The Riddle - Alison Croggon [48]
“‘I hope that you received our note, and are not so anxious as we have been,’” Maerad continued. “Well, we didn’t. Aren’t there better ways than birdnews? Anyway. ‘Hem and I arrived safely within three weeks of fleeing Norloch, and Hem has been accepted into the School here. He is, I fear, having trouble settling in; he is the only Annaren student in his level, and I fear he is not making friends. Despite this, he is well, and still eating pro —’ Hold on, I can’t quite read this. Oh, it’s ’prodigiously, and I think he has grown two hand spans since our arrival. He has good teachers, and despite the initial difficulties, which are only to be expected, I am optimistic about his progress.
“‘Cadvan, I have heard of Nelac’s imprisonment, which grieves me deeply, and of the ultimatum from Norloch. Indeed, we have had a similar demand here. It did not take our Circle quite by surprise, since I had already told them of Enkir and we had already formulated our response. I also hear that you and Maerad are declared outlaw. I cannot tell you how this saddens me. I wish I could say I was shocked, but I was less sanguine about Norloch than perhaps you were. I have long been troubled by the dimming of the Light there. But we have spoken of this.
“‘I am kept very busy here, since there is talk (and more than talk) of an invasion imminent from the east. Our scouts tell us of armies of dogsoldiers massing along the borders of Dén Raven, and worse rumors I won’t burden you with. The days are darkening, my friends. But no one — neither Norloch nor the Iron Tower — will take Turbansk with ease. Amdridh, too, stands firm. But I fear we are alone here in the coming storm, and we know we can expect swords rather than help from the north, and perhaps will be squeezed between the jaws of a vise. We are in the midst of some vast plan, and soon all the pieces will be moving across the game board. We will fight, as we have always done, to protect our own, and to safeguard the Light, but I fear it will be a bitter fight, and I do not know that we shall prevail.’” Maerad faltered, and she stopped for a little while. Her audience waited patiently until she started again, her voice rough with emotion.
“‘But these are gloomy words, and while such great hearts as beat around me do not quail, I shall refuse to despair. Our plight is desperate, I believe, and will become more desperate still, yet there is still much beauty in this world, and much love. And so it is my thoughts turn to both of you, houseless in this torn world, and wish for you all blessings and all help along your dark road, and I pledge we will meet and drink the friendship cup again together in this world. To that day, and from my heart, Saliman. Before I finish, Hem begs me to say, Maerad, that the fruits here in Turbansk are as marvelous as the birds told him, and that he is getting fat. And he too sends his love, and wishes you were here. S.’”
Maerad folded up the letter and sat silently, with her face downcast. She missed Hem so fiercely it felt like a physical ache. No one said anything for a while, and then Ankil stood up. “I have to attend to the goats,” he said. “Pray, make yourselves at home, Bards. Do you seek to stay the night? Or will you be departing today?”
“We should leave today, before the light begins to fail,” said Elenxi. “We can get down to Velissos by dusk and start for Nisa tomorrow.”
“Yes, we can no longer tarry.” Cadvan stood up, his tall figure suddenly impatient, as if he intended to leave that moment. “My heart tells me that time grows short.”
Maerad shook herself, pushing back her tears, and stood up as well. There was work to be done.
Soon they were packed and ready to leave Ankil’s house. Ankil embraced them both fondly as they stood on his porch, looking for the last time over the magnificent vista from his home.
“I shall miss you both,” he said. “It has been good, having your company. May you fare well.”
“And you also,” said Cadvan, smiling. “Your hospitality has been of the very best.”
“You are welcome anytime,