"There's been enough of that business. Alador here will return to his duties following his half-day ... assuming he returns from his half-day." The high master presented jovially enough that as Alador moved Davin smiled.
"Off with both of you," The High Master commanded. "Some of us do real work around here."
Alador did not need to be told twice. He was starving. Add to that, the smell of death still filled his nose and he could not seem to shake it despite the amount of times that he took a deep breath.
Once they were out of earshot and around a corner, Davin finally spoke. "So, if I can ask. What did the High Master mean when he said … assuming he returns?"
Alador considered for a long moment. He finally decided that they would all know soon anyway, so he could see no harm letting the secret out now. "I am going to be allowed to take the tier test. If I am successful, the council will allow other half-breeds to take the tests as well if they choose. They will have to ask to test as it is not our normal path."
Davin let out a long low whistle. “Shite, why is that not already known?”
Alador scratched his shoulder as he walked. “I suppose they are waiting to see if I can really do it.” He looked over at Davin. “I don’t suppose there is any need to make the decree public if I fail.”
“Can you do it?” Davin asked as they moved down the hall.
“I don't honestly know.” Alador admitted. “I would like to think so, but I have been told the odds have been slanted against me.” He did not like the idea of so many hoping he would fail, however, one did not always have a choice in the reality of their situation.
“What a day it would be if half-breeds like us were given full status in Lerdenia. It is something that Daezun would never consider.” The hurt sound in Davin’s voice resonated in Alador. It seemed a lifetime ago that he had held the same pain.
“I've learned that never is a highly deceptive word. One doesn't know what life will bring.” Alador mused more to himself than to Davin.
“I can't wait to tell everyone,” said Davin. He rubbed his hands in anticipation.
“I had hoped you would be a bit more discreet.” Alador had no doubt in a few hours it would be throughout the caverns.
It was no surprise as they rounded the corner to the meal hall that Davin was in a hurry to be off. “I'll leave you here and go tell the shift commanders that you are off seclusion. Eat well!” he said, before scurrying off.
Alador just shook his head. He took his time and truly enjoyed a vast meal. He did not push back from the table till he had eaten his fill of a second tray. The warm food and watered cider had helped a great deal with his mood. He decided the next order of business was that bath.
He very much wanted a long soak and some time alone before Nemara joined him. He thought over her words about a note from Jon. He had every hope that Jon would remain a good friend and join Alador in the defeating of the mines. However, a man’s beliefs were difficult to change and if the two paths came into direct conflict, Alador did not have much hope that his path would win out.
It did not take him long to make his way to the cavern where the hidden pool was a welcoming sight. After heating the water, he slid into the steaming pool. A long sigh of contentment echoed off the dark cavern. He gave a sigh of contentment finally having a moment to mull over his thoughts.
He knew something significant had happened on that mountain top. He rubbed the hair on his arms that seemed to stand with an electric edge creating a tingling across his body. His eyes fluttered shut with the remembered ecstasy. His body hardened in response as he recalled the building power. It had built to the point of pain. If he had not let that power go at Rena’s insistence, would it have killed him?
“Well, I am glad to see you missed....”
The teasing tone came out of nowhere startling Alador out of his thoughts. Nemara’s words cut off with a screech as Alador swiveled before the second word was out of her mouth. Lightning flared into his hands and arced towards her. The only thing that saved Nemara was that Alador could not turn completely to face her. Nemara hit the ground rolling on reflex, her training coming into play. Alador turned and hopped onto the pool’s edge the moment he realized what he had done.
“Nemara, by the gods, are you okay?” He hurried to her side, regardless of his nakedness.
“What the shite is wrong with you?” She rolled to her feet, still crouched low. Her eyes were wide with shock as she glanced at the scorched wall behind where she had been just moments before.
“You surprised me.” He pushed his damp hair out of his face then offered a hand up. It was not a surprise when she batted it away.
“You knew I was coming,” she said. Her accusing glance spoke volumes.
“I know. I am so sorry.” He put his hands out in a placating manner. He had nearly killed his friend, and he had no idea why that had been his first response. “I was deep in thought. You should warn someone you are there before you sneak up on them.” His own accusation held an edge of defensiveness.
“I was hardly sneaking.” She pushed to her feet. “You nearly killed me.”
“I said I was sorry,” Alador snapped. His irritation was rising. He knew it was not fair; she was hardly to blame at the moment.
“Sorry hardly covers… let me light you up like a lightning rod,” she snarled. She reached into her jerkin and pulled out a crinkled note. She shoved it out at him as she hissed angrily, “Here. I am taking a bath.” Once he took the note, she turned on her heel and angrily stalked over to a large rock.
Alador took the note over to a lightstone. It was not bright enough to read. Without evening thinking, he brought a ball of light into his hand. Simple cantrips seemed so effortless now. He smiled remembering Henrick’s first lesson of the simple task of making dirt wet. He forced his attention to the letter in his other hand.
Greetings Alador,
I hope this letter finds you in one piece and with breath in your lungs. I doubt this is so, given that I am not there to save you from your impetuous nature. I have thought a lot on our last conversation.
Despite my desire to one day stand as High Priest in the Temple of Death, I find I cannot reconcile myself to the atrocities being committed here. I have positioned myself so that when you decide to visit, if you live long enough, I will not be caught in the fighting. I will not assist you, but I will not stand in your way.
May death delay its visit until we may speak in person.
Jon
Alador read it a second time as he shook his head. Leave it to Jon to make a decision in which there is no real decision revealed. He was relieved to find that Jon would not fight those who would accompany him to the mine. He was not quite sure how he could have possibly positioned himself so that he would not have to fight, but Alador was certain that if there were a way that Jon had found it.
The mage smiled as he refolded the note. At least he would not be forced to fight or maybe even kill the first friend he had made in the mines. Well, the first honest friend. Flame had pretended to be his friend, but the whole time he had been working for the last trench lord. He frowned and took the note to his belongings before turning back to the pool.
Nemara was lounging with her eyes closed. Her now naked body reflected the gentle glimmer of the lightstones, and parts of it were magnified by the water that she was slowly moving with her hands. She was really a fine woman to look at even if she were angry with him. He could not blame her.
Alador moved to the pool and slipped into the water. He found the slight ledge he had been resting against then gently reached out to stir and warm the water further. He did not cease until he heard a satisfied sigh escape Nemara’s full lips. The pool was now steaming as the heated water collided with the cool air of the cave. The airstones flitted into his view, and he smiled as he let that focus go. It was getting easier.
“Nemara, I am sincerely sorry. I'd never hurt you consciously,” he said. Even though his voice was low and measured, it
seemed to echo about them in the silence of the cave.
“It's not the first time you've come close to hurting me,” she reminded him. “I'm beginning to wonder about my choice of a suitor.” Though her words were meant to tease, Alador could sense an edge of seriousness. Her words hung between them for a long moment.
Alador was confused, he could not remember having lashed out at her before. Their moments of passion had been mutual, but never beyond what was natural. “I beg your pardon,” he stammered. “When did I almost hurt you before?” He moved through the water until he was in front of her and waited for an answer.
Nemara opened her eyes and her eyes roved over his face. “I would think you would remember.” Her tone of accusation held hurt.
“I'm sorry, Nemara.” He frowned. “I'd never purposely hurt you. When do you feel I've done so before?” He reached up and pushed sodden hair from her forehead. She sat up more and put an arm on either of his shoulders. He was forced to grab her ledge to keep from going under. There was not a lot of leverage in the deep pool.
“I'd asked about Keelee at the table right before you disappeared. It made you angry, and you grabbed hold of me.” She found his gaze and held it. “You were so angry at that moment.”
He pulled himself closer so that he could get a toehold against the rock which she was sitting on, her legs wrapped about him steadying him. “I had forgotten that with the whole disappearing part.” He touched her face tenderly. “I'm very sorry Nemara.” He was careful to balance himself in the water with a toe and hand so that he did not touch her further. They stared at each other for a long uncomfortable moment. When she did not speak, he changed the topic.
“Your note from Jon, may I know what it was about?” His question was gentle and genuine. He was not sure totally where things stood.
“It was just some fun details about living in the bloodmine. Some of his observations are so serious that they make me laugh.” She smiled as she remembered the letter. “He did say one thing I thought was a little strange.”
Alador tipped his head. “Oh, what was that?” Most things Jon said were always a little off and he knew what she meant about serious.
“He told me that I might not want to join the others when you assault the bloodmine.” The confusion on her face mirrored what Alador felt must have been on his own.
“Did he say why?” Jon had connected the two of them. She was right. It was definitely strange that he should now caution her not to move forward.
Nemara nodded. “That was the odd part.” Her fingers traveled down his shoulder then his arm as she finished speaking. “He said that I would gain more than I wanted and lose everything I desired. I have no idea what that means, and to be honest, it seems like one part contradicts the other.”
Alador repeated that to himself a couple of times. “I will admit, it is strange. Jon seems to have a way of knowing things at times. For such an articulate guardsman, he can be so cryptic.”
He frowned at Nemara’s fingers as they traveled back up his arm. Usually such light touches provoked the response she was seeking. At the moment, he found her touch irritating and even more concerning - - unwanted.
Knowing she was seeking comfort from his sudden assault a short time before, he took both her hands in his as he moved back a bit. “Well, we both know that Jon definitely sees the darker aspects of things. I am not sure if that is his sphere, or just his own unique way.” Alador leaned in and caressed her lips gently with his own. Her eyes were closed and she let out a soft unintelligible murmur. Inwardly, Alador felt a bit concerned. He had felt nothing. It had felt more as if he were kissing Sofie on the cheek than his lover's lips.
Alador let go of Nemara’s hand and met her eyes as he brusquely said, “I will leave you the pool to soak, Nemara. Thank you for bringing me the note.”
She grabbed his hand as he started to turn and move away. “Wait,” she said. “If rumor is to be believed, tonight may be your last night here.” She bit her lip as her eyes roved over his face. “I thought we could spend it together.”
Alador felt a moment of panic. He was not sure why, but he knew he did not want her in his bed tonight. He pushed away and sank down into the water to buy himself a moment then came up shaking his head, spraying Nemara with water. She laughed and splashed him back.
“Nemara, I cast the storm spell last night. Since then, I have been feeling a bit off.” He colored a bit. “I don’t think I can give you a fair go of it tonight.”
Her hand slipped down his body to cup him gently. “Odd, you seemed quite able when I first walked in.” Despite his slight rise to her touch, his face held no interest. “You have found another?”
Alador looked at her in surprise. “Gods no. When would I have had the time?” He frowned. He was not sure why he was feeling off, but knew that she had been right; when he had been thinking of the power exchange with Rena, he had been quite able.
“I am just really tired,” he finally offered. “Tell you what. If you really wish to stay, I can see to your pleasures. If that doesn’t work, well then there is no hope for me tonight, but at least we can hold one another through the night.” He had to admit that even he did not know if he would live through his test.
Her soft smile was all the acknowledgment that he needed before he leaned in to kiss her. He pressed her to him momentarily pulling her off the ledge and dunking them both. After the passionate kiss had ended, he realized he still had felt no inkling of desire. What by the gods was wrong with him?
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Alador stood at the edge of the testing arena. The stands rose above him in carved cold beauty. He could not see how full they were from where he stood. The floor of the arena was sand, and there were places clearly scorched by fire. There were echoes of magic pulsing in the area. He could feel it pulling and teasing at the edges of that unseen well within him. It surprised him slightly that such a taint remained on such a large area.
It all seemed surreal at the moment. The day was cold, and there was a light dusting of snow flittering about in the air; to dry to even fall properly to the ground. The wind snapped the flags on the top of the tall columns as if beating out a slow death cadence. He shivered and pulled his cloak closed about him. He was not cold, but it reminded him of his time on the mountaintop.
“It will not be cold once the barrier goes up, my dear nephew.” Luthian put a consoling hand on Alador’s shoulder. “Unless that is anxiety I see shivering through your bones.” Luthian smiled at Alador, it seemed strange on the mage’s face. His uncle had many things but genuinely caring was not one of them.
“No, I am cold,” Alador smoothly lied, attempting to hide the fact he was anxious. “Since I was on top of that mountain top, I feel as if I shall never be warm again.” He did not intend to let his uncle know the level of his doubts right now.
Luthian noted the appearance of the ring master. “Well, I must leave you here. You will be called forward, Just cast the spells as you and I practiced them.” Luthian dropped his hand as if touching Alador was uncomfortable for him. “I will be in the stands.”
Alador did not look back at his uncle, he merely nodded. So much depended on his ability to pass this test. Not only to his own plans, but also for many half-breeds in years to come. If he had his way, there would be less class distinction between full mages, talent mages, and the non-mages. He did not see people as Daezun, off-islanders or Lerdenian. They were all mortals, and classed in his mind based on their skills. Sordith had also helped him to see that some problems needed to be addressed without the use of magic.
He took a deep centering breath as a man walked to center of the arena. This was it. This was his defining moment as a mage and the truth to whether he would be able to complete Renamaum’s geas. He straightened his blue overcoat. He had opted for a sleeveless coat over a tunic of white. He knew it looked good against his skin and lightened hair. As he had predicted, his hair was only a light brown now. He had braided the growing white
streak of hair to symbolize that he knew how it had gotten there. No mage had asked yet, but even if they did he had no intentions of sharing how that streak had come to be there.
“Alador of House Guldalian! Fathered by Henrick Guldalian, Mother…” The announcer wrinkled his nose in distaste. “Alanis of Smallbrook. The first tested of the shared blood. Let all be known that this man seeks to place himself upon the tiers.” Despite the wind and snow, Alador had heard him clearly. He smiled at how magic’s use was so casual to small things here in the capital city.
He strode out expecting to see mostly empty stands. This was not the case for a roar of approval came from the right. On this side of the arena, a mass of black armor bathed the contrasting light gray stone. He quickly found the eyes of the High Master who dipped his head at him. The guardsmen stood as one and cheered when he was in full view. He had not expected the High Master to release the Blackguard for the test.
In contrast, the other side of the arena was filled with aristocracy. Many were bundled in thick robes or had small braziers burning for warmth. There was a brief murmur of both derision and support that swept through at a much quieter level. Alador swallowed hard as the true vision of Lerdenian life was painted before him. On one side there was a class that was tolerated and used for the benefits of the elite. On the other side of the arena facing the guard was that elite staring down at him in cold judgment.
The looks of hatred, disdain and disgust were written on many faces. Alador had gotten better at reading them since that first dinner when he had come to Silverport. He swept his gaze across the elite rows and realized that all they were doing was strengthening his resolve to wipe their smug condescending looks off their noble faces.
Turning again to the side where he had true support, he swept a deep bow bringing an even louder cheer. Rising with a grin, he turned to face the arena master who would guide the test.
Pseudo-Dragon (The Blue Dragon's Geas Book 4) Page 26
