The Wizard at Mecq by Rick Shelley

Author:Rick Shelley
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, Great Britain, General
ISBN: 9780451453617
Publisher: Penguin Group (Canada)
Published: 1994-05-18T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The rain continued through twilight. In Mecq's valley the shower remained light, giving the water a chance to soak into the fields. Upstream and down, the rain was heavier, accompanied by the sound and light show of thunder and lightning. The Eyler rose slowly as the storm runoff raced through the valley. The simple layer of rocks that the villagers had spanned the river with could hold back only a fraction of that water. Most ran over the top of the makeshift dam and on into Blethye. Even at the height of the spate, the water didn't reach the bottom of the mill's wheel. The oxen continued to tread their circle until they were unhitched for the evening.

Silvas remained in the village until dusk was thick and most of the villagers had retired to their cottages for supper and sleep. The thrill of rain had brought a new kind of exhaustion to them, the exhaustion of celebration. It is still premature, Silvas thought, but he wore a smile and said nothing to dampen spirits that had been so quickly raised by a thorough dampening. A number of people came up to Silvas to thank him, or to wish him a good evening, people who had not chosen to take any previous notice of his presence.

The wizard bore no grudges. It is enough, he told himself. He never claimed rights on the mere basis of his announcement of his craft. He did not demand that anyone take him on his word alone. In each town or village he had to prove himself again. That is as it should be was his long-held belief.

Maria had emerged from the pillar of smoke to ride back to her father's castle well before dusk. She had not come toward Silvas, and he had made sure that he was with a number of villagers as she came through after her tour of the Glade, hoping that company would discourage her.

"This is the best rainfall we've had in some three years," Master Ian said as he prepared to return to his inn.

"It's only the beginning," Silvas told him. "One good rain can't cure years of drought."

"A good beginning," Master Ian allowed, holding out both hands to the rain. "A right good beginning, Lord Wizard."

Silvas nodded politely and Master Ian went off. A few minutes later, Brother Paul emerged from St. Katrinka's and crossed to the river, seeking out the wizard.

"You have won new friends here today," the friar said.

"Which I may lose as quickly," Silvas replied quietly. "This is not all there must be."

"You sound particularly concerned." The friar's eyes narrowed to get a better view of the wizard in the growing dark.

"In part, this rain is a challenge to the power that has held Mecq in its grip so long." Silvas's voice was a mere whisper that no one but the friar could hear. "It may draw a response."

"From the Blue Rose?" Brother Paul asked just as softly.

Silvas nodded almost imperceptibly. "You might be on especial guard this night, Vicar," he said.

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