as I do, Arathion. They are of the Blood.’
‘And if they are to be presented at court, I must see that they do not disgrace our family,’ said Malene.
His father let out a soft laugh. ‘I thought it must be that.’
‘Why must we be presented at court, father?’ Tyrion burst out, unable to contain his curiosity.
His father looked at him, as if noticing for the first time that he was there. ‘Leave us, Tyrion, your aunt and I have much to discuss. I will tell you what you need to be told later.’
His father sounded stern, and what he was saying was unfair, but there was such a look of pain in his eyes when he spoke that Tyrion did not have the heart to argue with him or question him. He stalked to the door and closed it behind him, resisting the urge to slam it although the temptation was very great.
‘Think,’ said Teclis. His voice sounded even more husky and rasping than usual. His cough was worse, but there was a feverish interest in his eyes now. He sat upright in his bed, a blanket draped round his shoulders like a cloak. ‘Try and remember, what else did they say?’
Tyrion shook his head. ‘I have told you all of it.’
He drew his cloak tighter around him. After the warmth of the sitting room downstairs, Teclis’s room seemed colder than ever. Perhaps he should carry Teclis down and let him sit by the fire for a while. He knew better than to suggest it though. His brother would never agree. He did not like his weakness to be exposed before strangers.
‘You are sure she said we are to be presented to the Phoenix King?’
‘Yes.’
‘I suppose it makes sense. We are potential inheritors of the Curse, after all.’
Tyrion laughed. ‘The Curse? The Curse of Aenarion? Be serious!’
‘The Archmage Caledor claimed that all of those of the Blood of Aenarion could inherit his curse and be touched by Khaine, god of murder.’
‘Surely that only applies to those like Malekith, born after Aenarion picked up the Godslayer and was tainted by its power.’
‘You would think, wouldn’t you? But such were not Caledor’s words. And if you think about it, it would make no sense. Malekith has been sterile since he passed through the Flame. He has never had any children.’
‘Why? I do not believe you are cursed by Khaine nor I, for that matter.’
Teclis gestured at his wasted form and raised one eyebrow. ‘I think it is possible.’
‘I don’t think you are cursed.’
‘How many elves ever get sick, Tyrion? How many are as feeble as I am?’
Tyrion tried to laugh the matter off. ‘I hardly think that qualifies you as a threat to the Realm.’
‘It does not matter what we think, Tyrion. It matters what the Phoenix King and his court think.’
‘We are being presented there so they can inspect us for the taint of Khaine?’
‘I believe so.’
‘That does not seem fair.’
‘They may be right.’
‘You cannot mean that, brother!’
‘Aenarion was unique. He did things no elf ever did before and very few even attempted afterwards. He passed through the Flame of Asuryan unaided and unprotected. He drew the Godslayer from the Altar of Khaine. There was something different about him, something that allowed him to wield the power of the gods, and for them to act through him. Who is to say that difference is not passed on through his blood. Caledor Dragontamer certainly thought so, and he was the greatest mage this world has ever known.’
‘How do you know all this?’ Tyrion asked. He knew the answer already but as usual the full extent of his brother’s learning astonished him.
‘Because while you roam abroad, I have nothing better to do than read, when I have the energy.’
‘Yes, but what you read, you always remember. I wish I could do that. With me it always slips in one ear and slides out the other.’
‘Unless it’s to do with war or heroes,’ said Teclis. ‘Anyway, don’t you think it unusual that Lady Malene and Lord Korhien came to visit us this way?’
‘What do you mean?’ Teclis gave him a warning look.
A draft of air hitting his back told him that someone had just opened the door to Teclis’s room. Tyrion turned and saw the Lady Malene standing there. She did not look embarrassed to be intruding. She matched their stares and then marched right into the chamber without waiting to be invited.
‘You would be Teclis,’ she said. ‘The cripple.’
‘And you would be Malene,