‘Outnumbered three – maybe four – to one I will need to use all the men wisely,’ said Gaise. ‘Have you any thoughts on the coming invasion?’
‘I think they’ll send an advance force, trying to draw us out. If I was Winter Kay I’d then send two columns east and west of Eldacre. The biggest problem, though, is those damned Redeemers and their talent for observing us. Galliott says they can’t see us when we are inside the castle. We need to be able to extend that protection over our forces as they move. Otherwise it won’t matter how prettily you plan; they’ll know everything we are about to do.’
‘My thoughts exactly. It is something we are working on. That’s why my father is with Powdermill. He is a magicker of sorts. However, we can talk about that tomorrow. My father has appointed generals. I would appreciate your view on them after the meeting.’
‘You think he has appointed unwisely?’
‘I doubt it. Much as I loathe the man he is a shrewd judge.’
Kaelin chuckled. ‘Not an easy man to like, though it surprises me that you feel the same. The Moidart murdered my father. I have reason to hate him. What reason do you have?’
‘My reasons are my own – and I don’t wish that to sound offensive to you, Kaelin. I thank you for bringing the Rigante to Eldacre. Will the Wyrd be joining us here? She could be of great help against the Redeemers.’
‘No. We asked her to come with us. She says her talents are not for war and death.’
Gaise shook his head, and, for a moment, showed irritation. ‘According to what we now know, we are facing the spirit of a Seidh god. Do you find it strange that the unholy can use all their powers to destroy, while the holy cannot?’
Kaelin shrugged. ‘Perhaps that is what makes them holy.’
‘I wonder. The Wyrd has helped me, and advised me. This is because I am the Stormrider, and she relies upon me to save the day. She relies upon me to fight. And you. And the Rigante. So is she not a part of the war already? We can go out and kill and sully our souls for her and her dreams. But she will not sully herself. Can you make sense of it?’
‘I don’t try,’ said Kaelin. ‘I am not holy. I know she is pledged not to use her power to harm others. That is good enough for me.’
‘I am not holy either, Kaelin Ring. If I had the power I would kill them all in an instant.’
Kaelin looked into the man’s oddly coloured eyes. It seemed to him then that, just for a moment, there was the glint of insanity there.
‘Explain it again,’ said the Moidart.
Aran PowdermilPs patience snapped. ‘To what purpose? I cannot teach you the principles of magic in a single night.’ Tiredness had made him bold, but even as he spoke, his stomach turned. ‘Forgive me,’ he said swiftly, ‘I meant no offence.’
‘Calm yourself, Powdermill. You are rather valuable to me at present. Small discourtesies can be forgiven. Best not to make a habit of them, however.’ The Moidart paced the small room. ‘The ward spells you have placed on the castle keep out the Redeemers, but they need to be constantly recast.’
‘Yes, my lord. A spell is like a living thing. It is born, it ages and grows weak, then it fades.’
‘What is the source of its energy?’
‘In this instance I am, my lord. This is why I am so drained.’
‘And you replenish this magic merely by rest?’
‘Not exactly, my lord.’
The door opened and Gaise Macon entered. He nodded to Powdermill, then moved to the fireplace and held his hands out to the flames. ‘You never did like the cold,’ said the Moidart.
‘It does not bother me now,’ replied Gaise. ‘Are we any closer to an answer?’
‘Not at present. Powdermill was just explaining about the casting of spells. Go on, Master Powdermill.’
‘I can use my energies and talents for small spells. I have never been able to hold the shape of the larger spells.’