Threads of Fate Book 10 Circles of Light

By E.M. Sinclair

The Imperator of Kelshan plans to exterminate all of the clans in the north of his lands. Shivan, Lord of the Dark Realm, asks Tika to help him thwart this plan. She agrees, although they cannot avert a battle where many are lost. Kelshan descends into civil chaos with many of the Confederate states declaring their independence from Kelshan overlordship. Those states are all very small but very determined, and ask Tika and Shivan for their friendship and alliance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Sinclair
• Release date: Feb 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463982181

E.M. Sinclair

From as far back as I can remember, I have always had a feeling that Dragons are real. When you look at a wide sky there is a glimpse from the corner of your eye which must surely be a Dragon whisking past. I always regarded the stories of monstrous fierce Dragons as being completely wrong and I detested stories of St George and his dragon killing tendencies.When I was still a small child my grandfather gave me a copy of Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon. It made complete sense to me - a Dragon living in a secluded cave, wanting only peace and quiet to write poetry.

Book preview

Chapter One

The Lady Tika of Iskallia, who detested being addressed as Lady, pulled a sweater over her head. The summer heat had at last left the high valley and there was a strong hint of frost in the mornings and evenings now. The black cat curled on the bed opened green gold eyes briefly before snuggling back under the covers. Tika glanced briefly at a pile of papers on her table and paused to sort through the top few sheets. Picking out two pages, she went down the long flight of stone stairs to the hall.

She was usually one of the first up in the mornings but she wasn't surprised to find Navan, Dog, Teyo, Ashoki and Mardis already at her table today. There were maps and plans spread out before them. Sitting down, she braced herself for yet more complicated explanations and noisy disagreements. All through the summer, the House of Iskallia had come alive as Tika realised it had not really been in the five years since she'd arrived here. There had always been chatter and laughter in this hall but of late the chatter was louder, more purposeful, and the laughter more joyous.

Unknown to Tika, her advisors had been taking it upon themselves to keep news of the uprisings in Kelshan and Eddaven from her. She had said she would not involve herself with either situation but they feared her resolve might weaken if she was to learn of the fierceness of the fighting. So far, she hadn't enquired for news of those places but there were always messages from other Realms to go through.

When the heat finally gave way to cooling days and nights, several members of her company approached her with an unusual plan. It had shocked her at first and her reaction had been to refuse to even consider it. Continuing argument, backed by mounting details, eventually changed her mind. Since she'd decreed that people in Iskallia, including her Guards, should do as they wished with their lives, Tika had been amazed by the many plans she'd heard. She'd also been impressed by the determination and self imposed hard work they threw themselves in to.

Ashoki had spoken of sending her work to other Realms and Dog and Mardis pressed her about acquiring books for their library. Rhaki and Dromi were increasingly concerned about the use of the circles for travel between so many different places. Tika though long and hard about their proposal, also discussing it with the Dragons. Finally she agreed that the two engineers, Dog and Onion, with Teyo, should make some preliminary investigations.

The high valley of Iskallia was impregnable – unless someone could fly over the towering peaks which enclosed this land, or who had access to the circles and knew how to manipulate their power. Now, people whose opinions she valued, were asking Tika for permission to make a way to the outside world, which might be accessed by anyone. To her surprise Onion was enthusiastic which she found comforting. The once engineer had changed so much and become something more than an ordinary man. She listened to his judgement on such a significant matter.

The plan presented meant a tunnel would be made to the western shore. Then they would require a ship in which to venture forth on their various journeys. Tika's reaction had been a disbelieving how? to the suggestion of a tunnel. Navan estimated three miles of mountains separated Iskallia from the coast. Dog merely reminded Iskallia's Lady that she and Onion were experienced mining engineers and Tika retreated in silence.

This morning Tika was allowed to eat her breakfast with only general conversation round the table. But the instant she sat back sipping her tea, Navan produced a map. Several more people joined them, watching closely as Navan traced a line drawn through the mountains. 'It really won't be that difficult,' Dog began. 'Teyo is very useful. He knows which parts of the rock will be too difficult to blast through.'

'Blast?' Tika repeated.

Dog smiled. 'Teyo uses explosives just like we did in the Dark mines.'

Having been warned how much Tika disliked explosives, Teyo looked apologetic. 'It's perfectly safe if you know what you're doing,' he agreed.

'Would it not be simpler perhaps to ask Lord Shivan for some of his mages? They made all the rooms of this House inside the mountain here and I'm sure they didn't blast anything?'

Dog waved a hand in dismissal. 'Dark mages can do that of course, but they only do so for dwellings. They never worked in our mines.'

'Why not in the mines?' Tika asked suspiciously.

'Dark mages don't work in mines.'

Teyo nodded. 'I've only been to Eddaven a very few times and I've seen all the decorated houses of the Stone Masters and Mistresses, but they didn't do the work. The ordinary crafters would do that.'

'How long will all this take and who is going to do it?'

Dog sorted through some papers. 'A lot of people have offered to help,' she told Tika.

'I still worry about having a way in here that any could use.'

'That's why we'll build in defences,' Mardis Fayle beamed at her. 'If it's done right, we could block the passages if there is any threat.'

'When do you intend starting this venture?'

'We thought we'd start now. We could get a good distance in before the snow comes.'

Tika looked at Navan. 'Have you chosen the place you hope this tunnel will actually come out?'

'I have. I can show you if you like?'

Tika considered then nodded. 'I'll come later this morning. As for these plans, if you are all set on the idea then you should start.'

Immediately there were voices calling to Dog, offering help to begin the work at once. She grinned, gathered up her papers and Mardis Fayle, and strode out of the hall at the head of a considerable crowd.

'Garrol's been making a lot of tools,' Navan told her. 'Teyo drew some special ones he thinks we might need so Garrol made quite a lot.'

'I wondered where he'd been lately.'

Dromi and Shea appeared in the hall and Tika sighed. No doubt there were more documents to read and sign. 'I'll come with you when Dromi's finished,' she told Navan.

He nodded, leaving with Teyo and Ashoki.

'Do you really think this is all a good idea?' she asked Dromi.

He smiled. 'I didn't at first no. But I have come to believe it is the best thing now.'

'Have you thought where we might get a ship?' Shea asked with interest.

'If we get a ship, who knows how ships work?' Tika retorted.

'Rhaki has some thoughts on the matter I understand.'

'He does? Does he know anything about ships? Really?'

'Well, I'm not sure of that but he said he knows someone who does.'

There were fewer papers to deal with this morning but once they were dealt with, Tika asked about the two children, Veka and Sney, who had been with them for nearly half a year now. There were other children in the House and in the valley, but all were much younger than those two. They were very different characters but seemed to have settled well into their new lives. The morning passed quickly before Tika managed to get out to the Dragons.

Kija and Brin were enjoying the last warmth, sprawled across the rocks at the edge of the plateau. When Tika emerged, Navan was waiting beside the Sea Dragon, Storm. He tossed her a cloak. 'It will be much colder crossing the mountains than the last time. I knew you'd forget a coat.'

'It isn't too cold, my Tika.' Farn's mind voice was eager. He loved the chance to fly with his soul bond.

Tika hugged him before scrambling onto his back. The two Dragons lifted into the air, heading west and climbing rapidly to fly above the snowy peaks. Tika huddled the cloak tighter around herself – it was already very much colder at this height. Storm and Farn flew fast, the icy air making Tika's eyes water and her teeth chatter, but three miles was no distance to a Dragon.

The huge expanse of the southern ocean loomed ahead and racing between the last peaks the Dragons lost height and slowed, to land on the shore. Sliding from Farn's back, Tika shivered. Navan grinned. 'This is the bay we would like to use as a harbour.' He gestured towards the water.

Trying to make her brain think of something other than just how cold she felt, Tika stared round. Waves were purling onto the pebbled beach and the sun glittered on their tops. She squinted out and saw there was a broad arm of rock curving protectively round from the south. Navan stood beside her. 'I've been here many times and Storm comes to check whenever the young ones come to the shore. No matter how tempestuous the weather gets, this whole bay stays fairly calm.' He reached into an inner pocket and brought out a folded paper. 'Teyo drew this. It's how I hope it might look if the tunnel emerges here and a ship can enter the bay.'

She ignored the paper at first, turning her back to the ocean to stare at the cliff wall behind them. All along this coast, and along the southernmost coast of Iskallia and most of the Dark Realm, the mountains seemed to grow from the very sea, their feet still deep underwater. She took the paper from Navan and unfolded it. She recognised the wide rock arm curving out round the bay but looking back at the cliff, she saw Teyo had envisaged far more than she might have.

Navan drew her to the south of the bay, pulling her up the piled rocks that formed the beginning of the protective wall. Reaching the top, the wind took her breath away and she realised just how sheltered it had been down on the beach. Farn had followed them, along the water's edge, and she saw the wall was much higher than she'd first thought. Storm was diving in the deeper water, obviously the cold didn't appear to bother him. Turning her back to the wind and clutching the cloak tighter she tried to look at Teyo's drawing again.

Teyo had set another wall well above the beach and it looked as though he wanted a house to be set inside the cliff. She saw windows, doors, and presumed that would be where any goods might be brought. A sudden gust of wind pushed her hard and Navan suggested they go back below the shelter of the wall. Tika's ears and cheeks ached but she ignored that, suddenly caught up in Teyo's vision of what the place might look like.

Navan pointed to a set of double doors on the sketch. 'That's where any goods can be taken in and stored,' he explained.

'It looks as though he plans many rooms,' she frowned.

'For some of the sailors, or visitors perhaps who wish to enter Iskallia. Look. He says we should make a walkway along the wall out there, where a ship could tie up. The water is suddenly deep, not far out, so a ship could stay there safely and it would be far easier to unload.'

Farn crunched his way up towards them. 'It feels warm here,' he announced.

'I notice you haven't risked paddling,' Tika replied, stroking his face. 'I thought Twist and Flynn would be here?'

'They've gone further along the coast. Some cousins of Twist's are there I think.' The silver blue Dragon crunched back towards the water just as Storm dropped a large fish onto the shingle. It flipped and twitched and Farn backed away in alarm.

Tika grinned at Navan. 'He does like supplying you with fish!'

Navan groaned and hurried down to try to convince Storm not to catch too many more. While he was occupied, Tika moved up to the foot of the cliffs. The great rock arm still kept the wind away and, looking back to the ocean, she could see how well they'd chosen this place. In spite of her misgivings, she was being caught up in what had seemed such an outrageous plan.

She glanced back to Navan. Storm had landed on the beach and Navan had wrapped three large fish in some netting he had in his pocket. He smiled when Tika joined him. 'I've learnt to come prepared,' he told her, hoisting the fish over Storm's back before climbing onto the Dragon. Tika pulled herself onto Farn and they rose, circling out over the sea a short way to be able to gain the height they needed.

Back in Iskallia, in the hall, they found five Dragons close to the fire where Tika and Farn immediately joined them. 'I thought you didn't think it was too cold dear one,' Tika teased Farn.

His faceted eyes whirred but he made no reply. He still found human humour difficult to understand.

Rhaki joined her next morning looking pleased with himself. Tika raised a brow. 'I do hope you're going to tell me all you know about ships and how you build them and how they actually work,' she said sweetly.

He laughed. 'I know nothing at all but I've asked someone who does to visit us.'

'Rhaki, I've agreed to all these ideas but when people talk of trading, who exactly will we trade with? I know there is trouble in Kelshan so we would avoid them for now at least. Harbour City? They are still struggling to return to anywhere near their previous state. Skaratay remains isolated. So where will we be trading?'

'May I ask you to wait until the visitor I spoke of arrives? I wrote for his advice and I must say, I was surprised by his enthusiasm.'

Tika scowled. 'You're enjoying this, aren't you?'

He tried to look modest and failed completely.

Tika was in the kitchen later. One of Konya's assistants had burnt her leg badly and Tika was called to heal her. It took so little effort to do so. It still worried Tika that she could do so much with the power at such little strain to herself now. She was telling the girl to rest tomorrow when she felt the strange shiver that warned her the mosaic circle was in use. Konya nodded when she muttered: 'Visitors.'

Hurrying out through the hall, Fedran Captain of her Guards, waited by the entrance. Two people appeared on the circle and Tika laughed, holding out her hands in welcome. A very tall slender woman strode off the circle to hug Tika close. A man of average height followed, smiling. 'It's been so long since I've seen you!' Tika exclaimed. 'You are so welcome Kera, Jakri. And its your first visit here too!'

'It is,' Kera agreed. She turned to look out along the valley bathed in late afternoon sunshine. 'Where are the Dragons?'

'Inside, by the fire.'

'It is definitely chilly here already, so they have the best idea.' Discipline Senior Kera of Gaharn slid an arm across Tika's shoulders. 'Lead on then, we're dying of curiosity.'

'Well you are,' Jakri corrected her.

'Is she as bad as ever?' Tika asked him.

He rolled his eyes. 'Worse if anything.'

Fedran took two bags that Jakri carried and waited to follow them inside. There were few other people in the hall as there was still a while before the evening meal was served. Kera went straight to the blazing hearth and greeted Brin and Kija, Farn and Storm. She was introduced to Flynn, Skay and Twist. She spent some time with them while Jakri sat down with Tika and reached for her hand. 'We were saddened by your news of Sket's sickness.'

Tika studied the brown hand over hers. 'I hear from Theap, Essa's brother. He keeps me informed. Sket was very violent and aggressive at first but that phase has passed. I'm still advised not to visit. He fell into his rages whenever my name was spoken.'

Jakri, Head of House Jade of Wendla, squeezed her fingers. 'I am so sorry. And how is Essa?'

'Essa has been back here a few times but it is a great strain for her.'

Before more could be said, Rhaki and Navan hurried into the hall. 'Thank you for coming so soon.' Rhaki clasped Jakri's forearm.

'You sent for them?' Tika asked.

'Ships,' Rhaki smiled as though that one word explained everything.

'No.' Tika was adamant. 'This evening we welcome two old friends. You can talk tomorrow about your old ships.'

As the hall began to fill with hungry people, Tika's usual companions settled round the tale. Kera explained how amazed she and Jakri had been when they'd visited the Stronghold. 'I've not seen Mim so enthusiastic before,' Kera said. 'Shivan's visit seems to have done him good.'

'Don't let Jian hear you say that,' Tika laughed. 'To her, Shivan is still a very tiresome big brother.'

Although Tika had stipulated no business talk, Dog managed to drag Kera off to see the proposed Iskallian library. There was much talk of the travels they'd all been through when Jakri was one of their company. There were also quieter moments when Sket's name was spoken but enough time had passed that the pain of his departure had lost its sharpest edge.

The Dragons were asleep in heaps to each side of the hearth by the time people wandered off to their beds, leaving only a few still at Tika's table. 'I don't think I've seen you without a sword Tika,' Jakri said quietly.

'I only wear it when it's absolutely necessary,' she admitted. 'Don't mistake me – if I have to use it again in a just cause, I will not hesitate to do so. Much has changed in my thinking over the time I've been here. Where at all possible, I believe talking can achieve as much if not more than violence can.'

Konya offered to show the visitors to their rooms and they got to their feet. 'If you don't mind, we'd like to stay a few days Tika,' said Kera, bending to kiss her cheek.

'It's a pleasure to have you both here,' Tika replied. 'I have to say I suspect you have a lot of news for various people here, dealing with what I first thought were crazy ideas.'

Jakri hugged her briefly. 'We have some papers in our bags. We can go over them in the morning.'

'You're so very kind,' Tika mock groaned. 'Good night. Sleep well.'

She crossed to the hearth and sent a thought to the adult Dragons who, although seeming asleep, she knew had listened to the talk. 'I'm glad to see them, daughter of my heart. Kera is a good friend to have, as is Jakri.'

Brin agreed, his mind voice a soft rumble. 'She didn't do any writing.'

Tika stroked his long crimson face. Kera had been nicknamed Lady Writing Stick, for her habit of making notes of every single thing.

Lamps extinguished, the banked fire sending glimmers over the many coloured scales, Tika made her way up to her rooms.

Chapter Two

As she had feared, Tika was confronted with maps, sketches and intricate diagrams as soon as she arrived in the hall for breakfast. She was assured these showed exactly how a ship might be built. A crowd gathered around her, asking questions and making suggestions, none of which made sense to her. Jakri glanced at her. He pushed all the papers away for Navan and Rhaki to pore over. 'Show me your valley,' he suggested.

Outside, the air was sharp and clear and Tika took a deep grateful breath. She took Jakri along the eastern path. They passed Volk's caves and on until they reached a place protruding outward from which a view of the long valley spooled out ahead.

'It is a very beautiful place Tika. I can understand your doubts about allowing an access point in here.' He perched on one of the flat rocks at the edge of the small promontory. 'If it's any comfort, I believe the traps some of your people have told me of will easily prevent any uninvited or unwelcome guests getting right in to Iskallia.'

'That does worry me,' she admitted. 'Also the cost of this ship they are all so keen on. Who will sail it? Few if any of them have ever even been on one. Dromi tells me we have far more coin than I knew, but how much does a ship cost Jakri?'

'Stop pacing and sit down.' When Tika sat across from him, he smiled. 'My mother had a long talk with Her Serenity, Sariko.'

Tika stared at him. Jakri's mother was Oniko, joint Head of House Jade of Wendla with her son. Sariko was the wife of the Crystal Emperor, Kasheen. Jakri's smile became a wicked grin. 'I have a letter for you, from His Imperial Splendidness himself.'

'From Kasheen?'

'My mother says Her Imperial Gloriousness is as devious as she is beautiful. Kasheen decided, all on his own, that he would like to offer you two ships.'

Tika could only gape.

'Do close your mouth my dear. That's not an attractive look.'

'Do the others know? Have you told them?' she asked faintly.

Jakri chuckled. 'They are having so much fun just looking at those plans Tika. Who am I to spoil their enjoyment just yet?'

'The Emperor truly wants to give me two ships?'

'He does. I went to see them and they are big enough for your needs, at least to begin with. They are part of House Crystal's fleet thus their names – Crystal Rose and Crystal Dragon. I'm afraid it's considered bad fortune to change the name of a ship, so you'll have to put up with those names.'

Tika seemed bereft of speech so Jakri continued. 'Everyone knows a ship with Crystal in its name is of the Emperor's fleet which will give you a certain advantage and a certain protection.'

'He is too generous,' Tika finally managed.

Jakri grinned. 'There's more.' Tika shook her head. 'He offers a basic crew and a captain for each ship.'

Now she frowned but Jakri anticipated her concern. 'They will be volunteers Tika. No one will be commanded to serve you.'

'Will there be volunteers?' she asked doubtfully.

'Captain Sefri has many friends in Green Shade,' he began.

'And they're all pirates!'

Ignoring her comment, he went on. 'His Amazing Imperialness says they are gainfully employed, and they are citizens of Wendla.' e laughed aloud at Tika's expression. 'They all liked you when you were there,' he pointed out. He gave her time to think while he regarded the spectacular view down the valley. He saw how the mountains to each side were folded and pleated, no doubt offering sheltered canyons for small farms. 'Are there avalanches in winter?' he asked curiously. 'You have a great deal of snow I believe?'

Tika blinked at the change of subject. 'No. We were concerned the first winter we were here but I suspect Lerran or Dabray warded against such things long ago.'

Jakri nodded. 'Have you any idea which of your company will want to travel on your ships?'

'No idea at all. Mardis Fayle swears he will never set foot on a ship again. So I guess that means Dog will have to be the one dealing with books. Shea and Veka suffered no ill effects when they were taken across the ocean to Eddaven.' She shrugged. 'Other than that, I haven't a clue.'

'I have heard that the seas to the south of here are among the most treacherous of all. The waters south of Harbour City are nowhere near as bad.'

'There were some fairly terrible storms when we travelled from there to Wendla,' Tika retorted.

'But you weren't on the ships though,' Jakri remembered.

'No, but it was terrifying for the Dragons, with so little land to settle on or get any shelter. That was before we discovered how to use circles, or the Dragons their gateways.'

They sat in silence for a while, watching the sun slowly reach further along the valley towards them. 'How do we even start trading Jakri? I mean seriously. I was a slave, how am I to know about such things?'

'You have people here who do know. Trust them. I would suggest you approach Skaratay. They have hidden in their Shadows for so very long yet they are beginning to look outwards once more. Wendla would be open to doing business with Iskallia. What do you plan to offer in trade?'

Tika spread her hands in helpless frustration. 'Ashoki has ideas about clothes and jewellery she makes. Dog and Mardis want to copy books to send all round the world. Volk believes there would be – how did he put it? An appreciative market for special beverages.'

Jakri nodded. 'I've heard of those. I would suggest you also check the islands south of Harbour City but for Dog's books idea, Skaratay or Wendla. Are there book suppliers in Karmazen?'

'Yes, but not on the scale Dog and Mardis talk of.'

'Kera has organised three printers who are prepared to come here. Two men and a woman. They will have family with them. Do you remember Discipline Senior Payema?'

Tika frowned then nodded.

'She's arranging for them to come through the circle with quite a lot of equipment in the next few days.'

'Does Emla know?' Tika asked suddenly.

'Aah. Well. I'm not completely sure.'

'Oh stars above! Will she be angry?'

'You know how forgetful she is Tika. She did say that you had requested some instruction in the matter of book making and then she got involved with something in Vagrantia. But Kera chased it up and found these three who were very keen to move here.'

'Do you know them?'

'Only one. Fareena. She is Asatarian.'

'What?'

'She trained under Kera. She has no mage talents and has spoken of wanting to visit Iskallia many times. She apprenticed herself to the printers and has completed that training as well as her work with Kera. She is young, for an Asatarian, quiet in her manner but diligent and clever.'

'You know her well?'

'She is often with Kera so yes, I know her fairly well.'

'And the other two?'

'They are Gaharnians Tika. Pleasant men who have a good reputation in their work and in their lives. One has a wife and two young sons. The other has a daughter. His wife died two winters past.'

Tika sighed. 'I've let everything just slide by, day after day, since we came here. Now it all seems to be changing so fast.'

Jakri smiled. 'I seem to recall you lecturing us all about change. That if we don't change, we stagnate?'

Tika smiled back. 'I remember and yes, I still believe that, but I admit I'm finding it a bit difficult to deal with change myself.'

Jakri got to his feet. 'You are self sufficient for your food here already and yet I can see no fields, no farms?'

'Most of the farms are much further east, but the fields are small. They produce enough for our needs and a small surplus in case the snows linger.'

Jakri held out his hand to her. 'Come. It is chillier here than I'm used to. Let's get back for a warm drink. You've done well here Tika. I congratulate you.'

'I deserve no congratulations Jakri. Whatever has been achieved here is due to all the people who asked to come here.'

Making their way back towards the House, Jakri looked down at the small woman beside him. 'Have you refused entry to many?'

She paused. 'No. Only a very few, when Dromi and Rhaki advised me to do so.'

'Where did those petitioners come from?'

'All from Kelshan.'

Jakri nodded but said no more until they were back in the hall. He made straight for the Dragons and the hearth, rubbing his cold hands together.

'I'm taking Lady Writing Stick along the valley later.' Brin mind spoke them. 'She said you'll be coming too.' His eyes flashed at Jakri. 'Storm will take Ashoki and Navan.'

Jakri groaned. 'I hope you will provide me with a really warm cloak Tika. And gloves. And a scarf.'

She laughed. 'It really isn't that cold yet!'

'Have you forgotten how warm Wendla is my dear? It feels icy to me.'

'I'll find you something warm to wear,' Tika agreed as Konya appeared, a kitchen assistant carrying hot tea for Jakri and Tika.

'Lady Kera is with Mardis and Dog,' Konya reported. 'She says she knows little about ships so they should all speak to you.' She beamed sympathetically at Jakri.

'I'll go and get those letters I spoke of,' said Jakri.

'Surely they could wait? You said everyone was having such fun discussing ship plans?' Tika asked with an innocent smile.

Jakri merely grunted and hurried from the hall.

'Letters?'

'Emperor Kasheen of Wendla is offering us two ships as a gift.'

Konya stared. 'That is a most handsome and valuable gift.'

'Jakri's mother had a long chat with the Empress. And apparently the Emperor thought of the ships all by himself.'

Konya smiled slowly. 'Clever ladies.'

'Jakri used the word devious.'

Dromi appeared at the door and seemed relieved to see Tika. 'A word please?'

Tika crossed to her table where Dromi joined her. 'The troubles in Kelshan,' he began.

'More murders?'

'I'm afraid it's almost warfare within Kelshan City.'

'So the clans woman has made her move?'

'Yes, but Jemin has a garrison, second only in size to the one in the Citadel, stationed in Meston.'

'Meston? That's in the middle lands isn't it?'

'Yes, slightly more south than the Citadel.'

Tika nodded for him to continue.

'I have several informants throughout Kelshan. The one I had in the Citadel has been killed but there is another trying to get closer to some of Jemin's councillors. An agent in Meston has warned me that the garrison have begun moving north. Their orders are to obliterate the clans. Specifically the Black Eels.'

'His wife's clan.'

'Indeed. Their lands have many lakes in the foothills at the edge of the region the clans lay claim to.'

'Will they be able to defend themselves?'

'Not for long, no. Jemin's arms men are killing as they advance. Anyone in their path.' Dromi watched her carefully. 'Fighting in the Citadel grew worse some time ago but Rhaki and I chose not to worry you.'

Tika sighed. 'I guessed so when you suddenly stopped telling me any news from there. I don't feel Iskallia should get involved but I do hate how the people get caught up in the games of the rich and powerful. But you are telling me now. Why?'

Dromi studied his long fingers then he met her gaze. 'What Jemin is planning now is the complete destruction of the northern clans. All of them.'

'Why is he doing it? Just because his wife has tried to take power?'

Dromi shrugged. 'We have come to suspect this idea has been long in the making.'

'I understood the clans gave Jemin refuge when his father first sent him into hiding as a child?'

'Who knows what might have happened. Garrol has told me he should have spotted how Jemin's thoughts were turning towards this kind of action. He said Jemin made a few remarks about the clans, calling them vermin and such like. But the words were said at different times. It's only since Garrol has been trying to remember all he can about the man that he's connected the various comments and seen the thread of hatred linking them through the years.'

Slowly Tika realised the implications of what Dromi was saying. If Jemin's men scoured their way north, clans such as the Sea Eagles would be massacred. They and several other north eastern clans shunned the Kelshan Confederacy. They kept to themselves, causing no trouble to the Imperators of the Citadel, yet Jemin's disciplined fighters would annihilate them. There was also a chance they would find the domes hidden in the forest where Gremara dwelt with her numerous children.

'What do you advise?'

'Lady Kera knows little of this, other than that Kelshan is embroiled in civil conflict. I will gather what further news I can and once she and Jakri leave here, I think then will be the time to discuss what action you might take.'

Tika nodded. 'Does anyone really know which clans live where?'

'Fedran and Geffal know more than the rest of us. I'll speak with them.'

'Isn't it the wrong time of year to be waging war?'

'The north of Kelshan has milder winters – nothing like we have here. It gets colder but there is rarely snow.'

'We'll talk when Kera and Jakri leave then. Did Jakri mention Emperor Kasheen's gift to us?' Dromi frowned and shook his head. 'Then you'll have to wait until everyone else hears.' She grinned at her Archivist and Historian, delighted to know something that he had no hint of for once.

'Will the clans really have no defence against Jemin's men?' she asked more seriously.

'Tika, Jemin has trained his men as rigorously as Garrol trained him when he was with the Dark Guards. The clans fight individually – one warrior fighting whoever he sees first. Jemin's men are skilled with bow, knife, sword, and he uses explosive devices. Clans folk are greatly skilled with bow and knife but they rarely use swords and know nothing of explosives. They won't be able to resist for long.'

Voices could be heard outside the hall and Dromi rose. 'We can discuss this in a few days but I felt you should know of this development.'

'Thank you Dromi.'

The tall figure of Kera came in, surrounded by a crowd, all apparently talking at once. Tika noticed Kera had a sheaf of papers in one hand and a writing stick in the other. She bit back a smile as Kera sat beside her. 'Everyone has such wonderful ideas. They're taking me to see where they've begun the tunnel tomorrow.' Kera caught sight of her husband with rather obvious relief Tika thought.

Jakri carried a flat satchel which he placed on the table as he squeezed into a seat between Kera and Navan. People watched as he unfastened the buckles. Slowly he withdrew a large square of folded parchment. The parchment was thick, clearly a costly item in itself. A seal was transfixed of a clear wax and Jakri pushed it towards Tika. 'A personal message to the Lady of Iskallia from His Glorious Splendour, the Crystal Emperor of Wendla,' he said formally.

Tika lifted it, surprised by how weighty it felt. Breaking the seal, she carefully unfolded each leaf until a large document lay on the table. It was much adorned with curlicues and swirls in the lettering but it was fairly easy to read. For which she thanked the stars.

'To Tika, Lady of Iskallia. It has come to our notice that you are in need of a ship. As a token of Wendla's eternal friendship with Iskallia, we are pleased to be able to offer you, most humbly, two ships from our Crystal fleet. We will wait to hear when you would like us to have them brought to you. Our dearest wife and Empress, Her Magnificence Sariko, asks that we send our sincerest greetings to you. Written and signed this auspicious ninth day of the Willow Moon by the hand of Kasheen, Crystal Emperor of Wendla.'

Tika's words fell into a pool of silence as those around the table stared at her. 'It's all written down. I didn't make it up.' She gently pushed the ornate document away. She was interested that no one attempted to pick it up but they read it where it lay. When conversation began again it was muted, as though the company were stunned by the enormity of Emperor Kasheen's gift.

Once everyone had studied the large parchment, Tika carefully refolded it. She would take it to her rooms to join the other special documents. Her most treasured paper was the decree from the First Daughter of Mother Dark, ceding this great valley to Tika and her heirs in perpetuity. It had been written by Corman, Palace Master, and signed, tremulously, by the First Daughter Lerran shortly before her death.

The hall was full when she got back and kitchen staff were bringing in the midday meal. The Dragons had departed briefly, none of them happy around the smell of cooked food. The black cat Cerys sat in Tika's place, her tail neatly round her front paws while she watched food appearing on the table. She climbed onto Tika's lap and waited hopefully as a bowl of stew arrived in front of her.

Farn mind spoke her. 'Do you need me today my Tika? I have offered to take Teyo to the shore.'

'No my dear one. Don't get too cold.' She sent a pulse of affection through the mind link.

After the meal, fur cloaks and scarves were brought for Kera and Jakri. Konya and one of the newer Guards, Samel, were going with them on Brin and Skay to view the farmlands to the east while daylight remained. Dog explained that she was going to the shore but would be back to show the guests the beginnings of the tunnel work here. Belatedly Tika saw Dog had a worn old satchel clutched to her chest and she shivered. Despite Dog's passion for books, regrettably she still had a deep attachment to explosives. She sent a thought to the Dragons, asking if they knew where the other engineer, Onion, might be.

Twist answered her query. 'He's in the hole they're making. Quite a long way inside now. I like Onion.'

A little startled, Tika replied. 'I like Onion too. Are you interested in the work they're doing Twist?'

'Oh yes. Humans are very strange. We never know what you'll do next.'

'Are you going to the shore with Farn?'

'With Farn and Storm. More fun.'

Slightly alarmed now Tika sent a warning. 'Please be safe Twist.'

'Of course we will!'

'It's very noisy down there,' Cerys added her thought.

'Have you been to look?' Tika asked.

'Yes. Noisy and dusty.'

'Are you sure you are content to be here Cerys?'

'Yes. Khosa told me many things and she said humans should always have a cat to advise them.'

Tika smiled. Green gold eyes blinked then Cerys curled into a tight ball and settled to sleep. Sitting quietly for a while, Tika felt the shivery tingle of the mosaic circle and wasn't surprised when Fedran brought her a message scroll. She glanced at the seal. A tall thin tower told her it was from Kelshan. 'Could you ask Rhaki or Dromi to join me please?'

Her Guard Captain strode away as she broke the seal and withdrew the message. She read it, sighed and put it on the table. Rhaki arrived with Shea. 'From Jemin,' she said indicating the paper.

Rhaki took the message, Shea reading it with him. Shea's expression darkened but she didn't speak. 'He has a low opinion of you and a very high opinion of his own worth,' Rhaki said mildly.

'Shea?'

'This is simply an arrogant demand.' The girl's voice was quiet but Tika was aware of a fierce anger within her.

'You didn't spend much time with him Shea. Was there a reason for that?'

'I was barely thirteen, he was a grown man, my uncle, an arms man.'

'Allowing for those facts, you have avoided being in any group of Guards when I've had to visit Kelshan. Your honest opinion Shea.'

Shea considered her words before she replied. 'I had heard very little of him in the Citadel as a child but when I met him in the Dark Realm I didn't trust him. He seemed friendly and pleasant but there was something underneath his niceness. Something that reminded me of my mother.' She paused, thinking.

'I spoke to him of my father.' Her hazel eyes met Tika's. 'My father was a clans man my mother took a fancy to.'

'Did Jemin speak of the clans to you?'

'I said I would have liked to have met my father and he said he would try to find him. He somehow managed to get him killed soon after I heard.'

'Oh Shea! You never spoke of this?'

'I was thirteen Tika. A lot of far more important things were going on then. I was grateful just to be alive and away from the Citadel. Jemin was maybe cleverer than my mother – he was aware of people's reactions around him where she never bothered how anyone else felt. I was glad Kerris was safe away from mother and I was glad she barely met Jemin.'

'You had doubts about his feeling towards the clans in general or your father in particular?'

'Both. I just knew he wasn't worth anyone's trust.'

'Working with Rhaki and Dromi, I guess you know what's been happening. If Jemin and his clan wife both lose, how do you think Kelshan would cope?'

Shea leaned her elbows on the table. 'I have thought about it a lot,' she admitted. 'I would wager the Trade Guilds would take control.'

'Trade Guilds? How would they rule?'

'There are perhaps a dozen major trades all ruled by their own Traders Guild Masters. I would imagine they would try to rule the general population much as they rule their own Guilds.'

Tika glanced at Rhaki then back to Shea. 'Would people agree to being governed by these Traders?'

'I think so. The Traders are good at looking after those in their Guilds. They help if someone is hurt or sick.'

Tika frowned. 'How?'

'Well, say a man is hurt while he's working as – I don't know – a builder or a wagon driver. The Guild will provide a healer and help with coin until they recover and can work again.'

Tika looked doubtful. 'Really? Help them? How much do they have to pay for the Guild to help?'

'It was one of the things Waxin Pule mentioned when he tutored me and then I read about it. The builder, or wagon driver, or whatever, would pay a very small amount of their wages to the Guild and whenever they have need, the Guild comes to their aid.'

'And it works?'

'So I understand, from what I read, yes.'

Rhaki leaned back. 'So a council of Traders may be better accepted than a Lord or an Imperator?'

Shea nodded. 'I'm sure it would.'

They sat with their own thoughts for a while. 'What about you Shea?' Tika asked. 'You are the rightful heir to Kelshan.'

Shea paled. 'I have never ever wanted that.