Errant Spark (Elemental Trials Book 1) Read online

  He’d briefly disappeared into his own room, which stood across the hall from Eryk’s. After discarding his dusty clothes, making use of the deliciously cool water left for him in the washbasin, and donning fresh clothes, he’d returned. Eryk was surprised at his swiftness, having fully anticipated banging on his door after half an hour and still being late for dinner. The younger man was actually waiting on him for once.

  “Seeing as I am a member of the royal family…” Eryk replied dryly, examining his face closely in the silver-backed mirror of his dressing table and using a small pair of shears to trim his dark beard and mustache.

  Jex ran his fingers over his hair again and in exasperation, Eryk put down the scissors and turned to face his once-apprentice. He thought, not for the first time, that the man was as vainglorious and distracted by his own appearance as any court lady he’d ever met. Jex was good-looking enough and popular with the female mages and tavern wenches, but Black Goddess help them, he was as conceited as a peacock with his tail at full feather.

  “Enough preening, Jex. You’re more than presentable for a court banquet. Anyway,” he reclaimed the shears and went back to snipping carefully here and there, “Brinon and Aelani's daughters are very accommodating. I've known them all since they were infants and I promise they won't bite.”

  “That’s what you said last time, Eryk, and yet I have a scar on my forearm that should perfectly match the charming Torina Sarene’s teeth.” Jex rolled up one sleeve to reveal the mark in question and Eryk snorted a laugh.

  “Perhaps you should have thought about what you said to her before you said it, then. Ladies, even at her age, seldom like to be told they screech like hunting falcons when they laugh.”

  * * *

  Dinner was a splendid affair in the palace of the tor and his lady. The wine flowed, as did the lively conversation. The formal banquet hall was brightly lit and the flickering glow of a thousand candles was reflected in the shine of silver plates and goblets, and sparkled in the threads of the ornate tapestries covering the dark stone and wood paneled walls. A polished mosaic of marble lay underfoot, winding in elaborate patterns that slowly lightened until culminating in a pale sunburst before the dais on which the high table stood. The hall was filled to capacity by gaily dressed courtiers and exotic diplomats from far off lands.

  Eryk and Jex found themselves directed to the head of the Imperial table where Tor Brinon sat with his family.

  As they approached, followed by curious eyes from all sides, Tora Aelani rose swiftly to her feet and raced down the platform steps. She flew to Eryk and threw her arms around his neck, standing on tiptoe to kiss his chin in front of the entire court. Although she was a head taller than her husband, she had to stretch to reach her brother with her lips. A smattering of good-natured cheers erupted from the closer tables at the display of familial affection.

  “I'm glad to see you, little brother! I thought you’d never arrive.”

  “Sister,” he replied, hugging her warmly. “It's been too long and I've missed you terribly as always. Are you well? I see you’re expecting. You should have written me with the news! A little torin this time perhaps?”

  She smiled up at him, resting one hand on her gently rounded, silk covered stomach, “You ask as if you don’t already know the answer, just like you did with the girls. I do pray this one is a son, but I’d be just as pleased with another daughter. Brinon claims to have no preference, so long as he or she is healthy.” She looked back at her husband fondly and he blew her what he thought was a surreptitious kiss.

  Brother and sister spoke quietly for a moment more before the tora turned to Jex. Delight suffused her beautiful face as she extended her hands to take his.

  “Jex Xander! My, you’ve grown. You were such a little boy when last you were here, but no longer, I see. Come and sit beside me. I’ll enjoy being surrounded by such handsome men tonight.”

  Jex couldn't take his eyes from her. The tora was the most gorgeous thing he'd ever seen and the women he’d encountered in the past couldn’t hold a candle to her radiant beauty. He had indeed been a child when he’d first met her, and as a grown man, he discovered a completely new appreciation for her loveliness, which pregnancy had not diminished in the least.

  She had the same storm-gray eyes as her brother, but hers were set in a face as fine and flawless as a porcelain dish. Her curling ebony hair flowed to her waist and was adorned with tiny jewels that caught the light when she turned her head. Tall for an Egalion woman, she was still slender and fine boned. Her deep turquoise gown was a perfect contrast to her golden skin and flowed over her shapely figure like water. From the looks she received, it was obvious that both her husband and her subjects were completely enamored of her.

  Eryk noticed Jex's unabashed stare and leaned down to him. “Didn’t I teach you it’s impolite to stare? And close your mouth. You look like a landed fish!”

  Jex flushed and immediately snapped his jaw shut, the click of his teeth embarrassingly audible. Aelani laughed and squeezed his hands. She had a light, musical laugh that he knew he would never tire of hearing.

  “Jex, let me reintroduce you to our daughters.” She gestured at the three torinas who had appeared beside her and they promptly curtsied. They widely ranged in age, with the eldest appearing to be in her mid-twenties and the youngest looking no older than ten.

  “This is my eldest daughter, Anya. She would have been away in Cyril when you were here before.”

  The woman took after her father in looks; short, dark, and rather plump, but with a sweetly shy face that made her quite pretty. She was dressed in violet damask and her auburn hair was gathered into an elaborate braid that fell down her back. She smiled at Jex from beneath her lashes, her coffee eyes shining with mirth and intelligence.

  “This is Sarene. I’m sure you remember her.”

  Jex bowed over the proffered hand, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. “How could I forget?”

  The middle daughter was several years his junior and she studied him with thinly-veiled interest. She looked nothing like either of her parents or sisters, but Jex had once seen a portrait of her grandmother, Tora Rianne, and the two could have passed for twins. Sarene was tall like her mother, with fair skin and bright eyes the green of summer grass. She had a pixie's nose and ears and her face was surrounded by a cascade of golden hair. Her rosy cheeks dimpled becomingly when she smiled.

  Aelani rested her hand on the head of the girl closest to her. “And this is our youngest, Kylan.”

  Kylan took after her mother in all things physical. Her turquoise-flecked gray eyes were wide with thick, dark lashes, and her complexion was faultless. Her dark hair was braided and coiled around her head, making her look younger than her years. Although her face and figure maintained a vestige of baby roundness, she was absolutely stunning, with the promise of growing into a woman of rare beauty. The smile she gave them was welcoming, without a hint of either the shyness or the coy awareness displayed by her sisters. Jex noticed with amusement that she was missing two of her top front teeth.

  “You three have certainly grown,” Eryk observed with a proud grin. “You're more lovely every time I see you. The Imperial palace has quite the pretty flower garden indeed.” The torinas blushed and giggled at the praise, Kylan ducking a little behind her mother’s skirt.

  He turned to Anya. “Have you taken your vows at the Cyrilan Temple yet?”

  “I’ve been a kvinna for six years now, Uncle. I took my trials as Abdesa-in-Waiting in the spring.” The eldest torina’s voice was soft, a bit deeper than one would expect, and quietly confident. “I’m really only home until the baby is born.”

  “Ah, that’s right. I remember now that you wrote me afterwards. I grow forgetful in my old age and I apologize. The sisters are blessed to have you among them and I know you’ll make an excellent Abdesa when the time comes. I only wish I could have brought you to the Tower instead.”

  “Don’t tease, Uncle Eryk. We both know I
haven’t enough magic to blow out a candle,” she sighed wistfully, “but it’s as the Goddess wills.” With a bow of her head, she retreated and rejoined her father at the table.

  Cheerfully, he focused his attention on Sarene. “And you, my blossom? What great plans do they have for you?”

  Sarene stood up straight and met the High Mage's gaze unflinchingly. “I'll be leaving for Davaria in the spring.” She glanced at her parents. “Father secured a diplomatic position for me there and, apparently, an engagement to their torin.”

  “Does this please you?”

  “It did,” her gaze flicked to Jex and her smile turned bold, “but after seeing how your apprentice turned out, I may be tempted to stay.”

  “Sarene!” Aelani scolded.

  Eryk snorted, putting an affectionate hand on her shoulder. “Davaria is a beautiful country and Torin Reord is a good man. Be content, lass.”

  Aelani, who’d been watching Jex and noted the beginnings of restless shifting, reached out and took her brother’s arm. “Come and sit. You must be hungry, and you're keeping your apprentice waiting.”

  Jex found himself seated between the tora and Torina Kylan. The two older girls sat beyond their father and Eryk, at the far curve of the table. The High Mage and the tor had their heads together, already deep in conversation and from their grave expressions, Jex surmised that business didn’t take time off to enjoy dinner in the Imperial court. A pity, that. The room seemed to be full of tempting pleasures, and more than one of them was very much focused on him.

  Oh yes, this trip promised to be rather enjoyable indeed.

  It didn’t take long for Jex to discover Torina Sarene watching him. Catching her eye, he winked at her and she giggled. He quirked an eyebrow and she stuck out her tongue in reply. Perhaps not so changed after all, he mused, although as long as she’d grown out of biting when she didn’t get her way, he could cope.

  “So, you’re my uncle's mage-apprentice?” Torina Kylan asked, looking up at him with curious eyes.

  “Until a fortnight ago, my lady, I was.”

  Kylan crinkled her nose. “My sisters are ladies. I'm just Kylan,” she stated firmly, reaching to pluck a ripe peach from the platter being passed in front of her.

  Jex tried not to laugh at the little girl's assertion. Of course she was a lady; she was one of the tor's daughters, all three of whom were ladies of rank, despite what she thought. Her open innocence, however, was charming.

  Aelani turned to him before he could reply. “Tell me, Jex, how do you like being apprenticed to my brother? He doesn’t work you too hard, I hope.”

  “Actually, I passed my…examinations several weeks ago and am no longer an apprentice. I’m—” he paused, searching for an adequate description, “more of an assistant now, I suppose.”

  “Well, congratulations. Eryk is good to you?”

  Jex smiled. “He can be quite demanding at times, but I’ve grown used to it and relish the challenge, most days.”

  “He was fond of giving orders as a child as well, so it sounds as if little has changed. Your mother must be very proud of you. I understand that not all apprentices make the transition to adept.”

  “So her letters indicate.”

  “Letters? Do you not visit her?” The tora’s eyes turned a little sad and flickered to her own children.

  “She and my younger sister live near the walls in the city and I visit them when I can, but it isn’t as often as they would like.”

  “Oh, my poor dear. To be sent so far away from your home, and your own mother.“ She was interrupted by her husband, who had leaned over to whisper in her ear.

  As soon as the tora’s head was turned, a purple-clad arm reached over Jex’s shoulder to refill their wine goblets.

  “That’s a fetching shade of cream you’re wearing,” Gaylan murmured, “I think it would look even better with a splash of red, don’t you?” He waved a flagon and Jex grabbed his wrist, his long and slender fingers barely able to encompass it. The glare he leveled on the other man would have made a dragon stop and think twice.

  “Do it and I swear by the Five I’ll turn you into a dung beetle right here and now.”

  “That’s a little harsh, sir mage.” Gaylan snickered and retreated, braking the grip on his wrist with ease. Jex glowered after him.

  “Would you really?” Kylan giggled. While the tora, intent on her husband, seemed unaware of the exchange, her daughter had been eavesdropping.

  “Would I what?” Jex asked innocently.

  “Turn him into a gross bug!”

  He winked at her but said nothing.

  The child looked between the two, head tilted thoughtfully. “I wish I could be a mage. I hate being a torina! Nobody ever lets me do anything.” Her eyes brightened. “But I bet Uncle Eryk lets you do lotsa stuff. Have you ever gone to the sea and seen the nymphs? Or killed a dragon? Or—”

  “Don't pester, Kylan. It isn't polite,” Aelani cut in as she turned back to them. “I’m sure if you ask nicely, he’ll tell you all the stories you want another time. For now eat your supper, my love.”

  Kylan pouted a little but did as she was told, dragging her fork in little swirls across her plate as she contemplated its contents.

  “If you don’t mind,” Aelani whispered, leaning close to Jex, “no stories about dragons. She has nightmares.”

  “As it please you,” he replied, “On my honor, I promise to tell no dragon-stories. Not that I actually have any. My life isn’t nearly that exciting.” Come to think of it, he really didn’t have any child-appropriate stories, a deficiency he’d never had reason to regret before.

  “You have my thanks.”

  As the meal progressed, Jex noticed food from the torina’s plate disappearing beneath the table while the tora had her attention elsewhere. When he lifted the hem of the tablecloth to look, he saw a fat chocolate-and-white puppy sitting between Torina Kylan's slippered feet. It wagged its stubby little tail when it caught sight of him, tongue lolling in a doggy grin.

  “His name is Astraeus and he's supposed to be in my room,” Kylan explained, tugging the cloth back into place. “Promise you won't tell?”

  Jex patted the pup's head and felt it lick his palm. “I promise, Torina.”

  “You have to swear!” She held out one hand, little finger extended.

  He hooked his pinky through her and squeezed. “Swear.”

  “I like you,” the torina announced matter-of-factly, “Sarene or Nurse would have told Mama.”

  “Would have told Mama what?” Aelani asked, her lips curving up in a small smile at the pair of startled and guilty faces turned on her. The mage and her daughter exchanged a glance, but before either could answer, she held up a hand.

  “I’ve already seen him, Kylan. Just don’t let him wander off.”

  “Yes, Mama.”

  Servants began clearing plates as another course was brought in and Kylan giggled when she saw Jex's greedy eyes.

  “We only get to eat like this on banquet nights,” she told him, “Although Papa and me wish it were more often.” Her giggles became hysterical snickering as Jex gazed in bewilderment at an intricate crystal bowl being held out to him by a silent serving girl. The thing was full of scented water and there were exotic-looking flowers floating in it.

  “Dip your fingers in it to get the fruit stickies off,” Kylan prompted, demonstrating by daintily placing her own fingers in the bowl and wiggling them around dramatically. “Make sure you use your napkin to dry them, though. Nurse says not to use your sleeves. It isn't nice,” she added. He quickly followed her example and the bowl was removed.

  Grinning, he flicked damp fingers at the torina and she squinched up her face and smothered a squeal as a few droplets splashed her cheek. She kicked his shin softly under the table in retaliation. Not wishing to be outdone by a seven-year-old, he reached over and tugged her hair gently.

  * * *

  “Matters are reaching a boiling point in Ibiran,” Brinon sa
id. He kept his voice low so as not to be heard beyond the table. “The Council is pushing for a suppression campaign and I’m not sure how long I can stall them. It could mean open war this time.”

  “What happened to your negotiations?” Eryk asked, just as quietly. He took a thoughtful sip of wine before setting the goblet aside. “The last thing we’d heard at Turris Arcana, before your letter, was that the talks were going rather well.”

  “They were, and things settled down when the new delegate arrived.” The tor ran a hand across his eyes. “Then she just vanished and no attempts to locate her have been successful, which has only added to the problems. The Council is muttering that she abandoned the talks and cite it as proof that Ibiran isn’t ready for the responsibilities of independence, and the Ibirani are crying foul play. I’m rather afraid she’s dead, truth be told, though we can’t be certain without a body or other evidence. Someone new is in charge, unofficially, and my agents haven’t been able to learn a damn thing about them.”

  “We hear stirrings at the Temple,” Anya added. She looked somberly at her father and uncle. “This new leader seems to be very well educated and very well organized, but also secretive. They’ve even put a name to the rebellion, calling it The Provincial Movement.”

  “Isn’t that odd,” Eryk mused, rubbing his chin. “For the last two hundred years, they’ve been too disordered to work with one another for more than a few weeks. Now all of a sudden, they function almost like an army.”

  “That’s what the Council thinks and an army is exactly what the Tesians fear. There have been raids on several Ibirani villages ‘suspected’ of housing rebels and handful of Tesian farms have been burned. No one has been killed, yet.” Brinon looked wearier than Eryk had ever seen him. Deep lines of care had etched themselves into his face and bags had formed beneath his eyes that weren’t there a year ago. “That’s part of why I wrote to you and Jordin.”