Golden Threads - Thread Slivers Part 3

She changed their positions and made sure to remember it. When she nodded to Genne he turned his key back and withdrew it from the door. Again the sliders all returned to the far left and the keyhole snapped closed. Closing the door, he handed over her key. "Les' see ya open it."

It took a couple of attempts to get the hang of the lock but she eventually pa.s.sed some level of competence because Genne grunted. "Ya'll do." He gently put his hand on her shoulder. "Ya moved up a notch ta day, lady. Dagg'rs are m'family's tradition an'trust. I thin' yer ready. Ders an ancient Dagg'r say'n from afor dey came here," he indicated Damega's door with his head. "'Heros get remembered, legends live forever.' It's yer turn ta add ta da Dagg'r legend." He stood looking her in the eye for a minute, then nodded as if she had made the mark. "Dro' d'udder key off when yer don mov'n." He turned and went down the stairs without another word.

Well, I wanted to be a Dagger, and I am. Honor, courage and commitment will win, just like you said, Uncle. In the back of her mind she heard her Uncle's voice: 'n.o.body ever drowned in sweat girl, so dig in and work hard.' With a nervous glance at the metal door across the hall from hers, she stepped into the room and closed the door. I just rented the room across the hall from Damega's, in the biggest trade city of the realm. Uncle, you wouldn't believe this in a million years. Lady forgive me, I don't believe it myself.

She checked that the door was locked and stepped over to the large bed which was in a small alcove with an armoire on the right. Turning, she felt giddy looking at the magnificent room she could call her own. It was larger than she'd expected, with a dining or planning table filling the recess that jutted out to the left of the doorway. She stepped over to the street-side window and brushed her hand along the empty bookcase next to it. She plopped into one of the four overstuffed chairs in front of the bookcase and enjoyed the feeling of her own s.p.a.ce.

There was a door behind the entry door. Curiously, Ticca stood up and opened it. She stood, shocked for a moment that she even had a private toilet with a clothes storage room big enough for dozens of outfits with room to spare. Wow, I have running water in my room and I don't have to use the communal toilet. I'm not even going to try to explain this to Uncle. If he comes he'll be shocked silent.

Wandering over to the window, she looked out on the street in front of the tavern. Merchants and workmen moved back and forth along the wharf road. Large carts were being pushed or pulled in every direction imaginable. She noted that the window could be opened inward and had outer shutters. The view was amazing, the gla.s.s was almost flawless. Something about it made her look closer and she found that the frame was made of metal and the gla.s.s was an unbelievable inch thick. The security of the window was made even stronger by a set of inner shutters made of iron which could be closed and bolted shut.

Turning around she took in her new room again from the window. Now I know why the rate was higher than I expected. This is more than I ever imagined. To think this place has been here for hundreds of years. I wonder who has used this room, if I ever heard of them in a bard's tale. Smiling widely, she laughed. I wonder what the bards will do with a name like Ticca.

She shook her head. I have things to do and I need to get back down there to get work to keep this place. She quickly found a place for most of the stuff in her pack. Then she took off her belt and pulled the mysterious pouch off of it. Laying her belt out on the bed she took the pouch over to the low table and sat down in one of the stuffed chairs. Oh Lady, these are comfortable. She leaned back and enjoyed the comfortable feeling. Then she noticed a low stone table, just the right height for a drink... or her feet. So she put her feet up on it, finding it solidly in place. Holding the pouch with both hands, she started looking at it again, more closely this time.

It seemed a simple, medium-sized pouch. You know, this is just the right size for a small travel book. And the package the Knife handed over in the Night Market would have fit in this perfectly, if nothing else was in it. Opening the pouch, she discovered that it still had the coin purse and other items, which she now pulled out. There was a flint pack, some string looped so that so it could be pulled out easily, a small red wax candle, a small high-quality mirror in a silk sleeve, three circular stones that looked like fat coins but which stuck together quite strongly, and a second purse of brown silk that held five gems. Taking the cloth coin purse, she emptied it and counted thirty-two crosses, six cheras, nine bells, sixteen pence, and five rings. The gems have to be worth at least fifteen, maybe twenty crowns. Lady, that wasn't just any simple Knife! He had thieves' tools, was carrying as much as a n.o.ble would, and wearing a pair of magic boots.

Looking at the now-empty pouch, she turned it over and over. It was well-made but there was nothing extravagant about it. Where did that vial and my s.h.i.+ny four crowns go? This is the stuff I saw in it when I took it from him. That thought stopped her for a moment. This means that no one got into my room but somehow the items vanished and reappeared. Looking at the clasp again she noticed that its inscription was circular. In fact it had an inner and outer ring that split what was already a very nice geometric pattern. Feeling the clasp she noted that it was very smooth, that the geometric pattern had five distinct outer areas, and that in each of these there was an invisible deformity in the surface. Her fingertips could feel slight indentions in each of the five areas and each section had a unique feel to it. It must have something to do with these patterns I can feel.

Feeling along the center section s.h.i.+fted it slightly under the pressure of her finger. Sitting up, she looked closer. It was almost imperceptible, but the center of the pattern could rock back and forth slightly and it locked into position, requiring specific pressure at the top or bottom to s.h.i.+ft it into the other position. Looking into the pouch with the center section pressed on the top or bottom changed nothing. Why cut the pattern in half with a circle? She looked closer and realized that if she rotated the outer portion of the clasp, each of the five outer areas where the circle cut them would still interconnect, making a slightly different but complete pattern. Meaning the pattern would be complete, but slightly different, in any one of five points if the outer portion was rotated. Maybe it is meant to rotate. Grabbing the clasp she tried to turn it without success.

Dang, I thought I had it. She sat back, looking at it; then an idea came. A rotating lock? She pressed the bottom half of the center section. It rocked into place. Grabbing the outer ring she found it resisted moving slightly at first and then moved very easily. She turned it one fifth of a turn. It actually snapped into position, leaving the geometric pattern complete but slightly altered. In fact if she hadn't been studying it for these minutes it would seem unchanged. She opened the pouch and looked inside. The pouch was no longer empty; it now held five vials with liquids in a wooden holder that had three empty slots, an a.s.sortment of cloths, and a set of quills tied with string. Lady, this is amazing!

She tried to turn the outer ring again but it wouldn't move. Closing the pouch, she tried again and it moved as easily as the first time. Opening the pouch again revealed it was full of papers. She pulled them out and found none of them made any sense. I know I am not great at reading, but I don't recognize anything here. She spread the papers out on the large table. She could tell there were four separate authors by the handwriting. Beyond that there was not much else she could read. The only item she could read was a set of five rough maps drawn in an elegant hand. Two of the maps had reference points she recognized, one was of an area a long way west in the neighboring kingdom, and another map was of the part of the great forest to the north.

She stacked the papers and set them aside on the table, then closed and turned the latch again. It was still empty. Not sure if anything had happened, she repeated the process. This time she opened it and sighed with relief - there where her four s.h.i.+ny crowns, the vial of poison, and the key to the upper floor room. This is really going to make carrying everything I need a lot easier. Taking out the vial of poison, she scooped some of the coins back into the purse and put the purse and keys into the pouch. Turning the clasp to the next point she put everything back in except for the poison and notes. Then she turned the clasp to the next point and added the vial of poison to the other vials in one of the empty slots. Looking at the notes, she though, No reason to leave them behind; turning the clasp to the next position she put all the papers back inside. Finally, she turned it back to the position with the coin purse and the keys.

With a large smile she slipped the pouch back onto her belt and put the belt back on. Confirming the pouch was still holding her coins and keys she pressed the center of the clasp on the top. With it rocked into position the outer ring would not turn. I was just rotating that outer part by accident. Lady, thanks to you for this good fortune. She felt the indentions in the uppermost section. These indentions are to tell which section is open without looking. I need to get three identical coin purses and maybe a pair of identical journals. I can keep different but reasonable amounts of coins in each purse but have one special one with the large value coins. With two identical journals I can have one which has very bad notes, hard to read maps of no value and pair it with one coin purse with a few rings and pence in it and leave that where the pouch is locked to normally. If I get captured or robbed they'll get what they may have seen me with but it will be worthless. I can easily s.h.i.+ft this to the more valuable purses or journal when I need to. With this I need give nothing away even if captured.

She thought back on the Knife. I hope not every Knife is so well-equipped. With that thought bouncing around in her head a s.h.i.+ver pa.s.sed through her. I really got lucky killing him the way I did. Now the world has one less Knife in it. Feeling a little less remorse over her first kill, she stood and went to the door. Stepping out of her room, she made sure the door closed behind her. Glancing at the metal door opposite, she thought, I really have b.u.mped up to a new level. First a little shopping, then it will be time to earn some more coin and prove I really belong here. She walked down the stairs and entered the main room. There were more Daggers present, and a few even acknowledged her directly. She returned the same courteous acknowledgements, which drew the attention of some other Daggers. Hairy and Frumpy were gone. Hope they do well on their first fighting Dagger exercise. She placed the upper room key on the counter near Genne, who nodded to her, took the key and continued his conversation.

"... can tell em' jus' what I said. I 'avn't seen Vestul n'two days, an' his stuff is still up der an I'm clear ta nex' cycle."

The man Genne was talking to was obviously not taking the news well; in fact he looked a little sick. "But, he missed the meeting. Are you sure he didn't come back?"

Genne's look hardened, and the slightly shorter man caved in on himself. "Right, right, I got it, he went up for the night and left in the morning, didn't return and isn't in his room." He pushed away from the bar and went out the door, mumbling, "Oh Lord he isn't going to be happy; he really isn't going to be happy."

Missing customer, that can't be too unusual. I need to find some coin purses. With that thought she stepped out onto the now-busy main road and turned left to head for the market.

Chapter 4.

Daggers on the tables TWO KNOCKS BOUNCED AROUND THE room. Opening one eye brought sharp pain from the too-bright sun s.h.i.+ning in the half-open shutters. Closing his eyes, Lebuin rolled over, pulling one of the soft down pillows over his head. The coolness of the cream silk cover felt good. Two knocks again. Maybe whoever it is will give up and go away. Waiting for the expected knocks was dragging his mind out of the unconsciousness of sleep. The previous day's events rolled around his head.

Oh Lord, what am I going to do? I have no idea what to do next. I have to leave, but, for what? Concentrating, Lebuin tried to pull back any memories of what the teachers might have said about Journeyman requirements. Nothing was coming up. The effort brought him fully awake. Why did no one mention this? Or was this something else everyone thought I knew so no one told me? Too many questions, not enough answers. The bed was comfortable, the silk sheets resting on his skin, and it was warm. Closing his eyes he started to drift off back to sleep.

Two knocks bounced around the room. Dang it, I don't have cla.s.ses, go away. He waited, remembering Magus Cune's evil smirk as he walked away after the ceremony. The ceremony, that incantation with my creation was unexpected. It linked us somehow. Remembering the feeling as the link was established, his training took over and he broke the memory down, recalling the precise feelings of the power and its interactions with his physical and mental bodies. With the interactions recalled he examined himself mentally and found the connection. A slim thread of a channel was present where none had been before. The incantation had imprinted on him just as if he had been an artifact.

Curiously he fed a little power from his core into the channel. A new awareness was added to his list of senses. Interesting, I can feel every Magi around. Playing with the new sense he realized there were slight flavors or colors or scents to each feeling. Ah; I bet I can tell who is who if I pay enough attention to this and keep it active. Deciding to refer to the variations in the sense as 'scents', Lebuin adjusted his mental state adding this new channel to the incantations he maintained continuously. Now I just need to pay careful attention when I meet each Magus to learn their scent.

Two more knocks bounced around the room. Groaning, he sat up. "Who is it? I was asleep."

"Journeyman Lebuin, please, your breakfast."

Breakfast? I didn't order any food. I thought it was another Mage. Reaching out with his mind he released the inner locks on the door. An immaculately dressed servant smoothly opened the door while balancing the tray of food. He is certainly well dressed. He looks quite respectable in the Guild uniform. Looking a little closer, he thought, And that is a very tidy uniform. Closing the door behind him the servant moved to the side table and put the tray down. Handing Lebuin a cup of dark fluid he said, "Sorry it isn't hot anymore. I have been circling for a mark waiting for you to answer the door."

"I can warm it up." Looking at the cold cup of arit Lebuin used a little magic to warm it. Circling for a mark? That doesn't make any sense. I know I am not fully awake yet. He looked at the servant. "My Lord, Ditani, what are you doing here? I don't recall seeing you for more than a year."

Ditani smiled. "At least you remember me. Gezu wasn't sure if you'd ever remember a servant."

Lebuin's back stiffened at the snide comment, the familiar use of Magus Gezu's name, and the easy, familiar way Ditani spoke to him. "I can have you dismissed for that comment."

Chuckling nervously, which made Lebuin even more irate, Ditani made a painful-looking smirk. "Wouldn't it be most difficult to dismiss someone who doesn't work for you?"

The majority of his conscious thoughts stopped on that comment. Taking a deep drink from the hot arit to give himself time to recover, Lebuin's memory recalled Magus Cune's last statement. 'I placed a rather large bet you could complete the quest with a less-than-upstanding but influential friend of mine.' Looking at the now-empty cup of arit, panic struck him. Lord, did I just drink poison? Would he strike me so fast, and in the Guild itself? Looking at Ditani closer, he saw what he had registered nearly unconsciously earlier - the uniform was immaculate. It had been carefully maintained in pristine condition. Further it fit Ditani extremely well, far better than most servants' uniforms fit. Servant uniforms being standard, the Guild simply bought them in quant.i.ty in various sizes and the servants could pick and choose the closest fit. They rarely took the time to correct the fit. Ditani's uniform had none of the normal signs of wear or stains. Obviously not new, it had been precisely tailored to Ditani's form some time ago. Would an a.s.sa.s.sin take the time to tailor a uniform?

Ditani simply stood watching Lebuin. He doesn't look malevolent. In fact he looks worried. Lebuin felt more awake as the arit flowed into his system. Ditani's eyes had deep bags as if he had not had much, if any, sleep. His complexion was also far whiter than would be normal, especially for a Karkaian. No, he isn't an a.s.sa.s.sin; in fact he is scared and worried about something. He dresses well and takes care of his clothes. Maybe I can help. "Well if you aren't a Guild servant, then you might as well sit down and tell me why you are here."

Ditani looked timidly around and Lebuin helped him decide by pointing at a chair which slid a few feet to Ditani. Sitting, he looked pleadingly at Lebuin; then like a cork popping from a bottle of chantrose, he burst out, "I don't know who to trust. I am not even sure if anything is wrong. He has only been missing since yesterday morning. Still he said he'd meet me and he didn't. Then he didn't make the appointment. When I checked the room he wasn't there. I had to seek help. So I came here. I don't know why, but I stopped at my cousin's place to get one of my old uniforms. When I got here everyone was talking about how you had nearly killed Magus Cune and were going to advance. I wanted to talk to Varni to get help. But she has been dead since just after I left with Gezu's last letter. Dead - first Gezu, then Varni is dead. It can't be coincidence. I found Magus Crawstu, but she was talking to Magus Cune and I heard them say that with Magus Gezu dead there was none left to shelter you, leaving you in the dark. I fled and then I didn't know who to trust. But, I remembered Gezu and Varni saying they liked you. They had to, what with the notes and all. With your new status I thought maybe you might be able to help. But then the ceremony was announced and Councilor Nillo ordered me to fetch you in the hall. Me, he just stopped me in the hall and asked. Can you believe that? He didn't even notice who I was or that I had been gone. After that I couldn't get you alone..."

"Whoa, stop. Calm down, Ditani." Looking at the tray, Lebuin selected a gla.s.s of juice and carefully floated it over to Ditani, who just looked at it apprehensively. "Here, drink this slowly and relax a little. I need to get dressed and then we'll go through all of that again, except slower, and with more detail."

Nodding, Ditani plucked the gla.s.s out of the air with a small grateful smile and a slightly shaking hand. He sipped some of the juice and sat quietly, tensely watching as Lebuin stood up and stretched. He is spinning faster than a top. Looking at Ditani, he smiled widely. Just give him a few minutes to calm down. He must have been thinking he'd get murdered for sneaking in here. Stretching again, he moved to the two armoires and opened them wide. Grabbing his brushes, he stepped to the basin and poured some water into it. He didn't bother warming it up, letting the fresh cold water help rinse the remaining cobwebs from his mind. Glancing at Ditani, he thought, I'd better do a rush job, but not too fast; he looks like he is starting to unwind a little. Tilting the shaving mirror, he cleaned his teeth, brushed his hair, trimmed his beard, and corrected his bangs. He examined his various outfits. I need to look dignified, but not too formal. I have to go shopping. His eyes selected a beautiful pair of grey trousers. Slipping into them, he pulled out a comfortable maroon silk s.h.i.+rt with silver embroidery, loose sleeves, and long stiff cuffs. Over that he slipped on a sleeveless doublet of brushed suede, dyed a forest green with gold and silver geometric patterns embroidered tastefully along the center line. To this he added a belt, into which he slipped his utility knife and small pouch before securing it in a looped fas.h.i.+on.

Selecting complementary tall riding boots, he slipped into them and arranged his trousers artfully for best effect. Finally he put everything away exactly where it belonged and took the light gray samite and ermine cloak from the hanger. Putting on the cloak and fastening it with the artifact from his trial, he watched as the incantations began their work on his clothing. He smiled as he watched small bits of dust falling to the floor in the sunlight. Turning, he admired the results in the mirror. I still look like a well-dressed skeleton. But at least a good night sleep has removed the haunted look from my eyes.

Feeling completely comfortable and clean, he closed the armoires, stepping over and looking at Ditani. Ditani was still tense but had s.h.i.+fted to a more comfortable position and had drunk most of the juice. Good, at least he looks a little more relaxed now. But he needs some sleep. He's about to drop. Not sure why he cared so much, he sat down on the edge of his bed. "You look a little better. Why don't you eat..." Realizing belatedly that it would make Ditani nervous to eat in front of a mage, he decided to adjust course. "I mean, please join me in finis.h.i.+ng off these biscuits and fruit you were kind enough to bring." To emphasize the point, he flexed his always-active telekinetic incantation to bring the side table with the tray to sit between them. Reaching out, he took an apple from the top and bit into it. Ditani took another apple but instead of biting it he held it in his slightly shaking hands for a few minutes, looking a little out of place. Lebuin s.h.i.+fted to a more comfortable pose. "You mentioned someone was missing. Who exactly is missing?"

Ditani looked at him as if he had missed some vital clue. Then he sighed, "Magus Vestul is missing. We came here to meet with a Duke. I am not sure which one. Magus Vestul only called him 'Duke' when he talked about him or sent him messages."

Nodding to encourage Ditani to keep going, he took another bite. Ditani bit into the apple and chewed slowly. He swallowed. "Magus Vestul sent me out to get a special gift for this Duke. Apparently he has a taste for very old sharre."

Interesting and expensive. Aged sharre is difficult to find. "Did you get the sharre?" he encouraged.

Ditani nodded. "Yes, we had ordered it weeks ago, before coming here. He was supposed to meet me at the inn but he never came. I went up to our room, but without the key I can't open the door. I knocked and knocked with no answer. When the time for the meeting came I went, expecting to find Magus Vestul there." Taking another bite, Ditani chewed and swallowed. "At the Duke's residence I wasn't allowed to meet the Duke. I offered my apologies on behalf of Magus Vestul and delivered the gift. I was fed an excellent early dinner, alone. When Magus Vestul still had not come, I was escorted out and asked to help try to find him. So I went everywhere I could think of, but no one had any knowledge of where he could be. No one had seen him since the day before."

Nodding, he took a few nuts from the plate and popped them in his mouth, savoring the flavor a little. "Then you came here to see if any Magi had seen him?"

Ditani nodded. "Magus Vestul missing the meeting has me very worried for him, and a little worried that he was doing something dangerous. I felt I should try to be nondescript. So I went and got one of my old uniforms to blend in a little. When I got here I found out Varni was dead. Vestul had asked me to help Gezu and Varni for a time, but when Gezu died Varni stopped their work and sent me back to Magus Vestul with their notes. Vestul had planned on stopping to see Varni while back in Llino, so he didn't know she was dead. To discover Varni dead was too much. Then I got pulled into your ceremony."

"Magus," he emphasized the word, "Gezu died of a heart failure in his sleep, and Magus Varni died a little later, also of heart failure. There was nothing anyone could do by the time either was found. They were both very old and their deaths were not suspicious."

"I would accept that if Magus Vestul wasn't missing." Ditani straightened slightly and looked pleadingly at him.

If I help him I might be able to coax him into my service. He obviously knows how to dress well, he is experienced with mages, and I bet he knows things that will be helpful. "Well, I can do anything I want now, and Magus Vestul would certainly have some good ideas for my Journeyman quest. I need to speak with the councilor first, then I will help you look."

Ditani practically leapt over the table to clasp Lebuin's arms. Tears were showing in the corners of his eyes. "Thank you, Master Lebuin, thank you. I really need your help. I don't know what to do."

Standing up awkwardly, Lebuin grasped Ditani's arms in his hands too. Giving his best warm smile, he said, "You're welcome. I'll be back. In the meantime you can stay here and rest." He pointed at his bed. "In fact, why don't you lie down and take a nap while I attend to my meeting. Then we'll go out and see if we can't find Magus Vestul together." He really is scared. Is it that dangerous outside these walls?

Locking the door behind him, Lebuin moved through the halls towards the main offices. When he arrived a secretary nodded to him from behind a neat and tidy desk. His s.h.i.+rt, however, was a little crumpled around the neck and the elbows were wearing thin. You really shouldn't wear the same s.h.i.+rt so frequently. Heavens, you look like a poor person, and I know you get paid well.

Indicating the open doorway beyond his desk, he said, "Journeyman Lebuin, thank you for coming. Magus Nillo asked me to send you in as soon as you came by."

Stepping around the desk, he smiled at the secretary. "Thank you."

He stopped in the doorway and peeked in. The office was lined with shelves, every one filled to br.i.m.m.i.n.g with folders, books, and a.s.sorted collectables. A table with three old beaten-up chairs sat by the doorway next to a chalkboard that was so clean it might never have been used. Opposite the doorway sat a rather large desk in the shape of a large 'L'. The desk was as tidy as the secretary's, with a number of stacks of papers each held down with a collectable statue or split geode.

On one corner of the desk near the tip of the 'L' there was an unusual hollow device made of gold, silver, and numerous gems. It was shaped like an oversized egg and made entirely of a loose weave of gold and silver. It had an organic feel and the gems cut as the leaves of the twisted vines. The center of it was an area in the shape of a perfect sphere. It rested on a simple wooden base. Every time I ask about that, he avoids the question. Maybe now I can find out what it is.

Seated in an oversized stuffed leather chair behind the desk was the bear of a man who ran the entire Guild from this office. Councilor Nillo stood at least six inches taller than anyone else Lebuin had ever seen. Although bald on top, he had nearly a lion's mane of silver hair, which he kept a medium length and which stood straight out from his head, almost giving him a halo. His beard was a dark black, in complete contrast to his hair, and he kept it in a sharp, perfect goatee. Today he was wearing a tired grey robe over a new white linen s.h.i.+rt. Looking up from the papers he was reading, he smiled, and his deep voice was surprisingly soft and melodic. "Ah, Journeyman Lebuin. You are up earlier than I expected." Smiling wide and showing a set of sharp, white teeth, he pointed at a chair. "Please, sit down."

Lebuin moved to the chair and sat down. At the same time, Councilor Nillo stood up and pulled something from a high shelf. Sitting back down, the councilor produced two crystal gla.s.ses. In his hand the bottle of sharre looked like a toy. He poured two half-gla.s.ses and then resealed the bottle, putting it aside on his desk. Handing a gla.s.s to Lebuin, he held his up. "To the rather impressive end of one life and the beginning of a new one. May you serve Argos well."

Lebuin smiled. "Thank you, Councilor." He took his gla.s.s up, clinked it with the Councilor's and took a mouthful. The strongest, warmest sensation he had ever experienced nearly caused him to sputter. Warmth spread through his whole body faster than he thought possible. All the minor aches from the week's trials vanished at the same time and he completely stopped caring that the highest Councilor the Guild was dressed like a sheep herder.

Shaking his head, he looked at the Councilor, who was smiling the happy smile of a trickster. "How old is this?"

Councilor Nillo examined the bottle for a time. "I recall that this particular bottle was in my predecessor's storage. I would imagine it is likely at least a hundred years old. It doesn't yet have the feel of the good two-hundred-and-fifty bottle I shared with Prince Mory."

Even with the calming effects of the sharre Lebuin gasped. "One hundred year-old sharre - that has to be worth ten crowns!"

Without flinching, he said, "More likely twelve or thirteen." His smile widened dramatically. "Per gla.s.s. Nice, isn't it?"

"Nice doesn't begin to describe it." In spite of himself he took another drink. His tired channels filled with energy, and he felt as if he had just finished a week in a health retreat eating good food, resting, bathing, and being ma.s.saged until every ache was gone and all tiredness removed. "If this is what one hundred year-old sharre is like I can see why it is so expensive and hard to find."

"It has been said that five hundred year-old sharre can restore youth." A little twinkle in his eye showed he didn't believe it himself. "Keeping it that long in the right conditions would be tricky, if not impossible."

Another mouthful of the amazing liquor brought more feelings of well-being and confidence. "Councilor, I never thought I'd have to leave this place. I knew journeymen were to do research into various magics - in fact I was looking forward to spending my time in the labs and library doing just that. Why do I have to leave?"

He leaned back in his chair, and the door behind Lebuin closed softly. "Lebuin, I know you never once came to a Journeyman ceremony. I also know you labored under the idea of staying within these walls your whole career. You had to be kept here through your youth because of what you are. However, that also cut you off from your peers, and sadly it seems most of the world. You might make an amazing scholar someday. However, Argos himself insists that all his Magi spend a significant amount of time in the field. It is important to know the world and people whom we live to protect. This is why the rank of Journeyman is required and it is not just a name," the Magus leveled a finger at him, "it is a description of the requirements of the rank which you agreed to last night. You are to be the eyes and ears of the Guild and Argos in the world."

"So I am just kicked out until I find something new?"

"Oh no, you are not kicked out, you are only required to journey most of the time. Your research must be out there," he said, waving at the window. "It takes years of work as a Journeyman to achieve enough experiences to advance to the rank of Magus. Contribution to the Guild in the form of new knowledge, be it magical or mundane, is just a side effect of your own experience." Looking sternly at Lebuin, he continued, "Lebuin, you now directly work for Lord Argos. He is not so heavy a taskmaster as some other G.o.ds, but he does have goals for all his mages. For now your task is to go out, experience the real world, learn about the people, and find some new magic or a new way to apply magic. When you have done that you will be ready for the next task already set out for you. Do not believe you are so unique; all mages have done this, since the founding of the Guild."

Another swallow kept the warmth flowing through his veins. "What if I am killed in this work?"

"This is not the end of our adventures. Death has its own... paths. You may come back to research what you have learned in the libraries and with the Magi present to determine if you have found something new. Once it is agreed, you may then stay here and a.s.sist in preparing a ma.n.u.script, or an update to an existing ma.n.u.script, with your new knowledge. But you cannot stay here longer than absolutely necessary to make such determinations and updates. You will know when it is time for your next task."

Thinking of Ditani, he asked, "Can I have help outside of the Guild? a.s.sistants, other journeymen?"

"Of course; you can even spend your family's small fortune trying to speed it up if you desire. There are no limitations on how you go about your work. Just remember, you are bound by the Laws of Magic far more now then yesterday, and Lord Argos is not forgiving of violations by his mages. The G.o.ds long ago declared that ignorance is not an acceptable defense for any violation of their laws. Many countries have adopted this into their own legal systems. So beware of local laws, as ignorance is not likely to be forgiven, especially from a Journeyman. Don't worry, we will know where you are and if you are still alive. Should the need arise we will be able to find you quickly, no matter where you may find yourself traveling."

"That was the incantation at the ceremony, wasn't it? All those channels, they are links so I can be traced. Or so I can trace others."

The Councilor sat up straighter. "You detected the threads? You recognized their purposes?"

"Of course, why shouldn't I? I have even activated the channel within me imprinted by the ceremony."

The Councilor stood up and came around the desk, placing his hands on Lebuin's head. Seeing no reason to resist he just relaxed and waited. "You have done that. But how did you know to do this?"

"It just seemed the right thing to do. I followed the feelings of the ceremony to find the channel."

"You are only the third Journeyman in the history of the Guild to do this. That channel was not meant to be shown to you until you were made a Magus. Activating it is part of the Magus ceremony."

Sitting up himself, he said, "But that is the purpose of using my artifact, isn't it? An artifact can identify its owner."

"Yes, I see no reason to hide this from you now. You'd discover it shortly anyway. Any magical artifact can be used by a Magi to trace its maker if they are still alive. Most artifacts cease to work once the maker has died, unless a trick is employed to make the artifact independent. However, even independent artifacts can still be used to trace their maker. In some cases, with certain knowledge, the artifact can also be used to breach the maker's defenses."

Lebuin thought about that. "So if another Magi got any of my existing artifacts they could find me and affect me through any defenses I might have."

Nodding, the councilor moved back to his seat. "Yes, it can be very complicated. I know you are not yet certain of what to do first. So I suggest you go out on the town, find a guide, and go explore something, anything you want. I am sure there were odd questions you had about things in your training - now is the time to go and answer those. You also have full access to the entire library now. So before you spend cycles trying to answer a question, it would be best if you asked if it has been researched yet. Good luck, Lebuin, you have given us all a lot of surprises. I suspect your results will likely be just as unique. Do you have any questions?"

"I am sure I will have more later, but since I can come back and ask I only have one. What was that one thread at the ceremony that went to the ceiling?"

The Councilor looked at him for a minute and took a swig of his own gla.s.s before answering. "You detected that one. You really are a wonder. It didn't go to the ceiling, it went through the ceiling. In fact I have seen it go in many directions, which makes me happy. To answer your question, that thread went to Lord Argos."

Lebuin blinked; even with the ancient sharre in his system the shock was immense. I am truly bound to a real G.o.d, a G.o.d that can smell me out no matter where I may go. I wonder how much can be done with this connection.

"You're white, finish your gla.s.s. It does take some time to get used to this knowledge. Now, you have earned this." He pulled a flat leather case from his desk and handed it to Lebuin.

It was an ornate folded leather case slightly smaller than his palm, inscribed with the Guild's seal. It opened easily on one side. With the front cover opened a silver and gold inlaid disk mounted to the stiff leather backing was revealed. The disk was artistically engraved with his name, the Guild seal, and the word "journeyman" in four languages around the edge.

Lebuin looked at the Councilor questioningly. "It's your Journeyman badge," he said.

Laughing, Lebuin said, "So last night when they congratulated me for earning the badge of Journeyman it was not just figurative." Standing, he nodded at the Councilor. "I will find something to do soon. In fact, I already have a small quest in mind to perhaps get some ideas on what to really do."

The Councilor didn't stand, just made a shooing motion towards the door, which now opened quietly behind Lebuin. "Yes, go, go, and find your first task. Argos will guide you."

Before I go out I need to get a few defenses ready. I can't be caught stunned like I was last night. Stopping in the library, he reviewed some defense tomes. He chose a couple rather crude but easy attack formulae from the ones taught to all mages. Yes, these will do just fine. Remembering the lessons, he pooled the energies needed and prepared the incantations, adding them to his memorized incantations. Now I can at least defend myself rapidly. Pleased with the preparations, he left the library and headed for his room.

Entering his room, he saw Ditani was napping in the chair where he had left him. As he came in Ditani snapped to standing, looking embarra.s.sed. "Master Lebuin, my apologies. I didn't mean to fall asleep." He looked better for the food and the short nap.

"Ditani, you have nothing to be embarra.s.sed about. I have discharged my only duty for the day. Come, let us see if we can find Magus Vestul." Holding the door open, he motioned to get Ditani moving.

Instead of heading out to the hall Ditani stood still and, quietly, so no one beyond the open door might hear, asked, "Um, if you'll forgive my forwardness, Master Lebuin. Might it not be wise to bring some money?"

Oh my, he is good. "Thank you. Yes, I should bring some money. I have some things I'll need to buy, so I might as well do some shopping while we look. Also, I a.s.sume you mean some tokens might also help restore lost memories?"

Ditani nodded agreement. I must remember everything will cost a coin or three. I might have to stop by my father's office and withdraw some funds. I wonder how much a nice comfortable cart will cost. I need to be able to take my clothes with me. Opening a locked drawer, he pulled out his coin purse and examined it. Well, I a.s.sume eleven crosses and change will take care of the day. He put the coin purse into his belt pouch.

He turned to the door. Ditani was standing there waiting, and seeing that Lebuin was now prepared he opened the door for the Journeyman. Yes, indeed he would be a very welcome companion for the next few years. That is, of course, if I can hire him away from Magus Vestul. As they left the Guild he strengthened his s.h.i.+elds as much as he could while holding the other incantations at the ready.