The Mage Chronicles- The Complete Series

by Lisa Cassidy

  “I know the story!” she cut him off. “I know that was how Shakar became invincible, and I’m not an idiot.”

  He raised his hands in the air in surrender. “Fine.”

  Alyx stifled a yawn. “It’s late. I’m going home. Did you ride down? I left Tingo stabled a couple of blocks away.”

  “I walked, so you go on ahead.”

  “It’s fine, I’m in no rush. I could stand a walk back.”

  Cario and Alyx arrived home to find Safia still up. Glancing down the hall, Alyx saw the light under the door of her father’s study.

  “He’s working late again?” she asked.

  “I’m afraid so,” Safia said. “I have a message for you, Lady. It was delivered by one of the Bluecoats a short time ago. I think his name was Josha.”

  “Thanks.” Alyx took the note.

  “Problem?” Cario asked, catching her frown as she read it.

  “No.”

  “You sure?” He scrutinised her face, hopefully not seeing anything useful. “Where were you earlier tonight, anyway? I could have used company for dinner.”

  “I was invited to a formal dinner,” she said vaguely. “And as much as I like you, I am not responsible for your entertainment here in Rionn.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” He gave a mournful sigh. “See you in the morning.”

  “Night,” she replied distantly, her focus returning to the parchment in her hands.

  Dashan’s unit was being sent on another patrol outside the city. His note was brief and polite, but she could read between the lines well enough. His talk with Cayr had not gone well, and she doubted anyone but Cayr had been behind the sudden orders for Dashan’s unit. Sighing, she crumpled up the note and pushed it into a pocket. She would miss him.

  Glancing down the hall, she warred briefly with the idea of going and talking to her father, telling him what she’d seen. Without knowing more about the stranger that Casovar had met with, however, it was unlikely her father would be willing to do anything. Resolving to talk to Brynn as soon as possible to find out what he’d learned, Alyx turned and followed Cario up the stairs.

  Chapter 19

  Alyx paused at the top of the spiral stairs leading down into the entrance foyer. It had taken her much of the afternoon to prepare for the ball, most of which time she’d spent trying to ignore the tightening knots of anxiousness in the pit of her stomach.

  It wasn’t the event itself that was the problem. She’d been to plenty of balls. It was more the fact that her father still didn’t know about Dashan. Initially she’d not been sure it was worth the inevitable fight—there was no guarantee a relationship with Dashan would last. But it had, and now it was serious. While that fact made her both shocked and a little giddy at the same time, it meant she’d left it too long to tell her father. At least this way they’d be in public. Garan Egalion wouldn’t risk a scene in front of his peers by losing his temper at the ball.

  The situation with Cayr remained fraught. She’d tried talking to him on two different occasions since their confrontation, but each time one of his attendants had told her he was busy. It left her unsettled. Her best friend was hurting and there was nothing she could do about it because she was the cause—and now she was attending the ball with another man.

  A man who stood waiting for her below.

  The sight of him temporarily drowned all her doubts. For the first time since she’d known him, Dashan wore his formal Blue Guard dress uniform. A dark blue tail coat hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, sitting elegantly above a matching blue vest over a crisp white shirt. A silken blue wrap encircled his waist, and a black tie wrapped around the high, stiff white collar of his shirt, disappearing into the buttoned vest. Underneath he wore fitted black pants and flat, polished black shoes. To finish off the attire, a ceremonial sword hung from the blue sash at his waist.

  He promptly spoiled the effect by reaching up to tug at his constricting collar in irritation. Alyx laughed, then walked down the stairs to greet him.

  “I have to say, Captain, you certainly scrub up well.”

  He spun at the sound of her voice, the beginnings of a mocking response in his eyes fading away as he saw her.

  “I take it from your speechlessness you approve of my choice in dress?” she asked, trying not to flush. She wore a long, calf-length violet gown that hung from her shoulders by thin straps, and fitted her body the entire way down. The material of the dress shimmered between many different shades of purple as she moved in the light. A pair of black, heeled sandals accentuated the length of her legs. Her hair she’d left loose in a shining wave down her back.

  He strode towards her, stopping a proper distance away, but she could read in his body language how much he wanted to reach for her. “You look absolutely beautiful.” He took her hand and kissed it.

  “You look good yourself,” she murmured, caught in his intense gaze.

  “Is your father here?”

  “No.” She cleared her throat and took his proffered arm. “He left earlier. I told him I would take too long getting dressed and he should go without me. I thought that was best. I didn’t want to start the night with an argument.”

  “You’re absolutely sure?” Dashan asked, eyes searching her face. “We don’t have to do this now.”

  It was a question she’d asked herself a thousand times, especially knowing Cayr would be there tonight. But there was so much uncertainty in her life, in the future, and the idea of facing all of that with Dashan at her side made her feel strong. So she gave him a firm nod.

  “I’m sure. Let’s go.”

  He led her outside and helped her into a waiting carriage. It rocked as he climbed in beside her and called for the driver to leave. The man called to the horses, and they jerked into motion.

  “I’ve missed you this past week.” Dashan pulled her close.

  Not wanting to talk, she simply reached up to kiss him. He responded with an enthusiasm that made her breathless and dizzy.

  “Have you spoken to Cayr?” he asked softly, pulling away.

  “Not since the night you left. I’ve tried but he won’t see me.”

  Dashan tugged at his collar again. “I wish so badly I hadn’t had to do this to him.”

  “Me too.” She sighed, resting her head against his chest.

  “I really did miss you.” He kissed her again, slowly, taking his time. Alyx pulled herself as close to him as she could get, realizing how terribly she’d missed being wrapped up in his arms. She became completely lost in the kiss, drowning herself in the sensation of Dashan’s mouth and his body pressed against hers.

  “Alyx!” He pushed her back gently.

  The sharpness of his voice brought her back to reality; they were both breathing heavily and without knowing it, she had undone the buttons on his shirt and her hand was sliding over the skin of his chest.

  “Sorry.” Embarrassed, she pulled back.

  “Don’t be.” He re-did his buttons, then took her hand to pull her close again. “But we’re in a carriage on the way to the ball. It’s not the best place to... you know.”

  “I didn’t think that we would... ” She stammered to a halt. This was new territory. Discomfort made her cheeks burn.

  “One day I’m going to keep going until you don’t even remember your own name.” His breath was warm in her ear as he kissed her forehead. “But not now. We have time. I’ll wait as long as you need me to.”

  She nodded against his chest, still trying to regain her composure. After a long moment she leaned up to kiss his cheek. “I think it should be soon, Dash.”

  He smiled softly. “All right, mage-girl.”

  She kissed him lightly, then pulled away to sit on her side of the carriage. His hand remained tightly enclosed in hers.

  It was only a short distance to the palace, and it wasn’t long before the carriage pulled up at the base of the marble steps leading to the grand ballroom’s entrance.

  Doubt suddenly plagued her—maybe this hadn’t
been the best idea? But then Dashan’s warm hand took hers once they’d alighted from the carriage. His touch relaxed her, and she tried to push her uneasiness to the back of her mind.

  “Last chance to change your mind,” he murmured, giving her a small smile as they reached the top of the stairs.

  “I want to be here with you.” And those words, at least, were true.

  He dropped her hand and offered his arm instead. Alyx rested her fingers lightly on his forearm, and they stepped forward to join the short line of those being presented to the ball.

  She took a deep breath as they came to the front of the line and the herald asked for their names and titles. Nerves fluttered like butterflies in her stomach, and she tried to keep the anxiety from showing on her face.

  Then they were stepping through into the grand ballroom, and the herald was announcing them in his clear, penetrating voice.

  “Lady Alyx Egalion and Captain Dashan Caverlock.”

  There was a noticeable beat of silence, during which many of the court looked up in surprise. She felt every single one of those eyes fixing on her, and as the moment dragged on she kept her head high, trying to ignore her heart thundering in her chest.

  Then those behind them were announced, and the moment passed. Alyx sighed inwardly in relief and they walked down into the ballroom. Dashan leaned into her slightly in support. She smiled up at him, then as she looked away, her gaze caught on her father crossing the room to greet her. His face registered surprise, then confusion as he saw her on Dashan’s arm.

  For a moment she panicked. What have I done? But it was too late, Dashan was doing the proper thing and steering them over to greet her father.

  “Good evening, Captain.” Her father’s greeting jerked her back to reality. His voice was tight and restrained, and Alyx read something almost like panic in his eyes. Her heartbeat, only just beginning to settle, began thudding again.

  “Lord Egalion.” Dashan bowed his head. “Good evening.”

  “Papa, we can talk if you like?” she said as genuinely as she could. “I know I should have told you before now, but Dashan and I are—"

  “May I ask your indulgence for a short time, Captain?” Garan said, cutting off her words as if he hadn’t even heard them. “There are some matters I need to discuss with my daughter.”

  “Of course, sir.” Dashan frowned as he seemed to catch what Alyx had in her father’s face, but he had no choice except to agree.

  “Your father is providing me some assistance tonight, lad.” Garan stepped closer, dropping the formality from his voice. “If you could help him with his efforts, I would very much appreciate it. Tell him I sent you over.”

  Dashan’s shoulders straightened. “I’ll do what I can, my lord.”

  “I’ll come and find you soon.” Alyx squeezed Dashan’s hand. His eyes acknowledged her reassurance and he squeezed back.

  “Lord Egalion.” Dashan bowed his head again, and walked away. He glanced back at Alyx once he was a short distance off, offered her a smile, and then he was gone.

  “Papa, what—”

  “If you’ll come with me, Aly-girl?” Garan interrupted. “And hold your questions for a few moments.”

  He led her through the crowded ballroom and out into a deserted hallway. After glancing around several times to make sure they were alone, he ushered her through a doorway and down another long corridor. It was an area of the palace she wasn’t familiar with, and her puzzlement deepened as her father led her through a non-descript doorway.

  Beyond was a small lounge. A fire crackled in the grate despite the warm summer evening, and the plush carpet was scattered with lounge chairs. Already in the room was Cayr, standing by the fireplace, and General Sparkish, sitting comfortably in one of the chairs. Both men seemed to have been deep in conversation, interrupted by the opening door. She’d never been so sorely tempted to use her telepathic magic.

  “Casovar?” Sparky directed his question at Garan.

  “Being thoroughly distracted by Lord Caverlock and his son. We’ve got some time before he notices us missing.”

  “Even so, we shouldn’t spend too long in here,” Cayr said, looking everywhere but at Alyx.

  Alyx opened her mouth to ask what was going on, but was forestalled by her father turning to her with a puzzled expression. “Why would you bring Dashan to the ball?”

  Alyx’s glance flicked to Cayr, who shook his head and said coolly, “I didn’t tell him, I felt that was your place. You should have told him earlier.”

  “Told me what?” There was an edge to her father’s voice now.

  Alyx determinedly didn’t look at Cayr. “Dashan is here tonight because I gave him permission to court me.”

  “You gave him permission to... ” Garan’s voice trailed off, the confusion on his face deepening for a moment, quickly replaced by dawning realisation. “You mean, you and he—”

  “I know that you should have given your approval too,” she cut him off. “But, Papa, if you’re going to say something about how he’s not good enough for me because he’s half-Shiven, I don’t want to hear it.”

  “If only that was all it was.” Garan rubbed his forehead, seemingly at a complete loss. His hand was shaking. Something was wrong. Badly wrong. Her fingers curled at her sides, and she suddenly missed the weight of her mage staff hanging down her back.

  “Then what is it about?” She studied him closely, worry bubbling up in her. “I know I should have told you sooner, but… you look like something is terribly wrong. What is it?”

  Dread struck at her when he simply shook his head. She’d never seen him look this shaken, and the fear in his eyes terrified her. “I hadn’t realised about you and Dashan. I never even imagined that you would... ”

  “My lord, is everything all right?” Cayr frowned, glancing between Garan, Alyx and Sparky. The grizzled general looked equally at a loss. This wasn’t anger at a daughter agreeing to court someone without permission. This was a lot more. Alyx’s dread deepened.

  “I’m fine, Your Highness.” Garan waved away his concern.

  “Someone tell me why I’m here,” she said, fear making her voice sharp. “And why Lord Caverlock is distracting Casovar.”

  “We’d like to talk to you about Lord-Mage Casovar, and we’d prefer he didn’t know we were meeting like this,” Sparky replied, when Garan said nothing. “Take a seat, Lady Egalion, please.”

  Alyx obeyed, utterly confused. What had Lord-Mage Casovar to do with her bringing Dashan to the ball, and why was Sparky in the room? Above all, what had her father so unsettled?

  “As you seem to have already gathered for yourself, Lord-Mage Casovar is not good for Rionn, Alyx,” Garan began, seemingly gathering control of himself. “If things continue as they are, we estimate the Shiven will overrun us within the next two years.”

  “I didn’t know things were that bad, but…” She stopped as his words sank in. “How do you know that?”

  “He’s mismanaging troops on the border, putting resources needed for the army into his ineffectual Mage Guard, and in short employing the wrong tactical strategies in the disputed area,” Sparky said. “Casovar may be a powerful mage, but he is no military leader.”

  “If that’s the case, surely the king has noticed?”

  “Your father and I have tried several times to speak to him on the issue, but he has dismissed us each time,” Sparky said. “Casovar’s influence over the king is powerful.”

  “You knew about this?” Alyx demanded of Cayr.

  “I did what I promised you I would,” he said stiffly. “And when I looked further into the Mage Guard activities, I found a lot of things I didn’t like. When my father brushed off my concerns, I went to your father for advice. He shared his concerns with me.”

  “Why wouldn’t you tell me that?” Alyx spun to her father. The messages her father had been receiving from Cayr—and neither of them had told her what was going on. Anger was rising quickly inside her, but none of the dread
had faded, making a potent mix. She could barely sit still. “I’ve repeatedly asked you to tell me what is bothering you.”

  “I haven’t said anything for good reason. The lord-mage has telepathic magic. We have to be extremely careful about what he might read in our thoughts,” Garan said. “As a Taliath, I’m invulnerable to his magic, but the rest of you aren’t.”

  “Lord Egalion is careful about what he tells us and what he asks us to do,” Cayr added. “Whenever I’m around the lord-mage, I fill my thoughts with silly things.”

  “And I focus on troop numbers and logistics,” Sparky muttered.

  Alyx was silent a moment as she processed what all this meant. “Papa, what exactly is it you’re doing here, planning a coup?”

  “Of course not,” Garan said. “I’ve done nothing, just as General Sparkish has done nothing, while our power and influence at court have slowly been eroded. The truth is, we simply couldn’t see what to do about it. The king is our oldest and dearest friend, Aly-girl. You have to understand that to even conceive of acting against him was abhorrent to us.”

  “Was?” she asked sharply.

  “If something isn’t done, Darien will lose his country.” Garan sighed heavily. “That’s what finally decided us.”

  “Decided you on what?” Impatience coiled with residual dread and anger, her foot tapping a rhythm against the floor. She wanted to know where this was going.

  Sparkish looked at her. “We’ve come up with a plan to remove Casovar’s influence and push him out of Rionn. If we can manage that, then Garan and I can re-establish our relationship with the king and hopefully rectify the situation with Shivasa before it’s too late.” He paused. “But we need your help.”

  “I’ve been asking what I can do for weeks, Papa,” she said. Foreboding pressed down upon her like a lodestone. What was she missing? “What’s different now?”

  “Until Lord-Mage Casovar came along, Egalion was the most powerful house in Alistriem outside the royal family,” Sparkish said. “We are fortunate that the king’s son has not been swayed as his father has. Prince Cayr sees Casovar as clearly as we all do.”