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Kalion heaved a heavy sigh. “So Shiv and Usara are sinking these pirates? These Elietimm enchanters are put to flight?” He sat heavily in the chair he’d just abandoned and crossed his arms over his barrel chest.
“I believe that’s the general idea,” Planir assured him. “Usara’s working closely with the Demoiselle Tor Priminale—which is another pe
Kalion nodded grudging agreement. “When are we to expect more news?”
“Aritane tells me we should be able to scry safely in a few days’ time,” replied Planir.
“I look forward to that.” There was an unmistakable edge to Kalion’s tone.
“I look forward to the whole business being resolved,” Planir said grimly. “I want this Elietimm threat removed once and for all.”
“So we can apply ourselves to the proper business of wizardry,” Kalion said with relish. “Establishing our influence on the mainland.”
Planir laughed. “Actually, I was more looking forward to having Larissa back again. Did you know she was helping ’Sar and Shiv? I imagine she’ll have all ma
“Marry you?” Kalion looked stu
“If she’ll have me, and all the encumbrances of my office.” Planir smiled fondly. “I must see if any of the jewellers can supply me with a fitting token of my esteem for her.”
Kalion stood up. “I’ll take my leave of you, Archmage,” he said stiffly. “I expect to be fully informed as soon as you have any news from Kellarin or Suthyfer.”
“Naturally.” Planir merely sketched a wave of farewell as Kalion stomped out of the room, shoulders stiff with a
The Archmage leaned back in the window seat, looking for his place in the battered journal. He stopped reading after barely a page, marking his place with a feather and looked at the waiting mirror. Shaking his head, he rose and walked rapidly to the door in the panelling.
“So what did we get?” He slid through the door and wrinkled his nose at the smell of smoke and scorched leather.
“You need someone from the library to catalogue these properly.” A mild-faced mage of middle years studied a scroll that crackled as he unrolled it. “We nonentities can’t be expected to know what we’re looking at.” He sounded amused.
“That might be best.” A sturdily built man much of an age with Planir and Herion knelt by the fireplace stacking badly charred tomes inside the fender. He brushed blackened fragments from a blue cuff. “You might like to sort these out, Sa
“Thank you, Rafrid, but I don’t care to have people think I’m losing my touch.” Sa
“He’ll have Troa
“Quintessential magic’s actually something I’m quite interested in pursuing.” Herion glanced up from his scroll.
“Naturally, once we’ve settled these Elietimm.” Planir leant against the door. “You don’t imagine I was lying to our revered Hearth Master?”
Rafrid set down the seriously burnt book he’d been examining and brushed his hands briskly together. “The first thing Kalion will be telling Troa
“You can take it up with Sha
Rafrid pretended to consider this. “No, I’ll take the aggravation of office over her reproaches.”
“She’d never forgive you,” smiled Sa
“Do you have any ambitions to the honour of Hearth Mistress?” asked Planir idly.
“Me?” Sa
“You’d tell people exactly that, if such a curious rumour should start circulating?” Planir’s tone was solicitous.
“Just so.” Sa
“Once word gets round we’ll each have half the Council knocking on our doors.” Herion glanced at Rafrid before looking at Planir. “We’d better have our answers agreed before the rumours start flying round.”
Planir nodded. “Go off and learn your verses. These can wait.”
“I’ll send someone reliable from Hiwan’s library,” Rafrid offered as the two men departed through a second door out on to the staircase.
“Thank you.” Planir went to shut the door but left it ajar, turning to Sa
“My reputation’s safe with anyone whose opinion I value.” Sa
“I told you I wasn’t lying to Kalion.” Planir came to sit beside Sa
Sa
“I’m touched by your concern.” Planir gri
“Safer. I’m rather more concerned about Larissa,” chided Sa
Planir sat for a moment before searching beneath his pillows. Tucked in the corner where the yellow silk curtains were tied to the posts, he found a gauzy gossamer wrap embroidered with frivolous blue flowers. He held the delicate cloth to his face and breathed deeply, eyes closed with longing. When he lowered his cupped hands, mischievous determination brightened his fond smile.
Moving to the window he raised the hand bearing the Archmage’s great ring. The central diamond caught the strong sunlight and broke it into myriad rainbow shards trapped within the facets. Taking the battered silver circle from his next finger, Planir slid it carefully on beside the insignia of his office. The Archmage’s grey eyes narrowed and new light glowed softly in the gems surrounding the diamond. Clear amber light strengthened opposite mysterious emerald radiance and the ruby glowed with increasing warmth opposite the sapphire’s cold blue. Planir’s face might have been carved from marble as he bent all his concentration on the luminous gems now outshining the very sunlight. The diamond burned ever brighter, drawing colour from the other gems, brilliance fringed with fleeting rainbows. The old silver ring was lost in the blinding light until the magic suddenly flashed into nothingness, leaving Planir gasping, sweat beading his forehead.