Colors of Chaos

LXXVI

CERRYL SETTLED INTO the chair uneasily, waiting for Jeslek to speak, his eyes half on the heavy flakes of wet late-winter snow that plummeted past the windows of the White Tower.

“Overmage Kinowin has already told you that I’ll like you to accompany the expedition against Spidlar.” Jeslek smiled tightly, seeming almost coiled like a serpent in his chair, for all that he appeared to be sitting normally across his table from Cerryl. “Anya has also told me that you have discovered on your own the order strength of the young smith Dorrin-and that you have concerns that he may act against the Guild.”

Cerryl forced a shrug. What can you say? After a moment, he answered, his words deliberate. “The smith left Recluce, and he forges items embodying great order. I found that out in trying to find out where the road coins were going.”

“So? They are still only toys and implements for crafters.” Jeslek raised his eyebrows.

“He has built a home and a smithy and a barn. I doubt that he wishes to return to Recluce. Perhaps, with what he has forged, he cannot.” Cerryl hoped he was as correct as his words sounded.

“That is most likely the case.”

“Well, he carries a great deal of order, and if he has nowhere else to turn, and if the Guild attacks where he lives, he might feel compelled to act against us.”

“That is also true-but he is an order smith. He cannot even make edged weapons. I doubt he will be more than a nuisance. I worry far more about the two who have become officers. They have already done much damage.” Jeslek frowned briefly. “Have you made any more discoveries about the misdirected road tariffs?”

“I’ve found a few more people in the viscount’s court that seem to have prospered more than there is any way to find through a glass. It’s hard from here, and not knowing much about them,” Cerryl admitted, shifting his weight on the hard chair.

“We will be gathering levies in Jellico, and you can continue your efforts there as well, since you will have little else to do until we actually begin the campaign against Spidlar.” The High Wizard’s sun-gold eyes glittered, and for a moment Cerryl thought he could smell chaos and brimstone in the Tower.

“When do we leave, ser?”

“You and Fydel will leave in an eight-day. I need to attend to some matters in Hydolar-such as the missing road tariffs and the thousand golds for damages. Nonetheless, I intend to have everyone in Jellico before the turn of spring-except for the last group of White Lancers Eliasar is training.”

“You are going?”

“Of course. The rulers of other lands do not seem to fear a High Wizard who remains in Fairhaven. This time, it will be different. Much different. As the traders of Hydolar will discover first-to their peril.” The sun-gold eyes glittered.

“Yes, ser.”

“You may go and begin to prepare, Cerryl.”

The younger mage nodded.

“Cerryl…best you recall that all that has saved you is your devotion to Fairhaven. That devotion should remain most firm.”

“It will, High Wizard. It will.”

“I thought as much. Good day, Cerryl.”