Voice of Life (The Spoken Mage Book 4)

by Melanie Cellier

  “Over here!”

  This time I pinpointed the location as well as the voice itself. Hurrying across the large space and into the side corridor, I didn’t speak until we were both some distance from the servants on duty for the ball.

  “Jasper! What are you doing here?”

  “I live here remember?” He grinned and pulled me into a hug.

  I sank into it for a moment, wishing I could forget everything else in this brief taste of family and home. But reality quickly intruded, and I pushed back.

  “Don’t try to tell me your rooms are right inside the entryway. I’m sure they’re buried in some back warren somewhere.”

  “I was waiting for you.” He didn’t look in the least repentant. “You heard the announcement?”

  “That’s what you were talking about earlier today, right?” I asked. “The delegation to the Empire? I suppose it’s causing all kinds of work for you palace officials.”

  An excitement filled his eyes that made me vaguely uncomfortable.

  “For some of us more than others,” he said.

  I eyed him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I talked to my superior and volunteered.” He sounded exultant. “And I was chosen. I’m going as part of the delegation, Elena!”

  My heart sank, and my mind instantly flew back to Julian’s words. Had he meant Jasper all along? It seemed both of my older brothers were to travel with me.

  “Why would you volunteer, Jasper?” I whispered. “We still don’t know much about the Sekalis. It might be dangerous.”

  “Perhaps.” Jasper brushed away my concerns. “But it will certainly be fascinating. And you’re going, aren’t you? I took this position to help protect you, and here’s my opportunity.”

  “How do you know that?” I asked. “About me, I mean?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Those of us officials who’ve been closely involved with details for the visiting delegation have heard all the gossip on this new expedition.”

  I frowned. “You’ve been closely involved with the delegation? But surely you must be a junior official? You only started the job this year.”

  “I probably shouldn’t be, it’s true,” he said. “But you know they call us all southern savages, right? The Sekalis, I mean?”

  “Of course.” It was one of the few things most Ardannians knew about the Sekalis.

  “Well, they don’t seem to view the commonborn the way Ardannian mages do. So I think Their Majesties wanted me assigned to the delegation to demonstrate their enlightened views on commonborns, or some such thing. Most of the officials here are mages on assignment from the various disciplines. The only other commonborn official here at the palace is an old man, set in his ways.” He shrugged. “Whatever the reason, I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity.”

  I bit my lip. “You were supposed to get a well-paying job with a merchant family, marry Clara, settle down, and have some beautiful nieces and nephews for me to spoil,” I said. “Not throw everything away to protect me!”

  He smiled, but the expression didn’t look entirely happy. “In truth, I would have volunteered even without you. This is too good an opportunity to miss. There is so much to learn about the Sekalis and their empire. It’s already obvious they view life differently from us.”

  I shook my head. “You’re as bad as Julian!”

  “Julian?”

  I sighed. “The general’s oldest son. But I take it back. At least your motives are pure.”

  “Ah yes, he’s to be part of our delegation as well, isn’t he?”

  “Jasper,” I said. “What happened with Clara?”

  “Nothing you need worry about,” he said quickly.

  I put my hands on my hips. “I’m your sister. I can worry if I want to. What happened?”

  He shifted uncomfortably before giving a deep sigh.

  “It’s not as if I ever had any great desire to be a merchant, you know.”

  “But you did—do—have a desire for Clara. Don’t try to deny it.”

  He wouldn’t meet my eyes. “I’m not saying she didn’t argue against my taking a position as an official. She did. But she understood in the end that I needed to do it for you, if not for myself. And she was never arguing because she cared what position I held for her own sake.”

  I frowned, trying to piece it together. “Her family, then?”

  He nodded, still not meeting my eyes. “They were wealthy merchants once. Her grandfather also attended the University. But her father didn’t win a place, and their fortunes changed. They believe they were cheated by a mage family. They have…strong feelings about the mages.”

  “And you chose to come and work for the mages instead of helping a commonborn merchant family like them,” I said, realization dawning. “Basically, you’re a traitor.”

  “More or less.” He blew out a long breath. “Clara might have defied them and married me anyway, but I didn’t ask. She’s working for them, of course, helping them turn around the family fortunes, and she’s not drawing a salary until things improve for them. I couldn’t ask her to step away from that. And my salary as an official isn’t enough to support us on its own. Not while our own family is still getting established here.”

  “Oh Jasper,” I said, my voice soft. “And so, once again, you put everything of yourself aside for the sake of our family. I could ask the general for a larger allowance.”

  My heart sank at the thought, but I steeled my resolve. Jasper had already done more for our family.

  “No, don’t,” he said quickly. “Mother and Father wouldn’t like it. You’re already helping so much, and I know they’re not entirely comfortable taking the Devoras money that’s meant for you. But they’d still be stuck in Kingslee without it. In a few years they’ll repay their debt for the new store, and then I can save for myself.”

  “Will Clara wait for you?” I asked.

  Jasper looked at the ground. “I hope so.”

  I sighed and wrapped my arms around him again. “Let’s just focus on this visit to the Empire. If we both come back from that in one piece, then we’ll sort this out for you. One way or another.”

  Chapter 10

  Coralie, Finnian, and Saffron confronted Lorcan the day after Midwinter to demand that they be included in the delegation as well.

  “We’re not going to let you and Lucas have all the fun,” Finnian had informed me as they hurried off in search of him.

  “How did it go?” I asked when they reappeared in the dining hall.

  “He laughed us out of his office,” Saffron said glumly.

  “I appreciate your loyalty, really I do,” I said. “And I wish you could come, too.”

  For my own sake, I did wish it. Although part of me was glad they were staying safely in Ardann. Too many people I cared about were going already.

  “I haven’t given up yet,” Finnian said. “Not entirely at any rate.”

  He refused to give us any more detail, saying he didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up if he couldn’t deliver. But two weeks later he gave us early warning of an announcement from Lorcan to the fourth years. As the senior trainees, and as a learning exercise, the whole year was to accompany the returning Sekali delegation and outgoing Ardannian one as far as Torcos, nearly on the northern border.

  “I offered to house the whole year at our estate just outside Torcos,” Finnian explained. “It’s not as good as going all the way into the Empire, but at least it will allow us to be together a little longer.” He glanced sideways at Coralie as he spoke, assessing her reaction.

  “We’re going to stay with your family?” she asked slowly.

  He crossed over to take her hands, looking uncertain—an unusual look for him.

  “I know we said we’d wait until graduation,” he said quietly. “But I don’t want to wait so long. I want them to meet you now. Saffron’s mother will be there, so you can meet everyone at once, like we talked about.”

  A faint flush colored Coral
ie’s cheeks. “You don’t want to wait?”

  Finnian ran a hand through his hair. “I know my family is intimidating. And I guess I’m nervous about scaring you away, but there’s no point to waiting when I’ve made up my mind.”

  Coralie assumed an expression of fake outrage.

  “I’m not so cowardly, I assure you.”

  Finnian chuckled, but I could see him trying to weigh the truth behind her humor. Her face dropped into a serious expression, and she leaned forward to kiss his cheek.

  “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy,” she whispered to him. “All I can promise is that I won’t run from it. As long as you want me there, I’ll be by your side.”

  “Forever then,” Finnian said, nothing but serious intent in his face and voice.

  I turned away quickly to give them some privacy as he pulled her into his arms. Saffron sidled over to me.

  “This could be an awkward trip,” she whispered, and I stifled a laugh.

  “Do you think they’ll accept her, in the end?” I asked.

  She bit her lip, looking thoughtful. “I’m not saying Coralie’s concerns aren’t valid, but Uncle Dashiell would never disown his only son. And I think Finnian underestimates just how much he’s his mother’s world.”

  “I thought that was exactly what they were afraid of?” I asked.

  She nibbled on her lower lip. “It might make her more exacting at first, perhaps. But he seems resolute, and in time, he’ll carry the day. I’m sure of it.”

  “Which will leave all the pressure on you, of course,” I murmured. “There’s nothing else for it. You’ll just have to marry Calix.”

  She burst into giggles, causing Finnian and Coralie to break apart and turn toward us.

  “What are you laughing about?” Finnian asked suspiciously.

  But his expression only made Saffron laugh harder, so he swept us all out to dinner ahead of him. As we passed through the doorway, I leaned over and whispered to Saffron.

  “Seriously, though. He’s my brother now. I could put in a good word for you.”

  She burst into fresh laughter, causing Finnian to mutter darkly all the way to the dining hall.

  The days before the delegation was to depart raced by at frightening speed. Our instructors seemed determined to make up for the time we would lose on the road and gave us more assignments than ever. And, on top of that, Walden gave the fourth years a series of lessons on the Sekali Empire. It turned out he had been part of the original delegation the year before we started at the Academy since each discipline had been permitted to send one mage.

  “The most direct route to the Sekali capital would take us too close to the Kallorwegian border,” he told us. “And on top of that, with no previous traffic between the Empire and the southern kingdoms, no roads of any significance bisect the northern forests that cover the length of the border. They are old forests, thickly grown, and nearly impassable for a group of any size. As a result, our delegation will take the same circuitous route we took four years ago.”

  “I remember you coming through Torcos then,” Finnian said.

  Walden nodded at him. “Indeed. Your family were generous in their hospitality, if I recall.”

  “So we will travel up the North Road to Torcos,” Weston said in a bored voice. “Hardly a novel journey.”

  “Regardless of the excitement of the road itself,” Walden said with a disapproving look, “I hope you will all take the learning opportunity presented by the close proximity of the Sekalis.”

  He smiled in my direction. “But it is true that the real excitement will come for Lucas and Elena once they depart Torcos. From Torcos, you will take the river through the forest and past the southern farmlands of the Empire. From there you will take a Sekali road west to the capital. It is a vast land and a fascinating journey.”

  “From what I understand, they didn’t exactly give you open tours of their capital on your last visit,” Natalya said.

  “Sadly, that is true,” Walden said. “We remained in the large palace complex for the entirety of our stay, and no one but the top imperial courtiers were permitted to speak to us. But naturally this delegation will be different, and we look forward to much more open dialogue between our two lands once the alliance has been sealed.”

  Lucas sat like a statue, saying nothing, and Walden seemed to be carefully avoiding looking in his direction.

  “We did, however, learn something of their court customs which will be of use to you when interacting with the Sekalis. They value formality, seeing it as a sign of respect, and they greet each other with bows, regardless of rank.”

  That much at least I had observed for myself.

  “Their mage families are organized into eight clans,” he continued, “and each owns vast swathes of land, managing the commonborn who live there.”

  “Do their clans align with their disciplines, then?” Araminta asked.

  Walden shook his head. “Their branches of power—as they call them—are assigned based on ability and temperament.”

  “Assigned?” Lavinia asked. “You mean they don’t get to choose?”

  “No, each must serve where they are most suited,” Lucas said, speaking up for the first time. “For the good of the Empire.”

  A familiar concept for him, if not for Lavinia.

  “For Sekalis,” Walden said, “honor appears to be paramount. By serving well and achieving prestige in their assigned branch, they win honor for their clan.”

  Walden had actually been in the Empire, while the general had not. Perhaps he knew more of their branches.

  “I heard their growers wear brown,” I said. “Do you know what branch the green robe represents?”

  He frowned at me, stroking his chin. “They have both forest green and pale green robes, and they appeared to be connected in some way. I believe they represent some extra discipline beyond what we have in Ardann.”

  “The Sekalis tend to meet direct questions with vague answers,” Lucas said. “I never received a clear explanation of the green robes.”

  “Nor I,” said Walden. “And I only ever observed them fulfilling bureaucratic functions. They are a vast and populous place. Perhaps it is a branch for weaker mages who fulfill roles as officials?”

  I sat back, disappointed. Their answers gave me no clues about the mysterious energy of the green-robed Sekali.

  But I had little time to dwell on the question as we finished all the final preparations for the delegation. An official summons from the palace took me out of classes for an entire day, but my nerves soon turned to boredom when I found myself locked in a room with a team of seamstresses.

  Jasper had met me at the front gates, explaining that I was accompanying the delegation in a somewhat official capacity as Spoken Mage, and that the crown was therefore to provide my wardrobe.

  “Which can be safely interpreted as Their Majesties wishing to ensure you make a good impression,” he had said cheerfully as he left me in the fitting room. “All of the mages in the delegation have received new robes, and all the officials new uniforms—all from the royal funds. But you are a more tricky problem since you are not going as a trainee, and therefore won’t be wearing your white robe.”

  But just as I was in danger of nodding off standing up, the door opened without ceremony, and a tall, commanding figure entered the room. All of the seamstresses immediately stopped their work and stood before giving deep curtsies.

  It took me a moment longer to recognize the crown princess, and when I started to sink awkwardly downward, she waved a hand to stop me.

  “No, please don’t. You’ll end up pricking yourself.”

  “Thank you,” I said with relief, since I could hardly move in the material currently pinned around me.

  “I had a free moment and thought I would check on your progress.” She paused, and at some silent cue unseen by me, the seamstresses all hurried out the door, leaving me alone with the princess.

  We surveyed each other, awk
wardly on my side, and with keen interest on hers.

  “We haven’t met. Not properly,” she said.

  “I’m Elena, Your Highness.” I took a deep breath. “And I wish we could have met under other circumstances.”

  She inclined her head slightly. “I always wished for a younger sister.” Her voice sounded wistful. But a moment later, she straightened, and something sharp and glittering entered her eyes.

  “I hope you know that none of this—” she made a vague gesture with her hands, “—is personal.”

  “I know, Your Highness.”

  “If the situation had been otherwise, I, for one, would have welcomed a different sort of alliance.” She spoke softly, but her words still carried steel. “The crown can always use fresh, strong new blood. Change is good for us, though we may not appreciate it.”

  I examined her face. It was easy to believe her words—she spoke with strength and conviction. And it only made the current situation more painful, thinking about what could have been.

  “But the situation is not otherwise,” I said.

  “No.” She looked me directly in the eyes. “You have spent time at the front lines. I can only hope you understand Ardann’s need, and the role we must all play. We need this alliance.”

  For a taut moment silence stretched between us as we each weighed the other.

  “I know, Your Highness. I will do nothing to weaken Ardann.”

  She nodded once, slowly, and then seemed to droop a little.

  “I had hoped Lucas, at least, might be happy.”

  I said nothing, because there was nothing to say, and she bid me farewell. As soon as she left the room, the seamstresses poured back in, resuming their work. But I didn’t hear their chatter for a long time afterward, as I replayed my conversation with the princess in my mind.

  My official wardrobe was delivered to the Academy two weeks later, the seamstresses having worked at a feverish pace. The dresses were lovely, similar in understated style to the one I had worn at Midwinter. And I noted that none were in anything that could possibly be construed as royal colors.

  Saffron, Coralie, and Araminta all admired them with sufficient interest, each putting forward guesses as to what sort of entertainments the emperor might host for our benefit.