Magic Study

by Maria V. Snyder

  “I…” Back to the Keep and to the feelings of isolation? Back to being feared for my abilities? Or back to spy on Sitia so I could eventually return to Ixia? Or just being on my own, exploring Sitia and spending time with my family?

  “I think you’re afraid to go back to the Keep,” Leif said.

  “What?”

  “It will be much easier for you to stay away, and not have to deal with being a Soulfinder, being a daughter and being a sister.”

  “I’m not afraid.” I had tried to find a place in Sitia, but I kept getting pushed away. How many hints did I need? I wasn’t a glutton for punishment. What if they decided that a Soulfinder equaled evil and they burned me alive for violating their Ethical Code?

  “You are afraid.” Leif challenged.

  “Am not.”

  “Are too.”

  “Am not.”

  “Then prove it.”

  I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

  Finally, I said, “I hate you.”

  Leif smiled. “The feeling is mutual.” He paused for a moment. “Are you coming?”

  “Not now. I’ll think about it.” It was a delay tactic and Leif knew it.

  “If you don’t come back to the Keep, then I’ll be right. And every time you see me, I’ll be insufferably smug.”

  “And how’s that different from now?”

  He laughed and I could see the young carefree boy he had been in his eyes. “You’ve only had a small glimpse of how insufferable and annoying I can be. As the older brother, it’s my birthright.”

  Leif mounted Rusalka and galloped away.

  Valek and I walked with Kiki toward the north. Toward Ixia. He held my hand and I felt content as my thoughts mulled over the last few hours.

  “Valek. What did you say to Alea?”

  “I told her how her brother had died.”

  I remembered how I had trapped Mogkan with magic, immobilizing him so Valek could cut his throat. Alea died the exact same way.

  “We had no time to take Alea with us, love. I wasn’t going to let her have another chance to hurt you.”

  “How do you always know when I need you?”

  Valek’s eyes flamed with an intensity that I had rarely seen. “I know. It’s part of me like hunger or thirst. A need that must be met to survive.”

  “How do you do it? I can’t connect my mind to yours with my magic. And you don’t have magic. It should be impossible.”

  Valek remained quiet for a moment. “Perhaps, when I feel your distress, I relax my guard and allow you to connect with me?”

  “Perhaps. Have you ever done that for anyone else?”

  “No, love. You’re the only one who has caused me to do the oddest things. You have truly poisoned me.”

  I laughed. “Odd, eh?”

  “It’s a good thing you can’t read my mind, love.”

  A sapphire-blue fire smoked in his eyes, and I noticed a tightening in his lean muscles.

  “Oh, I know what you’re thinking.” I stepped into his arms, putting my hands under his waistband to where his thoughts had traveled, making my point.

  “I can’t. Hide. From you,” Valek panted.

  I heard Kiki snort and move away as my world filled with the feel and smell and taste of Valek.

  Valek and I spent the next several days walking the plains and enjoying being together without any worries or problems hovering over our heads. We would discover small caches of food and water along our path. And while I didn’t have the feeling that someone watched us, I felt that the Sandseeds knew where we were, and the provisions were their way of extending their hospitality to a distant cousin.

  Eventually, we left the plains. Skirting east of the Citadel, we headed north through the Featherstone clan’s lands. Careful to travel at night and hide during the day, it took us three days to reach the Ambassador’s retinue.

  I had lost track of the days and been surprised to see their camp, but Valek had known they would be about a half-day’s walk to the Ixian border. After determining where the Sitian “spies” hid, Valek changed into his Ilom disguise, and slipped into the camp in the middle of the night. I waited and approached the next day. There was no reason for me to hide, and, if I went back to Ixia, the Sitian spies could report back to the Keep and the Council that I had left.

  The Ixians had begun to pack up their equipment when I rode in on Kiki. One tent still stood, but Ari and Janco rushed over to greet me before I could reach it.

  “Didn’t I tell you, Ari? She’s come to say goodbye after all. And you were pouting and miserable for days,” Janco said.

  Ari just rolled his eyes, and I knew if anyone was miserable it was Janco.

  “Or have you decided that you can’t bear to be parted from us and are going to disguise yourself as a soldier and come back to Ixia?” Janco’s smile was hopeful.

  “Beating you in a bow fight every day is really tempting, Janco.”

  He scoffed. “I know your tricks now. I won’t be so easy to beat.”

  “Are you sure you want me to come? I have a tendency to cause trouble.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on,” Janco said. “Life has been so dull without you.”

  Ari shook his massive head. “We don’t need any more trouble. The diplomatic niceties started falling apart between the Ambassador and the Sitian Council toward the end. Before we left, one of the Councilors had accused the Ambassador of bringing Valek to Sitia to assassinate the Council.”

  “Not good,” I said. “The Sitians are constantly worried the Commander will want to take control of their lands. And I would be, too, knowing that Valek possessed the skills to assassinate the Councilors as well as the Master Magicians, creating enough chaos so there is little resistance to an Ixian attack.”

  I shook my head, sighing. The Ixians and Sitians viewed the world so differently. They needed someone to help them understand each other. A strange feeling churned in my stomach. Fear? Excitement? Nausea? Perhaps all three; it was hard to tell.

  “Speaking of Valek,” Janco said, “I take it he’s well?”

  “You know Valek,” I said.

  Janco nodded, grinning.

  “I’d better talk to the Ambassador.” I slid off Kiki. Before I could move, Ari’s large hand grabbed my arm.

  “Just make sure you say goodbye to Janco,” Ari said. “You think he’s annoying when he’s in a good mood; he’s worse when he’s in a bad mood.”

  I promised Ari, but as I walked to the Ambassador’s tent, that odd feeling in the pit of my stomach became almost painful. Goodbye seemed so final.

  One of the two guards outside the tent ducked inside to announce me. He came out and held the flap for me to enter. Ambassador Signe sat at a canvas table, drinking tea with Valek still dressed as Adviser Ilom. Signe dismissed him and I caught a look and the word “tonight” from Valek before he left the tent.

  Bypassing the pleasantries, Signe asked, “Have you decided if you’re going to visit us?”

  I took the Commander Ambrose’s order of execution from my pack. My hand trembled slightly and I took a breath to steady my nerves. “With this unfortunate clash of opinions between Ixia and Sitia, I believe you both will need a liaison. A neutral party who knows both countries and can facilitate negotiations, assisting them in understanding each other better.” Meaning I wouldn’t spy for Ixia, but I offered to help. I handed Signe the order. The Commander must decide what to do with it.

  And there he stood in Signe’s uniform, studying me with his powerful gold eyes. I blinked several times. The transformation from Signe to Commander Ambrose was so complete that I could only see a faint resemblance to the Ambassador in his face.

  The Commander rolled up the execution order and tapped it on his palm as his gaze grew distant. Considering all the options, I thought, he never made a hasty decision.

  “A valid point,” he said.

  He stood and paced the small area. I saw a bedroll on the floor behind him and a lantern.
The tent and table appeared to be his only luxuries.

  Commander Ambrose stopped then tore my execution order into small pieces, sprinkling them onto the ground. Turning, he held out his hand to me. “Agreed, Liaison Yelena.”

  “Liaison Yelena Zaltana,” I corrected as we shook hands.

  We discussed the Commander’s plans for Ixia and how he wanted to expand trade with Sitia. He insisted I finish my magical training before becoming the official liaison. Before I left, I witnessed Ambassador Signe’s return. It was then that I felt, for a brief moment, that two souls resided within one body. That would explain why he had been so successful at keeping his secret.

  I mulled over the interesting idea to keep my mind off the startling fact that I was going to return to the Keep. The Ambassador’s retinue finished packing. I told Ari and Janco that I would see them again.

  “Next time, your ass is mine,” Janco sang.

  “Keep your skills sharp,” Ari ordered.

  “It was bad enough having two mothers, now I have two fathers,” I teased.

  “Send word if you need us,” Ari said.

  “Yes, sir.”

  I headed south as the Ixians traveled north. Pulling a thread of magic, I projected my awareness. One of the Sitian spies followed me in hopes that I would meet up with Valek. I sent the man a confusing array of images until he lost all sense of what he was supposed to do.

  Remembering Valek’s promise, I didn’t travel too far. I found an empty wooded area between two farms and set up a small campsite. As the sunlight faded, I projected my awareness into the surrounding woods. A few bats began to wake and a couple rabbits crept through the underbrush. All was quiet except for the steady approach of Cahil and his men.

  He didn’t try to mask his movements. Bold and cocky, Cahil left his men guarding the edge of the wood while he continued toward me. I sighed, more annoyed than scared, and reached for my bow.

  I glanced around. Nowhere to hide on the ground, although the tree canopy might offer some protection. It might work except Marrok waited with Cahil’s men. And I was certain the Captain’s tracking skills had led Cahil to me. I would have to resort to using magic in my defense. Projecting, I reached toward Cahil’s mind.

  His emotions boiled with hate, but he had tempered them with a cold calculation. He stopped at the edge of my camp and inclined his head. “May I join you?”

  “It depends on your intentions,” I said.

  “I thought you could read my intentions.” He paused. “I see you have decided to stay in Sitia. A bold move considering the Council will know about your involvement with Valek.”

  “I’m not a spy, Cahil. And the Council needs a liaison with Ixia.”

  He barked out a laugh. “You’re a liaison now? That’s funny. Do you really think the Council will trust you?”

  “Do you think the Council will go to war for a commoner?”

  Cahil sobered for a moment. He glanced over his shoulder in the direction where his men waited. “I will find out the truth about that. But it really doesn’t matter to me anymore. I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.”

  Even though he hadn’t moved, I could feel a renewed sense of threat from him. “Why are you telling me this? You know you can’t get to Valek through me. Besides, he’s back in Ixia by now.”

  He shook his head. “As if I would believe you. A beautiful day for riding and you stop here?” He gestured to the surrounding woods then took two steps toward me. “I’m here to give you a warning.” Another step.

  I brandished my bow. “Stop right there.”

  “You once said you thought Goel was decent for warning you about his intentions. I thought I would do the same. I know I can’t beat you or Valek—even my men don’t have a chance—but someone, somewhere has that ability. I’ll swear I’ll find him and, together, we’ll make it our mission to see you and Valek dead.” With that, Cahil spun around and headed for his men.

  I didn’t relax my grip on my bow until Cahil mounted Topaz and rode away. His men followed behind, running to keep up. As I broke my connection with Cahil’s mind, I dipped into Marrok’s mind. He was scared and worried about Cahil’s odd behavior. That made two of us.

  That night, my campfire seemed lonely until Valek arrived. He appeared by the fireside, warming his hands over the flames. I decided not to ruin our last night together by telling him about Cahil’s visit.

  “Forgot your cloak again?” I asked.

  He smiled. “I like sharing yours.”

  Long after the fire had died, I fell asleep wrapped in Valek’s arms. When the sun intruded, I burrowed deeper under my cloak.

  “Come with me,” Valek said.

  It wasn’t a plea or an order. An invitation.

  Regret ached in my heart. “I still have much to learn. And when I’m ready, I’ll be the new liaison between Ixia and Sitia.”

  “That could lead to serious trouble,” Valek teased.

  “You would be bored if it was any other way.”

  He laughed. “You’re right. And so was my snake.”

  “Snake?”

  He pulled my arm out to expose my bracelet. “When I carved this, my thoughts were on you, love. Your life is like this snake’s coils. No matter how many turns it makes, you’ll end up back where you belong. With me.” His sapphire eyes held a promise. “I’ll look forward to your first official visit. But don’t wait too long. Please.”

  “I won’t.”

  After another kiss, Valek rose and, as he dressed, I told him about Cahil.

  “Many have tried to kill us. All have failed.” He shrugged. “We’ve thrown him a curve. Either he’ll sulk over his lack of royal blood and disappear, or he’ll make himself believe we lied and will have a renewed determination to attack Ixia, which should make life interesting for the new liaison.”

  “Interesting isn’t the word I would use.”

  “Make sure you keep a close eye on him.” Valek smiled ruefully. “I have to go, love. I promised the Ambassador I would catch up to her at the border. If there is going to be any trouble from the Sitians it would be near there.”

  I regretted my decision to stay the moment he left and utter loneliness overcame me. But Kiki’s cold nose against my cheek intruded on my morose thoughts.

  Kiki stay with Lavender Lady, she said. Kiki help.

  Yes, you’re a big help.

  Smart.

  Smarter than me, I agreed.

  Apple?

  You’ve grazed all night. How can you still be hungry?

  Always room for apple.

  I laughed and fed her an apple before we began our two-day trip back to the Keep.

  When I arrived at the Keep’s gate, the guard instructed me to go directly to the Master’s meeting room. As I gave Kiki a quick rubdown at the stables, I wondered what had been going on in my absence.

  Students hurried from one building to the next as an icy wind blew through the campus. They gave me only a fleeting surprised glance before increasing their pace. The gray sky darkened and sleet cut through the air. An ominous start to the cold season. I pulled my hood up to protect my face.

  I had arrived in Sitia at the beginning of the hot season. The two seasons I had lived here felt more like two years.

  When I entered the conference room, three neutral expressions and one livid greeted my arrival. Roze threw a ball of furious energy at me. It hit me square on the chest, and I stumbled back before deflecting her attack. Pulling power to me, I projected my awareness toward her. Her mental defenses were impenetrable, but I aimed lower. Through her heart and into her soul. A much more vulnerable spot.

  Now, now, I said. Play nice.

  She jumped. What? How?

  I have found your soul, Roze. It’s dark and nasty in here. You’ve been hanging around those criminal types too long. You better change your ways or this soul won’t fly to the sky.

  Her amber eyes burned into mine with all the hate and loathing she could muster. Underneath, thoug
h, she was terrified. Hate and loathing didn’t bother me, but fear was a powerful emotion. Fear causes the dog to bite and Roze was one bitch.

  I released her. Roze sputtered and glared at me with a poisonous gaze. I stared back with calm patience. Eventually, she stormed from the room.

  “So it is true,” Bain said into the sudden silence. “You are a Soulfinder.” He seemed more thoughtful than scared.

  “What made her so upset?” I asked.

  Irys gestured for me to sit down. I sank into one of the plush chairs.

  “Roze thinks you and Valek are part of a plot to assassinate the Council.” Before I could respond, Irys went on, “There’s no proof. But what is more alarming is Ferde’s escape from the Keep’s cells.”

  I jumped to my feet. “Ferde escaped? When? Where?”

  Irys exchanged a knowing glance with Bain. “I told you she had nothing to do with his release,” she said to him. Then to me, “We’re not sure when. He was discovered missing this morning.” Irys gave me a wry grin. “We think Cahil rescued him.”

  “Cahil?” Now I was confused.

  “He is gone. Captain Marrok was found brutally beaten. Once Marrok regained consciousness, he told us Cahil had tortured him until Marrok had told him the truth.” Irys stopped, shaking her head in astonishment.

  “That Cahil doesn’t have royal blood,” I said.

  “You knew?” Zitora asked. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “I suspected. But Valek just confirmed my suspicions.”

  “Marrok told us that Cahil’s mother had died in childbirth and he was the son of a soldier slain during the Ixian take-over. When they fled to Sitia, they took him along,” Irys explained.

  “Where is he now?” I asked.

  “We don’t know,” Irys said. “And we don’t know what his plans are now that he has learned the truth, and why he took Ferde with him.”

  So much for Valek’s sulk-and-do-nothing theory about Cahil’s reaction to his origins. “I guess, we’ll just have to find him and ask,” I said.

  “But not yet,” Irys said, and sighed. “The Council is a mess. Since you released all those souls, Ferde is weak and will be unable to do any magic for quite some time. And…” She hesitated, and I had the unpleasant feeling that I wasn’t going to like what she said next. “They want you to explore your Soulfinder capabilities and perhaps become a Council Adviser.”