by John Marco
‘What about them?’
‘Are they well?’
‘They are. I’ve already sent for them.’
‘Wonderful! Then perhaps I will see them again. I’ve been travelling far too long, and I was hoping you could put me up at your home for a spell.’
‘My home? You want to live with me?’
‘For a while, yes,’ said Biagio. ‘If it’s not too much trouble. I’d like a nice long rest before heading back to Nar. There’s bloody work needed in the capital, and I want to be prepared.’
Richius could barely believe it. He stared at Biagio, dumbfounded by his conversion.
‘Lord Emperor,’ he said, ‘you have certainly changed.’
Epilogue
Alazrian knelt at the edge of the pond, staring at his watery reflection. He had laid aside his fishing pole because he hadn’t caught a single trout, and because he was fascinated by the face looking back at him. A small distance away, Praxtin-Tar was kneeling near a tree, facing far-off Falindar and praying softly. The warlord prayed four times a day, and his time in Talistan hadn’t eroded his devotion.
Since returning to Talistan a month ago, Alazrian and Praxtin-Tar had learned much about each other. Like Alazrian, Praxtin-Tar was alone now, for Crinion and the other warriors had returned to Lucel-Lor. Even Rook had been freed and had been given a horse to ride south, far from his vicious master. Now Praxtin-Tar was in self-imposed exile, left to explore the strange Empire and to protect his charge, the newly named regent of Talistan. Curiously, Alazrian had grown to like Praxtin-Tar, and Praxtin-Tar himself had slowly begun to thaw. Also, Alazrian was learning the Triin language. His frequent bondings with the warlord had allowed him to absorb more than just thoughts – he had knowledge now, and was soaking it up at a furious rate. No longer did he need to touch Praxtin-Tar to hold a conversation. Alazrian’s powers were expanding, and he knew it. Were it not such a beautiful day, he might even have been alarmed.
But Alazrian was in too good a mood to worry. Biagio had declared him regent, and though the emperor himself had declined to come to Talistan, he had promised Alazrian assistance. For now, that satisfied Alazrian. He was content to have Biagio’s threatening shadow as a tool, and the fear of it had kept Talistan together. So far, no one had opposed his ascension as regent, and he doubted anyone would.
Praxtin-Tar finished his prayers and went to Alazrian, regarding him inquisitively.
‘What are you doing?’ he asked in Triin.
‘Looking at my reflection.’ Alazrian smiled. ‘I think I look more Triin as I get older. Do you think so?’
‘I have not known you long.’
‘No,’ said Alazrian. ‘But I am Triin, aren’t I?’
‘At least half so, yes.’
‘Praxtin-Tar?’
‘Yes?’
‘Are you happy here? I mean, are you finding what you’re looking for?’
The question vexed the warlord. He said with a sigh, ‘Why do you ask such things? You are impertinent.’
Alazrian glanced up from the pond. ‘Dyana Vantran told me that I may not have any answers until I’m older. She told me that I shouldn’t question my powers, but that I should accept them and wait for life to tell me my purpose.’
‘Kalak’s wife is a wise woman.’
‘And you? When will you have your answers, do you think?’
The warlord’s face stirred with a smile. ‘I am here because I am waiting for you to find your answers,’ he said. ‘Then, perhaps, I will have my own.’
‘That was very evasive, Praxtin-Tar,’ joked Alazrian. ‘And not very helpful.’
He gazed back down at his fair-haired reflection. Once, he had made a promise to his mother, to discover the purpose of his strange gifts. So far, he had no answers. But he was still young, and Dyana Vantran’s advice seemed sound. Someday, he was sure, he would learn the truth.
Until then, he would enjoy the journey.
THE END
About the Author
John Marco has worked in various industries including aviation, computers and home security. He now writes full time. He lives on Long Island in the USA.
Also by John Marco in Gollancz:
THE EYES OF GOD
The beginning of an enthralling all-new fantasy series from the author of Saints of the Sword.
AKEELA, King of Liiria
Young and idealistic, determined to bring peace to his kingdom – a land that has been plagued by war with the neighbouring kingdom of Reec for decades. He has come to parley in Hes, capital city of Reec, with Liiria’s age-old enemy, King Karis. With him are his Royal Chargers, led by a man as feared as the young king is loved.
LUKIEN, The Bronze Knight
Not yet thirty, peerless with a sword, a reputation earned the hard way. War is his life, his true calling, Reec his sworn enemy. But he is Akeela’s champion. His loyalty, stronger than blood, knows no limits. It is an unfortunate foe who faces the Bronze Knight’s wrath.
As Akeela and Lukien enter the gates of their enemy’s stronghold, neither man foresees the turmoil this historic journey will wreak on their lives. For to seal the peace, King Karis of Reec bestows upon Akeela his most valued treasure:
CASSANDRA, Charming, Beautiful, Accomplished But unknown to anyone, Cassandra hides a terrible secret, a disease which will threaten her life, and cause unimaginable strife for all who love her. And for Akeela and Lukien, the quest for Cassandra’s salvation will overwhelm every bond of loyalty, every point of honor, every dream of peace.
THE EYES OF GOD WILL SEE THEIR WORLD TORN APART.
AVAILABLE IN MARCH 2002
£12.99 in paperback and £18.99 in hardback
Also in Gollancz, by the author of Chronicles of the Raven, the first book in the exciting new series, Legends of the Raven:
ELFSORROW by James Barclay
The Elves are dying . . .
The rivalry between the four colleges of magic has brought misery to Balaia. The scourge of the Wesmen, civil war, Mana coursing unchecked through the bones of the land. But through it all the Elves have lived their ancient, secret lives. Even the deaths of the elven mages in the destruction of Julatsa was seen by the elders as the price paid by a foolish few for meddling in human affairs.
From their homeland in the southern continent of Calaius they have watched human dynasties come and go, aloof and untouched. Until now. Until elves young and old begin dying of a terrifying affliction, struck down at random, in their thousands . . .
Praise for James Barclay:
‘Quite simply spectacular storytelling’ Jonathan Weir, Amazon.co.uk
‘A page-turning romp with engaging characters and bags of, often brutal, action. It is story telling at its very best: excellent entertainment’ Vector
‘The best modern pulp fantasy of the last few years’ Roger Himlin, Waterstones, Enigma Magazine
‘Truly excellent heroic fantasy’ SFSite.com
AVAILABLE IN JULY 2002
£10.99 in paperback and £17.99 in hardback