by M. J. Putney
But this was a chariot of storms, not light. They swept west over the Atlantic, riding the winds, diving into the waves and whorls. Passive but powerful, the circle fueled Jack’s talent with their magic as he leaned into the fierce wheel of wind and rain. If they hadn’t already worked together once with Tory braiding and maximizing the individual talents, they might have broken down from this strain.
Slowly, relentlessly, by sheer brute force, Jack built the air and winds he needed to deflect the storm as it drew nearer and nearer to the British Isles. Dimly, Tory was aware of the passing of time, of her growing exhaustion, of the numbness of her backside.
She was in a near trance when Mrs. Rainford said, “I should take a quick break to ring up the school to say I won’t be in. Unless that would be too disruptive, Jack?”
“You can get up and even go to work if you have the energy, Mrs. R.,” he said hoarsely. “We’ve just about mastered this beast. I’m putting the finishing touches on.”
“I’m off then.” Mrs. Rainford stood and put Tory’s hand in Allarde’s before leaving. Allarde squeezed her fingers, putting wordless intimacy into the gesture. Tory smiled, her energy lifting a little even though the circle was diminished by Mrs. Rainford’s departure.
Now that she was alert again, she saw how Jack had shoved the storm into an amazing right angle turn that sent it northward over the Irish Sea between Britain and Ireland. They had achieved their goal, but at a high cost of magical and physical power.
After a few more minutes, Jack said wearily, “We’ve done what we can. Everyone can let go now.”
The strands of Tory’s energy braid unwove with startling speed as mages pulled back into themselves. There was a whimper from Tory’s left and Polly’s hand went limp. Tory opened her eyes to see the girl fold over like a rag doll onto Nick’s lap. He put an arm around her. “Good job, little sister.”
She didn’t respond. He shook her shoulder, but she still lay limply across him. “She’s out like a light,” Nick said, worried. “She isn’t hurt, is she?”
Elspeth was as fine drawn as silver wire, but she managed to lean over and rest her hand on Polly’s head. After a long moment, she said, “No permanent damage, but she’s going to sleep for a very long time.”
Tory bit her lip, knowing how much the brigade would miss one of the weather mages. Polly’s absence would also create additional pressure on the two remaining.
Allarde broke the silence to say, “I’ll take her up to her bed.”
He was the only one left with the strength to carry the girl, Tory realized. She looked around the circle with her inner senses open so she could evaluate their energy. Polly was a gray flicker, having pushed herself relentlessly to make up for what she saw as her failing. Most of the others were little better off.
Only Allarde burned a little more brightly. In this weary morning, she saw the full dimensions of his strength and his protectiveness. She would have given anything she owned to burrow into his arms and rest.
“The worst of the storm has been deflected, but it’s going to require constant work to keep it from turning back,” Jack said bleakly. “And in spite of our best efforts, there’s going to be more wind and surf in the channel for the next couple of days. More waves to knock the ships around, fewer clouds to provide cover.”
Tory made an effort to collect herself. “It’s still better than a full-blown storm, which would have stopped the evacuation cold, probably for good.”
Her voice barely audible, Elspeth asked, “Is the situation stable enough that we can all get some rest?”
Jack buried his face in his hands and exhaled roughly. “This storm can’t be left untended. Cynthia, would you be able to take a watch while I rest?”
Cynthia made a sound perilously close to a whimper. It was hard to recognize her as the fashionable Lady Cynthia Stanton. Her hair was tangled, there were circles under her eyes, and her oversized nightclothes were badly rumpled. Tory thought she’d never looked more worth knowing.
“I can’t right away, but give me four hours.” Cynthia got to her feet wearily. “Can you manage that long? If you do, I think I can take a double watch after, if I have help from one of the general mages.”
“I can manage four hours, but I’ll need help,” Jack said, his voice muffled by his hands. “I hate to ask when I’ve already asked so much of everyone.”
“I’ll be your second for this watch,” Allarde said. “Tory, can you support Jack while I take Polly upstairs?”
If Allarde could keep going for hours more, she could manage a few minutes. “Of course. Take the time to splash some cold water on your face.”
Nick said, “I’ll second Cynthia on the next watch. Since I have a bit of weather magic, maybe I can help her with that as well as general power.”
“That would be good,” Cynthia said numbly as she headed out the door. “If I sleep through the alarm clock, will someone wake me? Someone female.”
“A pity you just qualified that.” Jack lifted his head from his hands, a trace of amusement in his eyes. “I was all set to volunteer.”
Glad to know that humor hadn’t entirely died, Tory got to her feet. By the time she finished stretching her cramped muscles, Allarde had gently lifted Polly from her brother’s lap and everyone but Jack had left the sitting room.
Tory reached out to Jack with her energy and discovered that he needed to have his anxiety smoothed out as well as requiring augmentation for his depleted power. She sent calming energy and linked with him to help with the weather. The patterns over the British Isles and northern France were stable but filled with tension. It was easy to imagine the weather sliding out of control if it didn’t have constant attention.
Not quite ready to sit again, she crossed to the window and parted the blackout curtains. It was morning, still early. Mrs. Rainford was pedaling toward the road on her bicycle, a two-wheel contraption that made Tory appreciate a nice horse. Tory didn’t envy the older woman having to endure a long day in the classroom. But Mrs. Rainford had deep reserves. She’d changed her clothes, brushed her hair, and was looking somewhat revived as she pedaled off to her school.
It occurred to Tory that fresh air would be invigorating. She opened the window halfway and inhaled deeply before she subsided on the sofa cushion beside Jack. She took his hand and the energy flow between them increased. Wryly she said, “This isn’t fun anymore.”
“True, but I now have a better understanding of what it means to be a soldier.” He leaned wearily into the sofa. “Thanks for the extra energy, Tory. Maybe I’ll survive the next four hours after all.”
“You will. Allarde is in slightly better shape than the rest of us.” Reminding herself it was only for a few minutes, she managed to send Jack a bit more power. “You were splendid, Jack. I wouldn’t have thought a storm that size could be turned aside.”
“It couldn’t have been done if the weather brigade didn’t have so many powerful mages.” He squeezed her hand a little, his touch comradely, not romantic. “I was overconfident because the first two days were too easy. I forgot that no matter how powerful a weather mage, he has to work with the raw materials the world supplies.”
“And this time, the world supplied difficult weather.”
Jack rubbed his face with his other hand. “I feel like a beast for the way I shouted at poor Polly. She might have picked up on the storm a little sooner if she’d been more alert, but her range isn’t fully developed, and now she’s temporarily burned-out. You must have felt how hard she was working.”
“She was at her limit,” Tory agreed. “When she wakes up, she’ll realize you were shouting mostly because you were furious with yourself for not being able to work nonstop for days on end.”
He sighed. “You’re right, that was the real reason for my temper.”
“Of course I’m right,” she said loftily. “I’m a mage, you know.”
He laughed a little at that.
Allarde returned and extended a hand to
Tory to help her from the sofa. She came up lightly with his help, feeling the tingling power of his touch. “I’ll take over now, Tory. Sleep well.”
She gave him a private smile. “You do the same when Nick comes on watch. Even you need rest sometimes.”
Jack said, “It’s a godsend that you have such reservoirs of power, Allarde. We couldn’t have moved that storm if you hadn’t been able to contribute so much.” He covered a yawn. “I always thought aristocrats were worthless, not knowing how to do anything but gamble away their fortunes and give orders to people like me.”
Allarde smiled. “A few of us have our uses.” He settled down on the sofa, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “Time to tweak your storm again?”
Tory left them to it, profoundly grateful to be heading to her bed. But as she climbed tiredly up the stairs, she wondered how long the weather brigade could keep up such a grueling pace.
CHAPTER 31
Wednesday morning, Tory went down to breakfast feeling halfway human again. The frayed weather brigade had made it through Tuesday, though Jack and Cynthia were hard-pressed to keep the waters of the channel reasonably calm. The other mages contributed as much power as they could manage, since they couldn’t afford to lose a second weather worker.
Most of the weather brigade was down for an early breakfast, and energy levels were near normal. Mrs. Rainford had scrambled up a very large pan of eggs with cheese, bread was ready for toasting, the eternal teapot was steaming hot, and the wireless was giving the latest news. By this time, Tory no longer marveled at the miracle of the wireless. She merely listened while she collected breakfast for herself.
She was shaking her head when she sat down between Nick and Elspeth. “They keep saying the same things over and over. The BEF is trapped on the coast, the Belgians are thought to be close to surrender, and disaster is imminent. Mrs. R., have you heard anything more promising through your scrying?”
“In fact, yes.” The teacher was seated at the table having a second cup of tea before heading to work. “I heard a discussion about Hitler’s Panzer tanks. Several days ago they stopped before sweeping into Dunkirk, apparently because of marshy ground.”
“A pity they didn’t go forward and get swallowed up by the marshes!” Nick said.
“Sadly, the Nazis aren’t fools.” Mrs. Rainford spread currant preserves on her toast. “They were about to move again on Dunkirk, but instead they’re heading south to join the fighting there. Bad for the Allies to the south, but good for the evacuation.”
“That’s good to know,” Allarde said as he took a second serving of eggs. “I’m glad we have our private line into Dover Castle.”
“I believe I’ve figured out why I’m able to eavesdrop there so well,” Mrs. Rainford said. “A cousin of mine works in the naval headquarters. She and I grew up together, and I suspect she has some magical ability herself. Everyone from Admiral Ramsay on down is working nonstop, so as long as she’s there, I can connect through her.” She took a bite of toast. “The evacuation code name is Operation Dynamo.”
“Any news about the small boats they’ve been organizing?” Nick asked.
“I almost forgot to mention that. The first convoy of small ships should leave Ramsgate this evening, with more to follow from the other ports. Most of the evacuees will go to Dover, Ramsgate, Folkestone, and Margate,” his mother said. “But there are Lackland boats in the volunteer armada.”
Nick was about to ask more when Polly appeared in the kitchen door, her face ghostly pale. Conversation stopped. It was her first appearance since her collapse after the storm circle.
“Polly, I’m so glad you’re up!” Tory greeted her. “How are you feeling?”
The girl’s face twisted. “My magic is gone! There’s nothing left!”
Her words evoked gasps of shock and sympathy. Elspeth cut through the other reactions by saying firmly, “Your magic isn’t gone permanently. Intense magical work is known to cause temporary paralysis, but the power does come back. It just takes time.”
Polly caught her breath, hardly daring to hope. “How much time?”
“It varies,” Elspeth said. “Probably several days. Perhaps longer.”
“Too long for me to be able to help during the evacuation,” Polly said glumly. “I suppose I should go to school.”
“The whole southeast coast is in turmoil because of the evacuation, so classes aren’t covering much,” her mother said. “Though it’s not a glamorous job, you could stay home and run the household. I would if I were here, but I’m not, so if you’re willing…”
“Of course I am!” Polly said, her expression brightening. “You get on to work, Mum. I’ll make sure everyone is fed properly and the house doesn’t become a sty.”
Tory guessed that Polly was grateful to continue as part of the weather brigade even if she couldn’t join in the magic. Exhausting though the work was, the Irregulars shared a warm camaraderie unlike anything Tory had ever experienced.
“That’s settled then.” Mrs. Rainford stood. “I’m off now. Rule, Britannia!” She hugged Polly on her way outside.
Tory glanced at the clock. “Time I got to work. Cynthia, you’re on watch with me, aren’t you?”
“For my sins,” the other girl said, but her insults no longer carried any sting.
Jack had been working his watch while having breakfast and listening to the news. With the weather steady and his energy recovering, he could do two things at once, at least for a short time. “Shall we hand over the watch in the sitting room?”
Cynthia nodded, but before they could move from the kitchen, Nick said, “Tory, Cynthia, after this watch, I’ll drive you into Dover. I’ll do another run later in the day. We all need some fresh air, a change of scenery, and a chance to see the results of our work at first hand.”
“Will you buy me some fish and chips while we’re out?” Tory asked.
He grinned. “It’s a deal.”
Tory went off to her watch feeling cheerful at the prospect of getting out for a bit. But by the time the watch ended, she was in need of a real break because they’d had to ride the weather hard. Despite their best efforts, sharp winds were blowing over the channel, causing more surf on the Dunkirk beaches and blowing smoke away from the town so the Luftwaffe could see to bomb the beach.
But they were able to keep the water calmer than usual for this time of year, which counted as success under these conditions. Tory had given up striving for perfection and was willing to settle for “the best we can manage.”
Jack and Allarde replaced Cynthia and Tory. Tory had to fight the desire to wrap her arms around Allarde whenever they were in the same room, and from the light in his eyes, he felt the same, so probably it was just as well they wouldn’t be confined in Nick’s Morris Oxford for the expedition into Dover.
Cynthia claimed the backseat so she could doze on the drive into Dover. Tory sat in front with Nick, too interested in the journey to nap. The road was busy, with great lumbering army trucks moving in both directions as well as the usual autos and lorries.
Along the way, Nick pointed out a train racing along a track in the distance. “Southern Railway is running as many extra trains as they can put together to get the evacuees out of Dover. I think everyone in Britain is helping, or wishing they could.”
She nodded. “It’s fortunate that we’re a seafaring nation and so many people have boats that can be used in the evacuation.”
“I wish I could take Annie’s Dream over,” Nick said wistfully. “I keep thinking that if I was there, I’d be able to find my father. I do have finder talent, though I haven’t had the time to develop it.”
“Many people can sail boats to Dunkirk, but we’re the only ones who can keep the weather tamed,” Tory pointed out.
His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “I wish I could do both.”
As they neared Dover, Tory remembered that Elspeth thought Tory might be able to connect with the other members of the weather br
igade over a distance. The time was right to test the theory, so Tory closed her eyes, centered her mind, then reached out, visualizing a golden line stretching out to her friend. Elspeth? Elspeth?
She felt as if she were trying to identify fabrics by touch while blindfolded, but after several mental calls, she felt a surprised response from her friend. Nothing as clear as words, but a distinct sense of pleased recognition coming from Elspeth.
Delicately, Tory imagined drawing healing energy toward herself. After a moment, Elspeth began to help. Not wanting to tire the other girl, Tory closed that off and offered power in return. Elspeth accepted some, then politely ended it when they were in balance. Grinning, Tory thought, Farewell, and withdrew. This ability to send or receive power over a distance could prove useful.
“Why are you smiling like you were just handed a cream cake?” Nick asked.
“Elspeth thought that with my connecting talent, I might be able to connect with people over a distance. So I just tried and was able to reach Elspeth,” Tory explained. “We couldn’t actually talk, but we could identify each other and I was able to send and receive energy. I don’t know if it would work over longer distances, but I was able to manage these few miles.”
“We’re all learning so much about what we can do!” Nick said. “These last days have been like a university course in mage craft.”
Tory chuckled. “I used to wish I could go to Oxford or Cambridge, but of course girls can’t, so this will have to be my university experience.”
“Girls can go to Oxbridge now,” Nick said. “Mum went to Lady Margaret Hall in Oxford.”
“She did?” Tory asked with delight. “I must talk to her about it.”
Since they were heading down into Dover, Nick said, “The harbor is going to be berserk, but I know a place to park that’s high enough to give us an overall view of the port, plus I have two pairs of binoculars in the boot.”
“Binoculars? Boot? I really need a 1940 dictionary!” Tory said.