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.
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.
His father built Stardock, if you remember what I told you. She shook her head. Are you worried I might or that I wont?
The boy shrugged, his lanky frame suddenly appearing more man-like to his mother. He said, I dont know. Calebs a good man, I suppose. But its just
Hes not your pa, she finished.
Thats not what I meant, said Tad. Its just well, hes gone so much.
With a wry smile, Marie said, Theres more than one woman whod count her husband being away a blessing, boy. She put her hands on his shoulders and turned him around. Now, catch up with the others. Ill be along soon.
Tad ran off after the others, and Marie turned her attention to her small home. Everything was neat and dusted; she might be poor, but she had pride in an orderly house. Keeping it tidy was difficult with two boys underfoot, but they usually obeyed her without question.
Marie then inspected the soup simmering over the hearth and judged it to be ready. Everyone in the town was expected to contribute to the harvest festival, and while her soup was simple fare, it was delicious and welcomed, even by those who contributed far more.
Glancing at the door, she half-expected to see a tall man silhouetted against the light, and for a brief, bitter moment she realized she wasnt sure who it was she wished for more to be the one to see her late husband, or Caleb. Pushing aside such irrelevant thoughts, she reminded herself that aching for what you couldnt have was pointless. She was a farmers wife, and knew the nature of life: it rarely gave you choices, and to survive you looked forward, not back.
A short while later, Marie heard someone approach and turned to find Caleb at the door. Wearing half a smile, he said, Expecting someone?
She crossed her arms and gave him an appraising look. Only a few years younger than Marie, a clean-shaven chin and a long, unlined face gave Caleb a youthful look, despite the grey creeping into his shoulder-length brown hair. His eyes were also brown and fixed on her like a hunters. He wore well-made but plain-cut garb, fit for a woodsman, a large floppy hat of black felt, a dark-green wool tunic cut snugly over his broad shoulders, and leather breeches tucked into buckskin boots around his calves. He had a long face, but she thought him handsome, for he carried himself proudly. He always spoke calmly and thoughtfully and he wasnt afraid of silence. But the main reason she was drawn to him was because when he looked at her, she felt that he saw something of value there. Caleb smiled. Im late?
As usual, she answered with a slight smile. Then her expression bloomed as she laughed. But not too late, she crossed the room to stand before him. Kissing and hugging him, she said, The boys left a few minutes ago.
He returned the hug, then said, How much time do we have?
Marie looked askance at him and said, Not enough, if I read your mood correctly. She tilted her head towards the hearth. Help me with the kettle. She moved to the hearth and picked up a long oak pole leaning beside the stonework chimney.
Caleb unslung his bow, hip quiver and backpack, and stored them in the corner. As Marie slipped the pole through the iron handle of the large kettle, he took the opposite end.
They lifted it from the iron hook which held it above the flames and started towards the door. You first, he said.
Once outside, Caleb swung around so they could walk side-by-side with the kettle between them. How was your journey? Marie asked him.
Uneventful, he answered.
She had learned not to ask about his business or where he had been, for she knew he was working on his fathers behalf. Some claimed that Calebs father had been the Duke of Stardock once, but at present no one claimed dominion over the island or its town on the opposite shore. Patrols from the Kingdom garrison at Shamata would occasionally spend a day or two at the local inn, or Keshian patrols might ride up from the border fortress in Nar Ayab, but neither side claimed the Great Star Lake or the surrounding countryside. This region was under the control of the Academy of Magicians on the island, and no one disputed their authority.