The Wall Between

Part 1

I

Salene pushed open the door to the Great Library of Magiskeep and walked into the sunlit room. Up above, through a skillfully conjured pane of crystal, she could see the Sowin sun at its peak in the sky promising another perfect Greenmonth afternoon. Then, she looked at the tall, dark-haired young man bent in concentration over a yellowed scroll and sighed. With his tunic off and his shirtsleeves rolled up, Jamus was surrounded by dusty books and yellowed manuscripts, his head bent in concentration as he read. Salene knew he would be there, absorbed in study until Evenmeal. Then, he would come to her in the Great Dining Hall, share a quiet supper, and keep the secrets of what he had read that day locked in his heart. He rarely told her anything about his research, and when she asked, he shrugged and told her it wasn’t worth knowing. Yet, he had buried himself in tomes and manuscripts for the whole of Chillmonth and now appeared to be ready to spend the rest of the Circle equally involved.

While it was the nature of Magicians to be interested in all facets of the world, his appetite for knowledge had become a consuming obsession. It wouldn’t have mattered in the normal course of events, but he was the Master of Magiskeep, responsible for nearly four thousand people - and he was also her husband.

They had married shortly after he had destroyed Sagari, the Keep’s last Master, in a battle of Will--a result of Sagari’s destructive ambition and cruelty. For three full seasons of marriage, their life together had been the blissful dream she had imagined. Even the River had surrendered its jealousy and left them at peace. Jamus was a tender and caring lover whose gentleness more than made up for the pain she had suffered at Sagari’s hand, and she had never been more content. He had tended the Keep with the same generous spirit, bonding almost every citizen to him with fervent loyalty and respect. As close to the villagers as he was to the Masters and Mages of the Keep, he was the first Master in remembering who had unified the kingdom into one body.

And it had all been done in a matter of months.

Now, in a matter of another group of months, he had deserted his subjects for paper and words, leaving Salene to make his excuses and speak in his place. Tall and golden haired, like her father, she was respected among the people, and easily filled his place as arbitrator when necessary, settling the few disputes which arose. Still, it was, she decided, a good thing a kingdom of Sorcerers really needed very little guidance. Magiskeep always had been patient with its Masters, and Jamus was no exception.

He’s always needed to learn, Joria had told her when she had complained. The grey haired Mistress of Illusion was one of Salene’s most trusted confidents, and she knew Jamus as well as anyone. When Salene went to her chambers with her concerns, she set aside her own books and focused her full attention to the issue. When he was in my class, he always asked more questions than anyone. And, she added, smiling, I don’t think he was ever truly satisfied with the answers unless he uncovered them himself. She smoothed the skirt of her pale shaenis gown and took a moment before looking up again, If something’s troubling him, he won’t rest until he settles it.

While Joria’s judgment was worthwhile, it did little to ease her mind. So, when Sarena, the quiet dark-haired mistress of Compassion who had been her Master when she was a student of the Art of Healing, arrived, she asked the same questions over again. Salene had never quite understood Sarena’s peculiar relationship with Jamus, although she knew it had something to do with a Healing circles before. Unlike Joria, who often exhibited a motherly affection for him, Sarena always maintained a careful distance which, surprisingly, made her no less perceptive.

You know how he is, Sarena told her. If he had his way he’d study every drop of water in the River."

Becoming Rivermaster is a difficult burden, I should think, Joria said. Those of us in the Magic know all too well how its currents can drown a man who knows too little. If Jamus is to be its true master, he can ill afford ignorance.

There’s time, Salene argued. Why does he think he has to know everything all at once? He’s still young.

Sarena patted her hand and then went to the window to stare out into the gardens below. It was a while before she spoke again in measured words, You are young too, Salene. It must be difficult being left alone so much. He still sleeps with you, doesn’t he?

Salene smiled in spite of herself, He is still my lover.

You are blessed, then, Sarena told her without turning around so her expression would not betray her deeper thoughts. She was well aware of Jamus’ potent attractiveness and had almost fallen in love with him herself. If he stops lying with you, then perhaps it’s time to worry.

He hardly ever goes outside, Sarena. Whim is standing lazy and half asleep in the pasture and I think Clouder has put on ten pounds lying around at his feet. For the sake of his stallion and his dog, if not for his own health, he needs to do something besides make love to those books of his.

So, Joria said, shaking her finger at Salene, the truth comes out, does it? You’re jealous.

I... Salene began. Then she stopped. I suppose I am, in a way. There is more to a marriage than bed.

Then make it so, Joria said. As I recall, a marriage contract is between two people.

Jamus does not always recognize his effect on people, Sarena added as she gripped the window’s ledge with her hands and took a deep breath. Joria hurried over to her and put a steadying hand on her shoulder as she continued, Your husband needs you to tell him, Salene. It’s as Joria said. The marriage is yours to do with as you will.

It was that suggestion which had led Salene to the Library now.

When Jamus did not look up as she drew near, she slipped behind him and put her hands over his eyes. He started and dropped the scroll, Who? Salene, what in Sorem’s name do you think you’re doing? He pried her fingers away, took her by the wrists and pulled her arms around him. If you want to use your hands, put them where they’ll do some good.

For what? she asked coyly.

A hug for a start and then, he spun around and pulled her into his embrace, this. He kissed her full on the mouth.

She nestled against him, her head on his chest, his steady heartbeat close to her ear. I miss you.

I’m with you every night.

Part of you is. The rest of you is here, or down in the vaults considering some ancient translation of Eldenlore.

I have to study.

Every span of every waking wind? Your face is pale, my love. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were in need of a Healing.

Do I look that bad?

Shall I bring you a mirror?

No! he cried, shuddering. He had seen too many reflections already in the Way of Mirrors. A new one of himself was more than he could bear right now. Besides, the mirrors had been taunting him lately with hints of great secrets he didn’t want to reveal. He was having enough trouble deciphering the real world.

Jamus, what’s wrong? You’re shaking.

He sighed heavily, You’re right. I’ve been reading too long. He pushed the manuscripts aside, and swung her onto his lap. She snuggled into his arms. She could still feel him trembling and waited. Surely he would offer her some explanation. Instead, he took a deep breath and tensed his muscles as if willing them to obey. Then, she felt him relax, and the shaking stopped. We could take the horses out for a ride if you’d like, he said. I could use the exercise.

She pulled away and forced herself to smile at him, That would be wonderful. I’ll have Tameer pack us a midmeal and we can go out to that grove of brellums you like so well.

He smiled back at her, the relief at her easy acceptance too evident on his face. He had, she thought, never been very good at hiding his feelings. Well, she’d let him think he’d made amends for now. She’d chosen the brellum and willow grove, though, for a very special reason. She knew it had been where he had his first lesson in love. It was, to a woman trying to do her part in their relationship, a perfect place to continue the tradition.

*****

After she left him, Salene went to the Keep’s kitchens to get some food. There, Tameer prepared two sacks laden with a tempting assortment of delicacies designed to inspire the even the least hungry of men to keen appetite. Then, she made her way down to the stables and arrived ahead of Jamus despite her extra errand. When she got there, Josep, the Keep’s Horsekeeper, greeted her with his usual hug and open grin, Ya look likes yer goin’ fer a long ride, My Lady. I hopes ya’ll have a proper escort this time--like that husband o’ your’n.

Jamus should be along any minute, Josep. I thought a ride would be good for us both.

He has bin lookin’ a might peaked lately, tho’ with all them moonlight rides o’ his, I shouldn’t wonder. Does that boy ever sleep?

Moonlight rides? Salene hid her surprise with the pretense of searching the contents of the bags. Jamus had gone to bed with her every night, and when she had awakened at Easwin, he had been at her side. If what Josep said was true, there was a considerable gap in her knowledge which demanded explanation. Still, Josep was not the person to settle her private affairs. She masked her dismay and tried to sound casual, You’ve seen him then, Josep?

Nay, but me son Joss sleeps here in the barns most nights. He likes ta be near the beasties, ya know. He tole me Jamus is been ridin’ out ta Crystal Lake regular—three, four times a Sevenstin. Whim’s bin a might riled up about it too. He ain’t too keen on losing his beauty sleep, I reckon. It’s a wonder ya put up with it.

The fact was, Salene wondered too. She was generally a light sleeper and should have noticed Jamus’ leaving their room. Worse, though, he had never said a word about it to her despite his endless claims of complete openness in their relationship.

Of course, he had always kept her from some of the Magic.

He had traveled the Way of Mirrors and Mastered its Reflections. There were dark secrets in its corridors she hoped never to see and Jamus, well aware of the dangers lurking there, spoke little of those journeys. From the first time she had ever looked at him through the Sorcerer’s Crystal, Salene had known he was destined for greatness beyond imaginings and the specter of that Vision had haunted her ever since. Some day, she was afraid the River would claim him as its own and the man she had grown to love so desperately would be lost to her. If it was happening so soon, she could not bear it.

Ya sure he’s comin’, Missy? Josep asked as he led Flax into the aisle to finish saddling her. I sent Joss ta tack up Whim.

He said he was coming, Salene replied. It’s not like him to go back on his word.

That’s right sure. If’en ya kin say one thin’ about Jamus it’s that he’s a man o’ his word. I never heard him tell a fib as long’s I kin remember.

Salene fervently hoped that was still true. She fully intended to ask Jamus about those rides.

At that moment, Clouder bounded into the stable and collapsed in a panting heap on the floor at her feet, his big brown eyes melting her heart as he wagged his tail furiously waiting for her to greet him with a pat on the head. All right you big pile of fur, she said affectionately as she rubbed his silky black head, I hope your master’s right behind you so we can ride before the wind changes.

Was I that long? Jamus asked as he strode in. Even dressed in a simple blue wool tunic and his leather boots and leggings, he looked every inch a lord and took her breath away. Over six feet tall, broad shouldered and fit, with ice grey eyes and dark wavy hair, he was one of the handsomest men she had ever seen. Magic, it seemed, had graced him with a physical presence more than a match for the Power he held in his hands, and Salene was drawn to him as most women were. The only difference was, he was her husband.

I’ve been here a while, and I went to the kitchens too. I expected you sooner.

He grinned sheepishly, I read another chapter before I came. I’m sorry. It’s too easy to get distracted with some of those manuscripts. Did you know there were at least fifteen Mages who consulted with Sorem on the construction of the Rim? Those illusions he created in the mountains are far more complex than even I thought. In the Northern Rim, alone. Her exasperated expression drew him up short. Oh.

Just one Sowin away from the books, Jamus, that’s all. Don’t bring the Library with us, please.

He shrugged, bent to give Clouder the required pat, and then straightened, I hope I have enough left in my head to carry on a normal conversation for the afternoon.

I think you do, she said, giving him a quick kiss. I have never known you to be short of words or, she pinched him on his buttocks, short of other necessities.

Blood, woman, don’t do that in front of Josep. He’ll be carrying tales back to Becca and I’ll be called there for another lecture series on how best to handle a wife.

Looks ta me ya knows right well how ta handle one, Josep grinned. What I wonder is if’en ya handles her enough.

Joss appeared then, leading Jamus’ big silver stallion, Whim, who was chomping nervously on the bit and tossing his head, He’s pretty riled, Master Jamus. I don’t know what’s got inta him lately. Ya bin ridin’ him plenty. Maybe he’s gettin’ too fit.

As soon as Jamus took the reins, the great horse settled. He’s just excited about the mares. It’s nearly time to breed, I think.

Yer right in that, Josep agreed readily. I got a fine lot o’ ladies picked out fer him too. Yer Flax, if’en ya wants, Lady Salene. Gold and silver’d make a right nice baby.

I’ll have to ask Flax about that, Salene said as she led the golden mare out into the yard. I think a woman has certain rights in such matters.

Josep plucked Jamus’ sleeve, Maybe I better tell Becca after all. It don’ sound as if yer Salene’s got the right attitude, there. Becca’d know what ta do ta set her fer ya. Strikes me ya might need a lesson er two if’en yer gonna make yer own baby with that lady.

What?

Ya gotta think about it sooner er later, boy. Why else would ya spend so much time rolling with her?

Because, my friend, Jamus answered, she is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.

Salene was already mounted when Jamus led Whim to the yard. The stallion trumpeted when he saw the mare and strained against his bit, but Jamus’ hand on his neck quieted him again and they rode quietly off.

Do ya think it was all right sendin’ the mare for Mistress Salene, Pap? Joss asked. I coulda let her ride Magwin instead.

Whim’ll behave under the Master’s hand, Josep told his son as he put his arm on his shoulder. It always surprised him to realize how tall Joss had grown in his bonding time in the Norreaches at Lady Jolene’s Keep, and Josep swore the boy had grown since. Of course, it was the way with boys Joss’ age to sprout, so it was perfectly normal. Then again, in Joss’ case, he had learned to use the Magic, and that always added to nature. Josep figured one day his son would top him by a full head. He hoped by then he would have heard enough of Becca’s lectures that his father would never have to turn him over his knee about a woman. Josep had always held it was the man’s duty to keep his wife happy in all things, especially bed. Jamus, is seemed, could use a little disciplining in the matter. Leaving his wife alone in the middle of the night was bound to deserve a good tanning.

*****

The grove of brellums and long willows was West of the Keep and just over a small rise which edged the farthest pastures. Salene and Jamus had galloped a good stretch letting the horses have their heads and then slowed back to a ground covering walk.

I’ve missed riding with you, Salene said as soon as she’d steadied Flax and adjusted her reins. We used to ride nearly every day.

I’d forgotten how nice it was, Jamus replied noncommittally. He stroked Whim’s neck absently and then abruptly changed the subject, His first crop of foals is due soon. I hope they bear his stamp.

The Magic? Salene asked. Jamus had created the horse himself, drawing of the depths of the River where no Mage had ever dared draw before. The stallion had almost been his undoing when Sagari had discovered his secret.

I was thinking more of his conformation and gaits.

Magic does pass down through the father.

The Hand grant Josep deliverance from that. As I recall, Whim had a bad habit of dissolving out of his stall and into the grain room quite regularly. Can you imagine a half dozen little mischief makers like that in the Keep?

Josep’d quit in a Sevenstin and hand over the stables to Joss.

Well the boy’s perfectly capable. He’s learned a fair bit of Magic too. I suppose he could learn to conjure some sort of Sphere around the grain if it came to it.

Salene laughed, A Sphere of Granular Protection, he could call it. It might even end up in some of those books of yours.

No. Jamus hesitated. Then, as if covering up some darker thought, he went on too brightly, We could let Simen write a song about it called ‘It Goes Against the Grain.’

Salene groaned, I thought you surrendered all your Follyman humor when you freed Simen’s reflection.

I had plenty to spare, he answered. Simen is just responsible for the better jokes. I saved the worst ones for myself.

How lucky I am to share them with you, she teased. I guess I should be grateful to be so honored.

That’s true--I only tell bad jokes to my very best friends.

Aha! Then it’s a test--only your very best friends would put up with them.

Jamus swung out of the saddle at the edge of the grove and took the bags from Salene before she dismounted. That’s what best friends are for, he said, --and lovers, too.

I would hope lovers have more uses than just laughing at bad jokes.

He swept her into his arms as her feet hit the ground, I should say they do. Shall we explore the possibilities?

The brellums formed a natural canopy and the fronds of the willows hung low all around creating a private chamber. The sunlight filtered through the branches to create a lovely glow inside. But, since it was still early in the Green season, it was chilly in the shade, and Salene shivered. Without a word, Jamus spelled a warming and instantly, the little hideaway was perfectly comfortable. I guess it was too early for a picnic, Salene said as she spread her blanket on the ground.

Did you really bring me out here for a meal?

It would be nice.

We’re alone, Salene. No one else will show up at the door with a question for the Lord of Magiskeep. The audience is yours alone. He sat down on the blanket, Now what was it you wanted to talk about?

As usual, Salene was not at all surprised by his perceptiveness. He had always been a good student in the Art of Compassion and had used those talents in more ways that the Masters would ever have imagined. But Sarena had been wrong. It was part of his weakness to sense and relate to other’s needs before his own, often sacrificing his own welfare. I’m worried about you, Jamus.

If that’s all, then you didn’t have to lure me away from the Keep to tell me.

No, .that’s not all. I’m worried about us, too.

Now he riveted his attention on her. What have I done wrong? I know I’ve been studying too much, but you know I’ve always been fascinated with the workings of the Magic. I’ll spend more time with you, I promise. I haven’t been neglecting you, have I? Not really, I mean. Every night I’m here.

She put her fingers to his lips and shook her head, Every night you have gone to bed with me. But, my love, there is more to a marriage than bed. We used to talk--to share our thoughts. How can we when your thoughts are on some distant part of the River? Is it already time for me to surrender you to the Dragon?

It was his turn to silence her, Don’t say that. I am not the Rivermaster yet, and if I have my way I will not be for a long time.

What is it then? She asked. What is driving you away from me? You spend nearly every waking span in the Library surrounded by books and now, I discover you spend Norwin wandering around the Eastern Forest.

He grabbed her shoulders, his arms stiff as he appraised her face, Who told you that?

Josep said Joss told him. He was worried about your riding Whim today because he was so restless. He seemed to think I knew all about it.

He dropped his arms and turned away from her, his shoulders slumping in defeat, I didn’t want you to know.

Why not? Is it another one of those secrets you promised you’d never keep from me? she asked bitterly. Have you become such a good liar you can sneak out of our room at night without even waking me?

No. I chanted you.

His reply stung her more than she could have believed possible. Chanted me? By Sorem’s Blood, how could you do such a thing! How dare you! She clutched his shoulder now, Turn around! Look at me! I want to see your face when you tell me why you’d do such a horrendous thing!

Slowly, he faced her, his anguished eyes meeting hers. She read his misery there but refused to respond. He had trouble finding the words to answer, I didn’t want you to follow me. I love you too much.

If he were trying to calm her rage with the proclamation, he sadly misjudged her fury. So you did it in the name of love? she spit. I don’t even think you know the meaning of the word! As soon as the accusation left her mouth, Salene wanted to bite it back. But it was too late--she saw that in his eyes too.

That was true, once, he replied softly, lowering his gaze, until you changed it. Now I understand how much it really hurts to love someone as much as I love you and not be able to prove it. Salene resisted the urge to take him in her arms. As much as she knew he believed what he said, Chanting her so she would not wake was not an easy thing to forgive, no matter how much he swore he’d done it out of love. To use the Magic against someone, not matter how honorable the intent, defied the rules of common decency. Words, Jamus, that’s all they are. You’re like a first season Prentice learning the Art, uttering rhymes and phrases to call the Magic because you have no real understanding. That’s all your love is. When do the words finally stop and the doing begin?

What do you want from me?

The truth, that’s all.

I can’t. He looked at her helplessly. She forced herself to fieron resolve even as her heart ached to forgive him. Then he sighed, All right. Tonight. Come with me. There’s no way to tell you anyhow. If you need so much proof, you’ll have to see for yourself. I’ll give you a Sphere if I can, though I can’t promise it will keep you safe if something happens to me. Still, it’s worth something.

Resolve broke and she reached out her hand to touch his face, but he flinched and pulled away. Jamus? I’m sorry.

He got up slowly and went to the edge of the trees. He stood for a while with his back to her and then parted some of the branches, I’m not very hungry after all. I think I’ll take Whim and Flax to the stream for some water. You go ahead and eat.

Salene felt her heart fall as she watched him go. What could possibly be so terrible as to drive this wedge between them? Jamus had deceived her with his Magic--something she would never have expected from him--defying Rule and Vow in one stroke. No matter what her pride told her, she knew he had only done it for the best of reasons. Yet if some torment had so driven him. if there were any way at all to free him from it, she intended to find out.

Suddenly, the warmspell Jamus had placed upon this shelter seemed to mock her. He had conjured it without her asking the moment he had seen her shiver. He’d always protected her like that, sensing her needs even before she noticed them herself. Once, when she’d gone out riding alone, he’d sent a Sphere to her just before an unexpected storm struck. She would have been soaked by the time she managed to weave her own protection, but his had kept her dry and safe all the way back to the Keep. When she got to the stables, he was waiting for her, and he never said one word about how careless she’d been in riding so far with dark clouds hanging over the Rim.

She smiled now too when she remembered how he’d saved her from embarrassment at the Naming Day of Tarena’s and Symon’s son when she forgot the name they’d requested and offered another to the River instead. Though no one else noticed, she’d felt Jamus hold back the water protecting the child from the wrong name, laughing all the while as he told the concerned parents how he had made the mistake. It’s not Salene’s fault, he’d said, it’s mine. What I wrote down looks like ‘Jaren’ instead of ‘Jerem.’ Poor Salene, having to decipher my sloppy letters.

But she’s called the River with that name, Tarena had said. It’s too late.

No, no, Jamus insisted, waving his hand in dismissal. Magic is wiser than that. Look, your son’s head is still dry. Now, let the River answer to his real name, and you’ll see.

She’d called again, and as he predicted, the gentle shower fell on the child’s head as Magic recognized him as Jerem, its newest charge. Jamus had set the River free at that second call and never said a word about it afterward. Her thanks brought only a smile and a nod as if he had only done what was expected, and no more. He was always doing what was expected--that’s why the unexpected frightened her so much.

She bundled the uneaten food back into the bags and went out to meet Jamus as he brought the horses back. He didn’t say a word as he helped her mount and then offered only non-committal grunts as she tried once more to apologize. On the way back she chattered on about the Keep gossip, hoping to mend the tear in the fabric of their relationship, but he didn’t even seem to be listening. It didn’t take long for her to surrender to his black mood so that by the time they reached the stables, she had fallen to the uncomfortable silence - silence broken only by the sounds of their horses.

Joss met them at the gate. Wise beyond his years, he averted his eyes when he saw Salene’s tear stained face and Jamus’ grim expression. Instead, he looked both horses over, his head lowered.

Joss, Jamus said, I’d like you to have Redwin saddled for me and Tanner ready for Lady Salene a span after Weswin’s turn, if you would. We have a good ride to make tonight and I want two quiet mounts this time.

Still fixing his concentration on the two mounts as if they were all that really mattered, the boy replied quietly, It ain’t good ridin’ out at night, Me Lord. I don’ hold with it, ya know.

Jamus put his hand on the boy’s shoulder, I know you don’t, Joss, and that is why you are in charge of my horses. I respect a man who would defy his Lord for the sake of his animals.

At that, Joss looked up and met Jamus’ eyes with a level stare, I ain’t never defied ya, Me Lord. Ya knows how I feel. I jest can’t see ya traipsing aroun’ all hours of the night, is all. It ain’t good fer ya, nor the horses neither.

Jamus sighed in exasperation. Why is it that everyone else in Magiskeep seems to think he knows more about what’s good for me than I do? I thought, he looked directly at Salene, being Lord would entitle at least some regard for my own judgment.

She remained silent in the face of his accusation.

Joss though, tightened his grip on Whim’s reins, I ain’t got the right ta question yer judgment, me Lord. If’en ya wants ta ride, ya ride. I do as ya say, an’ no less.

Well, then. Jamus answered, bowing slightly to Joss and then Salene, I will see you both here after windchange. Until then, please excuse me--I have a book I want to finish reading. Then he turned on his heel and walked up the white gravel path to the Keep.

For the second time that day, Salene’s heart ached as she watched him go.

Somethin’s wrong right sure, Joss said.

We had a quarrel, Joss, that’s all, Salene told him as she dipped her hands in the water trough and dashed water on her face to wash away the tears. He’s very angry with me.

I figgered as much, Joss answered, but it ain’t that what’s wrong. I mean, his bein’ mad an’ all’s not good, but there’s somethin’ else.

What?

Can’t ya feel it? The Magic’s cryin’.

Salene frowned, What are you talking about?

Jest lissen, he said as he led the horses away. Ya’ll hear it.

For the first time that day, Salene forgot about her own feelings and opened her mind as she should have done for Jamus. Then, she heard it, and the River’s sobs broke what was left of her heart.

As soon as Salene entered the Keep, she hurried up the wide formal staircase to the second floor and headed for the Masters’ Hall. She was beginning to think she was totally inept at dealing with Jamus on her own. Questioning his loyalty had been bad enough without the Magic taking his part. Now, she felt her own Power matching her blossoming grief. One more time, she would ask for advice from wiser heads.

Sarena was not at all pleased. You did what? she asked when Salene told her what had happened in the brellum grove.

I told him he didn’t know the meaning of love, Salene repeated. The words sounded even worse to her now.

By the Hand, Salene, you couldn’t have hurt him more if you’d Spellfired him.

He’d chanted me, Sarena. He admitted it, as soon as she said it, Salene realized it was a foolish defense. Jamus’ Magic had absolutely nothing at all to do with his emotions. Whatever reason he’d had for casting a spell on her had been, in the end, a purely rational one. To a man as rooted in Rule and Vow as he was, Magic was completely devoid of feeling, based only on the purest logic.

Sarena shook her head in disbelief. Haven’t you learned to trust him yet after all we’ve been through? How many times does he have to offer his life before he earns your loyalty? He killed for you. Do you know what that did to him?

He killed Sagari to save Turan.

Bosh! With his Power he could have done a thousand other things to defend Turan. Sarena slid her arms into the sleeves of a fresh white robe as she prepared for her last class of the day. Then, she tied her dark hair back with a long white ribbon and sat down on a stool by her desk to finish her admonition, I thought you had more sense than this, Salene. Jamus is a master of masters. You know as well as I do he didn’t have to kill Sagari. He could have taken his power, spelled him into bondage, or he could have banished him from the Keep. What he couldn’t do was let the man who had raped the woman he loved live. He didn’t want you to have to see him again, so he erased your fear the only way he knew how.

Sagari was using Magic Unrestrained. He was evil.

And what did Jamus use to destroy him? Sarena slammed her hand down on the desk, Even palion is an agent of Magic Unrestrained. Why are you so blind? Why can’t you see how much he’s sacrificed for you?

I’m afraid.

Afraid of what? He loves you.

I’m afraid of the River, Salene whispered as she collapsed into a nearby chair.

Sarena rose from her stool and knelt in front of her, putting her hands on Salene’s knees, Jamus will be its Master, no matter what you or I try to do about it. But that doesn’t mean he won’t still love you. You’re his hold in this world--the one thing he sees as more precious than any Art he could hope to achieve.

He loves the Magic, Sarena.

Be that as it may, he loves you much more. Then, she reached up and touched Salene’s cheek, The problem is, not whether Jamus loves you, but whether you love him.

Of course I do, Salene said indignantly. How could you even question me?

Sarena stood up and smiled down at her, All this time while you’ve been expecting him to prove his love, he hasn’t once asked the same of you, has he?

No. He doesn’t need to.

Why? You expect him to put all his faith in you, but you won’t return the favor? You’re right, he doesn’t ask because he doesn’t need to--he trusts what you say.

Salene chewed her lip thoughtfully, I never considered that.

So now you repay his trust in you with suspicion, and still, he doesn’t question you. Instead, he goes back on whatever promise he’d made to himself about these rides of his and he offers to take you along. Sarena sighed, By the Blood, I pray your going along with him won’t put you both at risk in some awful nightmare.

I could refuse to go.

It’s too late for that, my dear. You and I both know Jamus will not rest until he’s convinced you, no matter what it costs.

Salene choked back her tears, I am a fool.

Sarena merely nodded.

*****

Weswin came with agonizing slowness. When Jamus did not take evenmeal with her, Salene ate alone at their table in the Great Dining Hall, suffering the stares and hushed comments of her fellow diners as a deserved punishment for her crime. Later, when she returned to their chambers to change her clothes and again found no sign of Jamus, her guilt deepened. All the time they had been married, he had not missed a single meal with her and had always been in their rooms as darkness fell. Not even his studies in the Library had varied his routine with her. Now, with one statement, she had changed all that.

She dressed in a dark blue wool tunic, with a full sleeved wool coat to ward off the evening’s chill, and then put on riding breeches and boots, choosing to dress from her closet rather than by Magic. Then, she went down to the stables.

Jamus was there, waiting for her. He too had on a blue wool tunic, with long full sleeves. Over it, he pulled on a dorrsett leather vest the same soft grey color as his leggings and boots. He already had Redwin and once he’d put on his riding gloves, he swung up into the saddle.

You weren’t at evenmeal, she said. Did you eat something?

I wasn’t hungry, he replied as the red stallion pawed impatiently, all too clearly matching his rider’s mood.

Jamus, I spoiled our picnic, so you didn’t eat then, and now you’ve missed another meal. You can’t go riding around in the dark without some food in your stomach. Why don’t we....

He cut her off abruptly, If I needed a mother to look after me, I’d have married someone like Becca.

I just needed you.

You wanted to see where I was going didn’t you? he said, ignoring her pleas, We’d better be on our way. The moon is early tonight and I’d like to take advantage of its light. At that, he reined Redwin for the East gate without even checking to see if she was following.

Joss held out his hands to help her mount, his face blank. Any other time, she would have teased him about his all too proper manner. Now though, she let him lift her lightly into the saddle and then nudged the dun gelding forward.

Tanner, one of the gentlest horses in the Keep needed a little prodding to match Redwin’s pace, so Salene found herself well occupied keeping an eye on Jamus and his red horse once they left the open trails leading into the Eastern Forest. The moonlight filtering through the lofty pines above then gave scant illumination to the pathway they were taking. Once or twice, she was afraid she’d lost him when he made an unexpected turn, but her horse seemed as concerned about being left alone in the woods as she did and quickened his pace each time, only to fall back again as soon as Jamus was back in sight. The constant gap between them made conversation impossible, and Salene resigned herself to her own lonely thoughts.

At last the trail widened into a small soffern clearing.

We’ll leave the horses here, Jamus said, his voice startling her in the overwhelming silence surrounding them.

It’s so quiet here, she said as she tied Tanner to an overhanging branch. There aren’t even any night sounds.

We’re close to Crystal Lake, he replied with no further explanation. Stay as close behind as you can. There’s no real path to follow and I’d just a soon not have to thrash around some tanglevine thicket looking for you.

Salene wanted to tell him she was at least as good a woodsman as he, but she kept silent. She had crossed him one too many times already.

They wound among the trees for a quarter span until they reached the shore of the great Crystal Lake where Sorem had discovered the magical Sorcerer’s Stone which revealed truth to all who looked through its shining facets. Every time Salene visited these waters, she felt Magic’s presence as no where else in Turan. It was here too that Jamus had created his silver stallion Whim and here, it was said the wise Mage might draw upon the River’s depths with Master’s Power.

The lake stretched out for at least a league beyond this shore, shining silver in the moonlight, its surface perfectly calm as it mirrored the sky. If Jamus had been coming here only to think, or even dream his way through all that he had studied, it was the perfect setting. For a moment, Salene felt at peace with the idea, until the lake began to move. Then, she felt Jamus weave a Sphere of Protection around her, and her heart began to pound.

Whatever happens, Jamus said, stay right here unless I call you.

Jamus.

He took her hand and held it, looking deeply into her eyes, Promise me you’ll stay right here.

She gulped and nodded.

Then, he turned away from her and began to walk out on to the heaving surface of the water. Great swells rose around him and beneath his feet, but he seemed oblivious to the motion, walking straight at sure to a spot near the center of the lake. There, he stopped and raised his hand, I have come.

Suddenly, to his right, there was a burst of golden fire and within the flames there appeared the shape of a woman. Gowned in a glistening dress which clung to the shapely curves of her body, her long golden hair streaming down her back, she approached Jamus and took him in her arms, kissing him, and caressing his cheeks with her slender fingers. He seemed to soften at her touch, and even smiled at her, his face clear in the golden light surrounding them both.

Salene choked back a cry, spun, and fled.

The sound alerted Jamus and he broke from the woman’s embrace, Salene! Salene, wait! Then, he ran back to the shore in pursuit.

Hot tears blinding her eyes, Salene lost her way at once in the dense undergrowth. Her mind had been so focused on Jamus’ back when they’d come, she’d paid little attention to her surroundings and now had no sense of direction at all. Just as she was about to spell a path out of the thick bushes surrounding her, she heard him coming and froze. There was no sense in trying to hide. This truth needed facing.

I thought you promised you’d stay put, Jamus said as he reached her, his voice betraying more relief than anger. There are all kinds of sinkholes along the borders of the lake. It’s not safe if you don’t know where they are.

What good is a promise in a world where promises have no meaning? she sobbed.

He moved over to her, reached out as if to touch her, and then let his hands fall, You wanted to come. I tried to tell you it wouldn’t be easy.

Seeing you in the arms of your lover?

My love, his mouth opened in surprise, what did you think? Blood, Salene, it’s not that at all.

Then tell me what it is, Jamus. Tell me who this woman is who takes you in her arms as only I should?

His voice was tinged with anger now, Damn it, Salene, don’t you ever look at the world with more than your eyes? Haven’t you learned yet that what you see and what is are not always the same?

This was not an illusion.

I never said it was, but it was the Magic.

What difference does it make? One lover is as good as another in taking you from me.

You don’t listen either, do you? No matter what I say, you hear only what you want to hear, see only what you want to see, and think only what you want to think. I can’t keep bearing the loving for us both, Salene. I haven’t the strength.

They were Sarena’s words all over again. Yet, she had seen the woman, seen her beauty, and seen him respond. Was he right? Could there be more to see than what her eyes revealed? Sarena had tried to warn her. Trust had to go both ways. She held out her hand, I want to go back.

Where? To the Keep?

No. To the lake. I need to look again with Crystal Vision instead of my fear.

He took her hand and led her back to the shore. The golden woman had come closer and now was peering anxiously into the forest as they approached. Salene could see she had been weeping.

Jamus? she said as soon as she caught sight of them, Are you all right? You ran away so quickly. Has she hurt you again?

To Salene’s distress, he answered, Yes, she has.

Bring her to me.

No, He stepped in front of Salene and raised his arms protectively.

How easily you defy me, my son. Have you grown so confident in you mastery already? You know too little of the River to ride it.

She is more precious to me than the River can ever be, Mother. I promised her I would keep her safe no matter what it cost me. If it means defying you, then so be it.

The golden woman laughed then, and the sound of it filled Salene with a strange and warm sensation. For the first time in a Sevenstin, her doubts actually began to fade.

You are a lucky woman, Salene, to own the Rivermaster’s heart. Yet, the woman’s voice grew serious, you question him and cause him great pain. Is your love so little it cannot weather one small storm? She shook her head sadly, This does not bode well for tomorrow.

I am afraid I know too little of love to answer you, Madame, Salene replied, once she found her voice. She took hold of Jamus’ arm and tried to push past. He still held her back. Please, Jamus. You know I have to find out. Reluctantly, he stepped aside.

The woman held put her hand, Then come, child. It is time you learned.

Salene moved toward her, only to have Jamus grab her arm to pull her back, Don’t. She is an unforgiving Mistress.

You said she was the Magic. Why should I be afraid?

She is a Sorceress, my son, the woman said, and the woman you have chosen to be at your side. Sooner or later it had to come to this. Let her decide.

If I go with you, Salene asked, will you teach me to be humble in the face of Jamus’ love for me?

The woman smiled, If that is what you wish, then take my hand, for you are a woman truly worthy of my son.

I’m going with her, Jamus, Salene said as she began to walk toward the lake. She understands what I need to know.

Then I’m coming too. I don’t intend to let you out of my sight.

Come. Then woman beckoned to the center of the lake. A little uncertainly, Salene put her foot on the water. Then, Jamus put his arm around her and together they began walking across the silver surface. At first, the water held them up. Salene felt as if she were walking on a soft thick carpet. But, as they neared the point where the woman had first appeared, her feet began to sink in. When the water reached her knees, Salene started breathing more quickly, fear replacing bravado.

Jamus pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, Don’t be afraid. You still have your Sphere, and I will be right here. When we finally go under the water you’ll still be able to breathe.

Under the water? she squeaked, blushing when she realized how frightened she sounded.

It’s the River. Crystal Lake opens right into the Magic.

You’ve done this before?

At least twenty times. It’s scary at first, but you’ll get used to it. Trust me.

This time, she decided she would and she threw her fate into his hands as they took one more step and plunged into the dark water.

The last of the moonlight faded above as they sank. At first, Salene held her breath, but then, Jamus squeezed her waist and she gasped. To her surprise, her lungs filled with fresh air instead of water and she began to relax. The darkness closed in around them the deeper they went. She had had no idea the lake was this deep, for the descent seemed to take forever.

Then, just before the light from the surface disappeared altogether, it was replaced by a golden one from below. Salene looked down, fascinated by the tantalizing brightness which seemed to beckon her. She struggled a little to pull away from Jamus’ grasp, but he held her back and in the end she was forced to reach the glow at the pace he’d chosen. He seemed perfectly comfortable in the alien environment and even smiled when she looked at him. He had the nicest smile, she thought.

Huge stone walls, covered with green plants now rose on either side of them, as bright colored fish in all colors of the rainbow darted about, each followed by a trail of phosphorescent sparks. Deeper still, the plants blossomed into flowers of incredible sizes and shapes with delicate petals waving in the water. The closer they came to the bottom, the more and more convinced Salene became that she could actually smell the blooms’ delicate fragrances.

Then, their feet touched and, with Jamus’ arm still locked about her waist, they stepped forward into a huge, dry cavern.

The vaulted ceiling arched upward for at least thirty feet and the rock floor reached around for perhaps fifty. There were carpets here and there, and a collection of furniture including several chairs and a settee. More of interest, though, were the walls, for they were hung with over a dozen tapestries of magnificent detail. Only two, though, were undamaged. The rest seemed either torn or threadbare in crucial places, the vivid colors disturbed by a flaw in the weave or a fading of the thread.

Salene was entranced by the pictures woven into them, for all depicted tales of some of Magiskeep’s greatest sorcerers. There, in a blaze of green and gold was Sorem, his hands lifted to raise a mountain range. Another showed the Eldenmage Jobor astride a fiery black stallion, leading an army of Mages against the dark lords of Tamor who had tried to destroy Magiskeep in the Elden War. It seemed as if the whole history of the Magic was woven into one tapestry after another. Then, her eyes were caught by a lone hanging decorating the far wall. There, astride a huge rainbow Dragon, was Jamus, or at least a man who looked strikingly like Jamus. He had the same dark hair and the same ice grey eyes and wore Jamus’ blue and silver tunic but, there was some subtle difference. Perhaps it was the expression of utter fury on his face.

The golden woman rose from the chair where she had been sitting, Welcome to my heart, Mistress. Then she motioned to a cushioned bench near the Sorem tapestry, Please sit down. Jamus has already seen most of this room but as you are my guest, I will let you choose.

Choose, My Lady? What am I selecting?

You have not told her anything of this place, my son? When Jamus shook his head, she looked puzzled, It is strange you bring her then. It is not like you to risk another’s innocence without good reason.

She asked to come, Mother. She was worried about me.

The woman smiled sadly at Salene, Jamus is safe in the arms of the River, child. As long as he is here, he is protected.

You speak in riddles, Madam, Salene replied. Who are you, and why does he call you ‘Mother?’

I am his true mother, the woman answered. He is a child of the River, is he not?

I too was born of the Magic.

The woman considered, Your mother is one of my sisters, I think, for though you are strong in the Power, my blood does not flow in your veins. I am as old as the beginning of Circles and my children are but two. Jobor was the first and now there is Jamus. When the Great Circle closes, another will soon follow.

Who are you that you can speak of Prophecy? Do you have a name?

Call me Kashar if it is a name you need.

Kashar was the Seer of Eldenage who aided Jobor against the Dark Lords, Salene said. The story was an old one, almost as old as time itself. The Dark Lords of Tamor had raised an army of shadows and soldiers who owed loyalty to nothing but gold. Driven by the greed for power, Tamor had made war against the forces of Turan led by Jobor, the first Rivermaster. Kashar had warned him of the impending attack and promised him a weapon of such power it would end the war in a day. But, once the fighting had begun, the Seer had disappeared, and three circles later, Jobor finally made his own victory with blood and the lives of two thousand men.

You are well schooled, Mistress Salene. That name is not often remembered in the Chronicles. I have had others, of course, but that was the first one men knew.

Then you are a Seer, not a Sorceress.

Now Kashar laughed aloud, I am the River. My streams are many. In the end, there is no difference between them, except for the darkness and the light.

We don’t need to talk of that, Jamus said quickly.

It is why you come, is it not? Kashar asked. This woman wants to know.

She does not need to know of the shadows or their darkness beyond the fact that they exist.

The world is reflections, my son. It is the wise man who sees them for what they are. She turned her attention back to Salene, Have you not been in the Way?

Salene shook her head, I have not had the courage.

Yet you know of reflections.

Jamus has explained them to me, and I have seen some and even battled against them. She shuddered as she remembered Sagari’s use of reflections against them in the Rim when he had tried to kill Jamus for the last time. She had attacked his images with all her power, destroying one even as it sought to destroy her. To think a man like Sagari could live within a mirror frightened her even now. Jamus had said reflections lived of their own accord and each man had a thousand. They had destroyed only three, and then Sagari himself. Were there still hundreds more?

As if she had read Salene’s thoughts, Kashar went on, The Way is as endless as the Circle and its reflections eternal. But, unless they are disturbed, they are trapped in their mirrors. A man may free his own reflection by taking it, of course, and then he may do with it as he will.

Jamus had taken one of his reflections and then freed Simen to live his own life as a Follyman in Magiskeep. He had taken another too, one he called his true reflection, Suman, and nearly lost his own life in conquering him. Jamus never spoke of him anymore except to say he had given him his strength. She often wondered where that dreadful creature had gone or if he still lingered, bound by Spellfire, in Jamus’ deeper consciousness. Why do you speak of reflections? Is this why Jamus has come to you?

Jamus has come to learn the Way of the River, My Lady. The books of Magiskeep tell but half the story. The Circle journeys its endless path to its beginning. It is the Rivermaster’s duty to seek the answers to questions he cannot ask. Already the Shadows are awakening and the Black Dragon is roused. The Rivermaster must not wait until the Way is opened to learn its secrets, for he alone must face them.

He won’t be alone, Salene said firmly. Then she looked over at Jamus and smiled, I will always be with him.

Kashar smiled now and the brilliance of it cast dizzying golden rays around the room, I do not have to teach you any more about love, Salene. You have just said it all.

Salene shivered. When Kashar said it, it all seemed so easy. Surely there was more to love than that. Jamus had a destiny which reached well beyond their lives together and somehow, she was determined to be a part of it, Then will you teach me the Way of the River?

Salene felt Jamus’ grip tighten, No, Salene, he said softly. It’s not safe.

Kashar studied them, Jamus is wise in warning you, but I do not think you are going to listen. My Son, this woman must understand what she feels drives you from her. She deserves a chance to meet her rival, does she not? Let her search a Vision, just as you have done so many times yourself.

It’s not safe, he repeated firmly.

But you do it, Salene protested. You said you were bringing me here to explain. Don’t I have a right to know the rest of it?

You don’t know what you’re asking.

That’s right, I don’t. And so I will keep on asking until I understand.

Kashar laughed aloud, She is a woman fit for a Rivermaster for sure. It takes great spirit to hold on to a man of Power.

Stop it, Jamus said angrily.

Is it so hard to accept the truth of it, Jamus? Kashar asked. She is strong and determined--the very reasons you chose to love her. Now that it faces you, you try to make her weak. Let her choose a Vision. Go with her. Let her see your quest. It would be good for you heart.

I have a right to know, Salene repeated.

Jamus gritted his teeth in frustration, Ask your questions, Salene. Just remember I did not want to answer you.

Mistress Kashar, you spoke of searching a Vision. What does that mean?

Kashar gestured toward the tapestries on the walls, These hangings are much like the Mirrors of the Way, except all their portraits are truths, not illusion. Each depicts a secret in the Way of Magic unrecorded in the Chronicles. If Jamus is to be Kiselor, he must learn all the secrets of the Magic.

Why are some of the tapestries damaged? I should think truths would be more perfectly woven.

Alas, it should. But you see, ignorance is a broken thread in the Way of things. To restore the tapestries, their secrets must be revealed. Jamus has Searched these two, she pointed to the two unblemished tapestries. He has learned the secret of the Rim, and the secret of Crystal Lake. When he learns all, he will ride the Dragon.

So, he has been coming here to search for them.

Kashar