Heartfire: The Mage Chronicles, #4

Part 1

Chapter 1

Adistant thud permeated her dream. Then a second louder thud, followed by the sharp crack of splintering wood.

Alyx, get up!

Deeply asleep, she struggled to rise to consciousness. Someone grabbed her arm, shaking fiercely. Another voice cursed. Then came a series of shouts, followed by the distant ring of metal crashing on metal.

Magor-lier!

Rothai’s cold voice in her ear finally broke the hold of sleep. Blinking, she shoved at the arm grabbing her—Tarrick—and scrambled to her feet. A thread of magic and her staff was flying to her hand, the touch of its smooth wood instantly reassuring. It took a moment to orient herself—she was in the guest wing of King Mastaran’s palace just outside of Carhall.

Hunters, Tarrick said tersely before she could ask.

How close? She struggled to gather her sleepy thoughts. Sleeping in a proper bed after months on the move had meant a deeper sleep than usual. Still, after being on the run for so long, she’d become well-practiced at moving quickly from sleep to battle readiness. Her magic sparked.

Heading our way. Finn and Tari have gone to hold them off. We need to get you out via the escape route we practiced.

The distant crash of breaking glass emphasised his words. She moved to the door, readying her magic to fight, despite knowing Hunters would be impervious to it. We have to make sure Cayr and his father are all right. Mastaran too. It might not be me they’re after this time—we only arrived yesterday.

The summit had been low key, discussions between the two kings on how to deal with the increasing Shiven incursions. Alyx and her mages had deliberately arrived late to reduce the risk of exactly this happening. And it had happened anyway. Frustration burned through her.

Tarrick took her arm again. No. We need to get you out. I’ll go first.

Frustration flared to anger. I’m not—

Both kings’ guards will be doing the same thing, Magor-lier, Rothai said before she could protest. Trust them to do their jobs.

As soon as Tarrick cracked open the door, the sounds of fighting drifted in. A long corridor loomed to their left, the entrance to the guest wing only a few steps around the corner to the right. A scream of pain was so close it made her stomach twist. How many are there? Surely I can help, she argued.

Getting you out is the priority, Rothai snapped. Quickly now!

Come on! Tarrick urged, turning right into the corridor, away from the sound of fighting.

It was no use arguing with them. She’d tried it before, each time they’d been found by Shakar’s Hunters and had to flee for their lives. They hadn’t backed down before and they wouldn’t now. The Magor-lier’s life was the ultimate priority. And each time she had to abandon her comrades and run, it left more of a scar.

Her mind kept flashing to Cayr in the opposite wing of the palace, stomach churning with worry so potent her hands were trembling.

Neither man spoke as they shepherded her down a narrow servant staircase and into a tiny storage room at the back of the guest wing’s kitchens. Rothai strode forward to shove several crates of potatoes aside, revealing a trapdoor in the floor.

Mastaran’s personal militia guard had shown them this exit only the day before. Just like the palace in Alistriem, Mastaran’s home was riddled with escape routes in the case of attack. Particularly necessary given his home sat outside the protective walls of Carhall City.

Tarrick urged her onto the ladder leading downwards after Rothai, then brought up the rear. Darkness closed around them when he shut the trapdoor, as heavy as her distress. It didn’t take long before they reached the bottom. Flint scraped, and then there was a bright flicker as Rothai lit a small lamp.

Quickly. Rothai’s voice snapped out of the darkness.

She bit down on a sharp retort and pushed past him, determined to take the lead in something. Sometimes it felt as if the last year of her life had been nothing but listening to either Rothai or Tarrick telling her she needed to keep hiding, that she needed to learn more before she could face Shakar and destroy him.

And now they were running. Again.

The flicker of flamelight ahead had Rothai trying to push past her, but she thrust an arm out to stop him. Her pace quickened in relief as she recognised the cluster of figures in the tunnel. A matching expression crossed Cayr’s face as he caught sight of her. He was surrounded by three Bluecoats.

Your father? she asked.

He gestured up to where an older man was climbing down a swaying rope ladder. Cayr’s father. The king was pale, sweat beading his forehead despite the cool air of the tunnel. Above him, watching his king protectively, were two more Bluecoats—one of them Tijer’s familiar face.

Do you know what’s happening? Cayr asked Alyx.

Hunters in the palace, that’s all I know, she said. They rushed me out before we could learn more. Did it seem like they were coming for you?

Unclear. Captain Tijer moved us out too quickly. Cayr looked grim but unafraid.

A flicker in Alyx’s peripheral vision had her turning to see Jenna Aridlen, dressed in a beautiful gown, hovering just outside the light cast by the lantern one of the Bluecoats was holding. All three were casting her strange glances, as if wondering what she was doing with them.

The rest of my father’s attendants were staying in a different block of rooms, Cayr murmured, anticipating her question about Jenna. They were taken out another way. Jenna insisted she come with us.

Bootsteps thudded as Cayr’s father reached the ground, Tijer dropping lithely after him. The Bluecoat captain gave Alyx a nod of acknowledgement. We should move. We can’t be sure how long the rendezvous point will remain clear.

I’ll lead. Rothai pushed forward. Tarrick, you bring up the rear.

King Mastaran? Alyx asked Tijer.

Stayed in Carhall for the night, fortunately, he said, then rapped out a quick series of orders to the Bluecoats. They began moving along the tunnel. Alyx ran just behind Rothai with two Bluecoats close behind. Cayr, his father and Jenna followed, surrounded by Tijer and the remaining Bluecoats.

Her magic was still functioning which meant there weren’t any Hunters close by. She wondered what their target had been, and hoped Finn and her other mage guards were okay. They knew where the rendezvous point was. At least Cayr and his father were out and safe. And Mastaran was still in Carhall… so either this was a poorly-planned attack, or the Hunters hadn’t been after the Tregayan king.

Adrenalin thudded through her, making her heart race even though they were moving at a slow jog. The tunnel wasn’t overly long—it would emerge into a thickly wooded area a good mile east of the palace. If Finn and her guard had fought clear, they would have gathered the horses and be waiting. King Darien’s Bluecoats would be doing the same. If they hadn’t… Alyx dismissed that thought. Fearing for her friends only skewed her focus. There was time for fear and worry once they were clear.

A shout from behind had them all stopping. Her heart thudded at the note of panic in Tijer’s voice and she pushed through the two Bluecoats behind her to reach him. He had his arm around Cayr’s father, who was staggering, head lolling back.

What’s wrong? Cayr’s voice was sharp with worry.

I don’t know. Tijer placed the king gently against the wall, and immediately he slumped to the ground. He was lathered in sweat, and he clutched at his chest, a rictus of pain etched into his features.

Magor-lier, we should keep moving. Rothai’s insistent voice sounded.

She ignored him, dropping to her knees beside the king. His breath was raspy, his skin turned the colour of milk. Short gasps escaped his mouth, which was moving, trying to form words but failing.

It’s his heart. Cayr stood over them, stricken. He’s been having problems. Ever since Casovar weakened him…

Lady Egalion, can you do anything? Tijer looked as stricken as Cayr—she’d never, not once in her life, seen his serious face so scared.

She reached out, placed her palm on the king’s clammy neck. His pulse jumped erratically, stopping and then starting. Her chest tightened in sympathy. We need Finn. Dammit.

Alyx, you can—

I haven’t absorbed Finn’s talent, Tarrick! she almost shouted, utterly failing to rein in her mixed frustration and terror. You know that healing ability is close to impossible to absorb.

She could give Darien strength, but that was the limit of her ability. It wasn’t helping—that was obvious. No matter what she fed him with her magic, it made no difference to the struggling man. Pain rippled across his features, eyes rolling back in his head. He’d stopped trying to talk. She glanced up at Cayr. Tears made his blue eyes brighter than usual.

A shocked silence descended as realisation sunk in of what was happening. The king of Rionn was going to die here in this tunnel and Alyx couldn’t do anything about it. Her best friend’s father, and she was useless.

Your Highness! Tijer leaned over him, gripping his shoulders. I’m going to carry you out of here. There’s a mage healer, he’ll be at the rendezvous point.

Darien shook his head. He wasn’t going to make it that far. He managed to lift a shaking hand, covering Tijer’s. His eyes flickered closed momentarily, as if he were summoning whatever strength he had left to speak. My son…keep him safe.

I will. I…dammit! Tijer’s voice mixed pain and helpless anger.

Father! Cayr was there then, pushing Alyx out of the way and pulling Darien into his arms. The king’s eyes slid closed. When she touched his arm, his pulse had gone. Cayr’s hand reached for hers, his eyes glassy. She squeezed back tightly.

I’m so sorry, she whispered.

He swallowed, head bowed, muscles rigid. She didn’t know what to do. What to say. It was all so unreal. So sudden. The king of Rionn had just died in a dark tunnel fleeing from a Hunter attack. Guilt sucked at her and her grip on Cayr’s hand tightened.

For a long moment heavy silence filled the tunnel. Rothai and Tarrick hovered in the background. It was Tijer who spoke first, standing and stepping away from Darien Llancarvan’s body.

We must get the king to safety, he said.

As one, every glance shifted to Cayr, still kneeling over his father’s body. Now the king of Rionn.

A rustling sound broke the silence. Alyx looked over to where Jenna was stripping off the skirts of her dress, revealing breeches underneath. Next went her bodice. Under that was a thin shirt. Alyx leapt to her feet, pushing Jenna back into the shadows before she could draw the sword she’d been concealing in a rolled-up cloak.

What are you doing? Alyx hissed. If you reveal yourself as a Taliath—

My prince is now my king. His life is worth more than mine. It is my duty to keep him safe, and I cannot do that while pretending to be other than I am. Jenna gave Alyx a hard shove and walked back into the light, striding up to Tijer. I will stay with the king and Lady Egalion. Your men will take point. We need to keep moving.

Cayr blinked, looking up helplessly at Alyx. Grief and guilt and regret all threatened to overwhelm her but she fought it back, managing to hold the emotions at bay long enough to reach out and rest her hand against his tear-streaked cheek. You are king now, Cayr. I am so sorry, but we have to go. She fixed her gaze on his blue eyes. You have to be strong. Mourning can come later.

He squeezed her hand again, so tightly it hurt, but then he gave her a nod. Her heart bled for her best friend, for the raw pain that spilled out of him, for the way he had to push his grief away and become a king.

It was a grim party that emerged into thick woods just after dawn. It had been raining, and water dripped from the leaves around them with a steady tapping sound. Hoofbeats thudded in the distance. Alyx threw out her telepathic magic.

It’s all right, she reported. It’s Finn, plus Tari and the rest of the Bluecoats.

Soon the clearing was a chaotic mess of milling horses and soldiers. Tijer shouted for some order. Finn and Tari came straight to Alyx, leading their horses. The sight of Finn made her heart twist in her chest. If only he’d been with them… if only he hadn’t been off protecting her, Cayr’s father might still be alive.

An odd silence fell over the clearing when the Bluecoats began to realise who Tijer was carrying in his arms. One by one they dismounted, taking their hats off and kneeling in the mud before Cayr.

The new king of Rionn sent a helpless glance Alyx’s way, as if to ask what he was supposed to do now. She couldn’t help him, not with this. Tarrick was already tugging at her arm, telling her they needed to move.

Our priority is getting my father home to be buried, Cayr said eventually. There was a slight tremor to his voice, but she was proud of how straight he stood, how strong his words were. There will be time for mourning then.

Aye, Your Highness, Tijer spoke. At his words, the Bluecoats scrambled to their feet and returned to their horses. A disciplined, efficient unit, they were surrounding Cayr and ready to go in moments.

Alyx, come on! Tarrick urged. We have to go.

Walking away from Cayr during what had to be the toughest moment of his life tore her apart. She met his gaze—he was mounted now with Tijer on one side and Jenna on the other—and tried to convey her regret and sorrow. He bit his lip, looking lost and unsure. There was nothing more she wanted in that moment than to go to him.

We have to go too, Lady Egalion. Tijer’s voice was rough. They could discover us at any moment.

She nodded, heart in her throat as she met Cayr’s eyes. Be safe.

He tried to smile for her but failed. You too.

She couldn’t even promise that she would see them again soon. Tears fought to fall and she ruthlessly held them back. Goodbye, Cayr. I love you.

Once the Bluecoats were gone, they mounted in silence, Rothai leading the way, heading northeast at a fast gallop.

But no matter how far away they got, her thoughts lingered with Cayr. She was his best friend and he’d just lost his father. He was now king of Rionn. And she had to leave him.

She would never forgive herself for it.

Chapter 2

They hadn’t entirely worked out how the Hunters kept finding them, no matter where they hid, but the general assumption was that Shakar was using his telepathic magic—or that of one of the mages that followed him—to track them. In their urgent departure from Carhall, nobody had time for thinking about it any further.

The plan had always been to remain in Carhall only a handful of days before travelling on to a safehouse in an abandoned underground copper mine in the isolated countryside of eastern Tregaya. And after ensuring they hadn’t been followed, this was where Rothai led them.

It had been Finn who’d worked out that telepathic magic couldn’t penetrate underground, and the mine had become a base of sorts for the ragged group of mages that had survived the attack on DarkSkull and chosen not to return to the Mage Council.

No mage who lacked a disciplined mental shield even knew about the place, let alone was ever brought there. Rothai kept Alyx’s visits there short and infrequent. Still, it was the only central safe location they had.

They arrived just over a week after fleeing Carhall, weary to the bone. Rothai had pushed them hard and Alyx hadn’t fought him on it. The exhaustion had helped keep her bitterness and grief at bay. As had her determination to do something, anything to make this better. The time in the saddle had allowed her to think, to come to a decision that at least would allay some of the terrible guilt she’d been feeling.

I’m sorry about Cayr’s father. Tarrick looked uncomfortable as they dismounted and saw to the horses.

So am I, she said shortly. I’ve been thinking about it ever since we left Carhall, and I want to talk about what happens next. I think we need to go to Sandira.

Magor-lier, we talked about—

I know it’s dangerous, and I know we just walked away from another Hunter attack, but the king of Rionn is dead! Anger filled her voice. What if Shakar sees that as a vulnerability and attacks? We need allies and we need Zandia’s army.

Cayr might be young, but he’s not weak, Tarrick said.

"We know that, but Shakar doesn’t. What is it you think comes next—more running from place to place? When does it stop? I need to do something."

Tomorrow. Finn stepped between them, voice calm. We’re exhausted and upset. We can discuss this first thing tomorrow after rest.

She stared at him, chest heaving, wanting to keep shouting, wanting to force their agreement now. She wasn’t sure she could sleep without feeling like she was doing something to help Cayr.

Please, Alyx. None of us are thinking straight, Finn pleaded. We’ll talk tomorrow, I promise.

Fine. She pushed past them both, stalking into the mine entrance without another word.

They occupied only a small section of the mine—the remainder of it too unstable after so long in disuse. Even so, Alyx managed to avoid running into any of the mages living there on her way to her private room, a tiny space carved into the rock which branched off a long, winding tunnel. Someone had left a fresh lamp burning, illuminating the narrow pallet and her few possessions scattered across the top of an old crate.

She pulled the curtain across the entrance and tugged her boots off before changing into an old, baggy sleeping shirt. Her stormy emotions were quickly fading in the face of physical exhaustion. Now all she felt was heartsick.

Once settled, she reached under her pillow and pulled out the small silver bracelet she kept hidden there. Tears welled in her eyes and she blew out the lamp before curling up on the pallet, hugging the blanket to her and finally allowing herself to think about Dashan.

Alyx hadn’t seen him since that bright, sunny morning they’d said goodbye on the dock at Ester. His features had faded in her mind, but she still remembered those expressive dark Shiven eyes as if she’d seen them only yesterday. She’d never imagined they’d be apart so long; she missed him badly, and that feeling had only intensified in the time since she’d last seen him.

He’d only completed a half year of training on ShadowFall Island before her father had sent for him. Unrest in Shivasa had steadily worsened until much of the south of the country was in open revolt. With his Shiven blood and Taliath skill, Dashan was the perfect man to send into Shivasa to help the rebels in undermining the Shiven government. Her father had written to her about it, noting he hoped to cause enough problems in Shivasa that the military had to be diverted away from the Rionnan border to help quell the unrest.

Ladan too had left ShadowFall Island. He fought in the disputed area, helping to hold back the encroaching Shiven army, his life in danger every day. And when he wasn’t there he was back at Widow Falls, helping to ensure the movement of supplies and weapons from Tregaya kept moving through safely.

Despite their best efforts, the Shiven gained inches more territory each month. Darien Llancarvan's death placed Rionn in a more precarious state than ever. The court had little choice but to accept such a young king, but Cayr might have to spend so much time and effort bringing them to his will that he had little left over for dealing with the Shiven pushing at their borders. And all amidst grieving his lost father.

She worried about all of them constantly. It wasn’t only Dashan she ached at being apart from—those she loved most in the world were all fighting in one way or another. What if something happened to one of them and she wasn’t there to help?

It would break her.

Unable to manage more than an hour or two of sleep, she was up early. A rusted iron ladder took her down to a large space they used to prepare food and drink. Over plain oats and hot tea she mused on what it was going to take to convince the others that a trip to Zandia was necessary.

The emperor commanded the most powerful armed forces on the continent aside from Shivasa, and his support would be crucial to any successful alliance. Alyx hoped that together they could first deal with the Shiven threat, which would then leave them free to focus all their resources on defeating Shakar. A much better strategy than relying on Alyx’s magical abilities, no matter how strong they were.

When she’d first raised the idea a few months earlier, Rothai, Tarrick and Finn had all decided against it. A public trip would place Alyx in too much danger, they believed, leaving her vulnerable to a Hunter attack. But Darien’s death had changed the balance. Rionn was in trouble, Cayr was in trouble, and she needed to do something to help.

You mind some company? Finn’s head of messy curls appeared at the top of the ladder.

Alyx waved him in, her gaze searching him from head to toe for signs of injury. She’d been so upset in their escape from Carhall she hadn’t properly checked if any of them were hurt. You’re okay?

Not a scratch, he assured her.

This time, she muttered, anger surging despite her best efforts.

Alyx, I know the king’s death was upsetting, and that you wish you could be there for your friend. His understanding gaze met hers. But at least, right now in this moment, we’re safe. Appreciate that.

She scowled at him. "Not anymore, Finn. I can’t appreciate being forcibly cooped up in here. Something has to change."

We’ve talked about this. Finn’s patience didn’t help her irritation.

Running away isn’t going to help us defeat him. And now things are worse. You know as well as I do how vulnerable Rionn will be until Cayr can establish his rule.

I get that, but it’s also not going to do anybody any good if you get killed because you face Shakar when you aren’t yet capable of defeating him, he pointed out. Training and time will increase your chances of defeating Shakar.

Alyx shook her head. Shakar is a mage of the higher order who has been alive far longer than I have. He has undoubtedly absorbed many more abilities and has had a lot of time to hone them. I can’t ever catch up. And even if I could, he’s invulnerable.

Silence filled the room, her words echoing around them with the inevitable ring of finality. It was the elephant in the room. The thing none of them had spoken aloud, but all knew in the backs of their minds. Mage of the higher order she might be. More powerful than any other mage, maybe. But Shakar was invulnerable to magic.

After a moment, Finn shook his head in obvious frustration. It’s not as simple as you keep making it sound. Yes, he’s invulnerable, which means you can’t touch him directly with your magic. It doesn’t mean you couldn’t use telekinetic power to pick up the chair you’re sitting on and throw it at his head.

Around and around this argument always went. She bit down on her usual response: that invulnerable or not, Shakar was still stronger and more skilled, and forever would be. I’m not talking about facing down Shakar tomorrow. I’m talking about travelling to Sandira to seek a military alliance with the emperor of Zandia. Cayr can’t leave Alistriem now to do it, and I doubt Mastaran will be willing to venture outside the walls of Carhall anytime soon.

Finn sighed. We just need to—

Magor-lier?

Both turned to the narrow opening in the rocky wall opposite where they sat. The young warrior mage standing there lifted his eyebrows in surprise at the looks directed his way. Finn’s patience with her had finally snapped, and irritation was written all over his face. Her disgruntlement came from a different source—she detested the title everyone insisted on giving her. Rothai had started it, but only because she was the strongest mage fighting against Shakar. She held no real power, evidenced by her confinement to whichever hiding place they’d found for the moment.

What is it, Nordan? Finn asked.

Tall and slim, the ice-mage’s demeanour matched his mage ability perfectly. Slicked back dark hair framed a narrow, pale-skinned face and grey eyes. Beyond his faint indication of surprise, he was utterly unmoved by their bad moods. Sorry to interrupt. Master Rothai is awake—he asked me to fetch you. He said you’d planned to meet this morning?

Alyx stood and shoved her chair back against the table with more force than was necessary and stalked from the room. Finn followed silently.

The constant waves of Hunters coming at her made it nigh impossible for Alyx’s group to gain strength or plan strategically. It was beyond frustrating that Shakar’s assassins were able to find them no matter where they went outside of the mine, and despite Tarrick, Finn and Rothai’s reasoned arguments, Alyx was beginning to suspect there was more than just Shakar’s telepathy at play.

While she didn’t claim to be a master at that aspect of her magic, she was not convinced she’d be able to track down a single group of minds over an entire continent so consistently. Particularly given how disciplined their mental shielding was. He’d have to be watching at one of the infrequent instances where one of them lost concentration and dropped their shield momentarily.

She would talk to Dawn about it next time they spoke. Whenever that was. A pang tugged at her. She missed her friend, currently in Alistriem with Cario. At least Cayr would have them at his side—the thought made her gladder than ever she'd left them behind to help fight back the Shiven in her absence.

Tarrick stood as she and Finn ducked under a low entrance way to enter the room they used to hold meetings. It had once been a storage area for sacks of food, judging from some mouldering supplies they’d found on first arriving. Rothai leaned against a half-cracked beam holding the roof upright. She gave it a dubious look, glad she wasn’t claustrophobic.

Magor-lier! Tarrick greeted her brightly.

Oh for...! Damn it, Tarrick, how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that!

It’s your title.

No, it’s the title that you insist on giving me. She tried for calm. I’m not anybody’s leader, not hiding in here wrapped up in twenty layers of protection.

He cleared his throat, clearly struggling for patience. Magor-lier, there are good reasons for—

Stop calling me that!

A stack of rolled up maps on the table went flying in all directions, one smacking Finn’s shoulder as it flew past. Another landed precariously close to one of the few lanterns providing light. Rothai gave Alyx a look of reproach at the evidence of her lack of control over her magic. Nobody said anything. She abruptly felt like a child all the adults were disapproving of.

She took a deep breath. I’m sorry for shouting. Tarrick, you’re one of my best friends. Please can you just call me by my name?

Finn smiled slightly, then jerked a finger at Rothai. I enjoy how you don’t have a problem with him calling you by your title.

Tarrick chuckled, and even Rothai’s severe expression softened, breaking the tension in the room. Alyx smiled too.

I know you wish to talk to us, Magor-lier, but before we start, a message from Lord-Mage Astor arrived while we were away. Rothai held up a small piece of curling parchment.

Her heart thudded. Astor. He wouldn’t know about Darien’s death yet, but he would grieve the king’s loss deeply. What did he have to say?

That he was leaving Alistriem on a trip to meet with the Mage Council—apparently they requested it. He asked that we meet him in Racc if we get this message in time and are close enough to travel there.

That’s good, she said firmly. Racc is not far out of the way if we’re heading north to Zandia.

A moment’s silence. She tried not to be furious at the glances the three men threw each other. Tarrick let out a breath. I concede that the situation has changed. Rionn’s new vulnerability could be dangerous—if Shakar’s Shiven pressed harder now… an alliance with Zandia might make Shakar more cautious. But the danger to you hasn’t changed. I propose that Finn and I travel to Sandira to speak with the emperor.

Alyx lifted an eyebrow. And what will I do while you’re off enjoying the emperor’s hospitality?

Continue your training, Rothai said smoothly.

Spending weeks cooped up in the mine doing nothing but practicing magic was an unbearable thought. Not with how helpless she felt, how desperate she was to do something, anything. No, I’m coming with you.

Finn cleared his throat. This is a very public trip to Sandira, or at least it will be once we’ve arrived. If Shakar gets wind of where you are, he’ll send his Hunters after you.

Have you considered that the Zandian emperor will be much more likely to listen to our request if I’m there in person? she countered, arching an eyebrow. Tarrick, you’re the one that told me the Zandians have a great deal of respect for mages of the higher order, that they remember the days of the Magor-lier. What makes you think he’s even going to grant an audience to a motley collection of non-council mages, no matter your family connections?

Tarrick’s jaw clenched and he looked away.

Rothai opened his mouth. Magor-lier—

She summoned as much granite into her voice as she could muster. I’m going, and that’s final.

Please, think it through, Finn urged. There’s a good chance Shakar will find out that you’re in Sandira. If he does, we can’t protect you.

I think we can mitigate the risk. Reason was all that would convince them. If we limit our time there, say to a week or two, no more, Shakar won’t have enough time to get his Hunters so far north even if he learns of our presence as soon as we arrive in Sandira.

He might have Hunters already there, Finn pointed out.

She raised a hand to forestall the inevitable agreement with Finn. I’m going. You won’t change my mind.

Rothai straightened from the wall and shrugged. Then I’m coming too.

Relief flooded through her, leaving her almost lightheaded. Finally, she was going to be able to do something, and maybe even make a real difference to this war.

Chapter 3

Tarrick took the lead as they left the mine and headed east and slightly north, Rothai bringing up the rear. It was hard to tell which of the two was more focused. Alyx’s gaze drifted over the rest of the party—it was a small group, but Rothai preferred that. It helped them avoid attention.

Apart from Tarrick, Finn, and Rothai, there were three other warrior mages, all handpicked and well-drilled in erecting their mental shields anytime they were outside the caves, and most particularly when they were near Alyx.

Of the three, she was most familiar with Jayn. The small, dark-haired mage was skilled with her staff and wielded a powerful magical shield. Perennially good-tempered, Jayn had been a member of Third Patrol when they were apprentices together back at DarkSkull Hall.

Adahn was another mage Alyx had met at DarkSkull, though she didn’t know him as well. He’d passed his trials after her first year. Tari was an older mage, close to Rothai’s age, with black hair always pulled back in a long plait that fell down her back. She was a quiet woman, and Alyx wasn’t quite sure what to make of her yet.

Finn rode up beside her. You look more relaxed already.

She smiled, giving another firm tug on the reins to hold in a restive Tingo. Is it that obvious?

He gave her a wry look, dark green eyes glinting with humour.

I’m sorry I’m not better at this. She sighed, hands fiddling with her reins.

Better at what?

Being the Magor-lier. Doing what you all need me to do.

He was quiet for a moment, thinking that over. She thought she’d surprised him, as if he hadn’t realised that was the source of her discontent. There’s no manual on how to be the perfect Magor-lier, he said eventually. Just like there’s no manual on how to follow one. We’re all doing our best.

I know.

He arched an eyebrow. Maybe remember that before you snap at Tarrick or me next time?

She huffed a breath. I’ll try.

Don’t bother about Rothai, though. Snap at him all you like.

Alyx chuckled and returned Finn’s grin, abruptly feeling better. She hated fighting with her friends, and despite their frequent disagreements, Finn was one of her oldest and dearest.

We’ll be okay, he said as if he could read her thoughts. We just have to keep muddling through, and we’ll get there in the end.

It’s not me that I’m worried about, she said, trying to keep the tears from her eyes. It’s Cayr, my best friend who has to become king in the middle of war, and everyone else I love who is in danger every moment and I can’t help. Her hands tightened painfully on the reins.

He said nothing for a long moment, then he reached out to lightly touch her hand. Me too, he whispered.

Two days later, Tarrick, Rothai, and Alyx left the others encamped on the outskirts of the bustling town of Racc. Clothed as travellers, they made straight for a specific inn on a secluded side street. Rothai spoke briefly to the innkeeper before directing them upstairs to a room on the top floor. A delighted smile spread over Alyx’s face as the door opened to reveal her godfather. Astor!

Beaming himself, he stood back to let them in. I must admit I’m surprised you managed to make it, though I am delighted you could. I was sure you’d have not long left Carhall.

Alyx’s heart plummeted. You haven’t heard.

Haven’t heard what, Aly-girl? His gaze sharpened on hers, penetrating and insistent.

Tarrick cleared his throat. We’ll leave you both a moment to catch up. Rothai and I should keep an eye outside anyway, just in case.

Alyx’s gaze tracked the door closing, then fell to the floor. Astor said nothing, waiting for her to straighten her shoulders and meet his eyes. There was a Hunter attack while we were in Carhall. The king… the stress of the escape… his heart was… She stumbled, angry at herself for not being able to say the words. He died. Cayr is now king.

Astor was still, unblinking, hands resting lightly in his lap. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking or feeling. After a long moment he gave himself a little shake. Oh, Darien, he murmured.

I’m sorry, Astor. She reached out to lay a hand over his. I know you’ve been friends for many years.

He nodded absently, pale eyes settling on hers. I suppose this news explains why you look so pale and drawn. Was anyone else hurt?

I’m not certain, but I don’t think so. We had to leave so quickly. She swallowed. I had to walk away and leave Cayr when his father had just died. He has to be king now, and I want to be there to help him, support him, but I can’t. It’s hard, running away all the time. Bitterness leaked into her voice despite her best efforts. I hate every second of it.

I know, he said softly, almost as if talking to himself. And your news pales in comparison to the reason I asked to meet, though I’m glad I did. Darien’s loss... I’m glad to know sooner rather than later.

She straightened, unable to dwell on their loss any longer. I’m going to Zandia to ask the emperor for an alliance. I’d like your help. I want you to come with us. A representative of the Rionnan crown will only help our cause.

Astor sat back in his chair, letting her rush of words wash over him. "I hope you’re not doing something reckless merely because you feel like you have to do something."

It’s risky, she admitted. But necessary. You know as well as I do how vulnerable Cayr is going to be until he can assert his authority.

I do. His eyes narrowed in thought. And for what it’s worth, I agree that an alliance with Zandia will forestall any perceived weakness in Rionn on Shivasa’s part. But I can’t come. He raised a hand to forestall her protests. The council has officially requested my presence, and to flout such a direct request would only add to Rionn’s precarious position. I’ll send a bird to King Cayr today recommending he send someone immediately via ship to Sandira. If you’re travelling overland, the timing should match up well enough.

She frowned at his mention of the Mage Council. While for all intents and purposes the council functioned as it always had, the masters hadn’t ventured out of Carhall since the attack on DarkSkull. In the first days after the attack, Rothai had urged her to go north and join them in the formidable walled city. She’d flatly refused.

Over time, as Rothai learned through old contacts that the council’s reach had diminished, along with their activities, he’d stopped trying to convince her. It wasn’t only Alyx and those who followed her that Shakar’s Hunters went after. Council mages were dying too.

Part of Alyx yearned to do more, to show leadership where the council hadn’t, but all she could promise mages following her was the high chance of death. What does the council want to see you about?

He lifted his hands, giving her a little shrug.

She sighed. I don’t trust them, Astor. They murdered innocent children. Besides, it’s not like they’re doing much beyond hiding behind the walls of Carhall.

Even so, is there anything else you need from me in Carhall?

She hesitated, fighting through her gut-level hatred of the council. Yes. I intended to speak with them while in Carhall, but the unexpected attack meant I couldn’t. Would you please tell them of my trip, and offer that they send a representative to join us? The emperor is likely to respond more favourably to a request for alliance if the council and I appear unified.

I agree. Astor smiled at her sympathetically. I will pass on your offer and let them know that a representative from Rionn will attend.

Can you also find out about Galien? Despite his murderous hatred of me, he’s always claimed loyalty to the council. I want to know if that’s still the case, and if so, what they have him doing.

Astor’s gaze narrowed thoughtfully, though she got the distinct impression his mind was far away. Yes of course, the other mage of the higher order. He blinked, eyes settling on hers. I’ll deal with that for you.

And another thing. You know that before I fled Alistriem, Ladan and I found out that Shakar is probably a mage my mother knew personally? She shook her head in frustration. Tarrick and Finn and I have discussed it endlessly ever since, but we can’t think of any good candidates. Could you do some sniffing around for us?

Of course I’ll do anything I can to help. But you know I’m dubious about your theory. Even if Shakar could disguise himself so well that he could re-enter the mage world after them all thinking him dead... it would be arrogance in the extreme. And I’m not sure what he’d be hoping to achieve by it.

Thank you. She sighed, leaned over to hug him. I wish we had more time. It’s so nice to see a familiar face from home.

Maybe after you meet with the emperor you should consider going back to Alistriem, even if only for a few days, Astor suggested. It might help if you could go home and see your family again. I know your father and brother miss you very much, and Cayr especially so after what’s happened.

I miss them too. I’d really like to do that, she said wistfully.

Then give it some serious thought. He stood, beginning to usher her out. Now, we both know you shouldn’t linger. Keep safe in Sandira, Alyx.

She hugged him tightly. You too. I hope to see you soon.

Alyx and her escort were well-accustomed to travelling light and fast, and in