Pug saw the dark army of the Dasati marching towards him, emerging from waves turned black by the hateful thing in the sky. He slowly rose, balled his fists and stood defiantly, yet he knew he was helpless. He should be able to do something, but he was only a boy, not yet fourteen summers old, not even chosen for a craft, a keep-boy without family or name.
Then as the nearest Dasati warrior raised its sword, a malevolent cry of triumph sounded, a bell-like clarion that brought the child to his knees. Expecting the blade to fall, Pug watched the Dasati hesitate. Behind it, the wave now taller than the tallest tower in the keep at Crydee also seemed to pause for a moment, then it came crashing towards him, sweeping up the Dasati before bearing down upon the boy.
Ah! said Pug, sitting up in bed, his body drenched with perspiration.
What is it? asked the woman at his side.
Pug turned towards his wife, sensing more than seeing her features in the darkness of their sleeping chamber. He calmed himself and said, A dream. Nothing more.
Miranda sat up and put a hand on his shoulder. With the briefest gesture she brought every candle in the bed chamber to life. In the soft glow from the candles, she saw the sheen of moisture on his skin reflecting the flickering light. It must have been quite a dream, she said softly. Youre drenched.
Pug turned to regard her in the warm glow. He had been married to Miranda for more than half his life now, yet he found her a constant mystery and occasionally a challenge. But at moments like this he was grateful she was close at hand.
Their bond was a strange one for they were two of the most powerful practitioners of magic on Midkemia and that alone made them unique to the other. Beyond that their histories had intersected before they had met. Pugs life had been manipulated by Mirandas father, Macros the Black, and even now as they lived together, they occasionally wondered if their marriage might not have been another of his clever plots. But whatever else, in each other they had found a person who could understand their burdens and challenges as no one else could.
He got out of bed. As he crossed to a washbasin, and soaked a cloth in the water, she said, Tell me of the dream, Pug.
Pug began to clean himself off. I was a boy, again. I told you about the time I almost drowned on the beach, the day Kulgans man Meecham saved me from the boar.
This time I didnt get off the beach, and the Dasati rose from within the storm.
Miranda sat up and moved back, resting her shoulders against an ornate headboard Pug had given her years before. She said, The dream is understandable. Youre feeling overwhelmed.
He nodded, and for a brief instant in the soft light of the candles she glimpsed the boy he must have been. Those moments were rare. Miranda was older than her husband more than fifty years his senior, but Pug carried more responsibility than anyone else in the Conclave of Shadows. He rarely spoke of it, but she knew something had happened to him during the war with the Emerald Queen years before, during the time he had lingered between life and death, his body a mass of burns from a mighty demons magic. Since that time he had changed, he had become more humble and less sure of himself. It was something only those closest to Pug saw, and then only rarely, but it was there.
Pug said, Yes, I feel overwhelmed. The scope of things makes me feel insignificant at times.
She smiled, got out of bed and came up behind her husband. Over a hundred years old, Pug looked no more than forty years of age his body was still trim and athletic, though there was a touch of grey in his hair. He had already lived two lifetimes, and while Miranda was older, Pug had suffered more during his years. He had been held captive as a Tsurani slave for four years, and had then risen to become one of the most powerful men of that empire a Great One, a Black Robe a magician of the Assembly.
His first wife, Katala, had left him to return home and die among her people, succumbing to a disease that no priest or healer could cure. Then Pug had lost his children, something no parent should ever have to endure. Of his oldest friends, only Tomas abided still, for the others had only been allotted a mortals span. Some, Miranda had known briefly, but most were merely names she recalled from his stories: Prince Arutha, who Pug still held in awe even after all these years; the Princes father, Lord Borric, who had given Pug a family name; Princess Carline, the object of his boyish infatuation; Kulgan, his first teacher, and Meecham, Kulgans companion.
The list of names went on, but they were all dead. Laurie, his companion in the slave swamps on Kelewan, Squire Roland, so many of his students over the years, Katala his children, William and Gamina, their children. For a moment he thought of his two surviving sons. Im worried about Magnus and Caleb, he said softly, his tone betraying his concern as much as the words.
She hugged him tightly from behind. His skin felt cool and clammy. Magnus is hard at work with the magicians of the Assembly on Kelewan and Caleb should reach Stardock Town tomorrow. Now come back to bed and let me comfort you.
You are always a comfort, he said softly. He turned slowly in the circle of her arms. Facing her, he again marvelled at his wifes appearance. Beautiful, but strong. The planes of her face were softened by a high forehead and a delicate chin, and her eyes were dark and piercing. There are times when I feel I barely know you, given your penchant for secrets, my love. But then there are also times when I know you better than anyone, even myself. And I am certain that no one understands me better than you do. He held her tightly for a moment, then whispered, What are we to do?
What we must, my love, she whispered in his ear. Come, back to bed. Dawn is still hours away.
With a wave of her hand Miranda extinguished the candles, and the room was plunged back into darkness. Pug followed his wife to bed and they nestled down together, seeking comfort in each others arms.
Pugs mind wrestled with the images from his dream but he pushed them aside. He knew what was troubling him: once again circumstances were forcing him to act against improbable odds, and that he must again deal with the repercussions of events that had taken place long before his birth.
Why, he thought, must I spend my life cleaning up after other people? But even as he framed the question, he knew the answer. He had made peace with his gifts years ago, and with such power came responsibility. Try as he might, it was in his nature to be responsible.
Still, he thought as sleep returned, it would be lovely to return even if only for one day to the time when he and Tomas were boys, filled with the hopes and ambitions of youth, when the world had been a much simpler place.
CHAPTER ONE
Brothers
THE BOYS BURST THROUGH THE DOOR.
Chickens scattered; one moment they had been peacefully pecking the ground, seeking spilled grain and the occasional insect, the next they were squawking in protest, and scurrying in all directions as the two boys hurtled past and landed in the village street with loud grunts.
To passersby the boys appeared as a flurry of fists, elbows and knees rolling on the ground pecked clean by the chickens. Thrashing about, their blows were ineffective but heartfelt as each boy sought enough leverage to land a winning strike, while at the same time prevent his opponent from punching back effectively. The result appeared to be more of a pointless wrestling match than a serious fight.
The boys appeared to be roughly the same size and age about sixteen summers old. The dark-haired youth wore a maroon-coloured tunic and leather trousers. He was slightly shorter, but possessed broader shoulders and was arguably the stronger of the two. The boy with dark-blond hair was dressed in a blue tunic and leather trousers. He possessed a longer reach, and was arguably faster.
They had been raised as brothers for almost their entire lives and, like brothers everywhere, were prone to conflict in an instant. Both were handsome after a rough fashion: sunburned and possessing the lean strength gained from long hours of hard work and barely adequate food. Neither boy was stupid, but at this moment they were not behaving particularly brightly.
The cause of their current conflict hurried out of the door after them, shouting angrily. Tad! Zane! Stop this right now or I wont go to the festival with either of you.
The struggling combatants appeared oblivious to her warning as they rolled in the dust. He started it! shouted the dark-haired boy.
No I didnt! countered the other.
The girl was the same age as the rivals. She had brown hair like Zane, and green eyes like Tad, was smarter than both of them put together, and was arguably the prettiest girl in Stardock Town.
An older woman followed Ellie from the house carrying a bucket of well water and she unceremoniously tipped it over the boys.
Shouting at their sudden drenching, the lads released each other and sat up. Ma! shouted the blond boy. Whatd you do that for? Ive got mud all over me now.
Then go clean yourself up, Tad. The woman was tall and regal looking, despite her plain homespun dress. Her light brown hair had some grey, and her face was sunburned and creased, but her expression was youthful. Looking at the darker lad, she added, You too, Zane. Her brown eyes were merry though her expression was stern. Caleb will be here soon and then were leaving with or without you two hooligans.
The two boys stood up, dusting themselves off as best they could, as the woman threw a large cloth at them. Get the mud off with this, and then go to the well and rinse it out! she admonished the two boys. Its one of my good kitchen rags.
Ellie stood looking at the hesitant brawlers. You idiots. I said Id go with both of you.
But you said it to me, first, said Tad. That means youll dance with me first.
No it doesnt, said Zane, ready to resume the fisticuffs.
Stop this before it starts again! shouted the older woman. Now get out and clean yourselves up! Grumbling, the two boys complied.
Marie, why are they always fighting? asked Ellie.
Theyre just bored. Then she looked at the younger girl. When are you going to tell them?
Tell them? said Ellie, feigning ignorance.
Marie laughed. Youd better tell them soon, girl. Its a poorly kept secret and they might hear about it at the festival.
The girls brow creased and her eyebrows raised as she made an expression of exasperation. We used to be like family, you know?
All things change. The older woman looked around the town. When my family first came here, Stardock Town was still a small place. Now its twice the size. The Academy was only half finished, now look at it.
Ellie nodded as they both stared at the distant island across the lake. I see it every day, Marie. Just like you do.
The massive building dominated the island in the middle of the Great Star Lake, rising like a dark mountain. The village that rested at the academys edge now engulfed the entire northeastern end of the island. Only those who served in the Academy of Magicians lived there. Stardock Town had grown around the ferry station to the island at first just a simple trading stop, but now a bustling centre for commerce in the region.
Well, if Grame Hodovers anything like his pa, hell start yakkin as soon as he has some ale in him.
And Tad and Zane will be throwing punches before anyone can talk sense into them, finished Ellie.
So, best sooner than later, said Marie as she motioned for Ellie to follow her back into the house. They entered a large, single-roomed building, with just enough room for a hearth, a table, and bedding for three. Once inside she said, The boys are your best friends, though they dont realize it right now. Each thinks himself in love with you, but thats born from competition rather than for any serious reason I can see.
Ellie nodded. I do love them, but like brothers. Besides, even if I wished to marry one of them, father
I know. Your father is the wealthiest shipper in Stardock Town and Grames pa is the only miller, so its a natural match.
I do love Grame, said Ellie. At least enough to live with him.
Love is not the simple romance that the tales make it out to be, cautioned Marie. Tads father was a good enough man, but we had our moments. Zanes pa treated his mother well enough, though he had a sore temper when he drank. Marriage is mostly about taking the good and the bad together, Ellie. Zanes ma loved her family no matter what trouble they brought and, as she was my best friend, it was natural to take Zane in when they died. She put out her hand and gently gripped Ellies arm. As I would have taken you in, had your pa not survived.
Zanes parents and Ellies mother had died during the last troll raid in the region. The bloody attack had cost the lives of dozens of townspeople before the magicians across the water had reacted and driven the monsters away.
I know, Marie, said the girl. Youve been like a ma to me for most of my life. I mean, I do remember my ma, at least bits about her, like her voice and the way shed hum melodies while she cooked and I played on the floor. I remember her holding me. Ellies eyes became distant for a moment, then she looked back at Marie. But in truth, youre the only ma Ive really had. She laughed. My pa has certainly never said anything about how to deal with boys, cept to stay away from them!
Marie smiled and hugged the girl. And youve been the daughter I didnt have.
The two boys returned and Tads mother inspected them. Youll dry out before the fun starts, she said. Now, I want you to promise therell be no more fighting today.
All right, Ma, said Tad.
Yesum, added Zane.
Why dont the three of you make your way to the square now. Im sure all the other boys and girls are doing the same.
What about you, Ma? asked Zane, his face betraying his eagerness to be off.
Im waiting for Caleb. He should be here soon.
Zane and Ellie said theyd see Marie later and left, but Tad lingered. He seemed to choke on his words, but finally said, Ma, are you going to wed Caleb?
Marie laughed. What brought that up?
Well, hes been here three times in the last two months, is all, and you see him a lot.