Colors of Chaos

LIX

GRATEFUL FOR THE cool breeze that had finally brought more comfort to Fairhaven and the Halls of the Mages, after the unseasonably hot days following harvest, Cerryl walked slowly up the steps toward Jeslek’s chambers.

For once, Cerryl was allowed inside immediately, and Jeslek sat at the table alone, sipping wine from a goblet, rather than a mug. A scroll lay on the table, one with ribbons, and fragments from a broken wax seal lay on the wood beside the scroll.

“Good day, Cerryl.”

“Good day, High Wizard.” Cerryl stationed himself in his normal position by the wall.

“You have been in Fairhaven now without traveling for well over a year now, well over a year. Is that not so?”

“Yes, ser.”

“Yes…I think some travel would be good for you.”

The younger mage waited.

“Cerryl. You removed Lyam rather effectively, as I recall.” Jeslek’s sun-gold orbs met Cerryl’s pale gray eyes.

“Yes, ser. At your command, ser.”

“Ah, yes…I recall something about that.” Jeslek straightened, then sat back in the chair. “No matter.” He lifted the scroll that lay before him. A fragment of green wax skittered off the table. “I have just received word that young Uulrac suffered a seizure and died in his bath-rather suddenly and tragically.”

Cerryl swallowed.

“You foresaw that, did you not? I saw your face when we discussed the impudent scroll from Syrma.”

“I had feared such would occur, ser. But I did not know, and I was cautioned only to observe.”

“Wise of you, very wise. I like the fact that you do listen, Cerryl. There still may be a future in the Guild for you. Now…one Ferobar, a cousin of Uulrac’s, has proclaimed himself Duke of Hydlen. Do you know of him?”

“No, ser.”

“His origins lie in Renklaar, and his allegiances appear to lie with the traders of that port. In fact, those allegiances may well be the reason for poor Uulrac’s untimely death.” Jeslek raised his eyebrows. “I see you understand.”

“I have listened.”

“You are known to be fond of the Lady Leyladin, are you not? Well…she remains in Hydolar. Duke Ferobar has declared her under protective guard. I doubt he values her that highly, but to anger one of the leading factors of Candar would not be wise. Nor would killing a healer set well even with his own folk.” Jeslek took a sip of the wine he had not offered to Cerryl, his lips curling ever so slightly, as if the wine were sour. “Gorsuch barely escaped with his life and has returned to Fairhaven, for the time. I will be sending Fydel and Anya-and you-to Hydolar to escort the valued healer Lady Leyladin back to Fairhaven.” Jeslek smiled. “I will also be sending tenscore White Lancers.”

Cerryl had the sinking feeling he knew what was coming next.

“You will be going as Fydel’s assistant, as will Anya, and that should leave you somewhat free…to be creative.” Another smile followed. “The Guild would certainly benefit by the disappearance of Duke Ferobar.”

“Ser…High Wizard?”

“Yes, Mage Cerryl?”

“If you as High Wizard feel that Duke Ferobar is a danger to Fairhaven, and if you order me to remove Duke Ferobar, I will do all in my power to do so. I understand why you would not wish such an effort to be made public, but I would appreciate it greatly if the two other members of the High Council were so informed.” Cerryl stiffened, ready to raise his shields if Jeslek decided to lift chaos.

A lazy smile crossed Jeslek’s face. “You do learn, Cerryl. I must grant you that. And you do not challenge my authority as High Wizard. Very well, I so order you, and I will inform both Redark and Kinowin. You may discuss this with Kinowin; he may have ideas, and I know you will feel less unhappy if you can discuss it with him. All of you will leave tomorrow morning at first light. You have the remainder of the day to prepare.” The High Wizard paused. “Anya will also have a special charge, and you are to assist her as she sees fit, except when it might hamper your duties to me. You may also request her aid, provided it does not hamper her charge. I have already told her such.”

“Yes, ser.”

“Send in the messenger as you depart.”

“Yes, ser.” Cerryl bowed, then turned.

Outside, he nodded to the brown-haired and stocky young messenger in red. “The High Wizard desires a messenger.”

“Yes, ser.”

Cerryl walked straight down the steps to Kinowin’s chambers, hoping the overmage might be in. Luckily for Cerryl, he was.

“You look like twisted chaos, Cerryl,” Kinowin greeted Cerryl as the younger mage stepped into his chamber.

“I have the High Wizard’s leave to discuss something with you.”

“Something that disturbs you, I can see.” The right corner of the overmage’s mouth lifted ironically.

“Duke Uulrac died. Jeslek suspects it was murder.”

“How could it be anything else these days?” Kinowin’s lips twisted more fully, then smoothed into a faint smile. He gestured to the chair on the other side of the table. “Sit down. What you have to say will doubtless take a bit.”

“You recall what Jeslek required of me in Fenard? With the old Prefect Lyam? He has ordered me to undertake a similar task in Hydolar…” Cerryl continued to detail his assignment. “…and since Jeslek thought your advice might be beneficial-”

“You are here.” Kinowin’s lips tightened. “I cannot say that any of this surprises me. Nor can I fault Jeslek’s desire to remove Ferobar without the use of armsmen. Such a removal will send a message to his successor-and to Syrma. For a time, at least, and Jeslek must have time to gather more golds.”

“If I can remove Ferobar.”

Kinowin laughed. “You can do that easily enough. What you must do is remove him after you have already left Hydolar.”

“After I have left Hydolar?”

“You would not wish your fellow mages to be attacked, would you? Nor the Lady Leyladin?”

“No. Of course not.”

“Also…few will suspect danger after three White mages have left Hydolar.”

Cerryl nodded. “An illusion?”

“Yes. Anya is quite good at them, and she will relish doing you a favor in Jeslek’s service. Also…you must make sure that no trace of Ferobar remains, except perhaps ashes.”

“Confusion?”

“If none are sure if or when he died, your escape will be far easier. There are enough factions in Hydlen that none dare attempt to impersonate him. Finally,” Kinowin added with a shrug, “disappearance upsets rulers and would-be rulers far more than death, which most expect to claim them sooner or later.”

Cerryl nodded. The overmage’s words made great sense.

“When do you leave? Tomorrow?”

“First light.”

“You’d better prepare.” Kinowin rose. “You might wish to take a warm jacket with winter hovering on the horizon.”

Cerryl stood and replied. “Thank you.”

“Thank me when you return.”