The Prodigal Mage Part 26

Precisely, said Pintte. Thats all youre asked to do.

Fathers lips curved again, but his eyes were chips of blue ice. I suggest you find somewhere un.o.btrusive to sit now, sir, so you can lend us your prayers undisturbed. We must prepare for the working.

From the look on his face Pintte cared not at all for being dismissed, but he was truly a fool if he thought he belonged here with real mages. He withdrew, and Father beckoned everyone closer.

Make no mistake, he said, his sweeping gaze cold with purpose, this working will test us as we have never before been tested. Barl and Morg between them have set a challenge that doubtless wouldve daunted King Borne himself, or Durm. But we are equal to the task. The future of every Doranen trapped in this misbegotten backwater depends upon us, therefore we must be equal to it. Follow my lead. Tread where I tread. Do not let yourselves run ahead of me. Especially you, Arlin.

He dropped his betraying gaze to the tilting deck. Father was always doing that. Had done it ever since he could remember: diminished him in public even as he boasted of his sons prowess in private, to those he trusted. He knew why, of course. It was to preserve their secret.

But it still hurt.

Yes, sir.

It is vital that we maintain our focus, no matter what unfolds around us, his father continued. Unless we press against the reefs weak spot with our conjoined wills, undiluted, we will not break through the barrier that keeps us from the world. It will take every last drop of our sweat and power to collapse the whirlpools and the waterspouts along this stretch of reef. But once we have done so Fathers face lit with a rare, genuine smile. Then it will be a simple matter of destroying the reef itself, giving us access to open water. And thenthen Behind them, one of the Olken sailors shouted. Reef ho! Reef ho, Captain!

They all pushed to the bows railing, and saw that the sailor had not mistaken the case. Directly ahead of them lay Dragonteeth Reef, foamed with breaking water, spray spitting high into the air. Beyond it, magic-sp.a.w.ned waterspouts and whirlpools. Even as they stared two more towering spouts spumed into life, whipping up from the oceans restless surface. As those two were born three others further out died, collapsing with great wet slaps across the reef and into the surging salt water. Droning ceaseless beneath them, the ravenous whirlpools.

Lord Garrick! A word!

Father turned. Yes, Hayle?

The fishing boats captain was a young man, short and muscled and crusted with salt. Something indefinable about him was reminiscent of Rafels father. An air, an att.i.tude, an indifference that grated the nerves. Olken arrogance: it was a hard thing to stomach.

Can you do what you do from here? the captain demanded, standing before them with his fists on his hips and his booted feet spread wide. Only this be the end of mild water weve reached. Here on in, the whirlpools and the spouts be set to rile things up. And I aint lookin to have my boat driven onto the Teeth and smashed to matchsticks.

Father looked back to the reef, frowning. Was it too far away for the working? Doranen magic was strong. But was it strong enough to reach from here?

If this is the best you can do, said Father, grudging, then so be it. We will just have to compensate for your inadequacy, wont we?

The Olken captains eyes squinted in a frown. How long dyou think to take on this?

How long? Father spread his hands. As long as we require. Hayle, we seek to free Lur from the last bondage of Morgs evil. Do you mean to suggest youve somewhere more important to be?

Well heave to, then, said the Olken, his face stained dark red. And sit tight.

Father turned his back on the fool, dismissing him. Then he raised a beckoning hand. Arlin.

As the boats captain retreated, barking orders to the crew, he stepped close. Father?

Time to prepare ourselves, he said quietly. Were close enough. Open yourself and tell me what you feel.

Aside from seasick, you mean? But if he gave the thought a voice Father would banish him to twiddle his thumbs with Pintte. You need me now. Ill not jeopardise that. So he closed his eyes, ignoring the shouts and running feet of the fishermen as they obeyed their captains orders, pushed away the lingering nausea in his emptied belly and focused on the reef. Loosened his rigorously guarded senses and reached out to taste its magic.

Faugh! he exclaimed, revolted, and stared at his father in shock. Thatbut its foul. II cant taste any of Barls sweetness. Does aught of her workings survive?

His father nodded. It does. Even his intimidating composure seemed shaken. Around them, their fellow mages looked equally dismayed. But only barely. Morgs magic has had twenty years to infect this place. Like a pestilence it has multiplied. It shouldve been mage-worked at the first.

I thought Asher tried.

He did, said his father. He tried, and he failed. And then after Holze failed soon after, and Asher told the days Council that it couldnt be done, they believed him without question. Fathers face twisted. Because he was the Innocent Mage. Because he killed Morg. Becausebecause Rage was choking his voice. Because twenty years ago we let guilt addle our reason and turn us into milkmaids.

You didnt speak out? he said, unthinking.

The look Father gave him was so cruel and so cold he thought the blood would freeze in his veins. He stumbled backwards, b.u.mping into Sarle Baden.

My apologies, sir, he muttered. Forgive me. And wasnt sure if it was Sarle he addressed, or his father.

Sarle said something excusing and stepped around him to stand at Fathers left hand. Ain moved to his right hand, and Ennet Vail stood beside Sarle. Then Father turned his back, and the others turned with him. The message perfectly clear, he looked at the deck again, just for a moment, then sighed out his feelings until he was empty. Almost empty. As empty as he could make himself, with so many feelings swallowed.

Follow me, said Father, his voice low and slow. This workings purpose is to unbuild what was built. To destroy what was created. To purify what was poisoned. We begin with Ramins Threefold-charm of Dissolution. Shintak takshin. Dodekma madodek. Shindodek tama. Adek. Adek. Adek Reciting the spell, sketching its sigils on the salty air, Arlin forgot he was seasick forgot his frustration, and Ain forgot the useless Olken mayor behind him and the fishing boats crew and Asher, cowering on the harbours pier. Forgot Rafel, cowering with him. All that mattered was Dragonteeth Reef. All that mattered was not disappointing his father.

Opened fully to the reefs foulness, he felt bile crawl up his throat. Felt his bruised belly quiver. Heard the small sounds of disgust from his fathers powerful friends as they too let down their defences and embraced in full the bitter magics sunk into the reef.

There was no sound from Father, of course, save the soft, spitting urgency of Ramins dissolution spell.

And if he can stomach it then Barls b.l.o.o.d.y t.i.ts so can I.

Westwailings mayor and most of its officials had returned to the crowded foresh.o.r.e. Two men were left behind, wearing stout wooden truncheons and watchful expressions. Ordered by Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte, Da reckoned, to keep a close eye on em. Nosy b.a.s.t.a.r.ds.

Stranded at the far end of the long stone pier with his father, staring across the wide expanse of harbour stretching between them and the reef, Rafel twitched as he felt the first roil of clean Doranen magic stir his blood.

Da, stamping from one side of the pier to the other, stopped still and lifted his head. Here we go.

The dot of blue and yellow fishing smack shifted on the distant, uneasy water. Doranen magic roiled again, clashing with the reefs foulness. Rafel felt bile scald his throat, his mouth. He heard his father grunt. Saw him shift a half-step, bracing himself.

Sink it.

What, Da? he said, alarmed. What This aint no b.l.o.o.d.y use, said Da, glaring towards the reef. We aint nowhere near close enough. This far away we be t.i.ts on a bull.

Hed wondered about that, but when his father didnt mention it and he was wary of seeming pushy. He glanced at the watchdog officials. Maybe, Da, but this is as close as were going to get. Those two wont let us set foot off Ha, said Da. Like they got a say in it. Turning, he raked his fierce gaze along the nearby line of moored smacks and skiffs and harbour runabouts. Dont need nowt fancy. Just somethin as wont sink when things get a mite frisky Stunned, he glanced again at the officials. Suspicious now, their hands were resting on those truncheons. Dawaityou want us to steal a boat?

Borrow.

Stealborrowhe doubted the mayors watchdogs would notice the difference. Da Da scowled at him. Rafe, we aint got a choice.

Another surge of soiled magic washed through him, and through Da. Stronger this time, with a hint of bared teeth. He saw his own sickness reflected in his fathers abruptly pale face.

Youre right, he said, blotting cold sweat from his forehead. But what about Ill take care of em, said Da. Rafe And right then, between heartbeats, he saw Da change his mind. Saw sudden fear swamp the sickness. Saw his grim resolve fail.

He stepped closer. Forget it, Da. Im coming.

No, said Da, shaking his head. Your mas right. I cant risk you, sprat. You aint ready. Not for this.

Are you ready? he said, stepping closer again. Is anyone? Da No, said Da. I aint goin to push you in the deep end, Rafe.

Youre not pushing, Im jumping! he retorted. With my eyes wide open. Like you said, Da, I aint a sprat any more. This is my choice and you need me, soso stop flapping your lips, why dont you? We got to get out to that reef before its too late.

Da stared at him, furiously dumbstruck. Silver in his hair now, just like Mama. Silver in the unshaven stubble on his cheeks and chin. Lines grooved round his mouth, spiderwebbing his eyes. Older, and thinner, and more tired than hed let on.

Then he shook his head. Sink me sideways, Rafe, you got a b.l.o.o.d.y mouth on you. Whered you get that mouth, eh?

Rafel grinned, though his heart was hammering him dizzy. I dknow, Da. Let me think on that a ticktock.

Very funny, Da growled. But you aint too big for a wallop.

Wallop me after, he suggested. Right now weve got to go.

As though pleading his case, the harbour waters slapped against the stone pier, harder and higher. The tethered fishing fleet, agitated, tugged at its moorings. And the salty sea breeze shivered, stinking of Morg.

Da took him by the shoulder, his grip almost desperate. Yknow this aint a game, Rafe? Yknow we could die?

It was on the tip of his tongue to say something clever, something full of bravado. And if this was Goose he was staring at, he would have. But it was Da.

He nodded. I know. And Ill try not to. Ill try my best to see you dont, either. But Dawere who we arewhat we arefor a reason. And if we waste that, well, I reckon we wont like ourselves much.

Silence, as Da stared at him. And then he sighed, his eyes full of shadows. Reckon youre right, sprat. Letting go, he pointed at a cl.u.s.ter of boats moored close to the pier. That skiff there. Thatll do us. Get it unhitched while I take care of them two gawpin fools.

The fools shouted a warning, truncheons drawn, as he climbed down slippery stone steps and jumped onto the small, weatherbeaten skiff Da had chosen. Its dark green paint was faded and blistered, its single, undyed canvas sail copiously patched. As he unhitched its oiled mooring rope he watched Da freeze the two running watchdogs with a word.

Dont just stand there, sprat, said Da, coming down the stone stairs. Get them oars out.

What about Pinttes watchdogs? he said as he fitted the skiffs oars into their locks.

Da clambered into the small boat. Ill let em go in a ticktock. Now come on, put your back into it. Row us away from the pier.

Only mildly resentful, he plonked himself on the splintery wooden rowers seat, reached for the oars and started pulling. Da stood by the mast and stared towards the distant, poisoned reef.

Bit further, Rafe. Bit further. Come on. Wheres your elbow grease?

So he rowed a bit further, easing them away from the moored fleet and into open water, feeling the Doranen magic seethe and his muscles stretch, creaking. The pier and the statue-still watchdogs fell behind them. Fell further. Sweat stung his eyes. Turning, Da gave a sharp nod and pointed.

Vardo.

Thats a good trick, Da, he said, as the watchdogs leapt and shouted. When this is over you can show it me.

Well see, said Da, scowling. All right, Rafe. Stop rowing. Together they shipped the oars, then he turned himself round on the uncomfortable bench. They were still a long way from the blue and yellow fishing smack, and the reef.

What now?

Da looked down at him. Now you hang on.

What dyou mean hangs.h.i.t!

A wave had risen beneath the shallow-drafted boat, smooth and powerful, lifting them and surging them towards the arrogant Doranen mages who thought they were strong enough to break Morgs hold on the reef.

Clutching the bench with both hands, Rafel stared drop-jawed at his father. Come on, Da. You got to show me how to do that!

Do I? said Da, eyebrows lifting. After what you used to get up to in your bath?

Jaw-dropped again, he swallowed. You knew about that?

Course I b.l.o.o.d.y did, said Da, as the huge wave hed summoned carried them swiftly across the wide harbour. p.i.s.s poor mage Id be if I couldnt feel that goin on under my own roof.

Youyou never said anything.

Every sprat needs his secrets, said Da, shrugging. Sides, you werent hurtin anyone. You were just lettin off steam.

Tangled with difficult feelings, he stared at the fishing smack, much closer now. Stared at the whipping waterspouts on the other side of the reef, sp.a.w.ned by wicked, capricious magics. Thought he could hear the throaty roar of the whirlpools. Tried not to think of being sucked down to his death.

Da Da grunted, all his focus on keeping them aimed fast for the smack. Da, that wasnt all I did, he said, quickly, before he could change his mind. Before he could die with sins unconfessed between them. For years I pinched spells from Arlin, and I did them. All kinds of spells. And I never got one wrong.

The skiff crashed down on the harbours rolling surface. Tumbled off the splintered rowers bench, Rafel stared into his fathers shocked face.

Im sorry. I was mad. You wouldnt let meyou wouldnt teach meand Cautiously, he sat up. Im sorry.

Da dragged a hand over his spray-soaked hair. Rafel Theres more, he said, bracing his back against the skiffs side. Its worse.

Groping for the mast, Da cleared his throat. Tell me.

His courage almost failed him, then. I shouldnt have said anything. Hes going to hate me. But it was too late now. That trunk, in your library, he said hoa.r.s.ely. II picked the lock.

You picked the lock? said Da, boggled. When?

The day I felt the earth go funny. At the riverpond. Remember? Then? Da looked like he wanted to sit down, hard. Rafel, you were a sprat. You were ten. How did you unpick that sinkin lock?

I dont know. I just did. It.i.t wasnt hard.

Da ran a hand down his face. Sink me. And then he sucked in a sharp breath. Rafe, you didnt pinch any of the spells in No, he said quickly. No. I swear.

Good, said Da, sagging.

Im sorry, he said again. Butat least you know for sure I can do it. Doranen magic. And with the reefI wont get in the way.

Da gave him the strangest look. Not angry. Almostalmost guilty. It didnt make sense. And then he turned to stare at the blue and yellow smack. Well talk on it later, Rafe. On your feet, now, and see how you go with a bathtub the size of a harbour, eh? Quickly, sprat. We aint got long.

That was true. Whatever Rodyn Garrick and his mages were doing, it had stirred the poisoned reef to snarling. Pain bloomed behind his eyes. Unsteady, uncertain, he clambered to his feet, reached for his magicthen hesitated.

Trust yself, Da said quietly. Like I trust you.

It was all he needed to hear.

Breathing out, like a prayer, he gathered the harbours wild water, none of it safely tamed in a tub. And then, for the first time, no hiding, no whispering, opened himself to the power within.

The borrowed skiff sat on its stern and ran.

Good, Rafe, good, said Da, as the wave hurled them onwards, malleable to his mind. Faster and faster, Westwailing vanishing behind them, the reef and the fishing smack looming ever closer.

Their business was serious, dreadfuland he wanted to laugh. Easy, sprat, said Da after a few minutes. Dont want to run ourselves onto the Dragons teeth. Lets take a breather, eh? I want to get a feel for what them b.l.o.o.d.y fools are doin.