The Prodigal Mage Part 41

He wont be happy until I say it was murder. He wont be happy till Das dead and Im rotting in the Guardhouse or worse.

With the chamber almost hushed, Jaffee turned back to Arlin. Lord Garrick, I tell you plainly: this Councils patience is at an end. You were asked here out of courtesy, because Lord Baden is a close personal friend and his expeditionin parthonoured your fathers dream of Really? said Arlin, scathing. I thought I was asked here so you could beg me to do what Rafel has confessed himself and his vaunted father incapable ofsaving Lur.

Lord Garrick, youre an arrogant pup, said Speaker s.h.i.+frin, and banged his gavel in a warning. Mind your manners or youll be asked to leave.

Rafel shoved away from the window, the dull pain behind his eyes sharpened suddenly to a spike. Stirring in the chamber air, a sizzling tang of power. The hair was standing up on the back of his neck. Jaffee felt it too, and the other Doranen.

Arlins rage was getting the better of him, and fast.

Lord Garrick! Jaffee said, with surprising command. Control yourself. Magic is forbidden in the Council chamber, on pain of dire retribution. Not only is this place warded, so you would be severely harmed, the penalties imposed would see you ruined to begging. Is that how you would honour your father?

For a moment Rafel thought Arlin was mad enough to ignore Jaffee, ignore common sense, and invite his own destruction. He held his breath.

Go on, then. Do it. Destroy yourself, Arlin. I dont b.l.o.o.d.y care. Im sick to death of seeing you everywhere I turn. Im sick to death of you trying to destroy me.

Arlin breathed hard, like he was running a race. Fingers fisting and unfisting, jaw clenched hard enough to break most of his teeth, he glared around the chamberand the councilors glared back. The City guards by the closed double doors took half a step forward, ceremonial pike-staffs at the ready. Jaffee shook his head, and they reluctantly stepped back.

Lord Garrick, said the Barlsman, sounding tired to dropping. Is it not tragic enough that beyond these four walls our beloved kingdom is tearing itself apart? Must we in here tear ourselves apart with it? How can we hold on to any hope if we do?

Hope? said Arlin. The faintest hint of gold s.h.i.+mmered around him, power on the breathless point of explosion. Did you not hear your precious Rafel? Did you not pay attention to your Innocent Mages son? There is no hope. Not in this weeping land. Lurs only chance of survival lies in the finding of Lost Dorana and its wealth of ancient magic. Help must be sent to Sarle Baden, so his quest does not fail. I must be sent to him. I should have gone in the first place. If I had You could have made a difference? said Jaffee. Could have saved the expedition from whatever mischance has befallen it? Lord GarrickArlin The Barlsman shook his head. Such youthful bravado does not Bravado? Arlin sneered. Trust me, Jaffee. Not a man or woman in this chamber knows who I truly amor what I can do. His gaze flickered sideways. Ashers son is not the only powerful mage in Lur. And if this Council lacks the courage or the will to send me where I am sorely needed, then I shall leave it to perish in a windstorm and go alone, without its blessing.

Stabbed with pain, Rafel shook his head. Sink me b.l.o.o.d.y sideways. This has to be a dream. Whether or not Rodyn Garricks son was what he claimed, one thing couldnt be argued. Arlins right, he said loudly. There aint no answer here for what ails us.

Rafel? said Barlsman Jaffee, disbelieving. You agree with him?

Hed rather dance naked through the streets than say it again. The only hope we ever had was the Weather Magic. And Da He caught his breath. Careful now, careful. What they dont know cant hurt him or me. He could feel Arlins knifepoint gaze, p.r.i.c.king him. Like he told you before. Its gone, and it aint coming back.

And that was the unvarnished truth, at least.

Councilors, you promised youd believe me when I told you what I felt. Thats what I felt. If there is magic to save us, we aint going to find it in Lur. If its anywhere its out there somewhere, across Barls Mountains.

Silenced, Jaffee exchanged a look with Speaker s.h.i.+frin and Mayor Stott, then sank back into his chair and lowered his head to his handseither in prayer or defeat. The rest of the Council buzzed like a tipped-over beehive.

Glancing sideways, Rafel saw Arlin still staring. His impulse to obliterate with magic mastered, now he was thrown a little, suspecting he was being mocked.

Dont worry, Arlin. The only fool in here is me, for putting my hand up to get tangled with you. Cause if you are going over the mountains, I know one thing for certain sure. You aint going alone.

For while Lur might need himGoose needed him more. And he wasnt about to abandon his best friend twice.

Oh, Mama. Mama, youre going to skin me.

Councilors, we need another expedition, he said, raising his voice above their consternation. We need to go after Lord Baden and the others. And if we cant find themor ifif He paused, willing his hammering heart to ease. Aint no getting around it. Lur needs that lost magic. One way or another, weve got to find it and bring it back before the kingdoms done tearing itself apart. Me and Arlin can What? said Arlin, with a startled laugh. No. If its Lost Doranen magic thats required then this is Doranen business and none of yours. As a Doranen I tell you plainly, Rafel: youre not welcome in our lands.

Never mind him, never mind! Rafel shouted at the Olken councilors, bellowing their offense. Shut your b.l.o.o.d.y traps, the lot of you!

As they fell raggedly silent he turned back to Rodyn Garricks ignorant, hate-blinded son.

Arlin, dont be pig ignorant. There aint no way you can tell which bits of that ancient Doranen magic are needed to heal the damage done to Lur. But I can.

Arlins lip curled. So you say.

Thats right. Cause you aint the one as can hear the earth screaming. You aint the one with Lurs pain bubbling in your blood. And you aint What I aint, said Arlin, pale with rage, is going anywhere with you. If you think Ill trust my life to my fathers murderer then youre the fool, Rafel.

He shrugged. Fine. Then you can stay behind and Ill take another Doranen with me. He looked at the Doranen mages clumped on their side of the council chamber. So? Whos game, eh? Youre sick and tired of the Olken hero, Asher? Then find a hero of your own and let him do what my da did. Risk everything for Lur.

This time the Doranen councilors silence was uneasy. Every gaze avoided his. And not one of themnot oneoffered to chance him or herself. Offered any kind of help at all. Fear had them by the throats and they werent about to fight it. He tried to understand, to forgive and couldnt. He felt his own power stir, his own s.h.i.+mmer of rage.

You b.l.o.o.d.y Doranen, you make me sick! I cant abide Arlin Garrick, poxy, arrogant s.h.i.+t that he is. But hes still worth more than any five of you fancy mages tied together. And you Olken, who ought to be climbing all over each other to save Lur? You make me sick too. Why aint you speaking up with me? Its our home and you wont fight for it?

And now the silence was full of shame, and anger, and sullen resentment. Face suffused dark red, s.h.i.+frin shoved out his chair. Have a care, Rafel, he growled. Any respect youre shown in this Council chamber comes to you by way of your father. And it has a limit.

Like your courage? he retorted. Forget about finding Lost Dorana, if it frights you too much. What about Goose and the rest? What about Fernel Pintte? You dont reckon we ought to help them?

s.h.i.+frin banged his fist on the Speakers table. We dont even know if theyre still alive!

And you dont b.l.o.o.d.y know they aint!

Breathing harshly, s.h.i.+frin shoved the blue shard of circle stone towards him. Then why dont you find out, Rafel? Try reaching Pintte yourself, if youre so sure were cowards, and useless.

It was a challenge he couldnt ignore. Not only cause Arlin Gar-rick was stood there, smirking, but cause if he didnt then hed lose any shred of authority he had. Lose with it any hope of getting over the mountains and finding Goose. So he stepped up to s.h.i.+frins table and laid both hands on the blue crystal.

Intense cold. Searing heat. His heart raced, pumping his magic-scalded blood faster and faster. And then a wave of overwhelming dread. Terror that tried to drop him dead where he stood. Pinttes fragmented message, booming through his skull. Danger. Help us. Not alone. But when he tried to find Doranas mayor, the fool whod sunk so many in Westwailing, he found nothing. Felt nothing. Heard nothing but the lingering echoes of horror trapped in blue crystal. He s.n.a.t.c.hed his hands from the circle stone, trying not to retch.

You see? said s.h.i.+frin. Theres nothing there. No-one to reach. Theyre gone, Rafel. Most likely dead. And you want us to throw more lives after them? Barl forgive us, your father was right. It was folly to send those men over the mountains. This Council wont approve a third expedition. Especially not when youre talking of finding Lost Dorana. Are you mad? That fabled land fell to magewar centuries ago.

You dont know that for certain sure, s.h.i.+frin, he retorted. Youre only guessing, cause you dont want to take the risk.

s.h.i.+frin pounded the Speakers table again. I dont want to see good men die for no reason, Olken or Doranen. Any death would be a waste.

Speaker s.h.i.+frin is right, Barlsman Jaffee added. It would be nothing short of wickedness to send anyone in Sarle Baden and Fernel Pinttes misguided footsteps. I know your friend went with them, Rafel. You have my condolences for his loss. But You aint asking me, Barlsman. Im b.l.o.o.d.y offering.

And your offer is declined, s.h.i.+frin snapped. Yours and Lord Gar-ricks. Rafel, how can you even think of abandoning Lur now? Weve got storms raging unchecked across the kingdom and the dregs of magic in the earth creating havoc. Youre needed here. With your father helpless in his bed, and Barl alone knowing if h.e.l.l ever leave it, youre the only Olken we have gifted with the Doranen touch. You might be Lurs only hope of surviving.

He nearly said, No, I aint. You got Deenie at a pinch. But he swallowed the words just in time. Letting that slip would nigh on ruin Deenies life. Mama would never forgive him.

I told you, s.h.i.+frin, I cant help Lur. I cant stop the storms. I cant heal the earth. And this time things wont right themselves. So we have to try something else, something desperate, or I promise you, I swear it, Lur wont survive.

Frighted murmuring from the Council. Sickened looks exchanged between s.h.i.+frin and Jaffee. Lurs powerful men, with no more power now than spratlings.

Whatever happens, if I die doing this, aint no blame will fall on you, he added. Ill sign a paper before I go, saying how it was my idea and you tried to stop me and I wouldnt listen. Ill happily do that. And I wont say anyones got to come with me. Ill go alone. Might be better that road. But Arlin s.n.a.t.c.hed him by the sleeve and pulled him around. You think you can decide who will or wont do this? I am not bound by your petty p.r.o.nouncements. I am a Doranen mage, and I will claim my heritage and birthright without seeking your permission. Without you. I will Be bound by the decision of this General Council! shouted Speaker s.h.i.+frin, slamming his gavel so hard it nearly broke. As will you, Rafel. We will now deliberate on these weighty matters. You will be informed of our decision in due course. Until then youre dismissed. Quit this chamber at once. And do not talk of this meeting to anyone.

For a moment, just a moment, Rafel thought about arguing. Da always said the Council could talk itself to a standstill and never once find common ground to stand on. And Lurs timeGooses timewas fast running out.

Rafel, said Barlsman Jaffee gently. Go to your father. He needs you, my boy and so does your mother.

And that was playing gutter dirtybut it was also true. He turned on his heel and walked out, not looking at fuming Arlin Garrick as he pa.s.sed him. The guards opened the double doors as he approached. He thanked them with a curt nod and a strained half-smile, and made his way to the antechamber beyond.

Rafel! Stop! Dont you walk away from me!

And that was Arlin, of course, who lacked the sense of a drunken flea. Chasing after him like he had the right to bark orders. Halfway down the corridor leading to the outside world, and sorely needed fresh air, he spun about.

Leave me be, Arlin. I aint of a mind to chat just now.

Arlin waved an impatient hand. I want I dont care what you want. So unless youre looking to get dumped on your a.r.s.e a second time, leave me be.

Arlins slender fingers clenched, as though they ached to strike or strangle. Raw power crackled the air around him. Lost Dorana is none of your business. Ill not permit you to Rafel brought up his fist. Ignited the cauldron of magic inside him and let glimfire burst from his blood. Flickering flames danced over his white knuckles.

Arlin, you get older but no b.l.o.o.d.y wiser. Dyou remember Westwailing?

Arlin smiled, fierce and feral. Blew on his glimlit handand blew it out. You dont frighten me, Rafel. You never have. You never will. And you will never cross those mountains.

Hed die before hed show Arlin he felt even the smallest bit impressed. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he shrugged. Aye, well. Well see about that, wont we?

Then he turned again, and walked away.

Rafel, said Charis, standing in her open doorway. She was wearing a white ap.r.o.n over a yellow blouse and green skirt, and her dark hair was tied back under a yellow scarf. Flour dusted her hands, her cheek, the tip of her nose. She looked fl.u.s.tered. Beautiful. Youre back. When did youwhyareyou Broad-brimmed hat in his hands, he smiled at her, tentative. I put Firedragon in your stable. Hope you dont mind.

What? No, no of course not, she said. Rafel, what are you I stopped by to see Pellen. And let the Council stamp about that all they b.l.o.o.d.y like. I dont care. Is he here?

The surprised pleasure died out of her eyes. Papa? Why do you need to see Papa?

For so many reasons, he couldnt answer. Its complicated, Charis. And its important. He put on his best wheedling voice. Please?

Beneath the smudges of flour, her cheeks tinted pink. I dont know, she murmured. Hes awful weak, Rafe. Her fingers tightened on the edge of the front door. It might be best if you come back another time. I cant have him upset. I cantI dont Her voice broke, and she stared at him in mute misery.

Sink it. Please, Charis, he said, knowing he was being selfish, knowing he was using her girlish feelings for him. But this is bigger than her feelings. I aint looking to fret him, or you. I only need a little while. And Id not come bothering if it wasnt needful. I aint even been home yet. I aint seen my da. You reckon Id come here before seeing him if I didnt have to?

She shook her head, tears br.i.m.m.i.n.g. No, of course not. Letting go of the door, she and stepped back. But Rafel, when I ask you to leaveyou have to leave. Dont wheedle me then.

I wont, he said, stepping over the threshold. Not unless I have to. So I can go up?

Yes, go up. Her hands twisted in the ap.r.o.n. Hes not long had his supper. Hes still awake. But Rafel He paused on the staircase and looked down at her. Dont you trust me, Charis?

Hes all I have, Rafe, she said, as the br.i.m.m.i.n.g tears fell. And Kerril says I wont have him much longer. If youif you feel the smallest kindness for me youll remember that. When youre talking your important mage business youll remember it.

So she didnt trust him. At least not altogether. She knows me too b.l.o.o.d.y well, thats the problem. Ill be quick as I can. Only Now her fingers were clutching the staircase newel-post. What?

Youre so busy seeing him a sick man, you forget Pellen Orrick lived his life doing right by Lur. He wont be sorry to see me. h.e.l.l be glad I came.

Forget? Tears banished by anger, Charis glared at him. You think to school me on my own father, Rafel? It seems Arlin Garricks right after all. You are as arrogant as any Doranen.

He shrugged. Meek men dont get much done in the world, Charis.

And he kept walking up the staircase, feeling the heat of her stare scorch his back.

Rafel! said Pellen, as he tapped on the open chamber door. So, youre home again. Good. Well, dont just stand there. Come in. Have a seat.

But he couldnt move. Was nailed to the floor at the sight of Das friend. Only five days since hed seen him in the Council chamber, but so much had changed. Pellens face was faded blueish-grey, all its flesh consumed by fever. His dark hair was fever-bleached too and cropped to stubble, showing the vulnerable shape of his skull. Just like a babes. Even covered by a nights.h.i.+rt it was clear hed languished to skin-and-bone, worse even than Jaffee.

What? said Pellen, raising an eyebrow. Didnt Charis tell you Im dying?

Hed come here seeking advice. Or maybe permission. Hed not thought to be struck dumb and close to tears.

A small, wry smile curved Pellens lips. So I do look worse than your da. I should be sorry to hear it, but Im not. This is a race Im happy to win, Rafel. Youd best tell me how hes doing today. The truth, mind. No coddling.

Rafel cleared his throat. There were tapers burning by the bedside, soaked in some kind of healing incense. Kerrils doing. She had them burned in Das chamber, too. He never noticed them making a difference, but n.o.body wanted to cross Lurs best pother.

I dont know, he muttered, the sweet smoke tickling his nose. I aint been home yet.

Days on the road and youre here instead of with your father? Whats the matter with you, Rafe?

I got called to see the Council, urgent.

Oh, said Pellen. Then he jerked his chin at the bedside chair. Sit down, I said. Makes me tired, shouting across the room at you.

He pushed the door to and did as he was told. You got any word on Da?

Im told hes holding his own, said Pellen, cautious. But Charis and that b.l.o.o.d.y pother between them think to eke out a few more days for me by mouthing comfortable lies. Thats why I asked you how he was looking. Cant rely on what Kerril says. If I had the strength Id be insulted. He pulled a face. Mind you, I think shes gone a bit sweet on me. Silly girl. Then his clouded gaze sharpened. Speaking of sweet, youre not looking sugar plums at my daughter, are you?

What? Yes. No! Pellen Good, said his das friend. She can do a sight better than a fowsty young buck like you.

Stung, he felt his jaw drop. Oh. So Easy, Rafe. Im twigging you, said Pellen, wearily teasing. But shes a conversation for another day. Whyd the Council want you so urgent?

The expedition. Theres word.

Pellen snorted. And its bad, of course. The fools. A pity heeding your fathers gone right out of fas.h.i.+on. So, theyre all dead?

Weary himself, and worried, he felt his belly clutch with anger. Pellen Sorry, Rafe. Reaching out, Pellen patted his knee. It slipped my mind. Goose Martin. A good lad. But they wouldnt have summoned you just for that. What else does the Council want?

He slumped in the chair. The impossible.

Ah. Pellen frowned at the ceiling. So these are the Final Days your mother tried to save us from. After all we went through, prophecy got it wrong.

He sounded sad but not exactly surprised. As though hed always known things would turn out this way. Pellen No use hesitating. Best to just say it. Me and Arlin Garrick want to go over the mountains. We want to find Old Dorana, and bring back magic as can save Lur. The Councils talking on it now, but theyll say yes. Its our only chance.

And crossing the mountains, said Pellen, after a while. That your mad idea, was it?

Arlin said it first. I said Id go with him.

Bet that put a smile on his face.

He couldnt help grinning. Not really.

Rafel Pellen heaved a sigh. n.o.body knows where Lost Dorana is. Its why they call it lost. You could wander for years and never find it.

I know, he said. But I cant let that stop me. Any road, leave Lost Dorana aside and theres still Goose.

Rafe No, he said, and leapt up. I dont want to hear it, Pellen. Goose aint dead. Hes with Sarle Baden, and Badens a powerful mage. He aint dead. None of them are. In trouble, it sounds like, but notnot dead.