Empress of Wolves (14 page)

I would ask something further of you, Lady Amaraaq,
Dana said.
Give Hagalaz the same chance you gave your wolf. You will not regret it. And remember, young one, destruction can lead to hope. You can't have beginnings without endings, but sometimes those endings aren't as pretty as one might like.

“I will remember the name and if I should come across them, I will do so,” Kalla replied.

Oh, you will come across him, sooner or later. Remember your word, Lady Amaraaq,
Dana said, her voice fading as Kalla's hold on the dream world began to slip.

Rinsook at night was a beauty to behold, Kalla mused. The skyport was aglow with Artifice lamps, shining like fireflies about the individual paddocks. As they approached, a voice came over the radio. Aleister requested permission to land and they were directed to a paddock whose lights switched from an orange glow to a flashing blue.

The
Heracles
had yet to arrive. While the
Stymphalian
had taken the children back to their families, Lukas and Manny had taken the rescued women. Kalla and Aleister made their way back to the Jester's Balance, the inn in which they had stayed before. Though she hadn't seen the wyvern, Vander and Kasai had gone to Rinsook ahead of the others.

Ranni and Emmeline had chosen to remain with Kalla's group. The herbalist was still very quiet and withdrawn. She flinched, and drew closer to Ranni when the group entered the cheerful confines of the inn. The press of people increased her nervousness and Kalla wasted no time in acquiring a pair of rooms for the four of them.

Kalla gave quiet instructions to the innkeeper to have only female servants attend the two women and asked for food to be brought up to the rooms for all four of them. The Healer left the two women at their room with the admonition to call her if they needed anything.

“We will, Lady Mage,” Ranni said. “Thank you again for helping us.”

“Yes, thank you. I hope I can repay your generosity, Lady Mage,” Emmeline said softly.

They disappeared into their room, and Kalla walked down to her own, where Aleister was already talking with Vander and Kasai. The War Mage and his magister had been in the dining hall when they had entered and had followed them upstairs. Vander gave her a questioning look when she entered.

“How are they?” he asked.

“They are doing as well as can be expected,” Kalla replied. “Ranni is holding up better than Emmeline. The Sveltlander has the spirit and determination of her people, that's for sure. Emmeline on the other hand… well, I think it will take her longer to heal.”

Vander sighed. “I know…”

The War Mage let the subject go, as a soft knocking came at the door. Aleister answered it and let in the servants bearing their dinner. After they departed the discussion turned to the Healer's trip. It had taken some work, but they had finally figured out where the children belonged. Sure enough, there were frantic families looking for them. It broke Kalla's heart to have to tell the mothers what had befallen their children, but the parents were grateful that the mage had brought them home alive.

Manny and Lukas arrived the next day, successful in returning their own charges to their families.

“We also found word of the other freed slaves. There were a few in the second village we visited and one in the last. They said that a Rang'moori mage freed them, but his House wasn't evident from his robes. They were trimmed in grey, not red. He only gave his name as 'el'Marwol'. They did say he had burn scars on his face and his right hand,” Manny said.

“Well, that would be Grosso. No doubt he's figured it safer to change his name and clothes,” Vander said. “That still doesn't explain
why
he helped them to begin with.”

“Marwol…,” Kalla muttered. “That is a Kymry word. It means 'death'. I'm not sure what 'el' means. And why grey? That's a Technomancer colour…”

“The name certainly seems to fit…” Vander muttered.

* * *

“
Kalla kyl'Solidor…
”

“
Kalla kyl'Solidor…
”

“
Kalla kyl'Solidor!
”

Kalla made an annoyed noise at the insistent voice in her head. It was too early in the morning for this. The sun hadn't even properly risen yet.

“What?!” she growled. Beside her Aleister muttered something unintelligible in Arkaddian.

“
Wake up, Lady of Wolves!
”

The Healer jolted awake at the familiar voice in her head. “Justina?”

“
None other.
”

“But then, that means you are the new 'Tem. Congratulations, Lady Justina,” Kalla said. She was definitely more awake now and so was the Fox. He wrapped an arm around her and listened to her side of the conversation.

“
Many thanks, Lady Kalla. It's been a learning experience, that's for sure. But enough with the formalities. I've been asked to call you home.

“
Never fear, both of you are welcome here. I managed to pass Hauss' test with what I learned from Vander. The Chief Healer was most pleased and the 'Sin are eager to see if you can bond more of us,
” the new Master of Solidor said.

“I'm glad to hear it,” Kalla said. She filled Justina in on what they had been through since their meeting on Argoth, expressing frustration at the standstill in which they found themselves, and her anger and puzzlement regarding the slave encampments.

“
I will have the Master Seer and the Chief Archivist look for any hint of the Isle of Whispers. Hopefully, we can find some answers for you.

“
Ranni and Emmeline will certainly be welcome here. I will have quarters prepared and will tell Hauss and the 'Sin what you have told me. In the meantime, have a safe journey home.
”

“Thank you, Lady Justina. We will see you soon,” Kalla replied.

“I gather we're returning to Cryshal,” Aleister said.

“Didn't think it would be so soon. They want me to teach how to share gifts.” Kalla's frowned. She rubbed a hand over her heart, trying to ease away the tightness building in her chest. Kalla realised she didn't want to return. There was still so much to do.

Sensing her conflict, Aleister pulled her close.

“It'll be fine, milady. It will be good for us to be there while Emmeline and Ranni get settled. We're familiar faces.”

They met the others downstairs for breakfast.

“I suppose you've heard already?” Vander asked in a miserable voice as the Healer joined him. Restless energy had him fidgeting in his seat.

“Solidor has a new 'Tem. Yes, Justina contacted me as well. We have been recalled home.” Kalla said.

“I don't think I am ready for this,” Vander said in a pained voice. “I… I keep seeing that stone chamber, the needle… the moment when I faced you. Fought you. All I can think is that they'll still see me as a traitor. I don't want to be shunned.”

Kalla reached out and placed her hand on his.

“
Don't worry. Everything will work out. You've won Lady Justina's approval. You will win Hauss' as soon as he tests you. None can say you are not a different person than you were before,
” she said.

“
Thank you for believing in me, Dashkele. Thank you for your trust,
” Vander said.

Kalla gave his hand a gentle squeeze before turning to Aleister. The Fox had been conferring with Sir Lukas, planning the course that would take them home to Cryshal Kanlon.

Kalla chuckled softly at the muted gasps behind her as Ranni and Emmeline descended from their carriage and glimpsed the Kanlon up close, in all its dazzling brightness. Not that they could have missed the shining beacon on the approach to Cryshal to begin with.

A flock of strider ships had greeted them at Cryshal's boundaries and escorted them in. The swarm saw them to the paddocks and departed as quickly as it had gathered upon their arrival.

At Bensen'gar they shielded the ships and left them in the long-term hangers. Amaterasu had taken Thiassi to the forest where she had spent their last visit.

Kalla's was pleased to see that Justina had sent a carriage carrying two female Healers, their male magisters disguised as the liveried servants in charge of the carriage. The two magi had gently chivvied Ranni and Emmeline into the carriage as the rest of them climbed into the remaining one.

Now these same Healers started to hurry their charges away. Kalla frowned at the abruptness. Emmeline broke from the group, darting over and wrapping Vander in a hug. She whispered an almost silent 'thank you', and darted away again before the Dashmari could respond. Kalla chuckled as his cheeks flushed slightly in embarrassment.

Vander turned to Kalla with a slightly bemused expression, then stiffened as a group of magi exited the Kanlon; Justina, Hauss and several of the 'Sin among them. None of the magi looked happy to see them and Kalla growled softly as a grim-faced Hauss and Justina stepped up to them, flanked by two other Solidoran magi and a cluster of armed magisters.

Hauss reached out and gripped Kalla's hand in an abrupt gesture. Fear flooded her as her link to her power suddenly blinked out. She tried to pull away from the Arkaddian's strong grip, but Hauss held firm. Beside her, Kalla's heard Vander's panicked growl beside. She struggled more fiercely, fighting to get to him.

She felt Aleister's alarm, a fever-bright fear, before the connection between the two closed down. Time seemed to become suffocatingly slow, and Kalla's struggles waned. Darkness engulfed her, and the last thing she felt was Hauss' strong hands catching her as she fell.

* * *

Kalla woke slowly. Grogginess gave way to brief panic as the Healer realized her powers were still blocked, even those of Amaraaq. She was lying on a comfortable bed, so she at least wasn't in the dungeons of Cryshal. A muted glowlamp cast the small room in dim light.

The Healer's lips thinned as she sat up, surveying her surroundings. Other than the bed, and table with the glowlamp, there were no other furnishings. She paced tight circles, occasionally muttering a string of snarled profanities. Had they been lured home just so they could be fettered? Kalla wondered. And why had Hauss, of all people, been a part of such a betrayal?

Pain shot through her jaws and Kalla stopped pacing. She hadn't realised she was grinding her teeth. She had a vague sense Aleister was nearby. The link was still alive, though, like her magick, still blocked from being used.

Sorrow washed the anger away as Kalla thought of Vander, and the time he had spent with his magick bound. Granted, it had been necessary then… The Healer sank back on the bed. She wasn't sure how long she had been out, but it had been long enough that her belly grumbled unhappily for want of food.

Inspiration struck her. She called out softly for Jahnsen, but the elemental didn't come to her call and Kalla was forced to assume they couldn't hear her. Frustration gnawed at her. After a time, the Healer passed into fitful sleep.

The soft scraping of the door opening jolted Kalla out of her light doze. She growled as someone entered the room, then squinted her eyes as magelight erupted before her. Malik sin'Solidor entered, followed by his Magister. Aelfin was a thin blade of a man, Kymry, with the darker brown hair and eyes common to his people. He wore no armor, but a sword hung at his waist and Kalla knew the man was well versed in its use.

She stifled her indignation as Malik silenced her voice. He silently motioned for her to exit the room. Without waiting to see if she would follow, Malik turned and walked out. Aelfin waited, stoic and silent, until she had followed Malik out the door.

Malik lead her through a series of corridors, finally stopping before a door deep within the Kanlon, this one thick and heavy on its hinges. He turned to face her.

“When you walk through this door, your powers will be freed. You will face the new Master War Mage in the traditional test to attain maestership in War Magick. The room is well-shielded and you will not be able to communicate with your magister. May Balgeras bless you, Lady Kalla,” Malik said as Aelfin pulled the door open.

Kalla glared at the older mage before stalking into the room. The Healer resisted the urge to flinch as Aelfin shut the door with a resounding clang of finality behind her.

The room was brightly lit, a vast circular space devoid of any ornamentation. As the door closed behind her, the invisible chains binding her magick fell free, though true to Malik's word, she was still unable to mind-speak Aleister.

Her opponent walked through a door on the far side of the room. As it closed behind them a ward rippled along the walls, flaring purple for an instant before disappearing. They wore the black robes of the Kanlon, trimmed in Solidor red. A hood and shroud covered their face.

Kalla frowned and drew in a deep breath. She could pick up no trace of the War Mage's scent. She put that from her mind as a streak of fire shot towards her. Her opponent had wasted no time in beginning this battle.

Kalla hastily erected a shield just before the flames engulfed her. They washed harmlessly over her instead and she sent a tentative return fire of her own as her mind raced to recall all that she had learned from Vander. Her effort was almost contemptuously batted aside, and a fresh volley of lightning twined fire was sent towards her.

Kalla strengthened her shields, tweaking them to repel attacks. Unfortunately, her opponent had the same idea and the ricochet bounced off their shield and back to Kalla. The Healer was already moving and it went past her and dissipated against the warding.

Kalla sent her magick into the ground and set the earth to trembling. A ragged furrow cut through the rock, heading for the War Mage. As it neared him, it erupted into a geyser of earthen fury. The shrouded Mage strengthened their shields and bulled through the falling stones, sending more fire and lightning her way.

Kalla frowned, tweaking her shields to absorb and contain energy. Her gamble worked and the energy washed over her, strengthening the shields. Something bright whipped by her head. As it returned to her opponent, she saw that it was a whirling disk, sparking with lightning.

She snarled as the mage gave a growling laugh, spinning a pair of disks on their fingertips. The laugh sounded masculine. He sent both disks towards her, fire and lightning dancing along the edges. Kalla growled deeply and reached out with her own magick to freeze the disks in mid-air. Immobilized, they folded in upon themselves, resolving into tiny squares small enough to be held in a palm. Artifice weapons then, though she could think of no mage who fought with weapons like these.

The Healer ignored the disks, except to extend her shields to cover them so that her opponent couldn't easily reclaim them. Kalla tried to dart away from another fireball, but was halted by a flame-laced whirlwind that coalesced around her. She grunted as the fireball hit the shields, the energy absorbed. The whirlwind dissipated, absorbed as the fireball had been.

Her opponent became more aggressive, bombarding her with a flurry of fireballs, each burning a fierce blue. They slammed into her all at once and overloaded the absorption shield. It crumpled around her, leaving only the innermost layer of shields to bear the next flurry. These too crumpled, leaving the Healer vulnerable.

Kalla snarled again, her anger building. Ears flat, she used her Alchemy without thinking, to leech the room of all its moisture, rebuilding the air itself to add to it. Gathering it about her, Kalla sent the liquid flood towards the War Mage, encasing him in a watery sphere. She froze it into an icy tomb around him, adding thickening layers to it. He struggled within and cracks began to appear in the ice wall.

The cracks widened and water poured off of the ice sphere faster than Kalla could keep freezing it. She decided to change tactics. As the ice shattered into slushy fragments, she sent her power into the earth and turned the rock beneath the War Mage's feet to viscous mud. He sank quickly and Kalla waited until he was almost completely submerged before solidifying the rock once more. The War Mage began to laugh, amused rather than mocking. The rock turned to sand and he pulled himself free. Holding out his hands in a gesture of peace, he reached up and slipped the hood back.

“Vander…? What the
hells
is going on here?
You
are the new Master War Mage?” Kalla sputtered.

“Yes, Dashkele,” Vander replied. He shook his head, freeing the long tail of his mane. Boyish mirth lit his face. “And you passed. You should practice though, to refine those instincts.

“I don't know what is going on. I passed Lord Hauss' test and Lord Sevrus' for Artifice as well though,” he continued, stooping to pick up the small metal squares. “With these, no less.”

As he touched them, the squares unfurled, turning back into the spiked disks which he spun on his fingers before closing them again and tucking them away. “The Sin' confirmed my position as Master War Mage, now that Cristos is gone. They are hopeful you can bond more of the magi as you have done with Manny, Justina and I.”

“I'm not feeling that charitable right now,” Kalla grumbled. “I don't appreciate being bundled off like some errant pariah and I am sorry to think you suffered this treatment before and they would force it on you again.”

The doors to either side of the room opened to reveal Aelfin and Cara. The magisters recalled their charges. Vander gave Kalla a confident grin as he turned to join Cara. She frowned as she trudged to Aelfin. The Healer's lips thinned, and her ears flattened. She narrowed her eyes at the magister as she walked through the door and the psychic chains settled around her like a pall.