Sleep came easily, with dreams of power dancing under his eyelids.
He woke brightand eager, throwing back the blankets in anticipation.
He washed swiftly.Witless brought new clothes, better quality then the last.Witless also brought a breakfast tray and Riven ate with relish.
The door opened and Nora appeared, no box in her hands.
“No scroll?”Riven asked, disappointed.
“The Queen wishes to speak with you,” Nora said.“Come.”
There was nowall of skirts this time.Riven strode through the doors of the Queen’s chambers confidently, to find her in the same position as the last time, and looking just as pale.
He advanced, going to one knee and bowing his head.
“Rise, Mage Riven.”The Queen said.“What did you think of—”
“Majesty, the scroll, the spell is amazing.”Riven rose to his feet.“Who created it?”
Satia seemed pleased.“That information is lost, I am afraid.It is an heirloom of my family.”Her expression grew bitter.“All that is left, I fear.”Her forehead cleared.“I am glad you see its value.Can you cast this spell?”
“The costs, the…components,” Rivan said.“A complicated undertaking, Your Majesty.But the mastery is required is well within my skill.”
“You shall have a position in my court,” Satia purred.“Royal patronage and protection, if you can meet the deadlines and successfully cast this spell.”She stroked her belly.
“My freedom,” Riven asked, “to practice my arts?”
“As you have seen, there is more to the scroll,” The Queen said.“It would be mutually beneficial to each of us to support the other.”
“Majesty, the casting will be expensive,” he warned.“I will need materials for practice, and room to prepare.The matrix alone—”
“Matrix?”she asked.
“The spell pattern.”he supplied.
“Ah,” she shifted on the lounge with a grimace.“You will have them.”
“And the children?”
“They will be acquired,” she said.“Purchased, perhaps, or by other means.”
“If I might suggest,” Riven said.“Sponsor an orphanage?The war will have created a need, and it will not attract attention.”
“A good thought,” she murmured, giving him an approving look.“I presume you will also require sources of power?”
He met her eyes and there was no flinch there.She knew what the requirements were.
“I can gather strength from the butchering of animals, to start.”he said slowly.“A slower process, but safer.A Chained Mage might detect my efforts otherwise.”
“Yes,” The Queen plucked a thread on her sleeve.“Well, it might be some time before we can enter into another contract with the Guild.”She lifted her head.“Tomorrow we will move you to a suite of rooms in the North Tower.There should be space enough for the workroom.Continue your studies and make your lists.”Her mouth narrowed.“It will take time, but we will find the funds.This must be done.”
Clearly dismissed, Riven bowed and retreated to the door, Nora by his side.He smiled with relief to see the scroll box in her hands and followed her back to his chamber.
Witless had made the bed and was setting out fresh candles.Ink and a pen rested beside a stack of paper on the desk.Riven settled in as Nora handed him the scroll.
“Kavage?”Witless asked, baby doll cradled in the crook of his arm.
“Yes, please,” Riven said.Nora settled in the other chair, taking out a knife and a whet stone.Witless lumbered out, repeating the word “kavage” under his breath.
