Hey, said Goose, and again dug his fingers inside his leather jerkin. Pulled out the lumpily folded parchment hed been safekeeping. Want this back?

Tollins adventures! Hed clean forgotten, what with the earth crying out and nearly getting himself drownded. Thanks.

What is it? said Goose with a wicked snicker. A love letter from Charis?

Ever since he once saw Uncle Pellens Charis making google-eyes at him, Goose thought it was funny to niggle on it. Rafel used his Doranen magic to push his friend flat on his back.

Take that! No. It aint.

Goose howled in protest, kicking at the sky. Then he sat up. So what is it?

Finished unfolding the parchment, he laid it flat on the gra.s.s and smoothed out its wrinkles, gently. There was probly Doranen magic to make it good as new, but he didnt know it. He would one day, though. One day hed know it all.

He looked up. Its the story of what Tollin and the others found when they crossed over the mountains.

Gooses mouth dropped open. It never is!

Is too.

Where did you get it? Goose breathed.

He almost told. Almost. The boasting words were tickling the tip of his tongue. But then he swallowed them. Best I dont tell you, Goose, he said, his sly smile dying. Not cause I dont trust you! he added quickly, as Gooses face fell. Its just best you dont know.

Gooses eyes opened so wide he looked like a string-puppet. Oh, Rafel. What did you do? He swallowed. Something Doranen?

He stared at the uncrumpled parchment spread on the gra.s.s, feeling the fizzy triumph of breaking Das lock. Feeling the stir behind his eyes where his Doranen magic lived. He wanted to tell Goose so bad Cept I cant. Aint n.o.body meant to know about that trunk and whats in it. Thats Das secret. It aint mine to tell.

It doesnt matter, he said. What counts is I found the parchment. And Ill read it to you, only Rafel, said Goose solemnly, I wont never, ever tell. Not ever. Not even if Arlin Garrick pokes me full of pins.

He scowled. Arlin Garrick was the kind of Doranen whod do worse than poke pins if he thought he could get away with it. You better not, Goose. This has to be just ours.

It will be! said Goose. Catch me telling Arlin Garrick anything.

True. They might go to the same City school, him and Goose and Arlin Garrick and the other Doranen boys, but that didnt mean nowt. Didnt mean they had to like each other. Which is good. Cause we dont. Hed never pinch spells from a boy he liked.

So whats it say? said Goose eagerly, nudging the parchment. Start reading. And when youre done, we can be explorers!

Being explorers was one of their favourite games. You still want to do that? he said, leaving the parchment where it was. When youre growed up? Aint you going to be a brewer, like your da?

No law says I cant be both, said Goose. Then he grinned. When Im growed up Ill brew the best beer and ale in Lur and take it over the mountains to sell. Ill be the richest brewer in Lur, I will. No, Ill be the richest Olken in Lur. The richest man in Lur. Thatll be me. Ill be so rich, that Arlin Garrick, h.e.l.l have to bow when I ride by.

Ha! he said. Only way youll get Arlin Garrick to bend in the middle is if you kick him in the chestnuts.

Gooses grin got wider. I could do that, too. Wearing boots made of solid gold.

The thought was so naughty they crowed and rolled around on the gra.s.s for a bit. Their amus.e.m.e.nt startled the ponies, and that made them laugh even harder. But the laughter dribbled dry eventually, until it was just them sprawling silent under the warm sun. Slowly but surely, the fear of what hed felt faded.

So go on, then, said Goose, breaking the hush. Read it. Cause I want to know what really happened to Tollin and the others. I want to know why most likely I never will get to sell my beer and ale on the other side of the mountains.

His clothes gently steaming, his damp hair full of gra.s.s, Rafel reached for the stolen parchment. Held it up between his face and the sky, so he wasnt squinting into the sun.

And started reading.

Tired of waiting for the kettle to boil a second time, Pellen Orrick was sorely tempted to ask Asher if hed stir the water along. Just a bit. But he refrained, because asking Asher for a frivolous use of his magic would do nothing to sweeten his friends sour mood. Three hours this morning, theyd spent, he and Asher and Dathne, thrashing through the dangers that may or may not lie in wait for the kingdom, reaching no firm conclusions or decisions, certain of only one thing: that should the worst come to pa.s.s then surely every man, woman and child in LurDoranen as well as Olkenwould look to Asher of Restharven for rescue.

And is he sour because he resents the a.s.sumption or because he knows he has no hope of saving us?

Hed not asked the question, though it did crowd his thoughts. He was ashamed of himself for thinking it. Ashamed that despite knowing what he knew, knowing the sacrifices Asher had already made, he could even consider asking for more. And perhaps, if he only had himself to worry about, he wouldnt be ready to ask. Wouldnt have the thought in his head at all.

But Im a father now, and that makes the difference. Theres nothing I wont do to see Charis kept safe.

Once hed believed his devotion to Dorana City, and to Lur, was the fiercest thing he would ever feel. And now he knew that devotion was water-weak compared with the fury that rose in him at the thought of harm coming to his only child.

The kettle boiled, at last. But as he poured the steaming water into the second teapot, refreshments for his newly arrived guests, he heard Asher suck in a sharp, pained breathand looked up.

What? Asher, whats amiss?

Stood by the kitchen window, brooding through the open curtains at Ibbys run-to-seed garden, Asher shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose between tight thumb and forefinger. A grunt of discomfort escaped him, and he hunched over a little as though tormented by a belly-gripe.

Pellen put down the kettle. Asher, are you sick? Should I call for Asher, said Dathne, hurrying into the kitchen from the parlour, where shed been talking with those four members of the old Olken Circle whod travelled to Dorana circ.u.mspect to meet with them. Did you feel that?

Asher nodded, his eyes slitted against whatever ailed him. Aye. Nasty.

We all felt it, said Dathne. Asher Pellen raised a hand. I didnt feel a thing. Are you talking about Aye, said Asher. What I told you in the stable yard. That wrongness in the earth. Its back.

Oh.

Sometimes, over the years, as he watched his fellow-Olken discover their long-buried powers, watched them revel in Olken magic, hed felt a pang that their joy was denied him. Not often. Just sometimes. But now, with Asher and Dathne so clearly distressed, he found himself grateful that magic, for him, was little more than a fizzle. Hed lived for years without it quite happily. He didnt need it to make him a whole man.

Dathne gnawed at her bottom lip. Rafel, Asher. Do you think he Probly, said Asher. Hes felt it othertimes. Well ask him at supper.

He blinked in surprise. Rafel could feel whatever was going on, too? Asher had kept that quiet. But Rafe was just a boy, barely tutored in magic. And if he could feel it Chariss night-terrors. What if Im wrong? What if its not Ibby shes missing after all? What if With an effort he strangled his leaping imagination. If he wasnt careful hed smother his daughter. Little ones had bad dreams. No need to alarm himself into conniptions.

At supper? said Dathne. Id rather ask him now. Fretting, she wrapped her arms about her narrow ribs. But weve let him romp off on his pony for the day, without a care in the world. I hope hes all right. If this is going to keep happening, if we cant know when or where this feeling will strike, he might not be safe. Asher Hush, said Asher, and pulled her to him. Cant keep Rafe cooped up in the Tower, Dath. Cant stop him racin about the countryside with his friends. Hes a boy. Hes got to be a boy.

She tugged free of his embrace. But hes not just a boy, is he? Not an ordinary boy, at any rate.

He is for now, said Asher, insistent. He is so long as we dont start treatin him different.

He is different, Asher! Dathne retorted. And you not wanting it to be so doesnt change a thing.

Ashers face darkened. Hes only different if we let him be, Dath. Only if we think on him that way. And I wont do it. I aint about to ruin his spratlin days with fuss and malarkey and makin him feel that he aint like his friends. Pushing him to do magic that he aint ready for. That he dont need.

A reluctant eavesdropper, Pellen looked away. There was such pain in Ashers voice. Nothing to do with whatever trouble threatened Lur, and everything to do with being Rafels father. Pain in Dathne too, and fear. So much of it theyd forgotten where they were. That he was listening. But what did they mean about their son being different? This was the first hed heard of it His guardsman curiosity reprehensibly piqued, he cleared his throat. Ahfriends Startled out of acrimony, they stared at him. Then they exchanged mutely horrified looks. Asher, his discomfited dismay forgotten, cleared his throat.

Pellen And suddenly he was ashamed again. He had no right to expect confidences. After all, hed not told them about Charis, had he? Never mind, he said. No explanations needed. Family business is family business.

It aint that we dont trust you, said Asher, suddenly awkward. You know better than that. Its complicated, is all.

But we will explain, Dathne added. We never meant to keep it from you forever. As Asher saysits complicated.

Their a.s.surances warmed him. In the wrenching aftermath of Ibbys loss, ill-equipped to deal with grief and a baby and every grand dream smashed to jagged pieces, he knew hed been in danger of foundering completely. Dathne and Asher had eased him. Sheltered him. Saved him, in truth, from too much strong drink and silence.

He shrugged. When youre ready. Lets leap one hurdle at a time, eh? Im not as spry as I used to be.

Hed long since come to terms with the loss of his leg. But Asher never had, and seeing him wince at the joke was a jabbing reminder of that. Fool.

So, what you both just felt, he said hastily, with a glance towards the parlour. You and those Circle folk in there. Youre sure its more of the same trouble?

Yes, said Dathne, nodding. And whatever it is, I fear its getting worse.

But why is it happening at all? Thats the question weve yet to answer.

You want to hold the rest of our meetin in here? said Asher. Only I dont reckon this kitchen of yours be big enough for us and them Circle folk too, Meister Mayor.

Youre right, its not, he said. So lets go through to the parlour and get started. I want this problem nipped in the bud. Ive enough on my mayoral plate as it is. I dont need more headaches.

You might not need em, but youve got em, I reckon, said Asher. Now, you done makin that tea like an ole besom?

He was deeply worried, but still he had to smile. In a life full of upheaval one star remained constant: Asher was Asher, and would surely be himself without fear or favour until the end of his days.

Besom yourself, he retorted mildly. I could use another pair of hands.

He and Asher carried the brewed tea into the parlour, with Dathne bringing the tray of cups, milk, sugar and biscuits. They might well be here to discuss death and destruction but there was no reason to do it parched, or on an empty stomach.

The four summoned former Circle members sat eggsh.e.l.l-anxiousin his parlour. Two women and two men, only one of them younger than fifty, and all of them schooled in the mysteries of Olken magic. Sensitive, as Asher and Dathne and now, it seemed, Rafeland maybe Chariswere sensitive to the subtle shiftings beneath Lurs placid, well-ordered surface.

You know I cant feel this trouble, he said, helping Dathne to hand round steaming cups of tea, but I dont doubt its real. What we must decide, here and now, is whats to be done about it.

If anything can be done, said Polly Marsh from Wynford, on the far side of the Saffron Hills. Plump as an apple puff, surprisingly dressed in baggy trews and even baggier shirt, with her salty dark hair clipped boyish short, she stirred three spoonfuls of sugar into her tea. For it seems to me were at the mercy of chance. We had no warning that the earth was troubled. And theres no hint of whats causing it. Were in the dark.

Pollys right, said the man beside her on the couch. Beale Lafton, whod travelled the furthest to be here. All the way from Tamwold, hed come, right close to the coast, near Salting Town. His hair and beard were silvered through, his face as crumpled as an old linen kerchief. But despite his great age his voice was energetic, his manner brisk. Whatevers stirring in this kingdom now, I fear were powerless to stop it.

Nonsense, snapped Dathne, and dropped onto a footstool. What kind of thinking is that, Beale?

Beale eyed her narrowly from beneath extravagantly bushy brows. The kind that comes from reading the earth for more than sixty years, young lady.

I dont disagree this isuncomfortable, Beale, Dathne said, colour washing her sharp cheeks. But to call ourselves powerless? Thats giving up before weve even started.

And what would you have us do, Dathne? Jinny of Hooten Creek asked softly, her blind, gentle eyes darting side to side. Shed lost her sight during the battle with Morg, when the Circles binding link with Veira was severed. We Olken might have our magic restored to us, but its no more than it ever was. We cant bully nature. We cant dominate with our powers, like the Doranen.

Pellen, content to stand by the parlours cold fireplace and observe, watched Dathne flick a glance at Asher. He was perched on the edge of the rooms deepest windowsill, arms broodingly folded, his rough-hewn face set in that familiar, defensive scowl.

I know that, Jinny, Dathne said. Im not suggesting we try.

Then why send for us? demanded Fernel Pintte, quarrelsome. Youngest of the four, somewhere in his thirties, and smoothly handsome. Nothing gentle about him, his manner was impatient and curt. We dropped our lives and came running to you, Dathne, out of respect for who you once were. But Who she still is, said Asher, stirring. Jervales Heir. Mind your tone there, Fernel. Aint got much patience with them as disrespect my wife.

Fernel put his cup down on the wooden arm of his chair. Some of his easy belligerence faded, and a wary look crept into his eyes. Theres no disrespect here, Asher. Im puzzled. He glanced around at the other Circle members. Were all puzzled. And I think were owed an explanation for why weve been summoned.

Youre here to tell us what, if anything, you feel, said Dathne. And when you started feeling it. Youre here so we can work our way through what these stirrings mean, and how we can protect Lur if indeed it is in danger again so soon after Morg.

Knowing that Asher and Dathne depended on his silent scrutiny, Pellen kept watching closely. Saw that dreaded name stab the Circle members. They breathed deeply, quivering, and briefly looked away.

Of all the Circle thats left now, Dathne added, you four are the strongest. You have the keenest senses, the sharpest intuitions. Between us, you four and me and Asher, Im certain we can unravel this mystery.

And if we do unravel it? said Polly, hands clasped to hide their trembling. What then? Jinnys right. We cant forge new chains for Lur.

Not without making bargains with the Doranen, added Fernel. Is that what youre thinking, Dathne? That we dance that sorry dance again?

That sorry dance saved us from Morg and his domination, said Dathne, annoyed. Remember?

What I remember is living twenty years of my life in terror of being discovered, Fernel retorted. His narrow face pinched cold, and he reached for his tea-cup again as though he needed to hold on to something warm. I remember twenty years of secrets and lies, of holding my breath every time I crossed paths with a Doranen, certain theyd sense the magic in me and cry traitor. I remember hearing of Timon Spakes execution and weeping at the thought his death could be mine.

On the outskirts, on the windowsill, Asher stirred. Timon Spakes dead and buried. You aint here to talk on him.

Pellen, with his own memories, met Ashers bleak gaze. Saw in his friends face a reflection of his own sickness, his own memories, never quite overcome or forgotten.

We were all of us afraid, Fernel, said Polly, and reached over to the armchair to pat his white-knuckled hand. But it does no good to dwell. The bad times are behind us. She sighed. At least, those bad times are.

Dathne, on the low footstool, rested her elbows on her knees and propped her chin in her hands. Fernel, I dont know how to answer you. It could be that whatever is wrong can only be put right by the Olken and the Doranen melding their magics again. I hope thats not so. I want to look forward, not back. You think I cant see how fraught with dangers such a choice would be?

Do they know? said Beale. About these shiftings?

Dathne shook her head. Im sure they dont. Weve said nothing to the Doranen on the General Council. Or the Mage Council. Nothing to any Doranen we know. And nothing has been said to us. But I think its only a matter of time before they realiseor learnthat somethings brewing. Our two peoples may still live mostly separate lives, but if what were feeling grows any stronger If it begins to reveal itself, you mean? said blind Jinny. If something odd starts to happen with thethe weather?

And with that one word, all eyes turned to Asher.

Aint no call to think itll come to that, he said flatly. Ten years without WeatherWorking weve had, aint we, and the rains come as needful. Snow and ice in winter, enough for the icewine vineyards and pond skating, but not so much folk find emselves buried. Theres food aplenty, no threat of famine. I dont reckon theres cause to start thinkin thatll change.

He sounded confident but Pellen saw something flicker between him and Dathne. Some misgiving, unshared. He knew them too well. His belly tightened, and his throat.

Lie to them if you must, but youll not lie to me. When were done with these four the three of us will keep talking.

Ashers right, said Dathne, her chin lifted in the way that dared anyone to contradict. This isnt about the weather. Lets not fright ourselves for no reason.

Then what is it about? said Jinny. Her blinded brown eyes were wide open, as though she could see things the rest of them were denied. What is causing the earths disquiet?

And are we going to tell the Doranen? Fernel added. Before the earth does the telling for us, and were accused of dreadful things?

Like thunder on the horizon, the memory of fear teased the air. Ten years in the open wasnt a long time, not after six hard centuries of secrecy.

It aint your concern, Fernel, what theyre told and when, said Asher. Thats for me and Pellen to decide, seeing as how hes Mayor of Dorana and we both be on the Mage Council.

Not my concern? Fernel laughed, unpleasant. Dont be a fool, Asher. Its every Olkens concern. Until the day comes when the last Doranen leaves our land weve got to live with them. Weve got to live with their magic, which overpowered ours once and easily could again.

No, it cant, said Dathne. There are laws, Fernel, binding laws that keep us safe. And doesnt Asher preside over Justice Hall, to make certain?

I feel Fernels not so misguided, to worry, said Beale, gnarled fingers kneading at the arm of his couch. Its their own goodwill that keeps the Doranen bound to decency, not any fear of reprisals from us. They know we have none. Nor have we any guarantee that their decency will last.