Dragonhunters Read online

  Dominic finished his decoding and handed the marked–‌up sheet to Ardhuin. “So, they are still discussing what to do. Any word from Jan?”

  Ardhuin shook her head. “I asked the Ministry to alert him, but they do not mention doing so. I already took the precaution of sending him a letter under magical seal. It will take longer to get to him but is more secure. How is Sonam today?”

  “Much better. Still fretting about the delay. He is right to worry—‌I don’t know how he managed to get here so fast all by himself, and a large distance on foot. This valley of his is halfway around the world!”

  Dominic had managed to find some useful maps rolled up and stuffed in an inlaid chest of drawers in the library, and they were now spread out on a large table. Bhuta, the country Sonam nominally came from, wasn’t even depicted. From his description of his travels, however, it was far to the east of Aerope and north of Ynde, in the rugged foothills of a massive mountain range. Ynde was not completely mapped itself, except near the Trade Cities on the coast, and anything beyond Behng or Jikar involved a great deal of dotted lines and blank space.

  “How on earth did MacCrimmon ever hear about it? I’ve never come across the name Bhuta, have you?” he asked.

  “Actually, yes. I thought it was a city in a legend, though. I think it was my brother who mentioned it in a letter when he visited Naipon. He loves tales of hidden cities, buried treasure, and the like.” Ardhuin shook her head with a smile. “He’d be quite envious to hear I had met a real Bhutanese.”

  “You know, there is something odd about Sonam. Did you notice he hardly blinked when he learned you were a mage?”

  Ardhuin tilted her head, the pen in her hand forgotten. “You are right—‌it seemed a commonplace thing to him. Did my great–‌uncle perhaps tell Alastair MacCrimmon…‌but no, Sonam did not know to look for me in his place.”

  “Perhaps he will stay long enough to tell us more about his home before he returns there. I hope they come up with a plan soon to rescue MacCrimmon.” Dominic shuffled the pile of telegrams that had accumulated. “His message sounded quite urgent. But I suppose one cannot expect rapid decisions from government ministries. It’s unlikely we’ll be getting any more messages tonight, at any rate. I think I will spend my time before dinner looking at the devices Jan gave me. Oh, that reminds me…‌the infusion of magic into an object. Is there any reason one could not infuse only a part of a spell?”

  Ardhuin looked intrigued. “I imagine it would depend on the spell itself, but to what purpose?”

  “Oh, say magefire. If the spell was in an object but not to the point where the light appears, and then the missing part of the spell in another infused object brought into contact…‌a nonmagical person could have a magical light at need. Or one of your illusions! Think how useful that could be.” He waved his hands, getting more excited the more he thought about it.

  Ardhuin caught his hands in her own, smiling at him. “All this from Schulyer Colfax’s devices? He would be impressed.”

  Dominic nodded emphatically. “He did amazing things—‌but I think we can do even more. Come take a look. I still haven’t figured out—”

  One of the library doors opened slowly, and Sonam’s dark head peered around the edge.

  “Do you need anything?” Ardhuin asked. “Are you well enough to leave your bed?”

  Sonam came into the library, a curious figure in bare feet and a dressing gown so large it wrapped around him twice and trailed behind him. “I hear your voices, and wish to know what is decided.” He looked at them with some anxiety, and then his eyes went wide as he took in the richness of the library. He stared, a puzzled frown on his face, at the spiral staircase to the second level, with the seadragon curled around the central post.

  Dominic sighed. “They have decided to make a decision, but nothing more at present. Please do not be distressed. We want Mr. MacCrimmon back and restored to health as much as you do. I am certain they will take action soon.”

  Sonam nodded politely, but Dominic could tell he was not reassured.

  “He has made himself very sick, protecting the valley. He was ill before he did his great magic and it made him much worse. We wish him to be well again…‌but if you take him away, who will defend us from the evil strangers?” Sonam spoke softly, his eyes lowered.

  “No doubt the rescuers will deal with them, too, to retrieve him safely,” Dominic said, trying to sound confident. “But your valley appears to be quite remote—‌I wonder what these evil strangers want with you? And, now that I think about it, how did MacCrimmon find you in the first place?”

  Sonam smiled. “My teacher seeks the ancestor to the kai–‌ling, the maru otakan. So he followed the magic, na? The magic is everywhere in the valley. He spoke with amazement of it, that people use it for everyday things. He said that in Aerope, only certain ones have magic. It is true, we do not always have it as strong as you do, but my teacher says it is only a matter of learning your ways.”

  “Everyone has magic where you come from? Even women?” Ardhuin asked, eyes wide with surprise. Sonam nodded.

  Well, there was the explanation for his lack of surprise at Ardhuin’s talent. Dominic was seized with a sudden wish to visit this strange, magical valley. What had made it so unusual?

  In the distance, he heard the front doorbell. “What, more telegrams? I wonder if they decided what to do? The poor postboy must be getting weary by now.”

  Henri appeared in the doorway. “A messenger from Preusa,” he announced.

  Dominic exchanged an astonished glance with Ardhuin. “Now what?” he asked. “And why are they coming directly to you rather than going to Rennes?”

  “Well, it can’t be a messenger from von Koller, then.” Ardhuin rubbed a hand over her forehead, wincing. “This is becoming tiresome. I really need to adjust the wards. It’s probably just an announcement of their choice for Mage Guardian, though you would think a simple letter would do…‌”

  “Let them in, and I’ll go down and be polite,” Dominic offered. Ardhuin smiled gratefully, and he saw the magic flow from her to the ward at the front door before she turned back to Sonam.

  Dominic descended the big stairs quickly, eager to return and not miss any of Sonam’s descriptions. Then he saw who was standing in the foyer, and he came to a sudden stop.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Markus Asgaya grinned at him. “Do try and contain your delight. I hope I do not arrive at an inconvenient time, but the matter is of some urgency.”

  Dominic narrowed his eyes. “Why didn’t you give your name?”

  “I wanted it to be a surprise,” Markus replied, his expression bland but eyes twinkling.

  Dominic folded his arms. “What do you want?”

  The levity vanished from Markus’s face. “Gutrune von Kitren has traced Denais’s people—‌we believe to his new location—‌and she is in grave need of assistance.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, but we have our own difficulties at present. And doesn’t Preusa have its own Mage Guardian by now? There must be someone else she can send.”

  “I was not clear. She is already there; she is asking for help to be sent to her.” This was said with something of a snap. Then, with difficulty, “You may not be very fond of me, but surely you do not have a grudge against her?”

  “No, of course not.” Dominic hesitated, wondering how best to proceed. It was unsettling to see Markus, usually in full command of himself, unable to produce sardonic wit. It made it ever so slightly harder to be irritated with him. “Perhaps you were not informed…‌there has been a startling development in the last few days. One of the Mage Guardians is still alive—‌Alastair MacCrimmon. His student came all the way from Asea to beg for help to rescue him. Apparently he’s in a bad way, and in danger. I want Denais finished off rather badly myself, but surely it would be better to have an experienced Mage Guardian to help with the endeavor? Besides, it is high time Preusa stops using my wife to run all their erra
nds rather than taking up their share of the work.”

  He caught himself, feeling his face heat, and took a deep breath to calm down.

  “MacCrimmon, alive?” Markus’s eyes went wide. “That is wonderful news. But where is he?”

  “North of Ynde, in the mountains. Someplace called Bhuta.”

  Markus shook his head. “I’m not familiar with the name.”

  “I can show you generally on a map…‌” Dominic caught sight of Henri hovering in the background and resigned himself to the inevitable. “Henri, please inform Estelle we will have another guest for dinner. And I suppose you think you’ll be staying the night?”

  Markus summoned up his usual grin. “I knew you couldn’t bear to part with me so soon.”

  Ardhuin looked around the dinner table, amusing herself by imagining her mother’s likely reaction to her strange guests. Sonam had joined them, looking awkward and uncomfortable in his conventional Aeropan attire. He formed an interesting contrast to Markus—‌for while they both had bronze skin and black hair, Markus was tall and angular while Sonam was small and wiry.

  Since Sonam’s Gaulan consisted of only a few words, conversation was primarily conducted in Alban with side discussions she translated for Markus or Dominic when their vocabulary ran out. Sonam ate hungrily, only slightly hampered by the unfamiliar utensils and menu, and abstained only from the wine.

  “…‌so apparently this fellow was watching Denais’s old headquarters in Anatoli to make sure everyone had left before running back to report, and to bring some bulkier items left behind. Fräulein Von Kitren discovered him as he was preparing to depart and took it upon herself to follow him.” Markus leaned back in his chair and observed a drop of wine descend down the side of his glass.

  “But that’s what I don’t understand,” Ardhuin protested. “I thought she was fixed at the court. Why was she in Anatoli in the first place, and why is she tracking people all by herself there?”

  Markus gestured widely, setting his glass down and shaking his head. “I can understand following the spy, that’s too important to miss—‌but the rest, frankly, eludes me. And eludes her brother, who seems to be taking her place at court. In confidence,” he added, speaking quickly in Gaulan, “he is the one who arranged for me to come here on official business. He is worried,” he added, switching back to Alban.

  “But all by herself? I can’t imagine the King allowing that,” Ardhuin protested.

  “Well, there was that fellow…‌Stiller? No, Stoller. Family retainer of some kind. But he’d been sent to arrange delivery of some baggage they found, left behind by the spy. Which reminds me. They found something interesting when it got to Baerlen and they went through it. A notebook with sketches and designs. With the name Schulyer Colfax inscribed inside.”

  Dominic, who had been uncharacteristically silent throughout the meal, sat up at this. “Colfax’s notebook? But that implies…‌we looked through his laboratory, but it would be hard to know what was missing. Besides, we were primarily looking for traps. They must have stolen the notebook when they set them!”

  Markus frowned. “Traps?”

  “Several. Very similar to the one used in Baerlen, for the bullet that nearly killed the King.”

  “But why would they go to the trouble of setting traps when Colfax was already dead?” Markus asked, looking perplexed.

  “Perhaps Denais was making sure no one would take his place. It was only for magicians,” Ardhuin added. “The traps were triggered by anyone casting wards.”

  “I wonder why they wanted the notebook,” Dominic mused. “I wish I could take a look at it. It might explain some of the devices we found.”

  Markus grinned. “You are in luck. I brought it with me, and some other items they found. Official business, consulting with the Mage Guardian.” He nodded at Ardhuin.

  “Or you could continue on and leave them with Jan Kreuwel, who has taken Colfax’s place,” Dominic remarked. “You don’t want him feeling left out, do you?”

  “Much tidier to stay with the same Mage Guardian we started with, rather than switch midway,” Markus said cheerfully. “Perhaps he would like to assist Sonam with rescuing Mr. MacCrimmon instead? So, where exactly is he, anyway? You made it sound like it was the ends of the earth.”

  “Sonam, can you show us more precisely on a map?” Ardhuin asked quickly. She wasn’t sure why Markus was teasing Dominic, or even what he was teasing him about, but Dominic’s expression was becoming more and more stormy. A change of scene, and perhaps topic of discussion, was advisable.

  They repaired to the library after dinner. Sonam was willing but unable to assist, being, it transpired, not familiar with maps. While he puzzled over his route, Markus left his inspection of the library to come and observe.

  “This is meaning a river, yes? There was a big river, to the salt water, and then I take a small boat to the trade city where I find the steamer,” Sonam said.

  “So where did you come to the river? Or did you follow it all the way from Bhuta?” Dominic asked, tapping the map.

  “Oh, now. This is highly interesting.” Markus examined the map more closely. “That is where Sonam comes from? Where MacCrimmon is trapped?” Sonam nodded. “Truly in the middle of nowhere, isn’t it? I didn’t know those mountains extended into Cathai from Ynde. Blast, the map ends right where I need it…‌” He rummaged through the other maps piled on the table, finally finding the one he was looking for. “Now, here is where Denais had his hideout in Anatoli, east of the Middle Sea, and somewhere on the coastline of this sea the spy took a boat heading north, we think, to somewhere in Parsia. Isn’t that interesting? What are the odds we’ve got one destination instead of two?”

  Dominic stared at the map, shock visible in his eyes. “My God. You are right. It could be a coincidence, however. Of course Denais would want to attack MacCrimmon, though I still don’t see why he would go all that way for the purpose when…‌” his voice trailed off, and then he went pale. “Sonam’s people. They all have magic.”

  Ardhuin suddenly understood, and her blood ran cold. “Oh no. Not that.” She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. “Sonam, you said there were attacks. What happened? Were people killed?”

  “For a time, people would disappear. Sometimes we would find them dead later. But the killing stopped after a month I think.”

  “Did they have any injuries? How did they die?” Dominic leaned forward, looking grim.

  Sonam lowered his eyes. “They were…‌” he drew a finger across his throat.

  “And there was no blood.”

  Sonam snapped his head up, startled. “Yes, it is true. How did you know?”

  Dominic rubbed his forearm with one hand. “I have seen it done before. Well, I think we know where Denais is.”

  “Perhaps, but it is possible it has only been done by those Denais has trained. We are still missing the baron’s students.”

  Dominic raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Denais would not share the knowledge of extracting power with anyone. He likes to keep such things to himself, I think.”

  “Ah, but the geas is an effective way to prevent lapses in loyalty, and he has never been shy about using it. The baron’s servants had them, and discovering that was the only thing that made the Ostrians listen to me.” Markus rolled his eyes.

  The library door opened and Henri stepped inside. “Shall I serve coffee here, madame?” Ardhuin nodded, and he left only to return shortly with the coffee service.

  Dominic spread the maps out farther to consult both at once. “I suppose it would be good to know if Denais is actually there or just directing them.” Then, noticing Markus indicating Henri in agitation, he made a dismissive gesture. “Don’t you remember Henri? I can understand you not recognizing Estelle, since she was a statue the last time you saw her, but he was alive…‌oh, well, maybe he was unconscious when you showed up. Henri was once a prisoner of Denais and has several extremely well–‌founded grudges against him. If anyth
ing, he knows more about him than we do.”

  “Indeed, sir. And if I may…‌during my involuntary service, I was able to learn some of his habits which may be of use, if you are desirous of locating him. He is a very particular man with regard to his personal comfort. He would go to a great deal of trouble and expense to obtain a certain kind of tea he referred to as Silver Pearl, not commonly found in Aerope. I can furnish you with a description if you wish, as well as some other items he was known to favor.” He had the sternest, hardest expression on his face Ardhuin had ever seen.

  “Thank you, Henri. That would be very helpful,” she managed to say.

  Markus frowned at the maps. “That kind of intelligence is quite important, but it is equally important Denais does not obtain the same information about us. Just looking at this area tells me a group of Aeropans is bound to attract notice, and the closer they get, the more noticeable they will be. It’s one thing to go to a port city, but what excuse would cover wanting to travel to these remote hinterlands?”

  Dominic looked up with an expression of delighted surprise. “I know! Expeditions! Scientific expeditions. They travel everywhere. But how are we going to find one going the right way?”

  Markus shook his head, smiling. “Don’t think so modestly. You are involved in government subterfuge now, and the larger the better. We merely need to concoct a sufficiently convincing fake expedition and persuade a well–‌known explorer to support the deception. We already have a native guide.” He gave a graceful bow to Sonam. “Our respective governments can provide funds and transportation, I expect, but where can we find someone both already known for such expeditions and willing to assist us? Discreetly?”

  Dominic rubbed his chin, staring off into the shadows of the library. “I think I know the man to ask,” he said. “My publisher. The editor of The Family Museum. I shall write him immediately.”

  Ardhuin frowned. It was a neat and tidy solution, but why did she feel it was not enough? Not fast enough. Because…‌because Alastair MacCrimmon had not sounded merely worried, but panicked. An experienced, senior Mage Guardian was frightened by what he had found.