Colors of Chaos

by L. E. Modesitt Jr.

  Gostar looked at Cerryl and nodded, apparently neither pleased nor displeased.

  Cerryl couldn’t detect whether the guard was upset or relieved and sat on the bench, waiting for Jeslek and whatever the High Wizard wanted Cerryl to do. This time, he had to wait but a short time before Jeslek returned, trailed by Anya and Redark and Kinowin.

  Behind the group followed one of the messengers in red from the creche, who glanced at the bench before which Cerryl stood.

  Without speaking, Jeslek motioned for Cerryl to follow the group into his chambers. Once all were inside, after Cerryl closed the door, Jeslek handed a scroll to Cerryl. “Read it while we talk.”

  While the four sat at the chairs around the table, Cerryl stationed himself by the wall closest to Jeslek’s right hand and began to read through the scroll, focusing on the parts that followed the flowery greeting.

  …knowing that we of Gallos have the highest regard for the White Brotherhood of Fairhaven and for those highways which the Brotherhood has developed and maintained to ensure peace and prosperity for Fairhaven and, to a lesser but still important degree, for other lands in Candar…

  … fair trade is considered vital to all lands, particularly those of us not so blessed as Fairhaven…

  … yet a tax upon the craftsmen and merchants of Gallos, for that is what the tariffs levied for the use of the White highways must in all fairness be termed, such a tax falls heavily upon a land already troubled by the whims of nature… and in all fairness, we must suggest, cannot be long maintained by any ruler in Gallos even in deference for past services as great as constructing the highways that all could use to greater benefit were not tariffs levied upon the users…

  … all know of the past power and glory of Fairhaven, and few would wish to believe that any in present-day Fairhaven would stoop to preserve unpopular and unnecessary tariffs through banditry or raids upon neighbors or neighbors of neighbors…

  … moreover, no power in Gallos could stand against its people and their unwillingness to be taxed for that from which they see little benefit…

  The seal and signature were those of Syrma, prefect of Gallos.

  Great benefit from the highways, yet the people see no benefit? Cerryl puzzled over the apparent contradictions even as he continued to listen to the four around the table.

  “It’s a veiled threat,” Kinowin observed. “He’s saying that he knows Fairhaven is behind the banditry and raids on Spidlarian traders.” His fingers touched the purple blotch on his left cheek momentarily.

  “What are we supposed to do?” asked the ginger-bearded Redark. “Just let them take over the highways and still maintain them out of our vast treasury and generosity?” Bitterness dripped from his words.

  “What do you-and Sterol-think, Anya?” Jeslek asked the red-haired mage. “I am certain you know the thoughts of the former and esteemed High Wizard.”

  “You grant me too much insight, ser.” Anya smiled.

  “Then, what do you think?”

  “My thoughts matter little. What matters not is truth. What matters is what those with whom we must deal think. They seem to think that we have less power than in years past and that they can avoid paying their obligations. Unless we can compel them in some fashion, they will not pay.” Anya finished her statement with a brisk nod.

  Kinowin nodded with her, but Redark frowned.

  “Gallos is lagging,” Jeslek said. “I’ve already sent messages to Gorsuch, as regent for young Duke Uulrac, Duke Estalin, Viscount Rystryr, suggesting that it may be necessary for them to raise levies to deal with the problem of Spidlar.”

  “They won’t do it-except for Gorsuch,” interjected Kinowin. “They all think it’s our problem.”

  “That is very clear,” said the High Wizard. “The problem is Syrma. Rystryr will do as we suggest if given a push. Gorsuch will also.”

  While Gorsuch would do exactly as Jeslek told him, Cerryl reflected, Gorsuch’s direct power lasted only so long as Uulrac remained alive. Pushing Gorsuch to require levies might well shorten the sickly young duke’s life span-and possibly Leyladin’s. The young mage pursed his lips and continued to listen.

  “Syrma’s power as prefect is recent, and he must defer to others, especially to those of coins and the great factors who continue to profit from the trade with Recluce and Spidlar. So we will ask for levies, and he will demur. He will not refuse. He will say that it is early yet and that he respects Fairhaven.” Jeslek snorted. “He may say anything, but he will not post the listings.”

  “And then what do we do?” asked Redark.

  “We find a way to convince them all.”

  “You wouldn’t turn Fenard into a mountain, I trust?” said Kinowin, his voice dry.

  “Not Fenard. What would be the point? All those golds we need would be lost.” Jeslek smiled. “No. We need another more… subtle reminder for our friend Syrma. I will have to think about that.” His eyes flicked toward Cerryl, if but momentarily. “We will talk that over later, when I have a better thought of what might be required.”

  The cold expression behind the High Wizard’s smiling mouth chilled Cerryl, but the younger mage kept on his face a look of mild interest.

  “Now, we need to review what coins we must disburse in the next season.” Jeslek glanced at Redark. “Do you have the numbers I asked for, Redark?”

  “Yes, ser.” From somewhere Redark produced a set of papers, placing one in front of each of the others at the table. “You see… there are the golds required to fit the last three ships and the extras for the White Lancers. Below are what must be spent on the Guild, or stipends, and support, and there are the requirements for supplies for the masons, and for the Patrol and for the sewers and aqueducts…”

  Cerryl stifled a yawn. He had the feeling that the meeting would be getting duller.

  LVIII

  Cerryl stood by the wall, trying to avoid Anya’s glance, as Kinowin and Redark walked into the High Wizard’s chambers. Fydel stood with his back to the bookcase on the other side of the table.

  “Why did you want us here now? You gave us little warning,” said Redark as he slumped into a seat at the table.

  Kinowin took the chair between Anya and Redark but said nothing, his eyes on the white-haired, sun-eyes High Wizard.

  “You may recall that I have been concerned that Recluce was playing a larger part in Spidlar than those in Gallos or Recluce would admit,” Jeslek said easily.

  “You have said that for several years, as I recall,” replied Kinowin. “There has been little proof.”

  “I hope that I am about to remedy that.” Jeslek nodded toward Anya and the screeing glass that still held residual chaos from the red-haired mage’s earlier efforts. “Anya has been following certain activities in Spidlar, and she tells me that it appears likely that we will be witnessing just how certain matters have escaped the notice of our neighbor the Viscount Rystryr. I have also asked Fydel to be present, since he will be involved more in Gallos.”

  Kinowin’s eyebrows flickered, Cerryl noted, but the overmage did not speak.

  “Let us watch now.” Jeslek gestured to the glass where the white-silver mists swirled away to reveal the brown fall grasses of the upland meadows somewhere north of Fenard and south of Elparta. In the center of the mirror, a trader’s wagon plodded southward. A red-haired woman drove the wagon, and a man rode beside her, hunched and shrouded in a dark cloak.

  Over the top of the hill waited another group, wearing the dark green tunics of Certis. As the wagon neared the hill crest, the riders fanned and charged toward the two traders.

  Just as quickly, the redhead halted the wagon, and two men with bows stood in the wagon bed, throwing off brown cloths and aiming their arrows at the charging raiders. A pair of swords appeared in the hands of the redhead, and from behind the raiders Spidlarian guards appeared, led by a blond giant who strewed bodies before him.

  Not a single Certan raider survived. As the shovels appeared for grave digging,
Jeslek waved his hand, and the image vanished from the mirror. “Bah…no magic at all. Just good tactics and cleverness. No one survives; no bodies are found, and the rumor spreads that the Spidlarians are using magic.”

  “It doesn’t exactly help to tell that to either the viscount or the prefect,” observed Anya from the chair closest to the window.

  “Or to admit it took more than a season and magic to figure it out,” added Fydel. “That’s hard when they claim to have lost nearly a hundred men over the last two seasons.”

  “Do we know who is responsible?” asked Cerryl deferentially, with a nod toward the High Wizard. “Beyond the obvious?” He gestured toward the blank mirror.

  “Our… sources… in Spidlar would indicate that most of the damage has been caused by one squad formed for this purpose last spring. Supposedly, the squad leader and assistant are outcasts from Recluce. Those are the big blond warrior and the redhead who drove the wagon.”

  “Supposedly? That’s rich! They exile two people, and those two people just happen to be in the right spot to block everything. Do you really believe that, honored Jeslek?” asked Fydel.

  Jeslek did not correct Fydel’s mathematicks. “I said supposedly. There is also the Black mage who is a smith in Spidlar. You may recall his name, Fydel. Dorrin, is it not?”

  “I believe so,” Fydel replied blandly.

  Cerryl refrained from wincing.

  “What do you plan to do?” asked Redark.

  “Now… nothing.” The High Wizard held up a hand, as if to forestall objections. “I’m not playing Jenred’s waiting game. But do any of you really want a winter war? It nears the end of fall already.”

  Headshakes crossed the tower room. A frown accompanied Kinowin’s headshake.

  “Once the roads clear in spring, I will personally direct our forces in the invasion of Spidlar. Over the winter, we should step up efforts to close off as much trade as we can-and, as possible, minimize the impact of Recluce’s meddling. The newest ships should help in this matter.” Jeslek smiled at Fydel, then at Redark. “We need to make it a hard winter indeed in Spidlar. We also need to use the winter to ensure that the other lands of eastern Candar will provide the golds that they should.”

  “Spidlar isn’t the real enemy; Recluce is,” reminded Fydel.

  “You and I know who the real enemies are.” Jeslek smiled with his mouth. “And their time will come.”

  “So clever, and so cryptic,” murmured Anya under her breath.

  Jeslek’s eyes fell on her, and her lips closed. His eyes glittered, and she shivered. Fydel swallowed, and Cerryl looked out the tower window, wishing that he had not spoken at all, though he did have leave to ask a question and that had been his first in more than three eight-days.

  “Are there others from Recluce in Spidlar?” asked Kinowin.

  “We do not know of others, but the number of Austran traders carrying goods from Recluce has increased. We need to close off the ports until the winter ice appears. Then we need to make sure that those traders do not begin to use Ruzor.”

  “You do not trust the prefect?” asked Redark.

  “Would you?” Jeslek smiled broadly.

  From the one time Cerryl had observed Prefect Syrma, he had to agree with the High Wizard.

  “I would not impose further upon you.” Jeslek gestured toward the overmage Redark. “You have seen what there was to see.”

  Redark lifted himself from the chair. “Would that the prefect had seen that. It would help more than us seeing it.”

  “The prefect will see what he needs to see, I am certain.” Jeslek turned to Fydel. “You may go, Fydel, Anya.”

  “Yes, ser.”

  “And you also, Cerryl. A word with you, Kinowin.”

  Cerryl nodded and followed Redark, Fydel, and Anya out of the tower chambers.

  Redark clumped down the steps alone.

  Fydel glanced at Anya. “That Black blade was good.”

  The chamber guard remained impassive, but the blond messenger on the bench listened, wide-eyed.

  “I worry more about his ideas than his blade,” Anya said. “Too many Certans are dead for it to be luck.”

  Cerryl agreed with that as well. With a nod to the pair, he started down the stone steps. His feet hurt from an already-long day, and his stomach was growling.

  Even though his feet hurt, he had to frown. Once again, the smith who was a Black had come up-and had been dismissed. But why was Jeslek not worried about the smith? Or did the High Wizard have something else in mind?

  Cerryl shook his head.

  LIX

  Grateful for the cool breeze that had finally brought more comfort to Fairhaven and the Halls of the Mages, after the unseasonably hot days following harvest, Cerryl walked slowly up the steps toward Jeslek’s chambers.

  For once, Cerryl was allowed inside immediately, and Jeslek sat at the table alone, sipping wine from a goblet, rather than a mug. A scroll lay on the table, one with ribbons, and fragments from a broken wax seal lay on the wood beside the scroll.

  “Good day, Cerryl.”

  “Good day, High Wizard.” Cerryl stationed himself in his normal position by the wall.

  “You have been in Fairhaven now without traveling for well over a year now, well over a year. Is that not so?”

  “Yes, ser.”

  “Yes… I think some travel would be good for you.”

  The younger mage waited.

  “Cerryl. You removed Lyam rather effectively, as I recall.” Jeslek’s sun-gold orbs met Cerryl’s pale gray eyes.

  “Yes, ser. At your command, ser.”

  “Ah, yes… I recall something about that.” Jeslek straightened, then sat back in the chair. “No matter.” He lifted the scroll that lay before him. A fragment of green wax skittered off the table. “I have just received word that young Uulrac suffered a seizure and died in his bath- rather suddenly and tragically.”

  Cerryl swallowed.

  “You foresaw that, did you not? I saw your face when we discussed the impudent scroll from Syrma.”

  “I had feared such would occur, ser. But I did not know, and I was cautioned only to observe.”

  “Wise of you, very wise. I like the fact that you do listen, Cerryl. There still may be a future in the Guild for you. Now… one Ferobar, a cousin of Uulrac’s, has proclaimed himself Duke of Hydlen. Do you know of him?”

  “No, ser.”

  “His origins lie in Renklaar, and his allegiances appear to lie with the traders of that port. In fact, those allegiances may well be the reason for poor Uulrac’s untimely death.” Jeslek raised his eyebrows. “I see you understand.”

  “I have listened.”

  “You are known to be fond of the Lady Leyladin, are you not? Well… she remains in Hydolar. Duke Ferobar has declared her under protective guard. I doubt he values her that highly, but to anger one of the leading factors of Candar would not be wise. Nor would killing a healer set well even with his own folk.” Jeslek took a sip of the wine he had not offered to Cerryl, his lips curling ever so slightly, as if the wine were sour. “Gorsuch barely escaped with his life and has returned to Fairhaven, for the time. I will be sending Fydel and Anya-and you-to Hydolar to escort the valued healer Lady Leyladin back to Fairhaven.” Jeslek smiled. “I will also be sending tenscore White Lancers.”

  Cerryl had the sinking feeling he knew what was coming next.

  “You will be going as Fydel’s assistant, as will Anya, and that should leave you somewhat free… to be creative.” Another smile followed. “The Guild would certainly benefit by the disappearance of Duke Ferobar.”

  “Ser… High Wizard?”

  “Yes, Mage Cerryl?”

  “If you as High Wizard feel that Duke Ferobar is a danger to Fairhaven, and if you order me to remove Duke Ferobar, I will do all in my power to do so. I understand why you would not wish such an effort to be made public, but I would appreciate it greatly if the two other members of the High Council were so informed.”
Cerryl stiffened, ready to raise his shields if Jeslek decided to lift chaos.

  A lazy smile crossed Jeslek’s face. “You do learn, Cerryl. I must grant you that. And you do not challenge my authority as High Wizard. Very well, I so order you, and I will inform both Redark and Kinowin. You may discuss this with Kinowin; he may have ideas, and I know you will feel less unhappy if you can discuss it with him. All of you will leave tomorrow morning at first light. You have the remainder of the day to prepare.” The High Wizard paused. “Anya will also have a special charge, and you are to assist her as she sees fit, except when it might hamper your duties to me. You may also request her aid, provided it does not hamper her charge. I have already told her such.”

  “Yes, ser.”

  “Send in the messenger as you depart.”

  “Yes, ser.” Cerryl bowed, then turned.

  Outside, he nodded to the brown-haired and stocky young messenger in red. “The High Wizard desires a messenger.”

  “Yes, ser.”

  Cerryl walked straight down the steps to Kinowin’s chambers, hop-ing the overmage might be in. Luckily for Cerryl, he was.

  “You look like twisted chaos, Cerryl,” Kinowin greeted Cerryl as the younger mage stepped into his chamber.

  “I have the High Wizard’s leave to discuss something with you.”

  “Something that disturbs you, I can see.” The right corner of the overmage’s mouth lifted ironically.

  “Duke Uulrac died. Jeslek suspects it was murder.”

  “How could it be anything else these days?” Kinowin’s lips twisted more fully, then smoothed into a faint smile. He gestured to the chair on the other side of the table. “Sit down. What you have to say will doubtless take a bit.”

  “You recall what Jeslek required of me in Fenard? With the old Prefect Lyam? He has ordered me to undertake a similar task in Hydolar…” Cerryl continued to detail his assignment. “… and since Jeslek thought your advice might be beneficial-”