The Prodigal Mage Part 31

Her angry question ignited fresh uproar, Olken shouting at Doranen, Doranen waving clenched fists at Olken. Asher, closing his eyes, felt a stirring in the air. Anger and power were a dangerous combination.

Barl b.l.o.o.d.y save us all. Reckon well cut each others throats long afore we got a chance to starve to death.

No point ringing the bell again. He needed to be a bit more definite this time. Recalling a spell hed read in Durms privy notebook, he muttered its words, drew its sigils, and watched every chair in the chamber leap as though come to life. Watched them rattle and bang and make a b.l.o.o.d.y good racket, thudding and sc.r.a.ping against the mosaiced floor. Felt a grim satisfaction to hear the startled cries, the squeals of fright, to see the wrath of Barl put into every last fratchin b.l.o.o.d.y one of em.

Wheezing Barlsman Jaffee, whod tipped out of his seat and was frowning gently in reproof, reached up and tapped him on the knee. I think youve made your point, Asher, he said, breaking the shocked silence. Now take advantage of the moment and get these fools to listen. For if we dont take action quickly, I do fear Lur is doomed.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

For once the wittering ole Barlsman were offering pithy advice. Still stood on the Speakers table, he fisted his hands on his hips. You heard Barlsman Jaffee, he said loudly. Now sit down again, the lot of you.

Olken and Doranen stared at him, unwilling to obey.

Plant your b.l.o.o.d.y a.r.s.es or I swear Ill start throwin the furniture!

Eyes wide, every councilor sat. Wary now, a smidgin afraid. Rememberingand not before b.l.o.o.d.y timethat he were the man whod killed the sorcerer Morg.

Fernel, Fernel, he said, shaking his head. You dont b.l.o.o.d.y learn, do you? First the Harbour, now this. Tollin proved there werent nowt for us beyond the mountains.

Tollin crossed the mountains fourteen years ago! Pintte retorted, on his feet. How arrogant you are, to stand on that table declaring theres no point us seeing for ourselves whats happened in the world in all that time. Or do you claim to know without seeing? Does this mean theres something else youre not telling us, Asher? Or are you simply making things up?

As the Council chamber rustled with whispers, Asher climbed down off the Speakers table. Put himself at floor level, with Pintte, and shoved his hands in his pockets.

You sayin I be a liar, Meister Mayor?

Pintte held his ground. Im saying yourewhats your quaint term for it? Oh yes. Frighted. And because yourefrightedyou want everyone else to be frighted too.

You poxy s.h.i.+t, I shouldve let you drown. So. I be a liar and a coward?

Relis.h.i.+ng an audience, Pintte smiled with mock-humility. Asher, once you did Lur a great service. I dont deny it. But that great service did not make you our king. You dont lay down the law or issue decrees. You are one voice, no louder or more important than any other. He indicated the gathered Council with a sweep of his arm. And we, the chosen representatives of Lurs people, we decide what will be done and what wont.

Asher considered him. What? Like you decided how itd be a clever idea to try breakin the magic in Dragonteeth Reef? That worked out dandy, didnt it? So aye, by all means, lets go rompin over the mountains, Fernel. I mean, what could go wrong, eh?

Then what do you suggest we do? Fernel shouted above the renewed clamour. Cling to the frail hope Barl will send us a miracle? If Barl cared for Lur wed not be suffering now!

Frail hope? said Jaffee, creaking to his feet. I find that an unfortunate choice of words, Meister Mayor. Particularly since you are shouting at one of Barls miracles. Youve accused Asher of arrogance. The same might be said of you in declaring she has abandoned us.

Fernels chin came up sharply. Barl was a Doranen. It was the Doranen who brought calamity here in the first place. Forgive me if Im reluctant to trust Lurs future to the hands of the sorceress who helped create this dilemma.

The council chamber burst into another furious uproar. This time both Olken and Doranen berated Pintte. But not all of them, Asher noted. At least not all the Olken. A handful ranged themselves beside Doranas mayor, vigorously defending him against attack.

He slumped on the edge of the Speakers table, not at all inclined to put himself in the middle of this brangle. This were Jaffees business, him bein Lurs senior Barlsman. But Jaffee didnt seem inclined to fight.

I miss Holze. He were a doughty man. He stood up to Morg. But Jaffee aint got hisself much of a spine.

In the end it was Sarle Baden who called for order, and was listened to. As one of the mages who survived Westwailing, one of the most powerful Doranen mages left in Lur, he could clap his hands together and flare a bit of light round hisself and that gave folk pause long enough for him to get a word in edgewise.

Its no secret, Mayor Pintte, that you harbour resentment towards my people, he said. And that you wish for us to leave this kingdom and never return. Nor is it a secret that your sentiments are shared by many Olken. His eyes narrowed as he smiled without warmth. Its time this Council knew that as many Doranen feel the same way.

Stunned silence. Then Rufus cleared his throat, and leaned forward over the Speakers table. You want to leave Lur?

Youre surprised, Speaker s.h.i.+frin? said Baden, turning, his pale eyebrows lifted. Have youhas any Olkennever once wondered if the Doranen are happy here?

Of course were happy, Lady Marnagh said quickly, and looked around the chamber at the Olken seated nearest her. Lur is our home. Lord Baden, please dont presume to speak for Lur is our adopted home, Baden interrupted smoothly. Forced upon us centuries ago by dire circ.u.mstances. But times have changed, Sarnia. Morg is dead and somewhere beyond Barls Mountains lies our true homeland. Lost Dorana. There are many of us who wish to return there and create for ourselves lives not circ.u.mscribed by outdated, unnecessary laws.

Asher frowned. Laws against muckin about with magic?

Youd have us abandon Barls wisdom? said Jaffee. Lord Baden, that would be A choice, said Baden. That I and many Doranen believe should be available to us. Hence our willingness to a.s.sist in breaking the reef.

But you failed, said Jaffee. You should take it as a sign.

And so we do, Pintte declared. A sign that its time for a second expedition to cross Barls Mountains. On this, at least, Lord Baden and I are in perfect accord.

Pintte Asher shook his head in tired disbelief. Did that knock on your noggin doddle you altogether? How many times dyou need to hear it? There aint nowt for us over them b.l.o.o.d.y mountains.

I dont believe that, said Pintte, his jaw clenched tight. If Tollin had pushed on, if hed not cravenly turned back when He slid off the Speakers table. Cravenly? Whats that sposed to mean? Are you sayin Tollin and his people were cowards cause they turned for home once folk started dyin?

Fernel Pinttes face reddened. If they hadnt let their fears overcome them then Then what? he demanded, furious. Pintte, you be an ignorant fool. Only thing any of usll find over them mountains be a slow cruel death. And if you reckon Im about to stand here with my thumb stuck up my a.r.s.e while you chinwag frighted folk into throwin their lives away on your b.l.o.o.d.y say-soafter Westwailing?then you aint been payin close enough attention to me.

Not giving spluttering Pintte a chance to reply, he rounded on Sarle Baden.

And you! You got a b.l.o.o.d.y nerve, Lord Baden. You know in your belly how bad Morgs magic is. How long it survives. How it twists and kills. Your friend Lord Garrick just died goin up agin Morgs magic. And you want to send folk out to where that mad b.a.s.t.a.r.d once ruled? Whats wrong with you? Eh? What are you thinkin?

Pale with fury, Sarle Baden pushed his way through his fellow councilors until he, too, stood before the Speakers table. I am thinking that if Barl hadnt rendered the Doranen impotent there would be a chance of us defeating Morgs legacy, he spat. For youre right about one thing, Asherwe have no hope of cleansing the world of his stain when the only magic we have is the watered-down trumpery left to us by Barl. But somewhere beyond the mountains, in Lost Dorana, lies our true magic. Our heritage. It is past time we reclaimed it. And because my friend Rodyn Garrick died for that dream, I am determined to finish what he began.

By going over them mountains?

Yes, said Baden. Asher, there are Doranen who were prepared to brave the ocean beyond Dragonteeth Reef. Even though we have never been a seafaring race. Compared to those terrors, braving a mountain range is nothing. The Doranen did it once. We can do it again.

With Fernel Pintte, whos been agitatin against you? Stirrin up bad feelings and creatin ill will?

Baden spared Pintte a brief, sidelong look. With anyone wholl help us achieve our aims. Besides. What Pintte and Olken like him feel isnt new, Asher. Your people have resented mine for six hundred years. He smiled without warmth again. As you well know. You mayve been friends with King Gar, but otherwise ?

Dont you chuck me in the same basket as Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte, he said, his voice low. I might not have a lot of time for your folk, Baden, but that be a long stones throw from wantin to see you tossed out of Lur on your a.r.s.es.

Baden sighed. This isnt about us being tossed, Asher. Its about us leaving of our own free will.

You see? said Fernel Pintte, triumphant. So Asher, will you attempt to force people to stay where they have no desire to be?

Loathing Pintte, confronted by questions hed never asked himself and didnt want to answer now, in public, he looked at Jaffee.

Barlsman? You got an opinion on this?

Not at present, said Jaffee, sounding shaken. I would pray on the matter before pa.s.sing p.r.o.nouncement.

We dont require your prayers, Baden said bluntly. Nor do we seek the approval of a woman dead six centuries. The religion you serve holds no purpose for us, Jaffee. We look to Lost Dorana for answers now, not to a painting on your precious chapel wall.

As the chamber echoed with alarm and consternation, Asher glared at Fernel Pintte. Now look what you started, you meddlesome s.h.i.+t. What Lord Baden believes or dont believe aint no business of this Council, he said. Reckon that be between him and Barlsman Jaffee and Barl. The only thing as matters to us right now is this fool idea of puttin together another expedition. So I reckon we ought to And what I reckon, said Fernel Pintte, raising his voice, is that you should tell us the truth, Asher. At last. Tell us how youve known for ten years that trouble was coming to our poor little kingdom. Tell us what your peculiar mage senses told youthat you refused to tell this Council.

Asher felt his mouth suck dry.

You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, Pintte. You stupid, stupid b.a.s.t.a.r.d.

Asher? said Lady Marnagh, as the silence stretched to breaking point. What is he talking about?

Not a sound in the chamber. Hardly even a drawn breath as thirty shocked gazes skewered him. He could feel his heart pound to pulp against his ribs. With an effort he unclenched his fists. Steeled himself for a lie that had to be told.

Asher, said Jaffee. Is what he says true?

Aye, its true. Ten years ago I knew Lur might be in strife. I felt things. Wrong things, in the earth and the air. I But Asher, said Jaffee, frowning. In the Mage Councilwhen I raised the matter you said It was hard, b.l.o.o.d.y hard, but he made himself meet the old clerics pained stare without flinching. I know what I said, Barlsman. But So Rodyn was right, said Sarle Baden. He told me youd lied. Did he perish because of that lie, Asher? Did he die in Westwailing because No! he shouted over the Councils outcry. I tried to save Garrick down in Westwailing. I tried to save all of you! I lied in the Mage Council cause I werent sure of what I felt and I didnt want to start a panic for nowt! Turns out I were wrong, and I be sorry for that, but So you say now, said Baden. But with Rodyn dead No, no. This were all going wrong. I aint the only one knew somethin werent right, Baden! Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte knew. Why not say he wanted Rodyn Garrick drowned?

Youd smear me to save yourself? Pintte demanded. How typical. My friends He stared around the turmoiled chamber. I had nothing to do with what happened in Westwailing. As you all know, I nearly died myself.

Choked almost beyond breathing, Asher shook his head. I swear on Barls bones, I tried to save everyone. I never let a soul perish, not one.

We know you did, said Barlsman Jaffee, and looked darkly at Sarle Baden. To suggest otherwise is wicked calumny. But this other business He sighed. Meister Mayor Yes! said Pintte, truculent. I held my tongue ten years ago, its truebecause Asher said speaking out would be dangerous. I held it because hes the Innocent Mage, above reproach, and may Barl forgive me for that. Perhaps if I had trusted myself instead of Asher wed have long since found what we need somewhere beyond the mountains. Then we wouldnt have risked the dangers of Dragonteeth Reef, and young Arlin Garrick and all those other families would not be in deep mourning even as we meet here today. He turned, his eyes burning with hatred and triumph. Think of it, Asher. All those deaths avoided. Our peoples terror avoided. Perhaps even famine and widespread suffering avoided if only I had not trusted you.

He felt dizzy. Sick. So everything gone wrong in the kingdom be my fault, Pintte? Is that it?

No, no, I hardly think so, said Barlsman Jaffee, distressed, his wheezing louder. Certainly there are some questions to be answered but Yes, said Pintte, over-riding Jaffee. Do you dispute me, Asher? Do you deny anything Ive said?

Asher stared round the council chamber. At the hostile faces and the doubts and the fears. Watched folk look down, look away, refuse to meet his eyes. So. He could argue Pinttes accusations till he were breathless, but the damage was already done.

No.

No, said Pintte, almost crooning. And tell us this, Asher, since for once you seem inclined towards honestycan you save Lur this time? Are you still the Innocent Mage?

Sweat was trickling down his spine. No.

Then I think, said Fernel Pintte, his voice raised over the Councils loud dismay, that you should stop interfering with those who would seek to do what you cant. Indeedit seems to me youve done quite enough.

Feeling sick enough to vomit now, Asher stared at Fernel Pintte. Then he looked around the suddenly silent council chamber. You want to blame me for Lurs troubles? Fine. Blame me. I cant stop you, he said, hearing his voice grate. Feeling his throat close. You want to listen to Pintte? And Baden? You want to send your loved ones over them mountains? Then you send em. I cant stop that neither. But when they dont come back, or when they come back dyin, like Tollin and his folk? Dont say I never warned you. Dont you b.l.o.o.d.y dare say it. Cause heres me standing afore you, and Im sayin dont do it. Cause itll end in blood and tears, I promise. Just like Westwailing.

The silence persisted, and still folk wouldnt meet his eyes. Pintte was smiling. Sarle Baden was impa.s.sive. So he shrugged and walked out.

Werent nowt else he could do.

Dathne took one look at Ashers face as he slouched into the Tower solar and put aside her quill and paper.

What is it? Whats happened?

Instead of answering, he crossed to the rain-slicked window. Rested his forehead and one fisted hand on its leadlined diamond panes, looking so defeated she had to fight herself not to run to him. But any kind of fussing would only rouse his temper. Since Westwailing hed been p.r.i.c.kly, quick to snap and snarl. He blamed himself for everything. Not stopping the mageworking. Not saving the lives that were lost. For Arlin Garricks violent grief. For Rafel and Deenie, and what they suffered. In truth shed not yet quite forgiven him for that, either but the rest?

The rest wasnt his fault. Sometimes people cant be saved from themselves. When is he going to learn that lesson?

Never, most likely. Because he was a good man who couldnt bear to see anyone in strife.

Asher She clasped her hands on her small writing desk. Please. Dont shut me out.

He sighed. Pintte. And Sarle Baden.

Not Rafe? she said, sick with sudden fear. Theyre not raising trouble because of his No, he said quickly. Rafes fine. They dont care about him.

Then what?

Unsteadily, he told her. When the sorry tale was finished he fell silent, his breathing harsh. His face hidden. Tormented by her own pain, her own guilt, she stared at him, silent. Then a stirring of awareness turned her gaze to the solar doorway. Deenie was standing there, her blue cotton blouse and skirt dusted with flour. Shed been downstairs in the kitchen, baking with Meistress Watt. But of course, being Deenie, her fathers distress had called her like a beacon.

Dathne shook her head. Not now. Deenie nodded, her thin face stricken, and softly withdrew. Such a good girl. If only there was a way toto undo what she could do. Life promised to be cruel if she continued to feel everything so keenly.

She looked again at Asher. His back was still turned to her. Im sorry, she whispered. If I hadnt asked Fernel to come here that first timeBarls t.i.ts, I knew he could be difficult. But hes one of our best mages. I thought we needed him.

Aint your fault, Dath, he said wearily. I be the one who said to keep what we knew secret.

To protect Lur! To prevent panic! Not for any other reason. Not toto miser power to yourself, or Aye, but that aint the point now, is it? he said, and s.h.i.+fted to face her. His eyes were grieved. The point is hes got folk lookin at me sideways. Doubtin me. Wonderin what else I know that I aint told. And Dath, I have got secrets.

Everyones got secrets, Asher.

Not like mine they b.l.o.o.d.y havent! The Weather Magic. Barls diary. What I did to keep Lur steady. And if folk ever find out They wont, she said, standing. But Asher, even if they did, Ill never believe the likes of Fernel Pintte or Sarle Baden could turn the people of Lur against you. Not after what youve suffered and sacrificed for this kingdom. She felt rage rise, scalding her blood. And if they try Dath Asher rubbed at his eyes. It aint me you should fret on. Pintte and Baden be set on gettin up a second expedition. Pinttes come right out and said itthe Doranen dont belong here. And that b.l.o.o.d.y Sarle Baden, he stood there agreein with him. He says there be a mort-load of Doranen mages as want to quit Lur fast as they can. They want to go home, to Lost Dorana.

So let them, she retorted. We wont miss them. We dont need them any more.

Now you sound like b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte, he said, staring.

She shrugged. Being hateful doesnt always make him wrong. Asher, Lurs broken. Too broken to fix. You know it. With the Doranen gone, the strain eases on the rest of us.

You dont mean that, he said, pus.h.i.+ng away from the window. Crossed to the solars couch and dropped onto it as though every breath, every step, hurt him. Dath, Pintte and Baden are goin to get em all killed. Every last fool they hoodwink into goin with em? Theyll die.

Asher Hesitant, she joined him on the couch. Left some distance between them so hed not feel cornered. If people choose to go, then Then I dont need to lose sleep on em? he demanded. Thats what you said about Westwailing, Dathne. And in case you aint noticed, Im b.l.o.o.d.y losin sleep! I cant stand back and watch the Doranen go to their deaths. How could I make that right with Gar?

She reached for his hand. Gar is dead, Asher. Your loyalty belongs to the living. To your people. The Olken.

It mightve been true, but it was the wrong thing to say. Even as she spoke the words she knew that but it was too late. He leapt up, and started pacing.

There be enough folk dead, Dath. I cantI aint about to He rounded on her. I can stop this. I can make it so no-one has to leave.

She went cold. Asher, dont even think it.

He took a step towards her. Dath, I No. She flung up both hands, halting him. After Westwailing? After what happened the last time? No. Besideseven if you could pour more magic into that Weather map without killing yourself, which you cant, how would it solve anything? The Doranen want to leave. And youve no right to stop them!

They want to leave cause they be frighted by whats gone wrong in Lur! he retorted. And cause Sarle Badens fillin their heads full of romantic b.l.o.o.d.y nonsense. If they werent frighted they wouldnt lissen. Hed just be some crackpot, mutterin in a corner. And Pintte? b.l.o.o.d.y Pinttes usin Lurs strife as an excuse to push em out! And neither one of em wants to be told there aint nowhere to go!

Then stop trying to tell them! Stop trying to save people who dont want to be saved!