“Terana.”Razyan repeated as if he was making sure he had heard Kadrean right.
“Yes, does that mean something to you?”
“It could, is Terana the name of the girl that Zeeve believes has magic?”
“Yes.”Said Zeeve’s voice from the doorway. Both men turned to see Zeeve entering through the door that had been closed a moment before. There was no way that Zeeve could have opened the door; the handle was too high.
“How did you get in here?”Razyan asked the moleci. He turned to Kadrean before Zeeve could answer.“I thought you closed the door.”
“I did.”Kadrean answered puzzled.“How didyou get in here?”
“I saw him at the door and I thought I could be of assistance.”Said a calm, almost dreamy voice. The door opened wider a second later to reveal Liam. “Can I come in?” When the two men just stared at him in stunned silence he came in and closed the door. “I knew my family was hosting one visitor this evening, but I didn’t know there would actually be three.”
Razyan recovered quicker than Kadrean.“Sorry about barging in, but I had some things to discuss with my friend here.”
“No apology is needed. Not too me anyway. So you are wizards.”It was a statement, not a question.
“Uh, why would you say that?”Razyan asked cocking his head.
“Well, there are many reasons why. One of you walked through the door and the other somehow came in. Either he is really good at walking through a crowded room undetected; which would suggest magic, or he flew through the window, which would demand magic.”There was a twinkle in Liam’s eyes. He continued.“The greatest reason is your conversation. Specifically the mention of‘magic’. No normal traveler would mention it.”
“How would you know?”Razyan asked curiously.“From what I’ve heard, there has been no traffic between Plarn and the outside world for some time.”
Liam smiled.“How would I?”His eyes twinkled.“Perhaps it is just a feeling I have. People’s actions say a lot, if one listens.”
“Like what?”Zeeve inquired.
Liam looked directly at Kadrean.“For instance, when you first came here you said you were of Razyan’s Keep. When the healer said you were a wizard and my mother claimed it was impossible, you said nothing to contradict either of them.”Liam’s head cocked.“One can only assume that my mother’s reaction told you to be wary about speaking your true nature. But at the same time you did not want to lie. Then at dinner, when you said you were a healer you kept from saying anything mystical. My mother said time was against you, but you said that you would look anyway. I saw in your eyes conflicting thoughts. Perhaps mother would have listened to you immediately if you said you were a healer mage, but then again, she might have panicked. Thinking that, you said nothing of it. And you,”He said turning to Razyan.“,when I came in here and called you wizards, you asked my reasons. If what I had responded with had been something you could use, you would have found a logical way to explain your presence. You did, too, bringing up Plarn’s isolation in your argument.”Liam nodded.“Very good, I must admit.”
“Well…”Said Razyan with a wry smile.“I’ve been out done.”
“No,”Liam denied.“just caught up too.”
Razyan stood.“Thank you for soothing my pride, but give credit where it is due. You have an observant eye.”Liam nodded his head in thanks. Razyan extended his hand.“My name is Razyan Seithan and my companion you have already met, Kadrean Néaina.”
“My name is Liam.”Said he, smiling cheerfully.“Of course, you already knew that.”He shook Razyan’s proffered hand.“So Raz Yaniel, what is your interest in Terana?”
“What did you call me?”Razyan asked, shocked.
“Raz Yaniel.”Liam repeated.
“Why? Do you know what it means?”Razyan asked watching the other man closely.
Liam laughed. Razyan, Kadrean, and Zeeve all felt slightly discomfited. Liam switched from being incredibly observant to knowing things that he couldn’t possibly know, like the dead language of Old Arathin, to vague in a matter of seconds. “Do I know what it means? How can I? I am a mere headman’s son, not some scholar like you.”
“Then how did you know the words?”Razyan pushed.
Liam shrugged.“I just knew the root words of your name, but that doesn’t mean I know what it means. I don’t even know what Plarn means. I know it is of the Old Tongue, like your name, Kada Reandol’s, and Terelle Anafé’s , but I know nothing other than that. And since we are back to Terana, what is your interest in her?”
“Zeeve here thought that she might have magic.”Kadrean explained.“So does she?”He asked, turning his attention to the molici.
Zeeve nodded.“I still think she does, but I don’t know for sure.”
“Why not?”Razyan asked with a slight edge in his voice.“I gave you a kadelleand told you how to use it. Why didn’t you?”
“You have Jeremy to thank again. He picked me up and began scolding me for first, being out in the square and then for coming back. He confuses me and I think he hates me.”He added.”Anyway, I saw Terana come in and before I could get to her, she left with her doeskin bag. She didn’t look happy.”He added as an afterthought.
“The woods.”Liam remarked from his position sitting on the desk chair. He was messaging his crippled leg.
Kadrean saw his action and could bear it no longer.“Here, let me look at that.”He said approaching Liam. Kneeling before him, Kadrean pushed up Liam’s pant leg. Liam hissed at the sharp pain that caused.“Go on talking, it will distract you from any possible pain.”Kadrean murmured.
Raising an eyebrow, Liam continued.“That’s where she would go. The only place she can go. Don’t worry. She comes back. Give her a few hours.”Liam smiled, his eyes looking inward. “Did you know, she spends so much time in that wood it seems like she visits the town instead of it being the other way around? Ah, but she uses that time. The forest creatures accept her now as another of them. The Plarenese wolves have.”
“Wolves?”Kadrean looked up, stunned.“Don’t towns’people fear them?”
“Not her.”Said Zeeve.“There is a young wolf that follows her around everywhere out there.”
“The rust furred one, right?”Liam asked. His hand rose to message away a slight pressure on the nape of his neck.
Zeeve nodded.“Russy.”
Liam grinned.“I’ve seen those two together. Russy is almost like a tame dog around Terana.”
“All done.”Kadrean interrupted standing.
“What?”Liam asked surprised.
“You’re healed now.”Kadrean reiterated.“Your leg shouldn’t bother you anymore. Or it shouldn’t if I am worth anything.”
“You are worth much, Kadrean.”Razyan said, observing Liam’s leg.“Did you at least leave him a scar for the ladies?”
Kadrean smiled modestly.“A small one.”
Liam stood hesitantly. Slowly, he settled his full weight on the limb. Emotions walked across the stage of his face. First skepticism, then surprise, then shock, then finally amazement as all his weight was held by the leg.“Unbelievable.”He whispered. Wide hazel eyes appraised Kadrean.“It is probably a stupid thing to ask, please forgive me, but how can this be?”
“As you said earlier, Kadrean is a mage. Did you not believe what you were saying?”Zeeve answered.
“I do.”Liam responded with feeling.
“Now, maybe people will respect you.”Zeeve told Liam.
Liam snorted.“You haven’t been here long, Zeeve. Once one loses respect, it is gone.”He returned his gaze to Kadrean.“I thank you greatly for your help. How can I repay you?”
“I am a simple man, Liam. A simple‘thank you’and friendship are enough for me.”
Zeeve shook his head, muttering under his breath.
Liam smiled at the little moleci.“An opportunist, I see.”He looked up at Razyan.“You know, Terana could have befriended any of the forest creatures and she picks the predator. It just truly dawned on me. I wonder….”He was silen
t for a moment, his brow furrowed thoughtfully.“So, Razyan, if Terana has magic what would you do?”he asked.
“Bring her to the Keep so she can learn to use it.”Razyan said.
“What happens if she doesn’t need to learn it, just realize that it is there?”Liam asked, his voice attentive.
“What do you mean?”Razyan asked Liam. The slight frown upon his face deepened.“All mages need training to channel their power.”
Liam looked past him to the window. He was silent for a moment before he shrugged.“I don’t know. It is just that she has strange things happen around her that seem like coincidence. Amazing things that I think she doesn’t notice or doesn’t want to think about.”Liam focused back on Razyan.“Is something wrong Razyan? You look…troubled.”
Razyan sighed and sat down upon the bed. “I don’t know.”He said as he buried his head in his hands. His hands slid down to only cover his mouth. His emerald eyes stared thoughtfully ahead.“Starfire...”He muttered. His arms dropped into his lap as he sighed again.“Why does that seem so significant?”
“Couldn’t tell you.”Zeeve commented from the floor. “Dream you had last night, a book you’ve read?”
Razyan glared at him.“No. Starfire is the translation of Terana. I just can’t remember where I have heard of it before…”Razyan turned to Liam.“Liam, do you know where Terana usually goes when she is in the woods?”
Liam smiled wanly.“I’m afraid not. She goes where ever her heart desires.”
“Damn. Well,”Razyan said coming to a fast conclusion.“It seems, gentleman, that we must part ways for a time. Zeeve, I want you to go back to Terana’s home and wait for her to come back. Kadrean, stay for a few days to help Zeeve. After that, if Terana has magic bring her to the Keep like normal. If she doesn’t, just continue on your way. Liam....”Razyan shrugged.“It is not my place to tell you where to go or what to do.”Liam nodded his agreement.“So I guess this is good bye.”
“Where are you going?”Kadrean asked.
“Back to the Keep. See if I can find where I’ve heard of Starfire before.”
“Good luck.”
Razyan nodded his thanks.“You too, every one of you. Good bye.”With that, Razyan shifted into a red wing and flew through the window Kadrean held open.
“Well that was interesting.”Remarked Liam watching out the window. He turned to Kadrean.“Good night Kadrean. If you and Zeeve need any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you and good night.”Liam left the room. A second later he peeked in again.
“If Zeeve needs help getting back to the Carpenters, I can help.”
“I just need help to your door.”Zeeve said, scurrying across the floor. The last Kadrean saw of them before the door shut again was Liam picking Zeeve up. The door shut.
Kadrean had the room to himself again. He sighed and began preparing for bed. He couldn’t do anything else today. Nor tomorrow until they found out if Terana had magic or not. Until then he might as well get some shut eye.
Chapter Nine- The Truth Hurts
“There are some things that even wise cannot tell…” –anonymous
Pershara- near the City of Pershara
Altana glanced away from the rebel camp in the distance. She was far enough from them that they could not sense what she did. With a small smile she dropped another rune marked bone onto the ground. The grass shriveled where it touched the bone. The grass near the bone, yet not touching, turned a sickly yellow. Altana’s smile grew. The bone was from one of her hapless servants who had arrived to the capital later then she had commanded. She had sacrificed the youth to Sali’dar, Master of Corruption. How the youth had screamed…it had been a treat to hear. After he had finished with the youth, Sali’dar gave her the rune marked bones.
Poor lad, he had nice gray eyes. A soft voice whispered in Altana's mind.
Altana narrowed her eyes. That voice again. Altana ignored it, whispering the foul words that would bind the soul of the one whose bone she had dropped to the spell.
What would you feel if your soul was used this way? The voice challenged.
Mine wouldn’t be. Altana thought back. I am more useful alive.
Only if you are successful. The voice replied.
Altana shook her head as she walked the requisite thirteen steps. This young woman’s voice in her head had come from nowhere. The voice had only started speaking on a regular basis since Altana had touched…her eyes narrowed again…since she had touched that sword. Who are you? Altana asked reaching for another bone.
There was an impression of laughter. Too hard to ignore me now, huh? My name is Elainia. Part of her anyway. The last was softer than the rest. Altana almost missed it.
Where is the rest? Altana asked in a cruel tone
I…I don’t know. Elainia’s voice sobbed quietly.
Well go find it and leave me alone. Altana said heartlessly.
I can’t. Was the soft response.
Altana snorted and continued setting the bones. It was a pattern of three: shadow, cruelty, and corruption. Over and over again all around the center point that happened to be the rebel camp. They were going to have fun with this surprise. She couldn’t wait.
After a long moment of peace, Elainia spoke again. What will happen to you if this fails?
It won’t fail. The rebels have no defense against it.
But…what if it does? Elainia asked earnestly.
No point in pondering something that will never be.
Will you end up like the people you make into Dark Sons or the bones you are dropping? Or will it be worse for you because of how high you are? Elainia continued ignoring Altana who was unused to people ignoring her.
SILENCE!
Why? Will it really be that bad? Will the fall be that horrible? Elainia's voice was truly curious, which angered Altana.
Why don’t you just leave? Altana snarled mentally.
Elainia was was silent for a moment. It wasn't a long moment, more of a pause, which ended softly with I can’t.
Then be quiet. Altana snapped dropping another bone.
Do you have any friends? Elainia’s voice asked after a slight hesitant pause.
Friends are worthless. If anything , they are a liability.
Who comforts you when you are lonely? And who holds you when you are scared? Who lets you cry on their shoulder and who helps you to stand when you fall? Elainia asked. Each question sought a mark within Altana's heart.
Altana was bound and determined not to allow a mark to be found. I am never lonely. Nor do I get scared. And tears, young girl, are worthless. As to that falling bit, one only falls in moments of weakness. And I do not suffer such moments.
There was a moment when Elainia was quiet. I... I think you are lonely. I mean, you felt something for Thomas GrimHolden...
Altana paused. Her hand rose to touch her swollen stomach. The father of her child was her enemy, a bastion of light. A good man. She was an evil woman. Even so, there had been a feeling she had had in his arms…No. She shook her head. The only interest she had had in the man was the simple fact that she couldn’t break him. He was dead now, anyway. She ignored the slight pain in her heart at that thought.
You need a friend. Elainia thought.
I do not.
I’ll be your friend. Even if you feel you don’t need one, I do. I used to have one, but I don’t now…She is lost.
There was a sad note in Elainia’s voice. Altana sighed and went back to ignoring the girl. Absently she wondered how the girl had known about Thomas. Altana hadn’t touched the sword until after Thomas had left…
***
Arathin- The Kikel Varcressi, Sheyestiva
Ten steps of darkness…arch of flame for one…ten of darkness…one for an arch of flame… that was how it was for two hundred and fifty-four steps. One-hundred and fifty-five of them were claimed by a single downward spiraling staircase that drilled into the heart of the plateau. He knew, because he had counted his step
s every time he went down here. It was called the Emperor’s Stair; the artery to the greatest power of Sheyestiva: Illusion’s Throne.
The Emperor’s Stair humbled all who followed it to the throne room. Any who thought to attack the emperor in his own throne room would find it a futile attempt. The Stair could be sealed, trapping the attackers. Then the attackers would be exposed to the sovashatash, great snakes that hunted the steep cliffs of the plateau, who were given access to the Stair. At least, that was what was said.
Shandova didn’t really care, he would get the throne another way; by right. He was the second in line for the throne after Kaishan. Kaishan…He gritted his teeth. Kaishan was an obstacle between him and his right. A stubborn obstacle.
A great mahogany door appeared after the last ninety-nine steps. The dark hall and doors were lit by the door’s frame of mirrored flames. It was said that they were flames long caught in kales amei, timeless glass. They never went out, never faded. Forever trapped within the glass. Forever tortured. Odd thought Shandova remarked within his mind. His determined blue gaze glared at the carved doors. They were sealed. Had been for nineteen years, if one was to believe his brother, Kaishan.
It annoyed and puzzled Shandova that Kaishan was still heir. Anyone with sense could see he was weak. Kaishan had told them all that he had been the first to awaken within the halls of the Kikel Varcressi. No one refuted his claim. So for nineteen years Kaishan sat on his butt. Or that was how it seemed to Shandova. He would have found a way to go into the throne room to see if the emperor was still fit to rule. Kaishan did nothing of the sort.
Shandova growled deep in his throat, glaring into the space of the door. Once he had asked his‘intelligent’brother why they didn’t break the seal upon the doors...
Kaishan looked up from polishing one of his blades. His eyes had been emotionless. The only hint of emotion had come from a lifted brow.“What, Shandova? Break the seal to the throne room?”Kaishan shook his head dismissively.“No. It is impossible.”His voice never changed its inflection; a thing that grated upon Shandova’s nerves.
“Why don’t we try it?”Shandova had asked.
The Ways of Mages: Starfire Page 8