Linala stood at the yellow wedge, the one representing knowledge, that was apparently the circles focal point. She raised her hands and started chanting. The runes lit up, but they seemed to be sputtering. Linala chanted louder, speaking Enkis name several times, and Jez could feel the energy being poured into the circle. The different colors brightened in a pattern Jez couldnt comprehend. Other runes appeared in the air until they formed a solid dome. Somehow, he could still tell one rune from another. After a few seconds, however, they all faded. Linala was drenched in sweat and she was breathing heavily. For a second, Jez thought she would collapse, but she steadied herself and shook her head.

I cant do it. I dont have enough power. Hes too deep in the abyss. Maybe if I had a focusing crystal... She sighed. Let me gather some of my students. Well form a contingent.

Do you truly think that will help you succeed? Shamarion asked.

She huffed at the pharim. I know Im just an ignorant mortal, but I have completed greater summonings before. I know what I am doing.

Shamarion inclined his head. I meant no offense, but do you truly think a contingent would aid you? Reaching deeply into the abyss requires ten times more magic than you have.

Do you have a better idea?

I cannot interfere, not even to give ideas. He smiled and there was a twinkle in his eye. I am not sure I would help you even if I could. The last time I encountered a circle intended to do a permanent summoning, it did not end well for me.

Jez and Osmund exchanged glances. The last time Shamarion had run into a circle like this, hed battled the demon Maries. Maries had impaled him and had somehow used his energy to feed the circle which had, in turned, been used to create a portal to the abyss. That wasnt the only time something like that had happened either. Several months later, Sharim had drawn energy from Aniel, the pharim High Lord of the Beastwalkers, to power a circle of his own.

Jez eyed the Shadowguard, and Shamarion grinned at him. The rules against interference probably prevented him from suggesting it directly. They would have to work carefully to circ.u.mnavigate his limitations, but if Shamarion would really allow it...

Shamarion, would you mind giving us a moment of privacy?

The pharim nodded. Of course.

He flapped his wings once. The air didnt so much as stir as he lifted off and landed in the blue wedge of the circle. Jez watched him for a second and motioned for the others to come closer. Most gave the pharim odd glances before they obeyed. Jez looked at Lina and brought a finger to his mouth. She nodded, and power surged within her.

Were private.

Linala cleared her throat. Dont presume, Adept.

Lina flushed, but she kept the working up.

We need it, Jez said, pitching his voice low in spite of Linas working. He wants us to bind him. We can tap into him to power the summoning.

Besiss eyes widened. Jez, you cant mean for us to bind a pharim in that way.

Jez motioned frantically. Keep it down. Im not sure this working will stop a pharim from hearing. Shamarion wants us to use him. Hes just not allowed to say it.

If its his idea, why dont we just ask him to lend us his power? Linala asked.

Jez sighed. If hes not allowed to tell us what to do, hes certainly not going to be allowed to stand there and let us use his power.

Im not going to craft a working to bind a Shadowguard, Besis said.

You know, Osmund said, that working you used on Ziary would probably work.

I made that to bind a scion, not a full pharim, Jez said. He pursed his lips. Still, if hes not going to fight it as hard as he can...

Jezreel, no, Besis said.

He could be right. Linala spoke as though the words were being dragged out of her. With the energy of a pharim to power the working, especially one whose main purpose is to bind things to the abyss, it might well succeed.

Besis narrowed his eyes at Jez. If thats the case, theres another option we could explore.

Realization dawned on Jez, and he thought about that for a second before deciding it wouldnt work. The protection master was still staring at him, and Jez tried to think of how best to answer. Though Besis, Osmund, and Lina knew his secret, the others didnt, and he wasnt ready to reveal it to them.

We cant use Ziary, he said. Osmund started, but Jez went on. Even if he could access the power of a full pharim, channeling that much power through human flesh would burn it out. Osmund would die.

Fina raised an eyebrow. You seem to know a lot about this.

Jez shrugged. Ive had a lot of experience.

What do you say, Besis? Linala said. Youre the one best able to bind him.

Besis stared at Jez before turning to Shamarion. The pharim spread out his arms as if inviting attack. Besis let out a breath. By the seven, he does want us to do this, doesnt he?

Jez nodded. Will you bind him?

No, I dont think it should be me. Not in this case anyway. I suspect you would be more effective here. Go ahead Jez.

Jez nodded. He took a second to form the working in his mind. Then, without saying a word, he turned and released a stream of bubbles at Shamarion. The Shadowguard met Jezs eyes before they hit, and Jez saw very clearly that if Shamarion had wished to dodge, he couldve done so easily.

The bubbles. .h.i.t him in the center of the chest. A thin film appeared on the point of impact, slowly expanding as more bubbles. .h.i.t. In a few seconds, they had completely encased Shamarion. Though it would stretch and shift as he moved, Shamarion remained still. Besis whistled.

You came up with this on your own? Jez nodded. Impressive. Master Linala, shall we begin?

CHAPTER TEN.

Jez had first thought up the working in case Ziary ever got out of control, and while it allowed for limited motion, it was a true binding, one never intended to allow the subject to move. As a result, the bound Shamarion had to be carried into the center of the circle. That responsibility had been delegated to Jez and Osmund while the masters watched, ready to act if Shamarion got free and decided to take revenge.

You know, Jez pitched his voice low so only Osmund could hear, Im pretty sure he could break out of here if he wanted to.

I figured as much, Osmund said. I think Ziary couldve broken out if youd given him a few hours. A pharim should be able to do it without any problems.

Youre not worried?

Jez could hear the laughter in Osmunds voice as he responded. Why should I be? If he gets free, h.e.l.l just come after you.

They placed the pharim down and stepped out of the circle. As Jez turned to face him again, he thought Shamarion smiled. Linala gave Jez an uneasy look and he nodded. The knowledge master raised her hands and began the chanting again. The runes flared up and Shamarion started to glow. He arched his back and opened his mouth to scream, though the ward prevented them from hearing a sound. Linala called Enkis name. It echoed for several seconds, and by its end, the echo had grown louder, and the sound of it had changed into a deep voice that Jez could feel as much as hear.

As Linalas chanting grew louder, the room darkened until all Jez could see was the glowing runes. They brightened without illuminating the surrounding area. Fire erupted around Osmunds hand, but even that was a dim thing Jez could barely see. Linalas chanting became as loud as thunder. The floor rumbled beneath him. Someone screamed, and lights returned in a flash. Linala stopped chanting, and Jez had to blink several times to clear his vision. Shamarion lay on the ground, his wings covering half the circle. The binding around him was gone, and he struggled to get to his feet. Next to him lay a being shaped vaguely like a man, though it had no hair, and yellow scales like those of a lizard covered its body. Its hands and feet ended in sharp claws that Jez suspected could cut through stone. It was also completely naked. The circle of white sand had transformed into ordinary dirt.

Shamarion rose and shivered. He drew his wings around himself and looked down at the creature next to him. He placed a hand on its head and looked up at the gathered mages. He spoke softly, as if unable to believe his own words. You have your traitor demon.

Jez shifted his weight from one foot to another. Sorry about that.

Shamarion gave him a half smile, though there was a tiredness in his eyes that hadnt been there before. It was my own fault. I see that my words implied that I wished for you to do that.

Jez hesitated. And you didnt?

Of course not. As you know, I am forbidden to interfere. He looked down at the being who, presumably, was Enki. With your permission, however, I would like to stay and speak with this demon. Ive not seen his like in a long time.

Besis took a slow step into the circle. I dont recognize it. What kind is he?

Chanori. They were soldier demons once. When the demons rebelled, the chanori fought against the chezamuts. We had thought them all destroyed.

Then, it really is a traitor demon.

Shamarion inclined his head. So it would seem.

Is he alive?

And nearly fully here. He nodded at Linala. You have extracted him almost completely from the abyss. I owe you an apology, Linala, Master of Knowledge of the Carceri Academy.

She looked surprised, and it took her a few seconds to find her voice. It was understandable lord Shadowguard. She glanced at Besis and Fina who both nodded. Of course you can remain.

What about Maries? Jez asked. Dont you need to watch over him?

I am still aware of his prison. Where I am matters little. I can react as quickly from here as from anywhere.

You know, I never understood that, Lina said. Maries isnt actually at Rumar, is he?

His talisman is, though it is hidden. When he was freed, that talisman broke, but when... he eyed Jez and once again stumbled over the name. Jez defeated him, a new talisman was created that I secreted away.

Enki stirred and Linala looked up. Should we get him clothing?

That... Enkis voice sounded like stone grinding against stone. will not be necessary.

His skin shimmered, and a second later, he wore a leather vest and pants made of some thick brown fabric. He struggled to his feet. He stood four feet tall and had slitted eyes like those of a snake. He didnt seem to have any teeth. He looked up at Linala, but when his eyes fell on Shamarion, he hissed and backed up so fast he tripped over his own feet and landed on the dirt forming the circle. His fingers sliced into the earth several times as he struggled to rise again. He seemed on the verge of tears.

Please. Leave me be. I have done nothing.

Shamarion took a step back and shook his head. Fear not. I was neither sent here for you nor do I desire to send you back. He spread his wings which shed a gentle light. Provided, of course, that you are Enki.

At the sound of his name, Enki stumbled back and hissed. You know that is who I am. Why do you torment me?

Shamarion sighed. He motioned to Jez who followed him outside. Jez had forgotten how many people had known that three masters were doing something secret in the summoning house. No one had come close enough that they could be accused of trying to listen in, but they waited in the street, eager to get a look inside. As soon as Shamarion exited with Jez in tow, whispers erupted. Jez felt his face heat up.

You are... Shamarion started, but Jez raised his hand and looked around. He felt like everyone in the Academy was staring at them. More specifically, they stared at Shamarion.

Id prefer it if we didnt speak where everyone can hear, Jez said.

Shamarion looked around and nodded. He waved a hand and when he spoke, his voice echoed slightly.

You are fortunate to have your nature obscured by human flesh.

How are you doing that? Jez asked. I thought blocking sound was the working of an audible illusion.

Shamarion motioned upward. There are many ways to achieve the same effect. This is a ward against sound. Its no great difficulty. Im surprised you havent worked it out.

Jez shrugged. I guess I never thought of it that way. What did you mean Im lucky?

The pharim put a hand on Jezs shoulder. Jez was uncomfortably aware of the other students staring at him.

We are Shadowguard, Luntayary. Our nature is to banish demons, and that is not something we can easily suppress. Demons can detect it. Enki is not powerful, and my presence caused him pain. My utterance of his name may as well have been a sword at his neck.

What will you do? Jez asked.

I will leave. Be cautious, Luntayary. This demon may have rebelled, but it is still a demon. Remember that even the afur youve met have not departed far from their natures. Villia still guides the king, and Welb walks with the beasts. This demon may be no different. He inclined his head, and spoke without stumbling. Live well, Jezreel Bartinson.

Light shone from his wings, and when it faded, Shamarion was gone.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

Jez stood before the summoning house with all of the Academy staring at him. Shamarions ward vanished, and the whispers a.s.saulted him. He retreated back into the building, and found Linala waiting for him on the other side of the door. Her piercing eyes seemed to look into the depths of his soul.

Who are you? she asked as soon as the door had closed.

Jez blinked. What?

A Shadowguard knows you by another name and obviously has great respect for you. You know far more about the pharim than even being a limaph could explain. On top of that, he has things to say to you in private. I know youve had an extraordinary life, but there are limits to what I will accept, so answer my question. Who exactly are you?

We all have the right to our own secrets, Linala, Besis said as he walked up to them. You dont have the authority to demand his of him. Linala sputtered, but Besis ignored her and inclined his head to Jez. I take it Shamarion is gone?

Jez glanced at Enki. Fina was speaking to him, though his eyes kept darting around. When Jez met his gaze, he looked away. Jez nodded. He thought Enki saw him as a threat. He wouldnt do us any favors by staying. Have you learned anything?

Not yet. I think youd be better able to question him.

Me?

Jez, youve been obsessed with this for six months. Who else would know the right questions to ask?

Jez nodded and followed Besis back to the summoning circle. Enki watched them with wide eyes. As soon as Jez came close, the demon spoke, his words tumbling over one another.

Can I go outside?

The question startled Jez. What?