Rothen nodded. They walked to the carriage in silence. Looking around, Lilia noted how the dock workers paused to stare at Kallen. They looked curious, but also uneasy. But then, that’s how novices react to Sonea walking past, too. Impressed, but also intimidated. Then it occurred to her that people would regard her in the same way one day, when she had graduated and had to wear black robes. I used to look forward to the day I didn’t have to wear novice robes. Now I dread it.
The journey to the Guild was not a long one, since a wide road led directly from the Marina to the grounds, only detouring around the palace, but it seemed a lot longer. Nobody spoke. Kallen’s gaze moved from Lilia to Anyi to Rothen, staying mostly on Rothen.
He looks perplexed. And worried. I’d have thought he’d be more annoyed than this that we’ve been dealing with Skellin without consulting him. Whenever he met her eyes she looked away.
When they arrived, Rothen started toward the University entrance while Kallen paused to instruct the driver.
“The Administrator is at the palace,” Kallen called after him.
Rothen stopped and looked back. “High Lord Balkan?”
“Also with the king.”
“Will they return soon?”
Kallen’s shoulders lifted and fell. “I doubt they’ll return until late.”
Rothen blinked, then his eyes widened suddenly. “You were at the palace when I sent for you, weren’t you? It’s happening, isn’t it?”
Kallen nodded. “But I knew you would only send for me if it was important. Can I have a word privately?”
Leaving Lilia and Anyi at the steps, Rothen rejoined Kallen. Lilia saw that Anyi’s expression was full of suspicion. She looked back at the magicians. While their mouths were moving, she could hear nothing. Most likely they were using a sound-blocking shield. Looks like something important, and something Rothen was expecting.
“Are you sure it was him?” Rothen asked, his voice suddenly loud and clear. Kallen nodded. “Well, then. Unfortunately I must reveal what I have learned first to the Administrator and High Lord so we’ll have to wait until they return.”
“It may be a day or two before they are free to meet with you.”
“Yes, that is likely. Do you think the king will summon all the Higher Magicians to the palace?”
“No.” Kallen replied. “He doesn’t like having too many magicians flapping about. Would you like me to tell the Administrator and High Lord that you have found Skellin and wish to meet with them?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Rothen waited as Kallen climbed back into the carriage. The driver urged the horses into motion. They picked up speed as they neared the gates, Lilia noted.
“He’s in a hurry,” Anyi said in a low voice. She looked at Rothen. “What’s so important that it trumps the death of Skellin and tracking down his spies in the Guild?”
Rothen’s expression was serious as he replied. “Something very important. You will find out soon enough.”
Anyi looked thoughtful. “We’re not about to be invaded again, are we?”
Rothen shook his head. “No.”
“Or invade someone else?”
“No. Enough guessing. I’ll take you both to Sonea’s rooms, then I’ll bring Gol back here. I told him to wait at—”
“Gol’s alive?” Anyi interrupted.
Lilia smiled. “Yes. He helped us find you. He’s going to be very happy we got you back.”
Anyi winced. “He must be so...” She sighed. “Well... let’s go get cleaned up.”
Lilia smiled. “At least there’s one benefit to the delay.”
Oh, Dannyl. Sonea pulled Osen’s ring from her finger and wiped tears from her eyes. To lose someone you love like that... It had brought back a flood of memories and emotions, and she had been thankful that Naki’s ring had kept both from Osen. The Administrator had been a little shocked. He’d known that Dannyl was fond of his Ashaki friend, but clearly Dannyl had managed to conceal just how fond he had been.
She suspected Osen hadn’t wanted to consider it was even possible. Not that Dannyl could love another man – he knew about Tayend – but that he could fall for a Sachakan. Especially an Ashaki. Or that so powerful a Sachakan could fall for Dannyl.
She felt a pang of sympathy as she recalled Dannyl’s anger. If she’d known that he might witness the death of a lover, she would not have suggested Dannyl watch the battle and communicate the result to her and Osen. I don’t think Dannyl believed the Traitors would win, though. He was more concerned for Lorkin.
“I’m sorry, Sonea,” a familiar voice said. “I’m so sorry.”
Regin. She would have to tell him what had happened. Looking up, she caught a glimpse of eyes glinting with moisture before finding herself pressed against a warm chest, hands stroking her back.
“There was nothing more you could do,” he said. “He chose a brave path, and I admire him for it.”
The stiffness of surprise eased and she felt herself relaxing against him, soothed by his warmth and concern, even as she realised the mistake he’d made. He saw tears and thought Lorkin had died. Curse it. He thinks Lorkin is dead, and he’s upset. She had to let him know otherwise, but a selfish part of her wanted to let this moment last a little longer. He cares about Lorkin. And me...
Stop it! she told herself. You’ll only end up wanting what you can’t have.
“It’s fine. He’s fine,” she blurted out. She forced herself to push him away so she could look up at him. “Lorkin’s fine.” She met and held his gaze to show she wasn’t lying. “The Traitors won.”
Understanding dawned in his eyes. His face reddened a little and he smiled ruefully. Then he frowned again. “Then why...?” His eyes widened. “Dannyl?”
“He’s fine, too. So are Merria and Tayend. It just that...” She shook her head. “I’ll explain later.”
She felt his arms loosen. He began to step back. Catching his hands, she squeezed them once before letting go.
“Thank you.”
His eyes shone for a moment, then he looked away and his expression became serious. “So what now?”
She turned to the window. “Osen wants us to find Dannyl. Then we’re to congratulate the queen, tell her our Healers aren’t far away and see if she’ll let us keep a Guild ambassador in Arvice.”
“How will we find them?”
“We go in that direction.” She pointed. “At some point we’ll reach the street on which the battle took place. I suspect we’ll know it by the Ashaki bodies. If Dannyl’s observations are a good guide, the street out front leads to the parade that leads to the palace. We’ll find Dannyl in a house on the parade.” She started toward the stairs.
Regin followed. “It’ll be night soon.”
As she descended, Sonea wondered at the elation she felt. I shouldn’t be this cheerful. But Lorkin had survived the battle, and the relief she felt was overwhelming. Perhaps she would be able to talk him into coming home now. At that thought she felt worry return. He’ll want to stay with Tyvara. If he’s as in love with her as I was with Akkarin he’ll follow her anywhere. I shouldn’t want to stop him. But she did. And yet, I want him to be happy. I would never want him to suffer what I did.
Reaching the ground floor, Regin led the way through the house, moving silently and checking for other occupants before he stepped into a corridor or room. They reached the kitchen and peered through the slave entrance to the street beyond. It was empty.