by Lisa Cassidy
“Hello, Tarrick.” The little girl looked awed as she stared up at Tarrick’s serious face and muscular height.
“Dana, honey, who’s at the door?”
An older woman appeared in the doorway behind Dana, her face breaking into a smile as she recognised Alyx.
“Alyx? Welcome! Please, come in.”
“Thank you. This is my friend, Tarrick.”
“It’s an honour to meet you, ma’am.” Tarrick bowed slightly.
“I think Brynn mentioned you.” Like her daughter, Massie seemed taken-aback by Tarrick’s imposing presence.
“He mentioned you, too.” Tarrick continued. “He loved you very much.”
Massie flicked a quick glance to Alyx. She shook her head gently and Massie smiled at Tarrick. “I appreciate that. Will you both come in?”
Alyx couldn’t look at Tarrick, her guilt so acute she had to bite her lip not to spill the truth. The only way she could keep the pretence up was to keep reminding herself it was for Brynn’s own safety. Tarrick’s mental shield wasn’t as anywhere near as strong as his concussive ability. Still, it didn’t stop her from almost wishing Brynn had never told her he was alive.
His sisters and brothers descended on Alyx and Tarrick as soon as they were in the door, excited to see Alyx again, and in awe of the apprentice warrior mage. Massie served cake and tea and they passed a pleasant hour in conversation and playing with the children. Even Tarrick seemed to lose some of his reserve around the young ones. The sight of him crawling around on the floor carrying Amelda and pretending to be a horse had Alyx giggling uncontrollably, all guilt temporarily forgotten.
Brynn’s father came in from the small farm and joined them, and Alyx was pleased when Sarah appeared too.
Eventually Tarrick rose. “I’m sorry, but Alyx and I should go. We need to get back to DarkSkull before curfew.”
“He’s right.” Alyx smiled apologetically.
“Of course.” Massie clapped her hands. “But you’ll take some cake with you?”
“Oh no, we couldn’t,” Alyx protested, but Massie insisted on passing a cloth-wrapped bundle into her hands. The two boys and girls gave boisterous farewells until Brynn’s father sternly ordered them to be polite and let their visitors go.
While Tarrick shook hands with Dorstan and gave their farewells, Alyx gave Sarah a quick hug, pressing her letter into the woman’s hands.
“You’ll see he gets it?” she asked in low voice.
“Of course.” Sarah smiled. “Thank you for visiting.”
“I’d like to do it again, if that’s okay?”
“We’ll look forward to it.”
The whole family came to the front gates to see them off, waving and calling out goodbyes.
Alyx smiled over at Tarrick as they reached the main road. “That was a good day.”
Tarrick glanced over at her. “We should have gone to visit them earlier. It was the right thing to do.”
Alyx nodded, once again forced to bite her lip. If she hadn’t had first-hand knowledge of Romas’s almost omnipresent telepathic magic, she might have been tempted to tell him the truth right there.
“Brynn was very lucky to have such a family.” There was a wistful note in Tarrick’s voice. “They obviously loved him very much.”
Alyx wasn’t sure how to respond to that either, so settled for silence. They remained that way for the trip back, Tarrick again looking out for potential danger while Alyx enjoyed the beautiful sunset over the hills.
They made it back to DarkSkull in time for dinner, and Alyx handed out shares of Massie’s cake, to the twins’ delight. Cario returned to his usual table for dinner. She wondered briefly how Galien was taking Cario’s new dining arrangements. She supposed he was too much mage royalty for even someone like Galien to touch.
“How was your day?” Tarrick’s voice tugged her attention back to their table.
“Great,” Finn said enthusiastically. “The snow was perfect for sledding.”
“It was also amusing for us when he crashed.” Dawn chuckled. “Which happened a lot.”
“Do us a favour though, Alyx, and don’t go off anywhere again without a signed declaration for Dash that you’re alive and well.” Finn rolled his eyes. “It was like facing an inquisition when we showed up without you this morning.”
“He takes his protective duty very seriously,” she told them, biting into a mouthful of delicious cake.
“We assured him you were fine.” Dawn smiled. “And he relaxed when Cario pointed out that Tarrick was with you.”
“How did your day go?” Finn asked, mouth full of cake.
Tarrick launched into a glowing account of Brynn’s family, and at the looks of sadness that appeared on the twins’ faces, Alyx couldn’t stand it anymore. Appetite gone, she rose and asked if Finn would accompany her to the library to study.
Damn this world of mages—and Brynn too, for that matter—that forced her to lie to her friends, knowing that they continued to grieve his loss just as she had. But most of all she was angry with herself for going along with it.
Chapter 26
Their next day was mostly taken up by a mandatory training session with Rothai. By the time they made it to the Magor Inn to relax over a hot dinner and ale, Alyx’s muscles were trembling with weariness. If it weren’t for the lively music drifting through the room, she would be in danger of falling asleep.
“What have I missed in the past week?” Dashan asked.
“Nothing much.” Tarrick shrugged. “We have extra training sessions with Rothai, but he and Master Romas are still vetting apprentices to round out our patrol.”
“How would you feel about working more closely with a militia unit?” Dashan asked. “You could train together, and be assigned watchtower duty at the same time.”
“I like it!” Alyx said. “If we were deployed to respond to an attack, we’d have a unit of militia we’re familiar with to fight alongside.”
Everyone turned to look at her, and she realised what she’d said. “Oh, sorry, Tarrick. I didn’t mean to sound like I was agreeing on your behalf.”
“It’s fine.” He smiled. “Good idea, Dashan. Let me mention it to Rothai and see what he says.”
Tarrick rose to get more drinks, and the twins fell into an animated discussion about who they thought Rothai would pick to join the patrol. Dashan leaned over and nudged Alyx in the arm.
“I keep meaning to ask, have you had any more luck in learning about your mother and what happened to her?”
Alyx sighed. “No. I think Romas is the key, but I don’t trust him enough to ask him. I’m at a bit of an impasse, actually.”
“Is there any way I can help?”
“Not with this, but thanks for the offer,” she said. “Although, speaking of my family, have you heard anything from Ladan? What about the plans you two came up with?”
“Your brother is a man of few words,” Dashan huffed. “He wrote a letter, but it barely said anything. It didn’t mention anything about your mother either, so I’m not sure whether he hadn’t gotten your letter about Hodin yet, or whether he just didn’t want to put anything more in writing. I’m hoping he comes for visiting day so I can talk to him properly.”
“I hope so too.” She wanted to know what reaction he’d had to her news about Hodin—whether the information had jogged anything in his memories.
“Has Cayr given you any news of home?” he asked. “You must have read the letter I passed to Tarrick for you last Seventhday at least twenty times over by now.”
Alyx smiled. “Lord Ragarn has cast off his mistress, but it seems to be too late, because his wife has gone to their country estate and refuses to come back to him.”
“I don’t get it at all.” Dashan made a face. “Ragarn is old and fat. How does he even get a mistress?”
“Money and a little power,” Alyx said dryly. “But apart from that, I think things are fairly quiet. Cayr deliberately keeps his letters light, not wanting to worry
me, but I get the impression from his last letter that the situation with the Shiven is temporarily calm.”
His face darkened. “Right, because they’re too busy launching attacks on DarkSkull.”
“I suppose. I haven’t had a chance to write back yet, but I should have a letter for you next time we meet.”
“As long as it’s not a fifteen-page tome this time.”
She laughed. “I barely have time anymore to write one page let alone fifteen. It helps though, makes me feel like Cayr is still close. I miss our conversations.”
Tarrick stood and stretched, yawning. “Best get back to bed. Remember we have a training session with Master Rothai before dawn tomorrow. Hopefully we get to meet our new patrol mates.”
Alyx sighed. More training with Rothai. There were definitely downsides to the ‘honour’ of being in a patrol.
“They have you training before dawn?” Dashan made a face.
“It’s all part of the honour of being in Third Patrol,” Tarrick said.
“He’s serious, isn’t he?” Dashan looked at her incredulously.
Alyx laughed. “Completely.”
“Oh, come on guys, at least finish your drinks,” he wheedled. “It’s not even that late, and this musician is a good one.”
“We really shouldn’t,” Finn said.
“You’re all old.” Dashan’s expression of disbelief deepened. “You’re old people. Who cares if you have to get up early in the morning? It’s going to hurt anyway.”
Alyx thought about that for a moment, considered the sheer impossibility of this freedom in her position back home. She was on the verge of giving in when the door to the inn opened and Galien walked in with Oscar. The Shiven’s eyes went instantly to Alyx, but she forced herself to look away from his challenging gaze.
“It’s time for us to go,” she said regretfully, gesturing in Galien’s direction. Tarrick and the twins immediately began gathering their cloaks and staffs. Alyx turned to follow them out, but was stopped by Dashan’s hand tugging on her arm.
“You shouldn’t have to back down to him.” His jaw was set.
“It doesn’t matter, Dash,” she said. “Really. We’ll come visit you again soon. I haven’t forgotten that it’s your birthday next week.”
He gave a tight nod. “I’ll try and be free for your next day off, but I can’t guarantee anything.”
“Promise me you’re not going to cause any trouble.”
Dashan rolled his eyes as he stood and collected his mug of ale. “I’m going to go over and join Nario and Josha, that’s all.”
“Dash…” she said with a note of warning. She didn’t trust his temper, particularly when he was with his Bluecoats and drinking.
“Do try and summon some faith in me, Alyx,” he said, an edge to his voice now. “Good night.”
“Night,” she muttered at his retreating back.
Tarrick and the twins waited for Alyx outside the inn, their breath steaming in the cold night air. She shrugged on her cloak as they walked silently towards where their horses waited. It wasn’t hard to see that Tarrick found backing down to Galien as difficult as Alyx did, and the twins left them alone with their frustration.
Alyx and Dawn, still yawning, reported to the sparring yards before dawn the next morning to see Tarrick, Finn and Cario already there waiting. Tarrick and Finn were conversing quietly about something, while Cario leaned against the wall nearby, eyes closed as he took the opportunity for a nap.
Alyx found it amusing that Cario’s ability to avoid actual sparring during class was limited when Rothai was only supervising the five of them. He still slacked off as much as he possibly could, and she doubted any of them had yet seen what Cario’s level of skill was, but Rothai made him work as hard as the rest of them.
The side gate creaked, signalling the arrival of Rothai and two other students. A pleased smile crossed Alyx’s face at the sight of Jayn, her expression turning to surprise when she recognised the other student—the blond-haired flying initiate, Mika.
“Good morning,” Rothai said briskly, causing Cario to start awake and straighten abruptly. “Jayn and Mika have been chosen to join your patrol. Any objections?”
“None, sir,” Tarrick said on their behalf.
“Good. As you know, Jayn has a powerful shielding ability, a talent Master Romas and I thought would round out the skill complement of your patrol nicely. She also performs highly in my morning classes and accounted well for herself in the recent attack,” Rothai said. “Mika has a unique magic, which will give you an advantage. I note that he is still an initiate, however his master says that he is passing all his classes and can handle the additional challenge of being in a patrol. I’ll closely monitor his progress.”
“I’ll do my best, sir,” Mika said eagerly, blue eyes shining.
“We’ll see,” Rothai said. “Now let’s get to it. Tarrick, you’ll partner Mika for now—you’ll be responsible for getting his fighting ability up to scratch. Alyx and Jayn, we’ll keep you together, and the three remaining will rotate. Warmup drills first, please. Let’s go!”
Alyx smiled at Jayn as they squared off. “It’s good to have you in the patrol.”
Jayn smiled back. “I’m glad to be here.”
Several days later—on Rothai’s instruction—Third Patrol spent most of the morning training with Dashan and Rodin’s militia unit before heading up to the valley pools for some well-deserved relaxation. The weather hadn’t exactly warmed yet, but the sun was out and they’d decided to take advantage of it.
After dipping a foot into the icy water, Alyx had quickly decided it was far too cold for swimming, and she and Dawn were now stretched out on a rock in the sunlight, listening idly to Jayn and the others splashing and shouting at each other.
Alyx forced all thoughts out of her head and tried to simply enjoy the sun and the fresh air. It largely worked, the tightness in her muscles beginning to uncurl and relax. A glance at Dawn showed the girl was already fast asleep.
She’d almost dozed off too when cold water splashed on one of her bare feet. Opening a single eye, she saw Dashan looming over her, soaking wet.
“Mage-girl,” he greeted her, taking a seat on the edge of the rock. “Nice spot you’ve got here.”
“I don’t really feel inclined to share right now, especially if you’re going to drip water all over me.”
He flicked a hand at her, just to be annoying, and she scowled as cold droplets landed on her face. She opened both eyes and sat up slowly, moving a few inches away from the soaking man beside her.
“Why don’t you come in for a swim?”
“Thanks, but I’d prefer to be nice and warm in the sun.” She eyed him. “You’re turning blue, Dashan.”
“Me? No, that’s my natural skin tone.”
Alyx heard Jayn shout in protest and glanced over to see her launch herself at Finn. Tarrick leapt to his defence and a boisterous water fight ensued. Alyx was smiling in amusement as she looked back at Dashan, but it faded to a frown as she realised something.
“Dash?”
“Mmm?”
“Why do you always wear a shirt?”
“Excuse me?” He raised his eyebrows.
“The boys are swimming in there shirtless, but you’ve kept your shirt on. I’ve noticed it before, when you’re all sparring, or when we went swimming back in Alistriem last summer.”
Dashan’s face hardened and he moved to get up. “You know I don’t like flaunting my Shiven blood, Alyx.”
“Hey, wait!” She caught his arm to stop him. “I’ve never had a problem with your Shiven blood and you know that.”
“Yeah, I know. Sorry,” he muttered.
“They wouldn’t have a problem with it either.” She gestured to Jayn and the men in the water.
He shrugged uncomfortably. “I’m not used to people not having a problem with it.”
“I can understand that.” She paused. “What’s the big problem with taking your shirt off an
yway? Do you have strange multi-coloured skin on your chest or something?” Her eyes widened in glee. “Ooh, do you have Shiven scales?”
“You’re funny, Egalion.” He turned to her with a half-smile.
“Okay, you don’t have scales, but seriously, what’s so Shiven about your chest and arms?”
Dashan stood, and in one smooth movement he pulled off his wet shirt. His gaze remained steadily on his bare feet as Alyx ran her eyes over broad shoulders, the smooth, clean muscles of his chest and stomach, and continued down to lean hips and long legs.
There was nothing obviously wrong with him; in fact the strength and beauty of his body was riveting. She flushed, then firmly took control of herself. This was Dashan.
“No.” She gave up. “I don’t get it.”
He finally looked up, meeting her eyes. “You don’t?”
“No.”
“No chest hair,” he mumbled.
Alyx fought not to laugh. “You’re afraid of people seeing you without a shirt because you have no chest hair?”
“Every man has chest hair. I stick out. It makes it more obvious that I’m Shiven. Shiven don’t have body hair.”
“Oh. Not even…?”
Dashan leered down at her. “I’m only half-Shiven.”
“Oh, go away and swim.” Alyx huffed a sigh of irritation and dropped back down onto the rock. “I was almost asleep when you rudely interrupted me.”
He did as she ordered, but this time, he jumped into the pool shirtless.
A week later, Master Romas appeared during an afternoon training session with Rothai. He spoke to Rothai for a few moments while they all tried not to make it obvious they were staring. Eventually the sparring master called them over.
“As you all know, I’ll be leaving DarkSkull next week to attend the annual council meeting in Carhall,” Romas addressed them. “The council has formally requested that your patrol form my escort for the journey there and back.”
All heads swung instantly to Cario, whose blue eyes had turned wintry.
