The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume I: Volume I

down at the bathing pool, splashing in youthful abandon.
    “How do you feel?” Concern touched Jaylor’s brow as he ran his hands over her body.
    “Very well. Remarkably well. I think I could climb the mountain today.” She couldn’t help smiling. Her body and her mind were throbbing with vibrant health.
    “You mustn’t overdo until we know for sure you are truly recovered. It has only been a fortnight. I’d be less concerned if we were nearer the University. Surely among all those magicians there will be one who could help you in another crisis. I’ll not trust Krej again, especially with your life.” He pulled her tightly against his body, reminding them both of how close they had come to being permanently separated by death.
    Brevelan shuddered in premonition. “Then perhaps we should go to Coronnan City.”
    “The journey is too long. A week or more of fast walking, if there are no delays. It will be too hard on you.” His hands lingered on her as if he needed constant touch to reassure himself of her well-being.
    “But I feel like running and jumping, working and playing with boundless joy. At the very least, I am going to clean the flusterhen coop today.”
    Jaylor lay his head back and roared his laughter. “You did that yesterday—while you were supposed to be still abed, recovering.”
    “Yaakke could send us to Coronnan City.” They both sobered at that thought.
    “ ’Tis too chancy.” Jaylor shook his head and clung to her, lest she try the journey on her own.
    “He did it twice that night without undue fatigue.”
    “I think I need to chat with the boy. He stretches himself too far, too fast. One day his magic will backlash on him.”
    “Lord Krej was ready to pay dearly for the secret of the spell. I felt him seeking a way to force you to tell him,” Brevelan said. She ran her fingers through Jaylor’s auburn curls. Today his mind was clear and strong; no trace of Krej’s malevolence tainted his thoughts. And his heart beat in a regular rhythm without any trace of damage or blockage.
    The image of Krej’s magic dissolving the blockages had been real. Jaylor was now healed.
    “If Krej finds out that Yaakke threw that spell, he’ll risk anything for access to the boy.” Jaylor denied her suggestion once more.
    “My father has beguiled the Council into believing he has only the best interests of Coronnan at heart. Perhaps Yaakke could serve as bait for a trap. If the lords saw how desperate Krej is to further his own ends, his magic would be exposed, but not by you.”
    “Yaakke is too vulnerable. His sense of morality is too unformed. I’d rather not risk him.”
    “I’ll not have you risk yourself.”
    “Don’t worry, love. I know Krej. He’ll never be able to corrupt me.”
    A cloud drifted across the sun. Brevelan felt the chill of darkness encroach on her soul.
     
    Rosie listened to Janataea’s quiet, even breathing. She could count on her governess being asleep for at least another hour. When Janataea awoke in time to dress for dinner, she would have a headache. Blame for her ailment would fall on Rosie, followed by suitable punishment. Usually several hours locked in the wardrobe after dinner. The routine had been followed nearly every day since their arrival in Coronnan.
    At least dinner would be a quiet affair. Prince Darville had refused to see Rosie since that awful night when his cat attacked her. There was no doubt in Rosie’s mind that the evil beast had been trying to kill her. His Grace had sent a message that he would be reviewing his troops in the field. Most likely that was an excuse to avoid another embarrassing meeting with her.
    She couldn’t use an appointment with the prince as an excuse to avoid Janataea’s increasingly foul moods. Rosie didn’t ride and she wouldn’t read, though she’d been taught the rudiments. She was running out of places to be that were outside the suite when Janataea awoke.
    “Tell my governess that I am invited to share a glass of wine with Senior Magician Baamin.” Rosie dismissed the tiring woman with a wave of her hand.
    Though it was true the old magician had invited her to visit him anytime, he had not specifically asked her to come today. Janataea approved of Rosie meeting Baamin. She had been instructed to kill the Senior Magician, Chancellor of the University, and adviser to the crown. Rosie doubted she would bother following those orders.
    Sometimes, when the pain was too much for the beta’arack