Hanion’s hands trembled as he lowered Vigorre’s message. He stared at the map. “Thirty more ships?” His voice rose until it cracked. “It’s impossible. We can’t fight so many.”
“I think we can, if we act quickly. Give the order, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
Hanion rose and pointed a shaking finger at Elkan. “You brought this on us! You and that apprentice of yours. What were you thinking, bringing a troublemaker the Mother never chose into the guild? The Law of Isolation protected us for centuries until he let those bandits break it!”
Elkan bit back a defense of himself and Josiah. He spread his hands. “It hardly matters now, does it? What’s done is done. Let me try to put things right.”
“It’s far too late for that.” Hanion breathed hard. “We’re going to have to surrender. For real, this time.”
Fear and anger swirled in Elkan’s stomach. He lunged forward and slammed both hands on the desk. “You can’t be serious. You know what they’ve done to Elathir. Do you want the same for all of Tevenar? Do you want to go back into a cell? Do you want every wizard and familiar hunted down and killed?”
“We can’t stop them!” Hanion shrank back, eyes wide but chin jutted forward. “The most we can do is bargain for whatever mercy we can persuade them to grant.”
“You’ve seen what their mercy looks like. Savir told me what they were doing when he rescued you. Show the people the scars on your back and tell them that’s the mercy you’ll buy them.”
Hanion’s mouth opened, but no sound came out. He blinked hard several times, then snapped it shut and reached for Mavke. “Get out. As Guildmaster I forbid you to lead an attack against the Ramunnans. I’ll tell the people I’ve decided to bargain.”
Elkan didn’t budge. “They won’t listen to you. Folk came here to take Tevenar back, not to lie down and surrender.” He pointed to Mavke. “You remember what happened last time you asked him to use the Mother’s power against me. Are you determined to get your bond broken? That would be a terrible thing to do to poor Mavke after he waited so patiently for you.”
Hanion turned to Mavke. The dog ducked his head and whined, looking up at his partner with big, pleading eyes. Hanion whirled back to Elkan. “Call Tobi in here and see what she thinks about you defying my authority. The masters elected me Guildmaster according to the Law.”
“And they can call for a new election if they believe you’re failing to follow the Mother’s will.” Elkan glared at Hanion, willing him to back down.
Hanion’s face was chalky. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I would, if there were time. But there’s not.” Elkan drew himself up, breathing deeply to calm his thundering heart. “I’m going out there and announcing the attack. You can’t stop me. You can either come out behind me and demand that people ignore me and surrender to the Ramunnans, or you can choose to support me. I’d prefer a pubic declaration, but your silence will suffice. Tevenar will not go down without a fight.”
He turned on his heel and headed for the door. Meira fell in beside him, her quiet support giving him courage. Despite his bold words, his back prickled. He expected to feel the warm tingle of the Mother’s power surrounding him and freezing him in place at any moment.
But it didn’t. He reached the door and opened it. Mavke whined again, then whimpered. Elkan didn’t turn around. If Hanion was foolish enough to force the matter with his familiar, there was nothing Elkan could do to stop him.
A calm, cold resolve descended on him as he strode across the hushed, empty Hall. The wait was over. The time to act, for good or ill, had come.
* * *
A piercing shriek like a woman’s scream ripped through the plaza. Josiah dropped his empty plate and jerked around.
Elkan stood on the sundial, bracing himself with one hand on the metal framework. An eagle perched on his shoulder. Beside him, Tobi stopped screaming and surveyed the crowd with a pleased expression. Every eye in the plaza was riveted on the wizard and mountain cat.
“People of Tevenar,” Elkan shouted. Golden spheres appeared around the plaza as wizards opened windows to transmit his words. “We just received word that more Ramunnans are coming to reinforce those who hold Elathir. If we act quickly, we can reclaim the city before they arrive. We march tomorrow at first light.”
He held up a hand to still the startled exclamations and scattered cheers. “We have weapons that match those the Ramunnans wield. We have sufficient numbers to overwhelm them. We have the power of the Mother to guide and help and heal us. But more important than any of those things, we have the loyal devotion every one of you has demonstrated throughout this crisis. You’ve given your time and talents and hard work to Tevenar’s cause. Now we must unite in one final effort. Together we will expel the invaders from our home!”
A huge roar of approval answered his words. Josiah yelled as loud as he could. The eagle launched from Elkan’s shoulder and wheeled overhead, its cries echoing the crowd’s enthusiasm. Tobi lashed her tail and pressed against Elkan’s leg, snarling. All around, familiars added their varied animal voices to the humans’ cheers. Sar threw his head back and released an ear-splitting bray.
At last they could stop waiting around and do something! He’d have to quiz Elkan about the reinforcements he’d mentioned and find out what Nirre was doing here instead of in Ramunna with Vigorre, but those things were minor compared to the prospect of finally throwing the Ramunnans out of Elathir.
After several minutes Elkan raised his hand. Reluctantly, people quieted. “Fighters, report immediately to your groups for orders. Support staff, begin your assigned tasks. Leaders, come speak with me. Everyone else, return to your homes and wait for further instructions.” A shimmering wave of gold burst from his hand and swept over the crowd in every direction. Its soft breeze ruffled Josiah’s hair. “May the Mother be with us all.”
The people murmured in affirmation and raised their faces to the light. When it died, the crowd began to break up, everyone hurrying to their duties. Josiah pushed toward Elkan, elbowing people aside. Sar clung to his heels.
Elkan was deep in conversation with Master Edniel, his hands slashing the air to illustrate his points, when Josiah got there. Meira listened intently, along with Master Ferin and the leaders of the archers, foot fighters, and mounted fighters.
“—I hate to ask you to change your plans at such late notice, but we have to leave someone in charge of Korisan’s defense who’s strong enough to stand up to Hanion. Someone who will ignore him if he tries to persuade them to surrender, even though he’s the Guildmaster.”
“I know just the person.” Master Edniel smiled grimly.
“Good.” Elkan ran a hand through his hair. “I think that’s everything.” His eyes roamed over them and fell on Josiah. “There you are, Josiah. I want you to go with Master Ferin. She’s leading the wizards going down this side of the river. We’ll be communicating through windows, but I want to be able to send Tharanirre back and forth with messages, too. I think she knows you well enough.”
“But—” Josiah broke off at the expression on Elkan’s face. He’d expected to be at his master’s side during the battle. But he knew better than to argue when Elkan looked like that. “Yes, sir.”
Elkan looked up and raised his arm. Tharanirre swooped down to land on it. Elkan winced but didn’t flinch. “Nirre, you remember Josiah, don’t you? Will you go to him?”
The eagle ducked her head, then crouched and sprang as Elkan threw her into the air. She flapped in a tight circle and landed on Josiah’s arm, gripping it painfully with her powerful talons. He stroked her head, wondering where he could get an arm guard before morning. “Hey, Nirre. What are you doing so far from home?”
Elkan gestured to the southeast. “Vigorre and the other wizards are on a ship with the Matriarch, three days out of Elathir. Along with thirty more Armada ships.”
A thousand more questions leapt to Josiah’s mind, but he only nodded. At least now he understood why t
he situation was so urgent. Nirre shifted her weight and he boosted her into flight.
Elkan pressed a narrow metal tube bound with thin leather straps into his hands. “This goes on her leg.”
“Got it.” Josiah dared one question. “So we’re attacking down both sides of the river?”
“Yes. You’ll feint and draw the Ramunnans across, Savir will destroy the bridge, and we’ll hit them from behind. Ferin will tell you the details.”
Master Ferin put an arm around Josiah’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, Elkan. I’ll take good care of him.”
“I’m counting on it. Remember, your job is to get them over the river. Once they take the bait, retreat. Don’t try to fight if you’re outnumbered.”
“Don’t worry,” she repeated. “It’s a good plan. The Ramunnans don’t stand a chance.” The ferret on her shoulder chittered agreement.
“I pray you’re right.” Elkan raked his hand through his hair again. From so close, Josiah could see it was shaking.
Suddenly Elkan strode forward and threw his arms around Josiah, hugging him hard. Startled, Josiah returned the embrace. Elkan stepped back, his hands gripping Josiah’s shoulders. “In case I don’t get the chance to say this later, I want you to know you’ve been the best apprentice a master could ask for. You’ve got a true wizard’s heart and the cleverest mind I’ve ever encountered. I thank the Mother for choosing you and giving me the chance to teach you.”
The praise was sweet, but it rang with terrible finality in Josiah’s ears. He stared at Elkan, understanding with a sick lurch in his stomach why his master was saying those things now.
Josiah wanted to make a joke, to laugh off the seriousness of the moment with light words, but he couldn’t. What if one or both of them didn’t make it through the battle? What if this was the last time they were together outside the Mother’s presence?
He gulped and made himself meet Elkan’s eyes. “Thanks, master,” he whispered. “I’m really glad I got to be your apprentice.” Then, because he couldn’t bear the intensity another moment, and because he refused to believe this wouldn’t be just a temporary parting, he grinned. “I’m going to remind you what you said next time you’re mad at me for disobeying you.”
Elkan gave a choked laugh, although he didn’t loosen his grip. “You do that.” He pulled Josiah close for another hug. “Good-bye.”
Josiah hugged him back. “See you in Elathir, three days from now.”
“As the Mother wills.” Elkan released him and turned to Sar. He put his arms around the donkey’s neck and bent to murmur in his ear.
Josiah crouched to hug Tobi. She pressed close, purring, and he buried his face in her thick warm fur. “You stick close to Elkan. Keep a sharp eye out for arrows and blasting powder and iron balls so you have plenty of time to knock them away. And remind him not to trust a word the Ramunnans say. Except Vigorre and Kevessa and Borlen, of course.”
He froze as the import of his words struck him. Yes, he was sure Elkan had said the other wizards were with Vigorre. Which meant Kevessa would be in Tevenar in only a few days.
He released Tobi and gave Meira a hug, accepting her thanks for his help with the mill and the weapons and thanking her in turn.
Elkan cut the farewells short. “All right, everyone. Finish what must be done tonight, then go to bed and get as much sleep as you can. Morning will be here soon.” With a final pat for Sar and slap on Josiah’s shoulder, he turned purposefully toward the Mother’s Hall.
Josiah followed Master Ferin to the camp, quizzing her as they went. She filled him in on the details of what they’d be doing. It seemed like a good plan to Josiah.
He threw himself into the work of packing and loading wagons. The tents and bedrolls and most of the cooking gear had to wait until morning, so it wasn’t terribly late when they finished. Master Ferin and the rest of the wizards bid each other good-night and retired to their tents.
Josiah got Sar settled, then slipped out of the camp and headed into town. Ledah had promised him a memorable farewell. Afterwards he’d tell her thank you and good-bye, and they’d part as friends.
When he met Kevessa again, he’d be free.
Thirty-Two
Meira lay awake in the cold darkness before dawn, curled around the sleeping Ravid. She pressed her face into the warm silkiness of his hair and breathed his achingly familiar scent. She longed to cuddle him to her breast, but a few months before Josiah found them in the mountains Ravid’s nursing had begun to taper off until eventually he’d refused altogether. She’d been sad that he’d weaned so young, but now she was thankful he had. It would make this a little bit easier for him than it might have been.
Noise from outside the thin cloth walls of her tent told her that the rest of the camp was stirring, but she couldn’t bear to tear herself away. Just a few more minutes to hold her son close, to memorize the sound of his breathing and the feel of his body snuggled against hers, before she had to say good-bye.
She’d known all along that she’d have to leave him in Korisan when she took the weapons to Elathir. Elkan had made arrangements for the children whose parents were part of the attack to be cared for here while they were gone. She would never dream of exposing Ravid to the dangers of battle. No camp they could make would be safe if the Ramunnans carried the day.
“Meira?” Zagan called softly.
“Coming,” she answered, ruthlessly burying her reluctance. She dragged herself from under the blanket and tucked it around Ravid. He sighed and wiggled, but settled back into stillness.
She dressed and crawled from the tent. Zagan had a fire going and a pot of porridge bubbling. He handed her a steaming bowl and a spoon. “Honey and pecans, the way you like it.”
“I’m going to miss your cooking while I’m gone. The cooks at the camp do their best, but they don’t have your experience making delicious meals over open fires.”
He made a face. “I’ve seen what they’re packing to feed you on the road. Whatever’s compact and tough and won’t spoil. Taste isn’t a consideration.”
“As long as it gets us to Elathir and through the battle. A few days of bland fare will make us enjoy it more when the cooks get back to their kitchens.”
Meira didn’t qualify her statement with “if we win.” She was glad Zagan didn’t feel the need to add it. He wrinkled his nose. “The Cooks’ Guild in Elathir is all about fancy restaurants and feeding rich guildmasters and traders. Going back to basics for a while has been good for them.” He abruptly dropped his mock-scornful tone. “You don’t have to worry about Ravid while you’re gone. I’ll take care of him like he was my own.”
“I know you will.” Meira took a bite of porridge to give herself a moment to compose her emotions. “I’m glad I have someone he knows and trusts to leave him with. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t come with me.”
“You’d have managed.” Zagan turned to stir the pot and serve bowls to several more of the miners-turned-blasters. Meira didn’t have much appetite, but she forced herself to finish the porridge. She would need all her strength over the next few days.
When he finished, Zagan turned back to Meira. “Have you decided whether you want me to wait here with Ravid until you come back or bring him to you in Elathir?”
She shrugged helplessly. “I can’t know which will be better. It depends on how things stand after the battle. Whether we can make a truce with the Matriarch or not. I have to stay with the weapons as long as we may need to use them. But I don’t want Ravid there if there’s any chance of more fighting. When conditions stabilize I’ll send you a message. Hopefully it won’t be more than a week, but I just don’t know…” She blinked and swallowed hard.
“I understand. I’ll be ready to do whatever you want.” He gestured toward her tent. “He’s still asleep? I’ll keep an ear out and take care of him when he wakes up.”
“No.” It would undoubtedly be less upsetting to all of them if she slipped away without making a fuss. But
she wasn’t going to leave her son without saying good-bye. If, Mother forbid, something should happen to her, Ravid deserved to know that his mother had hugged him and kissed him and told him she loved him before vanishing from his life. Even though he was probably too young to remember. “After I visit the privy I’ll wake him up. I’ve got to pack the tent anyway.”
But when she returned she found Ravid eating a bowl of porridge under Zagan’s watchful eye. “He came looking for you.”
She sat down on the length of log next to Ravid. “Hey, nugget. Is that good?”
He took his spoon out of his mouth. “Yes.”
“Remember I told you last night that I need to go on a trip. I’m going to pack up our clothes and take down our tent. Tonight you get to sleep with Master Zagan and Dobon in their tent.”
He kept eating. She didn’t know whether he understood or not. He was used to being apart from her during the day now. Probably he’d only register her absence when evening came and she wasn’t there to snuggle him to sleep the way she’d done every night of his life.
He didn’t protest when she got up and went to pack. Ravid’s small garments fit neatly into his little leather bag. Hers went into a larger pack. Members of the Laborers’ Guild had come with wagons. They helped her disassemble her tent and stow it for transport.
The sky was swiftly brightening. Meira glanced toward the fire. Ravid had finished his breakfast and was playing with Dobon in a pile of dirt. On an ordinary day she would have left without disturbing him. She briefly reconsidered her decision, but she knew what she had to do. It was the right choice for the long run, even if right now it caused more distress.
She caught Zagan’s eye and walked over to the two boys. He came to stand a short distance away. Meira knelt by Ravid. “Give Mama a hug.”
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