From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(89)

“General Valor Hai’dia,” Neph said slowly as if savoring the words and then nodded firmly to Jala. “Yep, we are f*cked,” he said in a light voice as he leaned fully back in his chair and propped his feet on the table.

Jala frowned at him sharply and pushed his boots from the table. “We are not. I’ve seen Valor fight. We will be fine,” she objected fiercely.

“Jala, fighting and leading men to fight are two entirely different things,” Jail said calmly his expression mildly apologetic.

“Jail can you do transfers?” Valor broke in before Jala had a chance to speak again.

“I can, but it is highly frowned upon and most see it as tainted knowledge. To truly appreciate something, you must learn it yourself Valor,” Jail said hesitantly.

“What?” Jala began but Valor cut her off once more.

“We don’t have time for proper learning if this is all going to break loose in the spring. That gives us perhaps three months. Transfer what I know of war to Jala. I give the knowledge freely and want her to have it,” Valor said as he rose from his chair and moved to stand by Jail who was watching him with an unreadable expression.

“What?” Jala repeated, her gaze flicking from face to face, hoping someone would clarify exactly what Valor was suggesting. While she understood the basics of what he had explained she didn’t know the actual workings of how such a thing was done or what the repercussions would be. If Valor lost the knowledge when she gained it, this was not a path she wanted to follow.

“So you are essentially shoving the role of General onto our High Lady? How noble,” Neph scoffed shaking his head with disgust.

“No, but if I’m going to lead, then I want her to understand everything I do, and if I’m doing something she objects to, I want her to have the knowledge to correct me,” Valor shot back, his tone cold. Turning, he locked eyes with Jala and she could see the determination clear in his blue eyes. “I won’t do this without the transfer, Jala. You will have to find another General if you object. Take my knowledge and use it to help. You have a way of thinking very clearly in situations that would terrify anyone else, and you see things from a different perspective,” he said in a softer voice.

“It won’t damage you in anyway if I accept?” Jala asked cautiously.

“Consider it simply the duplication of a memory on a larger scale. Valor will retain the knowledge and you will learn everything he knows. However, the knowledge that comes directly from his mind will be tainted with his opinions and beliefs. You will not form your own ideas about maneuvers and such,” Jail explained his expression skeptical at best.

“Then I agree to your terms Valor,” Jala said with a faint nod. She knew how much Valor must want her to have his knowledge to risk Jail working on his mind once more. He had stated clearly in the Darklands that he didn’t trust the Han’shy mage and yet here he was insisting that mind magic be worked once more. “I trust in the fact that Valor’s mind will not be altered in any way from this magic,” she said softly as she moved her gaze from Valor to lock eyes with Jail.

“You have my word that no changes will be made to his mind beyond sharing his knowledge with you. I swear by the blood of my house,” Jail said formally as he rose to stand facing Valor. The Han’shy towered over the knight and his hands nearly covered Valor’s head as he placed his palms carefully over Valor’s temples. “There will be a moment of dizziness as I work,” Jail warned Valor quietly and then closed his eyes as he focused on his magic.

Jala watched in silence as the spell was worked, her eyes moving constantly from Valor’s face to Jail’s. She had been warned that Jail might not be entirely trustworthy and she was allowing him to work on the mind of one of her closest friends. Of all of the different types of magic Sovann and Neph had taught her. Mind magic had not been included in the lessons. If Jail did alter Valor’s mind there would be no way she could fix it.

Are we having doubts? Neph’s voice broke through her thoughts and she glanced aside to look at him. It wasn’t often that Neph used mental links. He usually just spoke whatever was on his mind regardless of who he offended. His expression now, however, was carefully neutral, giving no indication that they were linked.

Do you trust Jail? Jala asked him through the same mental link.

I trust no one, Neph answered bluntly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. If Valor starts clucking like a chicken we will know Jail isn’t our buddy after all.

That’s not funny Neph. I’m serious, Jala objected, her gaze moving once more to scan Valor’s face. He seemed paler then before, but didn’t look to be in any sort of pain.

Jail is on our side as far as the Avanti are concerned. Jail has nothing to gain by sabotaging Valor so it should be fine. The part you are going to have to watch Jail on is the Fionaveir. He has family on their council and he is fond of them, Neph assured her, his tone moving from his typical sarcasm to the gentle tones he seemed to reserve for only her.

So virtually the same as Wisp then, Jala replied with a sigh and nearly rose from her chair as Valor staggered and sat heavily back against the table.

I have to wonder about the expression on your face right now, Neph said softly his voice barely a whisper in her thoughts.

Jala blinked quickly and sat back in her chair once more, her eyes flicking to Neph who was watching her closely. It was a week to you. It was well over a month for me. Valor is… She paused as she searched for the correct words and noted with irritation the amusement that flickered across Neph’s face once more.