Wild Magic

› › ‹ ‹

Famtoche Banddah stroked his thumb along his jaw and contemplated the two boys. “Your names?”

The blue-eyed boy glared at him, pressed his lips into a thin line.

The other one bobbed his head in a hasty bow. “Houen, heshim Amrap. And my friend is Sivvy.”

Famtoche nodded, clicked his fingernails on the chair arm. “Well, Kasso? Do I have to explain? If your imagination fails you, Fulaak would be happy to provide details.”

The High Kasso’s eyes glittered so briefly Famtoche was unsure he saw anything, then they were blank and dull as smoked glass. “I will make the attempt, Amrap. But I tell you this, the Barrier is Abeyhamal’s work. No man has power over a god.”

“More than an attempt, Kasso, or these toys of yours will blood the dirt.”

Juvalgrim’s nostrils flared and his eyes flickered again. Over his shoulder, he said, “I will remember this, Manasso.” He took a deep breath, turned to Famtoche Banddah. “If you trust that viper, you’re a bigger fool than I think. I’ve said I’ll try. I can’t do more.”

“We’ll see. Fulaak, take the boys out, bring them to the Bridge when the Kasso’s ready to work.”

“Wake up, Fa. Come on, you gotta see.”

Faan groaned and turned over. “Teesee,” she muttered.

“Tai said you slept long enough; you should get dressed and do some walking around.” Ma’teesee slapped Faan’s shoulder, then went running across the room to the wardrobe where she dug through the clothing on the hooks, began throwing things on a hassock. “It’s sommme-thing,” she said, “something and a half, Fa. Whole Camuctarr’s marching down the mountain.”

Faana pushed up, then hunched over with her arms pressed against her stomach, nauseated and filled with a low level ache. “What are you talking about?”

Ma’teesee tossed a towel at her. “Tai said the Amrapake must’ve bullied the High Kasso into coming at the Barrier. I wish I’d seen that. He’s a beautiful man, the Kasso is. I ever tell you? I went up the Mountain a couple times when he was singing the Praises at Midsummer. Just to look at him. Tai said you’d better get dressed, Honey Mother could be calling you any minute. She’s got a bath ready. Come on, Fa”

“Gods! Vema vema, I’m awake. Why aren’t you working?”

“01’ Wewesh turned us loose for the day. No customers so he din’t want to pay us. You hungry at all? The Kassian says she gonna warm up some soup.”

“Gahhh. Don’t talk about food. Hmm. I’ll crawl around in a little, wait for me in the parlor, huh?”

“Vema, Fa.”