‘You are a kind boy, Muresh, but remember, they are the enemy.’

  ‘He felt the same.’

  ‘Hmm?’

  ‘He felt like me, like a normal person. I can’t tell if he is Manunian or Lakashan, not there...he was angry too. But how is that fair? They’ve attacked our cities as well.’

  His Gramma clasped his hand. ‘War is a terrible business, perhaps he thinks his side is in the right.’

  ‘Maybe...Gramma, why are the others so much better than we are? How come only two of them can chase all of us away?’

  ‘They are older, dear.’

  ‘Older? But I’m the oldest.’

  ‘I know, but Manunians are different. Somehow, theirs live longer.’

  Muresh frowned. He turned his face up to the sun, until his eyes burned at its brightness. He barely felt them. They weren’t important. He wondered sometimes what Gramma, and the others who looked after them, were like inside. He never looked though, it was rude to do that to a friend, and he didn’t want to upset Gramma. Gramma at least, did not wear a candle amulet, but most of the others did. The amulets had always annoyed him, it was as if their wearers didn’t trust him.

  The last time he had brushed near the man had been...it was as if he was trying to tell him something. It made him think, if only he could look inside his friends here, see their reasons, his doubt would disappear.

  ‘I think he wants me to stop.’ Muresh said finally.

  ‘Of course he does.’

  ‘I think he wants... all of us to stop. His side too.’

  ‘Well, we are winning, dear. There aren’t many shadow mages left over there.’

  ‘I don’t think he likes hurting people.’

  ‘Do you?’

  ‘No...but maybe, couldn’t we all just...’

  ‘I’m sorry, but that isn’t up to me...or the other shadow mages.’

  ‘It’s our Emperor isn’t it, and their King.’

  Gramma nodded. ‘The others may want the war to stop, but it is their King who commands them, and he will not admit defeat, and so our Emperor cannot stop either.’

  Muresh sighed.

  ‘Which one was it, by the way?’

  ‘Hmm?’

  ‘Do you know which of the Manunian shadow mages tried to trick you?’

  ‘Trick me?’ Muresh replied, surprised.

  ‘Yes, dear, trick you into giving up, and leaving your home unprotected.’

  ‘I... I don’t know his name.’

  ‘There are two males in Mance-Jolune, an older one, Guy Marcoux, and a younger one, Blaise Autin. Blaise is the most skilled of their shadow mages.’

  ‘I...’

  ‘Blaise was the one you were trying to kill in Allonce.’

  ‘Oh...um... I think it was the other one then.’ He remembered vaguely, how the man who had been so angry had been calling for someone, someone to come back and help...Blaise...yes, that was it. ‘Why does it matter?’

  His Gramma just smiled. ‘Why don’t you go and play with the others, out here in the sun? Doesn’t that sound nice?’

  Muresh didn’t care. But it would make Gramma happy, so he didn’t mind. He stood. Perhaps making this body move will take my mind off them... perhaps I should try meeting them properly, maybe we could all stop, and then I wouldn’t have to hurt anyone anymore... I’d have to find them myself, the candles surround this place most of the time, except when we’re supposed to leave...they couldn’t come here...

  CHAPTER 58

  6 Jevin, 1353

  Julietta tidied her room loudly, slamming cupboards and shelves.

  Manus! They attacked Manus! It was unbelievable, it couldn’t possibly happen. Only the poorer sections of the city had been burnt, as candle-amulet wearing sorcerers had gotten the blaze under control quickly, but still Manus! The nerve! And all those people without homes! And yet here she was, in the middle of the day, stuck in her room while her colleagues drank themselves stupid up at the manor with Lakashan mages.

  We should be fighting back! They have more shadow mages than us, so we must beat them here in Dartham, it’s the only way! How could Ariane and the others not care? It was only the poor areas after all, nothing worthwhile was burnt down. Well, I’m sure the people who lived there thought it important!

  Perhaps they do care, she thought morosely, as she sat down on the bed, perhaps that’s why they’re up there drinking. It’s hardly Ariane’s fault if Thierry or the generals or whoever is in charge doesn’t send us out to fight. Not that it would matter if we did fight, considering we never actually do anything, I never actually do anything...

  She let out a self-deprecating laugh. She remembered when she’d first left the Collegium, all the hopes and dreams she’d had, the plans of making a name for herself, and living up to everything everyone said about her. Prodigy, rare and unusual talent...

  She was disturbed from her dark thoughts by the sound of a distant crash. She sprang to her feet and looked out the window. Smoke was rising from the manor house.

  Alarmed, Julietta gathered up her gloves, repaired earlier, and raced out of the room and down the stairs. She did not wait for a carriage and immediately began the steep trek up to the manor. By the time she arrived she found most of the party guests gathered outside in the front courtyard.

  ‘What happened?’ Julietta asked of the first person she met.

  ‘I’m not sure.’ the man said, a glass of wine in his hand. ‘Some sort of attack out by the pool. Reynard is looking into it.’

  Julietta pushed her way through the crowd, hoping she could be of assistance. When she reached the front she found Ariane standing on the steps surveying the crowd.

  ‘Ariane, what’s happening?’

  Ariane looked around at the sound of her name and spotted Julietta.

  ‘Julietta! What are you doing here? As you can see, everything is under control, you could have stayed back in the inn!’

  ‘I heard the crash.’

  ‘I would have thought that would keep you away, I know how you abhor anything exciting.’

  ‘So everything’s fine here?’ Julietta pressed.

  ‘Yes, I’m keeping everything under control out here, Thierry and some of his unit are inside.’

  ‘Do you know what happened?’

  ‘Some sort of magical attack out by the pool.’ she said. ‘Thierry will let me know soon. Why don’t you go back to the inn and wait?’

  Defeated, unwanted and unneeded, Julietta struggled back through the crowd. She paused by the gate, wondering if she should really go. But why stay? What was the point? They’d just ignore her and make fun of her, as always. Sighing, she took Ariane’s advice and headed back to the inn.

  Later that afternoon, as night was falling, Julietta heard Ariane’s voice outside talking. Julietta considered not getting up for a few long moments, before deciding she should at least hear what all the commotion was about.

  She opened the door and peered out and saw Ariane talking to one of the other unit members. She did not look happy.

  ‘Ariane, what happened?’

  The young man who had been speaking to Ariane turned. ‘Cadel is gone.’

  ‘What?’ Julietta gasped.

  Ariane nodded, ‘he’s missing as is that...that woman...’

  ‘What woman?’

  ‘The one always clinging to him.’

  ‘Did she kidnap him?’

  Ariane and the young man laughed. ‘Oh, Julietta, sometimes I forget how naive you are! No, I don’t think she kidnapped him.’

  ‘Then what...?’

  ‘He probably fled with her.’ the man shrugged.

  ‘But the smoke, you said it was a...’

  Ariane waved her hand dismissively, ‘his brother in law has been around. He probably wanted to make it look good, you know, his wife’s a shadow mage.’ her superior smile faded. ‘And now he’s gone.’

  ‘I hardly think that’s true.’ Julietta said. ‘He’s very fond of his wife.’

  Ariane chuckled and the young man shook his head at her.

  ‘I’ve met them both, I’m telling you, he just pretends! He might be in some sort of trouble!’

  They laughed harder.

  ‘Oh Julietta,’ Ariane managed through her giggles, ‘you never fail to amuse me! I’m sure you know all about inscribing and enchanting, but you really don’t know anything about people!’

  The two left, leaving Julietta alone. She watched them go, once more stymied in her efforts to be helpful. Muttering under her breath, she stepped fully into the hall and closed the door. I’ll go speak to Thierry Reynard directly then. Maybe he’ll... the moment she thought it her confidence vanished. She knew what he thought of her. She paused for a moment, unable to move forward. Then she decided, I have to at least try... maybe if I can just convince him...

  Thierry Reynard was in the Lord of Dartham’s manor, as usual. The ballroom was a hive of activity, but for once there wasn’t a party going on.

  ‘Master Reynard!’ Julietta called, ducking around messengers running in and out of the room.

  Reynard, who was talking to a group of men, turned, and with a harried expression said, ‘What is it? Can’t you see I’m talking?’

  ‘The damage, Master Reynard,’ a middle aged, portly and well-dressed man said, ‘who will pay for the damage?’

  ‘Lord Dartham, first we need to know who is responsible, if it was Cadel-’

  ‘It was not.’ a dark haired young man said, his eyes narrowed. He was dressed elegantly in muted tones, the fabric and the cut of his cloth of the highest quality.

  ‘Why are you still here?’ Thierry said to Julietta.

  ‘I came to speak to you about-’

  ‘Who are you?’ he demanded, ‘and can’t it wait?’

  ‘I’m Julietta Calance, and no, it can’t wait.’ she said. ‘Ariane Espee tells me you think Cadel left on his own, but I’ve met him and his wife and I don’t think it’s likely, if he’s in danger-’

  Thierry threw up his hands, ‘you again!’

  The dark haired young man turned to Julietta, observing her with his sharp eyes. ‘I have already informed Thierry Reynard that my brother-in-law would not have absconded with another woman. How is it you know my sister?’

  ‘O-oh!’ I suppose I wasn’t needed here either... ‘I... I am friends with Asmara...’

  The stern young man broke into a smile. ‘That explains it.’ he turned back to Thierry. ‘Reynard, my brother-in-law has been kidnapped, what are you going to do about it?’

  ‘Ah, are you sure?’

  Lord Alain’s expression hardened and Thierry backtracked quickly. ‘Yes, I’m sure, we must treat it as another ploy by the Lakashans. My sorcerers have already examined the scene, and we’ll do what we can to find out what happened.’

  ‘I suggest you do a lot more than that.’ Lord Alain said, his voice like ice. ‘Find him, Reynard.’

  ‘My lords, the damage?’ Lord Dartham pressed again.

  Lord Alain turned his dark eyes onto the Lord and said nothing for a few long moments. ‘You have been a most gracious host, Lord Dartham, and your home has suffered for it. My mind is elsewhere, as I’m sure you can understand. Once Cadel is found I will have someone look into the damage to your home.’

  ‘Uh...yes...’ Lord Dartham’s expression flickered, as if he wasn’t sure whether to be happy with that or not.

  ‘Reynard, I will leave one of my men with you to assist in the investigation. I expect to be informed of any developments.’

  ‘Lord Alain, I am sure-’

  Lord Alain turned on his heel and stalked from the room.

  After he was gone Thierry let out a string of swear words. Julietta stared at him, her eyes wide.

  ‘Now I will have the damned Duke of Belcanon upset with me too! Damn it all! Surely they could just accept Vayles ran off with that woman?!’

  ‘Sir!’ Julietta exclaimed.

  ‘You’re still here? Was there something else you needed to bother me with?’

  ‘No, I just wanted to...’

  ‘Lord Alain has made himself perfectly clear. There was no need at all for you to come. In future I strongly suggest you mind your own damn business and do your job. And stop interrupting me when I’m in a meeting!’

  Chastened, Julietta mumbled an apology and left the manor. She halted at the gate, remembered she could be seen by Thierry’s sorcerers and whoever else was in the manor, and quickly kept walking. At a street not far down she halted and sat on the pedestal of a statue. She put her head in her hands. She felt utterly useless, everything she did was futile. She sniffed and looked down the darkened and empty streets. I may as well not be here.

  That thought bounded around inside her head. I may as well not be here, she thought more seriously. I may as well not be here. She stood up, her heart beating faster. Maybe she didn’t need to be here. Maybe she could go somewhere else, somewhere she might be more useful, somewhere she might have a friend...

  She took a step and paused. Would they just let her leave? She was a woman, if she resigned and went home no one would care. But if she just left? Disappeared without a word, in the middle of a war? Surely that could be considered treasonous? But it’s not as if anyone wants me here... they’ve all been very clear... A brief smile flickered over her face as she considered if she just left they’d assume it was because she was too naive, too weak, to survive outside the Collegium, they’d think everything they accused her of was true. Maybe it is, she thought, and her smile faded. She thought of Bo, Dorian and Asmara. I made myself useful to them, down in Sontmor. Surely I’m not completely useless? Then her thoughts turned to Dorian, and how much more useful he was than she. She shook her head. She didn’t want to think anymore upsetting thoughts. She was tired of being useless. She took a deep breath. I’ll leave Ariane’s unit, nobody will care, if they even notice...Bo is here, somewhere. Maybe I can be useful with the soldiers...

  She clung to that thought, that maybe she could be useful elsewhere. Because if not... if her achievements at the Collegium were really the best she could ever accomplish, if despite her natural condition that made her so well-suited for sorcery, despite attending the best school, she was a failure...? That could only point to something lacking within herself, she could not blame anyone else if it were true... She could not bear the thought of failing to meet everyone’s expectations, and her own expectations of herself...

  What if she failed elsewhere? What if she couldn’t help the soldiers? Would it be better to stay here and have that dream to cling to, that if she had tried she might not have failed? Perhaps false hope was better than the harsh reality of failure.

  Julietta hurried back to the inn before she could change her mind. She avoided the common room, where she could hear Ariane and the other sorcerers laughing. She packed her things and flung her bag over her back. Outside she paused and then headed to Ariane’s room. She pulled a sheet of paper from her notebook and scribbled a note: I’ve been assigned elsewhere, as you wished. Julietta Calance.

  She slid it under Ariane’s door. If Ariane asks Thierry about it, I could get in trouble, a lot of trouble. But she didn’t think that would happen, Ariane had already shown she was loathe to bring Thierry’s attention to herself. Besides, she would be happy just to get rid of her.

  Julietta headed back to her room. She didn’t want anyone to notice her leaving, and everyone was downstairs. She closed the door and opened the window. She pulled out another piece of paper from her notebook and folded it, chanting all the while. She held out her hands, and the little paper bird flew off into the night. Julietta picked her bag back up and looked out the window to the street below. She was only on the second floor. Julietta chanted under her breath, drawing only a small amount of magic. She didn’t want any of the others to notice. She climbed out the small window and sat on the ledge for a moment. Then she pushed off, out into the air. The air held her, and she floated down slowly. She landed on the ground with barely a sound.

  Julietta spared one backwards glance at the inn and then hurried off into the night.

  CHAPTER 59

  7 Jevin, 1353

  ‘Is this a threat?’ Jacques asked as he read the letter.

  ‘Emerré would not be so vulgar.’ Guy replied in a tired voice.

  Once again he lay on the ground. This time he was in the middle of the hallway. Jacques crouched by him, everyone else ordered from the hallway. He noticed Guy’s shirt was on inside out. Usually the servants took care of that.

  ‘And if we don’t bring back Cadel, she’ll make you stop working for us?’

  ‘Perhaps my ears were failing me, that isn’t what the letter sounded like to me.’

  ‘I’m reading between the lines.’

  ‘Stop it. Anyway, once again you’ve misunderstood our relationship. I am Emerré’s friend, not her minion. She would never ask me to use my shadow magic or use me as some sort of threat.’

  Jacques looked back at the letter. It was short and terse, though apparently quite unclear.

  Master Dulère,

  I have considered your request. Let me remind you I do not consider you a friend. If you wish me to ignore this slight, and all others you yourself have dealt me, return my husband to my side. If you do not bring him to me before our son is born I will let my uncle deal with this as he wishes.

  Lady Emerré Albier Vayles

  ‘I don’t think I was even mentioned in that letter.’ Guy said.

  ‘Letting her uncle deal with it...’

  ‘Emerré doesn’t care for politics, she only wants to live with Cadel in peace. It means exactly what it said, Jacques, she’ll inform her uncle the King tried to have her killed and let him deal with it.’

  ‘Not killed-’

  ‘Eaten by a spider.’

  ‘Not entirely eaten-’

  ‘You can be sure to tell Duke Dashiell that the King only meant for a little bit of her to be eaten.’

  ‘It certainly sounds like a threat to me.’

  ‘To be fair, you lot started it.’ Guy sighed. ‘Can we stop talking now?’