The Raven Collection

‘I fear the same ca

Dystran frowned. ‘Against what are you protecting the child? You haven’t even found her yet and indeed probably never will. The Raven may bring her back but I fear even they will be left searching for spirits in the wind.

‘As for my Protectors, they are there as a reminder to Dordover that shows of strength and force will not go unchallenged or unmatched. They also provide a security net for those within and without the mage community who do not share Dordover’s parochial views.’

Vuldaroq chuckled and leant back in his chair, taking a mouthful of tea that he sloshed over his tongue, letting the flavours enrich his mouth. At least the pup had spirit.

‘My dear Dystran, Dordover’s views can hardly be considered parochial, shared as they are by Lystern and Julatsa. It is Xetesk that is out of step with College thinking and College desire.’

‘But surely your desire to control Lya

‘I have mentioned no one losing their life,’ replied Vuldaroq. ‘Our intention is to return the girl here to continue her training.’

‘Which, as I think we are both aware, will result in her quick and painful demise.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

‘Don’t play me for a fool, Vuldaroq. We both understand what is happening here and we both know that Erie

Dystran’s eyes burned while beside him, Ranyl drank tea as if he hadn’t a care. In contrast, Vuldaroq could sense Berian’s discomfort without the need to look. He let the tension settle, choosing to refill their mugs, the new burst of revitalising herbal scent a perfect tonic.

‘I have never thought you a fool,’ he said at length, the lie slipping easily from his tongue. ‘But the chaos and destruction visited on Balaia is the principal reason Lya

Dystran gave a slight nod. ‘Stories of freak weather were around well before Lya

‘And you don’t consider earthquakes, hurricanes and tidal waves the prelude to ultimate disaster?’ Vuldaroq was surprised by the basic flaws in the Xeteskian take on events. ‘If we’re right, and by we, I mean you and us, then just one small child is causing all this. She must be properly controlled until she is able to harness her undoubted powers effectively.’

Dystran shook his head. ‘Let’s not pretend, Vuldaroq. Lya

‘The Raven?’ Vuldaroq couldn’t help but scoff. ‘Pawns in a greater game and in too deep. They are a help to us all but no solution. Surely you can see that.’

‘Yet you let them run because part of you believes them to have the best chance of finding the child.’

Vuldaroq inclined his head. ‘Their skill is unquestioned. Their strength as the years pass is more open to debate.’

‘And assuming you should recover the child by whatever means, when will you be handing her to Xetesk for further training?’

The Dordovan Tower Lord was taken by surprise by the question and blew out his cheeks while giving an involuntary half shrug. ‘Dystran, that is a decision for our lore masters and not one that can be given now.’

Dystran leaned forwards, clasping his hands in front of him on the table. ‘On the contrary, Dordovan, it can. The girl is to be left with the Al-Drechar, if it is they who hold her. And that is because we believe they have the best chance of halting the mana storms in a timely fashion. Or she is to travel to Xetesk before enjoying training in both Lystern and ultimately Julatsa. She will not be returning to Dordover.’

Vuldaroq felt his jaw drop a mote before he caught it. ‘You dare to threaten this in the halls of my College?’ he managed.

‘Oh, please, Vuldaroq, this is no threat and my Protectors are not marching for pure effect. I tried to ask you politely but now I demand that you withdraw your forces and those of Lystern and allow this matter to be settled in the natural way.’

‘Meaning?’ snarled Vuldaroq.

‘Meaning Lya

Vuldaroq turned to Berian and raised his eyebrows. Berian responded with a slight shake of the head.

‘I’m afraid that we ca

Dystran stood abruptly, followed a heartbeat later by Ranyl. The door to the chambers opened and a Protector stood in the frame, his sheer presence imposing and frightening even to the mages.

‘Then I am afraid that relations between our two Colleges, and presumably Lystern, are not, for the time being, on a cordial footing. You are so notified and warned. Good day.’

The Xeteskians swept from the room. Vuldaroq leaned back in his chair and poked his tongue into his cheek.

‘Stupid young pup,’ he said and turned to Berian. ‘Oh dear, old friend. It does look rather as if we have a little trouble on our hands. Heryst and Darrick must be informed immediately. See to it, would you? I have others to contact and we both have journeys to make.’

Erie

‘They are tired,’ Lya

And much as she had tried to dismiss her feelings as a purely selfish reaction, Erie

Erie

Inside the failing illusion, the trees flanking the path waved in a light breeze and the rocks that flanked the small beach and the path closed in quickly as they moved further from the shore, taking from Erie

Erie