The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume II

Fire, and Water to wrap around his spell without being warped or changed by the spell. Wooden staffs shaped themselves to an individual magician. Glass would remain impervious and accessible to many not just the one.
    Yes. The focus must be made of glass. The most precious and rarest substance in all of Kardia Hodos.
    “Droughts follow nine-year cycles on this planet,” Maarie Kaathliin offered. She moved forward, too, back under Quinnault’s arm, as if she needed contact with him to maintain life itself. “The wall must last at least another six or seven years to prevent war until the climate shifts again.”
    “Could your father build us a physical wall to block the passes?” Quinnault asked Maarie Kaathliin.
    “Not in time. The jetties, bridges, and docks at the islands will use up most of our resources. I’ve just signaled him that he may depart as soon as he is finished. Your part of the bargain is complete, love.” She held up the little black box.
    Yaala tried to grab it from her for examination. The queen pointedly tossed the box into the hearth fire. Flames engulfed it, glowing hot red and yellow around the black. A strange smell permeated the smoke.
    Nimbulan wrinkled his nose. No one else seemed to notice the smell. But Yaala stared at the hearth as if she could will the device back into her own hands, intact and working.
    “The islands?” Nimbulan returned to the subject at hand. “You’ve made all four of the islands into a port? Already?” Nimbulan’s heart sank. Now he couldn’t appropriate one of the islands as a home for himself and Myri. “Do you really need all four islands?”
    “Yes,” Maarie Kaathliin said. She continued speaking, dismissing the question. “Kinnsell needs to get back home with the Tambootie as soon as possible. He can’t spare any more time than it takes to complete the port. Besides, a physical wall would hamper peaceful trade. I presume you plan on establishing this ‘wall’ or force field or whatever to have gates and such?”
    “We’ll have to post magicians at each known road and trade route to do that.” Nimbulan forced his disappointment to the back of his mind. He had to tackle one problem at a time. “We don’t have enough magicians at the moment to cover every known road into Coronnan, even if you count all the apprentices and journeymen. Presuming we can get the wall up.” Nimbulan held his hands up, palm outward, fingers slightly curled. The habitual gesture for weaving magic wasn’t enough anymore. As he paced, he looped one arm through Myri’s and drew her to his side. Together, they paced. Together, they discussed and defined the necessary elements of the massive spell. Together, their minds worked and built upon each new idea.
    He couldn’t exile her again. He needed her close by. All of the time.
    “We have to use the years of the drought cycle to grow as much surplus as we can to help feed Kardia Hodos,” Quinnault mused as he joined them in their pacing, bringing his bride with him.
    “Don’t forget a way to store reserves for our own drought which will probably follow,” the queen added.
    “We should sell food at minimum tariff and profit to keep our neighbors from becoming desperate,” Nimbulan said.
    “Hopefully when they recover from drought and we fall prey to the weather, they will be willing to help us in turn,” Quinnault finished the thought. “I’ll need strong trade treaties. We’ll all meet with the ambassadors first thing in the morning.”
    “Overseeing the production of all those extra acres will also give your lords an occupation so they don’t have time or inclination to plot another civil war, or assassination.” Scarface chuckled.
    “Aaddler,” Nimbulan addressed his new friend. “This is a matter for the Commune, using communal magic. Solitary magicians must be excluded. It is more than the law. It is the only way we can enforce the peaceful use of magic for the benefit of all. You have proved yourself a valuable ally. But I must have your oath to the Commune, Coronnan, and King Quinnault before you involve yourself any further.” He couldn’t look at Myri. His statement effectively sent her in exile once more. She dropped his arm as if his touch burned her.
    Slowly he turned to face her, one hand resting on her shoulder, the other caressing the baby in her arms. “And when the spell is complete, I will resign my place in the Commune and join you in your clearing. We won’t be separated