Essence of Chaos

by Marie Andreas

  Different emotions warred with each other across his lean face. Finally he gave in. “You’re right. But it doesn’t mean I have to like it.” He turned away and stalked down the path.

  They continued in silence for the final portion of their trip. Once she calmed down, Jenna was flattered at Storm’s determination to protect her. It was sweet, if a little pig headed.

  A small meeting was called once they got into camp. It didn’t take as long as Jenna had thought to tell them of Rachael’s startling revelations. Ghortin asked a few questions, but for the most part stayed quiet. He’d known a bit more of the tale than Storm and Jenna had, but not near enough. And that clearly disturbed him. Jenna was more worried by his silence than any rants he could have had.

  The others had made it into the castle with minimal glamouring from Ghortin and good disguises from Edgar. Ghortin managed to find his hidden book; luckily he often hid things in the realm of chaos, something Jenna wouldn’t have thought possible. But with that being his favorite hiding place, it hadn’t been hard to find the book. Even if he still had no memory of it.

  Jenna asked to see the book. It seemed much more ominous since they knew a bit more of its importance. Unfortunately, you had to be familiar with its spells to open it. While she could access some of the spells previously, actually opening the book had always been done by Ghortin.

  “Could the mage have been trying to get the book when he attacked you at the ball?” Keanin asked.

  “I may not remember anything about this Book of the cuari, but I do think it wouldn’t be something I’d be carrying on my person at a ball. I’m afraid we’re not going to be sure what our friend is after until he does it. At least for now. What is our next course of action?”

  “I’m going after my father.” Storm kept his voice low, but his eyes were steady and woe to the person who tried to stop him.

  Ghortin studied him for a good two minutes, then reluctantly nodded. “You’re right. As much as I fear this is a trap, you’re right. We must get the king back before we do anything else. Jenna, now that we know—”

  “Don’t even think about it.” She waved him off. There was not going to be a repeat of the disagreement she’d had with Storm. “I already had this discussion. I’m going too. We don’t know if this is what I was brought here for or not. And we can’t spare the people to protect me separately from the rest of you.”

  Ghortin tilted his head. “Actually, I was going to say that we could probably work on some more offensive spells on the way out. I wouldn’t dream of meddling with Rachael and Tor Ranshal’s plans.”

  Jenna’s face went red. She had assumed that Ghortin was going to try to protect her. And the little flush in her mentor’s craggy face when he mentioned the two Guardians told her how he felt about their duplicity, regardless of their reasons.

  With a heavy sigh, Ghortin turned toward Crell. “Tell the captain we move at first light.”

  35

  The shock was clear on all of their faces; even Storm wouldn’t have thought to leave that soon.

  “But, how can we? We need more troops, we need supplies, and we need—”

  Ghortin cut Storm off. “We’ve more people on the way. Some will be here in the morning and another group will meet us en route. The soldiers that will be here at first light, with supplies and horses for us, were handpicked by Edgar and me from the capital regiment. Crell’s extended troops will be meeting us on the road.”

  By mutual agreement, Kern and his people hadn’t been told much of what was really going on. Ghortin had explained their private meeting as one concerning magic, which had been a good excuse to turn away the captain. Ghortin felt Kern was a good man, if somewhat rigid, and more than likely could be trusted. But he couldn’t vouch for the captain’s people.

  Ghortin had given Frankon a magically induced headache severe enough that the mageling had to respectfully withdraw from the opportunity of joining the meeting. He didn’t completely trust Frankon, but it wasn’t enough to fight to exclude him from the trip itself.

  A group of fifty mounted guards and mages arrived shortly after daybreak with over one hundred horses. After a few words with Edgar and Ghortin, they linked up with Kern’s contingent. Kern and his people appeared relieved at the newcomers’ arrival. Not because of the extra fighters, everyone knew this trip was going to survive on stealth, not strength. The guards relaxed because they recognized the new arrivals as good, highly trained guards and mages, who would follow Ghortin’s orders without question, as any of them would. More than a few of Kern’s people had wondered aloud why they hadn’t received orders from Resstlin directly, since they were so close to Lithunane. Ghortin had danced around the issue, but now they seemed to accept it. Surely the mastermage and his companions couldn’t be doing anything bad if new troops, fresh from the castle itself, had come to help them.

  Kern’s people had no way of knowing that this handpicked group all had strong ties to Ghortin and the king directly. That when given the chance to help them, all had jumped at the opportunity, even if it meant going against the heir’s wishes.

  As the reinforced group began to move, Jenna looked around for her friends. Ghortin was in a last-minute conference with Edgar, who would soon slip ahead for reconnaissance. Keanin was slinking around the fringes, eyeing any fresh prospects.

  Storm had taken command, at Crell’s request. The kelar prince assumed a different bearing now, more regal and authoritative. He might not be fond of his royal lineage, but there was no denying that he had it.

  “I think there may be hope for that boy yet.” Ghortin settled his chestnut horse into pace alongside Jenna and her gray gelding.

  Jenna glanced back. She and Ghortin were ahead of the group, in hopes they’d be able to detect any magic traps before any of the troops set them off. Storm rode ahead of the rest, but still a bit behind Jenna and Ghortin.

  Jenna turned back to the present situation. “So, are you going to start teaching me more offensive magic now, or wait until my hair turns gray like yours?”

  Ghortin looked ready to spit out a suitably rebuking response, then shook his head. “I think we need to build a stronger base first.”

  He wouldn’t give her the spells yet, saying that she needed to become relaxed with the formation first. It had been a boring and frustrating day for her, similar to spending an entire day pulling back a bow without being allowed any arrows.

  She was extremely happy when the company called a halt for the evening.

  Keanin rode up alongside her as she dismounted, and he did the same. “Do we know what the plan is? I can’t get near Corin or Crell, and no one else takes me seriously.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know any more than you. Ghortin’s kept me doing finger exercises all day.” She stretched slowly; just thinking about the repetitive exercises was making her stiff again.

  “Maybe if we ask Corin real nicely?”

  “Ask me what?” Storm inquired, appearing behind Jenna. His broad grin said he was pleased at the jump he’d gotten out of her.

  “You know, one of these days you’re going to do that, and I’m going to fry you,” she snarled. “And it might be by accident.” Her fingers curled and uncurled as her mind released the spells she had grabbed.

  Keanin tsked his friend. “Corin, Corin. How many times do I have to tell you that scaring beautiful women is not a good pastime?” He turned to Jenna with a sad smile. “I think the boy’s a bit daft.”

  “Daft, am I? Then I suppose you don’t want to talk about our plans?”

  “Plans that include me going home?” Keanin flashed his most charming smile as he fumbled around with his tent. “I wonder if you three plan on having your tents up by nightfall.” Ghortin’s voice broke in from behind them.

  Jenna shot him an evil look. “My hands would work better if they weren’t cramping up.”

  Ghortin shrugged, but didn’t look sympathetic. “The exercises are done for a reason, maybe enough practice will keep y
ou alive.”

  Keanin stuck his head out of his set up tent. “Must you always be so damn pessimistic?” He climbed out of his tent and busied himself by wiping imaginary dust from his tunic.

  “It’s not pessimistic, it’s survivalist.” Ghortin narrowed his eyes. “I believe you could do with some training as well.”

  Keanin had looked exhausted as he’d flung up his tent, but his eyes went wide at Ghortin’s words. “Ya know, I recall that Crell needed me over there.” He was gone before Ghortin could respond.

  Ghortin and Storm started talking plans for the approach on the Markare and the other troops who would be joining them on the way. Jenna tuned them out as she finished her tent and then started thinking through the day’s lessons. Ghortin’s practicing had left her almost ready to dive into bed right then.

  “Now I am concerned. Maybe it’s just me.”

  Storm’s voice brought Jenna out of her thoughts. Looking around, she saw that Ghortin was now gone.

  “About what?” She asked as she made a show out of inspecting her tent.

  “Ghortin was gone no more than a few seconds, and you drifted off again.” He was trying to look angry and hurt at her missing what he said, but wasn’t succeeding. The corners of his mouth kept fighting to pull upwards.

  “No, I didn’t.” She couldn’t have missed anything; she was only thinking for a second. “I didn’t miss anything.”

  Storm’s left eyebrow inched toward his tattered hair band. “Oh, really? It’s all right with you, then?”

  Jenna should have suspected something by the look on his face, but she was determined to play this thing through.

  “Why yes, I think it’s a perfectly lovely idea.” She folded her arms.

  Now Storm’s right eyebrow disappeared into his mass of hair. “Well, you don’t think it will cause a scandal? I am newly removed of my betrothal after all.” As he spoke, he narrowed the space between them until it was less than a hand’s breadth.

  Jenna was reminded how tall he was as she had to pull back to see his eyes.

  “I, ah well—no, I think it would be,” she floundered, racking her brain for what she had missed. He was acting as if—no, he couldn’t have offered her his company for the night? And she missed it?

  “I can be back here right after first watch.” As he spoke, he lowered his face down closer to hers until she thought they were going to bump noses. She nervously licked her lips, then stopped and gave a weak smile. She didn’t want him to think—well, she might want him to think that—but then again, she might not.

  Storm drew a deep breath and slightly parted his lips. “You should pay more attention to what’s going on around you out here,” he whispered as he delivered a quick peck on the top of her head, then stepped back with an insufferable grin on his face.

  It took a second for Jenna to sort it out in her mind. “You. You made me think—”

  “Is it my fault that you have terrible survival skills? You let people sneak up on you, and you drift off and believe the most ridiculous thing anyone claims you agreed to.”

  Jenna felt an irrational stab of hurt. He felt that she and he would be ridiculous? She wasn’t completely sure how she felt about it, but that wasn’t the word that came to mind.

  Storm shook his head as he watched her face, “You know what I meant. Do you think, if I wanted something like that to happen, that I would drop it on you in normal conversation? Hi, Jenna, how’s the weather, and how would you like to share my bed for the evening?”

  Jenna felt her face grow red. There were times when she would willingly strangle him. “Of course not. I was trying to stall you until I could figure out what you’d said.” She looked down, feeling completely foolish. “I knew that you’d never suggest that kind of dalliance.”

  Storm was silent for a moment, and then he stepped forward and lifted her chin up. All traces of humor were gone from those magnificent eyes. “Don’t say never with such certainty. I said I would never say it in such a way. And I wouldn’t during a time like now. But I never said I wouldn’t say it.” He leaned down and brushed her lips with his gently, lingering long enough to send a shudder completely through her. “Now I think I’ll go before I get myself into any more trouble. Sleep well.”

  He disappeared into the forest around them before Jenna had a chance to respond. She almost went after him, then realized it might not be the best idea at this point. She had enough to think about for one evening.

  36

  Jenna had been uncertain of her feelings toward Storm before that embarrassing evening.

  A week later she was even more confused, and there wasn’t anyone she felt comfortable talking it over with. Crell might have been a possibility, but the derawri warrior was focused on battle strategies.

  Talking to Keanin or Ghortin about it would be worse than if she ignored the entire thing. And since she hadn’t been around Storm much after that night, she decided ignoring it for now would be the best option.

  Of course her mind still drifted around a bit, and not always concerning Storm. Now it was Ghortin who took her to task for it, not the prince.

  Unfortunately, his disapproval was physically painful.

  Jenna collapsed on one knee as a wall of blinding light engulfed her mind. She pushed herself back up from the ground, blocking the light in her head as she did so, and glared at Ghortin.

  “Now, what would have happened if I were the enemy? I’d have killed you or taken you before you could have done so much as scream.” He walked around her, shaking his head. “Not to mention cast a spell. You. Must. Stop. Daydreaming.” Each word was punctuated by the magical equivalent of a poke in the back.

  Jenna whirled on him, anger clouding her vision. She couldn’t stay on guard all the time. Damn it, they couldn’t expect it of her. But at the same time, she couldn’t think of a good defense for her inattentiveness, and whining would earn her another attack, or worse.

  She latched on to their most recent lesson. A spell so powerful that it had to be taken from the center of chaos directly. She slipped into the magically chaotic level and drew the Power to her. Forming the spell in her mind, she flung it at Ghortin. If he was as ready as he expected her to be, he should be able to deflect it. If not? Well, she should be able to pull the reins in enough for him to save most of his skin.

  Ghortin was somewhere in-between in readiness. He expected—well, hoped actually—that his student would answer his challenge with one of her own. What he hadn’t expected was for it to be the spell he’d just taught her. And formed perfectly, as well.

  If it had hit him at full Power, it would have shattered his shields and mind as easily as a bear broke a twig. Fortunately, it felt like Jenna had modified it so it wasn’t at full Power, and Ghortin did have some of his best shields up. Even so, it hit him hard enough to drop him like a sack of wheat, leaving his head ringing and vision distorted.

  Jenna ran forward, remorse already showing on her face. Ghortin waited until she came close. Ignoring the searing pain in his head, he flung another spell at her. Her face showed shock for a moment while her body was engulfed in flames. Then the moment was gone and she’d put out the flames. A second later, Ghortin was rolling madly on the ground trying to dodge lightning bolts flung from her crooked fingers.

  He swore to himself. These bolts were of her own creation. She had modified a simple lightning spell to give her complete control over the firing. And she was a damn good shot. But he knew she would break for Power sometime.

  Ghortin waited until that telltale lag in her firing told her she was tapping into the Power. He timed his own blast for that moment and sent her flying across the clearing on her rear. To her credit, she was up in a second, her body instinctively going into a fighter’s crouch as she let loose an incapacitation spell.

  Ghortin let the spell roll over him, then nodded in defeat. He couldn’t move any more than that. She was getting good; too good. When this entire situation was over, as much as it galled him, he m
ight have to send her to the council for further training. If he could get her to stop dipping into the realm of chaos in the middle of a fight. That was one thing he couldn’t understand. She had more innate Power than anyone he’d ever heard of before, yet she always went back to the realm of chaos. And more than once he’d caught her staring off into space. He knew her mind was swimming among the colors and sounds of chaos.

  “Truce?” Her tense voice broke through his thoughts. She hadn’t come any closer, and still held her hands up.

  But she had loosened her spell. Ghortin forced his body to sit up. “Truce.” He clutched his head. It felt like it had been shattered into a thousand pieces. He looked at his student with new respect.

  “Good job, my dear. But…” He tried rolling to his feet.

  Jenna stepped forward to help him. “But what? I got you down, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did. But you shouldn’t have had to wait so long. I shouldn’t have been able to get through your shields when you went for Power. Drawing Power is supposed to be a fluid thing.” He shook his head as he dusted off his vest. “You run like you’re holding your breath, then break everything to grab a breath of Power. Draw as you go, take it from the space around you, not just the realm.”

  “That’s how it works for me. I can’t do it any other way.” She shrugged.

  “You had better learn to. And soon. I can’t say that you would have been able to hold me off permanently. As much as it saddens me to say it, I am not the most powerful being around. That point has been made quite clear by Rachael’s revelation, if I doubted it before. Those of us who were so certain of our worldly knowledge have just had that understanding turned upside down.” He paused, taking a different tack. “You see the lines around us every day, right? The chaotic Power that every living thing generates?”