The Traitor Queen

Rothen?” she asked as they reached him.

He nodded. “I’m afr—”

“What’s he doing here?” Anyi interrupted, her words a low growl.

Lilia followed Anyi’s gaze and her heart sank as she saw the black-robed magician waiting on the dock.

“Kallen is – was – in charge of finding Skellin,” Rothen reminded her.

“A fine job he did of it, too.”

“Are we going to tell him what happened?” Lilia asked. “What if he is Skellin’s source.”

Rothen’s eyes narrowed. “Say nothing until the meeting.” He gave them a grim smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll work out who the source is. If it is a Higher Magician, well, it wouldn’t be the first time one of us had a nasty secret. We’ll deal with it.”

As they started down the gangplank, Lilia gave Anyi a reassuring nod. “He sounds confident.”

Anyi shrugged, then followed. As they reached the dock, Kallen stepped forward to meet them. Lilia bowed, but Anyi remained unbending, her eyes dark and jaw stiff.

“Lord Rothen. Lady Lilia. Anyi.” Kallen turned to Rothen. “You asked me to meet you here?”

“Yes, Black Magician Kallen. I will explain more when we return to the Guild, but I can tell you that Skellin is dead and his mother too. His body is on board, if you wish to inspect it. Lorandra’s is somewhere under the sea.”

Kallen’s eyebrows rose. Without saying another word, he strode up the gangplank and headed for the body. His back was to them as he crouched and lifted the sacking, so Lilia could not see his expression. I would have liked to, she mused. Kallen returned to the dock. He looked straight at Lilia and smiled. “You have some explaining to do.” His tone was not disapproving, she noted.

“Not until we return to the Guild,” Rothen said firmly. “I’ve made arrangements for the crew to be imprisoned until we can question them, and for the body to be delivered to the Guild.”

Kallen nodded and gestured to the end of the dock. “The carriage that brought me is still here, if you would like to take it.”

Rothen nodded. They walked to the carriage in silence. Looking around, Lilia noted how the dock workers paused to stare at Kallen. They looked curious, but also uneasy. But then, that’s how novices react to Sonea walking past, too. Impressed, but also intimidated. Then it occurred to her that people would regard her in the same way one day, when she had graduated and had to wear black robes. I used to look forward to the day I didn’t have to wear novice robes. Now I dread it.

The journey to the Guild was not a long one, since a wide road led directly from the Marina to the grounds, only detouring around the palace, but it seemed a lot longer. Nobody spoke. Kallen’s gaze moved from Lilia to Anyi to Rothen, staying mostly on Rothen.

He looks perplexed. And worried. I’d have thought he’d be more annoyed than this that we’ve been dealing with Skellin without consulting him. Whenever he met her eyes she looked away.

When they arrived, Rothen started toward the University entrance while Kallen paused to instruct the driver.

“The Administrator is at the palace,” Kallen called after him.

Rothen stopped and looked back. “High Lord Balkan?”

“Also with the king.”

“Will they return soon?”

Kallen’s shoulders lifted and fell. “I doubt they’ll return until late.”

Rothen blinked, then his eyes widened suddenly. “You were at the palace when I sent for you, weren’t you? It’s happening, isn’t it?”

Kallen nodded. “But I knew you would only send for me if it was important. Can I have a word privately?”

Leaving Lilia and Anyi at the steps, Rothen rejoined Kallen. Lilia saw that Anyi’s expression was full of suspicion. She looked back at the magicians. While their mouths were moving, she could hear nothing. Most likely they were using a sound-blocking shield. Looks like something important, and something Rothen was expecting.

“Are you sure it was him?” Rothen asked, his voice suddenly loud and clear. Kallen nodded. “Well, then. Unfortunately I must reveal what I have learned first to the Administrator and High Lord so we’ll have to wait until they return.”

“It may be a day or two before they are free to meet with you.”

“Yes, that is likely. Do you think the king will summon all the Higher Magicians to the palace?”

“No.” Kallen replied. “He doesn’t like having too many magicians flapping about. Would you like me to tell the Administrator and High Lord that you have found Skellin and wish to meet with them?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Rothen waited as Kallen climbed back into the carriage. The driver urged the horses into motion. They picked up speed as they neared the gates, Lilia noted.

“He’s in a hurry,” Anyi said in a low voice. She looked at Rothen. “What’s so important that it trumps the death of Skellin and tracking down his spies in the Guild?”

Rothen’s expression was serious as he replied. “Something very important. You will find out soon enough.”

Anyi looked thoughtful. “We’re not about to be invaded again, are we?”

Rothen shook his head. “No.”

“Or invade someone else?”

“No. Enough guessing. I’ll take you both to Sonea’s rooms, then I’ll bring Gol back here. I told him to wait at—”

“Gol’s alive?” Anyi interrupted.

Lilia smiled. “Yes. He helped us find you. He’s going to be very happy we got you back.”

Anyi winced. “He must be so...” She sighed. “Well... let’s go get cleaned up.”

Lilia smiled. “At least there’s one benefit to the delay.”

* * *

Oh, Dannyl. Sonea pulled Osen’s ring from her finger and wiped tears from her eyes. To lose someone you love like that... It had brought back a flood of memories and emotions, and she had been thankful that Naki’s ring had kept both from Osen. The Administrator had been a little shocked. He’d known that Dannyl was fond of his Ashaki friend, but clearly Dannyl had managed to conceal just how fond he had been.

She suspected Osen hadn’t wanted to consider it was even possible. Not that Dannyl could love another man – he knew about Tayend – but that he could fall for a Sachakan. Especially an Ashaki. Or that so powerful a Sachakan could fall for Dannyl.

She felt a pang of sympathy as she recalled Dannyl’s anger. If she’d known that he might witness the death of a lover, she would not have suggested Dannyl watch the battle and communicate the result to her and Osen. I don’t think Dannyl believed the Traitors would win, though. He was more concerned for Lorkin.

“I’m sorry, Sonea,” a familiar voice said. “I’m so sorry.”

Regin. She would have to tell him what had happened. Looking up, she caught a glimpse of eyes glinting with moisture before finding herself pressed against a warm chest, hands stroking her back.

“There was nothing more you could do,” he said. “He chose a brave path, and I admire him for it.”

The stiffness of surprise eased and she felt herself relaxing against him, soothed by his warmth and concern, even as she realised the mistake he’d made. He saw tears and thought Lorkin had died. Curse it. He thinks Lorkin is dead, and he’s upset. She had to let him know otherwise, but a selfish part of her wanted to let this moment last a little longer. He cares about Lorkin. And me...

Stop it! she told herself. You’ll only end up wanting what you can’t have.

“It’s fine. He’s fine,” she blurted out. She forced herself to push him away so she could look up at him.