Lyra: Caught In Crystal Part 2

Kaylas eyes narrowed, then widened as a fifteen-year-old memory surfaced in her mind, and with a shock she knew him. Before she could speak, his hazel-green eyes met hers with a look that held both recognition and warning. aIam the innkeeper,a Kayl said, swallowing the warmer welcome she had intended. Glyndon shal Morag had been Kevranas friend, and her own. If he wanted to pretend to be a stranger, she would trust hima"at least long enough to hear his explanation. aAre you looking for a room?a aI am, if you have one.a aI do. Five pence the night, seven if you want an evening meal.a aDone. Iad be grateful if you would show me the room now; Iall be down for the meal as soon as Iam dry enough not to dissolve your benches.a aVery good. This way.a Kayl signaled Mark and Dara to cover the serving room, then led the new guest up the stairs. As soon as they were out of sight and hearing of the room, Kayl turned. aItas good to see you again, Glyndon. What brings you to Copeham? And why the playacting?a aI thought the playacting might be necessary. As to why Iam hereaa His eyes dropped. aIa saw something that disturbed me.a Kayl reached out in sympathy, then let her hand drop before the gesture was complete. aThe visions didnat leave you, then.a aNo.a His tone was restrained, but his eyes seemed suddenly haunted.

aNo one coulda do anything?a Glyndonas lips twisted. aMy Varnan compatriots werenat anxious to a.s.sist a second-rate wizard. Particularly a renegade second-rate wizard. And off Varnaaa He shrugged. aItas been two hundred years since the Wizardas War, and you still canat find anyone whoall trust a Varnan, much less help one. I tried, of course.a aIam sorry.a The bitter, haunted look gave way to a gleam of wry amus.e.m.e.nt. aNo sorrier than I, believe me.a He hesitated. aWhereas Kevran? Away?a Kayl found to her surprise that the old wound could still be painfully fresh. aKevran died five years ago, Glyndon. I would have sent word, if Iad thought it would reach you.a Glyndonas shoulders sagged in a curious mixture of relief and hurt and shame. aI see.a There was a momentas silence. aIam sorry. If Iad known, Iad have come sooner.a aI know.a Kayl paused. aI donat suppose youad care to explain a little more just why youare here?a aTomorrow, if youall indulge me. Iam tired, and I donat think itas quite that urgent.a Kayl looked at him, considering. Something in his tone rang false, but it was plain that he did not wish to begin a discussion now, and she had customers waiting below. aAll right. I can see youare in need of rest. But if you donat have a good explanation ready for me tomorrow morning, youall wish youad gone on to the inn in Cedarwell, even if their beds have fleas.a aI wonat disappoint you,a Glyndon promised solemnly.

aYouad better not,a Kayl said, grinning. aWill this room do?a Glyndon did not so much as glance inside. aYes.a aThen Iall leave you to your drying off.a aCould you bring that meal you mentioned up here?a Glyndon said with a touch of diffidence.

Kayl looked up in surprise that swiftly changed to understanding. aSo you saw Corrana.a aIf sheas the vision in Sisterhood silver, yes. Iad rather not cross swords with one of them.a aI understand.a The Sisterhood had a long-standing antipathy toward Varnans, dating back to its misty beginnings in the confusion following the Wars of Binding. aIall send Mark up with something in a few minutes.a aMarka the boy downstairs? Your son?a aYes, and the girl is my daughter, Dara.a Kayl did not even try to keep the pride out of her voice.

Glyndon shook his head. aSomehow, I find it hard to imagine you with children, though Iave known of them for years.a aKevran sent you word?a Kayl said, surprised. aI didnat think he knew where to find you, either!a aI didnat hear of them from Kevran,a Glyndon said shortly, and belatedly Kayl remembered his unwanted visions.

aIam sorry, Glyndon. I wasnat thinking.a He waved her apology away. aI should know better than to be so touchy. Iave had long enough to grow accustomed to it.a But his smile was forced.

aI hope youare accustomed to children,a Kayl said, deliberately turning the conversation. aTheyall be after you constantly as soon as they find out you knew Kevran.a aKayla"a Glyndon hesitated. aDo a favor for me.a aOf course. What?a aDonat tell Mark or Dara who I am, or even that we know each other, until weave had a chance to talk.a aIf you insist,a Kayl said. His request surprised and worried her; it was unlike him, and it made his presence seem as ominous as Corranaas.

aIa donat want anything to slip out in front of that star-sister you have downstairs.a Kayl snorted to hide her concern. aYou never could lie to me, Glyndon, and thereas no need to. I wonat say anything to them until weave talked. But that explanation of yours had better be very, very good.a Glyndon smiled. aThank you.a aYouare welcome.a She turned to go.

aKayl.a She gave an inquiring look back over her shoulder. Glyndon stood framed in the doorway, watching her.

aItas good to see you again,a he said, and smiled. aYou havenat changed at all.a Kayl made her lips return his smile, and left.

CHAPTER.

SIX.

Kayl returned to the serving room and resumed her work as calmly as she could manage. She could feel Corranaas eyes on her, and Jirodas, and her childrenas, but she had no rea.s.surance for any of them. She could only hope that they would think her distraction a continuation of her earlier moodiness, and not connect it with Glyndonas arrival.

Fortunately, the serving room was busier than ever. Corrana tried several times to attract Kaylas attention, which annoyed Kayl. Couldnat the woman see that Kayl had no time now for involved conversations and cryptic hints? Kayl turned away and pretended not to see.

A few minutes later, she felt a touch at her elbow. She turned and found Corrana watching her with unfathomable black eyes. aI would speak with you,a the sorceress said.

aVery well, Your Virtue.a Kayl handed the bowl of stew she was carrying to a young farm laborer, collected his coppers, and turned. aWhat is it?a aYour new customer, the man who entered a few minutes ago. Who is he?a Kayl shrugged, hiding a sudden rush of fear for Glyndon. aHe hasnat given me a name for the guest-board yet.a aI heard him say he would come back for his meal, but he has not appeared.a aHe changed his mind after he had to shove his way through this crowd, and decided to eat in his room.a Corranaas brows arched. aHe is so wellborn? He did not look it.a Kayl shrugged again. aHe pays well, whatever his birth. And he seems an unlikely person to attract your attention, lady.a aPerhaps.a Corrana seemed to be speaking more to herself than to Kayl. aYes, you may be right. I will not keep you longer.a Kayl nodded and returned to her work. A few minutes later, she saw Corrana making her way up the stairs. She tensed slightly, wondering whether the woman would knock on doors until she found Glyndonas room, and what would happen if she did.

No disturbance occurred, and gradually Kayl relaxed. The rest of the evening pa.s.sed in a dull blur of faces and mugs and the damp, smokey smell of the cloaks hanging around the fire. Corranaas appearance in the robes of the Sisterhood had given the villagers something new to speculate on, and they stayed even later than they had the previous evening.

Finally the last of the customers left. Kayl sent Mark and Dara off to bed at once; she had no intention of suffering through another day like this, and if they didnat get enough sleep theyad be arguing again as soon as they awoke. Then she collapsed onto a bench with a huff of relief.

aKayl.a She jerked at the sound of the quiet voice, and almost slid off the bench. Turning, she peered into the shadowed corners of the serving room. aWhoas there?a she said sharply.

aMe.a Jirodas form appeared beside the black hole that was the doorway to the kitchen. aIam sorry I startled you.a aWhat are you still doing here?a Kayl said, only a little less sharply than before.

aI wanted to talk to you.a aYou might have asked earlier.a Jirod returned her gaze steadily. aIf I had, youad have said you were too busy or too tired. Wouldnat you?a aProbably,a Kayl said, and sighed.

aShe wouldnat have been lying, either,a said a voice from one of the shadowed corners. Kayl turned, startled, to see Bryn strolling toward her.

aWhat is this, a plot?a Kayl said, half seriously.

Jirod gave Bryn an annoyed look and turned to Kayl. aMay I sit down?a he said, ignoring the Wyrd woman.

Kayl nodded. Jirod came around the tables and folded himself onto the other end of the bench. Bryn took the seat across from Kayl without asking, and Jirod gave her another look. aWell?a Kayl said. aWhat is it?a Jirod glanced at Bryn and hesitated, then said carefully, aI heard Utrilo was here again this afternoon.a aHe was here, all right,a Bryn said before Kayl could reply. aThrowing his weight around as usuala"all of it. Whatas that got to do with anything?a aI was worried about Kayl,a Jirod said with a cold dignity that betrayed his embarra.s.sment at having to say it aloud, in front of Bryn.

aI appreciate it, Jirod, but you can see thereas nothing to worry about,a Kayl said. Silently, she blessed Bryn for distracting Jirod long enough for Kayl to see the situation in perspective. Otherwise, she would have snapped his head off.

aIa"a Jirod stopped short, and glanced at Bryn yet again. aIall come see you tomorrow, Kayl, if thatas all right?a aYouare always welcome, Jirod,a Kayl said sincerely.

Jirod nodded farewell, a little stiffly, Kayl thought, and left. As the innas door closed behind him, Bryn shook her head. aI donat think he likes me,a she said mournfully.

Kayl laughed. aDo you blame him? You upset all his plans for a quiet tryst.a aIall call him back, if you like,a Bryn offered, showing her pointed teeth in a wicked grin.

aI donat think head come.a aYouare very patient with him,a Bryn said. aOr is it just my viewpoint that makes him seem overprotective?a aNo, heas just as bad as you think he is,a Kayl said, and sighed. aIam glad you were here; Iad have lost my temper otherwise, and Jirod didnat do anything to deserve that.a aLong day?a aDara and Mark have been running me ragged, Utrilo Levoil was looking for an excuse to fine the inn, and people keep asking questions about Corrana that I donat have answers for. What do you think?a Bryn nodded sympathetically. aI think you should get some sleep. Iall see you tomorrow, or the day after.a Kayl nodded. She sat and watched the Wyrd leave. She didnat feel tired, but she needed to be alone, to think. Too many pieces of her past had come hurtling back into her life too quickly. Corranaas appearance had dealt a major blow to a mental wall already eroded by time and the monotony of life in Copeham; Glyndonas arrival had smashed it into jagged fragments. Kayl stared into the dying fire and let the memories wash over her.

The initiation court was dark and silent. The pool at its center reflected the pale starlight of a moonless night. Kayl stood beside the glimmering water, s.h.i.+vering slightly with antic.i.p.ation. This night would determine the course of her future training, and her place among the Sisterhood.

In the covered walkway that ran around the edges of the court, the Elder Mothers were gathering. Kayl could hear the faint rustling of the shapeless black cloaks they wore over their silver robes. The first voice sent a shock of surprise down her spine, though she had thought she was expecting it. aWho are you, that waits in the Court of Stars?a aI am Kayl Larrinar, Your Serenity,a Kayl said, and her adolescent voice cracked slightly.

aWhat do you ask of us?a came another voice, disembodied by darkness.

aI ask a place among the Sisterhood of Stars.a aThen demonstrate for us your knowledge. Who are the men of the raven?a aThe Shanhar, who came out of Kith Alunel and who live now in the Mountains of Morravik by the Melyranne Sea.a Kayl was relieved that the first question had been an easy one.

aDescribe the olskla plant, and explain its uses.a aIt is a small plant, dark green, witha"with white flowers. A tincture made from the root brings down fevers, if the roots are harvested before the plant flowers.a aOlskla flowers are gold in color, and you neglected to mention that the plant blooms but once in every hundred years.a Kay felt herself flus.h.i.+ng in the darkness. aYes, Your Serenity.a And the testing went on.

The questions came more and more rapidly, jumping from history to healing to cookery to sword-skill to magic, without apparent pattern or reason. Kayl answered as well as she could, hoping that her weakness in esoteric lore would be more than covered by her undeniable mastery of more practical knowledge.

The examination ended at last. A rustle ran around the edges of the court, and a voice from in front of her said, aYou have satisfied the a.s.sembled Elders of the Sisterhood. Look up, and take whatever the stars bestow.a Wondering, Kayl tilted her head back. At first she saw only the stars; then, high above her head, a patch of sky began to glow silver. As it grew brighter, shapes flickered within the lighta"the silver eight-pointed star of the sorceress, the branching tree of the healer, the bright, slender blade of the warrior, and the broken chain of the demon-friend. The glow sank toward her. Kayl held her breath, willing the sword to be the final shape.

The light grew brighter still, and then something swished to earth in front of her with a blinding flash of brilliance. Kayl had to close her eyes. When she opened them, a silver sword stood in front of her, driven point-first into the paving stones of the court. She reached out and took the hilt in her hand.

The sword vanished, and she was holding only a milky stone. As she stared at it, the covered walkway s.h.i.+mmered into view as the Elder Mothers discarded their black cloaks and lit their tiny oil lamps. Kayl felt a stir of triumph. She had done it!

Mother Dalessi was the first at Kaylas side. aWelcome, daughter,a she said, and kissed Kaylas cheek. aYou are truly one of us now.a aHarder! Swing that sword as if you meant it!a the drill-master shouted at the hot, sweaty group of sixteen-year-olds. aCome on, you useless children, work!a ab.i.t.c.h,a muttered the girl next to Kayl as they lunged and drew back. aShe enjoys this.a aRitha ri Luethold! Extra work on the exercise tonight, two candlemarksa time. Cut left! and right! and left!a Kayl swung the weighted sword with grim intensity, trying to achieve the same accuracy, power, and elegance as the instructor. There was a rhythm in the strokes, and if she could just feel it clearly enougha The pattern started to come together, and she was so intent on it that she missed the instructoras command to turn and was nearly brained by her neighboras next stroke. Embarra.s.sed, she accepted the instructoras caustic reprimand without comment and resumed her place in the line.

When the lesson ended, the drillmaster called her over while the rest of the advanced cla.s.s went grumbling off to the baths.

aJust what were you trying during the exercises, Larrinar?a the woman demanded.

Awkwardly, Kayl tried to explain. To her surprise, the drill master listened patiently until she finished, then said, aWhy?a Kayl took a deep breath. aBecause I want to be the best.a aDo you.a The instructor studied her with interest. aWell, weall see. In the meantime, you can join the ri Luethold girl tonight for the extra work. And youall do the same every night until you stop making mistakes in the exercise pattern. You may go.a Kayl went. aBut I will be the best,a she whispered to herself as she hurried after her cla.s.smates.

aMe, too,a said a voice behind her.

Kayl stopped and turned, raising her sword automatically. She found herself facing a tiny, black-haired imp of a girl. Kayl recognized her in a vague sort of way; she was in a different section of Kaylas own age group. aSorry,a Kayl said, lowering her sword.

The girl grinned. aSaall right; I duck quick. Whatare you going to be best at?a aIam a sword-wearer; what do you think?a Kayl replied with a touch of annoyance. She hadnat meant to be overheard, and she was afraid she was going to be laughed at.

aThereas lots of possibilities,a the black-haired girl said seriously. aThereas swordplay, and knife work, and bare-hand, and throwing, and archery, and thatas not even all the fighting skills. Soa"which one are you going to be best at?a aAll of them,a Kayl said sharply, hoping that when she had her answer the girl would go away. aFighting and tactics anda"a The girl interrupted with a crow of delight. aI knew it! I knew you were the right one! Come on, come on, you have to meet Varevice.a She grabbed Kaylas arm and succeeded in pulling her several steps before Kayl found the presence of mind to dig in her heels. aWait a minute! Who are you? And what do you think youare doing?a aDidnat I tell you? Iam Barthelmy. Varevice and I are putting a Star Cl.u.s.ter together.a aArenat you in the same group as I am? Itall be two years yet before weare allowed to make up our Stars!a aThereas nothing that says we canat practice now. Besides, you have to start early if you want to be the best,a Barthelmy said sagely. aAnd weare going to be the best.a aAnd you want me to join? What makes you think Iam the best at anything?a aYouare not, yet. None of us are. But weare going to be.a aHow can you tell?a Kayl asked, intrigued.

aWell, first you pick out the people who are good. That partas pretty easy. Then you pick out the ones who work, even though theyare already good. And then you look for someone who really wants to be the best.a aOh? And what do you want to be best at?a Barthelmy tossed her head, sending witchlocks of black hair flying in all directions. aIam a demon-friend,a she said defiantly. aAnd someday Iam going to go to Varna and make them let every one of their sklathranasy go free.a Kayl laughed in spite of herself. aAll by yourself?a aOf course not. Iam not stupid!a Barthelmy said. aThatas why I need to be part of the best Star in the whole Sisterhood.a She looked at Kayl anxiously. aWell? Will you at least come meet Varevice?a Kayl hesitated, then nodded. She felt warmed by Barthelmyas interest, and it couldnat hurt to go along with her now. It would be two years before any of them were a.s.signed to permanent Stars.

aGood!a Barthelmy said. She linked elbows with Kayl and did a little skip-kick as they started walking. aNow all we have to do is find the best healer, and we have our Star!a * * *

Kayl sat beside the narrow window, grinning broadly and swirling the wine in her cup as she watched the others. All four of their tiny lamps were burning scented oil tonight in celebration.

aWe did it!a Barthelmy crowed, raising her cup high.

aYouave said that at least eight times since Mother Anaya told us we could be a Star,a Varevice pointed out, but she raised her own cup to join the salute.

aWell, I havenat tired of hearing it yet,a Kayl said, joining them. aCome on, Evla, you too!a Evla rose. Her slanted green eyes narrowed in amus.e.m.e.nt as she raised her cup. aHow could I not? Someone must uphold the quality of our Star Cl.u.s.ter, and I would not leave that task to you humans!a Kayl laughed with the others. Evla had faultlessly imitated the aloof and occasionally superior tone adopted by many Shee when speaking with the human inhabitants of Lyra.

aTo the best Star in the Sisterhood!a Barthelmy said, and drained her cup.

aTo the success of two years of hard work,a Varevice said with satisfaction as she followed suit.

aTo the friends.h.i.+p that brought us together, and the work that will keep us so,a Evla said softly, and sipped at her wine.

aTo all of us,a Kayl said. She looked at their familiar faces and felt a lump rise in her throat. aTo all of you. My family.a She held her cup aloft a moment more, then drained it dry.

aYouave made quite a name for yourselves in the last three years,a Mother Anaya said. aCongratulations.a aThank you, Your Wisdom,a Evla said for all of them.

aNormally we wouldnat ask you to go out again so soon, but this isa rather special.a She paused. aYou do have a choice.a aSpecial in what way?a Kayl asked. She was their strategist and warrior, as Evla was healer and Varevice sorceress.

Mother Anayaas mouth wrinkled in distaste. aFor one thing, there will be several Varnans traveling with you.a aVarnans!a Barthelmy said angrily. aButa"a aI know, child, but thereas no help for it,a Mother Anaya said. She sighed and sat back. aThereas something odd going on in the Windhome Mountains. Varna still lays claim to parts of that area; if we send a Star to investigate without their permission, we run the risk of starting a second Wizardas War.a aWhat sort of goings-on require the attention of a Star so urgently?a Varevice asked quietly.

aMagic. Something old, powerful, and very well hidden. The Elder Mothers discovered it by accident; some kind of echo effect in one of their spells.a Varevice looked intrigued, but she had sense enough not to ask for the details and the theory of the spell immediately. Mother Anaya glanced at her sharply, then went on, aIf itas as powerful as the Elder Mothers think, I donat have to tell you what will happen if the Circle of Silence hears of it. And it wouldnat matter to them if they started another war.a aWe understand,a Varevice said. Kayl nodded her agreement. Barthelmy scowled angrily.

Evla put a restraining hand on Barthelmyas arm. aYou know it is important,a the healer said gently.

aYes, but cooperating with Varnans?a aThe alternative would be worse.a aWella all right. Iall go.a aThen youare all agreed.a Mother Anaya looked pleased. aIall let Mother Dalessi know. Youall have a few daysa rest before the Varnan group arrives; make the most of it.a aHow many of them will there be?a Kayl asked.

aThree wizards, and five slaves.a Mother Anayaas mouth wrinkled again, as if she found the word distasteful.

Barthelmy started to object again, but Kayl frowned her into silence. aAnd their names?a aThey didnat give us the names of the slaves. The wizards will be Beshara al Allard, Glyndon shal Morag, and Kevran ker Rondal.a The fire was almost out. Stiffly, Kayl rose and knelt on the stones of the innas hearth. Her fingers traced the familiar shapes, feeling for the hidden latch. When she found it, she hesitated. Then she scowled at her own indecision and pressed the catch.

For a moment she was afraid that the mechanism had rusted or jammed during the years it had gone unused. Then, without so much as a click, the stone in front of her dropped three fingersa breadths into the floor and slid to one side. Kayl leaned forward and picked up the heavy, cloth-wrapped bundle in the cavity beneath it.

The hidden cache extended under the other hearthstones, and the bundle was a tight fit. Kayl had lost the knack of removing it quickly; she had to work it carefully back and forth until she found the angle that allowed her to lift it free. She set it gently on the hearth in front of her, and hesitated once more. Then she reached out and turned back the thick folds of oilcloth.

The dying fire gleamed golden from the hilt of a sheathed sword and sent back s.h.i.+ning splinters from a rod of dark, oiled wood. The rod was a slender, unmarked cylinder; Kevran had never been one for decorations. The sword was a wicked-looking rapier with a hilt made of silvery metal. The hilt was inlaid with an eight-pointed star, with a milky stone at its center.

Kayl reached out and took the hilt of the rapier in her hand. It felt cool and familiar, and at the same time a little strange, like a half-forgotten dream. She drew the blade and stood, hefting it. Then she swung it in a hard, flat arc.

The air sang softly as the sword cut through it, then was silent. Slowly, Kayl lowered the sword. She could feel the unaccustomed weight pulling at her muscles. Too much of that and shead be sore tomorrow. The hilt pressed against her hand in all the wrong places; her calluses came from brooms and buckets now, not weapons.

It was foolish to think she might go back. Swordplay was a game for younger women. Kayl was thirty-six; even if she had kept in training, she would be starting to lose her edge. Experience could compensate for slowing reflexes and muscles that tired more easily, but her experience was nearly fifteen years in the past.

And even if she could harden her muscles and hone her reflexes once more, what could she do with Mark and Dara while she traineda"and afterward? The life of a wandering warrior was hardly suitable for raising children. The Sisterhood would help, if she went back to them, but they would not be able to do anything about the separations that would be necessary when she had to go to Toltan or Rathane.

Kayl stared down at the sword. Then, even more slowly than before, she stooped and replaced it in the oilcloth bundle. Carefully, she set the bundle back into its hiding place beneath the hearth. Her fingers touched the latch, and the stone slid smoothly back into place. She stood and banked the fire with mechanical precision, then left the room without finis.h.i.+ng the clearing up.

CHAPTER.

SEVEN.

Kayl woke at dawn next day; her usual habits were rea.s.serting themselves. A steady, drenching rain still fell outside her window. As she dressed in the semidarkness, Kayl thought of the mud and groaned. Mark was sure to drag it all over the inn if she didnat watch him closely.

She finished dressing and went out into the serving room. The unwashed bowls and mugs reproached her with their silent presence. Kayl looked at them with resentment. Even an innkeeper ought to be allowed a few moments of self-indulgence now and then! Two of the mugs clacked together as she scooped them angrily off of one of the tables. Kayl blinked and shook herself. She was behaving as badly as Mark, sulking because the world would not turn to her liking. She set the mugs down more carefully and went on with her work.

The familiar tasks were oddly comforting. Kayl did them like a sleepwalker performing a ritual: light the fire, draw the water, open the shutters, sweep the floor. She did the childrenas ch.o.r.es as well as her own. Mark and Dara were tired after two busy nights in a row; let them sleep for now.

The children emerged at last, just as two of the innas guests were leaving. Kayl collected her money and saw the guests off before turning back to Mark and Dara. Dara was frowning after the departing guests and chewing her lower lip. aSomething wrong?a Kayl asked.

aNnnnno. Itas just that weave only got one room full now. And thatas not enough; I heard you tell Bryn so once.a aTwo rooms,a Kayl corrected. aYouave forgotten the man who arrived last night.a She caught herself just in time to avoid giving Glyndonas name, and wondered again why he had asked for such secrecy.

aOh.a Daraas expression lightened. aThatas all right, then. Whereas breakfast?a aWaiting for you in the kitchen. Iave done most of your early ch.o.r.es, so you two can go right in and get started.a aDone the ch.o.r.es?a Mark said, staring in bewildered surprise. aButa"a Dara dug her elbow into his ribs. When he turned to glare at her, she gave him a significant look. aThanks, Mother,a she said. aCome on, Mark.a aThanks,a Mark echoed, and followed her.

Kayl watched them go, wondering what theyad been plotting this time. They ought to go to Currinas for lessons today, and for once she wouldnat have to worry about how to pay him. After two busy evenings, she had a pleasant surplus of coins. She frowned, wis.h.i.+ng she could afford more than two afternoons of lessons each week. Perhaps if her luck held, and the inn stayed busy until people started heading for the Fall Fairsa She heard a sound on the stair and looked up. It was Corrana, dressed once more in her black traveling robes. Kayl cleared her throat, knowing what was coming. aMay I help you, Your Virtue?a aI have hope of it. I have come for your decision.a aI still donat see why you want me,a Kayl temporized.

aBecause you have been to the Twisted Tower,a Corrana said. aAnd because you were one of the best.a The unconscious echo of Barthelmyas long-ago dream struck Kayl like a blow. aWe failed at the Tower,a she said harshly. aAnd Iam not one of the best anymore, not after fifteen years without even practicing. Youall have to look elsewhere, Your Virtue; I have no reason to go back to the Tower.a Corrana sighed. aWill you at least come with me to Kith Alunel and hear the Elder Mothersa reasons for wanting you to return to the Twisted Tower?a aKayl, donat do it.a Kayl turned her head, startled, to find Glyndon shal Morag standing on the stairs. aGlyndon, whata"a aDonat go back,a Glyndon repeated. His face was pale, and he looked unwell. aAnywhere else, but not the Tower.a aA Varnan!a Corrana said with loathing.

aA guest at this inn,a Kayl corrected. She was surprised that Corrana had placed Glyndonas accent so quickly, but her main emotion was irritation. She had no wish to be caught in a confrontation between Corrana and Glyndon.

Corrana ignored her words. aSo this is why you resist my appeal! I should have guessed. Your husband was also a Varnan, was he not?a aGet out of here,a Kayl said in a voice of deadly calm. aTake your magic and your memories and go. And tell the Elder Mothers not to send anyone else. Iam staying here.a aNo!a Glyndon half fell the rest of the way down the stairs. aYou musnat stay, either.a He staggered to the nearest table, sank onto a bench, and hid his face in his hands.

Corranaas expression changed to surprise, then wariness. When Glyndon did not move or look up, she leaned forward. aDonat touch him!a Kayl said sharply as the sorceress reached for Glyndon.

aI mean no harm,a Corrana said coldly. aI only wish to know if he is unwell, as he seems.a aHe is,a Kayl said grimly. aDonat touch him! Youall only make it worse.a Corranaas eyes narrowed, but she let her hand drop. aYou seem to know much of this aguest.a a Kayl rose without replying and fetched a mug of wine. She set it on the table a handspan from Glyndonas elbow and watched the Varnan carefully until he gave a deep, shuddering sigh. Then she said, aGlyndon. Drink.a Glyndon lowered his hands and reached for the mug. He half drained it in three swallows. When he set it down, he still looked tired and worn, but some of the color had returned to his face. aThank you,a he said.

aIam more interested in an explanation than in thanks,a Kayl said. aParticularly since you chose your time for this so carefully.a aWhat?a Glyndon looked around. When he saw Corrana his shoulders sagged. aSo. That much was real.a aWho are you?a Corrana demanded.