The Seeker - Isobelle Carmody [185]
Daffyd burst into laughter. “It must be a powerful illusion if it fools even the guildmistress of the farseekers. But they do say little Dragon is as strong as you were … are,” he added ruefully.
I felt my mouth drop open, and a great joy welled up in me. “Then … this”—I waved a trembling hand at the ruins—“this is all an illusion?”
“Of course,” Daffyd said.
I sank to my knees, weak with relief. “No wonder Gahltha behaved so oddly. Dragon’s illusions do not work on animals.” I sent an explanation to Gahltha, who still looked puzzled.
“Then everyone is inside?” I asked.
Daffyd shook his head. “Rushton thought that too much risk. We are using the Teknoguild cave network as a base. Only a few live in the camp, for appearance’s sake. Rushton, of course, and Ceirwan, Dameon, and most others trained in farseeking and empathy.”
“Not coercers?” I wondered.
“They are in another hidden camp very near the pass,” Daffyd explained. “They are our insurance, in case this sleight of hand fails to deceive the soldierguards and open battle is needed to stop them carrying tales to the Council.” He frowned. “But how is it they did not see you come through the pass just now?”
I shrugged, realizing it would suit me to have everyone think I had come from the highlands, rather than from the high mountains. “I came very stealthily. And I have some coercive Talent. The soldierguards didn’t see me either, but I saw them. And I fear we might have to fight despite this illusion.” I told Daffyd what I had overheard.
“It is true the soldierguards have stayed longer than we hoped,” Daffyd said worriedly. “Tonight Rushton will come here, and you can tell him this news.” He gave me a quick look. “He will be amazed to see you here. I think your death was a grievous thing to him.”
I nodded absently. “I heard one of the soldierguards say they have been here for three days. How is it Dragon can sustain an illusion so long?”
“She has practiced all wintertime,” Daffyd said. “Even so, it is a strain, and she does not maintain it in the dark hours. Luck has made them come in the waning of the moon. The blue fumes are an added touch to give credence to Rushton’s story that the ruins are contaminated. That stops the soldierguards wanting a closer look.” He glanced at the ruin pensively. “I wonder what keeps the captain suspicious.”
“From what I heard, it has to do with Ariel’s insistence.”
“You were seemingly right about his haste for revenge. As you feared, the soldierguards arrived the moment the pass thawed,” Daffyd said. “We have kept Dragon out of their sight. It is easier for her to hold the illusion away from the distraction of people. Matthew stays with her to protect her during the day. At night, we three camp not far from here, for no one would dare come so close to Obernewtyn. They will be back soon. In the meantime, what about some food?”
“I’m starving,” I said fervently. “And so is Gahltha.”
As we walked to the campsite, I explained to the black horse all that I’d learned. It did not take Daffyd long to make a small fire and warm some stew. Gahltha preferred grass to the bags of horse feed. I sat gratefully by the fire and accepted a cup of strong fement once I had eaten.
“I meant to go back down to the Druid camp after delivering Dragon and your message, but that very night, snow fell thick and closed the pass,” Daffyd said, sitting beside me.
“I suppose you’re worried about Gilaine and the others …,” I began, then faltered, seeing the grim look on the armsman’s face.
“I don’t know if they’re still there. One of the soldierguards said the firestorm had all but burned out the White Valley.”
“Oh, Daffyd,” I said, aghast.
Again he shook his head. “I don’t believe they are dead. Rushton has pledged Obernewtyn’s help to find them when the soldierguards are gone.” He