He began to pace, his eyes lighting up as he spoke. “So, for example, if we followed a lead to a child in, say, Beroges who has recently started acting strangely or performing uncharacteristic magic, and we determined that the goddess Neave was awakening in the child’s body, we would be able to transfer the essence of Neave into a less vulnerable body. A burly soldier, or a trusted council member.”
“And if this works,” said Talan, “we could conceivably keep transferring Neave from body to body as she grows in strength?”
Gareth snapped his fingers. “Exactly. Making it harder for Kilraith or any of his allies to track her.”
“Professor, what you’re saying is extraordinary,” said General Pallien. “How is such a procedurepossible?”
Gareth opened his mouth, then shut it and ran a hand sheepishly through his hair. “Well, through an extremely complex series of spells conducted by a highly controlled team of Anointed magicians drawing upon an incredible power source, something even stronger than their combined magic. We haven’t yet settled upon what that power source shouldbe, exactly,” he added reluctantly. “But the theory is sound.” Then he glanced at Gemma with an apology in his eyes. “We would need an artificer to do the actual surgical work—”
Gemma went pale at the mention of an artificer—the same kind of being who had altered her body at our parents’ command.
General Haldrin let out an incredulous laugh.
Even General Pallien looked shocked. “Anartificer, Professor? You wish to bring an Olden being into a process as sensitive as this?”
“They’d sabotage the entire operation!” the impatient advisor blurted out.
“Not every Olden being is a bloodthirsty murderer,” Gareth said, “as all of you know quite well. Their societies are as varied as ours.”
He looked to me for confirmation. Reluctantly I nodded. “While that’s true,” I said, “we would have to rigorously investigate any artificer who offered their services, which would take time.”
“And which my teams are fully prepared to do.”
“Andwhich I hope the entire council would fully support,” added Gemma, “since keeping the gods safe from Kilraith is instrumental to winning this war.”
Gareth shot her a grateful smile, which she returned. Talan took her hand, and she grasped it tightly while staring coolly at the generals, as if daring them to say another word.
“Once we have all the necessary personnel,” Gareth continued, “the procedure itself is quite like a dance, although of course the entire operation is rooted in magical mechanics. If your goal, for example, is to transfer Caiathos from one body into another, those who possess magic of the earth would take the lead and be placed physically near each of the hosts. So, elementals, wayfarers—”
He stopped, catching sight of Farrin, who was giving him a wry look.
“But perhaps now is not the time to delve into the specifics,” he said. “Though I’m happy to do so for anyone who might want to keep me company for a few hours after we adjourn.”
He said this with the slightest plaintive hint in his voice, as if he dearly hoped someone would share his fascination and take him up on his offer. His enthusiasm was contagious, and there was no trace of sly roguishness on his face when he spoke of his work.
I couldn’t help it.
I very nearly smiled.
Nearly.
“Wait a moment,” said General Haldrin, rising to his feet with authority. “Before we send anybody anywhere, I must mention the thing that apparently no one else has the courage to speak of.” His gaze landed squarely on Gareth. “Can Professor Fontaine be trusted with this work?”
Gareth’s face fell. It was as stark a change as a cloud passing over the sun.
“Your complaints about Professor Fontaine have already been lodged, General,” said Thirsk quietly, “and duly noted.”
“Yes, but now you’re talking about sending the man and his team of mad librarians to the Middlemist. ToRosewarren, for gods’ sake—to the heart of the Order. How are we to be certain thatheisn’t an anchor of theytheliad?” He looked around at everyone in disbelief. “Have any of you actually read the report of what happened in that wretched city? What Kilraith did to the people he held captive there? WhatProfessor Fontainedid as well?”
Farrin watched the general through narrowed eyes. “Gareth has been thoroughly examined by multiple healers and by every member of the royal councils, General, including yourself. He has been deemed healthy, of sound mind, and free of all Olden influence.”
“Nevertheless, the fact remains that Professor Fontaine was a tool of Kilraith and Jaetris while in Mhorghast. He has firsthand knowledge of theytheliadanchors that none of us possess, with the exception of the demon.”
“His name is Talan, General,” said Gemma, her eyes flashing.
“And if you refuse to properly address him,” Ryder added, “you will no longer be welcome in these meetings.”
General Haldrin gestured incredulously at the advisors. “Thirsk, are you hearing this? This man has no authority here.”
