“The mage has answered those questions with complete honesty,” said Naerkaal. “Are there any questions?”
“Why would the Traders’ Council exile a child?”
“I think my daughter was an excuse. I believe the Council wished to punish us because we were friendly with Beltur. Our daughter is barely seven. She will likely become a white mage but certainly is not one now. A seven-year-old poses no threat to anyone.”
“Did you have anything to do with Beltur’s dealings with the missing mages?”
“No. I did know that they were trying to find a way to keep him from earning silvers and to keep him from consorting Jessyla. He did not tell me anything about what happened until after we arrived here. I didn’t even know when they left Elparta until a day or so later.”
“Do you have reason to believe anyone else was involved or knew?”
“No. I did know that Beltur and Jessyla left Elparta with Jorhan the smith.”
Naerkaal looked to one side of the table and then to the other. No one else spoke. Finally, Naerkaal said, “The Council will consider these matters.” Then he addressed Lhadoraak. “In accord with the laws of Axalt, as mage-councilor I will be visiting where you are staying in order to meet your daughter and consort. That will be tomorrow. Please be there. After that meeting, I will report to the other councilors, and the Council will meet an eightday from today at fourth glass to set forth the decisions of the Council. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Councilor,” replied Beltur.
Lhadoraak just nodded.
“Then this meeting of the Council is concluded. You may go.”
Beltur led the way out of the meeting.
Neither spoke until they were outside and walking away from the Council building.
“What do you think they’ll do?” asked Lhadoraak.
“I don’t know. There were questions Naerkaal could have asked that would have been much worse. I have the feeling he’s trying to help without breaking the laws of Axalt.”
“Some of the councilors didn’t look all that friendly.”
“I didn’t notice,” Beltur admitted. “I was concentrating on Naerkaal and trying to think of totally honest ways to answer his questions.”
“You did that well. You didn’t mention Jorhan.”
“I’m glad they didn’t ask about him. He was just trying to keep me alive.”
“What should we do now?”
Beltur shrugged. “There’s not much point in doing anything different until the Council decides on what they’re going to do.”
“Do you trust them?”
Beltur barked a laugh. “More than the Traders’ Council, but that’s not saying much. They could have been much tougher.”
“Maybe they’ve already made up their minds.”
“We’ll find that out soon enough.”
By the time the two reached the cot, the white sun had long since dropped behind the mountains to the west, and Axalt was totally in shadow. Despite the coat and scarf, Beltur felt colder than usual. Because of the meeting or because you haven’t eaten? He shook his head and opened the door.
Lhadoraak followed him and closed the door.
“What happened at the meeting?” demanded Jessyla even before Beltur had removed his coat. Tulya stood right behind her.
“The Traders’ Council of Spidlar sent a nasty dispatch to the Axalt Council suggesting I murdered Cohndar and Waensyn and that Lhadoraak and Tulya really didn’t have to leave Spidlar.”
“That we didn’t really have to leave?” Tulya’s voice rose in anger. “How could they have had the nerve!”
“According to their decree, they’re correct,” said Lhadoraak. “I pointed out that since Taelya is barely seven the Traders’ Council’s claim was both accurate and completely misleading.”
“What did they say then?” demanded Tulya.
“Maybe we should sit down around the hearth,” suggested Jessyla, “and let Beltur and Lhadoraak tell us what happened from the beginning.”
“With some ale,” added Beltur.
“We can do that.” Jessyla motioned to Tulya.
Beltur had the feeling that it was going to be some time before anyone ate.
LIX
Dinner was late, and by the time the kitchen was clean, and Beltur and Jessyla were in their bedchamber, with the door securely closed, it was close to eighth glass. Beltur was definitely tired, Jessyla less so as she sat on the bench and looked intently at her consort.
From where he sat on the side of the bed, Beltur asked, “What are you thinking?”
“That the Traders’ Council had something more in mind than informing Axalt that you were a dangerous black mage. Or that a seven-year-old girl was a deadly white.” Jessyla’s last words were delivered sardonically.
“That’s obvious. What do you think they’re after? Besides what you said earlier?”
At dinner, Jessyla had only suggested that the Council had a grudge against both Beltur and Lhadoraak, and Beltur had refused to speculate then, partly because Taelya had been there and partly because he’d wanted some time to think.
“They don’t want us to stay in Axalt.”
“That’s also obvious … but why? All I wanted to do was to consort you and work with Jorhan so that we’d have enough golds to buy a house and be comfortable. Either in Elparta or Axalt, why would that be a problem?”
Jessyla raised her eyebrows. “That would have lasted a year or two. Then what? What would happen when it became obvious to everyone and not just a few, that you were the most powerful mage in Elparta or possibly in Spidlar?”
“Jessyla … there’s so much I can’t do.”
“I didn’t say you were the most accomplished. I said you would likely be the most powerful. Even if you aren’t, exactly, there’s no other mage who can break your shields. Would Caradyn want to defer to you? What about the Traders’ Council?”
“But we’re in Axalt, not Elparta. A single mage can’t invade an entire land.”
“No, but you could ride unseen and unsensed to Elparta and do whatever you liked.”
“I wouldn’t do that. What would be the point of that?”
“You wouldn’t, but if they had your abilities, they’d certainly think about it. They’re uneasy about you being in Axalt.”
“So they want to push us farther away. We’ve been pushed far enough. I’d just like to stay here and make them uneasy. They more than deserve it.”
“They do,” Jessyla agreed. “Is that what you want from life? To make people uneasy?”
“Of course not. I want to make a life for us, one where we’re not relying on other people, and where you don’t have to worry about where every copper or silver comes from. I just don’t have a problem if it makes Caradyn and the other blacks uneasy.”
Jessyla nodded. “I’m glad of that. Then what?”
“Then what what?”
“You made more golds in a season than most crafters make in a year.”
More than that, most likely. But Beltur didn’t really want to admit that.
When Beltur just waited, Jessyla gave a little headshake and went on. “If we’re allowed to stay here, you’ll have more than enough golds for us within a year or two. I can see that. What comes after that?”
“I still want to learn more about healing.”
“You should, and I want to learn to be a much better mage.”
“You’re saying that we won’t be happy here for very long.”
“We might be. I worry about that. I also worry that Caradyn might send a mage under a concealment into Axalt.”
“He won’t do that soon. He’ll wait to learn what the Axalt Council decides.” Beltur could see what she wasn’t saying—that his shields were strong enough, but hers might not be, and certainly Lhadoraak’s and Taelya’s weren’t, and Tulya barely had any shields.
“You know what I mean.”
Beltur sighed. “I do. But we don’t have to decide this very moment, perhaps
not for even a season, or a year. And, if it’s all the same to you, I do owe something to Jorhan. Without him, I’d have nothing.”
“I understand, but he’s done well by you also, and he has family that can help him.”
“That’s true.” Beltur paused. “We’ll just have to see. In any event, I don’t think it would be wise to just leave this moment, not with another three eightdays of winter left—if not more. And not after all that Johlana and Barrynt have given us.”
“The Council may not give us much choice … or they may let us stay and give Lhadoraak and Tulya little choice.”
Beltur winced at the last possibility. “That would be cruel.”
“Councils often are,” Jessyla reminded him.
As are prefects, power-mad mages, viscounts, and dukes … “We’ll just have to see,” he said quietly.
She nodded. “We need to get some sleep. Tomorrow might be a long day, for both of us.”
Beltur could hardly disagree.
LX
When Beltur woke on sevenday, a thin icy fog stretched across Axalt. The inside of the cot was even colder than usual. While Tulya was making breakfast, Beltur hurried over to Barrynt’s, hoping to catch Jorhan before he left for the smithy.
The smith was just coming from the stables as Beltur turned up the cleared drive beside the small mansion. “Beltur, you’re here early.”
“I just came to see you for a moment. Something’s come up. The Council summoned Lhadoraak and me to question us yesterday at fourth glass. I didn’t find out until around noon yesterday. It wasn’t a regular Council meeting. The Traders’ Council of Spidlar sent a dispatch stating that I’d fled and had likely killed two mages, and that they hadn’t exiled Lhadoraak.”
“That they hadn’t?” Jorhan frowned.
“They didn’t exile Lhadoraak or Tulya; they exiled his seven-year-old daughter because they claimed she’s a white mage.”
“A seven-year-old? What sort of man would do that? Makes me glad we left.”
“That’s why I can’t come to the smithy today. Naerkaal wants to see Lhadoraak and his daughter, and I don’t know when he’s coming.”
“What did you tell the Council, and what did they say?”
“I said that I’d put containments around both of the mages, and that they’d died. I also said that the two were trying to kill me. Naerkaal told the others I was telling the truth. They’ll let us know what they decide next sixday. I think Naerkaal wants to meet Taelya to find out if she’s really a mage.”
“Is she?”
“She can do some things, but she’s certainly nowhere close to being a full mage.”
Jorhan frowned. “You didn’t tell the whole story.”
“No, but everything I said was true. Naerkaal knew that I’d left out something, but he didn’t press me.”
“That sounds like he’s not happy about what the Council’s doing.”
“I can’t imagine any honest mage would be, but he’s only one of eleven councilors.” Naerkaal wasn’t the most powerful of black mages, but there was no way to tell how much that had affected his questioning, if it had at all. Not wanting to say more about what had happened with the Council, he asked, “How are Barrynt and Johlana?”
Jorhan frowned.
“Are they all right?”
“They’re fine. Eshult’s parents are causing some problems. I haven’t seen much of Halhana. When I said something about it, Johlana told me she’d tell me later.”
“Did Halhana get the mirror?”
“Only a couple of days ago. Johlana said that there was a right time to present it and a wrong time.”
“I’m glad she got it. I hope she likes it.”
“Johlana said she was pleased. She said it was the most elegant piece in her house.”
Beltur grinned. “It should be. It was one of the best you’ve ever done.”
At that moment, the side door to the house opened, and Johlana called out, “Is that Beltur, Jorhan?”
“It is.”
“Could both of you come in for a moment?”
“We’ll be right there.” Jorhan turned to Beltur. “I think you’d best tell her about what happened, before she says anything or anyone else tells her.” He led the way up the side steps and into the side hallway.
Even as he was closing the door, Beltur addressed Johlana. “I need to tell you what’s happened and why I came here so much earlier than I usually do.” He did so as quickly as he could.
After he’d finished, Johlana shook her head. “You’re not the favored son of the Rational Stars, that’s clear. Never seen someone who’s tried so hard to do right have so many folks against you.” She offered a crooked smile. “That might be because too many people aren’t that interested in what’s right.”
“I’ve been saying that for years,” said Jorhan.
“You’ve been wasting your breath, Brother. People like that don’t listen. People who aren’t that way already know.” She turned back to Beltur. “I was going to invite you and Jessyla for eightday dinner, but now I think I should include your friends, especially with what the Council is doing. Fussing and worrying about a seven-year-old girl? That’s disgraceful.” A hint of a smile crossed her face. “I’d like to meet the child who’s so upset our beloved Council … and her parents. Besides, we haven’t had much company in a while, and it would be good to have a child in the house again. Stars knows, we won’t be seeing one here in years.”
Beltur thought he could almost hear the words “if we ever do.” “You’re very kind, as always.”
“I like to hear about what goes on beyond merchanting, and it’s good to share a good meal with people who enjoy conversation.” She glanced at her brother.
“Never been much for that,” declared Jorhan.
“You have other strengths.” She turned back to Beltur. “Half past fourth glass?”
“We’ll be there.”
“Good. I won’t keep you.”
Beltur took the hint, nodded, and made his way outside. From there he hurried back to the cot, where everyone else was already gathered around the table.
“What took you so long?” asked Jessyla.
“When I told Jorhan I wouldn’t be at the smithy today, he thought I should tell Johlana why. When I did, she invited all of us to dinner on eightday evening, especially Taelya.”
At Tulya’s quizzical look, Beltur added, “She said she wanted to meet her and her parents. We’ve told you how warm and welcoming she is.”
“That sounds just like her,” said Jessyla. “She’s also said that it’s nice to occasionally have another woman around, especially now that her daughter’s consorted and out of the house.”
Beltur sat down and immediately began to eat the oat porridge, mixing mouthfuls with bites of bread and morsels of a single crunchy ham strip.
After a few moments, Jessyla asked, “Did Johlana say anything about Halhana and whether she liked the mirror?”
“She didn’t mention it. Jorhan told me that she only gave it to Halhana a day or so ago … something about it being the right time.”
“It’s beautiful enough that any time should be the right time,” replied Jessyla. “Halhana seems sweet enough, but to me it sounds like her consort’s parents rule her life.”
Beltur couldn’t imagine either his mother or father ever doing that, even if they had lived longer. But then, one way or another, you likely never would have met Jessyla.
Before that long, Jessyla left the table and hurried off to the healing house.
After that, Beltur donned his coat then looked to Lhadoraak. “I’ll be back as soon as I can be with Slowpoke. That way I can spend some of the morning hauling water to refill the cistern. Send for me if he comes.”
While Beltur had the feeling that Councilor Naerkaal wouldn’t show up first thing in the morning, he also didn’t think that Naerkaal would put off his visit until late in the day.
In fact, by ninth glass, Beltur had cleaned the sta
ble, refilled the cistern, returned Slowpoke to the stable, groomed the gelding, and walked back to the cot.
At just past the first glass of the afternoon, there was a knock on the cot door.
“You should get it,” said Lhadoraak with a grin. “It is your cot. Besides, you have stronger shields.”
Beltur grinned back. “Excuses yet.” Then he walked to the door and opened it.
The gray-haired Naerkaal stood on the stoop alone. “Might I come in?”
“You certainly may.” Beltur stepped back, then closed the door once the mage-councilor entered. “There’s an empty coat peg there.”
“I thought you might be here,” said Naerkaal as he took off his black coat and scarf.
“Considering that Lhadoraak and his family were forced out of Spidlar at least partly because we were friends, I thought it only fair.” Beltur gestured toward the bench and chairs.
“As would I, were I in your boots.” The mage studied the front room. “You’ve only been in Axalt a little more than half a season. You look remarkably well-settled for a couple who arrived with three horses and little more than the clothes on your backs.”
The mention of three horses told Beltur that Naerkaal had definitely done some looking around, but he replied, “Most of the furnishings came from Barrynt. They had been languishing in his storeroom for many years. A few items came with the cot.”
“That seems most generous.”
“His consort is Jorhan’s sister. She was glad that he left Elparta and came to Axalt.”
“So I have heard. Is it true that your ability to help him forge cupridium enabled him to pay off his debts in Spidlar?”
“He did tell me that after we had sold a number of pieces that he’d been able to pay off the factors he owed for copper and tin. We never talked more about it.”
“You’re very careful about what you say.”
“I’ve discovered that’s the wisest course, ser.”
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