Black Magician 03 - The High Lord

by Trudi Canavan

  As always, Akkarin was sitting in one of the guestroom chairs. His long fingers were curled around a glass filled with dark red wine.

  "Good evening, Sonea. How were your lessons today?"

  Her mouth was dry. She swallowed, drew another deep breath, stepped inside, and heard the door close behind her.

  "I want to help," she told him.

  His eyebrows lowered, and he stared intently at her. She struggled to hold his gaze, but soon found herself looking at the floor. Silence stretched between them, then in one movement he stood and set the glass aside.

  "Very well. Come with me."

  He walked to the door of the stairway leading to the un-

  derground room. Opening it, he gestured for her to enter. Her legs were unsteady, but she forced them to move.

  As she reached him there was a knock at the main door, and they both froze.

  "Go on," he murmured to her. "It is Lorlen. I will have Takan deal with him."

  For a moment, she wondered how he knew it was Lorlen. Then understanding came in a flash. The ring Lorlen wore did contain a gem like the one in the spy's tooth.

  As she descended the stairs she heard a new set of footsteps in the guestroom above. Akkarin gently closed the stairway door and followed her down. She stopped outside the door to the underground room, then stepped aside as Akkarin reached her. The door opened at a touch of his hand.

  The room beyond was dark, but it brightened as two globe lights appeared. She looked at the two tables, the battered old chest, and the bookcases and cupboards. Really, there was nothing threatening in there at all.

  Akkarin appeared to be waiting for her to enter. She took a few steps inside, then turned to face him. He looked up at the ceiling and grimaced.

  "He's gone. I have something to tell him, but it can wait."

  "Do you . . . should we do this later?" she ventured, half hoping he would agree.

  The look he gave her was so direct, and predatory, she took a step backward.

  "No," he said. "This is more important." He crossed his arms, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a half-smile. "Well then. How do you intend to help me?"

  "I ... you . . ." She was suddenly short of breath. "By learning black magic," she finally managed.

  His smile vanished.

  "No." He uncrossed his arms. "I cannot teach you that, Sonea."

  She stared at him, astonished. 'Then ... then why did you show me the truth? Why did you tell me about the Ichani if you didn't mean for me to join you?"

  "I never intended to teach you black magic," he said

  firmly. "I would not have you endanger your future in the Guild. Even if that did not concern me, I would not pass this knowledge on to anyone."

  "Then . . . how can I help you?"

  "I intended . . ." He hesitated, then sighed and looked away. "I intended you to be a willing source of power, as Takan is."

  A chill swept through her, but it quickly faded. Of course, she thought. That's what all this was leading to.

  "The Ichani may never invade," he said. "If you learn black magic you will have risked your future for nothing."

  "It is a risk I'm willing to take," she replied, her voice small in the large room.

  Looking up, he fixed her with a disapproving stare. "You would so easily break your vow?"

  She held his gaze. "If it was the only way I could protect Kyralia."

  His stare lost its fierceness. She could not name the

  expression that he wore now.

  "Teach her, master."

  They both turned at this new voice. Takan was standing in the doorway of the room, regarding Akkarin intently.

  "Teach her," he repeated. "You need an ally."

  "No," Akkarin replied. "What use is Sonea to me if I do? If I take her strength she is of no use as a black magician. If she is a black magician, who is she going to gather strength from? You? No. You already bear too much of that burden."

  Takan's gaze did not waver. "Someone needs to know that secret other than you, master. Sonea does not need to use it, only be there to take your place if you die."

  Akkarin returned the servant's stare. For a long time they regarded each other in silence.

  "No," Akkarin said eventually. "But... I will reconsider if they attack Kyralia."

  "By then it will be too late," Takan replied quietly. "They will not attack until they have removed you."

  "He's right," Sonea interjected, her voice trembling. 'Teach me and use me as a source. I will not use black magic unless I have no other choice."

  He stared at her coldly. "Do you know what the punishment is for learning and using black magic?"

  She hesitated, then shook her head.

  "Execution. No other crime earns such a punishment. Just seeking to learn about black magic will have you expelled from the Guild."

  A chill ran over her skin. His mouth twisted into a grim smile.

  "But you can make yourself useful to me without committing a crime. There is no law against giving power to another magician. Indeed, you have already been taught to in Warrior Skills classes. The only difference is that I can store the power you give."

  She blinked in surprise. No knife? No cutting of the skin. But, of course, there was no need.

  "A night's sleep was all you needed to recover most of your strength after facing Regin and his followers," he

  continued. "We should take care that you do not give too much power if you must tackle Warrior Skills classes the next day, however. And if you do intend to be capable of fighting these spies in my place, then I should take a hand in your training."

  Sonea felt a wave of dizziness sweep over her. Warrior Skills lessons? With Akkarin?

  "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.

  She took yet another deep breath. "Yes."

  He frowned and considered her. a moment. "I will take a little of your strength tonight. Tomorrow we will see if you still wish to help."

  He beckoned. "Give me your hands."

  She walked forward and offered her hands. She shivered as his long fingers linked with hers.

  "Send out your power, as you have learned to when

  channelling power to another in Warrior Skills class."

  Drawing power, she sent it flowing out of her hands. His expression changed slightly as he became conscious of the energy and drew it into himself. She wondered how he stored it. Even though she had been taught how to receive power from other novices, she had always channelled it into strikes or added it to her shield.

  "Leave yourself some energy for classes," he murmured.

  She shrugged. "I barely use any. Not even in Warrior Skills classes."

  "You will soon." His grip loosened. "That is enough."

  She stopped sending power. As he released her hands she took a step back. He glanced at Takan, then nodded at her.

  'Thank you, Sonea. Now, get some rest. Give Takan a copy of your schedule in the morning so that we can work around your Warrior Skills classes. If you are still willing, we will continue with this tomorrow night."

  Sonea nodded. She took a step toward the door, then stopped and bowed.

  "Good night, High Lord."

  His stare was unwavering. "Good night, Sonea."

  Her heart was pounding again. As she climbed the stairs she realized it was not with fear anymore. It was racing with a strange kind of excitement.

  I might not be helping him in the way I expected, she thought, but I am helping.

  Then she chuckled ruefully. But I might not be so happy about that when he starts assisting in my Warrior Skills lessons!

  10

  An Unexpected Adversary

  As Rothen waited for the last of his pupils to arrive, he looked out of the window. Longer, warmer days were turning the gardens into a labyrinth of green. Even the gray High Lord's Residence looked welcoming in the bright morning light.

  As he watched, the door to the residence opened. He felt his heart skip as Sonea stepped
out. It was a late start for her, he realized. According to Tania, she still rose at dawn.

  Then a taller figure emerged, and Rothen felt his entire body tense. The folds of Akkarin's black robes were almost gray in the bright sunlight. The High Lord turned to Sonea and spoke. Her lips curled up into a small smile. Then the pair straightened and started toward the University, their expressions sober again. Rothen watched them until they moved out of sight.

  Turning away from the window, he shivered. A chill had caught hold of him, and wouldn't let go.

  She had smiled at Akkarin.

  It had not been a polite, forced smile. Nor an open, unguarded smile. It had been sly and secretive.

  No, he told himself. I'm just seeing that which I most fear because it's what I'm always watching for. She was probably smiling to deceive or mollify Akkarin. Or perhaps she had found some comment he made amusing, was enjoying a little joke at his expense . ..

  But what if she hadn 't been ? What if there's another reason?

  "Lord Rothen?"

  Turning, he saw that the rest of the class had arrived and were patiently waiting for him to begin. He managed a rueful smile, then moved toward the desk.

  He could not charge out of the classroom and demand an explanation from Sonea. No, for now he must put her out of his mind and concentrate on teaching. But later he would consider carefully what he had seen.

  And watch her more closely.

  As the carriage pulled away, Dannyl strode up to the door of Dem Marane's house and pulled on the bell cord.

  He yawned, then drew on a little magic to soothe away weariness. A week had passed since Tayend had shown him the book, and many secret meetings had been held with Ambassador Errend and other Elyne magicians in preparation for this night. Now they would know if their plans would he successful.

  Footsteps drew close to the door, then it opened and the master of the house bowed gracefully.

  "Ambassador Dannyl. A pleasure to see you again. Please come in."

  "Thank you." Dannyl stepped inside.

  "Where is young Tremmelin?" the Dem asked.

  "With his father," Dannyl replied. 'They had a family matter to discuss. He sends his regards and said to tell you the book is enlightening and he will finish reading it tonight. I know he would much prefer to be talking to you and your friends than dealing with family business."

  Royend nodded and smiled, but his eyes expressed wariness. "I shall miss his company."

  "How is Farand? No unintended events?" Dannyl asked, letting a hint of anxiousness enter his tone.

  "No." The Dem hesitated. "One intentional one, however. Being young and impatient, he could not resist trying to do something."

  Dannyl let alarm show in his face. "What happened?"

  "Just another little fire." The Dem smiled crookedly. "I had to buy his host another bed."

  "The same hosts as last time?"

  "No. Once again, I have moved Farand. I felt it prudent, for all our sakes, to move him away from the city, in case his little accidents grew so dramatic they started to draw

  unwanted attention."

  Dannyl nodded. "That was wise, though probably

  unnecessary. I hope he is not too far away. I can only stay a

  fewhours."

  "No, not far," the Dem assured him.

  They had reached the doorway of the next room. Royend's wife, Kaslie, rose to greet Dannyl.

  "Greetings, Ambassador. It is good to see you again. Do you think my brother will learn Control soon?"

  "Yes," Dannyl replied gravely. "Either tonight, or the next time. It will not be long now."

  She nodded, obviously relieved. "I can't thank you enough for your help." She turned to Royend. "Best be on your way, then, husband."

  There was a note of resentment in her voice. The Dem's mouth twitched into a crooked smile. "Farand will be safe soon, my dear."

  Her frown only deepened. Dannyl kept his expression politely neutral. Tayend had observed that Kaslie rarely looked happy and sometimes appeared to be annoyed at her husband. He had guessed that she blamed Royend for her brother's situation because he had encouraged the young man to develop his abilities.

  The Dem ushered Dannyl out of the house to a waiting carriage. It began to move before they had even settled into their seats. The windows were covered.

  "For the protection of Farand's hosts," the Dem explained. "I may be willing to allow you to know my identity and residence, but there are others in the group who are less trusting. They have allowed Farand to stay with them only if I take these precautions." He paused. "Do you think me a fool for trusting you?"

  Dannyl blinked in surprise. He considered the question, then shrugged. "I expected you to take smaller steps. Arrange a few tests of my honesty, perhaps. But you

  couldn't; Farand needed help. You took a risk, but I'm sure it was a calculated one." He chuckled. "You would have had a few escape routes in place, and probably still have."

  "And you have Tayend to protect."

  "Yes." Dannyl smiled good-naturedly. "What I am waiting to discover is whether I will find myself no longer welcome in your house once I have taught Farand Control?"

  The Dem laughed quietly. "You'll just have to wait and find out."

  "And I expect I don't have to remind you of all the wonderful things I could teach Farand, once he has learned Control."

  Royend's gaze brightened. "Please do."

  For the next hour they discussed uses of magic. Dannyl took care to describe only what was possible, not how it was done, and the Dem was obviously aware he was being deliberately evasive. Finally, the carriage slowed to a stop.

  The Dem waited until the door opened, then gestured for Dannyl to exit. It was dark outside, and Dannyl automatically created a globe light. It illuminated a tunnel, the brick walls glistening with moisture.

  "Put that out, please," the Dem requested.

  Dannyl extinguished the light. "Sorry," he said. "It's a habit."

  After the brightness of the light, all was utterly dark. A hand touched his shoulder and pushed him forward. Extending his senses, he detected a break in the wall. They moved into it.

  "Careful," Royend murmured. "There are stairs here."

  The toe of Dannyl's boot met a hard edge. He carefully climbed a steep staircase, then was guided along a passage with many twists, turns and side entrances. Then he sensed a large room and a familiar presence, and the hand slid from his shoulder.

  A lamp spluttered into life, revealing several pieces of practical furniture in a room carved out of solid rock. Water trickled from a crack in one wall into a basin, then out through a hole in the floor. The air was cold, and Farand was dressed in a large fur-collared coat.

  The young man bowed, his movements more confident now that he was drawing closer to escaping his predicament.

  "Ambassador Dannyl," he said, "welcome to my latest hiding hole."

  "It's a little cold," Dannyl remarked. He sent out a glow of magic to warm the air. Farand grinned and shrugged out of the coat. "I used to dream of doing grand and dramatic' things with magic. Now I think I'll be happy if all I can do is something like that."

  Dannyl glanced pointedly at Royend. The Dem smiled and shrugged. "Not everyone's sentiments, I assure you. I'm sure Farand wants to learn more than the basics."

  He was standing beside a rope that hung from a hole in the ceiling. The other end was probably attached to a bell, Dannyl guessed. He wondered who was waiting by it.

  "Well," Dannyl said. "We'd best get started, then. No sense keeping you in cold hiding holes for any longer than necessary."

  Farand moved to a chair and sat down. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and began the calming exercise that he had been taught. When the man's face had relaxed, Dannyl approached.

  "This may be your last lesson," he said, keeping his voice low and soothing. "It may not. Control must become a well-learned habit, to keep you safe both day and night. It is better to learn it at your own pace, th
an to hurry it along." He touched Farand's temples lightly, "then closed his eyes.

  It was impossible to lie effectively during mental communication, but the truth could be hidden. So far Dannyl had kept his mission and ultimate plan to betray the rebels safely concealed. Each time Dannyl had guided Farand mentally, however, the man had grown more used to the method of communication. He was beginning to sense more from Dannyl.

  And now that the time had come to arrest the rebels, Dannyl could not conceal a feeling of tension and anticipation. Farand sensed it and grew curious.

  —What are you expecting will happen tonight? he asked.

  —You will probably achieve Control, Dannyl replied.

  This was true, and part of what Dannyl knew was coming. It was an important enough event that the young man would accept it as the reason for Dannyl's excitement. But Farand's awareness of the consequences of learning magic illegally made him more suspicious than usual.

  —There's more. You're hiding something from me.

  —Of course, Dannyl replied. I will keep much from you, until I know your people are not going to disappear as soon as you have learned Control.

  —The Dem is honorable. He promised to protect Tayend in exchange for your help. He won't break that promise.

  Dannyl felt a momentary sympathy for this naive young man. He pushed it away, reminding himself that Farand might be young, but he was no fool.

  —We'll see. Now, take me to that place where your power is.

  It took less time for Farand to understand the finest nuances of Control than Dannyl had expected. As Farand contemplated his achievement, Dannyl steeled himself for what must come next. He cut into Farand's jubilant thoughts with a question.

  —Where are we?

  An image of a tunnel appeared, then the room they were in. Farand had no more idea of their location than Dannyl did.

  —Who is your host?

  Again, Farand didn't know.

  But then, Royend would have guessed that Dannyl might be able to read this information from the young man's mind, so he would have made sure Farand knew nothing. Hopefully, discovering their location would only involve finding his way out of the passages and seeing where the tunnel emerged.

  Farand had caught enough of Dannyl's thoughts to grow alarmed.