“You’ve seen Shadow magic before,” the Arkon said, voice flat.
Kaylin frowned. “Yes.”
“Was it similar?”
“No.”
“The differences?”
“The first time I saw what I’d identify as Shadow magic, therewasa sigil. It was composed of black smoke with a little too much solidity, but it was a sigil.”
“You do not consider the sigil or signature of most magic innately intelligent.”
“No.”
“You consider Shadow to be innately intelligent.”
She nodded, still thinking, still frowning.
“What is the difference?”
“I’ve seen elementals summoned. The small ones are the ones that light candles. Summoning elementals doesn’t leave signatures the way Arcane bombs do. The fireisthe magic, but it’s also fire. The same is true of the water or the air; I assume it’s true of the earth, as well.”
The Arkon nodded.
“This...is more like that. The first time I saw Shadow used for magic, therewasa signature. I’m not sure I understand why the two are different. I can sense when someone is summoning elements; I can feel itasmagic.” Her hesitation was still thoughtful. “But mages who create Arcane bombs can also summon. Well, some of them. I don’t really understand how magic works.”
“Not even the Arcanists understand all the ways in which magic does—or does not—work. You are certain of the presence of Shadow?”
Kaylin nodded.
To Bellusdeo, the Arkon said, “Did you see the room after the explosion?” He tactfully did not mention that she had pretty much been blown into the wall opposite the infirmary door, and she didn’t mention it, either. “Did you notice the Shadow?”
“No. Did the Imperial mages?”
“The Imperial mages are notably tardy when delivering anything other than verbal reports.”
“Meaning no?”
“Meaning I do not know yet.” He exhaled a puff of smoke.
“Can I ask a question?” Kaylin asked, before Bellusdeo could speak again.
“Demonstrably.” The Arkon waited.
Kaylin fumbled with words in the silence, trying to put smart sentences together. She didn’t have many in place when Bellusdeo snorted. “She is wondering if theIllumen praevolo’s magic is of the Shadow.”
* * *
The Arkon did not immediately become orange-eyed, although there was a faint, almost copper cast to his eyes. His inner membranes rose. “Why would you ask that question?”
Kaylin hadn’t, but felt no need to point this out; it never got her anywhere where the Arkon was concerned. “The story of thepraevolo, and the presence of Shadow magic—with the assassins the first time, and with the mortal agent the second time... Aerians apparently require a world that has strong magic if their wings aren’t meant for anything other than decoration. The story is that thepraevolowas somehow created or born at a time of great need, and he led his people across the endless space between worlds.”
“I am aware of the variants ofpraevolomyths and legends.”
“I don’t know a lot about the death of whole worlds.”
“You know more than most, and I include mortal scholars among that number.”
