by Anna Kashina
“Mind magic?” he echoed.
“Yes,” Celana said. “I thought of it when I realized that Nimos’s knowledge of feelings and emotions, the way he was playing on it, couldn’t have possibly come from any information he might have obtained by regular means. Of course, mind control is already a Kaddim trait, which also gave me a clue, even though his type of magic is different, I believe. I haven’t observed the same qualities in any other Kaddim Brother.”
Egey Bashi’s skin prickled. Now that Celana was laying it out, it seemed so obvious.
Damn it, this lady was a born Keeper.
“I couldn’t help wondering,” Celana went on, “if this power may also be used to subtly cloud people’s judgment. Aghat Raishan told me that once or twice he had experienced brief confusion when Kaddim Nimos was in sight.”
Egey Bashi’s mind raced. She was right again, of course. Once, Raishan had been holding Nimos at sword point and then, for an inexplicable reason, let him go. Was this all a part of Nimos’s unique power Celana was talking about?
“Such power, if it exists, could be used for devious mind manipulations,” Celana said. “For example, to instigate a Kaddim Brother at a key post in the Majat Guild.”
Egey Bashi hesitated. Even for her wit, this seemed a bit far-fetched.
“Wouldn’t the Majat appointment likely be to the credit of the Shadow Master himself?”
She shook her head. “Not if I am right. A Shadow Master at the Majat Guild is a difficult post, requiring an entirely different set of skills. Given that this man likely had no Majat training, I couldn’t help wondering if he was able to acquire these skills through a sort of magic power. I thought of it in the last few days when I was observing the Majat in action. A man in his post needs an eye for people’s physical skills – perhaps a unique spacial memory that allows him to point out weaknesses and strategize the defeat of all their fighters. My guess is, his special talent enables him to do that – and Nimos, knowing that, took care to instrument his appointment at the Guild. I may be wrong, of course.” She lowered her eyes.
Egey Bashi leaned forward. “Please go on, my lady.”
She glanced up again. “I also thought of Kaddim Tolos. If you remember, during the tournament at the Majat Guild he was the one to summon the time vortex and make him and his comrades disappear. Prince Kythar believes he was also the one to do it back at the Illitand Hall, when the Prince’s magic granted us victory.” Her cheeks lit with color again. “If my theory is right, Kaddim Tolos is the only one able to do that, while Nimos’s mind powers, and the Shadow Master’s spacial skills, are essential to orchestrate the battle.”
Egey Bashi watched her, wide-eyed. Celana smiled at his expression.
“Based on these three, I couldn’t help wondering if everyone on the Cursed Dozen has a distinct skill. Aghat Raishan told me once how another Kaddim Brother, Farros, nearly killed him, when you and he infiltrated the Monastery on a prior assignment. He seemed to believe Farros had been specifically called for the task.”
Egey Bashi let out a sigh. She was right, yet again. When that had happened, Egey Bashi had been standing right there, watching it with his own eyes. Kaddim Farros possessed what was known as the Power to Kill, an ability to focus mind control magic into one person to explode the heart. That time, he had focused a near-lethal blast on Raishan to prove a point, and the rest of the Kaddim were very specific that Farros be the one to do it. How could Egey Bashi not have thought about that back then?
“Prince Kythar,” Celana said, “told me he saw five Kaddim Brothers during their attack last night. As I thought more about it, I couldn’t help wondering if knowing their special powers might give us an additional advantage in overcoming them.”
Egey Bashi frowned. If Lady Celana was right, focusing on the Kaddim Brothers, rather than the warriors, could hold the key to their victory. More, if they targeted the right Brothers, they could cripple the enemy once and for all. For instance, taking out Tolos could guarantee that none of the Kaddim would be able to transport out of the fight, so that in the long run they wouldn’t resurrect, like Nimos. Getting the Shadow Master would lose the Kaddim their source of inside knowledge of Majat affairs. Of course, targeting any of them, individually or together, was not an easy task.
“The fifth one Prince Kythar spoke about,” he said, “is likely Kaddim Haghos, who performed the duties of the Reverend Father some time ago.” Deposed by Egey Bashi himself, in a chain of events that led to King Evan’s coronation. Damn it, why couldn’t I have finished the job? “I am not certain of his special power, but he surely knows his way around this Monastery in great detail.”
Celana nodded. “As I understand from Prince Kythar, when faced with the Kaddim power he is sometimes able to sense… a flavor in their force? At least, he described it this way to me, once. I felt knowing that there might be differences in their magic could be useful to His Highness in his fight. I have given it a lot of thought. But I wasn’t sure how to approach him about it.” Her eyes trailed to the two arguing men again. As they watched, Mai turned and strode off, while Kyth continued to look at Kara practicing in the courtyard.
“Well done, my lady,” Egey Bashi said. “I do believe Prince Kythar, as well as others on our attack force, will find this information invaluable. We must gather everyone in charge to discuss it. If you don’t mind informing Prince Kythar, I will talk to Aghat Mai.”
She nodded, throwing a doubtful glance at Kyth and back at the Magister.
“I was hoping you could facilitate the conversation.”
Egey Bashi smiled. It was fascinating to watch all this cool wit dissolve into uncertainty when faced with the object of her affections. In some ways she was still just a child.
“You’ll do just fine,” Egey Bashi said. “I am certain Prince Kythar would be glad to hear it from your own lips.”
Egey Bashi caught up with Mai in a passage leading through the back stairs to the second floor of the inn. He panted as he struggled to catch up with the Diamond’s smooth stride.
“Aghat Mai,” he called.
Mai spun around, coming to an abrupt halt.
“Magister?”
Egey Bashi’s heart quivered as he looked at the Diamond, noting the paleness and dark circles under the eyes.
“I hope you are heading for some rest,” he said.
“Is this the reason you stopped me?”
“No. I wanted to have a word with you.”
Mai’s tensely set shoulders slowly relaxed under the Keeper’s gaze as he shifted impatiently from foot to foot. Dear Shal Addim, the man is barely holding up on his feet.
“If this is about what I said to you last night–”
Egey Bashi shook his head. “It’s already forgotten, Aghat Mai. I also said a thing or two I regret, and I know none of us truly meant any of it. We were all a bit on edge. Right now we have a different issue. Lady Celana Illitand has made a critical observation, which I feel may be important in planning your next move. I’d like to ask you to include her when you meet to discuss attack plans.”
Mai looked at him with silent question.
“She believes,” Egey Bashi went on, “the Kaddim Brothers you are facing specialize in powers, and Kyth may be able to use this to identify them. I’m not sure yet if this could be useful, but I thought you might have ideas – after I hope, you get a few hours’ sleep.”
A quick smile slid through Mai’s lips. “You’re speaking like a doctor, Magister.”
“I am, in this case. I hope I convinced you last night that I know something about healing.”
A shadow ran across Mai’s face.
“Yes, Magister. We are all indebted to you.”
Egey Bashi sighed. “This brings me to another topic I wanted to discuss with you, Aghat Mai.”
The Diamond regarded him with a guarded expression.
“I couldn’t help noticing,” Egey Bashi went on, “that during your attack last night, Kara was not the only person woun
ded by that dagger.”
Mai didn’t respond but Egey Bashi noticed the way he receded into the shadows, his fatigue suggesting that the damage was more serious than the Keeper thought.
“I feel very fortunate,” Egey Bashi went on, “that the Keepers’ treatment proved so successful in Kara’s case. However, I cannot help feeling concerned that your injury, while perhaps less deadly, might prove considerably harder to heal.”
Mai leaned against the wall. Egey Bashi found himself resisting an urge to support him.
“Are you afraid I’ll make mistakes, Magister?” Mai asked quietly.
Egey Bashi shook his head. “No. I have the utmost confidence in your leadership, Aghat Mai.”
Mai’s smile touched his lips but left his eyes in shadow. It looked… bitter? Defeated?
“Thank you, Magister.”
Egey Bashi took a breath. “Despite that, last night left me worried. We are fighting a war, not a battle, and your enemies are now aware that you have a weak spot. Sooner or later they’ll find a way to exploit it further.”
Mai was watching him wide-eyed – afraid, Egey Bashi realized as he struggled to find the right words.
“I know,” the Keeper said quietly, “that you would never allow your personal feelings to jeopardize the lives of your men. However, I am also aware that under certain circumstances you wouldn’t hesitate to jeopardize yours.”
Mai’s lips twitched. “Are you suggesting I stand by and let them do whatever they want with her?”
Egey Bashi sighed. “I am asking you – for this campaign – to treat her like everyone else on your force.”
Mai’s gaze became distant.
“Believe me,” Egey Bashi said, “I know what’s involved. A young man like you probably cannot imagine someone of my years understanding these kinds of feelings… and sacrifices.”
Mai’s eyes followed him with the captivation of a child. Egey Bashi’s heart ached at his expression.
“I am asking you,” he said, “to look past that. With the pressure you are already under, I know I’m asking a lot. Perhaps you might find inspiration in the way Kara was able to distance herself from her pain last night to enable her healing. I haven’t told you that this was the only thing that saved her life, narrowly. If she had allowed her pain to take control, she would be dead. Since you have some idea what it feels like to be treated by this elixir, I am sure you can understand the strength and resolve it took on her part. I know you are capable of the same, if not more.”
Mai’s face paled as he receded deeper into the shadows.
“I know,” Egey Bashi said, “that you are aware of the burdens of your post. I also know that on one occasion you’ve recklessly laid it down to defend Kara’s life in a tournament that should never have taken place at all. Now, the stakes are increased many times over. I hope you can keep this in mind.”
Mai held his gaze.
“I know my responsibilities, Magister,” he said. “And I’m good at what I do. But, personal feelings aside, Kara is a quarter of our spearhead force. If they take her out–”
“True, Aghat Mai. Just think of her equally to everyone else. That’s all I’m asking – with full knowledge of what it means to you.”
Mai continued to watch him and once again, like he had a long time before, Egey Bashi could glimpse through his glamor to the young man inside, barely an adult, who had been unexpectedly burdened with power and responsibility that surpassed everything in the kingdom. There was no room for love in Mai’s new role – and he knew it. And now, for the sake of the greater good, he was being asked to give it up.
Egey Bashi reached forward and patted Mai on the shoulder.
“I wish I could help you carry at least a part of your burden,” he said quietly. “We often have to make impossible choices when loaded with more than one man could possibly bear. You are holding it admirably. You are a great man, and I will always be proud to have fought by your side.”
Mai smiled, but his eyes had a guarded look.
“Thank you, Magister,” he said. “And… likewise.”
33
ATTACK PLAN
The war council reconvened in the evening. In addition to the four Diamonds, it included Kyth, Lady Celana, Alder, Ellah, and Egey Bashi. Kyth couldn’t help feeling out of place as he sat at the command table across from Mai and Kara, watching them put small pins into the map, shifting them around in response to comments from Lance and Raishan. They looked as if they were playing an elaborate game.
Mai looked refreshed and relaxed, back to his usual self. Watching him, Kyth couldn’t help wondering if this change was due to the fact that the Diamond had gone to his room upstairs to catch a few hours of sleep, or to the fact that Kara was now back at his side, sitting so close that their sleeves touched as they moved their hands over the map. Part of him wished to be in Mai’s place. Another part couldn’t get rid of an unsettling feeling he couldn’t quite name. Watching the effect Kara had on Mai made Kyth wonder, for the first time, what would happen to Mai if she chose Kyth in the end. Would Mai ever be able to come to terms with it? Or, would it shatter him once and for all?
Would Kyth be the one she chose...?
He dismissed the last thought. With the impending battle, these things should be the farthest from his mind.
He focused on the information relayed to him earlier by Lady Celana. If she was right, the different magic of the Kaddim Brothers should indeed be distinguishable to his inner eye as he wielded his power against them. He thought it was possible. Except, he didn’t seem to be able to put his hand on how to do it.
“With the force we’re bringing this time,” Mai said, “they will likely assemble their men further in, probably in the main courtyard at the back entrance to the Shal Addim Temple.” He pointed to a large rectangle on the map, accented with pins around the perimeter.
“Unless they try to break us up,” Lance said.
“We shouldn’t let them. If we want our increased numbers to make a difference, we must keep together.”
The four Diamonds drifted into a discussion that involved too many military terms for Kyth to follow, eventually shifting into the language of their Fortress, sharp words with hard consonants he couldn’t possibly reproduce. He spent the time watching Kara, so beautiful and radiant now that she was well again, sitting at the table among her fellows in rank. She looked so natural in their midst that Kyth couldn’t help wondering if the life with him at court could possibly make her happy. He forced this thought away too, turning to Alder instead.
“Can you send your spiders to strike on command?” he asked.
Alder hesitated.
“They do listen to me, at times, but I haven’t ever tried to ask them to strike anyone. Why?”
Kyth shook his head. “I thought… if I could indeed spot the Kaddim Brother we want to destroy, it could be a good way. Lady Celana thinks the spiders’ venom would prevent them from resurrecting.” He briefly glanced at the lady by his side, who blushed and lowered her eyes.
He was just beginning to feel he was actually good for something, when he caught Mai’s gaze from across the table.
“Can you spot the right Brother?” Mai asked.
Kyth shrugged. There was nothing wrong with the question, but he couldn’t stand the look, mocking and challenging at the same time.
Here we go again.
“I’m trying to figure it out,” he said.
“Figure it out?”
Kyth sighed. “Don’t you have a map to look at or something? I thought you were busy planning the attack.”
“Yes, and you’re in it. Unless you have second thoughts about how many men you can protect.”
“Do you have second thoughts about how many men you can lead?” Kyth bit his tongue. He was aware how everyone was looking at him now, with surprise and concern. He had let his dislike for Mai get the better of him, again. If only Kara wasn’t sitting so close, Mai towering over her as if he owned her. He doesn’t.
No one owns her. Not him. Not me. For some reason, the thought brought no comfort whatsoever.
“Perhaps,” Egey Bashi put in, “Prince Kythar and I can try to analyse the specifics of what he can sense about their power?”
Kyth let out a breath, watching Mai recede back into his seat as the tension around the table slowly released.
“Do it, Magister,” Mai said.
He is in charge. I wanted it this way. I can deal with it. Kyth took another deep breath.
“I’m not sure I can feel a difference when I defend against them,” he said. “But as I recall, I could sense distinct flavors of their powers on occasions when I tried to use them instead of the wind.” He paused, aware of the puzzled looks from around the table. It made no sense, the way he said it. Nobody could possibly understand it.
“Tolos’s power,” Kyth went on, “was bitter. It left a taste on my tongue I couldn’t possibly mistake for anything else.”
“Good,” Egey Bashi said. “That’s a start. What about the others?”
Kyth shook his head. “All the other times I have been using their combined powers without trying to tell them apart. When done this way, it leaves a… muddle of sensations, really – none of them pleasant, but all different.”
“Perhaps,” Lady Celana said, “recognising Kaddim Tolos’s power would be a good start? If he can be targeted, the Kaddim would have no means of escaping – assuming that Aghat Mai’s forces can finish them off.”
Mai hesitated, then nodded. “True. Besides, if Prince Kythar cannot distinguish the rest of them, Tolos is the only one we can even consider.”
Kyth shook his head. “It’s more of a problem than that.”
“A problem?”
Kyth paused, watching Mai. He tried to convince himself the Diamond was just being efficient, not trying to mock Kyth deliberately and show everyone who was a better man. He also tried to tell himself that the way Kara was sitting, so easy and relaxed next to Mai, had nothing to do with the way she felt about him. She just chose a good spot to be close to the map, nothing more.