“I did.”
“You did what?” asked Tarshruth after a pause.
“Remember, no Fiadhain can see or hear me,” said Tam.
“Your punishment,” Kaetha murmured. She had forgotten.
“You deserve answers more than I deserve punishment I think,” said Tarshruth. “Though I don’t expect that what I say will satisfy you.”
“Ask him,” said Tam.
“I must know whose magic caused all this. Who was behind it?”
“Every Fuathan around here must know who was behind it. But that doesn’t mean that I can tell you.”
This revelation was painfully frustrating. Remembering the Fuathan in the River Eachburn, she tried to think of what she had to trade. She felt the flat pockets of Mairi’s cloak. “I have a silver coin back at that cottage over there,” she said, pointing to it. “Would that loosen your tongue?”
“You don’t understand,” he said, “I can’t tell you, just as I couldn’t do anything to help those wretches. Neither could my brothers and sisters. None of this is our choice.”
“But if you try, if you just tell me who it is or tell me something about them at least, I might have a chance to take revenge. I could end their power over you. It’s a human, isn’t it? Your kind wouldn’t do this.”
Tarshruth was wide-eyed with surprise at her insightfulness. He inclined his head, the barest of nods. “I wish you could end their rule over us but the only one with enough power to have a chance to do that would be the Daughter of the Stars and she’ll have nothing to do with humans.”
“The Daughter of the Stars?”
“That’s their name for the Calliack,” Tam informed her.
“And what would she think about you being controlled by a human?” Kaetha continued. “Or, as she may see it, disobeying her in order to wilfully follow the commands of a human.”
“But that’s not how it is, she—”
“That’s how she’ll see it,” said Kaetha, hoping that more pressure would force him to talk.
Tarshruth sighed, letting his head and shoulders droop. “I can’t—” He looked up suddenly and Kaetha thought he was staring at her, until she realised that his gaze was fixed behind her.
She turned. Further up the beach stood Meraud, still as rock but for her grey cloak which rippled in the wind.
“I wanted to talk to you without the others,” said Meraud. “I’d ask you who your new friend is but I know that Baukans don’t part easily with their names.” Tarshruth looked confused. “How you got one to serve you though, I have no idea. You’re chosen by Fire and you have Air magic, yet you command a creature of Earth.” Meraud made a small laugh. “I knew you were powerful but it seems that even I underestimated you. Don’t go too far, Fuathan,” she said, holding up a hand towards Tarshruth, though she kept her eyes on Kaetha. “We will require your assistance soon.”
Kaetha noted the look of repulsion on Tarshruth’s face. He dived out of sight, though she sensed that he lingered close by.
“You did this,” said Kaetha.
“Kaetha, stay back,” said Tam but she ignored him, marching up to Meraud.
“Why?”
Meraud’s face was unreadable.
“Why?” Kaetha shouted.
“I did not do this, Kaetha Baird.”
“It’s just Kaetha.”
“Indeed. For you are a bastard. And one with a surprising loyalty to those who rejected you. You want to save your father. You want justice for your mother. But what if your destiny is bigger than that? You are powerful Kaetha. If you come with me, train with me, you will grow more powerful still.”
“Are you really such an eejit? Do you think there’s the smallest chance that I would agree to that when I’ve just watched you kill hundreds of people?”
“Their blood is not on my hands,” Meraud said calmly.
“Liar. I won’t let you deceive me again. You were behind the attack on Neul Carraig. You gave Naru the idea which led the survivors to Longmachlag. You followed us here, waited until they were aboard and, from a safe distance, you used your magic to kill them and all the other innocent people on those ships.”
Meraud shook her head.
Tears stung Kaetha’s eyes. “Who else could it have been? If you were innocent, you would have tried to save them.”
“I saved you.”
“No you didn’t. Donnan did.”
“And did he calm the sea for long enough to allow himself to reach you?”
Kaetha gripped her knife’s hilt, her knuckles white, but she kept it sheathed. She wanted to know the truth. “Meraud.” Thoughts drew close to her mind. She could almost hear them. Then they were rolling back like the waves on the beach, elusive as almost remembered dreams.
“I’ve had practice at guarding my thoughts from users of Air magic. Branna was too trusting, she never suspected. Besides, your Fire magic with its propensity to heighten your emotions does so stunt the power of your Air magic and its discernment of thought. Deorsa sensed that struggle in you.” She looked almost pitying. “You still do not draw your weapon. You do not want to kill me. Not while you still have so many questions.” She turned her head slowly to the bobbing waves. “You may not believe me but I wish this hadn’t happened. However, you’re here with me now and that’s what matters.”
“What do you mean?” she said, tightening her hold on the knife.
Tam was beside her now, gripping her arm.
“I saw you, long before we met. I saw your future. What you will become. You can save your father, Kaetha.”
Kaetha clamped her hands to her head. “Why are you saying this?”
“The vision was hazy, the future not yet set. But I know that if you choose to save him, you will need me. I saw us together. I was there as
