The Novice

memories he sought. He mercilessly called up image after image. This time she found herself reliving the moments in the North Square. Once more she threw the stone and fled from the fire of the magicians. Rooms and corridors of the slums flickered by. The day she had sensed Rothen’s searching mind and had instinctively hidden her presence. Cery, Harrin and his gang. Faren of the Thieves. Senfel, the Thieves’ magician.

Then she was creeping through the forest on the Guild grounds. The memories sharpened, were examined closely. Once more she climbed the wall of the Healers’ Quarters and watched the novices within. Once again she sensed the vibration around the Arena. She peered through windows into the University. Her journey took her around the back of the Guild again to look into the Novices’ Quarters and through the forest behind. Then, after Cery left to steal the books, she crept down to the strange, gray two-story building. The servant came, forcing her to retreat behind the low bushes. Then, seeing light coming through the ventilation holes, she crouched down and peered though.

A faint flicker of annoyance touched her senses. Yes, she thought, I’d be angry, too, if my secrets were discovered so easily. She saw the bloodstained man remove his clothes, clean himself and move away. Returning clad in black robes, the man spoke to his servant. “The fight has weakened me. I need your strength.” The man took an elaborate knife and cut the servant’s arm, then placed his hand over the wound. Once more she sensed the strange magic.

The memory stopped abruptly, and she sensed nothing from the mind that lurked behind hers. What was he thinking, she wondered...?

Have you allowed any to know of this other than Lorlen and Rothen?

No, she thought.

She relaxed, sure that this was all he sought, but a relentless interrogation followed as he quested after further memories. He explored parts of her life, from childhood to her lessons in the University. He sorted through her feelings, from her fondness for Rothen to her lingering loyalty to Cery and the people of the slums, to the new emotions she felt for Dorrien.

And, unbidden, came the anger she felt toward him for doing this to her. He sought her feelings about his practice of black magic, and her mind responded with disapproval and fear. Would she expose him if she could? Yes! But only if she knew Rothen and others would not be harmed.

Then the presence vanished and she felt the pressure against her temples stop. She opened her eyes and blinked. Akkarin had turned his back and was pacing slowly away from them. She felt Rothen’s hands on her shoulders, steady and reassuring.

“You would both expose me if you could,” Akkarin said. He was silent for a time, then turned to face them. “I will claim Sonea’s guardianship. Her abilities are advanced and, as Lorlen surmised, her strength is unusually high. None will question my choice.”

“No!” Rothen gasped. His grip tightened.

“Yes,” Akkarin replied, turning to face them. “She will ensure your silence. You will never cause anyone to know that I practice black magic while she is mine.” His eyes shifted to Sonea’s. “And Rothen’s wellbeing will be my guarantee that you will cooperate.”

Sonea stared at him in horror. She was to be his hostage!

“You will not speak to each other except to avoid raising suspicion. You will behave as if nothing more unusual than a change of guardianship has occurred. Do you understand?”

Rothen made a choking noise. Sonea turned to him, alarmed. He glanced at her and she saw guilt in his eyes.

“Don’t make me consider an alternative,” Akkarin warned.

Rothen’s voice was strained as he answered. “I understand. We will do as you ask.”

“Good.”

Akkarin took a step closer, and Sonea looked up to find him regarding her intently. “There is a room in my residence for the High Lord’s novice. You will come with me now, and send a servant for your belongings later.”

Sonea looked at Rothen, her throat tight. He searched her eyes.

—I’m sorry.

“Now, Sonea.” Akkarin gestured at the door. It swung open.

She felt Rothen’s hands loosen. He gave her the tiniest push. Glancing at Akkarin, she realized she did not want Rothen to see her dragged away. He would find a way to help her. He would do everything he could. For now, they had no choice but to obey.

Taking a deep breath, she moved away from Rothen and stepped out into the corridor. Akkarin gave Rothen one last measuring look, then started toward the door. As the High Lord turned away, Rothen’s eyes narrowed with hatred.

Then the door closed and he was cut off from her sight.

“Come along,” Akkarin said. “The novice’s room in my residence hasn’t seen an occupant in many years, but it has always been kept ready for one. You’ll find it much more comfortable than those in the Novices’ Quarters.”

PART TWO

20 Sonea’s Good Fortune

As the door opened, the University Director looked up from his desk to see who had entered his office. For the first time Sonea could remember, Jerrik’s sour expression vanished. He leapt to his feet.

“What can I do for you, High Lord?”

“I wish to discuss Sonea’s training. I have read your report, and her lack of skills in certain subjects concerns me.”

Jerrik looked surprised. “Sonea’s progress has been more than satisfactory.”

“Her marks in Warrior Skills are average at best.”

“Ah.” Jerrik glanced at Sonea. “It is not unusual for a novice to show less aptitude for one of the disciplines at this stage. While she is not excelling in Warrior Skills, her results have been acceptable.”

“Nevertheless, I want this weakness addressed. I believe Lord Yikmo would be a suitable tutor.”

“Lord Yikmo?” Jerrik’s generous eyebrows rose, then drew together in a frown. “He does not teach in the evenings, but if Sonea attends evening classes in other subjects that would allow time during the day.”

“I believe she missed her Warrior Skills yesterday.”

“Yes,” Jerrik replied. “Usually we would arrange for a testing after the break, but I think an assessment by Lord Yikmo would do instead.” He glanced at his desk. “I can put together Sonea’s schedule for next year now, if you wish. It will not take long.”

“Yes. I’ll leave Sonea with you to collect it. Thank you, Director.”

The presence at her side moved away. As the door closed, Sonea drew in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He was gone. At last.

With a soft thump, Jerrik dropped back into his seat. He waved at a wooden chair near the end of his desk.

“Sit down, Sonea.”

She obeyed. Taking another deep breath, she felt tension ease out of her muscles.

Everything that had happened after leaving Rothen seemed like a bad dream. She had followed Akkarin to his residence, where a servant had shown her to a room on the second floor. Not long after, a chest had arrived with her belongings from the Novices’ Quarters. Another servant had brought a plate of food, but Sonea had been