The Wizards' War

by Angela Holder

  She was quiet for a moment. “And then what?”

  “I don’t know. After I ‘wake up,’ I’m going to Ramunna to be a wizard there. I’m sure I could persuade the Matriarch to take you, too. But you said you won’t marry a wizard, so…” He shrugged.

  Nirel came to stand beside him and stared into the night. “All I really want is for the Faithful to take me back. But they never will.”

  “Then I guess you have to decide what you’re going to do instead.”

  “I guess I do.”

  They were both silent for a long time. Eventually Nirel sighed. “I won’t tell anyone that their Lady is a liar. At least not tomorrow. I may come back here tomorrow night, or I may not.”

  “I’ll be waiting. Please come, even if all you want to do is talk.”

  “Maybe.”

  The sky outside was not quite as deep black as it had been. He didn’t know how early Master Janion reported to duty, but he didn’t want to take any chances. “We’d better get back to our rooms before anyone wakes up. At least I have to. Can you find your way without help?”

  She nodded without speaking.

  “Thank you for taking care of the insulin. Elkan told me you finished it and turned it over to Nikena’s parents.”

  That won a faint smile. “They were very glad to get it.” It vanished. “Don’t cut it so close again.”

  “I won’t.” He reached for her hand. “Until tomorrow night, then.”

  She threw herself against him and kissed him with all the intensity they’d shared earlier. His surprise quickly yielded to ardor. After a moment, she broke off as suddenly as she’d started. “Until tomorrow.”

  She darted for the door and vanished. Josiah stared after her, bemused. Finally he went to Sar, hugged him, and scratched around his ears. I don’t understand her.

  It’s not that complicated. She wants conflicting things at the same time. You know how that feels.

  Maybe he did. What should I tell her tomorrow? What should I do?

  That’s a matter for your free will.

  He should have known that’s what his familiar would say. I’ll see you then.

  Be sure to get some sleep. And don’t forget you’re still trying to summon the Mother.

  Smash it, he had forgotten. Thanks for the reminder.

  He tried to pray as he snuck through the dark halls to his room. But he kept getting distracted, thinking about what had happened, and what might happen tomorrow night.

  Finally, when he was at last lying safe in bed, his deception undiscovered, he managed to formulate a coherent prayer. Dear Mother. Please come so you can tell Elkan what to do.

  And please tell me what to do about Nirel.

  Fifty-Eight

  Elkan called the service to order and sat down. Meira put her hand on his knee and squeezed. He smiled at her as best he could with his stomach churning and his heart pounding.

  She looked radiant. Her brand new cloak draped her shoulders, displaying the colors she’d chosen for the Blasters’ Guild: the dark gray of blasting powder crossed by fiery orange stripes.

  He was wearing the Guildmaster’s cloak for the first time, its brown threaded with yellow and blue the same as every other wizard’s cloak, gold braid trimming the edges. Dabiel had told him there was actual gold wire spun into the thread. The fabric smelled like her, the decades she’d worn it not erased by the months it had been Hanion’s or the cleaning he’d sent it for. He breathed her scent deep, grieving his master anew. But comforted, too, by the strong sense of her nearness. Surely she was watching him now, from her place in the Mother’s presence.

  Did she approve? She hadn’t when he married Liand, although she’d always supported his choice. If only he’d paid more attention to her misgivings.

  But painful as his first marriage had been, maybe he’d needed to live through it. Certainly he’d be a different person now if he hadn’t.

  Surely Dabiel would be pleased this time. He no longer feared he was making another mistake. Meira loved him as Liand never had. And he loved her beyond anything he’d ever believed possible. He couldn’t imagine not giving her his full and unstinting devotion. Every time he looked at her he was overcome with amazement. After all they’d been through, they were finally here, ready to pledge their commitment before the Mother and the world.

  He looked around the circle. The Matriarch and her retinue sat a quarter of the way around on one side. He’d displaced her from the Guildmaster’s traditional seat by the simple expedient of arriving before she did and occupying it. She’d taken a single look at him when she entered and chosen a different chair. The Autarch sat opposite her. His keen eyes roved the Hall, observing everything.

  Here and there soft voices speaking prayers to the Mother broke the silence. Ravid squirmed in Meira’s lap. Elkan lifted him over, set him on his knee, and bounced him up and down. That kept him happy for a while. When he grew restless again, Tobi nuzzled him and let him pet her in his usual overenthusiastic fashion. She flinched when he tugged hard on her ear, but didn’t complain, even silently.

  Finally the moment came. Elkan whispered a reminder to Ravid and set him on his feet. Meira extended her hand, Elkan grasped it, and the two of them rose together. Pleased murmurs sounded from around the packed Hall. They’d told enough people that word had gotten out. Half of Elathir had shown up to witness the guildmaster of Tevenar’s oldest guild marry the guildmaster of its newest.

  He turned to find her gazing at him, her eyes shining. They spoke the traditional words in unison. “We come before you to ask the blessings of the Mother and our community on our marriage.”

  There was a moment of confusion, because usually the presiding wizard would lead the ceremony. As he and Meira had discussed, Elkan turned to Hanion, who was sitting in the outermost ring of chairs. “Master Hanion, would you do us the honor of speaking for the Mother?”

  Hanion blinked. After a moment, a bemused smile spread across his face. “Of course.”

  He made his way to the center of the circle, Mavke at his heels. Tobi took her place next to Elkan, and Ravid stationed himself on Meira’s far side, grabbing her hook. Hadara, who’d agreed to speak for the Wizards’ Guild at Elkan’s request, came to stand beside him. Jaron, who’d speak for the Blasters’ Guild, moved to Meira’s side.

  A ripple of disturbance in the circle drew Elkan’s attention. He swallowed. Sar was pushing between the tightly packed chairs. The donkey emerged into the center, flicked an ear at Elkan, and moved to stand just beyond Tobi, who lolled her tongue at him in greeting. Elkan reached out to give him an appreciative caress. In addition to Sar’s own supportive presence, he knew Josiah would be watching and listening through the donkey’s senses.

  When the crowd’s murmurs died down, Hanion cleared his throat. “Who sponsors this marriage?”

  Ravid bounced on his toes, excited to recognize his cue. “I do!” he declared. Laughter ran through the Hall, just as they’d hoped. It made a good distraction from the fact that neither of them had any other family there to sponsor them.

  Hanion smiled and opened his mouth. Before he could continue, a voice spoke from behind Elkan. “As Elkan’s father, and on behalf of his mother, I do.”

  Elkan froze. Adrel moved to stand beside him, his eyes fixed on Hanion. Elkan swallowed hard. How dare his father barge in where Elkan had made it very clear he wasn’t wanted? But the childish part of him that had never stopped longing for his father’s approval rejoiced.

  After an uncomfortable moment, Hanion went on with the ceremony. “Do your guilds certify that you are members in good standing? Do they recognize their responsibilities as kinguild to any children you may have?”

  Hadara and Jaron affirmed their respective guilds’ approval. Hanion asked if there were any objections. No one answered. All the time Elkan was acutely aware of his father’s silent presence.

  Smash it, he wasn’t going to let Adrel spoil this moment. He wrenched his focus back to Meira in time t
o hear her complete her vows: “…now and always.”

  He took a deep breath and sent a heartfelt prayer to the Mother to let his voice remain steady. “In the Mother’s name, Meira, I swear to love, honor, and care for you as my wife, now and always.” He squeezed her hand hard, and she squeezed back, smiling at him, tears in her eyes. His vision blurred. He blinked to clear it so he wouldn’t miss a moment of the joyous light in her face.

  Hanion spoke the concluding words. “The Mother blesses your bond. May it prove unbreakable.”

  Everyone scattered back to their seats. Sar headed toward the stairs. Elkan turned to invite Adrel to stay for the midday meal, but his father was already halfway across the Hall. He started to follow, but Meira held him back. “Let him go,” she whispered.

  Elkan swallowed, but nodded, and allowed her to lead him to their place. Adrel slipped out the main doors as holy silence settled over the gathered worshippers.

  * * *

  Elkan moved around the dining hall with Meira, accepting congratulations from everyone. He assured the disgruntled cooks that if he and Meira had wanted a special meal, they would have given them sufficient notice. He warned the other masters of his plans to start taking mornings off with Ravid; they weren’t entirely happy, but all parents had the right to work half days until their children reached apprenticing age, so they couldn’t protest much. He answered the few people who inquired why Adrel had left so abruptly with vague comments about his need to return to Arlith in time for the harvest. All the time he kept an eye on Verinna and Tane, who held court at tables on opposite sides of the room, graciously conversing with the masters he’d assigned to make them welcome and anyone else who approached them.

  People lingered longer than on a typical Restday, but eventually the crowd began to disperse and he could put it off no longer. He put an arm around Meira’s shoulders and squeezed, then knelt to hug Ravid. “I’m off to meet with the Autarch and the Matriarch. I’ll do my best to keep it under three hours. There’s no need for you to wait; I’ll meet you at home when we’re finished.”

  “We’ll be waiting for you. If any bakers are open on Restday, Ravid wants to pick up a treat or two to celebrate.” A quirk of her eyebrow promised him another, private celebration after Ravid was asleep.

  He sighed, begrudging the hours he must spend away from her, then grinned and ruffled Ravid’s hair. “Find something good. Nuts and honey are my favorite.”

  He strode toward Verinna’s table. Time to get to work.

  Across the hall, Tobi looked up from the bone she was gnawing. Do I have to? It’s not like you need me. I wanted seconds.

  You can go out hunting tonight.

  Are you sure you don’t want me to stay nearby? You never know when trouble may strike. Maybe I should keep guard at the foot of your bed all night.

  Elkan chuckled. Don’t you dare. In fact, I suggest you head to that patch of woods outside the city that you like so much. The farthest one.

  Tobi heaved a mocking sigh and abandoned the bone with a final sorrowful lick. I know when I’m not wanted. But it’s all right. I’ll bring you back a wedding gift. Would you prefer a rabbit or a squirrel?

  You’d better watch out. Meira might ban you from the house if you make a habit of dragging your prey home. She’s not as tolerant as I am. And make sure you lick all the blood off your fur before you come in.

  She feigned haughty offense. I keep myself a great deal cleaner than that cub of hers. When have I ever let a drop of delicious blood go to waste?

  You’ve got a smear on your cheek right now. No, leave it. It won’t hurt to intimidate our guests a little.

  She stopped with her paw halfway to her face, glaring at him. You’re lying. I do not.

  He shrugged. You look remarkably ferocious.

  She padded up to him, scrunching her face and straining her eyes in an attempt to glimpse the non-existent blood. He fondled her ears and headed for Tane’s table. She was still making faces when they got there. He had to smother laughter at the way the guards fixed wide eyes on her and reached for their sword hilts.

  See, they’re terrified of you. He nodded to Tane. “Let’s adjourn to my office. I’ll collect Verinna and meet you there. This won’t take long, if we get down to business quickly.”

  The Autarch rose and signaled for his guards to fall in around him. “I would hate to keep you from your bride any longer than necessary. A man shouldn’t have to work on his wedding day.”

  Elkan shrugged. “Not under ordinary circumstances, perhaps, but Tevenar’s future is more important than my personal pleasure. I would appreciate it if you keep the stalling and bluffing to a minimum, however.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Tane waved genially and headed off toward the office.

  Tobi loped beside Elkan across the dining hall to Verinna’s table. The mountain cat pretended to have forgotten about his teasing, except for an occasional twitch of the muscles in her cheek. He thought about telling her the truth, that her face was perfectly clean, as always, but decided to let her suffer a little longer. Even if she paid him back for his prank with a dead rabbit on his pillow when he woke, it would be worth it for the amusement of getting the best of her for a change.

  Verinna rose as he approached, summoning her retinue with an imperious gesture. Tenorran lurked behind her with Adrenna, as usual. Elkan wondered how he felt about his mother using him this way. He obviously cared for the baby, but Elkan doubted he’d been asked whether he wanted to take primary responsibility for the child before Verinna dropped her in his arms. Still, those inclined toward relationships that wouldn’t result in offspring must take the opportunity for parenthood when it arose, if they wanted it. Maybe Tenorran was as happy to act as his sister’s guardian as Jaron and Sachiel would be if the Miners’ Guild entrusted them with a ward.

  “We’re ready to begin,” he told Verinna, gesturing for her to precede him. “I will endeavor to keep today’s proceedings as brief as possible.”

  She smirked. “My congratulations on your marriage. I’ll do my best not to keep Master Meira waiting any longer than necessary. You’re fortunate to have found a woman willing to tolerate such neglect.”

  “Believe me, I know just how lucky I am.” He swallowed, his throat tight, as he followed her to his office.

  Tane and his guards were already settled into their places from the day before. Verinna fussed for a moment to position her guards exactly as she wanted them, then took her seat. Tenorran sank down beside her. Adrenna sucked on his little finger, nearly asleep.

  Elkan went to his desk and retrieved a sheaf of papers, then settled into his chair. Tobi flopped beside him, licked her paw, and went to work on her face, fiercely determined to remove even the tiniest speck. Elkan forced himself to keep a straight face. “Welcome, Tane, Verinna. Thank you for your willingness to continue our negotiations. Yesterday we concluded with my assertion that Tevenar has a great deal to offer your countries, if the three of us are able to agree to a lasting peace. Today I’d like to begin with a more detailed description of what we could provide. Then we can move on to cover what we would want in exchange.”

  Both of them expressed bland approval. He went through his notes at length, giving the best estimates he’d been able to reach of what trade goods Tevenar could offer. He’d been quietly talking to as many guildmasters as he could since Josiah had suggested these negotiations, and had compiled an extensive list. The Traders’ Guild had been ecstatic at the prospect, the Miners’ and Smiths’ Guilds nearly as excited. Tevenar had an abundance of metal; the Miners’ Guild had long rationed production to keep prices stable. They could be shipping tons of raw metal or finished goods to Ravanetha within only a few years, while still keeping Tevenar generously supplied.

  The Hunters’ Guild had been eager to sell furs, the Spinners’ and Weavers’ Guilds had offered cloth, the Woodworkers’ Guild had suggested fine carvings and cabinetry. The Herders’ Guild had been excited to expand its markets for che
ese and dried meat, the Farmers’ Guild tentatively optimistic about grain exports once their depleted stores were replenished. Elkan had urged them to consider increasing their production of herbs and spices. Exotic flavors were in high demand in Ravanetha, and such goods would ship well.

  He offered ideas of what Ramunna and Marvanna could export, as well. The Sailors’ Guild would pay exorbitantly for the fine navigation instruments Ramunna’s metalworkers produced. The Smith’s guild would pay even more for the designs and techniques used in their manufacture. Wealthy guildmasters would provide an eager market for luxury goods of all sorts. Ramunna produced better wines than any available in Tevenar, as well as exotic fruits like oranges and lemons. Marvanna grew figs and dates and olives, and their glassware was unparalleled.

  “And lamp oil,” Tane remarked. The comment seemed idle, but something about his manner made Elkan pay attention. “Drawn from the ground, not grown. We’ve recently discovered a way to produce it in abundance.”

  “I’m sure that would be a prized commodity,” Elkan said. “We use oil from fish or various plants, which can be rather expensive.”

  Tane nodded, then looked challengingly at Verinna before turning back to Elkan. “What of weaponry? I understand Tevenar now produces the blasting powder that until recently was Ramunna’s Secret. In great quantities, using a mill, from what I’ve been told. Marvanna would be interested in purchasing as much as you would sell us. And the price we would offer for the formula would make you wealthy beyond dreams.”

  Elkan expected an outraged reaction, but Verinna surprised him. Clearly she’d anticipated this turn. She smiled sweetly at Tane. “I might be willing to sell that information at a better price than they would accept. If you would be willing to sell me the recipe for the clinging fire you used against us.”

  “That’s not out of the question,” Tane said. “Although you might find it of little use. It requires the ground oil of which I spoke. I doubt it can be found in Ramunna.”

  She shrugged. “Perhaps the ingredients for blasting powder are unavailable in Marvanna.” She turned to Elkan. “I’ve noticed your people are woefully lacking in blades. My captains tell me they faced more farm implements than swords during the recent conflict. Ramunna’s swordsmiths are the best in Ravanetha. You’ll need to purchase many swords, now that you must defend yourselves in a dangerous world.”