Stan Nicholls - Quicksilver Rising

Kutch was sceptical. ‘Are you joking?’

‘I was never more serious. Rintarah and Gath Tampoor are straining under the pressure of outdoing each other. They’re hammering at the rights of citizens and subjects both, such as they are, and milking their colonies for all they can get. As to their strength … well, a bough’s hardy until lightning strikes, and ice is thickest prior to the thaw.’

‘Claiming the empires are losing their hold’s one thing,’ Caldason said, ‘proving it’s another.’

‘I can only cite instinct, and the evidence of daily experience. There’s a brutality in the air. Don’t you feel it?’

‘More than usual, you mean?’

‘I can’t blame you for mocking. But look around. Disorder’s growing, and at the edges things are drifting into anarchy. We could take advantage of that.’

‘You talk of striking a blow, but you haven’t told me how . Do you wonder I have doubts?’

‘No. But perhaps you’ll feel differently when you learn more.’

‘I don’t think we’re going to know each other long enough for that, Karr.’

The patrician eyed him thoughtfully. ‘Maybe we will. I have a … proposal for you.’ He took in Caldason’s wary expression. ‘If you’ll hear me out.’

Reeth considered, then gave a small nod.

‘I need to get back to Valdarr,’ Karr explained. ‘I’ve no protection, human or magical. If you could –’

‘No.’

‘You said you’d listen.’

‘I’ve heard enough. I’m not a wet nurse. I don’t join causes or form alliances. If you want protecting, Kutch here can sell you a shielding spell.’

Rightly or wrongly, the boy took that as a criticism of his effort during the ambush. He was hurt by the comment and it showed in his face. The others didn’t seem to notice.

‘I’m not trying to sign you up to anything,’ Karr said. ‘All I ask is that you see me there safely. After that we go our separate ways.’

Caldason shook his head.

‘You were going to Valdarr anyway, Reeth,’ Kutch intervened.

‘I didn’t say that.’

‘Why were you going?’ Karr ventured.

Caldason said nothing.

Kutch, feeling reckless after his reproach, dared to answer for him. ‘Reeth meant to seek out Covenant. Though I’m not sure he believes it exists.’

‘Covenant?’ Karr said. ‘It exists all right.’

‘See?’ Kutch reacted gleefully. ‘I told you so.’

‘What business do you have with them, Caldason?’ Karr wanted to know.

The Qalochian frowned darkly. ‘Personal business.’

‘Of course. That’s your prerogative. But if it’s magic that concerns you, and you won’t or can’t deal with officially sanctioned practitioners, there are none better than Covenant. Though it must be said that dealing with them has its dangers.’

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