Seeing as how Pellen werent well enough for dancing, which he could manage well enough even with only one leg, theyd set him up all cosy and important on a dais down the far end of the Guildhouses vast meeting room. Just this moment he was all on his lonesome, smilin a bit watching Rafel and Charis bow and curtsey at the end of their jiggin about, so Asher tipped the rest of his spiced cider down his throat.

Reckon Ill have a quiet word with Pellen, he announced.

Oh, said Dathne, disappointed. But its time for Meistress Choice, Asher. I was going to ask you to dance.

Again? Perish the thought. Ask Pintte, he said, and gave her his empty gla.s.s. See if you can wheedle him into sayin what hes up to.

He left his wife complaining under her breath and threaded his way through the fringes of the Guildhouse throng, nodding and smiling but not stopping until he reached Pellen in his fancy chair, up on the dais.

Reckon youd be better off at home, he said, and hooked an empty chair closer. If it were anyone else hed sit himself up on the dais, but cause this were Pellen he minded his manners. Aint all this cater-waulin givin you a headache?

Odd as it may seem, said Pellen, his smile inching wider, some of us do enjoy music.

Dropping into the chair, he scowled at the fussy clot of Olkens in the gallery above them, with their fiddles and recorders and whatnot. This aint music, it be a herd of cats bein strangled so a bunch of fools can prance about like drunk spring lambs, gettin mucky with sweat.

Pellen looked at him. Youre calling my daughter a drunken spring lamb?

Yknow what I b.l.o.o.d.y mean.

Almost always, said Pellen, and laughed.

Ha. As the caterwauling started up again, Asher looked at the crowd of merrymakers. Them la.s.ses with the gumption to ask a man to dance were leading their swains out to make fresh fools of emselves. Rafel was picked, of course. Some sweet-faced Olken girl. Charis, bold little minx, had asked a young Doranen lad to jig with her and hed said yes. Eyebrows were going up here and there, seeing it. Equal or not, these days, there werent much hobn.o.bbing Doranen to Olken and never a suggestion of two turning sweethearts.

It might come one day. Probly will. But if it does I hope I aint around to see it. Talk about ructions Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte had agreed to dance with Dathne. The usurped mayoral chain flashed and winked on his chest as he elbowed his way to the middle of the dance floor. Ten years had aged him, and too much rich food had fattened him, but that didnt stop the b.a.s.t.a.r.d leering at Dathne like a tomcat.

Asher felt his face scrunch tight. Reckon Id rather Morg put out my eyes with that poker of his afore I had to sit here and watch that.

Asher Pellen shook his head. Not a dark hair left on it, these days. Whered the b.l.o.o.d.y time go, eh? Its one thing not to like Fernel. Its quite another to paint him a villain without proof.

He snorted. Proof? We got all the proof we need. You heard him that day in your parlour. You know what he thinks and you know what he wants.

Yes, said Pellen softly. I heard him. I heard you, too. Its not what a man thinks but what he does that defines him. So far Fernel Pinttes done nothing more outrageous than win an election you wanted him to lose.

Pellen, be you goin deaf in your old age? Hes banging that same drum again, hes Not once incited anyone to violence, said Pellen. Hes just talking, Asher. Hes perfectly free to talk.

Stymied, Asher glowered at the sight of Pintte daring to laugh at something Dathne said. Charm my b.l.o.o.d.y wife, would you? Lay a finger on her untoward, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, and Ill set a wereslag on you so sinkin fast Besides, said Pellen. Its not just Fernel Pintte, you know. There are Doranen, too, who look longingly at the mountains.

What? Hed not heard a b.l.o.o.d.y thing. Trust Pellen to know. Who?

Pellen examined his fingernails. Ive been told Rodyn Garrick. Sarle Badens another one. Oh, and Ain Freidin. You recall her?

Ain Freidin? Aye. And what were Rodyn Garrick up to with a Doranen? Hed ask, but Garrick werent here tonight, of coursecatch him honouring an Olken. Arlin was, though. Made Rafels life a misery at school, the poxy little runt. Like father, like son. Sarle Baden he werent over-familiar with. Lived mostly in the country, out beyond the Home Districts somewhere. With luck hed b.l.o.o.d.y stay there.

And theyre all stirrin trouble, are they? Reckon I need to put my ear a bit closer to the ground.

Perhaps, said Pellen slyly, if they talk long and persuasively enough theyll convince the General Council to consider another expedition. His tired eyes widened in mock-dismay. Imagine that, my friendFernel Pintte and Rodyn Garrick romping hand in hand over the mountains and far away. I can see why youd object. Who would you have to bellyache about then?

Ha, he said, giving Pellen a sour look. Very b.l.o.o.d.y funny.

Pellen grinned. I thought so.

Well, it aint, he said. Last thing we need is folk pushin and shovin to get back over them mountains. Remember how long it took us to pick ourselves up last time? Half the b.l.o.o.d.y kingdom frighted near to death, for nowt.

I remember, said Pellen, sighing. And youre right. We dont want that again.

Sides, aint no reason to think anythins changed from what poor ole Tollin found, he added. But that Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pintte He scowled at the new mayor, still jigging with Dathne. Hes the type as wont take no for an answer. h.e.l.l push and shove and niggle, thinkin sooner or later h.e.l.l turn the tide towards him. And if we got Doranen rowin in his boat now I think the whispers are wrong, said Pellen. I cant believe Rodyn Garrick would join with an Olken.

Aye, well Asher scratched his chin. Fingers crossed, eh? He glanced up. How you feelin, any road?

Im fine. Charis takes good care of me. Shes a sweet child. So much like my Ibby. Asher, dont take this amiss, but What? he said, as Pellen hesitated.

Id not have her heart broken. So if Rafels merely dallying Startled, he stared at his friend. Rafe and Charis?

You didnt know?

The Meistress Choice dance was done with, and a new dance started. Asher looked at the whirling, colourful couples and saw his son was partnering some other Olken la.s.s now. She looked familiar but he couldnt remember her name. Girls were always buzzing round Rafel, bees to a blossom.

Pellen Discomfited, he shook his head. Rafe aint said nowt to me on bein partial to Charis.

Which is why I worry, said Pellen. For you might as well know that shes partial to him.

Oh. Then best he had a word with his rakish son, eh? Last thing I need be him causing a brangle over petticoats. Specially with Pellen poorly, and such a good friend. Ill see she aint dallied with. My word on it.

Its not me thinking Rafels not good enough for her, Pellen said quickly. Hes a fine boy. Only I remember being young and full of hot blood. I remember He laughed, a little colour touching his face. Well. As I say, Id not have Charis hurt.

Asher had to grin. So, in his green days Pellen had been a bit of a lad, eh? Probly hed cut a fine figure in his guardsmans uniform at that. For himself, hed only been pa.s.sing interested in the la.s.ses leastways until he met Dathne.

He wont muck her about, Pellen. Reckless Rafe might be, but not cruel. Not ever.

Pellen, cause he were Pellen, heard the rough beneath the smooth. You and the boy are still at odds?

He shrugged, one-shouldered. He reckons hes hard done by, but h.e.l.l get over it soon enough.

I know you think so, said Pellen, after a moment. But Asherhes not a child any more. Hes a young man with a gift and he wants to explore it and youve not convinced him why he shouldnt.

Dont need to convince him, do I? Im his da. What I say goes.

Pellen shook his head. Why is it so important to you that he continues this pretence?

You b.l.o.o.d.y know why, Pellen!

Theres a difference between him working Doranen magic in private and showing it off in Market Square, said Pellen, keeping his voice low. And even if he did show it off, hes in no danger. Barls First Law is dead, Asher. We killed it.

That aint the point, he said, irritated. Rafe might swear blind he wont cause a ruckus but hes my son and I know him. The likes of that Arlin Garrickll say the wrong thing one time and thatll be that and you cant pour spilt ale back in the jug, can you? Wont no good come of lettin Rafel explore his gift. He can b.l.o.o.d.y sit on it, like I do. Instead of frettin on b.l.o.o.d.y magic he can make up his mind what hes to do with his life proper. Ive had enough of his dabblin here and dabblin there and never choosin a path to walk.

Thats not always a simple decision, Asher.

Never said it were simple, he retorted. But he cant keep driftin rudderless, Pellen. And he cant keep on hopin to make his life about magic. It aint goin to happen. I aint goin to let it.

Pellen sighed. Well Im sure you know best.

In other words, Asher, youre making a mistake. But he werent. He knew in his bones it were dangerous to let Rafel run loose with Doranen magic. Any road, he said, aint no cause for you to fret on Charis. Ill see her right.

I know you will, said Pellen, and patted his shoulder. Its just my la.s.s is at that age, isnt she? Youve got Deenie, so you know how it is.

Deenie. Gardenia. His little brown mouse. He looked for her on the dance floor, but no. She werent there. Had she stepped out even once tonight? He didnt think so. Deenie adored her Uncle Pellen so of course shed come to the ball, but If I worry, he said, it be cause she aint a la.s.s as flutters her eyelashes. Too quiet by far, thats Deenie. I aint even sure where There, said Pellen, nodding. Being persuaded by Charis to flutter a little, I suspect.

Pellen was right. Charis, all lit up like glimfire in her yellow silk gown, two Olken lads worshipful by her side, was laughing at Deenie, cajoling her to dance. Meek and shy in her own pretty blue dress, Deenie were blushing and shaking her head. Standing behind the long table of refreshments, holding a gla.s.s of lemonwater like it were a potion to ward off evil.

Go on, mouse. Have a dance, eh? Have some fun. You cant stand your whole life unnoticed in the b.l.o.o.d.y shadows.

Charis won, of course. Deenie never could resist her best friend for long. Grinning, Asher watched her take one of the young mens bent armMick Greeley, that was, his da ran Dorana Citys markets, a sober lad, respectable, nowt a whiff of trouble about himand walk shyly with the lad onto the dance floor. Dathne saw her, and winked. She was all set to dance with young Greeleys da. The other lad dancing attendance, he could see now, was Rafes best friend Goose. With luck Charis would flutter her eyelashes at him. Fall for him, mayhap, and wouldnt that be useful?

Rafel, Rafel you better not be triflin with Pellens only child.

Where was the sprat, any road? Not on the dance floor now. Not at one of the refreshment tables. Not anywhere in the room that he could see. And neither was poxy Arlin Garrick Them two. I swear. At each others throats from the moment they first met.

Uneasy, suspicions stirring, he slid off his chair.

Asher? said Pellen. Whats wrong?

Nowt, he said, cause his friend didnt need more to fret on. Just feel like stretchin mlegs a bit. If I take a wander, youll be fine?

That had Pellen pulling a face. Im not quite in my dotage yet, thank you. By all means run along. Im sure Ill amuse myself tolerably well without you.

He grinned, briefly. Aye. Im sure you b.l.o.o.d.y will too.

Even as he walked away from the dais a handful of Olken crowded in to take his place. Pellen greeted em cordially and they fell into eager discussion. Heading for the nearest door to take him outside, Asher found himself waylaid by Eylin Cross, no longer on the Mage Council but still a woman of influence. Hovering behind her were Nan Mortley of the Shepherds Guild.

Asher, said Eylin in her brisk, no-nonsense way, bide a moment. Nan needs a word with you about her suit in Justice Hall.

He raised both hands. Now, Eylin, you know I aint to talk on whats upcoming afore Trust me, said Eylin grimly. And make an exception for this.

Eylin werent the flighty type. If she said it were important, if she thought to press him on it here at Pellens farewell ball, then All right. Rafel, youd better keep yself out of mischief. Well step aside and you can tell me quick whats amiss.

Escaped from the Guildhouse, from the overbright glimlight and laughter and warmth, from Charis, Rafel turned his face to the starstruck sky. Out here, in the small but lush Guildhouse garden, clipped gra.s.s beneath his feet, fragrant flowers in profusion around him, a cool breeze flirting like a la.s.s with his hair, he could breathe slow and deep. Breathe out every last skerrick of tension and frustration and sorrow.

Uncle Pellen looks so poorly. And Fernel b.l.o.o.d.y Pinttehe cant even pretend to be sorry. No wonder Da hates him. Howd he ever get made mayor?

Mama and Da, they pretended their old friend was fine. But he wasnt Asher of Restharvens son for nothing. He felt what he felt, and what he felt made his chest hurt. Other things made it hurt too, but tonight Pellens wan face and weary eyes and fallen flesh hurt the most.

And Charis, b.l.o.o.d.y Charis, dancing like a whirligig. Chatter, chatter, chatter like there was nowt wrong. When Papas better, Rafe, were going to travel round Lur a bit. When Papas better, were going to plant a new garden. When Papas better When a blind man could see Pellen was an ailing man and she was fooling herself.

Even so, you couldnt stop yourself from looking at her, could you?

Fretted raw, he could feel his magic simmering inside him. Wanted more than anything, so strong he could taste it, to lash out and break something. Crack stones. Shatter gla.s.s. Smash the Guildhouse gardens djelbas to splinters. Pull the stars from the sky.

Aye, and wouldnt that prove Da right and me at fault?

Rafel ?

He didnt turn. Didnt have to. Go back inside, Deenie. I dont want company just now.

Oh. All right. If you want. Only The hurt in her voice stoked his anger. Aint no only, Deenie. Theres just you being a nuisance. As usual. Go away.

I will. I will, except Her voice was unsteady. Still hurt, but stubborn too. And wasnt that his sister in a nutsh.e.l.l? Rafe, youre stirred up. All hot and gnarly inside. I can feel it.

He threw her a burning look over his shoulder. Good for you. Now, unless you want to see it, go away.

You dont have to be mean, she said. Theres no call to be mean.

Aint no call for you to stickybeak in my business, either, but here you are anyway. Stickybeaking.

Fine, said Deenie. Burn yourself up, then. See if I care.

He listened to her stamp back into the Guildhouse, where music played and folk danced, most of them celebrating. Hed tried to pretend happiness too, but the lie wore him out. For all that Pellen Orrick was years older than Da and Mama, for all hed been their friend before they were married, somehow, slowly, hed become their sons friend too.

Like ole Darran was. An ear to listen. A shoulder to lean on. Someone who knows what Das like, and doesnt always take his side.

And he needed that, cause though he loved his father, sometimes Da could be b.l.o.o.d.y hard work. Like with his magic. He was so b.l.o.o.d.y tired of having to hide his Doranen power, like these were the old days and Barls First Law still ruled. What did it matter if the Doranen knew he was like Da? Not once his whole life had his parents given him an answer. All they did was boss him, and expect him to obey. The way Da carried on, it was clear he was ashamed. Ashamed of the son whod inherited his gift.

As though its my fault. As though I did something wrong.

So did that mean he had to leave home? Find a new place to live, and busywork that would keep a roof over his head while he learned for himself the true extent of his Doranen magic? He didnt want to. Him leaving like that would break Mamas heart. But Da wasnt giving him much of a choice.

Cause its my b.l.o.o.d.y life and Ill live it how I want.

Footsteps behind him. Deenie! he said, still not turning. Sink me, why cant you Deenie? A soft, unpleasant laugh. So much for the oft-vaunted Olken talent for sensing things.

Swallowing a curse, Rafel turned. The gardens dim glimlight showed him silvergilt hair, and flamboyant striped silk, and a smile that had nowt to do with friendship. And suddenly he was a sprat again, facing down his bitter enemy in the school yard or the street.

Whats the matter, Arlin? he said, with sweetly false sympathy. Wont any of the girls dance with you?

Ive got the pick of any girl in there, said Arlin, eyes narrowing. Even your drab little sister, Rafel. If I snapped my fingers Try it, he advised. Go on. Then see how sorry you are. You muck about with Deenie and Ill show you some Olken magic. Maybe Ill show you Now, now, said Da, stepping out of the shadows. Settle down there, Rafe. You lost your sense of humour, sprat? Arlins teasing, is all. He knows better than to start a brangle over a la.s.s. Not with me, any road. Not when its my la.s.s.

Arlins mocking smile vanished. Meister Asher. He took a step backdid he realise it?and folded his arms. You mustve misheard. Me, interested in an Olken girl? Hardly. Ive got my standards.

Rafe, Da said, one hand lifting. Let be. Not every man can hold his drink like a man. Show a little pity for them as cant.

He couldnt trust himself to speak. Could only feel some small, pa.s.sing pleasure at Arlins tight-lipped anger and bite his tongue, hard. And feel pleasure, too, knowing that for years hed stolen spells from Arlin, and never once did Arlin suspect. Hed never understood it, how Arlin could be so arrogant about his magic when as far as he could tell, Garrick was no better a mage than any other Doranen.

Reckon you might want to make yself scarce, young lord, Da suggested kindly. Have a sit down somewhere till you be sober again. Wouldnt like to see you so het up you puked your guts over that fancy clobber of yours, eh?

Meister Asher, said Arlin, after a tense moment. Rafel. He favoured them both with a curt nod then made a hasty, undignified retreat.

Poxy little s.h.i.t, said Da, watching him go.

Still not trusting himself, Rafel grunted.