Lyra: Caught In Crystal Part 3

aMy name is Glyndon shal Morag.a Corrana nodded. aYou were one of the three Varnan wizards who went to the Windhome Mountains with the First Star of Kith Alunel,a she stated.

aYes.a aI see.a Corrana glanced at Kayl. aNow I understand more fully your willingness to take his advice.a aYou know nothing of the matter,a Kayl said.

aI know enough to apologize to you both for my hasty words.a Corrana looked from Kayl to Glyndon and went on with difficulty. aI have no love for Varnans, but I should not have spoken as I did. I am sorry.a Glyndon nodded tiredly. aAfter fifteen years away from Varna, Iave heard far worse than anything you said. For myself, consider it forgotten.a Corrana dipped her head in acknowledgement, but her eyes stayed fixed on Kayl. aAnd you, sister?a aI accept your apology as well,a Kayl said in a tight voice. aBut if you are wise, you will not speak of my husband in that tone again.a Corrana nodded without speaking, and Kayl went on: aNow, I wish to speak with Glyndon. Alone.a aNo,a Corrana said calmly. aNot if it has bearing on my errand here.a aYou presume a good deal, Your Virtue.a aI think not. Your friend overheard enough of our conversation to interrupt with some precision. I think that in simple justice I should hear his reasons.a Kayl heard the determination in Corranaas voice. She pressed her lips together, knowing that she could not keep the sorceress from staying. Glyndon might try, but that would precipitate just the confrontation Kayl had hoped to avoid. aThis is a personal matter,a she said at last.

Corrana raised an eyebrow. aIs it?a she said, looking pointedly at Glyndon.

Glyndon shook his head. aNo. Still, I think Kaylas right. You presume a good deal.a aHow nice that you agree,a Corrana said politely. She settled herself more comfortably on the bench and raised one hand to toy with the tiny silver skull at her throat.

The corner of Glyndonas mouth quirked and he turned to Kayl with a look of mischievous amus.e.m.e.nt. Kayl knew that look well. The last time shead seen it was just before the incident with the Bridden army officer, the mug of ale, and the dead mouse. Before Glyndon could say anything, Kayl said, aThatas enough, both of you.a The two magicians looked at her in surprise and Kayl went on: aI listen to enough of Mark and Daraas squabbling; I donat want to listen to you as well. If you wonat talk like reasonable people, I have work to do.a There was a momentas silence. Kayl started to rise. Glyndon and Corrana looked at each other, and Glyndon sighed. aAll right, Kayl.a Kayl turned to Corrana. The sorceress gave a small, humorless smile. aI will respect the peace of your inn. But I will not leave until I hear what this Varnan has to tell you.a aI see. Iam afraid weall have to wait until tomorrow to talk, Glyndon.a aNo! We may not have that much time.a aYou werenat in such a hurry last night.a aThat was last night.a Kayl sighed. aThen will it cause any harm to either of us if Corrana listens? Not that I like the idea much, but we donat seem to have a choice.a Glyndonas eyes went blank; then he shook himself. aNo,a he said reluctantly. aIt will cause no harm.a Kayl let herself back down onto the bench. aThen explain.a aI was aseeinga things.a Corrana looked at Glyndon, startled. Kayl made an exasperated noise. aI could tell that much, even if I havenat watched you go through it in years. What were you seeing?a aThe Tower,a Glyndon said. He looked at her with sudden grim intensity. aYou mustnat go back there, Kayl. The thing inside will escape.a A shadowy memory surfaced in Kaylas mind, of standing in a high-ceilinged room, slashing uselessly at a dripping, pulsing curtain of dull blackness that ate away her sword as it oozed closer. She blinked and concentrated, trying to make the memory clearer. The picture slid away and was replaced by a more vivid recollection, of herself and Kevran dragging Glyndon down the last few stairs and through the crooked arch of the tower door, just ahead of a voracious black wave that splattered on the ancient protective spells guarding the door. Kayl felt gooseflesh rise along her back. aYouare sure it will get out?a Glyndon hesitated, then slowly shook his head. aNot certain. Almost certain.a aWhat is this indecision?a Corrana demanded. aA born Seer sees truly or not at all.a aBut I was not born a Seer,a Glyndon said. aI see many visions. Some I know are true, others false, but most of what I aseea is simplya possible.a aI have never heard of such a gift,a Corrana said doubtfully.

Glyndonas smile was bitter. aMore of a nightmare than a gift, I think.a Corrana waved away his objection. aIt is the uncertainty you claim that interests me, not the name you give this sight of yours.a aThe uncertainty is there. Sometimes what I aseea occurs; sometimes it does not. And sometimes it can be avoided.a Glyndon looked at Kayl. aThat is why Iave not come here for so long, and why I stopped sending you word.a aWhat do you mean?a Kayl asked.

aI was avoiding one of my visions,a Glyndon said, and looked away. Kayl waited for some further explanation, but when Glyndon turned back all he said was, aIt is not the first time I have succeeded in doing so. I know from experience that what I aseea is not always true.a Kaylas eyes narrowed but she stopped herself before she asked more about the nature of the vision he had been avoiding. Instead she said, aThen what did you see that brought you here in spite of it?a aYourself, on the steps of that tower we found, with the edge of the black thing drawing nearer. And through the door I could see it outside the tower, spreading like a black storm.a aBut it is not certain to happen,a Corrana said quickly. aYou yourself said as much.a Kayl gave the sorceress a cold look. aNo one who has seen that black thing would take a chance of letting it escape. Particularly since three Varnan wizards and the best Star in the Sisterhood couldnat figure out what kept it in there in the first place.a Corrana looked suddenly thoughtful. Kayl waited a moment, then turned back to Glyndon and said, aAnd you donat want me to stay here, either? Why?a Glyndon hesitated, then said bluntly, aBecause if you stay, youall be killed. Unpleasantly.a Kayl swallowed. Glyndonas voice was a flat statement of fact; the only way of avoiding this vision would be to leave Copeham. aAnd the children?a she said at last.

Glyndon closed his eyes. aAlso will die.a His voice shook slightly, and Kayl wondered how bad the vision had been. She decided not to ask. aWho?a she said instead.

aNo one Iave ever seen outside a vision. There were at least seven of them, and they all had eagles on their helmets.a Corranaas eyes went wide. aMagicseekers!a Kayl shook her head. aIt doesnat make sense, Glyndon! What would the Magicseekers want with an innkeeper?a aWith an ordinary innkeeper, perhaps nothing,a Corrana said before Glyndon could reply. aBut you are a former member of the Sisterhood of Stars who has been visited privately by an Elder Sister. I fear it is I who have brought the Circle of Silence down upon you.a Glyndon shifted uncomfortably, but neither he nor Kayl replied. At last Kayl said, aYouare sure this vision can be avoided, Glyndon?a aIam sure. Iave been avoiding visions of the eagle-helms for years.a Kayl stared, momentarily jerked out of her own concerns. aThe Magicseekers are looking for you?a Glyndon shrugged. aIave never gotten close enough to one of them to ask.a aEven if they do not know of your part in seeking the Twisted Tower fifteen years ago, the Magicseekers would look for you,a Corrana said dispa.s.sionately. aTheir hatred of Varnans is greater even than their hatred of the Sisterhood.a aThen we seem to have an enemy in common.a aAnd the only way to avoid a slaughter is for me to leave Copeham?a Kayl asked again. Glyndon nodded, and she sighed. aIf it was anyone but you, Glyndona How much time do I have to set things in order?a aI donat know,a Glyndon said. aNot very much. A few days, at most. Maybe not even that.a Kayl felt numb. aWhy didnat you tell me all this last night?a aI didnat know it was so close. I thought I had at least a couple of weeks to convince you, perhaps as long as a month. It wasnat until just now that I could tell that itas so close. You have to get out of here quickly, Kayl!a Irritation p.r.i.c.kled the hairs along Kaylas neck. Corranaas oblique approach had been bad enough; discovering that Glyndon, too, had intended to take his time about delivering his warning was even more annoying. aYou might have said something anyway,a Kayl said, her voice cool.

aIam sorry!a Glyndon ran his left hand distractedly through his hair. aBut you will go, wonat you?a The rear door of the inn banged. aMother!a Markas excited voice penetrated the walls of the inn with ease. aMother, wait till you hear!a Kayl looked at Glyndon. aI wonat take chances with the childrenas safety,a she said. She could hear the m.u.f.fled sound of Daraas scolding in the kitchen, and then Mark came boiling through the door into the front room, with Dara close on his heels.

CHAPTER.

EIGHT.

Markas hair dripped rainwater and his clothes were soaked, but he was still calling in excitement as he came into the front room. aMother! Youall nevera"oh, excuse me.a Mark added the apology automatically when he saw that Kayl was not alone. Then his eyes widened as he took in Corranaas black robes and Glyndon slouching over the end of the table. He looked questioningly at Kayl.

aBar the front door, Mark,a Kayl said wearily. aThen go put on something dry. And donat dawdle; I have to talk to you and Dara.a She noted that her earlier fears had been justified; Mark had indeed tracked mud across the floor. She did not bother to mention it. Other things were more important now.

aBar the door? In the middle of the day?a Mark looked at his mother in disbelief.

aThatas what I told you.a Mark blinked, then moved slowly toward the door. He paused with his hand on the latch. aBut what if the soldiers come? They wonat want to stay at an inn if the dooras barred when they get there.a aSoldiers?a Kayl said sharply. aWhat soldiers?a aI was just going to tell you!a Mark said. aTully saw them marching up the road from Cedarwell, six of them. He says theyare from Kith Alunel, because theyare wearing scaled lorica, but even Prefect Islorranas men wear that kind of armor, so it doesnat mean anything, does it? And Kith Alunel soldiers donat have wings on their helmets. So they canata"a aWings? Mark, did you see these men yourself?a aNo, Tully told me. I came home right away to tell you, so we could get ready for them,a Mark said. aTheyall be here in a little while.a aNot even a day,a Glyndon murmured. His face was drawn and haggard. aI didnat even have a full day.a aThese soldiers may not be the Magicseekers you saw,a Kayl said, but even to herself her tone was unconvincing.

aWill you wager your life on that, innkeeper?a Corrana said. aAnd the lives of your children?a aMagicseekers!a Mark said with relish. aTully saw Magicseekers?a aYes, and we have to be away from here before they arrive,a Kayl said firmly. Corrana was right; this was no time to sit debating the proper course of action.

Mark stared at her, then turned and set the bar in place across the door. When he looked back at Kayl, his eyes were frightened. aMothera"a aIall have to explain later, Mark; there isnat time now.a Kayl turned her head. aGlyndon, if thereas anything in your room you need, go get it. Quickly. Dara, I want those baskets Bryn made for us last summer. You and Mark put your good clothes in the bottom, and the blanket off your bed. Then bring them to the kitchen.a Dara swallowed hard and nodded. Kayl headed for the back of the inn. When she reached her bedroom, she scooped the money box out of its hiding place and quickly transferred its contents to her pockets. Thank the stars shead been too busy to spend much, these past few days! Kayl left the empty box lying in the middle of the floor and turned to the chest that held her clothes. It took only seconds to find what she wanted. Then she went on to the kitchen with hurried steps.

Dara arrived with the baskets at the same time as Kayl. Kayl ignored her daughteras worried questions and set to work filling the baskets. A cheese, a loaf of bread, the bag of meal, a couple of empty wineskins to fill with water later. aGet your cloak,a Kayl told Dara at last. aAnd tell Mark to get his. Weare leaving right now.a Dara nodded. Kayl went back into the front room. Corrana and Glyndon were standing beside the door; Glyndon had retrieved his staff, and Corrana had covered her dramatic black robes with a shapeless brown cloak. Kayl hesitated, then knelt by the hearthstone. If the Magicseekers searched the inn thoroughly, they would surely discover the cache. She could not leave Kevranas rod for them to find, nor her own sword. Her sworda The stone slid away. Kayl heard Corranaas hiss of surprise, but she did not look up. Gently, she withdrew the bundle of oiled cloth and touched the hidden latch to close the hole. She rose and turned to find that Mark and Dara had joined the group. aLetas go.a aWhere?a Mark demanded. aWhat is that thing? And whoas he?a He jerked his head in Glyndonas direction.

Kayl paused. aWeall go to Jirodas, I think,a she said, ignoring the rest of Markas questions. aThey wonat know to look for us there unless someone from the village tells them, and I donat think anyone will. Come along. And cover your head; I donat want you catching a cold on top of everything else.a Mark sighed and draped a fold of his cloak over his head. Kayl nodded and picked up the largest of the baskets. Covering her own head against the rain, she led the group out the rear door of the inn and along the narrow alley behind it. As they reached the street, another problem occurred to her, and she stopped. aDara.a aMother?a aI want you to go to Brynas and warn her that at least six Magicseekers have just arrived in Copeham. Tell her weall be at Jirodas for at least a few hours, and if she and Alden want some company for their trip north, they should look for us there. Try not to be noticed, and donat tell anyone else where weave gone. Then come straight to Jirodas. Have you got all that?a Dara nodded. aYes, Mother.a She looked worried, and more than a little frightened. Kayl wanted desperately to be able to give rea.s.suring answers to all the unasked questions she could see in her daughteras expression, but there was no time. They had stood too long on the street already.

aItall be all right, dear,a Kayl said. aGo on!a She tried to smile as she took Daraas basket.

The expression on Daraas face did not lighten. As she turned and started off, Mark said, aIall go if Dara doesnat want to.a aNo,a Kayl said sharply, still looking after Dara. aNow, come on.a Then she turned, and saw relief and hurt mingled on Markas face. aIf Jirod is out when we get there, Iall want you to take him a message,a she said more gently.

aOh,a Mark said, and his hurt look lessened. He started to say something else, then glanced sideways at Corrana and Glyndon and changed it to a mumbled, aAll right.a aIf you are quite finished, should we not be going?a Corrana broke in with ill-concealed irritation.

Kayl nodded and they set off once more. She led her companions by a circuitous route, avoiding the open square at the center of town. She took the narrow, little-used streets behind the butcheras and the tanneras; unpleasant odors were certainly preferable to being seen and remembered by villagers who might give later searchers a hint of Kaylas whereabouts. Fortunately, the rain had kept most people inside. The few villagers they saw showed no interest in the little group.

They reached Jirodas small house safely. As Kayl had half expected, the farmer was not at home, but the cottage door was not barred. Feeling obscurely guilty, Kayl pushed the door open and they went inside. Then, swallowing her misgivings, she sent Mark to find Jirod and warn him of his unexpected and potentially dangerous visitors.

aTry Holumas shop first,a she said, trying to think of the possible errands that might take a farmer out on a rainy day. aJirod may have gone to get some tools repaired. Then try the wheelwright, and the potter, anda"a aIall find him, Mother,a Mark said impatiently.

aRemember, Mark,a she said sternly as he put his hand to the door. aYouare not to tell anyone where we are, not even Tully.a aYes, Mother,a Mark said.

aAnd keep your head covered!a Kayl said as he pushed the door open and went out into the rain.

Mark did not reply, and Kayl stood staring at the rough wood of the door. Dara was a sensible child. Even without explanations, shead run her errand carefully. And Mark was reliable enough. Head hunt until he found Jirod; once he delivered his message, Jirod would make sure he came back safely. Unless someone had already told the Magicseekers about Kaylas children.

The sound of a throat being cleared behind her brought Kayl back to herself with a jerk. She turned and found Glyndon and Corrana both watching her. aWell?a she said.

aI had not thought that you would send your children into danger,a Corrana said. Her eyes held a speculative gleam.

aThey wonat be in danger until someone tells the Magicseekers who they are,a Kayl said, fighting down her own fears. aAnd there was no other reasonable choice.a aYou could have taken the message yourself,a Corrana pointed out. aAnd I am quite capable of following directions. Also, your Wyrd friend and I have met.a aYes,a Kayl said tiredly. aBut we donat know whether the Magicseekers are looking for you or for Glyndon. Or me. I doubt that theyare aware I have children, so they wonat be looking for Mark or Dara. a.s.suming, of course, that the men Tully saw are, in fact, Magicseekers.a aWho else could they be?a Glyndon said.

aI donat know. Mercenaries, perhaps, or some new idea of King Valda. You realize that if they arenat Magicseekers Iam going to miss out on at least thirty coppers for their lodging tonight? Not to mention the wine theyad have drunk.a aYouad have had to leave soon anyway,a Glyndon said uncertainly. aThat, ora"a He broke off and his eyes dropped.

aIf the men your sonas friend saw are not members of the Circle of Silence, I will make good your loss, innkeeper,a Corrana said smoothly.

Kayl stared at her for a moment, feeling her anger rise. The womanas satisfaction was evident, and it took only a momentas thought to guess the reason. Magicseekers or not, the soldiersa arrival had persuaded Kayl to leave the inn at last, however reluctantly. aThank you, Your Virtue,a Kayl said coldly. aBut that will not be necessary.a Corrana inclined her head. aAs you wish.a Kayl nodded without speaking. There was a momentas silence, then Glyndon said, aKayl, do you suppose your friend would object if we sat down?a aOf course not,a Kayl said. As Glyndon seated himself on the bench in the corner, Kayl realized that she was still holding both Daraas basket and her own, as well as the oilcloth bundle from the secret hiding place beneath the innas hearth. She crossed to the table and set her burdens down beside the basket Mark had left there. Then she unloaded the baskets and began repacking their contents into three compact bundles.

She worked steadily, and at first she was grateful that neither Glyndon nor Corrana tried to talk to her. Then her fears for Mark and Dara resurfaced, and Kayl began to wish for something to distract her. She finished the second bundle and paused, her hands hovering over the oilcloth. If the soldiers were Magicseekersa With sudden decision, she picked up her basket and the oilcloth bundle and rose. aIall be back in a few minutes,a she said, and was through the kitchen door before either Glyndon or Corrana could reply.

As the door closed behind her, she set the basket on the floor and began rummaging through it. The package she wanted was in the bottom, one of the first things she had seized during the hasty flight from the inn. She opened it quickly, half afraid that if she hesitated she would change her mind.

The soft leather over-tunic and leggings were still supple. Kayl stripped off her loose outer garments and pulled the leathers on quickly. They had an awkward, half strange, half familiar feel, like meeting a childhood friend after years of separation and discovering little in common save the past. Lacing the top of the leggings was difficult; three pregnancies and fourteen years of sampling the innas stew as it cooked had added more to her hips than she would have believed.

In the end, she left the lacing loose, thanking the stars that the over-tunic was long and full. The belt that went with the tunic had vanished, worn out or lost years before. Kayl had to make do with the doubled cord she wore every day. Then she knelt and gently laid back the folds of the oilcloth bundle.

The star-gem in the hilt of the sword winked at her as she picked the weapon up. The scabbard had never been intended to hang from a belt of cord; it took awhile to fasten it so that the swordas hilt was properly positioned. Kayl wanted to test the ease of the weaponas draw, but Jirodas kitchen was too small for her to get a true feel for it. She settled for grabbing the hilt and half drawing the weapon several times. It seemed good enough, but she made a mental note to test it more fully later, somewhere where there was more room.

As Kayl folded her usual clothes and packed them in the basket, doubt struck her. She must look like a fool in these leathers, a middle-aged woman trying to recapture something of her lost youth. Yes, she could move more freely without the folds of her linen robe hampering her legs, but what did it matter? She could not successfully fight six or seven Magicseekers after so many years without practice; even at the height of her abilities, she would have been lucky to avoid death or capture. And if they fled Copeham altogether, her normal clothes would attract far less attention than these.

Yet the weight of the sword against her hip was comforting, and the leather warrioras garb gave her confidence. aTrust your instincts, Kayl Larrinar,a Kayl muttered, and bent to pick up the oilcloth and Kevranas rod.

The dark wood of the rod shone even in the dim light from the kitchen window. Kayl was suddenly reluctant to m.u.f.fle it in the folds of oilcloth once more. Perhaps Glyndon would want to see it. After all, it had been the focus of Kevranas magic, and it was the only thing of Kevranas she had left. She lifted the rod, and memory struck her like a blow.

aThis is not going to work,a Barthelmy said decidedly.

aItas too soon to say that,a Kayl replied. aWeave only been on the road two days.a aWhich is at least a day and a half too long. We should have turned back as soon as that officious blonde started trying to take over.a aVarevice and I have settled that.a For the time being, at least; Kayl wasnat sure how long their agreement with Beshara al Allard would last if they ran into real trouble.

aThose slaves give me chills,a Barthelmy muttered. aAnd I donat like Varnans.a aIf Evla can put up with them, surely you can.a aEvlaas a Shee.a aThatas what I mean.a aExcuse me, but is there some problem I can help with?a a quiet voice broke in from behind Kayl.

Kayl turned to find Kevran ker Rondal, whom she privately considered the most sensible of the three Varnan wizards, studying her. aNo,a she said.

aYes,a Barthelmy said irritably. aYou can go away!a The Varnaas lips quirked. aI take it you are not fond of Varnans.a aI donat like any slave-keepers!a aBarthelmy!a Kayl was appalled by her companionas lack of manners, but fortunately Kevran did not take offense.

aNot all Varnans keep slaves, or even approve of the practice,a he said seriously. aZylararia"a aIam sick of hearing about Zylarari!a Barthelmy said. aEvery time someone wants to prove that Varnans arenat all bad, they drag out Zylarari and hold him up as an example. Well, I donat think one decent person in twelve hundred years is a particularly good record!a aBarthelmy.a Kayl pitched her voice to the note of command her Star had learned to obey unhesitatingly. aWerenat you going to speak to Evla?a Barthelmy gave her an angry look, but she left. Kayl turned to Kevran. aI apologize for my friendas rudeness. I hope you wonat hold it against her.a aI was hoping shead be more comfortable with me,a Kevran said, staring after Barthelmy. He glanced at Kayl and added apologetically, aSince I donat look much like most peopleas idea of a Varnan wizard.a Kayl blinked, and realized it was true. Kevran was half a head shorter than she was, with fine, dark hair that was constantly falling in his eyes. He was young, too; he couldnat be more than seven or eight years older than Kayl, at most. He looked more like a miller or a tailor than a wizard. aBarthelmyas a little oversensitive on the subject of Varnans,a Kayl told him.

aSheas your demon-friend, isnat she?a Kevran asked. Kayl nodded, and Kevran said thoughtfully, aAnd Beshara insisted on bringing Odevan. No wonder your friend is upset. It must be hard for her to see the way Beshara treats him.a aIf the Sisterhood had known one of the slaves you wanted to bring was a demon, wead have insisted that you send someone else,a Kayl said, allowing some of her own anger to show.

aI wasnat going to say what she thought,a Kevran said abruptly. His right hand was absentmindedly fingering a slender rod of dark wood that hung from his belt.

aWhat?a aI wasnat going to hold up Zylarari as a Varnan you mainlanders would approve of.a aWhat were you going to say, then?a aI was going to point out that he couldnat have started his campaign to free the demons if there hadnat been a lot of people on Varna who agreed with him.a Kevran gave her a sidelong look. aThere still are, you know. Varnans who agree with Zylarari, I mean. You might mention that to your friend; it may make her feel a little more comfortable about this trip.a Before Kayl could answer, the Varnan walked off. Kayl stared after him. She found herself wishing fervently that Kevran ker Rondal had been put in charge of the Varnan half of the group, and not Beshara al Allard. She suspected that it would have made the trip a great deal easier on everyone.

Kevranas rod slid from Kaylas fingers. She drew a deep breath, shaken by the vividness of the memory, and by its unexpectedness. She hadnat realized how strong a reminder of Kevran the rod would be. Or was it a side effect of Varnan magic? She wondered suddenly whether Varnans had some special way of disposing of the things they used in their spells. Kevran had not had time to tell her, and there had been no one else to ask, until now. She would have to talk to Glyndon later, when Corrana was not around.

Kayl wrapped the rod in her robes and stuffed it under one arm. Then, swinging the oilcloth in her other hand, she went back into the front room of Jirodas house.

CHAPTER.

NINE.

Glyndonas only comment when Kayl reappeared wearing leathers and the sword of the Sisterhood was, aSo thatas what you had in that oilcloth!a Corrana said nothing, but her smile was smug. Kayl was glad she did not have to make conversation with the woman; she would have found it all but impossible to remain polite.

She returned to her original task, making up the last of the food and clothing into a bundle for herself. Just as she was finishing there was a tentative knock at the door. Kayl rose and swung around to face it.

The door opened and Dara peered around the edge. aMother?a aCome inside, Dara, quickly!a The last thing they needed now was for someone to notice the unusual number of visitors Jirod was having.

Dara stepped inside and pushed the door shut behind her. aI saw Bryn, and shea"a Dara stopped short, staring at Kayl. Her brown eyes widened even more as they fell on the sword of the Sisterhood hanging from Kaylas belt. aMother, whata"a aIn a minute, Dara,a Kayl said hastily. aWhat did Bryn say?a Dara swallowed. aShea"she said shead be here after dark. And that she appreciated your trust. Mother, what is going on?a The last words were almost a wail.

Kayl put a comforting arm around her daughteras shoulders. aCome sit down and Iall explain everything. Or at least, as much of it as I know.a She glanced at Glyndon as she spoke.

aItas all right now,a the wizard said. aYouave heard what I had to tell you.a aAll of it?a Kayl asked sharply, prompted by something in Glyndonas tone of voice.

aAll that matters,a the wizard replied wearily.

aMother!a Dara begged. aYou said youad explain.a aYes, of course,a Kayl said. She hesitated, searching for the right words and the right place to begin. aA long time ago, I was a member of the Sisterhood of Stars.a aYou were?a Dara said incredulously. aThena thatas your sword?a aYes. I was a warrior. My Star and I did a lot of different things for the Sisterhood; Iall tell you about them some other time, perhaps. That was how I met your father.a aAnd you fell in love, and left the Sisterhood for him!a Dara said excitedly.

aNo,a Kayl said firmly. aOr rather, not quite. I had other reasons for leaving.a aOh,a Dara said, sounding disappointed. She paused, considering, then nodded at Corrana. aIs that why she came? Because you used to be a Sister?a aYes, child,a Corrana said. aThat is why I came.a Dara jumped at the sound of Corranaas voice. Kayl gave her a rea.s.suring hug and went on, aAnd Glyndon is a kind of Seer. He came to warn us about the Magicseekersa coming.a aWhy?a Dara asked. She looked warily in Glyndonas direction.

aI was a friend of your fatheras,a Glyndon said simply.

aYou knew Father?a Dara burst out. She looked indignantly at Kayl. aYou didnat tell us!a aI asked your mother not to say anything to you until I could talk to her,a Glyndon said.

Dara flushed. aButa"a A loud thump just outside the door interrupted Dara in midsentence. The door swung open, letting in the sound of Markas indignant voice, aa"not making it up!a aI didnat say you were,a Jirod said. aWeall sort it out inside.a He came into the room as he spoke and stopped abruptly when he saw Corrana. His eyes darted over the rest of the roomas occupants, moving past Kayl without recognition. Then his look returned to her, and his eyes widened in disbelief and slowly deepening bewilderment. Kayl straightened and returned his gaze.

Mark pushed his way past Jirod and kicked the door shut behind him. aI told you,a he said with some satisfaction.

aMark!a Kayl said automatically. aWhere are your manners?a aWell, I did tella"Mother! Wheread you get the leathers? And the sword? Can I see it?a aLater, Mark. Apologize to Jirod, then sit down somewhere.a Mark mumbled something that would pa.s.s for aIam sorrya and crossed the room to where Kayl was standing. Dara, Glyndon and Corrana occupied all of the chairs, so he settled himself on the floor beside Kayl, where he could study her sword.

Kayl looked back at Jirod. He was still staring at her; he did not appear to have noticed Markas movement at all. ah.e.l.lo, Jirod,a Kayl said, trying not to show the uncertainty she felt. aIam afraid weave more or less taken over your house; Iam sorry.a aKayl, what is all this?a Jirod said at last. aMark said something about you hiding from Magicseekers, but I donat see why. And the way youare dressed, anda I donat understand.a aItas a long story, Jirod,a Kayl said. She leaned back against the table, stretching her legs. aBut before I start, let me introduce you to my companions. This is the Elder Sister Corrana of the Sussewild, from the Sisterhood of Stars. And this is Glyndon shal Morag, an old friend of Kevranas and mine.a Jirod made a small, hostile bow in Corranaas direction and nodded with noncommittal suspicion to Glyndon. aFriends of Kaylas are welcome in my house,a he said, putting a shade too much emphasis on the first word.

aOur thanks for your hospitality,a Glyndon said.

Jirodas eyes narrowed, as though he suspected Glyndon of mocking him. Hastily, Kayl said, aHave you got any more chairs, Jirod? Iall explain as soon as everyoneas comfortable.a aThere is no need to wait,a Glyndon said, rising. aOur host may have my chair. Iave sat still long enough.a Jirod hesitated. Glyndon smiled and stepped away from the chair; Corrana, seated against the opposite wall, shifted slightly so that the Varnan remained in her direct line of vision. Jirod glanced at Kayl, then sat down, still watching Glyndon with a trace of suspicion.

aThank you, Glyndon,a Kayl said.

aThe pleasure is mine,a Glyndon said.

Jirodas eyes widened suddenly, and he half rose from the chair. aYouare a Varnan!a aYouare quick,a Glyndon said. aI can usually spend at least a day in a town this small before that particular suspicion occurs to somebody. If I make a point of talking very little, that is.a aA Varnan!a Mark said eagerly. aAre you a wizard Varnan?a aAfter a fashion,a Glyndon said.

aAnd Mother says he knew Father!a Dara told Mark in a piercing whisper.

Jirod stared at Glyndon, ignoring the children; Kayl could not decide whether his expression was one of apprehension or of anger. aWhat are you doing in Copeham?a he demanded.

aGlyndon came to warn me about the Magicseekers,a Kayl said.

aWarn you? But the Magicseekers donat have any interest ina"a Jirod hesitated, eyeing Kaylas clothing and the sword she carried; then he finished weakly, aa"people like us.a Kayl sighed. aJirod, fifteen years ago I was a member of the Sisterhood of Stars. The Circle of Silence has plenty of reason to be interested in me, if only for what I carry.a She tapped the glowing stone in the hilt of her sword, ignoring Markas m.u.f.fled exclamation.

There was a momentas silence. Kayl could almost see the pieces falling together in Jirodas mind. aWhy shouldnat they be looking for her?a he said, not quite glaring at Corrana.

aIt is possible,a Corrana said calmly before Kayl could reply. aBut many things are possible.a aAnd I will not take risks with the childrenas safety,a Kayl said. aItall be easy enough to go back to the inn, if Iam wrong and the Magicseekers are just pa.s.sing through.a Her words mocked her with double meanings even as she spoke. Easy to go back? She doubted it.

aBut they didnat stop,a Jirod said with relief.

Kaylas eyes narrowed. aYou saw them?a she said sharply.

aWe both saw them,a Mark burst out eagerly. aSix of them! They went right past Holumas just when we were going in. I got to see them even closer than Tully.a Kayl turned questioningly to Jirod. aThey were Magicseekers then?a aYes,a Jirod said, looking at her uncertainly. aI thought you knew that.a aAnd they went on through? Youare certain?a aI wasnat about to stand out in the rain watching them!a Jirod said with some annoyance. aBut when Mark here dragged me out of the smithy, they were heading over the hill.a aHow many of them did you say there were?a Glyndon said. His voice sounded strained.

aSix,a Jirod replied, sounding even more annoyed than before.

aNo,a Glyndon said. aThatas wrong. There area"there are seven.a He swayed on his feet, and Kayl saw that he had turned white. aSeven eagle-helmeted soldiers, bringing fire and bloodaa aDara, get up,a Kayl said. aDonat touch him, Jirod, it only makes things worse.a She shoved Daraas empty chair at Glyndon, and the Varnan collapsed into it, shaking violently.