Wild Magic

‘Sure they are,’ Daine said. ‘They talked to Onua and me in the marsh.’

‘She’s right,’ the K’mir told them. ‘And they searched for Numair in patterns after they lost him.’

The Lioness sighed. ‘Lovely. More fun. All right – we have to see the king. Come along as soon as you can now. Be sure to ward your camp at night!’

‘We’ll do fine,’ Numair told her. ‘See you at the palace.’

The knight and Hakim nodded, and within a few moments the company was galloping out of sight.

Four mornings later Onua and her companions topped a rise, and Daine thought her eyes would fall from her head. Before them a river halved a valley that cupped a walled city and more houses than she could count. At the heart of the valley three bridges linked the northern and southern banks, and roads entered the city from every angle. In the west, the city broke through its wall to climb a long slope dotted with estates and temples.

Above everything stood a huge castle shielded by high walls. Its towers, flying bright-coloured flags, shone in the early sun. A small dome placed among them glowed silver like a giant pearl. Black dots like ants climbed a broad, white-paved road from the city below, to scatter before the walls and stream in through several gates.

‘That’s the palace,’ Numair said. ‘Home of the most unusual royal couple in all history and their peculiar court.’

‘I don’t think “unusual” and “peculiar” are the right words,’ protested Onua, and Tahoi barked agreement.

‘Do you live there?’ Daine asked the man.

He shook his head. ‘I live south, along the coast. They have rooms for me here, though.’ He looked at Onua. ‘Press on?’ She nodded.

Their road took them around the city until they reached a bridge over a deep moat. Here the palace wall was only ten feet high; the gate was a simple affair of wood and iron. Inside lay a small town, its air scented with molten copper, pine, cows, and baking. All this, Numair said, supported the palace. Daine shook her head in awe.

Guards in maroon and beige waved them across the bridge. Inside the gate, Numair pointed to the palace. ‘I go that way – I need to report in.’

Tears stung Daine’s eyes. You knew he’d leave sometime, she scolded herself. This is it. Don’t be a baby. He’s got important things to do!

A big hand patted her shoulder. ‘Just for now,’ the man said quietly. ‘I’ll see you again soon.’

Onua grinned when he kissed her cheek. ‘You just can’t wait to lay hands on your books again. I know that look in your eye.’

‘She does too,’ Numair admitted. ‘Take care of our Daine.’ He waved and headed towards the palace, hands in his pockets.

‘Come on,’ Onua told her. ‘It’s this way.’

Following her out of the gate’s inner yard, Daine saw more wonders. Around them soared the levels of the palace, with wings and turrets in many styles telling of additions over time. She saw more glass in a look than she’d seen in her life. Her nose smelled flowers, both plain and exotic; her ears were filled with creaking wagons, shouting people, and the clang of metal.