The Traitor Queen (The Traitor Spy Trilogy #3)(87)

“Good morning Lady Lilia,” Kallen said, his lips widening into a half-smile as she entered.

“Black Magician Kallen.” She bowed and sat down, then opened her mouth to speak but stopped as she noticed the items on the table. A ceramic bowl stood next to some of the hollow tubes of glass Alchemists used when they needed to shape vessels and pipes to a particular use.

“Today I will teach you how to make blood gems,” Kallen told her.

She felt a thrill go through her. This was a part of black magic that most people regarded as acceptable and safe. Kallen picked up a tube and indicated that she should do the same.

“The process is easiest communicated mind to mind. The former High Lord discovered it by examining an ancient blood ring. I’ve seen and examined this ring, and I have to say I’m glad I didn’t have to work that riddle out for myself. First, melt some glass, keeping it spinning in the air to maintain the shape.”

She put aside Anyi’s question until later and followed his instructions. When they both held revolving spheres of molten glass in the air, he told her to take his hand and focus on his thoughts. She watched him shape his magic and impose his will on the glass, somehow altering its structure, then letting it cool. Then he watched her attempt the same on her piece.

They repeated this a few times, re-melting and shaping the glass, before he felt she was adept enough to try adding blood to the glass. To her surprise, this did nothing more than imprint an identity on it.

“The blood gem only works when someone is touching it,” he told her. “Do you understand the difference between how it works for the one who provided the blood, and the one who touches the gem?”

“The creator can see what the wearer sees, even if he doesn’t want to. The wearer can’t see what the creator sees but can receive mental communications without anyone else hearing them.”

“Yes, but the gem conveys not only what the wearer sees, but their thoughts. Unless the wearer is carrying a blocking stone.”

She blinked in surprise. This was new. “What’s that?”

“Something the Traitors make. Something we may soon have. Instead of glass, these stones are crystals trained as they grow to do a magical task. A blocking stone prevents a mind-read and allows the wearer to project the thoughts they want a searcher to see.”

Cold shivered down Lilia’s spine. “Naki’s ring.”

He looked surprised, then apologetic. “I am sorry. I forgot that you had already encountered a blocking stone.”

She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. What else can these stones do?”

“Anything a magician can do.”

“Even a black magician.”

“In that they can draw in and store power? Yes – but you must keep that to yourself for now.”

Lilia whistled quietly. “Tell me we’re making friends with these Traitors. They don’t sound like enemies we’d ever want.”

Kallen frowned. “We’re working towards that, hoping to trade for the knowledge of stone-making.” He waved a hand dismissively. “I’ll tell you more about that another time. The important thing is that stone-making requires black magic.”

She felt a thrill of excitement. “I’ll be learning to make these stones?” That would mean she’d be one of the first Guild magicians to be able to use this new magic.

“Perhaps.”

“Will I have to travel to Sachaka?”

“No.” But by the way he paused and looked thoughtful, she guessed that the answer was not that straightforward. He shook his head. “Well, that is all for this morning. Do you have any questions?”

Her heart skipped as she remembered Anyi’s question. “Yes. Would the Guild let Cery and his two bodyguards stay here?”

Kallen’s eyebrows lowered. “Has his situation grown worse?” he asked.

“Possibly. Would they?”

“I will have to get the agreement of the Higher Magicians, but it is likely they would grant it. When would he come here?”

“Soon.” Then, realising that could mean anything, she elaborated. “In a few days.”

He nodded. “I will let you know as soon as I can.” He smiled thinly. “We managed to get some seed from a perfume-maker, thanks to you. The plants aren’t big enough yet to confirm if they’re roet, but it will not be long. If Cery is still willing to help us catch Skellin, we may be able to do so soon.”

She nodded. There was that “soon” word again.

“He’ll be very willing,” she told him. “Of that I’m sure.”

As Anyi and Lilia disappeared into the darkness, heading back to the Magicians’ Quarters and Sonea’s rooms, Gol looked at Cery and raised his eyebrows.

“Yes,” Cery answered, keeping his voice low. “Tell me what you found out.”

Gol leaned forward. “Everything has changed. The rest of the Thieves … well, they don’t go calling themselves that any more. They call themselves ‘princes’. Skellin they call ‘king’.”

“Of course,” Cery rolled his eyes. “King of the Underworld. What do people on the street think?”

“That they’ve all got big-headed. But nobody says it aloud. They’re scared. They know Skellin is a rogue magician and his mother is the Thief Hunter. Both have done nasty things to people who wouldn’t do what they wanted.” Gol grimaced. “Good thing is, everyone hates him now.”