The Aduro (Guardians of the Temple, Vol. 1)

By Fran LaPlaca

I pledge myself to the World.

I will hold no title, and claim no lands.

No man may command me, save my Master.

My Power will not be used for profit.

I will answer a true need without hesitation.

So a Mage vows. But not all Mages. For not long ago the land of Penmar was under the tyranny of Baron-Mage rule, and the dark echoes of those days still sends shadows into the land. Tamarind Bell carries the scars of those shadows, and has sworn to fight the darkness with all the magic at her command. But when an ancient amulet of immense power is discovered, she may find the price to pay to keep light in the World is more than she has to offer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fran LaPlaca
• Release date: Feb 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301411849

Fran LaPlaca

Fran LaPlaca is the author of the Keeper of the Way series, including Blade of Lightning and Keeper of Fire. Non-series novels include The Aduro and To Serve the High King. Short stories have appeared in the DAW anthologies Better Off Undead and Something Magic This Way Comes, and also in the original Warrior and Wisewoman and the Realms of Wonder anthology, Fantastic Companions.When not writing, she enjoys reading manga, wishing she could draw, and trying to find ways to disguise onions and mushrooms so that her children will eat them unknowingly. (Edited to add: The onions and mushrooms thing isn't working out so well.)You can find more information and a complete list of titles available at http://www.franlaplaca.com, as well as a really nice picture of a llama.

Book preview

Prologue

The old Mage sat at the worn wooden desk, his robe wrapped tightly against the chill. His pen scratched against the parchment, the only sound heard besides the howl of the great northern winds. The room was large, the enormous forge at the far end near to stone cold for the first time in many years.

An amulet sat on a plain bench next to him. Flickering candlelight caught one or another of the many jewels set into the hilt, and sent a flash of color through the room. The plain, milky white stone sat alone, nestled within the folds of a blue silk cloth.

"Tomorrow I will set the stone, and my life’s work will be done.

I sit here this night in my workshop, and I cannot take my eyes off of the beauty I have created. Oh, not the gems or the flash of gold, nor even the edge of the blade, though it could well be the finest sword ever forged.

It is the magic.

I have practiced my craft for over sixty years, and have never seen a power signature so glorious. The magic rises off in a cascade of rainbows, and fills the workshop with song.

I say that I have created this amulet, but I have not, not alone. It has been the final work of more than just I. Anya, my wife of more than thirty years. Willem, my liege, in the ground these past two years. May you rest in peace, milord.

And Sirla, my last apprentice. It was he who put out the fire in the forge last night. There is nothing more for us to do here, he told me, with tears running down his face, and he is right. We shall not light the forge again.

When I place it into the setting and cast the final spell, the amulet will be complete.

The Aduro, the Sword of Light.

With it, we shall take back the World."

Chapter 1

Nine Hundred Years Later

It took little of Tamarind's magery to detect the intrusion. The feel of the magic grew, and she stood carefully, her eyes searching, her hands clenched slightly as she gathered power.

Her gaze was drawn to the oak tree on the other side of the small garden, and she stood quite still. A faint shimmer began to appear, and she recognized the power signature.

With a small gesture she gently tossed an Enclosure around the coalescing Mage. Sweeping up her cloak and fastening it around her shoulders, she strode over and planted her feet on the ground in front of the old tree. If Kastin would visit without letting her know first, he would find himself Bound quite tightly with force lines, and facing a fully armed and fore-warned Guardian.

Tamarind lifted her eyebrows.

Rule number one: Always be sure of your welcome.

Kastin tried to speak past the Enclosure. She was sure she actually heard a squeak of some kind, and she nodded in appreciation. Tamarind circled him, hands on her hips, and continued her lecture.

Rule number two: Be prepared for anything. She thought she saw a finger twitch, and she completed her circle, grinning openly at the old man. Rule number three: Always Call first.

She gestured a second time and the invisible bonds dropped away. The old man shook his head and pulled her into an embrace. She leaned back to smile up into his lined face and Kastin kissed her cheek lightly.

Tamarind, I bring an offer.

Leave your offer at the door, Kastin. I'm not coming back. But once again, and she inclined her head formally, I thank you. It's nice to know you still want me.

I shall always want you with us at the school, my dear. But this time, it is not simple want that brings me. His voice was grave. "My dear, we need you. You must come."

Must? There are many things which a Guardian must do, Kastin.

She turned and began walking back to the cottage. I'll make tea, and you can tell me why I must come.

The Adept followed her, his longer legs quickly catching up to her. Tamarind, we don’t need another teacher. We need a Guardian.

Why would you need a Guardian? she asked in surprise as she pushed open the half door to the kitchen.

An amulet, Tamarind. We’ve found an amulet.

Tamarind turned and stared in astonishment.

~~~~

How’s Meg? she asked, handing him a steaming mug.

Well, and looking forward to seeing you.

She shook her head. You assume a lot, Kastin.

He leaned forward and placed his mug on the low table.

Tamarind, I came here straight from the Temple. Eris sent me.

Tamarind sank down to the floor, her eyes intent on the old man. His grizzled face was quite serious.

Well, if he needed to assign a Guardian to your school, I suppose I would be his first choice. Tell me of the amulet.

It's a short sword, no scabbard. The hilt has several gems, but no pattern that I recognize, and no one stone seems more powerful than the others. It measures about... He started to hold his hands apart. Wait, I have a sketch.

Kastin pulled out a parchment from his belt pouch and unrolled it. Tamarind pushed her sleeves up to spread the sketch out. She was no longer self-conscious about the old scars, although the old man's eyes darkened at the sight. She examined the sketch minutely, recognizing but not commenting on the familiar handwriting used for the detailed descriptions.

It was brought to us by a couple of shepherd children from Ruckston, from the other side of the forest. They found it in a meadow.

She looked up from the sketch disbelievingly. In a meadow in Ruckston?

He nodded and she shook her head once more.

When?

Yesterday afternoon. It has a power signature that nearly blinds my Magesight.

She raised her eyebrows in respect.

Well, Master-Adept Kastin, you have finally made an offer I can’t refuse. She bowed her head and took a deep breath. But Kastin, I do not wish to come back.

I know, child. But a Mage must answer a need.

She nodded without looking up. And a Guardian as well. I will come. But it won't be easy.

You have friends at home wanting to see you, Tamarind.

And some that do not.

But some hidden part of her lightened. She had not been back in over ten years.

I’ll let Eris know.

Thank you, Tam. We need you.

Rising abruptly from the table, Tamarind carried her mug to the sink. What preparations have you made?

We’ve prepared a ward room. You will, of course, add your own protections when you arrive. When can you come? His voice sounded anxious.

Who knows it's there?

Myself, two staff members. And the two children who brought it in.

Who are these children?

You can meet them when you arrive. They’re still with us. He paused. A boy and his sister.

Tamarind noted the hesitation but let it pass. She already knew the answer to the next question. Who's in charge of your warding?

Auster.

She nodded without looking at him, though her glance turned to the sketch on the table for a moment. Finally she spoke again. I should arrive in two weeks. I’ll go to the Temple this afternoon, and hopefully I’ll be able to leave tomorrow. You can probably expect me a few days after Midsummer. May I keep the sketch?

Of course. What do you need from me?

She considered. Privacy mostly. Time. If it is an amulet, it must be identified and classed. Then taken care of, if it’s within my power.

How? Kastin asked.

There are different ways, depending on the class of amulet, and depending on what magic it contains. Most likely I’ll just null its powers. It will keep its charm, but no one will be able to alter it. That’s the main danger involved in the Lesser Amulets. A strong enough Mage can take a minor charm and change it, alter the very magic of the item. Generally not a good thing to do.

No, I would imagine not. Kastin stood. And now I should return home. Do you need me to travel with you to the Temple?

No. But you could begin packing for me, if you would, while I find Tansy. She'll close the house up for me.

Used to this, is she? Kastin neatly caught the packs Tamarind tossed at him.

She smiled suddenly. Rule number four: When you have a Mage for a neighbor, expect the unexpected.

Chapter 2

Auster was bone tired, having spent all of the night before and most of the morning setting wards, and then systematically testing them. It was more magic than he’d practiced in almost twelve years, and he was exhausted. Though the mere thought of food made him queasy, when he’d finished he’d forced himself to eat.

Auster Hill had been a Mage all his adult life, and he knew very well that using power used, well, it used power. And that power needed to be replaced with food and sleep. So he'd gone to the kitchen and waited patiently until Matthias finished his usual tirade, then ate most of the over-filled platter the burly cook forced on him. That had given him enough energy to make it back to his quarters and kick off his boots. He'd just been contemplating his still-made bed with expectancy when a determined knock interrupted him.

Meg Quarters stood outside, her restless eyes roaming the deserted corridor, her white hair pulled back in an untidy bun. He took in her disheveled appearance and her rushed look, both of which were normal for Meg, and sighed impatiently at her sunny smile.

Her expression didn’t falter. Severe and strict as he was, Meg never treated him differently. She was one of the few, Auster knew, who understood.

The liberal streaks of silver in his thick black hair had not come from age. Lines of pain creased his face, and his once elegant hands, though still strong, twisted slightly now from old injuries. Meg had always looked past these things. She saw, Auster knew, the man he once was.

Kastin is back, Meg told him. He knows you’re tired, but he’d like to see you before you rest.

Auster ran a hand through his hair and sighed again.

Let me put my boots back on.

The two Mages headed to Kastin’s office. The door was open and Kastin waved them in immediately.

Auster. I know you must be exhausted, so I won't keep you long.

Meg slipped away with a nod.

Are the wards set?

Auster sat down. Yes. As strong as I could make them. I've tested them every way I could think of, and I had Cori test them too.

Good idea. She has different ways with power. And they held?

Yes.

Excellent. You've been studying how she holds power, haven't you?

Auster moved uneasily. Well, no. I started to, as you asked, but then she requested I work with LaGosse. His ways are similar to hers; they were trained in the same school.

Why did she ask you to work with Gos?

I make her too nervous, I suppose. LaGosse and I have made some progress.

Kastin spoke abruptly.

I went to the Temple and requested a Guardian.

Auster closed his eyes.

What did they say?

They agreed with me that the need was great enough to send one.

Is it?

Isn't it?

Auster opened his eyes then, but his gaze was remote. Yes, of course. He stood and walked to the window, unseeing. And they are sending?

Tamarind.

I see. Auster said. Was that all you needed to speak to me about?

I haven't spoken to you about it yet, Auster.

There is no need. He turned and opened the door to leave.

She’ll be here in two weeks. She requested, and I agreed, that no one be told she is a Guardian. You, Colin and Marcus, and Meg and I are the only ones who know her as such. She'll simply be an old friend paying a visit.

Why?

She said that it would appear curious as to why a simple mage school would need a Guardian. She thought it might upset the parents.

Auster nodded. Yes. That makes sense.

Without another word he swept out of the room.

Chapter 3

Tamarind arrived at the eastern gate of Hollis by early evening, the guards on duty recognizing the tack on her horse and waving her through. They would be closing the gate soon, she knew, once the sun disappeared on the western horizon. The south gate stayed open at all times, but except for rare occasions the other three were shut, locked and guarded from sunset to sunrise.

The city of Hollis was the largest city in Penmar, the home of the King’s Palace, set up as a ring of seven concentric circles, each inside the other.

The Temple emblems on the bridle and saddle allowed her to take her mount inside Fourth Circle. There were quite a few entertainers this evening, supper hour just beginning. She kept her horse to a sedate walk, but she moved steadily onward, stopping only once to stare spellbound at a particularly flamboyant fire juggler.

The Temple of the Guardians, though not part of the government, was a nominal part of the King’s Palace, and Tamarind made her way through the circles, eager to reach First and her other home. The closer she came, the more stringent the checkpoints, but she was accustomed to them.

The King’s Palace was found in the center of First Circle, and Second Circle consisted mainly of the guard barracks and the militia headquarters. With the gates from Second to Third manned by city guards and from First to Second by the King’s guards, they were the most secure gates in the city.

At Second Circle the guards recognized her and waved her through. First Circle did not have the traditional four entrances. Instead it was accessible from the south alone, and Tamarind made her way around. The King’s guards on the gate at First knew her as well, and she reached the Palace stables just as the sun dropped below the horizon.

~~~~

The Guardian library was immense. Always open, any number of Mages, courtiers and students could be found here at any and all hours. Though there were sections where non-Mage talented visitors could not go, the majority of the it was accessible to anyone.

It was dinner hour, and Tamarind saw only a few figures moving through the stacks. The long tables had a scattering of occupants, but she knew that when the bell rang for the end of the evening meal the room would fill quickly.

She stepped through the barrier into the Mage portion of the room, and then again through another, stronger, barrier into the Guardian section.

De’ember met her at the barrier.

I should have known you’d be waiting.

The willowy blond smiled.

It is my job, she said in a heavily accented voice. She pulled Tamarind to one side.

I have all the books I could think of, food and tea, with orders for more tea in a few hours. If you make a list of any references that I’ve overlooked, either Dane or I will find them for you. Lanast cleared a couple hours for you at midmorning tomorrow. And Eris said you are not to stay here all night.

Tamarind observed the table piled high with books, apples and bread, sliced cheese and ham, as well as the promised steaming pot of tea. She grabbed an apple in one hand and the topmost book in the other.

~~~~

Tamarind rapped sharply on the door frame. Lanast looked up with a frown.

No need to bang like that, I’ve been expecting you. Come on in.

Hello to you too, Lanast. Tamarind dropped down into the seat in front of the massive desk.

Lanast Risonn frowned again and gave a quick grimace that was meant to pass as a smile. Apologies, Tamarind. Amulets popping up right now was not on my agenda.

Nor mine, yet there it is. So let’s deal with it. Her voice was sharp with fatigue, but Lanast simply nodded.

Indeed. Let’s deal with it. What do you have?

It’s a sword, an old one. I have a sketch. She handed over a sheet of paper.

His eyebrows rose as he examined it. Quite old, yes. This is a style smiths haven’t duplicated in centuries, and even then it was old.

Well-preserved too. No scabbard, at least none found.

Did you try the Kirkland treatise?

Yes. Several that matches the description in general, though with minor differences. Length, mostly. You see where it says the measure? Barely two feet, including the hilt.

But with a two handed hilt. Interesting. Lanast spread the drawing out. Nice detail here. Who drew this?

Probably Auster. Auster Hill. I recognize his style.

Lanast looked up curiously. Your partner, wasn’t he? Before you joined the Temple?

Yes.

Lanast turned from the sketch and pulled out a rolled manuscript, changing the subject. Well, that style is too old for the Kirkland anyway. Here’s something that came into my hands only a few months ago, it’s quite interesting, really. Deals with the Northerners. I found a few references that might apply to these amulets.

There’s more than one?

Three reports since yesterday, including yours. Bowen is to take the second, and Eris hasn’t assigned the third one yet.

Tamarind frowned. I've worked with amulets since I joined the Temple, Lanast, and three reports in as many days is more than unusual,

When Parell was Master-Guardian fourteen of them showed up in less than a month, Lanast said, then added a little sheepishly, Of course, that was about forty years ago.

Tamarind laughed. Where did the other two show up?

One in the North, a Bordertown right on the Barrier. And the other in Southgard, at the entrance to the Great Forest. Bowen is leaving for Southgard after lunch. You should check with him before he leaves.

I shall.

And they bent their heads over the ancient parchment together.

~~~~

Tamarind headed down the staircase wearily. The bell announcing lunch sounded, and she gave serious thought to skipping the meal and heading to bed instead.

Bowen, she remembered. Lanast said he was heading out after lunch. She veered off towards the dining hall.

Bowen was seated at a table on the far side. The sight of his companion made Tamarind sigh in resignation.

Bowen Markham was in his early forties, only a year or so younger than Tamarind herself, but his appearance made him seem much younger. He was slender and lithe, with his narrow shoulders belying the strength she knew he possessed, and he always wore a small gold hoop in one ear. The cast of his eyes gave him an exotic look, and that, along with the blond hair that hung almost to his waist, were the legacy of his Carnival’li grandmother. He didn’t have the golden skin tone that De’ember boasted, but rather the fair skin of his grandfather, but that didn’t stop the women from flocking around him.

Melanie was the daughter of Nils, the Stable Master, and her main goal in life seemed to be marriage. Though why she centered her ambition on Bowen was a mystery. Her craving for material things would not be satisfied in marriage to a Mage.

A Mage’s first vow was renunciation of all previous worldly goods. And though in the past noble houses held a certain prestige in having a Mage on retainer, the end of the Baron-Mage rule had also ended that practice.

A Mage held his powers for the good of the World, or he allowed them to be taken from him.

No one could command a Mage, and no Mage could hold title or lands. Tamarind’s cottage had passed to her father’s sister on his death, as Tamarind had already taken her preliminary vows. Her aunt had little use for it, and being fond of her niece, had petitioned the Mage Council. They had granted Tamarind the right to stay there after she had reached her Mastery, but the ownership remained in her aunt's name.

Hullo, Bowen. She nodded pleasantly at Melanie.

Tamarind. Bowen’s tone sounded relieved. I’m sorry, Melanie, but Guardian Tamarind and I need to speak privately.

Melanie whispered something in his ear, and then with a disdainful look at Tamarind she sashayed away. Quite a few of the men in the room watched her go, but Bowen completely ignored the woman.

What did she whisper in your gorgeous ear?

Bowen turned even redder, but dismissed the girl with a wave.

She’ll move on soon enough. Her attentions never last long, even when they’re returned. Which, he shook his finger at the laughing Tamarind, they are not. Now, what brings you back? You’ve been gone only four days.

An amulet over in Kingston, at the mage school.

Bowen whistled. At the mage school? That’s your old school, isn’t it? And Eris is sending you?

He rose, pulling her up with him, and headed for the door.

Walk me to the stables. I’m already packed, and Nils was readying my wagon. We can talk on the way.

When they reached the stable yard, Bowen’s wagon was waiting. The Guardian began checking the harnesses himself while the stable boy watched, a bit affronted. The Stable Master joined them and nodded at Bowen in approval, then sent the stable boy on his way with a wave.

I think I insulted him, Bowen said with a grin.

The older man grunted. He be insulted by lots here then. If you were not to check them thyself, I would not be letting you leave. He turned to Tamarind. When will I have yours ready, young lady?

In the morning, Nils, with thanks. After breakfast.

Boosting herself up on the wagon’s seat, she waited patiently until Bowen finished.

The slender Guardian shook hands with the stableman finally, and swung himself up. Nils frowned at up at Tamarind.

Master Eris be looking for you, Miss Tamarind.

Tamarind nodded. I’m going to track him down, Nils, as soon I see Bowen to the first gate.

Bowen headed out.

You’ll be at least four weeks getting to Southgard, Tamarind told him.

I know. That’s why I’m leaving right away.

Well, that and to get away from Melanie.

~~~~

You're taking the third amulet, Eris? Where is it?

North. A small town on the border called Loriel.

They sat on the floor, with their backs up against the low couch. The table in front of them held several dishes of food, including the spicy little meat pies that Tamarind loved. Eris leaned forward and speared one of the vegetable rolls and placed it on Tamarind’s plate.

She shook her head. Three amulets in two days?

There’s a rumor that one of these could be the Lost Aduro.

Tamarind stared at him in astonishment.

The Aduro, Eris? In Loriel with the Border people? Or in Kastin’s school? You can’t possibly believe that. She cocked her head to one side and added, However, if you do, I have some amazingly fertile farmland in the middle of the Alidonia desert.

Behave, the Master-Guardian laughed. I agree, it’s not likely that a couple of Tan’ae Foresters would simply find it lying in the woods somewhere. But all the legends about the Lost Aduro have been re-circulating lately, he added.

I noticed, she answered, putting the vegetable roll back on the table. Well, which amulet is the front runner?

If I was to bet on one, I’d choose Bowen’s. Southgard is closer to the Nontien battle site.

What about the one in Loriel?

A very frightened Mage Called her Master, and he insists that she is not generally given to hysterics. So I will go look. And yours, well, Adept Kastin says it is a highly powerful amulet, and he’s not easily impressed. It may be one of the Lessers, or even a Minor. Certainly his word is enough to warrant a Guardian of your skill.

Tamarind nodded reluctantly.

Have you the books I asked for?

Right here. He gestured towards a heavy pack leaning against one wall. I included several works on Lessers, and a copy of the Major and Minor Encyclopedia for good measure.

He picked up the vegetable roll and held it out to her. She took it from him absent mindedly and bit into it.

All these stories about the Aduro, she said meditatively. Why now?

Sometimes things happen for no reason at all. And sometimes when the need is greatest. Perhaps the World has a need of the Aduro now. Perhaps the time for it to be found is near.

When are you leaving?

Tomorrow afternoon. He smiled at her and his scarred face became almost handsome. If you would take the time to learn the proper way of travel, you could sleep later.

I’ll pass on it for now, she answered dryly. As long as you can do it for me when needed, I’ll stick with my horse and wagon.

He smiled once more and pulled her to him, kissing her gently before his expression sobered. Tamarind. The matter we’ve been studying. I think you should use this visit to find out.

Tamarind closed her mind to sudden panic. By myself?

If we are right, then it would come down to you alone anyway. And I will always be there for you should you Call.

Eris? Her voice was hesitant.

He turned and faced her, his expression calm. It is time, Tamarind.

Chapter 4

Twelve days later Tamarind pulled into the familiar courtyard. She’d made good time on the roads. Kastin was not expecting her until after Midsummer’s Day, nearly two days away still.

This homecoming was familiar and strange at the same time. She hadn’t been back in over ten years, yet until she’d left that final time, a large portion of her life had been spent within these buildings. It seemed to her unchanged at first, but the more she looked, the more differences crept in.

The herb garden was gone. It had been just inside the courtyard gates. Tamarind’s own minor expertise in herbs came from afternoons spent on her knees in the dirt, weeding and tending the fragrant plants.

The honeysuckle was gone as well. There had been a trellis near the side gate, the one that led into the forest. The scent of honeysuckle had always filled the courtyard. Had it gone the way of the herb garden? she wondered. Ah, but they must have the herbs somewhere, probably in the rear, near the stillroom. Maybe they’d moved the trellis there.

She pulled out the two packs she’d kept tightly wedged under the seat. They contained the books she would need for this task. Her power stones she kept in a leather pouch tied to her belt.

Taking up the packs, she hefted the heavier one over her shoulder and turned towards the main entrance. She heard voices coming up the side path towards the trellis-free gate. Tamarind felt a need to avoid whoever it was, and she hurried inside.

Kastin was in his office, gray head bent over a deep, obsidian bowl, the surface of the water just visible. She stood still, not wanting to interrupt, but he raised his head and smiled.

You’re early. He waved her in, and she carefully closed the door behind her.

His office looked the same as it had for as long as shed known him; several comfortable chairs in front of a huge desk, oil lamps scattered about, fireplace and wood stove opposite each other. Kastin, she knew, used the stove for heat and the fireplace for enjoyment. Large windows overlooked the front courtyard.

She nodded at the bowl. Am I interrupting?

Ah, no, my dear. He appeared a little embarrassed, and she looked at him curiously.

A little experiment. Intrigued, Tamarind leaned closer and peered into the bowl herself. Her shoulders shook as she tried not to laugh. Inside the depths of the scrying bowl several dark orange goldfish swam in lazy circles.

In your scrying bowl, Kastin? She slid down into the nearest chair and giggled. Meg will have a fit.

No doubt she will. So if you please, don’t mention it, my dear. He smiled happily down at the fish. The larger one is named after her. He looked up again. It’s always rushing around.

Tamarind laughed. Where is Meg? I want to say hello.

In the forest. She gave me some mumbo-jumbo about picking leaves at the height of the sun and all, but I have a feeling she simply wanted to use the hot springs.

Tamarind laughed again. She’ll come back with handfuls of unrecognizable weedy looking things she’ll brew into a tea and make everyone drink, swearing it’s good for everything from arthritis to pimples. She crossed her legs comfortably. I feel I’ve come home.

You have, child. You have.

He crossed the room to a locked cabinet and took out two long-stemmed glasses. Lifting a bottle of wine, he raised his eyebrows in inquiry. Tamarind nodded appreciatively and rose herself, to wander over to the long windows.

Several figures could be seen below. Two youngsters, one quite small, students who’d had nowhere to go for summer break, perhaps. No, Tamarind, realized suddenly, they must be the shepherd children who’d found the amulet.

Two adults, both men. The shorter one was dressed comfortably, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up to the elbows, and he was waving his arms in the air as he spoke. Tamarind smiled watching him. His enthusiasm for whatever he was telling the children was apparent, his round, open face merry.

She turned her gaze to the other man, knowing before she did who it was. She also knew that these were the voices she’d heard coming in, and admitted to herself finally why she’d avoided them.

He wore a dark shirt and riding boots. His trousers were a dark gray, loose and baggy at the top of the boots, and his face was older than she remembered. Well, of course it was, she mentally chided herself. It had been eleven years. He looks tired, she thought. His hair, once so wonderfully jet black, was more silver than black now, and his mouth, that had smiled so often in his youth, was a bitter straight line.

Kastin joined her. He held out a glass to her and gestured out the window.

Those are the two who found the amulet.

Tamarind didn’t answer. Outside the smaller man was waving his arms around again, and now the children were laughing. Auster stood watching the man with a tolerant expression on his face, and Tamarind watched Auster.

Quite suddenly, Auster raised his eyes to the window where she stood. He stared for a moment, then turned and spoke a few words to the others before striding into the nearest entrance and disappearing.

~~~~

At midday Kastin escorted Tamarind to the dining hall.

The large room was part of the newer section, the hardwood paneling gleaming with polish, and the wooden shutters opened on both sides. A slight, hot breeze touched Tamarind’s cheeks.

She smiled pleasantly at no one in particular, and although she noticed Auster seated at one end of the table, she very carefully did not look directly at him. A sudden shout rang out and Meg rushed around the table to grab her by both arms.

Tamarind! We weren't expecting you until next week! This is wonderful!

Megs. Tamarind hugged the older woman tightly. Heavens, I’ve missed you.

Kastin led the two around the table, placing Meg between the two of them, and introducing Tamarind as he went.

She smiled and nodded, trying to imprint the names he called out to the half-dozen or so faces smiling back at her. As he gestured her into her seat, he added, And of course you remember these hooligans. Marcus, Colin and Auster.

Hooligans, Roker? Come now, don’t ruin Tamarind’s welcome with baseless accusations!

Marcus jumped up from his seat at the far end of the table. He was an impossibly handsome man with sparkling blue eyes and brown wavy hair dressed in Healer’s robes. He grabbed Tamarind in a huge bear hug, kissing her quite soundly and quite thoroughly. She felt herself blushing, and shook her head in embarrassment, shoving him back down into his seat amid laughter and cheers. Marcus was possibly the only man besides Eris who could kiss her like that and walk away still standing, and well he knew it, Tamarind reflected with an embarrassed grin. Thank goodness Eris wasn’t here.

Turning, she smiled at Colin, who looked as peaceful as ever.

And you, Colin? Are you still a hooligan too? Stealing apples from the orchard and sneaking into the pantry at midnight?

Colin’s eyes smiled at her with gentle amusement, and she kissed him chastely on the cheek. He felt as insubstantial as a piece of parchment, thin and faded. Though he had always been this way, old memories still made her feel protective towards him.

She turned then to the man dressed in black, and after a long moment he reached out and took her hand in his.

Auster. It’s good to see you. The conversations around them had picked up again, and Tamarind spoke quietly.

Their hands clasped for a long moment, and he stared down at them before pulling away. He raised his eyes to hers.

Tamarind.

It was a statement, though Tamarind wasn’t quite sure what he was stating. She nodded once and turned to take her seat, then looked back.

We must speak, after the meal.

Of course, he said again, inclining his head courteously and impersonally, and he sat down next to Marcus at the end of the table.

Tamarind had been seated between Meg and a man Kastin had named LaGosse. He was the man she had seen with Auster in the courtyard, a short, swarthy man, brown haired; with twinkling brown eyes and what seemed to be a permanent smile on his face. He laughed frequently. When Meg and Kastin began a friendly argument, Tamarind turned to him with a rueful grin.

They’ll go on for ages now.

Indeed. LaGosse handed her the basket of bread and asked her curiously, Are you a teacher?

I was, a long time ago. I trained here, she added.

Well, then, that explains how you know those three. His jerked his head towards the end of the table, where Auster was eating neatly and quickly, and Marcus was flirting quite outrageously with the woman on his other side. Colin sat on the far side of LaGosse, and was picking at his food as he always had.

Colin, Auster and I were students here together.

And Marcus? LaGosse asked, spreading butter on a roll.

Tamarind looked down the table at the Healer. The blue-eyed man, hearing his name, looked up with a wink.

Marcus we met later, when he was still a Journeyman. We stayed with him for a while, and when we traveled back here we couldn’t seem to get rid of him.

Marcus clutched his chest in indignation. Get rid of me? She begged me to come with her! She insisted that she needed my protection from these two! She threw herself at me constantly!

Tamarind choked down a laugh. For a moment only her gaze slipped sideways to Auster. His eyes met hers before turning away.

She turned back to LaGosse.

When we ended up back here, Kastin let him stay. He really is a good Healer, she added dubiously, and as LaGosse laughed, Tamarind looked once more at Auster. His attention was occupied with the sliced beef on his plate, and Tamarind almost turned away. Suddenly she realized that he was watching her under his lowered lids. For a brief second he raised them full to her, then put down his fork and rose from the table, bowing to Kastin.

I’ll be in my office, he said and strode down the long room to the hallway beyond.

Tamarind noticed several people watch him go, and she turned back to LaGosse and Colin and spoke quietly.

Is there something I’m missing?

They didn’t pretend to misunderstand. Perhaps. Colin’s voice was quiet also. Come see me later, Tam.

On Tamarind’s other side Meg took her hand and squeezed gently.

It’s long past time you came back, Tamarind. Long past.

Tamarind pushed down a feeling of unease.

~~~~

Auster’s office is in the west wing, the last one before the tower room. Which, by the way, Kastin told her, you can use yourself if you need to.

Tamarind stowed her packs carefully on the shelves. Kastin had shown her to her quarters, in the farthest corner of the school.

A bit deserted, he’d admitted. But I thought you’d prefer to be a little more private.

She looked around. Two rooms, a sitting room and the bedroom. There was a fireplace in both rooms, large windows thrown open to the summer day, and bare floors with a few rag rugs for cold mornings. Lots of shelves filled with books left by the last occupant, Kastin had said, and she ran her hands idly over the spines. The last occupant must have been a hundred years ago, she decided on reading the titles, but at least someone had dusted once or twice.

Tamarind? Kastin stood in the doorway between the rooms.

West wing, last door before the tower room, she repeated obediently. I’ll strengthen the wards today and start my examination tomorrow. I won’t know for a least a few days how much time I’m going to need. With luck, it will be a simple one. But if it’s as strong as you’ve indicated it would be best to go slow.

How slow?

She frowned. Two months, maybe. A complicated one, by myself, could take upwards of half a year. If it’s anything I can’t handle alone I’ll have to contact the Temple. She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. But first, I have to see the thing.

A sound came then through the door across the hall, and Tamarind looked in surprise.

I thought you said this corridor was deserted.

Actually, I said a bit deserted. They are only three others along here. Colin, LaGosse, and Auster.

She turned her head sharply to him, but he continued down the hall with a bland expression. That’s LaGosse across the hall from you, Colin is at the other end, and Auster is, he paused as a door ahead of them opened, right here. Auster, Tamarind was just coming to see you.

Auster turned and regarded them. Yes, she mentioned she needed to speak to me. Tamarind? he inquired.

I would like you to introduce me to the wards, she requested.

He lifted one eyebrow. You’re a Guardian. Can’t you work your way into them?

Auster. Kastin’s voice was reproving.

Tamarind ran a hand over her face. Yes, actually, I can, she said shortly. But then I would not have time to do anything once I got inside. I could also blast them apart, but that’s not particularly wise, and would very likely injure you quite severely. Can we call a truce, Auster? We need to work together on this.

He stood silently for a moment. A truce then, Tamarind. He turned and headed down the stairs, and the other two followed.

They stopped in front of one of the student workrooms. Auster closed his eyes and spread his fingers wide. As Tamarind watched, he gathered his power, letting it encompass him and envelop him.

It had always seemed to Tamarind that gathering power was like stepping into a roaring fire and finding that it merely warmed you pleasantly. Auster had likened it to stepping into a lover’s embrace, Tamarind remembered, then pushed that thought away.

She gazed at the wards with Magesight, and saw that they glowed with a steady deep blue. Auster presented himself to them and Tamarind watched as they reached out and touched him gently. Recognizing his signature, they slid around him in welcome. He stood quietly for a moment, and then turned to Tamarind.

She knew that he would also be watching with Magesight. She was a burnished gold, the color her power had always chosen, as his had always been sapphire blue. Without hesitation her power reached for his.

Tamarind felt the wards flow over her, tasting her power signature, testing her. Auster’s