“When do you plan to do this?” Neph asked still skeptical.
“As soon as the curse on Goswin is lifted,” Jala answered softly. “When we go to Goswin, you will leave for Seravae if you agree to help.”
“I can’t believe you are sending me instead of Jail for this,” Neph said, shaking his head slightly. “I am scarcely a diplomat, Jala,” he objected mildly.
“I trust you, Neph,” Jala said bluntly and searched his face for some sign of his answer.
Neph let out his breath in a heavy sigh and rubbed his face. “I don’t like this. I know a few of the laws from Seravae. Wives are property there, Jala. If it was anyone but Ash, I would be trying to shake some sense into you right now.” Neph stared at Ash for a long moment and sighed again. “He has shown honor, though, so I will do as you ask. I’m not responsible for anyone I might kill while playing ambassador, though. If they annoy me, I will get rid of them,” he warned her.
“Speaking of killing. That was Death magic you used earlier wasn’t it,” Jala said with a faint smile.
Neph nodded slowly and his frown deepened. “I don’t think I would admit that to anyone else. Death magic is forbidden in every land and simply having the knowledge of those spells is enough reason for execution in places,” Neph said cautiously.
“I always wondered why you kept your room so dark when you read and now I finally understand. If anyone actually does manage to scry on you they can’t read what you are studying between the darkness and the glow from the light runes you have on your walls,” Jala said and nodded slowly. “Clever, Neph, and you know I won’t tell anyone. I do however expect you to teach me.”
Neph shook his head at her slowly and smiled. “You don’t want much do you, Jala? Ambassador and teacher of forbidden arts,” he grumbled.
“And that is just the beginning, Neph,” Jala promised him with a bitter smile as she stood from the table. “Thank you for agreeing to help,” Jala added and nodded to Emily then Ash. “I’m going to go spend time with my son now. I think my time for simply relaxing is coming swiftly to an end and I want as much time with Legacy as I can manage,” she said as she crossed the room and slowly opened the door.
“Jala,” Neph called before she could step through the door. Turning she looked back at him with a raised eyebrow. “Are you planning to tell Valor what you are going to do?” he asked softly.
“I am. I’m simply trying to figure out how to do it,” Jala assured him. She knew quite well how much Valor despised Seravae and had absolutely no idea how to tell him her plans. The fact that she was keeping the secret from him was bad enough, but the thought of telling him the truth was even worse. It was a topic she would have to broach very soon, but not today.
Chapter 17
Goswin
Snow covered the landscape in a pristine white blanket for as far as she could see. Jala turned slowly in a full circle, looking over the tree covered hills with a sense of wonder. Not even animal tracks disrupted the perfect beauty. It was completely untouched aside from the small patch of ground her group stood upon. “It’s beautiful,” she said softly.
“And cold,” Sovann added as he watched his breath fog in the air. “I prefer our lands by far.” The mage rubbed his hands together briskly and then tucked them under his arms as he studied the area. It had been his magic that had brought them here, despite his reservations about the fluxes in the magic.
“Should we inform Anthe that we are here?” Valor asked quietly. He stood to her left, fully clad in the shining armor he had been working on for days. Jala watched him for a moment, her eyes lingering on the engraved Bendazzi that stood proudly on the dark purple breastplate. The colors of Merro suited him well and he was an impressive sight.
“I believe she knows we are here,” Jala replied and turned her attention to the large trees that marked the beginning of the Tolanteer forest. There was no sign of movement there yet, but her gut instincts told her the witches of the forest knew what was happening.
“Anthe the Seer,” Madren reminded them all. “There is nothing that happens that she doesn’t have foreknowledge of.”
Jala nodded her agreement and shifted her staff to rest in the crook of her arm as she let out a long slow breath. “It might be best if you all stand back from me. I’m not sure exactly how this is going to go,” she advised as she pulled her gloves free. The chill winter air bit at her bare skin, but she ignored it. She heard the sound of footsteps as Sovann and Madren retreated to a safer distance, then looked to Valor who hadn’t moved an inch.
“I’m fine where I am,” Valor informed her as he caught her glance.
“The magic, though, Valor. I’m going to be channeling a lot of it and I’m not sure if it’s safe beside me,” Jala pressed her voice filled with concern.
“And I’m fine where I am,” Valor repeated, folding his arms across his chest and staring down at her stubbornly.
Letting out a sigh, Jala shook her head and wrapped her hand firmly around her staff. Neph and Sovann had both spent the past two days filling the Barllen inside the staff with as much magic as it could hold. That, combined with the mana stones Madren had crafted, should be more than enough magic to accomplish what she needed to do. “I’m nervous,” she admitted softly, her voice just loud enough for Valor to hear.
“I know. That’s why I’m right here,” Valor whispered back and gave her a reassuring wink.