Chasing Bloodlines (Book 4) (20 page)

“It is,” Markus nodded. “But no one has been strong enough to lay in in Ages.”

“Would you show us the split-pattern?” Mikelle asked. Gabriel shot her a dark look.

Shaun faced Gabriel and put one leg forward. A slick-pattern wrapped around his heel that slowly slid forward. He splayed his legs almost fully apart, left leg forward, and halted, putting a circular pattern of air between his legs to keep him aloft.

“You’re making everyone nervous,” Gabriel grinned. Shaun smiled and cut the pattern between his legs, sliding parallel to the table.

“Stars above!” Penny swooned and slipped loose in her chair. Cordis grabbed her shoulders. Adelaide sat beside Lael with eyes wider than Gabriel had ever seen, her hand covering a gleeful smile. Mikelle grinned slyly.

“I hurt for you,” Dagan muttered and crossed his legs under the table.

“I am going t’ be sick,” Galloway whispered, a shade of pale green.

Shaun set the same ‘split-pattern’ and pushed himself back up.

“I was not aware the body could do such a thing,” Aisling remarked. Mikelle shot her a look that could only have meant ‘that and much more’, for Aisling blushed red.

“Thank you, Shaun. I will be with you shortly,” Gabriel said, and Aisling led Shaun to the waiting room. Lael already had his books open researching the patterns he laid.

“I don’t have names for half the things he did.”

Markus stood over Lael’s shoulder. “One was a vortex-pattern, which is a Class Five, but then he climbed it, so it was strong enough to be held by a…Class Eight. Another was the desert-blast which I have not seen since my Class Six father died. But the condensing-pattern is a Class Eight, as is column which he used to support himself in the air.”

They continued to peruse until Gabriel tapped his fingers on a page. “The death-draw is a Class Nine pattern,” he said quietly. “Shaun laid it, but he did not fuel it. Anyone can lay it. Bring him back in.”

Aisling rose and fetched Shaun back who stepped back on the table.

“We’d like you to use the death-draw pattern on someone.”

Shaun’s brows went up. “It is very dangerous.”

“I know, so you will use it on me.”

“Head Mage, no,” Lael cut in.

“I will not risk it on anyone else, and I trust Shaun to not let me die. Shaun, go ahead.”

“Gabriel…” Mikelle whispered, “Axa,” but he held up a hand to silence her. He braced himself on the table and looked up at Shaun in expectance.

Shaun laid the pattern and paused before snapping the strings between his fingers. Gabriel instantly felt the air yanked from his lungs, and he gasped but pulled nothing in. His mind went back to that night in Axa’s hands, but he banished it before he let it control his panic. As his vision blackened, Shaun laid another pattern and reversed the effect to push the air back in.

Gabriel gasped the blessed air in and wiped his dewy brow. “There you have it.” Shaun looked a little concerned but his tense face smoothed when he saw Gabriel was indeed fine. “How are you capable of that?”

“I….” Shaun ran a hand through his floppy locks that fell over his eyes. “I come from a very pure line of Mages.”

“Yet, all these Ages to not be diminished?”

“We were not watered down like t’ others. Very pure.”

“Which line?”

Shaun looked nervous. “I…am not sure I should say.” Gabriel cleared his throat. “I come from…Maxine Flint’s line.”

The whole Council seemed to straighten. “It has been over two Ages since she had children.”

“She had
children
?” Adelaide breathed.

Gabriel nodded. “Yes, two. How can you trace your line back so far?”

“Once Maxine Flint led the fall of Echoveria, her children had a pattern put on t’em to prevent t’em from reproducing females. It prohibited t’ line from watering since t’ere were so few children whelped. Our history keepers preserved my line in t’eir books…you can read t’em if you fancy.”

“That’s wonderful,” Cordis breathed.

“Not always. My ancestors were persecuted, and t’eir breeding severely restricted for hundreds of years.”

Gabriel drummed his fingers on the chair.
‘Maxine once said she suspected she had descendants in Tintagaelsing. I wonder if she knows he’s here.’
“You may return to the waiting room.”

“Nine,” Markus said as soon as the door closed.

“I have to agree,” Dagan nodded.

They went around the table, each voicing Class Nine. Gabriel stood with an elated smile and stepped into the waiting room. “Class Four.”

Shaun grinned. “Try again, mate.”

“Class Nine.”

“Nine?” he gasped, looking up at Gabriel’s face. “You’re jestin’.”

“Not this time.”

“By my lady!” He stood and ran his hands through his hair. “How?”

“The death-draw is a Class Nine pattern, and you’re the only Mage we know who can suspend himself in air.”

“Stars above,” he breathed. “T’anks, mate.”

“You earned it. Go celebrate.”

Chapter 23

Demi walked through the catacombs of the library with a glowing ball of Earth in a lantern. It casted blue light on the doors hewn into the stone. Each door was labeled with the contents inside, but none were what he was looking for. Finally, he found a room labeled Maps and shrugged, letting himself in.

There were hundreds of scrolls set in shelves in the small dark room. He sighed as he set the lantern down and picked up a roll of vellum to lay out on a table in the center. Upon unfurling he could see it was not what he wanted. He picked up another, but it was a map of the lands, not the castle.

He wasted hours searching through the maps in the room to find precious few that outlined the castle’s structure, and nothing detailed the vaults or the Lodge. If the Head Mage had Dorian’s skull, Demi suspected it would be close by or locked in a vault.

“Aelony!” Demi suddenly shouted in anger. His voice echoed down the hall and reverberated through the room.

Suddenly, the ghostly image of the specter pulled through the wall. “I am not a man to be summoned.”

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“I am busy with mine own research.”

“Please, I need your help.”

Aelony frowned. “Make it fast.”

“If you were t’ keep your most precious possessions in the castle, where would you do it?”

Aelony grimaced. “Mineself?”

“Or the Head Mage.”

“In the vaults.”

“Yes, but which one?”

The specter sighed. “Explain thineself, so we can get somewhere.”

Demi weighed his options. “I need Dorian Lark’s skull, and the Head Mage has it hidden.”

Aelony shifted back and forth with folded his arms. “There is one place.” Demi leaned forward in anticipation. “The Head Mage’s loft.”

“How do I get in?” Demi breathed.

“Ye cannot. Only the Head Mage can.”

“But
how
?”

“The Head Mage wears something on him that allows only him to pass through the wards. It could be a piece of jewelry or a pattern set in him somewhere. The loft can be accessed from his quarters, but I cannot tell ye where as it is warded against even me.”

Demi’s mind raced. “That makes things difficult.”

“Aye.”

Robyn stood at the prow and watched the ocean spread out before her. It had taken them a week of sailing the Ellonine to make it to the Balfor Delta, and Robyn was already sick of ships. They had stopped several times along the way to moor for the evening, so Robyn could dine with various Lords and Ladies who ruled her cities. It was wonderful to meet new dignitaries and see old faces. With every stop there was more for her address as each city wanted something: schools and teachers, Spirit Mages or healers, permits, better exchange rates, more soldiers. It went on and on.

At least Robyn would have a few weeks of peace in Arconia where she could enjoy herself absent from her kingdom. It had been a few months since she last saw Virgil, and she looked forward to seeing him and viewing his kingdom. She had never been to Arconia though she had seen dozens of paintings, sketches, and read everything there was on the land.

It was rich in soil, formed by ancient volcanoes that gave way to precious jewel mines and lavish agriculture. Some of the best red wines came off the island of Dastan, and while little produce made it off the islands, it was rumored to have the sweetest fruits and healthiest vegetables.

“Unfurl the sails!” the captain shouted from the wheel as he expertly steered them through the sometimes-shallow water of the delta. Robyn carefully made her way back to him. He was a broad man with tanned skin and thirty years of sailing, born on a ship and climbing the rigging at four years old.

“I sure wish we had a Water or an Air Mage,” he said and extended a hand to help her up the narrow steps. “Half the Air Mages fled the ships last autumn even though we doubled their pay.”

“Yes, Captain, I lost many myself.”

“We could shave a day or two off with a good one,” he sighed. “Until then we will have to make due with normal wind.”

“How old-fashioned,” Robyn smiled. He frowned seriously until he saw her grin, then laughed. “I will be below deck if you require me.”

“Will you join me for supper this evening?”

“I certainly would.”

“Enjoy your rest.”

She nodded and slowly meandered to her rooms. A maid constantly trailed her. She waited a few hours to make sure they were out of sight of the coast and instructed her to get her out of her bulky dress. She stepped into leggings, boots, and a tunic. Her maids had at first been horrified to see their Queen out of normal royal garments, but they had gotten used to it as if it was the most normal of things.

“Shall we go alarm the sailors?” Robyn asked as she took her hair down and began to braid it.

The maid smiled. “Only if you permit me to put my leggings on first you’re Grace.”

The days of Classing ran together and all melded into one. Gabriel judged the time of day by the meal breaks they took, but as to the actual day he was uncertain. The Council agreed to break at dusk each day, so they could attend to their other duties. When Gabriel was not Classing, he was making sure the Gaelsins were settling in well and being educated.

Robyn had been absent for what felt like weeks, and he missed her company. As much as he had recovered from the month in the Castrofax, he still leaned on her strength when his was lacking. There were things he had not yet detailed, guilt he harbored, and only through talking with her did he feel his pain release.

“Will you return me to Kilkiny Palace?” Aisling asked as they stepped out of the Classing room, taking his arm. “You are doing a wonderful job in there.” He patted her hand in thanks. “Casimir would be proud to see you have grown so.”

They wound their way to his quarters, and he opened the hinge. Stepping through, they found they were not alone. An elderly couple sat in the sitting room drinking tea with cakes. They dressed in fine dark garments, both with gray hair and pale skin. Both bore twin displeased expressions.

“Aisling, there you are. We have been waiting for hours and hours, dear,” the woman said in a prim voice.

“So nice of you to finally join us,” the man said and raised his teacup. “This must be the new Head Mage. You are young, my boy. Youth is for the foolish.”

Aisling slowly looked at Gabriel with an expression that said to be silent. “Head Mage, let me introduce Lord and Lady Mages Karric and Ambryn Lamay.”

“
Lamay
?” he gasped and looked to them. “Why, Aisling’s parents. How pleased I am to meet you. I have so enjoyed Aisling’s immeasurable wisdom and delightful company.” He rounded the couches to take up Lady Ambryn’s hand to kiss and nodded nobly to Lord Karric.

“I am pleased to hear Aisling is behaving herself,” Ambryn stated as if Aisling was the model of mischievousness. “Would you join us for tea, Head Mage?”

“Oh,” Gabriel looked to Aisling who was doing best to keep her mouth from grinding. “I mustn’t stay.”

“No, no I insist,” Karric said and poured another cup.

“I did not know you were coming,” Aisling said and took a seat. For once she looked anything but the powerful woman and more like a girl in trouble.

“We wanted to surprise you.”

“I am surprised.”

Ambryn turned to Gabriel. “How fairs Castle Jaden? We heard Arch Mages are on the loose. How are you handling things?”

Gabriel picked his cup and saucer up. “We have been bolstering the power behind Jaden to prepare for battle should I fail against the Arch Mages.”

“Do you think you will fail? I understand you control several Elements.”

“I do not plan to fail,” he replied, dropping all contractions from his vocabulary. “And I control five Elements.”

“All five? My, my.”

“Not Air.”

Karric frowned. “Which am I missing, boy?”

“Void, and you will kindly not refer to me as
boy
. I am Head Mage of Jaden.”

“Very well,” the man said with an indifferent shrug. “How is it that a man of this Age can be so powerful?”

Gabriel looked to Aisling. “I come from excellent breeding.”

“Oh, yes, so do we all.” Ambryn raised her cup in agreement of her own statement.

“How long are you staying?” Aisling asked hesitantly.

“A month or two, surely.”

“Sadly, Lady Aisling’s duties are keeping her in Castle Jaden these weeks. I am afraid you will not see much of her for a while.” Gabriel interjected, and Aisling paid him a thankful look. “Are you passing through or returning to your estates?”

“Oh, returning to Balesa Manor up north from Kerig Manor down south.”

“I was unaware you had so many estates.”

“We have two others, and the fifth was given to Aisling. Are you still using it to foster small children, Aisling?” Ambryn asked.

“No, it sits empty.” She said staring forward.

“Oh, well you should give it back, then.”

“Ambryn, let the girl keep it.” Karric said.

“What do you plan on doing while in Anatoly City?” Gabriel asked and watched them over the edge of his teacup as he took a sip.

“Nothing really, not at our age.” Karric replied.

“I understand you are a Spirit Mage, and you Ambryn are a Fire Mage. The City always has use for experienced Mages.”

“We are not fit to light furnaces or mend bruises, Head Mage. We served our dues in our youth when we were foolish,” Karric stated.

“I am sure that was not too long ago.”

“Oh, right you are, Head Mage.” Karric chuckled, “I like this one, Aisling. The last Head Mage was so stuffy.”

“Casimir was a selfless, heartwarming man who gave his life so Gabriel might live,” Aisling cut in defensively. “I will not have a man I loved so dearly be disgraced.”

“And what think you of this Head Mage?” Ambryn asked.

Aisling looked at him fondly. “He is as dear to me as any.”

Gabriel stood. “Thank you for the tea. I wish I could stay longer, but I have duties in Jaden. Lady Aisling, I will come for you after breakfast, so you may want to consider an early bedtime.”

“I certainly will.”

“Lady Ambryn, Lord Karric, the pleasure was mine.” Gabriel bowed and went to the hinge, giving Aisling a boyish expression of escaping something he should stay for. She grinned.

Gabriel walked out into the courtyard in Jaden and wandered his way through the Gaelsin buildings. They spread out through six massive buildings, and he always stopped into the foyers when able. Gaelsins still greeted him with admiration and thanks, and he usually walked out of rooms with more than one cheek kiss from a thankful woman or a backslap from a man.

The energy of the castle, while once tense was light in his chest. Sometimes he forgot about the Arch Mages for a whole day. It had been weeks since he saw an Arch Mage, but that unnerved him. They were planning something that did not require him, which meant someone else was in danger.

After an hour or so, he wound his way back to the Lodge. It was quiet, the foyer empty, but he could hear muffled voices above him in the halls and feel people moving about. He strode into the anteroom and saw Lael laughing with a short strawberry-blonde woman in a rose-colored dress.

Lael stood with an embarrassed look. “Evening, Head Mage.”

“Evening, Lael. Don’t let me keep you,” Gabriel said with a knowing smile. “My sitting room is empty if you would prefer to continue your conversation in private.”

The lovely woman looked to Lael and bit her bottom lip. “Thank you,” Lael smiled.

Gabriel adjourned to his room and sat behind his desk. Lael left a curious letter from a town in Parion that produced dye. It claimed they had been overrun by a cruel dictator and requested urgent assistance. He could deal with that when he had time. There were always requests for Spirit Mages to heal, but unless the afflicted were brought to him, there was little he could do. He did not have the luxury of time to shift around whenever he was needed.

A knock sounded at his door, and he looked up to see Shaun crack it open. “Mind if I bot’er you?”

“No bother, come in, have a seat,” he gestured to a chair. “Pour you a mug of wine?”

“T’is regards Mikelle.”

“Something stronger,” Gabriel nodded and went to a shelf. A false cabinet opened and revealed dozens of slender colored bottles. “Sweet or smoky?”

“Smoky.”

“Here’s a good one.” He pulled out two ivory cups given to him after he took the Seat and poured a dram. “People kept sending me spirits when I swore in, but I haven’t been able to enjoy them.”

“I can help wit’ t’at.” Shaun lifted the delicate cup. “Smells strong.”

“What can I do for you?” Gabriel set the bottle in the middle of his desk and took a seat as Shaun sipped.