Halithe spun on her heel, chains in hand, and marched back to the Guildmaster, her face crumpled, her eyes even redder.
Caris, her face stark and shadowed, watched her go.Then turned and made her way back to her place behind the Queen.
Powers that be, therewassomething there.He tucked that away for future use.
When Halithe reached his side, Forterran didn’t wait for formal dismissal.“Come, apprentice,” he said.“Your majesties, the Guild will be in mourning.It will be some time before I can return to your court.”He ignored the release of tension from the crowd, gave their majesties the barest of nods, and turned to leave.
He’d barely taken a step when the Queen’s voice came from behind him.“We would have discussion,” she said.“A new contract for another mage.”
“Or a portal, perhaps,” Xyrath said hopefully.
Forterran had to bite back his first impulse.Instead, he stopped abruptly, facing the doors, pausing just long enough to cause concern.Then he turned his head slightly to speak over his shoulder.“Of course, your majesty.”
Halithe shifted her weight; about all she could do to express her rage.
Xyrath started to smile.
Forterran dropped his head, filling his voice with anguish and deep regret.“I will speak to the members of my guild and see if any have an interest in entering into a contract with your majesties.But please understand that a strong emotion, such as grief, can interfere with the casting of certain spells.”He shrugged, making sure the movement caused his robes to shift and sparkle.
He drew a deep, dramatic breath, facing the doors once again.“After observing a period of mourning, it might yet take time for them to fully consider the risks and rewards this position affords.”He couldn’t resist casting a parting bolt.“Mind you, a new contract will be expensive.Very expensive.”
With that, he strode out of the throne room.
The way was clear, the halls silent as he passed.The girl followed a step behind, keeping pace, with only the slight rattle of Ritathans’ chains to mark her progress.
His carriage was waiting as they emerged into the courtyard.Forterran suspected that it had not moved from the spot; no one would want him to stand about.
The door was opened for him and he settled in.The girl climbed in behind him and sat facing him, looking like she was about to burst.
Forterran flicked a finger, making sure that none could hear, then released her.“We can’t be heard,” he said.“Vent your wrath.”
“You could have killed them,” Halithe seethed.“They had to have had him killed, you know that.You have enough power to—”
“More than enough, “Forterran said mildly.“Enough to kill them all and level the Palace if I had a mind.”
Halithia startled, sat back, her eyes wide.
“Then stand in the ruins and give an evil laugh,” Forterran said, “surveying my revenge.And what then, eh?”He huffed his impatience.“I am not all-powerful.I can be killed.And what then?What of my Guild?Destroy the slightest level of trust we have built over the years since the Mage Wars?You want me to shatter all that over this?”he gestured at the chains in her lap.
She at least had the sense to drop her glare to her lap.
“You need lessons, chit.Lessons in control and lessons in seeing the larger picture.”Forterran softened his tone.It would do no good for both of them to be angry.“Your rage accomplishes nothing.I do what I must, for my Guildmembers and my own skin.When you rise to my level of power, then you can burn it all to ashes if you wish.Thankfully, I will most likely be dead by then.”
There was that mulish look again.Forterran thanked all the powers that she wasn’t going to be his problem much longer.“Girl, be certain of this choice.Once we leave here, once you enter the Guild Tower, there is no turning back.”
The girl’s gaze rose to bore into him, eyes red and swollen.
“You can still change your mind,” Forterran spoke gently now.“I can remove the bracelet, you can walk back in, beg forgiveness, and talk about how terrifying I was and how you have changed your mind.”He glanced out the carriage window.“No doubt Satia will welcome you back with open arms.”
The chit blinked and he saw that mulish determination return to wash over her face.“I want this.”She clutched the chains in her lap so hard her knuckles turned white.“Queen Kara never gave a damn about my ankles.”
Whatever that meant, he was wise enough not to ask for an explanation.He just rapped on the roof and the carriage started off.
“Very well, then,” Forterran said.“There is little time before we reach the Guildhall.You should know that—”
“I’ll wear chains and be subject to the control of the Guild and whoever holds my key,” Halithe blurted.“I will never have children, never marry, never own property in my own right, and be subject to the rules that govern the Guild.”She drew a breath.“But I will know all the secrets, and wield such power that—”
Forterran shook his head, and rubbed his hand over his face.“Child,” he just said quietly, which was enough to make her cut off her tirade.
