As Thady subsided, silenced, Asher turned on Garrick. As for you, Rodyn. Know who you sound like? Conroyd b.l.o.o.d.y Jarralt, thats who.

Pellen winced. Low blow, Asher. Further along the table, Sarnia Marnagh paled. Barlsman Jaffee kissed his holyring. And Garrick looked like hed just swallowed a hedgehog, whole.

Youve no right to say such a thing to me, he said, his voice tight with fury.

Dont be daft, said Asher. I got every b.l.o.o.d.y right. You want I should show you the scars Conroyd left me?

Garricks fingers clenched bloodless. That wasnt Jarralt. That was Morg.

It were both of em, said Asher. I worked alongside Conroyd Jarralt for more than a year. I knew him. He despised us Olken and he enjoyed what Morg did to us. To me. They were cut from the same cloth, them two. Are you cut from it, Rodyn? Are you the kind of Doranen as thinks us Olken are nowt but cattle?

No, hes not, Asher, said Barlsman Jaffee, surprisingly firm. He, Sarnia and I are all Barls children, as devoted to Lur as any Olken, I a.s.sure you, and wholeheartedly committed to the causes of unity and peace. Whatever you doubt, I urge you not to doubt that.

Thems pretty words, Barlsman, said Asher, his gaze not leaving Rodyn Garricks cold face. But I reckon theyd be prettier if Id heard em out of Lord Garrick.

Pellen held his breath. Garrick was haughty, true, like most Doranen, but was he really another Jarralt? I hadnt thought so but could be Im wrong. Barl save us all. Fernel Pintte on our side, Rodyn Garrick on theirs. Are we doomed, then? Is peace beyond us?

Garrick cleared his throat. I regret if I misspoke myself, he said stiffly. Barlsman Jaffee has the right of it. Of course I accept the Olken as equals in this land.

Good, said Asher, his eyes so watchful. Reckon I be mighty pleased to hear it.

But I want an admission from you, Asher, Garrick added. I want you to admit that an Olken is as capable of biasof faultas any one of my people. Can you deny that?

Deny it? said Asher, eyebrows lifting. When every day for a b.l.o.o.d.y year I had that sea-slug Willer Dryskle snappin at my heels? Course I dont deny it, Rodyn. Aint neither of our folks hold all the cards when it comes to bein b.l.o.o.d.y stupid.

No, said Garrick. No, they do not.

Asher nodded. Then Id say we be fine, Rodyn. He looked at Thady and Eylin. Dont you reckon?

Thady and Eylin nodded, murmuring a.s.sent. With that, the almost unbearable tension in the council chamber eased. Pellen looked down to hide his surprised relief, then reached for his quill and notepad.

So, he said, as brisk and as businesslike as he could contrive, were agreed, are we, that the pet.i.tion for the altering of judicial protocols shall be approved and returned at the next session of the General Council?

They were agreed. And since the pet.i.tion was the last item listed for discussion, they were also done. But just as he took a breath, ready to declare the meeting adjourned, Barlsman Jaffee raised a cautioning hand.

Forgive me, he said. There is a matter I would like to mention. What it means, Im not entirely sure. Perhaps you will call me alarmist, a foolish old man, but I feel its my duty to speak.

Then speak, said Pellen, as his insides hollowed. Whats concerning you, Barlsman?

Jaffee steepled his k.n.o.bby-jointed fingers before him, tapped his lips and half-closed his eyes. As you know, my duties as City Barlsman do not end with conducting services in the Chapel. I am called upon to hear secrets and private misgivings, to ease the burdened among us and share with them Barls peace. During this past week I have heard whispers, my friends. Alarming whispers. Four different Olken have told me the same tale. Without betraying names, I would tell you what they said for I confess, Im at a loss.

Pellen didnt dare look at Asher. Please, Barlsman. Continue.

All four told me theyve been disturbed by vivid, frightening dreams, said Jaffee. And terrible feelings that something is wrong. In the earth. He shrugged. I know that sounds odd, but its how they put it. Something wrong in the earth. Of course, being Doranen, I could not share their concerns. Ive prayed for enlightenment, but alas, enlightenment eludes me. They are my spiritual children, and look to me for guidance, and I have none. I dont know what to say. Asher Pellen dared look at him this time, along with everyone else. Ashers face betrayed nothing. As he still stood by the window, his expression showed only courteous interest.

Aye, Jaffee?

Do you know what they meant? Have you felt anything odd these last few days? Or you, Pellen? Thady? Eylin? Earth-singing is an Olken gift. Have any of you sensed this disturbance?

Only his former life as a City guardsman let Pellen keep his own face strictly schooled. He felt sick. I havent, he said, profoundly relieved it was the truth. He looked at Thady and Eylin. Have you?

Not me, said Thady. Havent heard word of it in the Pig, either. And I hear most things tending bar. See most things, too. More than I want to, generally speaking.

Nor me, said Eylin. Asher, youre the most powerful Olken mage in Lur. What have you felt?

Nowt, said Asher, without a pause.

And Ive heard not a whisper at Justice Hall, said Lady Marnagh. Asher, what of Dathne? Shed tell you, Asher, wouldnt she, if she felt anything odd?

Course she would, Sarnia. But she aint, Asher said, smooth as custard. So I cant tell you what it means, Barlsman. Sorry.

Frowning, Jaffee unsteepled his fingers and fiddled with his Barlsbraid. No need to apologise. I suppose its possible these Olken simply imagined things.

Or had one ale too many in someone elses inn, said Asher, raising an eyebrow at Thady. Where the brew be inferior.

It is odd, though, isnt it? said Eylin. Asher, are you quite sure you or Dathne havent I told you. Im sure, said Asher, scowling. Reckon Im like to keep news like that to mself? Reckon I wouldnt run here squawkin to you lot if I had an inklin there were somethin wrong with Lur?

No, no, of course you would, Eylin said hastily.

Pellen swallowed a groan. Asher, Asher if they ever find out I think the thing to do is wait and see, he suggested. More than likely its nothing. Some odd quirk of nature. Lur is as prosperous and fruitful as its ever been. Theres no hint of that changing. But naturally, should you hear any more about these feelings, Barlsman Jaffeeif any of us hears somethingwe should convene again at once. Agreed?

His fellow Olken nodded. Then Rodyn Garrick tapped a thoughtful finger on the table. And if its not nothing? What then?

Then obviously we address the problem, quickly and discreetly, said Lady Marnagh. This Mage Council is charged with maintaining the kingdoms safety. I dont think the matter should be discussed outside this chamber. Nor should any of us pursue independent enquiry, for fear of alarming people. Asher Sarnia? said Asher, exquisitely polite.

I dont begin to understand your particular mage powers but is it possible for you toto seek out thisthis wrongness of which Jaffee speaks?

I spose, said Asher. Aint done nowt like that afore, but I spose I can try if the Council reckons it be needful.

So casual, he was. So unconcerned at least on the surface. Pellen found himself marvelling. But then, he always was a good liar.

I think its an excellent suggestion, said Jaffee, bestowing upon Lady Marnagh an approving smile. For I have no doubt that if anyone can plumb the heart of this mystery, its our Innocent Mage.

Pellen, still watching Asher, saw his jaw tighten. Dont bite Jaffee. Please dont. One brawl is enough to be going on with.

Like I said, Ill try, said Asher. Only dont get your hopes up. Sometimes things just happen and there aint never a reason why. Guess we just got to trust that thingsll work out, one way or another.

Indeed, said Jaffee solemnly. Faith is the wind that lifts our wings.

Asher blinked. Aye.

All right, Pellen said, quickly. If there are no other matters to be raised? Then were done.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

The council chamber emptied quickly after that, until only he and Asher were left. Getting up, Pellen pushed the door closed, then turned and considered his difficult friend.

What? said Asher, meeting his eloquent stare. You think I were goin to tell em? Ha! Sink that.

Profoundly troubled, Pellen returned to his chair. Asherkeeping your own counsel unprovoked is one thing, he said, toying with his quill. But they raised the issue of trouble stirring, and you looked them in their faces and lied. If they find out you lied do you honestly think theyll forgive it? Its ten years since you saved Lur, my friend. I suspect your currency as the Innocent Mage is not unlimited.

Shoulder propped against the chamber wall, Asher grunted. Dont need it to be b.l.o.o.d.y unlimited, do I? Its only got to last till Lurs sailin sweet again.

And how long will that be? Do you know?

Asher said nothing. Something dangerous seethed beneath his skin. Eyeing him askance, Pellen decided to ease the tension by changing the subject. At least for the moment. Tell me, he said, tossing the quill aside and sitting back. Do you trust Rodyn Garricks easy capitulation over these Justice Hall changes?

Ha, said Asher. I dont trust Rodyn Garrick. Ill stick a harpoon through my right eye afore Ill believe he reckons Olken and Doranen be equals.

Well, Im not sure Id go that far, but after the way he carried on about you censuring Ain Freidin He drummed his fingers on the table. So whats behind this uncharacteristic docility?

Indigestion? Asher suggested, trying to smile. And there again, that dark, unwelcome hint of dire trouble. Hes Rodyn b.l.o.o.d.y Garrick, Pellen. Who knows what hes thinkin? I dont reckon to fret on it over-much. Not while we got him under our noses here in Council.

I suppose, he agreed, reluctant. He just makes me uneasy.

Instead of answering, Asher folded his arms and stared at the floor. Pellen, considering him, felt all kinds of misgivings stirred by the disquiet in his friends face.

What is it? he asked. Youve been distractedupsetsince you walked in here. Whats happened?

Asher sighed. Reckon you really dont want to know.

Actually, reckon I really do, he retorted. Sometimes I think you forget who I am, Asher, and who Im answerable to.

I b.l.o.o.d.y dont! said Asher, stung.

Really? Then prove it. Tell me whats going on.

For the first time that morning Asher sat in his customary council chair. Propped his elbows on the table and scrubbed his hands across his face. He looked exhausted. Almost defeated.

Abruptly and coldly sick, Pellen felt his skin crawl. The diary? You read the diary?

Aye, said Asher, sounding tired. And it aint no b.l.o.o.d.y use to us. What Gar translated, its just warspells and personal witterings. The spell that killed Morg. Nowt on the Wall or the Weather Magic or such-like. Nowt to explain whats stirrin under our feet. Nowt on how Im sposed to save us from it.

He was so bitter. And who could blame him? The weight of a kingdom was forcing him to his knees. I agree, thats a blow, he said, with care. But we cant fall in a heap.

Why not? Asher muttered. Fall in a heap, stand on our heads, turn b.l.o.o.d.y cartwheels down the length of the High Streetfor all I know thats as good a way as any to get us out of this strife.

Oh, Asher. Pellen slapped the table. No. I refuse to believe we cant find a cure for whats ailing our kingdom. What about Durm? He was the Master Magician; he guided Borne in his WeatherWorking for all those years. Those books of his you spoke of, the ones you keep hidden in your library. Surely theres something there we can use? He mustve left behind some kind of Weather Magic instructions or But Asher was shaking his head again. When it comes to Weather-Working there were only one of his books seemed it might be useful. I got Barslman Holze to look at it for me, not long after the Wall fell. But he couldnt make head or tail of it any more than me. b.l.o.o.d.y things writ in some stupid code, Pellen, squiggles and chicken scratchins. A load of b.l.o.o.d.y nonsense. Everythin to do with WeatherWorkin Durm kept secret. Just like he never said who he wanted followin him as Master Magician. Him and Borne, they were spit scared of another schism. So they never shared nowt.

Pellen breathed out a slow sigh. I suppose they never dreamed things could ever go so wrong, he murmured. And who can blame them? Only one man ever did.

Aye, well, that b.l.o.o.d.y Jervale didnt finish the job, did he? said Asher, surly. Pity he didnt stay asleep long enough to dream the rest of what could go a.r.s.e over t.i.ts around here. Reckon my life might be a sinkin sight easier if he had.

It was tempting to sympathise with him, but theyd make no progress moaning over what couldnt be changed. Theres nothing on the walls of the Weather Chamber that will help?

I dont reckon so. Ill look again, but Asher groaned his frustration. I dont know what to do, Pellen. I know I be the only one who can fix this, but I dont b.l.o.o.d.y know how.

Yes, you do, he said quietly. Its in you somewhere, Asher. Buried deep, perhaps, but its there. All the Weather Magic that was put into you, somewhere in there is the answer. It must be.

Asher shoved out of his chair. You dont know that! he snapped, pacing angrily, fists shoved in his pockets. I dont know it and Im the one who got that b.l.o.o.d.y magic stuffed down his gullet!

I know it because Barl was no fool, he retorted. Everything the WeatherWorker needed to know she put in her magic, Asher, Id stake my life on that. Why else would she not leave any instructions behind? All you have to do is look for it. Stop fighting who and what you are, and insteadembrace it. Open your heart and your mind and seek the answer inside you. Youll find it. By all I hold dear, Ill wager its there.

Just like that, eh? said Asher, still pacing. So you reckon its a doddle? An easy peasy piece of p.i.s.s?

I never called it easy, he said. But I think you make it harder than it need be. Did anyone have to teach you how to summon the rain? How to make it snow, or stir the wind? No. The knowledge was in you. Its still in you. Asher, you can do this.

Aye, Pellen, mayhap I can! Asher shouted, turning. But I dont b.l.o.o.d.y want to! Ive spent ten years tryin to forget what I know!

Yes, well, I think thats my point! he snapped, nearly pushed to shouting himself. And forgive me if this sounds blunt and unfriendly, but Im of the opinion youve no right to forget it. Fair or not, Asher, you are who you are and you dont have the luxury of putting the rest of us in danger just because Asher leapt towards him. s.n.a.t.c.hed the nearest empty chair and slammed it down hard on the chambers parquetry floor. Pellen Orrick, youre a sinkin b.l.o.o.d.y fool! Flappin your lips when you know nowt about nowt! Care to guess what I did last night, Meister Mayor? Meister Mayor who cant even sprout wheat seeds? While I were asleep, with my wife beside me and my son and my daughter but a few steps away? I summoned warbeasts. I nearly killed em. Dath and Rafe and little Deenie, who mean more to me than anythin. I nearly killed em with the magic thats in me. All I did were read Barls b.l.o.o.d.y diary, and that stirred me up enough that I summoned warbeasts in my sleep. So are you really goin to sit there and lecture me on how I dont have the sinkin luxury of not wantin to wake what I got sleepin in my blood?

Stunned, Pellen stared at him. Stared at the terror and the tears in his eyes and was flooded with pity and horror and hot, hot shame. AsherIm sorry, I didnt And Deenie felt it, said Asher, heedless. Wrenched himself away and started pacing again, staggering almost, buffeted by a depth of feeling he had never before revealed. And she screamed. Oh, Pellen, she b.l.o.o.d.y screamed. If youd heard her, my little Deenie, screamin cause of the warbeasts I called, cause she could feel em in me. I never knew she could do that, feel magic in folk. But she can. She never told us, but that be somethin she can do. Breathing harshly, he fetched up against the chamber window. Flung out one hand to brace himself, and let his face fall into the crook of his elbow. She can feel there be somethin wrong in the earth, too, he said dully. She can feel all of it. Reckon I poisoned her with that. Me and my b.l.o.o.d.y magic.

Pellen tried to speak. Had to clear his throat. Asher, you dont know that.

Course I do, Asher whispered. Aint no other Olken who can do Doranen magic, is there? Well, there aint no Olken Daths ever heard of who can sense magic the way Deenie can. Course it be my fault. Cant be n.o.body elses.

All right, he said at last, not quite certain of his voice. Perhaps thats true. Perhaps thisthis ability did come from you. But why do you call it a poison? Why not call it a gift?

Gift? said Asher and laughed, with such scorn. If youd heard her screamin, Pellen, you wouldnt call it a gift. Turning abruptly, shoulders. .h.i.tting the wall, he let himself slide until he was sat on the floor. It aint a gift. Its a b.l.o.o.d.y curse.

Heartsick, he nodded. Yes. Yes, I can see that. Im sorry, Asher. II dont know what else to say.

Asher dragged an unsteady hand down his face. Theres nowt you can say, Pellen. Nowt to say, nowt to do.

Youre right. Its awful, he said. And I hope you know Id cut off my other leg to spare you and Dathne such grief. To spare Deenie the grief He looked down at the table. Hating himself, even as he knew he had to say it. But its something apart from what this kingdom is facing. And Im sorry, Im sorry, but you cant let it interfere. Weve run out of time.

I know, said Asher, after a long silence, letting his head tip back against the wall. Why dyou reckon Im so b.l.o.o.d.y fratched?

We may have a little grace left to us, but we cant, we mustnt, count on much, he added. You fobbed off Jaffee and the others well enough today, but what about tomorrow? Or next week? Other Olken are bound to confide their fears in our revered Barlsman. Its what hes there for. Or Thady will overhear something, tending his bar. And whatever it is thats churning in the earth, if it gets any worse, if it gets any louderthen could be even folk as magic-deaf as I am will start to hear it. And then He felt his mouth dry. I think things will be worse even than when the Wall fell.

Reckon I dont know that too, Pellen? said Asher, caustic. I do. All right? I know.

And still bitterly resented being pushed towards the inevitable. But that was just too bad. It couldnt matter that Asher didnt want this. All that mattered was that he did what had to be done.

And its not as if this time were asking him to die Thrusting aside any lingering guilt, Pellen cleared his throat again. Asher Asher looked up, his face so stark that seeing it was like a blow from a clenched fist. I know what you reckon I should do, he said, his voice ragged. You reckon I should go back to the Weather Chamber and WeatherWork our way out of this mess. Either fix that b.l.o.o.d.y Weather map somehow so it keeps on doin what its been doin for centuriesor finish the job Morg started so Lur can start afresh, proper, like we thought it did already. Eh? Aint that what you want, Pellen?

Doused with fresh shame, defiant because of it, he nodded. Yes. This land is my home. Its my daughters home. Thanks to Morg its the only home were ever going to have. And I want you to save it. Im sorry, but I do.

Course you do, said Asher, and stared into the distance at something awful that only he could see. But heres the thing. If I work the Weather Magic, Deenies goin to feel it. It b.l.o.o.d.y nearly kills me, Pellen. You know that. So what dyou reckon itll do to her, eh? Eight years old? A little girl? If you was me, and it were Charis, what would you do? Would you kill your little girl to save this kingdom?

He couldnt speak. Could hardly breathe. The ugly question hung between them, unanswered. Unanswerable.