James Islington - The Shadow Of What Was Lost

Laiman flicked the last drawer in the desk shut. "There is another possibility."

Taeris frowned for a few seconds in puzzlement, then grunted as he realised what Laiman was hinting at. "You still think they have the Journal pages."

Laiman gave a grim nod and walked over to sit opposite Taeris, apparently satisfied with the results of his search. “You know I’ve always had my suspicions as to who took them. And we both know that Seeing twenty years ahead wasn’t a stretch for the likes of Jakarris, Eleran or Siks.” He sighed. "There’s no proof, of course - Shen could equally have an Augur working for them. But if they did know this attack was coming since the war, their political manoeuvring over the past ten years suddenly has more logic behind it. The Houses they chose to ally with never really made sense to me until today."

Taeris sat in silence for a few moments, then nodded reluctantly. “So the king looks like a bigoted fool, everyone sees how valuable the Gifted truly are, and Shen takes the most difficult step back towards power. They gain the trust of the people again, while simultaneously undermining the Loyalists." He sighed. "I can see what you’re saying. It’s unlikely Shen got into a position like that by coincidence.”

"Exactly," said Laiman quietly.

Still standing motionless in the corner, Asha stared at the two men in horror. Could it be true? The Journal Erran had shown her had pages missing; that must be what the king’s advisor was referring to. Though how he thought Tol Shen could rely on those visions, when the others in the book had been so clearly wrong, she had no idea.

Regardless - she hadn’t even considered, hadn’t imagined that anyone except the Blind could be Controlling the king. The very thought made her nauseous.

Taeris, though, just looked annoyed. “Fates. Shen were playing a dangerous game, even by their standards."

“And now it’s paying off - they’re going to be more powerful than they have been for a very long time. When I raised the possibility of the king being Controlled, they went so far as to suggest that the palace was trying to invent a story to cover up its own incompetence.” Laiman’s lip curled in disgust. “This success has made them bolder.”

Asha shook her head in disbelief, almost forgetting for a moment that she was invisible. Tol Shen had used foreknowledge of the invasion, the deaths of thousands, to play politics ? And Davian had left only hours ago to work with them….

"And now Davian, of all people, has thrown in his lot with them," Taeris noted, echoing Asha’s thoughts. He scowled, rubbing his forehead. “I tried to find him after the battle, but the lad had already left. He doesn’t trust me any more - which is my fault, I suppose, but it makes it no less of a problem. I still think he’s the key, Thell. We’ve both read Alchesh. He’s as important as Caeden, maybe moreso.”

“I agree,” said Laiman, making a calming motion. “Shen have pursued him more aggressively than I would have expected; if they really do have the missing Journal pages, that could be significant in and of itself. All we can do for now, though, is try to find their purpose for him. Once we know that, we can figure out our next move.” He paused. “And Taeris? It’s Laiman, now. Always Laiman, even in here.”

Thell . Asha’s brow furrowed, and she made a mental note of the name. If the king’s advisor wasn’t using his real name, it was worth finding out why.

Taeris acknowledged the rebuke with a nod. “Sorry.” He frowned contemplatively, then exhaled. “At least I still know where he is, I suppose.”

Laiman looked at his friend, expression worried. “He could break the connection now. I think he would if you asked, no matter how he feels about you.”

“No. It’s too important to be able to find him,” said Taeris, his tone firm. “Besides, I don’t think he even knows what he did, all those years ago. Not unless Torin or Karaliene told him.”

"Karaliene knows too?"

"It was the only way she’d let me into the palace. Torin told her - before he realised Davian was still alive, of course." Taeris made a face.

Asha frowned; she had no idea what they were talking about… but it sounded as though Wirr knew. She’d have to ask him about it, when she next had the opportunity.

Laiman leaned forward. “Still - it’s too dangerous. You only need to lose control once, and you’ll be dead. Don’t think I can’t tell that scar is fresh,” he added accusingly.

Taeris made a dismissive gesture. “I’ve managed for three years. A while longer won’t make a difference.”

Laiman frowned. “Fine. Just… be careful.”

“I will." Taeris shifted in his seat, clearly wanting to change the subject. "Have you heard anything more about the remaining Blind in the city?”

“All dead, as far as we can tell. Caeden was effective, I’ll give him that,” said Laiman. “I’ve had a closer look at the Blind’s armour, by the way. It was made up of these.” He dug into a pocket and held up a shiny black disc, careful not to let the edges touch his skin.

Taeris shivered, and behind him, Asha felt herself doing the same at the sight. “Dar’gaithin scales?”

Laiman nodded grimly. “Melded together into plates somehow.”

“So that’s our confirmation, then, if we needed any. Devaed was behind the invasion.”

“It would appear so." Laiman shook his head, a hint of frustration in the motion. “But as to the why - the reason for this focused attack, before the Boundary has weakened enough for him to send his real forces through… I have no idea." He sighed. "Your theory about Caeden is probably our best guess; this entire thing seems to revolve around him. Did you get to speak with him after the battle, before he disappeared again?”

“No… but Torin did. Caeden told him that this was only Devaed’s first strike - and said that we were to prepare for worse." Taeris hesitated. "Much worse.”

The sick feeling in Asha’s stomach stirred again. Davian had already told her about Caeden’s warning, but this was the first time it really struck home. The city had barely survived the attack last night. She didn’t care to think about what anything worse would mean.

Laiman was silent for a moment. “Did he at least suggest how we were to prepare?”

“Nothing so specific, I’m afraid. But… he did have a sword, Laiman. A blade that made the sha’teth turn tail as soon as he drew it.”

Laiman raised an eyebrow. “Did he now," he breathed, and Asha could see a spark of intense interest in his eyes. "I hadn’t heard that little piece of information. You think…?”

Taeris sighed. “Maybe. I didn’t get a good look at it, so I don’t know,” he admitted. “And Caeden is not around to ask.”

There was silence for a few seconds as Laiman stared into the fire. Then he drew a deep, reluctant breath.

“Speaking of the sha’teth."

Taeris nodded. "I know. All three got away."

Laiman’s expression twisted, and this time Asha could see real pain there. "They showed the Blind how to get access to Tol Athian, Taeris,” he said, the burden evident in his tone. “We were responsible for many deaths today.”

Taeris nodded bitterly. “Just one of our many mistakes, I fear.”

They sat in silence for some time, Asha barely daring to breathe. She didn’t know what to make of that last exchange… but if there had been any doubt before, she was certain now that there would be unpleasant consequences should she be discovered eavesdropping.

Finally Laiman straightened and shook himself back into the present, glancing across at Taeris.

"I do have some good news. I wasn’t going to tell you until it was official, but…."