The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume II

her fears lest he read those as well.
    She didn’t deserve to keep him to herself. All of Coronnan needed him and the new magic the dragons gave him. He must fight the coming battle. She hoped desperately that she had the strength to save him afterward.
    “I could read your mind,” Karry snorted, repressing a laugh. “You’d think you two were youngsters just discovering the delights of Festival.” She handed Myri a nose-gay of wildflowers. Nimbulan settled a crown of similar posies on her head. He dropped a quick kiss on her lips, a brief promise of more to come.
    “In a way, Karry, we are experiencing our first Festival. Our first Festival together.” Nimbulan offered Myri his arm.
    She clung to him.
    “Save the sentiments for the priest who marries you for all time. He’s the one you have to convince that you want to stay together beyond the first few tumbles in bed.” Karry moved to the doorway, opening it to the morning sunshine. “Remember, this common law ceremony lasts only a year.”
    “Its good enough for most people in Coronnan who only see a priest once a year,” Nimbulan replied. “I never considered before what villagers do for religious sacraments or for healing. We must take magic away from the battlefield and bring it back to the people.”
    “You’ll have a lot of hard work ahead of you, then,” Karry snorted. “Not much trust of trained magicians. We like our witchwomen better. They belong to us, not to some lord. Granny Katia told of a time when we had a priest. This village was important because of the triple Equinox Pylon. But the wars came, and the lords took our priest to serve their armies ’cause he was a magician of sorts.”
    “That must change. Magicians must belong to all people of Coronnan, not just the lords. But we have to start the changes with the lords and end this endless civil war. We’ll leave with the children for Lord Quinnault’s keep right after the ceremony. He has a priest in residence.” He led Myri toward the Equinox Pylon where the entire village, including Powwell and Kalen, waited. Amaranth scampered to join them.
    A huge black cloud covered the sun, plunging them all into shadow. Cold darkness descended on the bright morning. Myri shivered at the terrible omen.

Chapter 32
     
    “M y Lord Quinnault, I demand justice for the loss of my daughter. These islands fall under your authority. Only you can give me justice.” Stuuvart stalked the length of the Great Hall, speaking in tones that demanded attention.
    Ackerly hurried in his steward’s wake, anxious that his side of the story be heard. He surveyed the hall carefully as he stretched his short legs to keep up with Stuuvart. The lord, his steward, three servants, and five dogs populated the largest room in the keep. The numerous retainers and tenants must be out plowing and planting in the early spring sunshine. He could tell what he knew and hope it wouldn’t pass to the general populace.
    Ackerly made a mental note to remind the lord how much the presence of the School for Magicians added to his prestige and held together his mutual defense pact. The two lords who had recently signed Quinnault’s treaty did so only because Ackerly had agreed to add his magicians to any defensive action needed. He was still looking for a way to make the lords pay him for those services, but Quinnault had reminded him that the school was housed on one of his islands rent free.
    Quinnault de Tanos looked up from the parchments he studied with his own steward. The lines around his pale eyes creased with concern. His long, thin face seemed longer yet as he massaged his chin with his left hand. No trace of his pale, blond beard shadowed his face.
    “One of my students ran away from my steward, Lord Quinnault, more than two weeks ago,” Ackerly explained to his landlord. He wouldn’t call her Stuuvart’s daughter. “She was willful and unruly and hated her lessons. Only now does Stuuvart seriously look for her, now when he wants more money from me. Money I do not have to give him. What is of greater concern to us all is Lord Kammeryl d’Astrismos. He has declared himself king and marches his army north to confront any who challenge him. Rumor places Moncriith, the Bloodmage, within his ranks.” Ackerly bowed his head in a gesture of humility. Anything to keep Quinnault de Tanos from worrying about that blasted child.
    If he’d been able to train Kalen properly, she’d be worth at least a gold piece