Trudi Canavan - The Magicians' Guild

At this scene the Lorlen image shook his head. He turned to face her.

— This is outrageous! It is fortunate, indeed, that the High Lord found your friend today.

At the mention of the black-robed magician, Sonea sensed the painting change. As she turned toward it, Lorlen followed her gaze and drew in a sharp breath.

— What is this?

Within the frame stood the High Lord, dressed in blood-soaked beggar’s clothes. Lorlen turned to stare at her.

— When did you see this?

— Many weeks ago.

— How? Where?

Sonea hesitated. If she let him see the memory, he would know that she had trespassed and spied upon the Guild. He had not entered her mind to see that, and she was sure he could not complain if she pushed him out.

But a part of her wanted him to see. There could be no harm now in letting the magicians discover her intrusion, and she craved an answer to the mystery of the black-robed magician.

— Very well. It began like this...

The painting changed to show Cery leading her through the Guild. She felt Lorlen’s surprise, then a growing amusement as the image jumped from scene to scene. She was spying through windows one moment, running through the forest the next, and looking at the books Cery had stolen. She sensed amusement from Lorlen.

— Who would have guessed that was where Jerrik’s stolen books went? But what of Akkarin?

Sonea hesitated, reluctant to uncover that memory.

— Please, Sonea. He is our leader and my friend. I must know. Was he hurt?

Drawing up the memory of a forest, Sonea projected it into the painting. Once again she moved through the trees to the gray house. The servant appeared, and she dropped down between the bushes and the wall. The tinkle that had attracted her to the grille rang in her imaginary room.

The High Lord stood in the painting again, this time wearing a black cloak. The servant arrived and she sensed recognition from Lorlen.

— Takan.

It is done, the High Lord said, then removed his cloak to reveal the bloodstained clothes. He looked down at himself in disgust. Did you bring my robes?

At the servant’s mumbled answer, the High Lord pulled off the beggar’s shirt. Beneath it was the leather belt strapped to his waist and the dagger pouch. He scrubbed himself down, then moved out of sight and returned wearing black robes.

Reaching for the pouch, he removed the glittering dagger and began to wipe it on a towel. At this she sensed surprise and puzzlement from Lorlen. The High Lord looked up at the servant.

The fight has weakened me, he said. I need your strength.

Dropping to one knee, the servant offered his arm. The High Lord ran the blade over the man’s skin, then placed a hand over the wound. Sonea felt an echo of the strange fluttering within her head.

— No!

A wave of horror swept over her. Startled by the force of Lorlen’s emotions, Sonea’s concentration snapped. The painting went black, then disappeared completely.

— It can’t be! Not Akkarin!

— What is it? I don’t understand. What did he do?

Lorlen seemed to gather his emotions to himself. His image slowly faded to nothing and she realized he had left her mind.

— Do not move or open your eyes. I must think this over before I face him again.

He was silent for several heartbeats, then his presence returned.

— What you have seen is forbidden, he told her. It is what we call black magic. By using it, a magician can take strength from any living creature, human or animal. For Akkarin to be using it is ... is terrible beyond belief. He is powerful — more powerful than any of us... Ah! This must be the reason for his extraordinary strength! If that is so, then he must have been practicing these vile arts before he returned from abroad...

Lorlen paused as he considered this.

— He has broken his vow. He should be stripped of his rank and expelled. If he has used these powers to kill, the penalty is death... but...

Sonea sensed anguish from the magician. Another long silence followed.

— Lorlen?

He seemed to collect himself again.

— Ah, I am sorry, Sonea. He has been my friend since we were both novices. So many years ... and I had to find this!

When he spoke again there was a cold determination behind his sending.

— We must remove him, but not now. He is too powerful. If we confront him and he fights us, he could easily win—and each killing he made would make him stronger. With his secret revealed and no reason to hide his crime, he could kill indiscriminately. The entire city would be in danger.

Shocked by what he was describing, Sonea shivered.

— Do not fear, Sonea, Lorlen soothed. I will not allow that to happen. We can’t confront him until we know we can defeat him. Until then, we must not let anybody know about this. We must prepare in secret. That means you must never speak of this to anybody. Do you understand?

— Yes. But... must you let him remain the Guild’s leader?

— Unfortunately, yes. When I know we are strong enough, I will gather all the magicians together. I will have to move quickly, without warning. Until then, only you and I can know of this.

— I understand.

— I know you want to return to the slums, Sonea, and I would not be surprised if this discovery has increased your determination to leave, but I must ask you to stay. We will need all the help we can get when the time comes. Also, I fear that, though I do not like to think it, you may be an attractive victim for him. He knows you have strong powers. You would be a potent source of magic. With your powers blocked, and living out of the sight of those who would recognize the death brought by black magic, you would be the perfect victim. Please, for your sake and ours, stay here with us.

— You want me to live here, right under his nose?

— Yes. You will be safer here.

— If you couldn’t find me without the Thieves’ help, how would he?

— Akkarin has finer senses than the rest of us. He was first to know when you started using your powers. I fear he would find you easily.

She sensed that he truly feared for her safety. How could she argue with the Administrator of the Guild? If he believed she would be in danger, then she probably was.

She had no choice. She had to stay. To her surprise, she felt no anger or disappointment, only relief. Cery had told her that she should not consider herself a traitor by becoming a magician. She would learn to use her magic, master the skills of Healing, and, perhaps, one day, she would take what she knew and help the people she had left.

And it would be satisfying to thwart those magicians who, like Fergun, believed that dwells should not join the Guild.

— Yes, she sent. I will stay.

— Thank you, Sonea. Then there is one other we must trust with our secret. As your guardian, Rothen may have reason to go into your mind again, particularly when the time comes to teach you Healing. He may see what you have shown me today. You must tell Rothen about Akkarin, and of all that I have said to you today. I know he can be trusted to remain silent.

— I will.

— Good. Now I am going to release you and confirm Fergun’s crime. Try not to show any fear of Akkarin. If it helps, don’t look at him at all—and keep your thoughts buried deep.

Feeling his hands lift from her temples, she opened her eyes. Lorlen regarded her solemnly, his eyes bright, then his expression smoothed and he turned to face the Higher Magicians.