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“Perhaps.” A line appeared between Planir’s fine black brows. “I’d be a fool to let my scones burn because I wouldn’t let anyone else at the griddle, wouldn’t I? If Hadrumal needs a new Stone Master, Usara’s the obvious candidate.”
Troa
“He and Shiv have been seeing how mages might work together in lesser combinations than a full nexus,” Planir offered.
“I fail to see how he’ll have made much progress when he spent all last summer traipsing round with the scaff and raff of the mainland backwoods.” Kalion leaned back to fold thick forearms over his substantial girth. “Not even representing Hadrumal to anyone of influence.”
“Then he wasted the winter breaking his nails trying to pick aetheric lore out of that collection of old Forest songs and whatever myths that Mountain lass he dragged back here could think up.” Troa
“You wouldn’t welcome some Artifice of our own to counter the Elietimm?” Planir asked blandly.
“I would if there was any sign of it, Archmage.” Kalion sounded genuinely regretful. “But there’s none beyond the simplest tricks, is there?”
Troa
“There are more candidates for Stone Master than Usara.” Kalion barely let the Flood Mistress finish speaking. “Galen has been examining the fundamental assumptions underpi
“I had no idea.” The Archmage shook his head thoughtfully. “But he hasn’t initiated any discussion that I’m aware of and I do keep current with such things, the earth being my own affinity. Kalion, you should drop Galen a hint to share his conclusions, otherwise people will only think him good for the latest gossip.” There was a barb in Planir’s casual geniality.
“Usara is far too young to have any credibility with the older mages,” Troa
“While Galen has spent so long in Kalion’s shadow, he has no reputation of his own at all.” Planir met Troa
He sprang to his feet, crossing the room to stand by the window. “There’s no obvious candidate for Cloud Master — or Mistress — any more than there is for Stone Master. True, I could offer a handful of each to the Council but do you think any would command a consensus? I don’t—and I certainly don’t want Hadrumal splitting into factions and backbiting when, as you so rightly say, Troa
“Ifs and buts are no excuse for inaction, Planir.” Troa
Kalion’s jowled face creased with dissatisfaction. “And quickly.”
“Hasty with the whip and the horse may stumble,” warned Planir. “I’m sure the best candidate will become apparent in time.”
Troa
“I’ll find a proverb to trade you for that one tomorrow,” Planir smiled.
Troa
She looked at Kalion and the stout mage reluctantly rose to his feet. She ushered him out of the room, neither mage saying anything further before she closed the door with an emphatic clunk.
Planir looked at the plain oak panels for a long moment before slinging his robe haphazard over the back of his chair. Weariness at odds with the early hour carved deep lines in his face now as the animation left it. He moved to the window, looking down as Kalion and Troa
The Archmage clenched his fist and closed his grey eyes on a grimace of regret and frustration. The glasses Kalion and Troa
“Childish.” Planir said reprovingly to himself before opening his eyes with a wicked grin. “But satisfying.” Tossing the now cold and solid glass into an ash bucket by the hearth, he pulled a well-worn jerkin from the back of the door, shrugging it on as his light tread echoed rapidly down the stairwell.
Vithrancel, Kellarin,
15th of Aft-Spring
Why are people always so eager to give you gifts?” I followed Halice out of the trading hall.
“It won’t be my beauty, so it must be my charm.” Halice offered me the little mint-lined basket of withy strips.
I took a sticky sweetmeat and nodded at Temar’s residence. “His lordship’s back.” The bold flag fluttered jauntily.
“Let’s see what he’s got to say for himself.” Halice curled her lip.
“Mind your ma
“Me? Who served the Duchess of Marlier?” Halice pretended outrage.
“Who got dismissed for giving her mouthy daughter a slap,” I pointed out.
“She deserved it.” Halice laughed.
We turned down what looked to be a lane at first glance, ru
The one elegant doorway that had survived above head height was now the entrance to Temar’s private quarters at the back of the tall building. Halice pushed open the door without ceremony. Once the carpenters had fitted out the reception rooms, archive and private salons necessary for the rank the Emperor had confirmed him in, Temar might be able to turn this into suitable accommodation for the Sieur D’Alse