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As the others denied it, Lorkin considered her and the lessons he’d learned. In the last year he’d met a few women who were both good company and good lovers, and wanted no more than that. He’d found he preferred this sort of encounter. The seductions that Dekker undertook, which only ended in hurt and scandal – or worse – did not appeal. And the affectionless marriage that Reater had been forced into by his parents sounded like his worst nightmare.
Father’s family hasn’t attempted to find me a bride in a while now. Maybe they’re starting to realise how much pleasure Mother gets from spoiling all their plans for me. Though I’m sure she wouldn’t block anything if I wanted it.
He dragged his thoughts back to the present as the conversation turned to the exploits of mutual friends of Beriya and Dekker. Lorkin listened and let the afternoon slip by. Eventually the two Healers left to visit the new racecourse, and Beriya left for a dress fitting. Dekker, Sherran and Jalie set off on foot to their family homes, which were in the same main street of the I
Walking through the streets of the I
Are they the bars of a prison to me, or a wall to keep out danger? Beyond was the front of the University, where his parents had once fought Sachakan black magicians in a last desperate battle. Those magicians were only Ichani, the Sachakan version of outcast criminals. How would that battle have ended if they’d been Ashaki, black-magic-wielding noble warriors? We were lucky to have won that battle. Everyone knows that. Black Magician Kallen and my mother may not be able to save us if the Sachakans ever decide to invade us properly.
A familiar figure was approaching the gates from within. As the man passed through them, Lorkin smiled. He knew Lord Da
– Lord Da
The tall magician looked up, saw Lorkin, and his frown disappeared. They walked toward each other, meeting at the entrance of the street Da
“Lord Lorkin. How are things?”
Lorkin shrugged. “Well enough. How’s your research going?”
Da
Lorkin could not remember who Tagin was, but he nodded anyway. Da
“How… how did you come up with the idea to write a history of magic?” Lorkin asked.
Da
“Like black magic?” Lorkin suggested.
Da
Lorkin felt his heart skip. “Another sort of defensive magic? That would be a great thing to find.” It would not only free the Guild from having to use black magic, but could either provide a defence against the Sachakans, or persuade the Sachakans to give up black magic and slavery and join the Allied Lands. If I found such a thing… but this is Da
Da
Well… if Da
Lorkin took a deep breath. “Could… could I look at the work you’ve done so far?”
The older magician’s eyebrows rose. “Of course. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of it. You might notice something I haven’t.” He looked down the street, then shrugged. “Why don’t you join Tayend and me for di
Lorkin found himself nodding. “Thank you.” If he went back to his room in the Guild, he’d only end up alternating between brooding over Beriya and telling himself his life was better without her. “I’m sure it’ll be fascinating.”
Da
“Do you need to return to the Guild first?”
Lorkin shook his head. “No, but if you need to give Tayend and the servants some warning-”
“No, they won’t mind. Tayend brings unexpected visitors to the house all the time. Our servants are used to it.”
He beckoned and started toward his home, and Lorkin fell into step beside him.
CHAPTER 3 SAFE PLACES, DANGEROUS DESTINATIONS
His desk is always such a mess,” Tayend told Lorkin. As Da
“It only looks disorganised,” Da
Tayend chuckled. “I’m sure it’s just a ploy to ensure nobody can steal his research and ideas.” He gri
Lorkin smiled and nodded. “I will.”
The scholar waved a hand in farewell, then effected a jaunty walk as he left the room. Da
“There is order to the madness,” Da
“Black magic?”
“Perhaps. But it might be Healing magic. It may be only coincidence that our predecessors called black magic ‘higher magic’.” Da