Casket of Souls

sighting, find Klia anywhere, anytime. It was a privilege he was careful not to abuse. Holding the handkerchief between his palms, he invoked the window spell, opening a portal between them over the long miles that allowed them to see and speak to each other.
    Nothing in her brief message had prepared him for the state he found her in. A blanket was pulled up to her chest, but her shirt was off, leaving her in only her breast band, bare arms on top of the blanket. Even in candlelight he could see how pale she was, and the bandages on her hands and arms; defensive wounds. Her padded glove was off, and her maimed hand rested on her chest, a reminder of the poisoned needle that had nearly cost her not only her hand but her life. No scar, though, no matter how severe, could ever make her less beautiful in his eyes.
    “By the Light, Klia, what’s happened?” he exclaimed softly.
    She managed a wan smile. “Two days of fighting without a scratch, then tonight assassins attacked me in my own bed.”
    “But how?”
    She waved the question aside with obvious weariness. “I don’t have the energy to talk for long. They were Plenimarans, and came after me with poisoned knives. The drysian and Myrhini saved me.”
    “You look ill.”
    “I am, but it’s passing.”
    “What can I do?”
    Klia closed her eyes for a moment and licked her dry lips. “Not a thing, except to bear witness, I suppose. I just—I just wanted you to know. Silly, I suppose, but …”
    Her words sped his already pounding heart. There were so many things he wanted to say to her, but as usual the words jammed somewhere in the region of his heart. All he managed was, “I’m so glad you told me. I wish there was something more I could do for you. I could come there.”
    “No, my friend, that’s not necessary, and might raise a few too many questions, since you’ve no business here.” She paused and shook her head slightly. “I wish you could, though.”
    Every fiber of the wizard’s being ached to brush aside her warning and cast the translocation that would take him to her side.
    “I want you to take word of this to Korathan, and tell him I’m fine.”
    “Fine? All those bandages—”
    “Minor wounds, Thero. It was dark when they attacked and I didn’t make it easy for them.”
    “How many?”
    “Four. They killed themselves with poison when they failed. We were unable to question any of them.”
    “And you’re certain they were Plenimarans?”
    “They were in uniform.” She let out a small laugh. “And who else would want me dead?”
    I can think of a few
. But he held his tongue. A Plenimaran attack was really not that surprising, and those were certainly recognizable tactics.
    Klia gave him the details of the latest battle and the attack, but soon it was obvious that the effort was taxing what strength she had.
    “Rest well, and call on me whenever you need,” he said.
    Her smile was warm this time. “You know I will, my friend. Don’t let Korathan worry too much, please.”
    “I’ll do my best, Highness.”
    “Good.” With that she closed her eyes. After a moment of gazing at that beloved face, he broke off the spell.
* * *
    Thero entered Prince Korathan’s palace room just after dawn. The prince was dressed and seated by the hearth, stroking the ears of one of his hunting dogs.
    “I have news, Highness,” Thero told him. “Klia was attacked last night.”
    “Attacked?” Korathan stared at him in alarm. “Sakor’s Fire, is she all right?”
    “Yes. There was poison involved, but her drysian saved her.”
    “Thank the Sailor. But how do you know this?”
    Thero explained the night’s events as succinctly as he could.
    “They sound more like professional assassins,” Korathan remarked when he was finished.
    “Yes, but they might have been soldiers, as well. Klia said they were in uniform.”
    “I suppose so. Have you told Seregil and Alec?”
    “No, I came straight to you.”
    “Good. I think it would be better if we kept this to ourselves for now. Klia is a popular commander and given the mood of the city, this kind of bad news isn’t needed.”
    “But Seregil wouldn’t—”
    “There’s nothing they can do about it, Thero. I’m not asking.”
    Thero bowed low. “Of course, Highness. I will say nothing.”
    “Good. She can tell the story herself when she comes home. And Thero?”
    “Highness?”
    “How did you happen to be talking to my sister?”
    “She gave me a talisman, Highness, so