learning of such a community. “You have contacted the practicers of the forbidden arts with a request for aid?” he asked coldly. “On whose authority have you taken such action?”
I refused to wilt beneath his anger. “I made it clear the request originated from me personally, but I did suggest you might be interested in forming an alliance. They would offer us their skills to be used in defense against the Skeltai savages.”
“And in return?” he asked. “What have we offered them?”
I tread carefully. “I believe they would be content with nothing more or less than a revoking of the law forbidding magic use in the province. All they would ask is that those born with the skill of magic be permitted to safely practice that art in Ellesus, as they do in other provinces.”
My reply was carefully worded to avoid referencing my own abilities, powers that I could not openly discuss in this company. The Praetor was aware of my powers, just as I knew of his. But we were, neither of us, in a position to acknowledge these secrets publically.
Maybe the Praetor sensed the direction of my thoughts, for his response was sharp. “My laws are not to be questioned or changed. Tell your magicker friends they are neither needed nor welcome in this province. We are more than capable of defending ourselves against all outside forces.”
His arrogance was as startling as it was foolish.
“I believe you will regret this decision to turn away allies,” I said. “I have faced the Skeltai shamans, and they are stronger than you know.”
“Do not presume to tell me what I know. And never again attempt to negotiate peace with those I have declared enemies. You have been permitted much thus far because of your usefulness with the outlaws. But even you are not irreplaceable, Ilan of Dimmingwood. Remember that.”
Before I could protest further, he dismissed me with instructions not to leave the keep lest he have need of me soon.
Our audience over, I had accomplished nothing. I concealed my anger only until Terrac had led me from the chamber and we were alone in the hall.
Then I burst out, “The man is a fool. He underestimates the power of the savages, and the province will suffer for his pride.”
Terrac glanced around the empty hall. “I advise you to keep such dangerous opinions to yourself. And certainly not to voice them to me. I cannot be seen to let treasonous speech pass, not even from you.”
“Fair enough,” I said. “I guess it’s just as well I don’t forget which side you’re on.”
For just a moment, he looked regretful. “Some might suppose our oaths to the Praetor put us on the same side for once.”
“You know me better than that. He’s still the same evil man who killed my parents, oaths or not.”
“Then you will seek opportunities to betray him?”
“I will keep my promises to the letter. But he will not have my loyalty or respect.”
“Then you walk a thin line,” Terrac warned. “If you imagine you can be true to your thief friends and the Swiftsfell magickers while also serving the Praetor who outlaws both, you may soon find yourself the enemy of all and friend to none.”
I was about to respond with something harsh but then remembered I owed him thanks for getting me out of that dungeon cell.
“I could have told the Praetor the truth about you,” I said. “I still could at any time. Knowing that, it would’ve been in your interests to ensure I never had the chance to see him. Why didn’t you?”
His expression was unreadable. “For the same reason you didn’t betray me.”
Before I could respond, I realized we were no longer alone. A young woman in the black and scarlet livery of a house servant had appeared and was hovering within earshot.
“That is Eisa,” Terrac told me, suddenly brisk. “She doesn’t speak much, but she knows her way around the keep and she’ll look after you.”
The girl’s face was expressionless. From her youthful features, I guessed her
I refused to wilt beneath his anger. “I made it clear the request originated from me personally, but I did suggest you might be interested in forming an alliance. They would offer us their skills to be used in defense against the Skeltai savages.”
“And in return?” he asked. “What have we offered them?”
I tread carefully. “I believe they would be content with nothing more or less than a revoking of the law forbidding magic use in the province. All they would ask is that those born with the skill of magic be permitted to safely practice that art in Ellesus, as they do in other provinces.”
My reply was carefully worded to avoid referencing my own abilities, powers that I could not openly discuss in this company. The Praetor was aware of my powers, just as I knew of his. But we were, neither of us, in a position to acknowledge these secrets publically.
Maybe the Praetor sensed the direction of my thoughts, for his response was sharp. “My laws are not to be questioned or changed. Tell your magicker friends they are neither needed nor welcome in this province. We are more than capable of defending ourselves against all outside forces.”
His arrogance was as startling as it was foolish.
“I believe you will regret this decision to turn away allies,” I said. “I have faced the Skeltai shamans, and they are stronger than you know.”
“Do not presume to tell me what I know. And never again attempt to negotiate peace with those I have declared enemies. You have been permitted much thus far because of your usefulness with the outlaws. But even you are not irreplaceable, Ilan of Dimmingwood. Remember that.”
Before I could protest further, he dismissed me with instructions not to leave the keep lest he have need of me soon.
Our audience over, I had accomplished nothing. I concealed my anger only until Terrac had led me from the chamber and we were alone in the hall.
Then I burst out, “The man is a fool. He underestimates the power of the savages, and the province will suffer for his pride.”
Terrac glanced around the empty hall. “I advise you to keep such dangerous opinions to yourself. And certainly not to voice them to me. I cannot be seen to let treasonous speech pass, not even from you.”
“Fair enough,” I said. “I guess it’s just as well I don’t forget which side you’re on.”
For just a moment, he looked regretful. “Some might suppose our oaths to the Praetor put us on the same side for once.”
“You know me better than that. He’s still the same evil man who killed my parents, oaths or not.”
“Then you will seek opportunities to betray him?”
“I will keep my promises to the letter. But he will not have my loyalty or respect.”
“Then you walk a thin line,” Terrac warned. “If you imagine you can be true to your thief friends and the Swiftsfell magickers while also serving the Praetor who outlaws both, you may soon find yourself the enemy of all and friend to none.”
I was about to respond with something harsh but then remembered I owed him thanks for getting me out of that dungeon cell.
“I could have told the Praetor the truth about you,” I said. “I still could at any time. Knowing that, it would’ve been in your interests to ensure I never had the chance to see him. Why didn’t you?”
His expression was unreadable. “For the same reason you didn’t betray me.”
Before I could respond, I realized we were no longer alone. A young woman in the black and scarlet livery of a house servant had appeared and was hovering within earshot.
“That is Eisa,” Terrac told me, suddenly brisk. “She doesn’t speak much, but she knows her way around the keep and she’ll look after you.”
The girl’s face was expressionless. From her youthful features, I guessed her
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