Not much happens in this chapter, so consider it breathing space before all of the rest starts happening. Of course, there might be a hint or two, for people who prefer to not be surprised later.
Next chapter: Excite
The Emperor's Mage
Chapter Twenty-five: Haze
Arram Draper was his student after all.
That was nearly the only thought that crossed Lindhall Reed's mind since watching his one-time student being taken away in chains. He must have opened his arms at some point, to end up with Varice Kingsford crying on his shoulder for what might have been hours. He didn't know when she had left, or how he had gotten back to his rooms, but Gary looked ready to tuck him in like a child. Perhaps it would have been fitting. Lindhall only barely understand that Daine was safe, that she'd been at the Goddess's temple.
Some unsung thought put the clues together, but Lindhall only felt the conclusions. Arram had tried to tell them—to tell him. If Lindhall had given the boy just one chance, it might have been better. They still might not have been able to avoid this, given Arram's tendency for theatrics, but they would have... it could have been better. Lindhall could have had kind words for the end, or perhaps just known to nod when Arram looked back over his shoulder before confessing to the crime of being a good man.
If he had asked, all those years ago... Arram had helped Lindhall Reed to escape from Carthak, and death might have been the only escape for poor Kaddar. When Lindhall had finally gathered the courage to ask, two days ago, it had been Varice that assured him that Arram had grieved deeply to hear that Kaddar was charged with high treason. Arram had taken charge of that execution intentionally, so that there would be a minimum of pain. Even after that, he'd kept helping slaves escape north, south, and wherever else they could find safer havens.
Only Ozorne would try to outlaw morality.
He listened dully to the news that Arram's casual mention of Sarge's full name was just as helpful as the comment about praying. Daine had talked to Sarge, at from hundreds of miles away Sarge had been able to do something for her. Lindhall didn't know how he would continue to breathe, let alone how he could comfort the girl that had seen the goodness in Arram. Gary had quietly apologized that Lindhall wouldn't be given a chance to make farewells, but it was almost a relief. Lindhall had nothing to say. Apologies weren't enough, he would not waste Arram's last minutes in begging forgiveness, and this would be better. Only Varice and Daine had been afforded the chance to speak with Arram. Varice was his lover, and somehow Arram had kept her safe from the slightest whisper of suspicion.
Daine had healed the emperor's birds, and even denied the easy opportunity to add Daine to his collection of mages, Ozorne would be content. His birds were well, and he enjoyed his revenge as fresh as possible. He would plot to take Daine in later, and have Arram killed that day.
The peace talks were done. Ozorne wouldn't be going to war with Tortall. Gary had muttered dark things about Ozorne going to war with his own country before attacking a neighbor, but Lindhall only had patience for the words that came next. The delegation was gathering to attend the execution, in a wordless show of support for Arram Draper. Lindhall didn't have to come, of course, and no one would think less of him—
Lindhall Reed was on his feet with a sudden excess of speed that stunned Sir Gary's mouth into clicking shut, quite a rare feet. He was probably wearing the same clothes he had put on the day before, but finding new ones was too much of an effort. He would go. Arram might look to him for strength, one more time, and that might be all that Lindhall could do for his first student.