Trudi Canavan - The High Lord

Much had changed. He must be ready for the consequences. Snippets of information had come his way, and he was probably not the only one to realize what they might lead to. If the King did truly intend to end the yearly Purge, there would be one less reason for the Thieves to work together. And then there were the rumors of certain deals already being made between the other underworld leaders.

He smiled and straightened his shoulders. He had prepared for the day when Akkarin’s support ended. Deals had been made with useful and powerful people. Wealth had been stowed, and information gathered. His position was strong.

Soon he would find out if it was strong enough.

The carriage rocked gently on its springs. Outside, endless fields and the occasional farmhouse slowly passed by. Inside, Dannyl and Tayend raised wineglasses to each other. “A drink to Lord Osen, who decided that you would best serve the Guild as Ambassador in Elyne,” Tayend said. “And for letting us travel overland.”

“To Osen,” Dannyl replied. He took a sip of the wine. “You know I would have stayed, if he’d asked me to.”

Tayend smiled. “Yes, and I would have stayed with you though I’m glad I didn’t need to. Kyralians are so suffocatingly conservative.” He brought his glass to his lips, then looked away and his expression grew sober. “He’s smart to send you back, though. A lot of people will question the Guild’s authority now. It proved to be a bit ill-prepared for war.”

Dannyl chuckled. “Just a bit.”

“More people will be inclined to think like Dem Marane,” Tayend continued. “You’ll need to convince those people that the Guild is still in charge, when it comes to magic.”

“I know.”

“Then there’s this issue of black magic. You’ll have to assure people that the Guild really has no choice but to learn it again. Ah, it could get a bit intense in the next few months.”

“I know.”

“It might take years, even.” Tayend smiled. “But, of course, there’s no reason you couldn’t stay in Elyne, once your time as Ambassador is over, is there?”

“No.” Dannyl smiled. “Osen granted the position to me indefinitely.”

Tayend’s eyes widened, then he grinned. “He did? That’s wonderful!”

“He said something about Elyne suiting me better than Kyralia. And that I should not let concerns about rumors stop me cherishing and enjoying our friendship.”

The scholar’s eyebrows rose. “Did he really? Do you think he knows about us?”

“I wonder. He didn’t seem at all disapproving. But I could be reading more into his comments than he meant to say. He has just lost a good friend and mentor.” Dannyl hesitated. “Though it does make me wonder how much it would really change things, if people knew.”

Tayend frowned. “Now don’t you get any stupid ideas about that. If you told the Guild, and they got all scandalized and sent you away, I’d still follow you. And when I found you, I’d give you a good kick for being such an idiot.” He paused, then grinned. “I love you, but I also love that you’re an important Guild magician.”

Dannyl chuckled. “That’s just as well. I could change the important part, and even the Guild part, but the magician part doesn’t come as an option.”

Tayend smiled. “Oh, I doubt I’ll ever change my mind about you. I think you’ll have to put up with me for a very long time.”

The black-robed magician stepped out of the newly repaired Northern Gates. As always, people stopped to stare and children yelled her name and began to follow.

Rothen watched Sonea closely. Though he was acting as Escort today, that duty was not the reason for his concern. She hadn’t looked this pale since she had first locked herself away in his rooms. Sensing his gaze, she glanced at him and smiled. He relaxed a little. As he had predicted, she had gained much from the work she had begun in the slums. A little life had returned to her eyes and some purpose to her step.

The hospital by the gates had been built in a few short months. He had expected it to take some time for the dwells to overcome their hatred and distrust of magicians, but a crowd of them had appeared the day it had opened, and every day since.

Sonea was the reason. They loved her. She had come from among them, had saved the city, and had returned to the slums to help them.

Dorrien had been by her side from the start. His greater knowledge of Healing was essential, and his experience at earning the trust of farmers and foresters also helped him gain the dwells’ confidence. Other Healers had joined them. It seemed Sonea was not the only magician who believed Healing should not be a service offered only to the rich Houses.

As she reached the hospital and moved inside, Lord Darlen stepped forward to greet her.

“How was the night shift?” she asked.

“Busy.” He smiled ruefully. “When isn’t it? Oh, I found another potential recruit. A girl of about fifteen, named Kalia. She’ll return later with her father, if he agrees to let her join us.”

Sonea nodded. “How are our supplies?”

“Low, as always,” Darlen replied. “I’ll talk to Lady Vinara when I get back.”

“Thank you, Lord Darlen,” Sonea said.

Darlen nodded, then headed to the door. Sonea paused to look around the room. Following her gaze, Rothen took in the crowd of waiting patients, the handful of guards who had been employed to manage them, and the curies who had been hired for their knowledge of medicine to help with minor cases. Sonea suddenly drew in a sharp breath, then turned to a guard standing nearby.

“That woman over there with the child wrapped in a green blanket. Bring her to me in my room.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Rothen started to look for the woman, but Sonea was already walking away. He followed her into a small room furnished with a table, a bed and several chairs. She sat down and drummed her fingers on the table. Rothen pulled up a chair beside her.

“You know this woman?”

She glanced at him. “Yes. It’s—” She paused at a knock on the door. “Come in.”

He recognized the woman instantly. Sonea’s aunt smiled and took the seat on the other side of the table. “Sonea. I was hoping it would be you.”

“Jonna,” Sonea replied, smiling fondly—but tiredly, Rothen noted. “I wanted to come see you, but I’ve been so busy. How is Ranel? How are my cousins?”

Jonna looked down at the baby. “Hania has a terrible fever. I’ve tried everything...”

Sonea placed a hand gently on the baby’s head. She frowned. “Yes. She’s got the beginning of bluespot disease. I can give her a little boost.” She was quiet for a moment. “There. You will have to wait it out, I’m afraid. Give her liquids. A little marin juice mixed in will help, too.” Sonea looked up at her aunt. “Jonna, would you... would you come live with me?”

The woman’s eyes went round. “I’m sorry, Sonea. I just couldn’t.”

Sonea looked down. “I know you don’t feel comfortable being around magicians, but... please consider it. I’d...” She glanced at Rothen. “I guess it’s time you knew too, Rothen.” She looked at Jonna again. “I’d like to have someone familiar and ordinary around.” She nodded at the child. “I’d exchange all the Healers in the Guild just for your practical advice.”

Jonna stared at Sonea, her expression reflecting Rothen’s confusion. Sonea grimaced, then placed a hand on her stomach. Jonna’s eyes widened.

“Oh.”

“Yes.” Sonea nodded. “I’m scared, Jonna. I didn’t plan for this. The Healers will look after me, but they can’t cure my fear. I think maybe you could.”

Jonna frowned. “You told me magicians had their own ways of taking care of things.”