As if there were not enough problems, there still appeared the new ones, Sonea assumed in exasperation. Firstly few days ago the Thief informed Akkarin of new murderer, probably the woman, that most likely came to Imardin, and now Dannyl...
Even the rays of the afternoon sun, couldn't have chased away the cold from her body, caused by shivers of anxiety. She wanted to have this conversation already behind her.
Sonea knocked her fingers on a book lying on her lap, recalling once again yesterday's conversation with Akkarin.
- How well do you know Dannyl? - he asked, stretching himself in the bed.
- Quite well - she muttered, suppressing a yawn.
A gust of cool night air rushed into the bedroom through the open window. Sonea pulled up the quilt, feeling goose bumps on her body.
- He is very smart, right?
She pulled her hand from the grip of Akkarin, rolled on her side and rested on one elbow to look at him. She totally didn't know what he was driving at.
- I think so - she replied hesitantly.
His black eyes stared at the ceiling.
- He is smart – he said with conviction. - That's why I chose him as the second Ambassador in Elyne. He notices more than the others, he can associate initially trivial facts together and draw meaningful conclusions, he is stubborn in seeking the truth. I'm afraid that in this case this can turn out very detrimental to me.
- How so? – she asked slightly worried.
- The book, which Dannyl seized from the rebels, contained a description of the rituals of black magic, which, as you know, was used to be called higher magic. Earlier Dannyl was interested in my travels around the Allied Countries in the search for knowledge of ancient magic.
Sonea stared at Akkarin with curiosity, but to her disappointment he didn't develop the topic. He took a deep breath, slowly released the air and continued.
- If Dannyl join these facts together, he can conclude that I have discovered something during my journey and he will become more inquisitive. He may also wonder, why I didn't inform the rest of Higher Magicians about this book. Actually, I think he already suspects something.
Akkarin glanced at her. His black eyes were full of seriousness. She shuddered under his gaze, though she didn't know why her body reacted just so.
- He is very tense in my presence lately.
- Everyone is uptight with you - she said with a smile.
He laughed briefly, but immediately became serious again.
- Hadn't been for Lorlen I wouldn't have noticed that he observed me extremely attentively.
She burst out laughing, unable to stop amusement due to foolish thoughts. There were recently some strange rumors about Dannyl and his unusual sexual tastes. Akkarin probably guessed what was going on in her head, because he looked at her with a light reprimand.
- He watches me, as if waiting for something - he went on. - As if searching for confirmation of something specific in my behavior.
Sonea fell on the pillow. They should take into account the possibility that Dannyl discovered something that he shouldn't. And what if Rothen decided to share the Akkarin's secret with Dannyl? She felt a tightness in the stomach.
No, it was unlikely. Rothen would have never risked her safety.
- I want you to speak with him and I want to be at this conversation.
- Me? Why me? – She was surprised.
- Because your presence will not make him more suspicious as to the topic of conversation. - Corner of Akkarin' lips twitched upward in half smile. – He will be sufficiently relaxed with you, and will share information, which he wouldn't dare to deliver in front of me.
She shook her head thoughtfully. Dannyl was always friendly towards her. But does it mean that he gave away her more than to Akkarin? Was it enough to share with her, the High Lord's novice, the suspicions that concerned her mentor?
- Very well, if it will help… - she said.
What will Akkarin do if his suspicions prove to be right? Sonea shuddered at the thought of another person implicated in this complicated situation.
Akkarin drew her closer and wrapped the blanket more precisely.
- Now sleep - he whispered in her ear and the darkness enveloped the bedroom.
She sighed softly. She hoped that Dannyl don't know as much to as was necessary to take firm steps to secure Akkarin's secret.
- What should I look for? – She asked quietly, unable to sleep.
Responded her silence. She drew a little power and created a small sphere of light. It gave just enough light to be able to see Akkarin's features.
He opened his eyes. He wasn't sleeping. He stirred and pulled her to him. Sonea understood that he was still thinking about the answer.
- Start with asking about...
Sonea reiterated again all hints given by Black Magician. She knew how to pull the conversation in right direction, to the facts relevant to the case, but earlier she had to find Dannyl. And this was a problem all afternoon.
After classes she wandered for a long time around the corridors of the University, looking at the magicians. She humbly endured whispers that chased her everywhere, but she didn't meet any track of the Ambasador in the University building or near the house of magicians. Finally, tired and irritated with her failure, she headed towards the gardens and sat on the bench, still thinking about the conversation that was waited on her.
There was a small chance that she will meet here, so without remorse she indulged to reading. Only when she heard the bell calling the novice to the evening classes, she realized the passage of time. She lifted her head sharply and almost jumped up from her seat.
Dannyl followed the path, right at her.
Hastily she drew from her pocket a ring with bloody gem that was hanging on a leather strap.
Since Lorlen noticed a ring on her hand, Akkarin told her to keep it in secret, even when she was using it. Sonea put on the strap by the neck and threw the ring under the material of her gown so that it hung between her breasts, tightly stuck to the body.
~ Akkarin – she called in her mind, trying to attract his attention. ~ I see Dannyl. In a moment I'll try to accost him.
~ At that very moment? – Sonea sensed a shadow of irritation behind his question.
~ Thus I should not talk to him? – She asked undecided.
~ Talk. I simply wanted to watch his reactions, and now I'm... a little busy.
He send her an image of the room in which he actually was.
At the moment it took her breath away. She had never seen such a rich interior. Walls were covered with colorful arrases, among which she could have seen soaring windows filled with elaborate stained glass windows. Carved edges of the table, which was the only piece of furniture in the room, sparkled with gold lacing the inkal of royal family that was engraved on the top. All this seemed to emanate multicolored glow, reinforced by the golden light casted by rich lamps.
On the one of the high chairs sat a man in a large outfit in the colors of the kingdom, tailored with the best quality materials.
The King.
And behind him the two magicians that always accompanied him.
Image before her eyes disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared.
After a moment Sonea felt the anger that was born of hopelessness. The half of poor fellows from the slums could have lived for few months only for the gold in the ornaments that adorned the window frames. At that moment if she had been in the palace, along with Akkarin, nothing would have prevent her from saying the king what she think about all of this.
But she was here in the gardens, and Dannyl was getting closer. She had to stop him.
Sonea waved to the magician in order to attract his attention. He approached with relaxed pace, a smile on his lips.
- Nice to meet you again, Ambassador Dannyl.
- Me too, Sonea. Will you have anything against if I sit?
She shifted a little to make room next to her.
- Unless you have something urgent to learn. - He glanced at the book in her hand.
- No, no. It's just nothing. - She shrugged.
Dannyl nodded and sat down on the bench.
It went easier than she imagined. She feared that she would have to stop him violently to speak with him.
- I heard that you had made a name for yourself with catching rebels in Elyne. The entire Guild is talking about it.
He smiled sadly.
- Yes, I have contributed to their capture, but there is no much to tell about. Perhaps you've already heard all of it. And probably in several different versions.
- Yes, several. From whom could I know which one is true, if not from you? - She laughed.
He shook his head amused.
- I was hoping that you would save me from talking about the details. Indeed, they are not really engrossing. You'd better tell me how are you doing in the Guild.
She sighed. It wasn't supposed to look like this. She had to draw from him important information. How did it happen that she ended in speaking about herself? Why couldn't she force him to talk about Elyne?
- Life of novice certainly is not as interesting as the work of the Ambassador - she said, trying to stop the influx of questions about the teachers, she took classes with.
- I have to disappoint you, it isn't as nice as it might seem. I've also expected the adventures and challenges, but it turned out that the work of the Ambassador means the appearing in each strong House and the constant assurance of the Guild's support.
He glanced at her with a broad smile on his lips.
- Maybe you will want to be the Ambassador of the Guild in the future, Sonea?
- None of these things. - She laughed. - I still hope for a job of the healer.
- Healer? - Dannyl winked. - And yet the High Lord teaches you Warrior Arts personally.
- He found that I have some deficiencies in this area – she answered back.
This conversation was supposed to look completely different.
- High Lord still praise your accomplishments in Elyne. He says that you have cope with the rebels ideally – she said changing the subject.
- Really? Actually, I'd acted according to his instructions. So far, I wonder how he knew about their plans. And also about many other things. – He frowned thoughtfully. - Unfortunately I am afraid that this will remain one of his secrets. High Lord can surprise a man - he said, shaking his head thoughtfully. - Although you probably know this the best as his novice.
He looked at her.
Sonea smiled involuntarily. Indeed, Akkarin surprised her every now and then. With each passing day she realized that she didn't know him so well, as it seemed. Even recently, when he announced about...
~ Focus, Sonea. - The voice in her your mind suddenly interrupted her mediations.
She felt foolishly that she allowed the thoughts to drift in such direction, while he was listening.
~ Sonea. Focus on Dannyl.
- Sometimes he is difficult to predict – she nodded.
Dannyl smiled enigmatically.
~ Ask him about the library in Elyne. The one which I told you about.
She regretted that she couldn't turn off the voice in her mind. She couldn't lead the brilliant discussion and simultaneously listen to Akkarin.
- Difficult to predict, you say?
- It's not easy to meet his needs. - She shrugged.
What are they actually talking about? Sonea have felt completely lost. In addition, she noted that Ambassador regarded her searchingly. She was already planning to ask a Akkarin's question when Dannyl spoke again.
- I hope the High Lord doesn't require from you too much, Sonea?
- No - she said cautiously. - Just as much as he would have required of any other novice, who could have been in my place.
Corners of Dannyl lips bend slightly. She didn't like that smile. There was something wrong in it. Or maybe it just seemed wrong to her.
~ Pass on to Dannyl that I want to see him in the residence. He will eat lunch with us.
Did Akkarin inferred from the conversation something that she missed? Or maybe the talk just didn't went as well as he hoped for? Actually, she also anticipated that she will cope with him better.
- I forgot to say - she said, resigned. – The High Lord invites you to the diner at the residence.
She almost laughed at loud, seeing the surprise striping on the face of the magician.
~ I don't invite him. I demand his presence. – Sonea sensed Akkarin's dissatisfaction.
If only she could turn out that voice in her head for a moment.
- I didn't expect such distinction – Dannyl said with carefulness that has not been previously heard in his voice.
- I do said that High Lord praises you very much. - Sonea smiled wanly, waiting for the next comment from the Black Magician.
- Of course, I will take the call - Dannyl said seriously, looking at her intently. - I would be grateful if you inform that I will appear. When the diner is planned to take place?
Exactly, when?
~ Right away.
~ Right away?
~ Yes, at once. Immediately. I am already coming back.
Akkarin sent her another picture. He traveled by outdoor carriage. Sonea recognized in the distance the outline of the gateway to the Guild's land.
She rose from her seat and looked around. The sun has shifted to the horizon and now shyly hanged behind the trees line.
- Right Now – she said to Ambassador.
Dannyl opened his mouth in silent astonishment. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but he changed his mind. He got up and followed her in the direction of the residence. They covered all distance in an awkward silence.
She wasn't surprised by the presence of the men in the black robes, who rose from his seat when they entered the living room.
- High Lord. - Dannyl bowed his head.
- Ambassador.
Akkarin measured Dannyl with a severe eyes and pointed with his hand the door that leaded to a larger dining room used for official visitors.
Sonea saw that Akkarin is waiting until she will follow the magician, so she proceeded ahead. When she passed by him, he threw her a quick glance, but she could read nothing from it.
Akkarin started conversation casually with questions about the court in Elyne. Sonea listened carefully and observed the Dannyl's reactions until he get tired of the names of people which she didn't know, and which constantly came and went in the discussion about the political situation. She couldn't find anything interesting in their conversation. They were talking about things that didn't concerned her completely.
The food that appeared on the table were not as refined as usual. By Takan's troubled face Sonea concluded that he had a little time to prepare this dinner. She reached for a fork and began to stare at the silver from which it was made. The metal nicely reflected the light.
She was curious whether the king of Elyne also surrounded himself with such splendor as the king of Kyralia. Probably yes. Even in the Guild there was no shortage of wealth, however, it was not as lavish as in the Houses.
Suddenly she felt the desire to revolt.
She tangled fingers harder on the fork. One such gift could facilitate the everyday life of Jonna for a long time. Akkarin was busy talking with Dannyl. He wouldn't have noticed, if she had hidden the fork in her pocket.
She smiled, remembering a similar idea that came into her head at the first dinner with Akkarin. She wanted to make him angry then. Now she wanted to annoy the King. Though it would be better if he never learned about it.
She glanced at Dannyl. He thoughtfully absorbed another portion of food, which Takan put on his plate despite his loud protests. She shifted gaze across the table and encountered an Akkarin's black eyes. He looked amused.
She grimaced, recalling a bloody stone hanging between her breasts. She reached for the thong.
~ Please, don't remove the ring. It may still be useful to us.
She wraped her hand again around the stem of the glass with wine. In her other hand she was still holding the fork.
~ Soneo...
She lifted her eyes.
~ If you need, you can take the whole set of silver cutlery. The Guild wouldn't notice.
The corners of his mouth bent in slight smile.
She snorted when she imagined herself giving friends in the slums the forks and spoons from the residence of the High Lord.
Dannyl jerked his head from the plate and gave her a curious gaze. She smiled innocently.
- Now let's talk about the more important issues - Akkarin said in a dangerously cold voice. - The book you have intercepted... I want to know whether you have came across similar ones during your last trip around the Elyne.
- No. However, I must admit that I've been focused exclusively on the rebels. I havn't had time to look for the source of this book. – Dannyl as if revived, because his voice became more energetic. – So, was it impossible to draw from Royend the place of the origin of the book?
- Oh, it was - Akkarin muttered. - But it does not change anything.
Akkarin took a sip of wine without taking his eyes off Dannyl even for a moment.
- Do you think that there could be more such books out there? Perhaps you came across something on the same topic? - he asked.
Dannyl cleared his throat.
- I didn't discovered anything with similar knowledge. - He glanced uncertainly at the novice.
Akkarin shook his head slowly. His furrowed brow testified that he was already thinking intensively.
- I understand that I should be interested in this issue specifically - said Dannyl. – Should I check if there are more books about magic with a suspicious knowledge in the Elyne?
- Actually, we should be interested in all books with any knowledge of magic, not just the banned.
- Of course, High Lord.
Dannyl reached for a glass of wine.
- And now tell us about the work of the Ambassador. Sonea certainly is interested in this topic.
She straightened in her chair, feeling the gaze of the two magicians.
- She should start to discover the secrets of the work of the Guild - Akkarin continued. - Who knows, maybe in the future she will become the High Lady of the Guild.
Sonea's eyes widened, when she heard Akkarin's words, but it was reaction of Dannyl that attracted her attention. The Ambassador started coughing chocked with wine.
- Let's hope that the election of the new leader would not be necessary for a long time – he gasped when he came to himself.
The Black Magician looked at him calmly.
- Indeed, let's hope.
Dannyl lowered his head, unable to bear the weight of the High Lord's eyes.
- But I still think that the knowledge about life of magicians in Elyne will be usefull to Sonea.
She should think about her career and start to interest in the affairs of the Guild and not only in Kyralia.
Sonea froze out of breath. What did he think he was doing? She couldn't understand his behavior.
~ Call me by name - he sent.
~ What? No, I can't.
~ Just do as I say.
She clenched her lips unconvinced.
~ Why should I do so? – She asked confused, but Akkarin was no longer looking at her. Again he stared at the Ambassador, with an concentration on his face.
- I've heard that people in Elyne have a more open and tolerant disposition. I'm curious about your opinion on this area. - Akkarin suddenly changed the subject.
Dannyl nodded once.
- It's true. Many things that are considered shocking and outrageous in Kyralia are normal there.
- Indeed, it's not difficult to evoke a scandal in Kyralia. – Akkarin smiled slightly.
Unexpectedly pale Dannyl was staring intently at his hands that laid on the table.
- Sonea also believes that some moral norms in the Guild are... old-fashioned. She would like even to make some changes in the magicians' law.
What was he doing, Sonea wondered anxiously. What will Dannyl think about this? Another moment and Akkarin will just tell him about their forbidden relationship.
- As to some of them I am even willing to admit that she is right. Even when it comes to ban on close...
- Akkarin – she hissed scared that he will say a word too much in a second.
- Sonea - he replied softly, almost tenderly, but without looking at her.
She glanced at Ambassador.
Dannyl shrunk into himself and he looked like he had never dreamed of anything else, than to turn up as far away from here as was it possible. He was still watching his hands, but after a protracted pause he lifted his head and looked at her and then at Akkarin.
Emotions, which depicted on his face were difficult to call. Embarrassment, hesitation, panic.
She looked at Akkarin with resignation. Dannyl knew now. He guessed.
And because of you. She hoped that Akkarin listened her.
He smiled slightly in response. For a moment he stared at her then he turned face toward the Ambassador.
- So... What do we do with your uncomfortable knowledge, Ambassador Dannyl? This somewhat complicate matters.
Akkarin leaned comfortably on a chair and began tapping his fingers on the tabletop.
- With my knowledge? - Dannyl asked quietly, feigning surprise.
- Do not even try to lie, Dannyl - Akkarin growled angrily. - When have you guessed?
Dannyl clenched his hands into fists so tight that his knuckles whitened up. It seemed that he was fighting an internal struggle with oneself. Finally he calmed and sighed.
- The day of my return to the Guild... When I came to the residence to discuss issues related to the rebels I was not sure if I had to wait at the living room, so I climbed the stairs and proceeded to the library. There I saw too much.
Akkarin raised his eyebrows astounded. The flush in Dannyl cheeks darkened even more. Sonea tried to recall what view Dannyl could have found that day in the library, and when she eventually remembered and she run into a confused eyes of the Ambassador, she felt that she blushes.
- Without a doubt. You have seen too much - muttered Akkarin.
Sonea was amazed at this. Dannyl knew the truth about them for so long and in the same time they were suspected him that he discovered a different secret.
- Did you tell anyone about it?
- No.
- Excellent. So let it remain like this. I think that we all are perfectly aware that some secrets should remain secrets.
Dannyl nodded, blushing again.
Sonea remained at the table when Akkarin went to escort Dannyl to the door. She was still sitting, when he returned. She could not get rid of the anxiety.
And yet Akkarin looked satisfied.
- Why don't you worry about this at all? - she asked, not understanding his serenity.
He walked closer and leaned against the table.
- I was afraid that it was worse. Dannyl realizes that even though our relationship is not proper in the eyes of the Guild it doesn't harm anyone. If he had heard of black magic, he couldn't have left it to itself.
- And he will just leave it? Do you think he won't say to anyone?
- Dannyl has also a lot to hide.
Her eyes widened in surprise. Akkarin believed that the rumors circulating around the Ambassador were true. The magician chuckled, seeing the expression on her face. She didn't know what was depicted on it, but her interior was torn by mixed feelings. Dannyl really prefers men? But he was the same Dannyl she knew and liked so much. She will not treat him differently, knowing the truth about him.
- Come here. - Akkarin stretched out his arms.
She came up to him to drown in his arms.