The stormcaller tr-1

by Tom Lloyd

  died.

  Mihn had already proven his skill publicly. A friend of one of the soldiers he had felled in the barbican tunnel tried to secure some measure of revenge. He was a hulking brute, but a skilled one. His wrist was so badly dislocated the surgeons at the College of Magic had to be called in to repair the damage. A rib, snapped under a well-placed knee, was still giving him trouble. Carel had seen that Mihn had the killing blow ready and waiting. Luckily, it had not been needed.

  'Whatever penance you're doing, I don't care, see? I've smacked his arse and wiped his eyes; I've taught him when to fight and when to stand back. Even if you'd give your life for him, that's nothing big to me. If you know something, if you even suspect it, don't you dare hide it, not from me. In case your nose has been so far up his arse you haven't noticed, Isak's a white-eye. He's a stubborn and wilful shit for much of the time, but I love him like a son and I know his mind better than he does. He can protect himself from others, but he's no defence against himself.'

  Mihn stared into Carel's eyes and then, without warning, wilted.

  'I understand,' he said quietly. 'And I apologise. I held my tongue because there are those who expect great things, or fear them. I should trust you as he does.'

  ‘And so?' replied Carel, a little mollified.

  ‘And so I believe he is beating magic into that sword. Whether he recognises it or not, Lord Isak seems to be something of a mage-smith.'

  'How can he not know it?'

  'If he has the skill, it will come naturally – not the complex spells of Eolis, which would take weeks of preparation, but a white-eye's version. I've heard that mage-smiths go into a near-trance when they forge. I think Lord Isak is pouring raw magic into the blade to help it last, or be lighter to use. With a mind for forging, and his powers developing very recently, it's an unsurprising outcome, but-'

  'But that's not what people are likely to think,' breathed Carel. They'll see the greatest mage-smith in history, practising his craft once more.'

  'Exactly. Does Lord Bahl have mages he can trust? Could we summon one to be here? It would be best if it were someone willing to take any credit if the sword does have any magic in it.'

  'I'm sure there will be. Go and wake Lesarl – he should be able to organise something like that.'

  As Mihn slipped off into the chill darkness, Carel turned back to the closed door of the forge. The memory of Isak labouring away, his eyes closed and a smile on his lips, confirmed Mihn's suspicions in his own mind.

  'Ah, my boy, you'll be the death of me yet. I should be abed by now. Instead I'm playing nursemaid and waiting about in the dead of night for some fat mage.' He chuckled to himself, pulling his fur tighter around him and taking slow puffs on his pipe until the night air grew too cold for him and he retreated inside the forge. Isak was as he had left him, but this time Carel sat closer and paid greater attention. He still couldn't make out the words Isak was muttering over that blade, but they didn't sound Farlan.

  When the old man did finally retire for the night, it was with worry etched into his brow.

  CHAPTER 23

  Two days later they were ready. The cold heart of winter seemed to have thawed for a moment, and a rare sparkle of sun had lit up the previous afternoon when Isak finally emerged from the forge, happily exhausted. Fetching a mage from the College of Magic had turned out to be a real blessing, for Chirialt Dermeness, a strong, fit man of forty summers, was an authority on magical forging.

  The man was not what Isak had expected. Even the battle-mages tended towards the portly, but Dermeness had realised that to be a mage-smith meant first of all being a capable smith. He himself had beaten out every piece of Count Vesna's armour before engraving the necessary runes into its surface.

  Mage Dermeness had, in a brief time, taught Isak much about the basics of the art. Isak had an image of the end result in his mind, and the mage had improved the reality. It had taken a full day of engraving, sharpening, sharpening again, and finally detailing with gold-leaf before the sword was ready. Then Isak had staggered away to sleep while Tila prepared his baggage and got everything ready to be off the next morning.

  A bright, clear dawn found the Krann and his companions checking over their horses, waiting only for Bahl's signal to be off. Isak stood between his two chargers, comfortable there as they hid his size a little. The smaller, Megenn, was close to eighteen hands in height, the second, named Toramin after a famous Farlan warhorse, was a shade off nineteen. Horses this big were ruinously expensive animals, frequently produced just to demonstrate a breeder's skill. Crossing hunter stock with the largest breed of carthorse normally produced one viable charger in a dozen, but both of Isak's were a horseman's

  dream: incredibly powerful, and swift enough to keep up with hunters half their size.

  Isak felt the eyes of the whole field on him, and the glare of Tila's chaperone most pointed among them. Resisting the temptation to pull on his hood, he busied himself with checking Toramin's saddle. He would have to get used to people staring; he'd endure far greater

  scrutiny than this in Narkang.

  The crash of the doors to the Great Hall drew all heads as the Lord of the Farlan, hooded, but for once dressed in all his ducal finery, came through, Lesarl at his heels. Bahl's eagle was emblazoned in white on a deep-red tunic, the sleeves of which were slashed to reveal the white silk underneath. Silver embroidery and pearl detailing gave the richly coloured fabrics texture. No one had expected the normally sombrely clad white-eye to make such an effort.

  'Sergeant Carelfolden,' called the old Lord as he approached. The veteran stepped up, a quizzical look on his face. Isak was close behind. Bahl took in the crowd watching with an air of approval before his

  eyes settled on Carel.

  'Lesarl reminds me that Narkang is a city of crass foreigners who respect only rank and wealth. You seem to have neither, so it would look strange for you to wear the same uniform as the guardsmen you command when you're old enough to have fathered most of them. It would be more fitting if your presence in Isak's party were justified by something more than the fact that you're the only one who can tell

  him when to shut up.'

  Carel smiled with the rest of the crowd. Bahl had been extremely impressed when, one evening in Isak's chamber, Carel had clipped the youth round the ear for a typically impious comment. The old Lord had been more impressed that Isak had accepted the chastisement without even a flicker of anger.

  Later he'd told his Krann that his relationship with the old man was something to be cherished. Bahl had said nothing about the danger it posed; that they both recognised all too well.

  'There's supposed to be some ceremony for this, but most of it is unnecessary. I know Isak is keen to be away. Betyn Carelfolden, please

  kneel.'

  Carel dropped to one knee immediately, his head bowed low, almost

  hiding the surprise on his face. Bahl reached to his hip and drew White Lightning. The massive broadsword looked a little incongruous next to the lush velvets and silks. He lifted the blade and laid it down on Carel's right shoulder. The veteran raised his eyes as the blade stayed

  there, instead of moving over to his other shoulder, as would happen with a knighthood. Less than a foot from his eye was one of the spikes that curved out from the wide base of the blade. It was hard to fight the prickle of nervousness as that lethal edge sat so close.

  'I don't believe a mere knight should lead the Krann's personal guard. Anvee has few enough nobles at the moment, and more than sufficient land to grant, so I dub you Marshal Carelfolden and confer upon you the manor of Etinn, together with all its rights and revenues.'

  Carel gasped in surprise, as did the crowd looking on. There was a heartbeat of silence as the weight on his shoulder seemed to grow too heavy and he swayed forward. Then the sword was lifted and the dragon-liveried guardsmen cheered. Isak reached forward and took Carel by the arm, making a show of congratulating him as he helped

  him up.
>
  'I- My Lord, I had not-' Carel stuttered. The estate of Etinn made him a wealthy man in his own right; it was the last thing he'd been expecting. 'I thank you, my Lord. I shall try to be worthy of the

  honour.'

  Bahl nodded curtly, then turned to Isak. 'Everything is in order?' Isak nodded, his eyes darting down to the sword hanging loosely in

  Bahl's hand.

  The Lord caught the movement and sheathed the weapon. Isak recognised the twitch on his close-fitting hood as a smile. Their friendship was not yet so close that either would be comfortable when, facing each other, one held a naked blade.

  'I think so, though the preparations have all been made for me. Tila has the letters of introduction, Vesna and I carry the gold, in various currencies, gems and promissory notes. Lesarl has fully briefed us on agreements and treaties, such as there are.'

  'Good. When you are in Narkang you will be extended as much credit as you require. Lesarl's great-grandfather spent many years restoring our treasury; the money is there to be spent if it secures us the links we need to Narkang. I care about two things: that you don't start a war, and that Narkang thinks of us as friends rather than arrogant neighbours. King Emin is too intelligent a man, and too powerful, for us to allow that view to continue.' He kept his voice low so otherswould not hear the exchange.

  Isak followed suit. 'Understood. I believe Tila intends to teach me to be charming and witty, in anticipation of the hundreds of social events we'll be invited to.'

  Bahl gave a snort of amusement. Isak's vocal disregard of Tirah's high society showed little chance of Tila succeeding in that ambition. 'If you come back charming and witty, I'll make her a duchess. If 1 hear that she's even managed to stop you from being directly offensive to those you dislike, I'll give her a state wedding here when she marries.'

  Isak glanced down at Count Vesna. 'I think there might be a need

  for that sooner than her parents realise,' he said with a smile.

  'Really?' Bahl looked a little surprised; he hadn't realised the romance had progressed that far. Then she'll deserve a title just for getting him under control, let alone you.'

  'He's smitten, so there's hope for both of them,' Isak said fondly.

  Bahl's eyes lingered on the two for a moment longer. 'They have your blessing?'

  'They do.' Isak's smile showed that he was glad about it; he had not just accepted the situation. 'Before, 1 had- well, this is the best way for all of us. The battle changed me, and we both realised it as soon as I returned here.'

  Bahl held up his hand. He knew well the lonely life of a white-eye, and he was glad that the friendships had survived. 'Very well. Best be on your way now, for the days are short and you've a long way to travel.'

  He turned to his Chief Steward, who had stepped away to afford them some privacy. 'Lesarl, give the gifts for King Emin to Count Vesna, if you would be so kind.'

  Isak cocked his head at the long wrapped bundle in Lesarl's hands. 'What are they?' He could feel magic surrounding them, not as powerful as his own gifts, but far from insignificant.

  'Snake-jewels for the Queen of Narkang, and a book for the King. Our man there tells us that King Emin has a passion for history, particularly its darker side. A man I've known for many years, one who could have been High Cardinal, wrote this. Even today he's a force inside the cult of Nartis – you'd do well to meet him one day. I believe King Emin will find this account… diverting.' 'That's not what 1 meant.'

  'Ah,' Bahl smiled. 'I'm glad to see your senses are improving. That was part of Atro's personal collection. It's no elven blade, but it is a

  fine weapon nonetheless, created by the mage Sorodoch. Have you heard of him?'

  Isak shook his head.

  'An interesting man, one of only a rare few Chetse mage-smiths. I assumed you would have read the histories of forging we have in the library. No matter; when you return. He was a talented smith who produced minor weapons, but they last well and are dependable. This is an axe, called Darklight in the Chetse dialect. It will make our friendship clear to King Emin, while not being powerful enough to put you in danger from him. I suggest you leave it alone, though. It might be little compared to Eolis, but we do get attached so easily.' Isak nodded. The stories about Atro were ample warning. 'Enough of this.' Bahl held out an arm that Isak took willingly, gripping the man's wrist warmly as the old Lord clapped a fatherly hand on to his Krann's shoulder. 'Return when you will. Best to winter in Narkang and set out again a year from now, I think. You know the kind of stories you might hear from home, so make it clear how long you intend to stay and show to the whole Land that we're united.'

  Isak held on to the man's arm a moment longer, acknowledging that he understood the trust Bahl was placing in him. With the clandestine campaign Bahl and his Chief Steward had already embarked upon, letting the Krann out of his sight showed a great degree of faith – the count had explained how easy it would be for Isak to start a civil war once free of the Lord's watchful gaze.

  Isak saw a flicker of understanding in Bahl's eyes and smiled. 'There is just one more thing,' he said, and turned back to the newly made Marshal Carelfolden of Etinn. He beckoned to a page standing at the side, who brought over a curved sabre sheathed in a plain leather

  scabbard.

  'Marshal,' he said to Carel, taking the sword from its sheath and presenting it hilt-first, 'it is only fitting that your new rank is marked with a new weapon.' He grinned and said, so quietly that only Carel could hear, 'And I tried to temper it the way you tempered me!'

  The joke relieved the high tension and Carel smiled proudly as he accepted the sword a misty shine like smoke wreathing the blade.

  'Boy,' he said softly, 'this is the greater honour.' Then, to the watching crowd, 'I will wield it in your name, and the name of the Lord of the Farlan, and of our God Nartis.' He bowed low and backed away, returning to Isak's waiting group.

  Isak turned back to Bahl, relieved to see the old Lord's smile of approbation. They gripped wrists firmly one last time, then Isak bowed low and backed away.

  The rest of his company did likewise, and then mounted at Isak's cue. They cut a fine sight, the colours of their new livery bright in the cloud-filtered sunlight. Isak stroked Toramin's mane, then raised his arm to signal the advance. He sat tall and proud, his white cape draped over his shoulders. Though the battle's mud and gore had been cleaned off long ago, this was the first time Isak had worn it since – he had insisted that the cloak be repaired instead of replaced, to remind him always of a creature that was little more than burning bloodlust made flesh.

  He looked around at the smiling faces. Mihn rode just behind, his face as guarded as ever, but Isak had grown used to that. The man didn't seem to be brooding, but he was among strangers, and he knew well how much interest there was in him. The onlookers smiled as they waved last goodbyes, and the mood of optimism and cheer extended even to the horses as they pranced after Isak.

  A ringing clatter echoed down the barbican tunnel and Isak drank in the sights and sounds he wouldn't experience for at least a year. The people of Tirah stepped back and watched, awestruck, as the splendid party cantered down Palace Way and struck out for the south. As they made their way through the ancient streets, each rider fixed the images of home firmly in his or her mind: the bridges and towers, the engraved stones that adorned all but the meanest of buildings, every reason for loving their city.

  Within what felt a very short time, they had reached the outskirts, where long straight roads led off to distant lands. The peaks of the Spiderweb Mountains rose on both sides; ahead were river-valleys and open fields. Isak smiled at the sight until he remembered what might be lurking in the shadows. They'd spent hours discussing each and every possible danger.

  He sighed, and prayed for a dull journey, something he knew only too well from his previous life. These days, the prospect wasn't as dismal as it had been then, but he still couldn't bring himself to believe that it would be so easy this time.

&
nbsp; The first day was easy enough. At times it felt more like a parade than the start of a long journey; they overnighted at a manor belonging to Suzerain Tehran, where they were treated like royalty. By noon of

  the second day they were still travelling at the same pace and Isak's patience was beginning to wear thin.

  'It's slowing us down,' he said, exasperated. 'Did you really think you could get to Narkang like that? Do you realise how far it is?'

  Tila regarded him with a cold eye, refusing to dignify that with an answer.

  Isak struggled to control himself- it was as if the girl knew instinctively how to infuriate him.

  'No matter how far it is, my Lord, she's an unmarried woman,' snapped Tila's chaperone, a woman of fifty summers or so. She had introduced herself as Mistress Daran and given no first name, so, titled or not, Vesna and Carel had no choice but to address her as such, though it was a respect her station hardly afforded. Tila called her Nurse, and Isak was very proud of himself for managing not to say out loud the name he'd privately given her.

  'She could be a sniping old harridan for all I care, as long as she uses a real bloody saddle.' Isak's retort almost had the desired effect, but the women managed to hold back. They stood in a small circle, away from the soldiers, who were watching the entertainment with great amusement.

  'Isak, all unmarried women ride side-saddle,' Tila repeated with exaggerated patience. 'If you can't work out why, then I'm sure your bondsman will draw you a diagram. It's apparently something of a speciality of his.'

  The count's broad smile fell at this, but Carel chuckled softly. For her remark, Tila received a hurt look from Vesna and a slap on the wrist from Mistress Daran. She won back the first with a smile and ignored the second, planting her hands firmly on her hips as she squared up to Isak.