Elfsorrow

Walking back to the man, he cast around for some clean material, in the end pointing at a scarf around one of the women's necks until she shakily handed it to him. He dipped a corner in the hot water and wiped away the blood from the man's face and chest to expose the edges of the wounds. They would scar badly but he was lucky. He was alive. Then he took out the bark, tore it into fine strips and laid it over the wounds, hushing the fledgling protests. He beckoned one of the women to him, took her hand and pressed it against the bark, pointing up at the sky with his other and indicating one passage of the sun. She nodded.

'Let's go,' said Auum, rising and shouldering his sack. 'The ClawBound isn't far ahead. Perhaps we can stop any more of this until we find our enemies.'

He led his Tai from the settlement, the stunned stares of the strangers on their backs, their silence breaking into a confused babble and fading with the distance.

Chapter 38

Heryst had just finished another long and difficult Communion with Vuldaroq and had woken shivering with exertion. Heryst thought he had made it clear to Vuldaroq that his position remained one of defence and negotiation unless he was attacked but the Dordovan would not listen. He was annoyed Heryst had refused to sign a full alliance and he meant to drag Lystern into the war regardless of her wishes. For that he had to tempt Xetesk into Lysternan or Julatsan lands.

Heryst had been particularly explicit concerning engagement. Commander Izack was to defend Lysternan land and to block any attempted hostile incursions by Xetesk into Julatsan territory. Nothing else. Heryst was aware of the rising tensions and had recently ridden out to reassure his own men and warn the Dordovan field command. But every day Dystran refused to speak to him, war came closer. Vuldaroq would ultimately get his way. A mistake would be made. For Heryst, it was like waiting for the death of a mortally wounded friend. This time the friend was peace for Balaia.

He barely had time to gather his thoughts and take in the spring shower rattling against the windows of his chambers when there was the sound of footsteps outside, a sharp rap on the door and someone, it had to be Kayvel, entered. He was red in the face and breathless.

'My Lord, I have a report from Xetesk.'

Heryst's heart was suddenly thumping in his chest. His thoughts became instantly clear.

'Never mind the niceties of reporting, Kayvel. Tell me the outcome. '

'Dystran,' he said. 'Dystran wants to talk to you about sharing research. Apparently his people are on their way home.'

'Yes!' Heryst slapped the arms of his chair and surged to his feet to grip Kayvel's shoulders. 'I knew it. Dammit, I knew it! When?'

Relief cascaded through Heryst and the fatigue of the last dozen days melted like ice in a flame. Now there was hope, genuine hope. And Vuldaroq could be made to listen.

'As soon as you are able,' said Kayvel.

'For this I am able right now.' Heryst sat back in his chair. 'Signal our delegation that Dystran can commune immediately he is ready. He has my signature and I am waiting. Likewise the Dordovan delegation. Tell them what is happening. Vuldaroq must be informed immediately.

'Oh, and Kayvel. Have my aides monitor the mana spectrum and my MindShield. I do not trust Dystran as far as I can throw him.' Dystran's voice entered Heryst's mind gently and expertly, with due deference and respect.

'My Lord Heryst, there has been silence between us for too long.'

'Not at my behest, Lord Dystran, but I welcome your decision to contact me at this most difficult time.'

'Before we begin, may I offer my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of the Lysternan negotiator, Rusau. A most unfortunate incident.'

Heryst bridled but bit down on his response. 'Though you are not personally to blame, your forces killed him. He was an innocent man.'

'Indeed it was a Xeteskian pike but you must see it was an accident. We had no axe to grind with Lystern, so to speak. And we still do not.'

'Even though we have made informal alliance with Dordover?' Heryst was prepared to let the matter of Rusau's death drop for now. Blame could be correctly apportioned at a safer time.

'It was a decision we regretted,' said Dystran carefully, and drew a deep breath, knowing it would boom and echo. It was a curious acoustic anomaly of Communion. 'And it has been one reason for my continued silence though you are aware that we have not detained any Lysternan or indeed any other college official inside Xetesk.'

'It has been noted.'

'But, after taking considerable counsel, I understand the reasons for your action: we are nominally stronger, we have been blamed for the death of a neutral in battle and Vuldaroq is a very persuasive man. Very. For a man who only three seasons ago made an alliance with the Black Wings.'

'I am aware of Vuldaroq's past misdemeanours. As I am of Xetesk's,' said Heryst. 'It was a despicable and unseemly act for any mage, born out of desperation, but the destruction caused by the Nightchild speaks in defence of his actions.'

'Your General Darrick did not agree,' said Dystran smoothly.

'Neither did I,' said Heryst. 'And our cool relations since then testify to my unhappiness. I, however, prefer to look forward as, I hope, do you.'

'I apologise, Lord Heryst; this was not the reason for my contact.'

Heryst chuckled, forcing himself to relax. 'I should hope not.'

'Our research on Herendeneth has revealed some fascinating possibilities which I am very happy to share with all other colleges.'

Heryst was taken aback. 'Your actions in Arlen, which I abhor, do not support such a statement,' he said. 'You have ignored the rules of engagement and that cannot be forgotten. But that can be left for another time when the threat of wider conflict is gone. What are your conditions for sharing the information?'

'They are few and simple. I require the immediate cessation of hostilities towards Xeteskian forces and the withdrawal of Lysternan and Dordovan forces from our borders.'

'Anything else?'

'I would like leave to call a Triverne Lake meeting at a time of my choosing when we have had a chance to evaluate the research of our mages.'

Heryst paused before replying. 'Vuldaroq will refuse. He will not withdraw on a promise from you, a man he is unable to trust.'

'In that case you can guarantee my mages' passage to Xetesk yourself. You do not need Dordover.'

'I am looking to reduce threat to Lystern, not increase it. I cannot do this without Dordover's consent. I'm sure you understand. And I can't agree to Xetesk having exclusive first sight of the research.'

'And what is your alternative?'

'That your mages prepare and present to a four-college delegation at Triverne Lake at the earliest opportunity and before they come to Xetesk. And my forces must travel with your researchers as a sign to Dordover that you are genuine. That might mollify Vuldaroq. If your ambition is to share all that the Al-Drechar have revealed, surely that is a reasonable request?'

'At first sight, yes,' said Dystran. 'But I believe there are issues with some of the information. Potentialities not necessarily being realities, work that needs more translation from ancient magics… I could go on.'

'We are all capable of aiding in such an analysis,' said Heryst.