachedblindlydownbesidehimforthelutehe'dleftleaningagainstthewall,strippedthecaseoffitandtuneditwithfranticspeed."—andIhatetosingalone.I'llbetyouallknow'TheCraftyMaid,'don'tyou?"

Withoutwaitingforananswer,helaunchedintothesong.Hesangaloneonthefirstverse—butgraduallyothervoicesjoinedhisonthechorus;Sofyafirst,withakindoftoo-heartydetermination,thenaburlypeddler,thenthreestout

withakindoftoo-heartydetermination,thenaburlypeddler,thenthreestoutfarmers.Thelocalfolksangtimidlytobeginwith,butthesongwasanoldandlivelyone,andthechoruswasinfectious.Byhisthirdsongthewholeroomwasechoing,andtheywerenolongerpayingmuchmoreattentiontohimthantheywouldhavetoacommonminstrel.

Exceptbetweensongs.

AndexceptforSofya,whoworshipedhimwitheyesthatsentalumpofcoldtoliveinthebottomofhisthroat.Shewaitedonhimherself,asifhewassomekindofangel,tobeadored,butnottouched.

Heslippedoutoftheroomearly,whenshewasgettingsomething;anothermusicianhadjoinedthecrowd,alocal,andheusedthelad'stalentasascreentogetoutduringaparticularlyrowdysong.Hethoughthe'dgottenawaywithoutanyonenoticing,buttheinnkeeperinterceptedhiminthehallway.

"Milord—Vanyel—"ThetallowcandleslightingthehallsmokedandflickeredandmadetheshadowsmoveliketheShadowshe'doncehunted.Thememoryknottedhisstomach.Heconcentratedontheinnkeeper,butthemangulpedandwouldnotmeethiseyes.Abreathofcookedonionsdriftedupthehallfromthecommonroom."Milord,ifI'dknownwhoitwasIwasserving,I'dhavemadeyouspecialfare,andI'dnothaveacceptedyourcoin."

"Please,"Vanyelinterrupted,tryingtoconcealhishurt.Theinnkeeperjumpedbackapace."Please,"hesaid;softly,thistime."Itoldyou,I'mnotonduty,I'monleave.I'mjustanothertraveler.YoufedmethebestmealI'vehadinmonths,trulyyoudid.You'veearnedeverycopperIpaidyou,andhonestly."

"ButmilordVanyel,itwasnothing,itwascommonplowman'spie—surelyyou'dhavepreferredwinetocider;venisonorastuffedpheasant—andyoupaidmefartoomuch—"

Vanyelfeltaheadachecomingon."Actually,no,innkeeper.ThetruthisI'vebeenoniron-rationsforsolonganythingrichwouldlikelyhavemademeill.Andvenison—ifIneverhavetoseeanotherhalf-rawdeer—Yourgood,solidfarewasfeastenoughforme.I'lltellyouwhat—"Hedecidedontheliequickly."I'vebeentoolongwithinwalls.Ihaveafancyfortreesandskytomorrow;ifyou'llhaveyourexcellentcookmakemeupapacketforbreakfastandlunch,I'llconsiderusmorethaneven.Willthatserveyourhonor,goodsir?"

Theinnkeeperstared,chewinghismustacheendsnervously,asifhethought

Theinnkeeperstared,chewinghismustacheendsnervously,asifhethoughtVanyelmightbetestinghimforsomereason,andthennoddedagreement.

"NowI—I'mjustalittlemoretiredthanIthought.IfIcouldusethebathhouse,andgetsomesleep,doyouthink?"

Totheman'scredit,hesuppliedVanyelwithsoapandtowelsandlefthimalone.InthesteamyquietofthebathhouseVanyelmanagedtorelaxagain.Butthecheerofthismorningwasgone.

Hesoughtreleaseinsleep,finally,inwhatmusthavebeenthefinestroomintheinn—ahugebedwideenoughforanentirefamily,twofeatherbedsandadowncomforter,andsheetssofreshtheyalmostcrackled,allofitscentedwithorrisandlavender.Farbelowhecouldstillhearthelaughterandsingingasheclimbedintotheenormousbed.Heblewoutthecandlethen,feelingaslonelyashehadeverbeeninhislife,andprayedthatsleepwouldcomequickly.

Foroncehisprayerswereanswered.

"IwishIdaredGate,"hemusedaloud,carefullyexamining,thenpeelingahard-boiledegg.Yfandeshadnotsaidanythingabouthisearly-morningdeparturefromtheinn,orthefactthathehadnotwaitedforbreakfast.Itwaschillyenoughthatheneededhiscloak,andtherewasadelicatefurringoffrostonsomeofthetallweedsbesidetheroadway."Gatingwouldshortenthistripconsiderably."

:YoutryandI'llkickyoufromheretoHaven,:Yfandesrepliedsharply,thefirsttimeshe'dspokentohimthismorning.:Thatisabsolutelythestupidestthingyou'vesaidinmonths!:

Hebitintotheeggandlookedatherbackward-pointingearswithinterest."Havens,ladylove—didn'tyourtrystgowell?"

:My"tryst"wentjustfine,thankyou,:shereplied,hermind-voicesoftening.:IjustgetsickeverytimeIthinkaboutwhathappenedthelasttime.:

"Oh,'Fandes,itwasn'tthatbad."

:Notthatbad?Whenyouwereunconsciousbeforeyoucrossedthethreshold?AndhurtingsobadlyInearlyscreamed?:

"Allright,itwasbad,"headmitted,poppingtherestoftheeggintohismouthandreachingintothe"breakfastpacket.""AndI'mnotstupidenoughtoGatewithouturgentneed."Hestudiedaroll,weighingitinhishand.Itseemedawfullyheavy.Asgoodasthefoodhadbeensofar,itdidn'tseemlikelythatitwasunderbaked,buthewasnotinthemoodtochokedownrawdough.Henibbleditdubiously,thenbitintoitwithagreatdealmoreenthusiasmwhenitprovedtohavesausagebakedintothemiddleofit."Itwouldjustbeveryconvenienttonothavetostopatinns."

:Don'ttellthemyourrealname,:sheinterrupted.

"What?"

:Ifreactionslikelastnightbotheryou,youdon'thavetotellthemyourrealname.Tellthemyou'reTantras.Tranwon'tmind.:

"'Fandes,that'snotthepoint—nevermind."Hefinishedthelastofhisbreakfastanddustedhishandsoff.Askeinofgeeseflewoverhead,honking.Thefarmersalreadyoutinthefieldsbesidetheroad,scythingdownthegrainandmakingitintosheaves,pausedamomentandpointedatthe"v"ofbirds."Tranwasright,andI'mgoingtohavetogetusedtoit,Iguess.AndIcan'tdothathidingbehindsomeoneelse'sname."Hemanagedawansmile."Itcouldbeworse.TheycouldbetreatingmelikealeperbecauseI'mshay'a'chern,insteadoftreatingmelikeagodletbecauseI'mHerald-MageVanyelDemonsbane."Hegrimaced."Gods,thatsoundspretentious."

Sheslowedherpaceatrifle.:Itisn'tthatimportant—isit?:

"It'sthatimportant.I'maveryfalliblemortal,notanAvatar.Magicisaforce—aforceIcontrol,nomorewonderfulthanaMindspeaker'sability,oraHealer's.Buttheydon'tseeitthatway.Tothemit'ssomethingbeyondanythingtheyunderstand,andthey'renotsureitcanbecontrolled."Hesighed."Orworse,theythinkmagiccansolveeveryproblem."

:Youthoughtthat,once.:

"IknowIdid.WhenIwasyounger.Magicseemedtooffersolutionsto

everythingwhenIwasnineteen."Heshookhishead,andstaredoutatthehorizon."Forawhile—foralittlewhile—IthoughtIheldtheworld.EvenJaysrespectedme,cametobeafriend.Butmagiccouldn'tforcemyfathertotellmeI'ddonewellinhiseyes—orrather,itcouldforcehim,whenIwantedthewordstocomefreelyfromhim.Itcouldn'tmakebeingshay'a'chernanyeasier.Itcouldn'tbringbackmyTylendel.Itwasjustpower.It'sdividingmefromordinarypeople.Worsethanthat—itseemstobedoingthesamebetweenmeandotherHeralds—and'Fandes,thatscaresthehelloutofme."

:Youwon'tbegettinganyofthegodlettreatmentfromyourkin,Icanpromiseyouthat.:

"Isupposenot."

Itwasgettingwarmerbythemoment.Hebundledhiscloak,andwonderedifheshouldgetouthishat.Gods!Changethesubject—beforeyoubroodyourselfintodepressionagain."DoyouthinkFatherwillbeabletokeepMotheroffmyback?"

:Nottoputtoofineapointuponit,no.:

"Ididn'tthinkso."Hisshoulderswerebeginningtohurtagain.Heclaspedhisarmsbehindhimandarchedhisback,lookingupattheblue,cloudlesssky."Whichmeansshe'llkeeptryingtocuremebythrowingeveryfemaleabovetheageofconsentwithinleaguesatme.IcouldalmostfeelsorrierforthegirlsthanIdoformyself."

:Yououghtto,Van.:

HelookeddownatYfandes'earsinsurprise.

:Diditeveroccurtoyouthatyoucouldwellhavebrokenafairnumberofsusceptibleyounghearts?:

Heraisedaneyebrow,skeptically."Aren'tyouexaggerating?"

:Think!WhataboutthewayyoucharmedthatpoorlittlekitchengirlbackatthePalace?:

Hewincedalittle,recallingtheromanceinhereyes,butthenirritationsetin."'Fandes,I'veneverdoneanythingotherthanbepolitetoanyofthem."

"'Fandes,I'veneverdoneanythingotherthanbepolitetoanyofthem."

Shesnorted.:Exactly.Thinkaboutit.You'repolitetothem.Gallant.Occasionallyevenattentive.Thinkaboutthedifferenceinyourstationandthatkitchenmaid's.WhatinHavensdoyouthinkshewasexpectingwhenyouwerepolitetoher?Whatdoesanyyoungmanofrankwantwhenhenoticesaservantorafarmer'sdaughter?:

Nowhewassomethingmorethanirritated."Idon'tsupposeit'soccurredtoyouthatitmightjustbethesimplefactthatI'maHerald,asafesortofromanceobject?Greatgoodgods,'Fandes,Idoubtshehadanynotionofmyrank!"

:Wellwhataboutallthoseyoungwomenyourmotherparadesbeforeyou—tellingthemthey'reprospectivebrides?Whatdotheythinkthatgallantryis?:

"IwouldimaginethatMothertellsthemplenty,"herepliedwithheat,beginningtoflush,andverygladtherewasnooneabouttooverhearthisconversation.

:Well,youimaginewrong.Talkingtoservantsisbeneathher.Asfortheothers,allsheevertellsthemisthatyou—andIquote—"lostyourfirstlovetragically."NowwhatintheLady'snamedoyouthinkthatmakesthemwanttodo?:

"Gods,'Fandes,isthatsomehowmyfault?WasIsupposedtointerrogatethemwhiletheywerechasingme?"

:You,:shesaid,icedrippingfromeveryword,:neverasked.Orbotheredtoask.Orwantedtoask.ItneveroccurredtoyouthatWithenmightnotwantitspreadabouttheneighborhoodthathisfirstbornsonprefersmen?:

"'Fandes,"hereplied,afteralong,bittermomentofsilence."Idon'tseewhereit'sanyofyourbusiness.IthasnothingtodowithmydutiesasaHerald."

Silenceonherpart.Then,:You'reright.I'msorry.I...oversteppedmyself.I—Ijustwantedyoutothinkaboutwhatwasgoingon.:

"IsthatwhatI'vebeendoing?"heaskedquietly.

:Well—yes.:

"ThenIshouldapologize.Ican'taffordtoreactautomaticallytothings—noteveninmypersonallife.And—gods.NotwhenI'mhurtingpeople."

Awashofrelief.Thenatingeofsarcasm.:You'rethinking.Andabouttime,too.Nowareyougoingtoenjoyalongwallowinself-accusation?:

Somethingaboutthetoneofhermind-voice—andtheexactwordingshe'dused—madehimpauseforamoment."Waitaminute—letmelookatthisfromanotherangle."HemadeamentalchecklistofalltheyoungwomenLadyTreesahadpushedoffonhim,andwhatthey'ddonewhenhe'dfailedtosuccumbtotheirvariouscharms.Andthemorehethoughtaboutit—

"Youareexaggerating,aren'tyou?"heaccused.

:Well—yes.Butthesituationexists.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?:

"Becareful,Isuppose.ButI'llhavetowatchwhatIsay."

:Good.You'restillthinking.:

"TheonesMotherkeepsflingingatmearethehardest.IfItellthemthetruth,I'llhurtFather.I'llshamehim,attheleast.EvenifIpledgethemtosilence,it'llgetout."

:So?:

"Idon'tknow.ButI'llthinkaboutit."

:NowthatistheVanyelIChose.:Hermind-voicewaswarmwithapproval.:You'renot"just"reactinganymore.:

"Havens,I'vebeengoingnumbbetweentheearsforthepastyear,haven'tI?"

:Well—yes.Youhadreasonbut—.:

Henodded,slowly."Thislastyear—I'vegottenintoalotofhabits."

:Exactly.Youcan'tletyourheartoryourhabitscontrolyou.Notwhenyou'rewhoyouare,andwieldthepoweryoudo.Thinkaboutreactingemotionallyinabattlesituation.Thinkaboutevenreactingreflexively,insteadoftactically.:

Hedid,andshuddered.

Hedid,andshuddered.

HealwaysstoppedatHalfwayInn—thename,he'dlearnedsince,wasaconsciouspun—thehostelrythatsatinthemiddleoftheforestthatcutForstReachofffromtherestoftheKingdom.

Inaway,whathehadbecomehadstartedhere.TheInnhadcertainlymarkedhispassageintoadifferentworld,thoughyoungVanyelAshkevron,morethanhalfaprisonerofhisescort,hadnotgottentheattentionthatHerald-MageVanyelgotnow.

Itwasanenormousplace,andinthenormalrunofthingsveryfewtravelersevensawtheInnkeeper.AHeraldwasanexception.TheInnkeeperhimselfsawtoVanyel'severywhim—notthattherewereverymanyofthose.TheInnwasquitecomfortableevenforthosewhowerelessnoteworthythanVanyel.

Therewaslessofthehero-worshipherethantherehadbeeninotherinnsalongtheroad.Vanyelwas"local";everyoneattachedtotheinnandmostofthosestayingthereknewhisfamily,hisholding.Theyseemedtoregardhimwithproprietaryprideratherthanawe,asifthethingshehaddoneweresomehowreflectionsonthem;asifhisfamebroughtthemfame.Andasiftheyhadsomethingtodowithwhathehadbecome.

Inaway,perhapstheyhad.IfeventsthatoccurredherehadnotmadehimfeelsoutterlyalienatedfromtherestoftheworldhemightnothaverespondedasstronglyashehadtoTylendel.

HeleftHalfwayInnjustafterdawn,hopingtoreachForstReachbyearlyafternoonattheverylatest.Hehadalwaysmadeexcellenttimeonthislastlegofhisjourneyeveryothertimehe'dmadehistripshome—thoughhealwaysleftmuchfasterthanhearrived....

ButhestoppedYfandesbeforetheyhadtraveledmorethanacandlemark,whilefogstillwreathedtheundergrowthanditwasdarkbeneaththesilenttrees.Theairwasdamp-smelling,withthetangofrottingleaves,andahintofmuskiness.Nobirdssang,andnothingrustledthefallenleavesunderfootorthebranchesoverhead.Thisforestwasalwaysquiet,butthismorningitwastoo

branchesoverhead.Thisforestwasalwaysquiet,butthismorningitwastooquiet,

"Something'swrong,"hesaid,straighteninginhissaddle,andpullinghiscloakalittletighteraroundhisshoulders.

:Icanfeelit,too,:Yfandesagreed,:butit'sverysubtle.:

Thisforest—unnamed,sofarasheknew—hadfrightenedhimtothepointofnear-hysteriathefirsttimehe'dtraveledthisroad.Nowheknewwhy;therewasmagichere,oldmagicofthekindthattheTayledrasused,thattheyfrequentlydrainedoffinordertoweakenit,andopenthelandstomore"normal"humansettlementsThekindofmagicthatmadethePelagirHillsthechangeling-hauntedplacestheywere.AnyonewithsomuchasthepotentialfortheMage-Giftcouldfeelenoughtomakethemunhappyanduncomfortable.

Butthismagichadbeendormantforaverylongtime.

"I'mgoingtoprobe,"hesaid,andclosedhiseyes,goingin,thenopeningout—

Themagicwasstillthere,butitlayevendeeperbelowthefabricoftheforestthanithadthelasttimehehadpassedthisway.NowthathisGiftwasfullytrained,hecouldevenseethetracesthattoldhimithadbeendrainedbytheTayledrasatleasttwice,whichmeantitshouldbe"safe."TheHawkbrothersneverleftwildmagicbehindwhentheyabandonedanarea.

Butthatdrainingandabandonmenthadbeenlongago—verylongago.

Yes,themagicstillslept,deeperthanthetaprootsorthetreesandhardertoreach—butitsleptuneasily.Allmagicwasakin,andallmagictouchedallothermagic—anaffinitythatmadetheGate-spellpossible.Butcloseproximitymeantstrongertiestomagicsthatneighboredoneanother;disturbancetoonesitefrequentlydisturbedanother.

VanyelcouldfeelthatdisturbanceinthemagicshereAresonancewithanotherpoleofpoweratadistance—probablyacrosstheBorder,andmostprobablyinBairesgiventhattherulingfamilywascomposedofmages.Somethingsomewherewaspowerfullywarpingkindredmagicfields,andthisfieldhousedintheforestwasresonatingtothatdisturbance,likealutestring

resonatingtoatouchontheonebesideit.

Butitwastoofaraway,andtheresonancestootenuous,forVanyeltodeterminewhowascausingit,orwhereitoriginated,orevenwhatwasbeingdone.Although—

Vanyelbroughthimselfupoutofhisscanning-trance,andbithislipinthought.

"'Fandes,didyougetanything?"

:Nomorethanyou,:shereplieduneasily,resumingherpacewithouthisprompting.:Except—therootofallthisisevil.:

"AndIknowbetterthantoaskyoutoprobeanythingIcan'treach.ButIdon'tlikeiteither.Ilikeitevenlessnow,withtheBorderuneasy.Itmakesmewonderifsomeoneisforcinganissue—andifso,what,andtowhatend?"

:TellLissa.That'sallyoucandofornow.:

Heglanceduneasilytoeithersideofhim."I'mafraidyou'reright,ladylove,"heagreed."Iamafraidyou'reonlytooright."

Four

Despiteeverythinghe'dtoldhimself,despitebeingadultandwithexperiencesbehindhimWithencouldnotevenimagine,VanyelfelthisshouldersbeginningtoknotwithanxietythemomenthecrossedthegatemarkingtheedgeoftheForstReachlands.BythetimeherodethroughthegateinthewallthatsurroundedtheGreatHouseoftheestate,hewasfightingtokeephimselffromhunchingdowninthesaddlelikeasullen,frightenedchild.

Itneverchanges.OutsidethesewallsImaybeaHerald-MagewhocanadmonishtheKinghimself;insideI'mVanyel,prodigalson,withhabitswedon'ttalkabout,andtastesbestpolitelyignored.Gods,whenaretheyevergoingtoacceptmeforwhoIam?

:Perhapsnever.Perhapswhenyouacceptyourself,Chosen.:

Theunsolicitedreplynettledhimalittle.

:Perhaps,:shecontinued,:whenyouknowwhoyouare,andknowitwellenoughthatyoucan'tbereducedtoanadolescentjustbyridingthroughthegates.:

HeglanceddownatYfandes'ears,andthenahead,downtheroadtothedestinationthatwascausinghimsuchdiscomfort.:AreyousayingIdon'tknowwhoIam?:

Shedidn'treply,butpickedherpaceuptoatrot—theeasykind—androundedthefinalcurveandhillthatbroughtthemwithinsightofForstReachitself,bulkingheavyandgrayagainstthebrilliantautumnsky.

Thebuildinghadoncebeenadefensivekeep,andstillhadsomethingofthatblocky,no-nonsenselookaboutit.Ithadlongsincebeenrenovatedandconvertedintoadwellingfarmorecomfortable,thoughevenatthisdistanceVanyelcouldseethefaintoutlineofthemoatunderthelushgrasssurroundingit.Surroundedasitwasbynewer,smalleroutbuildingsofwhitewashedstucco,itresembledavastandratherill-naturedgraygranitehensquattingamongaflockofpalerchicks.

Someonehadbeenwatchingforhim.Vanyelsawasmall,fairlyandrogynous

figureleaveapositiononalittlerisebesidetheroadandruntowardthemainbuilding.Itvanishedsomewhereinthevicinityofoneoftheoldposterngates,whichwerenowdoors,andVanyelassumedhe(orshe,thoughitwasprobablyapage)hadgonetotelltherestofthehouseholdthathehadarrived.Heraldsweredistinctiveenoughtobespottedatanydistance,andfewenoughthatitwouldbesafetoassumethatanyHeraldcomingtoForstReachwasgoingtobeVanyel.

Sureenough,peoplebeganemergingfromdoorsalloverthebuilding,andbythetimeVanyelandYfandesreachedthemaindoors—impressiveblackoakenmonstrositiesthathadbeensetintoaframeinwhathadoncebeenthegatewaytothecentercourt—therewasasizablegroupwaitingforhim.

Therewastheusualbabbleofgreetings—Treesaweptalloverhim,Withengingerlyclappedhimontheshoulder,hisbrothersallfollowedWithen'sexample.TherewastheusuallittledancewhenWithentoldapageto"takeVanyel'shorse"andVan—again—hadtoexplainthatYfandeswasn'tahorse,shewasaCompanionandhispartnerandthathewouldseetoher.Andasusual,Withenlookedpuzzledandskeptical,asifhewaswonderingifhissonwasn'tabitdaft.

ButVanyelwasfirm—asusual—andgothisway.Becauseifhehadn'tinsisted(andthefirstvisithome,hehadn't)Yfandeswouldbestrippedoftackandgivenagoodrubdown,thenlockedintoastalllikethe"valuableanimal"sheseemedtoWithentobe.Vanhadn'tknownwhathadhappenedthattimeuntilshewistfullyMindspokehimatdinner,askingifhe'dcomeletherout,sinceshecouldn'treachthelockonthedoorofthestall.

Thatnighthehadgoneimmediatelydowntothestableleavinghisdinnerhalf-eaten,andwithprofligateuseofmagic,createdanewsplitdoortotheoutsideinoneofthebiglooseboxesWithenusedformaresinfoal.Wheneverhecamehomenow,thatstallwasYfandes',nomatterifhehadtomoveamareoutandscouritdowntothewoodenfloorwithhisowntwohandsfirst.AndnomatterwhatsortofcontrivanceWithenhadinstalledonthenewdoortokeepitlocked,VanyelmagickeditsothatYfandescouldcomeandgoasshepleased.MaybeWithenwonderedwhytheboxneverhadtobecleaned;certainlythestablehandsdid.ButWithenneverseemedtograspthatYfandeswasexactlywhathissonsaidshewas;abrilliant,thinking,creativelady,withallofagreat

lady'smannersanddaintiness,whojusthappenedtobelivinginahorse'sbody.

Yfandeswasstillmoderatelyamused.ButVanyelfrequentlythoughtthatitwasagoodthinghe'dnevermentionedWithen'spropositiononthatfirstvisittobreedhertothebestofhispalfrey-studs,orhe'dhavebeenusinghismagictorepairthegapingholesinthestable,insteadofaddingadoor.

Thistime,atleast,Withenhadlearnedenoughthroughrepetitionthatthelooseboxhadbeenvacated,scouredandbleached,andthenfilledwithstraw.Buthestillhadlefttheouterdoorlatchedanddouble-locked.

Vanyeljustsighed,magickedthelocksintheopenposition,andpulledthetophalfofthedoorwide.HemovedthelatchstringforthelowerhalfbackthroughtheholetowhereYfandescouldgetatit,thenrummagedthroughhisownpacksforalongerbitofstringsothatshecouldpullitclosedifshechose.Needlesstosay,thestraphe'dattachedtherelasttimewasgone.

"Howhungryareyou?"heaskedher,strippinghertackandhangingitovertheedgeofthestallforthestablehandstoclean,thenbeginningtorubherdown.Strawdusttickledhisnoseandmadehimwanttosneeze.

:Very,:shereplied,testingthedepthofthestrawwithaforehoofandnoddingapproval.:Justtakethesweatoffandgettheknotsoutofmytail;I'mgoingtorollwhenIgetout,andmaybeswiminthepond.:

HeheardWithen'sfootstepsonthepathtothestable,andswitchedtoMindspeech.:Fine,love,justhaveyourswimwhennobody'swatchingorthey'llsendhalfthestablehandstopullyouout.Nowwatch;IwillbetyoumoneythatFathersays,"Areyousureyoushouldleaveherthatmuchfoodsosoonafteralongride?Shemightfounder.":Hefinishedcurryingher,tookthebucketoffitshook,andwentaftergrainforher.

"Areyousureyoushouldleaveherthatmuchfoodsosoonafteralongride?"Withensaiddubiouslyfromthestable-doorproper,hissquarebulkblockingnearlyallthelight."Shemightfounder."

"Father,sheisn'tahorse;sheknowsbetterthantostuffherselfsilly.Shetoldmeshe'sveryhungry.It'sbeenahardtourofdutyforbothofus,andbothofus

needtogetbackalittleweight."VanyelhungthebucketofmixedgrainswhereYfandescouldgetatiteasily.:Nowhe'llsay,"Isupposeyouknowbest,son,but—":

"Isupposeyouknowbest,son,but—"WithenmovedcautiouslyuptothelooseboxasVanyelforkedinhay.

"Father,wouldyoustuffyourselfsickafteralongdayattheharvest?"Atharvest-timeWithenmadeitapointofspendingonedaywitheachofhistenantsandseveraldayswithhisownfieldhands,workingbesidethem.Itwasoneofthemanythingshedidthatendearedhimtohispeople.

"Well—"Withen'sheavybrowscreased,andforoncehelookeduncertain."—no."

"So,neitherwillshe."Herinsedherwater-bucketuntilitsqueaked,filleditwithabsolutelyclear,coldwater,andhungitbesidethegrainbucket.Withensteppedforwardasifhecouldn'thelphimself.

"Son,she'llfoulthewater."

"WouldMotherdropfoodintothewineinhergoblet?"Vanyelsighed.

"Well—no."

"So,Yfandeswouldn't."SinceshehasbettermannersthanMother.

HeMindtouchedYfandesgently.:Allset,ladylove?:

:Quite,beloved.:Yfandes'mind-voicewasyellowandeffervescentwithamusement.:Doeshedothattoyoueverytimewecome?:

Vanyelrubbedherforeheadbetweenhereyesandsheclosedthemwithpleasure.:Justabout.Normallyhedoesn'tfollowmeintothestable,butIgetitwhenhehearsfromthestablehandswhatIdidwithyou.Watchoutforthatso-called"Shin'a'installion;"Ithinkhe'ssometimesallowedtorunlooseinthisfield.Hemighttryandbullyyou;hemightdecideyou'reoneofhismaresandgiveyoualittleexcitement.:

Shebaredherfrontteethdelicately.:I'dratherliketoseehimtryanythingon

me.Icoulduseagoodfight.:

Henearlychoked.:Now,love,you'llscarehimimpotent,andhowwillIexplainthattoMeke?:

:Cleverly,ofcourse.Goonwithyou;I'mfineandyourfatherisfretting.:

"Allright,Father,shesaysshe'scomfortable,"hesaidaloud,forcinghimselfnottogrin."Let'sgo."

"Areyousuresheshouldbeleftlikethat?Whatifshegetsout?"

"Father,"Vanyelsighed,sendingthegodsasilentpleaforpatience,"Iwanthertobeabletocomeandgoasshepleases."

"But—"

Vanyelwonderedifhisfathereverreallyheardanythinghesaid."She'snot,"herepeatedforthehundredthtime,"ahorse."

Vanyelwasintimefordinner,apleasurehewouldjustassoonhavedonewithout.Butoncebathed,settledintothebestguestroom,anddressedincleanclothing—notuniform,hewasn'tondutynow,noteventechnically—hisgoodsenseprevailedoverhisreluctance.Whenthesummonsfordinnercame,hefollowedthepageandtookhisplaceatthehightable.Withentriedtoputhimathisright,betweenhimselfandVanyel'smother.Vanyelmanagedtoconvincehimtolethimtaketheusualseatgueststook,ontheend,displacingRadevel,whodidn'tlookatallunhappytobesittingdownatthelowtable.

Sittingattheendhewassparedhavingtomakeconversationwithtwopeopleatonce.Hisseat-mateprovedtobeMekeal'sthin,littlered-hairedwifeRoshya,whotookalltheburdenofconversationfromhim.Shechatterednonstop,sparrowlike,withouteverseemingtopauseforbreath.Allhehadtodowasnodandmakevaguenoisesofagreementordisagreementfromtimetotime,andheactuallydidn'tmind;Roshya'sgossipwascheerfulandnevermalicious—ifshehadafaultitwasthatsheseemedtoassumehemustknoweveryhighbornandfamilymemberforleaguesaround.Afterall,shedid.

Thedark,high-ceilingedhallseemedfarmorecrampedthanVanyel

Thedark,high-ceilingedhallseemedfarmorecrampedthanVanyelremembered—untilhecountedheads,andrealizedthatthereweretwicethenumberoffolkdiningthantherehadbeenwhenhewasfifteen.Heblinked,butthenumberdidn'tchange.Thelowtablehadbeenlengthened,andasecondtablesetatrightanglestoitattheotherend,makingan"H"shapewiththehightable.

Andthehightablehadbeenlengthened,too;whenVanhadbeensenttoHavenandhisauntSavil,onlyWithen,Treesa,Jervis,FatherLeren,andanygueststheymighthavehadbeenseatedthere—whichhadthenincludedVanyel'sAuntSerinaandherHealer.Now,besidestheoriginalfour,thetableincludedtheunmarriedchildren,allthreemarriedsons,andtheirwives.

Greatgoodgods,thisisn'tafamily,it'satribe!

TheonlyonemissingsincehislastvisitseemedtobehisyoungestsisterCharis;itlookedliketheonlyonesstillhomeweretheboys.AfteramomentofthoughtitseemedtohimthatherecalledgettingwordofCharis'weddingtosomebody-or-otherjustafterElspeth'sdeath.DidIsendapresent?Imust've,orI'dhaveheardaboutitfivebreathsafterbeinggreeted.That'sright—Iremembernow—IsentthathideouslypioustapestryoftheLadyofFertility.AuntSaviltookcareofMekeandRoshyaforme,andIsentDeleranthoseawfulsilver-and-crystalcandlesticks...

Butgods,didIdoanythingaboutRasterandwhatever-her-name-is?Thatwasjustsevenoreightmonthsago,IwassotangledupintheBorder-fight—Idon'tremember—

HecontinuedtofretaboutthatuntilRoshya'sdroppedcommentaboutthe"delightfulbedcurtains,KasterandRiaweresopleased,"toldhimthatifhehadn't,Savilmusthavesentsomethinginhisname.Atthatpointherelaxedalittle.FromRoshya'schatter,VanyellearnedthatsheandMekealhadsixchildrenthusfar;Deleranandhiswifehadtwo,andRaster'sratherplumpnewbride—

Looksreadytospawnatanymoment.LordandLady,theycertainlydidn'twasteanytime.

Itmadehisheadswimtothinkaboutit.ForstReachwashardlyasmallholding,butitmustbeneartoburstingattheseams.

Hemusthavelookedasifheweremarginallyinterestedinthenewbride.

Hemusthavelookedasifheweremarginallyinterestedinthenewbride.RoshyawavedherberingedhandsinanartfulimitationofTreesa,andlaunchedintoadissertationonLadyRiathatwaspartlyfactandmostlyfancy—Vanyelwasinapositiontoknow.She'dbeenoneoftheyoungwomenhismotherhadthrownintohispaththelasttimehe'dbeenhome.ShelookedcontentenoughnowwithKaster,whichwassomethingofarelieftohisconscience.

HelookedbackdownatthelowtableinoneofRoshya'sinfrequentpausesforbreath.

Nowondershe'sthin.Sheneverstopstalkingtoeat.

Radevelwastheonlyfaceherecognizeddownthere,althoughagoodhalftheyoungstershadtheAshkevronbuildandlook.RadevelwasstolidlymunchinghiswaythroughaheapingplatefulofbreadandroastwhenhecaughtVanyellookingathim,andgavetheHeraldashrugoftheshouldersaimedatthemobofchildren,thenaslowandquitedeliberatewink.

Vanyelstifledalaugh.SoFatherisstillfosteringdozensofcousins,andRadevelisstillstuckhere.PoorRad;whatishe,fifthson?Nowhereelsetogo,Iguess.IbetFather'sputhiminchargeoftheyounglings.Goodchoice.He'llkeepthemmoderatelyinline.BetterhimthanJervis.

Helookedbackupintimetocatchcrag-facedJervis,theForstReacharmsmaster,givinghimanuglyglare.Hemettheglareimpassively,butwithaninwardfeelingofforeboding.He'sgoingtotrysomething,Ifeelitinmybones.Great,thatmeansI'llgettoplaycat-and-mousewithhimthroughthewholevisit.Helookedawaywhenthearmsmaster'seyesfell,onlytofindthatsaturnineFatherLerenwasgivinghimalookoficeandcalculation,too,frombeneathhoodedlids.Delightful,soIhavebothofthemtodealwith.JustwhatIneeded.Whatawonderfulfriendlyvisitthisisgoingtobe.

HecontinuedtomaketheappropriatenoisesatRoshya,andignoredthefurtherstaresofJervisandLeren.

MekealhadbecomesolikeWithenthatVanyelhadtoblink,seeingthemtogether.Broadshoulders,brownbeardstrimmedidentically,brownhairheldbackinidenticaltailswithidenticalsilverrings,darkbrowneyesasopenand

readableasadog's-dissimilarclothingwasaboutallthatdifferentiatedthem.That,andafewwrinklesinWithen'sface,afewgraystreaksinhishairandbeard.Mekewasperhapsatouchlessmuscular;notsurprisingsinceWithen'smuscleshadbeenbuiltupinactualfightingduringhiscareerasaguardofficer,andMekehadneverseenanyfightingoutsideofanoccasionalskirmishwithbandits.Butotherwise—Withendidnotlookhisage;withallthesilverinhishairandthestress-linesaroundhiseyes,Vanyelcouldbetakenforolderthanhisfather.

Treesa,ontheotherhand,hadnotagedgracefully.Shewasstillaffectingthelight,diaphanousgownsandpalecolorsappropriatetoayounggirl.EvenifhehadnotbeenawareofthevariouscosmeticartificesemployedbytheladiesofRandale'sCourt,Vanyelwouldhaveknownthecoloringofherhairandcheekstobefalse.

She'sholdingontoyouthwithteethandnails,andit'sstillgettingawayfromher,hethoughtsadly.PoorMother.Allsheeverhadtomakeherfeellikeshehadsomeworthwasbeingprettyandme,andshe'slosingboth.EveryyearIbecomemoreofastrangertoher;everyyearherlooksfadealittlemore.HeglancedoveratRoshya,whoseemedtobedoingherbesttoimitateLadyTreesa,andwasrelievedtoseeagleamoflivelygoodhumorinhergreeneyes,andtohearalittleofthatsenseofhumorreflectedinwhatshewassaying.Treesawouldlikelybecomeabitter,unpleasantoldwomanonherown—butnotwithRoshyaaround.

TherestofVanyel'sbrothershadbecomethinner,morerecklesscopiesofMeke.Theyateheavilyanddrankcopiouslyandroaredjokesateachotheracrossthelengthoftable,emphasizingpointswithabrandishedfork.They'reprobablyterrorsonthehunt—andIbettheyhunteveryotherday.Andprobablyfightingwhentheyaren'thunting.Theyneedsomethingtokeepthemoccupied,can'tFatherseethat?

ThemoreVanyelsaw,theuneasierhebecame.TherewasarestlessnessinWithen'soffspringthatdemandedanoutlet,buttherewasn'tany.NowonderMekeishopingforaBorder-war,herealizedasthemealdrewtoaclose.Thisplaceislikeageyserjustabouttoblow.Andwhenitdoes,ifthereisn'tanyplaceforthatenergytogo,someoneisgoingtogethurt.Orworse.

Servantsbeganclearingthetables,andtheadultsroseandbegantodriftoutonerrandsoftheirown.ByForstReachtradition,theGreatHallbelongedtothe

onerrandsoftheirown.ByForstReachtradition,theGreatHallbelongedtotheyoungstersafterdinner.Vanyellingereduntilmostoftheothershadgoneoutthedoubledoorstothehallway;hewasnotinthemoodtoarguewithanyonerightnow,ortruly,eveninthemoodtomakepoliteconversation.Whathewantedwasaquietroom,alittletimetoread,andmoresleep.

Itdidn'tseemasifthegodswerepayingmuchattentiontohiswants,lately.

Withenwaswaitingforhimjustbeyondthedoors.

"Son,aboutthathorse—"

"Father,Ikeeptellingyou,Yfandesisnot—"

Withenshookhishead,anexpressionofmarkedimpatienceonhissquareface."NotyourCompanion—Mekeal'shorse.Thatdamnedstudhebought."

"Oh."Vanyelsmiledsheepishly."Sorry.Latelymymindstaysinthesamepathunlessyoujerkitsleashsideways.Tired,Iguess."

ForthefirsttimeWithenactuallylookedathim,andhisthickeyebrowsroseinalarm."Son,youlooklikehell."

"Iknow,"Vanyelreplied."I'vebeentold."

"Bad?"Withengavehimthesamekindofsoberattentionhegavetohisowncontemporaries.Vanyelwasobscurelyflattered.

"TakeallthehorrorstoriescomingnorthfromtheKarsiteBorderanddoublethem.That'swhatit'sbeenlike."

ForonceWithen'smartialbackgroundwasablessing.HeknewwhatBorder-fightingwaslike,andhisexpressiondarkenedforamoment."Gods,son—thatisnotgoodtohear.Soyou'llbeneedingyourrest.Well,Iwon'tkeepyoutoolong,then—listen,let'stakethisouttothewalk."

The"walk"Withenreferredtowasastoneporch,ratherlikealowbalconyandequippedwithabalustrade,thatranthelengthofthenorthsideofthebuilding.WhyGrandfatherJoserlinhadputitthere,nooneknew.Itoverlookedthegardens,butnotusefully,mostoftheviewbeingscreenedoffbytherowofcypresseshe'dhadplantedjustbeneaththerailing.Itcouldbeaccessedbyonedoor,throughthelinenstoreroom.Notmanypeopleusedit,unlesstheywanted

door,throughthelinenstoreroom.Notmanypeopleusedit,unlesstheywantedtobealone.

Whichactuallymadeitafinechoiceforaprivatediscussion.

Blue,hazydusk,scentedwithwoodsmoke,wasallthatmetthemthere.Vanyelwentovertothebalustradeandsatonthetopofit,andWithenbeganagain.

"Aboutthathorse—haveyouseenit?"

"I'mafraidso,"Vanyelreplied.Hiswindowoverlookedthemeadowswherethehorseswereturnedloosetograze,andhe'dseenthe"Shin'a'instud"kickinguphisheelsandattemptingtoimpressYfandeswhowasinthenextfieldover.Shehadbeenignoringhim."Ihatetosaythis,Father,butMekewasrobbed.I'veseenaShin'a'inwarsteed;they'reugly,butnotlikethatbeast.They'resmallerthanthatstud;they'renotmadetocarrymeninarmor,they'rebredtocarrynomadhorse-archers.Theyhaveverystronghindquarters,buttheirforequartersarejustasstrong,andthey'realittleshortinthespine.'Bunchy,'Iguessyou'dsay.Andtheirheadsarelargealloutofproportiontotherestofthem.TheonlythingaShin'a'inwarsteedhasincommonwithMeke'snagiscolor.Andbesides,theonlywayanoutsidercouldgetawarsteedwouldbetostealayoung,untrainedone—andthenkilltheentireClanhestoleitfrom—andthenkilltheotherClansthatcameafterhim.Nochance.Maybesomewherethere'sShin'a'inbloodinthatone,butit'scullbloodifso."

Withennodded."Ithoughtitmightbesomethinglikethat.I'veseentheirriding-beasts,theonestheywillsellus.Beautifulcreatures—soIknewthatstudwasn'toneofthose,either.Theanimalisstupid,evenforahorse,andthat'sgoingsome.It'svicious,too—evenwithotherhorses;cutuptheonemareMekeputittobeforetheycouldstopit.It'sneverbeenbrokentoride,andI'mnotsureitcanbe—andyouknowhowIfeelaboutthat."

Vanyelhalf-smiled;onethingthatWithenknewwashishorses,anditwasaniron-cladrulewithhimthatallstudshadtobebrokenforriding,thesameashisgeldings,andexercisedregularlyundersaddle.Nostudinhisstablewasallowedtolazeabout;whentheyweren'tstanding,theywereworking.Itmadethemthatmucheasiertohandleatbreeding-time.MostofWithen'sownfavorite

mountswerehisstuds.

Amocker-birdshrilledinoneofthecypresses,andVanyeljumpedattheunexpectedsound.Ashewilledhishearttostopracing,Withencontinued."Ithasn'ttakenapieceoutofanyofthestablehandsyet,butIwonderifthatisn'tjustlackofopportunity.AndthisiswhatMekewantstobreedhalfthehunter-maresto!"

Vanyelshookhishead.Damn!Ihopethisjumping-at-shadowsstartsfadingout.IfIcan'tcalmmyselfdown,I'mgoingtohurtsomeone.

"Idon'tknowwhattotellyou,Father.I'dhavethatbeastgeldedandputinfrontofaplow,frankly;Ithinkthat'slikelyallhe'sgoodfor.Eitherthat,orusethedamnedthingtotrainyourmoreexperiencedyoungridershowtohandleanunmanageablehorse.ButI'maHerald,notalandholder;Ihavenoexperiencewithhorsebreeding,andMekeislikelytopointthatoutassoonasIopenmymouth."

"ButyouhaveseenarealShin'a'inwarsteed,"Withenpersisted.

"Once.WitharealShin'a'inonits—her—back.Thenomadinquestiontoldmetheydon'tallowthestudsanywhereneartheedgeoftheDhorishaPlains.Onlythemares'gointotheworld'asheputit."EvenintheneardarkandwithoutusinganyGift,Vanyelcouldtellhisfatherwasalivewithcuriosity.ValdemarsawthefabledShin'a'inridinghorsesonceinperhapsagenerationandveryfewcitizensofValdemarhadevenseentheShin'a'inthemselves.ProbablynoonefromValdemarhadeverseenanomadonhiswarsteeduntilhehad.

"Bodyguard,Father,"hesaid,answeringtheunspokenquestion."Thenomadwasabodyguardforoneoftheirshamans,andImetthembothinthek'TrevaVale.Idoubttheshamanwouldhaveneededone,exceptthathemusthavebeennearlyeighty.Itellyou,hewasthetoughesteighty-year-oldI'deverseen.He'dcometoaskhelpfromtheTayledrastogetridofsomemonsterthathaddecidedthePlainslookedgoodandthehorsestasty,andmovedin."

Withenshiveredalittle;talkofmagicbotheredhim,andthefactthathissonhadactuallybeentaughtbytheghostly,legendaryHawkbrothersmadehimalmostasuneasyasVanyel'ssexualinclinations.

Themocker-birdshriekedagain,butthistimeVanyelwasabletokeepfromleapingoutofhisskin."Atanyrate,Idon'tpromiseanythingmoreexcepttotry.

leapingoutofhisskin."Atanyrate,Idon'tpromiseanythingmoreexcepttotry.ButIwanttowarnyou,I'mgoingtogoatthisthesamewayI'dhandleadelicatenegotiation.Youwon'tseeresultsatonce,assumingIgetany.Mekeisasstubbornasthatstudofhis,andit'sgoingtotakesomecarefulhandlingandalotofcarrotstogethimtocomearound."

Withennodded."Well,that'sallIcanask.Icertainlyhaven'tgottenanywherewithhim.Andthat'swhyIaskedyoutostickyournoseintothis.I'mnodiplomat."

Vanyelgotupofftherailingandheadedforthedoor."Thefactis,Father,youandMekearetoodamnedmuchalike."

Withenactuallychuckled."Thefactis,son,you'retoodamnedright."

*

Vanyelsleptuntilnoon.Theguestroomwasatthefrontofthebuilding,wellawayfromalltheactivityofthestablesandyards.Thebedcurtainswereasthickanddarkashecouldhavewished.Andsomeonehadevidentlygiventheservantsorderstostayoutofhisroomuntilhecalledforthem.Whichwasjustaswell,sinceVanwastrustinghisreflexesnotatall.

Sohesleptinpeace,androseinpeace,andstoodatthewindowoverlookingthenarrowroadtothekeepfeelingasifhemightactuallysucceedinputtinghimselfbacktogetherifhecouldgetafewmorenightslikethelastone.Amerebreathofbreezecameinthewindow,andmocker-birdsweresinging—pleasantly,thistime—allalongthegutteringabovehishead.

Hecouldeasilybelieveittobestillsummer.Hecouldn'trecallagentler,warmerautumn.

Hesentoutatestingthought-tendril.:'Fandes?:

:Brighttheday,sleepyone,:sheresponded,theHawkbrothergreeting.

Helaughedsilently,andtookadeepbreathofairthattastedonlyfaintlyoffallingleavesandleafsmoke.:Andwindtothywings,sweeting.Wouldyouratherlazeaboutorgosomewheretoday?:

:Needyouask?Lazeabout,frankly.IthinkI'mgoingtospendtherestofthedaythewayIdidthismorning—nappinginthesun,doingslowstretches.Thatpulledtendonneedsfavoringyet.:

Henodded,turningawayfromthewindow.:Idon'tdoubt.MakesmegladIwasrunninglighterthannormalafteryoupulledit.:

Shelaughed,andmovedfartheroutintoherfieldsothathecouldseeherfromthewindow.:Iwon'tsayitdidn'thelp.Well,goplaygallanttoyourmotherandgetitoverwith.Withanyluck,shehasn'thadachancetobringinoneofthelocalfillies.:

Hegrimaced,rangforaservant.Oneappearedwithapromptnessthatsuggestedhe'dbeenwaitingrightoutsidethedoor.Vanyelfeltapangofconscience,wonderinghowlonghe'dbeenoutthere.

"I'dlikesomethingtoeat,"hesaid,"Andwashwater,please.And—listen,thereisnoreasontoexpectmetowakebeforemidmorning,andnoonislikelier.Isurelywon'twantanyoneoranythingbeforenoon.Sopassthaton,wouldyou?Nouseinhavingoneofyoucoolhisheelsforhours!"

Theswarthymanservantlookedsurprised,thengrinnedandnoddedbeforehurryingoffafterVanyel'srequests.Vanyelhunteduphisclothing,decidingonanalmost-newdarkblueoutfitaboutthetimethewashwaterarrived.ItfeltratherstrangenottobewearingWhites,butatthesametimehewasrevelinginthefeelofsilkandvelvetagainsthisskin.TheFielduniformswerestrictlyutilitarian,leatherandraime,woolandlinen.Andhehadn'thadmanyoccasionstowearformal,richerWhites.Nowondertheycallmeapeacock.SensualistthatIam—Ilikesoftclothing.Well,whynot?

ThemanservantshowedupwithfoodasVanyelfinishedlacinguphistunic.Heconsideredhisreflectioninthepolishedsteelmirror,andendedupbeltingthetunic;ithadfitperfectlywhenhe'dlastwornit,butnowitlookedridiculouslybaggywithoutabelt.

Hesighed,andappliedhimselftohisbreakfast.Itwasalwaysfareasiertogainweightthantoloseit,anyway,thatwasoneconsolation!

Afterthathefeltreadytofacehismother.Andwhateverlady-trapsshehadbaitedandready.

Shealwaysaskedhimtoplaywheneverhestayedlongenough,sohestrippedthecasefromhisluteandtunedit,thenslungitonhisback,andheadedforherbower.Maybehecoulddistractherwithmusic.

"Hello,Mother,"Vanyelsaid,leaningdowntokissTreesa'sgracefullyextended,perfumedfingertips."YoulookyoungereverytimeIseeyou."

Theotherladiesgiggled,pretendedtosew,flutteredfans.Treesacoloredprettilyatthecompliment,andhersilvereyessparkled.Forthatmomentthecomplimentwasn'tapolitelie."Vanyel,youhavebeenawayfartoolong!"Sheletherhandlingerinhisforamoment,andhegentlysqueezedit.Sheflutteredhereyelasheshappily.FlirtationwasTreesa'sfavoritegame;courtlyloveherchoiceofpastime.Itdidn'tmatterthatthecourtierwasherson;shehadnointentionoftakingthegamepastthegracefulandemptymovementsofthedanceofwordsandgesture,andheknewit,andsheknewheknewit,soeveryonewashappy.Shewasneversoaliveaswhentherewassomeonewithherwillingtoplayhergame.

Hefellinwiththepretense,quitepleasedthatshehadn'timmediatelyintroducedanyonetohim;thatmightmeanshedidn'thaveanygirlssheplannedtoflingathim.Andshehadn'tpoutedathimeither;sohewasstillinhergoodgraces.Hehadmuchratherplaycourtierthanhaveherraintearsandreproachesonhisheadfornotspendingmoretimewithhisfamily.

Inthegauze-bedeckedbower,fullofflutteringfemininityinpalecolorsandlace,hewasquiteawarethathelookedallthemorestrikinginhismidnightblue.Hehopeditwouldgivehimenoughdistinction—anddrawenoughattentiontothesilverinhishair—sothatTreesawouldrememberhewasn'tfifteenanymore."Alas,firstladyofmyheart,"hesaidwithaquirkofoneeyebrow,"IfearIhadverylittlechoiceinthematter.AHerald'sdutyliesattheKing'sbehest."

Shedimpled,andpattedtherose-velvetcushionofthestoolplacedbesideherchair."We'vebeenhearingsomanystoriesaboutyou,Vanyel.Thisspringtherewasaminstrelherewhosangsongsaboutyou!"Shefussedwiththefoldsofhersaffrongownashetookhisseatatherside.Hermaids(thosefewwhoweren'tatworkatthethreeloomsplacedagainstthewall)andherfosterlingsall

gathereduptheirsewingandspinningatthisunspokensignalandgatheredcloser.Thesun-brightroomglowedwiththemutedrainbowcolorsoftheirgowns,andVanyelhadtoworktokeephimselffromsmiling,asfaces—young,andnot-so-young,prettyandplain—turnedtowardhimlikesomanyflowerstowardthesun.He'dnotgottenthiskindofattentionevenwhenhewasthepettedfavoriteofthisverybower.

Butthen,whenhe'dbeenthebowerpet,he'donlybeenahandsomefifteen-year-old,withabitoftalentatplayingandsinging.NowhewasHerald-MageVanyel,theheroofsongs.

:Andalltoolikelytohavehisfootsteppedonifhecomesnearmewithaswelledhead,:saidYfandes.

Hebenthisheadovertheluteandpretendedtotuneituntilhecouldkeephisfacestraight,thenturnedbacktohismother.

"Iknowbettersongsthanthose,andfarmoresuitedtoalovelyladythantalesofwaranddarkness."

Therewasdisappointmentinsomefaces,butTreesa'seyesglowed."Wouldyouplayalovesong,Van?"sheaskedcoquettishly."Wouldyouplay'MyLady'sEyes'forme?"

Probablythemostinanepieceofdriveleverwritten,hethought.Butithasalovelytune.Whynot?

Hebowedhisheadslightly."Mylady'swishisevermydecree,"hereplied,andbegantheintricateintroductionatonce.

Hecouldn'thelpnoticingMelennasittingjustbehindaknotofthreeadolescents,herhandsstill,hereyesasdreamyastheirs.Shewasactuallyprettiernowthanshehadbeenasagirl.

PoorMelenna.Shenevergivesup.Almostfourteenyears,andshe'sstillyearningafterme.Gods.Whatamessshe'smadeoutofherlife.Hewonderedsomewhereatthebackofhismindwhathadbecomeofthebastardchildshe'dhadbyMekeal,whenpiqueathisrefusingherhadledhertoMeke'sbed.Wasitaboyorgirl?Wasitoneofthegirlspressedcloselyaroundhimnow?Orhadshelostit?Looseendslikethatworriedhim.Looseendshadahabitoftripping

youupwhenyouleastexpectedit,particularlywhenthelooseendswerehuman.

Hegottheanswertohisquestionalotsoonerthanhe'dguessedhewould.

"Oh,Van,thatwaslovely,"Treesasighed,thendimpledagain."Youknow,wehaven'tbeenentirelywithoutArtandMusicwhileyou'vebeengone.I'vemanagedtofindmyselfanotherhandsomelittleminstrel,haven'tI,'Lenna?"

Melennaglowednearlythesamefaded-roseashergown—oneofTreesa's,remade;Vanyeldefinitelyrecollectedit."He'shardlyasgoodasVanyelwas,milady,"sherepliedsoftly.

"Oh,Idon'tknow,"Treesaretorted,withjustahintofmaliciousness."Medren,whydon'tyoucomeoutandletVanyeljudgeforhimself?"

Atallboyofabouttwelvewithanold,batteredluteofhisownroseslowlyfromwherehe'dbeensitting,hiddenbyMelenna,andcamehesitantlytothecenterofthegroup.Therewasnodoubtwhohisfatherwas—hehadMeke'slankiness,hair,andsquarechin,thoughhewassmallerthanMekealhadbeenatthatage,andhisshouldersweren'tasbroad.Therewasnodoubteitherwhohismotherwas—Melenna'swidehazeleyesstaredatVanyelfromtwofaces.

TheboybobbedatTreesa."Ican'tcomeclosetothosefingerings,milord,milady,"hesaid,withanhonestythatfeltpainfultoVanyel.

"Someofthat'sthefactthatI'vehadneartwentyyearsofpractice,Medren,"Vanyelreplied,acutelyawarethatbothTreesaandMelennawereeyeinghimpeculiarly.Hewasnotentirelycertainwhatwasgoingon."Butthere'ssomeofitthat'stheinstrument.Thisonehasaveryeasyaction—whydon'tyouborrowit?"

Theyexchangedinstruments;theboy'shandstrembledashetookVanyel'sfinelycraftedlute.Hetouchedthestringslightly,andswallowedhard."What—"hisvoicecracked,andhetriedagain."Whatwouldyouliketohear,milord?"

Vanyelthoughtquickly;ithadtobesomethingthatwouldn'tbesoeasyastobeaninsult,butcertainlywouldn'tinvolvetheintricatefingeringshe'dusedon"MyLady'sEyes."

"Doyouknow'WindriderUnchained'?"heasked,finally.

Theboynodded,madeonefalsestart,thengottheinstrumentalintroductionthrough,andbegansingingtheverse.

AndVanyelnearlydroppedtheboy'sluteasthesheerpowerofMedren'ssingingwashedoverhim.

Hisvoicewasn'tquitetrueononeortwonotes;thatdidn'tmatter,time,maturity,andpracticewouldtakecareofthoselittlefaults.Hisfingeringsweresometimesuncertain;thatdidn'tmattereither.Whatmatteredwasthat,whileMedrensang,Vanyellivedthesong.

TheboywasBardicGifted,withaGiftofunusualpower.Andhewassingingtoabowerfulofempty-headedsweetly-scentedmarriage-bait,wastingaGiftthatVanyel,atfifteen,wouldwillinglyhavesacrificedalegtogain.Bothlegs.Andcountedthecostasmallone.

ItwasseveralmomentsaftertheboyfinishedbeforeVanyelcouldbringhimselftospeak—andhereallyonlymanagedtodosobecausehecouldseethehopeinMedren'seyesslowlyfadingtodisappointment.

Infact,theboyhadhandedhimbackhisinstrumentandstartedtoturnawaybeforehegotcontrolofhimself."Medren—Medren!"hesaidinsistentlyenoughtomaketheboyturnback."YouarebetterthanIwas,evenatfifteen.InafewyearsyouaregoingtobebetterthanIcouldeverhopetobeifIpracticedeveryhourofmylife.YouhavetheBardic-Gift,lad,andthat'ssomethingnoamountoftrainingwillgive."

Hewouldhavesaidmore—hewantedtosaymore—butTreesainterruptedwithademandthathesingagain,andbythetimeheuntangledhimselffromtheconcentrationthesongrequired,theboywasgone.

Theboywasonhismindallthroughdinner.HefinallyaskedRoshyaabouthim,andRoshya,delightedathavingactuallygottenaquestionoutofhim,burbledonuntilthelastcoursewasremoved.AndthemoreVanyelheard,themoreheworried.

Theboywasbeinggiven—atTreesa'sinsistence—thesameeducationasthelegitimateoffspring.Whichmeant,inessence,thathewasbeingeducatedfor

exactlynothing.Except—perhaps—onedaybecomingthesquireofoneofhislegitimatecousins.Meanwhilehisrealtalentwasbeingneglected.

TheproblemgnawedatthebackofVanyel'sthoughtsallthroughdinner,andaccompaniedhimbacktohisroom.Helitacandleandplaceditonthesmallwritingdesk,stillpondering.Itmighthavekepthimsleeplessallnight,exceptthatsoonafterheflunghimselfdowninachair,stillfeelingsomewhatstunnedbytheboyandhisGift,therecameaknockonhisdoor.

"Come—"hesaidabsently,assumingitwasaservant.

Thedooropened."MilordHerald?"saidatentativevoiceoutofthedarknessbeyondhiscandle."Couldyousparealittletime?"

Vanyelsatboltupright."Medren?Isthatyou?"

Theboyshuffledintothecandlelight,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.Hehadtheneckofhisluteclutchedinbothhands."I—"Hisvoicecrackedagain."Milord,yousaidIwasgood.Itaughtmyself,milord.They—whentheyopenedupthebackofthelibrary,theyfoundwhereyouusedtohidethings.Nobodywantedthemusicandinstrumentsbutme.I'dbeenwatchingminstrels,andIfiguredouthowtoplaythem.ThenLadyTreesaheardme,shegotmethislute...."

Theboyshuffledforwardafewmoresteps,thenstooduncertainlybesidethetable.Vanyelwastryingtogethismindandmouthtowork.Thattheboywasthisgoodwasamazing,butthathewasentirelyself-taughtwasmiraculous."Medren,"hesaidatlast,"tosaythatyouastonishmewouldbeanunderstatement.WhatcanIdoforyou?Ifit'sinmypower,it'syours."

Medrenflushed,butlookeddirectlyintoVanyel'seyes."MilordHerald—"

"Medren,"Vanyelinterruptedgently,"Iamnot'MilordHerald,'nottoyou.You'remynephew;callmebymygivenname."

Medrencoloredevenmore."I—V-Vanyel,ifyoucould—ifyouwould—teachme?Please?I'll—"hecoughed,andloweredhiseyes,nowturningaredsobrightitwaspainfultolookat."I'lldoanythingyoulike.Justteachme."

Vanyelhadnodoubtwhatsoeverwhattheboythoughthewasofferingin

returnformusiclessons.Thepainful—andverypotentlysexual—embarrassmentwasalltooplaintohisEmpathy.Gods,thepoorchild—Medrenwasn'tevenatemptation.Imaybeshaych,but—notchildren.Thethought'srevolting.

"Medren,"hesaidverysoftly,"theywarnedyoutostayawayfromme,didn'tthey?Andtheytoldyouwhy."

Theboyshrugged."Theysaidyouwereshaych.Madeallkindsofnoises.Buthell,you'reaHerald,Heraldsdon'thurtpeople."

"I'mshaych,yes,"Vanyelrepliedsteadily."Butyou—youaren't."

"No,"theboysaid."Buthell,likeIsaid,Iwasn'tworried.Whatyoucouldteachme—that'sworthanything.AndIhaven'tgotmuchelsetorepayyouwith."HefinallylookedbackupintoVanyel'seyes."Besides,thereisn'tanythingyoucoulddotomethat'dbeworsethanJervisbeatingonmeonceaday.Andtheyallseemtothinkthat'sallright."

Vanyelstarted."Jervis?What—whatdoyoumean,Jervisbeatingonyou?Sit,Medren,please."

"WhatIsaid,"theboyreplied,gingerlypullingastraight-backedchairtohimandtakingaseat."Igettreatedjustliketherestofthem.Samelessons.Onlythere'sthislittleproblem;I'mnottrue-born."Histonebecamebitter."Witheighttrue-bornheirsandmoreontheway,wheredoesthatleaveme?Nowhere,that'swhere.Andthere'snouseincurryingfavorwithme,orbeingalittleeasyonme,'causeIdon'thaveathingtoofferanybody.Sowhentimecomesforanexample,whogetspicked?Medren.Whenwewantalivesetofpellstoproveapoint,whogetsbeaton?Medren.AndwhatthehelldoIhavetoexpectattheendofit,whenI'mofage?Squiretooneofthetrue-bornboysifI'mlucky,thedoorifI'mnot.UnlessIcansomehowgetgoodenoughtobeaminstrel."

Vanyel'sinsideshurtasbadlyasifMedrenhadpunchedhimthere.Gods—Histhoughtsroiledwithincoherentemotions.Gods,he'slikeIwas—he'sjustlikeIwas—onlyhedoesn'thavethosethinlittleprotectionsofrankandbirththatIhad.Hedoesn'thaveaLissawatchingoutforhim.AndhehastheGift,thepreciousGift.Mygods—

"'Course,mymotherfiguresthere'sanotherwayout,"Medrencontinued,cynically."LadyTreesa,shefiguresyou'veturneddownsomanygirls,she

cynically."LadyTreesa,shefiguresyou'veturneddownsomanygirls,shefiguresshe'sgotaboutonechancelefttocureyou.Soshetoldmymotheryouwereallhers,shecoulddowhateverittooktogetyou.Andifmymothercouldgetyousofarastomarryher,LadyTreesasworeshe'dgetLordWithentoallowit.Somymotherfiguresongettingintoyourbreeches,thengettingyoutomarryher—thentoadoptme.Shesaysshefiguresthelastpartistheeasiest,'causeshewatchedyouwatchingme,andsheknowshowyoufeelaboutmusicandBardsandall.Soshewantedmetohelp."

PoorMelenna.Shejustcan'tseemtorealizewhatshe'slayingherselfopenfor."Sowhyareyoutellingmethis?"Vanyelfoundhisownvoicesoundingincrediblycalmconsideringthepainofpastmemories,andtheacheforthisunchildlikechild.

"Idon'tliketraps,"Medrensaiddefiantly."Idon'tlikeseeingthembeinglaid,Idon'tlikeseeingthingsinthem,andIdon'tmuchlikebeingpartofthebait.Andbesidesallthat,you're—special.Idon'twantanythingoutofyouthatyou'vebeentrickedintogiving."

Vanyelrose,andheldouthishand.Medrenlookedatitforamoment,andwentalittlepaledespitehisbravewords.HelookedupatVanyelwithhiseyeswide."You—youwanttoseemysideofthebargain?"heaskedtremulously.

Vanyelsmiled."No,littlenephew,"hereplied."I'mgoingtotakeyoutomyfather,andwe'regoingtodiscussyourfuture."

Withenhadaroomhecalledhis"study,"thoughitwasbareofanythinglikeabook;asmall,stone-walledroom,windowless,furnishedwithcomfortable,worn-outoldchairsTreesawouldn'tallowintherestofthekeep.Itwaswherehebroughtoldcroniestositbesidethefire,drink,andtradetalltales;itwaswherehewentafterdinnertostareattheflamesandnursealastmugofale.That'swhereVanyelhadexpectedtofindhim;andwhenVanyelusheredMedrenintothestuffylittleroom,hecouldtellbyhisfather'sstrickenexpressionthatWithenwasassumingtheabsoluteworst.

"Father,"hesaid,beforeWithencouldevenopenhismouth,"doyouknowwhothisboyis?"

Candlelightflickeredinhisfather'seyesasWithenlookedathimasifhe'd

Candlelightflickeredinhisfather'seyesasWithenlookedathimasifhe'dgoneinsane,butheansweredthequestion."That's—uh—Medren.Melenna'sboy."

"MelennaandMekeal's,Father,"Vanyelsaidforcibly."He'sAshkevronblood,andbythatblood,weowehim.Nowjusthowarewepayinghim?Whatfuturedoeshehave?"Withenstartedtoanswer,butVanyelcuthimoff."I'lltellyou,Father.None.Therearehowmanywedlock-bornheirshere?Andhowmuchproperty?ForstReachisbig,butitisn'tthatbig!Wheredoesthatleavethelittletagalongbastardwhentheremaynotbeenoughplacesforthelegitimateoffspring?What'shegoingtodo?Ekeouttherestofhislifeassomebody'ssquire?Whatifhefallsinloveandwantstomarry?Whatifhedoesn'twanttobesomebody'ssquireallhislife?You'vegivenhimthesameeducationandthesamewantsastherestoftheboys,Father.Thesameexpectations;thesameneeds.Howdoyouplanonmakinghimcontenttotakeaservant'splaceafterbeingraisedlikeoneoftheheirs?"

"I—uh—"

"NowI'lltellyousomethingelse,"Vanyelcontinuedwithoutgivinghimachancetoanswer."ThisyoungmanisBardic-Gifted.ThatGiftisasrare—andasvaluedinValdemar—astheonethatmakesmeaHerald.AndweAshkevronsarelettingthatrareandpreciousGiftrothere.Nowwhatarewegoingtodoaboutit?"

Withenjuststaredathim.Vanyelwaitedforhimtoassimilatewhathe'dbeentold.ThefirecrackledandpoppedbesidehimasWithenblinkedwithsurprise."Bardic-Gifted?Rare?Iknewtheboyplayedaroundwithmusic,but—areyoutellingmetheboycanmakeafutureoutofthat?"

"I'lltellyoumorethanthat,Father.Medrenwillbeafirst-classBardifhegetsthetraining,andgetsitnow.AFullBard,Father.Royaltywillpourtreasureathisfeettogethimtosingforthem.Hecouldearnanoblerank,higherthanyours.Butonlyifhegetswhatheneedsnow.AndImeanrightnow."

"What?"Withen'sbrowwrinkledinpuzzlement.

Vanyelcouldseethathewashavingahardtimeconnecting"music"with"earninganoblerank."

"Youmean—sendhimtoHaven?ToBardicCollegium?"

"Youmean—sendhimtoHaven?ToBardicCollegium?"

"That'sexactlywhatImean,Father,"Vanyelsaid,watchingMedrenoutofthecornerofhiseye.Theboywasinseriousdangeroflosinghisjaw,orpoppinghiseyesrightoutoftheirsockets."AndIthinkweshouldsendhimassoonaswecansparehimanescort—whentheharvestisoverattheverylatest.IwillbehappytowritealetterofsponsorshiptoBardChadran;ifForstReachwon'tcoverit,I'msuremystipendwillstretchenoughtotakecareofhisexpenses."

Thatlastwasawickedblow,shrewdlydesignedtoawakehisfather'ssenseofdutyandshame.

"Thatwon'tbenecessary,son,"Withensaidhastily."Greatgoodgods,it'stheleastwecando!If—ifthat'swhatyouwant,Medren."

"WhatIwant?"theboyreplied,tearscomingtohiseyes."Milord—I—oh,Milord—it's—"Hethrewhimself,kneeling,atWithen'sfeet.

"Nevermind,"Withensaidhastily,profoundlyembarrassed."Icanseeitis.Consideritafact;we'llsendyouofftoHavenwiththeHarvest-Tax."TheboymadeasiftograbWithen'shandandkissit.Withenwavedhimoff."No,now,goonwithyou,boy.Getup,getup!Don'tgrovellikethat,dammit,you'reAshkevron!Anddon'tthankme,I'mjusttheoldfoolthatwastooblindtoseewhatwasgoingonundermynose.SaveyourthanksforVanyel."

Medrengottohisfeet,clumsyinhisadolescentawkwardness,madeclumsierbydazedjoy.Beforetheboycouldrepeatthegesture,Vanyeltookhimbytheshouldersandsteeredhimtowardthedoor.

"Whydon'tyougotellyourmotheraboutyourgoodnews,Medren?"Hewinkedattheboy,andmanagedtogetatremulousgrinoutofhim."I'mcertainshe'llbeverysurprised."

Thatsentencemadethegrinwiden,andtakeonacertainconspiratorialgleam.Medrennodded,andVanyelpushedhimoutthedoor,shuttingittightlybehindhim.

HeturnedbacktofaceWithen,andtherewasnohumorinhisfaceorhisheartnow.

"Father—wehavetotalk."

Five

"What?"Withenasked,hisbrowwrinklinginperplexity.

"Isaid,wehavetotalk.Now."Vanyelwalkedslowlyandcarefullytowardhisfather,exertingeverybitofcontrolhepossessedtokeephisfaceimpassive."Aboutyou.Aboutme.Andaboutsomeassumptionsaboutmethatyoukeepmaking."

Hestoodjustoutofarm'slengthofWithen'schair,strugglingtomaintainhiscomposure."WhenIbroughtMedreninhere,Iknewwhatyouwerethinking,justlookingatyourexpression."

Thefireflaredup,lightingWithen'sfaceperfectly.

Andyou'restillthinkingit—

Vanyelcameascloseasheeverhadinhislifetoexploding,andkepthisvoicedownonlybydintofmuchself-control.Ittookseveralmomentsbeforehecouldspeak.

"Dammit,Father,I'mnotlikethat!Idon'tdothingslikethat!I'maHerald—anddammit,I'madecentman—Idon'tmolestlittleboys!Gods,theideamakesmewanttovomit,andthatyouautomaticallyassumedIhad—"

Hewastrembling,halfinanger,halfinananguishedfrustrationthathadbeenheldincheckfornearlytenyears.

Withensquirmed,acutelyuncomfortablewiththisconfrontation."Son,I—"

Vanyelcuthimoffwithanabruptshakeofhishead,thenheldbothhishandsoutstretchedtowardWitheninentreaty."Why,Father,why?Whycan'tyoubelievewhatItellyou?WhathaveIeverdonetomakeyouthinkIhavenosenseofhonor?WhenhaveIeverbeenanythingotherthanhonestwithyou?"

Withenstaredatthefloor.

"Look,"Vanyelsaid,graspingatanythingtogethispointacross,"let'sturnthisaround.Iknowdamnedgoodandwellyou'vehadotherbedpartnersthan

Mother,butdoIassumeyouwouldtryto—toseducethatlittle-girlchambermaidofhers?HaveIlookedsidewaysatyouwheneveryou'vebeenaroundoneofherladies?Sowhyshouldyouconstantlyaccusemeinyourmind—assumingthatIwouldobviouslybetryingtoseduceeverysusceptibleyoungmanandvulnerablelittleboyinsight?"

Withencoughed,andflushedcrimson.

He'dprobablybeangry,Vanyelthought,inapartofhismindsomewherebeyondhisanguish,exceptthatthisfrontalassaultisn'tgivinghimtimetobeanythingotherthanembarrassed.

"You—coulduseyourreputation.Asa—thekindofpersontheywritethosesongsabout."Withenflushedevenredder."Ahero-worshippingladwouldfindithardto—denyyou.Mighteventhinkityourdueandhisduty."

"Yes,Father,that'sonlytootrue.Yes,Icouldusemyreputation.Don'tthinkI'mnotacutelyawareofthat.ButIwon't—wouldnever!Can'tyouunderstandthat?I'maHerald.IhaveamoralobligationthatI'vepledgedmyselftobyacceptingthatposition."

BytheblanknessofWithen'sexpression,VanyelguessedhehadgonebeyondWithen'scomprehensionofwhata"Herald"was.Hetriedagain."There'remorereasonsthanthat;I'maThought-senser,Father,didyoueverthinkwhatthatmeans?Theconstraintsitputsonme?ThethingsI'mopento?It'saharderschoolofhonorthaneverJervistaught.Therearenocompromises,mind-to-mind.Therearenofalsehoods;therecan'tbe.Arelationshipformehastobeoneofabsoluteequals;freelygiving,freelysharing-ornothing."Stillnoflickerofunderstanding.Heusedblunterlanguage."Norape,Father.Nounwillingseduction.Nolies,nodeception.Noharm.Noonewhodoesn'talreadyknowwhatheis.Noonewhohasn'tmadepeacewithwhatheis,andacceptedit.Noinnocents,whohaven'tlearnedwhattheyare.Nochildren."

Withenlookedaway,fidgetingalittleinhischair.Vanyelmovedswiftlytokneelbetweenhimandthefire,whereWithencouldn'tavoidlookingathim."Father—dammit,Father,Icareaboutyou.Idon'twanttomakeyouunhappy,butIcan'thelpwhatIam."

"Why,Van?"Withen'svoicesoundedhalf-strangled."Why?WhatinhelldidIdowrong?"

"Nothing!Everything!Idon'tknow!"Vanyelcriedout,hiswordstremblingintheair,atragicsongtorturedfromthestringsofabrokenlute."WhyamIGifted?WhyamIanything?Maybeit'ssomethingIwasbornwith.Maybethegodswilledit.Maybeit'snothingmorethanthefactthattheonlypersonI'lleverlovehappenedtobebornintothesamesexbodythatIwas!"Griefknottedhisthroatandtwistedhisvoicefurther."AllIknowisthatIamthisway,andnothingisgoingtochangethat.AndIcareformyfather,andnothingisgoingtochangethat.Andifyoucan'tbelieveinme,inmysenseofhonor—oh,gods,Father—"

Hegottohisfeetsomehow,andheldouthisopenhandstowardWitheninadesperatepleaforunderstanding."Please,Father—I'mnotaskingformuch.I'mnotaskingyoutodoanything.OnlytobelievethatIamadecenthumanbeing.BelieveinHeraldVanyelifyouwon'tbelieveinyourson.Only—believe;believethatnoonewillevercometoharmatmyhands.Andtrytounderstand.Please."

ButtherestillwasnounderstandinginWithen'seyes.Onlyuncertainty,andacutediscomfort.Vanyellethishandsfallandturnedaway,defeated.Thelastdregsofhisenergyhadbeenburnedout,probablyfornothing.

"I—I'msorry,son—"

"Nevermind,"Vanyelsaiddully,bleakly,walkingslowlytowardthedoor."Nevermind.I'velivedwithitthislong,Ishouldbeusedtoit.Listen;I'mgoingtomakeyouapledge,sinceyouwon'tbelievemewithoutone.Medrenissafefrommyadvances,Father.Yourgrandsonsaresafe.Everydamnedthingonthisholdingdowntothesheepissafe.Allright?YouhavemydamnedoathasadamnedHeraldonit.Willthatbeenoughforyou?"

Hedidn'twaittoheartheanswer,butopenedthedoorquicklyandshutitbehindhim.

Heleanedagainstit,feelingbitternessandhurtknottinghisgut,makinghischestacheandhisheadthrob.Andelevenyears'experienceasaHeraldwasallthatenabledhimtocramthathurtbackdownintoalittlecornerandslapalidonit,tofiercelytellthelumpinhisthroatthatitwasnottearsanditwouldgoaway.Maybehewoulddealwithallthislater—notnow.Notwhenhewasdraineddry,andnotwhenhewasalone.

"Heyla,Van!"Thevoiceoutofthedarkcorridorbesidehimstartledhim,and

"Heyla,Van!"Thevoiceoutofthedarkcorridorbesidehimstartledhim,andhewhirledinreaction,hishandsreachingforweaponsautomatically.

Heforcedhimselftorelaxandmadeoutwhoitwas.

Gods—justwhatIneeded.

"Evening,Meke,"hereplied;tired,andnotbotheringtohideit."Whatbringsyououttonight?"

LadyBright,thatsoundsfeebleeventome.

"Oh,"Mekealrepliedvaguely,movingintotherangeofthelanternbesidethestudydoor,"Things.Just—things.Wherewereyouoffto?"

"Bed."Vanyelknewhisreplywasbrusque,evenrude,butitwaseitherthatorletMekewatchhimfalltopieces."I'mdamnedtired,Meke;I'vegotalotofresttocatchupon."

Mekealnodded,hisexpressionsofteningalittlewithhonestconcern."Youlooklikehell,Van,ifyoudon'tmindmysayingso."

Gods.Notagain.

"Thelastyearhasn'tbeenagoodone.EspeciallynotontheBorders."

"That'sexactlywhatIwantedtotalktoyouabout,"Mekealinterruptedeagerly,comingsoclosethatVanyelcouldseethelanternflamesreflectedinhiseyes."Listen,canyousparemealittletimebeforeyougoofftobed?Sayacandlemarkorso?"

Vanyelstifledasighofexasperation.Allright,stupid,yougavehimtheopening,youhaveonlyyourselftoblamethathetookit."Isupposeso."

"Great!Comeon."MekealtookVanyel'selbowandhauledhimdowntheill-litcorridor,practicallyrunninginhiseagerness."You'veseenthatstudIbought?"

"Fromadistance,"Vanyelrepliedcautiously.

"WellIwantyoutocomehaveagoodlookathim,andhereallydoesn'tsettledownuntilwellafterdark."

settledownuntilwellafterdark."

Icanbelievethat.

Theywalkedrapidlydownthehollow-soundingcorridor,Mekealchatteringonabouthisacquisition.Vanyelmadeafewappropriatelyconversationalsounds,butwasfarmoreinterestedinreestablishinghis"professional"calmthaninanythingMekewassaying.Mekewasobviouslyheadingforthecorridorthatledtooneofthedoorstothestableyard,soVanyelpulledhisarmfreeandpickeduphisownpacealittle.Mightaswellgetthisoverwithnow,whileI'mstillcapableofstanding.

Mekealobviouslyhadthisplanned,forwhentheyemergedintothecooldarknessandaskyfullofstars,Vanyelsawthedimglowofalanterninthestableacrosstheyard.Theycrossedtheyardatsomethinglessthanarun,butnotforlackofMekeal'stryingtohurryhissteps.

Thefamousstudhadprideofplace,firststallbytheentrance,bythelantern.Vanyelstaredatit;ifanythingitwasworseupclosethanatadistance.

Uglyisnotthewordforthisbeast.

Itglaredoveritsshoulderathimasifithadheardhisthought,andbaredhugeyellowteethathim.

I'veneverseenanastierpieceofworkinmylife.Youcouldn'tpaymeenoughtotryandsaddle-breakthisnag!

"Well?"Mekesaid,burstingwithpride."Whatdoyouthink?"

Vanyeldebatedbreakingthebadnewseasily,thenrememberedwhathislittlebrotherwaslike.Henotonlydidnottakehintswell,heneverevenknewtherewassuchathingasasubtlehint.Vanyelbracedhimself,andtoldthetruth."Meke—there'snowaytosaythistactfully.ThatmonsterisnomoreShin'a'inthanIam.Youwererobbed."

Mekeal'sfacefell.

"I'veseenaShin'a'inwarsteed,"Vanyelsaid,pressinghisadvantage."ShewasunderaShin'a'in.Thenomadtoldmethenthattheydon'teversellthe

warbeasts,andthattheyliterallywouldnotpermitonetobeinthehandsofanoutsider.Andtheynever,neverletthestudsofftheDhorishaPlains.I'llgiveyouafulldescription.ThemareIsawwasthreehandsshorterthanthisstudofyours,bredtocarryasmallhorse-archer,notanyoneinheavyplate;shewasshort-backed,deep-chested,andherhindquarterswerealittlehigherthanherforequarters.Shehadabigheadinproportiontotherestofher;andifanything,thisstud'sheadissmall.Besidesbeinglarge,herskullhadanincrediblybroadforehead.Lotsofroomforbrains.NeedIsaymore?Abouttheonlythingsshehadincommonwithyourstudarecolorandmuscles."Hesighed."I'msorry,Meke,but—"

"Ahalf-breed?Couldn'thebeacross?"Mekealaskeddesperately.

"Ifacommonstudcaughtthemareinseasonandifshedidn'tkillhimfirstandifthemare'sownerdecided—againstalltradition—tosellthefoalinsteadofdestroyingitorsendingitbacktothePlains.Maybe.Notbloodylikely,butaverybarepossibility.ItisalsoaverybarepossibilitythatthisstudhasShin'a'incullbloodsomewhereveryfarbackinhisline."Vanyelrubbedhisnoseandsneezedinthedustrisingasthestudfidgetedinhisstall.Thepreciousstudlaidhisearsback,squealed,andcow-kickedthedoortotheboxashardashecould.Moredustrose,therewasaclatterofhoovesallthroughthestable,andstartledwhinniesastherestofthehorsesreactedtothestud'sdisplayofill-temper."Meke,whydidyoubuythismonster?ForstReachhasthebestlineofhuntersfromheretoHaven."

"Hunterswon'tdousahellofalotofgoodwhenthere'sanarmymarchingtowardus,"Mekealsaid,turningtolookathimsoberly."Andevenifthisladisn'tShin'a'in,crossedintoourhuntershe'llsirefoalswiththemuscletocarrymeninarmor.Ijusthopetohellwehavethembeforeweneedthem."

Incredulousatthosewordscomingfromthissibling,Vanyellookedacrosshisshoulderathisyoungerbrother."That'swhatthisisabout?"

Mekenodded,theflickeringlanternmakinghimlookcadaverous—andmucholder."There'stroublecomingupontheWest.Evenifitdoesn'tcomefromBairesandLineas,oneorboth,it'llcomefromthechangelinglandsbeyondthem.It'sbeenbuildingsinceElspethdied.EveryyearwegetmoreweirdthingscrossingoverintoValdemar.Plentyofthemhere.Checkthetrophyroomsometimewhileyou'revisiting;you'llgetaneyeful.Lissthinksthey'reeitherbeing

drivenherebysomethingworse,orthey'rebeingsenttotestourdefenses;neithernotionmakesmerealcomfortable.Huntersareallverywell,buttheycan'tcarryafighterinfullarmor.Andthetourney-horsesI'vebeenseeinglatelydon'thavethestaminaforwar.Onethingthisladdoeshaveisstayingpower."

Gods.Oh,gods.IftheproblemsaresoevidentevenMekeisseeingthem—Vanyel'sspinewenttoice.

"Doyouwantmyadvicewiththisbeast?"heaskedbluntly.

Mekealnodded.

"Givenwhatyou'vetoldme,hemightbeusefulafterall.Breedhimtothebest-temperedandlargestofthehunter-mares.Andseewhatcomesofbreedinghimtoplowhorsemares.Maybemakeasecond-generationthree-waycross—ifyouhavetime."

Mekenoddedagain,smoothinghisclose-croppedbeard."Ihadn'tthoughtaboutplowbeasts;that'sagoodnotion.Heisvicious.Ilikethewillingnesstofight,butIcandowithoutviciousness.So,youagreewithme?"

Vanyelturnedslowly,anewrespectforhisbrothercoloringhisthoughts."Meke,evenifthisBorderstaysquiet,there'sKarse,there'sHardorn,there'sIftel—Rethwellanseemsquiet,buttheirkingisoldandthatcouldchangewhenhedies.There'seventhenorth,ifthosebarbarianseverfindaleadertoweldthemintoasinglefightingforce.Maythegodshelpus—you'llhaveareadymarketalltoosoonifyoucanbreedthekindofhorsesyou'retalkingabout."Vanyelponderedtheworn,scrubbedwoodenfloorofthestable."Whathaveyouheard?Abouthere,Imean."

"TheMavelanswantLineas.Badlyenoughtochanceawarwithus,Idon'tknow.TheLineansdon'tmuchlikeeitherBairesorValdemar,buttheyfigureValdemarismarginallybetter,sothey'llputupwithusenforcingthepeaceasthird-party.Itallcomesdowntowhat'sgoingtohappenwiththismesswithTashirbeingdisinherited."

LadyBright,morewordsofpoliticalwisdomwhereIneverexpectedtofindthem.Hisviewmaybeshortsighted—hemaynotseethelargerpicture—butwherehisneighborsareconcerned,mylittlebrotherseemstohavethemwellweighedandmeasured.

"IheardLordVedricisbehindtheprotests,"Vanyelventured.Mekeallookedskeptical.

"OnethingI'velearnedwatchingthem,anythingtheMavelansdoopenlyhasaboutfiftymotivesandishidingadozenothermoves.Theprotestmightbeacoveringmoveforsomethingelse.Vedricmighthavethebackingofthefamily.Vedricmightbeoperatingunderorders.Vedricmightbeactingonhisown.Vedricmighthavenothingtodowithit.AndVedricmightreallybeTashir'sfather—andmightactuallybetryingtodosomethingfortheboy.Thegodsknowhehasn'tanytrue-bornoffspringandit'snotthathehasn'ttried."

Vanyelnoddedandstowedthattidbitaway."I'lltellyouwhat,Meke,I'lldowhatIcantogetFathertoseewhyyouwanttobreedthisstud—andpersuadehimthatsinceyouaren'tbreedinghunters,heoughttoleaveyoualonetoseewhatyoucancomeupwith.Butthosesheep—"

Mekealcoughedandblushed."Thosesheepwereadamnfoolthingtodo.There'snomarket,notwithWhitefelljustsouthofus,withfurlongsofmeadowgoodfornothingbutsheep.Butdammit,theoldmangoesonandonaboutituntilI'maboutreadytobashhimwithadamnedcandlestick!Iamnotgoingtogiveintohim!Wearen'tlosingmoney,wejustaren'tmakingasmuch.AndifIgiveintohimonthesheep,he'llexpectmetogiveintohimonthestud."

Vanyelgroaned."Ladybless!Thetwoofyouarestubbornenoughtomakeanangelswear!Look—ifImanagetogethimtoagreeonthestud,willyoupleaseagreetoclearoutthedamnedsheep?BrightHavens,can'toneofyoushowalittlesenseintheinterestsofpeaceandcompromise?"

Mekealglowered,andMekealgrumbled,butintheend,onthewaybacktothekeep,Mekealgrudginglyagreed.

ThesilkenvoicestoppedVanyelhalfwaybetweenthekeepandthestables,dimmingthebrightautumnsunlightandcastingapallonthesweetnessofthelate-morningsky.

"Good—morning,HeraldVanyel."Theslighthesitationbeforethesecondwordcalledpointedattentiontothefactthatitlackedlittlemorethanacandlemarktillnoon.ThecooltonemadeitclearthatFatherLerendidnotapproveofVanyel'simpliedsloth.

approveofVanyel'simpliedsloth.

Vanyelpausedonthegraveledpath,turned,andinclinedhisheadveryslightlyinthepriest'sdirection."Goodafternoon,FatherLeren,"hereplied,withoutsomuchasaneyebrowtwitching.

Thepriestemergedfromthedeeplyrecesseddoorwayofthekeep'sminiaturetemple,afaithfulgray-granitereplicaoftheGreatTempleatHaven.LerenhadpersuadedWithentobuilditshortlyafterhisarrivalasAshkevronpriest,onthegroundsthatthechapel,deepwithinthekeepitself,couldn'tpossiblyholdthefamilyandalloftherelativesonholydays.Ithadbeenareasonablerequest,althoughtheoldpriesthadmanagedbyholdingservicesinshifts,thewaymealswereservedintheGreatHall.Vanyelalonehadresentedit;thelittlegraytemplehadalwaysseemedfartooconfining,stifling,forallthatitwasfivetimesthesizeofthechapel.Thehomelywood-paneledchapelmadethegodsseem—closer,somehow.Forgivingratherthanforbidding.Hehadhatedthetemplefromthemomenthe'dfirststeppedintoitattheageoffive—andfromthatmomenton,hadrefusedtoenteritagain.Infact,Vanyelwasn'tentirelycertainthatLerenhadeverevensetfootintheoldchapel—whichwaswhy,asaboy,hehadaccomplishedhisownworshipthere.

"Ihaveseenverylittleofyou,myson,"camethecoolwords.Thepriest'slean,duskyfacebeneathhisslate-graycowlwasasexpressionlessasVanyel'sown.

Vanyelshrugged,shiftedhisweighttoonefoot,andfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.Ifhewantstoplayword-games—"I'mnotsurprised,sir,"herepliedwithdetachedcivility."Ihavespentverylittletimeoutsideofmyroom.I'vebeenusingthistimealonetocatchuponayear'sworthoflostsleep."

Lerenallowedoneblackeyebrowtorisesardonically."Indeed?Alone?"Hisexpressionwasnotquiteasneer.

Oh,whatthehell.Inforasheep—Vanyelwentintoafull-scaleimitationofthemostlanguidfopatHaven.

Themaninquestionwasn'tinclinedtoshay'a'chern,asithappened:rumorhaditheplayedtheeffeminatetoirritate...notVanyel—butcertainofhiscolleagues—andhealsohappenedtobeoneofthefinestswordsmenoutsideoftheCircleortheGuard.

Followingthatsterlingexample,Vanyelsetouttobeveryirritating.

"Quitealone,sadtosay,"hepouted."Butthenagain,Iamhereforarest.Andcompanywouldhardlyberestful."

Thepriestretreatedastep,surpriseflashingacrosshisfacebeforeheshutteredhisexpression."Indeed.Andyet—IamtoldyoungMedrenspendsaninordinateamountoftimeinyourrooms."Histoneinsinuatedwhathedidnot—quite—daresay.

Iwon'ttakethatfromFather,yousnake.I'mdamnedifI'lltakethatfromyou.Vanyeltransformedthesnarlhewantedtosportintoanevenmorepetulantpout."Oh,Medren.I'mteachinghimmusic.Heisasweetchild,don'tyouthink?Butstill,achild.Notcompany.Iprefermycompanionstobe—somewhatolder."Hetookasingleslowsteptowardthepriest,andtwitchedhishipeversoslightly."Adult,andabletoholdanadultconversation,tohaveadult—interests."Hetookanotherstep,andthepriestfellback,avaguealarminhiseyes."More—masterly.Commanding."Hetiltedhisheadtoonesideandregardedthepriestthoughtfullyforamoment.Thealarmwasturningtoshockandpanic."Now,someonelikeyou,dearLeren—"

Thepriestsquawkedsomethinginarticulateaboutvesselsneedingconsecrating,andgropedbehindhimforthehandleoftheopentempledoor.Withinaheartbeathewasthroughit,andhadthegray-painteddoorshut—tightly—behindhim.

Vanyelgrinned,tuckedhisheaddowntohidehisexpression,andcontinuedontowardthestablesandYfandes.

"Meke,istheregoingtobeaHarvestFairthisyear?"heasked,brushingYfandeswithvigor,assheleanedintothebrushstrokesandallbutpurred.

Mekealdidnotlookupfromwrappingtheanklesofoneofhispersonalhunters."Uh—huh,"hegrunted."Shouldbeneartwiceasbigastheonesyouknew.GotmerchantsalreadydownatFairField."

"Already?"Thiswasmorethanhe'ddaredhope."Why?"

"Lissan'hercompany,dolt."Mekefinishedwrappingtheoffhindankleandstraightenedwithanothergrunt,thistimeofsatisfaction."Gotsoldiersoutherewithpayburnin'theirpocketsoff,andnothin'tospenditon.There'reonlytwoladiesdownatForstReachvillagethatpeddletheirassets,andthreeovertoGreenbriars,andit'stoofartowalkexceptonleave-daysanyway.Sotheysitincampanddrinkissue-beerandgripe.Canyouseeamerchantallowin'asituationlikethattogounrelieved?There'sagoodgirl,"hesaidtothemare,pattingheramplerump."We'llbeoffinabit."

:Keepbrushing.Youcantalkandbrushatthesametime.:

Vanyelresumedthesteadystrokesofthebrush,workinghiswaydownYfandes'flank."Wouldtherebeanyinstrumentmakers,doyouthink?"ForstReachcollectedapeddlingfeefromeverymerchantsettinghiswagonupatthetwoFairs,SpringandHarvest.Withenfoundthatparticulartaskrathertedious—andVanyelhopednowhe'dentrustedittoMekeal.

Mekesuckedonhislip,hishandstillonthemare'sshoulder."NowthatIthinkofit,there'sonedowntherealready.Don'tthinkwe'lllikelygetmorethanone.Why?"

"SomethingIhaveinmind,"herepliedvaguely.And,toYfandes,:Lady-my-love,doyouthinkIcaninterestyouinalittletrip?:

Shesighed.:Solongasit'salittletrip.:

:Thissoftlifeisspoilingyou.:

:Mmh,:sheagreed,blinkinglazilyathim.:Ilikebeingspoiled.Icouldgetusedtoitveryquickly.:

Hechuckled,andwenttogethergear.

BeforeVanyelevenfoundsomeonewhoknewwhichendofFairFieldtheluthierwasparkedin,hehadpickeduphalfadozentriflesforShavriandJisa.

Hepausedintheactofpayingforajumpingjack,struckbythefactthattheyweresouppermostinhismind.

Whathasgottenintome?hewondered.Ihaven'tthoughtaboutthemforayear,andnow—

Well,Ihaven'tseenthemforayear.That'sall.AndifIcangiveShavriamomentofrespitefromherworry—

Hepocketedthetoyandheadedforthegroveoftreesatthenorthernendofthefield.

Hespottedthefadedredwagonatonce;therewasanoldmanseatedonthebackstepsofit,bentoversomethinginhishands.

Shavri,bentoverabrokendollsomechildintheHouseofHealinghadbroughttoher.Lookingupatmewithafacewetwithtears.Me,standingtherelikeanidiot,thenfinallygettingthewitstoaskherwhatwaswrong."1can'tbearit,Van,Ican't—Van,Iwantababy—"

Heshovedthememoryaway,hastily.

"Excuseme,"Vanyelsaid,afterwaitingforthecarverperchedonthebackstepsofhisscarlettraveling-wagon(partworkshop,partdisplay,andparthome)tofinishthewildrosehewascarvingfromabitofgoldenoak.Hestillhesitatedtobreaktheoldman'sconcentrationinthemiddleofsuchadelicatepieceofwork,buttherewasn'tmuchleftoftheafternoon.Ifhewasgoingtofindthepurportedluthier—

Butthesnow-patedcraftsman'sconcentrationhadevidentlyweatheredworsethanVanyel'sgentleinterruption.

"Aye?"hereplied,knobbyfingerscontinuingtoshapethedelicate,gold-sheenedpetals.

"I'mlookingforMasterDawson."

"You'relookingathim,laddybuck."Nowtheoldsterputdownhisknife,brushedtheshavingsfromhisleatherapron,andlookedupatVanyel.Hisexpressionwasfriendlyinashortsighted,preoccupiedway,hisfaceround,withcloudygray-greeneyes.

"Iunderstandyouhavemusicalinstrumentsforsale?"

Thecarver'sinterestsharpened,andhiseyesgrewlessvague."Aye,"hesaid,standing,andpullinghisapronoverhishead.Therewereafewshavingsstickingtothelinenofhisbuffshirtandbreeches,andhepickedatthemabsently."But—ingoodconscienceIcan'toffer'embeforeFair-time,milord.NotwithoutAshkevronpermission,anyrate."

Vanyelsmiled,feelingasshyasachild,andtiltedhisheadtooneside."Well,I'manAshkevron.WoulditbepermissibleifImadeitrightwithmyfather?"

Theoldmanlookedhimoververycarefully."Aye,"hesaid,aftersolongatimeVanyelfeltasifhewasbeinggivensomekindoftest."Aye,Ithink'twould.Comeinthewagon,eh?"

Halfacandlemarklater,withtheafternoonsunshiningintothecrowdedwagonandmakingeveryvarnishedsurfaceglow,Vanyelsighedwithdisappointment."I'msorry,MasterDawson,noneoftheseluteswilldo."Hepickedoneatrandomofftherackalongthewallofthewagoninterior,andpluckedastring,gently.Itresonated—butnotenough.Heputitback,andlockedtheclampthathelditinplaceintherack."Please,don'tmistakemymeaning,they'rebeautifulinstrumentsandthecarvingisfine,but—they're—they'restudent'slutes.They'reallalike,theyhavenovoiceoftheirown.Iwashopingforsomethingalittlelessordinary."Heshrugged,hopingthemanwouldn'tbecomeangered.

Strangelyenough,Dawsondidn't.Helookedthoughtfulinstead,hisfacecrossedbyafinenetofwrinkleswhenheknittedhisbrows."Huh.Well,yousurpriseme,youngmilord—whatdidyousayyournamewas?"

Vanyelblushedathisownpoormanners."Ididn't,I'msorry.Vanyel."

"Vanyel—that—VanyelAshkevron—myHolyStars!TheHerald?"theluthierexclaimed,hiseyesgoingdarkandround."HeraldVanyel?TheShadow—"

"Stalker,Demonsbane,theHeroofStonyTor,yes,"Vanyelsaidwearily,saggingagainsttheman'sbunkthatwasonthewalloppositetherackofinstruments.Theinstrumentmaker'sreactionstartedaheadacherightbehindhiseyes.Hedroppedhishead,andrubbedhisforeheadwithonehand."Please.I

eyes.Hedroppedhishead,andrubbedhisforeheadwithonehand."Please.Ireally—gettiredofthat."

Hefeltahard,callusedhandpattinghisshoulder,andhelookedupinsurpriseintoapairofverysympatheticandkindlyeyes."I'magineyoudo,lad,"theoldmansaidwithgruffunderstanding."Sorrytogoallgoose-girlonyou.Just—persondon'tmeetsomebodyfolkssingabouteveryday,an'hesuredon'texpecttohaveaherocomestrollin'uptohimataBorderHarvestFair.Now—youbeVanyel,IbeRolf.Andyou'llhaveabitofmybeerbeforeIsendyouonyourway—hey?"

Vanyelfoundhimselfsmiling."Gladly,Rolf."Hestartedtopickhiswayacrossthewagontothedoorattherear,butthemanstoppedhimwithawaveofhishand.

"Notjustyet,laddybuck.AsIwasstartin'totellyou,IgotafewpiecesIdon'tputout.Keep'emforBards.AndIgotafewmoreIdon'tevenshowtojustanyBard—butbein'asyouarewhoyouare—an'sincetheysayyougotarightfinehandwithaninstrument—"Heopenedupahatchinthefloorofthecrowdedwagon,andbeganpullingoutinstrumentspackedinbeautifullywroughtpaddedleathertravelingbags.Twolutes,aharp—andthreeinstrumentsvaguelygittern-shaped,but—muchlarger.

Rolfbeganstrippingthecasesfromhistreasureswithswiftandpracticedhands,andVanyelknewthathehadfoundwhathewaslookingfor.Thelutes—whichwerethefirstcasesheopened—borethesamerelationshiptotheinstrumentsonthewallasaprintedbroadsidepagebearstoanelegantandmasterfullycalligraphedandornamentedproclamation.

Hetookthefirst,ofadarkwoodthatgloweddeepredwherethelightfromtheopendoorstruckit,tightenedastring,andsoundedanote,listeningtotheresonances.

"Foryou,orforsomeoneelse?"

"Someoneelse,"hesaid,listeningtothenotegentlydieawayintheheartofthelute.

"Highvoiceorlow?"

"Highnow,butIthinkhemayturnouttobeabaritonewhenhisvoicechanges.He'smynephew;he'sGifted,andheisgoingtobeafineBardoneday."

"Trytheother.Thatoneisfineforavoicethatdon'tneedanyhelp,it'sloud,aslutesgo—andalltheharmonicsarelow.Theother'sbetterforayoungvoice,gotharmonicsupanddown,andanice,easyaction.Thatonehe'dhavetogrowinto.Theother'llgrowwithhim."

Vanyellookedupinsurpriseattheoldman.

Rolfgavehimahalf-smile."Agoodcraftsmanknowshowhisworkfitsintheworld,"hesaid."Igotnovoice,butIgottheear.Truthis,theearishardertofindthanthevoice.ThoughIdoubtyou'dfindaBardwho'dagree."

Vanyelnodded,andpickedupthesecondlute,thisoneofwoodthegoldofraivalleavesinautumn.Hetightenedastringandsoundedit;thenotethrobbedthroughthewagon,achinglytrue.Hetriedtheactionontheneck;easy,butnotmushy.

"Youwereright,"hesaid,holdingthechoseninstrumentouttotheluthier."I'lltakeit.Nohaggling."Helookedwistfullyoverattheother."AndifIdidn'talreadyhavealuteIlovelikeanoldfriend...."

Rolfwaggledhisbushyeyebrows,andgrinned,ashetookthegoldenlutefromVanyelandbegancarefullyreplacingitinitsbag."Caretotryafriendofanewbreed?"Henoddedatthegittern-shapedobjects.

"Well...whatarethosethings?"

"Somethingnew.Beentryinggitternswithmetalstrings,'steadofgut;youtellmehowitcameout."Helaidthechosenlutecarefullydownonhisbunk,andstrippedthecasefromthefirstofthegitterns."Ikeep'emtuned;thisoneisafairbitchtodemonstrateifIdon't.HopingtogettoHavenoneday,show'emtotheCollegiumBards."

"Greatgoodgods."Vanyel'sjawdropped."Twelvestrings?Ishouldsay"

"Fingerslikeagittern.Thatone'slikeit;theotherhassix.Usemetalharpstrings."

Vanyeltookitcarefully,andstruckachord—

Itranglikeabell,sanglikeanangelinflight,andhungintheairforever,pulsingtothebeatofhisheart.

Heclosedhiseyesasitdiedaway,lostinthesound;andwhenheopenedthem,hesawRolfgrinningathimlikeafiend.

"You,"hesaid,sternly,"areaterribleman,RolfDawson."

"Oh,Iknow,"theoldmanchortled."Itdon'thurtthattheinsideofthiswagon'stuned,too.That'sonereasonwhythemstudentlutessoundasgoodastheydo.Butthatlady'llsoundgoodinaprivy."

"Well,Ihopeyou'repreparedtoworkyourfingerstothebone,"Vanyelreplied,snatchinguptheleathercaseandcarefullyencasinghisgittern."BecausewhenItakeherbacktoHavenandBardBredahearsher,shewillsendpacksofdogsouttofindyouandbringyouthere!"

Rolfchuckledevenharder."Whyd'youthinkIpulledheroutandhadyoutryher?You'regoingtodohalfmyworkforme,HeraldVanyel.Withyout'speakforme,an'thatlady,Iwon'tspendthree,fourfortnightscoolin'myheelswiththeotherluthiers,waitin'myturntoseeaCollegiumBard"

Vanyelhadtochucklehimself."Youareaveryterribleman.Now—youmightaswelltellmetheworst."

"Whichis?"

Hefeltatwingeforhisonce-fullpurse.Well,whatelsedidhehavetospendmoneyon?"HowmuchIoweyou."

Vanyelshutthedoortohisroombehindhim,andsethisbackagainstit,breathingthefirsteasybreathhe'dtakensincehelefthischamberthismorning."Gods!"hegasped."Sanctuaryatlast!Hello,Medren.Oh,youbroughtwine—thankyou,Ineeditbadly."

Theboylookedupfromtuningthenewstringsonhisnewlute.GivingittohimhadgivenVanyeloneofthefewmomentsofunsulliedjoyhe'dhadlately,a

himhadgivenVanyeloneofthefewmomentsofunsulliedjoyhe'dhadlately,areactionworthtentimeswhatVanyelhadpaid.

Medrengrinned."Mother?"

"Thatwasthismorning,"Vanyelreplied,pushingawayfromthedoor,headingforthetablebesidethewindowseatandthecoolflaskofwineMedrenhadbrought."Iswear,shechasedmealloverthekeep,withstarsinhereyesandthehuntinherblood."

PoorMelenna.Gods.She'sdrivingmeinsane,butIcan'tbringmyselftohurther.I'vebeenthecauseofsomuchhurt,Ican'tbearanymore.

"Andlustinher—"

"Medren!"Vanyelinterrupted."That'syourmotheryou'reslandering!"

"—heart,"theboyfinishedsmoothly."Whatdidyoudo?"

"Itookabath,"Vanyelrepliedpuckishly."Itookaverylongbath.WhenIfinallycameout,she'dgivenup."

"Sowhowaschasingyouthistime,ifitwasn'tMother?"

"LordWithen.OntheGreatSheepDebate.MekewantstokeepthesheeponLongMeadowuntilspringshearing;Fatherwantsyearlingcattlebackthereimmediately,ifnotsooner."Vanyelgroaned,andheldbothhandstohishead."Ifitwasn'tforthefactthatoncethisdoorisshuttheyleavemealone—gods,theBorderwasmorepeaceful!"

WaterdropletsbeadedthesideoftheflaskandrandownthesidesasVanyelpickeditup."Whoevergetsyouasprotegewillblessyouforyourthoughtfulness,lad."Hepouredhimselfagobletofwine,andtookitwithhimtosipwhilehestoodoverMedrenatthewindowseat.Nobreathofairstirredwithoutorwithin,andeventhebirdsseemedtohavegoneintosun-warmednaps."Thatinstrumentstillasmuchtoyourliking?"

Medrennoddedemphatically,ifwithasomewhatpreoccupiedexpression.Hewastuningthelaststring,afrownofconcentrationmakinghisyoungfacelookadult.

Vanyelwarmedinside,ashepickeduphisownlute.

Vanyelwarmedinside,ashepickeduphisownlute.

Ittakessolittletomakethechildsohappy—andgods,thetalent.

"Well,then,"hesaid,layingahandontheboy'sshoulder,"Readyforyourles—"

Theboywincedawayfromthelighttouchonhisshoulder.Notinemotionalreaction—butinphysicalpain.

Vanyelsnatchedhishandawayasifithadbeenared-hotironhe'dinadvertentlysetonthebareskinoftheboy'sback."Medren!WhatdidI—"

"It'sallright,"theboysaid,andshrugged-whichcalledupanothergrimaceofpain."Just—oldJervisreckonedwealloughttoseehowyoucouldtricksomebodyintodroppinghisshieldandthencomeinoverhand.Guesswhogottobethevictim."HistonewassobitterVanyelcouldtasteitinthebackofhisownmouth."Likealways."

Theblurofthebladecomingforhim,alwayscomingforhim;theweightoftheshieldonhisarmgettingheavierbythemoment.Theshockofeachblowthathecouldn'tdodge;shockfirstandthenpain.Breathburninginlungs,sideachingwithbruises;crampsknottinghiscalves.Stumblingbackward,headreeling,visionclouding.

"Van?"

Coldsweatdownhisbackandthetasteofbloodinhismouth.Bitter,absolutehumiliation.Metallictasteofhateandfear.

"Hey,Vanyel—areyouallright?"

Vanyelshookhisheadtoclearit,andlockeddownhisownagitationasbesthecould,butthememorieswerecrowdinginonhimsovividlyhewasalmostrelivingthatmomentsomanyyearsagowhenJervisfinallygothiminacornerhecouldn'tescape.

"I'mallright."Hisleftarmbegantoache,andhemassagedthearmandwrist,reflexively.Itstillaches,afteralltheseyears.Istillhavenumbfingers.Oh,gods,notMedren.

"Wecouldskipthelesson,"hebegan,withcarefullysuppressedemotion.

"Wecouldskipthelesson,"hebegan,withcarefullysuppressedemotion.

"No!"Medrenexclaimed,clutchingthelutetohischestandjumpingtohisfeet."No,it'snothing!Really!I'mfine!"

"Ifyou'resure,"Vanyelsaid,wonderinghowmuchofthatwasbravadoontheboy'spart.

"I'msure.Igotsomehorse-liniment,I'dhaverubbeditonrightafter,butIdidn'twanttostinkupyourroom."Theboygrinnedhalf-heartedlyandsatdownagain,hiseyesanxious.

"I'vegotsomethingbetterthanthat—ifyouaren'tafraidI'llseduceyou!"

Theboymadeanimpudentfaceathim."Youhadyourchance,Vanyel.What'sthisstuffyougot?Idon'tmindtellingyoumyshoulderhurtslikeblazes."

"Willowandwormwoodinointment,withminttomakeitsmellreasonable.Ialwayshavesome."Heputhislutedownandleanedovertorummageinthechestatthefootofhisbed."I'moneofthosepeoplewhobruisejustthinkingaboutit.Getyourshirtoff,wouldyou?"

Whenheturnedaroundwiththelittlejarinhishand,theboyhadstrippedtothewaist,revealinganastybruisethesizeofhishandspreadingallovertheleftshoulder.Itwasanuglything;purplethenextthingtoblackinthecenter,blue-grayandredmottledthroughit.

Cracklikelightningstrikingastheshieldsplit.Suddendarkness,dizziness.WakingtoLissa'sanxiousface,andapaininhisleftarmthatsenttheblacknesstotakehimagain.

"Goodgods!"

Medrenshruggedwithoneshoulder."Ibruisethatway.Looksworsethanitis,Iguess.YoungMekealtookonejustashardandyoucan'thardlyseeamarkonhim."Helookedlonginglyatthepotofsalve."Vanyel,yougoingtostandthereandstareallday,orusethatstuff?"

"I'msorry,Medren."Heshookoffhisshock;gotseveralfingersfuloftheointment,andbegantomassageitasgentlyaspossibleintothebruisedarea,

ointment,andbegantomassageitasgentlyaspossibleintothebruisedarea,workinghiswayfromtheedgesinward.Theboyhissedwithpainatfirst,thengraduallyrelaxed.

Vanyel,ontheotherhand,wasprofoundlydisturbed,andgrowingtenserbythemoment,hisownshouldermusclesknottinguplikesnarledharpstrings.Gods,whatcanIdo?DamnedifI'llletJervisruinMedrenthewayheruinedme—buthow?IfIforceaconfrontation,he'llonlytakeitoutonMedren.IfItakehimonmyself—gods,Idonottrustmytemper,notwiththatoldbastard.Notwiththehair-triggerI'vegotrightnow.He'dmakeonewrongmove,orsaysomethingatthewrongtime—andI'dkillhimbeforeIcouldstopmyself.WhatcanIdo?WhatcanIdo?

"LadyBright,"theboysighed."IfeellikeIgotashoulderagain,insteadofapieceofpoundedmeat."

"Medren,isthereanywayyoucanavoidpracticesuntilyou'resafelyoutofhere?"Vanyelasked.

Medrenconsideredamoment."Nowandagain,"hesaid,slowly."Notonaregularbasis."

"Areyousure?"Vanyelpursued,urgently."Isn'tthereanyplaceyoucanhide?"

"Notsincetheyopenedupthebackofthelibrary.AnyplaceIgo,they'llfindme,eventually.Isn'tthereanythingyoucando?"

Vanyelshookhisheadwithbitterregret."Iwishtherewere.Ican'tthinkofanythingatthemoment.I'llworkonit;ifthere'sawayoutforyou,I'llfindit.Look,avoidhimasmuchasyoucan.Tryandstayoutofhisline-of-sightwhenyoucan'tavoidthepractices.Ifhedoesn'tactuallyseeyouinfrontofhim,sometimesyoucanmanagetokeepfrombecominghistargetfortheday."

Medrensighed,andshruggedhisshirtbackon."Allright.Ifthat'sallIcando,that'sallIcando."HetwistedhisheadaroundandgaveVanyelaslightlypainedgrin."Atleastyoubelieveme.YouevensoundlikeyouknowwhatI'mgoingthrough."

Vanyelstaredatthewall,butwhathewasseeingwasnotwoodpanels,butathin,undersizedboybeingusedasanobjectuponwhichasurlyex-mercenary

thin,undersizedboybeingusedasanobjectuponwhichasurlyex-mercenarycouldventhisspleen."Ido,Medren,"herepliedslowly,acoldlumpsettlingjustunderhisheart."Believeme,Ido."

VanyelwasmorethanhappytoseehisAuntSavil'sserene,beakyfaceagain.Andwasgladhe'ddecidedtorideoutandmeether.Itwasaloteasiertotellherwhathadbeengoingonwithoutwonderingwhowasgoingtooverhear.

"...sothat'sthestateofthings,"Vanyelconcluded,YfandesmatchingherpacetoSavil'stallerCompanion."Theonlyrealproblems—otherthanthefactthatLineasandBairescouldgoforeachother'sthroatsanyday—isMedren.MelennaIcanavoid.TheGreatSheepDebateisgoingtogoonuntilthesheeparegonefromLongMeadow.FatherseemstohaveacceptedMeke'sbreedingprogram,althoughhe'sgothisagentoutlookingforanalternativetothatawfulstudMekebought.ButMedren—Savil,Iknowwhatyou'rethinking,you'rethinkingI'moverreactingtoseeinganotherladinthesamepositionIwasin.Youdidn'tseethatmonsterbruiseheshowedupwith.He'snotgettinglove-pats.Thatbruisewasthesizeofmyspreadhand,fingertiptothumb-tip,easily."

"Huh,"Savilreplied,frowninginthought.

"Andtomakeitworse,MeketoldmeJerviswantsto—Iquote—'goafewroundswithme.'Tospar."Vanyelsnorted."'Spar'indeed.It'llbeacoldday—"

Shenodded."Probablyadamnedgoodideatoavoidhim.He'llpushyou,Van;he'llpushyouallhecan."

"AndI'vejustspentthelastyearontheBorder."

"Exactly.Ifhepushedyoutoofar—well,youknowthatbetterthanme.Kellan,canyouand'Fandeskindlywaituntilyou'relooseforthechatterandgossip?We'retryingtohaveaseriousbriefinghere."

Vanyelchuckled.:Tradingstoriesaboutthemuscular,youngcourier-types?:

:Shutupandride.:

VanyelcaughtSavil'seye,andtheyexchangedalookfullofirony."Icansee,"shesaidaloud,"thatthisisgoingtobeavery—lively—visit."

Six

TheargumenthadbeeninfullflowersinceVanyelhadarrivedatthestable,andfromallthathecouldtellithadevidentlybegun(wellfertilizedwithinvective)longbeforethen.Thestablewasagoodfiftypacesfromthekeepitself,butthevoicesreachedwithunmistakableclaritywellbeyondthestable.Thestablehandsweredoingtheirbesttopretendtheyweren'tlistening,butVanyelcouldallbutseetheirearsstretchingtocatchthenextinterchange.

Havens,Savilhasastrongsetoflungs!

"Nowlisten,youstubbornoldgoat—"

"Stubborn!"TheindignationinWithen'svoicewasthickenoughtoplow."You'recallingmestubborn?Savil,that'spotcallingkettleifIever—"

"—andprovincial,hidebound,andmuddle-headedtoboot!"

VanyelsmotheredagrinandkeptthemovementofthebrushsteadyalongYfandes'glossyflank.Shesighedwithcontentmentandleanedintoeachstroke.

:Feelgood?:

:Wonderful.AllCompanionsshouldchoosemusicians;youhavesuchtalentedhands.Speakingofwhich—:SheflickedanearattheopenwindowthroughwhichSavilandWithen'sargumentwascomingsoveryclearly.

:Musictomyears.Ifhe'syellingatAuntSavil,hecan'tbeyellingatme.You'relookingbetter.Thosehollowsbehindyourwithersaregone.Andyourcoatismuchhealthier.:Hepausedforamomenttoadmiretheshine.

:I'mrecoveringfasterthanyouare.:Sheswungherheadaroundtofixhimwithacriticalblueeye.:Areyougettingenoughsleep?:

:IfIsleptanylonger,I'dwakeupwithheadaches.:Heturnedhismentalfocusuptowardthatopenwindow,avoidinganymoreofYfandes'questions.

Thefactwas,hedidn'tknowwhyhewasstillsleepingsolong,andtiringsoeasily.Healwaysfelthollow,somehow,asiftherewereanenormousempty

placeinsidehimthathecouldn'tfill.Buthehadrecoveredenoughthatalltheproblems,majorandminor,werestartingtomakehimfeelrestlessbecausehecouldn'tdoanythingaboutthem.

Otherproblemswerestartingtoeatathim,too.

Shavri;Ilikeher—toomuch?Gods.ImustthinkaboutherandJisaeverynight.Iloved'Lendel.IknowIlovedhim.ButhaveIletShavrigetintomedeeperthanI'dthought?Gods,she'sRandi'slifebonded.HemustbemybestfriendintheworldnexttoSavil.She'soneofmybestfriends.HowcanIevenbethinkingthis?Gods,gods.AmIreallyevenshaych?OramIsomethingelse?

Thequestionateathim,morethanhecaredtoadmit.

AmIavoidingMelennabecauseI'mshaych,orbecauseIhatetobehunted?

Heshiedawayfromtheuncomfortablethoughts,andsentoutathin,questingthought-tendriltowardSavil.

:WhatcanIdoforyou,demon-child?:cameherpromptreply.

:Justwonderingifyouneededrescuing.:

Theanswercamebacklaughter-tinged.:Havens,no!I'menjoyingthisone!I'mopeningyourfather'seyestopoliticsandpoliciesunderRandale.Elspethwasalwaysconservative,andgotmoresoasshegrewolder.Randaleisheropposite.ThisiscomingasquiteashocktoWithen.:

Vanyelfoughtdownanothergrin.:What'sheupinarmsaboutnow?:

:ThemandatoryeducationlawRandaleandtheCounciljustpassed.:

:Remindme;I'mbehind.:

:EverychildinValdemaristobetaughtsimplereading,writing,andarithmeticinthetemplesfromnowon;everychild,notjustthehighborn,orthefewthepriestssingleoutashavingvocationsorbeingexceptional.Morningclassesinthewinterfromharvest-endtofirstplanting.Andit'sthedutyoftheLordHolderstoseethattheygetit.:

Vanyelblinked.:Oh,my.Icanseewherehewouldn'tbepleased.IknowwhereRandale'scomingfromonthisone,though;hetalkeditoverwithmeoftenenough.Ijustdidn'tknowhe'dmanagedtogetitpasttheCouncilintact.:

:Enlightenme,Ineedammunition.:

:Hebelievesthataninformedpopulaceismoreapttotrustitsleadersthananignorantpopulace,assumingthattheyfeeltheleadersareworthyoftrust.:

:Thatisn'tmuchofaprobleminValdemar,:Savilreplied.

:Thanksbetothegods.Well.Theonlywaytohaveaninformedpopulaceistoeducatethem,sotheydon'thavetorelyonrumors,sothey'rewillingtowaitfortheofficialwrittenword.Itwasthenear-panicwhenElspethdiedthatdecidedhim.:

:Ididn'tknowthat;goodpoints,ke'chara.Youngasheis,ourRandalecanbebrilliantattimes.Assoonasyourfatherpausesforbreath—:

"Nowseehere,youoldboneheadedwindbag!Doyouwantthosefarmersofyourstobethepreyofeveryscoundrelwithalikelyrumorunderhishat?"Savilhadthebitinherteethandshewasoffagain.Vanyelgaveuptryingtocontrolhimself,andleanedallhisweightagainstYfandes,laughingsilentlyuntilhiseyesteared.

Thisisridiculous,Vanyelthoughtirritably,pausingforamomentonthenarrowstaircase.Absolutelyridiculous.WhyshouldIhavetoactasthoughIwassneakingthroughenemy-heldterritoryjusttogettomyownbedeverynight?

Hetookthelastflightofbackstairstothefourthfloor,poorlylitastheywere,withnotsomuchasthebetrayingsqueakofastairtread.Heflattenedhimselfagainstthewallatthetop,andprobedcautiouslyahead.

NoMelenna.

Sofar,sogood.

Hisrighteyestungandwatered,andherubbedatitwithoneknuckle;hiseyelidsweresoreandfeltpuffy.Ishouldhavegottentobedcandlemarksago,excepteverytimeItried,Melennawaslurkingaroundacornertowaylayme.Ihopeshe'sgivenupbynow.

Hepeereddownthedarkcorridoronemoretimebeforeventuringoutintoit.Thiswastheservants'floor,andifshewerestillawakeandhopingtoambushhim,Melennawouldn'tthinktolookforhimuphere.

Hecountedthedoors—thefifthontherightopened,notintoaroom,butintoatinyspiralstaircasethatonlywentasfarasthethirdfloor.Heprobedagain,delicately.Nothinginthestaircase,oratthefootofit.

Thestairwasofcastiron,andinnonetoogoodrepair.Heclungtotherailing,grittedhisteeth,andmovedafingerlengthatatimetokeepitfromrattling.Thejourneythroughthestuffydarknessseemedtotakeallnight.

Thenhisfootencounteredwoodinsteadofmetal,andheslippedoffthestaircaseandgropedforthedoor.Heputonehandflatagainstthewoodenpanelandconcentratedonwhatlaybeyondit.Thisstairletoutonlytwodoorsfromhisownroom,andifMelennawerewaiting,she'dbeinthecorridor.

Politeness—andHeraldicconstraints—forebadeMindsearchingforher,evenifhehadtheenergytospare.Whichhedidn't,hehadbeenchagrinedtodiscover.

Andanyway,thenon-GiftedwerealwayshardertolocatebyMindsearchthantheGifted.

I'mgettingverytiredofthis.Idon'twanttosetMotheroff,andIdon'treallywanttohurtMelenna,butifthiscat-and-mousegamekeepsonmuchlonger,Imayhavetodojustthat.Itellher"no"politely,andshedoesn'tbelieveit.Iavoidher,andshejustgetsmorepersistent.Ialmostkilledhertwodaysagowhenshepoppedoutofhidingatme.Heleanedhisforeheadagainstthedoorforamoment,andclosedhisachingeyes.I'maboutatmywits'endwiththatwoman.Damnitall,she'soldenoughtoknowbetter!Idon'twanttohurther;Idon'tevenwanttoembarrassher.

Well,therewasnosignofherinthecorridor.Herelaxedalittleandsteppedoutontothehighlypolishedwoodofthehalloftheguestrooms,wherethebrighterlightingmadehissmartingeyesblinkandwaterforamoment.

brighterlightingmadehissmartingeyesblinkandwaterforamoment.

Heopenedthedoortohisownroom—

Andfroze;handstillontheicymetalofthedoorhandle.

Candlesburnedinthesconcesbuiltintotheheadboard.Melennasmiledcoylyathimfromthemiddleofhisbed.Sheallowedthesheettoslidefromhershouldersasshesatup,provingthatshehadn'tsomuchasasinglethreadtograceherbody.

Vanyelcountedtoten,thentenagain.Melenna'ssmilefalteredandfaded.Shetossedherhairoveroneshoulderandbegantopout.

Vanyelsnatchedhiscloakfromthepegbesidethedoor,turnedonhisheelwithoutasingleword,andleft,slammingthedoorbehindhimhardenoughtosendechoesbouncingupanddownthecorridor.

:'Fandes,beloved,:heMindsent,soangryhewashavingtroublestayingcoherent.:Ihopeyoudon'tmindsharingsleeping-space.:

Strawwasnotthemostcomfortableofbeds,althoughhe'dhadworse.Andhe'dspentnightswithhisheadpillowedonYfandes'shoulderbeforethis.But"day"fortheoccupantsofthestablebeganlongbeforehe'dbeengettingup.Thestablehandshadnoreasontobequiet—andneitherdidthehorses.Meke'sfamousstudwastheworstoffender;hebegancow-kickingthesideofhisstallmonotonouslyfromthemomentcolortouchedtheeast.

:Stupidbrutethinksthatifhekeepskicking,somebodywillcometolethimout,:cameYfandes'sleepythought.:Iusuallymoveoutunderatreeaboutnow.:

Vanyelraisedhisheadandyawned.He'dgottensomesleep,butnotnearlyasmuchashewouldhaveliked.:Youmove.IthinkI'llgobacktomyroom.IfMelennahasn'ttakenherselfofftoherownroombynow,IswearI'llthrowherout.Maybeadoseofhumiliationwillconvincehertoleavemealone.:

:Soundsasgoodaplanasany.:Yfandeswaitedforhimtomoveoutoftheway,thengotherselftoherfeetandnudgedopentheoutsidedoor.Vanyelstood

up,shouldersachingfromthestrangepositionhe'dsleptin,andbrushedbitsofstrawoffhisclothing.Heignoredthestartledglancesofthestablehands,pickeduphiscloakandshookitoutasYfandesambledoutintohermeadow.

:Gogetsomemoresleep,dearheart,:sheMindsentbacktowardhim.

:I'lltry,:hereplied,smoldering.:MaybeI'llbringmysleepingrolldownhere.MaybewhenwordgetsaroundthatI'msleepingwithhorsesshe'llstopthisnonsense.:

:Andifshe'sstupidenoughtotryandwaylayyoudownhere,I'llchaseheraroundthemeadowafewtimestoteachherbettermanners,:Yfandessent,irritationofherowncoloringherthoughtsasullenred.:Thisisgettingexasperating.Idon'tcareifshethinksshe'sinlovewithyou,thatdoesn'texcuseimbecilicbehavior.:

Vanyeldidn'treply;hewastooclosetotemperthatcoulddothewomanseriousdamage.Hefoldedhiscloaktidilyoverhisarm,pretendinghedidn'tnoticethewhispersofthestablehandsashelethimselfoutofthestallandshutthedoorbehindhim.

"Therewasaproblemwithmybedlastnight,"hetoldTarn,thechiefstablemanandWithen'smosttrustedtrainer.

Tarnwasnofool,andhe'dbeenquietlyonVanyel'ssidesinceVanwasoldenoughtoride.HewasoneofthefewatForstReachwhohadn'tchangedhisbehaviortowardVanyelwhenthenatureofVanyel'srelationshipwithTylendelbecameknownattheholding.Sincehiswifewasoneofthecooks,hewasquiteconversantwith"house"gossip.Hesmiledslowly,showingthegapwherehe'dhadthreeteethkickedout."Aye,milordVan.Iken.There'ssomeinvitesabodywisht'givehisself."

Vanwincedinwardlyalittle,knowingthatthiswasgoingtodoMelenna'sreputationnogoodatalloncethistalegotaroundthekeep.

Thestablehandswentbacktotheirchores,andhewoundhiswaypastthem,outintotheyardbetweentheoutbuildingsandthekeep.Heblinkedatthesunlight,seeingjustoneotherperson,avague,unidentifiableshadowinthedoorofthearmory.

"Vanyel,"calledaraspy,far-too-familiarvoice."Awordwithyou."

"Vanyel,"calledaraspy,far-too-familiarvoice."Awordwithyou."

Jervis.ThearmsmastermovedoutpastthedoorofthearmorytostanddirectlyinhispathandVanyelfelthisstomachstarttochurn.Innowaycouldhesuccessfullyavoidaconfrontationthistime.Jerviswasbetweenhimandthekeep.

"Yes,armsmaster?"hesaid.

"Ileftyoumessages,Meketoldmehe'dpassedthemon."Jervismovedcloser,afrownmakinghisseamedandcraggyfacemoreforbiddingthanusual.

Vanyelkepthisownfeelingsbehindanexpressionlessmask."Thatyouwantedtospar,yesIknow.Hedidtellme.I'drathernot,thankyou."

"Whynot?"

"Frankly,becauseIdon'tfeeluptoit,"Vanyelrepliedwithcoolneutrality,thoughhisbackwasclammywithnervoussweat.BecauseIknowdamnedwellitwon'tstaypoliteexerciseforlong.BecauseIknowyou'regoingtopushmejustasfarasyoucan,armsmaster.I'mgoingtohavetohurtyou.Anddammit,Idon'twanttoletyoudothattome.

"What'sthatsupposedtomean?"Jervisgrowled,hisfacedarkening."Youthinkthisoldmanisn'tgoodenoughforyou?"

"I'mwornout,foronething.Ijustspentthenightinthestablebecausetherewasanunwelcomevisitorinmyroom;that'snotmybedofchoice,andMeke'sdamnedstudmakesmorenoisethanaherdofmules.Foranother—Jervis,I'vebeenonabattle-lineforthelastyear.Youwereamercenary,whatdoesthattellyou?"

Idon'twanttoinflictmorepainwhenIdon'thaveto.AndI'monahair-trigger;gods,thinkaboutthis,youoldbastard!Rememberwhatitwaslike,howsomethingsbecamereflex,nomatterhowhardyoutriedtocontrolthem.

Jervisnarrowedhiseyes."Youlookingoodenoughshapetome.There'snothingyoucando,youngVanyel,thatIcan'thandle.Unlessyou'rereallynobetterthan,say,youngMedren,nomatterwhatallthosesongssayaboutyou."

ThereminderofthetreatmentMedrenwasreceivingatJervis'handswasthe

ThereminderofthetreatmentMedrenwasreceivingatJervis'handswasthesparktothetinder.Vanyel'stemperfinallysnapped."Onyourheadbeit,"hegrowled."Itakenoresponsibility.Youwanttosparsobadly,allright,let'sgetitoverwith."

Hestalkedofftowardthearmory,asturdywoodenbuildingbetweenthestablesandthekeep,withJervisathisheels.Hehadasetofpracticegearhere,madeupsoonafterhereturnedfromk'Treva,gearputtogetheratWithen'sinsistenceandunuseduntilnow.ItwasgearunlikeanyothersetatForstReach:light,paddedleathergambeson;arm,thigh,andshinguards;main-gaucheandheavyrapier;andaverylighthelm,allsuitedtohislightframeandstrike-and-runstyle.

Thearmorywasnotdark;therewereclerestorywindowsglazedwithbubbly,thickthird-rateglass;stuffthatwouldn'tadmitaview,justlight.Vanyelfoundthestoragechestwithhisnameonit.Hepulledhisgearoutandstrippedoffyesterday'stunic,pullingonthesoft,thicklinenpracticetunic,strappingonthegambesonandguards,andgatheringuphishelmandweightedwoodenpracticeblades.

Thisarmorywasnew;builtsinceVanyelhadlefthome.Therewasenoughroomforsparringinside;mostoftheinteriorhadbeensetupasasalle.Vanyelwasjustaspleasedtoseethat.Theolderbuildinghadbeensosmallthatallpracticeshadtobeheldoutside.SofarasVanyelwasconcerned,thefewereyesthereweretowitnesstheconfrontation,thebetterhe'dlikeit.

Hewasshakingandsickinside;hewasgoingtogiveJervisalessontheoldmanwouldneverforget,andtheveryideamadehisgutknot.Hewasnotproudofwhathewasgoingtodo.

Buttheoldmanaskedforit.Hewouldn'ttake"no,"andhewouldn'tbackdown.Dammit,it'sgoingtobehisfault,notmine!

Vandwelledonthatwhilehearmedup;asullenangermakinghimfeeljustified,andburningtheknotsoutofhisgutwithself-righteousnessandagrowingelationthathewasfinallygoingtopayJervisbackforeverybruiseandbrokenbone.

Untilherealizedwherethattrainofthoughtwasleadinghim.

I'mrationalizingthefactthatIwanttobeathimbloody.ThatIwantrevenge

onhim.Oh,gods.

Therealizationmadehimsickagain.

Hewenttothecenterofthepracticearea,crossingtheunvarnishedwoodenfloorwithnomorenoisethanacat.Jervislookedaroundafterdonninghisowngear—muchheavierthanVanyel's—asifhehadactuallyexpectedVantohaveslippedoutwhilehewasarming.HeseemedsurprisedtoseeVanyelstandingonthechallenger'sside,waitingforhim.

I'lllethimmakethefirstmove,Vanthought,keepinghimselfundertightcontrol.He'sprobablygoingtogivemeafullrush,andIwouldn'tbesurprisedifhetriedtohurtme.Damnedbully.ButIwillnotlosemytemper.Ican'tstopmyreflexes,butIcankeepmytemper.Iwillnotlethimdothattome.

ButJervisastonishedhimbysimplywalkinguptohissideoftheline,givingacurtsalutethatVanyelreturned,andwaitinginadeceptivelylazyguardposition.

DusttickledVanyel'snose,andsomewhereinthebuildingacricketwaschirping.Welldosomething,damnyou!hethoughtinfrustration,asthemomentscontinuedtopassandJervisdidnothingbutstandintheguardposition.Finallythewaitingwastoomuchforhisnerves.HerushedJervis,buthepulledupshortatthelastsecond,sothatthearmsmasterwastrickedintooverextending.Therewasabriefflurryofblows,andwithaneattwistofhiswrists,VanyelboundJervis'sbladeandsentitflyingoutofhishandstolandwithanoisyclatteronthefloortoVanyel'sleft.

Nowitcomes.Vanyelbracedhimselfforanexplosionoftemper.

Butitdidn't.Nogrowlofrage,nosnatchingoffofhelmandspittingofcurses.Jervisjuststood,shieldbalancedeasilyonleftarm,glaring.Vanyelcouldfeelhiseyesscorchinghimfromwithinthedarkslitofhishelmforseveralheartbeats,whileVanyel'suneasinessgrewandhisbloodpoundedinhisearswiththeeffortofholdinghimselfincheck.Finallythearmsmastermovedonlytofetchtheblade,returntohisformerposition,andwaitforVanyeltomakeanotherattack.

VanyelcircledtoJervis'right,bouncingalittleonhistoes,waitingforamomentwhenhecouldgetpastthatshield,oraroundit.Sweatbeganrunningdownhisbackandsides,andonlythescarfaroundhisheadunderhishelmkept

downhisbackandsides,andonlythescarfaroundhisheadunderhishelmkeptitoutofhiseyes.Helickedhislips,andtastedsalt.Hisconcentrationnarroweduntilallhewasawareofwasthesoundofhisownbreathing,andtheopponentinfrontofhim.

Jervisreturnedhisfeints,hisblows,sometimessuccessfully,sometimesnot.Vanyelscoredonhimfarmoreoftenthanviceversa.Buteverytimehemadeasuccessfulpass,Jerviswouldbackoutofreachforamoment.Itwasmaddeningandinexplicable;he'djustfallcompletelyoutoffightingstance,shuffleandglare,andmuttertohimself,beforereturningtothelineandmixinginagain.

ThislittleseriesofperformancesbegantowearonVanyel'snerves.ItwasfartoolikethestalkingheusedtogetwhenJerviswantedtobeathimtoapulpanddidn'tquitedare—andatthesametime,itwastotallyunlikeanythingintheoldman'susualpattern.

What'shedoing?What'shewaitingfor?Thosearen'tanylove-tapshe'sbeengivingme,butitisn'twhatIknowhe'scapableof,either.

Finally,whenhewascompletelyunnerved,Jervismadethemovehe'dbeenexpectingallalong—anall-outrush,atfull-strengthandfull-force,thekindthathadbowledhimovertimeaftertimeasayoungster—thekindthathadendedwithhisbrokenarm.

BladeablurbesideJervis'shieldandtheshielditselfcomingathimwiththespeedofachargingbull,thehorriblecrackashisshieldsplit—thepainasthearmbeneathitsnappedlikeagreenbranch.

Buthewasn'tanadolescent,hewasabattle-seasonedveteran.

Hisboot-solesscuffedonthesandedwoodashebouncedhimselfoutofrangeandbackinagain;heengagedandusedthespeedofJervis'secondrushtospinhimselfoutoftheway,anddeliveredagoodhardstabtoJervis'sidewiththemain-gaucheasthemanpassedhim—

—ormeanttodeliverit.Forallhisbulk,Jerviscouldmoveasquicklyasastrikingsnake.Hesomehowgothisshieldaroundintimetodeflecttheblowandthencontinuedintoastrikewiththeshield-edgeatVanyel'sface.

Vanyelspunoutoftheway,andletthemovementcarryhimoutofswordrange.Butnowhistemperwasgone,completelyshattered.

range.Butnowhistemperwasgone,completelyshattered.

"Damnyou,youbullyingbastard!Preachabouthonorandthenturnashield-bashonme,willyou!"Hisvoicecrackedwithnerves."Comeon!Tryagain!Tryandtakeme!I'mnotachild,armsmasterJervis.I'mnotaseasytoknockdownandbeatupanymore!Youcan'tmakeafoolandatargetofmethewayyoudowithMedren!IknowwhatI'mdoing,damnyou,andmystyleisamatchforyoursonanydamnedfield!"

Jervispulledoffhisbatteredhelmwithhisshieldhand,andsweat-darkenedtendrilsofgray-blondhairfellintohiseyes."That'senough,"hesaid."I'veseenwhatIwantedt'see.Seemsthosesongsgotagrainoftruthin'em."

Vanyelchokedhistemperdown."Itrustyouwon'trequireanymoresparringsessions,armsmaster?"

Jervisgavehimanotherlong,measuringlook."Ididn'tsaythat.I'llbewantin't'practicewithyouagain,masterVanyel."

AndheturnedonhisheelandleftVanyelstandinginthemiddleofthesalle,entirelyuncertainofwhohadwonwhat.

Havewegotatruce?Havewe?Oristhisanotherkindofwar?

"MyShadow-Lover,bearmeintolight,"Vanyelsangsoftly,astheodd,minorchordsblendedoneintoanother,eachleavingaghostofitselfhangingintheairforthenexttobuildfrom.Thisnewgitterndidthingstothisparticularsongthatcarrieditbeyondthepoignantintotheunearthly.Hepausedamoment,brushedthelastchordinginaslowarpeggio,andfinallyopenedhiseyes.

Medrensatontheedgeofthebed,hismouthopeninasoundless"O."

Vanyelshookoffthemelancholyofthesongwithaneffort."Howlonghaveyoubeenthere?"heasked,rackingthegitternonitsstand,anduncoilingfromhiswindowseat.

"Mostofthesong,"Medrenshivered."That'stheweirdestlovesongIeverheard!HowcomeIneverhearditbefore?"

"BecauseTreesadoesn'tlikeit,"Vanyelrepliedwryly,stretchinghisfingers

"BecauseTreesadoesn'tlikeit,"Vanyelrepliedwryly,stretchinghisfingerscarefully."Itremindsherthatshe'smortal."HesawtheincomprehensiononMedren'sface,andelaborated."TheloverinthesongisDeath,Medren."

"Death?As—"theboygulped,"—alover?"

Thestrickenlookontheboy'sfacerecalledhimtothepresent,andhechuckled."Oh,don'tlookthatway,lad.I'minnodangerofthrowingmyselfoffacliff.IhavetoomuchtodotogocourtingtheShadow-Lover."

Theboy'sfaceagedthirtyyearsforamoment."ButifHecamecourtingyou—"

I'dtakeHiskissofpeaceonlytooreadily,Vanyelthought.SometimesI'msodamnedtired.Hethoughtthat—butsmiledandsaid,"HecourtsmeeverydayI'maHerald,nephew,butHehasn'twonmeyet.Whatbringsyouhere?"

"Oh,"Medrenlookeddownathishands."Jervis.Someoftheotherkids—theytoldmehe'sgotsomethingspecialgoingtoday.Forme."

Vanyelthoughtofthe"sparringsession"andwentcold.Andaseedofanideafinallysproutedandflowered.Hestood,andwalkedslowlytothebed,toputhishandlightlyonMedren'sshoulder."Medren,wouldyouratherdealwithJervis,orbesick?"

"What?"Theboylookedupathimwiththesameincomprehensioninhiseyeshe'dshownwhenVanyelhadspokenoftheShadow-Lover.

"IhavejustenoughoftheHealing-GiftthatIcanmakeyousick."Thatwasn'texactlywhathewoulddo,butitwascloseenough."ThenIcankeepyousick;toosicktogotopractice,anyway."Therewasmeaslesinthenursery;thatwouldkeeptheboydownforagoodlongtime.

"WillIlosemyvoice?"TheboylookedupathimwiththesamecompletetrustJisahad,andthatshookhim.

Hegrinned,tocoverit."No,you'lljustcomeoutinspots,likeBrendan.Infact,IwantyoutosneakintothenurseryandspendacandlemarkwithBrendanwhenI'mdonewithyou."AsmuchasI'mgoingtodepresshisbody,ifheisn'tfeveredbynightfallI'lleatmylute."Makesurenobodyseesyou,andgostraight

toyourmotherafterandtellheryouhaveaheadache."

"AslongasIwon'tlosemyvoice,"Medrensaid,grinning,"IthinkIcantakespotsanditching."

"Itwon'tbefun."

"It'sbetterthanbeingbeaton."

"Allright."VanyelputhishandonMedren'sshoulders,andfocuseddownandout—

"FunnyaboutMedren,"Radevelsaid,"comingdownwithspotssosudden-like.Iwould'veswornhehad'emoncealready."

Vanyeljustshrugged.HewasinRadevel'sroomfollowinganother"sparringsession"—thistimeoneinwhichhesparredwithRadunderJervis'eye.Ithadbeeneasiertodealwiththanthelastone,butJerviswasstillactingoutofcharacter.Wehaveatruceofsorts.Idon'tknowwhy,butIwon'ttakethechancethatitwillextendtocoverMedren.Idaren't.

Radevelhadinvitedhimhereafterwardinaburstofheartycomradeship,andVanyelhaddecidedtotakehimuponit.Overthepasthourhe'dcometodiscoverhelikedthisgood-naturedcousinmorethanhe'deverdreamed.

"‘NotherfunnythingIcan'tfigure,"Radevelcontinued,feetproppeduponabatteredoldtable,mugofwateredwineinhand."OldLeren.Sawhimwatchingyouan'Jervisan'meatpracticethisafternoon,an'iflookswerearrows,you'dbeadamnedpincushion.Whatinhelldidyoueverdotohim?"

Vanyelshrugged,tookalongdrinkofthecoolwine,andturnedhisattentionbacktorepairinghistornleathergambesonwithneedleandfine,waxedthreadinaneat,preciserowofcarefullyplacedstitches.ThepastfouryearshadseenhimoutmoreoftenthannotbeyondthereachoftheHavenbredcomfortsandtheservantsthatsawtotheneedsofHeralds.He'dgottenintothehabitofrepairingthingshimself,andaroundRadevel,thathabit(whichRadevelshared)madeitselfevidentatthesmallestexcuse."Don'tknow,"hesaidshortly."Neverdid.Iwouldalmostbewillingtopledgetoyouthathe'shatedmefromthemomenthe

camehere.Motherswearsit'sbecauseIaskedtoomanyquestions,butIthoughtpriestsweresupposedtoencouragequestions.Ouroldpriestdid.Imayhavebeenonlyfourwhenhedied,butIrememberthat."

Radevelnoddedagreement."Aye,Irememberthat,too.JervisalwayssaidthatOsenwasagoodman.Madeyoufeelliketakingthingstohim,somehow.'Thegodsgaveyouabrain,boy,'he'dsay.'Ifyouwanttohonorthem,useit.'Nevermadeyoufeellikeyouwerebeneathhim."Hebroodedoverhismug,hisplainfacequietwiththought."ThisLeren,now—huh.Idunno,Van.Youknow,Istoppedgoingtoholydaysherealongtimeago—hikedownintothevillagewithJerviswhenwefeellikeweneedadoseofpriest-talk.Tellyousomethingelse—youngFatherHewarddowninthevillagedon'tcaremuchforLereneither.Hedidhisbestnottoleton,buthewasdownrightgleefultoseeuscomemarchingdowntothevillagetemple,an'Iknowhedon'tcaremuchforfighters,beingapeace-preacher.Figurethat."

"Ican't,"Vanyelreplied.

He"felt"Savil'sdistinct"presence"cominguptothedoorofRadevel'sroom,sohedidn'tjumpwhenshespoke."Isthisa'roostersonly'discussion,orcananoldhenjoin?"

Vanyeldidnotbothertoturnaround.RadevelgrinnedpastVanyel'sshoulderatSavil,andreached—withoutneedingtolook—intothecupboardoverhisheadforanothermug."Idunno,"hemused."Oldhens,welcome,butoldbats—?"

"Givemethat,youshamelessreprobate,"shemock-snarled,snatchingthecleanmugoutofhishandandpouringherselfwinefromthejug.Shetasteditandmadeaface."Gods!What'sthatmadeof,oldsocks?"

"Standardmereration,miladyHeraldma'am,an'watereddown,too.Growsonyou,though.Gotintolikingit'causeofJervis."

"Huh.Growsonyoulikefoot-rot."

Vanyelstucktheneedleunderalineofstitchesandmovedovertomakeroomforher.Shesatdownbesidehim,carefultoavoidunbalancingthebench.Shesippedagain."You'reright.Secondtastehasmerit—unlessit'sjustthatthefirstswallowatetheskinoffmytongue.WhatwasallthisaboutLeren?"

"RadevelsaidhewaswatchingmeandRadsparwithJervisthisafternoon,"

"RadevelsaidhewaswatchingmeandRadsparwithJervisthisafternoon,"Vanyelsupplied,frowningathiswork.Theleatherwasscrapedthinhere,andlikelytotearagainifhewasn'tcarefulwhereheplacedhisstitches.

"Tobeprecise,hewaswatchingHeraldVan,here.LikehewashopingmeorJerviswouldslip-uplikeandbreakhisneckforhim,"Radevelsaid."I'lltellyouagain,Idonotlikethatman,priestornopriest.Makesmyskinfaircrawlwithsomeofthoselookshegives."

"I'venoticed,"Savilsaidsoberly."Idon'tlikehimeither,anddamnedifIknowwhy."

Radevelhelduponehandinagestureofhelplessness."Ispentmoretimearoundhimthaneitherofyou,andIjustcan'tputafingeronit.Treesadoesn'tlikehimeither;onlyreasonshegoestoholydayservicesis'causeshereckonsherselfrightpious,andfacinghim'sbetter'nnotgoing.Butifshehadherdruthers,he'dbeawayandgone.It'sabouttheonethingIagreewiththatfeatherheadon.Pardon,Van."

"Motherisafeatherhead;Iwon'targuethere.But—Savil,didyourealizethatshe'sveryslightlysensitive?NotThought-sensing,notEmpathy,butliketoit—somethingelse,somekindofsensitivitywehaven'tidentifiedyet.Thegodsonlyknowwhatitis;Ihaven'tgotitnorhaveyou.Butit'sasensitivitysheshareswithYfandes."

"Treesa?SensitivelikeaCompanion?"Savilgavehimalookofcompleteincredulity."Bedamned!Ineverthoughttotesther."

Henodded."Thechannel'sin'Fandes,wideopen.ThesamechannelTreesahas,onlyhersisto'Fandesthewayameltingicicleistoawaterfall.Idon'tknowwhatitis,butI'dsayweshouldn'tdiscountfeelingsofuneasejustbecauseTreesasharesthem.Shecouldverytrulybefeelingsomething."

"Huh,"Radevelsaid,afteramoment.Thenhegrinned."Igotahomelyplainman'snotion.Thatmareofyourseverdroppedafoal?"

"Why,yes,nowthatyoumentionit.Two,acoltandafilly—bothbeforesheChoseme.DancerandMegwyn.Why?"

"JustthatabouteverymotherIeversaw,humantohound,knewdamned

wellwhensomebodyhadbadfeelingstowardherchildren,nomatterhowmuchthatsomebodytriedtomakeoutlikeitwasn'ttrue.EvenMiladyTreesa."HegrinnedasVanyel'sjawfell,andSavil'sexpressionmirroredhis."NowSavil,youneverhadchildren,andit'dtakeamiraclefromtheTwainthemselvestomakeVanamomma.So,no—whatyoucall—channel.Makesense?"

"Damnedgoodsense,cousin,"Vanyelmanagedtogetoutaroundhisastonishment."Forsomebodywhohasnomagicofhisown,youhaveanuncannygraspofprinciples."

Savilnodded."Youknow,thisenmitycouldalsobepartiallythatthemanwaspushedintothepriesthoodbyhisfamilyandhatesit.Apriestwithnovocationisworsethannopriestatall."

"Couldbe,"Radevelreplied."Onethingforsure,itwasn'tthisbad'foreVancamehome.It'slikesomethingaboutVanbringsouttheworstintheoldcrow.ThoughtI'dsaysomething."Heshrugged."Idon'tlikehim,Jervisdon'tlikehim.Jervis'sgotafeelforthingslikeenemiessneakin'uponyourback.YoumightwanttokeepaneyeonLeren."

Oh,yes,cousin,Vanyelthoughtquietly.Ifyouareseeingthehintoftrouble,stolidasyouare,Iwillsurelykeepaneyeonhim.

*

:Thingsinyourbedagain?:Yfandesaskedsweetly.

Vanyelsnarled,hungthelanternhewascarryingonahook,climbedupontherailingsofthebox,andhauledhisbedrolldownfromtheraftersaboveherstall."Thisisnotmyideaofagoodtime,"hereplied."Ididn'tcomehomewiththeintentionofsleepinginthestable!"Thebedrolllandedonthefloor,andhejumpeddownoffthetoprailtolandbesideit."HereIthoughtI'dgetpastherbygettingdinnerwiththebabiesandsneakinguptomyroomatsunset,andtheresheiswaitingforme,boldasabadpenny.Notnudethistime,butinmybed.'Fandes,thisisthethirdnightinarow!Hasthewomannoshame?AndIlockedthedamneddoor!"

:Whydidn'tyoujustputheroutthedoor?:

Heglaredather,andheavedthebeddingintothestall."Idonot,"hesaid

betweenclenchedteeth,"feellikeengaginginawrestlingmatchwiththewoman.Dammit,there'sgoingtobefrostonthegroundinthemorning.It'sgettingchillyatnight."

:Poorabusedbaby.Iknowsomebodywho'llgladlykeepyouwarm.:

Heglaredatheragain,poisedhalfwayovertherailingsofthebox-stall,onefootoneitherside."'Fandes,you'repushingmypatience."

:Me.:

"Oh,'Fandes...."Histonecooledalittle,andheswunghislegoverthetoprailofthestall,andhoppeddownbesidehertohugherneck."I'msorry.Ishouldn'ttakethefactthatI'mreadytokillheroutonyou."

Sherubbedhercheekagainsthis,hersmoothcoatsofterthananysatin,andnibbledathishair.Herbreathpuffedwarmagainsthisear,sweet,andhay-scented.Fartherdowninthestable,beyondthelightofVanyel'slantern,oneofthehorseswhickeredsleepily,andanotherstamped.

:I'mratherselfishlygladtohaveyouwithme,:shesaid,watchinghimheapupstrawandspreadhissleepingrollonit.:Ilikehavingyouherewithnodangertokeepuswakeful,aquietnight,nothingtoreallydisturbus.RememberhowyouusedtospendnightsoutintheValewithme,watchingthestars?:

"AndwaitingforStarwindtotakeaheaderoutofhistreehouse!"Vanyellaughed,withherrichchucklebubblinginhismind."You'reright;thatwasagoodtime,evenifIdidspendthefirstfewmonthsofitinvariousstatesofhurting.GodsofLight,'Fandes,Imissthem.It'sbeenfartoolongsinceIlastsawthem.Brightstarmustbe—what—nearlyten?Iwishwehadtimetogobackthere."

Theydon'tshakemetomyshoesthewayShavriandRandido.IsitonlybecauseIdon'tseethemtoooften,or—

Yfandes'interruptedhisthought.

:'You'dhavetoGate,orelsespendmonthsontheroad.:sherepliedsadly.:Wedaren'ttakethetime,andIwon'tletyouGateyet,notunlessit'sanemergency.You'restilldrained.:

Hertonecheeredhimalittle."Yes,littlemother,"Vanyelchuckled,climbingintohiscrudebed,goodhumorfullyrestored.Andtoprovethathewasn'tquitesodrainedasYfandesseemedtothink,hesnuffedthelampwithathought.

:Show-off,:sheteased,settlingdowncarefullynexttohimsothathecouldcurlupbesideher,foralltheworldlikeastrangesortofganglyfoal.Hewriggledhimselfandblanketsinagainstherwarm,silkenside,andslippedonehandouttorestonherforeleg.

Heyawned.Withhisangergone,hisenergyseemedtobegonetoo."'Night,dearheart,"hemumbled,suddenlyunabletokeephiseyesopen.

Shenuzzledhischeek.:Goodnight,beloved.:

Theyhowledaroundhim,tryingtocrawlinsidehismind.Horrible,vile,theymadehimretchtolookatthem,buthecouldn'tlookawayfromtheirdistortedfacesandmaimedbodies.Theydrovefearbeforethemandraisedterroraboutthem,makingawhirlwindwithhimselfinthecenter;theyhadknivesforteethandscythesforclaws,redeyesfullofmadnessandaninsatiablehungerhecouldfeelbeatingathisfrailshellofprotectioninwavesofheat.Theywereshadows,deadly,kittingshadows,andtheycouldn'tgetathim,buttheycouldandwouldfindotherprey.Theyhowledoffandawayonthewind,andhescreamed(ortriedto)andhidhisheadandmadehimselfassmallashecouldwhilethekillinganddyingbegan.Andheweptwithterrorandshrieked—

Vanyelshookoffthegripofthenightmareandcameupoutofitwitharush,chokingagainsttheblackbileoffearinhisthroat.Heclawedhiswayoutofhisblankets,andlaypantingandunthinkingagainstYfandes'sideintheaftermathofall-consuminghorror,whilehisheartpoundedinhisears.

Thenightabouthimwasquiet,peaceful,undisturbed.

Onthesurface.But—

Beneaththesurface?

AutomaticallyhereachedoutwithhisOthersenses,totouchtheenergycurrentsthatlaybeneaththematerialnight.

No,ithadn'tbeenanightmare;hisOthersensesshowedhimthenew,churningeddiesinthecurrentsofpowerallabouthim.Somethinghadhappenedtonight.SomewhereouttheresomethinghadusedPower,useditfreely,andtoaterribleend.Hisnightmarehadonlybeenthefar-offechoofsomethingmuch,muchworse.TherewasevilontheOtherwinds—andtheworldbeneathshiveredtofeelit.

IfI'dbeeninmyroom,I'dneverhavefeltthis,herealized,comingfullyawake.MyroomisshieldedandsoisSavil's.ButInevershieldwhenI'mwithYfandes.ThatmeansSavilhasn'tfeltthis.I'mtheonlyonewhoknowsthere'ssomethingwrong.

"'Fandes?"Hereachedoutforhershoulder;themuscleswerebunchedwithtension,andherheadwasup,sniffingthecrispbreeze.

:Hush.Listen.:

Faint,andfaroff—amind-cryforhelp?Orjustamindcryingindespair?Itwaveredmaddeninglyinandoutofhissensing-range.

:That'sbecausehe'sbonded.It'saCompanion,ayoungone.He'sChosen,andhisChosenisemperiled.Icanhardlyhearhim.:Shestretchedherneckout,asifsimplytryinghardercouldmakewhatshesensedclearer.:That's—he'scaughtinhisChosen'sfear,andhe'snearlyhysterical.:

"Which,CompanionorChosen?"Vanyelscrambledcompletelyoutofhisbedroll,andflaredthelamptolifewithablinkofthought.We'dbetterdealwiththis.Wemaybetheonlyonescloseenoughtohearthem.

:Both—theCompanion,atleast.:Shelurchedtoherfeet,hereyesblackwithdistress.Moonlightpouredinthroughtheopenupperhalfofthedoortothepaddock,silveringher.:Vanyel,please—wemustgotothem!:

"What'sitlooklikeI'mdoing?"hedemanded,throwingherblanketoverher,thenpullingdownthesaddleitself."I'llhaveyousaddledinhalfamoment.Whereisthis?"

:Lineas.Highjorune.:

"TheLineanthrone-seat."Hemadeaquickcheckofhismentalmaps."That'srelativelynearourBorder.Canwebetherebydawn?"

relativelynearourBorder.Canwebetherebydawn?"

:Before.:AllherattentionwasbackontheWest.

"Good,becauseIhavethefeelingwhatwe'reabouttodoisn'tlegal,atleastbyLineanstandards,andI'drathernotbreaklawswhilepeopleareawaketocatchme.Kellan!"

AstampandawhickertoldhimthatSavil'sCompanionhadheardhim.

"GetSavilawakeandtellherwhatweknowandwherewe'regoing.Andwhy."

Snortofagreement.

"'Fandes,waitaminute,I'dbetterchange."Hebeganstrippinghisclothingoff,cursingthelacesthatwouldn'tcomeundone,andsnappingthemwhenherealizedhowmuchtimethiswastaking.

Sheswungherheadaroundtostareathimfrantically.:Wecan'taffordthetime!:

"Wecan'taffordnottotakethetime,"hesaidreasonably."Thinkaboutit,love.Ihaddamnwellbetterbeinuniform.EventheLineanswillthinktwiceaboutstoppingaValdemarHerald,butamanonawhitehorsewon'tratethatsecondthought.Iamsomethinglessthanfondofbeingatarget,evenamovingone."Herummagedinthesaddlebags,comingupwithaslightlycrumpledsetofWhites."ThoughtIleftthosehere.Thankthegodsforbattle-linehabits."Heshruggedonthebreechesandtunicandbeltedthemtight;pulledonthebootshe'dpulledoffwhenhe'dwormedintohisblankets."GoodthingI'veonlygottheonepairofboots.Damn,IwishI'dthoughttoleaveaswordhere."

:Mekeleftoneinthetackbinbythestud.:

"Blessyou—"

Hevaultedtherailingstofetchit;itwasnotagoodblade,butitwasserviceable.Hestrappeditandhislongdaggeron,insertedtheshortonesintotheirpocketsinhisboots.

Hiscloak—helookedforitquickly;he'dneeditoutthere.Thereitwas,halftangledwiththeblankets.Hepulleditoutofthetangle,shookitout,flungit

tangledwiththeblankets.Hepulleditoutofthetangle,shookitout,flungitoverhisshoulders,fastenedthethroat-latch,andreturnedtothetaskofharnessingYfandes.Heswungthesaddleontoherback,gaveaquickpullofthecinch,gotchest-andrump-bandsbuckledandsnuggedin—shewasready.

Hesnatchedherhackamoreoffitspegandtosseditoverherhead;hemountedwhilesheshookitintoplaceasthebellsonitjangledmadly.Shebootedthebottomofthedoorintothepaddockopenwithhernosewhilehegrabbedforthereinsandbroughtthemoverherneck,andthenwithaleapawilddeerwouldenvyshewasoffintothedarkness.

Seven

Gods,it'slikeanotherBorder-alert.ThoughYfandeswasfranticwiththecallinhermind,Vanyelkepthiswitsabouthimandreachedoutwithafingerofpowertosnuffthelanternastheyclearedthestable-door.

Yfandesracedacrosstheblack-velvetofthepaddock,hoovespoundingdullyontheturf,uncannilysurefootedinallthemoon-cast,dancingshadows.He'dforgottenforamomentthattheirpathoutwasgoingtobeblocked.Heglancedaheadbarelyintimetoseethefenceatthefarendcomingatthemandsethimselfinstinctivelywhenhefelthergatherunderhim.Theyflewoverthebarsandlandedwithajarthatdrovehisteethtogetherandthrewhimagainstthepommelofthesaddle.Hefoughthimselfbackintobalanceandfeltherbegintohesitateinmid-stride.

:Van?:

Heclenchedhisteethandwrenchedhimselfintoplace.:Justgo—I'mfine.:

Shestretchedoutflattothegroundandranwithalltheheartthatwasinher.Vanyelpulledhimselfdownasclosetothelevelofheroutstretchedneckashecould,kepthissilhouettelowandclean,andbalancedhisweightjustbehindhershoulderswhereshecouldcarryiteasiest.Andfedherwithhispower.

NooneexceptanotherHeraldcouldknowhowexhausting"justriding"couldbe,especiallyonaridelikethis.Hewasconstantlymoving,alteringhisbalancetohelpherwithoutthinkingaboutit.Itwaswork,andinvolvedtinymuscleadjustmentstocomplementherexertions.

Hekepthiscloaktuckedinallaround,butitdidn'thelpmuch;thewindcutrightthroughit,andchilledhimterribly.Hishandsandfacewerelikeicebeforeacandlemarkhadpassed.Thewindwhippedhishairintosnarlsandnumbedhisears,andtherewasnothinghecoulddoexceptendureitall,andkeephisOthersensesalertfortrouble.

I'llhavetodosomethingabouttheBorderGuardswhenwegetthere.Somethingthatisn'tintrusive.

TheBorder—friendlyinnameonly,neutralintruth—wasguardedbysentriesandwatchtowers.Theyreacheditatjustaboutmidnight,andVanyel

sentriesandwatchtowers.Theyreacheditatjustaboutmidnight,andVanyelblinkedinamazementwhenthefirstofthosetowersloomedupabovethetreesonthehorizon,ablackcolumnagainstmoon-whitenedclouds.He'dhadnowaytojudgeYfandes'speedinthedark;onlythewindinhisfaceandthethin,steadypullofpowerfromhim,powerthatheinturndrewfromthenodesandpower-streamstheypassedastheycameintosensingrange.Herspeedwasn'tnatural,andrequiredmagictosustainoveranydistance.

:Thewatchtowers—:Thatwasthefirsttimeshe'dMindspokenhimsincethey'dleaptthepaddockfence,andhermind-voice,thoughpreoccupied,wasdarkwithapprehension.:TheBorderGuards—:

:I'vegotitfigured,:hetoldher;gotawashofrelief,andthenfeltherturnherattentionbacktotheraceandherfooting,secureinthebeliefthathewouldhandletherest.

Heclosedhiseyesagainstdistractions,andLookedoutahead.Hefoundandidentifiedeachmindthatcouldpossiblyseethempassing—thosewhowereawakeandthosewhowerenot—heleftnothingtochanceanymore.Notafterhe'doncebeendetectedonacrawlthroughtheenemycampbyacookwhohappenedtoheadfortheprivy-trenchatjustthewrongtime.So,callingonmoreofthatnode-energyhe'dgarneredontherun,hebuiltaSeemingthattouchedallthoseminds.

Thereisnothingontheroad,hismindwhisperedtotheirs.Onlyshadowsunderthemoon,thedrummingofapartridge,thehoovesofstartleddeer.Youseenothing,youhearonlysoundsyouhaveheardbefore.Thereisnothingontheroad.

TherewereplentyofcircumstancesthatcouldbreakthisSeeming.Itwastoodelicatetoholdagainstacounterspellanditwouldcertainlybreakiftheyhadthemisfortunetorunintosomeonephysically.Butanyonetouchedbythespellwouldseeonlyshadows,hearonlysoundsthatcouldeasilybeexplainedaway.

Moreimportantly,theywouldfeelasubtleaversiontoinvestigatingthosesounds,aboredlassitudethatwouldkeepthemintheshelteroftheirposts.

TheypassedtheBorder-guardstation,vaultingthetwingatesthatbarredtheroad,ValdemarandLineassides,aslightlyasleavesonthewind.TheLineanGuardwasactuallyleaningonthegatepost,loungingbeneathalantern,hisfaceastartlinglypaleblurabovehisdarkuniform.Helookeddirectlyatthem,and

astartlinglypaleblurabovehisdarkuniform.Helookeddirectlyatthem,andVanyelfelthimyawnastheyleapedthegate.Thenhewaslostinthedarkbehindastheyracedon.Vanyeldidnotlookback,butsetthespelltobreakthemomenttheywereoutofsight.Hewouldcloakhisownpassing;hewouldnotleavetheBordertospell-mazedguardians.

Hespentnomoremagicalenergiesinsuchspells;hedidn'tparticularlycareifthecommonfolkofLineassawthem.TheywerefamiliarenoughwiththeuniformoftheHeralds.IfanyLineanssawhim,theywouldassume,reasonablyenough,thathe'dbeenproperlydealtwithattheBorderandbelongedhere.

Yfandesracedon,throughpocket-sizedvillagesintiny,shelteredriver-hollows,eventhroughalargertownortwo.Allwereasdarkasplaceslongabandoned.Finally,inthedeadhoursofthenight,thetimewhendeathandbirthlieclosest,theycametoHighjorune.

Mostofthecitywasasdeadanddarkasthevillages,butnotall;nocitysleptthenightthrough.Moreandstrongermagicwouldberequiredtogetthemtotheirgoal—whateveritwas—withoutbeingstopped.Vanyelreached,seekingnode-energytousetopassthecitygatesastheyhadtheBorder,andrecoiledalittleinsurprise.

ForaplacesoadamantlyagainstmagesandtheirGifts,Highjorunewascrawlingwithmage-energy.Itlayontheintersectionofthree—five—sevenlinesofforce,noneofthemtrivial,allflowingtomeetatanodebeneathit,liquidrainbowshummingtherandomsongsofpower,strongenoughforevennew-madeAdeptstouse,providedtheyhadthesensitivitytodetectthem—thoughthenodewheretheymetwouldbetoowild,toostrongforanybutanexperiencedAdept.

:Yfandes,stopabit.:

Yfandesobeyed.Heraisedhishands,preparingtospinoutatruespellofillusionandsound-dampening;takingthepowerdirectlyfromthecloseststream,bracinghimselffortheshockashismindmettheflowofenergy.

Thecitygatewastoowell-guardedandwell-lit,andthecityitselftoocrowdedwithpeopletochancethekindofspellhe'dworkedontheBorder

Guards.Hewantedtohurrythespell,butknewhedidn'tdare.Careful—hetoldhimself.ThisisSavil'sareaofexpertise,notyours.Rushit,andyoucouldloseit.

Yfandesfidgeted,herbridle-bellschiming,herhoovesmakingadeeperringingonthehardpavingoftheroad.:Hurry,:sheurged,herownMindvoicedensewithfear.:Please.He'lldie,they'lldie—there'sanotherCompanion,she'snearlygonemad,shecan'tspeak—:

:'Fandes,don'tinterrupt.I'mworkingasfastasIcan,butifIdon'tpullpowernow,Iwon'thaveanythingwhenweneedit.:Therawpowerwasbeginningtofillhim,fillalltheechoingemptiness.Natural,slowrecoveryhadnotbeenabletodothis!Hewasgoingtohavetowaituntiltheachinglyemptyreservoirsofpowerwithinhimwerefullagainbeforehecouldspinashieldthiscomplicated,thoughatthisrateitwasn'tgoingtotakelong.Besides,hewasalltoolikelytoneedpower.IfeverythingwenttohellandhehadtoGateoutofhere—

Gods.It'slike—eatingsunlight,breathingrainbows,drinkingwind—Forcepouredintohim,wildanduntamed,andforthefirsttimeinmonthshefeltcompleteandrevived.TherewasnothingthisstronganywherenearForstReach.

NomysterynowwhytheMavelanswantedLineas,notwiththiskindofpowerrunningthroughHighjorunegoinguntappedandunused.Hecouldalmostpitythemage-lords.Itmustbelikelivingnexttopeoplewhomineduppreciousgemswiththeircopper,andthrewthegemsoutwiththetailings,butwouldn'tletyouintogleanthem.Gottohurrythis.We'rerunningoutoftime.

Cautiouslyhepulledatthepower,untilitresponded,flowingfasterintohim.

That'sit.NowImakeitmine.

Hetappedintothewildpowerhe'dtaken;learnedit,tamedittohishand.

Hewassweatingnow;bothwitheffortandimpatience.Gods,thistakestoomuchtime,butIcan'taffordanysurprises.

Slowly,carefully,hebegantospintheenergyoutintothreads,visibleonlytohisOthersight,makingacocoonofthethreadsthatwouldabsorbsoundwithinit,andsendtheeyesthatlituponittolookingelsewhere.Layeronlayer,threadondelicatethread,thiswasaspellthatrequiredabsoluteconcentrationand

ondelicatethread,thiswasaspellthatrequiredabsoluteconcentrationandattention,fortheslightestdefectwouldmeanaplacewheretheeyecouldcatchandhold,wheresoundcouldleakout.Yfandesstoodlikeastatueoficeinthemoonlight,nolongerfidgeting.

Finally,withasighofrelief,hecompletedtheweb.Hereplacedwhathehadspent,thencutoffhisconnectiontothemother-stream.

Hisarmshurt,buthehadthefeelingthatmorewasgoingtohurtthanhisarmsbeforethiswasover.

:Go!:hetoldYfandes,wholeapedoffintothedark,headingfortheopencitygatesaheadofthem.

Hegrabbedforthereinsandpommelassheshotforward,awhitearrowspeedingtowardatargetonlysheknew.

:'Fandes!Wherearewegoing?:

:Thepalace!:

Thestreetswoundcrazilyroundabout,withnosenseandnopattern;somewereilluminatedbytorchesandlanterns,someonlybythemoon.Theyspedfromdarktolighttodarkagain,Yfandes'hoovesslidingontheslipperycobbles.Theysplashedthroughpuddlesofwaterandlesspleasantliquids.Hecouldhearherhooves,oddlymuffled,beneathhim;andbothintriguingscentsandnoisome,foulstenchesthatmethisnoseonlytobesnatchedawaybeforehecouldrecognizethem.Therewerepeopleabout;streetcleaners,beggars,whores,drunks,othershecouldn'tidentify.Thespellheld;theeyesofthetownsfolktheypassedslidpastthetwoofthemwithnointerestwhatsoever.

:ThefirstCompanion,theyoungone—Ican'tevenreachhimnow,he'stoocrazed,Van,he'ssofrightened!:Yfandeswasnotparticularlycoherentherself;stresswasdistortinghermind-voiceintoawashofemotionthroughwhichitwashardtopickupwords.:Thesecondone—she's—herChosen—shecan'tbearwhathe'sdoing,she'sshuttingeverythingout.:

VanyelclungtothepommelandbalancedoutsidewaysabitasYfandesroundedacorner,hindquartersskewingasherhoovesslippedalittle.This

roundedacorner,hindquartersskewingasherhoovesslippedalittle.This"secondone"—shewasprobablytheCompanionwithRandale'senvoy.ButwhatcouldaHeraldbedoingthatwouldstresshisCompaniontothepointofbreakdown?

Vanyeldidn'thavelongtowaittodiscovertheanswer;theyenteredazoneofwiderstreetsandenormousresidences;homesofthenobleandrich.Thestreetswereneardaylight-brightwithcressetsandlanternsofscentlessoils.Thepalacecan'tbefar,hethought,andjustashefinishedthethought,theypoundedaroundacornerandintoahugesquare,thendownabroadavenue.Attheendofthatprocessionalavenuewasahugestructure,halffortress,halffantasy,loomingabovethecity,ablackeaglemantlingabovehernestagainstthesettingmoon.Andattheeagle'sfeet,aneggoflight—themaincourtyard,brightlylit.Vanyelbanishedthespellofunsightastheythunderedinthegildedgates.

Thedark-charcoalpalacewallscuppedthecourtyardonthreesides,thewallthey'djustpassedbeneathformingthefourth.Theremusthavebeenahundredlanternsburning.

Heonlygotaglimpseofconfusion;tohisright,halfadozenarmedandarmoredmen,andaCompaniondownandmoaningontheblackcobbles.Tohisleft—ayoungerCompanion,bloodstreakedshockinglyredonhiswhitecoat,teethbaredandscreamingwithrageandbattle-fury;ablondboyclingingdazedlytohisback,and—

Itwaslikesomethingoutofhisworstnightmares.AHerald,withaheavycarter'swhip,beatingthestallionuntilhisskincameawayinstripsandbloodstripedbrightonthesnowyhide,tryingtoseparatehimfromtheboy.

YfandesliterallyrodetheHeralddown,swervingatthelastmomenttoshoulderhimasideinsteadoftramplinghim.VanyelleapedfromhersaddleashehadsomanytimesbeforeinBorder-fights;hitthecobblesandtumbledtokillhismomentum,andsprangtohisfeetwithsworddrawn.

Hedidn'tgivetheotherHeraldabreathtoreact.Whateverinsanitywasgoingonherehadtobestopped.Withoutthinking,Vanreversedthegripontheswordinhishand.

Andlasheduptocatchthestrangersquarelyonthechinwithahandfulofmetal.

TheotherHeraldwentflyingbackward,andlandedinanuntidyheap.

Damn,he'sstillmoving.

Vanyelputhimselfinrightingstancebetweentheyoungstallionandhisabuser.Hetouchedtheyoungones'mindsjustlongenoughtotryandgetsomesenseoutofeithertheboyorthestallion—butfromthefirstpickeduponlyshock,andfromthesecond,fearthatdrownedeverythingelseout.

Vanyelpulledonthepowerwithinhim,feelingitleap,wildandundisciplined,astheotherHeraldstaggeredtohisfeet,bleedingfromasplitlip,andpreparedtolashoutwiththewhipagain.Flingingouthislefthand,Vansentalashofhisown,alashoflightningfromhisoutstretchedfingertothewhipstock.Thesparkarcedacrossthespacebetweenthemwithacrackleandthepungentsmellofburningleather,andthedark,sallow-facedHeralddroppedthewhipwithanexclamationofpain.Behindhim,Yfandeswasholdingoffthearmsmenwithsqueals,lashinghoovesandbaredteeth;facedwithheranger,theywerenotinclinedtocometotheHerald'srescue.

"Whatinhelldoyouthinkyou'redoing?"Vanyelthundered,lettingtheotherfeelhisoutrage,awaveofredanger.Theoldermanbackedupaninvoluntarypace."Whatinthenameofthegodsthemselvesisgoingonhere?"

Vanyelsheathedhisswordthen.TheotherHeralddrewhimselfup,nursinghisinjuredhandagainsthischest,rubbingthebloodoffhisbruisedchinwiththeother."Whoareyoutointerfere—"hebegan,hisfaceacaricatureofthwartedauthority.

VanyeltriedtoMindspeak,buttheother'schannelwasweak,andhewasblockingitbesides.Andthepersonalitywasnotoneformuchhopeofcompromise.Stolidandmethodical—andaffrontedbythestranger'sinterventioninhisjurisdiction.Theyoungstranger,tooyoung,surely,tohaveanyauthority.

Godsbless—I'mgoingtohavetopullrankonthisthickheadedidiot.Andhe'snevergoingtoforgivemeforthat.

AndtheonlyreasonIdidn'tputhimoutisbecausehe'ssodamnthickheaded!

"Herald-MageVanyelAshkevron,"Vanyelcuthimoff."Called

Demonsbane,calledShadowstalker,FirstHerald-MageinValdemar.Ioutrankyou,Herald,andyourdamnfoolactionstonightcalledmeoutofmybedandacrosstheBorder.You'veexceededyourauthority,andI'morderingyoutoletthisboybe.Whoinhellareyou?"

Vanyelcouldfeeltheolderman'sresentmentandsmolderinganger,heavyandhot,aponderousweightofmoltenemotionalmetal."HeraldLores,"hesaidsullenly,rubbinghishand."KingRandale'senvoytothecourtofLineas."

Overhisshoulder,VanyelwatchedYfandesbackingawayfromthearmsmen.ShecautiouslynudgedthedownedCompanion'sshoulder—stillkeepingoneeyeonthem.Afteracoupleoffalsetries,theothermaremanagedtogetbacktoherfeet,butstoodwithherheaddownandherlegssplayedandshaking.

:'Fandes?:

:She'sHearingagain,andSpeaking,alittle;whenyougotherChosentostop,itresolvedtheconflictinsideher—butsheisnotwell.Sheisstillinturmoil,andherheartbleeds.:

:Takecareofher.:HeturnedhisattentionbacktoLores."Tellme—slowly—justwhatyouthoughtyouweredoing,takingawhiptoaCompanion,tryingtodrivehimawayfromhisChosen."

Loressnarled."Thatboyisabloody-handedmurderer,andthatthingyoucallaCompanionishisdemonshape-changed!Hecalleditupandwastryingtoescapeonit."

"What?"Vanyelbackedupastep,inadvertentlybumpingintotheyoungstallion,whosnortedinalarmbutstoodrock-steady,readytoprotecthisChosenagainstanything,beitman,beast,orcreatureofmagic.Vanyelreachedout,stillkeepinghiseyesonLores,andlaidhishandalongthestallion'sneck.Ifanyoneinthewideworldwouldknowwhatademon"felt"like,hedid,afterhavingthemcloseenoughtoscorehischestwiththeirclaws,andafterturningthembackagainstKarse!Heextendedhismindtowardtheyoungstallion's,andtouchedagain,gently.Nodemonicauramethismind,onlythepure,bright,blue-whitepulsingthatwasthesignatureofaCompanion,anaurathatonlyaCompanion,ofallthecreatureshehadeverMindtouched,possessed.

Angerroseinhim,ashishandcameawaybloody,andtheyoungstallionshiveredinfearandpain.HeclenchedhisfistandstaredattheolderHerald."You—"hegropedforwords."IfIdidn'tknowRandale,andknowthatneitherhenorShavriwouldsendanyoneatallunbalancedouthereasanenvoy,I'dsayyouwereinsane."Themangapedathim,takencompletelyaback."Asitis,I'mforcedtosayI'veneverencounteredanyonesoincrediblystupidinmylife!"Herelaxedhisclenchedfistandpattedthestallion'sneckwithoutlookingaround,thenadvancedonLoreswithsuchangerfillinghimthathewashavingtroublekeepinghisvoicecontrolled."Whatinhellmakesyouthinkthisyoungsterisademon?"

"Youcouldbefooled,spell-touched—"

"Notbloodylikely!AndademoncouldneverfoolmyCompanion,noryours.Gods,man,iftheywouldn'tknowarealCompanion,whowould?Look,youfool—look!"HereachedLores—withstoodthedesiretostrangletheolderman—andspunhimaroundsothathecouldseehisownCompanion,legsbowedandshiveringfromnosetotailwithshock,headnearlytouchingthecobbles.HisrighthandleftabloodysmudgeonLores'shoulder."Lookwhatyou'vedonetoher!Didn'tyoufeelit?Youcamequiteclosetodrivinghercatatonic.Shecouldn'tobeyyou,andshecouldn'tstopyou!Lookather!"

Lorestookonesteptowardher—two—andthethirdstepbecameastumblingrunthatendedwithhimonhiskneesbesideher,strokingherneck,whisperinginherear.Hertremblingstopped;shebegantorelax.Hegottohisfeet,andurgedheralittlemoreupright,untilshefinallystoodnaturally,withherheadpressedagainstthefrontofhistunic.

ShewassoanguishedthatVanyelnearlywept.Hefinallyhadtoblockheroutofhismind,orheknewhewouldlosecontrolofhisownsmallGiftofEmpathy.

:'Fandes.:hemindsentsoftly,:whatabouttheother?Canyoucalmhimnow?:

:Yes.:Shepickedherwayacrossthecobbles,hooveschimingonthehardblackstone,untilshewasbehindhimandpresumablydealingwiththeyoungstallion.VanyeltookafewstepsclosertoLores.Thearmsmenbeganedgingtowardthegateandslippingoutofthecourtyard,andVanyelwasnotinclinedto

stopthem.

Loreslookedup,hisfacetwistedandtear-streaked."I—didn'tknow.Icouldn't—Idon'tfeelanythingfromJenna,notreally,I—myGift—it'sFetching.Idon'tMindspeakevenwithher,much—I—toldherwhattodo,butshedidn'tdoit,Ithoughtthedemonmusthave—"Hiseyesfellupontheboy,andhisfacehardened."Itdoesn'tmatter.Thatboyisstillamurderer."

Vanyellosthisholdonhistemper,"Dammitman,Companionsdon'tChoosemurderers!"

"Oh,no?"Loresspatback."Galadid!"

Lightningandrain;madnessandgrief.

Presentragereplacespastgrief.

"That,"hesaidangrily,"wasaftersheChoose.Andsherepudiatedhim,casthimoff.Asyoushouldknow.AftersheChose,andafter—herChosen—waspressedpastallsanity.Ithasnobearingonwhathappenedhere.YouwouldnotlistentoyourownCompaniontrytotellyouthetruth."

Hetookasteptowardtheother,bloodyfingerpointedinaccusation."Youblockedheroutwithyourangerandyourfear.Youallowedyouremotionstointerferewithyourabilitytoseethetruth.Youblockedhersoyoucouldn'thearwhatyoudidn'twanttohear."

Lores'resentmentsmolderedinhiseyes,buthecouldnotdenyVanyel'saccusations.

:Van—theboy—:

Vanyelspun,justintimetoseetheyoungmanlosinghisdeathgriponhisCompanion'smane,slidingtotheground.Hesprintedtotheboy'sside,startlingtheyoungstallionsothathethrewuphisheadandrolledhiseyes,andcaughttheboyinmid-collapse,drapingtheboy'sarmoverhisownneckandshoulder,supportinghim,andlookedaroundforanopendoor—anydoor—

:Yourleft,:Yfandesprompted:oneofthedoubledoorsintothemainentrancewaywascrackedopen.Hehalf-carried,half-draggedtheboythere,with

Loresfollowingsullenlybehind,andkickedthedooropenenoughtosqueezethrough.

Itwaspitchydarkinthepalace—whichwasdamnedoddforthethrone-seat,evenatafewhourstilldawn.Evenodder,allthatcommotioninthemaincourtyardhadbroughtnooneouttoseewhattheruckuswasabout.Vancouldn'tseeathingpastthelittlelightcominginthedoorway.Thebuildingmightjustaswellhavebeendeserted.

Firstthingsfirst;theyneededlight.So—Bedamnedtolocalprejudice,hethought,andsetaglobeofbluemage-lighttospinningabovehishead.Behindhim,heheardastifledgaspasLoreswatcheditappearoutofnowhere.

Theywereinabareentryway;thatwasallhehadtimetonoticeinhisbriefglance.Someplacetoputthisboy—Aseatwaswhathewaslookingfor,andhespottedone:ahighly-polishedwoodenbench,bareofcushionsandboltedtothefloor,overagainstthewalljustclearofthedoor.Presumablyitwasfortheuseoflow-rankservantswaitingforsomethingorsomeoneatthemainentrance.Whatever,itwasaseat.Hesupportedtheboyovertoit,andgothimseated,shovedhisheaddownbetweenhislegs,andworkedthelittleHealingheknewtocleartheshockoutandgethimconsciousagain.

Theboywasawareenoughtointerpretthatassomekindofcoercionorconfinement;hetriedtofight,andraisedhisheadintothelight.

AndVanyelsawhisfaceforthefirsttime.

ItwasTylendel'sface,dazedwithshockandvacant-eyed,thatlookedupathiminconfusionbeneaththebluemage-light.

Vanyelchoked,andthefloorseemedtoheavebeneathhim.Onlyonehandonthewallsavedhim.Foramomenthethoughtthathishearthadstopped,orthathismindhadsnapped.

Hiseyesclearedagain,andhetookacloserlook,reachedouttotiptheboy'sfaceintothelight,andalmostMindtouched—

Buthestoppedhimself,ashebegantoseethelittledifferences.Theboy

couldn'tbemorethansixteen,andlookedit;'Lendelhadalwayslookedolderthanhereallywas.Theboy'snosewassnubbed,ormorethan'Lendel'shadbeen;theeyeswerefartherapartandlarger,thechinroundedandnotsquared,thehairwavy,notcurly,anddarkerthanthegolden-brownofTylendel's.Subtledifferences,butenoughtolethimshakeoffhisghosts,enoughtotellhimthatthiswasnotTylendel.

Whatevertheboyinturnsaworsensedinhiseyes,itreassuredhimenoughthathestoppedfighting,andobeyedVanyel'shalf-audibleordertokeephisheaddown.

Notnow,hetoldhimself.Dealwithyourghostslater,notnow.

Forthefirsttimesinceenteringthegildeddoor,helookedaroundtoseeiftherewasfinallyanyonecoming.Helookedpastthebarrenentryway—andfrozeatthesightofthewreckageinthemage-light.

He'dseenlessdestructionafterthesackingofakeep.

Nowondernoonecame,hethought,dumbly.Nobodyhumancouldhavesurvivedthis.

Vanyelstoodattheedgeofthestaircaseandstared.Thisentrywashardlymorethantwentyfeetlong,andmadeofthesameblackstoneastheexterior,butpolishedtoareflectiveshine;itledtoashortstonestairthatinturnleddownintothewood-paneledGreatHall.ThisHallhadbeenareceptionarea—litbychandeliersandwallsconces,hungwithtapestries,linedwithdarkwoodtablesandchairspolishedtomirror-brightness.Itwasdemolished.

Thechandeliershadbeentornfromthebeams,tapestriesrippedfromthewalls.Thewalls,thefloor,theceilingbeamsthemselveswerescoredandgougedasthoughwiththemarksofterribleclaws.Thetapestrieshadbeenshredded,thefurniturereducedtosplinters,thewreckagescatteredacrossthefloorasthoughawhirlwindhadplayedhere.

Vanyelrememberedhisdream,andfelthishairriseandachillcreepuphisbackbone.

"What—"Hisvoicecracked,andhetriedagain."Whathappened?"

Lores'lipliftedalittle,butheansweredcivillyenough."Thatboy—that'sTashir.Youknowwhoheis?"

Vanyelnodded."TashirRemoerdis.DeveranofLineas'oldestchild."

"YouknowDeveranfiguredhimforabastard,theworstkind,fatheredonYlynabyherownbrother,sotheysay."

"Isthatreallygermane?"Vanlookedbackatthewreckage.

"Damnrightit'sgermane."Loresliftedhislipscornfully."It'swhythebratdidallthis."

"Lores,you'dbettertellmeeverythingyouknow."Vanyelrequestedsimply,stilltryingtotakeintheimplicationsofthewreckedpalace.

Loressnortedandrambledon."Ylynawasnovirgin,thoughinhonestytheMavelansneverclaimedshewas.Still,fourteen'sabityoungtohavebeenas—let'ssay—experiencedasshewas.Tashirwasborneightmonthsafterthewedding.That'ssuspiciousenough.BoylookslikehisuncleVedricandnothinglikeYlynaorDeverandid.That'sthesecondreason;anotheristhathe'sknowntohaveGifts;Fetching,forone—thingshavebeenflyingaroundwhenhegotupseteversincehewasthirteen.NoGiftsmanifestedinYlyna,andthere'sneverbeenanyinDeveran'sline.ThelocalscalleditwizardryandpressuredDeverantodisinheritTashir."

"I'dheardabouttheGift,"Vanyelsaid,lookingbackattheboytoseeifhe'doverheardthem.Theywereonlytwentypacesaway,andLoreswasmakingnoefforttokeephisvoicedown.Tashirwasstillsittingwherethey'dlefthim,headandhandsdanglingbetweenhisknees."Howdidtheboytakebeingdisinherited?"

"Theboy?"ForamomentLoresseemedpuzzled."Thatwastheoddpart;boyseemedrelieved.ItwasVedricMavelanthatmadeallthefuss.Buttonight—somethinghappenedatdinner,andI'mnotsureexactlywhat."Loreswrappedhisarmsaroundhischest,andhisexpressionturnedintrospective,andalittlefearful.

"Wereyouthere?"Vanyelasked.

"Wereyouthere?"Vanyelasked.

Loresnodded."Always,astheValdemarenvoy.Tonight..."Helookedintothedistance,frowning."IrememberIwaschattingwithDeveran'sarmsmasterandtheboycameuptothehightabletosaysomethingtoDeveran.NextthingIknew,they'reatithammerandtongs,screamingateachother,theboygoingwhiteandDeverangoingred.ThenDeveranbackhandedtheboy,knockedhimtothefloor."

Vanyelchewedhislip."Wasthatunusual?"

Loresshrugged."Well,ithadneverhappenedinpublicbefore.Deveranaskedusalltoleaveinthekindofvoicethatmakesanorderoutofarequest.Weleft—don'tlookatmelikethat,whatelsecouldwedo?"

"Idon'tknow,"Vanyelrepliedsoberly."Iwasn'tthere.ButIdon'tthinkIwouldhaveleftasituationthatvolatile."

"WellIleft;it'snotValdemaranditwasn'tmybusiness.IwentouttothestableandJenna,wasoutsidewithherforawhile."Heshookhishead."They'dmovedthefightuptoDeveran'sstudy,towardthebackofthepalace;Icouldhear'embothshoutingateachotherthroughthewindow.Thenitgotrealquietforabit—andthenallhellbrokeloose."HegesturedatthewreckageintheGreatHall,andhisexpressionbecamestrained."Youcanfigurewhatthatsoundedlike;enoughscreamingforawar.Nobodywantedtobreakinonthat,andanywaywefoundoutthatthedoorswereallliketheywereweldedshut."

Hisvoicewascasual,buthewastremblingandsweating,andhisskinwasdeadwhite.

"Itdidn'tlastlong.Thenitwasquietagain,sudden,likeeverythinghadbeencutoff.Me,theoutsideservants,andDeveran'sarmsmenfromthepalace,andthetownguardandacoupleofthetowncouncilwithsomecourageinthem,weallbrokethedoorsopen."

"Andyoufound?"

"That'swhatwefound.Theboyknockedoutunderthatbench,andwhenwewenttolookforbodies—gods.Everyoneinsidethesewalls...wasdead.Theboy'ssibs,theservants,everybody.Torntopieces,justlike...thatstuff.

Nothingbiggerthanpalm-sizedpiecesofeverybodyelse."Hewasshakingnow,histeethchattering,andhispupilsdilated."Nothing,"herepeated.

"You'renotsayingTashirdidallthat?"Vanyelsaidincredulously."That'simpossible—it'sinsane!"Themage-lightflaredalittle,settingshadowsshrinkingandgrowingagain,flickeringashewhirledtolookattheboy,andhisattentionwavered.

Loresturnedawayfromthewreckage,clutchinghisarmsagainsthischest,andgraduallystoppedtrembling.HiseyesfellonTashiragain;justthesightoftheboyseemedtoreawakenhisanger."What'sinsaneaboutit?"hedemanded."Fetchingcanwreck,orevenkill.Ishouldknowthatbetterthanyou,it'smyGift."

"It'soneofmyGifts,too,youdamnedfool!"Vanyelgrowled."AndatonepointIalmostgotoutofcontrol,butmyGiftwasblastedopenandIwasinpainenoughtodriveastrongmanmad.Nothinglikethathappenedhere!Thisboynevershowedahintofanythingonthisscale!Andhewasuntrained?Notbloodylikely!"

"Howdoweknowhewasuntrained?"Loresdemanded,hiseyesreflectingblueglintsfromthemage-lightoverVanyel'shead."Hewastheonlyoneleftalive!Hehadtohavedoneit!"

Vanyelhadadozenretortsonthetipofhistongue,butnoneofthemseemedwise.

SohowdidyoucometobesuchanexpertonGiftsandmagic,youidiot?Anddidyousearchtofindsomeonewhomighthavehiddenhimself—orherself—untilyou'dfoundanddealtwithTashir?Ordidyouidentifyeveryone,oratleastcountallthebodiesandcomeupwiththesamenumberasthoseknowntobeinthepalace?

Hekepthisteethshutonallthosequestions.Itwasobviousthatthishadbeenbungledfromthestart,anddressingdownthisfoolwasn'tgoingtoundothebungling.

"Wecouldn'treallybelieveit,notatfirst,"Loresadmittedreluctantly."Wethoughtitmusthavebeen—oh,somethingoutofthePelagirwilderlands,orevensomethingcookedupbytheMavelans.Wereallydidn'tknowwhatitcould

havebeen,especiallynottheLineans,buttherewasn'tanyoneoranythingelse,andwhenwetriedtoquestionTashir,theboywouldn'tanswer.Atfirsthewas—dazed-like.Thenhejustrefusedtospeakexcepttosayhedidn'tremember."Loresshookhishead."Notremember?Howcouldhenotremembersomethingthatdidthat?Unlesshewaslying,orhe'ddoneitinangerandhadblankeditoutofhismind."Loresclaspedhisfoldedarmsstilltighteragainsthischest,asifhewastryingtoprotecthimself."Whatcouldwedo?Theguardswerespooked,nobodywantedsomethinglikethatontheirhands.Intheend,wejustthrewhimintheguardhouseatthefrontgatethere,sincethetownsfolkdidn'twanthimintheirjailandnobodywantedtohavetogodowntothecellsunderthepalace.WesentoffamessengerforVedric,sincehewastheonemakingallthefussabouttheboyinthefirstplace.HemaybeaMavelan,buthe'snotgoingtobeabletotalktheboyoutofthismess.He'llhavetodealwithhim,andheisamage.Wereckoneditwasbetterforonemagetodealwithanother.Especiallyamurderer."

"That'snotproved."

Loresglaredathim.Vanyelrepeatedhiswordsstubbornly."That'snotproved.Nothingisproved.Andfurthermore,I'dliketoknowhowthehellaHeraldcouldcometoattackaCompanion."

Loresbeganpacing,fourstepsawayfromVanyel,fourstepsback."Weshovedhiminthere,pickedupthebodies—whatwasleftofthem.Thingsquieteddown.Then,lessthanacandlemarkago,thatdemonshowedup."

"Companion."

Loreswheeledtoglareagain,butthelookinVanyel'seyescowedhim."ThatCompanionshowedup;hebeganbreakingdownthedoor.Theguardgotme,Isentforreinforcements—Ithoughtitwasademon—moremenshowedupaboutthetimethede—Companiongotthedoorsmashedinandstartedtorunoffwiththeboy.ThatwhipwasintheguardhouseandIgrabbedit—figuringdemonornot,itwashorse-shaped."Heshrugged."Youknowtherest."

"Didn'tyoueventrytheboyunderTruthSpell?"Vanyelsnarled,outofpatiencewiththelackofthought,thecompletebullheadedstupidityoftheman.

Loreslookedbaffled."'TruthSpell'?Why?What'sthatgottodowithme?"

"GoddessIncarnate!AnyHeraldcanworkfirst-stageTruthSpell!Didn'tyourmentorever—"VanyelpausedatthedumbfoundedlookonLores'face."Yourmentornevertoldyou?"

Loresshookhishead.

"Gods,"Vanyelstrodeovertotheadolescent,whowasstillslumpedoverhisownknees."Tashir?"hesaid,gently,kneelingbesidehim.Hebracedhimselfwhentheyoungmanlookedup,itstillmadehisheartlurchtoseethoseeyes,thatface—andthatdazed,lost,andpleadingexpression."Tashir,doyourememberanythingthathappenedtonight?Anythingatall?"

Tashir'seyeswerestillnotfocusingwell;heshookhisheaddumbly.

Vanyelshookhimgently."Think.Dinner.Doyourememberyourfathercallingyouupatdinner?"

"I..."Theboy'svoicewasquitelow,almostamatchforVanyel'sbaritone."Ithinkso.Yes.He...wantedmetogosomewhere."

"Where,Tashir?"Vanyelprompted.

"I...don'tremember."

"Doyourememberarguingwithhim?"

Ahesitantnod.TherewereshadowsunderTashir'seyesthathadnothingtodowiththewaythelightwasfallingonhim."Ididn'twanttogo.Hewantedtosendmesomewhere.Idon'trememberwhere,IjustrememberthatIdidn'twanttogo.ItoldhimIwouldn't.Hehitme."

"Didhehityouveryoften?"

Theeyesclearedforamoment,brightwithfear."Oftenenough,"theboyconfessedcautiously."WhenIwasaroundtoomuch.Itriednottogetinhisway.Sometimeshe'dgetmadaboutsomething,andtakeitoutonme.Butnotinfrontofpeople,notbeforetonight."

"Sohehityou.Thenhesenteveryoneelseaway.Whatthen?"

"He...camearoundthetable.HegrabbedmebeforeIcouldgetaway,

"He...camearoundthetable.HegrabbedmebeforeIcouldgetaway,twistedmyarmupbehindmyback,andmademegowithhimtohisstudy.And..."

Theeyescloudedagain.

"And?"

"Idon'tremember!"Tashirwailedsoftly."Please,Idon'tremember!"

Vanyelsetinmotionthespellthatcalledthevrondi,themindlessairelementalthatcouldnotabidetheemotionalemanationsassociatedwithfalsehood.Inhishands,becausehecouldgiveitenergybeyonditsown,thevrondiwouldbeabletosettlewithintheyoungster'smind:hewouldbeincapableoflyingsolongasitwasthere.Vanyelwatchedthevrondisettleintoplace,aglowingbluemistlikeavisibleauraaboutTashir'sheadandshoulders.Hewouldnotseeit,butVanyelandLorescertainlycould.HeglancedoveratLores,andsawtheolderman'slipscompress,hisfacegrowspeculative.

"Areyousure,Tashir?"heurged."Think.Yourfathertookyouuptohisstudy;whathappenedinthestudy?"

"Idon'tremember!"Tashirwhimpered."Idon't!"

Vanyelsighed,anddismissedthevrondiwithaword.Themistdissolved,fadedaway,butslowly,notallatonceasitwouldhaveifithadmetwithalie.Therewasonlyoneotherthinghecouldtry.HereachedouttentativelywithaMindtouch.

Tashirshouldnothavebeenabletodetectit.Butsuddenlyhejerkedaway,hiseyeswildandunreasoning,andashieldsnappedupsoquicklyVanyelbarelyhadtimetopullbackhisTouch.

"Lookout!"Lorescried,divingforthefloor,ashalfavaserosefromthewreckage,flungitselfacrosstheroomandsmashedagainstthedoor.Morefragmentsfollowedit,allrisingfromthewreckagetosmashagainstthedoor,creatingarainofflyingshardsthatpeltedthembothlikefinehail.

Vanyeldidn'tmovesomuchasahair.Heclenchedhisjaw,andreachedoutwithhisownpowertodampTashir'sGiftwithanexternalshield.

Suddensilence.

Suddensilence.

"Tashir,"hereachedoutfortheyoungster,withhishandthistime,nothismind."Tashir,Iwanttohelpyou.Ibelieveyou.Iwillnotallowanyonetoharmyou,ortoimprisonyouforsomethingyoudidn'tdo."

Theadolescent'seyesslowlycalmed;grewsaner.HestaredatVanyelforalongmoment,thenburiedhisfaceinhishandsandbegansobbing,tremblingonthejaggededgeofhysteria.

"I—don't—remember—"hechoked."Oh,please,Idon't,Ireallydon't."

Beforehecoulddoanythingtocomfortorcalmtheyoungster,Vanyelheardanoiseinthedistance,muffledbythedoor,thatmadehishairstandonend.

Thesullen,angryroaringofamob—

Lores'headsnappedup,andalookofgrimsatisfactionspreadoverhisface."Thearmsmen,"hesaidsmugly."Theymusthavespreadtheword.That'sthepeopleofHighjoruneoutthere,MilordHerald-Mage.Youdon'trankthem,andtheyaren'tlikelytolistentoyou.What'syourplannow?They'regoingtowanttheboy.Ithinkyoushouldletthemhavehim."

Tashirgaveakindofchokinggasp,andlookedstraightintoVanyel'seyes,hiswholebodypleadingforrescue.Hiseyeswereswollen,tearssmearedacrosshisface,andhairtumbledintooneeye,hisexpressionwastragicandhopeless.

VanyelcouldnomorehaveresistedaboywholookedlikethatthanhecouldhavegivenupYfandes.

"Istilloutrankyou,Lores,"hesaidcoldly."Youarestillundermyorders.Getoutthereanddowhatyoucantokeepthemoff."

"Keepthemoff?You'remadderthanheis!"

"Move!"Vanyelsnapped,risingtohisfeet,astheflickeringoftorcheslitthegapintheopendoor.

Loresmadenofurtherprotest;hesnorted,andstalkedacrosstheentrywaytothedoor,hisbackbonestiffwithunspokenresentment.

Vanyelfollowedhimasfarasthedoor,andoncehehadbarelyclearedit,

Vanyelfollowedhimasfarasthedoor,andoncehehadbarelyclearedit,slammeditshutpracticallyonhisheels.Heheardamuffledexclamation,andthemutteringofthemobgrewlouderandnearer.Vanyelthrewtheboltintoplaceacrossthedoor;itwasmetal,butitwasnotgoingtoholdupagainstaconcertedattack.

"That...isn'tgoingtoholdthemforlong,"Tashirsaidfearfully,brushingthehairoutofhiseyeswiththebackofonehand.

"Itwon'thaveto,"Vanyelansweredabsently,movinghisOthersensesoutanddownandhopingthatitwasnocoincidence.

Therewasthatnode,themostpowerfulnodehe'deverencounteredoutsideTayledraslands.GiventhatHighjorunewassituatedontopoftheconvergenceofthoseenergy-streams,giventhatthenodehadtobearoundheresomewhere....

Hadthepalacebeenbuiltwherehe'dhaveputit?

Itwasnocoincidence.Thepalacewassituateddirectlyoverthenode;anodesostrongitroaredinVanyel'smind.

"NowthatpompouspeabrainisgoingtofindoutwhyIoutrankhim,"hegrowledtohimself,andreached—

Thecurrent-powerhadbeenwild;itwasnothingtothis.HehadcomparedchannelsinhismotherandYfandestoadrippingicicleandawaterfall.ThiswastothosestreamswhataragingFirestormwastoacampfire.ButVanyelknewitssecretsandhowtocontrolit,anditragedtohiswill.

Hesethismindinthespell-cycle;hemurmuredafewwords,gatheredhiswill,andcuppedhishands,unconsciouslymirroringtheshapehewantedtocreate.

Thenhesnappedhishandsopen,cryingoutasinglewordofcommand.

Aflashoflightmadehisclosedeyelidsburnredforamoment.Tashircriedoutfearfully.

Absoluteandcompletesilencedescendedonthemlikesuddendeafness.

Heopenedhiseyes;asteady,yellowglowontheouterwallswasjustbarely

Heopenedhiseyes;asteady,yellowglowontheouterwallswasjustbarelyvisibletohisOthersight.

Hehaderectedamage-barrieraboutthepalacethatwouldkeepoutanythinghedidn'twantin,includingsuchintangiblesasthought—orothermagic.Hecouldpassthrough:socouldanythinghebroughtwithhim.Nooneandnothingelse.

Withefforthisthoughtspassedit.

:Yfandes?Howareyouandthestranger?:

:Theyareignoringus,:shesaid.:YouhavefrightenedtheYoungOne,andangeredLores.Themobhasnotmadeupitsmind.:

:Eveniftheydo,itwon'tgetthemanywhere.Givemeamomenttomakeupmymind.:

Vanyelseveredtheconnectionbetweenhimselfandthenode.Hecouldcontrolit,yes,butataprice.He'djustearnedhimselfanotherscatteringofsilverhairs.Amongotherthings.

HeopenedhiseyesandsawTashirhuddledupagainstthewall,shakingsohardhisteethrattled.Hewalkedstifflytothebench,andtouchedtheyoungman'sshoulder.Hegotnoresponse.HeturnedTashir'sfaceintothelight,andsawhiseyesglazedoverinwithdrawal.

"Damn."Vanyelsatdownheavilybesidehim."Nowwhat?"

Hethoughthardforamoment;madeuphismindquickly,andreachedforthenodeagain.

Theshockashetoucheditthesecondtimewasalittleless.Whenhecouldcatchhisbreathagain,heusedthenode-energytoboosthisownMindspeechfarbeyondwhathecouldhavereachedalone,sendinghismindoutquestingforaMindpresencesodearandfamiliaritcouldalmosthavedrawnhimonitsown.

Touch.

Startlement.:Who?:

:Savil?:

Recognitionandrelief.:Gods!Ke'chara,whathasbeenbloodygoingon?Whereareyou?:

Hetoldhereverythingthathadhappened,fromthetimehe'dbeenawakenedbythenightmare.Hecompressedasmuchofitashecould,warnedherinadvancebeforeheMindsentheranimageofTashir,andevenso,thecloseresemblancetoTylendelcameasashocktoherthatmirroredhisown.HehadbeenTylendel'slover—butSavilhadbeenmentor,friend,confidant,andnear-mothertoTylendel,theroleshefillednowforVanyel.

:So,:shesent,aftersheregainedhermentalbalance.:Plans?:

:I'mtakinghimintoprotectivecustody,andgettinghimoutofhere.:

:How,withamob—oh,gods.:Realizationandfear.Flatly—:You'regoingtoGate.:

:Doyouseeanyotherchoice?:heasked.:Evenifthemobweren'tthere—ItriedtorememberwhatlittleI'veheardaboutinvestigativeprocedures.Preservetheevidence.IfIbreaktheshield-spelltogetout,anybodycangetin,andIdon'thavethepowertosetasecondspell,notthissolid,notfromtheoutside.FromtheinsideIcantapthenode,buttheinterferenceI'dcreatewiththeshieldwouldkeepmeeffectivelyoutofthenode.Youknowthat.Shieldsarepermeabletothecreator,buttheystillresistpenetration.Wehavetofindoutwhathappenedhere,andwewon'tifanyonecangetinandmuddlethingsup.:

Hermind-voicewasgrittyandgraywithgrimconcern.:Fartoologicaltomakemehappy,love.Butyourankmethesedays,andthere'sreasonsenoughforthatformetofollowyourlead.Whereareyoucomingin?:

He'dthoughtaboutthatverycarefully.:Thedoortotheoldchapel.It'sonsanctifiedground,it'soneofthefewdoorsinsideForstReachbigenoughtouseasaGate-terminus,butit'snotunderconstantuse,andIknowitaswellasIwilleverknowanyplace.Sobereadyforme,becauseI'mnotgoingtobeworthmuchwhenIcomethrough.:

:AsifIdidn'tknow.Becareful—please.:

:I'lltry.:

Hecuttheconnectiontothenode,whichdroppedhimoutofthelinkwithSavil,andturnedhismindtoonenearerathand.

:Brightlove—:

:Chosen—:

:I'mGatingmyselfandTashiroutofhere.YouandtheYoungOnemakearunforit.IfthatdamnedfoolcallinghimselfaHeraldcan'ttakethehint,it'snotmyfault;I'vegottoomanyballsintheairasitis.:

Shetrembledwithconcern.:IwillwarnJenna;ifshecangethimtomount,shecancarryhimoffwhetherhelikesitornot.Iwon'ttellyounottousethatmeansofescape,only—takecare!:

Hetouchedherwithamentalcaress.:Ishall.:

Heopenedhiseyes,andconsideredthepossibilities,finallydecidingontheopenarchwayontothestairsashisbestbet.PuttingaGate-terminusontheouterdoorwheretheshieldwaswouldberiskingmoremagicallythanhecaredto.Atfullpowers,maybe.Notnow.

Butfirst—

Heshovedoutwardalittle,chucklingnastilyastheexpandingshieldshovedLoresdownthestairsandintothecourtyard.There.Thatshouldkeepthemquietforabit.

Hewalkedtothecenterofthehallway,raisedhishands,andbegan.

Hespunbitsofhimself,hisstoredpowers,intothestructure.Hecouldnottapthenodeforthis;theonlypossiblewaytouseexternalmage-energyforaGatewouldbe—atleastasfarashehadlearned—iftwomageswerelifebonded,foratsomedeeplevel,twolifebondedwereone.And,asalways,assoonashehadformedthePortalaroundtheedgeofthearchway,hisuniquelysensitizedchannelsbegantoburnpainfullyasheresonatedtoGate-energy.WhentheGatewascomplete,he'dbeintorment.

Butthatwassomethinghehadlearnedtoacceptandworkaround.

Butthatwassomethinghehadlearnedtoacceptandworkaround.

TheWeaving—

Hespunhimself,hisownsubstance,outintothreadsthatquestedfortheuniqueplacehesought,theplacewherehewouldbuildtheotherendoftheGate.Atsomepointhewasnolongerhavingtosendthosesearchingfilaments;theywerepullingonhim,anditwasallhecoulddotokeepthemfromspinningawayfromhimandtakingeverythingthatwashimwiththem.Then,finally,oneofthemfoundthechapeldoor—another—athird—

Therewasaflareoflight,notsobrightastheonewhenhe'dbuilttheshield,andhiskneesgave.

Oh,hell—hethoughtdazedly.Iwasn'tasreadyasIthoughtIwas.

Hecrouchedonthefilthy,shard-coveredfloor,pantinginpain,foralong,longmomentbeforehehadthestrengthtolookup.Butwhenhedid,hesaw,notthewreckageoftheHighjoruneGreatHall,butthewelcoming,familiarcorridorthatledtotheoldForstReachchapel.Andthrice-blessedSavil,tuniconbackward,waiting.

Thepain—

I...thinkI'mintrouble.I'venever...beenthisdrained...before,hethought,somewhereundertheredwashofburning.Oh,gods—ifI'dknownitwasgoingtobelikethis,I'dneverhavehadthecourage....

Hegottohisfeet,somehow;hestaggeredlikeamortally-woundeddrunktryingtogettoTashir.Hewassodizzyhecouldhardlysee,andonlyconcentratingoneachstep,oneatatime,enabledhimtocrossthehallwaytotheyoungman.

"Ta—shir,"hecroaked,andprayedforalittleintelligenceinthoseeyes.Hisprayerswereansweredthistime;theyoungmanstaredathimwithakindoffoggyawareness,thoughhestilltrembledineverylimb."Go...getup..."HisfeebletugsonTashir'sarmwereanswered,theyoungmanstumbledtohisfeet."Go...there..."HepushedTashirtowardtheGate,everystepboughtwithblack—redwavesofpain.

Maddeningly,Tashirstopped,rightontheedge.

Vanyelscreamedinfrustrationandtorment,andshoved,sendingtheyoungmanstumblingthrough,andunabletokeephisbalance,fellrightthroughafterhim.

Fellfromtormentintoagony;strengthgone,controlgone,sight,sound,allsenses.Therewasonlythepain—

Andthentherewasnothing.

Eight

"Youlooklikehell,"saidaroughvoicejustabovehishead.

Whatanamazingcoincidence,Savil,Vanyelthoughtwithoutopeninghiseyes.Ifeellikehell.

"Iseem,"hisauntcontinueddryly,"tospendaninordinateamountoftimeatyourbedside.Anddon'ttrytopretendyou'renotawake."

"Iwouldn'tthinkofit,"hewhispered,crackinghisrighteyeopen.Savilwaslounginginthechairshe'dpulledupnexttohisbed,feetonhisbed."Motherwillhaveacat,"heobserved,pryinghislefteyeopenaswell."Youknowhowshefeelsaboutbootsonthebedcovers."

"Yourmotherisn'thereatthemoment.Howareyoufeeling?"

Hetookaquickinventory."Otherthansomeassortedjoint-aches,aboutthesameaswhenIgotbacktoHaven.Whichistosay,asyoupointedout,likehell.What'sbeengoingon?HowlongwasIoutthistime?"

"Youroutsidematchesyourinside,we'renotinawarwithLineasquiteyet,andthreedays."Shequirkedonecornerofhermouthashegroaned,andcontinued."Itookthelibertyofdeep-scanningyouwhileyouwerewit-wandering,andIgotintouchwithacoupleofmerchant-contactsinHighjorune.Usefulbirds,pigeons.Particularlywhenonecantelltheirlittleheadsexactlywhereyouwantthemtogo.Youwantyourbriefinginsequence,orbyspecifics?"

Hehadbeeninchingintoasittingpositionwhileshewastalking.Shepouredagobletofciderfromapitchernexttoher,andhandedittohimwhenhewassecure.

"Insequence,"hesaid,afterasiptohelpmoistenhisthroat."Andyou'dbetterstartwithhowFatheristakingthenewhouseguest."

"Yourfatherdoesn'tknowabouthim,thankthegods."Theothercornerofhermouthtwitcheduptomakearealsmile."Youroldauntisnofool,ke'chara;hewasduetomakehisHarvest-tideinspectionroundofthefreeholdersthe

samemorningyouGatedbackandfellonyournose.IsimplyinstalledTashirintheguestroomnexttoyoursanddidn'tbothertotellanyoneuntilafterWithenwasgone."Shehesitatedamomentbeforecontinuing."Ihavetotellyou,havingthatboyaroundisunnerving.Heactslikeaghost,whiskingoutofsightwhenheseesmecoming;he'sgivenmechillsmorethanonce.He'stoolikeourlostone...Well.Heisnotwell-wrapped,evenIcantellthat,andI'mnoMindHealer."

Vanyelnoddedthoughtfully."I'vegottoomanyquestions,andnowherenearenoughanswers.SoTashirishere,andFatherdoesn'tknowaboutit.Anotinsignificantblessing.Keepgoing."

"YfandesandthenewCompaniongotbackaboutnoon.BynightfallI'dgottenapigeonortwobackwithnews.LoresisgoingbacktoHaventoprotestyouractionstoRandale,andhe'scarryingademandfromwhat'sleftofDeveran'sCouncilthatTashirbeturnedovertothem.Vedricfinallystuckhisnosein;heshowedupthenextday.HeseemstobeonthesideoftheLineans,buthewantsTashirturnedovertotheMavelansfortrialandsentencing."Shepausedforbreath."That'sthebadnews.ThegoodnewsisthatsincethatfatheadLores—yes,dear,Iknowhim,he'safatheadandalwayshasbeenone—isn'taHerald-Mage,hecan'tGatebacktoHaven.It'sgoingtotakehimagoodlongwhiletogetthere,especiallysincetheCompanionsareinonourlittleconspiracy."

"The—how?"

"Jennaisgoingtobeaninvalidallthewayhome.Ifhemakesthesametimehe'dmakeonaspavinedhorse,he'llbelucky."

Hecoughedonaswallowofcider.Savilpattedhisback,agleamofamusementinhereye."Igotthatfrom'FandesthroughKellan.JennaisnothappywithherChosen,andintendstomakehimpayforit.So,Loresisgoingtobedelayed.SofarasIknow,nobodyknowswhereyouandtheladare;Loresassumedyou'dgonetoHaven.That'smoregoodnews.Soyou'resafeforabit,maybelongenoughtofindoutwhatreallyhappened."

"Evenwhenpeopledofindoutwhereweare,"Vanyelpointedout,"Ican'tbecountermandedbyanyoneotherthanRandale.Randiisgoingtostall,Iknowhim.Heknowsthatifthereweren'tsomethingdamnedoddgoingon,I'dhaveGatedtoHavenwithTashir.So—whataboutourguest?"

"Well,Itoldyou,he'sbeenactinglikeaghost.He'sbeenhoveringoveryouwhenevertherewasn'tsomeoneinhere,butheseemstoknowwhensomeoneiscoming,andslipsbackintohisownroomjustbeforetheygethere.FortunatelyIscannedyoubeforeItriedtoreadhismind.Someoneorsomethingcertainlymadehimsensitivetothat.Ijudgedwedidn'tneedanybrokenvases."

"Exactly."Vanyelsatupalittlestraighter,feelingbetterbythemoment."IwishIdaredMindtouchhimlongenoughtofigureoutwhathisGiftsare.Fetchingforcertain—probablyMindspeech;thatwouldaccountforknowingwhensomeonewascoming.Hasanybodybeenseeingthathe'sfed?"

"Oh,hecomestomeals,butnotwiththefamily.HeslipsdowntothekitchenatFirstCallfortheservantsandthearmsmen;getshimselfsomethingportable,andpeltsbackuphere.Iguesshereturnswhateverdisheshetakesafterthekitchenshutsdownforthenight;nobody'scomplainedtomeaboutmissingplates.Yourmotherisalivewithcuriosityabouthim,andhewon'tgetanynearertoherthanhewilltome."

"Whyisheso—Idon'tknowwhattocallit;battle-shy,maybe?"Vanyelchewedatafingernail."IneverheardthatDeveranwasallthatbadaman."

"Rumorandthetrutharesometimesfairlydifferentthings,ke'chara,"Savilremindedhim."AndDeveranwasamanwell-besetbyproblems,saddledwithawifehedidn'tcarefor,anenemyononeofhisBorderswhichforcedhimtomakehislittlekingdomintoaclient-stateofValdemar,hiseldestwasaproblematicalbastard,andhewasunsteadyenoughonhisthronethathispeoplecouldpressurehimintodisinheritingtheboy."Sheshruggedeloquently."Thisdoesn'tmakeforhappytimesinLineas.Menunderpressurehavebeenknowntotaketheirunhappinessoutonthedefenseless."

"Tashir."Vanyelsighed."SowehaveanewpresumptiveHeraldwithmajorProblems.Notgood,Savil.WhatdowetellFatherwhenhegetsback?"

"Goodquestion.Nomorethanthatyou'veretrievedTashirnewly-Chosenand—damaged.Thelessheknowsofthismess,thebetter.Ican'trememberifhe'severseenVedricorTashir;ifhehasn't,itmightbebestnotto—"

:FearfearfearTRAPPED.Away!Getaway!DON'TTOUCHME!FEAR!:

"Whatinhell!"Savilexclaimed.

"Tashir,"Vanyelcroaked,throwinghimselfoutofbed,staggeringacrosstheroom.

"Van!"

HeignoredSavil,andpulledopenthedoortohisroom."He'sinthebower.Treesamusthavecorneredhimsomehow,andfrightenedhim."

Hestumbleddownthehallatanunsteadyrun,barefeetslappingonthewoodenfloor,weavingalittlefromsidetoside,butnotslowing.HewashalfwaydownthehallwaybeforeSavilcaughtupwithhimandthrewarobeoverhim.

"Treesawouldnotappreciateanakedmanbreakingintohersolar,"sheraspedathim,ashewrestlediton,thenoutracedhisauntagain.

ItwasadamnedgoodthingthatTreesa'sbowerwasn'tfarfromtheguestquarters,becausehewaswindedwhenhegotthere,andholdinghisachingside.

Feminineshrieksmethimhalfwaythere.Thepain—thatwasTashir'sandthatwasallemotional.Sowhateverwashappening,itwasn'tarepetitionoftheslaughteratHighjorune.

Heyankedopenthedooronchaos.Heavyfurniturewasdancingallovertheroom;lighterthingslikeembroideryframesandstoolscircledtheceilinglikedementedbats,nowandagainpausingtothrowthemselvesatthewallbeforecirclingagain.Pilesofshardsshowedwhereafewfragileornamentshadperformedthesamemaneuverstoamorefatalend.Tashirwascoweringinthecornernearestthedoorframe,headburiedinhisarms;thewomenwerecoweringagainstthefarwall,screamingatthetopsoftheirlungs.

VanyelandSavilactedinconcert.HeclampeddownonTashir;thefurniturefrozeinmiddance,andtheflyingpiecesbegangentlyloweringthemselvestothefloor.Saviltookthewomen,collectivelyparalyzingtheirthroatssotheycouldn'tscream.

Itwasafragilesolution,atbest;VanyelsensedthatthemomentheorSavilloosedcontrol,theyoungmanwouldcontinuetopanic.

Theclatterofbootsonthestaircaseheraldedtheunlikelyanswertohisprayers;WithenandJervisstormedintothemesswithdrawnswords,probably

prayers;WithenandJervisstormedintothemesswithdrawnswords,probablyexpectinglootingandrapinefromallthescreams.Theystoppedcoldonthethreshold.Vanyelwouldrememberthelooksontheirfacesforalongtime.

ThenTashirlookedupattheintruders;Vanyelgotreadytotightendownontheyoungsterifanothersurgeoffearbrokehimoutofcontrol.Butinstead,hefeltthefirstflickersofhopeandsomethingveryliketrustwhenTashirfocusedonJervis.

Jervis?Ladyhavemercy—butIamnotlookingsidewaysatagifthorse!

ThewomenclearlysawWithenandJervisasdeliverers;theyrelaxedimmediately,andSavilletthemgo,oneatatime."Sorryaboutthis,Withen.We'vegotapresumptiveHeraldherewithaproblem,"Savilsaid,slowlyandcarefully."Vanrescuedhim,he'sveryjumpy—hisGiftisFetching,ladies,andhewasjusttryingtogetyoutoleavehimalone.Hepanickedwhenyoustartedscreaming.It'sallright,Withen,nobody'shurt,anditlooksliketheonlydamageisacoupleofornaments."

Treesa,whiteandshaking,actuallymanagedatremuloussmile."Th-theywerethosehorriblech-cherubsThorinnainsistedong-g-givingme,"shestammered."Ishan'tm-m-missthem."

Vanyel,meanwhile,managedtosnagJervis'elbowanddrawhimawayfromWithen."I'vegotaveryfrightenedladhere,Jervis,"hewhispered."I'lltellyoueverythingIcanlater.Fornow,heseemstoseeyouassomebodyhecandependon.Doyouthinkyoucanhandlehim,gethimcalmeddown?"

Jervisdidn'twasteanytimewithquestionsorarguments.HetookonelookatTashir'sstrained,whiteface,sheathedhissword,andnodded.

Vanyel,withJervisathiselbow,movedtowardTashirasquietlyandunthreateninglyashecould.Theyoungsterlookedupatthemwithameasureofbothhopeandfear."I'mgoingtotaketheshieldsoffyou,Tashir,"Vanyelsaid,asifnoneofthishadhappened,projectingcalmwithallhispower.EmpathywasnotoneofhisstrongGifts,buthedidhaveit,andheusedittothelimit."IwantyoutogobacktoyourroomwithJervis.Jervis,thisisTashir.Lad,Jervisisourarmsmaster."

Againthatflashofhope,andtrust—strongerthistime—inresponsetotheidentificationofJervis.

identificationofJervis.

"Iwantyoutogetyourselfcalmeddown.Iknowyoucan.Onceyoudo,allthesestrangethingswillstophappening.WhatyouhaveissomethingwecallaGift,andit'snomoreunnaturalthanbeingabletopaintwellorfightwell.Andtheproofofthatisthatyou'regoingtofeelexhaustedinaminute,justlikeyou'dbeenfighting.Youhave—onlywithyourmind.We'llhelpyoufigureouthowtokeepitundercontrolsothatthingslikethiswon'thappenagain.Nooneisangryatyou—youheardLadyTreesa—andnooneisgoingtopunishyouforanyofthis.Thesethingshappentosomepeople,andweunderstandthathereinValdemar;welookforpeoplelikeyou,Tashir,andwetrainthemtousewhattheyhave.Thislittlemesswasn'tyourfault,andIwon'tallowanyonetoblameyouforit."

"Vanyel'sallright,"Jervissaidgruffly,clappingVanyelontheshoulderandmakinghimstaggeralittle."Ifhesaysyou'regoingtobefine,youwillbe.Hewon'tlie,andhekeepshispromises."

WithoutdaringtoMindtouch,Vanyelcouldn'ttellwhattheyoungsterwasthinking;hewasforcedtorelyonwhatTashirwasprojectingthathewaspickingupEmpathically.Therewasdoubtthere—butatrustinJervisthatwasincreasingbythemoment.Clearly,TashirwouldtrustJerviswherehewouldn'ttrustanyoneelse.

Therewasaglimmering,ahintofsomethingelseforamoment,thenitwasgone,slitheringawaybeforeVanyelcouldreadit.Thatwasfrustratingintheextreme,buthecertainlydidn'twanttosetTashiroffagain.Soheslowlylethiscontrolovertheyoungsterfade,littlebylittle,untilitwasgone.Tashirslumpedagainstthewallintotalexhaustion,closinghiseyes.

"Here,lad,"Jervissteppedforwardandtookhimbytheelbow;theboytransferredhisweightfromthewalltoJervis;asignVanyelreadwithrelief."Comeon,let'sgetyoubacktoyourroom,hey?IfwhatyoungVanheresaysistrue,you'reprobablyfeelinglikeyou'vejustgonethrougharound-robintourneyinweightedarmor,"

Tashirnodded,andletJervisleadhimout,stumblingalittlewithfatigue.

WithTashirgone,thetensionleftthesolar,andeveryoneinitreactedtothereliefdifferently.Treesaandherladiesweretwitteringintheircornerlikeaflockofflusteredsparrows.Vanyelfoundachairandsatinitbeforehisknees

flockofflusteredsparrows.Vanyelfoundachairandsatinitbeforehiskneesgaveoutonhim.Withensuddenlyseemedtoremembertheswordinhishand,andsheathedit.

"Fine,we'vegotTashirtakencareof,nowcananyofyoutelluswhathappened?"Vanyelaskedwearily.

Thewomenstarted,andstaredathim—withfear.Evenhismother.EveryoneexceptMelenna.

Theirfearhithimlikeablowtotheheart,makinghimfeelsick.Thatfear—Gods.Theyneversawmeworkmagicbefore.Thestorieswerejust—stories.NowI'veconjuredmyselffromHighjoruneinanight,broughtawizardlingwithme—dispelledhismagicwithalook.NowI'mVanyelDemonsbane.I'mnotanyonetheyknowanymore.I'mnotanyonetheycouldknow.I'msomeonewithpowerstheydon'tunderstand,someonetofear.

Hecoulddealwiththisnow—orletthesituationworsen.HechosefortheHeralds;chosetowithdrawhimself,Vanyel,insideakindofmentalshellandletHerald-MageVanyelcometothefore.

"Ladies,please,"theHerald-Magesaid,gently,andwithawinningsmile,exertingallthecharmhehad."ThisisimportanttoallofyouifI'mtounderstandwhatsettheladoff.Theideaistokeephimfromdoingitagain,afterall."

Oneortwotitterednervously,therestlookedathimwithwide,frightenedeyes.Thenafteramomentduringwhichhissmileremainedsteady,theyrelaxedalittle.

HisheartsankwhenMelennaworkedherwaytothefrontofthegroup.Hewasn'thopingformuchcoherencyoutofher.

Butshewassurprisinglycalm."LadyTreesafoundtheyoungmanwithMedren,"shesaidquietly,hereyesdowncast."She'sbeenterriblycuriousabouthim—well,weallwere,really—sosheorderedhimtocomewithhertothesolarandpresenthimselfproperlyrightthen.Hedidn'twantto—well,that'swhatMedrensaid—butsheorderedhim,sohefollowedher.Hewasverypolite,butevenIcouldseethathewasveryunhappy,andthemoreTreesaaskedabouthisfamily—becausehetolduswhohewasrightoff—theunhappierhegot.Assoon

asTreesanoticedit,thatwaswhenshedid—likeshedoeswithyou,milordVan.Youknow,shegetssort-offlirty,butatthesametimeshestartsgettingverymothering.Shegotupandstartedtogotohim,toputhimatease—andhesortofjumpedback,andoneofthecouchesjumpedrightbetweenhimandTreesa.Itjust—jumped,likeatraineddog,orsomething.LadyTreesanearlyhadheartfailure,andshescreamed,shewassosurprised—thatwaswhenTashirwentabsolutelywhiteandeverythingintheroombeganflyingaround."

Shepaused,thenlookedup,veryshyly,withnoneofherusualcoquettishness."Wewereterriblyfrightened,milordVan.Imean,IknowyouandmiladySavilaremagicians,andI'msureitallseemsverytametoyou,but—we'veneverseenmagiclikethat.Furniture—justshouldn'tdothat.I'mgoingtofeelfunnysittingonachairforthenextweek,wonderingifit'sgoingtotakeitintoitsheadtofly."

Vanyelalmostfelthimselflikingher,forthefirsttimeinyears."Ican'tsayIblameyou;Ikeepforgettingmostofyouhaveneverevenseenmedo—oh,this.'"

Hemadeatinymage-lightinthecenterofthepalmofhisoutstretchedhand.Itwasaboutallhehadtheenergyfor,anditimpressedtheladiesoutofallproportiontoitssize.Theyooh'dandah'd,buttheydidnotcomeanynearer.

"MilordVan,"Melennasaid,recapturinghisattention,"there'ssomethingyoureallyneedtoknow.Nothinghitanyone.Nothingevencameclose.Evenwhenthosehorridcherubshitthewallandshattered,noonewascut,noonewashurt.Anddoyouknow,thatalmostmadethewholethingscarier."

Vanyelnodded;thisincidentonlyconfirmedhisfeelingthattheyoungstercouldn'thavebeenguiltyofthatwholesaleslaughterinLineas.Ifhedidn'trememberwhathadhappened,itcouldhavebeensheerterrorthatmadehismindhidethememory.

Buthefoundhimselfseeingtheotherpossibilities.

Thatworksbothways.Hecouldhavedoneit,justasLorespointedout.Andbecausehe'sbasicallyagoodlad,thesheerhorrorofwhathedidmadehismindhidethememorysodeeplytherewasnosignofit.

Heshivered,inapreoccupiedway,anddriftedoutofthebower,ignoringthefollowinggazesofTreesa,herladies,andMelenna.

followinggazesofTreesa,herladies,andMelenna.

Hedressedandate,allinafogcomprisedofwearinessandpreoccupation.Itwashourslaterwhenhefinallyfacedtheobvious—thathe'dputaveryvulnerableyoungmaninthehandsofsomeonewhohadabusedhim.

Hewouldn't.Wouldhe?Oh,gods.

HewentlookingforJervisinastateofincreasingalarm,andfoundhiminthesalle,workingoutagainstthepells.Andbythetimehefoundthearmsmaster,hewasreadytokillthemanhimselfifJervishadeventhoughtofbullyingtheboy.

Bluffhim.Hedoesn'tknowhowwornoutIam.IfIgoontheoffensiverightaway,hewon'thavetimetothink.

Plantingbothfeetfirmlyonthesandedwoodenfloor,hetookanaggressivestance,armscrossedoverhischest.

"Jervis,"hecalled,loudlyenoughtobeheardovertheracketofpracticebladeagainstpells.

Thearmsmasterpivotedandpulledoffhishelm.Hemusthavebeenattheexerciseforsometime;sweatbeadedhisbrow,anddrippedofftheendsofhishair."Aye?"

Vanyeldidnotmove."Onewordforyou.Idon'tknowwhatthisgameyou'vebeenplayingwithmemeans,andatthispointIdon'tdaretakeanychances.I'mwarningyounow;harmMedren—harmTashir—you'llbedealingwithme.NotHeraldVanyel—plainVanyelAshkevron.AndyouknownowIcantakeyou;anytime,anyplace;withmagic,orwithout.AndIwon'thesitatetouseanyweaponI'vegot."

Jervisflushed;lookeddumbfounded."Harm'em?Me?Whatd'youtakemefor?"

"Themanwhobrokemyarm,Jervis.Themanwho'sbeentryingtointimidatemeonthisveryfloorforthepastweek.Themanthatwastoodamnedinflexibletosuitthestyletotheboy—sohetriedtobreaktheboy."

inflexibletosuitthestyletotheboy—sohetriedtobreaktheboy."

Jervisflunghishelmdown,goingscarletwithanger.Thehelmdentedthefloorandrolledoff."Dammit,youfool!Don'tyouseethatwaswhatIwastryin't'do?Iwastryin't'learnyourdamnedstyle—andforMedren!Hellfire!AfoolcouldseethatpoorlittlesproutMedrenwasnomoresuitedt'mywaythenputtin'armoronapalfrey!"

Vanyelfeltasifsomeonehadjustdroppedhimintoavatofcoldwater.Heblinked,relaxedhisstance,andblinkedagain.Feelingpoleaxedisgettingtobecomearegularoccurrence,hethought,tryingtogethisjawhingedagain.Hiskneesweretremblingsomuchwithreactionthathewasn'tcertainthey'dholdhim.

Jervissavedhimthetrouble.Hethrewhisgearoverintohischestatthesideofthepracticearea,stalkedovertoVanyel'sside,andtookhiselbow."Look,"hesaid,gruffly,"I'mtired,andwe'vegotalotbetweenusthatneedstalkingabout.Let'sgogetadamneddrinkandsettleit."

*

Ishouldn'tbedrinkingunwateredwinethistired,Vanyelthought,regardingtheplainclaymugJerviswasfillingwithunease.

ItseemedJervishadalreadythoughtofthat."Here,"hesaid,takingaloafofcoarsebread,aroundofcheese,andaknifeoutofthesamecupboardthathadheldthemugsandwinebottle,andshovingthemacrossthetrestletableatVanyel."Eatsomethingfirst,oryou'llbesorry.Notagoodideat'beguzzlingthisstuffifyouain'tusedt'it,butthere'ssomepainbetweenus,boy,andIneedthewinet'getitout,evenifyoudon't."

Theywerestillinthearmory,inalittlebackroomthatwaspartoffice,partrepair-shop,andpartinfirmary.Vanyelwassittingonacotwithhisbackbracedagainstthewall;Jerviswasontheroom'sonlychair,withthetablebetweenandalittletoonesideofthem,atablehe'dcleanedofbitsofharnessandanarm-braceandtoolsbythesimpleexpedientofsweepingitallintoaboxandshovingtheboxunderthetablewithhisfoot.

Thearmsmasterfollowedhisownadvicebyhackingoffachunkofbreadandcheeseandboltingit,beforetakingalongswallowofhiswine.Vanyeldidthesame,alittlemoreslowly.Jervissathunchedoverforalongmoment,his

thesame,alittlemoreslowly.Jervissathunchedoverforalongmoment,hiselbowsonhisknees,contemplatingthecontentsofthemugheldbetweenhiscallusedhands.

"Doyoubegin,"Vanaskedawkwardly,"orshouldI?"

"Me.Yourfather—"Jervisbegan,andcoughed."YouknowIowehim,owehimfortakin'meonpermanent.Oh,heowedmesome,alittlematterofwatchin'hisbackonce,butnotwhatIfiguredwouldputmehereasarmsmaster.SoIfigurethatputmeonthedebitsideoftheledger,eh?Well,thatwasallrightforawhile,thoughitweren'tnoeasything,makin'fightersoutofabunchofplowboysan'secondan'thirdsonswhatcouldn'tfindtherightendofaspearwithbothhandsan'amap.Yourgranther—hereckoneditbestt'hirewhatheneeded.Yourfather—hefiguredbestt'trainhisown,an'thatwaswhyhekeptme.Gods.Plowboys,kids,itwasadamnmess.No,itweren'teasy.ButIdidit,Ididit—an'thenalongcomesyou,firstborn,an'Withencallsintherealdebt."

Theformermercenarysighed,andwipedhisforeheadwiththebackofhishand.HegaveVanyelameasuringlookbeforetakinganotherdrinkandcontinuing."I'spectbynowitain'tgonnacomeasasurpriset'hearyouroldmanfiguredyoufor—what'retheysayin'now,shaych?—yeah,figuredyouforthatfromthetimeyoucameoutathenursery.Timeswereyoulookedmoregirlthanboy—gah,thatstuckinhiscrawforsure.Hangin'aboutwithLiss,fightin'shyofth'foster-boys—thenyoutookupwithmusic,an'gods,hewassureofit.Figuredhecouldcureyouifhemadesureyouneverknewtherewassuchathing,andhegotsomebodyt'beatyouintoshape.Thatsomebodywass'pposedt'beme."

Hestabbedagnarledthumbtowardhischestandsnorted."Me!Kernos'Horns!'Maketheboyaman,'hesays.'Idon'tcarewhatyouhavetodo,justmake'imaman!'An'everyday,justabout,askin'mehowyouwasshapin'up.Ibeenunderpressurebefore,butdamn,thiswasenought'makeanangelsweat.Iowedthatman,an'whatthehellwasIsupposedt'do?TellhimIneversawnobeatin'sturnnokidsfromfeyifthatwashowtheywasbent?Tellhimtherewerenofewofthemercshisfather'dhiredwasshieldmates,an'lookedaboutasfeyasmean'foughtlikehell'sowndemons?"

"Youcouldhavetried—"

Jervissnarledalittle."Andlosemyplace?Youthinkthere'sjobsforold

mercs'roundanycorner?Iwasflatdesperate,boy!WhatinhellwasIsupposedtodo?"

Vanyelbitbackhisresentment."Ididn'tknow,"hesaidfinally."Ididn'tguess."

Jervisgrimaced."Youweren'tsupposedto,boy.Well,hell,mystylesuitedyou,youpoorlittlescrap,'boutaswellasteatsonabull.'BoutthesameasMedren."

"Ifyouknewthat—"Vanyelbitbackhisprotest.

"Yeah,Iknewit.Ijustcouldn'tfaceit.Thenyouwentallstubbornonme,youdamnedwellwouldn'teventry,an'Ididn'tknowwhatthehellt'do!Iwas'boutreadyt'bustout,youmademesodamnedmad,an'yourolddaonmeeverytimeIturnedaround—an'ifthatweren'tenough,gods,Iusetagetnightmares'boutyou."

"Nightmares?"Vanyelasked.Heknewhesoundedskeptical,mostlybecausehewas.

"Yeah,nightmares,"Jervissaiddefensively."Shit,youcan'tliveonthedamnBorderwithoutseein'fightin'soonerorlater.An'youlikelyt'getshovedouttherewithnomoresenseofwhatt'dot'keepyourselfalivethanabutterfly.Look,smartboy—youwasfirstborn;youbetIfiguredyouforbein'rightinth'frontlinesomeday,an'Ifiguredyoufordeadwhenthathappened.An'Idon'tsendchilderoutamydamnedhandst'getkilled,dammit!"

Hisfacetwistedandhisshouldersshookforamoment,andhefinishedoffthewineinhismugatasinglegulp.Vanyelcouldsensemorepainthanhe'deverdreamedtheoldmancouldfeelbehindthatcarved-graniteface.Somewhere,sometime,Jervishadsentill-prepared"childer"outofhishandstofight—anddie—andthewoundswerewithhimstill.Hisownangerbegantofade.

"Well,that'swhatyouwereheadin'straightfor,boy,an'Ijustplaindidn'tknowhowt'keepitfromhappening.Youmademesodamnedmad,an'thenyouroldmanjustgavemetoomuchleash.ToldmeIhadafreehandwithyou.An'I—lostit.Iwentan'tookthewholemessoutofyourhide."

Heshookhishead,staringatthefloor,andhishandstrembledalittlewhere

Heshookhishead,staringatthefloor,andhishandstrembledalittlewherehewasclutchingtheemptymug."Ilostmydamnedtemper,boy.I'mnotproudofthat.I'mnotproudofmyself.Shouldhaveknownbetter,buteverytimeyouwhined,itjustmadememadder.An'Iwaswrong,deadwrong,inwhatIwastryingt'forceintoyou;Iknewit,an'thatmadememadtoo.Thenyoupulledthatlastlittlestunt—thatwasit.Youeverthoughtaboutwhatyoudid?"

"Ineverstoppedthinkingaboutit,"Vanyelreplied,afterfirstswallowingnearlyhalfthecontentsofhisownmug.Thewinecouldnotnumbthememories,recollectionsthatweremoreacidonthebackofhistonguethanthecheapredwine.

HelookedfiercelyintoJervis'seyes."Ihatedyou,"headmittedangrily."IfI'dhadarealknifeinmyhandsthatday,IthinkI'dhavegoneforyourthroat."Allthebitternesshe'dfelt,thenandafter,roseinhisgullet,tastingofbile.Hestruggledagainsthisclosingthroattoaskthequestionthathadneverbeenansweredandhadplaguedhimformorethanadecade."Why,Jervis,why?"hegotpasthisclenchedjaw."IfyouknewwhatIwasdoing,whydidyoulieandtellFatherIwascheating?"

Silence;Jervisstaredathimwithangermixedwithshame,butitwastheshamethatwonout."BecauseIcouldn'tadmitIwaswrong,"Jervisreplied,subduedandflushingadarkred."BecauseIcouldn'tadmitittomyselforanybodyelse.Couldn'tbelieveakidhadcomeupwiththeanswerIcouldn'tfind.SoItoldWithenyou'dcheated.Halfbelieveditmyself;couldn'tseehowyou'd'vetouchedme,otherwise.ButI—I'vehadalotoftimet'thinkaboutit.Years,sinceyouleft.An'youturnin'outthewayyoudid,aHeraldan'all—shit,anybodyturnedoutlikethatwouldn'tcheat.CametomeafterawhileInevercaughtyouinalie,neither.Cametomethattheonlyliesbein'toldweretheonesIwastellin'.ThenwhenIstartedt'tellmyselfthetruth,begant'figureouthowcloseIcamet'breakin'more'nyourarm."

Hehunghishead,andhewouldn'tlookatVanyel.AndVanyelfoundhisangerandbitternessflowingawayfromhimlikewaterfrommeltingice.

"Boy,Iwaswrong,andIamsorryforit,"hesaidquietly."ItoldWithenthetruthawhileback,whentheysentyououtontheKarsiteBorder;toldhimeverythingIjusttoldyou.Hedidn'tknowwhattheywassendin'youto,butIdid.Damn,I—ifanythin'hadhappened,an'Ihadn'ttoldhim—"

Heshuddered."Itoldhimmorethings,bestIcould.Toldhimthathe'sgotadamnedfineson,an'thattherehavebeenplentyofshieldmatedfightersI'd'abeengladt'haveatm'back,an'I'd"yetrustedwithm'lastcoinandfirstbornkid—an'justasmanyladswhosetastesrant'wench-in'thatI'd'vejustassoonsetupagainstatreean'shot.Toldhimifheletthatstandbetweenhiman'you,hewasabiggerfoolthanme.Didm'bestforyou,boy.Gonnakeeponwithit,too.FigureifItellhimenough,hemightstartbelievin'me.An'Van—I'mdamnedsorryittookmesolongt'figureouthowwrongIwas."

Therewasprofoundsilencethen,whileVanyelwaitedforhisthoughtsandemotionstosettleintocoherency.Jerviswasassilentasamanofrock,eyesfixedonthefloor.Thecricketinthesallebrokeoffitssinging,andVanyelcouldhearthethudofhoovesandsharpcommands,faintandmuffled,asTarntookoneoftheyoungstallionsaroundonthelungejustoutside.

Finally,everythingwithinhimcrystallizedintoanewpattern—

VanyeltookJervis'mugfromlimpfingersandrefilledit.Butinsteadofgivingitback,heofferedthearmsmasterhisownoutstretchedhand.

Theformermercenarylookedupathiminsurprise,oneofthefirsttimesVanyelhadeverseenthemanregistersurprise,andbegantosmile;tentativelyatfirst,thenwithrealfeeling.

HetookVanyel'shandinbothofhis,andswallowedhard."Thankyou,boy,"hesaidhoarsely."Iwasn'tsureyou'd—you'reabettermanthan—oh,hell—"

Vanyelshrugged,andhandedhimhisrefilledmug."Let'scallittruce.Iwasabrat.Andifyouhadn'tdonewhatyoudid,Iwouldn'tbeaHerald."AndIwouldn'thavehad'Lendel.

"Listen,"Jervissaid,afterfirstclearinghisthroat."AboutMedren—thatboyhasnofuturehere,ablindmancouldseethat.Whatwithalltheright-bornboys—an'Icouldn'tseethatonebein'happyasanybody'sdogsbodysquire,youknow?FiguredtheonlychanceforhimwasthewayIcameup;merearmsman.LordKernosknowshe'sgotallthebrainst'makeofficerrightquick.Sothat'swhatIwastryin'toworkhimto."

"Therewasmusic."

"Yeah,hisothershotwasmaybemusic.I'dheardhim,boysoundedallright,butwhatthehelldoIknowaboutmusic?Notadamnthing.ButIfigured,IfiguredIcouldmakeadamnedfinearmsmanoutofhim,whatwithhisreactionsan'hisbrainsan'speedan'all,ifIcouldjustfigureoutwhatthey'dtaughtyouovertoHaven.Beentryin'—damnifIhaven'tbeentryin'.Couldnotseemt'getitworkedout,an'—shit,Van,hatet'useth'boylikeasetofpells,butitseemedliketh'onlywayt'workitoutwastoworkitoutusin'him.But,"Jervisheldupaknottedfinger,"justonth'chanceth'boywasgoodattheplunkin'Ibeendamnedcarefulofhishands.Damnedcareful."

Vanyel'sarmbegantoache,andheputhismugdowntorubit."Ineverdidgetallthefeelingback,"hesaid,stillresentful,stillfeelingthelastburnoftheangerhe'dnursedalltheseyears."Ifthingshadn'tturnedoutthewaytheydid—evenbeingcarefulyoucouldhavehurthim,andruinedhischanceatmusic."

Jervisvisiblystifledanangryretort,butinthefaceofVanyel'sownanger,wincedandlookedaway."Can'tundowhatIdid,boy,"hesaid,afteranuncomfortablesilence."Nobodycan.ButtheleastIcandoiskeepfrommakin'thesamemistaketwice.An'Iwastryin'.Iswearit."

Vanyelsatonhisanger.

Jervisgulpedhiswine."Truthnow,betweenyouan'me.Wereyouanygood?DidI—"

"No,"Vanyelsaidhonestly."Ididn'thavetheGift.Andit'stakenawhile,butIlearnedhowtomakeupforthelostfeeling.Youdidn'ttakeanythingawayfromme,notreally."

Jervis'shoulderssaggedalittle."Howaboutthebastard?Medren,Imean."

"I'msponsoringhimintotheBardicCollegium.He'sbetterthanIwasatfifteen,andhe'sgottheBardicGift."VanyelnoddedatJervis'swiftintakeofbreath."Exactly;he'llmakeafullBard."

Thememorysuddenlysprangup,unprompted,ofMedrenandhissuccessionofbruises—justbruises.Nastyones,someofthem,butnotbrokenbones,notevensprains.NoworsethanVanyelhadseenhisbrothersandcousinssport,backinthelongago.AndVanyelbegantolookalittlecloseratthosememories,whileJervisstaredathimaskance.Finallyhebegantosmile.

"Itjustoccurredtome—Medren.WithafullGift.Hehasbeenmanipulatingme,thelittledemon,usingthatGiftofhis.Doingitjustfine,too,andwithnoBardictraining.Giventhat,I'dsayhe'sgoingtobeoutstanding,andIthinkI'dbetterhavealittlewordwithhimonthesubjectofethics!"

Jervischuckled."Idon'tthinkit'sa-purpose;atleast,Idon'tthinkheknowsheshouldn't.He'sanotheronethat'sgoodatbottom.An'letmetellyou,evenwithouthavin'adecentstyle,he'snoslouchwithablade!"

Vanyelcutthembothmorebreadandcheese,andreachedforthewinetorefillbothmugs.Heleanedbackagainstthewall,withafeelingthatsomethingthathadbeenfesteringforalongtimehadbeguntoheal.Hedidn'tlikeJervis,quite.Notyet,anyway.ButhewasbeginningtoseewhyJervishaddonewhathe'ddone,andbeginningtorespectthecouragethatmadethearmsmasteradmit—ifbelatedly—thathewaswrong.

"Youknow,"Vanyelsaidslowly,"he'llbetaughtbladerightalongwithmusic;Bardsendupfindingthemselvesinsomefairlyunpleasantplacesfromtimetotime.They'reinValdemar'sservicenolessthanHeraldsare,sobeinghandywithaswordsurelycan'thurt.Hellfire,youshouldhaveseenBardChadraninhisprime;he'dhavebeenamatchforbothofustogether!"

Jervislookedupwithinterest."Chadran—thattheonethatwass'pposedt'havegotpickedupbybandits,got'emt'trust'im,thenfoughthimselfan'ahandfulofprisonersloose?"

"That'stheone,onlyhewentinonElspeth'srequest."

Whenhefinishedthatstory,JervismanagedtocoaxtheShadowStalkertaleoutofhim,afterhalfthebottlewasgone.Mostpeopleneverheardtherealstory.Ittookhalfabottlebeforehewasreadytofacethosememories.

Beforethattalewasoverandthebottlewasempty,Vanyelhaddecidedhehadanallyhecouldcounton.HewascertainofitafterJervis'finalwordswhenVanyelgotuptoleave.

"NeverunderstoodHeraldsbefore,"thearmsmasteradmitted."Nevercouldfigureoutwhatallthefussandfeatherswasabout.Didn'treallyhaveanynotionofwhatyoupeopledid,untilthemstoriesaboutyoustartedup.Neverpaidmuchattentiont'whotheherowasbefore,thenIstartednoticin'thatintheValdemar

songsmostoftheheroesturnoutt'beHeralds.Somethin'elseIstartednoticin'—mostoftheHeraldsendedupcomin'downwithaseriouscaseofdeadinthemstories.Youcomeprettyclosetoit,atimeortwo,eh?"

Vanyelnoddedruefully,stretchingsoremuscles."Stupidity,mostly."

Jervissnorted."Myass.Wasn'tstupiditysomuch'sputtin'yourselfinharm'sway.Right,sotellmethis—amerclikeme,heputshimselfonthelineformoney.Knowswhatheboughthimselfinto,knowswhathe'llgetoutofitifhelives.An'heonlygivessomuch;whathewaspaidfor,butnotpastit.But–you—youHeralds?What'sinitforyou?Imean,lookatyourightnow—you'veaboutworeyourselfdowntoathread,somethin'nomercwoulddo.Andyoushoweduphereinth'samestate.Whatfor?"

Vanyelshookhishead."It'shardtotellyou;it'safeeling,morethananything.Somethinglikeapriestlyvocation,Iwouldguess."Helookedinsidehimselffortheanswer,ananswerhehadn'treallylookedforsincehefirstrealizedwhatitwasthathadmadeTylendelneedtobeaHerald."IdoitbecauseIhaveto.BecauseI'mneeded.Thereisn'tanybody—I'mnotboasting,Jervis,youcanaskSavil—thereisn'tanybodyelseinthewholeKingdomthatcandowhatIcando.Ican'tgiveup,Ican'tjustshrugthingsoffandtellmyselfsomebodyelsewilltakeuptheslack,becausethereisn'tanybodyelse.Therearetoomanypeopleouttherewhoneedmyprotection;becauseI'mthispowerful,Ihaveanobligationtousethatpower.I'mtheloneGuardattheGate—Idaren'tgiveup,becausethere'snobodybehindmetotakeupwhatIlaydown."

Jervis'facewentabsolutelystill.Vanyelwishedheknewwhattheoldmanwasthinking."Nobody?"heasked.

Vanyelshookhishairoutofhiseyes."Nobody,"heechoed,staringintospace."Ihavenochoice;it'sthat,orknowmyinactiondoomsothers.Sometimeslotsofothers.Toomanytimes,othersIknowandcarefor."

Jervis'seyesgrewdeepandthoughtful,andVanyelcouldfeelthemonhisbackasheleft,headedforthebathhouse.

TherewasalighttapatVanyel'sdoorthatwokehimfromthenaphewastryingtotake—inparttomakeupforthesleephehadbeenlosingtoMelenna.It

hadn'tbeenaverysuccessfulattempt.Hewasstilltooonedge;hismindwastooactive.Heyawned,andthengrinned,identifyingMedrenbyastraythought-wisp.Sowe'verecoveredfromthemeasles,hmm?AndabouttohavealittlemomentoftruthwithUncleVanyel.Orrather,thoughhedoesn'tknowit,HeraldVanyel.

"Come,"hesaid,sittingupandstretching,thenswinginghislegsoffthebed.

"Vanyel?"Medrenploddedintotheroomandsaggeddownintothewindowseat."CanIhideuphere?IjustfoundoutfromyoungMekethatoldJervisisgonnahavesome'specialdemonstration'thisafternoon,andyouknowwhatthatmeans."Theboyshuddered."GoodoldMedrenforpells."

"Actually,no,notthistime,"Vanyelgrinned."Itmeans'goodoldRadevelforpells.'I'vebeenteachingRadmystyle,andthepellsplanongivingJervisasgoodashegets.ThenyouandRadevelwillhaveateachotherwhileIcoachsoJerviscanwatch.Hesayshewantstoknowmystyle'becausesoonerorlaterhe'sgoingtogetanotherpuny'un.'Andsometimethisweek,myyoungfriend,youwillhaveanothersparringpartner;onceIrecover,youandIaregoingtopairoff.AndI'llrunyouaroundthefieldforawhile.Andmeanwhilewe'llfindoutwhatTashirisgoodfor."

Theboy'smouthdroppedopen,andVanyelcontinuedmercilessly.

"Thisisforyourbenefit.BardicCollegiumincludesbladeworkforBardsrightalongwiththemusiclessons,andIwantedyoutohaveasmuchofaheadstartaspossible.ABard'sdutyhasbeenknowntocarryhimintosomedangerousplaces,andtheBardicCirclecan'tspareGuardstotagalongbehindyoutokeepyououtoftrouble."

Theboy'smouthworked,butforalongmoment,nosoundemerged.

"Oh—"hesaidweakly."I—ah—"

"Medren,Ihaveaveryseriousquestiontoaskyou."Vanyelletthesmiledropfromhismouthandeyes,andmovedtostandovertheboy."Whenyouwerefishingformysympathy,whatelsewereyoudoing?Anddon'ttellmethatyouweren'tdoinganything.Webothknowbetterthanthat."

"I..."theboygulped,anddroppedhiseyes."Iwastryingtomakeyoufeelsorryforme.That'swhyIwaskindof...playingwhileIwastalkingtoyou;

sorryforme.That'swhyIwaskindof...playingwhileIwastalkingtoyou;singingbutnotsinging,youknow?PuttingmusicbehindwhatIwasdoing.I...itfeelssortoflikewhenIreallygettakenupbyasong.LikeI'mpushingsomething.Onlywiththeinsideofmyhead."

"Didyoueverthinkaboutwhetherthatwasagoodidea?"Vanyelasked,withnoinflectioninhisvoice.

"No.Notreally."Alongpause,thenMedrenhunghishead."Itisn't,isit?"heasked,inaverysmall,andverysubduedvoice."IwasdoingsomethingIshouldn'thave.I...Iguessit'ssomethinglikebeingabullybecauseyou'rebiggerthansomebody,isn'tit?"

Vanyelnodded,reliefrelaxinghisshoulders.Good.Heknows,now.Hesawitforhimself.He'llbeallright.Buthespokesternly."Itis.AndifyoudoitatBardic,they'llhavetheHeraldsblockyourGift,andthey'llturnyouout.ThatisyourGift;thisabilitytomakepeoplefeelwhatyouwantthemtofeelthroughmusic.Andthereareonlythreetimesit'spermissibleforyoutousethatGift:whenyou'reperforming,whenyou'rehelpingsomeonewhoneedshelp,andattheKing'sorders."

"Yessir,"Medrenwhispered,headsunkbetweenhisshoulders,wherehe'dpulleditwhenVanyelspokeofhavinghisGiftblockedandbeingturnedoutoftheCollegium."Nossir.I'llremember."

"You'dbetter.Onthis,yougetonechance.Now,comeon,lad,"Vanyelsaidwitharenewalofcheerfulness,urgingMedrenupoutofhischairandpropellinghimoutthedoorwithahandbehindhisshoulders."Timeforyoutoshowthoseplowhorsecousinsofyourshowarealfighterdoesthings."

Nine

Theyreturnedtohisroomafterpractice;VanyelhadthoughttogiveMedrenanothermusiclesson,buteventhoughhehadn'tdoneanyfighting,herealizedashedirectedMedren'smovementsthathewasdrained—andthatwaslongbeforethepracticewasover.

Medrenwasnofool;hecouldseehowexhaustedVanyelwas.Hesuggestedthatthelessonbeputoff;heevenofferedtohaveservantsbringVanyel'sdinnertohisroom.

Vanyelacceptedbothoffers;heboltedthefoodassoonastheservantbroughtit,andthrewhimselffacedownonhisbedagainwithagroan.Thebedhadsomehowbeenmadeupinhisabsence,despiteallthehurly-burlyinTreesa'sbower.BabyHeraldswreckingrooms,adultHeraldsmakingmagicGatesandthenfallingthroughthemhalf-dead,apossiblewarontheBorder,andstillsomehowthebedsgetmade.Whataworld.

HetriedtothinkofwhathewouldhavedoneifTashirhadn'trunberserk,andrealizedhehadn'tyetspokenwithYfandes.Sheprobablyknewwhatwasgoingon,ofcourse;sincethemomenthehadfirstacceptedthenotionofbecomingaHeraldshehadmadeahabit—whichheencouraged—ofeavesdroppingonjustabouteverythingasakindofsilentobserverinthebackofhismind.Hedidn'tintheleastmindherusinghiseyesandears;itsavedalotofexplaining,andiftherewassomethinghedidn'twanther"present"for,he'dtellher.Butitwasveryrudeofhimnottohavesaidsomething,atleastingreeting,beforethis.Herolledoveronhisbackandclosedhiseyes.

:'Fandes?:hecalled,tentatively.:I'msorry—Igottangled—andthenIfellonmynoseforawhile—andthenIhadavisittomake—andthenIhadavisitormyself.:

Shechuckled.:SoIsaw.You'reforgiven.:

:Haveyougotanythingforme?I'msorryImadeyourunallthewayhomeinsteadoftakingtheshortcut.:

:You'reforgiven.Andoddlyenough,:sherepliedpromptly,:Ihavegotsomethingforyou.Brightestgods,letmetellyou,ithasn'tbeentheeasiest

informationtoobtain.AndIamnotsorryIwasapartfromyouforabit;IamverygladyouwerefarawaybythetimeyoucompletedtheGate.Ifeltyourpainquiteenoughasitwas.:Theloveinhermind-voicesoftenedherwords.:TheYoungOne—Ihavetakentocallinghim"Ghost,"forhehasbeenhauntingthisplaceliketheveriestspirit,nevercomingnearenoughtotouchandonlyrarelytobeseen,andfrighteningthefarmersnoend.HeisquitecloselylockedintohisChosen'smind.Icanspeakwithhim,butonlydistantly;mostofhisattentionandhisconcentrationarewithTashir.ButIcanMindtouchwithhimasyoucannothisChosen;Mindtouchdoesnotfrightenhim.Andso,becauseoftheclosebondbetweenhimandtheyoungling,IcansometimespickupthingsasifIwasinMindtouchwithTashir.:Overtonesofdeepuneasiness.:Theyounglingissomethinglessthansteady;hismindisfragileandunbalanced.Thereareterriblethingswhichhaunthim,andwhichhefearstotell,andwhichheevenblocksfromhisthoughts.Still.Ghostmayyetbalancehim,ifhecanregainbalance;thestallionissomethingofaMindHealer.:

Vanyelsatboltupright.:AMindHealer?ACompanion?But—:

:Ithappensfromtimetotime,:sheinterrupted,theovertonesofhermind-voicetellinghimclearlythatshewasveryreluctanttospeakofit.:Ithappenswhenitisneeded...Listen,IwasinMindtouchwhentheboywasmakingsucharuinofTreesa'sbower,andIremainedintouch.Isawwhatyouonlyglimpsed.Here.:

ItwasafeelingsheSent,aswellasanimage.Afeelingofprofoundtrust,andtheimageofanolderman,muchlikeJervis,inpracticearmor.

:LookslikeJervismaybeourkey,:Vanyelmused,lyingbackdownagain,andputtinghishandsbehindhishead.:CouldthatmanhavebeenDeveran'sarmsmaster?:

:Icannottellyou;thatisallIcouldobtain,:shereplied.:Tashirismuchtootraumatizedforanyquestioning,Iwouldsay.He—:sheslippedoutofthelinkforamoment,thenslippedbackinagain.:—heisbetter,steadier,andJervisiswithhimagain.TheyaretakingsupperintheGreatHall,thoughwiththeservants,notthefamily.ButIwouldnotdisturbhim.:

Hewincedatthethought.:EvenifIwantedto,I'mnotuptodealingwithhim,beloved,:heconfessed,feelingeveryjointinhisbodyache.:I'mnot

entirelycertainIcouldcontainhimagain.Iamaboutdowntomylastdregs.ThisisgettingtobeahabitI'drathernothave.:

:Thenrest.Thiswon'tbesolvedinaday.:

Hegrimacedsilently.:Iknow.ItoldSavilthatIhavemorequestionsthananswers.Like—whyareHighjoruneandthatpalacebuiltwheretheyare?Ican'tbelievethatit'saccident.WhyarethepeopleofLineassoagainstmagic—andyethavenolawsforbiddingitsuse?WheredidDeveranwanttosendTashir,andwhydidtheprospectfrightenhimenoughtodefyhisfatherinpublic?Andwhyistheboysoafraidofwomenthatabowerfulcouldsendhimskirtingtheedgesofhysteria?:Hemadeamentalshrug.:Iknowsomeofthosequestionsseemtrivial,yetitalltiestogether,somehow,buthow—:

:Rest,:Yfandesrepeated.Then,mischievously,:Thereisatleastonethingyouwillnotneedtobewareof.:

:Whichis?:

:Visitorsinyourbed.IdobelieveyouhavefrightenedMelennaenoughthatsheisthinkingaboutthingsyoumightchoosetodowithher.:

:Suchas?:

:Flyingheroutthewindowinthenude.:

Helaughedaloud,anddecidedtostayinhisroom.Rightnowwhathewantedwassomequietandsolitude...

Threedaysofunconsciousnessseemstomakeforinsomnia,hethought,aftertryingtofallasleepforwhatseemedlikehalfthenight.Hegaveup,finally,andmovedtothewindowseat.Helitthecandlebesideittheordinaryway—fromthecoalsinthefireplace—andfoundabook.Itwasavolumeofhistoryhewouldhavefoundperfectlyfascinatingundernormalcircumstances,buthefoundhimselfrereadingpagestwoandthreetimesandstillnotgettingthesenseofthem.

Heabandoneditinfavorofthenewgittern,lettinghisfingerswanderacrossthestringsashetriedtorelax.Itwasearlierthanhe'dthought.Thiseveningwas

thestringsashetriedtorelax.Itwasearlierthanhe'dthought.Thiseveningwasverymuchliketheonethreenightsago;coolandcrisp,withalightbreeze.Themoonwaswaningnowintoherlastquarter,sotherewaslesslight,butthesamekindofcloudsracedacrossherface.

Gods,howlifecanchangeinonenight.

Thisafternoonhadbeenhard.Hardonemotions.DealingwithJervis—purgingthatoldhate.Andbeforethat,Tashir.SeeingTashirindaylight,lookingsomuchlikeTylendel,onlyayounger,morevulnerableTylendel,hadreawakenedalltheoldhurtandloss.Hewastryingtodealwiththeyoungmanashimself,butitwasnoteasy,notwithhisinsidesinknotseverytimeTashirturnedthoseeloquenteyesonhim...allhewantedtodowastaketheyoungmaninhisarmsand...nevermind.

Andisthatbecausehelookslike'Lendel?Orisitbecauseofme?Hepickedouttherefrainof"Shadow-Lover,"ashetriedtosorthimselfout.Idon'tknowwhatIamanymore.ShavriandRandi,they'remoretomethanfriends.AndShavrimorethanRandi.Alotmore.Idon'tknowwhatthatmeans.Ijustdon't.NowTashir—hellfire.Butthereason—isitbecausehe'sattractive,orbecauseheremindsmeof'Lendel?Hetriedtothinkifhe'deverbeentheleastbitattractedtoanyotherwomenbutShavri,andcouldn'tthinkofany.Buthowmuchofthatisbecausetheykeptthrowingthemselvesatme?Gods,Ihatebeingpursued.Iespeciallyhatebeingpursuedinpublic.AndtheideaofgoingtobedwithsomebodyIdon'tcarefor—Hisstomachknotted.Gods,gods,wheredoesfriendshipendandlovestart?Howmuchofmybeingshaychwasbeingshaych,andhowmuchwasjustbecauseof'Lendel?

Hisunhappythoughtswereinterruptedbyaknockonthedoor,andhestarted.He'dalreadydealtwithMedren.Melennawasnotlikelytoshowup,accordingtoYfandes.Hewasn'texpectinganyone;notevenSavil.

Heturnedawayfromthewindowwiththegitterncradledagainsthischest,andrackedtheinstrumentcarefully.Hewalkedsoundlesslyacrosstheroomandansweredthedoorjustasthewould-bevisitormadeasecond,moretentativeknock.

ItwasTashir;paleasbleachedlinen,withtheeyesofalostsoul.AsVanyelstoodtherestupidly,theyoungmanslippedinsideandclosedthedoorbehindhim,puttinghisbacktoit,andfacingVanyelwithafear-filledandhauntedexpression,astrangeexpressionVanyelcouldnotinterpret.

expression,astrangeexpressionVanyelcouldnotinterpret.

AndinthedimlighttheyoungmanlookedevenmorelikeTylendel.Vanyel'sheartseemedtobesqueezedupintoanareajustbelowhisthroat,andhischesthurt."Iheardyouplaying,"theyoungstersaid,hoarsely."Iwouldn'thavetroubledyouifyouhadn'tbeenawake.CanI—botheryou?"

"Please,sit,"Vanyelmanaged,findingitveryhardtogethisbreath."Certainly,you'rewelcomehere,anditisn't'botheringme.'HowcanIhelpyou?"

Theyoungmanwalkedhesitantlytowardthetable,andpaused,withhishandsonthebackofoneofthechairs.HelookedbackoverhisshoulderatVanyel.Hisface—thankthegods!—wasinshadow.Vanyelsucceededingettingtwofullbreathsinarow.

"Jervissaysyou're...shaych,"Tashirwhispered."Areyou?"

Vanyelmovedovertotheotherchairandmotionedhimtosit;hedidso,butontheveryedgeofthechair.Vanyelhadaflashofimage,ayoungstagattheedgeofabrightmeadowinthemidstofhuntingseason.Whichwasalsomatingseason.Wanting,needing,lookingforsomething,notknowingwhatheneeded,andfulloffearandlessdefinableemotions."It'snosecret,"Vanyelrepliedcautiously,unabletopredictwhatwascoming."Yes.Yes,Iam."

"Wouldyoubemylover?"Tashirblurteddesperately.

Vanyelfoundheneededtositdown.Hedid,justbeforehislegsrefusedtoholdhim.HestaredatTashir,quiteunabletospeakforamoment.

Doyouhaveanyideawhatyou'redoingtome,lad?No,youcan't.Poorboy.Poor,confusedchild—

Hegatheredhisemotionsandputatightreinonthem.Theyoungsterdidnothavethefeelofshay'a'chern,notinanyway.ThiswasthelastquestionVanyelwouldeverhaveexpectedfromhim.Andhisinitialreactionwastotellhim"no."

Andyet—andyet—helookedsolikeTylendel.AndI'veenoughexperienceIcouldbecertainhe'denjoyit—wastheunbiddenthought.Icouldconvincehim

hewas.Itwouldbesoeasy.AndI'msolonely.Oh,gods.Oh,gods.Thetemptation—

Insteadofanswering,hestoodslowlyandmovedtostandbeforetheboy,gentlyreachingoutandplacingthefingersofhisrighthandjustbeneaththelineofTashir'sjaw.Ostensibly,thiswastomaketheyoungsterlookupintohiseyes—butVanyelwantedtoknowsomethingofwhatwasgoingonintheyoungman'smind,andifhecouldnotMindtouch,well,physicalcontactmadehisEmpathymuchsharper.Asthedarkeyesmethissilver,hecouldfeeltheyoungster'spulseracingbeneaththetipofhismiddlefinger.Andthefeelhereceivedwasoffearandunhappiness,notattraction.Notintheslightest.Thatwasbothreliefanddisappointment.

"Why?"Vanyelasked,muchmorecalmlythanhefelt,strivingwithallhismightforimpartiality."Whydoyouwantmeasalover?"

Tashirflushed,andhisfeardeepened.Andtherewassomethingnew:shame."It—thisafternoon—"hestammered."LadyTreesa—Iwasso—I—I—she—Vanyel,she—"hisvoicedroppedtoahumiliatedwhisper."Shescaresme,ladiesscareme—I—"

"Oh."Vanyelmadetheonewordspeakvolumes,notofcontempt,butunderstandingandcompassion."NowIthinkIseewhattheproblemis;andwhyyou'rehere.Mymotherfrightenedyou,andwomeningeneralfrightenyou,soyouthinkyoumustbeshay'a'chern,right?"

Tashirnoddedalittle,andpaledagain.

Vanyelsternlytoldhisinsidestoleavehimalone.Theydidn'tlisten.Theyached.Heignoredthem,gratefulthattraininghadmadeitpossibleforhimtocontrolhisvoiceandhisface,ifnothisemotions."Well,let'sreallyanalyzethisbeforewegomakingassumptions,shallwe?Doyouknowmyaunt,HeraldSavil?Haveyoumetherformallyyet?"

"Theo—theladywhowaswithyou?"NowVanyelpickeduponlyrespect,mixedwiththegood-naturedcontemptoftheyoungfortheold.

"Doesshefrightenyou?"Hehalf-smiled,stiffly."Sheshould,youknow,she'saterribletyrant!"

Tashirshookhishead.

Tashirshookhishead.

"HowaboutKylla?She'sthebabywho'salwaysgettingoutofthenursery,usuallywithoutastitchon.Iexpectshe'sdoneitatleastoncewhileIwassleeping.Doesshebotheryou?"

Bewilderment."She'skindofcute.WhyshouldIbeafraidofher?"

VanyelworkedhiswayupanddowntheagescaleofallthewomenatForstReachthathethoughttheyoungstermighthaveseen.OnlywhenhenearedwomenbetweentwentyandTreesa'sagedidhegetanynegativeresponses,andwhenhementionedaparticularlyprettyfourteen-year-oldniece,therewasdefiniteinterest—andrealattraction.

FromtimetotimeVanyeldroppedinquestionsabouthisfeelingstowardmen;notjusthimself,butJervis,Medren,someoftheservantstheyoungsterhadencountered.Andatnotime,evenashebegantorelax,didTashirevidenceanyattractiontomeningeneralorVanyelinparticular—except,perhapsasaprotector.Certainlynotasapotentiallover.Wheneverthattopiccameup,thefearcameback.

FinallyVanyelsighed,andtookhishandaway.Itached,achedasbadlyastheinjuredleftdidwhenitrained.Herubbedit,wishinghecouldmassageawaytheacheinhisownheart."Tashir—letmesaythatI'mveryflattered,but—no.Iwillnotobligeyou.Becauseyou'vecometomeforallthewrongreasons.Youaren'therebecauseyouknowyou'reshay'a'chern;youaren'tevenherebecauseyou'reattractedtome.You'reherebecausewomenofacertainagefrightenyou.That'snotenoughtobasearelationshipon,notthekindyou'reaskingmefor.Youdon'tknowwhatyouwant;youonlyknowwhatyoudon'twant."

"But—"theyoungstersaid,hiseyesallpupil,"butyou—whenyouwereyoungerthanme—Jervissaid—"

Vanyelhadtolookaway;hecouldn'tbearthatgazeanymore."WhenIwasyoungerthanyouIknewwhatIwas,andIknewwhatIwanted,andwhoIwanteditwith.You'relookingfor—forsomeonetolikeyou,forsomeonetobecloseto.You'rejustgraspingatsomethingthatlookslikeasolution,andyou'rehopingI'llmakeupyourmindforyou.AndIcoulddothat,youknow.Evenwithoutusingmagic,Icouldprobablyconvinceyouthatyouwereshay'a'chern,atleastforalittlewhile.Icould...dothings,saythingstoyou,thatwouldmake

youveryinfatuatedwithme."Hepaused,andforcedabreathintohistightchest,lookingbackdownatTashir'sbewilderedeyes."Butthatwouldn'tsolveyourproblems,itwouldonlyletyoupostponefindingasolutionforawhile.AndItrulydon'tthinkthatwouldhelpyouintheleast.Anyanswersyoufind,Tashir,aregoingtohavetobeanswersyoudecideonforyourself.Here—"Heofferedtheyoungsterhishand.Tashirlookedatitinsurprise,thententativelyputhisownhandinVanyel's.

HelookedevenmoresurprisedwhenVanyelhauledhimtohisfeet,puthispalmbetweenhisshoulderblades,andshovedhimgentlytowardandoutthedoor."Gotobed,Tashir,"Vanyelsaid,tryingtomakehistonesaskindlyashecould."YougohaveanotherchatwithJervis.GoridingwithNerya.TrymakingsomefriendsaroundtheReach.We'lltalkaboutthislater."

Andheshutthedooronhim,softly,butfirmly.

Hebegantoshake,then,andclungtothedoorframetokeephimselfstandingerect.Heleanedhisforeheadagainstthedoorpanelforalongtimebeforehestoppedtrembling.Whenhethoughthecouldwalkwithoutstumbling,heturnedandwentbacktohischair,andsatdowninitheavily.

Hehurt.Oh,gods,hehurt.Hefeltsoempty—andtwiceasaloneasbefore.Hestaredatthecandleflamewhileitburneddownatleasthalfaninch,tryingtothawtheadamantinelumpoffrozenmiseryinhisstomach,andhavingaresoundinglackofsuccess.

:Youdidtherightthing,Chosen.:Thebrightvoiceinhismindwasshadedwithsympathyandapprovalboth.

:IknowIdid,:hereplied,aroundtheache.:WhatelsecouldIdo?Just—tellme,beloved—whycan'tIfeelhappyaboutit?Whydoesdoingtherightthinghavetohurtsodamnedmuch?:

Shehadnoanswerforhim,butthen,hehadn'treallyexpectedone.

IfIwerejustalittlelessethical—andhowmuchofthatisbecausehelookslike'Lendel?Gods.Itisn'tjustmyheartthathurts.AndI'msodamnedlonely.

Eventuallyheslept.

Ittookaweekbeforehefeltanythinglikenormal.ChallengingJerviswhenhehadbeenstraightoutofhisbedhadbeenpurebluff.Hewouldn'thavebeenabletostandagainstthearmsmasterformorethanafewbreathsatmost.HewonderedifJervishadguessedthat.

Armspracticewasinteresting.HeandJerviscircledaroundeachother,equallycarefulwithwordsandblows.Therewassomuchbetweenthemthatwasonlyhalf-healed,atbest,thatitwastakingallhisskillatdiplomacytokeepthewoundsfromreopening.AndnolittleofthatwasbecauseitsometimesseemedthatJervismightberegrettinghislittleconfession.

Buttheywereciviltoeachother,andworkingwitheachother,whichwasadamnsightmorecomfortablethanbeingatwarwitheachother.

"Thatboy'sgotmore'nafewproblems,Van,"Jervissaid,leaningonhissword,andwatchingTashirworkoutwithMedren.Theyoungmanwasbeingpainstakinglycarefulwiththeyoungerboy,andhewaswearingthefirstuntroubledexpressionVanyelhadseenonhisface.

Andforonce,therewasnofearinhim.Foronce,hewasjustanotheryoungman;alittlemoreconsiderateofthesmaller,youngerboythanmost,butstilljustanotheryoungman.

"Iknow,"Vanyelreplied,shiftinghisweightfromhisrightfoottohisleft."AndIknowyouaren'ttalkingaboutfightingstyle."Hechewedhislipalittle,anddecidedtoasktheonequestionthatwoulddecidewhetherornothewasgoingtobeabletocarryouttheplanhe'dmadeinthesleeplesshoursofthelastseveralnights."Tellme,doyoufeeluptohandlinghimbyyourselfforabit?You'llhaveSavilincasehedoesanythingmagicalagain,thoughIdon'tthinkhewill,butIdon'tthinkhe'llopenuptoSavilthewayhewilltoyou."

Jervisgavehimalonglookoutofthecornerofhiseye."Andjustwhereareyougoingtobe?"

Vanyellookedstraightahead,butspokeinalowvoicethatwasjustloudenoughforJervistohearhim.Thefewerwhoknewaboutthis,thebetter."AcrosstheBorder.Alltheanswerstoourquestionsareoverthere,includingthebiggestquestionofall—ifTashirdidn'tripacastlefullofpeopletopalm-

sizedpieces,whodid?Andwhy?"

Andawayfromhim,maybeIcangetmythinkingstraight.

Jervisconsideredhiswords,astheclackandthwackofwoodenpracticebladesechoedupanddownthesalle."Howlongdoyouthinkyou'llbeoutoverthere?You'renotgoingasyourself,Ihope?"

"No."Hesmiledwanly.AHeraldwasnotgoingtobeapopularpersoninHighjorunerightnow."I'vegotadisguisethat'sbeenveryusefulinthepast;HeraldVanyelisstillgoingtoberestinginthebosomofhisfamily.Thegentlemanwho'sgoingtocrosstheBorderisaratherscruffyminstrelnamedValdir.Nobodynoticesaminstrelaskingquestions;they'resupposedto.AndsincetheonlypersonwhosawmyfaceclearlyisnowonhiswaytoHavenwitharockinhiscraw,Ishouldbesafe.Iexpecttotakeafortnightatmost."

"Getthatguardup,Medren!Huh.Soundsgoodtome.Godsknowwearen'tgettinganyanswersoutoftheboyatthemoment.What'sSavilsay?"

VanyelwincedasMedrengotinaparticularlygoodscoreonTashir."Thatshenevercouldstandclandestinework,soshe'snotabouttoventureanopinion.Father'snottoknow.SavilisgoingtotellhimI'mvisitingwithLiss.Yfandesisinfavor,sinceshe'sgoingtobewithmemostofthetime,andwithinreachwhenshe'snotactuallywithme."

Jervis'shouldersrelaxedatrifle."Thathadmeworried,abit.Butifyou'retakingtheWhiteLady,Igotnoobjections.Ifshecan'tgetyououtofamess,nobodycan.Igotalotofrespectforthatprettylittlething."

:Tellhimthankyou,Chosen.:

Vanyelgrinned.Jervis,unlikeWithen,hadnoproblemrememberingthatYfandeswasnotahorse.He'dalwaysofferedherrespect;sinceheandVanyelhadmadetheiruneasypeace,he'dofferedherthesamekindoftreatmentshe'dhavegottenfromanotherHerald.YfandeswasapersontoJervis;alittleoddlyshaped,butaperson.JervisactuallygotalongwithherbetterthanhedidwithVanyel."Shesaystotellyou,'thankyou.'Ithinkshelikesyou."

"She'salovelylady,andIlikeherrightback."Jervisgrinnedathim."There'sbeenacoupleoftimesI'vewishedIcouldtalktoherstraightout;Ikind

ofwantedhertoknowI'mrealpleasedthatshe'sonmysidethesedays.Tashir!Theboywon'tbreak!Putsomebackinthatswing!He'ssupposedtolearnhowtogetoutoftheway,dammit!"Jervisstalkedontothefloorofthesalle,andVanyeltooktheopportunitytogetbacktohisroomandpackup.

TherewasoneotherpersonwhoneededtoknowwhereVanyelwasgoingtobe:Medren.ThiswasinpartbecauseVanyelneededtoborrowhisoldlute.DisreputableminstrelValdircouldneveraffordHeraldVanyel'sluteorthetwelve-stringedgittern.Andgoinginclandestinelikethis,Vanyelknewhe'dbetterhavenodiscrepanciesinhispersona.Vanyelhadabatteredoldinstrumenthe'dpickedupinapawnshopthathecarriedasValdir,buthe'dleftitatHaven,notthinkinghe'dneedit.

Buttherewasafurtherreason;TashirwasrelaxedandopenwiththeboyinawayhewasnotwitheitherJervisorVanyel.Vanyelhadcometotheconclusionthathisnephewwasolderthanhisyearsinagreatmanyways,andVanyelhadconfidenceinhisinherentgoodsense.

And,lastofall,theboyhadtheBardicGift.ThatcouldbeveryusefulindealingwithanunbalancedyoungsterthatnoonedaredtoMindtouch.

Inakindofbizarrecoincidence,they'dgivenMedrenVanyel'soldroom,upandundertheeavesandacrossfromthelibrary.Vanyelstaredoutthewindow,andwonderedifhewasstilluptotheclimbacrossthefaceofthekeeptogettothatlittlecasementthatletintothelibrary.

"Howlongdoyoureckonyou'llbeoverthere?"Medrenasked,sittingonhisbedanddetuninghisoldinstrumentcarefully.

"Notlong;aboutafortnightaltogether.AnythingIcan'tfindoutinthattimeisgoingtobetoodeeptolearnasavagabondminstrel,anyway."Vanyelturnedawayfromthewindow.

"Youaren'tplanningongoingintothatpalace,areyou?"

"No.Why?"

Medrenshookhishead."Idunno.Ijustgotabadfeelingaboutit.Like,you

shouldn'tgointherealone.AslongasIthinkofyougoinginwithsomebody,thebadfeelinggoesaway.Thatsounddumb?"

"No,thatsoundseminentlysensible."Vanyelsatdownbesidehimonthebed.Medrenpickedupthepatchedandworncanvaslutecaseandslidtheinstrumentintoit."IwantyoutokeepaneyeonTashirforme;aBardiceye,ifyouwill."

Theboycontemplatedthatstatementforamoment,whistlingbetweenhisteethalittle."Youmeankeephimcalmeddown?He'sasjumpyasadeerhearingdogs.Ibeentryingtodoalittleofthat.I—"Heblushed."Irememberedwhatyoutoldme,aboutmisusingtheGift.Ithoughtthismightbewhatyoumeantaboutusingitright.Helikesmusicwellenough,soIjust—sortofmakeitsoothing."

Vanyelruffledhishairapprovingly,andMedrengavehimanurchinlikegrin."Goodlad,thatisexactlywhatImeantaboutusingitproperly.Whenyouaren'tenhancingaperformance,properuseistothebenefitofyouraudience,ortotheKing'sorders.AndpoorTashircouldcertainlybenefitbyalittlesoothing.Sokeephimsoothed,hmm?There'soneotherthing,andthisisabitmoredelicate.Hemaytellyouthings,thingsabouthimself.Ihesitatetoaskyoutobetrayconfidences,butwejustdon'tknowanythingabouthim."

Medrenthoughtthatover."Seemstomethattheawfullerthethinghe'dtellme,andthelesshe'dwantitknown,themoreyou'dwanttoknowit."Hechewedhislip."That'sahardone.That'sawfulclosetotellingsecretsI'vebeenaskedtokeep.AndifI'vebeenmakinghimfeellikehecouldtrustme,itdoesn'tseemfair."

"Iknow.ButIremindyouthathe'sbeenaccusedofmurderingfiftyorsixtypeople.Whathetellsyoumightbeacluetowhetherornotheactuallydidit."VanyelforestalledMedren'sprotestswithanupliftedhand."Iknowwhatyou'regoingtosay,andifhedidit,Idon'tbelievehediditonpurpose.Butif—say—youfoundoutwhereitwasthathisfatherwantedtosendhim,andwhyitfrightenedhimso,wecouldhavemitigatingcircumstances.IdoubttheLineanswouldtotallyacceptit,butwewould,andhecouldmakeaverypleasanthomeherewiththeValdemarHeralds,evenifhecouldneverreturntoLineas.That'snotexactlyahandicap."

Medrennoddedsovigorouslythathisforelockfellintohiseyes."Makes

Medrennoddedsovigorouslythathisforelockfellintohiseyes."Makessense.Fine,thenifhetellsmestuff,I'lltellittoyou."

TheboystuffedahandfulofthelittlecoilsofsparelutestringsintoapocketonthebackofthecaseandhandedthewholetoVanyel.Vanyelstood,andpulledthecarrystrapoverhisshoulder."DoIlooktheproperscruffyminstrel?"heasked,grinning.

Medrensnorted."You'renevergoingtolookscruffy,Van.Youdolookunderfed,whichisgood.Andifyoudidn'tshaveforacoupleofdays,thatwouldbebetter.

Then,again—"HecontemplatedVanyelwithhisheadtiltedtooneside."Ifyoudidn'tshaveyou'dlooklikeabandit,andpeopledon'ttellthingstobandits.Betterjuststicktolookingclean,starving,andpathetic.Thatwaywomen'llfeedyouandtellyoueverythingwhilethey'refeedingyou.Hey,don'tworryaboutthatlute—ifyougottaleaveit,leaveit.Ifyoufeelbadaboutleavingit,replaceit."

Vanyelplacedhisrighthandoverhisheartandbowedslightly."Idefertoyourjudgment.Cleanandstarvingitis,andifspeedrequiresIleavetheinstrument,Ishall.AndIshallreplaceit.It'sagoodthingtohaveoneoldinstrumentthatyouneedn'tworryabout,youneverknowwhenyou'llwanttotakeone—oh,onapicnicorsomething.Thankyou,Medren.Foreverything."Heglancedoutthewindow."IwanttogettoHighjorunebynightfall,sowe'dbettergetonit.Remember,I'msupposedtobeonasidetriptoseeLiss.IsentheramessagebyoneofSavil'sbirds,soLissknowstocoverforme."

Medrennodded."Right.AndI'llkeepatighteyeonTashirforyou,bestIcan."

"That'sallIcanaskofanyone."

Sunsetwasathingofsubduedcolors,mutedunderapallofgrayclouds.VanyelslippedoffYfandes'back,anduncinchedthestrapholdingthefoldedblankethe'dusedasamakeshiftridingpad.Barebackformostofadaywouldnothavebeencomfortableforeitherofthem,buthehadnoplacetohideherharness.Noproblem;they'dsolvedthislittlequandarythefirsttimehebecameminstrelValdir.Sheworenohalteratall,andonlytheblanketthathewoulduse

ifhehadtosleepinstablesoronthefloorofsomeinn.Nothingtohide,andnothingtoexplain.Yfandeswouldkeepherselffedbyfilchingfromfarmsandfree-grazing.Ifshegottoohungry,he'dbuyorstealsomegrainandtossitoutoverthewalltoheratnight.

:Becareful,:shesaid,nuzzlinghischeek.:Iloveyou.I'llbestayingwithyouasmuchasIcan,butthisisawfullysettledland.Imayhavetopulloffquiteawaystokeepfromgettingcaught.:

:Ihaveallthatcurrent-energytopullonifIhavetocallyou,:heremindedher.:It'snotthenode,butitwouldn'tsurprisemetofindoutIcouldboostmostofthewaybacktoForstReachwithit.I'mplanningonrechargingwhileI'mhere,anyway.:

:IfVedricisstillhere,thatcouldbedangerous.:

:Onlyifhedetectsit.:Hecuppedhishandunderherchinandgazedintothosebottomlessblueeyes.:I'llbecareful,Ipromise.Thisisn'tKarse,butI'mgoingtobehaveasifitwas.Enemyterritory,andfulldrill.:

:ThenI'msatisfied.:Shetossedherhead,flickingherforelockoutofhereyes.:Callmeifyouneedme.:

:Iwill.:Hewatchedherfadeintotheunderbrushofthewoodlotbesidehimwithafeelingofwonderment.Howsomethingthatbigandthatwhitecouldjust—vanishlikethat—itneverceasedtoamazehim.

Herolledthecinch-belt,foldedtheblanket,andstuffedbothintothestrapsofhispack.Withasighforhispoorfeet,hehitchedthelutestrapalittlehigheronhisshoulder,andheadedtowardthecitygatesofHighjorune.

Theroadwasdusty,andbeforehereachedthegateshelookedasifhe'dbeenafootallday.Hejoinedtheslow,shufflinglineoftravelersandworkersreturningfromthefarms,warehouses,andsomeofthedirtiermanufactoriesthatlayoutsidethecitywalls.Farmworkers,mostly;mostfolkowningfarmswithineasywalkingdistanceofHighjorunelivedwithinthecitywalls,asdidtheirhirelings,acautiousholdoverfromthedayswhenMavelanattacksoutofBairespenetratedasfarasthethronecity.Theeyesoftheguardatthegateflickeredoverhim;notedthelute,thethreadbare,starvelingaspect,andthelackofweaponry,anddismissedhim,allinabreath.MinstrelValdirwasnotworthnoting,whichmademinstrelValdirveryhappyindeed.

noting,whichmademinstrelValdirveryhappyindeed.

Well,thefirstthingahungryminstrellooksforiswork,andValdirwasnoexceptiontothatrule.Hefoundhimselfashelteredcorneroutofthetraffic,andbegantoassesshissurroundings.

Thegoodcornerswerealltaken,byacoupleofbeggars,ajuggler,andamanwithadancingdog.Heshookhishead,asiftohimself.Nothingforhimhere,soclosetothegates.Hewasgoingtoneedanativeguide.

Heloiteredaboutthegate,waitingpatientlyfortheguardtochange.Heputhishatout,gottheluteintune,andplayedalittle,buthereallydidn'texpectmuchpatronageinthisout-of-the-waynook.Heactuallydrewafewloiterers,muchtohisownamazement.Tohisfurtheramazement,someloiterershadmoney.Bythetimetherelief-guardarrivedwithtorchestoinstallintheholdersoneithersideofthegate,he'dactuallycollectedenoughcoppersforameagersupper.

Hehadsomethingmorethanaturnipandstalebread-crustonhismind,however.Itwasgettingchilly;hisnosewascold,andhispatchedcloakwasdoingverylittletokeepoutthebiteintheair.Hechoseoneoftheguardstofollow,amanwholookedasifheateanddrankwell,andhadmoneyinhispocket;heslungthelutebackoverhisshoulder,andsaunteredalongafterhimatadiscreetdistance.

Itwaspossible,ofcourse,thatthemanwasmarried—buthewasunranked,andyoung,andthatmadeitunlikely.Therewasanoldsayingtotheeffectthat,whilehigher-rankedofficershadtobemarried,anyonebeneaththerankofsergeantwasaskingfortroubleifhechosematrimonialbonds."Privatescan'tmarry,sergeantsmaymarry,captainsmustmarry."Valdirhadnoticedthat,nomattertheplaceorthestructureofthearmedforce,thatoldsayingtendedtoholdtrue.

So,thatbeingthecase,anunrankedmanwaslikelytofindhimselfanicelittleinnortaphousetohaunt.Andestablishmentsofthesorthewouldfrequentwouldtendtocatertohiskind.Theywouldhaveotherentertainmentsaswell—andtheywerefrequentlyrunbywomen.Valdirhadtradedoffhislookstogethimselfacornerinmorethanonesuchestablishment.

Themanhewasfollowingturnedacorneraheadofhim,andwhenValdirturnedthesamecorner,heknewhe'dcometotherightstreet.Everythird

turnedthesamecorner,heknewhe'dcometotherightstreet.Everythirdbuildingseemedtobeanalehouseofonesortoranother;itwasbrightlylit,andwomenofproblematicalageandnegotiablevirtuehadsetupshop—asitwere—beneatheachandeveryoneofthebrightlyburningtorchesandlanterns.Valdirgrinned,andproceededtoseewhathecoulddoaboutgivingthosecoppersinhispursesomecompany.

Thefirstinnhestuckhisnoseintowasnotwhathewaslookingfor.Itwasalltooclearlyaplacethatcateredtoappetitesotherthanhungerandthirst.Thesecondwasperfect—butithadamusicianofitsown,anoldermanwhoglaredathimovertheneckofhisgitterninsuchawayasleftnodoubtinValdir'mindthatheintendedtokeephiscozylittleberth.Thethirdhaddancers,andplainlyhadnoneedofhim,notgiventheabandonwithwhichtheyoungladiesweresheddingthescarvesthatweretheirprincipleitemsofclothing.Thefourthandfifthwererunbymen;Valdirapproachedthemanyway,buttheownerofthefourthwasaminstrelhimself,andtheownerofthefifthpreferredhiscustomerswithcashtosparetospenditinthediceandcardgamesinthebackroom.Thesixthwas—regrettable.Thesmelldrovehimoutfasterthanhe'dgonein.Buttheseventh—theseventhhadpossibilities.

TheInnoftheGreenManitwascalled;itwasshabby,butrelativelyclean.Thecommonstewinapotoverthefiresmellededibleandasifithadmorethanapassingacquaintancewithmeat,thoughitwasprobablybestnottoaskwhatspecies.Itwaspopulated,butnotovercrowded,andbrightlylitwithtallowdipsandoillamps,whichwoulddiscouragepickpocketsandcutpurses.Theservingwenches—whoseotherpropertieswerealso,evidently,forsale—werealsorelativelyclean.Theyweren'tfabulousbeauties,andmostofthemweren'tinthefirstbloomofyouth,buttheywereclean.

Therewasagoodcrowd,thoughtheplacewasn'texactlyfull.AndValdirspottedhisguidehereaswell,whichwasagoodomen.

Valdirstuckalittlemorethanhisnoseinthedoor,andmanagedtogettheattentionofoneoftheservingwenches."MightIhaveawordwiththeowner?"heasked,diffidently.

"Kitchen,"saidthehard-facedgirl,andgavehimasecondlook.Hecontrivedtoappearstarvingandhelpless,andshesoftened,justalittle."Backdoor,"sheordered."Bestwarnyou,Beldon'tmuchlikeyourkind.Lastsongbirdwehad,runoffwithherbestgirl."

"Thankyou,lady,"Valdirsaidhumbly.Shesnorted,andwentbacktotable-tending.

Valdirhadtomakehiswayhalfwaydowntheblockbeforehecouldfindanaccesswaytothealley.Hecaughtacoupleofyoungtoughseyeinghimwithspeculation,buthisthreadbarestateevidentlyconvincedthemthathedidn'thavemuchtosteal—

That,andtheinsidiouslittlevoiceintheirheadsthatsaidNotworthbotheringwith.Hedoesn'thaveanythingworththescuffle.

Thealleyreeked,andnotjustofgarbage,andhewasjustasgladthathehadn'teatensincemorning.Heriskedamage-light,sothathecouldavoidsteppinginanything—andwhenitbecameevidentthattherewereplaceshecouldn'tdothat,heriskedalittlemoremagictogivehimacleanspotortwotouseassteppingstones.

Kindoffunny,hethought,stretchingcarefullyoverapuddleofstaleurine.ItwasbecauseIcouldn'tfacesituationslikethisthatIneverranawaytobecomeaminstrel.Andnow,hereIam—enactingoneofmyownnightmares.Funny.

HefinallyfoundthebackdoorofTheGreenManandpusheditopen.Thekitchen,also,wasrelativelyclean,buthedidn'tgettoseemuchofit,becauseagiantessblockedhisviewalmostimmediately.

Ifshewaslessthansixfeettall,Valdirwouldhavebeensurprised.Thesleevesofhersweat-stainedlinenshirtwererolledupalmosttotheshoulder,leavingbarearmsofcordedmuscleJerviswouldhaveenvied.Sheworebreechesratherthanskirts,whichmayhavebeenapracticalconsideration,sinceenoughmaterialstomakeheraskirtwouldhavemadeaconsiderabledentinaleanclothingbudget.HergrayingbrownhairwascutshorterthanValdir's.Andnoonewouldevernoticeherface—notwhenconfrontedwiththescarthatranfromlefttempletorightjawbone.

"An'whatd'youwant?"sheasked,hervoiceadangerous-soundinggrowl.

"The—theusual,"falteredValdir."Aplace,milady...aplaceforapoorsongster...."

"Aplace.Foodanddrinkandaplacetosleepinreturnforsomeshareofwhateverpaltrycoppersyemanagetogarner,"thewomanrumbleddisgustedly."Aye,andachancet'runoffwithoneo'megirlswhenmeback'sturned.Notlikely,boy.Andye'dbetterfindyerselfsomewhereelset'caterwaul;thereain'taninnonth'Rowthatneedsarhymester."

Valdirmadehiseyeslargeandsad,andpluckedatthewoman'ssleeveassheturnedaway."Mylady,please—"hebeggedshamelessly."I'mnew-come,withscarceenoughcopperstobuyacrust.Ipledgeyou,lady,Iwouldtreatyourotherladiesassisters."

Sheroundedonhim."Oh,yewould,wouldyou?Gullsomeoneelse!Ifye'renew—come,thengetyenew-gone!"

"Lady,"hewhimpered,duckingherthreatenedblow."Lady,Iswear–lady—I'm—"helethisvoicesinktoalow,half-shamedwhisper,"—lady,yourmaidsaresafewithme!Morethansafe—I'm—shaych.TherearefewplacesopenforsuchasI—"

Shestared,shegaped,andthenshegrinned."Struth!Yecouldbeatthat,thatprettyfacean'all!Shaych!Ilikethat!"Shepropelledhimintothekitchenwithahandlikeaslabofbacon."Allright,Igiveyeachance!Twomealsan'aplaceonth'floorforhalfyertakin's."

Heknewhehadtoputupatleasttheappearanceofbargaining—butnotmuch,orhe'dcastdoubtonhisdisguise."Threemeals,"hesaid,desperately,"andaquarter."

Sheglaredathim."Yetryme,"shesaidwarningly."Yetrymetemper,prettyboy.Threean'half."

"Threeandhalf,"heagreed,timidly.

"Done.An'don'tthinkt'cheatme;megirlsbecheckin'yerightregular.Now—list.Igotarmsmenhere,mostly.Iwantlivelystuff;thingsasput'eminmindthatmegirlsservemore'nale.Noneofyerlong-windedballads,norstickylovesongs,noryetnothin'melancholy.Notless'ntheyasksforit.An'ifitbemelancholy,yemake'emcry,yehear?Make'emcryso'smegirlsan'medrinkcangive'emabit'ocomfort.Gotthat?"

"Aye,lady,"hewhispered.

"Aye,lady,"hewhispered.

"Don'tyegolookin'ferabedmate'mongstthemlads,neither.Theywantsthat,there'sthePage,an'that'swheretheygo.WegotusagreementsontheRow.Idon'sellboys,an'Idon'letinstreetboys;thePagedon'sellgirls."

"Aye,lady."

"Yestartyerplunkin'atsundownwhenIopen,an'yefinishwhenIclose.Restofth'time'syerown.Getyermealsinth'kitchen,sleepinth'commonroomafterclosin'."

"Aye,lady."

"Now—stickyerpackoverinthatcorner,so'sIknowyeain'tgonnarunoff,an'getoutthere."

Heshedpackandcloakunderhercriticaleye,andtuckedbothawayinthechimneycorner.Hetookwithhimonlyhisluteandhishat,andhurriedoffintothecommonroom,withhereyesburningholesinhisback.

Shewasinaslightlybettermoodwhensheclosedupneardawn.Certainlyshewasmollifiedbythenicestackofcoppercoinsshe'dearnedfromhisefforts.Thatitwasroughlytwicethevalueofthemealsshe'dbefeedinghimprobablycontributedtothatgoodhumor.Thatnolessthanthreeoftheprettiestofher"girls"hadpropositionedhimandbeenturneddownprobablydidn'thurt.

Shewaspleasedenoughthatshehadathinstrawpalletbroughtdownoutoftheatticsothathewouldn'tbesleepingonthefloor.Hewouldbesharingthecommonroomwithanancientgafferwhoservedasthepotboy,andthetwoutterlysilentkitchenhelpersofindeterminateageandsex.Herordertoallfourofthemtostripandwashatthekitchenpumprelievedhimabit;hewasn'tlookingforcomfort,buthehadhopedtoavoidfleasandlice.Whenthewashingwasover,hewasfairlycertainthatthekitchenhelpersweregirls,buttheirageswerestillamystery.

WhenBelleft,shetookthelightwithher,leavingthemtoarrangethemselvesinthedark.Valdircurleduponhislumpypallet,wrappedinhiscloakandtheblanketthatstillsmelledfaintlyofYfandes,andsighed.

cloakandtheblanketthatstillsmelledfaintlyofYfandes,andsighed.

:Beloved?:Hesenthisthought-tendrilquestingoutintothegraylightofearlydawnafterher.

:Here.Areyouestablished?:

:Fairlywell.Valdir'sseenworse.AtleastIwon'tbepoisonedbythefood.Whataboutyou?:

:Ihaveshelter.:

:Good.:Heyawned.:Thisisstrictlyanafter-darkestablishment;ifIgoroaminginthelatemorningandearlyafternoon,Ishouldfindoutafewthings.:

:IwishthatIcouldhelp.:sherepliedwistfully.

:SodoI.Goodnight,dearheart.Ican'tkeepawakeanymore.:

:Sleepwell.:

Onethingmore,though,beforeheslept.Asubtle,andverywellcamouflagedtapintothenearestcurrentofmage-power.Heneededit;thetinytricklehewouldtakewouldlikelynotbenoticedbyanyoneunlesstheywerecheckingthestreamsinchbyinch.Itwouldn'treplenishhisreservesimmediately,butoverafewdaysitwould.Itwasapityhecouldonlydothiswhilemeditatingorsleeping.Itwasanevengreaterpitythathecouldn'tjusttapstraightinashehadthenighthe'drescuedTashir;he'dbeatfullpowerinmomentsifhecoulddothat.

ButthatwouldtellLordVedricMavelanthattherewasanothermagehere.

Andifitcomestothat,I'drathersurprisehim.

He'dintendedtotryandthinkoutsomeofhisotherproblems,butithadbeenafulldaysincehe'dlastslept,andthewalkinghe'ddonehadtiredhimoutmorethanherealized.HestartedtotryandpickoverhisautomaticreactionstoBel's"girls";hadheledthemon,withoutintendingto?Hadhebeenflirtingwiththem,knowingdeepdownthathewasgoingtoturnthemdownandenjoyingtheholdhisgoodlooksgaveoverthem?Itwasgettingsothatnothingwassimpleanymore.

Butbeforehecoulddomorethanworryaroundtheedgesofthings,hisexhaustioncaughtupwithhim.

Heslept.

Ten

"Boy?"

Theharshwhisperinthedarkstartledhimoutofunrestfulsleep;itjerkedhimintofullawareness,dry-mouthed,heartpounding.

"Boy,beyeawake?"

"Yes,"Valdirreplied.Iamnow,anyway.

Hot,onion-ladenbreathnearhiselbow."Lissenboy,yeneedswarnin'.Thereasonthisplacedon'prosper.Beldrinksupth'profit."

Valdircalmedhisheart,noddedtohimself.Thatexplainedalot."I'dwondered,"hewhisperedback.

"Shebeatthekegin'erroomrightnow.Comemornin'she'llbeupwi'atemperlikeaspringbear.Shewon'tgohittin'onth'girls,notthemasmakesherprofit—butmean'Tayan'Ribefairgame.An'nowyou.Yetakemymeanin'?"

"Ithinkso."

"Don'doubtme.An'don'gothinkin'yegotanywhere'selse.Ev'ryinnonth'Row'sgotitssingsterordancer.Bel'stheonlyonedidwi'out.Thatbe'causeshedon'tcareforyesingsters,an'nodancin'girl'lstaywheretheprofitsbesolean.Howlongyeplanonstayin'?"

Valdirwasprofoundlygratefulthathewasnotlockedintothislife."Ihadn'tthoughtI'dbeherelong.IreallysortofthoughtI'dlookforaplaceattheGreatHousesorthePalace,"hebegantimidly."IusedtobewithaHouse.Theymostlykeepatleastoneminstrel,andIfigurethePalacemustuse—"

Theoldmanchokedwithlaughter,andthenbrokeintoafitofterriblecoughing.Valdiractedaswouldbeexpected."I'mnotthatbad!"hesputteredindignantly."I'mjust—outofluck,lately."

Theoldmanconvulsedagain."Outamore'nluck.Firstoff,thereain'tnoGreatHousesinthecity.Theyallbeoutsidethewalls.Second,theRemoerdis

Family'sdead.Ain'tnobodyinth'Palacebutghosts."

Valdirgasped,andlettheoldgaffertellthetaleashepleased.ItwasamazinglyconsistentwithwhatLoreshadtoldhim,saveonlythattheHeraldwho'dcarriedoffTashirhadbeensevenfeettall,cutdownadozenguards,androdeawayonafangedwhitedemon,"—an'thirdthing—"therheumyvoicecontinued,"—theywouldn'thaveanyonenextornighthepalaceaswasn'tbloodkin;eventheservantsbebloodkinonthebackside.Soevenifthey'dbeenalivean'ye'dbeent'see,they'dnot'avetookye."

"Why?"Valdirasked,bewildered."Thatdoesn'tmakeanysense!Whatdoesbeingbloodrelationhavetodowithserving—ortalent?"

Theoldmancoughedagain."DamnifIknow.Beenthatwayf'rever.Anyway,I'mtellin'ye,ifyewantakeepthatpurtyfacepurty,saveyercoppersan'getoutaheresoonasyecan;aforethesnowfliesbebest.Otherwiseol'Bellikelytostartseein'howfarshecanpushye.I'vewarnedye,nowI'mgoin't'sleep."AndnotanotherwordcouldValdirgetoutofhim.

Hefoundouthowrightthewarningwasthenextday,whenBelstumbleddownthestairs,red-eyedandtouchy,smellinglikeabrewery.Shestartedinonthetwokitchengirls,lookingforexcusestopunishoneofthem.Shefoundplenty;thegirlssportedablackeyeeachbeforeshewasthroughwiththem.

Valdirmanagedtostayoutofherwaylongenoughtogethispackandbedstowedsafelyandhisluteplacedbesidethedoor.Butthen—thenhegotanunexpectedandaltogetherunpleasantshock.Beltried—him.Firstflirting,then,whenthatbroughtnoresult,threatening.

Shedisgustedandfrightenedhim,andheknewhedarednotretaliateinanyway.Insteadhehadtostandandtakeherpawing,whilehisskincrawledandhisstomachchurned,tryingnottoshowanythingexcepthisveryrealandgrowingfearofher.Shefinallyconvincedherselfthatshewasn'tgoingtogetanypleasureoutofhiminthatway,soshechoseanother.

Intheendheescapedwithnoworsethanadarkeningbruiseonhischeekbonewhereshe'dbackhandedhimintoawall—withouthispromisedbreakfastorlunch,andnotwillingtoendureeithermoreofherclumsycaressesorherbrutalitytogetit.Heflewoutthedoorassoonassheunlockedit,

orherbrutalitytogetit.Heflewoutthedoorassoonassheunlockedit,resolvingnottoreturnuntilnightfallandthetimeappointedforhimtoperform.Hepausedlongenoughinhisflighttosnatchuphislute;hewouldnotleavethemeansofhislivelihoodunguarded,andanyway,theremightbethechanceofmakingafewcoinsonthestreetashehadlastnight.Enough,maybe,tofeedhim.

HeraldVanyelwouldnothavetoleratedthattreatment,butHeraldVanyelwasfar,faraway.Therewasonlypoor,timidValdir,fallenindeedonbadluck,scrawny,fearful,andnolittledesperate.

Godshelpherpeople.IfIwaswhatI'mpretendingtobe,IthinkI'dgohuntingasharpknife,andI'mnotsureifI'duseitonherfirst,ormyself...

"Thoughtyoumightenduphere,"drawledastrange,well-trainedvoice,asheboltedoutthedoorandintothestreet.Heturned,blinkinginthebrightsunlight.Loungingagainstawallacrossthestreetwasthegrizzledminstrelwho'dbeenplayingthegitterninoneoftheothertavernsthenightbefore.Hewasdressedindullcolorsthatblendedwiththewall;he'dtakenupapostrightoppositeTheGreenMan.Helookedboredandlazy;asValdirwatchedhimsuspiciously,hepushedawayfromthewallandwalkedslowlytowardhimacrossthecobblestones.InthelightofdayhewasclearlymucholderthanValdir;hairthinningandmostlygray,squarefacebeginningtowrinkleandline.ButasheapproachedValdir,itwasalsoplainthathehadkepthisbodyinrelativelygoodshape;beneaththeloose,homespunshirt,leathertunicandbreeches,hehadonlythetiniestsignofapaunch,andtherestofhimlookedwiryandstrongenoughtosurvivejustaboutanytavernbrawl.

TosomeonelikeValdir,thisstrangermeantdangerofanothersort.Themancouldbelookingtoeliminatearival,orintendingtobullyhim—orworse.

Talkaboutluckbeingout.HaveIleapedoutofthepanintothefire?

Valdirbackedupapace,lettinghisuncertaintyshowonhisface.

Atiredhorsepulledaslops-wagondownthecenterofthestreet,andthestrangersteppeddeliberatelytowardhimonceithadpassed.

"Ah,easeup,boy,I'mnotabouttopummelyou,"theminstrelsaid,afainthintofdisgusttwistinghislips.Valdircontinuedtostepback,untiltheminstrelhadhimtrappedinacornerwhereafencemettheinnwall.Valdirfroze,his

hadhimtrappedinacornerwhereafencemettheinnwall.Valdirfroze,hishandspressedagainsttheunsandedwoodbehindhim,andtheminstrelreachedforhisface,grabbinghischininahandroughwithchording-calluses.HeturnedValdir'scheekintothelight,andexaminedtheslowlypurplingbruise.

"Gotyouagoodone,didshe?"Hetouchedtheedgeofthebruisewithouthurtinghiscaptive."Huhn.Notasbadasitcouldbe."

Theminstrellethimgoandbackedupafewsteps.Valdirhuddledwherehewas,watchinghimfearfully.Thestrangerscratchedhischinthoughtfully."HeardyoulastnightwhenIwentonbreak.Youaren'tbad."

"Thankyou,"Valdirrepliedtimidly.

"You'realsogoingtogetyourhandsbrokenifyoustaywithBelforverylong,"theothercontinued."That'swhatshedidtotheonebeforetheonethatranoffwithhergirl."

Valdirdidnotreply.

"Well?Aren'tyougoingtosayanything?"

"Whyareyoutellingmeallthis?"Valdirasked,lettinghissuspicionshow.Hestoodupalittlestraighter,andrubbedhissweatypalmsonhispatchedandfadedlinentunicinaconsciousechoingofanunconsciousgestureofnervousness.

"Becausetheonebeforetheonethatranoffwithhergirlwasagoodlad,"theoldermansaid,impatiencegettingthebetterofhim."Hewaspretty,likeyou,andhewasfey,likeIbetyouare,andIdon'twantithappeningtoanotherone.Allright?"Heturnedonhisheelandstartedtowalkaway.

Don'tturnawayapossibleally!

"Wait!"Valdircriedafterhim."Please,I—Ididn'tmean—"

Abitofbreezeblewdryleavesupthestreet.Theminstrelhalted,turnedslowly.Valdirwalkedtowardhim,holdingouthishand."I'mValdir,"hesaidshyly."I'vebeen—north.Baires."Theothershowedhissurprisewithahissingintakeofbreath."Imadeabitofamistake,andIhadtomakearunforit."Helookeddownathisfeet,thenbackupagain."Ithasn'tbeeneasy;notwhileIwas

lookeddownathisfeet,thenbackupagain."Ithasn'tbeeneasy;notwhileIwasthere,andnotgettingacrossthebordertohere.Theygotmeoutofthehabitoflookingforfriendsupthere,andintothehabitoflookingforenemies."

"Renfry,"saidtheolderminstrel,claspinghishand,withaslowsmilethatshowedagoodsetofeven,whiteteeth."NotmanyrealmusiciansontheRow.Is'pposeIshouldbetreatingyouasarival—but—hell,amangetstiredofhearingandsingingthesamedamnthingsoverandover.BelhadJonnyforalongwhilebeforesheruinedhim,andhetrainedhere."

"Whathappenedtohim?After,Imean."

"WeclubbedtogetherandsenthimofftoaHealertheverynextday,endeduphavingtosendhimacrosstheBorder.UppitypalaceHealerdidn'twantto'wastehistimeontavernscum.'Neverheardanythingafterthat."Heshrugged."Ifthepoorladendedupnotbeingabletoplayagain,Idon'timaginehe'dwantanyonetoknow."

Valdirshuddered;genuinely.

"Ol'Beldon'tbelieveinlettingthehelpsamplethegoods.ShegotdrunkandthoughtJonnyhadhiseyeononeofthegirls."Hesnortedincontempt."Notbloodylikely."

"Shemusthaveslippeduponce—"Valdirventured."Imean—theonethatromancedhergirl,likeyousaid."

Renfrylaughed,andstartedupthedusty,near-emptystreetwithValdirfollowing.Thethinautumnsunlightstretchedtheirshadowsoutaheadofthem."Shedid,becauseshewasbeddingthefellowherself.Sheneverfiguredhimforhavingthestaminatobedouble-dipping!Truthtotell,Ihopehewasgoodinbed,becausehesurelyhadavoicelikeacrowinmatingseason,andmaybefourwholechordstohisname."

ValdirthoughtaboutthewayBelhadtriedtocomeontohim,andcouldactuallyfeelashredofsympathyfortheunknownminstrel."Wereyouwaitingouthereforme?"Valdirasked,astheyapproachedthecloseddoorofThePigandStick,thetavernRenfryhadbeenplayinginlastnight.

Renfrynodded,holdingthedoorto"his"innopen.

"Why?"

"Why?"

"Towarnyou,likeIsaid.Letyouknowyou'dbettermaketracks."

Valdirshookhishead,andhishairfelloveroneeye."Ican't.I—Ihaven'tgotachoice,"heconfessedsadly."Ihaven'tanywhereelsetogo."

Renfrypausedinsurprise,halfin,halfoutofthedoorway."Thatleaninthepocket?"heasked."Lad,youaren'tthatbad.You'reagoodenoughmusician,fortrue.Unlessyoureallymademorethanjustamistake."

Valdirnoddedunhappily."Madeabadenemy.Sangthewrongsongatthewrongtime.UsedtobewithaHouse.NowI'vegottheclothesonmyback,mylute,andthat'smostlyit."

"SaveyourcoppersandheadovertheBorderintoValdemar,"theotheradvised."Tellyouwhat,I'llstandyouadrinkandalittlebetterbreakfastthanyou'dgetfromoldBel,thenI'llsteeryouovertoadecentcorner.Notthebest,butwiththepalaceawreck,there'salotofguardsstandingaboutwithnothingtodobutmakesureourHighandMightyLordVisitordoesn'tgethimselfinthewayofastraykniferoundabouttheTownElder'shouse.Yououghttocollectabitthere,hmm?"Hegrinned."Besides,Igotanunderhandedmotive.You'reaboutasgoodasme,andyouknowsomestuffnewtoourfolk.I'mgoingtobribeyouwithfoodtolearnit,andthenI'mgoingtogetyououtoftownsoyouaren'tcompetitionanymore."

Valdirsmiledbackhesitantly,atleastasfarashissorecheekpermitted."NowthatIunderstand!"

*

BynightfallBelwassober,andwhenValdircreptinattheopendoorshewavedhimtohisplaceonthehearthwithnothingmorethreateningthanascowl.Hesatdownontheraisedbrickhearthwithhisbruisedcheektothefire,andbegantuningthelute.Therewereoneortwocustomers;nothingmuch.Valdirwasjustasglad;itgavehimachancetothinkoverwhathe'dpickedup.

Ithadbeenaveryprofitableday.TheTownElder'sservantswereentertainment-starvedandloose-tongued;onceValdirhadgottenthemstartedtheygenerallyranonquiteinformativelyandatsomelengthbeforedemandingsomethinginreturn.

somethinginreturn.

Ylynahadbeenachild-bride;thatmadeTashir'sarrivaleight-and-a-halfmonthsaftertheweddingsomuchmoresurprising.SeveraloftheMavelangirlshadbeenofferedasprospectivetreaty-spouse,butofthemall,onlyYlynahadlackedmage-powers,soonlyYlynahadbeenacceptabletoDeveranRemoerdisorhispeople.Itwasgenerallyagreedthatshewas"odd,evenforaMavelan."Andstrangelyenough,itwasalsogenerallyagreedthatupuntilthenightofthemassacreTashirhadbeenafairlydecent,ifslightlypeculiar,youngman."Abitlikeyou,lad,"oneoftheguardshadsaid."Jumpin'atshadows,like.Nervy."Ifithadnotbeenforhismage-powerstherelikelywouldhavebeennoobjectiontohiseventualinheritanceofthethroneofLineas.Butoncethosepowersmanifested,itbecameoutofthequestion.NoLineanwouldstandbyandseeamagetaketheseatofpower.

"Weseenwhatcomeso'that,yonder,"anagedporterhadtoldhimabitangrily,pointingwithhischinatthenorth."Putamageinpower,nextthingyeknow,he'susin'magict'getanydamnthing'ewantout'oye.No.Nomageshere."

SoassoonasithadbecomeevidentthatseveralofTashir'syoungerbrothers—allofwhommarkedlyresembledDeveran—weregoingtoliveintoadulthood,theCouncildemandedthatDeverandisinherittheboy.Theydidn'thavetopressurehim,accordingtotheLordElder'sfirstchambermaid;hegaveinatonce,soquicklythattheinkwasn'tevendryonthecopiesoftheproclamationwhenhisheraldscriedthenews.

Andstrangelyenough,Tashirdidn'tseemtheleastunhappyaboutit."Didn''xactlyjumpforjoy,butdidn'seemt'care,neither,"afruitsellerhadobserved.

LordVedric—thatwaswhoValdirassumedwasthe"LordVisitor,"thoughhewasneverreferredtoasanythingbut"thatMavelanLord"—hadcomeassomethingofasurprisetothefolkofHighjorune.They'dexpectedhimtoattempttodefendTashir;insteadhe'dlistenedtothewitnesseswithcalmandsympathy,andhadexpressedhishorrifiedopinionthattheboyhadgonerogue.He'dkeptdisplaysofmagerytoaminimum,andhadmadehimselfavailabletotheCouncilasakindofadvisoruntilsomeonefiguredouthowtogetTashirbacktobepunished,anduntiltheydeterminedwhothenewrulerofLineaswouldbe.

AsforthestartlingresemblancebetweenLordVedricandTashir—

AsforthestartlingresemblancebetweenLordVedricandTashir—

"'Esaidth'boycouldbe'is,'edidn'tknow,"oneofthechambermaids—aprettyonethatValdirsuspectedofgettinggossipfodderviapillowtalk—hadwhispered,sniggering,toValdir."'Esaidth'girlcouldn'keep'erskirtsdown,an'thatshe'dbribed'erwayintalotso'beds,takin'theplaceo'th'girlsaswass'pposedt'bethere.Said'e'dfound'erin'isbedmore'nonce,an'that'edidn'tknowitwere'isown'alf-sisteran'notthewench'e'dcalledfertillmornin'.Thatwaswhy'eweretryin't'keepth'boyheir,so'esays;tryin't'dorightby'im,like,justincase."Shesniggeredagain."I'eard'noughfr'mm'cousin'bout'Er'Ighnessan''erlight-skirtwaysIbelieve'im."

Andthecousin,itseemed,hadbeenoneofYlyna'spersonalmaids.Moreimportantly,shehadbeenoutofthepalacethenighteveryoneelsehadbeenkilled.Thechambermaidhadpromisedanintroductioninadayortwo.

"Yougonnasitthereallnightdiddlin'thatthing,oryougonnaplay?"Belgrowled,breakingintohisthoughts.Withastartandacowedlook,hebeganplaying.

Theyounggirlscamperedbacktoherduties,leavingValdiralonewiththelastsurvivingmemberofthepalacestaff,hercousin.Thewomanponderedhimforamoment,then,atriflereluctantly,invitedhimintohertinyparlor.Thecousinwasold;thatsurprisedValdir.Andtheoddlookshegavehimashetooktheseatsheindicatedsurprisedhimmore.

"Whyareyeaskin',lad?"shequeried,asshesettledintoherownchair."Ifit'sjustmorbidcuriosity..."

HerubbedthebruiseBelhadgiftedhimwiththismorning—itmatchedthefirst—andtriedtogethermeasure.ShewasabityoungerthanSavil,andsmall,butproudlyerect.Therewassomethingverydignifiedabouther,andoutofkeepingwithherpurportedposition;shedidn'tholdherselfwiththeairofaservant.Shewasplainlyclothed,indarkwooldressandwhitelinenundertunic,butthewoolwasfinelambswool,tightlywoven,andcostly,andthelinenasfineashehadeverseenonhismother.Shewatchedhimfromunderhalf-closedlids.Hereyesseemedfullofsecrets.

Shehadbeenoutofthepalacethatfatalevening,thegirlhadtoldhim,

Shehadbeenoutofthepalacethatfatalevening,thegirlhadtoldhim,becauseshehadbeenhere,inthehomeofheragedmother,whohadfallenandcouldnotbeleftaloneatnight.TherewasagreatdealaboutherthatpromptedValdirtotrustinherhonesty;enoughthathedecidedtotellheracertainmeasureofthetruth.

"Iwanttofindoutwhatreallyhappened,"hesaid,assincerelyashecouldmanage."ThestoriesI'veheardsofardon'tmakealotofsense.Ifthere'ssomethingthatneedstobetold,perhapsI'mtheonetotellit.Aminstrelcantellanunpleasanttruthwithmoresuccess,sometimes,thananyoneelse.I'mastranger,withnointereststoprotect.ItmightbeI'dbebelievedmorereadilythanaLinean."

Shelookedawayfromhim,andherfacewastroubled."Idon'tknow,"shesaid,finally."This..."Shelookeddownatherhands,andherattentionseemedtobecaughtbyaringshewore.

Itwasanunusualringinthefactthatitwassoveryplain;burnished,unornamentedsilver,centeredwithadullwhitestone.ThestonewasnothingValdirrecognized;itlookedlikeanordinary,water-wornquartzpebble.

Thenherattentionwasmorethancaught—

Thestoneflaredwithaninternal,whiteflameforamoment,anditseemedthatshecouldnotlookawayfromit.

Thewoman'sfacetookonablanknessofexpressionhe'donlyseeninthespell-bound.

Valdirfeltthebackofhisneckchill.TherewasaPowermovingsomewhere,onehedidn'trecognize.Helongedtobeabletounshieldandprobe,andmaddeninglyknewhedarednot.ThisfeltalmostlikesomeonewasworkingaTruthSpell,onlythefeelofthiswasold—old—

"LadyYlyna—"shesaid,inastrangelyabstractedvoice."Atthebottomofthis,itallcomesdowntoLadyYlyna."

"Tashir'smother?"Valdirasked,bitinghislipinvexationwhenitoccurredtohimthathiswordsmightbreakwhateverspellitwasthatheldher.Butherexpressionremainedrapt,andheventuredmore."But—how—"

"Shewashardlymorethanachildwhenshecamehere,"thewomansaid,stillgazingintothestoneofherring,"butI'veneverseenamoreterrifiedgirlinmylife.She'dbeentheignoredone,untilDeveranrefusedtotakeanygirltowifethathadmage-powers.Thenshewasvaluable,andyoucanbelieveherfamilykeptthestringsonher.Shewasterrifiedofthem.Shewassohappywhenshewasfirstpregnant—Deveranmadeagreatdealofher,yousee.ButthenTashircameearly—therewasnotellinghimthatitwasjustaccidenttheboylookedlikehisuncle.Soheonlycametohertogetherpregnant,andoncepregnant,heignoredheruntilthechildrenwereborn."

"But—"

Shedidn'tseemtohearhim."Heignoredtheboy,too.Shewasscarcelyoldenoughtohaveleftoffwithdolls,shehadn'tacluewhattodowithachild.Thenthelettersstartedcoming—lettersfromBaires,withtheroyalsealonthem,fromTheMavelan.Sheneverletusseethem,buttheyterrifiedher.Andshetookitalloutontheboy.Theotherchildren,theonesthattookafterDeveran,theyhadnursemaids,andcarefulwatching,butnotTashir.Hewaslefttoher.Poorchild.Halfthetimeshepettedandcossetedhimlikealapdog—thatwaswhenherlettersseemedtobegood.Theotherhalfofthetimeshe'dtakearidingcroptohimtillthepoorboywasbruisedallover.Thatwaswhenthelettersfrightenedher.Thentheboystartedshowingwizard-power,anditgotworse.Iwatchedherwatchinghimoneday—I'veneverseensuchjealousyinmylifeonahumanface."

"Whywouldshebejealousofhim?"Valdirwonderedaloud.

Theoldwomanshookherself,andgavehimasharplook."I'vesaidmorethanIintended,"shetoldhim,almostaccusingly.

Hetriedtolookinnocentandtrustworthy."Butwhatyou'vesaidisimportant."

Sheroseandwalkedslowlyacrossthetinysittingroomtothedoor,andopenedit."Comebackintwodays,"shesaid,intonesthatbrookednoargument."Imaydecidetotellyoumorethen."

Nearlyreadytoburstwithfrustration,Valdirleft,doinghisbesttoshownoneofit.

Sheshutthedoorbehindhim,andhewanderedbackdowntotheRow,

Sheshutthedoorbehindhim,andhewanderedbackdowntotheRow,lookingforagoodplacetosetouthishatforafewmorehours.

Hestillhadtoeat,afterall.

:Howmuchofthiscanyoutrust?:Yfandesasked.

:Well,I'mhardlygoingtobeabletorunTruthSpellonher,:hereplied,staringupintothedarknessandlisteningtooldPetarsnoringloudenoughtoshakethechimneydown.:Although—godshelpme,itseemsasifsomethingwasdoingthatforme.Andyouhavetoadmit,thisreportofalternatepettingandabusecertainlyexplainssomeofhisreactiontowardwomen."Mothers"inparticular.:

:Butitdoesn'texplainwhathappenedthatnight.:

Oneofthetwogirlsmurmuredinhersleep.Vanyelshivered,andpulledhisblanketalittlecloser.Thecoldofthedirtfloorwasseepingthroughhisthinstrawpallet.:There'smore.Iknowthere'smore.Ithinkshe—orwhateveritwasthatmadehertalk—istestingme,andIdon'tknowwhy.Gods,andthequestionsIhave—whyallowonlybloodrelationstoservetheRemoerdisFamily?Andwhydoesitfeelasiftheoldladyis—Gifted?Orgeased,bespelled.Orboth,Idon'tknow.AndIdon'tdaretesthertofindout,withVedricinthecity:

:Mm,:sheagreed.:Wise.What'sheupto?:

:Beingutterlycharming,:Valdirreplied.:He'sgotthelocalscomingmoreandmoreovertohisside.Andhe'sagreeingwiththemoneverypoint.It'shardtobelievethatthisisthesamemanmysistercalledaviper.:

:Interesting.AndtheseLineansareahard-headedlot.:

:ItwouldjustabouttakeanangeltochangetheirmindsabouttheMavelans,:Vanyeltoldher.:ButVedricseemstobedoingjustthat.:

Petarsnorted,coughed,andturnedover.Therewassilenceforamoment,thenhesnortedagain,andthesnoresdidnotresume.

:Takethechancetogettosleepwhileyoucan,:Yfandesadviseddryly.

Butsleeprefusedtocome.

Tonighthadbeenparticularlybad.NotonlyhadBelmadeanothertry,butValdirhadfendedofftheattentionsofsomeoneelseaswell.

Evenifhehadn'ttakenBel'sglareaswarningthatshemeantwhatshe'dsaidaboutnottakingupwithhercustomers,he'dhaveavoidedthisone.Shaych,yes—butinawaythatmadeValdir'sskincrawlasmuchasBeldid.Themanhadn'tbeenphysicallyrepulsive,buttherewassomethingtwistedabouthim,somethingunhealthy.Likeafinevelvetgloveoveratalonedhand.Themanhadlookedathimwithahungerthatmadehimshiverwithreactionevennow.HehadremindedVanyel—notValdir—ofthemagethathadcalledhimself"Krebain."

Idon'tknowwhattothinkanymore.IfI'mnotshaych,thenwhycan'tIjustdowhatBelwantsandgetitoverwith?IfIam,thenwhydidthathunterrevoltme?Heturnedontohisside,curlingintoaballagainstthecold,theacheofhisemptystomach,themiseryhisownuncertaintywascausing.

Andtoday—gods.ThatsicklittlegameIwasplayingontheservinggirls.Leadingthemon—knowingIwasleadingthemrightdownadeadend.Yes,Igotinformation—butIwasactuallyenjoyingdeludingthem,havingalittlepoweroverthem.Gods,thatwassick.AndIwouldhavegonerightonplayinglittlesex-flirtationgamesif'Fandeshadn'tthreatenedtokickmeintonextweek.I'mturningintosomethingIdon'tmuchlike.

Hecurledupalittletighter.Idon'tevenknowmyownfeelingsanymore.

Hetightenedhislipsinexasperation.Look,Van,you'resupposedtohavebeentrainedinlogic.Sowhydon'tyoutryputtingthingsintosomekindofcategory,yougoose?Maybeyoudon'tknowwhatyoufeel,butyoucertainlyknowwhatyoudon'tfeel.You'vebeenagonizingoverthatenoughlately!Thenfigureoutwhatitisthateverythingyoudon'tcareforhasincommon.

:It'sabouttime,:cameYfandes'sardoniccomment.

Hewasstartled—andthenangry.Heverynearlymadesomekindofnastyretortbacktoher,butshewasblocking,andhewasn'tsoangrythathe'dtrytobreachhershieldsjusttotellheroff.Foronething,hewasn'tsurehecould—for

another,theattemptmightgivehimawaytoVedric.

Buthecertainlywantedto...

ThenextseveraldaysweresomeoftheworstValdirhadeverspent.Heplayedhisfingerstotheboneeverynightuntilthelastcustomerleft.HedodgedBel,notalwayssuccessfully,byday.Hetookherbeatingswithteeth-grittingmeekness,avoidedherincreasinglyheavy-handedattemptstotraphim,anddidhisbesttominimizethedamagesheinflicted.Hewascoldatnight,andstarvedbyday;Bel'sideaof"meals"beingscarcelyenoughtokeepamousealive.Andhisownunhappythoughtskepthimawakemoreoftenthannot.

HewentbacktotheformermaidReta'stinyhousefaithfullyeverytwodays,onlytobeturnedawaywithnothing.

Then,finally,afterclosetoafortnight—anendlessseriesofattemptstoseetheoldwomanandbeingturnedawayfromherdoor—Retafinallyagreedtospeakwithhimagain.

"Iwasn'tsureyou'dbeback."Retaheldthedooropenforhim,andheslippedpastherintothetiny,painfullyneatsittingroom.Sheclosedthedoorcarefully,andsatdownonhersettlebesidethehearth.Valdirtooktheonlyotherseat,astool.Theoldwomanregardedhimthoughtfullywhilehecurbedhisimpatience,andhopedthatthistimesomemoreinformationwouldbeforthcoming.

"No,Iwasn'tcertainyou'dbeback,"sherepeated.

"Whywouldn'tI?"heasked,justasquietly,asheignoredthehollowfeelinginhisstomach.He'dbeenherelongenoughthatthemeagerrationsandshortsleepwerebeginningtoaffecthim,andwhilehe'drechargedhismage-energiesfully,hisphysicalenergieswerebecomingexhausted.Hewokeupfiveandsixtimesanight,crampingwithcold,andevenwiththesupplementaryfoodhewasspendinghispittanceofearningson,hewasbeginningtohavespellsoflight-headedness.MostofhismoneywasgoingtobuyYfandesgrain,anyway.ButRetaheldthekey,hewassureofit.Ifonlyhecouldpersuadehertopartwiththeinformation.Her—orwhateverpowerhadcontrolledherthefirsttimehecametoherdoor.

"Thisisn'tataleofhighadventure,"shepointedoutdryly."Anditisn'tabedroomfarce.It'snotterriblyinteresting,it'snotgoodsong-fodder,andit'ssad."

"Sad?"Heraisedaneyebrow."Whysad?"

Sheexaminedthehandssheheldfoldedinherlap,asiftheywereofgreatinterest."ThatpoorchildYlyna,sheneverreallyhadachancetogrowup.Oh,shewasgrowninbody,but—Theykeptherachild,afrightenedchildtheycouldmanipulate.Ifindthatsad."

"They"meaningtheMavelans."Whydidn'tyousaysomething?"heasked,tryingtounderstandwhatcouldhaveledhertostandbyandwatch,andnotact.

Sheshrugged."Whowouldhavelistened?IwasHerHighness'personalmaid,asIwasDeveran'smother's.Deveranwouldhavethoughtmeeitherbesottedorbewitched.Hewasn'tknownforthinkingmuchofwomeninthefirstplace."Sheshookherheadandstaredattheringonherfinger.Thepeculiar,dullwhitestoneseemedtobrightenforamoment,andhervoiceandexpressionbecameabstracted,asithadthefirsttimeshe'dspokenopenly.

It'shappeningagain!Valdirheldhisbreath,allhisexhaustion,hispersonalconcernsforgotten,hopingagainsthope...

"No,Deveranhadnofaithinthegoodsenseorthehonestyofwomen.Afterall,hisownmotherhadbetrayedhimbydyingwhenhemostneededher,orsohisownfatherkeptclaiming.AndYlyna—notavirgin,possiblymad,andsurelylittlebetterthanatrollop—certainlydidn'thelpmatters."

Valdircouldnotstaysilent;heprotestedsuchinexcusable,willfulblindness."ButthewayshetreatedTashir—"

"Waslikelythewayshe'dbeentreated."Theoldwomanshookherheadagain,continuingtostareatthestoneofherring."Whenyoureachmyage,youhavegenerallyseenagreatdeal.Adultswhohavebeenbeatenaschildrenbeattheirownchildren.And—otherthings.Isometimeswonderifthatisn'twhatHolyLerencemeantwhenhesaid'thesinsofthefathersshallbetakenupbythesons.'"Hereyesgrewevenmorethoughtful—orentranced.Shedidn'tseemtobepayinganyattentiontohim.

Therewassomethingstirringhere.AgainhefeltsomePowermovingunderthepowershecoulddetecteasily.Gods!Idon'tdaretrytoprobeforit.Thefrustrationmaddenedhim.Hecouldfeelit,somethingdeep,andpowerful,itvibratedsothathefeltitratherthan"detected"it;thewayhecouldsometimes"feel"thevibrationsofanotetoolowtoactuallyhear.

Butitwasstrongerthistime,muchstronger,anditseemedtobestirringtohisgood,fortheoldchambermaidwassayingthingsshehadn'tmorethanhintedatbefore.

"Whatotherthingswasshedoing?"Valdirpromptedinawhisper,handsclenchedtogethersotightlytheyached.Thiswasit.Thiswaswhathewaslookingfor.Thesecretnooneknew.Thekeytoitall.

Shesoundedasifshewastalkingtoherself."WhenTashirgrewolder—andhandsomer—shestartedlookingathimdifferently.ThegodsknowDeveranhadn'tcometoherbedforfouryears,andwouldn'tallowanymaleservantsnearher,onlywomen.Shehadneverhadanypleasureexceptinbed,Ithink.Iwonderifthatwasn'ttheonlythingshethoughtshecoulddowell."Theoldwomanwasgazingdeeplyintoherstoneandnotatallathimnow,andhervoicewasverylow,sothathehadtostraintohearit.Sheshiftedjustalittle,andhecaughtthesharpsmelloflavenderfromthefoldsofherdress."Tashirbeganlookingmoreandmorelikehisuncle,andhewasstillterrifiedofher.Ofher,whoneverfrightenedanyone,andcouldn'tevencommandrespectfromherservants.Itmusthavebeentooseductivetoresist,thatcombination;fear,andthehandsomeyoungfaceandbody.Shesetouttoseduceherownsonintoherbed."

Valdirfroze.No—that's—mygods—

Shecontinuedon,stillspeakinginthatsame,dreamyvoice,asifshewasspeakingonlytoherself."Thatfrightenedhimevenmore,Ithink,onceherealizedwhatwasgoingon.Poorchild.Ihardlybelieveditatfirst;Ijustthoughtthepettingwasgettingalittle—overwarm.She'duseanyexcusetogetherhandsonhim.Anyexcuseatall."

Valdirlickedhisdrylips,butcouldn'tmakehisvoicework.

Retasighed."AndDeveraneitherdidn'tknowordidn'tcare;Itendtothinkthelatter.Hehadwhathewanted;threesonsindisputablyhis,andlikelytoreach

maturity.WhathappenedtoTashirdidn'tmatter.Theonlypersonwhocaredwhatwashappeningtohimwastheoldarmsmaster,theoneDeveranhadretired.Karis.Hehadtakentoteachingtheboy,whenhesawnooneelsewould.Heprotectedhimasmuchashecould.Whichwasn'tmuch,butitwassomething.Hegavetheboyaplacetohide—andapersontolookuptowhowasstable,sane,andfondofhim."

"Agoodman?"

AndpossiblyanotherwaytogetTashirtoopenup—

"Averygoodman.Apityhewasinthepalacewiththerestofthem."

Valdirwantedtocurse,andrestrainedhimselfonlybyastrongeffortofwill.

"FinallyitgottothepointthatTashircouldn'tkeepheraway—andthatwizard-powerofhisintervened.Hehadakindoffit;smashedhalfthebowerbeforeitwasover.ThatwaswhenDeverandecided."

"Decidedwhat?"Valdirasked.

Atthatmoment,thepowerfadedabruptly.Onebreathitwasthere.Thenitwasgone.Hereyesfinallycamebacktotheirnormalsharpfocus."What?"sheaskedhim,lookingupathimsuddenly.

Gods—thespell'sbroken.Oh,LadyofLight,helpmepersuadeher.Wouldshefinishthesentence?Couldheconvinceheronhisown?"YouweregoingtotellmewhatDeveranhaddecidedtodoaboutTashir,"heprompted."Thatnight."

"Oh."Sheshrugged,indifferently."That.Ithoughteveryoneknewaboutthat."

"Idon't,"hepointedout."Andnobodywantstotalkaboutit,much."

"It'ssimpleenough.SinceVedricwasmakingsuchabigto-doovertheboy,Deverandecidedtolethimdealwiththeproblem.DeveranwasgoingtosendtheboytohisMavelanrelatives—permanently.ThatwaswhathetoldYlynaaftertheyclearedtheboyandthemessoutofherbower.Thatheintendedtotelltheboyatdinner."Shesighed."AndIcanonlyassume,giventhatTashirwas

evenmorefrightenedofthatdenofmadmenthanhewasofhismother,thatthiswasexactlywhathappened,andwhatbrought—everything—down."

Hehadn'trealizedhowmuchtimehe'dspentinthelittlesittingroom;whenhetookhisleaveofReta,hewasappalled.Onecandlemarktosundown.

Panicstolethought.Hecouldonlythinkofonething.

Home.

Hehadtogethome,beforeitwastoolate.Hedidn'tdaretrytoMindtouchSavilfromhere;thatwouldbeasstupid,withVedricsonear,asridingthroughthegatesinfullWhitesonYfandes.

Heranacrosstown,dodgingthroughfootandbeasttraffic,tryingtoreachtheeastgatebeforetheycloseditforthenight.Onceclosed—hewouldn'tgetoutuntilmorning.Hedidn'tdarecastanykindofspelltogethimby,nomorethanhedaredMindtouchSavil.VedricwoulddetectspellcastingevenfasterthantheuseofaMind-Gift.AndeverymomenthestayedherewasanothermomentthesamedisasterthatwipedoutTashir'sfamilycouldmovetoharmhis.

Thesunwasdroppinginexorablytowardthehorizon;hehadapaininhisside,andhewasgaspingforbreath—andstillhewasn'tmorethanhalfwaytohisgoal.Hestumbledagainstamarket-stall;recovered;ranon.Herealizedwithdespairthathewasnotgoingtomakeitintime.

Andcandlemarkscouldcount;couldbefatal,givenwhatheknewnow.

ItwasonlytoopossiblethatTashirhaddoneexactlywhathe'dbeenaccusedof;thathehadbeenpushedtoofarbyhisfather'sultimatum,andhehadlosthisholdtemporarilyonhisGiftandhissanity.Itwasonlytoolikelythathehadunleashedpowergonerogueandhaddestroyedhisownhomeandeverythingandeveryoneinit.

Valdirstopped,unabletorunanyfarther;clungtothecornerofabuildingatacrossstreet,andwatchedthesunturntoblood,andsinkbelowthehorizon.

Takingwithithishope.

ValdirslippedintothePigandStick,keepingtothewallandtheshadowsasmuchashecould.HemanagedtogetwithintouchingdistanceofRenfry,andfrozethere,unmoving,intheshadowsbehindhim.

HeprayedthatRenfrywasabouttofinishaset,andthathehadnotjustbegunone.Thetavernwashot,andhewassweatingfromhisrun.Hissidestillhurt,andhewantedtocoughsobadlyhischestachedwiththeeffortofholdingitback.Sweatrandownhisback,andintohiseyes.Odorofbreadandstewandspilledalemadehisstomachcrampupwithhunger,andhiseyeswatered.Thelampsflickered,andhegrippedthewallbehindhim,astheroomswambeforehiseyes.

Toolongontoolittle.Oh,gods,keepmegoing!

FinallyRenfryfinished,andwavedasiderequestsformore."Notnow,lads,"hesaidgenially."NotuntilIwetmythroatabit."

Heturned,andsawValdirbehindhim.Hestartedtosaysomething—thentookasecond,closerlookathim,andhiseyesgrewalarmed.

Hepickedupthegitternbytheneck,andgrabbedValdir'selbowwithhisfreehand.Withoutasingleword,hepropelledtheunresistingValdirbeforehimthroughthedoorleadingtothekitchen.

Itwaslightenoughinhere,thoughtwiceashotasthetaverncommonroom,whatwithtwofiresandthebrickbake-ovenallroaringatonce.Ahugetabledominatedthecenteroftheroom;anenormouslyfatmaninafloury,stainedapronwaspullingfreshloavesoutoftheovenwithalongwoodenpaddleandputtingthemtocoolonthetable.Thereweretwoboysateachofthefireplaces,oneturningaspit,onewatchingakettle.Afifthboywassittingonastoolrightbythedoor,peelingroots.

RenfrypushedtheboypeelingrootsoffhisperchandshovedValdirdownontoit.

"What'swrong?"hesaid,"Anddon'ttellmeit'snothing.Youlooklikesomebodyseeingadeathsentence."

Valdirjustnodded;he'dalreadyconcoctedastoryforRenfry,andonethatfit

Valdirjustnodded;he'dalreadyconcoctedastoryforRenfry,andonethatfitinwithwhathe'dalreadytoldtheman."I've—"Hefinallycoughed,rackingly;swallowed."I'vegottogetoutofhere.Now.Tonight."

Renfrylookedathimnarrowly."Wouldn'tbethatlittlematterofasong,wouldit?"

Valdirjustlookedathim,pleadingly."IfVedricfindsoutI'mhere,"hewhisperedtruthfully,"he'llprobablykillme,Youdidn'ttellmeitwasVedrichere."

"Vedric!"Renfryexploded."Greatgoodgods,boy,yousuredon'tpickyourenemiestoocarefully!Oh,hell."

Hefoldedhisarmsandgazedupattheceiling,browsknittedtogethersothattheycameclosetomeeting."Let'ssee.Firstoff,wegottogetyourthingsawayfromBel.Huh...gotit!"

Heslippedoutintothetaproomandreturnedwithinafewmoments."Ijustpaidthatlittlesneakbratofthecook'stopinchyourthings.Ifhecan'tnip'em,nobodycan.Now—howmuchcoinyougot?"

Valdirturnedouthispurse.Therewasn'tmuch.Renfrycounteditcarefully."Tel!"heshoutedintothechaosofthekitchen."Howmuchday-oldbreadandstuffcanIgetyoutopartwithfortwentycoppers?Begenerous,theboyhastorunforit."

Themassivecookblunderedovertotheirsideofthebigcentralworktable,peeredatValdir,andthenatthetinyheapofcoin."Huh.Applesischeaprightnow;gotsomewithbadspots.Allrightfertheroad,nogoodt'store.Bread,uh—gotsomeIwasgonnauseferstuffin'.Letyehaveitall.Gotsomecheesew'moldallthrough.Moldwon'hurtye,justlookslikehellan'tastesmightysharp;peopleroundaboutheredon'tcareforsharpcheese.Skinnyruntlikeyou,holdyeleastafortnight."

RenfrygaveValdiralookbrimmingwithsatisfaction."That'llgetyouacrosstheBorder,easy,andthere'saHarvestfestgoingonoverthererightnow.Boywithavoicelikeyoursthatcan'tgetcoinataHarvestfestdon'tdeservet'callhimselfaminstrel."

"Hey,'Fry!"AninsolenturchinslidinunderRenfry'selbow,Valdir'spack

"Hey,'Fry!"AninsolenturchinslidinunderRenfry'selbow,Valdir'spackandblanketinonehand,hisluteintheother."Thesewhatchalookin'fer?"

Valdirsnatchedtheluteoutofthechild'shandandheldittohischest,hiseyesgoingmoist."Oh,gods—Renfry,I—"

Ineverdaredhopeforthismuchhelpfromhim.Neverevenprayedforit.

"Don'tyoucryonme!"Renfrygrowled,cuffinghisear."Justgettingmycompetitionoutoftown,Itoldyou.Tel,here—packuptheboy'sfood."Hescrapedeverythingbuttwosmallsilverpiecesoffthetableandpouredthemintothecook'shand.Thehandfulofcopperbitsvanishedintoapocketofthestainedapron,andahandrivalingBel'sforsizeandstrengthtookthepack."Now,listencareful,becauseI'monlygoingtotellyouthisonce.Yougodowntothewestgate.Iknowit'sthewrongway,justcirclearoundthecitywallsonceyougetoutside.YouaskforAsra.Yougotthat?"

"Asra,"Valdirrepeated,nodding."Westgate."

"YoutellhimRenfrysentyou,andyougivehimonesilver.That'shisstandardbribetoletfolksoutafterdark,anddon'tlethimtellyoudifferent.ThenwhenyougettotheBorder,yougivetheothertoourlads.That'llgetyoupastthem.Valdemarfolkdon'tgiveahangaboutwhocrossestotheirside,solongasyoudon'tlooklikeafighteroratrader.Fighterthey'dquestion,traderthey'dtax.Yougotthat?"

"OnesilvertoAsraatthewestgate,onetotheBorderGuards."

"Goodlad."Renfrynoddedapprovingly."Nowbeltthatblanketaroundyouunderyourcloak;you'regoingtoneedit,it'scoldoutthere.Whenyouget'roundthewalls,youtaketheeastroadasfarasthesecondfarmontherighttonight.Youstopthere.There'sahaybarnrightontheroadandtheoldboythatownsitdon'tgiveahangifpeoplesleeptheresolongastheydon'tbuildfires.Afterthat,you'reonyourown."

Valdirwaspullinghisthreadbarecloakonovertheblanketwhenthecookreturnedwithhispackburstingattheseams.Hetuckedthetwotinycoinsintohisnow-emptypurse,slungpackoveroneshoulderandluteovertheother,andturnedtoRenfry,tryingtothinkofsomewaytothankhim.

Renfrytookonelookathiseyes,andsoftened."Damn.Wishyoucouldhavestayedawhile,"hesaidgruffly,andsuddenlypulledValdirintoaquick,rough

stayedawhile,"hesaidgruffly,andsuddenlypulledValdirintoaquick,roughembrace."Nowgetoutofhere,beforeBelcomeslookingforyou."

Vanyelmadethebestmealhe'dhadinafortnightofhalfaloaf,thecheese,andacoupleofapples.Yfandesgottherest.

:Funny,howyouseemtobeabletofindfriendsinthemostunexpectedplaces,:shemused.:SometimesIwonder...:

"Friends?Whatareyoutalkingabout?"heaskedher,cinchingtheblanketpadinplace,andpullinghimselfuponherback."Gods."Heclungthereforamoment,asanotherwaveofdisorientationwashedoverhim.

:Nevermind.Areyouallright?:

"I'llbefine.Justlowonresources,andwornout."Anxietycrampedhisstomachamoment.Hewouldn'thavestoppedlongenoughtoeatifhehadn'tfoundhislegsgivingoutashecircledaroundthecitytohismeetingplacewithYfandes.Theshadowsunderthetreesseemedsinister.Thewindinthenear-nakedbranchesmoanedasifinpain.Hehadtogetback—

—buttheoldmanwasoneofthosethatdied.Thethoughtkeptnaggingathim.Hemusthavelovedthatoldman,givenhisreactiontoJervis.Thatwasn'tfeigned.Ican'tbelievethathewouldhavekilledtheonlypersonhetrusted,eveninafitofuncontrolledrageandfear.

Nevermind.Theimportantthingwastotakethisknowledgeback,now—beforeitwastoolate.BeforethesamethingcouldhappenatForstReach.ItstillmightnothavebeenTashirwhokilledtheRemoerdisFamily,buthedarednottakethatchance.

"Allright,'Fandes,"hesaidaloud."Let'sgetoutofhere."

Andsheleapedoutontothemoon-floodedroad.

Eleven

IfVanyelhaddaredtoGatesoclosetoVedricMavelanhewouldhave.Buthedidn't;hedidn'tdarealerthimtothefactthatamagepowerfulenoughtoGatehadbeenwithinthecity.IftheMavelansweresomehowbehindthedisasterafterall,hewouldbeafooltoalerthisquarry.SoheandYfandespoundedintoForstReachjustafterdawn—

Tofindeverythingaspeacefulaswhenthey'dleft.

:Itoldyou,:Yfandessaid,inamaddeninglyreasonabletoneofmind-voiceasshepulledintoatiredwalk.:Itoldyouifanythinghadgonewrongwe'dhavefeltit,thewaywefeltthefirstsurge.Didn'tItellyou?:

Visionsofslaughterandmayhemmelted,takingwiththemthefearthathadstrengthenedandsupportedhim.Whentheygottothestable,Vanyeljustslidwearilyoffherback,vowingnottosayaword.

Becauseifhedid,he'dtakeherheadoff.Hehateditwhenshesaid,"Itoldyouso."

Andhedidnotwanttogetintoafightwithher,didn'tevenwanttohavewordswithher;shedidn'tdeserveit.

Much.

Hehurt;heachedallover,andhewashalfnumbwithcold.Hislegstrembledalittleashewalkedbesideherintothestable,hisbootsandherhoovesechoinghollowlyonthewoodenfloor.Hemanagedtogetherstallopen,andhespentasmuchtimeashecouldleaningagainstsomethingwhilehegroomedher.Therewas,thankthegods,hayandwateralreadywaiting.

"Getsomerest,"hetoldher,fatiguedullinghismindandslurringhiswords."I'mgoingtodothesame."

Hedidn'trememberhowhegottohisroom;allhereallyrememberedwasleavingMedren'slutebythedoor,strippinghisfilthyragsoffanddroppingthemonthefloorashestaggeredtohisbed,andfallingintothebed.Literallyfalling;hislegsgaveoutatthatpoint.Heheldontoconsciousnessjustlongenoughto

pulloffthepatchedbreechesandhisboots,dragtheblanketsoverhimselfandwrapthemaroundhischilled,numbbody;assoonashestoppedshivering,hewasasleep,andoblivioustotheworld.Atthatpoint,TashircouldhavereplicatedthemassacreinHighjorune,andhe'dhavesleptrightthroughit.

Hewokeaboutmid-afternoon,stilltired,butnoworsethanwhenhe'dfirstarrivedhome.Thefilthyragshe'dwornweregone.Evidentlyoneoftheservantshadcomeinandpickedupafterhim,anditwasameasureofhisexhaustionthathenotonlyhadn'twoken,hehadn'tevenheardtheintruder.Hewasnotpleasedwithhimself;carelessnesslikethatcouldgethimkilledalltooeasilyunderothercircumstances.

Ontheotherhand,itmeansI'mobviouslynowherenearasjumpyasIwas,whichisalltothegood.

Thefirstorderofbusinesswasfoodandabath,andstoppingbythekitchenonthewaytothebathhousesolvedbothatthesametime.

Butthenextorderofbusiness—andonethatmadehimwolfdownthefirstdecentmealhe'dhadinafortnightpracticallyuntasted,andwhilehebathed—wasalongtalkwithJervisandSavil.

"Theboy'sstayingsoclosetoJervisyou'dthinkhe'dbeengraftedthere,"Savilsaid.Vanyelfollowedherouttothesalleasthelateafternoonsunlightgildedeverythingwithamellowingglow."It'sbeenentirelyquiet,ke'chara.Notsomuchasamurmuroutoftheboy,orasingleplategoneskyward."Shelookedathimquizzically,withatouchofworry."Toseeyoupracticallyflyingback,andinthisstate—Iwishyou'dtellmewhat'sgoingon."

Vanyelshookhishead,andhishairfellannoyinglyintohiseyesagain.Hehadn'thadachancetogetitcut;itwasalotlongerthanhewasusedtowearingit,andhewasn'tsureifheoughttofindthetimetodosomethingaboutitornot.Herakeditbackwithhisfingersandsuppressedhisflashofannoyanceatit."Iwill,assoonasIhavebothyouandJervistogether.Idon'twanttohavetorepeatmyself,andIwanttohearbothofyouropinionsatthesametime.It's—someofwhatIfoundoutisterrifying,andnoneofitispretty.AndIdon'tknow

whattomakeofit."

Savilbroodedonthat."Ithoughtyouweregoingtofindanswersoverthere."

"Idid,"hereplied,deeplytroubled."ButtheanswersIfoundonlygavememorequestions."

Jerviswasaloneintheworkroomofthesalle.WhichmightbethefirstpieceofgoodluckI'vehadinawhile,Vanyelthoughtwithreluctance.Jervis'eyebrowswentupwhenhesawtheexpressiononVanyel'sface,buthedidn'tmovefromhischair;heonlyputdownthevam-bracehe'dbeenrepairing,andwaitedforthemtosettlethemselves.

"You'reback,hmm?"thearmsmastersaidquietly."Fromthelookofyou,Idon'tknowasI'mgoingtolikewhatyou'regoingtotellme."

VanyelshutthedoorcarefullybehindSavil;hewouldhavepreferredtostand,buthewasjusttootired.Hecompromisedbyperchingonatallstool,andthenlookedfromJervistohisauntandbackagain,atareallossastohowtobroachthewholesubject.

"Didyoufindoutwhoputfearintheboy?"Jervisprompted.

That'saboutasgoodaplacetostartasany.Vanyeltookadeepbreath."Yes,"hesaid,andbeganhistale.

JervisandSavilheardhimoutincompletesilence,hardlyevenbreathing.Savil'sfacewasexpressionless;Jervis,though,lookedreadytocallsomebodyout.Vanyel,forstarters.

"That'sit,"Vanyelfinished,startingtoslumpwithweariness,hisshouldersachingwithtension."That'swhatIfoundout.Andyouhavetoadmit,theanswersIgotcertainlyfitthesymptoms."

"DammitVan,"Jervissaidtightly,plainlyholdinghistemperincheck,"Iambloodywelltemptedtocallyouadamnedliartoyourface!"

"Why?"Vanyelaskedbluntly,toowearyfordiplomacy.

Jerviscolored,andgrowled."Becausethat'snothinglikethethingsTashir's

beentellingme!Thewayhetellsit—"

"Waitaminute!DoyoumeanTashir'sbeentalkingabouthisfamilytoyou?"

"Hetrustsme!Can'ttheboytrustsomebodyotherthanyou?"

VanyeltoldhimselfthatJerviswasonlyreactingmuchthewayhewouldiftheboywereinhisprotection,andmanagedtocoolhisrisingtemper."Whydon'tyoubeginatthebeginning,andtellmewhatyouheard?"

Whatemergedwasnothinglessthanafantasy,ifwhatVanyelhadlearnedwastrue.InhislongtalkswithJervis(anditseemedthattherehadbeenseveral),Tashirhadpaintedaperfect,idyllicfamilyforhimself,oneinwhichthememberswereforcedbycircumstanceandenemiestopresentaverydifferentfacetotheoutsideworldthantheonetheyshowedeachother.Hismother,forinstance;Tashirdepictedherasthelong-sufferingplaythingofherMavelanrelatives.Accordingtohim,onceshediscoveredDeveran'skindness,shetookastandfirmlybythesideofherweddedlord,butplayedthepartofthediscarded,unwantedspousesoastogivetheMavelansnoreasontothinkshecouldbeusedagainstLineasanditsruler.

AndaccordingtoTashir'stale,Deveranwasnotthebitter,half-impotentdanceronthelinebetweenBairesthreatandLineaspolitics.HewassupposedlyasternbutkindlypatriarchoftheLineanthrone.Deveran,soTashirhadtoldJervis,hadonlydisinheritedhimunderpressurefromhispeople.No,therewasneveranyquestioninDeveran'smindastowhoTashir'sfatherwas.No,therehadneverbeenafight,neverbeenanythingotherthanasmallmisunderstandingthattheyhadsettledthatverynight.

Fiction,firsttolast.

"Thatdoesn'tevensquarewithwhattheboytoldme!"Vanyelretorted,disgustedwiththegametheyoungsterseemedtobeplaying."Hetoldmethathisfatherhatedhim—thatknockinghimtothegroundthatnightwasonlyoutoftheordinarybecauseDeveranhadn'tknockedhimaboutmuchinpublicbefore!"

"Hell!"Jervisreplied,hisfaceflushing."Theboywashalf-crazedan'scaredoutahiswits."

"Allthemorereasonthatheshouldhavetoldmethetruth—hedidn'thave

timetomakeupsometale!"

Jervisstartedtoprotest,andVanyelraisedhisvoicetointerrupthim."Andthepartaboutthefightwasn'tjustfromTashir,itwasfromHeraldLores!"

"Afathead,"Savilputinreluctantly,"butanhonestfathead."

Jervislungedtohisfeet."An'howmuchofthisis'causeyouwantthatboy'stail?"hesnarled,handsknottingintofistsathissides.

Vanyelwenthot,thencold."Ifthat'swhatyouthink,Iseenopointinanyfurtherdiscussion.Thinkwhatyoulike—dowhatyoulike—butobstructme,andI'llhaulyouofftoLissainmanacles."

Jervisfroze.

"BeforeIamanythingelse,armsmaster,IamHeraldVanyel,andmyfirstpriorityistomykingandland.IfIjudgethisboyisadangertoeither,IwillgivehimintoRandale'scustody.Notmine,armsmaster.ButImust,andwillhaveanswers,andIwillnotpermitanyonetoevenattemptpreventingmefromfindingthoseanswers."

Vanyelrosestifflyfromhisstool,pivoted,andstalkedtowardsthedoor.

Hehadn'ttakenmorethanafewsteps,whenJervis'strangled,half-smothered"wait"stoppedhiminhistracks.

"Why?"heasked,notturning.

"Because—I—wegottafiggeroutthisthing."Jervisclearedhisthroat."Allofus."

Vanyelturnedback,stillangry,butsuppressingit."Verywell.Ifwe'regoingtofigurethismessout,you'llhavetotakemywordasbeingatleastasgoodastheboy's."

Jervisplainlydidn'tlikethat,butonlyprotested,"Howinhellcanwetaketwostoriesthat'rethatdifferent?"

"Lookattheonethatfitsthesymptoms,"Vanyel'svoicewasgrim,andhis

facefelttight."He'safraidtoletwomenbetweentheagesofeighteenandfortyeventouchhim—assumethestoryhetoldyouistrue—Ylynaalternatelybeatinghimandlovinghim,andthentryingtoseducehim—"

Hewipedhisforehead,andhishandcameawaywetwithnervoussweat.

"Gods.ThinkabouthowTreesatreatseveryattractivemale,includingme.Shecomesontoeverymanlikeaflirt.It'sonlyagametoher,butthinkhowthatmusthavelookedtoTashir—thewayhe'dreact.Givenmyversionistrue,youcouldpredicthe'ddojustwhathedid—panic,andlethisGiftactupandfrightenheroff—justasIwastoldhedidwithhismother.ThinkabouthowhehidesfromWithen!Andthinkaboutthewayheclingstoyou,Jervis!Everythingmakessense."

Jervisfaltered."Well,yes,but—"

"AndeverythingpointsstraightatTashirastheunconsciousmurderer,"Vanyelcontinued,heartsick.

"NowthatIwillnotbelieve!"Jervisshouted,surgingtohisfeet."Thatboyisnokindofakiller!Hell,hedamnnearcastratedhimselfinpracticeyesterday,pullingacutwhenMedrenlosthishelm!"

"Whoelsecoulditbe?"Vanyelshoutedback,overridingJervis'protestsbysheervolume."Hehadthepower,hewasatthescene,andhehadthemotive!There'snobody,nobody,withanykindofamotiveexceptTashir!"

"No!"Jervisinsisted,eyesgoingblackwithanger."No,Iwon'tacceptthat!LookhowhekeptfromhurtinganybodyinTreesa'sbower."

"Butcrazedwithfear,wildwithanger,canyouspeakforthat?"

"Evencrazed—howcouldhekillthatKaris?Helovedthatoldman,hemusthave,totrustmesomuchjustbecauseIlooklikehim!"

Vanyelsatheavilybackdownontothestool."Idon'tknow,"headmittedinalowvoice."That'sonlyoneofthethingsthat'sbeenbotheringme.InallofthecasesofGiftsgoneroguethatI'veeverheardof,therogueneverhurtsanyonebuttheonesdirectlyinhisway.Everybodywaskilledinthiscase,andthatdoesn'tmakesense.Itmightmakesenseifhepanickedcompletelyandthought

hewaskillingwitnesses,buthedidn'thaveenoughtimetoreasonsomethinglikethatout,notfromallIlearned.AndfromwhatIknowofhispersonality—no.Ican'tseehimkillingincoldbloodeventosavehimself."Herubbedhispoundingtempleswithhisfists.Fitsofangeralwaysgavehimaheadache."Thefirsthalfofthestoryfits,buttheseconddoesn't.Ijustcan'treconcilethetwo."

"There'reotherquestions,"Savilpointedoutfromherseatonthecot.Vanyellookedatherinsurprise;he'dforgottenshewasthere."Lotsofotherquestions.Someofthemmaytiein,othersmaynot,butthefactisthere'stoomanyofthem.LordVedric'sbehavioriscertainlypeculiar.Itdoesn'tintheleastmatchwhatI'veheardofhim.Eitherthemanhasreformed,orhe'suptosomething.Thenthere'sthepuzzleoftheRemoerdises,theLineanRoyalFamily.WhydidDeveraninsistthatonlythoserelatedtohisfamilyserveinthepalace?Whyistheplacebuiltontopofadamnedmage-node?WhyaretheLineanssocompletelyagainstmage-craft?"

Vanyelshookhishead."Youthinkthosequestionsarecrucial?"

"Don'tyou?"Shestood,andsmootheddownthefrontofhertunic."Youknowdamnedwelltheyare,oryouwouldn'thavebroughtthemup.ItendtoagreewithJervis;Tashirisnokiller.IagreewithyouthatyourtaleofhowtheboywastreatedfitshisbehavioralotbetterthantheonehetoldJervis.Andthereissomethingwe'remissing.Somethingimportant.Ithinkweoughttoallthinkaboutit."

"Whataboutthattalehe'sbeenfeedingJervis?"Vanyelasked.

"Ithinkwhoeverrunsintohimnextoughttocallhimonit—no,letmeamendthat.Whicheverofthetwoofus,Van.Jervis,I'msorry,butifitcomestomagic,you'redefenseless.I'mprettycertainVanandIcouldcontaintheworstofanythinghecoulddo."

"Theboywouldn'thurtanybody,andespeciallynotme,"heinsistedstubbornly."Iknowit,damnit,Ijustknowit!"

"Forgiveme,butI'drathernottakethechance,"Savilsaiddryly."Ihatepickingupmyacquaintancesinpalm-sizedpieces.We'veeatenthisparticularbirddowntobones;let'sletthingssimmerforabit,andlet'sdosomethingaboutdinner."

"Gods."Vanyelslidoffthestool,heldouthishandsandwatchedthemshakewithacertainbemusement."Ijustate,andafterthisto-do,mystomachshouldbeinknots.Instead,Icouldeatacow."

"Don'tfillup,"Savilcautionedhim,astheyleftJervismullingovertheunpleasantthingshe'dheard."There'sHarvestfesttonight."

"What?"Helookedather,bewildered."Harvest—can'tbe—oh,gods—"

Hecountedupthepassingdaysinhismind,andwhenhearrivedattoday,hecouldfeeltheblooddrainingoutofhisface."Oh,gods.It'sSovvan.Ilosttrackoftime..."Hestoppeddeadinthepath,legsgoneleaden,mindgonenumb.Sovvan-night.Year'sturning.

ThenightTylendelhaddied.

Comingontopofalltherestofit—exhaustion,confusion,theverbalfightwithJervis—

Itwastoomuch.Whatlittleemotionalbalancehehadleftevaporatedsoquicklythathefeltdizzy,asifhewasdanglingoveraprecipice.

Hisinternalturmoilmusthavebeenmirroredclearlyonhisface.Savilmovedclosertohim,browsknittinginconcern."Van—ke'chara—letitgo.Youaren'thelpingyourselfbybrooding."Sheputherarmaroundhisshoulders."Godowntothebarnswiththeothers.I'mgoingto—"

Hescarcelyfeltit.Allhecouldseewas—

—acrumpled,lifelessshape.

Heclampedanironcontroldownoverhisface."That'snotsomethingIcando,"herepliedstiffly."Ican'tforget,especiallynottonight.Iwon'teverforget..."

"Then,forthegods'sake,foryourownsake,findsomethingtodistractyou—music,dancing—"

"No,Savil."Hepulledawayfromher,andforcedhimselftowalksteadilytowardthekeep."Youdealwithgriefyourway,andleavemetodealwithitinmine."

mine."

"But—"

Heshookhisheadstubbornly,unwillingtosaymore,andnotsurethathecould.Forget'Lendel?HowcanIforget—howcanIeverforget?

Oh,'Lendel—

Therewasonlyoneplacewherehecouldescapethesoundsofcelebration;thestoneporchonthenorthsideofthekeep.Allotherinterestshadvanishedwhenherealizedwhatnightitwas;nowallhewantedwassolitude.

Thelingeringwarmthofthisfallhadfooledhim,usuallySovvan-tidewasmarkedbyice-edgedrainsandbitterwinds.

Likethestormthatnight—

Usuallyhetriedtofindsomethingusefultodo—likestandguard-duty,orspellsomeoneatcourier,oreventaketheplaceofoneoftheGuardianswatchingtheWeb.Anything,solongasitwaswork,anddidn'tinvolveinteractingwithpeople,onlyservingthem.

He'dcompletelyforgottenthathe'dbespendingSovvanhere,inpresumedidleness;leisurethatwouldonlygivehimtheopportunitytorememberhowutterlyalonehewas.

Ithadn'tbeenthisbadthefirstfewyears;inthefirsttwo,infact,therehadbeenmomentswhenhethoughthe'dfeltthattreasuredandfamiliarpresencewaiting,watching.Butastheyearspassed—anditbecameclearthathewasandwouldalwaysbealone,Sovvan-nighthadbecomeanoccasionforprofounddepressionunlesshewasverycarefulnottogiveintoit.ThisSovvan-nightbidfairtobeanordeal;hewastooexhausted,andtooshaken,toputupanykindoffightagainsthimself.

Hewatchedthesundieinglory;watchedthestarscomeout,floweringagainstthevelvetsky.Heclosedhiseyeswhenthesparksofwhitebegantowaverinhisvision,andstruggledanywayinalosingbattleagainstself-pityandheartache.I'veweptenough;tearswon'teasethis,they'llonlymakeitworse.I

wishIwasbeingValdir.IwishIwasbackatHaven.

HethoughtbrieflyofYfandes,andrejectedthenotionofgoingtoher.Shecouldn'thelphim,muchashelovedher.Herpresencewouldonlyserveasareminderofhowmuchhehadlosttogainher.

Ineedsomethingtokeepmeoccupied.Savilwasrightaboutthat.Somethingthatwilltakeconcentration.

Therewasonlyonetaskheknewthatcouldpossiblyfillallhisthoughts,takeallhisattention.Magic.I'llbuildsomeillusions,good,tightones.Icanusethepractice.Ineedthepractice.

Heperchedontheedgeofoneofthestonebenches,thegrittygranitewarmfromthesunithadabsorbedthisafternoon,andconcentratedonapointjustinfrontofhim.People,they'rehardest.Starwind.He'svividenough.

Heclosedhiseyes,andcentered.

Ittookverylittletocastanillusion,justawispofpower,andhedidn'tevenneedtotakeitfromhisreserves.Theambientenergyaroundhimwasenough.Hevisualizedavibrantcolumnoflightgrowingintheairinfrontofhim,thenbeganformingtheshapelessenergyintoanimage,buildingitcarefullyfromthefeetup.Greenleatherboots,silkygreenbreeches,andsleevelesstunic,allmoldingtoatall,slender,wirybody.Implicitstrength,notblatant.Waist-lengthsilverhair,fourbraidsinthefront,therestfallingfreedownhisback,acascadeofice-threads.Goldenskin.Thentheface:pointedchin,highcheekbones,silver—blueeyeswithawisdomandhumorlurkinginthemthatcouldnotbedenied,andasmilejusthoveringattheedgeofthethinlips.

Heopenedhiseyes—andbeforehimstoodtheTayledrasHealer-AdeptStarwindk'Treva.

Foronemomenthehadit;perfectineverydetail.

Thenthehairshortenedanddarkenedtocurlyblond,thefacesquared,andtheeyesbeganwarminganddarkeningtoasoftandgentlebrown.

Hisheartcontracted,andhebanishedtheillusionandbegananother,quickly:Savil.Thisonestartedtogowrongfromtheverybeginning,andwitha

gaspofpain,hewipeditoutandstartedonathird.Notevenahumanthistime—oneofthelittlelizardsthatservedtheTayledras,thehertasi.

Butthehertasibegangrowingtaller,anddevelopedblondhair.

"Oh,gods—"Hebanishedthethirdillusion,andburiedhisfaceinhishands,shakingineverylimbandbattlingagainstgrief.

This—thisistheworstSovvanI'veeverhad,hethought,feelingsorrowtearingathischestuntilithurttobreathe.It'stheworstsinceyoudied.Oh,'Lendel,ashke,Ican'tbearit,andIhavenochoice!I'msotired,soverytired-mybalanceisgone.And,toknowit'sgoingtogoonlikethis,yearafteryear,alone...

Idon'tknowhowtocopeanymore.Idon'tknowhowanyonecanbethislonelyandstillbesane....Idon'tevenknowhowsureIamofmyself.IthoughtyouweretheonlypersonIcouldeverlove,butthisbusinesswithShavrihasmeallturned'roundabout.AndTashir—Icamesoclosetogivingintotemptationwithhim...

AllIamcertainofisthatIneedyouasmuchasIeverdid.AndI'dgiveanythingtohaveyouback.

Hebithislipandtastedthesweet-saltofblood;tookhishandsawayfromhisface,andwilledhiseyesopen.Nightshadowsofleaflesstreesmovedebonyagainstcharcoal;thelastfrosthadkilledtheinsects,andthebirdshadmostlyflownsouthbynow.Therewasnosignofanythingaliveoutthere;justbarrenshadowsdarkashissoul,asemptyashisheart.

Awispofglowdriftedintheairinfrontofhim,andhegaveintohisanguish,totheperverseneedtoprobeathisheartache.

Tohellwithit—howcanIhurtanymorethanIdonow?AndeverythingItryturnsto'Lendel.NotShavri—whichoughttohavetoldmewhoIlovemore.

Onceagainheclosedhiseyesandbegantobuildanewillusion,oneformedwithpassionatecare,andatalevelofdetailonlylovecouldhavediscernedintheoriginal.Thewaythatonelockofgold-brownsunstreakedhairusedtofall—justtouchingtheeyebrow.Thedepthoftheclear,browneyes,sometimessable,sometimesgolden,butsobottomlessyoucouldloseyourselfinthem.Thesquarechin,so—highcheekbones,so—thegenerousmouth,soreadytosmileor

squarechin,so—highcheekbones,so—thegenerousmouth,soreadytosmileorlaugh,thestrongpillaroftheneck.Shouldersreadytotaketheweightoftheworld'stroubles.Bodyofafighteroradancer;gentlehandsofahealer—Itdidn'ttakelong,nowthathewasnolongerfightingwithhimself.

Oh,Tylendel—

Vanyellookeduptoseehishandiwork,andsobbed,once,reachingoutinvoluntarilytotouchemptyair.

Theillusionwasnothinglessthanheartbreakinglyperfect.TheTylendelofthejoyousdaysoftheironesummertogetherstoodbeforehim,soaliveVanyelfanciedhecouldseehimbreathing,thatinamomenthewouldspeak.

AndIcoulddothat,too;Icouldmakehimbreatheandtalktome.No,Icouldn'tbearthat.It'shollowenoughasitis.Oh,gods,why?'Lendel—

Someonegaspedbehindhim,andashestartedandlostcontrolofit,theillusionshattered,explodedoutwardintoahundredthousandglitteringlittlebitsthatraineddownandvanished,meltingawaybeforetheytouchedthepalestoneoftheporch.Vanyelwhippedaroundtoseeadarkandindistinctshapebesidetheblackholeofthedoor.

"Who'sthere?"hesnapped,hastilywipinghiseyeswiththebackofhishand."Whatdoyouwant?"

"I—it'sTashir."Theyoungmancametowardhimhesitantly."Medrentoldmeyouwereback.Iwonderedwhereyouwere.Whereyou'vebeen."

Depressionabruptlybecameangeratbeingdisturbed,andthedesiretohurtfountainedinhim.Hewantedsomeone,anyone,anycreatureatall,tosufferinsideasmuchashedidatthismoment.Heknewitwasbase;knewthatTashirwouldbeaneasytarget,andthathecouldhurthim.Hehatedthedesireevenashefeltit,anditsickenedhimasmuchashewantedit.Hefoughtitdown,buttheangerremained,redandsullen.Thisyoungman,forwhomVanyelhadbeenriskinghislife,hadbeenunderminingeverythinghe'dbuilthere.Itwasn'tjustthatTashirhadbeenlying;itwasthatwhathehadtoldJervishadcomeclosetodestroyingthefragilebeginningsoffriendshipthathadcostbothofthemsomuchpainandsoul-searchingtocreate,hadsetthemateachother'sthroatslikeenemies,andhadleftthem,onceagain,uneasyandgrudgingalliesatbest.

"I'vebeenfindingoutthetruth,"hesaidsoftly."Whileyouseemtohavebeenbusytryingtohideit."Theangerblossomed,andhebrieflylostcontroloverit,justlongenoughthathegrowledasinglesentence.

"WhydidyoulietoJervis?"

"Ididn't!"Tashir'svoicecrackedasVanyelroseandwalkedtowardhim,onehandflaringwithmage-light.ThebluelightreflectedoffTashir'sface,revealingtheyoungster'ssurpriseandgrowingfear.Theyoungman'seyeswidened,hisexpressionfroze,andhebackedawayfromtheHeraldstepbyforcedstep.Hedidn'tstopuntilhisthighshitthestonerailingandVanyelhadhimbackedintoacornerwithnowheretogo.

"Youdid,"Vanyelwhispered."Allthosestoriesyoutoldhimaboutyourperfect,lovingfamily—that'salltheywere,stories.Lies.I'vebeeninHighjorune,Tashir.Ispentthelastfortnightthere,talkingtopeople.Oneofthemwasyourmother'smaid,Reta."

ThebranchesofthebushesnearestTashirbegantothrashasiftossedbyawind,thoughnotabreathofairstirredanywhereelse.Vanyeldidn'thavetoseethemtoknowthattheyoungmanhadunleashedhisGiftinpanic.Heletitgoforamoment,waitingtoseehowviolentTashirwouldbecome.Fallenleaveswhirledupinamaddancetoengulfbothofthem,beatingatVanyelineffectually.Butwithnothingmoreathandtoworkwiththanleaves,theattackwasn'tevenadistraction.VanyelsavagelyclampeddownontheyoungmanwithashieldnotevenanAdeptcouldhavecracked,andtheleavesdriftedbackdowntothegroundandtheporch.

Tashircoweredagainstthestonerailing,avertinghiseyesasthemage-lightonVanyel'shandflared.Perversely,thedisplayofsubservienceonlymadehimangrier.Hefoughtdownhistemperandgothimselfbackundercontrol,managingatlasttogazedownupontheyoungsterwithhisangerheldincheck.

"Well,Tashir?"Vanyelwhisperedtonelessly."Arewereadytohearalittletruthnow?"

"A-aboutwh-what?"Tashircroaked.

Vanyelformedthelightintoaballandsentittohoverjustoverhisheadwithaflickofhiswrist.Hefoldedhisarms,andcompressedhislips,forcinghisangertocoolalittlemore.

angertocoolalittlemore.

I'llinvokeTruthSpellonhim.ThenatleastI'llbloodywellknowwhenhe'slying.

"Ithink,"hesaid,finally,"thatwecanstartwithyourfather."

Hecalledupthevrondi,andwhenitsurroundedhimwithfaintbluelight,Tashir'spalefacestoodoutwithsharp-edgeddistinctnessagainstthenight-darkshadowsbehindhim.Wordbyagonizedword,hedraggedastoryoutofTashirthatwasvirtuallyidenticaltotheonethatRetahadtoldhim.Threetimesmore,wheneverVanyeldealtwiththesubjectofhismother,theboyunconsciouslyattemptedtoevokehisGift;hefailedtobreaktheshieldVanyelstillheldonhimeachtime.Vanyelnotedwithasmoldering,sullencalmthatwhileTashirdidfreezephysicallywhenthishappened,hewasquiteconscious,ifnotinconsciouscontrolofwhathewasdoing.

FinallyVanyeldecidedtoforcetheissue—todeliberatelyevokethesamestateofmindtheyoungermanmusthavebeeninonthatfatalnight.

"ThenightIfoundyou,"hesaid,"yourfathertoldyousomething,andyourefusedhim,andhehityou.Doyourememberwhatthatwas?"

Tashirshookhishead,abreathawayfromhystericalbreakdown.TheblueauraoftheTruthSpellcontinuedtoglow.

"HetoldyouthathewasgoingtosendyoutoyourMavelanrelativestostay;thathewaswashinghishandsofyou."

Itwashardtotellintheblueglowsofmage-lightandTruthSpell,butTashirseemedtobecomepaler.Vanyelshookhisheadregretfully,anddeliberatelyturnedhisbackontheyoungster."Idon'tknowwhattodoaboutyou,"hesaidexpressionlessly."You'vebroughtmenothingbuttrouble,andyou'reabouttocauseamajordiplomaticincidentbetweenValdemarandLineas.Youcouldevenstartawar.I'msorry,Tashir,butyouruncleVedricispetitioningthatyoubeputintohiscustody.KingRandaleislikelytoorderjustthat.Giventhecircumstances,IthinkitwouldbethewisestthingifIadmittedwhereyouareandmypartinthismessandturnedyouovertoVedricinthemorning."

Hewaitedforanattack;hewaitedfortheshieldtobreakunderthestressofTashir'sGiftatthekindoflevelofmanifestationthatwasindicatedbythe

Tashir'sGiftatthekindoflevelofmanifestationthatwasindicatedbytheslaughteratHighjorune.

Instead,heheardapeculiarlittlewhimper,andfeltthepressurewithintheshieldgonull.

Vanyelpivotedinsurprisejustintimetocatchtheyoungsterashefelloverinadeadfaint.

IttookhimthebetterpartofacandlemarktoreviveTashir.Ittooklongertoconvincehimthatalthoughitmightbethewisestthingtodo,itwasnotthecourseofactionVanyelintendedtotake.TheyoungsterwastotallyterrifiedofbeingsentintoMavelanhands,yetevenunderthestressofthisabsoluteterror,hisGiftmanifestedatnohigherlevelthanbefore.

EventuallyTashirbelievedhimwhenhetoldtheyoungsterthathewouldcontinuetoshelterhim,totrytofindoutwhathadreallyhappened.

Andthen,whentheyoungmanhadsettledalittle,hebeganthequestioningagain.

WithacoolandcalculatedassessmentofthestresshewasputtingTashirunder,Vanyelbroughthimtothebreakingpointoverandover,untilhewascertainthatnothingwasgoingtoevokethekill-storm.

Finallytheboywastooexhaustedtobepressedfurther.AndVanyelwasn'ttoofarbehindhim—atleastemotionally."Why,Tashir?"heasked,lookingforanyclueastothetruthofthatnight."WhydidyoumakeupthatfantasyforJervis?"

"Because—becauseIwantedhimtolikeme!"theyoungmanblurteddesperately."Howcouldhelikemeifmyownfatherhatedme?Howcouldhelikemeifheknewwhatmymotherwantedto—"

Vanyelinterrupted,tryingnottoshowthefrustrationhewasfeeling."Tashir,Karistriedtoprotectyou.WhydidyouthinkJerviswouldbeanydifferent?"

"ButKariswasthere,hesawwhatwashappening.IfItoldanybodyelsethey'dthinkIwaslying,Mothersaidso."

Tashirpaledagain,butVanyelassumeditwasonlythestressofhavingtofacethatunnaturalrelationshipsquarely.

facethatunnaturalrelationshipsquarely.

"Karis,"hewhispered,"wasthere.'"

"Tashir,fromwhatI'vebeentold,shewastheonewholied;whywouldyouthinkshe'dhavetoldyouthetruthabout—"

"V-Vanyel,"theyoungmaninterrupted."Karis—theynevertoldmewhobesides—wasKaris—oneof—washe—"

ThenVanyelsawwhatTashirhadfinallyrealized;sawthepleainTashir'seyestobetoldthatKariswasstillalive,andcouldn'tanswerit.Helookedaway—whichwasanswerenough.

Theyoungstercrumpled,holdingthestonebalustradeforsupport,hisentirebodyshakingwithharsh,rackingsobs.Vanyelremembered,ashebanishedtheshieldanduncasttheTruthSpell,thatoneofthemosttellingpiecesofevidenceagainsttheyoungster—intheeyesofHeraldLores,atanyrate—wasTashir'slackofemotionwhenhe'dbeentoldwhathadhappened.

Loresshouldseehimnow,hethoughtgrimly,puttinghisarmaroundTashir'sshouldersandlettinghimweephimselfoutwithVanyelsupportinghim.Hisownangerwasquitegone,andhewasrecallinghisdesiretomakeTashirhurtasmuchashedidwithasick,shamedfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.ThenTashirturnedtocryonVanyel'sshoulder,anditwasallVanyelcoulddotokeepfromlosingcontrolagain,thistimeforaverydifferentreason.

Finallytheyoungsterpulledaway,andVanyellethimgo.Hewalkedbacktohisformerseatonthebenchatthefarthersideoftheporchandslumpedthere,hisheadinhishands,notreallythinking,onlyaching.

BecauseTashirwassolikeTylendel.

Holdinghimwhilehewepthadbeenlikerelivingthepast.Thedeadpast....

Hesitantfootstepsbehindhim,andashysniffle.

Vanyelwishedwithallhisheartthattheboywouldgo—findJervis,gobacktohisroom,orseeksolaceatthefestivities,anythingbutstayherewiththatfar-too-familiarface,providingaready-madeknifetotheheart,andnoteven

knowingthathewasdoingso.

"Vanyel?"camethehaltingwhisper."Vanyel,whowasthatman?TheonethatdisappearedwhenIstartledyou?Ithoughtitwasme,atfirst,buthewasdifferent."

"Itwasjustanillusion,"Vanyelreplied,rubbinghistemples,staringatthedarkblotofhisownfeetagainstthegraystone."Iwaspracticing."

Theyoungsterhoveredjustbesidehim."Butwhoisit?"hepersisted."Itwasn'tme,anditwasn'tUncleVedric.Andwhywereyoucastingaseemingofhim?"

"Tylendel,"Vanyelrepliedshortly."HisnamewasTylendel.He'sdead.He—was—mylover."

Andhalfofmysoulandallofmyheart.

Tashirstartedbackatthat,outoftouchingdistance,projectingclearrevulsionandfearsoclearlythatVanyelfeltitlikeablow.

Vanyel'stempersnapped.

"Dammit,"hesnarled,roundingontheyoungster,"willyounotactlikeI'mgoingtopounceonyouandrapeyou?Idon'tmakeahabitofhittingattractiveyoungmenovertheheadanddraggingthemofftomybed,nomatterwhotheylooklike!"

Tashirputoutahandasiftokeephimaway.

Vanyelcouldnolongercontrolhistemperorhiswords."Youcametomenotallthatlongago,"hesnarled,"andI'llthankyoutorememberthatIdidn'ttakeadvantageofthesituation!Soyou'vechangedyourmindaboutbeingshaych;fine,Ihavenoquarrelwithyouorwiththat,thatisyourdecisionandyoursalonetomake.Ihavenointentionofmakingyouchangeyourmind.ButkindlyrememberthatI'mahumanbeing,andIlostsomebody—"

Hefoughtthewordspastthegrief."—lostsomebodyIlovedmorethananyoneelseonearth.Hewasmylifebonded,andIwillbewithouthimfortherestofmylife.You'renottheonlyoneintheworldwho'salone!You'renotthe

onlyonewho'ssuffered!"

Heturnedawayabruptly,gotup,andstalkedstifflytothestonerailing,staringoutintothelatticeofbaretreebranchesandtryingtokeepfrombreakingdowncompletely.BehindhimhecouldhearTashirshufflinghisfeet,thesoundbetrayinguncertainty.

Goaway,boy.Leavemealone.Leavemetomournmydead,mybeloved,andgochasemyniece.Justleaveme.

Butthefootstepsshufflednearer,hesitated,thencamenearerstill,untilTashirstoodathisrightelbow.Vanyelstaredoutaheadofhim,atthebranches,andthestarsthatseemedtobecaughtthere.

"WasheaHerald?"Thevoicewastimid.

"No.Atrainee."

Stopdrivingknivesinme.Goaway.

"Howlongago?"

"Twelveyears,tonight."

Twelveyearsforsaken.Twelvelong,lonelyyears,knowingI'llneverbewholeagain.

"Whathappened?"theyoungsterpersisted,soundingveryyoungindeed.

"Hekilledhimself."

There.Areyouhappy?Nowwillyougoaway?

"But—"Nocondemnation,justbewilderment."—why?Howcouldhe—whenhehadaCompanion?"

Soyouknowthatalready,doyou?Howifwedie,theydie?Butyoudon'tknoweverything,laddy-boy.

"Sherepudiatedhim.That'swhyhedidit.He—couldn'tbear—the—"

Hecouldn'tfinish.

Hecouldn'tfinish.

Silence,asilencemarkedonlybytheoccasionalrustleofleaves.Vanyelhunghisheadandwrestledwithhisgriefandhopedtheyoungsterwouldtakethehintandfinallygoaway.

Tashirmovedalittlecloser."Idon'tunderstand,"hesaid,humbly."Ican'timaginewhatcouldhavehappened.Please—"

Vanyeltookadeep,shudderingbreath.Obviouslytheboywasn'tgoingtoleaveuntilhehadhiscuriositysatisfied.

Sotellhim,andgetitoverwith.

Helookedbackupattheremoteanduncaringstars."'LendelwasSavil'straineewhenmyfathersentmetoherbecauseIwasn'tthekindofmanhethoughtIshouldbe,"hebegan,tryingtorecitethewordsasiftheydescribedsomeoneelse."WhatIdidn'tknowthenwasthathewasafraidIwasfey,andhewastryingtokeepmefrombeingshaych.Hekeptmeamazinglysheltered,really;Ihadnoideathat—well,Isuppose—anyway,IknewIwasdifferent,butIdidn'tknowwhy."Hischestachedwhenhetookabreath."Iwasdislikedathome.Thefosterlings,mybrothers,theyallfiguredmeforMother'sdarling.AndIjustcouldn'tseemtofitinwiththem.Granted,Ididn'tmakemuchefforttobelikedafterawhile,but—well."

Itwasallcomingbackwiththeimpactofsomethingthathadhappenedonlyyesterday."SoWithensentmeofftoHaven,whereIwasevenmoreastranger."Hetriedtolaugh;itsoundedlikeacroak."IwasputwithSavilandherproteges,andSavilwassupposedto'makeamanoutofme'—turnmeintosomethinglikeMeke,Isuppose.WhatFatherdidn'tknowwasthatherfavoriteprotege'Lendelwasshaych—openlyshaych.Exactlywhathe'dtriedtokeepmefrom.Iwaslonelyanddesperatelyunhappy,and'LendelwaskindtomeevenwhenIwasrottentohim.ThenIfoundoutcertainthingsabouthimfromothersourcesandsuddenlyalotofinexplicablethingsaboutmyselfhadanswers."

Iwatchedyouandwantedmorefromyouthanfriendship—fordays,weeks.Andatthesametime—Iwassoafraid.Notlikethisyoungfoolisafraid;IwasafraidthatonceIbrokemyisolation,you'dhurtmelikeeveryoneelsehad.Butyoudidn't,'Lendel.AtleastnotinthewayI'dfeared.Andintheend,itwasn'tyouwhohurtme;itwaslosingyou—

"Things—happened.'LendelandIbecamelovers,thenlifebonded.Iknowthatnow,Ididn'tknowthatthen;allIknewthenwasthatI'dhavedoneanythingforhim,committedanycrimetoavoidlosinghim."

"Youweren'taHerald?"

"No,notevenatrainee."Hiseyesblurredandburned.Vanyelblinked,andtearssplasheddownontothebalustradebesidehishand."Tylendelhadatwin;histwinwasmurderedinafeud.Murderedbymagic.Nooneseemedwillingtodoanythingaboutit.'LendelandStavenhadbeenmindlinked;losingStavendrovehimmorethanalittlemad.Hedecidedtotakemattersintohisownhands,andIhelpedhimbystealingtheproscribedbooksofmagic.Icouldn'tbelieve—IwasoutragedthatnoonehaddoneanythingaboutStaven'smurder.Ididn'tknowwhatIshouldhavedone,andIdidn'tseeanythingwrongwithgoingoutforrevenge—especiallynotwhen'Lendelwashurtingsomuch.WeslippedawayonSovvan-night—"

Darkandcolditwas,andwindblowingfittoteartheclothesfromyourbody.Butnotsodarkandcoldastheplaceinside'Lendelthatonlyrevengewouldheal—Ithought.IonlywantedhimsatisfiedsoIcouldhavetheTylendelIknewbackagain.Ineverthoughtfurtherthanthat.

"—weGatedtowheretheotherfamilywascelebrating.SincewewerelifebondedandIhadMage-potential,'LendelcouldusemyenergytomaketheGateandhisowntocalluphisvengeance.Whichhedid.Hecalledupapackofwyrsaandturnedthemloose."

Hefelttheyoungmanbesidehimshudder,buthewastoocaughtinhismemoriestopaymuchattention.Hecouldstillseeit;theimagewasburnedintohismindforalltime.

'Lendel,hisfacetwistedwithgriefandrage,hiseyesnolongergentle,andholdingablackgleamofmadness.Thecoweringpeople,seeingnoescape—andEvilmadefleshintheformofthefourwyrsa,unholymeldingsofsnakeandferret,withtheirdagger-teethandtheirburningsulfureyesandtheirinsatiablehungerthathecouldfeelbeatingagainsthismindevennow.Andthenthethunderofhoovesbehindhimandtheequineshriekofdefianceandloss—

"GalacamethroughtheGatewhenthewyrsahadmadeonlyonekill.Shechallengedthewholepack—sherepudiated'Lendel."

Sweetblueeyesgonedeadandempty,mind—voicereverberatingcoldlydownthelinkthatboundhimand'Lendel.Idonotknowyou.YouarenotmyChosen.Thentheinternalsnapofsomethingbreaking,andtheutterdesolationwherelovehadbeen—

"Sheattackedthepack.Theypulledherdownandkilledher."

Tylendel'seyeswithallofhellinthem.Tylendel'sheartachurningstormoflossandagony.Tylendel'ssoulashatteredthingpastallrepairing.Tylendel'smindholdingnosanethoughtsatall—

"SavilandtwootherHeraldscamethroughtheGateanddestroyedthewyrsa—toolate,oh,gods—'Lendel'sheart,hismind,hissoulwerebroken.HegotawayfromthemwhenwereachedHaven.TheybacklashedtheGateenergythroughmebyaccident,andmycollapsedistractedthemjustlongenoughforhimtobreakfreeofthem.Hecouldn'tbearit—thepainoflosingGala,thenhavingherdiebeforehiseyes—sohethrewhimself—offtheBelltower—"

Iwishthey'dletmediewithyou.Iwishtheyhadn'tsavedmewhenItriedtokillmyself.Oh,'Lendel,Tylendel,itwasn'tsupposedtoendthatway—

Hecouldn'tlookatTashir.Couldn't.Tearsfellsilentlyandsplashedontohishands.Hegrippedtherailinguntilhisknucklesached.Therewasnothinginsidehimbutthesamethrobbingemptinessthathadbeenlefttwelveyearsago.

Twelveyears,'Lendel.Twelveyears,andithurtsmore,notless.Twelveyears,andallIreallylookforwardtoisthemomentit'sallover—

Tashirwasveryquiet;Vanyelcouldn'tevenhearhimbreathing,andonlythesenseofpresencestillathissidetoldhimthattheyoungmanwasstillthere.

"I'msorry,"Tashirsaidawkwardly."That'sastupidthingtosay,butit'sallIcanthinkof.Iwishithadneverhappened.IwishIcouldbringhimbackforyou,HeraldVanyel.Karisalwaystoldmepeoplecouldfeelthatwayabouteachother,couldreallyloveeachotherandnotjustpretendto,butInever—Ineverknewanybodywhodid.I'msorryImadeyouunhappy.IapologizeforreactinglikeIdid.IfI'dknownwhatyoujusttoldme,I'dhaverealizedhowstupidIwas."

"It'sallright,"Vanyelansweredhimhuskily,afterapausetogetthelump

outofhisthroat."Youcouldn'tknow.Lifebondsdon'thappenveryoften.Whentheydo,well,it'slikeCompanion-bond;whenonepartnerdies,theotherdieswithhim,usually.TheonlythingthatkeptmealivewasthatIbondedtoYfandesthatnight.Itdoesn'thitmelikethisveryoften,it'sjust—Sovvan-night,andI'mbloodydamnedtired,andyou—gods,Tashir,youcouldhavebeenhim.IthurtseverytimeIseeyou,becausehalfthetimeIdon'tseeyou,Iseehim."

Theyoungmanwassilentagain,butitwasasilencethatimpliedhewasgoingtospeak.Andhedid.

"I'mprobablysayingthingsIshouldn't,butyousaidityourself,Vanyel.It'sbeentwelveyears.Don'tyouthinkthat'sanawfullongtimetobeholdingontoamemorysotightlythatitstranglesyou?"

Hesteppedawayalittle,asVanyelfinallyturnedtolookatthedarkshapeofhiminshockandastonishment."Peopleneedyou,andyoucan'thelpthemwhenyou'relikethis.Jervistoldmethatyousaidthat'simportant.Andyouaren'ttheonlyoneintheworldwho'ssuffering,either.Youaren'ttheonlyonewho'severlosthislove."

Hebackedupalittle,thenbrokeandranforthedoor,leavingVanyelstandingstifflybesidetherailing,tryingtocollecthiswits.

HaveIbeenthatselfish?hewondered.Isitselfishtogrieveforsomeonelikethis?

Idon'tknow.

Buthe'sright.I'mnottheonlyoneintheworldwho'slostsomeonetheyloved.HelostKaris;andKariswastheonlypersonheeverknewwholovedhim.IhaveSavil;Ihave'Fandes.Ihave—

Friends.

Gods.

Heblinked,asanswersfinallyputthemselvestogetherinhismind.Isaiditmyself;itwasn'tShavrieverythingturnedinto,itwas'Lendel.IdoloveShavri,butnotlikethat.It'sjustthatI'vebeensolongwithoutcaringforanyonethatdeeplythatIcouldn'tuntanglewhatitmeant.Iwanttoprotecther,careforher,

butbecauseshe'safriendwhoneedsmemorethananyonehaseverneededmeexcept'Lendel.Andbecauseshecaresforme.Itwasonly'Lendelwhogavemelovewithoutaskingforanything—

—goodgods.That'sit,isn'tit.That'swherethestickingpointis.Everybodywantssomethingfromme,orseemsto.Mother,firstofall;Melenna,Randi—theyallwantmetobesomethingforthem.Only'Lendelwantedmetobemyself.Only'Lendelgavewithoutaskingwhathewasgoingtoget.AndnowShavri.AndJisa,whojustloves,likeonlyachildcanlove,withoutanyquestionsatall.

Butthat'snotwrong,either;Ican'tblametheoneswhoneedthingsfromme.Butthatmaybesomethingofthedifferencebetweenfriendsandlovers.Interesting.ButhowisitthatIcangotobedwithafriend—

Ah.Ican'tgotobedwithsomeonewho'snotafriend.HowcouldIhavelostwhatIknewwhenIwasfifteen?ThatwaswhatIknewwhenKrebaintriedtoseduceme.Sexandlovearen'tthesamething.Butloveandfriendshiparesoclosethatyoucan'thavelovewithouthavingfriendship.Icouldhavecontinuedtolove'Lendelevenwithoutsex.That'swhathadmeconfused.Webecamefriendsandloversandbelovedallatthesameinstant.TherewassomethingabouthimIwouldalwayshaveliked,evenifI'dneverlovedhim.

Thestarsweren'tanybrighterforhavingjustfoundsomeofhisanswers,buttheyseemedthatway.PoorTashir—hedoesn'thaveanyone.Ihadatruelove.Nottoomanypeoplecansaythat.

Hecontemplatedthatforamoment.I'vebeenthinkingawfullyhardabouthowIlosthim.MaybeitwouldbebettertorememberhowIhadhim.

OnceagainhesethimselftobuildtheillusionthathadshatteredwithTashir'sgasp;justascarefully,justaslovingly.

Butthistimerememberingthegoodtimes.

OnceagainTylendelstoodbeforehim,frozeninamomentofgentlejoy.Herememberedthatmomentwell.

YougavemeagiftIneverexpectedtohave;yougavememymusicback,beloved.YoutoldmethatitwasmoreimportanttoyoutohearmusicplayedforitselfthantohearitenhancedbythestrongestofBardicGifts.Hefoundhimself

smiling,asmilewithtearsontheedgeofit,butsmiling.ThenIsangyoualovesong.ThefirstoneIeversangforyou.ItwasthefirsttimeI'deversungonewithmyheartinit.

Tylendelhadgivenhimselfupcompletelytothemusiche'dwovenforhim.Ithadbeenamomentcompletelyfreeofanyshadowsbecause'Lendelhadchasedtheonlyonethathauntedhim.

Beloved,youknewhowmuchIneededthatback,andyougaveittomewithopenhands.

Memorycouldbesweet—evenifitheldanedgeofsorrow.

Iwon'teverforgetyou,ashke,butIcanchoosehowIrememberyou.AndIpromiseI'lltrytorememberwithlove,nottears.

Heallowedtheimagetofade.

Soit'stimeIstarteddoingsomethingaboutpeoplewhoneedme,hmm?Justlikeyoutoldme.AndthemosturgentofthoseisTashir.

Heyawnedsuddenly,thenlaughedalittleathimself.AndI'mnotgoingtodoanyoneanygoodfallingasleeponmyfeet.SobestIseekmyvirtuouslyemptybed.Morningisgoingtocomefartoosoon.

Helookedoncemoreintothesky—orbeyondit.Evenhewasn'tcertainwhich.

Goodnight,ashke.Whereveryouare.Windtothywings–

Twelve

News,spedbyHerald-,Mind-andMage-Gifts,andHerald-guidedmessengerbirds,movedquicklyinValdemarwhentheKingandCirclechose.Butwhentheydidn't—

TheyhadnotchosentospeedeitheredictsornewsinthematterofTashirandthemysteriousslaughteroftheLineanRoyalFamily.ThatnewsmovedwiththesameploddingslownessasitdidoutKingdom.AndthatgaveVanyelandtheyoungsterarespite.

Butitwasashortrespiteonly;Vanyelhadknownthatfromthebeginning.Vanyelwasn'tmuchsurprisedwhenamessengerarrivedthedayafterSovvanfromCaptainLissa.Hehadafairnotionofjustwhatthesealedmessage-tubesthecouriercarriedcontained.

Andhewasn'tatallsurprisedtobesummonedtoLordWithen'sstudywhenthemessengerhaddeparted.

Thedoorstoodopen;Vanyeltappedontheframe,thenenteredwhenhisfatherlookedup.Withenworeatroubledexpression,thelookofamanwhoisuneasyaboutthingsoverwhichhehadlittleornocontrol.HemotionedtoVanyeltotakeachair,butVanonlyshookhishead,preferringtostand.IfWithenmeanttotakehimtotask,lethimdosowithVanyelinsomekindof"formal"stance.

"This—"Withensettledbackintohisownchairandliftedacornerofoneofthepaperslyingonhisdesk."Ihadthemessengerreaditforme;Iwasn'tsureIwantedRadeveltoknowwhatwasgoingonuntilItalkedtoyou.It'sapolitelyworded'request'fromLissaforpermissiontomovehercompanyoftheGuardtotheAshkevronpersonalestates.Andanexplanationofwhyshe'sbeenorderedtomove."

Vanyelnodded.Givenwhathehadseenonhiswayhome—thewaytheLineansideoftheBorderhadbeenfortifiedinjustunderafortnight—hehadrealizeditwouldbeonlyamatteroftimebeforeLissgotorderstomovefromtheBorder-sectionfacingBairestothatfacingLineas.AndtheAshkevronfamilylandsatsquarelyontheonlyroadsuitablefortroopmovements.

Withencougheduncomfortably."Van,son—theboyyoubroughthere—he'sthatTashir,isn'the?TashirRemoerdis.TheLinean."

"Heis,"Vanyelrepliedlevelly."AndthefactthathewasChosenaftertheRemoerdisFamilydiedisreasonenoughtopresumehiminnocent."Hestraightenedalittle."Father,youknowIwouldn'thavebroughtanyonedangeroushere,butheneededasanctuary,andthiswastheonlyplaceIcouldthinkofwherenoonewouldlookforhim."

Witheninterruptedhimwithawaveofhishand."That'snotwhatI'mworriedabout.Thatboywouldn'thurtafly,I'dsweartoitmyself.It's—whatdoIdoifLissorsomebodyelsecomeslookingforyou?"

"Youcouldgiveusup,"Vanyelsighed,hismusclesgoingtoknots."Infact,youshould."

"LikehellIwill!"Withenrumbled."Youbroughthimhereforsanctuary,andbythegods,he'sgoingtogetit!"

Vanyelrelaxedandgrinned;theexpressionstartledhisfather."Fathermine,"hesaidwarmly,"youhavejusteasedmylastworry.Iwasnotgoingtofoistthiswalkingdiplomaticincidentonyouunwilling,butifyouhavenoqualmsaboutcontinuingtoshelterhim—"

Withensnorted."I'llpickupbladeanddefendhimm'self,ifIhaveto."

"Ihopeyouwon'thaveto;IhopeI'llbeabletofindoutwhoreallydidthis,andclearTashirentirely.Ifyoudon'tmind,I'lltakethatchairyouoffered."Withennodded,andVanyelloweredhimselfintoitssupportgratefully."Randale'splayingaverytrickygamehere;Liss'troopismostlymadeupofmenfromForstReachandtheholdingsinfealtytous.Heknowsdamnedwellthatnomatterwhatthe'official'wordis,they'llprotectme,withsilence,ifnothingelse,unlessyou—orLiss—indicatedifferently.Randaletrustsmyjudgment,andhe'sgivingmetimetogetthissortedout."

Withennodded,oneeyebrowraisedintributetoRandale'scleverness.

"Don'tworry,Father,I'llhavewordandtimetogetusoutofForstReachandintohidingintheforestlongbeforeanyonedangerouscouldactuallyarrivehere."

"ThatwasallIwasworriedabout,except—"Withentuggedhisshortbeardunhappily,"—isthereachancetheLineanswouldmakeaBorder-waroutofthis?"

Vanyelweighedallthefactorsinhismind,includingVedric'sapparentunwillingnesstoforcetheissue.Heruminatedalongtime,forthemostpartignoringhisfather'sincreasinglygloomycountenance,beforehewasabletomakeatentativeconclusion.Hestoodthen,hopinghelookedmoreconfidentthanhefelt."Idon'tthinkso,butIpledgeyou,Father,"hesaidsteadily,holdingWithen'seyeswithhisown,"beforeitcomestothat,I'llturnbothofusovertothemmyself."

AndIhopetoHavensIneverhavetomakegoodonthatpledge.

Thereactiontothenewscontainedinthemissivewasmixed.Onthewhole,Vanyel'syoungerbrothersseemedtowelcometheprospectof"alittleexcitement"withcheerfulbloodthirstiness.Mekealaloneofallofthemseemedoftwomindsaboutthewholething,firstjoiningintheboastingandenthusiasticweaponrypractices,thentakingtopacingaboutthekeepmutteringabout"line-of-sight"and"defensibility"withaworriedfrowncreasinghisforehead.

Withenmadeitveryplainwhentheyoungster'sidentitybecamegenerallyknownthathesharedJervis'convictionofTashir'sinnocence,andTashirreactedtohisshowoffaithwithdisbeliefatfirst.ButwhenWithenhimselfassuredhimofhissanctuary,TashirreactedwithapitifulgratitudethatwouldhavesoftenedharderheartsthanWithen's.

ItwasbecauseofthisthatWithenactuallygotembroiledinashoutingmatchwithFatherLerenoverTashirandthequestionofhisdisposition,guilt,orinnocence;thefirsttimeWithenhadeverdisagreedwiththeclerictoVanyel'sknowledge.

Tashir'sCompanionhadfinallycomeintotakeupnervousresidencewithYfandes.ThiswassomethingofarelieftoVanyel,sinceGhosthadbeenfrighteningthewheyoutofmostoftheworkersontheholding;they'dseeonlyaflashofsomethingwhite,usuallybynight,andthenitwouldbegone,andtherumorsofa"demon-horse"werespreading.VanyelwastryingtocoaxboththeyoungmanandtheCompanionintoacalmerstateofmindinwhichdeeperbondingandMindspeechbetweenthetwowouldbepossible,butneitherof

bondingandMindspeechbetweenthetwowouldbepossible,butneitherofthemwereatallwillingtobecalmed.Ghost,infact,showedamarkedtendencytopanicifeventhelowerhalfoftheouterdoortoYfandes'stallwasclosedwhilehewasinit.VanyelwasaboutreadytogiveitupasahopelesstaskwhenJerviscamelookingforhim,astartlinggrintransforminghiscraggyfaceintoamaskofunholyglee.

Relationsbetweenthetwoofthemwereimprovingagain—slowly.VanyelsuspectedTashirmayhavehadahandinthat,thoughwhetherornotthatwasonpurposehehadnoidea.Butalthoughtheywerespeakingwithoutdaggersbehindthewords,Vanyelhadnotexpectedtoseethatkindofexpressiononthearmsmaster'sface—ever.

"Van,"Jerviswhispered,whileTashircommunicatedwithGhostinhisownway,withbrushandmurmuredwordsVanyelcouldn'tcatch."Ifyou'redonehere,there'ssomethin'youhavetohear."

Vanyelshrugged,andvaultedoverthestallrailings."Tashir,"hecalledoverhisshoulder,"whydon'tyoutwoworkoffsomeofthatnerveinagoodlongride?You'retooedgytotranceandIdon'tblameyou."

Tashirlookedrelieved;Ghostloweredhisheadinacleargestureofagreement.TheyoungCompanionstoodsteadilyforTashirwhilehisChosenpulledhimselfupontohisback,thennosedthestalldooropenandtrottedoutintothepaddock.

"Allright,"Vanyelsaid,turningbacktoJervis."Whatisallthisabout?"

"Justcomewithme,"Jervissaidgleefully,andledVanyeloutofthestabletostandjustunderoneofthewindowsinthetinytemple.

"—possessedatthebest;ared-handedmurdererattheworst!"FatherLerenwasshouting,hisvoicemuffledbyalltheinterveningstone.

"Thatboy'snomoreamurdererthanIam!"Withenshoutedback."YouweredeadwrongaboutVanyel,andbythegods,you'reevenmorewrongaboutthisboy!Vanaskedmeforsanctuaryforhim,Ipledgedit,andI'mnottakingbackmyswornword!"

"You'reputtingyoursoulinjeopardy,LordWithen,"thepriestthundered,"Thegods—"

"Thegods—"

"Thegodsmyass!"Withenroared,infullandmagnificentoutrage."Thereisn'tanevilhaironthatpoorboy'shead!Whomadeyouthespokesmanforthegods?LastIwastaught,ifthegodswantsomethingdone,theydon'tbotherwithadamnedmouthpiece,theydoitthemselves—ortheychooseavesselandmaketheirpowerplain!Ihaven'tseenyouglowingwithholylight,oldman!"

Lerensputtered,incoherent,obviouslytakenabackbythisrevoltofhiserstwhilesupporter.

"AndI'lltellyouonethingmore,Ijudgewho'stobeForstReachpriest.Iputyouin,andIcanthrowyououtjustaseasy!IfyouwanttostayForstReachpriest,you'llkeepyourmouthoffTashir—aye,andwhilewe'reatit,offVanyelaswell!Whenyou'vedoneasmuchforValdemarashehas,youcancallhimpervertandcatamitetoyourheart'scontent,buttillyoudo,youkeeparespectfultongueinthatheadofyours!He'sHeraldVanyel,first-rankHerald-MageofValdemarandconfidantoftheKing,andfurthermorehe'smysonandyou'dbetterdamnedwellrememberthatfact!"

Lerentriedtosaysomethingelse,butWithen'sroardrownedhimout.

Vanyelsignaledthattheyprobablyoughttomoveon;Jervisnoddedashestifledsnickerswithhishand,bitingtheedgeofittokeepfromlaughingoutloudastheyslippedaway.Vanyelwastoosurprisedtolaugh;itfeltasifhiseyebrowswereabouttomakeapermanenthomeinhishair.

Itwascertainlythelastargumenthe'deverexpectedtooverhear.

Thefalling-outfoundLerentakinghismealswiththehirelingsinsteadofwiththefamily,acircumstancethatVanyeltriednottorejoicein,butcouldn'thelpenjoying.Itcertainlymademealtimeeasierforhimtoface.ThequarrelalsogaveJervisascendancy,andasaresultofthat,VanyelthoughthemightbedetectingacertainsofteningofWithen'sattitudetowardhisfirstborn,althoughwhatwitheverythingandeveryonestirredupitwasimpossibletobesure.

ThatwasthestateofthingswhenCaptainLissaAshkevronrodeinthroughthegatesofForstReachattheheadofhercompany.

"LordWithen,"saidthesolemnhatchet-facedwomanindressblues,bowingslightlyoverherhorses'sneckinthesaluteofequals.Shewaitedhisresponsewithherhelmtuckedatapreciseangleunderherleftarm,herbay'sreinsheldatanequallypreciseangleinherright.Theblue-dyedroosterfeathersmountedinasocketatthetopofthelightdresshelmflutteredacrossherarminthelightbreeze.Herbrownhairhadbeenbraidedandcoiledatopherheadwiththesamemilitaryprecisionthatcharacterizedtherestofherequipage.

ThiswasthefirsttimeVanyelhadseenhissister"onduty,"orinanykindofofficialcapacity.Shewascertainlyafardifferentcreaturefromthecareless,untidyhoydenherememberedherbeingasachild,oreventhewildrogueshecouldbecomeoff-duty.

"CaptainAshkevron."Withenreturnedhersalute,visiblytornbetweenworryandpride.

"Permissiontobivouacthetroops,sir."

"Granted."Pridewonout,andWithenbeamed."TheSouthHomePasture'sbeenvacated;it'sallyours,Captain."

"Thankyou,mylord,"sherepliedformally."SergeantGrayse,frontandcenter!"

AGuardsmanwithabrown,roundfacethatseemedvaguelyfamiliartoVanyelmarchedcrisplyfromthefrontranktoLissa'srightstirrup,andwaited.

"SouthHomePasture;leadthetroopsthereandbivouac.I'lljoinyoushortly."

Thesergeantsalutedandpivoted,heelandtoe,andVanyelrealizedwhyheseemedfamiliar;Graysewasoneoftheholdingfamilies,andthissolidyoungmanmustbeoneofthesons.HebarkedoutaseriesofordersasLissamovedherhorseofftheroad;turnedagainandsteppedoutwiththerestofthetroopfollowingaspromptlyasiftheyhadn'tjustspentalldayontheirfeet.Lissastayedonherhorseatsemi-attentionuntilthelastofhertroopwasoutofsight,thengrinnedandtossedVanyelherhelm.Shedroppedherhorse'sreinsasshevaultedoutofhersaddle,ground-tetheringhim.AssoonasherfeethitthegroundshemadestraightforWithen.Vanyelcaughtthetumblinghelmasshe

groundshemadestraightforWithen.Vanyelcaughtthetumblinghelmassheflungherarmsaroundherfather'sneckandkissedhimsoundly,andthenhehelditoutofthewayasshemadeithisturnforanenthusiasticembrace,anembracewhichhereturnedone-handed.

"Weil,Father,"shesaid,afterkissingVanyeljustasthoroughly."Whatdoyouthinkofmyyoungsters?"

"Fine!"Withenglowed."Damnfine!Gods,Ihardlyknewmylittledaughter,upthereonherwarhorseandinheruniformandall!"

"I'veneverseenyouondutyeither,Liss,"Vanyelremindedher."Ithinkyoulookwonderful."

Shehuggedhimagain,thenstoodbesidehimwithherarmaroundhiswaist."I'mjustsorryithastobeunderalert-conditions,"shesaidsoberly."I'msorry,Father.ThelastthingIeverwantedtodowas—"

"Don'tworryaboutit,"Witheninterrupted."Now,isthereanybodyyouwanttoquarteratthekeep?"

"MyHealer;Iwanthimtohaveaninfirmarysetup.Ibivouacwiththetroops."

Withenlookedalittledisappointed,butVanyelfoundhimselfgrinningwithapproval."Good!"hesaid."Ididn'tthinkitwasmyplacetosayanything,butitseemedtomedownattheKarsiteBorderthatallthebestofficersstayedwiththeirtroopers."

"SoI'mtold,"Lissareplied."Don'tworry,Father,you'llseemoreofmethanyouthink."ShehuggedVanyelhard."Comeon,littlebrother,helpmegetthisnaginastall,hmm?"

Helethergoandhandedbackherhelm.Shecaughtupthebay'sreinsandwalkedbesidehimtothestable.

"LordMarshaldoesn'tlikethewaythingsareshapingup,"shesaidinaquietvoiceassoonastheygotoutofearshot."VedrichasbeenmakinghimselfintotheLineanpatronsaint,whatwithsupportingtheirproteststoRandaleandall.IwishIknewwhathewasupto;thisdoesn'tsquarewithanyoftheintelligence

I'vehadonhimupuntilnow.Asforyou,myimpetuouslittlebrother,I'vegotofficialordersthatifIfindTashirI'mtotakehimin,butI'vealsogotthis—"

Shereachedintoherbelt-pouchandtookoutamuch-creasednotewithRandale'sprivatesealonit,andhandedittohim.Vanyelnoticedthatitwasaddressedonlytoher,andopenedit.

CaptainAshkevron;itread.Showthistoyourbrother—youknowwhichoneImean.Thisisanorder.Itoverridesanyotherordersyoumayreceiveuntilyouheardifferentlyundermyhandandseal.Youhaven'tseeneitherVanyelortheboyTashirRemoerdis.Youwon'tseethemuntilItellyouthatyouhave.Randale.

Vanyelhandeditbacktoherwithnoothercommentthanaslightlyraisedeyebrow.

"He'scoveringforyou,Van,"shesaidworriedly,"buthecan'tdothatformuchlonger.Haveyougotanyideaofwhatyoucando?"

"Notatthemoment,"hetoldher."ButIsoonwill."

HisgenerousroomseemedverycrowdedwithbothSavilandJervissprawledacrossthewindowseatandachair,respectively.

"Ideas?"Vanyelasked,lookingfromSaviltoJervisandbackagain."I'vegotone,butIwanttohearyoursfirst."

Savilwedgedherselfinthewindowseat,backflatagainstonewall,feetbracedagainsttheoppositewall,fingerslacedtogetheracrossherknees."YousaidyouwentacrosstheBordertogetanswers,"shesaid,asifshewasthinkingoutloud.

"AndIfoundthem—someofthem,"heagreed,eyeshalf-closed,staringatthepatternsthatfirelightandshadowsmadeonherWhites.

"Butyoualsofoundmorequestions.I'mwonderingifyoujustweren'ttherelongenough.AndIwonderifweallreallyoughttogobackthere.WithtwoAdept-classmagesitoughttoberidiculouslysimpletocomeupwithillusion-

disguisesforfourofus."

"Hidetheboyinplainsightyoumean?"Jerviswassittingbackwardsononeofthestraight-backchairs,withhischinrestingonhisarms.HeblinkedsleepilywhileSavilspoke.Nowheraisedhisheadandlookedalert."Ilikethat!Lastplacethey'regoingtolookfortheboyisbackwherehecamefrom!"

Vanyelnodded."ThatwassomethingofthesameideaIhad.Wecouldfurtherconfusetheissue—goacrosstheBorderas,say,fourHeraldsmakingupapeaceenvoytoVedric.OnceoutsideHighjorune,wecouldswitchtomagicdisguisesandcomeintothecitybypairs—Jervisandme,TashirandSavil.Onethingtheywon'tbeexpecting,andthat'sTashirwithawoman.Wemeetupataninn,say,onthebettersideoftown.IcouldbeaBardthistime,insteadofaminstrel;youlotcouldbemyentourage.Nosearound,seewhatwecanfindout."

"Van,IthinkyouandIneedtoactuallygetintothepalace,"Savilputin,staringupattheceiling."Ithinkweoughttotryandfindoutexactlywhathappenedandwhatthatattackwas.Ifitwasmagic,thatalonewouldruleTashirout."

"Hmm."Moisturebeadedtheoutsideofhisgoblet.Heranhisfingerdowntheside,collectingthedroplets,andtracedlittlepatternsonthetableinfrontofhimwithawetforefinger."DoyouthinkgettingTashirbackintothepalacemighttriggerhismemoryaswell?"

"Itmight,"Savilsaid,movinghergazedownuntilshecaughthiseyes."It'sworthatry."

"Thenlet'sdoit."

"IneverthoughtI'dseethisnagcowed!"Jervischuckled,therisingsunathisbackthrowingtheirshadowsfaraheadofthemonthedark-pavedroad.Threeofthefourshadowswereaslong-limbedandgracefulastheCompanionsthatthrewthem.Thefourthcrow-hoppedfromtimetotimeastheraw-boned,uglystudJervissatmadehisdispleasureasobviousashecould.

Savillaughed."Hedoesn'tlooktoocowedtome!"

"Comparedtowhathewaslikebeforeyourtwoladieschasedhimupanddownthepaddockallnight,he'sanangel!"Jervischuckled,reachingoutandhittingthestudbetweentheearswithhisfistwhenhebuckedalittletoohard.Thegraystudsquealedandlaidhisearsback;anansweringsquealfromKellanandashowingofherformidableteethsettledhimbackdown.

"IhatetothinkwhatMekeisgoingtodotomewhenhefindsoutwhatwe'vedone,"Vanyelmurmured.Hewasstillfeelingguiltyabout"borrowing"thestudwithouta"byyourleave."

"Whatelsewerewegoingtouse?"Savilaskedinasweetlyreasonabletoneofvoice,asYfandessnorted."ThatblastedstudofMeke'swastheclosestthingtowhiteontheholding,besidesbeingtheonlybeastwiththeendurancetokeepupwiththreeCompanions!"Shechortled."Cometothat,he'sagoodmatchforJervisasaHerald,providedyou'reseeingtherealJervisandnottheglamouryouputonhim."

JervisdidmakeaveryunlikelylookingHerald.TashirfitasetofVanyel'scast-offWhites,leftfromwhenhewasseventeen,fairlywell.VanyelandSavilhadtheiruniforms,ofcourse.ButforJervisithadbeenacaseofhastymake-do.Heworeoneofhisownshirts,andhadsqueezedhimselfintoapairofVanyel'swhitebreeches,butthey'dhadtosacrificeasleevelessleathertunicofSavil's,openingtheseamsonbothsidesandpunchingholes,thenlacingitontohim.Heworehisownboots—brown—buttheyhopednoonewouldnoticethat.

"Solongaswearen'tdealingwithanyonewhocanseethroughtheglamourwe'llbeallright."

"AreyousureanyspyVedricmighthaveontheBorderwon'tpickthisup?"Savilasked.

"Well,Heraldsaresupposedtofeelalittleofmagic.Afullillusionwouldradiatefartoomuch,butanenhancementshouldpasswithoutanytrouble."

"Butwon'tVedricpickuptheillusion-disguisesoncewe'reintown?"Jervissaidsuddenly.Thestudtookadvantageofhisdistractiontotrytobuckhimoff.

Yfandesnippedthestud'sflank,Kellankickedhim,andJervisbashedhimbetweentheears,allsimultaneously.Vanyelchokeddownalaugh.

Thestudshrilledhisindignation,butsettledagain.

Thestudshrilledhisindignation,butsettledagain.

"Hewould,iftheambientmagicinHighjorunewasn'tgoingtomaskmyrelativelyweakspells.TheillusionisonlygoingtobeontheCompanions,tomakethemsomethingelse.Hardlyawhisperonthewind."

Thestudtriedtoridhimselfofthebit."Youfixedhisoutside,"Jervissaidwistfully."Ifyoucouldonlydosomethingabouttheinsideofhisuglyhead...."

Heldtothepaceofthestud,ittookthemthreedaystoreachHighjorune.Topassthegates,KellanandGhostbecamedonkeysledbyanoldpeasantwomanandherson.VanyelbecameaBardonashowygoldpalfrey,andJervishisman-at-armsandgeneralservant.Ifattentionwastobedrawn,Vanyelwanteditdrawntohim.

Andindeed,hedrewenoughattentioncomingthroughthegatestomorethandistracttheguardsfromtheoldwomanandheroffspringbehindthem.VanyelandYfandesprancedandpreened,sidledanddanced—andingeneralmadeathoroughgoingnuisanceofthemselves.Jervisgrunted,lookedlong-suffering,andearnedthesympathyofthegateguards.Thestudtriedtotakeoffsomeone'shandandgotafistinhisteethforhistrouble.

NoRowtavernsforVanyel,notthistime.HelodgedinthebestinninHighjorune,rightacrossfromtheresidencyoftheMasteroftheWeaver'sGuild.Notsoincidentally,thatputthepalaceandallitsmage-energiesandshield-spellsbetweenhimandthehousewhereLordVedricwasstaying.Hopefully,anydisturbancestheillusionswerecreatingwouldbelostinthegreaterwashoftheshieldsandthenodebeneaththeshields.

"Somebody'striedtobreaktheshields,"Vanyelobserved,staringfixedlyoutthewindow.

"Youcantellthatfromhere?"Jervisasked,surprised,lookingupfromsharpeninghisdagger.

"Uhm-hmm."Vanyelprobeddeeper,andlethiseyesunfocus."Icaneven

tellwhatspellsheused.Andthatitwasaheandnotaher.NobodyIrecognize,butI'dbetitwasVedric."

"Couldn'tyou—Idon'tknow—getalookatVedricsoyou'dknowforcertain?"

Vanyelturnedrestlesslyawayfromthewindowandshookhishead."No.ProbinghimtogethissignaturewouldtellhimIwashere.Havingthepalacebetweenuswouldn'thidemelongifhestartedlookingforanothermage.Idon'tlikeit,though.IwishIknewforcertain.AndIwishIknewwhywhoeveritwastriedtobreachtheshields.Itcan'tbepurecuriosity,notwithspellsthatpowerfulbeingused.Oh,Icanguessthatit'sVedric,andthathewantstogetintheretodestroysomekindofevidence,butI'dmuchratherknowforcertainifmyguessiswrongorright."

"Well,IwishSavilandtheboywouldgethere,"Jervisgrowled."Idon'tlikethenotionofusbein'splituplikethis."

"Iagree,"Vanyelbegan,whenatapatthedoorinterruptedhim.

Hewhirled,butitwasJerviswhoanswereditandwithagrimaceofreliefletinSavilandTashir.

"WhereinHavenshaveyoubeen?"hedemanded."Youweres'pposedtobeherelongbeforesundown!"

"Detained,"shereplied,smugly."AndwhatIgotwasworththedelay!WhatwouldyoutwosaytoamotivefortheMavelanstodestroytheentireRemoerdisRoyalHouse?"

"What?"JervisandVanyelexclaimedsimultaneously.

"Wewereplayingpeasantsseeingthesights,"Tashirsaidtiredly."OneofthesightsistheGreatHallofJustice.Theykeepimportantdocumentsinthere,underglass,sothatanybodywhocanreadcanseethem.IrememberedoneofthemwasthetreatybetweenBairesandLineasandtoldSavil,sothat'swhywewentthere."

"IttookafairamountofTashirplayinggawkertogivemetimetoreadit;bythenitwasdinnertime,andtheyshooedusallout."Savilthrewherselfdownina

chairbesidethetable,pickeduptheknifeJervishadbeensharpening,andexamineditcritically."Whatitallcomesdowntoisthis:ifoneofthetwoRoyalHousesdiesout—andthereareprovisionsaboutitbeing'throughmisadventure,pestilence,oractsofthegods,'inotherwords,itcan'tbebecauseofprovenassassinationbytheotherHouse—thesurvivingHousegetsthethronesofboth.Andthat'sallininkandparchmentunderthesignatureandsealofElspeth.Remember?Valdemaroversawthetreatyinthefirstplace,andValdemarisresponsibleforadministeringtheprovisionsofit."

"IfIeverknewthat,I'dforgottenit,"Tashirconfessedintothesilence.

"Inotherwords,ifTashirisdeclaredguiltyofmurder,theLineanthronegetshandedovertotheMavelans—andValdemarhastoenforcethis?"Vanyelsaid,incredulously.

"Inanutshell."Savilreplied.

"Greatgoodgods—"

"Thatain'treallikelytomakeValdemarpopulararoundhere,"Jervisobserved."Notthatthey'rerealpopularafterVanrunnin'offwiththeboy.Andifthatain'taprettygoodreasonfortheMavelanstokillofftheLineanHouseandslaptheblameonTashir—who'sLinean,evenifhewasdisinherited—Idon'tknowwhatwouldbe."

"NorI,"Savilagreedgrimly."Verytidylittleplot.Well,Van,youwantedamotive."

"Icertainlygotone."Hereturnedtothewindow,andstaredoutofit."AndIhaveanexcellentreasonforVedricmakinghimselfsopopularwiththeLineans."Therewasstillsomelingeringsunsetafterglowtomaketheskyapearlylightblue—andagainstit,thepalaceloomedominouslydark.

"Exactly.Wheneveryonefinallygetsaroundtocheckingthattreaty,VedricwillbetheonlyMavelantheLineanswillaccept.Andtheymightevendoitwithgoodgrace,ifhe'sdonehisjobright."

"Savil,"hesaidslowly,"Ithinkourveryfirstorderofbusinessisgoingtobe—"

"Thepalace,"shesupplied.

"Thepalace,"shesupplied.

"Thesesealsweredefinitelytamperedwith,"Vanyelobserved."Alittlemorepowerbehindtheattacksandtheshieldsmightwellhavecomedown."

Yfandespacedupbesidehimandextendedhernosetothedoor,closinghereyes.:Blood-magic,:shejudged.:Faint,butthere.Mostoftheenergytracesareordinarysorcery,butwhoeversetthespellsisusedtousingblood-magic,andthatwilltainteverythinghedoes.:

"Whichmeansit'snotHeraldic—whichwefigured.Andprobablynotalocal.Workingmage-craftaroundherewouldgetyouintotroublewithyourneighborsquickly,butworkingblood-magicwouldgetyoucaughtandhung."Vanyellickedhislips,andglancedaroundatthedarkenedcourtyard.ActingonahunchfromSavil,they'dcleanedouttheirbelongingsfromtheinnandbroughteverythingwiththem.Nowhewasgladtheyhad.Heraisedhisvoicejustalittle."Conference—"hecalledsoftly.

FourhumansandthreeCompanionsmadeahuddle.Mekeal'sstudwastetheredasfarawayaspossible."Whoevertriedtobreaktheshieldsusedsomethingtaintedwithblood-magic,"hesaid."Yfandessmelleditout.NowIhaveaproblemofdefensehere.Jervis,Tashir,everytimewepassthethresholdwe'regoingtoweakenthoseshieldsfurther.Ithinkmaybewe'dbetterchangeourplansbecauseIdon'tthinkthoseshieldsaregoingtotakemuchmoreweakening,andtheonlywayformetoreinforcethemwillbefrominside."

"Thatwon'tnecessarilyworkeither,"Savilobserved."You'lljustbepatching.Theweakspotwillstillbethere."

"Exactly,"Vanyelnodded."Itisn'tgoingtobepleasant,butwhatI'dliketodoistojustcrossonce,tokeepthestraintoaminimum."

Hisimmediateanswerwasasilenceinwhichthesoundofdeadleavesskitteringacrossthecobbleswasenoughtosethisnervesjumping."Setupinresidence,untilwefigureoutwhathappened,youmean?"Savilasked.Henodded.Shepursedherlips,andgaveareluctantassent."I'minclinedtoagree.Blood-magicwillbreakshieldsthewaynothingelsecan,andI'dratherthisplacewasn'tleftopentotampering.ButwhatabouttheCompanions?"

"Theyleave,"Vanyelsaidunhappily.YfandesSentawordlessburstofprotest."I'msorry,butIcan'tthinkofanyplacethat'ssafefortheminsidethecitywalls.Thewestgatestaysopenatnight;butit'sguarded.IfIputano-see,no-hearspellonthem,they'llmakeitoutallright.AndifVedricdetectsit,itwon'tmatter;thestirI'mgoingtomakebyopeningtheshieldoughttokeephimthoroughlyoccupied."

Jervisclearedhisthroat."'Motherthing;werunintotrouble,thatwaythey'refreet'runforhelp."

Vanyelbithislipthoughtfully."Goodpoint.'Fandes,Idon'tlikeiteither,but—"

:Iseenootherrecourse,:sheanswered,pawingthecobblesandradiatingunwillingness.

"Andyou'llhavetolookafterthatdamnedstud."

:MayIkickhimifhewon'tbehave?:sheasked,raisingherheadandearshopefully.

Vanyelgrinnedtohimself.OtherthanJervis,Yfandeshadsufferedthemostfromthestud'sbehavior;thebeastkepttryingtoinducehertomate."Asmuchasyouhaveto.FromheretoKarseifnecessary.Bemyguest."

:Thenthisisnotaltogetheranunpleasantprospect.Kellan,Leshya—:Shewaitedforthehumanstoremovetheirpacksfromthesaddles,thentrottedtothetetheredstudandfreedhimwithherstrongwhiteteeth.WithheadshighandeyesfixedonVanyelwithacuteinterest,theywaitedforhimtocastthespell.

Sincethefourofthemalreadyknewthatthefourmountswerethere,thespellhadverylittleeffectontheonlookers.ButVanyelcouldSeethemsurroundedwithadistortingshimmerthatmeantthecloakingwasineffect.YfandesMindsenthimawordlesswaveofloveandconcern,andwiththestud'sreinsstillinherteeth,turnedtowardtheopengatetothecourtyard.Then,withsquealsandnips,thethreeCompanionsdrovethestallionoutofthegatesandintotheswiftlydarkeningstreets.

Vanyelfocusedhisinnereyeontheplacewherehemeanttosetaportalinthefabricoftheshields,thenmovedhishandsinacomplicated,mirror-imagedgesture.Throughclosedeyelids,heSawtheenergywallsoftheshieldspartjust

gesture.Throughclosedeyelids,heSawtheenergywallsoftheshieldspartjustenoughtoletatallmanthrough.

"It'sopen."Helookedwithoutereyesagain,andwatchedJervisfeelhiswayalongtheinvisible—butpatentlytangible—shield-wall,untilhecametothespotoppositeVanyel.Vanyelwasn'tsurewhichwasfunnier,hisexpressionwhenhecouldn'tforcehiswaypasttheshields,orhisexpressionwhenhefoundthe"hole."

"Ican'tholdthistoolong,"hewarned;theotherthreesnatcheduptheirpacksandhis,andMedren'spoor,battered,secondhandlute,andhurriedupthestonestairsasfarasthedoubledoor.Theywaited,whiteagainstthedarkbulkofthedoor,whileVanyelslippedacrosstheboundaryandresealedtheshieldsbehindhimself.

Hetookthestairsslowly,andregardedthepurelyphysicalbarrier."Tashir,"hebegan.

Theboylookedathiminstartlement.

"Youngfriend,thisiswhereyouseehowusefulthatGiftofyoursis.MystrongsuitisnotFetching,andI'veonlyseenthisdooronce,remember."Vanyelfoldedhisarmsandraisedaneyebrowathim."IalsodistinctlyrecallthatIbarredthedoorbehindLores.Yousurelyrememberwhatthedoorandbarlooklike,andyourGiftisFetching.Let'sseeyouraisethatbar."

"But—"Tashirbegantoprotest.Savillookedasifshemightobjectaswell,butVanyelsilencedherwithalook.

"Doit,Tashir.You'rebetteratthisthanIam."

Theyoungmantookadeepbreath,closedhiseyes,andtookawide-leggedstanceinwhatmayhavebeenanunconsciousimitationoftheoneVanyelhadtaken,andfrowned.

Vanyelhadbeengivinghimwhatrudimentaryinstructionhecould,whenhecould.Itwasn'tmuch.ButasVanyelhadhalfsuspected,awayfromthedisapprovalofhisfamilyandintoanenvironmentinwhich"magic"wasactuallyencouraged,he'dbegunpracticing,probablyinanattempttogethisrogueGiftundersomekindofconsciouscontrol.Allofthemcouldclearlyhearthegrateof

thebarinitssocketsontheothersideoftheclosedmetal-sheatheddoor;JervisclappedTashirontheback,startlinghim,asthedoorcreakedopenathumbs'-breadth.

Vanyeldidthesame,abitmoregently.Tashirgrinnedatbothofthem,teethflashingwhitelyinthefirstofthemoonlight."Goodwork,youngman,"Vanyelcongratulatedhim."Nowlet'sgetourselvesundercoverbeforesomebodycuriouscomesby."

Savilwasalreadypushingthedooropen;therestofthemfollowedherintotheabsolutedarknessoftheentryhall.ShewaiteduntilVanyelhadclosedthedoorandrebarreditbeforefashioningamage-lightandsendingitupwardtodanceandflareaboveherhead.

"Gods!"shehissed,shockedattheextentofthewreckageinthenextroom.

Jervismovedpasthertostandatthetopofthestairs,shakinghishead."I'veseenwarsandlootersthatweren'tthisthorough.What'nhelldidthat?"

VanyelglancedoveratTashir,whohadlosthisexpressionoftriumphandhadbecomeverypale.Hiseyeswereshadowed;hisexpressionhaunted.Vanyelputhishandlightlyontheyoungster'sshoulderinencouragement,andfelthimtremble.

SaviljoinedJervis,oblivioustoTashir'sdistress,walkingveryslowly."Icantellyouwhatdidn't,"shesaid,unexpectedly."Tashir."

Theyoungsterjerkedinstartlement.

"You'resure?"Vanyelaskedsoftly,feelingatensecoreinsidehimgolimpwithrelief.Hereallyhadn'tbelieveditwastheboy,butstill....

"Positive.Yougetundertheglareofthenode-energy,andthisplaceisdustedalloverwithmagic."Sheclosedhereyes,andreachedoutherhandasiftotouchsomething."There'saveryoldspelltiedtothenodethat'srootedsomewherejustaheadofus.Butthere'sasecondspelloverlaidonthewallsthemselves,andthat'swhatcausedthismess.Van,letmehandlethatone;it'satrap-spell,andI'dratheryoudidn'ttriggerit."

"I'llsecondthat.You'remuchbetterwithset-spellsthanIam.Tashir,Jervis,didyouunderstandthat?"

didyouunderstandthat?"

Jervisnodded.

Tashirlookedbothfrightenedandhopeful."Shesaidthattherewasamagicspellonthepalacethat—didallthis?Butwhydoesthateliminateme?"

"Becauseyouhaven'tevenMage-potential.YourGiftisn'tmagic,asweusetheterm.Realmagicleavestracesofitselfbehind,likethedustamoth'swingsleaveonyourhandswhenyoucatchit.Youcouldn'thavedonesomethingthatwouldleavethosetraces;you'renotcapableofit;foryou,manipulatingmage-energieswouldbeliketryingtocarrywaterinabucketwithnobottom."

"Andthat'sgoodenoughevidenceforValdemar,"Jervisputin."Troubleis,I'dbetitain'tgoodenoughevidenceforLineas."

Tashir'sfacefell."That'sonlytootrue,"hesaid,crestfallen.

"SoourjobistofindgoodenoughevidenceforLineas."Vanyeltookonunconsciousauthority."Firstoff,let'scleanoutoneofthesmallerchambersandsetuplivingquarters.Thenwe'llgetsomesleep;we'llbebetteroffworkingbydaylight."

Savildroppedoutofherhalf-tranceandrejoinedthem."Iagree.Idon'twanttotackleanythingthattrickywithoutafullnight'ssleep.Tashir,thiswasyourhome;whatwouldbethebestplaceforustosetupwherewearen'tlikelytobeseenordisturbed?"Sheshiveredinasuddenchillydraft."Andwherewecanbuildafire;Idon'tfancyfreezingtodeathinmysleep,andthere'sawinterbitetotheairatnight."

Tashirlookedabout;althoughhehadlostsomeofhisapprehension,therewasstillfearandgreatunhappinessinhimthatVanyelcouldSensewithouteffort.Smallwonder.Everyoneheeverknewdiedhere.

"Thekitchen,Ithink,"Tashirreplied."Andtherewouldn'thavebeenanybodybacktherewhen—"Heshuddered,andnotfromthecold.

"Anotherthingtoconsider,"Vanyelsaidgravely."We'realllikelytocomeonsomeverygrislyrelics,andofusall,Tashiristheleastusedtosuchthings.Tashir,don'tgooffalone.Staywithoneofus;Jervis,bypreference.Ifatany

timethisgetstoomuchforyou,justgostraightbacktothekitchenuntilyougetyourselfsettledagain.Idowantyoutotryandrememberwhathappenedthatnight.Idon'twantarepetitionofwhatyoudidinMother'sbower.It'snotthatIthinkyou'llhurtanybodybecauseIknowyouwon't."Hemanagedalittlesmileofencouragement."It'sthatyou'llbenoisy,lad.There'snotsupposedtobeanybodyhere.I'msureVedrichasfigureditout,buthemightnotdareactonhisknowledgejustyet.Wewanttokeephimfromhavingreasons.Wedon'tneedsomeonesendingforyourUncleVedrictolaytheghosts,now,dowe?"

Tashirpaled,andVanyelwasimmediatelysorryhe'dmentionedeitherghostsorVedric.Theyoungstershookhisheadwordlessly.

"Allright,thenlet'sgettothefirststage."Heshoulderedhispack;theothersdidthesame."Tashir,it'suptoyou.Findusthatkitchen."

Thirteen

Noneofthemsleptparticularlywell.Thefirstlightofdawnsawthreeofthefourlyingopen-eyedandtenseontheirsleepingmats;heldprisonerbycold,nebulousfears,andwaitingforsomeoneelsetomakeasoundthatindicatedrising.Vanyelwasactuallythelasttoclawhiswayoutofuneasyhalf-dreams,whichwasn'tsurprising,consideringhowexhaustedhewas.Hefeltthewakefulnessaroundhimafteraconfusedmomentortwoandmadeamage-lightwithoutthinking.Threegaspsofstartlementansweredthefirstflareofthelight;threepairsofeyesreflectedblueflickersbackathim.

"Ifyouwereallawake,"hesaid,stillsleep-mazedandconfused,"whydidn'tyoujustgetup?"

HetoldJervislaterthat—onreflection—hewassurprisednoonekilledhimforthatquestion.

Therewerestillusablesuppliesinthekitchen;dried,salted,orotherwisepreserved,andthekitchenhaditsownpumpandwell,whichsolvedtheproblemofwheretheyweregoingtogetwater.Tryingtoignorethenaggingthoughtthattheywererobbingthedead,VanyelhelpedJerviscobbletogetheratolerablemealofbacon,tea,andbiscuits.

Theysatonfoldedblanketsbesidethehearthtoeatit;thewindowlesskitchenwasdark,anditsomehowechoedmorethanitshould.EvenJerviswasaffectedbythesomberatmosphere,castingsurreptitiousglancesoverhisshoulderattheshadowsbehindhim.

"Ithinkwe'regoingtohavetodivideourattentions,"Vanyelsaidquietly,astheysippedtheirteafromanassortmentofwhatevercontainershadcometohand."Doesanyoneobjecttomytakingcharge?"Hewaited,butnoonesaidanything."Fine.Savil,I'dlikeyoutolookintothetrap-spell;findoutwhatitdoes,ordid,ifyoucan.Andhowitwassethereinthefirstplace.Jervis,Tashir,I'dlikeyoutwotostartgoingoverthepalace,roombyroom.Jervis,you'vebeeninandoutofhighbornhomesforagoodpartofyourlife;youknowwhatbelongsandwhatdoesn't.Iwantyoutolookforanythingthatseemsoddoroutofplace.Tashir,you'retotryandtriggeryourmemoryofthatnight.Whileyou'rebothatit,weneedcandlesdownhere,andabitmoreinthewayof

blanketsandbeddingwouldbenice."

"Andyou'llbe—?"Jervisraisedathick,grizzledeyebrow.Histonewasnotaccusatory,justinquiring.OnceagainheandVanyelhadachievedadelicatelybalancedfriendship.Itwasbeginningtogrowintosomethingcloserandlesstentative,somethingmorelikeareliablepartnership.

Apartnershipbuiltonrespect,andconcernfortheboy.ThatTashirhadconfessedhisfictionshadn'thurt.

"I'llbedoingexactlythesame,butfromthebottomup;Iwantyoutwotoworkfromthetopdown."Vanyelgrimaced."Idon'tthinkthingsaregoingtobeveryprettyinthecellars,and,tobebrutal,I'mtheoneofusmostrecentlyoffabattle-line.Idon'twantTashirtohavetodealwiththekindofthingsImayfinddownbelow.Ididlearnthatyourfatherwasn'tholdinganyprisoners,Tashir,butIdoubtthesearchersspentmuchtimeinthecellarslookingforvictims."

Tashirblanched,andtookalarge,audiblegulpoftea.

"Eventuallythere'sonemorethingI'llbedoing—I'vegotahunchthatthemagic-nodebeneaththepalaceplaysamajorpartinthewhyofallthis;Iwanttofindoutjustwhattheconnectionis,ifIcan.Therehastobesomekindofaconnection;IcannotbelievethatTayledrasAdeptsjustleftapowerfulnodelikethatundrainedandunattended.ThatkindofcarelessnessgoescountertoeverythingIknowaboutthem.Eveniftheywereforcedout,they'dhavecomebacktoreleasethemage-linesanddrainthenode—ifnottheoriginalclan,thenthedescendants,oralliedclan.IthinkthatoldspellSavilmentionedisverylikelytohavesomethingtodowiththat."

Tasksassigned,theyparted.Vanyelhadtakenthecellarsforanotherreason;heandSavilweretheonlyonescapableofproducingtheirownlightwithoutneedingtoresorttocandlesorlanterns.Theyhadnosuchphysicallights,andthereobviouslywerenowindowsinthecellars.

Hehadcausetobegratefulforastrongstomachbeforethemorningwasover.He'dbeenrightaboutsearchersnotcheckingbelow.AndLoreshadnotexaggeratedtheviolenceofthemassacreintheleast.Eventhisold,theshreddedremainswereappalling.Buthehadseenremainsasbad,orworse,overthepastyear.Andhebegantodiscoverapattern:wheretherehadbeennopeoplepresent,thedamagetothingswasminimal,ornonexistent.Themorepeople,the

greaterthedamage.

Hedidfindcandles,andthewinecellar.Theformerhetookupthestairsandleftatthekitchenlanding;thelatterhesealed.Halfthecaskshadbeensplitandallthebottlesshattered.Andasforwhatremainedintact—heratherdoubtedanyonewouldeverwanttodrinkfromcasksthathadbeenstainedandspatteredwith—

Well,itwasbetternottodwellonit.

Theycoulddrinkwhattheyfoundinthekitchen,orwater.

Fromthelookofthings,fouroftheservantshadbeendrinkinganddicingdowntherewhenthedisasterhadstruck.Atleast,hethoughtitwasfour.Therewerefouroverturnedmugsbesidethediceandpileofcoins,buthecouldn'tfindmorethansixhandsbeforehegaveupsearching.

Andthehandsweretheonlypartsstillrecognizablyhuman.

Itwasoddthough;fourofthosesixhandshadwornringsexactlyliketheonethemaidRetahadworn;dullsilverwithstrange,dead-whitestones.Reta'sringhadplainlybeensomethingotherthanornament,butalthoughheMindtouchedoneoftheringscautiously,Vancouldfindnothingoutoftheordinaryaboutit.

Andyethehadseenaringidenticaltotheseactingonhisbehalf.Theycouldbejustthebadgeofthehousehold,yetinmagic-fearingHighjorune,whywouldtheruler'sownhouseholdwearsomethingspell-touched?

Vanyelwondered;italltiedin,somewhere,somehow.Hehadtofindthekey.Butanswerswerenotforthcoming;notyet.Helosttrackoftimedownthere,andcertainlyunderthesecircumstanceshisstomachwasnotlikelytoremindhim.ItfeltlikebeingontheBorderagain;everymuscletensedandwaitingforsomethingtoleaponhimfrombehind.AndnoYfandestoguardhisback.He'dneverbeensoconsciousofbeingcompletelyalonebefore;hemighteasilyhavebeentheonlylivingbeingintheentirepalace.Anditwasfartooeasyforhisoveractiveimaginationtopeopletheshadowsbeyondhismage-lightwithpatheticorvengefulspirits.

Whenhefinallycompletedhisinspectionofthecellarsandtheiroccasionallygrislycontents,itwaswithprofoundreliefthatheclimbedthe

occasionallygrislycontents,itwaswithprofoundreliefthatheclimbedthekitchenstairstoemerge,blinking,intobrilliantlight.

Thatwasthefirstwelcomesurpriseinalongwhile.Someonehadtakenituponhimselftoremovethebundlesofcandles.Thatsamesomeonehadstuckthemoneveryavailablesurfacealloverthekitchen,andlitthem.Lighttransformedthelookoftheplacefromthatofagloomycavetoanormalislandofcommonplace,abrightandcheerfulhavenofsanity.Itwasaprofligateuseofcandles,buttherewerehundredsofcandles.Vanyelsteppedintothekitchenwithafeelingofhavingleftalittlehellbehindhim.

TashirandJerviswerebythehearth,sortingthroughseverallargebundles.

"Where'sSavil?"Vanyelasked.Hesquintedintothelight."Whattimeisit?"

Tashirjumped,andstaredatVanyelwithamomentaryexpressionofpanic,asifhedidnotrecognizehimimmediately.Jerviscontinuedwithhissorting,unperturbed."She'stryin'totrackdownwherethattrapwassetup,"thearmsmasterreplied."Andit'searlyevening.Giveusahandhere,eh?Wecomeupwithsomelikelystuffoutofclosetsandchests;ifyougetitsortedoutan'madeupasbeds,I'llseetodinner."

Jerviswasasgoodashisword;bythetimeSavildriftedin,stillalittleunfocused,hehadanotherfairmealputtogether.

Theblankets,comforters,andsheetsthatTashirandVanyelhadmadeintotolerablycomfortablebedssmelledstronglyofsendleandlavender;proofenoughthatthey'dbeenlaidawayinstorage.VanyeljudgedbyTashir'ssilenceandwhitelipsthatthetwohadprobablycomeacrossthesameappallingsignsandstainsofslaughterthathehad,thoughprobablynottheactualremains.Thepartythathadsearchedthepalacehadmostlikelydealtwiththeactualbodies.Whichwasalltothegood;ifTashirhadseenwhatVanyelhadbeendealingwith,theboymightwellhavesnapped.VanyelgaveJervishighmarksforunexpectedsensitivity;inthestateofnervestheyoungmanwasinnow,onebloodstainedsheetcomeuponinabundleofbeddinghewasexpectedtousewouldlikelysendhimintohysterics.Safer,far,tohavesearchedoutthelinenclosetsandtakenthingssealedawayforwinteruse.

Anditwasalsoprobablethatthepatternbelowhadbeencontinuedabove;roomsthathadbeenoccupiedatthetimeofthemassacremightnothaveanythingusableinthemanymore.

anythingusableinthemanymore.

Savilwanderedovertothefireandsatdownabsentlyonthebednearestherpack."Anyluck?"heaskedher.Sheshookoffhervaguenessandfinallylookedathiminsteadofthroughhim.

"Yesandno.IthinkI'vegotthesitenarrowedtothesecondfloor,andIthinkIknowhowitwasset.Someonebroughtinacatalyst,thenusingthatcatalyst,enlargedandstrengthenedthespell'scompassoveralongperiodoftime.Withnoshieldsonthisplace,itwouldhavebeenapprenticeworkoncetheinitialspellhadbeenset."SheacceptedaplatefromJerviswithoutlookingatit."It'snastystuff,ke'chara.Makesmyskincrawl.Hardtoforcemyselftoprobeit,nowthatIknowit'sthere.Likesomekindofwebwithsomethingincrediblyevilattheheart—andI'moverontheedgeofit,tryingtoseeintotheheartwithoutwakingwhat'sthere.Andthere'ssomethingvery,veryoddaboutit.Itreeksofblood-magic,asyoumightwellexpect,butthere's'blood'involvedinitinamuchsubtlerway."

"Eat,"Vanyeladvised,guessingthatshehadn'tpausedforfoodordrinksincethismorning."Jervis,didyouandTashirfindanything?"

Thearmsmasterchewedandswallowedbeforeanswering."Maybe.Ifyou'redonebelow,I'dlikeyourwordonit.It'saroom,firstfloor,smacksquareinthecenterofthisbuilding.Notmuchbiggernoracloset,an'hasjustonethinginit;afloor-t'-ceilingpillar;samestoneastheoutside.Mightjustbeakindakingpostforthepalace,it'sbiggeraroundthanIcanreach,butIneverseenanythinglikeit.Yousaidlookforodd,well,that'sodd."

"Tashir?"

Theyoungmanfrozeinmid-bite,andstaredathimlikeacorneredrabbit.

Vanyelfeltanuncomfortablesympathyforhim.HisownEmpathytoldhimTashirwasdancingonahair-thinthreadofnerveatthemoment.TherewasnodoubtinVanyel'smindthathewastryingtojarhismemoriesloose.Therewasalsonodoubtinhismindthattheyoungsterwas,literally,goingthroughhell.Buttherewasnohelpforit;ifthemysterywastobesolvedandTashirclearedofguilt,itwaslikelytotakeallfourofthemtodoit.

"Tashir,whatdoyouknowaboutthisroomJervisfound?"heprompted.

Tashirswallowedandlickedhislips."Nothing,"herepliedfaintly."Theywouldn'teverletmeinthere.Everybodyelsegottakeninatleastonce,butnotMother,andnotme."

"Tashir,that'ssomething,'"Vanyelchidedgently."Yousaid'everybody';doyoumeanthatliterally?Servants,too?"

Theyoungmannoddedsohardhestartedtotiphisplateoffhisknee.Jerviscaughtitbeforeitspilled.Tashirhardlynoticed,hewassointentonVanyel."Servants,too,Vanyel.Everybody."

"That'smorethanodd;that'ssmackingofamystery."Hebroodedforamoment,staringatthecracklingflamesinthehearth.Hewasgreatlytemptedtoseektheplaceoutnow,thisinstant.

Butthenhethoughtoftheemptyroomsfilledwithwreckageandthelong,hauntedhallshe'dhavetotraversetogetthere.Hehesitated,andshivered.Strongstomach,battle-trainedornot,therewasalimit.

Idon'tthinkso.I'mnotuptoit.Besides,I'drathernotchancealightbeingseenfromoutside.It'llbethereinthemorning.

"D-d-d-doyouwanttogotheretonight?"Tashirstuttered,patentlynotrelishingthethoughtatall.

"No,Tashir,nottonight,"hereplied,half-smilingasarushofreliefbroughtalittlemorecolortotheyoungster'scheeks."Nottonight,"herepeated,echoinghisownthought."We'veallhadenoughforoneday.It'sbeenthereallthistime;it'llbethereinthemorning."

Jervisbrokethesilencethatfollowed."Van,Iwasnoticin'something.Roomswheretherewasn'tanyfolks,hardlyanything'ssmashed.Maybeacurtaintorn,chairbroken,thatkindofthing.Roomswheretherewaspeople,they'rewrecked.Themorepeople,theworse."

"It'sthesamedownbelow,"Vanyeltoldhim,asJerviscontinueddemolishinghisdinnerthoughtfully."Savil,doesthatkindofpatternsuggestanythingtoyou?"

Shescowledwithconcentration."Yes,butIcan'tthinkwhat.Damn!"

Vanyelfollowedastraythought."Tashir,whentheybrokeinandfoundthemess,wherewereyou?"

"Th-theGreatHall,"hefaltered."IjustsortofwokeupandIwasthere."

"AndtheworstwreckagewasintheGreatHall?"VanyelturnedtoJervisforconfirmation.

"NearasIcantellfromwhatI'veseensofar."

Ashetriedtotriggerhisownmemory,hehadamomentaryflashofthatdreamhe'dhad,ofbeingsurroundedbyawhirlwindofdevilishcreatures.Herealizedwithastartthatmadehimsitupstraightthatthatdreamactuallyhadanechoinhisrecentexperience.Thefireflaredonthehearth,andwithit,memory.

He'dbeenplayingbait,atthebeginningoftheKarsitecampaign,sittingallaloneinanoldkeepjustbehindtheBorder.

Thekeepwassupposedtobeheldbynothingmoreformidablethananoldmanandahandfulofretainers.CertainlytheGuardwasdaysawayatthebestforcedmarchpace,thoughthatshouldn'thavemattered.Becausenoonewassupposedtoknowthatthekeepwasheldsoweakly.Andnoonewassupposedtoknowthatitguardedaverystrategicsupplyroute.

Butsomeonedidknow;someonehadbeenleakinginformationtotheKarsites.Poorly-guardedkeepsofstrategicimportancebehindtheValdemarlineswerebeingdecimated,theoccupantsslaughtered,leavingholesthestrategistsdidn'tlearnaboutuntilitwastoolate.Orworsewhenthestrategistscheckedontheirsupposedholdings,theyfoundkeepssomehowoccupiedbyhostileforces.

Vanyelreadthesignsofmagic,andhadknownonlymagiccouldcountertheseattacks.SoVanyelhadriddenYfandestoexhaustiontoreachthisone,alikelytarget.He'dclearedouttheoldmanandhisfollowing,andwaited.

Andtheattackhadcome,intheformofagretshke-Swarm;demi-demoniccreatures(mostlyhead,teeth,andappetite)that,takenindividually,wereinconsequential.Anordinaryfightercoulddealwithone—ortwo;andtheycertainlywerenotimmunetocoldiron.ButaSwarm—thatwasanothermatter.TheSwarmcontainedhundreds,ifnotthousands,ofthecreatures.Youcouldkill

thembythedozens,andstilltheywouldoverwhelmyou,likeencounteringanavalancheofstarvingrats.

Amagedidn'tcontrolaSwarm;hejustunleashedit.Whenthefoodwasgone,orwhentheyweresated,theywouldreturntotheirownplaneiftheyweregivenanexit.SoamageusingthemwouldcustomarilylureaSwarmtothePortaltotheirplanethathehadopenedwithinhistargetareaandcastashieldaboutthetargettokeeptheSwarmfromescaping.Hewouldwaitanappropriatelengthoftime—usuallynomorethanacandlemark;theSwarmwasfast—andopenthePortalagaintopullwhateveroftheSwarmremainedbacktotheirownplane.Hewouldtaketheshielddownthen,andanoccupyingforcecouldmovein.

AllthisrequiredsomeoneonthelevelofAdept;whichmadeitlikelythatthemageinquestionwasoneofthethreeAdeptstheKarsiteshadhiredwhentheybeganthis.Oneofthethreehadthreatened,thenlaunchedthebrutalincinerationofanentiretown;thetownhadbeensaved,butinstoppinghimMardicandDonnihadcalledtheflamesonthemselvesinadesperateattempttoconfinethem.

Ithadworked.Ithadbeenabrave,unselfish—andultimatelyfatal—ploy.Thebestthatcouldbesaidwasthattheirpainhadbeenmercifullyshort.

Vanyelhadbeendeterminedthatbeforehewaspulledoffthelines,hewouldhavethatparticularmage'slife.Bypreference,giventheotherthingsthey'ddone,hewouldhaveallthree,buthewantedthatone.

Theonlyproblemwas,themagesthemselvesrefusedconfrontation;strikingtimeandtimeagainwherehewasn't.Bythetimeofthisambushhe'dhadenough.Hehadbegunhuntingthemwiththepatienceandstealththatwouldeventuallyearnhimthename"Shadowstalker"whenhetrackeddownthesecondAdept.

Butthatwasinthefuture;atthatmoment,thefirststeponhisself-appointedroadofrevenge,hehadbeenwaitinginthedarkenedkeep,fuelingthedelicateillusionthatmadeitappeartothatunknownenemythatonlytheoldmanandhisdozenretainersandfighterswerewithinthosewalls,andallwereasleep.Hefelttheshieldsgoup;hefelttheportalopen.TheSwarmdescendedontheHallofthekeep,wherehewaitedforthembesidethefirepitinthecenter.Andhe

threwuphisownshield,abandoningtheillusion,andwatchedastheSwarmravenedoutsideit,tearingthescantfurnishingsoftheHalltoshredsinfrustration,unabletoreachthemeatsotantalizinglyoutofreach.

WhilehesmiledgrimlyandsetupasecondshieldbetweentheSwarmandtheportal.WhenthemageopenedthePortalagain,thenestablishedaprobetocheckontheresultsofhiswork,Vanyelwouldseizeontheprobebeforehecouldwithdrawit,anduseittosendhimanunexpectedsurprise.

ItwastheimageoftheSwarmshreddingcushions,furnishings,andtapestriesthatinterestedhimnow;animagehesentswiftlytoSavil,whoseizedonitwithanexclamation.Jervisraisedhiseyebrow.

"Wethinkwemayhaveanexplanationforallthedestruction,"Vanyelexplainedabsently,asheandSavilconferredinMindspeech."It'scomplicated,andthere'salotof'ifs'and'buts.'Itmaytakeusawhiletounravelthem,buttheexplanationfitsthecurrentevidence."

Jervisjustshookhishead."Ifthat'smagery,thenit'stoomuchforme,Van,"hesaid,yawning."I'llleavethattoyou.I'lljustshowyouthatroomandletyoudealwithit,eh?"

"I'lldothat,"Vanyelreplied,thenturnedhismindtolookingforthetracesthatwouldtellhimwhatkindofthingshadtornthehalltoshreds—becausethatwouldtellhimagreatdealabouthowstrongtheenemywas—andimportantly,mightevengiveaclueastowho.

Butintheend,heandSavilsoughttheirbedswithoutanyanswersbutone.Howstrongwasvery.Adeptatleast.

Becausethetracesthatwouldhavedistinguishedwhatthetrap-spellhadunleashedhadbeenskillfullywipedaway.Allthatremainedwastheheavilycamouflagedspellitself(whichonlyanAdeptcouldhavedetectedunderthecamouflage)andthebaretracesofmagicthathadalertedtheminthefirstplace.

JervisandTashirwerealreadyasleepwhentheygaveup.

"Sleep?"heaskedSavil,hopingshe'danswerintheaffirmative.

"Wemightaswell.Wearen'tgoingtogetanythingmoretonight."Shestretchedonce,andbeganburrowingintoherblankets,practicallyradiating

stretchedonce,andbeganburrowingintoherblankets,practicallyradiatingexhaustion.Vanyelrealizedthenwhatkindofstrainshewasunder—allthiscomplicated,involvedsorcery,andmaintainingherpositionastheWeb'sEasternGuardian.Heresolvedtotakemoreoftheburdenfromherassoonashecould.Thiswasnotfairtoher,norwasitgoodforher.

Iwonderifthere'sawaytotiealltheHeraldsintotheWeb,aspower-sourceatleast.ThatwouldtakefullyhalftheburdenofftheGuardians.

"Wantmetoputoutthecandles?"heasked,glancingaroundattheburningtapersstillbedeckingcornersofthekitchen.

Sheopenedoneeyethoughtfully."No.Justleavethem,ifyouwould.Itisn'tasifweneedtohoardthem,andIdon'tthinkIwanttogotosleepindarknessforawhile."

Vanyelthoughtitoveramoment,andnodded."Youknowwhat,teacher-mine?"hesaidsoftly."NeitherdoI."

Shechuckledwearily,andclosedhereyesagain."Absurd,isn'tit?Hereweare,twooftherankingHerald-MagesinValdemar—afraidofthedark."

Hewrappedhimselfupinhisownblankets."Ifyoupromisenottotellanyone,Iwon'teither."

Alightsnorewashisonlyanswer,andhefellasleepwiththecomfortingglowofthecandlesallaboutthem.

Thetinyroomvibratedwithpower.

Itwasaroundroom;stone-walledandwooden-floored-and-ceilinged.Thewallswerepalesandstone,therestpalebirch.Thepillarofstoneclearlyreachedhigherthantheceilingandlowerthanthefloor.Andtheroom,withbarelyenoughspacetowalkaroundthedarkpillarwas,veryclearly,setupwithpermanentshields,likethoseinthecommunalmagicWorkRoomatthePalaceinHaven.SmallwonderneitherhenorSavilhaddetectedthisartifactbefore.Vanyelsetacautioushandtothepillarofcharcoal-gray,highlypolishedstone,asTashirandJerviswatchedhimcuriously.Itwaswarm,notcool,andfeltcuriouslyalive.

curiouslyalive.

Andveryfamiliar.

ThiswasaTayledrasheart-stone.TheValeofk'Trevahadsuchastone,aplacewherethephysical,materialvalleyitselfmergedandmeldedwiththeenergy-nodeandintersectionofpower-flows"below"it.SuchastonewasthephysicalmanifestationoftheenergiesfuelingtheTayledrasmagics,andthisphysicalmanifestationwaspeculiarlyvulnerabletotampering.Sotheheart-stoneswereguardedjealously—andalwaysdeactivatedwhenTayledrasleftaplace.

Thisoneshouldnotbehere,except,perhaps,asadeadrelicofformerinhabitants.Itshouldnotbealive,andmore,respondingtohistouch,physicalandmagical,uponit.

"This—"hefaltered,andpulledhishandawaywithawrench."Jervis,youwereright.ThisisnotsomethingIwouldexpecthere.I'mgoingtohavetoMindtouchit."

"Anythingwecandotohelp?"thearmsmasteraskedquietly.

"Totellyouthetruth,I'dratheryoutookTashirouttotheGreatHalltoseeifyoucanhelphimremember,"Vanyelsaid,tryingtokeepthefascinationoftheheart-stonefromrecapturinghim."Thereisn'tmuchyoucanhelpmewith,andyoutwobeingherewouldbealittledistracting.Butifyou'dpokeyournoseinherefromtimetotime—"

"AnythingIshouldwatchfor?"

"Well,"Vanyelrepliedwryly,"ifI'mturningblue,that'sprobablyasignsomething'swrong.Otherthanthat,trustyourownjudgment."

Jervis'answeringlaughwasgruff,andsoundedalittlelikechurninggravel,butitprovedthatofthefourofthem,hewastheoneleastaffectedbytheirmacabresurroundings."Allright,letmetaketheboyout,andwe'llseeifwecanmakesomeprogress."

"Thanks."Andthankyou,Jervis,thatwecantrusteachothernow.Idon'tthinkIcouldbedoingthisotherwise.Withoutwaitingtoseethemgo,Vanyelturnedbacktothestonepillar,andplacedbothpalmsandhisforeheadagainstit

—

Andittookhimintoitself.

Foraverylongtimehewasconsciousonlyoftheincredible,seethingmaelstromoftheenergy-nodeitself.Itwaslikeplungingintotheheartofthesun,andyetremainingcuriouslyunscathedanduntouched.Itwasdifferentfromtappingintothenode;therehewasoutside,separatefromtheenergyhesoughttocontrol,andhewasdealingwithasingle,thinstreamofforce.Nowhewasapartoftheforce,withnointent—orchance—tocontrolit.Butcontrolwasnotwhathewanted;hewantedonlyobservation,andanswers.

Buttohaveananswer,onemustfirstaskaquestion.Heframeditinhismind,carefullyinsertingallthenuancesintoithecould.

Inwords,itwouldhavebeenasimple,"Wholeftthishere?"Inthoughtitwasinfinitelymorecomplexthanthat;asking"who"specifically,and"who"asaclass.Theheart-stonewasnotanintelligence,butitremembered.Andeveryquestionthatwasbalancedbyananswerwouldcallthatansweroutofthestone.VanyelgotaveryclearpictureofTayledrasAdepts;severalofthem,allofthemradiatinggreatpower,includingonewiththepeculiarblue-greenauraoftherareHealer-Adept.ThatparticularAdeptwasmuchclearer,andlingeredlongerinthemind,andtheimplicationwasthatitwasthisHealer-Adeptthatwasresponsibleforhavingleftbothstoneandnodestillintheiractivestate.

IfVanyelcouldhavestartedwithsurprise,hewouldhave.Althoughtheycould,andonoccasiondid,actasordinaryHealers,TayledrasHealer-AdeptsconcernedthemselveswithHealing,notpeople,butenvironments.Atrestoringthebalancenaturehadintended.AtHealingthehurtsthateithermagicorthehandofmanhaddealtthere.ThataHealer-Adeptwouldhavedeemeditnecessarytoleavethispotentiallydisastrously-dangerousenergysourceinlandssoontobesettledbyordinaryhumans—thatseemedtoindicatethattherewasaterribleneedthatoverrodeallotherconsiderations.

"Why?"heasked,urgently.

Andfelthimselfbeingdrawndown—deeper—belowthebedrock,andintotherootsoftheearthitself.Andherealizedwithashockthatthepillarwasthatdeeplyrooted,too.

Therewastensionhere,atensionthatincreasedashewentdeeper,avast

Therewastensionhere,atensionthatincreasedashewentdeeper,avastpressuretoeithersideofhimthatsqueezedhimuntilhecouldscarcelybreathe.Andstilltheforcethathadseizedhimtoanswerhisquestiondrewhimdeeper,anddeeperstill,toapointwheretherockbegantowarmabouthim.

Thenhesawit.Runningfromnorthtosouth,invisiblefromabove,yetcarryingimpliedwithinitsuchperilthathisbloodrancold,wasacrackinthelastlayerofrockitself.Afault;aplaceofslippage,followingtheriverbottom.

Thatwasnaturalenough;whatwasnotnaturalwastheholepunchedthroughthefaultdowntothemoltencoreoftheplanet,somethingprobablyleftfromtheMageWars.Thatwaswhattheheart-stonewasplantedabove.AndallofHighjorunewasbuiltdirectlyonthatfault.More,itextendedthewidthofLineasandoutintotheunsettledlands.Ifitslipped—

Anditwasonlyamatteroftimebeforeitslippedandcausedacatastrophethatwoulddestroythecityinfireandearthquake—andmuchofthesurroundingcountrybeside.Vanyelcouldnotimaginewhyithadn'thappenedbeforethis—untilheSawwheretheenergyofthenodewasgoing.

Itwasfeedingintoacomplicatedspellsoconvolutedandinvolvedhecouldneverhavesetithimself.ItcouldonlybethehandiworkofthatTayledrasHealer-Adept—anditlookedtobethemasterworkofanentirelifetimeasamageandanAdept.Itwasholdingthewoundclosed,andkeepingthefaultfromslipping.

More,itwould,giventimeenough,Healthewoundandthefault,redistributingthestrainelsewhere,untilthiswasnolongeranareaofinstability.Butitwouldtaketime,hundredsofyearsormore,andanygreatsiphoningawayofthenode-energywoulddeprivethespellofneededpower.Andifthatoccurred—dependingontheamountofenergystolenfromitsproperusage,therewouldcomeanythingfromaminortremortothemajor,devastatingdisastertheAdepthadbeentryingtoprevent.

Theforcethathadhimlethimgo,andhedriftedbacktothe"surface"morethanalittledazed.

Buthestillhadonemorequestion.WhatwastheconnectionbetweenTashir'sfamilyandthisartifactattheheartoftheirpalace?

Thatanswercameimmediately,andalmostaswords.

Thatanswercameimmediately,andalmostaswords.

TheyweretheGuardians.

Andwiththatcamearushofknowledgethatrockedhimphysicallyawayfromthestone.Heopenedhiseyestofindhimselfpressedbackagainstthewall,staringatthepillarofdark,volcanicbasalt,withhismindseethingwithinformation.

Hestaggeredoutofthetinyroom,carefullyclosingthedoorbehindhim,andmadehisunsteadywayintothekitchen,bypassingtheGreatHallentirely.Hewantedtoliedown,verybadly.Thiswasnotthefirsttimehe'dqueriedaheart-stone,butitwasthefirsttimeonehadrespondedwithsuchafloodoffactsandmemories.Theheart-stoneshe'dmergedwithhadbeenslow,old,andsopeacefulthattheansweryouwantedmighttakecandlemarkstodriftwithingrasping.Bycontrast,thisonepracticallyflungresponsesatyoubeforeyoufinishedthequestion.

Hemadethekitcheneasilyenough,andspentsometimestickingupnewcandlesandlightingthembeforewobblingbacktohisbedandfallingfacedownintotheblankets.

Hemusthaveslept,becausethenextthingheknew,theotherswereclatteringaboutthekitchen,therewasasmelloffryingbacon,andhisstomachwasdeclaringwaronhisbackbone.

Herolledoveronhisback,stiffly,painfully,andSavilimmediatelykneltathissideandpeeredintohiseyes."Youwereinshock-sleep,"shesaid."Wecouldn'twakeyou.Ihopetohellyougotsomethingworthit."

Hetookadeepbreath,anddiscoveredthathisribcagewassore,thatallhismusclesached.Hemusthaveheldthemtensedforhours.Henodded."Answers,"hesaid-croaked,rather."Igotanswers.Igotanswers.Savil,that'saheart-stoneinthere.Andit'sawake!"

Hermouthhaddroppedopenthemomenthe'dsaidthewords"heart-stone."Sheshutitagainwithasnap."Eatfirst,andgetsomethingtodrink.Thentellus."

Hesatupslowly,morethanevergratefulforallthesoftcomforterstocushionhisachingbodyfromthestonefloorofthekitchen.Therewasafirein

cushionhisachingbodyfromthestonefloorofthekitchen.Therewasafireinthehearth,andtheotherthreeseemedwarm,buthewascold—cold.

Jervisshovedaplateintohishand,Tashiracupofteaintotheother.SavilandJervisthenpretendedtodealwiththeremnantsoftheirdinners.Tashirmadenosuchpretense,hoveringatVanyel'ssideandwatchingeverymouthfulhetookwithimpatience.

Itwasalittleembarrassing,butVanyelcouldnotfinditinhishearttoblamehim.

Whenheputdowntheemptyplate,theothertwogaveupallpretensionsandhoveredaroundhim.

"I'lltrytomakethisshort,"hesaid,feelingalittleawkwardwithalltheirattentionsofixedonhim."Thispalaceissituatedontopofaplacewhereseverallinesofmagicalenergymeetandcollect—wecallthata'node.'Nodes—theverypowerfulones,thatis—frequentlyaren'tnatural.TheycanbecreatedartificiallybyaparticulargroupofAdeptscalledtheTayledras—the'Hawkbrothers.'"AtJervis'andTashir'slookofblanknonrecognition,headded,"TheyliveinthePelagirs.Mostpeoplehaveneverheardofthem.Fewerstillwilleverseethem.SavilandIareamongthefew."

Savilnodded."They'reverysecretive,andforagoodreason.Theydo—almostasnaturallyasbreathing—somethingdamnedfewothermagesareevencapableofimagining.Theymanipulatetheenergyfieldsoftheworldaroundus."

Vanyelinterruptedhergently."Theydotwothings,really;theydrainmagicleftfromtheoldwarsawayfromlandsthatordinarypeoplearemovinginto,andtheyusethatmagicbothtoHealthoselandsandtocreatesanctuariesformagicalcreaturesthataredisplacedbythefolkmovingin.Whentheysettleinaplace,theygenerallycreateanodeunderittouse.Whentheyleavethatplacetheyalways—orsoIalwaysthought—deactivateanddrainthenode,andreroutethepower-linesrunningtoit."

"That'swhatStarwindalwaystoldme,"Savilagreed,shiftingherpositionsothatsherestedherchinonherknees.

"Well,theydidn'tthistime,"Vanyelreplied."Thenodeisstillfullyactive,

andtheheart-stonethatisthephysicallinktoitisstillalive.That'swhatthatpillaris,Tashir,theheart-stone.Andthatbringsmetowhy."

Helickedhislipsandclosedhiseyesforjustamoment,tocenterhimself."Sometimewhenpeoplefirstmovedintothisarea,Tashir,oneoftheTayledrasremainedbehind,andselectedyourremoteforefathertobethehereditaryguardianoftheheart-stone.Hechargedhimtokeepitsafe,andtoseethatnooneinLineaseverdabbledinmagic.ThatchargehasbeenpasseddowntoeveryonewiththebloodoftheRemoerdisFamily—becausethatbloodcarriesMage-potentialwithit,andbecausethatverywiseancestorofyourssawnoreasontolimittheguardianshiptoafavoredfew.Themoreguardians,hethought,thesafer—andIthinkhewasright.Afterall,thishasgoneonforgenerationswithoutanyinklingofthepowerhereleakingoutsideofLineas.That'sthemeaningofthoseringseveryone—exceptyouandyourmother—wore.Theylinkthewearertotheheart-stoneandtheguardianship,andthespellthatbindswearertoringandtotheguardianshipallowsthestonetoactuponthewearertokeepthemsafe,andtosafeguarditself.Iactuallysawthatlastinaction—yourmother'smaidRetawasmovedbytheheart-stonetotellmesomeofwhatIneededtoknow.Itwasquiteuncanny;sheactedforalltheworldasifsomeonehadputasecond-stageTruthSpellonher.Backtothesubject.Youdidn'tgetone,andweren'tsealedtothestone,becauseyourfatherdidn'tbelieveyouwereofhisblood.Tosettlethatquestion,thestonesaysotherwise.Thestonerecognizedyouasbeingofthebloodthemomentyouenteredtheroom.Youarethetrue-bornsonofDeveranRemoerdisofLineas.Andifyourfatherhadeverconqueredhisowndoubtsandsuspicions,andallowedyouintotheroom,evenasaninfant,hewouldhaveknownthat,too."

Tashirhunghishead,andVanyelcouldseehisshouldersshaking.Helaidhishandontopofoneoftheyoungster's,andJervisputhisarmaroundtheyoungman'sshouldersforamoment.

"Now—thereasonwhythenodewasleftactive;there'saninstabilityunderneathLineas;rightunderneathHighjorune.Thenodeisliterallyholdingittogether.Ifitweretobedisturbed,especiallyifitweretobedrained,asacarelessorignorantmagemightmanage,Highjorunewouldcertainlybedestroyedbyaterribleearthquake,andquiteprobablyallofLineas,agoodsectionofBaires,andevensomeofValdemar.ThatiswhythepeopleofLineashavebeentrainedtoshunanddiscouragemages.Thatiswhatyourpeoplehaveheldintrustforcenturies—andIthinkthatthepowerofthenodeisalsowhythe

MavelanswantLineas.Unfortunately,Isuspecttheyseeonlythepowerfulnode,andhavemadenoeffortatdiscoveringwhyitisthere."

"Idoubtthey'dcare,"Savilsaiddryly.

"IwishIknewdifferently."Heputdownhismug,andrestedhisforeheadonhisownknees."Gods,"hesaid,hisvoicemuffled."Well,wehavepartofthepuzzle."

Hefeltahandonhisshoulder;Savil's."Tired,ke'chara?"sheasked.

"Nottired,precisely,"hereplied,raisinghisheadandsmilingintohereyes."Justalittle—divided.Youknowwhatqueryingaheart-stoneislike;youbecomepartofit.It'shardbeingarock;theyhavesuchastrangesenseoftime—andpriorities."Heshookoffhisfeelingofdisorientationandpattedherhand."Nomatter,nowthatI'vegotthatsolved,Icanhelpyouwiththattrap-spell.Ifyoucangetmesafelyinsideit,IthinkIcanunravelthecomponentsenoughtotellwhattriggersitandwhatitactson."

"We'regettingsomewhere,too,"Jervisputindiffidently.Tashirraisedhisheadandsniffed,once,thenscrubbedthetearsfromhischeekswiththebackofhishandandnodded."Youwanttotell'em,Tashir,oryouwantme?"

"Ican,"hesaid,thoughhisvoicequaveredalittle."Irememberwhythosethingscouldn'tgetmethewaytheygottheothers.Iwas—pushingthemawaywithmyhead.Irememberdoingthat;Irememberthemtryingtogetatme,andIrememberjustshoving—likethis—"

Hescreweduphisfacewitheffort,andVanyelfoundhimselfbeingpushedacrossthefloor,awayfromtheboy,beddingandall.Whenhereachedouthishand,heencounteredwhatwasalmostasurface,asiftheairitselfhadsolidified.

Tashirdroppedtheeffortwithagasp."Ithurtstodothat,"hesaid,"butithurtlesswhenIwasscared."

Vanyelnodded."Andthereasonthattheothersheldtheirattackersoffforalittlewhile—whichwaswhytheroomswithpeopleinthemweretornapart—wasbecauseoftherings.Thestonetoldmethatthere'ssomelimitedprotectionsspelledintotheringsbytheceremonyofbinding.Unfortunatelythoseprotectionsweremainlymeanttobeusedagainstsomeonetryingtoprobeaguardian'smind,notagainstsomeonetryingtokillhim."

guardian'smind,notagainstsomeonetryingtokillhim."

"Onemoredayshouldseeuswithalltheanswers,"Savilobserved.

"Let'sjusthopetheyaren'tanswerswedon'twanttohear,"Jervisrepliedgrimly.

Sensitizedbytheheart-stonetowhatmagicallyshouldandshouldnotbeassociatedwiththepalaceitself,Vanyeltooktheleadthenextmorning,makingacheckofeveryroominthepalace.Oncetheyfoundthetrap-spellcatalyst,theywouldhaveamuchbetterchanceofunravelingtherootsofthespellitself.

Therewasnothingonthefirstfloor,andnothingintheprivatequarters,notevenYlyna's.Butwhentheyreachedtheguestrooms—

ThetasteofevilwasintheairoftheprimarysuitesothickthatVanyelcouldhardlybelievethatSavildidn'tsenseit,too.Thiswasasetoffiveroomsreservedforthemostimportantofvisitors,thesuitethattheMavelanrepresentativeshadundoubtedlyoccupiedduringthesigningofthetreatyandthewedding.Theeffluviumofwrongwasstrongestinthereceptionchamber,aroomoflinen-paneledwallshungwithweaponryandtheheadsofmanydeadanimals,andfurnishedwithavarietyofimpracticalanduncomfortableunpaddedwoodenchairs,andonelargedesk.Hetracedit,growingmoreandmorenauseatedbythemoment,toofallthings,anornamentaldaggerhunginplainsightonthewallabovethehearth.

Hedidn'ttouchit—hecouldn'tbearto—buthedidn'tneedto.Ithadbeenthereforyears;perhapsaslongaseighteenortwenty.Thespellhadbeengivenplentyoftimetopermeatethroughthephysicalfabricofthepalacelikeaslowpoisonintheveinsofanunsuspectingvictim.

"That'sit?"Savilsaidincredulously."Imusthavepassedthisroomadozentimes."

Vanyelshrugged,andfoundhimselfamarginallycomfortablechair.Theywerelikelytobeherealongwhile,onceSavilgotstarted."Didyoutestthatdagger,orwereyoulookingforsomethinghidden?"heasked.

"Somethinghidden,"sheadmittedruefully,walkingslowlyandreachingfor—butnottouching—thedagger.Hereyesunfocused."That'sit,"sherepliedafteramoment.

"Allright.I'lllinktoyou,andyouslipmeinsidethespell,"Vanyeltoldher,bracinghimselfinthechair."Getoutassoonasyoucan;you'vebeendrainingyourselfquiteenoughasitis."

"Notasmuchasyou,ke'chara,"sheretorted,herlipsthinning,asshetookaseatonthefloorathisfeet,andlaidherhandsoverhiswrists.

"ButI'mnotaWeb-Guardian,"hepointedoutwithruthlesslogic."Comeon;let'sgetthisoverwith."

Heclosedhiseyesandevokedalighttrance-state;centered,thenreachedforadeeperlevelofSavilthanhetouchedinMindspeech.

Likehandtakinghand,helinkedwithher;followedherblindlythroughatwisting,torturousmazeoffireandshadowandconfusingshapesinwhichtheslightestmisstepwouldmeanthingshepreferrednottothinkabout.Savilknewwhatshewasdoing;ifshecouldn'tweaveherwaythroughthisthing,nooneoutsideofk'Trevacould.

:Braceyourself,love.I'mgoingtotossyouin.:

He"made"himselfascompactandsmalla"bundle"ashecould—andfelthimselfhurled—

Hecrawledonhandsandkneesintoconsciousness.Heopenedburningeyes,hisstomachinknots,hisheadpounding,andwantingabathmorethanhe'deverwantedanythinginhislife.Hefeltfilthyinsideaswellasout.

Savilwasstillkneelingbesidehim,holdingbothofhiscoldhandsinhers,staringintentlyintohiseyes."You'reback,"shesaid.

"I'mback,"hereplied,swallowingbile."Youwon'tlikeit."

"Idon'tlikeitnow."Shereleasedhishands,andherubbedhiseyeswithhisknuckles.

knuckles.

"Rememberwhatyousaid,about'blood'beinginvolvedverysubtlyinthis?Itis;andgivenwhatIfoundoutabouttheguardianshipoftheheart-stoneit'ssickeninglylogical.Whenthisspellistriggeredonsomeone,itnotonlygoesforthem—butforeveryonesharingblood-relationshipwiththatpersonthatisalsoamageorcarriesthepotential.Everyone,rightdowntobabesinthewomb."

Savil'sfacegrayedalittle."Sowhoeverdidthis—"

"I'vegotthat,too.LastpersontotriggeritwasdearUncleVedricMavelan.LastpersontargetedwasTashir.Somuchforallhisprotestsaboutwantingtohelpthelad."

"Tashir?"Hervoiceroseatleasthalfanoctave."Butthen—thatmeansthatVedricknewtheboywasn'this!"

Vanyelgrimaced,andtriedtositupstraighter."Exactly.Heknewitallalong,andmadenoattempttocleareitherhissister,ortheyoungster.Now,Ihaveafewguessesastowhythereseemtobeinconsistencies.ThebiggestiswhythemaidRetaIspoketosurvived.MyguessisthatVedricshieldedthepalacetoavoidbloodinthestreetsandthequestionofwhyTashirwouldmurderpeoplehedidn'tevenknowexisted.Ifhehadn't,it'sprettylikelythatpeoplewouldhavelookedelsewhereforaperpetrator,ratherthantoTashir.AndthatshieldwouldexplainwhytheMavelansweren'tattacked,sincetheywererelatedtoTashirthroughYlyna."

"AndwhyYlynawaskilledwitheveryoneelse;shemusthavebeencarryingMage-potential,"Savilmusedaloud.

"Thethingis—thisisatrapthatresetsitself.Untilwedestroythemaker,anyonethatknowshowcansetitagainstanyoneelse."

Hesatboltupright,astheshieldsonthepalacebuckledandweakenedunderafuriousattack.

"Didyou—"Savilexclaimed,blanching."—gods,ofcourseyoufeltthat;they'reyourshields.There'ssomebodyouttheretryingtogetin!"

"Willgetin,"Vanyelcorrectedgrimly,launchinghimselfoutofthechair."It'sVedric.Heknowswe'reinhere.He'sprobablyfiguredoutthatweknow

whathappened—orsoonwill.Hecan'taffordtoletusescape."

Theshieldsshriekedinhismindasanotherattackbatteredatthem.Vanyelstarteddownthehallatarun,followedbyhisAunt.

:Yfandes!:hecalled,snakingtheMindtoucharoundVedric,hopingthemagewouldbetoopreoccupiedwithhisattacktosenseit.

:Here-:

Gratefulthatthoughttooklesstimetosendthanwords,hetoldherallthey'dlearned.:Timetorunforit,love.HaveKellanstaywiththestud,youandGhostheadovertheBorderattopspeed.Vedric'sontous.Ifwelosethis—:

:IwillseethattheKingdomknows,:sherepliedgrimly.:Iwillseeyouavenged.ThenIwillcometoyou.:

Shecuthimoffbeforehecouldprotest,andtherewasnomoretimetospareforprotests.

"Wehave,"hecastoverhisshoulderatSavil,"maybeacandlemarkortwotofigureoutwhatwe'regoingtodo."

Fourteen

TheyskiddedintotheGreatHall,feetslippingonthedebris,startlingJervisandTashirconsiderablyastheycametoahaltbesidethem.Savilheldhersideandpantedalittle.

"What—"Jervisbegan.

"Vedric'soutthere,"Vanyelinterruptedhim."He'stryingtobreakthroughtheshields.Iexpectheknowswe'reinhere;Iexpecthefigureswe'velearnedthetruthofwhathappened.He'stheonethattriggeredthetrap-spell;heusedTashirforthetarget,andthedamnedthing'ssettotakeanyoneofthebloodlineofthetargetwithMage-potential."

Tashirhadbeensittingonaclearedspaceonthefloor.Hestood,slowly,hisexpressionfrozen,hisfacedrained."Iremember,"hesaid,hisvoicetightandstrained,"Iremembernow."Heturnedawayfromthem,andpointedashakinghandatthedoorthatledtothesecond-floorstairs."Iwasrunningdownthosestairs.Iwasgoingtorunaway.ItoldFatherthat—ItoldhimthatI'dratherdigditchesthangotoBaires.Helaughedatme,hesaidhedoubtedIhadthespine—andIhithim.Ididn'tmeanto,butitjusthappened.Iwasafraidhe'ddosomethinghorribleandIran.Iranthroughhereandoutthedoor,and—and—Icouldn'tgetout!Itwaslikehittingawall!Ididn'teventhink,Ijustturnedaroundandstartedrunningforthestabledoor,andwhenIgothere—"Hepointedathisfeet."I—it—happened.Like,Idon'tknow,likeawhirlwind,onlytherewerealltheseteethandeyes,andprettysoonitwasfillingthewholeroomandtearingeverybodyandeverythingaroundintoshreds—"

Hisvoicespiraledupintohysteria,andJervisshookhisshoulders.

"Tashir,comeon,lad,we'vegottroublesnow,don'tyoufallapartonme."

Theyoungmanshiveredlikeatrappedrabbit,buthenodded,andtherewasstillsomesenseinhiseyes.

"Irepeat;Vedric'soutthere."Vanyelshudderedashefelthisshieldsbucklealittlemore."He'llbeinheresoon.IsenttheCompanionsoutofhere;Kellan'smindingthestud,sheandGhostandYfandesaregoingforhome.Onewayoranother,thetruthisgoingtogetout,butthere'sonlyonewayoutnowforus.

Savil,I'llholdhim,whileyoubuildaGateandgetJervisandTashiroutofhere."

Shenodded,facegrayandgrim."Where?"

"Haven,bychoice;nooneisgoingtoextracthimfromRandale'shandsoncehehearsthewholestory."Hewasonlygivinghalfhisattentiontotheconversation;theotherhalfwasbusyweavingreinforcementstohisdisintegratingshields.

"But—"sheprotested.

"Dammit,Savil,justdoit;Ican't.Gatingthatfarwouldprobablykillme!"

"Vanyel,"sheinterruptedurgently,"whathappenswhenhetriggersthetraponyou?"'

Hefelthimselfpale,felthisspellcastingfalter."Oh,gods—letmethink—youshouldbeallrightifIcanjustholdhimofflongenoughforyoutoalertsomebodytoprotectyou.MedrenisBard-GiftedwithnoMage-potential,heshouldbesafeenough.Mysibs—nopotential.Father!"

"Issafe,"shetoldhim."HowdoyouthinkIgothalfthesewhitehairs?IspentaweekinthenodesweavingprotectionsforhimwhenIfirstmetStarwind.WhenIrealizedhowpowerfulanAdeptIwas,Ialsorealizedthatveryfewenemiesweregoingtobeabletocomeatmedirectly,sotheymightchoosetocomeatmethroughmybrother.ImadesuretherewasnochanceofthatwhileIhadtheenergyandleisure.Isthereanybodyelse?"

"No,"hesaid.Buthismindwasscreamingtherealtruthatherevenashislipsformedthelie.:Savil!Jisa—oh,gods,thechildren-:

:What?:

Hegrabbedhershoulderssotightlyitsurelymusthavehurtenoughtoleavebruisesashisfingertipsdugintotheflesh.:Ihavethreechildren.Brightstarandhistwinareink'Treva,undertheirownshields,Starwind'sandMoondance's,sothey'resafeenough,butJisa—:

:Jisa?How?Why?:

Histhoughtswerenotparticularlyorderedorcoherent,buthedidhisbesttogetthesenseacrosstoher.:Savil,don'task;she'sminebyblood,RandaleandShavriwantedit,that'sallyouneedtoknow.She'snotundershield.:HewantedtopoundthefearhefeltforthemintoSavil.:AndShavri'satriskthroughJisa.Idon'tknowifShavri'sgotthepotentialornot.Youhavetogetbackthere—gods—Inevermeantanyoneelsetoknow,butthere'snochoice—Jays.TrustJays.Tellhimthetruth;Ithinkhe'llunderstand.Nooneelse.Gods,ifRandalewasonlyamage—go,Savil!:Thebatteringathisshieldsgrewfiercer.:Justgo!Ican'tholdhimmuchlonger!:

Hereleasedhershoulders,andSavilturnedwithoutanotherwordandfacedoneoftheopendoorways.Sheheldupherhands,andVanyelfelttheslightdisorientationthatalwaysaccompaniedthemomentwhensomeoneinvokedGate-energyaroundhim.Heleftthelittlegroupofthreeandsprintedacrossthewreckage-strewnhallandupthestaircasetofacethedoorandtrytokeepVedricinchecklongenoughforthemtoescape.

Hefoughtsilently,fightingashehadneverfoughtbefore,fightingnotonlyforhimself,butforhisfriends—andforhisland,forwithoutShavri,Randalewouldfalltopieces.ThelastofhisshieldreinforcementscrackedandfellawayjustashefeltthewaveofdizzinessthatsignaledtheopeningoftheGateitself.Andtheouterdoorexplodedopen,breakingtwoofitshingesandshatteringeverywindowinthatwall,justashefeltawashofpain—

PainthatsignaledtheGatebeingtraversed,andthengoingdownagain.

Thatpainnearlydidhimin;hewasbarelyabletogethisownpersonalshieldupintimetodeflectthelightningsVedriccalleddownonhim.

"Holdhim,boy!"cameanurgentvoicebehindhim."Heknowsweknow—hedoesn'tdareletuslive!"

"Jervis!"Vanyeltappedrecklesslyintothenode,andflungfireintoVedric'sface.Hedidn'tdarelookaround,buthespatastreamofheartfeltcursesinfourlanguagesatthearmsmaster."Damnyou,"hescreamed,deflectingaparalysis-daggerandcounteringwithanice-storm."Getundercover!Whatinthehelldoyouthinkyou'redoing?"

"WhatSaviltoldme,"cametheunperturbedvoicefrombehindandtohisright,asVanyeltriedtoshatterVedric'sshieldswithhammeringblowsofpureforce.Vedricturnedthem,thoughnoteasily;Vanyelcouldsparenomore

force.Vedricturnedthem,thoughnoteasily;Vanyelcouldsparenomoreattentiontothearmsmaster.TodealwithVedricwouldtakeeveryscrapofconcentration.

Theywereequals,orsocloseasmadenodifference.Vanyelhadthenodetodrawon,butVedricwasbeingfedfromsomewhereoutsidehimself,too.Theentrywayshook;theglassofthewindowsthathadbeenshatteredinthefirstexchangeroseupandflewathim.Hepulverizedtheflyingshardsofdeathwithasingleblow.Nowflakesofstoneandplasterraineddownonthem,andthepavingbeneaththeirfeetcracked.ThenVedricsmiled—andtriggeredthetrap-spell.HastilyVanyelextendedhisshieldtocoverJervis.AwhirlwindSwarmofcreatures—asTashirhaddescribed,seemingmostlyteethandeyes—circledthem,screamingtheiroutrageatnotbeingabletoreachthem.Theyweren'tthegretshkebeingshe'dencountered—theywereatoncelesshungryandmoreevil.TheSwarmheknewattackedtofeed,thesethingsattackedonlytorendandtear,tomaimanddestroy,forthepleasureofdestructionandthepainitcaused.

Shriekinginfrustration,theSwarmspiraledupandaway,passingthroughtheceilingunhindered—andweregone.

Vedricsmiledagain."Well,HeraldVanyel—Ipresumethatiswhoyouare—aren'tyougoingtotrytorushofftotherescueofyourfamily,yourkindred?"

Vanyeljustlaughedathim.

ThatwasnottheresponseVedrichadexpected,anditshookhim.ButwhatshookhimevenmorewasthebacklashamomentlaterashisSwarmattemptedtofindvictims,andwerethwartedagain—andagain—andagain—

Failedspellsrecoiledontheircaster;thatwasoneofthefirstlessonsStarwindhadtaughthim.Andaspellthispowerful,ifbacklashed,shouldhaveknockedVedrictohisknees.Butitdidn't.

ItseemedasiftheMavelanmage-lordtookthebacklash,andsiphoneditoffsomewhere.

ThatwaswhenVanyelrealizedexactlywhereVedricwasgettinghisunprecedentedpower.TheentireMavelanfamilyhadunited(foronce)andwasfeedingthis,theirchosenrepresentative,withalltheircombinedpowers.

Vanyelcouldhammerathimuntildarkwithnoeffect.

Vanyelcouldhammerathimuntildarkwithnoeffect.

Hedeflectedanotherlightning-strike,andthoughtfrantically.EvenifhedefeatedVedric,thatwouldn'ttakecareoftherestofthefamilyunlesshecouldsomehowgetatthemthroughthelinkagetothemage-lord.

Thenheknewhowtomanagethat.

Rawnode-power.

OnlyTayledras-trainedoranAdeptwiththedearly-boughtcontrolheandSavilsharedcouldhandleit.Herememberedhow,whenhehaddefeatedthechangeling-mageKrebain,hehadnearlykilledhimselfbyfloodingitthroughhissystem.Onlyonethinghadsavedhim;thefactthatMoondance,ak'TrevaHealer-Adept,hadgottentohimwithinheartbeatsafterhe'dblastedhimself.IfhepouredthatthroughVedricandintothemeldbeforetheyrealizedwhathewasdoing,therewouldbenosavingofanyofthem.Withoutbeingpreparedtohandlethatkindofpower,theywouldbedestroyed.

Buttodothat,hewouldhavetodrainthenodetoalevelwherehemighttriggeraquake.AndhewouldhavetotouchVedric.

Hehadbeenverycarefullyavoidinglookingatthemage-lord.Nowhelookedacrossthespaceinterveningbetweenthemandsaw—

Tylendel.AsTylendelwouldhavelookednow,hadhesurvivedintofullmanhood.Hefroze.

Themomentarypauseintheparry-riposteofthemage-duelbrokeVedric'srhythmandconcentration.HelookedupandstaredatVanyelasifwonderingwhattheotherwasupto.

Thatbrokethegripofheartacheholdinghim,fornothingcouldhavebeenlessliketheTylendelVanyelhadlovedthanthecreaturethatlookedathimoutofthemaskofTylendel'sface.Therewascraftthere,andguile—andaterriblecruelty.Thekindofcrueltythatwouldseenothingwrongwithsettinganinnocentboyuptobeabusedandneglectedmostofhislife.Aheartlessnessthathadfinallyservedthehelplessboyupasasacrifice,astheexpendabletoolthatgaveVedricpower,andneveroncefeltatwingeofguiltorregret.

Astrengtheningsurgeofangergalvanizedhim,andhereengagedwithevery

Astrengtheningsurgeofangergalvanizedhim,andhereengagedwitheveryresourcehehad,fightinghiswaythroughlightning,fire,force-walls,everythingVedriccouldthrowintohispath.HecouldseethepuzzlementinVedric'seyesashewoneachstepacrosstheroom,payingforeachfingerlengthinpainwhenVedric'sweaponrypenetratedhisshieldingandscoredonhim,buttakingthosefingerlengthgainsdespitethepain.HeforgotJervis,forgotTashir,forgoteverythingbutthefighttowintowithinarm's-reachofthemage-lord.

Multicoloredcurtainsofpowerdancedinfrontofhim,barringhisway.Theyscorchedhimashepartedthem.

Twostepstogo.

One.

HereachedoutandseizedVedric'sarms,andatthatmomentthemageseemedtofigureoutwhathisgoalwas.Panicspasmedacrosshisface.

Butitwasarealizationthatcametoolate.

Vanyelopenedhimselfuptothenodecompletely,andletthepowerusehimasachannel,ashehadwhenhemeldedwiththeheart-stone.Itpouredthroughhim,meetingnoresistance—

AndintothemeldthatwastheMavelanfamily.

Vedric'sspinearced;hismouthopened,butnosoundemerged.Foronemomentheglowedlikeayoungsun—

—Vanyel'smindrockedunderamultivoicedscreamofagonythatseemedtogoonandonforever—

Thenitwasgone,andsowasVedric.TherewasnothingleftbutapileofwhiteashatVanyel'sfeetandtwohandfulsofashthathedroppedontothepile.

Vanyelstaredattheash,dully—andwhentheentrywayswayed,hethoughtforamomentthatitwashisownfatiguethatmadehimstumbleandlosehisfooting.

ButasJervisscrambledtowardhimtograbhisarmsandshakehim,heunderstood.Thenode—he'ddrainedenoughpowersothatthefaulthadgoneunstable.

unstable.

Thebuildingrockedagain,asJerviscontinuedtoshakehim."Comeon,youdamnedfool!"heshouted,rightintoVanyel'sface."ThosedamnedshieldsthatVedricsetupt'keepusfromgettin'awayarestillthere!Gateusoutaherebeforethebuildingcomesdownonourheads!"

HewrenchedhimselfoutofJervis'handsandfacedtheruinedouterdoor,holdinguphishandsandbeginningtheGate-spell,whilearoundhimtheroombuckedandheavedlikeaboatinastorm.

Thepainwasincredible.

Lettingthenode-forceusehimhadlefthimraw;itwasonlyknowingthatJerviswouldperishwithhimthatkepthimgoing.Hecouldseethecourtbeyondthedoor—orrather,whatthequakewasleavingofit.Thepalacewasdisintegratingaroundthem,andnothinglivingwasgoingtostaythatwayforlonghere.

FinallytheGatewascomplete;thecourtyardwinkedoutwithawrenchthatfeltasifsomeonehadtornVanyel'sgutsout,andinitsplacewasthecorridorjustoutsidetheAshkevronfamilychapel.

Vanyel'skneesgaveoutandhecollapsed.HehadjustenoughenergytowincealittleashalfthewallcollapsedbetweenhimandtheGate.

Therewasnothingbutpainnow;andhelackedeventhestrengthtoweep.

Jerviswasshakinghim;hetriedtopushtheman'shandsaway,butitwaslikeababetryingtopushawaythehandofanadult."Go,"hepanted,toospenteventomoan."Can't—holdit—stable."

There'snothingleft.Ioverestimatedagain—

HecouldfeeltheGatepulsingwiththebeatingofhisownheart.Inamomentitwouldcollapse.

"Go—now,"hetriedtourgethearmsmaster.Hewassotired;he'dgiveanythingtobeabletorest,beyondthepain.

Shadow-Lover—

Deathhadlongsincelostanyfearforhim.HehadbeencourtedbytheShadow-LoverforsolongthatHisembracewouldbewelcome,ifonlyitwouldbringhimpeace.Therewasnothingleft—notevenhiswill.

ButJervishadenoughwillfortwo.

"I'mnotgoin'withoutyou!"theoldmangrowled,asthepalacewallscriedinahundredagonizedvoicesaroundthem."Yourememberwhatyousaidaboutgivingup?Dammit,Van,don'tdoitnow!There'snobodytopickupyourloadifyougiveuponme!"

Thewordsreachedthroughthehazeofpainandweaknessasnothingelsecouldhave.Hestruggledtohisfeet,Jervissupportinghim,asthepalacebuckedaroundthem.JervisstartedfortheopenGate,morethanhalfdragginghimovertherubble,andfinallydrapedhisarmacrosshisownshouldersandcarriedhimthroughtheGateitself.

He'dthoughttherecouldbenoworsepainthanpassingthatGate.

Hediscoveredaheartbeatlaterthathewaswrong.

TherewasaflashoflightonmetalasJervis'bootsclatteredontothestoneofthecorridorfloor.Itwastraining,atrainingthatrefusedtoadmittohavingnostrength,thatmadehimsquirmsidewaysinJervis'grip.

Butitwasn'tquiteenough.Therewasarushofdarkclothtowardthem,andthehardimpactofsomethingdrivingintohisstomachandjerkingupward—

"Leren!"Jervisroared."Whatin—"

AndpainthatblackedouteverythingelsesenthimbonelesslytothefloorasJervisletgoofhim.

Somewhere—insomeotherworldbeyondthepain—therewasasoundofscuffling.Allheknewwasthepain,theagonythatwasthecenterofhim,ashelayonhissideandclutchedhisstomach,somethinghotandwettricklingbetweenhisfingers.

Heal—IhavetoHealmyself—HehadjustenoughHealing-Gifttosavehimself.Hereached,feebly,—nostrength—

:Chosen!:Yfandes'mind-voice,faintandfar-off—andabrief,unsteadysurgeofenergyfromhertohim,allunlooked-for;energythatcouldHealhim.

Butsomethingelsebrushedhismind,asenseofdarkandevilwings.

ItwaswithLeren.AdarkforcethatruledLeren,anditwaspoisedtostrikeatthearmsmaster.

Hehadachoice;savehimself—orsaveJervis.

Whichwasnotachoiceatall.

No!

Vanyeltookthatborrowedstrengthandhurleditattheunprotected,unsuspectingdarknesslikeaspearoflight.

Itpenetrated.

Butitdidnotkill.Thedarknessfled,wounded,butnotconquered,asVanyelbeganfadingintoadarknessofhisown.

Gods—Leren—controlled.

Jervis'voice."Bastardgotdistracted.Gothimwithachair,"themansaid,fromthatotherworld."Hewon'tbegoinganywhereforawhile.Boy—boy,didhemarkyou?"

Itwasbecomingveryhardtobreathe;hisfranticgaspsafterairjustmadethepainworse,anddidn'tseemtobebringinganythingintohislungs.

Someonerolledhimontohisbackandhecriedout.

"Lady'stits!"Jervisswore."Bloodybastard!"

Vanyelopenedhiseyes,buthecouldn'tseeanythingbutatinyspotofbrightnessinaseaofblack.Theblacknesscalledhim—

Jervisslappedhisfacelightly,andtheblacknessrecededforamoment."Don'tleaveonme,boy,"hesaidurgently,supportingVanyelinhislap."Staywithme!"

Vanyeldidhisbesttoobey,asJervisbellowedsomewhereoverhisheadforaHealer,buthewascold,andgettingcolder,andtheredidn'tseemtobeanyroomforanythingbutagony.

Hetriedtoopenhiseyesagain,whenheheardfranticallyrunningfeet.TherewasastrangeHeraldinWhitesonhisleft,andaswirlofgreenrobesasaHealerdroppeddownbesidehimonhisright.

"Gods!"heheardthelatterswear,inanaudiblepanic.Therewerehandspullinghisaway,andawashofweakeningthatfollowedagushofsomething,warmththatpouredoutofhim,andoverthehandsthatreplacedhis."I—oh,gods,we'relosinghim!"

"Likehell!"

"I—"

Everything—voices,vision,eventhepain—begantofade.Everythingexceptthestrangerkneelingathisleftside.Thoughhisfaceremainedoddlyshadowed,therewasasoft,argentglowabouthim,likestarlight,thatbrightenedwitheachpassingmoment.

:Takemyhand,HeraldVanyel.:

Vanyelblinked,struggledagainsthisfadingsight,triedtoholdtoconsciousness.

:Myhand.:ThestrangeHeraldheldhisrighthandouttoVanyel,andtherewasentreatyinthatmind-voice.:Willyounottakeit?:

Theurgencyintherequestpulledathim;thiswasimportant.Importantthathefightpastthepaintoobeythestranger.Movedbysomedeepconvictionthathedidn'tunderstand,hefoundatinycrumbofstrength;justenoughtomovethefingersofhislefthandandplacethem,stickyandwarmwithhisownblood,intothestranger'soutstretchedpalm.Thestranger'shandclosedoverhis,andhislipscurvedinasmileoftriumph.

Hewasstanding.Thepainwasgone.

Sowasthewound.ThestrangeHeraldstillheldhishand,butaboutthemwas—nothing.Onlyakindofpeaceful,tranquilgrayemptiness.

Thestranger'sfacewasstillshadowed—exceptfortheeyes,ablazinggloryofsapphiresandlight,alightneverseeninVanyel'sworld.

NotinthemortalworldthatVanyelknew.Notthenaturalworld.

Thereforethiswasnotthenaturalworld—andthiswasnomereHerald.

Vanyelreleasedthestranger'shandandsankslowlytooneknee,unabletolookawayfromthoseincandescenteyes.Thenthestrangersmiled,andthesmilewasasbrilliantandoverpoweringasthegaze.Thatsmilewasnosightformortaleyes,andVanyelmanagedtodrophisgazebeforehewaslosttoit.HebowedhisheadoverhiskneeinprofoundobeisancetothePowerthathadchosentoweartheguiseofahuman,andaHerald.

"Lord,"hewhispered,unabletomusterenoughcoherentthoughttosayanythingmore.

"Vanyel,no,"repliedavoiceofamber,silk,andsteel.

Hefelthands,gentlehandsonhisshoulders,handsthatdrewhimuptohisfeet.HedaredaglanceatthePower'sface,andwascaughtagain,amothinsapphirineflame.

"No,Vanyel,"Hesaid,shakingHishead,denyingVanyel'sassumption."Not'Lord.'Onlyamessenger,aservant.Youmustn'tkneeltome."

Thelongerhelookedintothoseeyes,theeasieritbecame."I'm—dead,"hesaidsteadily,feelingnothingatthewordsexceptasoul-deeprelief,thatitwasfinallyover,thathecouldrest.

ButtheOthershookHisheadagain."No.Notyet,Vanyel."Hehesitatedamoment,andHiseyeswereshadowedwithpity."Vanyel,becauseofwhatyouare,whatyouhavebecome,andthatyoustandatthecrossroadsofmanypossibilities,itisgiventoyoutochoose."

"Choose?"hesaid,honestlybewildered."Choosehow?"

"Choose?"hesaid,honestlybewildered."Choosehow?"

"Life,"repliedthePower,Hiseyesdimmed,asifwithunshedtears,"Life,or—"HetouchedHishandtoHisownheart."—ormyself."

Thenheunderstoodwhatstoodwithhiminthistimelessnothingness,whatgazedathimwitheyesofsorrow;beautiful,perfect,andserene.

TheShadow-Lover.

"Askmewhatyouwill,"Deathsaid,eyesradiant,andvoicesoftwithcompassion."Youmustchooseinfullknowledgeofwhatyourchoicewillmean."

"WhatdoIgoto,"Vanyelasked,marvelingathisownsteadiness,asheachedforthepeacethoseeyespromisedhim,"ifIchoosetolive?"

"Pain,"Deathreplied,bowingHisownheadsothatVanyelcouldnolongerseethoseeyes."Loss.Youwillseegoodfriendsdie,onebyone,untilyouarealone.Youwillfindyourselfgrowingapartfromothers,daybyday,untilthereseemstobenothingbutlonelinessandyourduties.Youwillreceivehurtsandwillnotdieofthem,thoughyoumaylongto.Andtheend—willbeonlymorepain."

"And—thealternative."

"Foryou—peace.Andanendtopainandlonelinessandgrieving."

Vanyelfeltalltheburdensofhisexistenceheavyuponhim;felttaxedbeyondhisstrength.Buthehadnotmissedthatsubtlephrasing,andheaskedafurtherquestion,thoughheknewinhisheartthathewouldhatetheanswer.

"AndwhatofthoseIleavebehind?"

Deathlookedupagain,andheldhisgazewiththosebrilliant,depthlesseyes—andwasithisimagination,ordidasad,proudsmiletouchthosesculpturedlipsforamoment?

"Theywillcometome,"Deathsaidquietly."Andsooner,andingreaternumbers,thanifyouchoosetolive.TheValdemaryouknewwillbenomore;herpeoplewillstruggletomaintaintheirfreedominashrunkenland,bereftofalliesandhemmedaboutbyenemies.Youarenottheonlyhope,Vanyel,but

alliesandhemmedaboutbyenemies.Youarenottheonlyhope,Vanyel,butyouareValdemar'sbesthope."

Vanyelclosedhiseyesinaspasmofdespair,strugglingtomaintainhiscomposure.Hewassotired—soverytired.Sotiredofpain,ofloneliness,ofalifethatseemedhardertoendureeachday.ButwhathehadtoldJerviswasnolessthanthetruth.HecouldnomoreleavehisdutiesunfulfilledthanhecouldrepudiateYfandes.Especiallynotnow—notknowing,bythewordofaPowerthatwouldnottellhimfalse,thattherewasnooneelsetodowhathecoulddo.

Buthewassotired.

"Whatismagic'spromise,Vanyel?"askedthevibrantvoice."Youthoughtyouknewtheansweronce.Isitstilltheansweryouwouldgivenow?"

Heroseoutofhisownsoul-deepweariness,andrealizedthat—no,thepromiseofmagic'spower—toaHerald—wasnotwhathehadthoughtatseventeen.Andthatwasthedifferencebetweenwhathewas,andwhatthoseofVedricandKrebain'silkwere.

"Itisn'tapromisemadetome,"hereplied,slowlyopeninghiseyesandmeetingDeath'sunblinking,steadfastgaze."It'sapromisemadetothosewhodependonme,onmystrength;it'sapromiseIhaven'tfulfilled,notyet,notcompletely."Heclosedhiseyesagain,andbowedhishead,feelingtearsofwearinessslippingfrombeneathhislashesandnotwantingtheOthertoseethemandhisweakness."It'sapromisethatgivesmenochoice.I—havetogoback.Nomatterhow—tired—Iam—"

Therewasawhisperofsound,andafeather-lighttouchonhisjaw.Heopenedhiseyes,andDeath'shandliftedhischinsothathisgazeagainmetthosebeautifuleyes.ThereweretearsinDeath'seyes,tearsthatmatchedhisown,andatender,sorrowfulsmileonDeath'slips.

"Ihaveneverbeensogrieved—andsoglad—tolose,"hesaid,andtouchedhislipstoVanyel's.TheirtearsmingledonhislipsasVanyelclosedhiseyes;hetastedtheminthekiss,hisownsalt,bittertears—andDeath'ssweet—

Strongarmsclosedabouthim,supportinghim,holdinghimagainstacomfortingshoulder,asDeathheldhimwithallthesensitivityoftheloverthatHecouldbe.

Vanyelyieldedtothegreaterstrength,andcrumpledinhisarms,hisshouldersshakingwithsilentsobs.Gentlehandscaressedhishair,andgentlewordscametohisears.

"Notyet,beloved,"Deathmurmured,breathmovingagainsthisear,lightlystirringhishair."Thereisnotimehere,whileIwillitso.Youneednottakeupyourburdenuntilyoufeelreadytomeetyourlifeagain."

Soheweptouthisweariness,hislongingforrespite.Hewept,andthenherestedonDeath'sshoulder.

"Vanyel,isitonlydutythatcallsyouback?"

"No."HefoundanothertinycrumbofstrengthandslowlystraightenedinthePower'sarms."No—it'smorethanthat.Moondancesaiditalongtimeago.Ilostmyownhearth-fire,butthat'snoreasonwhyIcan'twarmmyselfatthehearthsofmyfriends,notwhenthey'veofferedthatwarmth."Heblinked,andrealizedthathewassmiling."Notsomanyfriends,"hesaid,halftohimself,"Butallofthem—goodfriends."

"Worthreturningfor,Vanyel?"

"Yes,"herepliedsimply.

Deathactuallylaughedsoftly."SolongtolearnwhatMoondancemeant?"

"SometimesI'mabitdense."Hewipedhiseyeswiththebackofhishand."ForsomereasonIneverhadanytroublefiguringoutwhatdeathwasallabout;butlife—that'stakenmeuntilnow."

ThePowerheldhimforamomentlonger,thenlethimgo.Hemetthecompassionate,luminousblueeyesforonefinaltime,andsawthemflarewithastrangemixtureofpride,grief,andjoy."Vanyel,"Deathwhispered."Onethingmore—thereisonewhowouldmakehisfarewelltoyou."

Vanyelfeltsomeonebehindhim,alesserpresencethantheShadow-lover,andturned.

"Hello,Vanyel,"saidJaysen,holdingouthishand."Or—Iguessit'sgood-bye."

"Jays?"Vanyeltookthehand,momentarilystunned."Oh,Jays,no—Ididn't—"

"No,youdidn't.Don'tgoallguiltyonme."Jaysenactuallysmiled,ruefully."ItwasmyownstupidfaultforbeingsodistractedbythefactthatyouwentandfatheredourlittlepetthatIgavethosethingsofVedric'sachancetogetatme."

Tearsburnedhiseyes."But—"

"Stopthat.Iknewyou'dtakeitthatway,that'swhyIasked—Her—LadyDeath—toletmeseeyou.It'snotyourfault.Nowlistentome,neitherofushavemuchmoretime."

"TheWeb—you'retheNorthernGuardian—"

"Exactly.You'llhavetotakemyplace.Morethanthat,rememberwhatyouwerethinkingearlier?AboutmakingalltheHeraldsthepowersource?Dothat,Van.Figureouthow."Jaysensqueezedhishandurgently."It'simportant.FigureouthowtochangetheWeb-spellsothatitdoesn'tneedGuardiansanymore,justtheHeraldsthemselves.You'retheonlyoneofusthatcandothat.I'mchargingyouwiththat,Van."

Henodded,andmetJaysen'seyesevenly."Ipromise."

"I—"Jaysen'seyessoftenedforamoment."There'ssomethingelse.ShetoldmeIcouldtellyou.Maybeit'llhelp.Shesaidyouwon'tbealone."

HereleasedVanyel'shand,andsteppedbackward,alreadybeginningtofade.

"Shepromised,Van.AndIpromise."

Thenhewasfalling,falling—

Foraconfusedmomentafterheopenedhiseyes,hethoughtthattheslumpedforminWhitesinthechairbesidehisbedwastheMessenger—

Buthishissofpainashetriedtomovewoketheother,andhesawthatitwasamortalandafriend,afterall.

"Tran?"hewhispered."Tantras?Whatareyou—"

Tantras'facewaslinedwithexhaustion,andhiseyeswereredwithweeping.

"Van,Ihavetotellyou—"

"WelostJays,"hewhispered,remembering,feelingtheemptiness.

Oh,gods—Hewasnotawarethathewasweepinguntilasobshookhimandmadehimgaspwithpain.

Tantrasjusthandedhimasquareoflinen,and,movingtositgingerlyonthesideofthebed,heldhimuntilexhaustionlefthimnomoretearstoweep.

"Wethoughtyououghttohearitfromafriend,"Tantrastoldhim,helpinghimtolieback."Ishouldhaveknownyoualreadyknew."

"How?"Vanyelwhispered."Hedidn'ttellmehow."

"Hecouldn'tkeeptheSwarmoff—soheandhisCompanion—youknowbetterthanmehowthatworks."

"Finalstrike,"Vanyelanswerednumbly."Takeyourlasttargetwithyou.Oh,gods—ifI'djustbeenthere."

"Whatgoodwouldyouhavedone?"Tantraschided."Noonecanbetwoplacesatonce,Van.Notevenyou.LadyBright,wecamewithinahairoflosingyou,andthat'ssomethingI'drathernotthinkabout.Lissa'sHealerstilldoesn'tknowhowhepulleditoff.Heswearshehaddivinehelpatthelastmoment."

Vanyeljuststaredathim,findingithardtoimagineaworldwithoutJayseninit.

Agentletapbrokethesilencebetweenthem,andamaidhurriedin,faceblank—

Hidingfear.

"MilordHerald-Mage?"shefaltered,holdingapitcher.

Not"Vanyel,"oreven"milordVan,"hethought,withacatchinhisthroat.

NowIterrifyeventheoneswhogrewupwithmearound.I'mastrangereventomyown.

"Yes,Sondri?"hesaid,asgentlyashecould.

"Ibroughtyesummatt'drink."

"Thankyou."

Sheleftthepitcherandglassbesidethebed,andhurriedout.

Fear.Vanyelfeltanotherwrenchinside.Andtherewasonlyonewaytodealwiththepainofit.

TantrashadenoughEmpathytofeelsomethingofhiswithdrawal."Van—"HetouchedVanyel'sshoulder."Van,whatareyoudoing?"

Vanlookedathimbleakly."Yousawher,"hewhispered."It'sjustlikeyoutoldme.Ifrightenpeople.Andnowevenmorethanbefore.IwipedouttheentireMavelanfamily,oratleastalloftheonesinthemeld.IhaddivineaidinbeingHealed,oratleastthat'swhatthey'retellingeachotheroutthere.Ifrightenedthembefore,nowIterrifythem.Ithurts,Tran.Ithurtstofeelthatfear."

"Soyou'rewithdrawingbehindwallsagain."Tantrasshookhishead."Van,that'snottheanswer."

"Whatis?"

Tantrasonlyshookhisheaddumbly.

"Atleastmywallsgivemealittlepeace.AndIwon'twallmyfriendsout,Ipromise."Hetriedtosmile,atleastalittle.

"Butyouwon'tlookfornewfriendseither.Orlove.Van,you'remakingaseriousmistake."

"It'sminetomake."

"Ican'tstay,"Tantrassaid,afteralongsilence."Ihavetocouriermessagesback.Ionlywaitedtotellyou."

back.Ionlywaitedtotellyou."

Vanyelnodded,grieftooprofoundtobepurgedwithonespateofweepingrisingtoblockhiswords."Duty;weallhaveit.That'swhatkeptme,Tran,that,andfinallyfiguringoutwhatI'mdoinghere.Andthat'swhatJaysdiedfor—duty,andprotectingtheoneswealllove."Hestaredataspotontheoppositewallwhilehiseyesburnedandblurred."Thanksforwaitingtotellme."

Tantraseasedoffthebed,andsqueezedhishand."Rest.Whenthere'smoretotell,we'llgetthewordtoyou."

"Thankyou,"hemurmured,closinghiseyes.Heheardsoftfootstepscrossingthefloor;heardthedooropenandclose.Thenknewnothingmoreforaverylongtime.

TheHealerhaddonehisbest,butthewoundFatherLeren'sknifehadleftwasonlyhalfhealed,andstillverysore.Vanyelhadjustdiscoveredthatgettingfromhisbedtothechairbesidehistablewasasweatingandpain-filledordeal.TheHealerhadsternlywarnedhimabouttheconsequencesoftearingopenhalf-healedtissues,andVanyelwasinclinedtotakehimveryseriously,giventhewayhewashurting.Hedidn'twanttomakeabiggermessofhismidsectionthanitalreadywas.Asitwas,he'dhaveanL-shapedscarfortherestofhislife.Gutwoundsweredefinitelynotonhislistoffavoredwaystoearnalittlerest.

Gettingdressedhadbeenanordeal,too,buttheHealerhadsaidhecouldhavevisitors,andhewasn'tgoingtoseethembundledinbedlikeaninvalid.

Heeasedhimselfdownintothechairwithahissassomeoneknockedonthedoortohisroom."Come,"hecalled,wipingthesweatfromhisforeheadwiththebackofhishand.

Itwasnotanyonehehadexpected.ItwasMelenna.

Amuchsubdued,soberedMelenna.

"Icametoseeifyouwerereallyallright,"shesaid,shyly,"andtoaskHeraldVanyelforafavor,andsomeadvice."

HeraldVanyel.NotVan.Andthefearisinher,too.

"Please,Melenna,sitdown.Ican'timaginewhyyou'dwantmyadvice,but—"

Sheremainedstanding."Vanyel,"shesaidsoftly."You—andme.There'snohope,isthere?"

Helookedup,andthehonestlonginginhereyesmadehisheartgoouttoher,theangerandfrustrationofthepastfewweeksevaporating.Thegodsknew,heknewexactlyhowitfelttolongforsomethingyou'dneverhave—orneverhaveagain."I'msorry,Melenna,butIwon'tlietoyou.Itwashopelessfromthestart.Awomancanneverbeanythingmorethanmyfriend.Idovalueyouasafriend,andthemotherofmyveryyoungfriendMedren,butIcan'tofferyouanymorethanthat."

Shebentherhead,andquicklywipedhereyes,allcoquettishnessgone."I—youknowhowIfeel.Couldn'tyou—pretend?ItwouldmakeLadyTreesaandLordWithenawfullyhappy.AndIwouldn'tmind,reallyIwouldn't."

Helookedawayfromthosesad,sadeyes.Theofferwasterriblytempting.Butultimately,alie."Iknowitwouldmakethemhappy,butI'maHerald,Melenna.Ican'ttelllies—howcouldIliveone?Andyouwouldcare,eventually.Itwouldmakeyouveryunhappy.Thereareothermen—shay'a'chern—who'vetalkedwithme,whotriedjustwhatyou'resuggesting.Intheend,insteadoftwopeoplewhowereonlymoderatelyhappymostofthetime,thereweretwopeoplewhoweredesperatelyunhappyallthetime.Thewifewasjealousofhislovers,andhisloverswerejealousofher,anditwentdownhillfromthere."Heshookhishead."No,myfriend,itwon'twork.I'msorry."

Shewipedanothertearaway."I'msorry,too,"shesaid."Buttotellyouthetruth,I'mmostlysorryformyself,andalittlebitforTreesa."Shesighed."CanI—askyouafavor?Andyoucansayno.It'saboutMedren."

"Ifit'saboutMedren,theanswerisprobably'yes,'"hesaid."Yoursonisadelighttoanymusician,andacharmerallbyhimself."

"Wouldyou—sortofbehisguardianuntilhe'ssettled?He'sneverbeenawayfromhomeatall.Iknowheisn'tshy,butthat'stheproblem.Heseemsalotolderthanhereallyis,andthat'smyfault,Iguess.Hecouldgetinwithafastercrowdthanhecanhandle."

Hestaredather,astounded."You'dtrustme—?"

Shereturnedhisastonishedstarelevelly."I'mnotveryclever,sometimes,"shereplied,"butIlisten,Ilistenalot.You'reveryhonorable,andinallthestoriesaboutyouand—others,there'sonlybeenmen.Notboys.Besides,Medrentoldmehowheofferedtopayforlessons,andhowyouturnedhimdown.Yes,Itrustyou.I'llalwaystrustyou.I'velovedyou,Vanyel...foraverylongtime."

Greatlymoved,Vanyeltookherhandandkissedthebackofitgently."ThenIwillbeveryhonoredtoseeMedrensettledproperly,"hereplied."AndIcanonlypraythatIwillalwaysbeworthyofyourtrust."

Shegotupbeforehecouldsayanotherword,andheadedforthedoor—Onlytoberunoverbytherushofpeoplecrowdingin,asthedoorslammedopen.

"Nowlook,youpeabrain—"Savilwasshouting,asVanyel'sheadbegantospin.

"Lookyourself,"Withenshoutedback,shakinghisfingerather."ThedamnedLineanswon'tacceptanythingbuttheboy!"

"Buthe'saHerald,"Loreswailedoverthedin.

Vanyel'sheadbegantospin,andheclutchedtheedgeofhistable.Rescuecamefromanunexpectedsource.

"ShutUP!"Jervisroared,inatoneofvoicethathearkenedbacktotheparadeground.

SilencedescendedsosuddenlythatVanyel'searsrang.

"Wouldsomeonemindexplainingwhatallthisisabout?"hewhisperedintoit.

*

"LetmeseeifIhaveallthisstraight,"hesaid,aftereveryonehadsaidhisorherpiece—exceptMelenna,who'dfoundherselftrappedbytheinfluxofpeopleandhadn'thadthecouragetopushpastthemtoescape."Tashirnowholdsboththronesaccordingtothetreaty.Nowthathe'sbeenacquitted,theLineansarewillingtoaccepthim,andtheBairensarewillingtotakeaboutanybodysolong

willingtoaccepthim,andtheBairensarewillingtotakeaboutanybodysolongasitisn'taMavelan.Theproblemswiththisare:first,he'saHerald,whichmeanshehastobetrained,andwouldnormallymeanhe'dabdicatelandsandtitles;second,hedoesn'twanttobeaKing;third,he'sveryyoung,whichwouldbeatemptationtootherstocomeandattack,andwoulddragValdemarintodefendinghiskingdomforhim."

"Somethinglikethat,"Withenadmitted,astheothersnodded.

"Whyme?"hedemanded."WhyamIsuddenlythearbitrator?"

Savilflourishedapieceofparchment."BecauseaccordingtothislittlepieceofpaperIhave,underRandale'sofficialseal,youunderstandtheproblems,soyou'reappointedfullandfinalauthority."

:I'llgetyouforthis,Savil.:

:Youcantry.:

Hemassagedhistemples,andwishedforwine."Allright,let'stakethisslowly.Firstofall,we'vewaivedtherulesforHeraldsbeforewhentheyweretheonlyheirs.Itisn'tdoneoften,butIthinkit'scalledforinthiscase.Lores,yourGiftisFetching,right?"

Startled,theHeraldnodded.

"Fine,IherebyappointyouTashir'smentor,tostaywithhimandteachhimuntilyoufeelhe'sreadyforWhites.Youcanservedoubledutythatway;mentorandenvoy.Now—Tashir,wouldyoubewillingtotaketherulingseatifwearrangedforyoutomakethetwolandsavassal-state?ThatmeansyouareholdingthelandsofRandale,anditwouldmakethempartofValdemar."

Tashirconsideredthatforamoment,hisfacesober."D-doesithavetobe—doIhavetobeaKing?Idon'twanttobeaKing.It'sprettystupid,anyway,tobeaKingofsomethingyoucanrideacrossinafewdays."

"Providedyoucangetyourpeopletoagree,Ican'tseewhatdifferenceitmakes."

"ThenI'llbeaBaron,"Tashirreplied,sittingupverystraight."Lord-BaronoftheMarchofLineas-Baires.Iftherearen'tanystraight-lineheirs,itallgoesbacktoValdemar."

backtoValdemar."

Vanyelsighedhisrelief.IfTashirhadn'tbeenwillingtotakethedamnedpowerseat—civilwarswerenotwhatValdemarneededontheBorder.

"Now,whenthere'sarulerasyoungasyou,heusuallyhasaCouncilofolderpeopletoadvisehim—"

"Thereisn'tone,"Tashirinterrupted."Fatherhadone,buttheyalldied."

"True.Haveyouanyobjectionstomyappointingyouone?"

Tashirshookhishead,andVanyelplowedonbeforeanyonecouldstophim."FirstCouncilorandChamberlain,HeraldLores.SecondCouncilorandSeneschal,KasterAshkevron.He'sMeke'srighthand,Father,andhe'sMeke'saccountant.Anyobjectionssofar?"

Withensnappedhismouthshutonwhateverhewasgoingtosay,andshookhishead.

"Right.ThirdCouncilor,havesomebodysentoverfromyourlocaltemple—pickascholar.FourthCouncilor,thecurrentChiefElderofHighjorune.FifthCouncilor—huh.You'llneedaMarshal,agoodmilitaryadvisor,Iwouldthink.Jervis."

"Huh?"Jervisresponded,"Iwhat?"

"He'llbeverygood,"Vanyelcontinuedbeforehecouldobject,"andRadeveliscertainlycapableoftakingoverhereasarmsmaster.Andsinceyou'reabachelor,you'llneedaCastelaine—otherwiseyou'renevergoingtohavecookedmealsorcleanshirts."Hewentblankforamoment—untilhiseyesfellonMelenna.

"'Lenna?"

Shejumped.

"Thinkyou'dbeabletokeepTashirinroasts,herbs,andcleanlinen?"

"Me?"shesqueaked."Me?Castelaine?"

"Ofcourse,there'sacatch."Vanyelwasbeginningtoenjoythis."You'llhavetobeennobled,butRandididgivemefullpowers."HesawwithahiddensmilethatTashirwasbeginningtolookhappier.MelennahadstoodupforhimoncealreadyandshewasthemotherofhisgoodfriendMedren—twopointsalreadyinherfavor,atleastinhiseyes.

"But—butI—butIdon'tknowathingabout—"

"B-beanshucks,"Withenrumbled,changinghisepithetinmid-syllable."You'vebeendoingCastelainedutyhereforyears.Treesa'llhavevapors,ofcourse."

Savilinterruptedhim."Letherhavevapors.Ifshedoesn'twanttomindForstReach,letMeke'sladydealwithit.IknowyoungRoshya.She'sabrightlittlething,andIknowshe'sbeenproperlytrained.That'soneofyourworstproblemshere,Withen—toomanytrainedhandsandnotenoughjobsforthem."

MelennaturnedanxiouseyestowardVanyel."HeraldVanyel?DoyouthinkthatI—could—"

"Ithinkyou'lldojustfine.Now—doesthatsolvealltheproblems?"

BecauseI'mabouttorunoutofbrilliantideas,energy,andtheabilitytoholdoffpain.

"Ithinkso,"Savilreplied."IthinkwecanstartoffbycollectingKasterandshowingTashirsomethingofwhathe'llbedealingwith."

"Youwon'tneedme,willyou?"Jervisaskedsuddenly.

"Probablynot—atleastnotforawhile."

"ThenIneedawordortwowithyoungVanhere.Couldyousendtofetchmewhenyouneedme?"

Savilraisedoneeyebrow,butnodded.

Themobleft,andVanyelsaggedasJervisputapitcherdownonthetablebeforehim.

"Gods.Thatwasahellofawaytospendmyfirstdayoutofbed."Hecastawistfulglanceatthepitcher."Idon'tsupposethat'swine,isit?"TheHealer,usedtofighters,whowouldusetheinfirmaryasagoodplacetoholdanimpromptuparty,hadforbiddenhimwine.Hewasgettingverytiredofcider.

Besides,thedrugstheHealerhadgivenhimweretoostrong.Hewasn'ttakingthemexcepttosleep,andthepain-dullingeffectsofalcoholwouldhavebeenwelcome.

"Well—cider,"Jervissaidslyly,"andhelp."Hereachedinsidehisjerkinandheldupalittlebottleofapplebrandy."Couldn'tgetwinepastthatsnoop,butIcouldthis.Figuredyoucoulduseit.Littlebirdtoldmeyouprobablyweren'ttakingthosepills."

Hepouredagenerousdollopofbrandyintoeachmugbeforeaddingthecider;Vanyelacceptedhisgratefully."Whatlittlebird?"

"OnenameofLissa.I'vebeenplayin'hereyesan'earsoverhere."

"Shecouldberight,"headmitted."SheknowsIhatetobemuddle-headedthesedays."

Jervisgrimaced."Anybodybeenonfront-lineshatest'bemuddle-headed.WishthemHealers'dfigurethatout."

"HaveyouheardanythingoutofHighjorune?Likeaboutthepalace,andtheheart-stone?"

"Buried,andgonnaleaveitthatway.Seemedsafest.Van,youreallythinkIshoulddothis?"

"Why?Don'tyou?"

Jervischewedhislip."Idunno,"hesaidafteramoment."Tashirtrustsme.I'mgettingtoooldtotryandbeatsenseintomoreyoungheadsthanoneatanyonetime.Whatdoyouthinkofthenotion?Toodamnedfoolishtobelieve?"

"Ithinkyou'dmakeagoodMarshal,"Vanyelrepliedhonestly."You'vecertainlyprovedthatyouaren'ttoooldtochange."

Jervissnorted."YousaythatafterInearlyruinedyourlifeforyou?"

Jervissnorted."YousaythatafterInearlyruinedyourlifeforyou?"

"Butyousavedit,"Vanyelpointedout."Ifyouhadn'tbeenthere,Iwouldeitherhaveletthepalaceburyme,orI'dhavegonedownunderLeren'sknife.I'dhavebeendeadbeforeanyonefoundme.Ithinkwe'reeven."

"Huh."Theydrankinsilenceforamoment.ThepainofVanyel'swoundseemedabiteased.

"AboutLeren—youheardanythingyet?"

Vanyelshookhishead."Iwashopingyou'dgetaroundtohim.Ihavesomeinformationforyou,sinceyou'rerelayingtoLiss.Lerenwasmage-controlled."

Jervissworeunderhisbreath."Sohewastryin't'takeusbothoutapurpose.Ifhehadn'tgottendistracted—"

"Exactly—andI'mtheonethatdistractedhimforyou;therewas—Ifeltsomethingabouthim,butitgotawayfromme."

Jervisshookhishead."Damn.WefoundouthewasplantedonusbytheMavelans.AndnowthepriestsofAsteraaresending'finders'intoeverydamntemplealongtheBorderhere,toseehowmanymoretherearelikehim.SeemstheMavelansboughtthemselvesatemple-school.TheHighPrelateisnotwhatyou'dcallpleased.ButIguessLeren'seventwistierthanwethought?"

Vanyelnodded."ItoldSavilthismorningandsherelayedittoHaven,butLissmightaswellgetitfromyou.HemayhavebeenservingtheMavelans,buthewasservingsomebodyelse,too.AndIdon'tknowwhoorwhat.ItwasnopowerIrecognized."

"Andyouwon'teverfinditfromhim.Lisscouldn'tgetitoutofhim,andwhoeveritwaskilledhimbeforeshecouldturnhimovertoHeralds."

VanyelsworecreativelyanddescriptivelyinTayledras."Savildidn'ttellmethat."

Jervisgrimaced."Shedidn'tknow.Liss'sergeantfoundhimdeadinhiscelljustthismornin',gutstornout,andnobodynextornighhimsincethey'dbroughthimdinner.ButSavilan'Loresan'Tashirshoweduprightafterthat,an'thatkindagotlostintryin't'figgeroutwhatto'do'boutTashir."

"Magic."

"Seemsso."

Vanyelponderedforamoment."Didyoueverfindoutwhyhetriedtokillme?"

"Oh,aye.Thatwaseasyenough.Lerenknewwhatwasgoin'onhere;thatMavelanbastardwaskeepin'himbriefed.ThatmuchLissgotoutahimaforehegothisinsidestoreout.Vedricfiguredyouweregettingtooclosetothetruthabouttheboy.Whenhebreachedtheshields,hedidn'tknowwe'dunraveledeverything.Hehaditfiguredthathisspellwastoogoodtounravel.WhathemeanttodowassendyouGatinghome,andtheboywithyou.Lerenwassupposedtoknifeyouboth.Theyfiguredyou'dusethesameplacetoGateintoaslasttime,soLerenwaswaitingonceVedriccontactedhim.Whattheydidn'tfigureonwasSavilandmebein'there,noryouandSavilsplittingup,andtheydidn'tfigureonmebein'withyouan'nottheboy."

"I'mgladyouwere,"Vanyelsaid,softly."Ifithadn'tbeenforyouthrowingmyownwordsbackinmyface—well,Iwouldn'tbehere."

"Isthatathingtothankmefor?"Jervisaskedunexpectedly."Howmuchyougoingtotakebeforeyoucrack?"

"Asmuch,"Vanyelreplieddeliberately,"asIhaveto."

Jervisponderedthatamoment."Van—arewefriendsnow?"

Vanyelclosedhiseyes."We'refriends.AndIthinkIknowwhatyournextquestionisgoingtobe.YouwanttoknowwhyI'msendingyouawaywithTashir."

"Somethin'like."

"I'mtryingtoscattermytargets.Ihadalotoftimetothink,thepastcoupleofdays.Ifiguredoutsomething.Enemiesmightnotbeabletogetme,buttheycangetatmethroughthepeopleIcarefor.Someofthem—they'reprettywellprotected.Butordinarypeople,likeyou,Medren—"Heshookhishead."SoI'mtryingtosendyouallaway—farawayfromme.Thefartherawayyouare,thesaferyouare.Eitheryou'llbetoodistanttogetat,oritwilllookasifIdon't

care.Eitherway,you'llbeallright."

"Andyou'llbealone."

"That'sbetterthanknowingyoutookamage-boltbecausesomeonewantedtorockme,"heretorted,andswallowedthecontentsofthemugatagulp.

Silence,thenJervisreachedoutandrefilledhismug.Vanyelfoundhimselfgettingalittlelight-headed."Letmeaskaboutsomethinginconsequential;how'sMedren?Ishegoingtoforgivemeforwreckinghisoldlute?"

"Lute?"Jervischortled."He'dhaveforgivenyouforwreckingForstReachsolongasyoucamebacksafe.Funnything;rememberyousaidMedren'dbesafefromtheSwarmbecausehewasBardic-GiftedandnotMage?Youwasalmostright.SeemsliketheinstanttheSwarmtriedt'findatargethere,ev'ryoneofhislutestringssnapped.How'sthatforstrange?"

Vanyelshookhishead.Tooclose.Toodamnedclose.Iwasright.

"Anyway,he'ssafeatBardic;wordcamebackfromaBardcalledBredathat'ifthere'sanymoreathomelikehim,they'restagingaraid.'"

"Sohe'sdoingwell?"

"Betterthanwell.Ithinkthat'sthereasonMelennadecidedtotakethatCastelaineposition.Ithinkshe'sstartin'tolookatbeingsomethingotherthan'Somebody'slady'or'Somebody'smomma.'IthinkmaybeshewantstotakeashotatbeingSomebody,herself."

"Good,"Vanyelsaid,andmeantit.

"Youknow,"Jervisraisedoneeyebrow,"yourfatherstilldon'thalfbelievebutwhatyouwereafterTashir'stailthewholetime.Aye,andMedren,too."

Vanyelsnorted.

"Infact,"Jerviscontinued,"tohearhiminhiscups,you'vehadhalftheboysinValdemar."

Vanyelputhismugdown."Ifthat'saquestion,"herepliedacidly,"youcantellhimfrommethatit'sbeensodamnedlongthatbothyouandthosedamned

tellhimfrommethatit'sbeensodamnedlongthatbothyouandthosedamnedsheepinLongMeadowarestartingtolookgood!"

Jervisgavehimalong,thoughtfullook,andVanyelwonderedifhe'dsaidtoomuch,toofreely.Hetriedtoreadyanapology—whenJervisgavehimalong,slowgrin.

"Sticktothesheep,"thearmsmasteradvisedimpudently."Theydon'tsnore."