‘I know,’ said Denser. ‘It’s just a matter of time before he’s found out and he knows that. But he’s the only one who can talk to the Soul Tank and get us what we need. Other Protectors are going to risk themselves too. Funny, isn’t it? All these years and then you find Protectors have a collective conscience.’
‘Yeah, and all these years and we find they’re actually so vulnerable. ’
‘I suppose, but none of them have ever gone against Xetesk before, so a punishment for that crime has never even been considered. ’ Denser paused and looked across at Aeb, who rode between him and The Unknown. ‘We could still get away with it though. With the war escalating every day, rescinding the Act of Giving for one Protector isn’t going to be top of anyone’s agenda.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
‘Xetesk have more important things to worry about. Lystern have been forced into the war alongside Dordover and that changes the balance against them. Blackthorne will be in Lystern in a couple of days to effectively pledge baronial support. Rebraal is going there too and the elves will be fighting alongside the other colleges. It’s nasty out there.’
‘I can’t quite believe Dystran wants what Aeb says he does,’ said Hirad. ‘It doesn’t make any sense.’
‘Like I said, no elves, no Julatsa,’ said Denser. ‘But we’ve got to be focussed, not get caught up in the war. For us, saving Ilkar and Ren is all that matters.’
Hirad chuckled. ‘So strange. Remember when we first met?’
‘You wanted to kill me.’
‘Sorry about that.’
‘No offence taken,’ said Denser, smiling.
‘I hated you. So did we all. But now, a few years down the line, you’ll attack your own college to save Ilkar.’
Another shrug. ‘He’s Raven. That’s all there is to it.’
Chapter 41
Yron strode through the halls of Xetesk towards his meeting with Dystran, Erys scurrying to keep up, an escort of four mages and two Protectors around them. His anger had sharpened throughout the ride across Xetesk’s mage lands to the city of his birth, and the immediate summons to Dystran’s audience chambers at the base of the Tower had done nothing to calm him.
Filthy from the road, he swept through the doors as they were opened for him by a servant. The audience chamber was small but welcoming. Fires were lit on opposite walls and the sun shone in through a large arched window in front of him. Chairs were spaced around the room, all unoccupied. Leaning on the mantel to the left was Dystran, and standing next to him, supported by a stick, Ranyl, gaunt and sick.
Dystran came forward, his face alight with a smile.
‘My dear Captain Yron and the excellent Erys, may I welcome you at the end of your fantastic journey.’
‘Too many men are dead for any celebration, my Lord Dystran,’ said Yron. ‘And only by luck am I here at all.’
‘Yes, I heard you had trouble with elves,’ said Dystran.
‘Trouble? My Lord, there is an army of them out there. They are well trained fighters. Their mages are skilled and all are utterly determined. Don’t underestimate them. They are fearless and can take on Protectors because they are quick enough to beat them. And they will be coming here, though why the theft of some parchments, however holy, should inspire such a reaction, I’m not sure.’ Yron could see Dystran was barely interested. He bit his tongue to be silent.
‘Indeed,’ said Dystran. ‘But please, don’t worry about it. We have the situation well in hand.’
‘In the same way you have The Raven well in hand?’ Yron said sharply. ‘I am sorry, my Lord, but they came within twenty yards of catching me and I was assured they would be taken care of. Never even found them, did you? I say again, why are they and the elves so desperate to recover these texts?’
Dystran’s smile thinned. ‘Captain, Captain, Captain. Please calm yourself.’ Had he not been the Lord of the Mount, his patronising tone would have earned him a punch in the face. ‘It is true some of the efforts made to track The Raven have been less than effective but you have my personal assurance that they will shortly be dealt with decisively. Meanwhile, you are a returning hero. You have suffered terrible loss but all those who died have done so for the greater glory of Xetesk. And you have been on the trail too long. Look at you; clothes