The Prodigal Mage Part 45

And then he felt Arlins considering, scornful stare. That was the only encouragement he needed.

Forget it, Lord Garrick. I aint turning back.

Phena, the pa.s.s keeper, was wizened and white-haired, her thin bent body wrapped in a dark blue wool tunic. Charged with husbanding the warding hexes that prevented any unsanctioned crossing of the mountains, rumour had it she could kill a man where he stood with nowt more than a word. One look in her deep-set, pale green eyes and Rafel believed the rumour, absolutely.

So, she said, standing in her open doorway and staring her visitors up and down. Her voice was cracked with age. Five more brave fools, I see. She smiled. Welcome to Gribley.

Were on Council business, said Arlin, close to contempt even though she was Doranen. Let down the wards so we can be on our way.

Rafel flicked Rodyns boorish son a look, as Tom and the others shuffled, displeased. Arlin But Phena wasnt offended. Youre Ashers son, she said, ignoring Arlin. Rafel. Last saw you as a babe in arms. You take after your father. Im sorry hes dying.

With an effort, he managed a polite smile. Thank you, Lady Phena. Its true hes poorly, but Im sure h.e.l.l be fine. Pleaseyouve been the park keeper here for many years. What dyou know of the mountains?

Phena laughed. Many years? Yes. I was already old when Tollin and his men crossed over. I was older still when the few who survived the journey came back, walking dead men. And I was ancient when Sarle Baden ordered me to let him go by. She sniffed, staring at Arlin. Just like you, little lord. The same tone of voice. The same inflated conceit. Theyve not returned. I think its likely they wont. The mountains are hungry. Thats what I know. Another sniff. How desperate is the Council, to feed them more men?

Arlins face tinted with temper. I havent ridden all this way for a lecture. Lower the wards, woman.

Ah, said Phena, with a wrinkled-eye wink. Dyou hear him, Rafel? Dyou hear him, good sirs? I expect this is why you Olken dont have much time for us.

Rafel offered her a respectful nod. Lord Garricks not got the manners of a rutting boar, but.i.t is true we need to be on our way.

She looked the five of them up and down again, taking in their oiled coats and their broad-brimmed leather hats and their bulging rucksacks and their long, stout sticks. The swords strapped across every back, save Arlins.

Barls mercy on you, young mages, she said softly. Though I must warn youin her mountains, mercy is hard to find.

The damp air sizzled as she ignited four scarlet sigils. Rafel felt a crawling pressure against his skin, felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck. Heard Arlins breath catch in his throat.

Phena raised one thin grey eyebrow. So what are you waiting for? The way is clear. Off you go.

With a smile of thanks, not looking at Arlin or Tom and the others, Rafel crossed the lowered warding and the journey began.

Within moments of them crossing the unwarded threshold onto the pa.s.s, Arlin pushed by Rafel and took the lead. The weathered path they followed, marked with Doranen hexes to guide the way, was too narrow for anything other than single-file tramping. Rafel didnt care. He had nothing he wanted to share with Arlin, and no spare breath for conversation anyway. Glancing over his shoulder at Tom and the other two councilors, he saw theyd let themselves drift back, just far enough to suggest they were in a group of their own. Just far enough so their panting, whispered comments couldnt be overheard. Uneasy, he fixed his gaze between Arlins shoulder-blades and wished he didnt feel quite so twitched.

Are they going to be trouble? I b.l.o.o.d.y hope not.

The going was brutal tough, hexmark to hexmark, down and up scrawny, sideways-sc.r.a.ped gullies, over fallen trees and tumbled rocks, scrambling for purchase up sheer, rain-slippery cliffs leaving bits of skin and fingernail behind. Slowly, grindingly, the mist-shrouded village of Gribley dwindled behind and below them.

The mountains silence was oppressive. Disapproving. As he climbed, Rafel could almost believe the ancient ma.s.s of rock and soil might in any heartbeat shrug, disdainful, and toss them downwards to their deaths. Though the Wall had fallen before he was born he could feel its tattered remnants buried in its bones. Echoes of a power he could hardly begin to understand. Echoes that reminded him of what hed felt in Barls Weather map, in her Weather Chamber, so far away now in Dorana City.

And he could feel other echoes, too. The black touch of Morgs blight, that had brought her miraculous Wall to ruin. That had ruined the reef, and even now tried to ruin Lur.

The cloying darkness made the climbing so much more difficult. Especially with Arlin Garrick leading the way. It seemed the Doranen was ignorant of Lurs struggle or Morgs filthy legacy. Every time he had to stop and catch his breath, not because he was a weakling, but because what he could feel in the mountain threatened to press him flat, Arlin muttered and rolled his eyes with contempt, and never once held out a helping Doranen hand. Even Tom, Nib and Hosh looked at him askance after a while, cause they couldnt feel it either. At least not the way he could.

He was starting to think there was something to be said for being ordinary.

After nigh on ten bruising, blistering, rain-drizzled hours, stopping only twice to eat, drink and relieve themselves, with the first days light fast fading and what had been a constant drizzle threatening to turn into proper hard rain, Rafel called for a haltand the others didnt argue. Theyd reached a decent place to camp for the night. Not a cave, exactly, but a wide, shallow scoop in the mountainside that left just enough wiggle room for them to escape the worst of the weather. To pretend, on this first night in the wilderness, that they had a safe roof over their heads.

Weary almost beyond bearing, they set about collecting fallen branches for a fire. Well. Two fires, cause Arlin found his own fuel quick-smart and settled himself on his groundsheet at the far end of the miserly cave, making it clear he had no interest in anyones company save his own.

Rafel exchanged a raised-eyebrow look with Tom, then pretended Arlin didnt exist. The wood he and the councilors collected was wet, like Arlins, but that was easy fixed. Tom and the other two watched owl-eyed as he used Doranen magic to dry it enough for burning then ignited it with a single word of command.

And even though hed helped them, stopped them catching an ague from the damp and cold, he could still feel his fellow-Olkens simmering suspicions. Their reluctance to accept his mysterious Doranen power.

Sink me, Da. Reckon Im starting to understand what you were on about.

The thought startled him. Hed been so busy being angry with his father for denying him the truth of his magical potential, hed never stopped to wonder if the reason behind it had been a good one. But seemingly it was. Dispirited, his skinned knuckles stinging, an ominous shiver starting up now that theyd stopped battering their way over rocks and fallen trees, he left Tom and his suspicious friends toasting themselves by their fire at the opposite end of the cave and gathered more dead wood so, like Arlin, he could sit on his own.

Settled on his groundsheet in the middle of the shallow cave, warming at last as shadows danced over its walls and beyond its wide mouth the rain drummed harder and the last light drained from the darkening sky, he chewed his way through a mean handful of hard-baked biscuit and jerky. It wasnt enough to fill the hole in his belly but he didnt dare eat more. They might be able to eke out their supplies by hunting birds or small mountain creatures, but they couldnt rely on that hope. When the worst of his hunger pangs were placated, and his fellow Olken curled asleep by their fire, he tugged Tollins parchment from his pack and conjured a small, fitful ball of glimfire to read by.

Whats that? said Arlin.

It was tempting not to tell him. Nosy b.a.s.t.a.r.d. But since there wasnt much point starting a brangle for no good reason Tollins expedition account.

Arlin held out a hand. Show me.

You want something to read, Arlin, maybe you shouldve brought a book.

Youre wasting your time with that, said Arlin, his firelit eyes derisive. Thanks to the Doranen who travelled with him, our path across the mountains is hexed plain to see.

Maybe, he retorted. Maybe not. There aint no way to be sure all the hexes have held. Its been a while, Arlin.

Arlin sneered. You cant tell that Sarle Badens enhanced them?

Hes enhanced the ones weve found, he said, struggling with temper. We aint found all of em yet. Any road, theres more to getting safe across these mountains than where to put our feet, Arlin. Theres where to find fresh water once we reach the first big peak, and what bits and pieces up here we can safely eat, and I dont need an Olken to tell me any of that, said Arlin, still sneering. Ive a far more reliable source of information.

And what would that be, Lord Garrick? asked Tom, not as asleep as hed appeared. He sat up. You know something we dont? Something that shouldve been shared with the Council?

What I share and what I keep to myself is entirely my business, said Arlin. It doesnt concern you.

It concerns me, said Tom, his voice sharp with authority. Three years in Justice Hall were standing him in good stead. It concerns all three of us, my lord. We are the Council on this expedition and you are answerable to us for everything you do.

Clyne and Hambly were sitting up now too, frowning as hard as Tom. Arlin snorted. I didnt invite your company, Dimble. And I dont feel inclined to suffer your impertinence.

Then you can suffer the end of your journey, said Tom, so stern. The Council wont be flouted, Lord Garrick. Answer the question or at first light go home.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT.

Youd think to force me down the mountainside, Councilor? Arlin laughed, the inconstant firelight warm on his still-damp hair. You fool, its not in your power.

Rafel rubbed a hand over his unshaven face, stubble rasping. Im too b.l.o.o.d.y tired for this. Maybe not, Arlin, but its in mine, he said, letting his voice bite. And Im as keen to know what youre on about as they are. Then again, Id be happy as a pig in s.h.i.t to keep going without you, too. So take your pick. Either way I win.

Arlin sat a little straighter. You dare threaten me?

b.o.l.l.o.c.ks, Arlin, he sighed. Why dyou have to make everything a brangle? Just tell us what youre talking on. Im pretty sure your teeth wont fall out.

Unless I punch you, and right now thats b.l.o.o.d.y tempting.

Flames crackled in the damp silence as Arlin chewed on his chances of defeating Ashers son in a fight. He had to know he was in danger of losing. Badly.

Its nothing, he said at last. An old family tale. More like a legend, really. Hardly worth mentioning. Which is why I never mentioned it.

Arlins eyes were wide, his gaze steady. Too steady. Rafel felt himself smile. He remembered looking like that when he fibbed to Darran. Or to Da. With so much magic to hide, hed had to fast become a good fibber.

Lord Garrick, I dont believe you, he said. And before Arlin could blink, or think of stopping him, he conjured the Doranens pack halfway across the cave, to his ready arms. I wouldnt! he added, as Arlin started up, ugly with rage. Or Ill freeze you where you sitand might well forget how to let you loose again.

Tom Dimble made a sound of protest. Really, Rafel, this isnt Shut up, Tom. You want to know what hes hiding, or dont you? Tom looked at Clyne and Hambly, who shrugged. We want to know.

Arlins face was drained chalky-white. You dare touch my belongings? You dare use magic on me? I swear to you, Rafel, I swear, there will be Whats in here, Arlin? he said, softly polite. Hefting the heavy pack. What dont you want me and Tom and these fine sirs to know of?

Arlin said nothing, his breathing thick with fury.

He smiled. Tell me, or Ill tip the whole sinkin lot on the floor and paw through it till I get me an answer. You think I wont? You b.l.o.o.d.y know I will.

Return my belongings, said Arlin tightly, and Ill tell you. Touch one thing in that pack and Ill burn it to cinders with a word.

And leave yourself with nowt? He hooted. Not even spare under-drawers? I dont b.l.o.o.d.y think so.

Arlins eyes narrowed. To thwart you, Rafel? Id do without a lot less.

Give it back to him, Rafel, said Nib Hambly. This is our first night and youre at each others throats? Aint much hope of us lasting weeks at this rate, is there? Give it back.

Instead of a conjurement, he used his muscles. Threw the pack at Arlin, and smiled again when it was fumbled.

You councilors, said Arlin, undoing the packs buckles. I hold you witness to this thuggery. When we return to Dorana Cityif youre not dead from your own incompetence long beforeyoull side with me and watch as this lout is removed from Justice Hall in chains.

Rafel rolled his eyes. Is this where Im meant to start shaking in my boots?

Be quiet, Rafel, said Tom, his own temper fraying. Dont make things worse. Lord Garrick Arlin finished rummaging in the pack and pulled out a slender, leather-bound book. The husband of my late mothers second cousin was a member of Tollins expedition. Vont Marbury. This is his account.

Rafel stared. You had family on that first expedition? I didnt know that. He looked at Tom. Did you?

No, said Tom stiffly, after a moment. The Council, caught napping. Its a tenuous connection. Not a matter of blood. We had no reason to even suspect.

Seemed no-one did. He looked back at Arlin. At the diary. Has Sarle Baden got a copy of that?

The oddest glint in Arlins eyes. No.

You kept it from him?

Yes.

But why would you And then he shook his head. You really are a miserable s.h.i.t. You were punishing him?

Hosh Clyne broke from his whispering with Tom and Hambly. Punishing? Rafel, what are you You wanted to go with him and Pintte, didnt you? he said to Arlin, flapping a hand at the gaping councilors. You werent half-witted with grief, like Baden claimed. You wanted to go and he wouldnt b.l.o.o.d.y have you.

The slowly dying fire washed Arlins face with shadows. He didnt need Marburys account. He had Tollins. A careless shrug. Which Ive read.

Then why niggle me on it?

To amuse myself.

Rafel, this is most disturbing, said Hambly. How do you come by a copy of Tollins account? It was to be kept privy, for the Council only. And its the Council that should Rafel hunched a shoulder at him. With their whisperings and their suspicions he wasnt of a mind to be scolded by the likes of Nib Hambly. All right, Arlin. He wriggled his fingers. Lets have a look at it.

No, let us have a look at it, said Tom. Rafel, you overstep yourself!

He turned round. No, Tom, I dont think I do. Last time I looked, Im the one who sailed Westwailing Harbour. Dont seem to recall any of you three helping out. He turned back. Arlin. Give me the b.l.o.o.d.y diary, would you?

With a contemptuous smile, Arlin floated Vont Marburys expedition diary across the cave, to his hand. Rafel plucked it from mid-air, opened it carefully, and started reading its scribbled pages. The writing was cramped and crabby, the ink faded with age and blotched with strange stains.

I dont see theres any difference between their tales. His and Tollins, he muttered eventually. They both talk on taking care with the same stretches of the pa.s.s. Where to find water. Which lizards and birds eggs are safe to eat. They even describe the mountains the same waytwo sets of teeth set close together. So I dont What? said Tom, breaking the taut silence. Rafel, what have you Sink me, he breathed, and looked up at Arlin, whose tired, stubbled face was tight-drawn now cause he knew, he b.l.o.o.d.y knew. This was what hed not wanted to be found. You didnt think to mention this?

Mention what? Tom demanded. Rafel, what have you Pipe down, Tom, he said, his skin crawling. And Ill read it to you.

Toms expression was as tight as Arlins. Clyne and Hambly, seated on either side of him, glared. I dont care for your tone, said Tom. Ill thank you to You want to hear this or not? he snapped, still staring at Arlin. You poxy, poxy, poxy little s.h.i.t. Cause if you do, pipe down.

When Tom said nothing, he took silence as an invitation to continue. Cleared his throat and tipped Arlins family diary towards the sputtery glimlight.

Over three weeks of travel into these desolate new lands, and we have encountered a dreadful, lingering evil. A terrible malevolence. The very air we breathe is poison. And VestyVesty swears he hears a voice. In his dreams, he hears it.

Nib Hambly was a brawny man, muscled from hard farming work, but he looked shaken. Barl save us. What does that mean?

Vesty, said Clyne. Thats one of the Doranen who died on Tollins expedition, isnt it?

Rafel nodded. Anger was stirring, and with it his power. The glim-light hed conjured flared and spat sparks. According to Tollin, he swelled up and turned black and rotted to pieces before he stopped breathing. The way Tollin himself had died, according to Mama. It was one of the gruesome expedition details that had so delighted him and Goose, as sprats.

Goose.

He scrambled to his feet, the diary discarded. Youre a sinkin b.l.o.o.d.y b.a.s.t.a.r.d, Arlin. You knew about this and you didnt say a word? So youre p.i.s.sy with Sarle Baden. So what? Thats your s.h.i.tty trouble; that aint to do with anybody else. But youre so sinkin selfish, you dont care who gets hurt just so long as you get what you want. And when you dont Eyeing him warilyand he was b.l.o.o.d.y right to be waryArlin uncoiled gracefully. Stood lightly on the b.a.l.l.s of his feet, tensed. Calm yourself, Rafel, you His clenched fist came up, and the sparking glimfire flared hot. I aint finished, Arlin. You kept your mouth shut to punish Sarle Baden and now theres Goose out there somewhere in the wicked dark, and that Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte, and them others who never hurt you, and from what we heard through their talking stone it sounds like theyve been punished right along with Baden. And for what? For what? So you can have revenge?

The damp night air in the cave was shivering, shining golden. The ball of glimfire glowed like a small captive sun. Eyes glittering, Arlin stepped back.

Youre wrong to blame me, Rafel, he said. You said it yourself, Tollins account also spoke of the gruesome illness that befell them. How can you blame me when Tollin never said a b.l.o.o.d.y word about voices!

Most likely because he knew hed be laughed to shame! Arlin retorted. These are the mindrotted ramblings of a dying man, you fool. Who would give them credence? No-one with a whit of commonsense!

Da wouldve! he said, so close to breaking, so close to smashing Arlin flat with his power. After what he survived with Morg? Da wouldve known to take those ramblings serious. And if youd given him the b.l.o.o.d.y chance, Arlin, if youd told him, told someone, thenthen Then Goose wouldnt be out there alone. Maybe dying. Maybe dead already. None of them would.

Arlin stepped back again. More than cautious now. More than wary. The poxy s.h.i.t was afraid.

And so he b.l.o.o.d.y should be. He should be p.i.s.sing himself.

Rafel Arlin held both hands out. No shimmer of power in him, all his magic locked away. It was a mistake. Youre right. I was angry with Sarle. My only thought was to deny him success. I didnt believe the diary. I didnt think anyone would get hurt. We still dont know for certain that anyone has been hurt. For all we know their talking stone was damaged. For all we know well stumble over them in a day or two. Rafel.