Lasgol stiffened, fearing that the Mage had found him out.
“That ‘something’ was two minor spells which someone had cast on you. Of course, I thought one of my Mages must have done it to help you, because I caught a glimpse of the two flashes that ran through your body. To my surprise, when I spoke to them they assured me that none of them had cast any spell on you. If it wasn’t them and it wasn’t me, that leaves only one alternative: it was you. There was nobody else anywhere near.”
Lasgol wanted to say something, but had no idea what. He had been found out.
“You needn’t deny it, because when I was treating your legs to help you recover, I could perceive the well of inner energy you possess. That’s something which not all mages can do, but some of us are capable of perceiving the Gift in others if we look hard, and I found it in you. It’s genuinely surprising to find someone like you – special, gifted with the Talent – among the Rangers. That’s not the usual route for someone with the Gift. As a rule, the gifted seek the help of Magi in order to develop their innate potential. I don’t think it was like that in your case. You cultivated it yourself, which is even more surprising and commendable. Those are the two reasons why I chose you to accompany me on this mission.”
Eicewald’s voice had been calm but somber, as if he had not explained everything behind his reasons. Lasgol had the impression that the Mage was not telling him everything.
“I …” he began. He had not been expecting the Mage to come out with that, and he had no idea what to say.
“Perhaps I’m wrong in my theory?”
Lasgol looked down and nodded. “No, it’s quite correct…”
“And there’s a third and last reason. I’m a pretty good judge of character, and I know you won’t fail me when things get hard and I need you, just as you didn’t fail me during the spell. I value that above all else. I don’t care how intelligent, strong, or powerful a person is if in the end he fails me. Those are things you learn in the course of life.”
The caravan stopped alongside the ship. The officer in charge exchanged a few words with the one in charge of guarding the ship, and a moment later the dock-workers began to load the boxes of weapons on to the ship, then down into the hold.
“They’re starting to load,” Lasgol pointed out. He was trying to change the subject, because he did not feel at all comfortable with it.
“The crew’s ready too,” Eicewald said. He indicated the sailors, who were adjusting the sail and carrying out a thousand and one tasks in every part of the ship. He glanced back at the stern, where the captain was giving orders to his sailors in an authoritarian voice. He must have been in his fifties, tall and thin, with a red beard that reached halfway down his chest and very clear grey eyes. He looked unfriendly. From what Lasgol had seen so far, all ship captains had the same expression, or at least assumed it when they were on board their ships.
“Captain Olsen has a very good reputation,” Eicewald added.
Lasgol had noticed that all the sailors were in their forties. “They all look experienced,” he commented.
“I asked for an experienced captain and crew. And a small one, just those needed to man the ship. The fewer of us we are, the more chance of success.”
“Because of the Turquoise Queen?”
Eicewald nodded. “She doesn’t like strangers or visits, so we need to look harmless. That’s vital if we’re to reach her.”
“Will we be able to?”
“Let’s hope so, although quite honestly I can’t guarantee it. It’ll be up to her to decide, when the time comes.” The expression on the Mage’s face was not very confident. “Now all that remains is for the Rangers to arrive. They must be nearly here.” He gave Lasgol a slight nod. “Thanks for the recommendations.”
“You’re welcome, sir. They’re the best company for any mission, and I’d put my life in their hands without a second thought.”
“That’s high praise. They must be special.”
“They truly are.”
“I’m glad. I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you, sir. Were all the names I suggested accepted?”
“I had to put pressure on Gondabar and Gatik, but in the end they accepted.”
“All of them?”
“All but one.”
“Oh … Is it the one I was afraid of?”
“It is. I can assure you I tried, but it was impossible. It seems that someone very influential doesn’t want him to come with us – or rather doesn’t want him to leave his present post.”
“I guessed something like that might happen.”
“Here come the first ones, if I’m not mistaken.” The mage pointed with his staff to three riders who were galloping towards the ship.
Lasgol narrowed his eyes to see them clearly. There was no doubt they were Rangers, from their clothes. They presented themselves to the officer on watch duty and showed him their orders, which the officer read carefully. After they had answered a number of questions, they were finally allowed to pass. A stable boy took their mounts and the three Rangers boarded the ship by the long ramp which connected it to the dockside.
“Rangers requesting permission to board!” called the one at the head of the group.
Captain Olsen looked them up and down for a long moment. “You
