Tsai did the same with her scimitar.
“These are magnificent mansions.” The kid stared like he planned to memorize each overgrown house. Maybe he would. It sounded just like him. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen buildings this handsome.”
Jroduin smiled and lifted her chin. “These are some of the oldest buildings in Shi. Most are over one thousand years old. I’m told they are the oldest edifices in the world, except for a few in Zedista.”
“Zedista’s lots older,” Lorel growled.
Tsai marched forward and punched her in the ribs.
Her chainmail jingled.
Tsai shook her hand out and grumbled a curse.
The kid laughed. “She’s a born Zedisti, which gives her a stake in the rumor. It is true we saw nothing this old in Dureme-Lor, and only a ghost city in the desert near the Chalder that might be older.”
“So deep in the desert, it had to be a mirage,” Jroduin said.
The kid looked unhappy, but for a change had the good sense to keep his mouth shut. Finally he shrugged. “Still, this area takes an award for beauty.”
The washed-out linen snuck her arm through his. “Are there no buildings resembling these where you grew up?”
“The Setoyan don’t build.” The kid glanced down at the cobblestones. “They’re nomadic. Everyone carries their tent with them.”
“You speak as though you are no longer of that people.” The linen stroked his hand.
He nodded. “That’s true. In many ways.”
“Then what are you?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged and looked at her sadly. “I simply don’t know.”
It was time to distract him, even if it did make her look silly. “Hey, look, kid!” She pointed ahead and danced a few steps. “Them old houses finally go away.”
They were walking toward a fairyland of bright green. Bushes shaped like bunnies and turtles and deer grew on velvety lawns. Evergreens towered over the grass like friendly giants. Little kids played around a quirky fountain with a bunch of merhorse statues spitting water out of their mouths.
“This is Candlewood Park, the most beautiful park in the city. On this end.” Jroduin looked away. “To our shame, there’s another side to it. You’ll see what I mean when we reach the other side.”
The linen led the way, the kid at her side. Bess followed them. Tsai and herself brought up the rear. It frayed her thread they were all bunched up, but the washed-out linen had insisted first thing and the kid backed her up. Why wouldn’t he listen to his own bodyguards instead of some rich girl with a busted noggin?
They walked and walked.
The path wound directly into the hedge, disappearing in a narrow tunnel of leaves, like a magical trail in a hero’s tale.
Now something interesting was sure to happen.
∞∞∞
Jroduin led the way through the shortcut and into a prosaic but crowded cobblestone plaza. “Come, allow me show you the market.”
Skinny children stood at the square’s edges, begging for work. Tired adults with ancient eyes manned the stalls. Drooping servants trudged down the aisles.
What a dispirited group of people. Was life so bad here?
“This ain’t no fun.” Lorel dropped back to walk behind him.
Tsai and Bess followed her.
A tall, gaunt man in the crowd noticed Jroduin and waved at her.
She hesitated. “Could you excuse me for a few minutes?” She strolled across the street and spoke to the stranger.
The man bowed deeply to her and stood humbly, head bowed, shoulders hunched.
Jroduin seemed a little taller, a little straighter, and very regal. As if she owned the man. Or owned the whole city.
“Hey, Gyrfalcon?” How could he put this new thought? “Listen. I think Jroduin’s a– a–”
“She’s a nobleman’s daughter.” Lorel looked at him oddly. “You just figure that out?”
Fire flowed over his face. “It never occurred to me.”
Bess grinned and turned away.
Tsai’dona shook her head.
Lorel snorted. “At least your likings are honest. Come on, let’s look for a weapons shop. After we get rid of your girlfriend, we can find a bookshop.”
“That sounds like a bribe.”
“You better believe it.”
Tsai’dona laughed out loud.
Bess coughed into her hand. “She’s coming back.”
“Already? Weaver snip her thread.”
“Bahtdor bait!” Viper jabbed the turybird’s hip, the highest part his elbow could reach. Pain seared his funny bone. Blast, he’d forgotten about her new chainmail.
Tsai’dona punched her on the other side and flinched.
“Hey, Loom lints!” Lorel danced out of reach.
Bess poked the turybird in the ribs with one bony finger. Gently, he assumed, since she didn’t wince.
“It ain’t fair to gang up on me.” Lorel backed away from all three of them. “Never thought I’d be glad to see that girl come rescue me.”
Jroduin must have heard the silly sandcrab. She smiled and gestured them closer. “Come. There is one more place I’d like to show you today. We are quite proud of it.”
She led them through a maze of wide, well-tended streets. Empty streets. Where was everyone? He counted only seven people during their walk.
Finally they reached the neighborhood of their inn. Silver mist still permeated the entire district. Someone must have an enchanted object stored nearby. Or, considering how much the enormous building dominating this block resembled the library in Dureme-Lor, maybe they had a collection of magical books.
Tsai’dona whispered to Lorel, “My hair is standing straight up.”
Lorel frowned and nodded. “We got trouble.”
Because a vain girl’s hair was messy? He hadn’t guessed either of his bodyguards worried about their appearance. Besides, Tsai’dona’s long hair was neatly confined in braids. It was Lorel’s braids that were straggling into ringlets.
“Here we are.” Jroduin labored up the marble steps.
Should he mention they were staying right next door? Kyri would be furious. But with all the power in the area, no one could notice the dribbles of spells in the wagon. And certainly Jroduin hadn’t show any inclination for magic.
“This is the new Wizard’s Academy.”
Blast. Surely he heard her wrong. “The new what?”
Bess froze at the bottom of the staircase.
Lorel halted in front of the elaborate doors, whirled, and scowled down at Jroduin. “Magic crap? I just knew it.”
Tsai’dona eased back a step. “I don’t like magic stuff.”
“Chances are you won’t see any.” Jroduin climbed the last few stairs and leaned against the wall to catch her breath. “Most of our students are still at a basic level.”
That might be all right. No one should notice him. He mounted the landing and stood beside Jroduin.
“Just book learning, then.” Lorel reached out and thumped his shoulder.
He managed to not fall over from the blow, but only because Tsai’dona rushed forward and steadied him. “Bahtdor bait.”
Jroduin raised her eyebrows.
“She complains I always have my nose in a book.” He grinned defiantly. His nose wasn’t in a book often enough, these days.
Approval lit Jroduin’s face. “It’s rare to find a true reader. But no, only a part is book work. Come in and see.”
Lorel shrugged. “I guess it won’t hurt to look.”
Bess cleared her throat. “Maybe Tsai’dona and I should wait out here.”
“No, no. I want all of you to see our accomplishment.” Jroduin opened the left-hand door and waved them in.
“I feel like I’m walking into the spider’s kitchen,” Lorel grumbled.
Viper laughed and shoved at her back. “It will take one thundering big spider to bother you any.”
She grinned and saluted him.
&nbs
p; They followed Jroduin down a long hall of gray stone. After passing an appalling number of closed doors, she strolled through an arched doorway and gestured for them to follow her.
Chaotic activity swirled through the huge room. Young men dashed across the chamber, some carrying supplies toward a massive furnace, others hauling away bowls of unidentifiable substances. Several students were grinding powders with crystal pestles in jade mortars.
What was the point of ruining good jade? He’d never read that jade enhanced a spell, and he’d written a book on magical stones. Well, a little book. When he was twelve. He might have missed something.
In the far corner, a tall instructor with a glowing silver and orange aura lectured to seven intent young men. Of all the students in the room, only those seven had auras laced with silver. Only those seven.
How could this be a school for wizards when most of the students showed no sign of magic?
Why weren’t there any women? He knew several strong female sorcerers. Had the girls been excluded, or had they chosen not to attend? Was something wrong?
Probably not. Nashidra was infamously patriarchal, which was one reason they’d had trouble absorbing Zedista.
The teacher lectured in a low, fierce voice that didn’t carry far.
If only he could hear the words! There was too much about magic he didn’t understand. Being a second-level sorcerer was painfully limiting. Most of the time, if he succeeded with a spell, he didn’t know why it worked.
“Come, my friend.” Jroduin waved at him from the far side of the room.
He turned to follow her, but froze and looked back. The instructor was the same man who’d hailed Jroduin near the burned-out district. How different he seemed now! Teaching must be his life. Earlier he’d played a peculiarly humble prairie dog, but now he was a rumbling bahtdor bull.
It was good to see a teacher who was dedicated to his students. If only Trevor had survived. His teacher had been that devoted, and a whole lot friendlier.
No point in dwelling on his friend’s death. The only way he’d get justice – or more honestly, vengeance – was to destroy the Mindbender who had murdered him.
He pushed revenge out of his mind and strode toward the hallway where Jroduin and his crew waited.
Except for Lorel, of course. She never slowed down for anything. She met him halfway. “What kept you?”
“Without looking, notice the instructor behind me,” he whispered.
“Will do.” She escorted him to Jroduin’s side, paused, and scanned the room. Her gaze lingered on the tall man for an instant. Without the slightest change of expression, she turned toward the chamber where Jroduin waited and glared into the open doorway.
“It will be my great honor to introduce you to one of our founders.” Jroduin limped to the center of the room. “He’ll be with us in a moment.”
Lorel glanced his way and nodded.
So he was right. He smiled blandly and turned his attention to the person approaching them.
He was a short, stout, middle-aged man with a childish, apple-round face, but his bearing commanded respect.
“Lord Lynx.” Jroduin bowed fractionally. “This is my friend, Viper. Lynx is our greatest wizard and best instructor.”
A wizard? With no aura showing? Could a wizard hide his aura?
Blast. So much for Kyri’s warning. He’d have to play stupid, and hope his crew didn’t give him away.
The cheerful wizard bowed deeply. “Such flattery, my lady. I am indeed pleased to meet your young friend.”
Viper bowed back, but he feared his genuflection wasn’t half as elegant. “We’re honored. Shi is lucky to have a resident wizard. And a native son, as well?”
Lynx laughed and inclined his head. “Very perceptive. Yes, I am Shiin. But I am only one of eight resident wizards.”
“Eight?” Viper felt his eyebrows bounce off his hairline, but tried to hide his reaction. He was in more trouble than he thought. “In all of our travels, we’ve yet to visit a city with even one wizard.” And he desperately needed to talk to a wizard. But not right now!
“Shi is a magnificent city.” Lynx’s rosy cheeks reddened. “Very conducive to magic and study. We are trying to form an enclave here. I believe other wizards will be sorely tempted to live here in the near future.”
Lynx glanced at Lorel, obviously dismissing her. Suddenly his eyes widened and he gawked at her swords. “Bahtdor bone weapons? I’ve always wanted to examine one. Setoyan magic is entirely unstudied.”
Lorel jerked her chin up. “You ain’t studying mine. I got them from a Setoyan what said to never let them outta my hands.”
Praise the Thunderer, she didn’t mention which Setoyan gave them to her. He might get out of this mess in one piece.
Lynx looked disappointed, but nodded and turned to Tsai’dona. “I see you own an enchanted blade, also.”
“It better be enchanted.” Tsai’dona swallowed, but grinned defiantly. “I paid plenty for it.”
In worry and fear, anyway. He was surprised she was holding up so well, given her distaste for magic.
Lynx exhaled slowly. “Such weapons should not be marketed. What is its thaumaturgical attribute?”
As if a bodyguard could answer question like that. Viper set himself a mental wager that she thought she’d been insulted.
Tsai’dona’s mouth hung slackly. She shook her head, frowning slightly.
Wager officially won.
“I see. May Altrada protect you when it awakens.” Lynx shrugged, and, ignoring Bess completely, turned away from the women.
Bess closed her eyes and muttered a prayer.
Lynx studied his final victim. His quick eyes noted everything except the padded boot. “You seem an intelligent lad. Have you any formal education?”
Fire rushed into Viper’s face. What could he say? He certainly couldn’t admit he’d studied under a sorcerer. Kyri would never forgive him.
“He can read.” Jroduin put a protective hand on his shoulder. “He has traveled widely, and knows a few languages and a great deal about geography.”
Praise the Thunderer, she didn’t mention he’s a magician. With a little luck she’d forgotten. Or didn’t believe him.
“Very good!” Lynx’s smile was bluntly paternal. And extremely irritating. “Intelligent, perceptive, and reasonably educated. Would you like to study at this academy, young man?”
Viper’s jaw dropped. Desire and fear gnawed at his bowels. Yes, yes, yes! he wanted to. But he didn’t dare. What if Kyri was right?
What if the serpent was wrong? He was throwing away a spectacular opportunity. The old man was offering him everything he’d ever wanted.
Lynx grinned mischievously. “What a thing to drop on you, eh? But we need good students, youngsters of your ilk. You’ll learn chemistry and physics, algebra and calculus, all of the arts of science. More important, we will teach you to channel your will into magic. Will you join us?”
He wanted to. He should. But it meant abandoning the quest. Abandoning Kyri. Abandoning Lorel. She’d never stay near a school of magic.
“No way!” Lorel stepped toward him and planted her fists on her hips. “No way you’re gonna stay in this magic dump, kid.”
He peered up at her belligerent, frighteningly loyal face. His mind worked feverishly. Oh, Thunderer, he wanted to study here. The things they could teach him! Everything Trevor didn’t have time to tell him. But Kyri insisted magic was warped here. Thunderer’s drums, he wanted to stay. To have a teacher again.
“We are using a new concept in teaching magic.” Lynx lowered his voice. “Group sessions rather than the old-fashioned apprenticeship system. Group interaction teaches a student more.”
Not a one-to-one apprenticeship? Group learning sounded wrong. Perverted.
“No way, kid,” Lorel repeated softly.
Lynx glowered up at her. He glanced at Jroduin. “She can be dealt with.”
Viper stiffened. “No thank you.”
“Not in a negative sense.” Lynx chuckled. “I meant we can make her understand how much you would benefit by studying here.”
Viper shook his head. “No thank you.” Blast, he was turning down the most incredible opportunity. But it wasn’t a real apprenticeship, only an impersonal classroom. And he wasn’t about to stay with anyone who threatened his friends. “There’s so much I want to learn, but I don’t think magic is the way I should go. Besides, I have commitments, to Lorel and our crew, and to our business. We make a good team. I won’t break us up.”
Lynx frowned up at Lorel. “You are lovers, then.”
Lorel’s jaw dropped. She skittered backwards three steps before she found her voice. “No way!”
Viper laughed. “It’s far deeper than that.”
Lynx looked thoughtful.
Lorel straightened and grinned.
“Are you sure you won’t change your mind?” Jroduin asked Lorel.
“As sure as the Shuttle weaves fate.”
“We could debate the point.” Lynx leaned back on his heels and put his hands behind his back.
Only if they had a lunar to waste. He’d seen Trevor take that position and argue for hours about the thaumaturgical properties of starfish. And Lorel was even worse. “I wouldn’t if I were you.” He held up his hands and forced a laugh. “What she doesn’t know, she’ll make up, and she’s more stubborn than a snapping turtle.”
Lynx turned to face him. “And you? Will you let her run your life?”
”I’ve been running her life for two years.” He grinned fondly at his turybird. “She swore to defend me, and she’s kept her oath more times than I can count. I won’t abandon her.”
“As you wish.” Lynx gripped Viper’s shoulder. “My blessing to you.”
A tingle ran through his body. Oh, Thunderer, what had the old man done? Is there such a thing as a wizard’s blessing? Or was he the victim of a spell?
He’d ask Kyri. Surely the serpent would know a counterspell. If it was willing to tell him, for a change.
“Good luck to you, young woman.” Lynx bowed to Lorel. “Be proud of having a loyal friend. Now please excuse me. I must return to my duties.” He left without a glance at Tsai’dona or Bess. Or even a bow to Jroduin.
Alchemy's Child (The Mindbender's Rise Book 5) Page 21