"A blob."

"Well, yes. What would you call it? It didn't really have a shape; it was just a small amount, but it was thicker than a line." This was no time for a vocabulary lesson. Besides, it wasn't Calen's fault that Serek had never taught him the proper terms for such things. "I don't mean to question you, but do we really have time for this now? Maerlie's life is in danger, and a""

"I need to determine something. By your own words, Maerlie's life will not be in danger until after the wedding, so it seems to me that we do, in fact, have some time. Pay attention and continue." He thought for a moment and then looked at the skull on the edge of the desk. There was a faint, silent burst of purplish fog. The skull vanished and then reappeared on the table beside Calen. Calen's mouth fell open.

"You transported the skull! That's a" I thought that wasn't a""

"As you have begun to discover, there are many things I have not yet taught you. Traditionally, apprentices are led to believe certain things are impossible until they are ready to learn them. It prevents them from attempting spells on their own that are beyond their abilities and potentially dangerous. Tell me what you saw."

"Violet, I think. It was very faint. Sometimes it's like that a" until recently I had to sort of squint and look sideways to see anything at all. Now most of the time I can see the colors without even trying, but that one was difficult. If I hadn't been staring right at it, I might have missed it. Is that normal? Does it have something to do with how well I know the spell being cast?"

Serek didn't say anything. He was thinking again. Calen sighed and waited. This was all very interesting, but he couldn't understand why Serek was wasting time on lessons when he should be doing something about Sen Eva. She was a threat to the kingdom, and as King's Mage, that was supposed to be Serek's primary responsibility. Plus she was unmarked, which had to mean there was something Serek was supposed to do, some way to alert the Magistratum, so they could come and do whatever they were going to do to her.

Calen dug another olive from the jar and chewed it thoughtfully. He had hoped Serek would know exactly what to do, that once Calen told him what had happened, he would go to the king and queen and make some recommendation and everyone would leap into action and disaster would be averted. They would stop Sen Eva and find a way to fight the monsters in the woods, and everything would be all right again. Maybe he and Meg would even be regarded as heroes, with a big celebratory festival. After the wedding, of course. He tried to imagine what it would be like. Lots of food, to be sure, and dancing, and he and Meg would get to stand up before King Tormon and Queen Merilyn a" no, not just them, but the royal family from Kragnir, too a" and they'd get medals or something, and everyone would applaud. And even Serek would be proud of him, standing silently to one side, trying to maintain his usual stony expression but unable to hide the pride he felt in his young apprentice. It would be like that time Calen read the spirit cards, and Serek had been surprised and impressed. . . .

Calen stopped chewing. The spirit cards. This must be the terrible danger they were predicting. It had to be. He tried to think back. Had they indicated what must be done to avoid the danger? Not everything had been clear to him, but even Meg had said that some of the readings implied there was a chance. Could they do another reading? Would it help them figure out what to do?

"Do tell me what it is that races so forcefully through your mind that your jaw has ceased to work," Serek said dryly.

Calen closed his mouth and sucked the rest of the olive from the pit, which he then added to the growing pile on the tabletop beside him. He looked at his master. "Is this what the spirit cards foretold? Sen Eva's plan?"

"I should hope so," Serek replied. "It would be unfortunate for something even worse to be brewing at the same time."

"Well, does that help us? Can the cards tell us what to do?"

Serek shook his head. "Divination is a far more subtle and complicated magic than that. We were warned, but no dealing of the cards can speak plainly about exactly what will happen or what actions we must take. Another dealing would be difficult, as our own knowledge would intrude upon any meanings the cards might suggest."

"But couldn't we a""

"Calen. Do not push me. Accept that I know more about this than you do and let us focus on what can be done."

Calen nodded reluctantly. If he had learned anything over the past few days, it was that there was a vast amount of magic lore he knew nothing about. Serek had been a full mage for years before Calen had been born, and even he was still learning. He wondered abruptly what Serek had been like as an apprentice. It was hard to imagine him ever being young or impulsive or uncertain. Perhaps he had always been as he was now. That might explain why he didn't have any friends, or any apparent desire to make any. He'd probably never had any friends in his entire life. One more reason to be grateful for Meg.

With effort, Calen forced his thoughts back to the matter at hand. His mind had such a tendency to drift off in every direction. Probably because he spent so much time waiting silently while Serek was thinking about something. His mind had to occupy itself somehow, after all.

"Well," Serek went on, "you have certainly proven yourself to be more than capable of surprising me, Calen. Not just with your news a" though of course that, too a" but also with your abilities and resourcefulness. You've given me a great deal to think about, not the least of which is how to proceed with your training."

Calen smiled at the implied praise. "If you're asking for suggestions, I think you should teach me some fighting and self-defense magic." So that the next time someone tries to kill me, I'll be prepared.

"I was not asking," Serek said. "And watch yourself. Whatever you've been through, you are still my apprentice, not my colleague." He met Calen's indignant stare and waited until Calen lowered his eyes. "However," he went on, "I do believe some defensive magic may indeed be in order, since it appears you've developed quite a talent for placing yourself in harm's way. It is likely that Sen Eva will attempt to kill you again when she discovers that she did not succeed the first time."

"If, you mean."

"When. Unless you're planning to leave the castle grounds and remain in hiding until she returns to Kragnir or whatever she does after carrying out her plans?"

Calen shook his head. Of course he couldn't leave. He just thought he'd be able to stay out of her way for as long as it took for Serek and the proper authorities to take her into custody. Which he had expected to be immediately. But he was beginning to get the feeling that wasn't going to happen.

Serek looked at him for a moment longer before speaking again. "What I was originally referring to, if you'll allow me to continue, were the colors you describe seeing. Have you ever wondered why I haven't mentioned these colors during your training?"

Calen shrugged. "Of course. I figured you wanted me to learn the spells without relying on the colors to help me. Is that a" is there a different reason?"

"Yes." Serek was still looking at him in that strange way. "The reason is that I don't see any colors when I cast spells. Nor did the mage who taught me. No other mage has ever spoken of colors to me, and I've never come across any mention of colors in any book I've studied."

Calen felt his mouth working, but no words were coming out. Serek couldn't see the colors? No one could see the colors? How was that possible? "But I swear I see them," he managed. "I'm not making it up." Was he crazy? Did it mean there was something wrong with him?

"I believe you. I think you may have a talent in this that's uniquely yours, Calen."

Calen just stared at him.

"Obviously, we will have to investigate this ability further. For now, however, there is the matter of Sen Eva."

"And a" and the things. In the woods." No one else saw the colors?

"One thing at a time. The creatures you saw were still some distance away, while Sen Eva is here." Serek pushed Lyrimon off his chair and began moving some books from his desk to the newly cleared s.p.a.ce, glancing at t.i.tles as he stacked them and occasionally putting a particular book aside. The gyrcat watched this process indignantly for a few seconds and then glared at Calen as though it were his fault. Then he vanished.

"What will we do?" Calen asked. He wanted to pull up his legs but didn't want to give Lyrimon the satisfaction. Surely the cat wouldn't attack him with Serek sitting right there. Surely not.

"We will not do anything. I must send word to the Magistratum. That, before all. I cannot take action against Sen Eva without their consent unless she provokes it with unmistakable actions." He held up a hand to ward off Calen's protestations. "Words are not actions, Calen. She has done nothing to harm Maerlie yet."

"She tried to harm me," Calen pointed out. "Doesn't that count?"

"It would if I had witnessed it and could testify that she truly intended to kill you. I do believe what you've told me, Calen, but I cannot use that to justify taking action. Especially because your knowledge is based on your seeing the spell, which as far as the Magistratum is concerned is not possible. I do not even have proof that she is a mage, but that will not be difficult to verify now that I know to look for it."

"You can tell by looking?"

"No, but there's a way to sense her ability through physical contact. If nothing else I can stumble into her, but I'm sure I can arrange a less obvious approach."

The thought of touching Sen Eva made Calen shudder. "But we have to do something! What if they don't respond in time? You can't just let her kill Maerlie!"

Serek sighed and fixed Calen with another of his barely tolerant gazes. "Thank you, Calen, for pointing that out. I do not intend to let her harm the princess. I will consult with King Tormon and Queen Merilyn when they return tomorrow."

"Return? Where did they go?" Serek's gaze was turning dangerous. Calen hurried to forestall a rebuke. "I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but Meg a" I mean, Princess Meglynne a" went to speak with them, to tell them what happened. She expected them to be home."

"Well, she will find that they are not. No doubt she will simply wait until tomorrow."

Calen laughed out loud at that. At Serek's expression, he hastened to explain. "Uh, I'm sorry. Again. It's just that you don't know Meg the way I do. I doubt very much she's simply waiting." He swallowed nervously. "Sir."

Serek opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak, there was a hesitant knock at the door. Calen's heart leaped into his throat. It's not Sen Eva, he told himself firmly. It's not. It's not.

Serek had turned toward the door at the sound. Now he looked back at Calen. Perhaps he could tell that Calen was frozen with fear, because instead of telling him to answer the door, he went to answer it himself.

Calen tried to quiet the hammering of his heart. Even if it was Sen Eva a" and it wasn't, of course it wasn't a" Serek wouldn't allow her to kill him. Unless she killed Serek first. But surely if he was on his guard, she wouldn't be able to do that.

Serek pulled open the door. His body was blocking Calen's view. "Ah," said the mage. He stepped back and gestured into the study. "Do come in."

It was Meg, dressed in her serving-girl disguise. She stepped into the room and stood in the center, as though she didn't know what to do with herself. Then she saw Calen and smiled. Serek closed the door behind her and leaned back against it with his arms crossed.

Calen jumped down from the table and went to meet her. "What happened?" he asked. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Just tired. And my parents aren't here."

"I know a" Serek just told me."

"I told Morgan everything. She a"" Meg took a breath. "She's not sure if she believes me. She won't do anything without talking to my parents, and she says even they won't do anything without proof."

"She is correct, Your Highness," Serek said from the door.

Meg turned to face him. "You don't believe us, either?" She had placed her hands on her hips.

"Actually, I do believe you. Or rather I believe Calen, which I take it means the same thing. But your sister is still correct. To act without proof in this matter would be foolish, if not dangerous. You would be wise to wait."

"Wait for what? For Maerlie to die?" Meg shook her head angrily. "I mean no disrespect, Mage Serek, but I do not see the logic in waiting. I do see the logic in needing proof, however, which is why I'm here." She turned to face Calen again and took his hands in hers. "Calen, I'm sorry to ask you this. But I need your help."

He was afraid he knew what she had in mind. "What do you want to do?"

She looked straight into his eyes. "Tomorrow, while everyone is at breakfast, I want to sneak into her rooms and find some kind of evidence that will prove to everyone what she truly is."

Calen's skin went cold, except for his hands, which were still held warmly in Meg's grip. How could she suggest such a thing without trembling in fear? If Sen Eva returned and found them there, nothing would save them. She would finish what she'd started in the guest suite, and they would both be dead. But what was the alternative? To hide, terrified and waiting, until it was too late?

It didn't matter. He didn't know why he was debating with himself. Meg needed his help, so he would help her. He met her gaze squarely, trying to reflect the same strength that shone from her eyes. He didn't even have to nod. She saw his answer in his face and grinned.

"Um," said Serek. For a moment, Calen had forgotten he was there. He and Meg turned as one to face him.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I can't allow this."

Meg's eyebrows went up. Calen knew that look. He almost felt sorry for Serek.

"Are you presuming to tell me what I can and cannot do?" she asked quietly.

Serek was not daunted. "No. But I can inform your sister of your plans, which would no doubt bring them to a swift end."

Meg's eyes practically threw sparks at that. "Do you truly wish to see Maerlie die at the hands of traitors? Why would you want to stop us from proving what we know is true?"

"It is not the truth I object to, Princess, but your determination to put yourself in danger. I cannot in good faith allow you to proceed without attempting to stop you. It would violate my oath to serve and protect your family." Serek spoke calmly, still standing with his back to the study door. His eyes were flat and hard. Calen knew that look, too. He thought that in a contest of wills, Meg would ultimately prevail, but it would be close.

"Could you come with us?" Calen asked abruptly. Meg and Serek both turned to stare at him. He tried to ignore their incredulous expressions. "You could help us seek proof, and be there to protect us if anything went wrong."

Meg's expression grew thoughtful. Serek, however, shook his head. "I appreciate your confidence in my ability to protect you from an unmarked mage of unknown strength and known malicious intent, but as I said, I cannot take action against Sen Eva without the consent of the Magistratum."

"But this wouldn't be taking action, exactly. You'd just be . . . observing."

"No, Calen." His voice grew even more serious. "You must understand this. A mage agrees to live by certain rules. It is sacrosanct within our order, and when you are fully inducted yourself, you will take vows to uphold them. We cannot simply bend or ignore those rules we find inconvenient. It is exactly this that we accuse Sen Eva of doing, and that makes her a criminal in the eyes of the order. I do understand your desire to act, but it cannot be. Accept this and be done with it."

Meg opened her mouth to argue, but Calen placed a hand on her arm to stop her. Serek would not budge on this. Arguing would only waste time. "Let it go, Meg," he said quietly. "He will not change his mind. We'll have to think of another way." He didn't look at her face. He didn't want to see the sense of betrayal he knew she must be feeling.

"I'll need your word, each of you, that you will not pursue this." Serek was still blocking the door.

"You have it," Calen said. "I will not."

Serek looked at Meg and waited. She glared back at him with a strange light in her eyes. "You have my word that we will not steal into her room while she is at breakfast tomorrow."

Serek hesitated. It was clear there was much that Meg's declaration did not include. But the mage only looked at her and nodded. Calen thought something pa.s.sed between them. Then Serek stepped aside. "Will you escort the princess safely back, Calen?"

"Of course," Calen replied. Meg took his arm and let herself be led toward the door.

"And Princess," Serek added, "once this current crisis is sorted out, I would very much like to hear more about your dragon. I never thought I would have the opportunity to talk with one of the dragon-linked firsthand; it would be a rare honor."

After a moment, Meg nodded. "Of course," she said. "As long as Calen can join us. He's my personal dragon expert, you understand." She paused. "I suppose I'll have to think of some official t.i.tle for that at some point."

Calen nearly choked at Serek's pained expression. He yanked Meg back into motion toward the door.

"Good evening, Mage Serek," she said as they pa.s.sed him.

"And to you, Princess," he replied.

Then they were through and walking along the narrow hallway. Calen heard the door close firmly behind them. When Meg led him silently toward a pa.s.sage that led deeper into the castle and away from her rooms, he was not entirely surprised.

THE CASTLE CORRIDORS WERE DARK AND silent, save for the sound of their footsteps against the cold stone floor. Meg led Calen down pa.s.sage after pa.s.sage and finally down a small set of stairs. The hallway accessed by that stairway was rarely used, and surely never used at this late hour. This early hour, Meg corrected herself. It had to be long past midnight. She stopped and seated herself on the dusty floor, her back leaning against the wall. Calen sat against the opposite wall, facing her.

"So," he said, "do you have another plan already? Or do we need to think of one?"

"We don't need another plan," she said. "We're still going to sneak into her rooms to look for evidence. We just can't do it while she's at breakfast."

Calen gaped at her. "Meg, we just gave our word a""

"We gave our word not to look in Sen Eva's room while she's at breakfast. That's all. Really, Calen, you need to pay attention."

He shook his head. "I can't. If Serek found out . . . No. That's not even the issue. I can't go back on my word to him, Meg. It's too important."

How could someone so nice be so exasperating? Meg willed herself to patience. "Calen, think. You heard what I promised. Serek knew exactly what I was saying. Don't you think he would have insisted on less specific wording if he really wanted to stop us?"

"Well . . . but . . ."

She let him think about it. Calen was intelligent, even if he did get in his own way a lot of the time. He'd see that she was right. While she waited, she reached out toward Jakl through the link. She thought he was sleeping. Good. That had to mean he was tucked safely back inside his den. And G.o.ds knew he must need to rest. Sleep called to her as well, but she knew they couldn't spare the time. There would be time enough for sleep once this was over. If they were still alive.

"All right," Calen said finally. "I suppose, technically, that is all we promised. Are you saying that Serek wants us to find proof? Why wouldn't he just say so?"

"You heard him. He's not allowed to take any action against Sen Eva. But I'm guessing that doesn't apply to you, because you're not yet a full mage. Didn't you notice the way he made a point of mentioning the whole when-you-are-fully-inducted-you-too-will-take-the-vows business? And of course the rules certainly don't apply to me. I think Serek just needed us to make our plans out of his hearing. That way he can't feel bound to stop us by the rules of his vow to either my family or his order."

Calen looked at her. "Maybe you're right." He laughed suddenly. "I guess we're going to a.s.sume you're right in any case, aren't we?"

She grinned. "Yes. So, what we need now is some insurance that we won't get caught."

His laughter died abruptly. "Right. Oh, G.o.ds, we're really going to do this."

Meg leaned forward. "Do you have any magic that would help us remain unseen? Just in case she does return before we're done?"

He hesitated, and that was answer enough. "Show me."