Disclaimer: I do not own these characters – they belong to Trudi Canavan

Jealousy

Dorrien had been experiencing increasing disquiet as the journey wore on and he could not quite put his finger on why at first. After careful thought, he decided that it had started shortly after his surprise guests emerged from their room in search of breakfast.

They looked rested and in a cheerful frame of mind. Both were dressed in shirts and trousers rather than the customary robes Dorrien was used to seeing them wear, so he thought that was the reason he felt a little uncomfortable. Over breakfast, there was plenty of conversation, although all of them avoided any topic which involved the Guild and the circumstances which led to the Hearing. Much of the conversation revolved around the best route to the capital and estimates of how long the journey would take.

As far as Dorrien could see, Akkarin and Sonea gave no indication of their personal relationship, but simply concentrated on a practical approach to the requirements of getting to Imardin as quickly as possible. A Healer is a student of human nature, by necessity, so Dorrien was curious to see how they would behave now they were no longer alone. What will happen if the Guild takes them back? he wondered. It is a big scandal for a guardian to have an intimate relationship with his novice. The mildest punishment is separation.

By mid-morning, they were ready to go. Sonea and Akkarin were dressed in servants' clothes and rode a few paces behind Dorrien as they made their way through the village. Once out of sight, all three rode together, but the pace of the journey prevented any real chance at conversation. Dorrien noticed that Sonea and Akkarin assumed a distant look on occasions, and he supposed they were involved in mental communication. Strange that I can't hear them, he thought. But Akkarin was always strong in his powers so I suppose he can shield his conversations. He was curious about what they were saying, at first, but as the day wore on and the occasions increased, Dorrien became more and more irritated.

They found an inn around mid-day and stopped for food and a change of horses. Dorrien was treated well because he was a magician and a Healer, with the innkeeper bowing and constantly mumbling what an honour it was to have "his Lordship" choose his inn. On the other hand, as servants, Akkarin and Sonea were treated with considerably less respect, which amused Dorrien, who watched them being ordered about by the barmaid.

Later, Dorrien began thinking again about his failure to secure Sonea when he had had the chance. She wasn't very keen on the Guild then, he thought. She would have been pleased for someone to take a personal interest in her. Unlike Violetta, she wasn't a spoilt child of the Houses; she would have been grateful for my attentions. She liked my kisses in the gardens, so I should have persisted. I need a woman to take care of me and look after the house and gardens. Sonea would have been a good choice – she's not afraid of hard work.

As the thoughts chased round and round in his mind, Dorrien became more and more annoyed with himself. I might even have offered marriage, he thought. She's a good-looking girl.

Dorrien had never been a great admirer of Akkarin, he thought him too cold and dispassionate, so he couldn't really understand how Sonea had become involved with him. He's good looking, I suppose, but surely personality is more important? She needs someone she can laugh and relax with. She needs someone like me! Dorrien glanced over at his companions. Sonea was a few yards behind Akkarin, and seemed to be concentrating on controlling her horse. Akkarin, as usual, showed no emotion, and remained the aloof figure Dorrien remembered. How could she prefer him?

Evening brought them to another inn where the crowded bar was strong evidence of good food on offer at reasonable prices. They looked around carefully and were able to find a table in an out of the way corner so they could enjoy the chicken stew undisturbed.

"We are making good time my lord," Akkarin said, as he finished the last of the stew. I think we will be in Imardin late tomorrow."

Both Sonea and Dorrien gave him a strange look hearing him use the honorific, but he simply stared at them, until Sonea suddenly giggled.

"Oh yes, my lord," she joined in. "We'll soon be there. My lord…"

She had spoken rather loudly and as a few customers looked in their direction, Akkarin took her hand in warning. Dorrien felt himself grow hot as he saw the look they exchanged, before Sonea smiled at him warmly.

"I'm sorry," she said sheepishly. "I forgot!"

"I'll see about rooms," Dorrien rose quickly and went over to the bar.

He was soon back, having secured a reasonable room for himself and beds for the others in the servants' dormitories. Dorrien felt a guilty stab of pleasure as he explained that at this inn, servants slept in separate male and female communal dormitories where they were provided with a mattress on the floor, a clean sheet and a blanket.

His servants took the news well, however, leaving Dorrien slightly disappointed. He took himself off to his room, leaving them to find their way to their own sleeping place. I must try to stop thinking like this, he thought. It's nothing to do with me now, because it is much too late!

Sonea curled herself up in the blanket and wished for a more agreeable companion. What's wrong with Dorrien, she thought. He's acting very oddly. He keeps staring at me and frowning. She turned over and put her arms around the thin pillow. He hasn't been talking much either.

Sonea?

Akkarin?

Come to the garden.

Sonea grinned to herself, Of course! The garden. The place where they could be together, even if separated. She let herself drift through the rooms in her mind until she found herself in the prettily furnished room Akkarin had showed her before. She hurried through the open doors into the garden. He was seated on the marble bench, a book discarded at his side.

He took her hands and pulled her into an embrace. You had forgotten, he said. Sonea could sense his amusement. She smiled up at him, Yes, I had forgotten. We have had no need to meet here, until now.

They remained still for a while, arms around each other, moving only to enjoy long, deep kisses.

How long can we stay here? she asked.

As long as we want to, but it may be wise to concentrate on sleep. There have been stories of people in the past who spent too much time in places like this and neglected the needs of their physical bodies, some even forgetting to eat. Like many things, moderation is the key. Akkarin smiled at her. It would be very easy for me to forget what we must do, and stay here with you.

Sonea sighed. She knew he was right, but she didn't want to go back to her narrow, empty bed.

I suppose Rothen would spend time in a place like this to be with his wife, again, she mused.

No, this place is only for the living. Once someone dies, the rooms remain, but there is no presence. It is right that such things happen. It would not be healthy to continue to meet with the dead.

Later, back in her bed, Sonea reflected on what she had learned. I must make Akkarin tell me everything. There is so much I don't know.

By the next morning Dorrien was in a better mood. He had spent a lot of time overnight thinking about Sonea and had decided to stop brooding about what might have been and concentrate on getting his companions to Imardin, where, doubtless, they would disappear into the general population and he wouldn't have to think about them again.

It had been decided that Dorrien would leave them just inside the Northern Gates where Akkarin assured him a friend would be waiting to meet them. So it was with some relief that Dorrien trotted over the cobbles, through the gates and into the city.

"Make sure that no one knows we are here," Akkarin stressed. "If word leaks out an Ichani could read it in the minds of any magicians he might capture. The success of my plan depends on secrecy. Do not let your mind be truth-read either."

Dorrien nodded and turned his horse away. He fervently hoped never to set eyes on Akkarin again, or Sonea, he added after a moment's pause. The whole episode had been most unsettling.