Lyra: Caught In Crystal Part 11

Kayl shot a quick glance at in the direction of the Sisterhood. The defensive stance of the Star Cl.u.s.ters had relaxed somewhat, but they were still standing. She caught Miracoteas eye and made a small patting motion with her left hand. Miracote nodded fractionally; a moment later, two of the Sisters returned to their seats.

The mood of the crowd had s.h.i.+fted; they were baiting the tavern-keeper now. Kayl saw several of those in back slip quietly out the door. A tall, gray-haired man caught her eye; he was watching the crowd with a detached air. Something about him struck a familiar chord in Kaylas mind. She turned slightly so that she could keep an eye on him. Then she deliberately stretched and yawned. aWell, if thereas not going to be any excitement, Iam going to bed,a she announced. aIave had a long day.a aSo have we all,a the gray-haired man said. His voice was deep and gentle, and somehow the tone of it reminded Kayl that she really was nearly as tired as she had been pretending to be.

The manas voice had the same effect on the villagers. Several more of them drifted out the door, and Kayl could almost see the energy draining out of the rest. aWhat about that Varnan?a someone called halfheartedly.

aLeave him here with Pensharas ale,a the stocky woman suggested. aThatas punishment enough for anything!a The remnant of the village crowd laughed and began breaking up. Most of them left in ones and twos and small clumps. Kayl let out a small sigh of relief. She heard benches sc.r.a.pe on the floor as the rest of the Sisters resumed their seats. Kayl glanced over her shoulder and saw Mark and Dara, still standing behind Glyndon. Markas eyes were wide with excitement; Dara looked relieved. Kayl turned back and saw the stocky woman coming toward her.

aThanks for your help,a Kayl said as the woman reached her.

The woman shrugged. aI donat like fights.a She hesitated, then nodded toward the Sisters and went on, aYouare with them, arenat you?a aYes,a Kayl admitted. aBut I could hardly announce it.a aI thought Iad seen you with some of them earlier.a The woman paused again. aIt might be wiser for your friend to be gone before morning.a aIad already come to that conclusion,a Kayl said. aBut thanks for your advice.a The stocky woman nodded and left. Kayl looked around and discovered the tavern-keeper heading purposefully in her direction.

aWhat do you mean by chasing away all my business?a the man demanded with frightened belligerence.

aWould you rather have had those people work themselves up until they started breaking mugs and smas.h.i.+ng benches?a Kayl snapped. aHave some sense!a aI know these people!a the tavern-keeper said. aThey wouldnat havea"a aTheyad have tried,a said a voice from behind Kayl. She turned and found that the gray-haired man had come over. aAnd you wouldnat be so frightened if you werenat sure of that, Penshar,a the man went on.

aWell, but what am I supposed to do now?a Penshar demanded, then jumped as Corranaas calm, musical voice came over his shoulder.

aWe shall, of course, pay extra to have privacy for the remainder of the night,a Corrana said.

The tavern-keeper brightened perceptibly. aHow much?a aShall we discuss it?a Corrana said, and they moved away, talking in low voices.

The gray-haired man turned to Kayl and said, aYou did a remarkable job of calming those people down, young woman.a aI used to be an innkeeper,a Kayl replied cautiously. The man still seemed familiar somehow, but the reason continued to elude her.

aUsed to be?a The man raised an eyebrow, then smiled. aPardon me; inquisitiveness is my besetting fault. But is there anything I can help you with now?a Kayl started to decline politely, then paused. The gray-haired man showed no sign of wis.h.i.+ng to leave the tavern, and until he was gone, or Kayl was sure of his motives, she and the Sisters would not be able to talk freely. Kayl glanced around. Corrana and the tavern-keeper had finished their discussion. Corrana had rejoined the Mothers, and the tavern-keeper was staring with avid curiosity at Glyndon and the Elder Mothers who surrounded him. Kayl smiled, seeing a way to dispose of two difficulties at once.

aIf you could keep him out of the way for a little whilea.a she said, nodding in Pensharas direction.

The gray-haired man smiled. aHappy to oblige you.a He gave her a shallow bow and strolled in the tavern-keeperas direction. After a brief conversation, the two men departed in the direction of the kitchen.

Kayl heaved a sigh of relief and at last headed for Glyndon. He appeared partially recovered; Dara had brought him a mug of something while Kayl was busy with the villagers and the tavern-keeper. Kayl hoped it wasnat the ale. She took a seat opposite Glyndon and asked bluntly, aWhat happened?a aYour Varnan wizard had one of his fits,a one of the nearby Sisters said sweetly. aIsnat it obvious?a Glyndon raised his head. aI suppose this is your way of reminding me not to take the harem comment seriously,a he remarked. He paused for an instant, then added rea.s.suringly, aDonat worry; I wouldnat have.a The woman who had spoken turned and glared at him. Beside her, one of her companions said pettishly, aItas too bad Elder Sister Barthelmy couldnat keep him upstairs. If he hadnat come down babbling like that, none of this would have happened.a Kayl looked around the table. Several heads were nodding, and there was agreement on many faces. Kaylas temper gave way. aAnd if any of you had the good will you were born with, the situation would never have arisen. You all know what this expedition is trying to do, why Glyndon and Barthelmy and I are here, but all of you except Risper and Demma have done nothing but snipe at us since the day we left Kith Alunel. Do you think the people in this village didnat notice your suspicions?a aKayla"a aShut up, Glyndon! Iave been wanting to say this for a long time and Iam going to finish. All of you know what Glyndonas visions are like; heas had enough of them on this trip. Any one of you could have said something to keep the villagers from ever getting worked upa"you could have pa.s.sed it off as the fit you called it a minute ago. You didnat even try, did you? You let Javieri and Corrana deal with Glyndon, and you sat watching like so many Frost Fair dolls.a aWe were ready to defend him,a said one of the warriors of the Star Cl.u.s.ters.

aSo you were, Your Justice.a Kayl gave a sarcastic twist to the formal address. aYou had to. Itas a pity that didnat occur to you earlier, when you could have done something to avoid the problem. Instead you almost got yourselves attacked by a mob of half-drunk, unarmed villagers.a aI donat have to listen to this,a one of the sorceresses said, rising.

aSit down, Holmi,a Elder Mother Javieri said. Her voice was low, and colder than the northern ice fields. aOr do you claim you need not listen to me?a The woman dropped back into her seat as if someone had kicked her knees from behind.

aKayl is right in her complaints,a Javieri went on, aand I am deeply disappointed in you.a Kayl saw Corrana sit back a little, as if in satisfaction. Glyndon was listening with an abstracted expression, as though the conversation had nothing to do with him. Barthelmy looked worried; Risper was having trouble not grinning.

aThis is not the first time I have heard complaints about the treatment some of you give Glyndon shal Morag,a Javieri went on. aNor have all the complaints come from Kayl Larrinar. I have also watched and seen for myself. I should have spoken sooner, and perhaps this nightas work would have been avoided.a aIt wasnat even a tavern brawl,a someone muttered.

Javierias eyes flashed. aIt did not have to be. Some of you seem to have forgotten that this is no pleasure trip. The future of the Sisterhood depends on us. Furthermore, there are Magicseekers looking for us, and you have just allowed a scene that none of these villagers will forget. In three days it will be the talk of the countryside. You have been so busy with your dislike of Glyndon, Barthelmy, and Kayl that you have not thought about what we are doing. Where is your training?a aWe have seen no sign of Magicseekers since we left Kith Alunel,a Elder Mother Alessa pointed out.

aThey arenat making spectacles of themselves,a Kayl said, and paused. aBesides, thereas a good chance that theyare ahead of us already.a aWhat!a said several voices at once.

aI ran into an old friend of mine, a Wyrd whoas heading north,a Kayl said. aA week ago, she saw a very suspicious-looking group of men at a village just south of here. She thinks they might have been Magicseekers, and I agree with her. They had horses; add up the travel time yourselves.a There was a murmur of dismay from the Sisters. aWhere is this friend of yours?a one of the Elder Sisters asked. aWe should ask her a few questions.a aAsk away,a said a voice from the direction of the doorway.

Heads turned. Bryn stood just inside the tavern, her dark-furred face unreadable. Beside her stood Alden and their eleven-year-old daughter, Xaya. There was a momentas silence; then Mark and Dara cried, aXaya! Bryn!a and ran forward, babbling excitedly.

Brynas eyes narrowed as she gazed indulgently at the three children, all of whom were talking at once. She waited a moment, until the first spate of excited chatter had pa.s.sed, then said, aXaya! Why donat you take Mark and Dara somewhere and show them the Kulseth knot trick you learned in Salfirn?a aTry the back room,a Kayl said. aI think itas empty.a The children left quickly, still chattering, and Alden and Bryn came forward. Kayl noticed that they had latched the door behind themselves.

aBryn saMural and Alden toBrilan, these are my traveling companions,a Kayl said, waving at the company. She suppressed a temptation to leave it at that, and ran quickly through the list of names instead. aI think youave met Elder Sister Corrana,a she finished.

aI remember,a Bryn said, and looked at Corrana. aYou have a way of making an entrance.a aSo have you,a Corrana replied dryly, and Bryn grinned.

aKayl tells us you have seen men who may be Magicseekers,a Elder Mother Miracote said to Bryn. aTell us of them.a Bryn glanced at Kayl and c.o.c.ked an ear questioningly. Kayl shook her head. aI didnat have time to mention it. Things were a bit confused when I got here.a aWhat are you talking about?a Miracote demanded.

aI agreed to talk to you if I could get some information in return,a Bryn said. aI want to know if youave heard of any Wyrd settlements near here.a aIf we knew, be sure we would tell you,a Javieri said. aI, for one, have not been told of any.a She glanced around the faces of her fellow Sisters, but all of them shook their heads.

aAnd in the north?a Bryn asked.

Again, Javieri shook her head. aI am sorry.a Bryn shrugged. aYou canat tell me what you donat know. It was worth trying, though.a aThen you will answer our questions?a Miracote asked. The Wyrd woman nodded, and Miracote went on, aTell us your tale.a One of Brynas ears twitched forward at Miracoteas tone, and behind her Aldenas eyes widened to amber discs. Then Bryn gave a half shrug and repeated the story she had told Kayl. When she finished, Alden told his own version, adding more details about the people he had seen. One of them fit the description of the man who had questioned Dara, but a great many men could be described as asort of tall and plain, with a mustache.a aNot entirely convincing,a Miracote said when the two Wyrds had finished.

aMust it be so?a Javieri said. aKayl is right; we have taken too many chances with this mission already.a aAlden,a Kayl said suddenly, adid any of those men wear rings?a aNo,a the Wyrd replied. aSome had the habit of it, though. Fairly heavy rings, Iad say, on the left handas middle finger.a aHow many of the men?a aAt least three of them; the others I didnat see closely enough to notice.a aHow can you know that?a Elder Mother Alessa asked curiously.

aI am a jewelsmith, lady,a the Wyrd replied.

aEven if these men were Magicseekers indeed, what would you have us do?a Miracote said to Javieri. aIt is too late to prevent them from getting ahead of us.a aWeall have to give up or try to slip by them,a Kayl said promptly, before Javieri could answer. aThere arenat any other choices, unless youare considering a full-fledged battle.a aWe could stay here awhile,a one of the Mothers said in a doubtful tone.

aAfter the fuss you let happen this evening?a Kayl said. aYou can stay, if you like; I wonat.a There was a brief silence. Then Javieri said with decision, aWe cannot give up now, so we must try to avoid these men. Your suggestions, please.a The Sisters all started talking at once, reminding Kayl vividly of the behavior of Mark, Dara, and Xaya a few minutes earlier. Kayl did not bother to listen closely. She had done as much as she could, for now, in persuading the Sisters to discuss the problem at all. In the end, the Elder Mothers would make the decision themselves. Kayl looked across at Glyndon and saw that he had regained most of his color. She caught his eye and nodded slightly in the direction of the kitchen.

Glyndon smiled, rose, and left. The Sisters did not comment on his departure, but when Kayl rose a moment later they looked questioningly at her.

aIam going to check on the children,a she said to no one in particular. aJoin me, Bryn?a Bryn nodded. Only Kaylas long acquaintance with her allowed her to see the amus.e.m.e.nt in Brynas inhuman eyes as the two Wyrds joined her in leaving the room.

CHAPTER.

TWENTY-THREE.

The tavern-keeper was not in the kitchen, for which Kayl was grateful. The gray-haired man was sitting on a bench near an open hearth, telling a story to the three fascinated children. Glyndon was watching the group with a bemused expression; when Kayl and the Wyrds came in, he looked up and came quickly over.

aWhere did he come from?a Glyndon asked in a low voice as he joined Kayl. aHe seems familiar somehow.a aHeas a villager, I think,a Kayl said dubiously. aThough he seems familiar to me, too.a aListen to that story heas telling.a Kayl listened. It was something about a group of magicians and an island and a white bird or a woman. aItas the story of the founding of Varna,a Glyndon said. aI didnat think anyone on the mainland knew it.a Kayl blinked and studied the gray-haired man more closely. He was clean-shaven, gray-eyed, tall and lean. His voice was deep and smooth, flowing like wine beneath the words of his story. He had no trace of the Varnan accent that still flavored Glyndonas speech, but then, Kevran had not had an accent either. The thought of Kevran lit a candle in Kaylas mind, and she said in a low, urgent voice, aGlyndon! Remember the man who told us how to find the Twisted Tower, the one Kevran talked to in that little town just outside the mountains? He had dark hair then, but his voice is the same.a aYouare right,a Glyndon said after a moment. aI wonder why heas here now?a Before Kayl could reply, the storyteller turned his head, as though aware that he was under scrutiny. aIf youare looking for Penshar, heas gone out,a he called. aI told him Iad keep an eye on things for a few hours.a aOh?a Kayl frowned, thinking of Magicseekers. aWhereas he gone?a aThereas a woman he visits whenever he gets upset,a the gray-haired man said with a smile. His voice held a wealth of amus.e.m.e.nt. aAnd heas had a rather upsetting evening.a Kaylas opinion of Pensharas innkeeping dropped another notch; after the confrontation between the villagers and the Sisters, she herself would not have left the main room unattended, much less the whole inn.

The man must have seen her expression change, for he added, aIave done this before. Is there anything I can get you?a aAll we need is a place to stand and talk awhile,a Kayl said. aThe main room is a little busy.a aWell, if you want something, just ask,a the man said, and returned to his storytelling. The children did no more than nod at Kayl and Bryn before returning to their absorption.

aWhoever he is, I wish I knew his secret,a Bryn commented. aI havenat seen Xaya so quiet since before we left Copeham.a Kayl turned back to Glyndon. aGlyndon, was there anything new in what you asawa?a Glyndon shook his head. aNothing. And there should have been.a aWhat do you mean?a aThe vision is always the same, but it still doesnat feel certain. Yet normally I would have aseena an alternative by now, if there were one.a aPerhaps itas the outcome of the vision that changes,a Bryn suggested- aOr the significance it has.a aItas possible, I suppose,a Glyndon said, frowning. aI donat think itas ever happened before.a aHave you ever had visions of the Tower before?a Kayl asked pointedly.

aI know, I know. It doesnat make me any happier about going there, though.a aYou can still back out,a Kayl said. aAll the Sisterhood is offering you is a chance. You might not be losing anything.a aYouad still be going.a aYes,a Kayl said, meeting his eyes steadily.

Glyndon nodded. aThen thereas nothing more to be said.a aThis is fascinating,a Bryn said. aOr Iam sure it would be, if I knew what you were talking about. But arenat you forgetting a little matter of some Magicseekers who may be ahead of you? What do you expect to do about them?a aI donat know,a Kayl said. She glanced toward the door and shook her head. aThe Sisters in there will talk about it for hours; I only hope they come up with something good. Itall have to be, to get a group this size past Magicseekers without being noticed.a aOur woodcraft is at your disposal,a Alden said, bowing.

aSuch as it is,a Bryn added.

aWhat?a Kayl said. aI thought you were going with Shav and his group.a aWhen Shav heard there might be Magicseekers about, he decided we should split up,a Alden explained in a dry voice. aBryn and I are of the opinion that wead be safer joining you than traveling alone in this territory.a Kayl stared. aAre you mad? Weare talking about going into the Windhome Mountains and trying to sneak past an unknown number of Magicseekers who are probably looking for us. Once we get past them, if we do, we have to get inside a tower with a death spell on the door and some kind of voracious black goo inside. And you think thatall be safer than traveling alone?a aProbablya"for Wyrds,a Bryn said cheerfully.

aYou are mad,a Kayl said.

aExcuse me,a said the deep voice of the gray-haired man, abut you come from the Sisterhood of Stars, do you not?a Glyndon turned, frowning, and Kayl saw the gray-haired man behind him. Dara was standing beside the hearth, drawing a diagram on the stone with a half-burned twig to show Xaya where they had been; Mark was leaning over from the other side to correct any mistakes.

aForgive me for startling you,a the gray-haired man said, addressing Kayl and Glyndon. aI couldnat help overhearing some of your discussion, and then, of course, I recognized you.a aDid you.a Kayl kept her voice flat. The man was too sure of himself; he made her uneasy.

aYes. My name is Ferianek Trone. I doubt that you remember me, but we met some sixteen years ago in a village a little south of here.a aWe remember you,a Kayl said grimly.

aReally?a The man looked surprisingly pleased. aIam so glad. It will make things much easier. You see, Iave been looking for you.a aLooking for us?a aAll of us?a Bryn put in, twitching an ear.

aIn a way,a Ferianek replied calmly. aI need your help, and I think you may be glad of mine.a aReally.a Kayl made herself smile at Ferianek. aAnd just what help do you need from the Silver Sisters?a aThere are twenty swordsmen from the Circle of Silence on the road to Glenduraas Tomb,a Ferianek said bluntly. aAlone, I can do little more than slow them down.a aWhy would you wish to?a aTradition, a sense of honor, a wish to remedy my own mistakesaa Ferianek shrugged.

aYour own mistakes?a Glyndon said, pouncing on Ferianekas final words like a cat pouncing on the end of a dangling string. aWhat do you mean?a aMy family has watched over Glenduraas Tomb since the Wars of Binding; in some sense it is my responsibility,a Ferianek replied evasively.

aIam afraid you go too fast for me,a Kayl said. aI have never heard of a place called Glenduraas Tomb.a aForgive me; I forget, sometimes, that the name is obscure. You may know the place as Iraloras Sorrow, or Iraloras Bane, or perhaps Kalervonas Curse. And the folk around the mountains, those few who know of it, call it the Twisted Tower. It is a fearful place.a Ferianek paused, studying Kayl. aHave I convinced you yet that I am what I claim to be?a Kayl sighed. aI believe youa I think. Not that it matters; itas the Elder Mothers youall need to convince.a By now she was reasonably sure that Ferianek was the wandering scholar the Elder Mothers had been hoping to find; she wondered what they would make of him. aIn the meantime, you might explain just what help you are offering us.a aI can show you how to avoid the Magicseekers,a Ferianek said promptly. aI know several ways of reaching Glenduraas Tomb besides the one I told you of so many years ago. I doubt that anyone unfamiliar with the mountains would be aware of them.a aWhich wonat help at all if the Magicseekers have already reached the Tower, or if they come to the valley while weare still there,a Glyndon said.

aI am afraid the Magicseekers will not find the path as easily as they had expected,a Ferianek said solemnly, but Kayl could hear the currents of mischief buried in the depths of his voice. aI doubt that they will reach the valley before you, unless you travel very slowly indeed.a aI take it you have arranged to delay them,a Kayl said.

Ferianek nodded. aDelay, yes. But it will not stop them.a aThen it seems we have little choice,a Kayl said. Glyndon looked at her in surprise, and she shook her head. aIf Ferianek has set traps along the main road to the Tower, we must find another way to reach it. You remember what those mountains are like, Glyndon; we could spend days or weeks looking for a pa.s.sable route. Weall have to accept Ferianekas help.a aI suppose youare right,a Glyndon muttered. He studied Ferianek for a moment, then asked abruptly, aWhy do you call the valley Glenduraas Tomb?a aIt is a personal preference only,a Ferianek replied. aThat name seemsa less ominous, somehow, than the others. Perhaps it is because Glenduraas story is the only one that comes from before the Tower was twisted and the valley died.a aWould you tell us some of these stories?a aOf course,a Ferianek said. His voice took on a richer tone that pulled his listeners into the story almost at once. aGlendura lived long before the Wars of Binding. She and her husband, Iralor, were magicians more powerful than any wizard living today, for they knew all of the arts which were lost in the Times of Darkness, and others besides which we no longer even remember. Their home was a tower of gold, built in a single night by virtue of their power. But all their magic was not sufficient to keep catastrophe from falling on their children. Glendura died trying to protect them; Iralor alone escaped.

aAll of the legends agree on that much. What killed Glendura and her children varies from story to story. Several versions have them killed by the evil Shadow-born; in others, they die of a curse. One has them ambushed by Wyrds in the Kathkari Mountains.a Ferianek broke off and looked apologetically at Bryn and Alden. aIralor seems to have had a grudge against Wyrds, and I think someone wanted to account for it.a aWe understand,a Alden said. He sounded mildly amused. aPlease continue.a Kayl felt a hand touch her arm. She looked down to find Dara standing beside her, with Mark and Xaya just beyond; apparently Ferianekas storytelling had attracted their attention. Kayl smiled. She took her daughteras hand and drew her a little to one side, so that Mark and Xaya could come nearer.

aIt is not clear whether Iralor ran from whatever killed his family, or whether he fought his way free but was unable to save them as well,a Ferianek went on. aHe may not even have been present when Glendura and her children died. But whatever the reason, he did survive, and he brought their bodies back to the valley and buried them there. In his grief and guilt, he used his magic to twist and blacken the Tower. He lived there for yearsa"centuries, some stories claima"bitter and angry and grieving for his wife. And so the valley is called Iraloras Sorrow, as well as Glenduraas Tomb.

aThere are even more stories about Iraloras death than about his life. Some legends say that his magic twisted him, even as it had twisted the Tower, and so he brought about his own death. Another version has it that he was killed by his brother, Iranian, when he turned to evil in his grief and bitterness. But all the tales agree that Iralor died in the valley, hence the name Iraloras Bane.a aYou mentioned another name as well,a Kayl said when Ferianek did not go on. aKalervonas Curse. Where does that come from?a Ferianek smiled and shook his head. aAnother legend, even more confused and obscure than the stories about Iralor. Kalervon was another magician who fought against Iralor. He was defeated or destroyeda"it is not clear whicha"and in dying he set loose, or perhaps became, a dreadful creature that either destroyed Iralor in turn or became his servant. The creature made its home in the valley, and both the valley and the creature were called Kalervonas Curse.a aI see why you said it was confused,a Bryn murmured.

Kayl and Glyndon exchanged glances. aDo the tales give any description of the creature itself?a Kayl asked.

aVery little, which is unusual. aA dark creature,a aan evil power,a and aa wave of shadowa are the extent of it. Most stories are much more graphic about the looks of their monsters.a aWhy didnat you tell us any of these stories sixteen years ago?a Kayl said. aYou must have suspected we would find them useful.a Ferianek looked uncomfortable. aNo one asked, and I wasnat sure I ought to volunteer. Most people donat think of legends as a particularly reliable guide.a aIgnorance is a worse one,a Glyndon said. aYou can make up for your negligence now. Have you ever heard of a man named Gadeiron in connection with the Tower?a aOh, he was long after Iraloras death,a Ferianek said. He seemed relieved to return to the subject of the Twisted Tower. aGadeiron wasnat very interesting, really; just a fairly typical evil magician who was killed in the end by a band of heroes.a aI want to hear that one!a Mark said.

aYou always want stories about heroes and magicians,a Dara complained.

aSome other time, Mark,a Kayl said. She wondered what Javieri would think of Ferianek and his stories.

aPerhaps we should return to the question of paths through the mountains,a Ferianek suggested.

aAn excellent idea,a Glyndon said blandly. aYou said you knew several routes to the Tower. Would all of them be pa.s.sable this early in the spring, or would we have to wait a week or two?a aMother?a Mark spoke softly, so as not to interrupt Glyndon or Ferianek.

Kayl turned. aWhat is it, Mark?a aIs Ferianek coming with us?a aI donat know yet. It will depend on what Javieri and Miracote decide.a aI hope he does,a Dara said wistfully. aHeas nice.a aHe certainly seems to be. Now, I think itas time for you two to get to bed.a aBut Mother!a Mark protested. aItas still early!a aAnd we havenat seen Xaya in ages,a Dara added.

Kayl was pleased to note that, despite their dismay, both of the children kept their voices low. She was tempted to give in as a kind of reward, but she knew it would be unwise. aWeare going to have to leave before sunrise,a she said, trying to sound gentle as well as firm. aI donat want you half-asleep on the trip.a Before Mark and Dara could resume their pleading, Xaya said, aMother?a Both Bryn and Alden turned, and Xaya said, aKayl is sending Dara and Mark to bed, and I wondered whether youad decided anything.a Bryn sighed and glanced at Kayl. aNot yet, dear. In the meantimea"Kayl, would it be too much trouble to let mine spend the night with yours? It might turn out to be convenient.a aOh, yes, Mother, please!a Dara said.

Kayl hesitated, then nodded. aBut only if you go up to bed right now,a she said.

aOh, we will,a the children chorused, and trooped out of the kitchen.

aTheyall be awake half the night, talking,a Kayl said, shaking her head.

aBut theyall be determined not to show it in the morning,a Alden pointed out.

They rejoined Glyndon and Ferianek, who had moved to the hearth and were using Daraas discarded twig to draw maps of their own on the gray stone. Halfway through Ferianekas explanation, Barthelmy walked into the kitchen, frustrated and fuming over the endless repet.i.tion of the Sistersa discussion. When Kayl gave her a summary of Ferianekas story, she insisted on summoning Javieri at once, and the whole thing had to be gone over again.

Javieri listened with a carefully neutral expression to the various suggestions, then nodded thoughtfully. aWe seem to have little choice,a she said, echoing Kaylas earlier observation. aStill, at least now we know how many Magicseekers we have ahead of us.a aThen you agree?a Barthelmy said.

aI do, but there are still the others to convince.a Javieri glanced around the kitchen. aI think it would be best if I was the one to present this suggestion to them.a Kayl saw Glyndonas mouth twist in a wry smile as he joined the rest in nodding agreement. aVery good,a Javieri said. She looked at Ferianek. aWill you come and tell us your stories, if I send for you in a few minutes?a aI would be glad to,a Ferianek said.

As Javieri started to leave, Alden stopped her and said something in a low voice. Javieri nodded and went out. Alden came back to the little group by the hearth, looking smug.

Kayl studied him. aYou arenat still seriously thinking about coming with us, are you?a aIf youare willing to have us, yes,a Alden replied.

aWhy?a Bryn gave Alden a fierce grin. aI told you she would insist on knowing. Weare taking a chance, Kayl. The last half-reliable rumor we heard put a city of Wyrds somewhere in the north end of the Windhome Mountains. Weall be heading in that direction in any case.a aThe Magicseekersa"a aItas still safer for us to travel with humans, at least as long as weare in human-settled territory,a Bryn said. aBelieve me, we know.a Barthelmy looked surprised and angry. aBut this is the Estarren Alliance!a Alden shrugged. aThings are better here than in Mindaria, but thatas not saying much.a aWhy do you think weave spent so much time looking for a Wyrd settlement?a Bryn added. aThere are still plenty of human cities that have a good-sized Wyrd section, but weave seen what happens when humans and Wyrds try to live together.a aHumans and Wyrds have lived together for over twelve hundred years,a Barthelmy said. aItas only recently that thereas been trouble.a aThings have been going wrong for a lot longer than you think,a Alden said. aItas just that theyave finally gone wrong enough for you to notice.a aTrue,a Ferianek said. aBut Her Virtue is right to say that it is not because humans and Wyrds live in the same place. The real problem is that the use of magic comes easily to only three of the Four Races: the Wyrds, the Shee, and the Neira. Therefore few humans understand magic, and they resent and envy those who do.a aWhich is part of the reason Varnans are so unpopular,a Glyndon put in. aYou wouldnat believe the number of people Iave met in the past fifteen years who think anyone from Varna can dry up rivers, walk through mountains, and make gold from ashes and air.a Kayl saw Barthelmy nod reluctantly; she had good reason to know how ex-magicians, at least, reacted to one who still had power.

aWhatever the cause, we have to deal with the result,a Bryn said. aSo if any of you hear of a Wyrd cityaa aNone of us are likely to, if we havenat already,a Kayl said. aUnless Ferianek has another surprise under his cloak.a aNot exactly,a Ferianek said slowly. aThereas a Waywalker settlement in a valley a bit north of Glenduraas Tomb thatas mainly Shee and Wyrds, but I believe theyare planning to leave soon.a aHow do you know that?a Kayl said. She had heard of the Waywalkers; they were a small group, generally considered to be harmless eccentrics. They also had the reputation of being close-mouthed, particularly in regard to the locations of their permanent settlements.

aIam a follower of the Way of the Third Moon myself,a Ferianek said apologetically.

aWhy are they leaving?a Alden asked.

aAnd where are they going?a Bryn added.

aThereas an island just south of the Melyranne Sea that the Waywalkers bought from the Empire of Rathane a few years ago. Weave started a colony there. The settlement in the mountains is a gathering place for people who plan to move to the island permanently.a aMoving or not, theyad be worth talking to,a Bryn said. She looked at Alden, who twitched an ear at her. Bryn nodded decisively. aItas settled, then. Now all we need to know is whether your Elder Mothers will agree to take us.a aThey arenat my Elder Mothers anymore, and I still think youare mad,a Kayl said.

aIf it were that bad, you wouldnat be taking the children,a Bryn said flatly.

Kayl was silenced. She could not say that she had begun to have nightmares of Mark dissolving into a black pool and Dara hacked to pieces by grinning, eagle-helmeted Magicseekers. Glyndon was watching her with a grave expression; somehow he always seemed to know Kaylas private worries.

Or was she reading more into his face than was really there? Kayl gave herself a mental shake and came back to the conversation.

aI donat think theyall object,a Barthelmy was saying. aBut youall have to talka"a The door opened and Risper came in. aFerianek Trone? Would you and the Wyrds come in now? You, too,a she added, nodding at Barthelmy and Kayl. aYou really ought to listen to the discussion.a aAll right,a Barthelmy said. aComing, Kayl?a aI suppose so. But what about Glyndon?a Risper looked dubious. aHe has every right to be there,a she said apologetically, abut itas bound to start another argument. Some of them are just looking for an excuse.a aI see. Tomorrow may be even more interesting than Iad expected,a Glyndon said thoughtfully. aNever mind; I think Iall join the children in an early bedtime.a aYouare sure?a Kayl said doubtfully, though there was nothing in Glyndonas tone or expression to make her think that he resented exclusion from the discussion.

aI donat want to spend three or four hours arguing about who ought to go where, with whom, and why,a Glyndon said. aIall leave that to you and Barthelmy. If anything important happens, you can tell me about it in the morning.a Kayl hesitated. Then a trick of the firelight sent shadows flickering across Glyndonas face, and she saw the tiredness he was trying to hide. Glyndon was frequently exhausted after one of his visions; she should have remembered that. She wished fervently that she could take some of his fatigue on herself, or that she could at least keep his nightmares at bay long enough for him to recover a little. But she could not say anything; Glyndon would not thank her for fussing.

aSleep well, then,a she said as lightly as she could. aBut donat think youare getting out of anything. Iall make you sit through a stroke-by-stroke description tomorrow.a aIall be sure to brace myself for it,a Glyndon said with a flicker of amus.e.m.e.nt.

aCome on, Kayl, theyare waiting,a Risper said, and Kayl went to join her.

CHAPTER.