Whatever they know, its very, very bad. I wonder if Im strong enough for the truth?

Asher? said Beale. Awkward with age he levered himself to his feet. In his chaotically lined face, a dawning suspicion. Thats a fair question. Why dont you answer it? What do you feel?

Im thinkin, said Asher, his voice still edged. Some things aint easy to put into words, Beale. I aint no Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte. I aint never had the slickest of tongues.

What about you, Dathne? said Polly. Tears dried, her plump, soft sorrow had hardened into a brittle wariness. As Jervales Heir you were gifted with visions. What have they shown you? What do you believe is happening in Lur?

Ive had no visions since before Morg was killed, said Dathne. Im Jervales Heir no longer. Not in that sense. Like you Im an Olken mage with ties to the land. But I never had the greatest reading of it. All I know is what you all know, that Lur has been peacefully sleeping for the last ten years and now it stirs to waking.

Waking to what? Jinny whispered. I thought the fear and destruction of the Final Days were behind us. Was I wrong? Is the worst yet to come?

Asher, said Beale. Slick or not, its time you wagged that tongue of yours. When you needed the Circle, the Circle was there for you. Some of us, like Jinny here, like poor Veira and her kinsman, Rafel, and your friend Matthias, paid a dreadful price for their help. Heres your chance to repay that debt. Tell us what you know. Tell us what you think you know and what your intentions are. Honour the sacrifices we made for you.

Asher flinched as though Beale had struck him. No outburst of anger this time, no flood of furious words. Dathne choked out a small cry of protest, seeing the pain that lit up Ashers eyes like lightning in an inky sky.

You want me to say any ole thing? he said, holding Beales accusing stare. Say whatll ease you, be it honest or not?

Of course not! cried Polly, and pushed herself to stand close-pressed beside Beale. What we want is your respect. You asked us to come here and we came, without question or care for how inconvenient its been. You asked us to tell you what weve felt, and we told you. Now its your turn.

And if you wont tell us, said Jinny quietly, as she too found her feet, well leave. And the next time you need our help youll ask for it in vain.

It was a long time since Pellen had seen Asher looking cornered. Uncomfortably reminded of days he thought hed thrust well behind him, he took refuge in staring at the floor. Dared one upwards glance, at Dathne, and saw that she too could not bring herself to witness Ashers pained dismay. Her gaze was fixed unwavering to her knees.

Then Asher sighed. You reckon I got all the answers just cause once upon a time I fit the shape of your b.l.o.o.d.y prophecy? Sorry, Jinny. It dont work like that. Somehow, and I aint got the first clue why, I can do a few Doranen tricks. Dont make me all-knowing. Dont b.l.o.o.d.y make me Barl.

I dont recall any of us saying it did, Beale said.

Asher snorted. Maybe not. But I reckon you been thinkin it. He shook his head. Look. Ole man. I can feel what you feel. Somethin aint right. But thats it. Dont you reckon if I had all the b.l.o.o.d.y answers Id have left you alone? You reckon I dont know what I owe you three? And aye, Fernel Pintte. You reckon theres a day goes by I dont say sorry to Veira and Rafel and Matt, that they had to die for me? You reckon I wanted that? That I wanted Pellen, here, to get hisself crippled?

Pellen looked up sharply. I was Doranas Captain of the Guard. I fought for my City and our kingdom. I dont regret that. And I dont need your regret, either.

Startled, Asher stared at him. Pellen Oh, be quiet, he said. Sometimes you make me very tired, Asher. He looked at Beale. You threefourwere asked here today because we needed your insights. Youve shared them with us and were grateful to you. As Mayor of Dorana I extend my official thanks. And I ask that you keep what weve discussed here privy.

We know how to keep secrets, said Polly dryly. And our Circle oaths still stand. But its almost certain therell be others whove felt things and theyre bound by no promises to keep those feelings to themselves.

Pellen nodded. I know. But unless Ive badly misread the situation, I think weve a little time before private misgivings turn into widespread public panic. Well use that time wisely, I promise, to discover the cause of these ructions youve felt.

And thats an official promise, is it? she said, sniffing. From the Mayor of Dorana? Her gaze flicked sideways. And the Innocent Mage?

He nodded. Yes.

With a sigh, Dathne at last rose from the footstool and let her weary gaze touch their three visitors faces. Youre probably cursing me for dragging you here. For playing on past loyalties and making you face a darkness youd hoped was nothing but your imagination. Im sorry. I am. More than anything else I dont want this to be true.

None of us does, said Beale. But Prophecy never covered this possibility, did it?

Dathne sighed, so sad. No, Beale. It never did.

You hadnt a choice, Dathne, said Jinny. You had to call us. And we had to come.

But Jinnys right, added Polly, a warning glint in her eyes. We wont be taken for granted.

I never meant to do that, said Asher, scowling again. This business I be rattled. I thought I were done with prophecy. I thought it were done with me. Dont much like thinkin on the chance that aint so.

None of us much like it, Asher, said Beale, holding out his hand. Were fighting the same fight. Best we not fight each other as well.

Relieved, Pellen watched Asher cross the parlour and take the old mans hand in a firm clasp. No, Beale. Best not. He let go. So. If we are lookin to fight another battle, can I count on you?

As Beale and Polly exchanged looks, Jinny nodded. Of course, she said firmly. We were born to the Circle, Asher, and well die in its service. Just as one day youll die the Innocent Mage, even though you never wanted that and resent what it means with every breath you take.

Thank you for coming, said Pellen. Thank you for trusting us.

We have to trust each other, Pellen, said Polly, her lips trembling. We have to trust theres a way out of this. I cant believe we defeated Morg only to see Lur crumble so soon after. I cant believe thats what Jervale had in mind.

Its not, said Dathne. Perhaps its just She cleared her throat. Perhaps we relaxed too soon.

What of the Doranen? Beale asked. We cant leave them ignorant forever.

Asher shrugged. They be my problem, I reckon. You leave em to me.

And Fernel? Pellen added, frowning at the Circle members. I know hes your friend. I know youre loyal to him, and why. Believe me, I dont wish to come between you. But what he said here today, well, Ill not deny it disturbs me. Ive a nose for trouble and troublemakers. Your friend doesnt strike me as the type to keep his grievances to himself. He glanced at Asher, then looked back. Even though he was warned.

I know Fernel best, said Polly. Were less than a days cart ride distant from each other. Ill hear soon enough if hes stirring up mischief. But I cant honestly believe that hed Youd best believe he might, said Asher. Pellen aint never wrong about this kind of thing. Then he pulled a face. Well. Almost never.

And that was a sly dig at their own complicated past. Pellen, sparing him a pointed look, offered Polly a smile. I hope youre right. But if you should feel uneasy, or hear anything untoward Yes, said Polly, unhappy. Ill send word.

All of you should stay vigilant, said Dathne, looking from Jinny to Polly to Beale. Not only about Fernel. We need to know as soon as you hear word of unrest, or misgivings, or folk whispering about what theyve felt in the earth.

The three remaining Circle members nodded.

Thank you, she said. And if Ive been high-handed, or bossy, or made you feelfeel slighted, I beg your forgiveness. I never meant to. Ive been worried too. And Im no better at being worried than Asher is.

She kissed each of them then, and afterwards Pellen escorted them to the front door. Blind Jinny held Pollys arm, steadfast and composed. He watched Beale shepherd them courteously down the path to the gate, then drew back into his home and returned to the parlour.

Sink me, Pellen, said Asher, looking up. What a b.l.o.o.d.y great mess that turned into.

Oh, I dont know, he said, dropping gratefully into the chair Jinny had used. Things mightve got a bit heated here and there, but you got what you wanted. You learned what they knew and pulled the wool completely over their eyes.

Asher stared at him, nonplussed. Eh? Pellen, what are you Dont even bother trying to deny it, he snapped, and fixed Asher with his best Captain of the Guard glare. Because we both know you know more than you revealed to those three Circle members. But you are going to tell me the truth, Asher. Every last syllable of it. Starting right now.

Instead of answering, Asher looked at Dathne. Pellen, watching their silent communion, thought Ibby, and felt his heart thud. Oh he missed her, he missed her, and the thoughts they could share with a single, fleeting glance.

You have to, Asher, said Dathne, sighing. He has a right to the truth.

Stifling a groan, Asher returned to the window and hitched himself once more onto the deep sill. As though he found some kind of strength, or solace, in the st.u.r.dy timberwork around him.

I know that, he grunted. Reckon I dont know that, woman?

Dathnes eyebrows shot up. Woman? Careful. Innocent Mage or not, I can still Oh, enough, said Pellen. After all weve been through do you think the pair of you can divert me?

They fidgeted, silenced.

And I want to know about Rafel, as well, he added, still curt. If hes sensing things His throat closed, fear stifling the words.

Pellen? said Dathne. She could read him almost as well as Ibby ever did. What is it?

With a wrenching effort he laid his unclenched fingers on the arm of his chair. Charis.

Shes sensing things too?

I dont know. I think so. I have my suspicions. He had to blink hard, to hold back the stinging fear. So whatevers troubling this kingdom we have to fix it. Because shes my little girl and shes suffering. Shes suffering, Dathne, and I cant help her. Im her father, its my duty to protect her, keep her safe, but Dathne dropped to a crouch beside him and took hold of his forearm with both hands. Pellen, dont fret yourself. Youre a wonderful father. Charis adores you. The way she looks at you sometimes, with her heart in her eyes? Shed drown you in love if she could. Youve not failed her. Youll never fail her.

Daths right, Asher said gruffly. You be a grand da, Pellen. Aint no call for you to be doubtin yourself on that.

Touched, comforted a little, he looked first at Dathne, then at Asher. Thisthis wrongness in the earth. How did you explain it to Rafel?

I didnt, said Asher. Not ezackly. I told him not to be frighted. I told him it werent nowt to worrit on. I told him Id explain what it meant when he were older.

Oh, he said. And he accepted that?

Course he did. Im his da, aint I?

Well, yes, except Hes very much your son, Asher. Hes a stubborn lad. The kind of boy who likes real answers when he asks a question.

Werent no point fillin his head with tales of Weather Magic and suchlike, said Asher, pulling a face. He dont never need to know about any of that.

Need to? Of course he didnt. But Rafel was the kind of lad whod want to. Surely his parents knew it? He was their son. They werent blind to him, were they?

Rafels fine, said Dathne, retreating to the couch. And Im sure Charis will be, too. Lets not worry about them now. This problem in Lur, Pellenwere determined to fix it. Quickly, so Rafeland Charisand all of us in the kingdomcan go about our lives untouched by shadows.

A sentiment with which he heartily agreed. ButFix it how, Dathne? Come on. The times come for you to empty your purse on the table.

Aye, said Asher, and let his head fall against the windows embrasure. Turned his gaze to the garden beyond, so his eyes were hidden. Youre right. You got to be told. So, any road, heres what I know With increasing alarm, Pellen listened to his friend reveal dreadful, close-kept secrets. So many times waking at night, tormented by a nameless dread. The knots in his gut that grew tighter, never easing, as Lurs underpinnings tilted, unbalanced. The growing suspicion that terribly, fantastically, Barls Weather Magic was somehow involved.

The Weather map, for ten long years believed to be dead.

Alive? he said, horrified. With power in it? How can that be?

Asher shrugged. I dont know, Pellen. How am I sposed to know? I didnt invent the b.l.o.o.d.y thing, did I?

But you said it was dead.

Thats cause I thought it was! Asher retorted. Now it looks like I were wrong. You want to lock me up for makin a mistake?

No! I want you to tell me what this means! I want to know whats happening, whats gone awry! I want you to fix it! But he didnt say that. He knew better than to say that, after today.

Except Asher, being Asher, heard his unspoken words. Sink me, Pellen. Not you too.

Im sorry, he said, stricken. Asher, Im sorry.

Asher pulled a knee to his chest and let his forehead drop to it, hiding his face. Skewered with guilt, Pellen watched him wrestle fear, wrestle despair, fight his never-ending battle against what was asked of him, who he was, that hed never asked to be. The self he couldnt deny, because he was a good man.

I am sorry, he said again. Truly. He breathed deeply, hesitating then surrendered to his own fear. But its Lur, Asher. And weve no place else to go.

Asher lifted his head. His eyes were bleak with resentful acceptance. I know. Pellen, I know what I am. The Innocent Mage. And like it or not, Lurs last livin WeatherWorker.

Weather Magic. Remembering what it looked like, he winced. You were WeatherWorker once. But must you be that again?

I might.

No, you mightnt, said Dathne sharply. Well find another way.

And if there aint one? said Asher, so weary. What then, Dath?

I dont know! And I dont care! Dathne leapt up. I nearly lost you to the Doranens magic once, Asher. If you think Ill lift a finger to help you risk yourself again Fine! Asher banged a fist on the windowsill. So this time I sit on my a.r.s.e and do nowt. And whatLur perishes? Then what were the point of savin it the first time, Dath? What were the point of Gar dyin, Matt dyin, your precious b.l.o.o.d.y Veira dyin, and her Rafel, if I do nowt to help when theres more trouble stirrin?

Im not saying dont help! Im saying find another way!

Pellen, uncomfortable, considered a loose thread in his blue trousers. Hed have to pinch it safe with a st.i.tch or three, later. Glancing up, he caught the anguish on Dathnes face, the grim endurance in Ashers, and felt his own heart break a little.

Please. Dont fight. Were this kingdoms caretakers. Its guardians. How can we help it if were battling each other?

Dathne dropped back to the couch. And how can you ask me not to fight for him, Pellen? Hes my life.

Just as youre his. But hes right. If we arent going to save Lur this time we might as well have given it to Morg.

Besides, said Asher, striving for lightness. You be the one who started this, Dath, with your prophecy and your Circle and suchlike.

Oh, dont remind me, she said bitterly. As if the thought doesnt make me sick at heart, Asher. Sick.

Asher slid out of the embrasure and went to her. Sat beside her on the couch and drew her close to him, kissing her hair. Dont feel too sick. It were prophecy brought us together, remember?

She sagged against him. Well, now I want it to leave us alone!

Youre certain, are you, said Pellen, that the solution to our problem will come down to WeatherWorking?

Certain? Asher shook his head. Aint nowt certain about any of this, Pellen. But I got my suspicions.

And if what youve all felt is connected with the WeatherWorking? With Barls Weather map? What then? We dont truly know how the maps magic works, do we?

No, said Dathne. Not beyond what little Gar told Asher. And I dont think he understood it. I dont think even Durm did. Or Borne. Barl was the expert, and she left no instructions behind.

Frustrated silence. Then Asher cleared his throat.

As it happens, Dath that might not be true.