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The others chuckled. Da
He caught up with Unh and they continued on. Soon they had to levitate down the other side of the ridge, then up two more walls. Every time, Unh found the trail again. Time passed and soon the sun was dropping ever closer to the horizon. They entered a narrow ravine. Unh hesitated at the entrance, then indicated Da
“You keep magic shield on,” he said. “Keep it strong.”
Da
After several hundred paces the walls began to retreat and the ravine floor widened. Ahead, it became a small valley. Unh let out a breath and muttered something.
Then a crack and a boom shook the air. The sound came from behind them. Da
Slowly it settled to reveal a huge pile of rocks.
Where are the Sachakans? Are they buried? Da
Lorkin!
“They’ll be fine,” the young magician said. “They had strong barriers. It won’t take long for them to haul themselves out, then to work out how they’re going to get through to you, so I can’t stay long.” He smiled and stopped a few paces from Da
“We certainly do,” Da
Lorkin looked healthy. He was even a little ta
“Let’s sit down,” Lorkin said. He moved to a low boulder and sat. Da
Abruptly all sounds in the ravine were silenced. Da
“You must have many questions,” Lorkin said. “I’ll do my best to answer them.”
Da
“Who killed the slave in your room?”
Lorkin smiled wryly. “The woman I’ve been travelling with. She saved my life.”
“Tyvara?”
“Yes. The one you found dead in my room tried to kill me. Tyvara said that others would try to finish the job, and offered to take me somewhere safe.”
“Who wants you killed, and why?”
Lorkin grimaced. “That’s kind of complicated. I can’t tell you who, but I can tell you why. It’s because of my father. But not because he killed any Ichani. Because of something else he did. Or rather, something he didn’t do. Do you remember how someone helped him escape Sachaka by teaching him black magic?”
Da
“Well, that person was a Traitor. He agreed to give them something in return, and he never did. In fact, it was something he was not authorised to give, but I guess he was desperate to go home and would have agreed to anything.” Lorkin shrugged. “I need to sort that out with the Traitors. And… there are other things. I have to tell them what happened with Riva – the slave Tyvara killed – or Tyvara will be charged for murder and executed. So I need you to stop following me.”
“How did I know you were going to say that?” Da
“They’ll kill you if you don’t.” Lorkin’s expression was more serious than Da
Da
“Yes. Or whatever you need to say to end the search.”
Somehow I don’t think it’ll take much to convince the Sachakans, after this, he thought, looking at the rocks blocking the ravine. What about Unh? I guess he’ll follow orders. But maybe the truth will suffice. If I decide we don’t need to find Lorkin, will the Ashaki keep searching?
Then Da
“This isn’t just because of your father and this woman, is it?”
The young magician blinked, then smiled.
“No. I want to know more about the Traitors. They don’t have slaves, and the way their society is structured is completely different to the rest of Sachaka. I think they may have forms of magic we’ve never heard of – or haven’t seen in thousands of years. I think they might be good people to establish friendly ties with. I think… I think that we need to get on their good side, because one day we might be dealing with them instead of the people ruling Arvice now.”
Da
“I wouldn’t expect to be.” Lorkin shrugged. “I do realise the problems that would cause for the Guild. For now it would be better if everyone acted as if I’d left the Guild. I’m not sure how long I will have to stay here.” He frowned. “There’s a chance they won’t let me leave in case I tell others how to find them. I’ve explained all this to Mother, by the way.”
“Oh. Good.” Da
“Yes.” Lorkin chuckled. “Sorry about that.” The amusement left his face and he grimaced. He looked down and uncurled the fingers of one hand. On his palm lay a blood ring. He held it out to Da
Da
“Yes.” A movement caught their attention. Dust rose from the pile of rocks behind them. Lorkin’s gaze flickered to them, and he stood up. “I have to go.”
At the movement, Unh turned to look at them. Once more Da
“My friend here – he’s from the Duna tribes, by the way – told me something interesting the other day. He said that his people have knowledge of how to make gemstones like those in the Cavern of Ultimate Punishment.”
Lorkin’s eyes brightened with interest.
“He also said,” Da
The young magician smiled. “Who is? But I will keep that in mind. It is interesting information. Very interesting.” His eyes narrowed for a moment, then he looked at Da
Da
“What did he say to you?” Da