The Raven Collection

‘Your Communion was not detailed,’ said Heryst. ‘I take it you have a problem too severe for Dordover to handle alone.’

Vuldaroq eased himself into a chair, his bulk causing the weave to creak and protest. He took a long draw on the cooling mixed apple and orange juice, determining to retain a modicum of control.

‘As you may be aware, the child has left Dordover. This would not be a problem in itself but she and her mother have disappeared, to all intents and purposes, and we believe them to have been contacted by servants of the One Way.’

Heryst laughed. ‘Vuldaroq, you always did have a penchant for the dramatic. For you, the most outrageous of conclusions to any series of events has always been the most likely. No doubt Erie

Vuldaroq mopped his sweating brow and allowed himself a patronising smile.

‘Busy your College may be but it faces inwards from dawn ’til dusk. Lya

‘Portents of some greater doom, are they?’ The soldier couldn’t keep the cynicism from his voice.

‘Absolutely,’ said Vuldaroq, hoping his sombre response would disconcert the cocky General. ‘You are clearly not conversant with the Tinjata Prophecy. Your High Elder Mage, of course, is.’

Heryst was suddenly a shade paler, his swagger gone. Vuldaroq watched him replay the words of the prophecy in his head before he spoke, his voice quiet.

‘Are you sure?’ he asked.

‘About what?’

Heryst shrugged. ‘All of it.’

‘How much more evidence do you need? Surely the word is spreading around Lystern as it is here. Denebre has gone, swallowed by the earth. Thornewood has been flattened by a hurricane, we’ve had reports of flooding from a dozen and more towns, and Blood Lake now covers over twice its original area. Even Korina hasn’t escaped. And that’s not to mention all the stories of lightning storms, hail lasting days and cloud so dense the sun never penetrates.

‘Look, Denser was here a few days ago with Ilkar and The Unknown Warrior. The Raven is reforming to search for her. They share our concerns. This child must be found and returned to the College before more harm is done.’

‘And Xetesk?’ ventured Heryst.

Vuldaroq blew out his cheeks. ‘We can expect them to be troublesome. Though they too are at risk from the elemental forces battering Balaia.’

‘But surely they believe the outcome will be better for them if the girl is not found and returned,’ said Heryst.

‘Indeed, so long as the storms cease,’ agreed Vuldaroq. ‘We must be very wary of them.’

‘So what do you require of us?’ asked Darrick, mindful of Heryst’s reaction.

‘Both The Raven and the child will need protection. I have people shadowing The Raven. When the time is right, I want you, General, to be in the right place to help them. That could be before or after they find the girl. If Heryst agrees, I want you to lead a force of Dordovan and Lysternan cavalry to achieve that aim.’

‘Naturally,’ said Heryst. ‘Anything.’

Vuldaroq smiled. ‘Thank you, Heryst. Your cooperation will see both of our Colleges remain independent.’ Darrick was frowning, looking down at his feet. ‘General, is anything bothering you?’

‘There’s something not right about this,’ said Darrick. ‘I don’t see why The Raven were called upon so late and I don’t see why Xetesk would cause any trouble. Surely they share your - our - interest in the child?’

Vuldaroq’s lips thi

‘And you are right, Xetesk does share our interest, but they have an agenda other than our own. They want to see a return to the One Way of magic and that would spell, if you’ll pardon the pun, the end of Dordover, Lystern and, for that matter, Julatsa.’

‘I can’t see why Xetesk would desire that. Not now - surely they are as anxious as any of us to maintain equality among the Colleges?’

‘Well, that rather depends on whether they feel they can survive and become the dominant force without the need for battle. And I believe that’s exactly what they think.’

Darrick nodded, though Vuldaroq could see he remained unconvinced. ‘And what of Erie

‘They are Dordovans,’ said Vuldaroq sharply. ‘And it is our right as well as our duty to train them in the Dordovan ethic. Lya

Darrick raised his eyebrows. ‘Surely Lya

‘Ry, please? I’ll explain later.’ Heryst looked over his shoulder.

Darrick shrugged. ‘They are my friends, my Lord Mage. I am merely anxious to see right done by them.’

‘And it will be,’ assured Heryst.

‘There is far more at stake here than friendship,’ said Vuldaroq.

Darrick regarded him coolly. ‘No, there isn’t,’ he said. ‘Not for me.’ He bowed to both mages and left the Chamber of Reflection.

Vuldaroq scowled. ‘You keep your General in line,’ he said. ‘We’ve already got The Raven out there and I can’t have any more mavericks. This is too big.’

‘Don’t worry, Vuldaroq. Darrick may be possessed of a big heart but he is also possessed of an unflinching loyalty to Lystern. He’ll do as I ask.’

‘See that he does.’

Lya

‘Lya

The little girl stopped and Erie

‘Oh Lya

‘I don’t feel well,’ said Lya

Erie

But Lya

‘You could never hurt me, Lya

‘I draw pictures,’ said Lya

She started to grizzle and Erie