Aye, he said, nodding.

And dyou believe me?

He wanted to. But last night Deenie screamed that Da was frighted, that he was hurt near bad enough to die. And Deenie could feel things. He knew that now. She could feel things that were true.

If Da cant protect himself, how can he protect us?

Rafe? said Da. He sounded hurt and surprised. Dont you believe me?

Course I do, he said quickly. I believe you, Da. You and Mama wont let nowt happen to us.

Aye, said Da, and tousled his hair. Thats right. He let his hand drop. Now, I got me some work to do, sprat. Time you paddled a bit in your bath then got yself warm and dry into bed. Off you toddle. Ill see you right as rain in the mornin, eh?

Da had to work? But it was late. Outside the solar window the night-birds were singing, and stars were sprinkled across the sky. Da had been at work all day. It didnt seem fair he had to work at night too.

What kind of work, Da? he said. Can I help?

Da smiled. That be a kind thought, Rafe, but no. You got your own work, I reckonscrubbin them sproutin spuds out of your ears.

I aint got spuds, Da, he protested. I never once had a spud!

Aye, well, there be a first time for everythin, said Da. Now off you go.

But what about Stag? he said, remembering. He hasnt had his supper apple.

Ill give it him tonight, Rafe. Again, Da tousled his hair, then reached down and swatted him lightly. Run along.

With Deenie all fratched theyd not finished dinner. Cooks peach pie was sat on the sideboard, not a bite of it taken, sweet and ready to eat.

Da saw him looking at it, and smiled a tiddy bit. Aye, s.n.a.t.c.h a slice. But dont tell your ma, with yspinach not eaten. Cause if she finds out Ill say I aint had nowt to do with it.

Sh.e.l.l never know, Da, he said, grinning. Promise.

Da snorted. Sh.e.l.l b.l.o.o.d.y know when she sees a piece of pie missin.

That made him giggle. But even though Da was joking, underneath that he was serious. And even though he was smiling, his eyes were still sad.

Night, Da, he whispered, throwing his arms tight around his father. You sleep well, eh? Dont you let them bedbugs bite.

Das arms closed round him so hard, for a moment, all the bits inside him felt squashed. Aye, sprat. You too.

The first bite of filched peach pie exploded in his mouth like summer. Halfway to the solar door he spun on his heel, mouth open to tell Da it was wonderful, he should have a piece. But he didnt say it. He didnt say anything. Da was turned mostly towards the window again, a thin slice of his face showing like a rind of new moon. And that thin slice of face was so grim, and so sad The peach pie turned to cold wood-ash on his tongue, Rafel trudged downstairs to his privy bathroom, opened the window and threw the rest out.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

Seated in his favourite wingback chair, Rodyn Garrick watched his good friend Sarle Baden hold his brandy gla.s.s up to the warm, leaping firelight. A fine drop, Sarle said, approving. Your cellar is second to none.

It was true. He prided himself on the quality of his wines, his liquors. How could he not? With his vineyards and his palate, with his reputation, he could serve only the best.

Sarle swallowed heartilyit was his least attractive traitthen cast a frowning glance at the library door. Youre sure well not be disturbed, Rodyn?

It was late. The house was quiet. His servants were banished to their cellar and attic, and his son knew better than to wander from his bed.

He nodded. Quite sure.

Good, said Sarle, relaxing in his own chair. And so to business. Ain is making excellent progress.

Id be surprised if she were not, he said. Shes a talent, that woman. Not another Barl, of course, but neverthelessshes a find. Im thinking He tapped a finger to his lips. She could well prove the right tutor for Arlin. I shall speak with her.

Really? said Sarle, not hiding his surprise. Rodyn, I know the boys gifted but hes young for Arlin will achieve the tasks set before him, he said, and took a restrained sip from his gla.s.s. Hes a child in years only. In potential, he is He smiled. Ageless.

Sarle frowned. Yes. Well. Hes your son, Rodyn. Im sure you know best.

I do, he said. Now tell meis Ain certain therell be no more trouble with her clod of a neighbour?

Shes learned her lesson, said Sarle. Her workshops are warded beyond all risk of leakage. And detection by that fool your Mage Council sent, who is still watching and waiting to catch her out. He sniffed. A pity you couldnt over-rule Asher on that.

Rodyn kept his expression mild. To achieve his ambition he needed Sarles a.s.sistance. That obliged him to swallow impertinencethough with far less pleasure than Sarle guzzled his brandy.

Yes, he said. A great pity. But given our plans, Sarle, its prudent not to stir the b.a.s.t.a.r.ds suspicions. Its enough he decided not to push the matter of Barls Laws.

He has no inkling of what were about?

None, he said, smiling. Im playing him sweet for now. He can think our clash of wills over Ain has put me on the back foot. I care naught for his opinion.

Wood popped and crackled in the fireplace. Sarle drained his gla.s.s and set it aside. Quite right. But in that case, Rodyn, whats got you frowning?

Really? Was I frowning? he said lightly, displeased that hed betrayed himself. Its not the company, I a.s.sure you.

Then what is it? said Sarle, holding one thin hand out to the fires warmth. Idly stirring the flames with his mind so they leapt higher and hotter. Was this mornings Mage Council so irritating?

As much as he confided in anyone, he confided in Sarle. No, he said slowly. But I have this small suspicion Asher lied to us today.

Sarle leaned forward. About what?

That old fool Jaffee made mention of Olken coming to him claiming they felt a disturbance in the earth, he said. When asked, Asher said hed not felt a thing. He pursed his lips. I cant put my finger on it, precisely, but there was something about the way he said it. A look in his eye.

Sarle laughed, disbelieving. You let yourself be disquieted by the Olken? Rodyn, my dear friend, are you not feeling well? The Olken are no better than infants startling at their own shadows. A disturbance in the earth? A disturbance in their bowels, more like. You know they will insist on guzzling ale by the barrel. And as for Ashersurely hes far too conscious of his exalted status as Lurs saviour to risk it with blatant dishonesty. Lying to the Mage Council? He sneered. The b.a.s.t.a.r.d doesnt have the guts.

Amused, Rodyn refreshed their brandy gla.s.ses then rested one arm along the fireplaces mantel. I expect youre right, Sarle. I expect I imagined it. Now tell mehow proceeded your meeting with Artin Moyne?

Sarles affronted temper vanished. Very well. Hes interested, Rodyn. Hes definitely sympathetic to our cause.

And that was very good news. Artin Moyne had influence. And their cause, so vital, so all-consuming, required every Doranen voice they could find. As it stood now, far too few of their people comprehended what needed to be done, or were willing to contemplate the drastic action of which he dreamed. Lurs Doranen were too comfortable. Complacent. Life in this borrowed place had softened their sinews.

But I shall change that. It will take timebut I have the time. And the resources. I do not care how long it takesI will make this dream come true.

Moyne expressed no hesitation? No doubt?

None, said Sarle, promptly. He agrees with us, as I said he would. h.e.l.l do whatever he can to discreetly further our plans.

Rodyn felt his satisfaction expand on a warm cloud of expensive brandy. Excellent, Sarle. Slowly but surely, we proceed towards our goal.

We do indeed, said Sarle, and raised his gla.s.s in a toast. Heres to our success, my friend. Heres to the day we quit Lur once and for alland the day that will surely follow it, when we set foot in our true home. Lost Dorana.

To Lost Dorana, he echoed, raising his own gla.s.s. And to those of us with the wit and wisdom to find it.

Asher thought Dath would hear him, coming into Deenies room, but she didnt stir as he crossed the threshold. Deenie, breathing deeply, was curled beneath her green-and-white striped blankets. The glimlamp on the bedside table was set to burn low. The room was cosy, comfortable, pink-frilled for his little girl. Standing beside the glimlamp an emptied gla.s.s, smeared with the dregs of the posset Dathne had brewed. Sleep-well, shed called it. A promise of dreams.

She farin all right? he asked, lingering in the shadows. Afraid, if Dathne looked at him, of what hed see in her eyes.

Yes, said Dathne softly. She didnt sound angry. That were something, at least. If the Tower fell down around our ears I doubt shed hear it. Sh.e.l.l not stir till afternoon tomorrow, at least. I made doubly sure.

Dath He had to stop. Wait. His voice was a traitor. If there were any other way She shrugged one shoulder at him. Shut up, that meant. So she might not sound angry, but that didnt mean she werent feelin it.

Best he not finish what he was going to say, then. Best he tread careful, since the ice was thin between them. Reckon I be goin now, he said instead. Dont know how long thisll take.

Her fingertips smoothed a lock of hair from Deenies flushed cheek. I should come with you.

Aint no need, he said. Aint nowt you can do, Dath. Sides, you be wanted here with Deenie.

Youve no business working Weather Magic on your own.

I did it mostly on my own before. I be used to it.

This isnt the same, and you know it! she snapped. Send for Pellen. Have him stand watch while you work.

Pellens got Charis. He wont leave her this time of night.

He can bring Charis here. Ill care for both girls. Asher Dathne swung round at last on her stool beside Deenies bed. There werent enough colour in her cheeks.

Nowtll go wrong, Dath, he said. Trying to ease her. Trying to ease himself. Aint I the Innocent Mage?

Dont, she said fiercely, her voice low for Deenie. Dont you throw that at me. And youre not innocent any more, Asher. Neither of us is. We know things now. Dreadful things!

Dath Abandoning the safety of shadows, he crossed to the bed and dropped to his knees beside her. Pressed a finger to her lips. You know I got to do this. So why go on about it? Arguin hard fact be like a dog chasin its tail. Round and round and round, and nowt to show for all that effort but sweat.

She turned her head away. And if you die? What am I supposed to tell our children?

He used the same finger to turn her face back again. I aint goin to die, Dath. How can I die? I aint battlin Morg this time. Just his leftover magic. And I got Barl on my side, aint I? All her magic, sleepin inside me. Me and Barl, we wont let that b.a.s.t.a.r.d win.

What are you going to do? she whispered. Break the last hold Weather Magic has on this kingdom? Turn back time to the days before the Doranen came? Or will you try and put things back the way they were before Morg interfered?

He shrugged. I dont know. I dont know what be possible, Dath. I dont know what I know.

You cant make another Wall, she said, her eyes hollow with fear. You cant. That will kill you.

We dont need another Wall, Dath, he said, gentling her cheek with his hand. She pressed against him, seeking comfort. These past ten years have shown us there aint nowt beyond them mountains we need savin from. Our troubles be right here at home.

And you have to fix them. I know. Her hand came up to cover his. Barls t.i.ts, I know. And I hate it, Asher. Youve no idea how much I hate it.

Somehow he found a smile for her. Oh, I dknow. Reckon I might have an inklin.

They clung to each other then, beside their drugged, sleeping daughter, and kissed as though theyd never see each other again.

Keep Rafe home from school tomorrow, he said, as they held each other pressed forehead to forehead. Keep him here in the Tower. No gallivantin round the countryside on his pony. Send word to Pellen first thing that Deenies poorly, so Charis dont come. If I aint back from the Weather Chamber by this time tomorrow night, send Pellen to look for me. Dont you do it, Dath. Dont you leave the sprats alone.

No, Asher, I Please, Dath. He couldnt bear it, the thought of her finding him dead if what he was about to try turned into a sinkin great disaster. I did what you wanted, last time. You can do this for me. Say youll do this for me.

He felt her breath warm against his skin as she breathed out, hard. Felt her fingers tighten on the back of his neck. Heard her swallow a sob. All right. All right, sink it. Ill do as you ask.

He kissed her. Aye, but you be a fine, slumsk.u.mbledy wench.

Pulling away from him, she slid off Deenies bedside stool and turned her back, arms wrapped around her ribs as though they were broken, and paining her. So youd best go, hadnt you, seeing youre so eager to throw your life away.

Feeling helpless, feeling lost, he rose from his crouch. Dathne She flung up a hand. Go.

He kissed his sleeping daughter, and went.

After feeding Rafes pony its supper apple, almost amused at its crossness that he werent Rafe, he made his way through the darkness of the palace grounds to the Weather Chamber. Closed its bottom door behind him, summoned glimfire, climbed the one hundred and thirty stone steps to the gla.s.s-domed room at the top and closed that door behind him as well.

Alone, his heart pounding from more than the steep stairs, he brightened the glimfire hed conjured and stared at Barls blighted Weather map. To his ordinary eye it seemed unchanged from the other day. Dropping to one knee beside it, he rested his fingers lightly on the tallest peak of Barls Mountains. Felt the black stirring of Morgs meddling, sickened and beneath that felt the stirring spark of Barls cruel and complicated magic. It was still there. Still struggling to be heard. Barl and Morgan, battling yet.

He b.u.mped his backside to the parquetry floor and crossed his legs. Rested his elbows on his knees and dropped his chin on his knuckles, perplexed.

Fine. So what now? Dont spose someoned like to give me a hint?

Unhelpful silence. The chamber was cold. Hed pulled on a warm coat before leaving the Tower, but even so the chill air beneath the gla.s.s dome ceiling nipped at his skin. Pushing discomfort aside, he bent his thoughts to matters magical.

With the Weather Orbs destruction, Barls magic lived in only two places now. His blood, and her Weather map. And when he touched the map he could feel that magic stirring in both of them. But what did it mean? Were they connected, somehow? Could theymad as it soundedtalk to each other?

Tentative, apprehensive, he reached out his hands. Laid them palm-down to the Weather map, his left on the Dingles and his rightcause why not?smack dab on Restharven.

Look at me, Da. Muckin about with this malarkey again.

Within heartbeats he felt the sizzle of Weather Magic in his blood. Felt the stirring of power, the call to wind and rain and snow. Could almost see the spells tongue-twisting words rise before his inner eye, feel his fingers twitch to trace their burning sigils on the cold chamber air. Morgs left-behind foulness stirred too, shuddering through him, waking hard-buried memories of torment, recalling the whisper of a loathed and loathsome voice. His flesh crawled, his belly heaved. Against his will he remembered his Guard House imprisonment and Morg the sorcerer, sheathed within hateful Conroyd Jarralt, ripping through his mind in search of people to kill. Ripping through his mind with pleasure, cause the b.a.s.t.a.r.d knew how much it hurt.

Panting, Asher s.n.a.t.c.hed his hands off the Weather map. Felt himself topple until he struck the parquetry floor. For a long time he lay there, little shudders running through him. Framed by the chambers gla.s.s dome ceiling, the indifferent stars shone down. Spark by spark his sizzling blood fell quietbut in its place rose a high tide of fear.

Sink me b.l.o.o.d.y sideways. I cant do this. I cant.

Except he had to. For Rafel. For Deenie. For every child in Lur. If he did nowt here this night, just let Lurs turbulence run its mysterious course, well, true, things could well settle emselves just fine. But just as easily the world could turn upside down. How could he take that chance? If something went wrong, there werent no place to run. Even if they could get thousands of folk over them mountains, there werent nowt on the other side cept a slow, stinkin death. And remembering how Tollin had died how could he begin to think that were a choice? It never was. Pellen were right. This small battered kingdom was the only home they had.