Kulgan snorted at this, and Katala said, “If I did, these two would hardly get a mouthful.”
Gardan moved with alacrity, despite his discomfort, saying, “I don’t have to be warned more than once.” He sat down and immediately one of the servants began filling his platter.
Dinner proceeded pleasantly, with talk of small things. As if the terrors of the day had vanished with the night, all mention of the grim events that had brought Gardan, Dominic, and Kasumi to Stardock were ignored. Nothing about Arutha’s quest, the threat of Murmandamus, or the portent of the abbey was said. For a short time no discord existed. For a brief hour, the world was a pleasant place with old friends, and new guests, enjoying one another’s company.
Then William was making his good-nights. Dominic was struck by the resemblance between boy and mother, though his manner of moving and speaking was in open imitation of his father. Fantus had been fed from William’s plate and padded out of the room behind him.
“I still can hardly credit my senses where that drake is concerned,” said Dominic after they had left.
“He’s been Kulgan’s pet as long as I can remember,” said Gardan.
Kulgan, who was lighting a pipe, said, “Ha! No longer. That boy and Fantus have been inseparable since the day they met.”
Katala said, “There is something beyond the ordinary with those two. At times I think they understand each other.”
Dominic said, “Lady Katala, there is little about this place which is not beyond the ordinary. This gathering together of magicians, this construction, this is all extraordinary.”
Pug rose and led the others to the chairs near the fire. “But understand that upon Kelewan, when I studied at the Assembly, what you see aborning here was ancient and established. The brotherhood of magicians was an accepted fact, as was the common sharing of knowledge.”
Kulgan puffed contentedly upon his pipe. “Which is as it should be.”
Pug said, “We can discuss the rise of the academy at Stardock tomorrow, when I can show you our community. I’ll read the messages from Arutha and the Abbot tonight. I know all that led up to Arutha’s leaving Krondor, Gardan. What occurred between there and Sarth?”
The captain, who had been feeling drowsy, forced himself alert and quickly told of the events from Krondor to Sarth. Brother Dominic remained silent, since the captain forgot nothing of significance. Then it was the monk’s turn, as he explained what he knew of the attack upon the abbey. When he had finished, Pug and Kulgan asked several questions but withheld comment.
Pug said, “The news you carry is cause for the deepest concern. Still, the hour is late, and I think there are others upon this island who should be consulted. I suggest we show these tired and sore gentlemen to their rooms and begin discussions in earnest tomorrow.”
Gardan, who could feel a yawn beginning, stifled it and nodded. Kasumi, Brother Dominic, and the captain were escorted from the room by Kulgan, who bade the others good night.
Pug left the fireside and crossed to a window, where he stood watching the little moon’s light reflecting off the water as it peeked through the cloud cover. Katala came up behind her husband and her arms went around his waist.
“You are troubled by this news, husband.” It was a statement, not a question.
As always, you know my mind.” He turned within the circle of her arms and drew her closer, smelling the sweetness of her hair as he kissed her cheek. “I had hoped we would live out our lives with the building of this academy and the raising of children our only concerns.”
She smiled up at him, dark eyes mirroring the unending love she felt for her man. “Among the Thuril we have a saying: “Life is problems. Living is solving problems.”” He smiled at this. She said, “Still, it is true. What do you think of the news Kasumi and the others brought? ”
“I do not know.” He stroked her brown hair. “Lately I have felt a growing gnawing feeling inside. I have thought it simply worry over the progress we make here in building the academy, but it is more than that. My nights have been filled with dreams.”
“I know, Pug. I have seen you struggle in your sleep. You have yet to speak to me of them.”
He looked at her. “I had no wish to trouble you, love. I thought them mere ghosts of memories from the times of trouble. But now I . . . I am not sure. One returns with frequency, coming more often lately. A voice in a dark place cries out to me. It seeks my aid, begs for help.”