‘He won’t ask questions. But if I try to take her to my little house, that would draw unwanted attention. In fact, she probably wouldn’t fit through the door.’
Her words drew a tiny smile from the child.
The pony ambled along with its head down and almost stumbled. The child jumped from its back and patted the pony before she looked up at Morane and nodded.
‘Come on then, let’s go there right now.’
The farrier lived on the same side of town, so they didn’t have to sneak through the streets.
The child shied away from the idea of meeting anyone else, so Morane allowed her to hide in the bushes and she led the pony herself.
‘I need a favour, Flav,’ she said when the farrier opened his door.
He looked out at her and then the pony. Without a word, he put his door on the latch, and led her over to the stables.
‘She’s a charming little pony, but not your style,’ he said as he indicated an empty stall.
Morane led the pony inside and then stepped back while Flav examined her. ‘My friend is passing through and needed a place for this poor beast to rest.’
He ran his hand along the pony’s sides, checked her legs and feet, and then her mouth and eyes, tutting to himself as he worked. ‘This pony is exhausted, dehydrated and in need of a few extra meals. I don’t like to see animals treated like this.’
Morane thought of the girl; she wasn’t in much better shape and hardly dressed to be out at night.
She edged towards the door. ‘It wasn’t meant maliciously. I’ll stop by with payment tomorrow. And thanks, Flav. I know you’ll be discreet.’
She left the farrier preparing an oat rich meal for the pony and hurried back to the child.
The girl huddled in the shadows and looked up fearfully as Morane arrived. ‘Come on, your pony is being well cared for, now let’s get you somewhere safe and warm.’
Morane’s heart pounded as they closed the distance to her home. She used the back entrance as it wasn’t overlooked by the street and was glad to see the neighbours’ houses were dark.
She ushered the girl inside to the fireplace and coaxed the fire back to life. Then she set the pot of broth to reheat and handed the child a goblet of water.
The girl ate dry bread and water while she waited for the broth to warm. She allowed Morane to wipe the grime from her face and wrap a blanket around her shoulders.
A pretty young girl emerged from beneath the dirt. She could only be six or seven years old. Her eyes were scared and fearful, and told of the horrors she’d suffered. It awakened the motherly instinct in Morane, and she knew she would protect the fey, mute child with her life.
Morane fed the child and then helped her to bed. She sat in a chair and watched the little girl fall asleep.
The magic in the child was strong, and she knew the Assembly would find her if she stayed in town.
As she watched the girl sleep fitfully, moaning and crying out, Morane made a decision; it was time to go to Turrak. It would mean breaking her promise, but the child’s life would be in danger if they stayed any longer in Steppton.
Morane smiled as she remembered the Sentinel’s visit. She’d been young, not even into womanhood, and just coming into her powers. The whole of Kalaya seemed to be in a panic about magic and there were rumours of people fleeing south to Turrak. She’d been considering her own future when an old man turned up at the door. She’d known instantly that he was important, but had been astonished when he’d introduced himself as Gohan, the Sentinel.
Gohan had said her role was important in Steppton-upon-Avalene. She should stay where the people needed her, where he needed her to help their kind through the difficult years ahead. She’d pledged herself to do his bidding and had never thought to break that promise until now.
Morane looked at the child sleeping in her bed and felt the fates tugging her towards Turrak. She knew in her heart that it was the right course.
She planned the finer details, knowing she would have to ask Flav to help her obtain supplies for them and the pony. Food, saddle, blankets. She knew she could trust the farrier; she’d saved his daughter’s life three years ago from a fever and he’d sworn to help her if ever she needed it.
Morane thought about the mountains and then remembered the young redheaded woman who’d stayed with her a few months ago, wondering if she’d made it to Turrak. With any luck, she would soon find out.
Chapter Eleven
Tei pulled up on the reins and stopped at the edge of the trees. The mountains stretched into the sky filling her vision. She pulled her cloak tighter around herself, but even the familiar presence of her father’s magic couldn’t drive away her melancholy.
She glanced across at her companion; Brogan looked at the huge mountain range on the horizon, his grip on the reins betraying his tension. When he turned to her, his smile softened the hard line of his jaw.
‘We won’t have the freedom to be together in the mountains, will we?’
Tei shook her head. ‘We’re from different bloodlines. In Turrak, that matters.’
Brogan reached out and took her hand. ‘Why don’t we stop here for a while?’
They found a concealed spot in the woods. As they dismounted and tethered the horses, Tei felt Brogan’s presence close by and her skin tingled in response.
She sensed him move behind her and shivered as the warmth of his hands pressed lightly on her shoulders. Slowly he turned her to face him and then his lips found hers. The passion in the kiss stole her breath away.
He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes. ‘We’ve both seen too much heartache this past year. It’s our turn to take a little happiness.’
Too breathless to speak, Tei traced her finger down his cheek, across his lips and along the strong line of his jaw. She searched his face, filled with wanting but also uncertainty. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Tei, I’ve wanted you from the moment I found you in the River Avalene.’
She wrapped her arms around his neck, never wanting to let go.
He stroked his hand down her body and she moaned against his lips as they fumbled with their clothes.
Afterwards, they lay together, in no hurry to move, though even snuggled against Brogan’s chest, sadness and fear crept into Tei’s heart.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked, shifting to look down at her.
She hadn’t realised she was crying until he wiped the tears from her cheeks. ‘You shouldn’t be with me.’
‘That’s like saying I shouldn’t breathe.’ Brogan stroked back her hair before putting his arm protectively around her.
She liked the feel of his skin against hers, of the strength rippling through his gentle touch. He helped to push away the darkness of her thoughts. ‘I wish we could run away together.’
‘So do I, but we’ll get through this.’
She looked up into his face, seeing the spark of life returning to his eyes. The terrible grief and guilt was still there and it would take a long time to leave him, but she was glad to see the Brogan who’d plucked her from the Avalene coming back to himself.
Warmth coursed through her veins and she slid her hand down his chest. ‘No one is expecting us in Turrak just yet... why don’t we stay here a while longer?’
***
Callisa waited at her desk for Benon to arrive, but then, feeling restless, she moved to the fire; somehow it seemed fitting to be less formal.
To pass the time she remembered her earlier conversation with Hafender. The captain had commended Benon, agreeing to her choice of man, but at the same time, she’d seen his sadness; his doubts were so easy to read when they reflected her own.
She felt Benon’s presence outside and whispered a word of command. The door swung open.
‘Come in,’ she called and watched the young mystic enter.
He gave the room and its contents a sweeping glance, careful not to meet her eye. Callisa read his nerves though he disguised them well, and knew he was unsure of her intentions.
He moved across the room with a confident air and sat in the chair she indicated. He didn’t make a sound and she realised it was natural; every fluid movement he made marked him out as special. Callisa forced down second thoughts.
‘This will not be anything you expect,’ she told him.
He inclined his head in acknowledgement. ‘I come with no preconceptions, Sentinel.’
Callisa took a deep breath. ‘I want you to kill someone for me.’
His eyes widened, but he was quick to guard his expression and remained sitting rigid opposite her, waiting for her to continue.
‘He’s a powerful mystic; even I can’t judge the extent of his abilities. He may be guarded by others, and you’ll certainly have to slip past his powers.’
Benon didn’t flinch at her words. ‘You don’t need to make the task sound so easy.’
Callisa laughed and watched his face relax. His smile was contagious, and she had to steel herself from allowing any feelings to form. ‘You can’t tell anyone about this, Benon. Your success and your safety depend on it.’
‘I won’t say a word.’
‘And I have to warn you that you may not get out alive, but if you succeed in your mission, you’ll stop the coming war against magic and save Kalaya.’
She saw a trace of fear flicker in his eyes. ‘I’ll do my best.’
Against her better judgement, Callisa reached out and touched his hand. ‘I know, Benon, that’s why the island chose you.’
***
‘Halt.’ The command rang around them, reverberating off the walls of the pass.
Tei gulped as she drew up in front of Brogan, keeping herself between him and the hidden watchmen. ‘I’m returning with a guest of the Sentinel.’
She scanned the rocks to see if she could spot the bowmen but they remained hidden. The silence stretched and she waited for the arrows to rain down.
‘Tei, you’re to take Brogan to the valley hall. The Elders will be waiting for you both there.’ The head watchman called down. ‘You have safe passage.’
They trotted side by side through the pass.
Brogan hadn’t spoken since they reached the shadows of the mountains and his nerves showed in his white-knuckled grip on the reins.
Tei forced herself to relax and smiled at her silent companion. ‘You’ll love Turrak.’
They stopped at the entrance to the valley, and Tei watched Brogan’s expression transform as the vista of Turrak’s hidden splendour came fully into view. They both dismounted and stood together, staring down at the valley.
‘Welcome to the home of the exiles,’ she said, feeling a spark of pride.
‘It’s unbelievable.’
Tei grinned and squeezed his hand, though quickly stepped back when she saw a messenger heading up the slope to intercept them.
‘The Elders have gathered in the valley meeting hall and await your arrival,’ he told Tei, ignoring Brogan. ‘They request an immediate audience with you and your charge.’
‘Thank you,’ she replied stiffly, but the messenger had already spun on his heel and hurried back down the slope.
They walked the horses through the settlement and up to the stables. Tei handed Starflower’s reins to Conall, who waited to greet them.
‘Hello, Tei.’
She smiled warmly at the lanky youth. ‘The horses did us proud. And now they both deserve some special attention.’
Brogan remained with Biscuit, stroking her soft mane, and Tei saw his reluctance to part with the only link he had left to his former life.
‘I’ll take good care of her,’ Conall said softly.
Brogan gave the mare a final pat and then headed towards the centre of the settlement.
Tei mouthed thanks at Conall and then rushed to catch up with Brogan. Their destination was obvious, the bright yellow hall with its dark timbers and towering thatched roof stood out amongst the rest of the valley homes, beckoning them.
Tei fell into step beside him and tried to ignore the hostile gazes of those they passed; word of Brogan’s position on the Assembly had obviously preceded them.
Tei gritted her teeth, annoyed at the cold reception her people were giving him.
When they moved briefly out of sight between two buildings, Brogan stopped and brushed his hand along her arm. She looked into his eyes, surprised to see him in good humour.
‘I expected a worse greeting than this. I’m a part of the Assembly, the enemy of magic, war bringers, exile haters.’
‘Stop it.’ She slapped his arm. ‘This isn’t a joke. This is my people disparaging your honour. They have no right to judge you.’
‘But judge me they will, on rumours and lies. I know I have to prove myself, you can’t tell them what to think.’
Tei sighed. ‘If they knew the truth…’
Brogan shook his head, his look turning more serious. ‘I’ll handle this; you just lead me to the slaughter.’
She glared at him, and the rest of the journey passed in uncomfortable silence. Tei kept her lips pursed and her eyes ahead, refusing to acknowledge anyone around her.
The messenger had arrived ahead of them and the doors of the valley meeting hall were already propped open. Several mystic captains stood outside and ushered them into the building. The door shut behind them and Brogan was swept away to the head of the room where all the Elders waited for him.
Tei lingered at the edge of the room, feeling lost and awkward, until she saw Hafender in the audience and slipped into an empty seat beside him.
The captain glanced across at her. ‘You’ve done a good job.’
‘You wouldn’t think it, the way Brogan’s being treated.’
‘This debate has raged for days, but don’t worry, the Sentinel’s spoken in Brogan’s favour. The air will settle now.’
‘I hope so,’ Tei said quietly and turned back to look at the front of the meeting hall.
Callisa sat at the Elder’s table at the head of the room, and caught Tei’s gaze. She gave a small nod. You’ve already saved Brogan. This meeting is just a formality we must all endure.
Hilda stood and prepared to address the room, forcing Tei to contain her thoughts. She watched the old woman, unable to judge what the Elder felt towards Brogan.
Hilda clapped her hands and signalled for silence. ‘We’ve all heard the Sentinel deem this man to be an important asset to our cause. We shall assess him as we do all newcomers, but on this occasion it would be appropriate to allow Brogan the chance to speak for himself before any further discussions are had.’
The silence was heavy in the room. Tei held her breath as Brogan took to his feet and faced the room of strangers. He looked at her briefly before he spoke.
‘My name’s Brogan and, as you’re probably all aware, I served on the Assembly.’
There were several murmurs travelling around the room. Tei tensed, but it seemed to help Brogan relax.
‘I’m not your enemy; the Assembly is not your enemy. It’s all been corrupted by one man. He manipulated the Assembly to his will, secretly killing off those who opposed him. I was amongst those trying to lead the Assembly away from the darkness... and I paid a terrible price…’
Everyone watched avidly as Brogan fought to swallow his emotion. The atmosphere in the room swayed delicately in the balance. No one spoke. Brogan clenched his hands at his sides and glanced at her and she smiled encouragement.
He took a deep breath. ‘I’m a farmer at heart. I only joined the Assembly to bring peace and to show them that people of magic are no different to anyone else. I did all I could to stop the laws they passed prohibiting magic, and because of my decision I lost everything. I stand before you now and ask you give me a chance. Let me join you and I will do all in my power to help you defeat our common enemy.’
Brogan remained alone at the head of the room, waiting for judgement.
Tei gripped her fists in her lap, her whole body tensed. She couldn’t believe the Elders would turn him away, but the silenc
e seemed to last an eternity.
The Sentinel stepped forward. She gripped Brogan’s hand, and quiet words passed between them. Then she faced out into the room, looking between both the Elders and the mystic captains who had yet to put voice to their thoughts.
‘I know the hearts of men, and I know Brogan’s words are true. He’s lost much to keep Kalaya free from war, and I know that he’ll never falter in his efforts as long as the need remains. So I bid you all welcome him now, as one of your own.’ Her voice rang out, commanding the room.
Hafender was the first to show his hand in support, others hesitated a moment before they followed his lead.
Tears welled in Tei’s eyes as relief flooded her exhausted body. She caught Brogan’s gaze and smiled at him before the Elders whisked him away. Thal nodded to her as he passed, and she knew the old man would ensure they treated Brogan fairly.
She saw Callisa breaking off from the rest of the group, and hurried to catch up with her.
‘Follow me; we’ll have to talk as we walk.’ Callisa paused long enough to see Tei had heard her.
‘Thank you,’ Tei said, hurrying to keep up as they headed towards the mountains.
‘I meant every word; Brogan’s a good man,’ Callisa said, though she seemed distracted.
Tei sensed her heavy spirit. What’s wrong?
I fear the war will come and there’s nothing we can do about it.
Tei shook her head. Rathnor is just one man; we can stop him.
That’s the problem, I don’t know if we can…
Don’t lose hope. Tei wished she could say more to ease the Sentinel’s anguish, but her black mood was infectious.
Maybe it’ll be alright, if the risk pays off… The Sentinel looked back towards the Turrak pass. ‘I have to go, I’ll see you later,’ she said aloud and then hurried away.
Tei watched her stride up the slope to the mountain entrance, wondering what Callisa meant by her cryptic words.
Chapter Twelve
Morane led the pony through the valley and glanced back at the girl. She was pale, her eyes dull, and she had still not spoken about what happened to her and her family. In the days they’d been together, she’d barely spoken at all.
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