Lyra: Caught In Crystal Part 5

aThe Queenas Library,a Kayl said. aThe carving over the door is from the story of Deardan and her brothersa"Deardan and Tylmar saving the Scrolls of Knowledge from the Shadow-born. Queen Irhallen the Fourth built it about three hundred years after the Wars of Binding.a aThat whole building is full of books?a Mark said incredulously.

aThatas right,a Kayl said, laughing. aThey have scrolls and books about everything, from dancing to Shanhar hand-fighting.a Markas ears perked up. aThey have books about Shanhar in there?a He looked speculatively at the library. aMaybe I should look inside.a aIall take you there sometime,a Kayl promised.

aMother, whatas that?a Dara asked, pointing at the theater on the other side of the square. Kayl took a deep breath, hoping the children wouldnat ask more than she knew how to answer, and launched into another explanation.

Eventually, they turned off of the main street. The soaring arches and pillars of the library and theater gave way to st.u.r.dy, practical buildings of mortared fieldstone. Behind them, in the shadow of the city wall, Kayl could see the roofs of the flimsy, four-story tenements that housed the less well off. She frowned; there seemed to be more of them than she remembered. Then Mark distracted her with a question, and she forgot her misgivings for the time being.

They continued on toward the center of the city. Soon houses of carved granite blocks began appearing, some with decorations of mosaic tile around their doors. Beyond lay the pillared homes of even wealthier merchants and the marble halls of the n.o.bility, encircling the great palace of Kith Alunel at the heart of the city.

They turned again, long before they neared the haunts of the rich, and suddenly they were standing in front of the Star Hall of Kith Alunel. Kayl stopped and looked at it, swallowing hard.

It was a low, sprawling building. A wide path of pale gray flagstone led from the street through a tiny garden to a porch, roofed in white marble supported by columns of the same material. The floor of the porch was made of mosaic tiles in shades of gray; beyond was the arched opening that led to the outer courtyard of the Star Hall. From where she stood, Kayl could see the tops of the side domes that would flank the long central hall; they, too, were of white marble. The Star Hall shone in the winter sunlight, like a pearl among the gray-brown rock of the surrounding buildings.

aIs this where weare going?a Dara asked a little doubtfully as Corrana started up the path toward the doorway.

aYes,a Kayl said, surprised. aSomething wrong?a aNo, not exactly,a Dara said. aItas just so grand, and weare allaa Her voice trailed off and she waved vaguely at her dusty, travel-stained clothes.

aDonat worry,a Kayl rea.s.sured her. aThe Sisters are used to receiving guests in even worse shape than we are.a Dara nodded, but she still looked unhappy. aGo on,a Mark said, giving her a poke. aI donat want to stand here all day. Itas getting cold.a aYou stop that!a Dara said furiously. aYou never think of anybody but yourself! Youa"a aDara! Mark! Both of you, stop it right now,a Kayl said firmly.

aBut I didnat do anything!a Mark said in an injured tone.

aI donat care,a Kayl said. aI donat want to hear a word out of either of you until weare inside and Iam done talking to the Sisters. Understand?a aButa"a aNot a word!a Kayl said. aNow come on.a She took their hands in hers and went into the Star Hall.

Two Sisters in medium-gray robes were waiting in the outer courtyard; Corrana had summoned them while Kayl was dealing with Mark and Dara outside. They led Kayl and her children through the front atrium and around the outside of the great hall. Kayl felt as though she were seeing double. She knew the way as well as she knew her kitchen at the inn in Copeham, yet it was somehow strange as well. The hall was narrower than she remembered, and she had forgotten the odd rose tiles that ringed the pool in the atrium. The lighting was too dim, and there were too many doors. Then, suddenly, there was a niche in the wall that fit her memory perfectly, and even that felt strange. Kayl suppressed a shiver of uneasiness and hurried after the Sisters.

The Sisters led them to a small chamber ringed with wooden benches. One wall was covered with a mosaic depicting a stylized eight-pointed star in shades of blue; the other walls were the same polished white marble as the rest of the building. On the opposite side of the chamber were two wooden doors.

aBaths have been prepared for you in the next rooms,a one of the Sisters said, indicating doors in the opposite wall of the chamber. aWe will bring clean clothing for you while you refresh yourselves.a Dara shot Kayl a reproachful look, but was wise enough not to say anything. Kayl thanked the two Sisters and saw them out, then sent Mark and Dara to bathe. As they left the room, she unwrapped her cloak and sank down onto one of the benches. Absently, she undid the cords holding her bundle, and sighed in relief as the weight left her shoulders. She set it on the bench beside her and stared at it.

Coming back wasnat supposed to feel like this, she thought, but she didnat know what she had expected it to feel like. She didnat even know, really, why she had come. She had insisted, when Corrana pressed her, that she only wanted to return the sword of the Sisterhood to the Elder Mothers. But could she give it up? It had been a part of her for so long; even, she now admitted, when she had hidden it beneath the floor of the inn and denied its presence. And if she hadnat given up the sword on that last, horrible day when she thought she hated the Sisterhood and everyone in it, how could she imagine that she would return it now?

Kayl sighed and leaned back, remembering.

Starlight glimmered on the mirror-smooth surface of the pool in the center of the Court of Stars. Kayl stood alone at one corner of the pool, staring straight ahead of her, trying not to think of the erstwhile companions of her Star Cl.u.s.ter. On the other side of the courtyard, the most senior of the Elder Mothers of the Sisterhood were gathered, their silver robes a dim reflection of the shimmering starlight.

aAnd is that all of your story?a a voice said from the midst of the silver ma.s.s.

aThe return trip was uneventful, Your Serenity,a Kayl said. Her voice rasped in a throat worn raw with weeping.

aThen we thank you for your service.a The voice paused. aYou have our sympathy as well, for your fallen companions.a There was a murmur of agreement from the collected Mothers, and for a moment Kayl was comforted. Then another voice said, aIt is hard to speak of this now, and harder for you to hear, yet it must be done. Your choices now are two: find among the unfledged and uncommitted students of our order new companion Sisters to form a new Star Cl.u.s.ter, or take your place among the Sisters who serve the Star Halls and go afield no more.a aIa"a Kayl stopped, not knowing what she was expected to say. She didnat like either of the choices, but she couldnat say that. Not to the Elder Mothers. She rubbed at her eyes, wishing she werenat so tired. Maybe when she was rested this would all make more sense.

aYou need not make this decision now,a one of the Elder Mothers said kindly. aWait awhile, until the Varnans have been punished and the first of your grief has pa.s.sed.a Kayl stiffened, her weariness forgotten. aWhat do you mean about punishing the Varnans?a aSurely it is obvious that the Varnans are to blame for this catastrophe.a The voice was kind, almost soothing. It raised p.r.i.c.kles along the back of Kaylas neck.

aThatas not what I said at all!a Kayl objected. aThey didnat do any better than we dida"Beshara al Allard died and Glyndona Those visions of his have crippled him as much as losing an arm would have! You canat blame them!a aThat is not your decision to make.a Kayl could hear the steel underlying the gentle tone.

aBut I am the one who took the Star into the Tower, Your Serenity,a Kayl insisted. aAnd no one knew about that thing inside. No one!a aSo you have said, and we have heard you.a The voice was dry and noncommittal.

aYouare implying that the Varnans deliberately led us into a trap!a aIt is a possibility that must be considered.a aBut it isnat true! Your Serenities,a Kayl added belatedly.

aWe must be the judges of that. Your duties in this matter are finished,a the Elder Mother said firmly. aAnd you are tired. Leave us to deal with the Varnans.a The voice seemed to echo in Kaylas mind, knocking loose bits of knowledge she had overlooked or ignored. The bits fell together into a horrifying pattern. Kayl shook her head, trying not to believe the words she heard herself saying. aYou planned this. Right from the beginning, you planned to blame the Varnans if anything went wrong!a aAnd if we did?a The Elder Motheras voice was cold. aWhat is your concern for Varnans?a aGlyndon and Kevran are my friends,a Kayl said, feeling anger rising inside her. aAnd even if they werenat, what youare saying about them isnat true. I wonat be a party to it!a aYou question our judgment?a aYes!a Kayl shouted. aYou canat do this!a aWe can. It is in the best interest of the Sisterhood.a aThen the Sisterhood is a lie. Youare no better than the Circle of Silence, or the Varnans themselves!a There was a stunned silence. Then, aLeave us,a said a cold voice. aYou are overwrought.a aI know what Iam saying,a Kayl said, her anger turning suddenly cold. aIave worked for you, bled for you, and nearly been killed doing your precious business, but I wonat lie for you. If this is what the Sisterhood really is, Iam leaving.a She waited, but no one spoke. Briefly, she was tempted to make some grand gesture, to break her sword over her knee; then she turned on her heel and left. Her boots rang faintly on the tiled courtyard. As she reached the door, she heard a faint, frozen whisper: aGo, then.a Her steps did not falter, and she left the court without looking back.

Kayl sniffed, and wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. She had left the Star Hall the next morning, after spending half the night writing everyone she knew, inside or outside the Sisterhood, telling them the truth. And, for whatever reason, the Sisterhood had not laid the blame for the disastrous ending of the trip on the shoulders of the Varnans. Kayl had remained in Kith Alunel long enough to make sure of that, then left the city with Glyndon and Kevran. She had been hurt, confused, and bitter; she had given up the work she loved and the only family she could remember. But she had not given up the sword of the Sisterhood. How could she pretend that she would do so now?

With a sigh, Kayl leaned back against the cool marble wall, staring at the mosaic opposite her. It made no impression on her; her eyes saw instead the faces of her friends. Barthelmy, her black witchlocks flying, grinning impishly. Evla, her slanted green eyes cool and serene and her silver-white hair braided close to her head. Varevice, a lock of brown hair escaping her cap, her brows furrowed in concentration. Mother Dalessi, her gray hair in a loose braid over one shoulder, her face creased with smile lines. Kevran, his dark hair falling into his gray eyes, his smile warm and friendly. Beshara al Allard, every blond hair perfectly in place, one eyebrow raised in cold appraisal. Odevan, gray-skinned and hairless, unmistakably a demon.

Perhaps this was the real reason she had come back to Kith Alunel and the Sisterhood, Kayl thought. To lay to rest the ghosts in her memories.

Kayl heard a thump behind one of the doors to the bathing rooms. She turned her back on it, hastily wiping her cheeks. A moment later, Mark came bursting into the outer chamber, wrapped in one of the drying cloths aBecause they said they were going to bring us clean clothes, didnat they,a and Kayl went in to take her own bath.

CHAPTER.

TWELVE.

Kayl bathed quickly, reveling in the feel of hot water and soap but unwilling to linger too long. When she emerged, she found Mark and Dara dressed and waiting for her. The Sisters had brought them soft, shapeless charcoal gray robes that fell to just above their knees and belted at the waist. Mark looked uncomfortable and out of place; somehow he had managed to belt the robe so that the left side hung significantly lower than the right. Dara, on the other hand, looked entirely at home. Kayl frowned slightly, wondering why that thought made her uneasy. Then she saw the pile of pale gray cloth beside her bundle.

aThatas what they left for me?a she said, startled.

aWell, itas too big for either of us so it must be yours,a Dara said. aWhy? Is something wrong?a aNo, I was just surprised,a Kayl said as she crossed the room and picked up the pile. aOnly the Elder Mothers wear silver inside the Star Halls; everyone else wears gray. The shade of the robe indicates rank. The nearer the color is to silver, the most important the person wearing it is. I didnat expect them to give me one of the lighter shades, thatas all.a aHow come we got dark ones then?a Mark asked, sounding injured.

aDark gray is for visitors and students,a Kayl told him. aI was a member of the Sisterhood, but you and Dara arenat.a aWhat abouta"a aMark, I would appreciate it if you would save the rest of your questions until after Iave changed into this,a Kayl said gently. aIt wonat take long.a Mark flushed and nodded. Kayl slipped back into the steamy warmth of the bathing room, carrying the pale gray robe. She stripped hastily, then, with a curious mixture of eagerness and reluctance, she lifted the robe and slid it over her head.

The soft wool grazed the floor when the garment hung loose; belted, the robe was ankle-length. Kayl noted with misgiving that the color was even lighter than she had first thought. She had never gotten past the middle grays while she was at the Star Hall. Why were they giving her a status she had not earned?

Kayl picked up her old clothes and went back out to Mark and Dara. She unstrapped her sword from the back of her bundle and hung it at her waist. The star in the hilt winked up at her as she turned back to her children. aNow, what was it you were going to ask, Mark?a aWhat about Father? Would he have had to wear this color?a Kaylas lips tightened. aYour father was a Varnan,a she said as calmly as she could manage. aI doubt that the Sisterhood would have let him in at all. Varnans are not welcome in the Star Halls.a Mark started to say something, then stopped, frowning. Dara looked at Kayl. aIs that why you sent Glyndon away before we got here? I saw you talking in the shop.a aItas part of the reason,a Kayl said.

aMother,a Mark said, and stopped.

aIam listening; what is it?a Mark hesitated, then said carefully, aDo I have to wear this?a aIad prefer you did, for a number of reasons, but I wonat make you if you dislike it that much,a Kayl replied.

aItas not that. I just donat think I ought to take anything from these people if they felt like that about Father. It doesnat seem right.a aWeall be giving the robes back at the end of the visit, but I understand what you mean,a Kayl said, and smiled at his serious expression. Mark had done a lot of growing up on the trip to Kith Alunel. aGo ahead and change, if you feel that way about it.a Mark nodded solemnly and picked up his bundle. Dara looked stricken. aDoes that mean I have to change, too?a she asked, fingering the soft folds of her robe wistfully.

aIam not making Mark wear the robe, and I wonat make you wear something else if you donat want to,a Kayl said. aItas your decision.a aYouare not going to change,a Dara said accusingly.

aThe Sisterhood already knows exactly how I feel about their att.i.tude toward Varnans.a aOh.a Dara plopped onto the bench, frowning.

Mark came back a few moments later, dressed once more in his traveling clothes. As he handed Kayl the folded gray robe, there was a knock at the outer door of the chamber. aEnter,a Kayl called.

The door swung open to reveal Corrana. Her robe was the same shade as Kaylas, and the star of the Sisterhood shimmered on her left shoulder. She looked vaguely disgruntled, as if she did not approve of the task she was set to do. Her eyes swept the little chamber, and she frowned. aI understood there were to be clean robes for all three of you,a she said.

aMy son chooses not to be indebted to a group which considers his fatheras people their enemies,a Kayl said.

Corranaas eyes narrowed. aAnd I suppose that if I say he must remain in this room, you will insist on remaining with him. Very well, then; he may do as he wishes. But if trouble comes of it, the fault lies with you.a Kayl made a quarter-bow in acknowledgement. Light flashed from the gem in the hilt of her sword.

Corranaas eyebrows rose. aYou choose to wear your sword in the Star Hall?a aAs I wore it when I last was here,a Kayl replied.

Corrana made a small, exasperated gesture. aCome, then.a She turned and left, and Kayl and her children followed.

She led them down a long, straight corridor of white marble to one of the small rooms that bordered the inner court. She threw open the door and said in a disapproving tone, aThey are here, Your Serenity.a Kayl motioned Mark and Dara forward as she went in. Her eyes swept the room, taking in the pale blue hangings on the walls, a bronze gong in one corner, and four chairs, piled high with cushions, grouped beside a closed bra.s.s brazier in the center of the room. Then she stopped short. One of the chairs was occupied by a white-robed woman. Her hair was white and the lines on her face had deepened, but otherwise she had not changed. aMother Dalessi!a Kayl said without thinking. Then she remembered Corranaas salutation and corrected herself. aElder Mother, I mean; forgive me.a aIt is good to see you again, daughter. Come and sit down, and let me know your children.a Kayl drew Mark and Dara forward, noting as she did that Corrana had left them alone with the Elder Mother. aMy son, Mark; my daughter, Dara,a Kayl said, then turned to the children and went on, aElder Mother Dalessi was the first Silver Sister I ever saw.a Daraas eyes widened as she bobbed her head in acknowledgement, and she glanced quickly up at her mother. Mark kept his gaze on Elder Mother Dalessi, his expression wary.

aWelcome to you both, Mark Kevranil and Dara Kaylar,a Dalessi said.

aMy name is Mark Rondalis,a Mark said with an uncertain frown.

Dalessi smiled. aSo it would be, in Kith Alunel and most other countries of the Estarren Alliance, where a childas name follows his fatheras family. But there are other ways of naming; among the Thar you would be named for your motheras family, Mark and Dara Larrian. We of the Sisterhood make second names of a parentas name, the fatheras for a boy, the motheras for a girl. So I called you. If I have erred, forgive me. Names are of great importance, and I would not willingly miscall anyone.a aOh.a Mark looked thoughtful. aI want to think about that for a while.a aOf course. But now, come join me. I have a great deal to say to you all, and little time.a As they took their seats, Kayl glanced toward the closed door. aCorranaa"a aCorrana does not approve of this meeting,a Dalessi said with a slow smile. aShe would have stayed, had I allowed it. A little denial of her wishes may do her good.a aIs that entirely wise?a Kayl said.

Dalessias smile faded. aPerhaps not,a she said. aStill, it was necessary. For if she were present, I could not ask you openly: how great has the friendship grown between each of you and her, on your journeying here? Children, you first.a Mark and Dara looked uncertainly at Kayl. aItas all right,a Kayl told them. aTell her exactly how you really feel.a aI donat like Corrana,a Mark said positively. aSheas too bossy. And she thinks she knows everything.a aWell, I do,a Dara offered. aSheas so beautiful and elegant, and she tells me things. Onlya"a aGo on, dear,a Kayl prompted after a moment. aOnly what?a aOnly she doesnat like Glyndon,a Dara said. aAnd she doesnat have any reason. Heas nice, even if he is Varnan.a Kayl looked sharply at her daughter; she didnat like the thought of Corranaas att.i.tude toward Varnans rubbing off on Dara.

Before she could speak, Elder Mother Dalessi leaned forward. aGlyndon? Not Glyndon shal Morag?a Kayl nodded. aHe came with us from Copeham. Didnat Corrana tell you?a aNo.a The Elder Mother pressed her lips together briefly, and Kayl thought that she would not like to be Corrana when Elder Mother Dalessi next crossed her path. Then Dalessi went on: aAnd you, Kayla"how do you feel about Elder Sister Corrana of the Sussewild?a aShe has been a good traveling companion, and I wish her no ill,a Kayl said slowly, abut I cannot feel at ease with her. She is too much aware of her own ends, and not enough of the desires of others.a aYou have found the center of the knot,a Dalessi said. aCorrana has her own designs and purposes, always, and it is not wise to trust her overmuch.a aYou say that?a Kayl said, startled.

Dalessi nodded. aThat one would be a second Varevice Tamela, if she knew how. In truth, she has the skill, but she lacks Tamelaas heart.

aHow much of what we ask have you been told?a Dalessi asked abruptly. aAnd how much have you agreed on?a aCorrana said the Sisterhood wants me to go back to the tower we found in the Windhome Mountains,a Kayl said. aShe said someone has been tampering with it somehow. I agreed to nothing. If it hadnat been for the Magicseekers, I would never have left Copeham.a aMagicseekers?a aSix of them!a Mark said with remembered relish. aAnd I got to see them right up close.a aI think you had better give me the details of the things that have brought you here,a Dalessi said.

Kayl did so, beginning with Corranaas arrival at the inn. She let Mark and Dara tell their own portions of the story, and ended with their entry into Kith Alunel.

aAnd we saw Shee in the market!a Mark said, satisfaction strong in his voice. aTwo of them!a aMark gets excited because Shee didnat come through Copeham very often,a Dara put in with all the worldly-wise superiority of almost-thirteen over just-turned-nine.

aI can understand your interest,a Dalessi said gravely. aPerhaps you would both like to meet our senior drillmaster; she is a Shee. I believe she is free now.a aCould we?a Mark said eagerly. Dara struggled for a moment with her dignity, then nodded emphatic agreement.

Dalessi rose and crossed to the bronze gong in the corner. She removed a round-headed stick from a nearby stand and struck the gong with it. As the echoes died away, the door opened. A girl of perhaps eighteen, dressed in dark gray, entered and said, aYes, Your Serenity?a aMark Kevranil and Dara Kaylar would like to meet Eshora,a Dalessi said. aPlease show them the way.a aYes, Your Serenity,a the girl said.

The children got up to follow her. When Kayl did not join them, Dara looked at her. aMother, arenat you coming?a aIall catch up with you in a little while,a Kayl said. aI want to talk to Elder Mother Dalessi.a Dara nodded, and the children left. Kayl waited until the door had closed behind them, then looked at Dalessi. aWell?a aIt is good to see you again, daughter, yet I could wish that the circ.u.mstances of your return were otherwise.a Dalessi sighed. aWhat Corrana has told you is true, but there is a great deal you do not know.a aYou mean there is more to this summons of Corranaas than someone tampering with the magic of an obscure tower that no one really understands anyway?a Kayl said wryly. aSomehow itas no surprise. Whatas really going on?a Dalessi shook her head. aThe Sisterhood is changing, and the Elder Mothers are not in agreement. I may tell you only this: In three daysa time, you and Corrana will be called before a meeting of Elder Mothers to settle what is to be done regarding the Tower. There will be those who wish to talk with you before then; learn from them, but say little.a aWise advice, if I were considering making the trip to the Tower for you,a Kayl said, nettled. aBut Iave already told you the same thing I told Corranaa"Iam not going anywhere near the place.a aIf that is true,a Elder Mother Dalessi said gently, awhy are you here?a aI donat know,a Kayl said, half to herself. aI donat know.a aThen you had best find out, and quickly. You cannot choose well if you do not know the wishes of your own heart.a Kayl nodded but did not reply, and after a moment Dalessi turned the conversation to other things. Kayl told her more of the details of her fifteen years since leaving the Sisterhood; Dalessi spoke of women Kayl had grown up with, scattered now to other Star Halls. Finally Kayl sat back. aIam afraid I should go. Mark and Dara will be wondering whatas become of me, and we should find out whether Glyndon has found rooms for us yet.a Dalessias eyebrows rose. aYou will not be staying at the Star Hall? You would be welcome.a Kayl hesitated, tempted. Then she shook her head. aSome would welcome me, perhaps, but not all. And I think the children would be happier elsewhere.a aPerhaps you are wise,a Dalessi said after a moment. aI will not press you.a She rose and started for the gong, but Kayl waved her back.

aDoes the senior drillmaster still room on the east side of the inner court? Then I can find my own way.a aVery well. I have duties to return to. But come again tomorrow, and ask for me.a Dalessi embraced Kayl, then let her go to find her children.

CHAPTER.

THIRTEEN.

Mark and Dara were right where Kayl had expected to find thema"in the inner courtyard with Eshora, the Shee drill-master. What Kayl hadnat expected was the crowd of students grouped around them. Kayl stopped, stricken with sudden nostalgia as she heard the drillmasteras voice: aCut left! and right! Step into your swing!a She started forward again, and the students fell back before the pale gray of her robe.

In the center of the ring of onlookers, Mark and Dara stood facing Eshora. They each held one of the weighted practice swords, and they were running through one of the standard exercise patterns. Eshora watched the children with cool, bright eyes that noted every hesitation, every misstroke, every flaw. Her own weapon swung smoothly, seemingly without effort, as befitted a senior drillmaster. Dara was frowning in concentration as her practice sword wove through the air; Mark, on the other hand, was clearly enjoying himself.

Kayl stepped forward, to the edge of the invisible circle that separated the onlookers from those who were drilling. Eshora did not appear to see her, but at the end of the next repet.i.tion she gave the signal to halt. Mark and Dara lowered their swords, panting. Dara saw Kayl, and a brief smile flashed across her face.

Markas attention was still on Eshora. aWell?a he said impatiently when she did not speak.

aYou need more practice on the fourth figure,a Eshora said. She raised her eyes and glanced dispa.s.sionately around the circle of watching students. Her expression did not change, but the onlookers began to melt rapidly away.

aIs that all youarea"a Mark stopped suddenly to glare at Dara, who had sidled up to him and poked him in the ribs. Dara jerked her head in Kaylas direction, and Mark turned. aMother! Did you see us?a aI saw the last repet.i.tion,a Kayl said.

aWe could do it again,a Mark offered eagerly, though he was still breathing hard.

aI think not,a Eshora said. aTake your swords back to the arming room. There will be no more practice for you today. At least, not here.a Markas face fell, but he nodded and sketched a bow. The children trudged off toward a nearby doorway. When they were out of earshot, Kayl asked, aAnd what did you think of their performance?a aI think your son needs more practice on the fourth figure,a Eshora said. She studied Kayl coolly for a moment, then half smiled. aYou trained them yourself?a aAs well as I could. Teaching was never my field.a aSo I have heard.a Eshoraas tone was expressionless, but her slanted eyes held green glints of amus.e.m.e.nt. aStill, you seem to have done as well as anyone could have.a aWhat do you mean?a Kayl demanded, nettled by the implied criticism of her children.

Eshora shrugged. aThe girl has no talent for the sword. She may, if she works hard, achieve a minor competence, but no more. I doubt that the stars will send her the sword when she stands in the Court. Sheall have to make do with one of the magic-related specialties, if she can.a aDara is not of the Sisterhood,a Kayl said sharply. aNor will she be.a aIndeed. Your son, on the other hand, has promise. Were he one of my students, I would have him carefully watched and trained. Itas a pity heas not a girl; he could have become a real a.s.set to the Sisterhood. But then, your children are not of the Sisterhood, nor will they be.a Eshoraas voice was faintly mocking.

The return of the children spared Kayl the necessity of a direct reply. Instead she thanked the drillmaster gravely and shepherded Mark and Dara back through the marble halls to the street. She paid little attention to their chatter; her mind was busy with the implications of the conversation just pa.s.sed.

Why had she reacted so strongly to Eshoraas a.s.sumption that Dara would be entering the Sisterhood of Stars? Surely it was reasonable enough, especially when Dara wore the robes of a student and Mark did not. And the life the Star Halls offered was not a bad one. Yet Kayl knew with sudden certainty that it was not a life she wanted for her daughter.

The thought disturbed her. How could she consider returning to the Sisterhood if she would not consider letting Dara join it? And she was considering returning; the pleasant hour spent with Dalessi and the familiar sights and sounds of the routine within the Star Hall had strengthened her longing for the place she had once called home. She shook her head. Dalessias dark hints were not particularly encouraging, Kayl reminded herself. And there was something else, something Eshora had saida Abruptly it came to her. aSheall have to make do with one of the magic-related specialties,a the drillmaster had said, with a tiny edge of contempt in her voice, as if the position of warrior held more honor or status than that of healer or sorceress or demon-friend. And the same a.s.sumption had been there when Eshora spoke regretfully of Mark as potentially aa real a.s.set to the Sisterhooda because of his talent with weapons. Kayl frowned uneasily. Elder Mother Dalessi had spoken of changes in the Sisterhood, but could something so fundamental have altered so much in so short a time? The members of a Star Cl.u.s.ter were equals, bonded each to each; they had to be!

They had nearly reached the outer courtyard, and Kayl put her troublesome thoughts aside for more immediate worries. She found a Sister in a robe of medium gray and asked for the cloaks and packs they had left in the bathing rooms.

aThey have been taken to your quarters, Your Virtue,a the woman replied.

aI would like them brought here,a Kayl said firmly. aWe will not be staying at the Star Hall. And I am not an Elder Sister; you should not call me aYour Virtuea,a she added as an afterthought.

aButa"a The woman hesitated, looking at Kaylas pale gray robe and the star-hilted sword she wore. aHer Virtue, the Elder Sister Corrana, said you would be staying here.a aCorrana should have learned by this time not to make a.s.sumptions,a Kayl said. aWill you please bring our things, or must we fetch them ourselves?a aElder Sister Corrana will not be pleased.a Kayl swallowed a sharp comment to the effect that she had no interest in pleasing Corrana. This Sister had done nothing to deserve the sharp edge of Kaylas temper; besides, the woman was clearly worried that Corrana would blame her for Kaylas defection. aYou may tell Corrana that I discussed the matter with Elder Mother Dalessi,a Kayl said. aHer Serenity and I agreed that I and my children would not stay at the Star Hall, at least for a time.a The Sister nodded, relief flickering across her face. Corrana would not openly question the will of an Elder Mother. She went briskly down the hall, and soon returned with the cloaks and packs. Kayl thanked her and was about to leave, when it occurred to her to ask whether anyone had left a message while she had been inside the Star Hall. Glyndon would not have tried to enter, but surely he would have sent someone to let her know where he was waiting.

The Sister directed her to a niche in the wall beside the door. On a waist-high shelf lay a bit of parchment, folded, with her name inscribed on the outside. The message within read, aThe inn with the red star on the sign, in the street behind the library where the weavers work.a There was no signature, but the letters were after the Varnan fashion, with extra flourishes and curlicues wherever there was the slightest excuse for them. Kayl smiled, and led her children out into the street.

It took much longer to reach the inn than it should have, chiefly because Mark and Dara were still full of eager questions about everything they pa.s.sed. Kayl saw no reason to hurry them. She answered as best she could, enjoying their enthusiasm, and she was surprised and sorry to see the sign of the red star dangling above the street a little way in front of them.

They found Glyndon in the front room of the inn. The place looked neat and prosperous, and Kayl felt a pang of regret for the lost inn in Copeham. She told herself not to be silly. She was still feeling the longing for the Sisterhood that had overcome her in the Star Hall; it was sheerest folly to begin longing for her old inn at the same time. The regret persisted. Kayl shook herself and crossed to Glyndonas table.

Glyndon took them upstairs to their rooms, and there was a brief bustle of activity as the children dug through their packs to make certain various essential treasures had arrived intact. With a sigh of relief, Kayl unwrapped her cloak from her shoulders. Glyndon turned to say something to her, and his face froze.

For a moment, Kayl did not understand his reaction; then she realized that she was still wearing her star-sword and the pale gray robe the Sisters had given her. Glyndon turned away. aIall meet you downstairs,a he said over his shoulder.

aGlyndon, itas nota"a Kayl started, but he was already gone. Kayl scowled and shook her head; didnat the man know her well enough to at least say something if he was upset? Well, shead drag it out of him later, and explain what had happened. She turned her attention to cleaning up Mark and Dara in preparation for dinner; it was amazing how much dust and grime they had managed to pick up in the relatively brief time since their baths at the Star Hall. Particularly Mark.

Next, Kayl changed and made Dara do so as well. It would cause a stir for them to appear in the common room in the informal robes of the Sisterhood. Kayl found herself reluctant to leave her sword in the room, but there was nothing else to be done. The rapier would attract as much attention as the Sistersa robe.