Disclaimer – I do not own BMT world, it belongs to Trudi Canavan

Warnings

As Takan rounded the last corner, he hoped with all his heart that the time he had given Akkarin through his and the boy's absence had been enough. He was not absolutely clear in his own mind what had happened when Justen had been alone with Sonea, only that his master had been furious at being kept in the dark. He'd had a very painful conversation afterwards with Akkarin, who made it clear that under no circumstances, no matter what Sonea or Justen said, Takan was never to allow Sonea to be put in danger in that way again.

But what could I have done, he thought. Sonea ordered me not to interfere or let Akkarin know.

It was not in Takan's nature to dwell on what was past. Life as an Ichani slave had taught him that lesson. Later, in the Residence, he had used the same approach. It allowed him to cope with living among several hundred magicians by enabling him to keep the fear at bay. So true to his way of life, he turned his thoughts away from recent unpleasantness and glanced across at the boy. Justen seemed cheerful enough. He loved riding, so having several days travelling around the countryside made him very happy indeed. They had sampled the delights of Galia, visiting the market to make their purchases, having a meal at the inn and enjoying the local entertainment. Then they had made their way to Sonea's estate. They had not gone to the house or contacted the caretakers, but explored the surrounding countryside instead. Justen had even spent some time learning to fish in one of the streams running through the meadow. They had eaten his catch for supper and the boy had been so proud to have caught such fine fish on his first attempt.

Takan had been a large part of Justen's life since his birth and it had been a largely pleasant experience teaching the boy the practical skills necessary for life in the mountains. It was almost like having a son of his own, because Akkarin and Sonea were either away, or taken up with study and left the two of them alone for long periods. Takan and Justen had been comfortable companions, developing a way of communicating which made conversation easy and sharing many similar likes and dislikes. Justen had a natural curiosity which made him want to know exactly what Takan was doing as he tended the crops or prepared food and Takan had been only too willing to show him.

But lately, Takan had become aware of a different look in Justen's eyes sometimes, a cold, calculating look which had never been there before.

At first, he had thought he was imagining things. The look flashed into and out of existence very quickly, so it was easy to persuade oneself it wasn't really there at all. But after catching glimpses of this new expression three or four times, Takan began to pay much closer attention, trying to pin down exactly what it was he was seeing.

The only way he could explain it was to think that, for a second, the boy's whole demeanour changed and it was if a different person looked through his eyes, then it was gone. It was silly, of course, Takan told himself, to think there was someone different looking through the boy's eyes, but the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that was exactly what it was.

He found he could prevent the strange occurrence happening by keeping the boy distracted, so he had kept up a steady stream of chatter, asking questions, explaining things and generally keeping every spare minute of their time together filled with conversation.

They were still chattering as they turned in towards the stables. It took only a few minutes to settle the horses down in their stalls and fill their mangers with fresh fodder. Then Justen set off for the house almost at a run, eager to greet his parents and show off his purchases. Taken went at a slower pace, not wanting to intrude on the family reunion. By the time he reached the parlour, Sonea had set out a plate of cakes and was busy pouring the tea.

Takan looked carefully at her and then at Akkarin. To his relief, things appeared friendly and back to normal. Justen was obviously communicating with his parents, as he had that familiar faintly distracted look of a magician concentrating on sending. Takan sank gratefully into a chair, thinking ruefully to himself that long riding expeditions were beginning to take their toll on his aching body.

Sonea came towards him carrying a large mug of tea and as she bent to place it on the table beside him, he caught a glimpse of what she was wearing around her neck. He could not prevent the sharp intake of breath which followed and she looked at him strangely. His fingers moved automatically, making the sign as he had been taught so many years previously. At the same time, he was conscious of Akkarin's sharp command; Be silent! reverberating throughout his being. He turned, wide eyed, to his Master disbelief written clearly on his face.

Akkarin's face was impassive, but Taken could feel the strong intensity of emotions thrumming through their blood gem link. His blood ran cold to think that his Master had brought Siryru into their home. He could feel himself begin to tremble. He had never thought to see her again, not after so many years. What was Akkarin thinking of? How could he not know of the danger?

Abruptly, Akkarin closed their link and Takan found his mind frozen, unable to think clearly for a few disorientating minutes. His hand reached for the tea and brought the mug to his lips. He sipped and replaced the mug. He could see himself, as if in a dream slowly drinking down his tea. Then his brain unlocked itself and he could think normally again. I have to make Akkarin understand, he told himself fiercely.

Sonea apparently had noticed nothing, but went on pouring tea for Akkarin and herself, before sitting down. She looked at the others, seemingly uncertain in the sudden silence. Justen grabbed her arm to draw her attention to a new toy he had bought in the market and then Akkarin too was drawn in.

Takan stared unseeingly at the family, his mind, freed from any constraint, working furiously. He had to do something, he had to convince Akkarin to remove the jewel quickly. Where did it come from? He could not believe that it had been in Sonea's possession very long, otherwise he would have noticed. Akkarin must have obtained it but where from? It was a thing of Sachaka. In all his years in Kyralia, he had never seen anything remotely resembling Siryru.

All though supper and afterwards, Takan tried to decide what he could do to make Akkarin to remove the jewel from their house. Every plan he came up with he soon discarded. Akkarin would need to be persuaded and Takan was uncertain whether or not he was capable of that. But he had to try.

It was Takan's usual practice to retire to his own bed fairly soon after they had had their evening drinks – wine for Sonea and Akkarin, and fruit juice for himself. He usually rose early to make the bread and prepare breakfast, so he rarely lingered. Tonight, though he had decided he must try to speak to Akkarin. There must be no delay.

After a while, Sonea went upstairs with Justen and he took the opportunity of her absence to speak to Akkarin, "I must talk to you," he said.

Akkarin frowned, "Can't it wait, I am tired."

"No, it cannot."

"In that case, fetch more wine, I feel I'm going to need it."

Takan didn't respond to Akkarin's attempt at humour but simply provided the extra wine as requested. He watched Akkarin fill his glass and drink it down swiftly. He waited until the glass was refilled and then spoke his carefully rehearsed words.

"Akkarin, you must get Siryru out of this house and away from Sonea now."

He paused, waiting for the inevitable explosion, but it didn't come. Instead, Akkarin took another mouthful of wine and swallowed it carefully. He seemed to be waiting for Takan to continue. Abruptly he decided to change his approach. He sat down, reached for his glass and drank half the contents.

"Akkarin, how much do you know about Siryru?"

His Master seemed surprised by the question and frowned, "She is a protecting deity, well known in Sachaka."

"Oh, she is much more than that. When I was a child, living with my family, I would not have found any images of her in any house in the village. To see her, I would have to have travelled to a town where there were temples and priests to see her. Even then, I would have had to visit on particular days, when her image was brought into the light, for people to see. Most of the time she was hidden, with only her priests to keep watch."

"Dakova's camp was full of her image," Akkarin interrupted. "He put representations of her everywhere."

Takan laughed without humour, "Yes he did, didn't he? And what happened to him and all his power and wealth? They were destroyed. You killed them all."

"I don't see your point." Akkarin's voice was cold.

Takan suppressed the words which threatened to burst from him and took a deep breath. There was too much at stake to risk making Akkarin determined to keep the image. He took a deep breath, "Siryru will protect an individual, or a house and its occupants, or a group. There are prayers to implore her to do this. She will destroy your enemies and keep you safe, but there is a price which has to be paid and that price is blood. Dakova and his followers paid the blood price. Do you want the same to happen to this house?"

Takan stared at his Master. Does he not understand? Akkarin gave no response for a moment or two, then he laughed.

"Takan, I am a man of Kyralia, we do not believe such superstitious nonsense. How can an unseen beast interfere in the affairs of man? Have you seen her fly from the sky and wreak vengeance?" He paused for a moment but when Takan made no response, he smiled, "No? I thought not! I did not see Siryru fly down on Dakova's camp and tear him to bits. It was I who killed him and all his followers, not some powerful deity come from the skies."

Takan frowned. Does he really not understand? "Siryru does not appear before the eyes of men, she wreaks her vengeance through the actions of others."

This time, Akkarin's laughter was loud and long, "Can you hear yourself? You sound like some frightened priest mouthing words he has been taught trying to explain the absence of a physical being. I thought you had left all your superstitions behind. I bought the jewel because I liked the image and Sonea deserves a gift. That's all. Now I think it is time to sleep."

"But you are a magician – you deal in the unseen every day."

"Magic is firmly rooted in skill and training. It has rules and consequences. It can be tested. The results of its use are clearly demonstrated. It is not the same thing at all! This matter is closed. I do not want to hear any more of this nonsense!"

Takan remained seated as Akkarin stalked from the room, closing the door a little too hard behind him. He felt despair fill him. There was danger for all of them as long as the image of Siryru remained in the house.

There's no help for it, I must steal her and take her far from here. Then it will only be my life at risk and not theirs.