The Last Mage Guardian by Sabrina Chase

Author:Sabrina Chase
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, human wave, gaslight
Publisher: Worlds Away Press
Published: 2011-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Dominic turned to ask Markus why “another body” would precipitate a mob at the Imperial Palace, but he had already left. Ardhuin went to the workroom with the magical listening shield. When she returned she would not sit down, but paced impatiently, refusing to be drawn into conversation.

His frustration had several layers, really. Ardhuin had been on edge since Parys, and the more people she had to deal with the worse it got. The strict, formal setting of the Preusan court was very different from Peran and the Bretagne countryside, not to mention more populated. She was even more impatient with him, and he’d thought things were improving in that regard. Now, however, she wouldn’t even tell him what was wrong.

This wasn’t the first time he’d seen her become stubbornly silent and evasive. Even regaining consciousness after the ley lines, confused and in pain, he could tell she was trying to hide something from him. Then, it had been the knowledge of his shameful actions. Had he done something else to embarrass her? Was she angry with him?

He glanced down at the emerald rosebud stickpin and smiled. No, she was not angry with him. It had to be something else. He wished she would trust him with it, whatever it was.

Their departure from the palace was hurried and confused. Markus rushed them, surrounded by defensive magicians and soldiers, down the stairs and out to a waiting carriage. Dominic was pleased when Markus did not join them in the carriage, but rode beside it.

As they left the grounds of the Imperial Palace he could not see the mob Gutrune von Kitren had mentioned, but he could hear it. People were shouting something he could barely make out—something about blood. He was glad they had taken a side gate.

The carriage swayed as they went around a corner, and Dominic remarked, “They seem to be in a hurry.”

Ardhuin merely nodded and did not look at him. She wore the shadow hat, so he could not see her face.

Dominic sighed. There had to be something she was willing to talk about. “I did not tell you...I was invited to a gathering being held tonight by some of the students I spoke to, the ones I met at Siebert’s lab. If there are disturbances in the street, however, it would probably be best not to go.”

“I think we should,” Ardhuin said. “This could be useful.”

Surprised, Dominic blurted, “You want to go? I'm not sure—it might be awkward. Most student lodgings don't permit women visitors.” Then he shook his head in annoyance at his own stupidity. She didn’t have to look like a woman if she didn’t want to, and what on earth was he doing discouraging her? “But with illusion, of course, it will not be a problem. Why do you want to attend this party?”

“The students won’t know I’m not supposed to be told anything.” Ardhuin hunched a shoulder. “Besides, I don’t like it at the palace.”

Ah. Maybe this was the problem. “What’s wrong?”

Her gloved hands twisted together.

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