Part 8 (1/2)

Two of Kaylas most importunate problems distracted her at that moment by throwing b.a.l.l.s of snow at her. Kaylas dodge was too slow, and the snow spattered against her shoulder. She laughed and called Mark and Dara to order. Mark objected, but Kayl was firm; she did not want them catching innocent pa.s.sers-by with their missiles.

aI have better aim than that!a Mark said indignantly.

aPossibly,a Kayl said. aBut I still say no. Thereall be other times.a aHuh.a Mark kicked, sending a fat lump of snow skittering into the street. aYou said that last year, and all the snow melted.a aYou forget that Kith Alunel is considerably farther north than Copeham,a Kayl said. aAnd winter is just beginning. In another month the Frost Fair will start.a aFrost Fair? Whatas that?a aItas a little like the Fall Festivals, only much larger. There are flame-jugglers, ice sculptors, knife-throwers, and all kinds of entertainers. People come from all over; even the King and his court spend a day or two at the Frost Fair. Youall see it, if weare still here in a month.a aReally? Will you take us?a aI suppose,a Kayl said with a mock show of reluctance. aIf you and Dara are interested.a She glanced back and stopped. aWhereas Dara?a aShe was here a minute ago.a Kayl frowned, feeling annoyed and mildly worried. aWead better go back a little. If she gets lost in Kith Alunelaa aOh, Mother,a Mark said in an even-a-mother-should-know-better tone. aDara wonat get lost. Thereas hardly any people, and she knows which way weare going.a aCome on, Mark,a Kayl said firmly. aAnd look carefully; I donat want to miss her.a They headed back toward the scene of the aborted snow-fight. Kayl was beginning to feel the first stirrings of real anxiety when she saw Dara on the opposite side of the street, talking to a tall man in a voluminous dark green cloak.

aDara!a Kayl called. The girl turned and her face lit. Kayl started across the street, pausing to let a litter pa.s.s by. When she reached the other side, Dara was alone.

aOh, Mother, Iam glad you came back!a Dara said before Kayl could say anything. aI was getting worried about finding you again.a aWhat happened?a Kayl asked.

aThat man stopped me. He said head seen us come out of the Star Hall, and he kept asking me questions and wouldnat let me leave.a aI see.a Kayl looked quickly up and down the street, but there was no sign of the green-cloaked man. aI think we had better head back to the inn now,a she said briskly. aItas getting colder, and Glyndon will be wondering where we are.a aIam not cold, and I want to see the Palace!a Mark objected.

aTomorrow,a Kayl said, and started for the inn. She kept a sharp eye on both children during the remainder of the walk, and tried with what was left of her attention to determine whether anyone was following them. She did not see anyone, but it was a relief when they reached the inn at last.

Kayl shook out her cloak with a sigh of pleasure; it felt good to be somewhere warm. She looked around and saw Glyndon talking to the innkeeper on the other side of the room. He was wearing his cloak, and his staff was leaning up against the counter. He was squinting in the light from the windows, and every time someone slammed the door of the inn he flinched. Kayl grinned knowingly to herself. She sent Mark and Dara to sit at one of the tables, then went over to join the conversation.

aGood day, slug-a-bed,a she said as she came up behind Glyndon.

Glyndon jumped, then winced and half raised a hand to his head. He turned, looking sheepish and rather guilty. aUm, good day yourself, Kayl.a Kayl smiled and glanced at the innkeeper. aCould I trouble you for something to eat for those two?a she asked, nodding toward Mark and Dara. aTheyave been running around like Thar raiders all morning, and theyare liable to starve to death if they donat get something soon.a The innkeeper chuckled. aI know what you mean; Iave three of my own that are much the same. Iall take care of it as soon as Iave finished adding up his score for this gentleman.a aAdding upa Youare leaving?a she said to Glyndon in surprise.

Glyndon s.h.i.+fted uncomfortably. aIad planned to, yes.a aWhy?a aI just thought it would be better if I went somewhere else.a aBetter how?a aLast nightaa aSo you got drunk. Iave seen you drunk before, and last night wasnat one of your worst. You didnat even say anything offensive, that I remember.a Glyndon gave her a long, searching look, then took a deep breath and blew it out. aNever mind. Iave decided to stay.a He grinned at her suddenly. aJoin me for breakfast?a Kayl sighed in exaggerated exasperation. aFor us, itas lunch. Oh, come on; I suppose the sooner you get some food, the sooner youall get rid of that hangover.a aHow do you know Ia”a aI told you, Iave seen you drunk before,a Kayl said meaningfully, and grinned. aOver this way.a They joined Mark and Dara beside the fire. The innkeeper brought them a loaf of dark, crusty bread, a slab of creamy yellow cheese, and four pottery mugs of ale. Kayl cut chunks for everyone. aDid you get my note?a Kayl asked Glyndon as the innkeeper walked away from the table.

Glyndon nodded with some care. aWhat did the Sisterhood want you for?a The children looked at Kayl expectantly. Kayl sighed. aTheyad called a council of the Elder Mothers, and they wanted me there as head victim. I have a lot to tell you, but not here.a aMother!a Mark protested. aYou canat just send us off somewhere and not tell us anything. Itas not fair!a aDid I say I was going to do that?a Kayl asked.

aWell, no, buta”a aThere are some odd things going on, Mark, and some of them are very serious. I donat think a public room is a good place to discuss them. Particularly after what happened on the way here.a aWhatas that?a Glyndon asked sharply.

Kayl looked around uneasily. The room was nearly empty; the innkeeper and the other two customers were crowded around the counter, arguing amicably about the proper way of making winter wine. Kayl looked back at Glyndon. aA man in a green cloak stopped Dara and asked her a lot of questions about the Star Hall.a aI see.a Glyndon looked at Dara. aAnd what did you tell him?a aNothing much,a Dara said.

aWhat does that mean?a Kayl asked.

aWell, he acted as if I were stupid or something. So I pretended I was, and kept repeating things and correcting myself and going on about things like how much Iad rather wear red than gray.a She grinned suddenly, and Kayl was reminded vividly of Kevran in one of his mischievous moods. aHe didnat like me much. I think he was getting annoyed.a aI bet he was a spy,a Mark said.

aItas entirely possible,a Glyndon told him.

Markas eyes widened. He opened his mouth, then shut it again, looking very thoughtful. Kayl closed her eyes briefly; all she needed now was for Mark to go looking for Daraas mystery man. She resolved to have a long talk with him very soon. In the meantime, she had more pressing worries. aCan you describe this man, Dara?a aHe had a mustache, and his hair was dark. He was just a man.a aWhat kinds of things did he ask about?a Kayl went on.

Dara frowned, concentrating. aWhat the Star Hall was like, how many Sisters did we see, what did we do, what did people talk about. Things like that.a Kayl and Glyndon exchanged glances. aWeall have to tell the Sisterhood,a Kayl said. aYou did well, Dara, and Iam proud of you.a aI couldave done better,a Mark muttered under his breath.

Kayl decided to have her talk with him that evening, sooner if possible. aThere seems to be no harm done. Still, I want you two to be careful about discussing the Sisterhood and what goes on in the Star Hall, even between the two of you. I suppose I should have made a point of this before, but it didnat seem particularly necessary.a Mark and Dara nodded in unison. aGood,a Kayl said. aNow, if youare all finished eating, I think we should continue this conversation upstairs. You, too, Glyndon.a The children were subdued as they rose and followed Kayl. Glyndon brought up the rear. Kayl waited until they were all inside her room, then said, aGlyndon, would you mind warding the room?a Glyndon looked startled, but he nodded. Mark and Dara watched in fascination as the wizard made a series of intricate pa.s.ses before the window, then repeated them in front of the door. He spoke three unfamiliar words and struck his staff lightly against the floor. The draft from the cracks in the window shutters ceased abruptly.

aAll secure,a Glyndon said, leaning his staff against the wall.

aThank you,a Kayl replied with a glance at the window.

aMy pleasure,a Glyndon said, and bowed.

aSit down and let me tell you whatas been happening.a Glyndon settled himself cross-legged on the floor beside the children and looked at her. Kayl took a deep breath and started. She covered most of the important things she had learned at the Star Hall, stopping occasionally to clarify something for Mark or Dara. She hesitated briefly when she came to Barthelmyas revelation about the waning power of the Sisterhoodas magic, then included it in her narrative anyway. The Sisterhood might not trust Glyndon, but Kayl did.

She did not, however, mention whatever had happened to her memory; that would have to wait until she could speak with Glyndon alone. She did not want Mark and Dara fussing over her, or casting worried looks at her back, and they would certainly do both if she let them get the idea that something was wrong with her.

Glyndon stopped her only once. aAre you sure you want these two to have all the details?a he asked, nodding at Mark and Dara.

The children made protesting noises. Kayl raised a hand to stop them and said, aOne way or another, this is going to affect Mark and Dara as much as it affects me. I want them to understand whatas happening. And theyare old enough to be trusted not to let things slip in the wrong places.a Mark and Dara exchanged glances and sat up straighter, looking solemn. Kayl went back to her narrative. When she reached the Ri Astar Diary and the Elder Mothersa cryptic comments regarding it, Glyndon turned white. She looked at him inquiringly, but he gestured for her to finish. She did so, then said, aNow, Glyndon, why did the Ri Astar Diary hit you so hard?a aI have to see that scroll, Kayl,a Glyndon said. aI have to. If itas that old, if it has information about the Tower, I might be able to understandaa His voice trailed off and he gestured aimlessly with one hand.

Kayl stared at him, appalled by her own thoughtlessness. She had been so intent on the Sisterhood and its plans that she had forgotten Glydonas visions. aI can try, Glyndon,a she said after a moment. aBut you know how the Sisterhood feels about Varnans.a aYou say they spoke of a crystal?a Glyndon said as though he had not heard. aI have to see that book!a aGlyndon!a Kayl said sharply.

He blinked, then looked at her. aSorry,a he said apologetically. aItas just that, well, it means a lot to me.a aI can see that. Iall do what I can.a Kayl sat up suddenly. aWhich reminds me, I have something else I want you to look at. Kevranas rod.a aYou have it with you?a Glyndon said, sounding surprised.

aDid you think Iad leave it at the inn for the Magicseekers to find?a Kayl snagged the bundle with the rod in the bottom and dug through it until she found the carefully wrapped package.

aWhat is it?a Mark demanded, staring at the oilcloth as if he could see through it if he looked hard enough.

aItas the rod your father used to channel his magic,a Kayl said. She looked at Glyndon. aEvery time I touch it, Ia remember things. Mainly the trip to the Tower.a aIt shouldnat be doing that. Youare sure itas the rod itself, not just a.s.sociations?a Glyndon said. There were harsh edges to his voice, but his tone was gentle.

aIam sure.a aCan I try it?a Mark asked.

aNo.a Kayl pa.s.sed the package to Glyndon, taking care not to dislodge the wrappings.

Glyndon stared at it for a moment. aI suppose Iad better look at it,a he said finally, and laid back the folds of oilcloth.

Mark leaned forward eagerly as the dark, s.h.i.+ny wood came into view. Dara was looking at Kayl with a troubled frown. aMother, why didnat you ever tell us about any of this?a she said.

aThere was no reason to,a Kayl said.

aThere was no reason not to!a aI thought there was.a aWhat?a aI donat think this is the time to go into it. Latera”a aLater, later, you always say youall explain later and you never do!a Dara said angrily.

aThatas enough, Dara,a Kayl said quietly. aI said wead discuss it later, and thatas the end of the matter.a Dara sat back on her heels, her expression mutinous. Kayl waited until she was sure her daughter was not going to try to press matters, then turned away, feeling tired and a little guilty.

The rod lay on the bare floorboards. Glyndon knelt beside it, scrutinizing it with his hands clasped behind his back to avoid an accidental touch. He looked up as Kaylas head turned. aNothingas changed in its appearance, and I canat find any traces of magic lingering on it. Would you mind demonstrating?a aIf you insist,a Kayl said. Seeing Glyndonas expression, she added quickly, aItas not that bad, Glyndon. Theyare only memories. Just tell me when.a Glyndon started to say something, then stopped short and simply gestured Kayl toward the rod. She leaned over and brushed her fingers across it.

The man was tall and lean, with gray eyes and dark hair that was just beginning to show streaks of gray. Kayl watching him closely as he talked, letting her companions ask most of the questions.

aYes, I know the mountains well,a he told Beshara. His voice was smooth as currant wine, and surprisingly deep for such a lean man. aIave lived in them all my life.a Kayl blinked. Was there an undercurrent of anger in his last few words? Her eyes narrowed and she leaned forward as Beshara smiled and said, aWould you feel capable of acting as our guide, then?a aIam capable enough,a the man said pleasantly, abut Iam no guide. I can direct you, though, if thatas what you need.a aThat is what we need. Among other things,a Beshara murmured.

aThis is ridiculous,a Barthelmy snapped. aAsk him what we want to know, or let him go, but in the starsa name stop sidling around the question!a aBarthelmy.a Evla put a soothing hand on her arm.

aShe has a point,a Kevran said quietly.

Beshara glanced at him and shrugged. aOh, very well, do as you like.a Kevran turned to the dark-haired man, who had been watching the exchange with interest. aWe are, as you may have guessed, searching for something. We know it is somewhere in the Windhome Mountains, and we suspect that it isa unusual.a aNot much of a description,a the man commented.

aNo, but we are hoping you can suggest a place to start looking.a Kevran smiled wryly. aThe Windhome Mountains are a lot to search, otherwise.a The dark-haired man hesitated. aThereas a place I know of,a he said, and stopped.

aTell us. Please,a Varevice said.

aItas a valley, a little less than two weeksa ride north and east of here,a the man said reluctantly. aThereas a towera Itas an evil place; no one lives there. Those who know of it avoid it.a Kevran exchanged glances with Beshara and Varevice. aItas somewhere to start, and itas in the right area,a he said. He turned back to the dark-haired man. aCan you tell us how to find it? Weall pay well for the information.a The man looked startled, and his eyes darkened. For a moment, Kayl thought he was going to refuse; then he said, aI will tell you how to reach the valley, but I will not take your money for it.a aSo?a Beshara raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. aAs you wish. Are you lettered? Write out your directions, then, and give them to Kevran there in the morning, and we will thank you for it.a The man nodded and turned away. As he pa.s.sed Kayl on his way out, she heard him mutter, aFor this, there should be no thanks.a * * *