by Lisa Cassidy
“Heads up,” Adahn said. His flirtatious demeanour was gone, replaced by the keenly focused attention of a mage warrior. It was often like that with Adahn—his light and amused nature could turn in a blink to that of an alert and passionate fighter. “Keep your eyes peeled.”
Two mages stood guard at the top of stairs leading to a veranda surrounding the house. As arranged, Nario and Casta walked forward to converse in low tones with the guards, exchanging previously agreed upon passwords.
Alyx and Adahn waited some distance off. If there was any cause for alarm, Alyx could grab Adahn and fly quickly away. The idea of leaving Casta and Nario behind to die was close to unthinkable, but she had forced herself to accept the bitter possibility. She was Magor-lier. They wouldn’t hesitate to give their lives for her.
After a few moments, Casta raised a hand, signalling all was well. He and Nario remained with the two mage guards while Adahn and Alyx walked through the front door. Flickering torches lit the way down a staircase into a small, rectangular underground cellar.
A rickety table and chairs had been set up in the centre of the room. Three mages sat at the table, all familiar. Alyx’s gaze went to the young man in the middle. The insolent look on his face had never changed, despite him growing older and more experienced. “Hello, Parja.”
“Alyx, glad you could make it.”
It never failed to irritate her that Parja was usually chosen as the lead council representative sent to these meetings. No doubt a deliberate choice. Amongst Galien’s close friends at DarkSkull, he’d been one of her main tormentors.
“You forgot to address her by her proper title,” Adahn said, eyes glittering with poorly concealed anger.
“My apologies, Lady Egalion,” Parja spoke with equally fake civility. “I’m unsurprised to see you haven’t lost your airs and graces in all these years.”
Adahn tensed, muscles bunching under his cloak, but Alyx hushed him with a quick telepathic nudge. The council mages refused to acknowledge her as Magor-lier, but trying to force them to do it would only make her seem petty. She knew what she was and didn’t need validation by a group of people she neither respected nor trusted. All she needed was their help to kill Shakar.
So she gave them a polite nod of greeting. “You remember Adahn?”
“I do,” Parja said, and gestured to the two other mages at the table. “And you know Dustan and Tomas.”
“It’s nice to see you both again,” Alyx said politely. Both were older warrior mages with years of experience. They stayed loyal to the council because they’d been council mages their whole lives and had never known anything different. They still clung to the old mage traditions, ones Alyx was doing her best to change, but she respected their experience and knowledge, and they’d never been anything but reasonable at previous meetings. “Where’s Galien?”
It was something she always asked. Part of it was a desire to know exactly what he was up to. Then there was the deeper part of her that truly feared to see him. That night in Sandira was seared in her heart, no matter how much time had passed. He’d broken her that night. They both knew it, and it gave him power over her.
“He’s busy on council business. We do have more important things to do than meet with an upstart mage and her rabble.” Parja frowned.
“I’m sure you do.” Alyx accepted that without comment, the knot in her chest relaxing. She hated it, hated both Galien and herself, and even now she felt only shame that she was relieved he wasn’t coming.
“Shall we get down to it?” Parja asked.
She brushed aside thoughts of Galien as she and Adahn took the seats opposite. “We’ve just come from Sandira,” she said. “The emperor remains uncommitted to a formal alliance with Tregaya and Rionn, but he is keeping a close eye on events as they develop. I sense he is becoming concerned with the inroads Shakar and the Shiven army are making into both our countries.”
“You’ve been trying to get the emperor to join an alliance for years. Maybe it’s time to accept he isn’t interested and look at other options,” Parja said.
“If you’ve thought of some other options, I’d love to hear them,” Alyx said coolly.
“What do you think it will take to convince the emperor to commit to a formal alliance?” Dustan asked, giving Parja a warning glance. The council wanted the alliance with Zandia as much as she did, and for the same reasons. If nothing else, the council could always be relied upon to try and protect itself.
“We’re not sure,” Adahn said. “Zandia is powerful and well protected by both its geography and strong army. Last time Shakar was a problem, it was contained in Tregaya before his influence spread to Zandia. It will take a lot to convince the emperor that his country is in danger from Shakar and the Shiven army.”
“It will be no use him allying with us if we’re already destroyed,” Parja snapped. “Surely the fool can see that?”
“I did suggest that to him in more diplomatic terms,” Alyx said dryly. “The emperor does not see the situation as we do, and he is a stubborn man.” Not to mention he hadn’t forgotten the disaster of Galien’s appearance in Sandira all those years ago either. Subsequently learning about the council hunting Taliath potentials—a piece of information Alyx and her people had made deliberately public—had the undesirable effect of Zandia cutting all formal ties with the council and treating even Alyx’s mages with cold disdain.
Parja nodded reluctantly. “The emperor refuses to receive us in Sandira, as you know, but if you identify any way we might help you gain the alliance, we are open to considering it.”
“Thank you.”
He cleared his throat. The genuine offer had clearly pained him, and he moved on quickly. “We would like to suggest coordinating our efforts against the Shiven in Tregaya.”
“How so?” Alyx asked.
Tomas rose to gather a roll of maps and lay one out on the table. He spent a few minutes outlining areas in which the Tregayan border was under pressure from the invading army. None of it was new to Alyx, but she was pleased to note her information was as good as the council’s.
“As you can see, Tregayan forces—including the mage assistance the council has provided—are stretched thin. We’ve lost nearly a third of our territory to the Shiven.”
“How much mage assistance are you providing exactly?” Alyx asked bluntly. “Until the Shiven army can put more resources into attacking Tregaya, which won’t happen until Rionn falls, you should be able to provide enough help to the militia for them to hold Shivasa back.”
“You are not providing any help to Tregaya,” Parja said. “So it is not for you to judge the council’s deployment of mages.”
“My warrior mages have been integral in holding the Rionnan borders and protecting the training Taliath on ShadowFall from Shakar and your mages,” Alyx shot back. “I haven’t seen a hair of council help in Rionn, yet if it falls, you’ll be in significantly more trouble.”
“You mean you’re wasting critical resources protecting the next generation of those who could create another Shakar.” Parja sneered. “Yes, very noble indeed.”
At her side, Adahn tensed. She glanced at him, but his face was unreadable, eyes focused on Parja.
“Parja, enough,” Dustan said firmly. “We are not here to focus on our differences, but on where we can help each other against Shakar.”
“Mage Dustan is right.” Alyx gave him a grateful nod. “Are you officially asking for our help in Tregaya?”
The three men shared a brief look, too quick for Alyx to interpret. It made her uneasy.
“What we are suggesting is a mutually beneficial coordination of deployments,” Tomas said.
Whatever that means. She tried not to roll her eyes at the double-speak. “What exactly do you want? I understand the council is concerned that if Tregaya falls they will lose their safe haven in Carhall, but protecting them is not my responsibility.”
Parja scowled at Alyx’s blunt words, but Tomas and Dustan looked discomf
ited. Again, they shared a look. Her gaze narrowed. Something else was going on here. The urge to use telepathy rose strongly, but logic stopped her—these were trained mages who would be paying close attention to their shielding with her in the room. Being caught out would end any cooperation instantly.
“The council is not afraid,” Parja said coldly. “King Mastaran has a skilled commander running the defence of Carhall.”
“I’m very happy for them,” Alyx said dryly. “But you’re not exactly convincing me why I should help you.”
Parja smiled, and Alyx frowned as she detected a hint of triumph in it. “You are declining our offer, then?”
Another quick look between the three and she’d had enough. Levelling a glare at Parja, she lifted her eyebrows. “There’s something you’re not telling us. What is it?”
“Are you reading our thoughts?” Parja demanded, anger clouding his face.
“No, but I have instincts, and I don’t trust you. What aren’t you telling us?”
Parja didn’t respond. Alyx flicked her gaze to Tomas and Dustan—both men looked away from her gaze, clearly uncomfortable.
“Is it Shakar? Have you finally gotten a lead on where he is?” Her heart leapt with hope. Every time Rothai had gotten close over the past years, Shakar had disappeared without a trace.
‘No,” Dustan said heavily, sincerity in his dejected tone. “We assist Master Rothai where we can, but nothing new yet.”
Alyx glanced between them. She was confident they were hiding something from her. If not Shakar, then what? Whatever it was had prompted this meeting tonight, she was sure of it. But why not just come out and tell her the real reason for being there? They had to have known she would turn down their request—it made no sense.
“Gentlemen, if you’re not going to tell us why we’re really here, this meeting is over.” Alyx rose to her feet, Adahn following suit. “We can discuss coordinating our efforts again once you decide to be honest with us.”
“Alyx!” Parja’s voice cracked across the basement as she and Adahn reached the steps.
“What?”
“The council is willing to work with you. I advise you not to let them regret that decision.”
She gave him a cool smile, her patience gone. “I’m the Magor-lier of the mage order, Parja. I think you’ll find that refusing to work with me is something you will regret.” She paused. “I’m not a fool, and I’m not an apprentice they can bully anymore. Send word when you’re willing to meet again. In the meantime, when we come across information that may help your efforts in Tregaya, we will send it to you as a priority.”
None of the three council mages said anything further as Alyx and Adahn left, climbing up to the main level.
“That went well,” Adahn said in an undertone as they exited the house. Casta and Nario emerged from the shadows of the veranda and fell into step with them.
“Everything all right?” Casta asked.
“The council is keeping something from us,” Alyx said as they began crossing the field.
“Are you sure?” Nario asked. “Why even meet with us if they’re going to hide their true purpose?
“No idea, but they were hiding something,” Adahn said, then hesitated. “Alyx, maybe we should consider giving them help. The council isn’t worth our time, I agree, but there are good mages that work for them. Aren’t we abandoning them?”
She didn’t like it when he dropped her title, something he felt entitled to given he’d become a close advisor, but she never called him on it. Particularly since she wasn’t sure why it irritated her so much. “All mages have a choice to either join me or stay with the council. I can’t make that decision for them.”
“It’s more complex than that and you know it. Especially since what you offer them is such a radical change from everything they’ve ever been taught.”
She knew instantly what he was getting at, and it infuriated her. “If they’re so scared of me becoming another Shakar because I’m letting Taliath live and train, then they’re no better than the council. They’ll get what they deserve.”
His jaw hardened, and she winced—she hadn’t meant to sound so blunt and unforgiving. It was her anger talking. Whatever he was about to say was forestalled by the sound of galloping hooves from across the other side of the field. In the dim moonlight, Alyx could just make out a group of riders approaching the farmhouse. The lead rider dismounted and walked forward to speak to the mages emerging from the front door.
“Do you think that’s the militia commander Parja spoke about?” Adahn asked, his anger seeming to have faded.
“Maybe, we’re not far from Carhall,” Alyx murmured. “If it is though, why wasn’t he at the meeting?”
“We’ve been mostly out of touch since leaving Sandira,” Adahn said as they continued walking. “Maybe Tarrick will have news that might explain what Parja was hiding.”
“I hope so,” she murmured.
Moments later they reached the horses and mounted quickly. Nario took the lead as they moved into a swift gallop southeast. Alyx put her annoyance with the council mages to the back of her mind and concentrated on what was ahead. It had been months since she’d seen Tarrick and she missed her old friend. And after that—a wedding! Too-rare happiness bubbled up in her at the thought, and a smile spread helplessly across her face.
The mine had become one of Alyx’s main bases, with another in the southwest of Zandia and a third in the far south of Rionn. All were underground and had so far remained secret from Shakar and the Mage Council, largely due to Tarrick’s and Rothai’s careful planning and strict security practices.
Tarrick came striding out to meet them as they clattered into the ground level entrance. A wide smile spread across his face. “You made it.”
“It’s been a long, tiring ride, but an uneventful one, fortunately.” She flashed him a warm smile in greeting. “I think Shakar is finally running thin on Hunters.”
“Or is holding them back for a different purpose,” Adahn said darkly.
She shot him a sharp look. It was a thought that rose often in the back of her mind. Once Alyx had actively begun going after the Hunters, Shakar had withdrawn them. Brynn’s tracking had been invaluable in finding nests hidden in various locations, but none of them could go into the heart of Shivasa. Shakar was no fool—he would be holding Hunters in reserve. But for what? The thought made a shiver go down her back.
“Let’s hope not,” Tarrick said, meeting her eyes with a look that indicated he shared her fears. “I’m glad to see you safe and well. I don’t like you having only one mage warrior guard for these meetings, although I understand the council’s insistence on it. We have to build trust somewhere, I suppose.”
Alyx only nodded, well aware of Tarrick’s views about her safety at such meetings. At all other times, she moved around with a constant guard of at least five warrior mages plus her five Bluecoats. It made for a crowded retinue.
“We’ve been expecting you. I’ve gathered warrior mages to fill out your escort and of course the rest of your Bluecoats have been waiting impatiently too. We’re ready to ride out for Alistriem as soon as you like,” Tarrick continued.
“Tomorrow morning,” she said. “If we have to sneak around Shiven patrols, it could add a few days onto the journey.”
He nodded. “Come down. We’ll get you something to eat and drink.”
Between mouthfuls of grilled bread and cheese, Alyx relayed what had happened at the meeting. Tarrick frowned when she and Adahn spoke about the mages hiding something.
“We haven’t had any news of the council recently,” he said. “But I think I know at least part of what they weren’t saying.”
“Do tell?” Adahn mumbled around a large bite of bread.
“The Tregayans are in worse trouble than Parja let on. About four weeks ago, not long after you left for Sandira, the Shiven army breached the Tregayan border near the southwest coast. The Tregayans haven’t been able to close the breach, and no
w Shiven warriors are marching northeast, taking towns as they go.”
“What?” Shock flared, and she forgot about her meal. “How could the Shiven army make such a push into Tregaya when they’ve got so many forces committed to the Rionnan border? What are the Tregayans doing about it?”
Tarrick held his hand up to stem her flow of questions. “I only learned of this two days ago in a message from Brynn—and his message was sent over two weeks ago after running into Rothai in the west somewhere. Apparently Rothai thinks they’re heading straight for Carhall,” Tarrick said grimly. “Their strategy might be to take the capital first.”
Alyx stared at him. “How close to Carhall are they?”
“It’s unclear. Ladan should have more information when we get to Alistriem if we haven’t heard from our scouts by then.”
Casta shook his head. “Shiven soldiers aren’t mounted, and even if they force the pace, it will take them weeks to reach Carhall.”
“They probably won’t force the pace,” Nario added. “They’ll want to be rested and ready to fight once they get there. The city has never been breached before.”
“If you’re right about them taking towns as they go, that will slow them up too,” Casta said. “And that’s the smart thing for them to do. They don’t want to end up isolated and vulnerable in the middle of Tregaya. Without protected supply lines, they can’t mount an effective attack on such a fortified city.”
“Then why aren’t the militia attacking the supply lines, keeping them from moving further forward?” Alyx demanded.
“I don’t know.” Tarrick seemed as mystified as she was. “Maybe they’re stretched too thin.”
“But Shivasa has to be stretched thin too,” she murmured, mostly to herself. To be pushing so hard into Tregaya while still fighting in Rionn…
“What about council mages? A group of powerful warrior mages should be able to do it without much militia support,” Casta said.
