Lyra: Caught In Crystal Part 9

aIam going to think,a Kayl replied. aAnd thena"I donat know. Iam going to have to tell the Sisterhood something.a aKayl, you canat!a aI have to. Donat you see, this is what the Elder Mothers wanted to know this morning. They were right; things didnat happen the way Barthelmy and I said they did. And if theyare right about that, they may be right about the Tower interfering with their magic.a And she herself might have to rethink her determination not to return to the Twisted Tower, Kayl thought. She put the thought aside, for later consideration, and looked at Glyndon.

Glyndon looked away. aI suppose so,a he said at last. He sounded unhappy and very tired.

aItas also the only way I can think of to get the Elder Mothers to let us look at that scroll,a Kayl said gently. Glyndon did not answer. A rap at the door announced Mark and Daraas return. Kayl looked at Glyndonas slumped shoulders a moment longer, then said, aIall talk to you again before I say anything to the Sisterhood.a aAll right.a Kayl stared at him and tried to think of something else to say. There was another rap at the door; Mark was probably getting impatient. Shaking her head, Kayl rose to her feet to let them in.

CHAPTER.

NINETEEN.

Kayl slept poorly that night and she awoke before dawn the following morning. The bit of crystal was an unyielding lump inside her sash, demanding a decision. Should she give it to the Sisterhood with a full explanation, or keep it hidden? How would the Elder Mothers react if she told them the whole story? Part of Kayl wanted to dump the whole sorry tangle on the presumably wiser heads of the Elder Mothers; another part had grave doubts about the advisability of such a course.

The mental argument made her restless, and eventually drove her down the stairs to the serving room. She had no desire to wake Mark and Dara with her pacing. There were one or two other early risers below, but they were more interested in their breakfasts than in Kayl. She, in turn, ignored them as she prowled about the room.

She was on her fourth circuit when the door of the inn opened. Kayl turned, curious to see who would be arriving at such an early hour. To her surprise, the dark-cloaked figures were the Elder Mothers Mika and Javieri.

Kayl crossed to them and bowed, wishing they had waited until she knew what her own intentions were. aYouare looking for me?a aWe are,a Mika said. aIs there somewhere we can talk in private?a aIam afraid this is it,a Kayl said, gesturing at the serving room. aThe children are still sleeping, and I wonat have them waked.a Javieri raised her eyebrows in surprise. aUnder the circ.u.mstances, it seems like a minor consideration,a she said mildly.

aTo you, perhaps,a Kayl replied.

aJavieri has never had many dealings with children,a Mika said. She looked up at her companion, and her eyes held amus.e.m.e.nt. aIf you had, youad understand. Wake them now, and theyall be grumpy as bears for the rest of the day.a aI defer to your superior knowledge,a Javieri said, smiling. aThe table by the hearth?a Kayl nodded acceptance, and they crossed the room and seated themselves. Kayl looked at them expectantly.

aWe have come on behalf of the Elder Mothers of all the Sisterhood to ask you to go once more to the Twisted Tower,a Mika said. aAnd your friend Glyndon shal Morag as well.a aYou want Glyndon, too?a Kayl said, surprised. aWhy?a aFor the same reason we want you and Elder Sister Barthelmy,a Javieri said, and hesitated.

aThe three of you are the only ones theyare certain can get past the spells on the Tower door,a Mika said bluntly. aThere was an expedition about five years agoa"a aBarthelmy told me,a Kayl said. aBut she said they didnat try to go inside.a aOh, they tried. They gave up after the spells on the door killed the first two women who went through it.a aAnd you think we can do better?a Kayl said incredulously.

aYou have already done so,a Mika pointed out. aWe think that Glyndon shal Morag and Elder Sister Barthelmy can, between them, duplicate the spells that got your Star Cl.u.s.ter safely inside the Tower fifteen years ago. No one else has succeeded in that.a aAnd you will know more about the Tower than either of the first two Star Cl.u.s.ters we sent,a Javieri said.

aThe Ri Astar Diary?a Kayl said, looking at them skeptically. aYou place that much faith in it?a aNot in the diary alone,a Javieri said. aWe hope to confirm its information elsewhere.a aYou hope to? Youave had it a year or more; why havenat you confirmed it already?a Mika sighed and glanced reprovingly at her younger companion. aWe have no certainty of our ability to do so, and perhaps we should not have mentioned it. Buta"the last group who sought the Tower heard rumors of a man, a scholar and wanderer who may know much of the Twisted Tower. He was in another part of the mountains then, and they would not delay their journey to seek him out. We intend that the next expedition shall do so.a aYou must be very sure he knows something worth hearing,a Kayl said, not bothering to conceal her skepticism. aIad prefer to base a hope of success on something stronger.a aSo would we,a Javieri said soberly. aBut we have reached the point where we must grasp at whatever hope is offered, though it break like winter gra.s.s in our hands.a Kayl could hear the desperation behind the level words, but she shook her head. aIf you can find this person, and if he really knows something useful about the Twisted Tower, and if he is willing to tell youa Too many ifs for me, Your Serenity.a aIt is why I had not planned to mention it,a Mika said.

aThere seem to be a number of things you havenat mentioned,a Kayl snapped. aSuch as just what you expect this expedition to do when it reaches the Twisted Tower.a aI thought Barthelmy had told you that,a Javieri said.

aBarthelmyas story seems to have missed a few things,a Kayl said coldly. She was angry as much on Barthelmyas account as her own. Kayl was sure Barthelmy had told the truth as she knew it, which meant the Elder Mothers had been lying to her as well as to Kayl. aThat business about trying to get inside, for instance, or why you are so sure the Tower is the cause of youra difficulties.a Javieri glanced quickly around, checking to make sure no one was within earshot. Mika gave Kayl a grim smile. aYou are not making this easy, are you?a aWhy should I?a Kayl retorted. The discovery of the crystal chip had made her willing to listen, even willing to reconsider her determination to go to the Tower, but it had not made her willing to let the Elder Mothers know that she was thinking such things. aEver since Corrana appeared at my inn youave been lying to me and manipulating me. Why should I help you?a aTo save the Sisterhood,a Javieri said, so softly Kayl could hardly hear her.

aAfter all youave done, Iam not sure I want to.a aYou have been one of us; you know the good the Sisterhood does,a Mika said. Her expression was stern. aWe make mistakes, but who does not? Do not demand greater goodness in us than you yourself possess.a Javieri leaned forward. aEven if you do not think the Sisterhood worth saving for its own sake, think what will happen if we fall. The Sisterhood of Stars has long been one of the supports of the Estarren Alliance. If the support collapses, what then? The Alliance is already dying, but slowly; would you see it end in your own lifetime?a aYou think a lot of yourselves,a Kayl said. Javierias argument had a certain appeal, but she was careful not to show it.

aHave you no unanswered questions of your own about the Twisted Tower?a Mika said quietly. aNo doubts or suspicions about what happened there, even after what happened at the meeting yesterday?a Kayl hesitated. aYou have a good point,a she acknowledged. Better than the Elder Mothers knew, but Kayl had promised Glyndon not to speak of the false memory without discussing it with him first. aBut I doubt that your arguments will persuade Glyndon to help, even if you manage to convince me.a aBut if there is a way to stop his visions?a Javieri said softly. aThat would persuade him, I think.a Kayl stared, her thoughts in chaos. If it were possible to free Glyndon from his random fits of seeing, could she deny him that chance? She knew the answer as soon as the question phrased itself in her mind, and again she turned the conversation. aBarthelmy has agreed to go?a aYes. I believe she always intended to.a Javieri gave Kayl a sidelong look. aI also will be going.a aWe donat expect you to make a decision quickly, Kayl,a Elder Mother Mika said. aFor one thing, I expect youall want a chance to look at this first.a She nodded to Javieri.

Javieri reached into the folds of her cloak and pulled out a scroll, tied with a silver ribbon. She offered it to Kayl.

Reluctantly, Kayl took it. aThe Ri Astar Diary?a she asked.

Mika nodded. aA copy only. Youall find a report at the end explaining the reasons for our conclusions, and giving details of the proposed expedition. We have another for your friend Glyndon.a aIall deliver it for you,a Kayl said. aGlyndon tends to sleep late.a Javieri handed her a second scroll. Kayl stared down at the two rolls of parchment in her hands. She felt suddenly guilty for keeping her own knowledge secret; the crystal in her sash dug into her waist. She opened her mouth to tell them.

aNo. Do not make this decision on impulse,a Mika said. aWait until you have read the scrolls and thought about them, before you tell us yes or no.a Kayl stared in momentary confusion, then realized that Mika had jumped to a mistaken conclusion about what she had been about to say. Her advice was still good, though; Kayl nodded.

aWeall send someone for your answer tomorrow,a Mika went on. aOr would you prefer to have more time?a aTomorrow will be fine.a aGood. Then weall be leaving; I expect youare eager to look at those.a The Elder Mothers started to rise, but Kayl waved them back to their seats. aThereas something else you should know before you leave. Daraa"my daughtera"was stopped yesterday by a man in a green cloak who asked a lot of questions about the Star Hall.a Mikaas eyes narrowed. aTell us the whole story, if you please.a Rapidly, Kayl summarized the incident and repeated the description Dara had given her. aI may be overanxious,a she finished, abut Iad feel better if I knew who he was, what he wanted and why. And if I were sure he wasnat going to be a danger to my children.a aI think youare right to worry,a Javieri said. aThis isnat the only odd encounter someoneas had recently. Itas time they were investigated.a Her eyes were challenging as she looked at Mika.

Mika sighed. aIam afraid youare right. It will take Sisters away from other urgent tasks, but it must be done. Iall see to it as soon as we get back.a aThank you,a Kayl said. She walked to the door with them, then went back to the table and sat down. She did not immediately open the scroll Mika had given her. Instead she sat staring into the fire.

The proposed trip to the Twisted Tower would be long and hard, and Kayl knew all too well the dangers that lay at its end. The trip could also be a chance to return to the things Kayl had loved most about her years in the Sisterhood, and it was tempting to concentrate on that. Tempting; but foolish. This trip could never be like old times. Varevice and Evla were dead; the younger, brasher Kayl and Barthelmy had grown and changed. None of them could go back, not really. Kayl realized suddenly that she did not even want to try. She had followed an old dream to Kith Alunel, only to find she had outgrown it; she no longer belonged with the Sisterhood, any more than she belonged in Copeham. If she decided to go to the Twisted Tower now, it would be for Glyndonas sake, not for the Sisterhood.

Slowly, Kayl picked up one of the scrolls and slid it out of its ribbon. Unsmiling, she unrolled the top of the scroll and began to read.

The first part of the Ri Astar Diary was a long-winded description of Shandel ri Astaras escape from Sadortha just before the first of a series of attacks by the armies of the Shadow-born. Kayl skimmed until she found the first mention of the Twisted Tower, then backed up several inches and read more carefully.

Shandel ri Astaras grandfather, one Timlin ri Astar, had apparently visited the Twisted Tower as a young man. The list of his companions on that venture read like a Minstrelas roll of legendsa"Karin.o.bra Dragonsdaughter, Philomel the Healer, Nevarra Treewoman and her cousin Taldor of Greykeep, the Minstrel Nerewind, Quain, Macarato Firesworda the list went on and on. Kayl wondered cynically whether Timlin had been exaggerating to impress his grandson or whether Shandel was exaggerating to impress his readers.

Timlinas other claims might be questionable, but he had clearly been to the Twisted Tower at some time. The description of the valley and the Tower were vivid enough to make Kayl shiver. He and his companions, whoever they were, had fought and defeated the wizard of the Tower, then divided his belongings among themselves. Among the wizardas possessions was a huge crystal cube called Gadeironas Crystal.

Kayl stopped and reread the section carefully. Gadeironas Crystal fit the description of the cube her Star Cl.u.s.ter had found in the Tower. She fingered the lump in her sash absently as she waded slowly through the archaic phrasing. Suddenly she stopped. aAnd they sealed the Tower with the power of the Crystal itself,a read the ma.n.u.script, aso that no evil might go out of the Tower and none might enter.a Sealed with the power of the Crystal? What would happen to that seal if the Crystal were broken or chipped? Kayl thought of the black thing in the Tower, and felt cold. It was with effort that she kept her hands away from the knot in her sash. She had to speak to Glyndon about this, soon.

Quickly she scanned the remainder of the diary, but found nothing else of interest in Shandelas account. She spent a little more time on the report at the end, noting that the explanation of the Elder Mothers had included an extremely detailed description of the proposed expedition. She was rerolling the scroll when she saw Glyndon coming down the stairs. She waved, and he came over to join her.

aMorning, Kayl. What have you got there?a he asked, nodding at the scrolls.

aA present from the Sisterhood,a Kayl said. aHere, this oneas yours. Take it up to your room and read it, right now.a aWhat about my breakfast?a Glyndon said plaintively.

aIall bring it up to you,a Kayl said, taking his arm and steering him back toward the stairs. aGo on, get busy.a aAll right, all right. What is it, anyway?a aThe Ri Astar Diary.a Glyndonas eyes widened. He looked down at the scroll and swallowed hard. aI see. Donat be too long with that breakfast.a He started up the stairs; by the time he reached the landing he was taking them two at a time. Kayl smiled and went to see about getting something to eat from the innkeeper.

Kayl had to knock twice at Glyndonas door before the Varnan wizard answered. Finally, the door opened. aOh, good, breakfast,a Glyndon said, and stepped aside to let her in.

aHave you found the part about the Tower and the Crystal yet?a Kayl asked as she entered. She set down the steaming bowl of porridge she was carrying and looked at Glyndon expectantly. aYes.a He glanced at her, his expression ambiguous, then started pacing along the side of the bed. aIt wasnat as much help as Iad hoped.a aSit down. Youare making me nervous,a Kayl said, and set a good example by dropping onto the wood footstool by the door.

Glyndon hesitated, then seated himself on the bed beside the half-unrolled scroll. aWhat did you have to promise them to get this?a he asked, fingering the edge of the parchment and carefully not looking in Kaylas direction.

aNothing,a Kayl said.

aNothing?a Glyndon looked up in surprise. He gave her a searching look, then shook his head. aI donat believe it. The Sisterhood would never give away a bargaining counter.a aTheyare hoping it will persuade us to go back to the Tower.a aNo,a Glyndon said in the exasperated tone of one repeating the obvious for the fourth time. aI told you, if you go back to the Tower, that thing will get out.a aAnd if I donat go back?a Kayl said slowly, groping for an idea that hovered just out of reach.

aI a.s.sume it will stay safely inside, where it belongs.a aBut do you know that?a Glyndon looked up with an arrested expression. aWhat do you mean?a aDid you read all the way to the end of the Tower section in the diary?a aNot quite; I was studying the description of Gadeironas Crystal.a Kayl rose and crossed to the other side of the bed. She leaned across and unrolled the scroll another handsbreadth, studied it for a moment, then pointed. aLook here.a Glyndon bent over the scroll, and a wisp of his brown hair grazed Kaylas arm. She moved away a little and stood looking down at the top of his head. At last he nodded and looked up. aWell?a aAccording to the diary, they used the Crystal to seal the Tower.a aWell, we knew there was something odd about the spells on the door. But I donat seea"a He broke off suddenly, his eyes widening.

Kayl said it anyway. aWe took a chip out of that crystal. What effect might that have on the spells that seal the Tower?a aI donat know,a Glyndon said slowly. aIf it was important to the spell that the cube be absolutely perfecta I donat know.a aBut it might weaken the sealing spell. And if thatas whatas holding the black thing inside the Tower, it may get out eventually whether I go back or not.a And the main reason that remained for her reluctance to return to the Tower was her trust in Glyndonas vision of the black thingas escape.

aIf itas the guardian of the Crystala"a aWe donat know that, either.a Kayl shook her head, willing him to see. aThe diary doesnat mention the black thing at all; it may have gotten trapped in the Tower later.a Glyndon stared at her for a long time without speaking. aYouave decided to go,a he said finally.

aIa"a Kayl stopped, then nodded slowly. aI hadnat realized it, but youare right. Iam going.a Glyndon closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. ad.a.m.n them,a he said softly. ad.a.m.n them and demons take their souls.a aGlyndon! This is my decision, and believe me, Iam not doing it for the Sisterhood.a aWhy, then?a Kayl hesitated. aI thought I just explained that.a aTo save all Lyra from the monstrous thing that lurks in the Tower?a Glyndon said with savage mockery.

aI can at least try,a Kayl replied, struggling to keep her temper. aWe started something at the Twisted Tower; we ought to finish it.a aFinish it? Your death will finish it.a aYou donat know that,a Kayl said furiously, while part of her mind wondered at the bitterness in Glyndonas voice and the unexpected strength of her own reaction to it. aAnd even if you did, it would still be my choice whether or not to go.a Glyndonas mouth twisted. He stared silently down at the half-unrolled scroll on the bed in front of him. aIam sorry, Kayl,a he said finally, and his voice sounded tired. aI know better than to try and wrap you in fleece like that farmer in Copeham. So youare going back to the Twisted Tower. When do you leave Kith Alunel?a aThat depends.a Kayl looked at him, wondering whether or not she had ruined her chances of persuading Glyndon to join the expedition. aWill you be coming with us?a aI?a Glyndon snorted. aKayl, you know the Sisterhood better than that. Theyad never let a second-rate Varnan exile get involved with this, especially one half-crippled with false visions.a He smiled ruefully. aIf there were more truth in what I aseea you might have a chance of persuading them.a Kayl stared at him. aGlyndon, werenat you listening? The Sisterhood wants all of us, not just Barthelmy and me. Why do you think they sent you a copy of that scroll? Theyare hoping to persuade you.a Suddenly Glyndon laughed, but without humor. aI seem to have misjudged your Sisterhood. Perhaps I ought to apologize.a aI think theyad rather have you come on the expedition.a aDo you? Then I suppose Iall make them happy.a Kayl made an exasperated noise. aDoes that mean youall come with us?a aYes,a Glyndon said without looking at her.

aI havenat even told you what they have to offer you.a Glyndon shrugged and said nothing. Kayl stared at him for a moment, and his words of a moment before echoed in her mind aalike that farmer in Copeham.a Very gently, she said, aThey think they may find a way to control your visions.a aI donat think itas possible,a Glyndon said without looking up. aBut Iall try it.a aIall tell them when I visit the Star Hall this afternoon.a Kayl paused, studying him uncertainly. aAre you sure about this, Glyndon?a He raised his head and gave her a crooked smile. aSomeone has to be there to keep you out of trouble,a he said with attempted lightness.

aOh?a Kayl tried to match his tone. aAnd I thought youad just promised not to try wrapping me in fleece.a aDid I say that?a He shook his head sadly. aAnd youare such a fragile, helpless sort. I must be slipping.a Kayl picked up the scroll and hit him with it.

CHAPTER.

TWENTY.

Elder Mother Mika was extremely pleased by the news that both Kayl and Glyndon were willing to undertake the expedition. Mark and Dara were pleased as well, until they discovered that Kayl intended to leave them behind. Mark sulked for nine days. Dara spent her time thinking up reasons why they ought to go with Kayla"they were seasoned travelers after the trip from Copeham; Kayl would need someone to help with day-to-day ch.o.r.es; they wanted Kayl to continue their lessons in swordcraft; they would pine away and die if they were left behind.

Kayl was not as firm about stopping the complaints as she might have been. For one thing, she had her own doubts about the wisdom of leaving the children in Kith Alunel. Elder Mother Mika promised to look after them, but the Sisterhood was not the place Kayl would have chosen for either Mark or Dara. Then, too, the incident of the green-cloaked man who had questioned Dara continued to make Kayl uneasy. Still, Kith Alunel would be safer for the children than a long, uncertain journey with the Twisted Tower and the black thing at the end of it.

The Star Hallas preparations were time-consuming. It was soon clear, to Kayl at least, that the expedition would not be out of Kith Alunel before the winter storms arrived. That would mean at least another monthas delay; no one traveled during the storm season if it could be helped.

Kayl was not unhappy to be kept waiting, even though she was now committed to the project. She spent much of her time with her children, showing them the sights of Kith Alunel. And, as promised, she took them to the Frost Fair on the day it opened.

The weather was perfect for such an exhibitiona"cold and clear, with an icy blue winter sky hanging above the new snow. Tents and temporary booths filled the Kingas Park, their bright colors a vivid contrast to the snowy whiteness. A light breeze swept away the smoke that rose from the many braziers, and kept the banners and pennants fluttering above the tents.

Though they arrived early, the fair was already crowded. Kayl reminded the children to stay close to her or Glyndon, and Mark and Dara responded with the expected eye-rolling. Fortunately, the excitement of the fair quickly distracted them.

aMother, look! Flame-jugglers!a Mark cried, pulling at Kaylas cloak as though he were several years younger than he was. aThis way!a aNo, over there!a Dara said. aThereas a conjureras sign!a aTake it easy, both of you,a Kayl said, laughing in spite of herself. aWe have all day. The conjurer first, I think.a The conjurer was quite good; he even had a trick or two that smelled of true magic, rather than depending entirely on sleight-of-hand. Dara was wide-eyed through the entire performance, and Mark was nearly as interested, though he tried not to show it.

The flame-jugglers turned out to be even more impressive. The whirling brands seemed to leave fiery trails in the air, weaving intricate patterns of light. Dara did not even try to look uninterested; she was as fascinated as Mark.

When the juggling was over, Kayl took the children to a nearby booth selling a mixture of snow and berry juices that had always been one of Kaylas favorite Frost Fair treats. The last time she had had one was the winter before the disastrous trip to the Twisted Tower. She and Barthelmy had dragged Evla to the Frost Fair for a belated celebration of Evlaas birthdaya.

aThis is good!a Dara said.

aMy teeth freeze when I try to chew it,a Mark said.

aTry sort of scooping it up on your tongue and sucking,a Kayl advised.

Glyndon was eyeing his cupful dubiously. aIt looks like purple slush,a he complained.

aIall take it if you donat want it,a Mark volunteered hopefully.

aI donat think your mother would approve,a Glyndon said, glancing at Kayl.

aGo on, go on, try it,a Kayl said, laughing at his expression. aIt wonat kill you.a aAll right, but I wouldnat do this for anyone else.a Cautiously, Glyndon licked at the purplish snow. The children watched him closely as he turned it over in his mouth. He frowned slightly and took a larger mouthful. aItas not bad,a he said finally.

Kayl grinned. aYour tongue is purple.a They wandered through the fair for most of the day. Kayl found a leatherworker whose goods pleased her and spent some of the money the Star Hall had given her on a new belt and boots. Glyndon slipped away for a few hours near midday and returned with a heavier purse and a smug expression; Kayl a.s.sumed head found a dice game and cleaned it out. The children played ring-toss and tried to climb a swaying net of rope called a Kulseth Stairway. Periodically, they stopped to buy steaming b.u.t.tered corn or crisp shreds of carrots fried in batter.

Finally, Kayl called a halt. aOne last stop,a she said. aWhere will it be?a aThe Shanhar games!a Mark said at once. aYou said we could see them, you promised!a aThe Shanhar will just be more fighting,a Dara objected. aI want to see the horses.a aJust fighting!a Mark stared, appalled almost to speechlessness by the depth of Daraas ignorance. aThe Shanhar are the greatest warriors in the Alliance! In the whole world, probably! And you want to look at horses?a aTake it easy, both of you, or Iall take you straight back to the inn,a Kayl said.

aBut Mother!a the children chorused.

Kayl sighed and looked apologetically at Glyndon. aWould you mind taking Daraa"a aNot at all,a Glyndon said. aShall we catch up with you, or the other way around?a aWeall find you, I think. Just donat stray too far from the horses.a aIall do my best. Coming, Dara?a Kayl watched them, marking the direction in her mind, then took Mark and headed for the Shanhar games. A large square of snow had been roped off, and three people dressed in pale brown stood inside. Two were women and the third was a man, but all had the same straight-cropped dark hair, the same black eyes, and the same slightly amused expression. Each wore both sword and dagger, and their belts bristled with more esoteric weapons.

Mark moved a little away from Kayl in order to see better. Kayl smiled, remembering how eager she had been the first time she had seen the Shanhar display their skills. Then the demonstration began, and she craned forward as avidly as Mark.

They began with throwing weaponsa"knives, axes, and the deadly little four-spiked cl.u.s.ters called ravenas-feet. Kayl found the synchronization of their movements at least as impressive as their accuracy. When the targets were bristling with patterns of black spikes and dagger-hilts, the Shanhar turned to personal combat. Swordplay followed barehand, then went on to a unique ambidextrous style with both hands holding and occasionally exchanging weapons.

The crowd around her cheered and shouted encouragement to this or that combatant, but Kayl doubted that many of them really appreciated the elegance of the deadly dance they watched. She turned to see how Mark was enjoying it. He was gone.

Frowning, Kayl scanned the leading edge of the crowd. She did not see him. With a sigh she began working her way through the crowd, looking for her sonas fair hair. She was growing seriously worried when she heard Markas voice cry out.

Politeness forgotten, Kayl shouldered through the crowd in the direction of the cry. She broke free at last and looked hurriedly about her; then she saw Mark. He was struggling with a tall man in dark brown, half hidden by the shadows of a closed and shuttered booth.

Kayl ran forward, drawing her dagger as she ran. The tall man saw her coming and hesitated. Then Mark kicked backward. Kayl heard the man curse; his grip on Mark shifted and he threw the boy out of the shadows toward Kayl. Mark sprawled face down in the muddy snow. Kayl reached him an instant later and bent to make certain he was not seriously hurt. When she looked up, she was not surprised to see that the tall man had vanished.

Mark sat up, shivering half with cold and half with reaction. aM-mother! He wasa"hea"a a.s.shhh, itas all right, weall talk about it later.a Kayl helped him up, then almost knocked him off his feet again by hugging him with all her strength. She was shaking almost as much as Mark was. She hadnat been this frightened since her first serious sword fight, when it had finally sunk in that this man was trying to kill her. With difficulty, she controlled her fear and sat back, keeping an arm around Markas shoulders as much for her own comfort as for his.

They were beginning to attract curious stares. Kayl frowned, wondering whether she could possibly have been the only one who had seen what had happened. She glanced again at the shuttered booth and nodded to herself. The tall man had been clever as a demon. The shadowy gap between the booths would have hidden him from almost every angle, and the Shanhar exhibition was enough to hold the attention of most of the pa.s.sers-by. Involuntarily, Kaylas arm tightened around Markas shoulders.

aMother?a Kayl looked down at Markas white face and forced herself to smile encouragingly.

aMother, was I brave? I was trying, I really was.a aYou were very brave, dear,a Kayl said, trying to keep her voice from quivering. aIam proud of you.a Mark stole a glance upward. aEven though I went off without telling you?a aEven then. And I wonat give you the scolding you deserve for it, either. This time.a Mark heaved a sigh of relief. aIam glad.a Kayl felt him shiver against her arm. His cloak was wet through, and he was beginning to feel the effects of the shock he had just had. aLetas go find Glyndon and Dara,a she said. aYou can tell me what happened while we walk, all right?a Mark nodded, and they set off. Kayl had to prompt him once or twice to begin his tale, but once he got started the words poured out. The tall man had, apparently, struck up a conversation with Mark about the Shanhar, then offered to unlock the shuttered booth and let Mark see some of the ancient Sadorthan swords he claimed to have inside. In the shadows by the booth, he had grabbed Mark. Mark had managed to cry out once, but that was all. If Kayl had not heard hima aThereas Glyndon,a Mark said. Kayl looked in the direction he was pointing and saw the Varnan wizard. There was no sign of Dara, and her heart contracted. Then Glyndon moved forward, and Kayl saw Dara on his other side, where she had been hidden by the bulk of his cloak. With a sigh of relief, Kayl hurried forward.

Glyndon saw them and stopped, looking first surprised, then concerned as Kayl drew close enough for him to see her expression clearly. Swiftly Kayl explained what had happened, and the four of them started back toward the inn. Kayl had Mark repeat his story for Glyndonas and Daraas benefit while they walked.

aWhat did this man look like?a Glyndon asked when Mark finished.

aHe had dark hair,a Mark said, frowning. aHe wasa I donat know.a aThatas all?a Dara said. aI did better than that!a aWell, my man didnat have a mustache,a Mark said, stung. aJust a little cut on his face, by the corner of his mouth.a Kayl and Glyndon looked at each other. aCut himself shaving it off?a Kayl suggested.

aQuite possibly,a Glyndon said thoughtfully. aDid you notice anything else, Mark?a aHe had a ring,a Mark offered after a moment.

aA ring?a aI saw it when he was talking to me,a Mark said. aSilver, with a little green stone in the middle and some squiggly decorations. The sides looked like wings.a Kayl stiffened. aWings? Mark, are you sure?a aIam sure. I got a good look at it when I bit him.a Mark said proudly.

aYou bit him?a Dara said, clearly torn between pride in her brother and envy of his accomplishment. aMark!a Kayl let the children talk; she was busy considering the implications. The Magicseekers would not have risked sending one of their number to Kith Alunel just to keep track of a former member of the Sisterhood of Stars. Nor would they need to question Dara for details of the day-to-day routine of a Star Hall. And Magicseekers would have no reason to try to abduct Marka unless they knew more than anyone had thought about Kaylas involvement with the Sisterhoodas expedition to the Twisted Tower. And if that was the reason for the Magicseekeras interest in Kayl and her children, they would not give up until the matter of the Tower was done with.

The Sisterhoodas expedition would, Kayl hoped, settle the business of the Tower. But Kith Alunel no longer seemed a safe place to leave Mark and Dara while Kayl traveled for eight months. Yet could she justify taking two children with her? The first part of the journey would be safe enough; they would be traveling through the heart of the Estarren Alliance. For the last month, however, they would be pa.s.sing through the fringes of the Alliance, and for the final week they would be in the Windhome Mountains.

Kayl reviewed the route through the mountains in her mind, cudgeling her memory for every sc.r.a.p of detail. The terrain was rough, but not impossibly so, she decided. And she could keep the children well away from the Tower itself. Kayl shook her head. Was she actually contemplating taking Mark and Dara with her? But to leave them in Kith Alunel to be the prey of Magicseekersa She wrestled with the question all the way back to the inn. When they arrived, she sent the children directly to bed, despite their protests. Once they were settled, she went in search of Glyndon. aIam going to the Star Hall,a she said baldly as soon as she found him.

aYou think the same as I do, then. Magicseekers?a Kayl nodded. aAnd if I have my way, weall be leaving Kith Alunel within three days. Preferably two.a Glyndonas eyebrows rose. aIam surprised youad consider leaving Mark and Dara so soon afteraa He gestured ambiguously.