Lyra: Caught In Crystal Part 1

Caught in Crystal Lyra.

Patricia C. Wrede.

PROLOGUE.

After the Wars of Binding ended, the Four Races of Lyraa"the catlike, furred Wyrds, the shimmering, sea-dwelling Neira, the proud, pale Shee and the quarrelsome, energetic humans went their separate ways. For a long time, they were concerned primarily with survival, for the War had permanently altered the face of Lyra. The center of the main continent sank, creating an inland sea; the coastline moved miles inland in other areas; mountains rose and fell; the island of the Kulseth seafarers sank, taking with it one of the Talismans of Noronari and leaving an entire nation homeless.

The climate, too, had altered. Ice crept down from the north, threatening to destroy what little the wars with the Shadow-born had left untouched. Only the sorcery of the wizards of the isle of Varna kept the cold confined to the northern lands.

Slowly, civilizations began to emerge from the rubble. Rathane expanded south in search of more temperate weather, sowing the seeds of an empire that eventually encompa.s.sed most of the lands west of the new inland sea. The eastern countries recovered more slowly. It was not until 577 a.w.b. (After the Wars of Binding) that Kith Alunel signed the first of the trading treaties which eventually grew into the Estarren Alliance.

The people left homeless by the sinking of the central part of the continent were less fortunate. A few found homes on the islands of the newly created Melyranne Sea, while others merged with the peoples already living on either side. Most, however, remained in the north. As the climate cooled and the land became less hospitable, these folk took up a nomadic life. They called themselves the Thar, and they supplemented their hunting with occasional raids on the northernmost towns and villages of the more settled lands.

All four races mingled at least occasionally throughout the sprawling trading empire, and relations among them were generally cordial.

By 950 a.w.b. the northern ice was beginning its retreat, and the Varnan wizards could spare the time to look at the societies developing around them. They suffered a rude shock. The Estarren Alliance, with Kith Alunel at its center, had grown to dominate the East.

The Varnans saw the Estarren Alliance as a threat to their own position. In 1003 a.w.b. they invaded the mainland on the flimsiest of pretexts, intending to teach the upstarts their place. But the Varnans were badly outnumbered, despite their magic, and the war dragged on for over twenty years before finally spluttering out.

The Wizardas War, as the Varnan-Alliance conflict came to be called, reawakened the mainlanders to the possibilities inherent in the magic they had lost during the years of struggle for survival. Wizardry became an obsession, particularly in the southeastern lands which had borne the brunt of the Varnan invasion. As the interest in magic intensified, the non-human races became more and more unpopular. They were looked upon with suspicion because they had not employed their presumed magical arts in the War. Relations between humans and the other races deteriorated, culminating in the murder of hundreds of Shee, Neira, and Wyrds at Darkwater in 1183 a.w.b.

The Estarren Alliance began to disintegrate. One after another, outlying countries and princ.i.p.alities recalled their representatives from the Senate in Kith Alunel. The few Wyrds and Shee remaining in such places either quietly left or were systematically persecuted in hopes of learning their supposed secrets. By the time of the Half-Day War between Varna and the Neira in 1517 a.w.b., the Estarren Alliance had collapsed completely into independent, squabbling countries.

Virtually all of the nonhumans had left the southern lands or gone into permanent hiding.

The sinking of Varna by the Neira as the culmination of the Half-Day War added a new and unwelcome set of refugees to the population of the mainland. The Varnans had been feared and resented ever since the Wizardas War, and their casual a.s.sumption of superiority had done nothing to improve their popularity in the years since. No village, city or country was willing to welcome them, and the refugees were forced steadily northward. In 1533 a.w.b. they reached the mouth of the River Selyr and settled there, the first human inhabitants of the lands which eventually became Alkyra.

a"From the introduction to A History of Alkyra, by Flindaran Kensal Sterren, Journeyman Historian of the Ciaron Minstrelas Guildhall. Presented to Alethia Telaanh Atuval in 3030 a.w.b. on the thirtieth anniversary of her coronation as Queen of Alkyra.

PART I.

Hearth and Sword.

CHAPTER.

ONE.

The travel-chariot was black and so were the horses that drew it. It came down the road silently, like a moving shadow or the fingers of death. Kayl pushed her brown hair out of her face with the back of one hand and made herself continue sweeping the stone step. Some Prefect with a macabre sense of humor, no doubt, or perhaps a wealthy merchant. Horses were rare in Mindaria; only a n.o.ble or an exceptionally wealthy tradesman would hirea Kaylas thoughts froze as she realized that the travel-chariot was turning onto the hard-packed area that served as a courtyard for the inn.

The rasping of the cicadas was suddenly loud in her ears. She forced herself to breathe. aItas a customer,a she said under her breath. aJust a customer.a The customeras chariot halted just in front of her in a cloud of dust. Kayl knew immediately that this was no aristocratas whim; she could feel power emanating from the chariot, pulling at the old bonda"She cut the thought off as she realized where it might take her, and waited.

The driver jumped down from his seat and pulled back the curtains that hid the interior of the chariot. With a rustle of movement, a tall woman emerged. Her robes were black, her hair was black, and her eyes were the color of midnight. On her right hand she wore a ruby ring the color of blood, on her left an emerald green as poison, and in the hollow of her throat, suspended from a chain as thin as a spideras web, hung a tiny silver skull with diamond eyes.

aYou have a room,a the visitor said, and her voice was dark music.

Kayl moistened lips that had gone suddenly dry, but her voice was steady. aFive pence the night, lady. Seven if you want an evening meal.a Then she remembered the driver. aThatas each.a The woman raised a perfect eyebrow. aThe last three innkeepers charged nothing at all.a aThey donat have Prefect Islorranas tax to pay, lady.a aYou mistake my meaning.a The woman studied Kayl for a moment more, and slowly her lips widened into a smile. aI shall take a room. One week, at the price you named. After that, we shall see.a Without waiting for Kaylas response, she turned and gave an order to her driver. He nodded and sprang back up to his seat; a moment later, the travel-chariot drove back the way it had come.

The woman turned and held out a hand. Automatically, Kayl extended her own, and seven thin copper coins dropped into it, one after the other. Kayl stared at them, then slowly closed her fingers around them. aThis way, lady,a she said, and went into the inn. She did not have to turn her head to see whether her unwelcome guest was following. Though she heard no sound but her own footsteps, she could feel the womanas presence like the heat of a fire on her back.

Inside, Kaylas rope sandals made a hissing noise against the stone floor as she circled the hearth in the center of the room. She crossed between the tables to the foot of the stairs. As she started up, she heard the womanas musical voice once again. aAnd do you wish no name to put on your board?a Kayl turned and met the womanas gaze. aWhatever name you wish to give, lady,a she said with a touch of sarcasm.

aI am Rialynn, called Corrana of the Sussewild.a A smile flickered over her face and was gone. aCorrana will do, I think, for your guest record.a Shaken, Kayl nodded and turned away. The woman had given her true name; Kayl had felt the pull of it, and she was certain. Corranaa"or Rialynna"was a sorceress. And she had studied magic with the Silver Sisters, though she did not seem to be one of them. No other wizards placed such dangerous power in their names. But why would such a one trust a mere innkeeper? Especially if she knew that Kayla aThis is your room, lady,a Kayl said, deliberately flinging open the first door in an attempt to interrupt her train of thought. aYouave paid for an evening meal; itas served at the seventh hour, downstairs in the main room.a The woman called Corrana smiled and moved inside. aI will be there,a she said, and closed the door behind her.

Kayl stood staring stupidly at the wooden planks, then turned and started down the stairs. The routine tasks of running the inn would be a comforting distraction from fruitless wondering about her enigmatic customer. She hoped.

The door banged below. A boyas voice, breathless with running, called, aMother? Mother!a Kaylas ears caught the undercurrent of fear being sternly suppressed by eight-year-old pride. Habit and instinct combined to set her personal worries aside at once. aIam here, Mark,a she said, taking the last few steps two at a time. aWhat is it?a Mark stood by the outer door, holding a bronze-bladed dagger in his right hand. His thin chest heaved in panting breaths, and his blue-gray eyes darted around the serving room. Kaylas gaze followed his, but she saw no signs of danger. Mark straightened from his fighteras crouch when he saw Kayl, but his eyes remained wary. aMother! Youare all right?a aOf course Iam all right,a Kayl said. aWhy shouldnat I be? And how many times have I told you not to come banging through the door like that? Youall scare away what few guests we have.a The familiar scolding was even more rea.s.suring than Kaylas presence. The last traces of tension left Markas shoulders, and he shoved the dagger into a sheath at his belt. aI was in a hurry,a he said defensively.

aAnd why was that?a aTully said he saw the death-coach drive right up to the inn! I thoughta"a Mark stopped and eyed his mother warily.

aYou thought it was coming for your aged mother and you came running home to defend me, hmmm?a Mark looked down, and nodded. aI guess it wasnat very smart,a he offered.

Kayl snorted. aNot at all. Brave, perhaps a little, but not smart.a aReally?a Markas head came up. aYou really think it was a brave thing to do?a aWere you scared?a aNo!a Mark said indignantly. Kayl looked at him, and his eyes dropped. aWell, maybe a little.a aIf you were afraid and you came in anyway, you did a brave thing,a Kayl said. aThatas what being brave means.a Mark considered. aBut you said it was a stupid thing to do.a aBeing brave doesnat automatically make you smart,a Kayl said. aTheyare two different things.a aYou mean I have to be both? At the same time? Thatas not fair!a Kayl laughed and rumpled Markas blond hair affectionately. aLots of things arenat fair. Enough talking; weave a new guest and thereas work to do.a aA new guest?a aTully saw her arriving.a aIn the black coach?a Mark cast a dubious look at the stairs, as if he expected a Wyrm to appear around the corner at any minute.

aIt was just a travel-chariot. Now, you go anda"a aWhere is she?a aMark! Donat interrupt. Sheas in the room at the head of the stairs, and youare going to take up water right away.a aDo I have to?a aYes, you have to. Go on!a Mark left, looking much put-upon. Kayl watched him until the rear door of the inn closed behind hima"with a banga"and shook her head. Mark would never make an innkeeper. He might become a good fighting man, if he could only control his impulsiveness long enough to survive the learning. And if Kayl could find a way of training him. Dara, on the other handa aMother?a Kayl turned. Dara was peering around the edge of the front door, her brown eyes wide. aWhatas the matter with you?a Kayl said crossly.

Dara flushed and stepped inside. She tossed a long strand of dark, fine hair defiantly over one shoulder and said, aI saw a black chariot stop here, and, wellaa aNot you, too.a Kayl rolled her eyes. aIt was just a guest.a aOh.a Dara studied Kayl. aYouare sure?a aOf course Iam sure,a Kayl said with what she hoped was sufficient firmness to discourage further questions. Dara was four years older than Mark, and far more perceptive.

aHuh.a Dara scowled. aI thought that it might at least be somebody special.a aSpecial in what way?a aOh, you know. One of Fatheras friends, from before.a aI hardly think any of your fatheras friends would come looking for him five years after his death,a Kayl said sharply. Dara was closer to the truth than she could suspect, though it was not her fatheras past that was the problem.

aWell, who is it then? Driving around in something like that and scaring everybody.a aShe calls herself Corrana, sheas paid for an evening meal, and youare going to run over to the market and get what we need to feed her decently. Thatas all you need to know right now.a Dara groaned. aErrands? But, Mother, I went last time. Canat Marka"a aMarkas drawing water for the new guest. Do you want to trade ch.o.r.es with him?a aNo.a aAll right, then. Get greens and a little meat, if you can find any thatas not too dear. And weall want more bread; stop at Brazdaas on the way back and see if she has extra today.a Kayl handed Dara three of the copper pennies Corrana had given her. aOh, and while youare out, try to let a few people know that I havenat been killed or cursed or carried off. One customer wonat even begin to pay Islorranas tax, especially if she drives everyone else away.a Daraas eyes narrowed in sudden thought. aThatas right, people will be worried. Iad better go right away.a She shoved the coins into her pocket and darted for the door.

aDara!a Kayl waited until Dara turned to face her. aYou are not to go telling stories to Jirod to lure him out here tonight. Do you understand?a aI wasnat going to do anything like that!a Dara said. Her tone was unconvincing, and her eyes slid away from Kaylas face.

aNo?a aWell, all right, but what difference would it make? Heas bound to hear about it sooner or later.a aAt least if someone else tells him, I wonat have your matchmaking to contend with.a Dara flushed. aMother!a aIf you want to be successful at that sort of thing, you need to learn a little subtlety,a Kayl went on relentlessly. aDid you really think I hadnat noticed?a aYou never said anything.a aIad hoped you would think better of it. And Iam saying something now.a aWell, you ought to get married again,a Dara said defensively.

aIf I ever decide to remarry, Iall choose my own partner, thank you.a aJirodas nice.a aYes, he is. And heas a good friend. But Iave no interest in him as a husband, and Iad rather not have to tell him so to his face just because my daughter thinks wead make a good match.a aBut there isnat anyone else in Copeham!a aThen I wonat marry. Itas my affair, after all.a Daraas eyes fell. aI suppose so.a aNow, promise me youall stop this nonsense with Jirod once and for all.a aWellaa Dara sneaked a glance upward. aOh, all right. I promise.a aOff with you, then.a Dara nodded, looking considerably subdued, and left. Kayl sighed as the door closed behind her daughter, feeling the familiar guilt rising inside her. Not having a father was hard for the children. Perhaps she should remarry, for their sakes. Jirod was a kind man, and he had made no secret of his admiration for Kayl. He was quiet and steady, too; he would be good for Mark. Yet, much as she liked the thoughtful farmer, she never seemed able to bring herself to encourage him. Or any of the other eligible and semi-eligible men of Copeham Village, for that matter.

She chalked Corranaas name on the slate by the stairs, then picked up the broom she had left by the door and went out to finish her sweeping. Perhaps the real problem was that shead never met anyone else like Kevran. She smiled sadly, remembering the laughter in his face and the warmth of his touch. Five years had done much to dull the pain of his loss, but his memory was still clear in her mind. The time theyad had together had been worth the price theyad paid, and neither of them had regretted it.

But shead never found another man worth giving upa what she had given up for Kevran. And she could never be content with less, even now. Kayl scowled and gave the step one final brush with the broom, then went back inside. She hadnat thought even obliquely of the days before her marriage in years. It was the fault of that woman, Rialynn, Corrana, whatever she called herself. She had no right to come here, stirring up things Kayl had no wish to remember.

Kayl paused, turning that thought over in her mind. No wish to remember? They had been good times, despite their bitter ending, and Kevran had shared some of them with her. Why was she so afraid of them now? Absently, she set the broom in its corner. Mark had already brought the water in; she could tell by the irregular trail of drops he had left in his wake. She would have to remind him again to be more careful.

She went into the kitchen to prepare for Daraas return. The distorted image of herself in the bottom of a dented bra.s.s pot was oddly disturbing today, though she had seen it every afternoon fora how long had she had that pot? Kayl shook herself. She was trying to avoid thinking, she realized, and doing a pretty poor job of it. All right then, face the question and answer it. Why was she so disturbed by Corranaas appearance?

The answer came almost as soon as the question had been phrased. She was afraid of the disruption the womanas arrival might bring to her orderly way of life. Kayl stared at the kitchen wall for a long moment, appalled. When had she begun to cling to the somewhat dubious security of life as an innkeeper in a small Mindaran village? She had wanted more, Kevran had wanted more, once. And how had she not noticed what was happening to her?

Her mind ran quickly through her years here, pointing out the little changes in att.i.tude that had summed to such a terribly unwelcome total. The difficulty of being accepted by the villagers when they first arrived; the comfort of having a place that was theirs; working side by side with the villagers the time the river had threatened to flood; Daraas birth, and the nameless child who had died, and Mark; Kevranas death of the summer sickness; the struggle to be both mother and father to two small children; the growing acceptance by the village in the wake of Kevranas death; the wanderers who didnat pay their bills or tried to intimidate her into lowering her prices; the rising taxes Islorran demanded. So many things, and so small.

And there was nothing she could do about it now. She was what she was; the years had shaped her as surely as a smith shaped steel.

The rear door banged. Kayl s.n.a.t.c.hed up a cleaver and an onion, and began to chop. Mark knew that her eyes always watered when she chopped onions; even if he noticed, he would not ask his mother why she was crying over the kitchen pots.

CHAPTER.

TWO.

The evening meal was normally the busiest time of day at Kaylas inn, and this evening was even busier than usual. Far from frightening Kaylas customers away, Corranaas dramatic arrival was a magnet. Nearly everyone in Copeham had found some excuse to stop in, and, once in, they stayed.

Just as the sun was setting, Corrana descended the stairs at last. She had changed her loose black robe for a clinging one of deep forest green. Her dark hair hung loose around her shoulders, hiding whatever clasp held the sweep of the robeas neckline. She had taken off her rings, and Kayl saw no sign of the silver skull necklace. She seemed to float down the stairs, oblivious to the sudden silence below.

Kayl greeted her appearance with a relieved sigh. Perhaps now some of the merely curious would leave, and she would have a chance to relax a little. She moved forward, no faster or slower than she would have gone to greet any other guest. aMy lady,a she said, inclining her head slightly.

Corranaas lips curved. aGreetings, innkeeper.a There was the briefest hesitation between the two words, just long enough for Kayl to take note of it. Her eyes were fixed on Kayl, as if no one else in the room was of any importance. Kayl nodded again, with as much respect as she could muster, and turned to lead the way between the tables.

The villagers drew back almost imperceptibly as the two women came among them. Kayl caught the eyes of Holum, the metal worker, and quirked a corner of her mouth at him. Holumas eyes narrowed; then, reluctantly, he smiled back and hoisted his beer mug. The movement, small as it was, broke the atmosphere of tension. A murmur went through the crowd, and then the hum of conversation rose once more. Kayl felt some of the tightness leave the muscles in her shoulders and back.

She reached the head of one of the long tables and arranged a place for Corrana, close enough to the window to have the benefit of the night breeze. The woman seated herself gracefully as though unaware of the fascinated eyes of the villagers. Kayl signaled Mark. aA bowl of the stew,a she told him.

aYouare sure you want her to have that?a Mark said.

aWhy not?a aIt has too many onions in it.a aYou think stew has too many onions in it if I wave one at the pot while itas cooking,a Kayl said without irritation. aGo along and get it.a Mark shrugged and left, threading his way rapidly among the benches and tables. Kayl turned back to find Corrana watching her with speculative and slightly disapproving eyes. aYou are remarkably easy with your staff,a she said, glancing at Markas retreating back.

aThat,a Kayl said coldly, ais my son, Mark.a A look of surprise came into Corranaas eyes. She made a little motion with her left hand, the first completely unnecessary gesture Kayl had seen her make. The movement made something glint beneath the heavy black tresses that lay across her left shoulder. aYour son.a aMy youngest,a Kayl said. She did not know why this woman was discomfited by the thought, but, after the way Corrana had disrupted her peace of mind, Kayl took a malicious satisfaction in seeing her even momentarily at a loss.

aYou have others?a aA daughter. Theyare a great help to me.a Mark chose that moment to return with the stew. Corrana pulled away from the table as he leaned over to set the bowl before her. Her hair fell aside momentarily, revealing the silver clasp that held her robe at the left shoulder.

It was a heavy, sculpted piece in the shape of an eight-pointed star. The metal had been polished until it seemed to shine with its own light, and in the exact center was a milky white stone. Kayl stiffened in shock. With the last of her presence of mind, she turned away before Corrana or Mark noticed her expression.

Corrana was a sorceress of the Sisterhood! Kayl stared blindly out the window at the night, her mind churning. Was it coincidence or deliberate planning that brought Corrana to Copeham? Coincidence, surely; if the Sisterhood had wanted Kayl back, they would not have waited fifteen years to send someone looking for her. Kayl took a deep breath and let it out slowly, counting, then turned away from the window. She made certain that Corrana was satisfied with the meal, noting as she did that the badge of the Sisterhood was once more invisible beneath the sorceressa hair. Then she went back to her other customers.

As she worked, Kayl watched Corrana surrept.i.tiously. Unanswered questions chased themselves through her mind. Why had Corrana hidden the fact that she was one of the Silver Sisters? And why reveal it now, to Kayl? Corrana must have wanted her to see the clasp, or she would not have worn it at all. Kayl handed a fresh mug to Zia, the seamstress, and gave her a mechanical smile, then glanced at the sorceress again. One week, she thought. Sheall be gone in a week. A week isnat long.

Corrana did not appear to notice Kaylas scrutiny. She ate slowly, then rose and ascended the stairs once more. The buzz of conversation grew louder as soon as she was gone. Everyone had some speculation as to who she was, where she had come from, and why she might have chosen to spend a week in Copeham.

Kayl did not partic.i.p.ate in the discussion, though she was occasionally tempted. She sifted with care the sc.r.a.ps that came her way, trying to piece together a picture of village opinion. No one else had noticed the badge of the Sisterhood, that much was clear. Her eyes narrowed. Corrana had deliberately allowed Kayl, and only Kayl, to see the clasp she wore. Then Kayl shook her head. She was getting as full of fancies as Mark and Dara.

aKayl.a The deep voice behind her made her jump. She turned. Jirod was seated in the corner behind her, a little apart from the rest of the crowd. He was watching her with warm concern. aGood evening, Jirod,a Kayl said. aNeed a refill?a aNo,a the man replied, and Kayl realized belatedly that his beer had barely been touched. aI wanted to talk to you.a Kayl hesitated. She glanced quickly around the room; no arms were raised in summons, and Dara was poised by the counter, ready to answer the next beckoning hand. Hoping her daughter hadnat noticed whom she was talking to, Kayl said, aI think I can take a short break.a aI was afraid you were going to say you were too busy,a Jirod said as she took an empty place across from him.

aI am, which means I can use the rest. Mark and Dara can handle things for a little while.a aYou work too hard.a aWho doesnat? What did you want to talk to me about?a Jirod looked down. aI just wanted to make sure you were all right.a aAll right?a Kayl said, puzzled.

aYour new guest looks as if she could be a problem.a Kayl stared at him as comprehension dawned. aHas Dara been talking to you?a she demanded.

aI donat need a twelve-year-old to point out whatas under my eyes!a aThatas not what I meant. Oh, never mind. Iam fine, Jirod, and Corranaas no more a problem than any other n.o.ble with more money than sense. In fact, sheas easier to deal with than most of them; sheas quiet and doesnat expect flame-jugglers and musicians in a town this size.a aSheas a witch, Kayl.a aMaybe. But what if she is? She pays good coppers for her board, the same as any other customer.a Jirod looked at her with a somber expression. aKayl, youave been jumpy all evening. And I saw your face when Mark served her. You were frightened for him. You canat make me believe that youad react that way without a reason.a aIam fine, Jirod,a Kayl repeated, her lips tightening. aJust fine.a aAll right, then. You know where to find me if that changes.a Kayl nodded as politely as she could, and rose. There was no point in continuing the conversation. Shead only end up snapping at him for trying to be helpful. aThank you, Jirod,a she said with as much warmth as she could muster. aBut itas time I was getting back to work.a As she left the table, she saw Dara glance worriedly in her direction. There were customers at three different tables calling for beer, so it was some time before she had a chance to speak to her daughter. Finally they were both behind the counter at the same time.

aI didnat say anything to him, Mother,a Dara said in an urgent whisper. aHonest I didnat.a aI know that,a Kayl said.

aOh.a The word held a wealth of relief. aWhen you got up frowning like that, I was afraid you thought I had.a aI wasnat annoyed with you, Dara.a aJirod said something wrong?a aThatas between him and me. The last table on the right wants more stew; see if thereas any left.a Dara rolled her eyes and left. The evening dragged on interminably. Slowly, the villagers trickled out. Jirod stayed. Kayl avoided his corner, letting Dara and Mark handle the customers on that side of the room, but she was aware of his eyes on her as she worked.

His presence annoyed her; the man acted as though she was a helpless featherhead who needed taking care of. She knew she was being unfair, but it was a relief to be angry at someone. When he left at last, she was washing mugs in a bucket behind the counter. She did not look up from her work until the door had closed behind him.

Finally the last of the villagers departed and the few guests climbed the stairs to their rooms. aWhew!a Mark said, surveying the inevitable litter of dirty plates, crumbs, spilled beer, and half-empty mugs. aWhat a night!a Dara flopped down on one of the benches. aOh, my feet hurt!a aIam not surprised,a Kayl said. aThere were more people in here than we had the night the Prefectas son came through.a She fished the last of the coins shead collected out of the leather pouch sewn inside her belt and added them to the main collection in the heavy wooden box where she kept the nightas receipts. She relocked the box and set it on the counter where she wouldnat forget to take it with her when she left the serving room.

aHow did we do?a Dara said anxiously.

aI havenat counted up the total yet, but I think we did very well indeed,a Kayl replied.

aI bet itall be just as bad tomorrow,a Mark said gloomily.

aYou donat have anything to complain about,a Dara retorted. aYou sat in the kitchen most of the night while I was running around the tables.a aItas hot in there!a Mark said. aHot and sticky. And I ran tables, too. Didnat I, Mother?a aYou both did a wonderful job tonight, and Iam proud of you,a Kayl said. aIall finish up down here; you go off to bed. If tomorrow night is anything like this one, youall need a good nightas sleep.a The two children did not wait for a second invitation. They left at once, as though afraid Kayl might change her mind and call them back to sweep floors and clean dishes. Kayl watched them go, then set about clearing up the mess. She let the lamps burn low while she worked. When she finished at last, she put out all but one lamp and sat down by the window. She stared at the thick darkness outside, while the shadows deepened around her. Once she glanced over at the smooth, gray stones of the seldom-used hearth. She half rose, then shook her head and sank back into her seat, and for a long time she did not move. Finally, she rose and started toward the money-box. Halfway across the room, a tingling ran down her spine, the half-forgotten but unmistakable feeling of magic.

Kayl whirled. The room was empty, but the tingling grew stronger. She forced herself to stand motionless, trying to feel the direction from which the sensation was coming. Her head turned. Upstairs. She hesitated, then retrieved the money-box and started forward. She hesitated again beside the lamp, then went on without it.

She moved slowly but surely; she knew every inch of this inn, even in the dark. The tingling grew stronger as she climbed the stairs. Her lips tightened. Demons fly away with Corrana! She had to be behind this; there was no one else in Copeham who knew more than the most basic spells.

Kayl reached the top of the stairs and stopped short. Pale lights flickered across the door of Corranaas room, like the cold shine of light on the scales of invisible snakes. They were so faint that if she had been carrying a lamp, she would have missed them. The pattern was a warding; Kayl had seen enough of them to recognize it at once, though she herself was no magician. She stared at it, feeling angry and a little frightened. She had a momentary urge to pound on the door, but she suppressed it. Annoying a sorceress, even a minor one, was seldom a good idea, and she had the uncomfortable feeling that Corrana was rather more than minor.

After another momentas consideration, Kayl turned and went back the way she had come. The warding spell was doing no harm, and it was unlikely that anyone else would notice it. She was climbing into bed, having hidden the money-box in the safety hole beneath it, when the thought struck her. What was Corrana doing that she felt a need to guard her door with spells in a town as small and quiet as Copeham?

CHAPTER.

THREE.