Colors of Chaos

CLXXI

CERRYL GLANCED AROUND the lamp-lit and silk-hung bedchamber, so similar to the first view of Leyladin’s chamber through his glass and yet so different in ways he could not describe but only feel.

“You look tired,” Leyladin said, standing behind him and rubbing his shoulders. “Your shoulders are tight. Lie down on the bed.”

Cerryl was glad to comply, easing off his boots and stretching out on the green coverlet. The breeze coming through the shutters that were cracked but a fraction of a span was chill yet held the hint of approaching spring.

The healer’s long fingers were firm but gentle as she massaged the tight muscles between his shoulder blades and spine. “Your muscles are like iron.”

“That’s from wondering who will appear behind me every time I leave the Tower.” And if they’ll see through your blurring screen.

“You don’t have to walk the Halls of the Mages that much.”

“I don’t? How else do I establish that I could know anything and be anywhere? I’m not a mighty mage like Jeslek was, or a planner and plotter like Anya is.”

“You’re getting pretty effective. Kiella drew me aside yesterday. She wanted to know if I knew how you managed to slip through walls.”

“I wish I could sometimes.” Cerryl sighed, enjoying the kneading that relaxed and loosened his shoulders.

“She also said that someone had told her that you had removed all the traders in Spidlar. No one had seen you do it, nor knew how you had, not even to this day.” The healer’s fingers moved down his back.

“That feels good.” After a moment, he added, “I’m not getting respected but feared? Is that it?”

Leyladin laughed. “Both, I would say. That’s not too bad for a mage almost no one knew a season ago.”

“From nothingness to High Wizard in a single season.”

“Better that than the other way around.”

Facedown on the soft bed, Cerryl closed his eyes. He wanted to shake his head.

“You can’t have as much power as the High Wizard has and expect to be loved,” she said quietly. “Except by me and a few others who really know you.” After a moment, she added, “That’s true for everyone, really.”

“I suppose so. Sad, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but we won’t change that.”

Not if you want to change Candar, we won’t. He let his breath out slowly and tried to concentrate on the firm and gentle touch that had begun to relax a body all too tight.