Beyond the Mists of Katura (Elves) by James Barclay

Author:James Barclay
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780575085251
Publisher: Gollancz
Published: 2013-05-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

In time, and sooner than you think, all elven adepts will train in Julatsa because the skill of the Il-Aryn relies in too great a measure on an elf who, in my opinion, will not be capable of working much longer.

Kerela, Julatsan Mage Council

Kerela was uncomfortable under Communion with anyone from Xetesk, but Bynaar was a particularly difficult contact. She had agreed to take the communication only because Sipharec was unwell and confined to his bed.

‘You have done well,’ said Bynaar, pausing very slightly before his last word. ‘You harboured hidden strengths, I understand.’

Something about his mind, or the way he delivered his thoughts, made her squirm where she sat in a deep chair in her chambers.

‘It pays to build relationships. The elves of Calaius were always likely to help us when they heard Balaia was in trouble.’

‘I had no idea they were so altruistic,’ said Bynaar.

‘They understand the threat the Wytch Lords pose to us all,’ said Kerela.

‘Yes . . .’ Bynaar paused. ‘Your native elven magic . . . It is an unusual style. I would be fascinated to read the lore one day, or have one of your practitioners explain some of the finer points to me.’

‘I can imagine they’ll be falling all over themselves to be the chosen one,’ said Kerela.

‘I should imagine,’ said Bynaar, her sarcasm going straight over his head.

Kerela scratched at an itch on her abdomen; it was another symptom of Communion.

‘You were about to brief me on the progress of the war,’ said Kerela.

There was another pause.

‘Understone Pass is holding firm even though the Wytch Lords bring more of their power to bear every day. We have reports of Wesman parties all across Balaia, mostly scouting, but they do damage by their very presence, and none of us has the spare capacity to send out hunters, do we?’

‘We do not.’

‘Tell me, Kerela, how sure are you of successfully holding off another Wesman assault?’

‘Alone, you mean?’ she asked sharply.

‘We are fully committed both at home and at the pass,’ blustered Bynaar. ‘Your tone is not appreciated.’

‘Neither was your lack of support. It was lucky the TaiGethen came when they did.’

‘Quite. But they are gone now, are they not?’

‘Heading to the pass to join the fight, yes. Just as we promised.’

‘Good . . . good. So, your strength in Julatsa, is it enough without them?’

‘Our walls are being repaired; we can invest strength back in them, and we still have a considerable force of mages and militia. But should the Wesmen come again in greater numbers, we would be tested. Why, do you have information?’

Another pause, this one so long that Kerela wondered if he’d fallen asleep.

‘We grow ever more concerned that the invasion will change its focus and our coastlines will be beset. You are at most immediate risk if that happens. Our information is patchy but it points to you needing to stay where you are and keep your college safe while we try to stave off anything that comes at us from the south in addition to defending the pass.

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