Curse of the Shadowmage - Mark Anthony [32]
Mari's heart skipped wildly in her chest. "On my oath as a Harper, I will do my best, Master Thantarth."
Thantarth nodded somberly. "That is well, Al'maren, for this task will require all your strength, and far more." His steely eyes seemed to search her heart, piercing it as they scanned for something. "I have dire news, Mari. We have reason to believe that Caledan Caldorien is undergoing a terrible transformation-the same transformation that, a thousand years ago, resulted in the creation of the magical creature of darkness known as the Shadowking."
Despite her years of training, Mari could not conceal the anguish on her face. She had not thought the Harpers would come to this realization themselves. Yet why shouldn't they? There was little that surpassed the reach or understanding of the Harpers.
"I see you have reached the same conclusion," Thantarth said grimly.
"Just last night," Mari answered hoarsely.
"After Caledan's disappearance and the happenings in Corm Orp, there can be no other explanation," the Master
Harper said.
Mari gathered her will. "What is to be my mission, Master Thantarth?"
It took him a long moment to speak. When he did, there was no longer a hint of sorrow in his voice. Cold authority spoke. "You know Caledan better than any in the Harpers, Al'maren. That is why I am giving this task to you. Your mission is to track Caledan Caldorien. And when you find him, your orders are"-Thantarth hesitated only a fraction of a heartbeat-"to destroy him."
It was as if someone had yanked the ground out from beneath Mari's feet. She managed to grab the edge of a table and hold on. and only by this means did she manage to keep her footing. Finally she gasped a single word.
"What?"
"You heard my orders, Al'maren." Thantarth's voice was cold, hard stone.
She shook her head dully. Gradually, anger flared to life inside her. She welcomed it, letting the fire burn away the vast sickness in her gut. Slowly she straightened, locking gazes with the image of Thantarth in the shining sphere. "With all due respect, Master Thantarth,
I cannot believe what I have just heard," she said incredulously. "Caledan is one of the greatest Harpers alive. Perhaps the greatest. And you would simply have him disposed of like some broken tool that is no longer needed?"
"I am well aware of Caldorien's accomplishments as a Harper, Al'maren," Thantarth thundered angrily. "I hardly need a mere journeyman to instruct me. It is tragic that a hero of Caldorien's caliber must be destroyed. But the Harpers cannot allow the evil of a shadowking to be loosed upon the world once more. We have no choice. Caledan Caldorien must die. And you have been chosen to perform the deed."
Thantarth would not be swayed. Mari's rage melted into numbness. "I… can't do it."
"I know of your feelings for Caldorien. Al'maren. I do not envy your position. However, you must put your feelings aside in favor of the oath you swore to the Harpers."
She shook her head in disbelief. "You don't know what you're asking of me. I can't… I can't destroy the man I… I…"
Thantarth's booming voice shook the timbers of the inn. "You are wrong, Al'maren. You will do it, because I command you to do so. Your vow to the Harpers stands above all. You have no choice!"
That was his mistake. Mari realized she did have a choice. A thrill of fear coursed through her as she thought about what she must do, but it was quickly replaced by cool calm. She raised a hand to the silver moon-and-harp pin on her green jacket-the badge of the Harpers. When she spoke, her voice was steady.
"If as a Harper I must obey you, Thantarth, then this day I am a Harper no longer."
She tore the silver badge from her jacket.
Thantarth's expression was livid. "You cannot do this, Mari Al'maren!"
"It's too late. I already have."
His voice became a growl. "Do you understand what this means, Al'maren? You will be branded a renegade. Every Harper