also been told you are extraordinarily gifted at magic. Perhaps after you return from the shrine you will have the chance to study it.’
‘I am going to the shrine then, to be tested for the Curse?’
‘You and your brother both.’
‘You think we may be cursed then?’
‘The Flame thinks you need to be tested. I merely relay the message.’
‘What is it like?’ Teclis asked. Another elf might not have dared ask, but he was curious.
‘It is not at all what I expected before I passed through the Flame,’ said Finubar. ‘It is not entirely a comfortable thing to spend your life in the presence of a living god. More I am not allowed to say.’
Teclis did not ask who did not allow him that. Finubar had already answered.
‘When do I go the shrine, sire?’
‘At once. Your relatives have been notified. A ship waits for you at the docks. It will take you to the shrine at once.’
‘Is it so urgent we be tested?’
‘You are being sent there for your own protection. We have reason to believe a daemon is hunting you, for all the Blood of Aenarion.’
‘Is that why N’Kari has returned?’
‘My advisors think it likely. I see no reason to doubt them. It is unlikely even a Keeper of Secrets will seek you out within the reach of the Flame. It will find its fires very hot if it does. Believe me I have had some experience of the process.’
‘I thank you for your kindness, sire,’ said Teclis.
‘You have my blessing and my leave to depart,’ the Phoenix King replied.
CHAPTER TWENTY-five
‘Oh no, another ship,’ said Teclis. The twins stood on the dock at Lothern’s northern harbour. It was neither as busy nor impressive as the Great Harbour. It lacked the variety too – the only ships in view were asur vessels. No others were allowed on the waters of the Inner Sea.
‘I sometimes doubt you are my sister’s son,’ said Lady Malene. ‘She was a true daughter of Lothern, as at home on the water as on land.’
Teclis looked oddly at her. He did not seem to know quite what to say or quite how to take this parting. Tyrion suspected that he had become accustomed to her company and that, unusually for his twin, Teclis trusted her. ‘I take after my father. He always preferred the mountains.’
‘I know,’ said Malene. There was a world of wistfulness in her voice. Tyrion suspected she was thinking of the distant place in which her sister had died.
Tyrion was surprised when his twin walked forward and with great awkwardness hugged her. She hugged him back.
‘We will come back,’ Teclis said.
‘Be sure that you do,’ said Lady Malene. ‘You still have a great deal to learn.’
‘When you come back we shall see about making a warrior out of you, not a duellist, doorkeeper.’ Korhien said. His manner was joking and jovial, a soldier who had said many goodbyes. Tyrion could see he was champing at the bit to get away as well though. He needed to bring a warning to their father.
‘What do you mean?’
‘There will be armies in the field this season. This business with the Cult of Pleasure has got everything stirred up. We will be sweeping the mountains of vermin. There will be raids on Naggaroth too.’
‘The world must be shown the might of Ulthuan,’ said Tyrion.
‘Your quickness of understanding is gratifying, doorkeeper,’ said Korhien.
‘That’s the first time anyone has ever told my brother that,’ said Teclis. Korhien looked at him and smiled. He understood Teclis’s joking manner.
‘Be grateful he is your brother, otherwise he might call you out for insulting him.’ There was an edge to the White Lion’s words. Korhien was unhappy about the duel with Larien or something it had revealed about Tyrion. It was a matter he would have to take up with Korhien on his return.
If he returned.
‘You had better get aboard,’ said Lady Malene. ‘You sail with the tide and the captain will want to get under way. Best not keep him waiting.’
‘Blessings of Isha upon you,’ said Korhien.
‘May you live a thousand years,’ the twins responded in unison.
Tyrion stood on the bowsprit of the ship, balancing there, watching the dolphins surge through the water alongside. They were keeping pace with the vessel, leaping high and landing in the water, frolicsome as children at play. The coast of the Inner Sea was visible in the distance, a soft-looking land in this light, rising away to the distant mountains.