The Magelands Epic: Soulwitch Rises (Book 7)

by Christopher Mitchell

  ‘You make me sound like a little child,’ said her mother. She glanced at Nyane. ‘Maybe now that the pressure of being herald has been lifted from your shoulders, you might start thinking about having a family of your own.’

  ‘Believe me, mother, that’s the furthest thing from my mind at the moment.’

  ‘Yes,’ said her father; ‘let’s see if she can avoid jail first. I happen to know a number of good lawyers in the Rahain quarter who owe me a favour or two; perhaps I should invite one over for a chat?’

  There was a loud knock at the front door.

  ‘Has the Empress sent soldiers here to arrest you?’ said her mother, her eyes widening.

  ‘I doubt it,’ said Nyane, getting to her feet. ‘Justice never moves that quickly.’

  She walked through to the hallway and opened the door.

  ‘Your bags, ma’am,’ said her driver, placing two packs onto the floor.

  She handed him a few coins; and he nodded and left, heading back down the tower stairs. Nyane pulled the bags inside and closed the door, noticing her mother standing at the entrance to the living-room.

  ‘These drivers talk,’ she said. ‘The news that you’ve moved back in here will be all over the city by nightfall, mark my words.’

  ‘I don’t care,’ said Nyane. She lifted her bags through into the living-room and sat back down on the couch. She opened one of the packs and began rifling through it. Amid the rolled up laundry were a few books and her toiletry bag, and underneath it all she found what she was looking for.

  ‘Is that brandy?’ said her mother, staring at the bottle in her daughter’s hands.

  ‘All the way from Rainsby,’ she said, opening it and pouring some into her tea.

  ‘It’s a little early, is it not, dear?’

  ‘Is it? I feel like I haven’t relaxed in years. First chief engineer, then the coup, then herald and governor; all while a war was going on. All those responsibilities… I’ve been on duty for so long I can’t even remember what it was like before, and now I have nothing. The Empress took it all away in a few minutes. I don’t think she ever liked me, to be honest. She respected me, at least while I was useful to her; as soon as I became a liability she got rid of me in a flash.’

  She took a drink.

  Her parents glanced at each other, and her father patted her hand.

  ‘It’ll all be fine, little flower,’ he said. ‘You’ll always have us.’

  After sixteen days in the company of Ravi and Kelsey, first on a boat, and then on a wagon, Nyane longed for nothing more than some solitude; a chance to order her thoughts and get drunk. Instead, she smiled at her mother and father.

  Nyane unpacked her things and went for a long shower, relishing her time alone as much as the warm water. The university, a place she had loved since the moment she had first seen it, was beginning to feel like a prison. She would get no peace in her apartment, not while sharing it with her parents, and she was worried about running into Dean if she wandered the hallways and corridors. There were plenty of others too: professors, teachers and staff who would wonder why she was back.

  She heard the front door being knocked again while she was dressing, laying aside her grimy travelling clothes and putting on some clean garments she had found in one of her closets.

  ‘Nyane!’ came her father’s voice from the hallway. ‘Visitor.’

  She sighed, and opened the bathroom door.

  ‘Ravi,’ she said, ‘what are you doing here?’

  ‘I live here,’ he said, looking at her as if she were mad. ‘What are you doing here? I was just speaking to someone down in the quad; she told me that your driver said you’d moved back in.’

  Nyane nodded. ‘I’d forgotten you lived in the university as well.’

  ‘Don’t look so unhappy about it. What’s going on? Why aren’t you at the palace?’

  ‘It’s a long story,’ she said, walking into the living-room, while Ravi followed.

  ‘She fired you, didn’t she?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘That’s not a long story.’ He glanced over and saw Nadia. ‘Hi, Nyane’s mum.’

  ‘Good morning Mage Ravi,’ said Nadia. ‘Nice to see you made it back safe and sound. Have you been relieved of your position as well?’

  ‘What, me?’ he said, letting out an awkward laugh. ‘No, well, not yet, anyway.’

  ‘Would you like some tea?’

  ‘That would be great, thanks,’ he said, sitting. ‘Can I smoke?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Nyane before her mother could disapprove.

  ‘You want one, I take it?’ he said.

  Nyane nodded and sat opposite him as he passed her a cigarette.

  ‘When did this smoking start?’ said her father, shaking his head.

  ‘It was a long journey back from Rainsby,’ she said, ‘and I had nothing to think about except what the Empress was going to say. It passed the time.’

  ‘I blame Kelsey,’ said Ravi. ‘She bought so many cigarettes in Westport that we had to help her smoke them.’

  A screeching noise came from the kitchen as Nyane’s mother pushed open an old wood-framed window.

  ‘I haven’t opened that in years, mother,’ Nyane said. ‘You’ll let in the cold.’

  ‘Better that than smoke stinking up the place. Filthy Holdings habit.’

  ‘Maybe you should smoke in the study,’ said her father.

  Nyane got to her feet and picked up the brandy. ‘Come on, Ravi.’

  ‘Are we getting drunk?’ he said, standing.

  ‘Do you object?’

  ‘Not at all. Thought you’d be sick of my company by now, though.’

  ‘You’re a friend, Ravi, and I need one.’

  ‘Then it’d be my honour to get rubbered with you. You pour the brandy, I’ll bring the tea.’

  He walked off to the kitchen as she opened the door to her small study. She went in, and placed the bottle of brandy onto the desk, where books were heaped in untidy piles. Nyane frowned; she always kept her books in order. She remembered that when she had arrived at the apartment, her mother had been surrounded by books and papers, and guessed that she must have been going through her daughter’s collection.

  ‘Right,’ said Ravi, striding into the room with a tray, ‘let’s get this party on the go.’ He sat in an armchair and glanced down at the fireplace. ‘Can I light this? It’s a bit chilly. Not Rainsby-freezing-your-balls-off weather, or Inner-Sea-in-an-ice-storm weather, but chilly nonetheless.’

  ‘Of course, yes,’ she said, taking the other armchair. She poured brandy into two glasses as Ravi knelt by the hearth and began preparing.

  ‘So,’ he said, ‘fired, eh? Can’t say I’m completely surprised. Still, it’s a mistake all the same if you want my opinion. You were only doing what you thought was best.’

  ‘I thought you hated Keir and Thorn.’

  ‘Pair of arrogant little teenagers,’ he said, striking a match and touching it to the kindling in the hearth. ‘Think they’re so high and mighty. But, you were right. Rainsby would collapse in a day if the Rahain attack and the two mages aren’t there to defend it. Or witches, whatever. Storm and Soul.’ He moved back a foot, his eyes transfixed by the growing flames.

  ‘I think for once we might be in perfect agreement,’ she said, sipping her brandy, a cigarette in her fingers, ‘except I confess to having a soft spot for them. There’s something pure, or even innocent about Keir and Thorn.’

  Ravi laughed. ‘Innocent?’ He climbed back into his chair and picked up a glass of brandy from the side table. ‘You must be joking. Are you drunk already?’

  ‘It sounds foolish, I know,’ she said, smiling, ‘especially as they’ve already killed hundreds; probably thousands, between them.’

  Ravi lit another cigarette. ‘What are you going to do now?’

  ‘I have no idea. What about you?’

  ‘I have an audience with her Majesty tomorrow,’ he said, ‘to report on my work in Rainsby, and to ge
t paid. What I do next depends on how generous the Empress is feeling, but I imagine I’ll be kept busy. You seen Dean yet?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Shit. How’d it go?’

  ‘As well as you’d imagine. Still, at least that’s over with.’

  ‘And you’re gonna be living here with your parents?’

  She nodded, sipping her brandy.

  ‘And that’s going to be fine, yeah?’ he said, raising an eyebrow.

  ‘It’ll have to be.’

  ‘There’s space in my flat if you need to escape.’

  ‘Your apartment’s even smaller than mine.’

  ‘The offer’s there,’ he said, shrugging. He turned to the fire, warming his hands by its roaring flames. ‘It’ll need topping up soon, as do I.’ He lifted up his glass.

  Nyane picked up the bottle and poured another two measures.

  ‘You had it all for a while,’ he said, leaning back in the armchair with his glass; ‘you were the second most powerful person in the whole fucking empire. And you had a boyfriend. Not a very good one, but, you know…’

  ‘I’ve not seen you having much success with the ladies recently,’ she said. ‘Lost your touch?’

  He nodded. ‘Absolutely. The magic’s gone. In Rainsby I was right next to two of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen; Belinda and, obviously, Thorn; and both of them hated me. I tried it on with Belinda for a while, but she actually threatened me with physical violence if I didn’t stop. And before that I fell for Sable, another gorgeous woman, and I thought she liked me, but all she really wanted was to hand me over in chains to the Rahain.’

  ‘And she did.’

  He nodded, his eyes dark. ‘She killed my sister, and me and Kerri ended up in a cell for a year, living in rags; I was trying to make diamonds, while they drugged Kerri to keep her quiet.’ He took a sip of brandy. ‘Poor Kerri. I wish that girl all the happiness in the world.’

  A noise came through from the living-room, and Nyane put down her glass. The study door opened and her father poked his head through.

  ‘Another visitor, my dear,’ he said, looking alarmed, ‘and she’s brought soldiers.’

  ‘It’s only me,’ said Kelsey, standing in the doorway, two burly guards behind her. She thumbed at them. ‘Can’t go anywhere without this pair.’

  ‘What’s happening?’ said Nyane’s mother, her voice high.

  ‘It’s alright, mother,’ Nyane said. ‘It’s Kelsey Holdfast; a friend.’

  Her mother squinted at the girl.

  ‘Hi,’ Kelsey said.

  ‘Do I know you?’

  ‘I don’t think so.’

  ‘But I’m sure I’ve heard the name before. Kelsey…?’

  ‘Holdfast,’ said the girl.

  Her mother nodded, and said nothing for a moment.

  ‘Tea?’ her father said.

  ‘I’m sure these two would love some,’ Kelsey said, pointing at the pair of soldiers. ‘Now, I’d just like a moment to talk to Nyane.’ She closed the study door before anyone else could speak.

  ‘I assume you’ve heard?’ said Nyane.

  ‘Aye,’ said Kelsey, taking a seat by the fire and lighting a cigarette.

  Nyane stared at the girl, remembering all that she had told her on the journey from Rainsby. ‘Did you…?’

  ‘Aye,’ Kelsey said. ‘I knew it was going to happen, but I couldn’t tell you. It wouldn’t have changed anything.’

  Nyane sat.

  ‘I saw it a long time ago,’ Kelsey went on, ‘but I didn’t understand what it meant. It was only when I heard you’d been appointed governor that I realised what the Empress was talking about. Like a lot of prophecies, it wasn’t very clear at the time.’

  Ravi sipped his brandy. ‘Have you had any visions involving me?’

  ‘Aye,’ said Kelsey, keeping her eyes on Nyane, ‘but first I want to talk about what went on in the palace. It was a fucking disgrace what Bridget did; sacking you for putting the empire first. She should have trusted your judgement.’

  Nyane smiled. ‘I’m sure her Majesty only did what she thought was best.’

  ‘Bollocks. She lost her temper and lashed out at you. You? After all you’ve done for her? I told her as much, you know, as soon as I heard what had happened. I went round to her rooms and had it out with her. She’s not too pleased with me, let me tell you. She had a few choice words to say about the Holdfasts.’

  ‘I’ll bet she did. I hope you didn’t get into too much trouble.’

  ‘Naw,’ said Kelsey, picking up a glass of brandy. ‘I’ll be fine.’

  Nyane shook her head. ‘Put it down.’

  The girl frowned, then placed the glass back onto the table. ‘I’ll be sixteen in just over two thirds.’

  ‘I think eighteen a more appropriate age for alcohol.’

  ‘Aye, you would. Anyway, I also found out off Calder that Bridget wants to have you charged and brought to trial. He said that she doesn’t want anyone to think that she’s making an exception because you’re her friend; it would be unfair, he said.’

  ‘She still counts me as a friend?’

  ‘That’s what Calder said. He looked pretty unhappy about you getting the boot.’

  Ravi snorted and shook his head.

  ‘He was also annoyed that we let Belinda stay,’ Kelsey went on. ‘He said we should have brought her back.’

  ‘I brought you back,’ Nyane said. ‘They must be happy about that.’

  Kelsey laughed. ‘Aye, right. They have no idea what to do with me. They can’t send me to my mother’s, because she’s still missing with Karalyn and Corthie; and after this morning, I don’t think the Empress will want me hanging around the palace. I could always go and live on my own in the old Holdfast townhouse. I could host enormous parties in that place.’

  ‘But what if the assassins who are looking for your family find out you’re here? The Empress has a duty to protect you.’

  ‘I’m not sure she takes the whole Holdfast-assassins story seriously,’ she said. ‘She implied that I was free to come and go, as long as I take a couple of guards along with me.’

  ‘You’re welcome here any time you like.’

  ‘Thanks. You might regret saying that. Me and Ravi will be round here annoying you constantly. At least until, you know, your trial.’

  Ravi took out a pack of cigarettes and offered them round.

  ‘That brings me to the vision I had of you,’ Kelsey said to him, taking one and lighting it. ‘I probably shouldn’t tell, but I if I do then maybe you’ll be able to prepare yourself.’

  ‘Go on,’ Ravi said, his eyes wide.

  ‘I had it not long after you’d arrived in Rainsby,’ Kelsey said, ‘though, again, I don’t quite understand the context.’

  ‘If it’s my death then I don’t want to hear it.’

  ‘No,’ Kelsey said, smiling, ‘you’re very much alive, and I felt the determination that was running through you.’

  He shrugged. ‘That doesn’t sound too bad.’

  ‘That was the good part,’ Kelsey said. ‘The bad news is that you were in a small, dark cell, with a chain round your ankle. Your hands were enclosed in these big, metal gauntlets, so that you couldn’t touch anything, and you were in rags.’ She glanced at him. ‘Sorry.’

  He bowed his head. ‘In captivity again? I don’t think I could handle it.’

  ‘It gets worse.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘You weren’t alone; there was someone in the cell along from yours.’

  Ravi lifted his glance and caught her eyes. ‘Who?’

  Kelsey grimaced. ‘Me.’

  Chapter 28

  The Iron Brigade

  Westgate, Domm Pass – 5th Day, First Third Spring 526

  The western end of the Domm Pass was one of the most beautiful places Lennox had ever seen. When he had travelled eastward along it in late autumn on his way to Severton, it had been dark and rainy, and all he remembered was the mist and the mud, but
in early spring the landscape took his breath away.

  The way from the lowlands ascended via a switchback road cut into the side of a mountain, and when he and Cain had climbed it, the views had become ever more dramatic; and they had often stopped to turn and gaze back over the rolling plains and hills of Domm. At the top of the road was a settlement, with houses and taverns perched upon the edge of the cliffside, and fields and farms spreading back through the green lands beyond. From Threeways to Domm, the pass had been formed by an ancient glacier that had carved its way westwards over centuries past, leaving behind a wide and fertile valley. Compared to the lowlands, the pass was densely populated, with farming communities dotting the fields all the way to Brig.

  In the centre of the village at the head of the pass, a poster had been nailed to the door of a travellers’ hostelry, advertising for volunteers to enlist in the Iron Brigade, and setting out the pay and conditions. It directed those with an interest to make their way to a large farmstead on the northern reaches of town; and Lennox and Cain had set off the moment they had seen it.

  The town seemed to be awakening from its long winter slumber as they walked through its busy streets, passing markets, shops and full taverns, while the smoke and noise belching from smithies mixed with the stench of a local tannery. The sun was shining and although the wind was cold, there was a hint of warmth in the air.

  Lennox’s stomach growled as they passed a stall selling hot food.

  Cain groaned. ‘That smell is driving me crazy. No food for two days; I’m so fucking hungry.’

  ‘Try not to think about it,’ said Lennox. ‘Let’s find out what we can about this Iron Brigade, and then, if we have to, we’ll work for something to eat. There’s bound to be labouring jobs here; it’s ploughing season.’

  ‘Fuck that,’ said Cain. ‘I’m a soldier, not a farmer.’

  They passed the last house on the street and continued along a path into the countryside. Ahead, half-surrounded by a pine forest was the farmstead the poster had mentioned. There was a large, two-storey stone house, and a collection of out-buildings, including a vast barn, all enclosed by a moss-covered drystane dyke.