Storm Glass

22

I NEEDED TO sit down. I’d heard other people talk about having to sit down when shocked by an event or revelation and I had dismissed the notion as pure exaggeration. Little did I realize the actual physical weakness. It felt as if my bones had dissolved and my muscles could no longer support my weight.

“I tried to remain the friend.” Ulrick prowled around the room as he talked. “Remain the colleague you introduced to your family. The partner who was concerned about your safety. You kept me at arm’s length and I thought I would be content with our friendship.” He stopped and skewered me with an intent stare. “But I can’t do it anymore. Not when I saw you with that Stormdancer. I want more than friendship.”

No sound escaped my throat. My body froze as my mind whirled, sorting through all the unexpected information.

“Opal, what’s wrong?” Ulrick grabbed my arm. “You’re swaying. Sit down before you fall down.” He guided me to the couch. “Guess that’s the last thing you wanted to hear right now. You’ve made it clear to me you’re not interested.”

When I sank into the cushions, I pulled Ulrick down beside me. His green eyes filled with alarm.

“You weren’t the only one afraid,” I said. “I kept a distance on purpose.” I paused, thinking of Pazia’s comments, how she accused me of acting better than everyone. “I was afraid, too. Afraid of rejection. Afraid of…” My thoughts shied away from the fear lurking deep within my soul where I had shoved it over four years ago.

Ulrick put an arm around my shoulders and drew me close. “Tell me what else you’re afraid of, so I can fix it.”

I wished it was that easy. “Afraid of my reaction to your…ah…attentions. Another man…”

“Raped you?” The muscles in his arm tensed, but he waited.

“No.” I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his expression. “Tortured. Threatened.” The words burned my mouth. “I haven’t told anyone about it.”

“Why not?”

Ashamed, embarrassed and humiliated. I had been so cowed into submission, so eager to make him stop the pain; I would have done anything for him. “It’s…difficult.” I sucked in a breath, trying to keep the storm of emotions from overwhelming me.

“Was this when you were kidnapped?”

“Yes. Did someone tell you?”

“Mara mentioned it and a few of the students. But they all said a woman held you.”

“She had a partner.” Revulsion ripped through my body.

“Was he caught?”

“No, but he had to have been killed during the Warper Battle. He was a strong Warper and he wanted to use me for a ritual, but Alea wouldn’t let him. She needed me to trick…”

“Yelena,” Ulrick finished. “I heard.”

“And the worst part was…I was glad to do it.” There I said it. Shouldn’t I feel better? “I wanted to get away from him. I had no qualms about pricking Yelena with Curare.” I waited for the admonishment about putting myself before another. Or he would offer empty words of comfort, telling me how it all worked out in the end. I kept my eyes shut tight, bracing for his reaction.

“Living with your decision must be hard. Nothing I or anyone can say will give you any peace. You must reconcile your actions in your heart. In the meantime, we’ll take it slow.”

His hand stroked my cheek. I opened my eyes. He leaned closer and our lips met. A tender kiss, short and sweet.

He smiled. “A good first gather.”

I laughed at the glassmaking reference. Ulrick did spend the night on my couch, and I lay in my bed marveling over the turn of events. Thoughts of Kade also lingered. When we touched there had been that spark, yet he never indicated he wanted more. Ulrick and I had so much in common and his desire was evident. I touched my lips, remembering the kiss.

After breakfast the next morning, Ulrick and I found Kade sitting on a bench outside the dining hall. A small child giggled as the Stormdancer created a tiny whirlwind. Dead leaves and dried grass swirled around the girl. She held her arms out and let the air flow through her chubby fingers.

Pure delight shone in the girl’s eyes. Eventually her mother came looking for her and Kade let the whirlwind dissipate. The child had wandered away from the kitchen. She was so unrepentant and defiant, I guessed this wasn’t the first time she explored on her own, nor would it be the last. Her mother would have her hands full until the child was old enough for school.

A half smile lingered on Kade’s lips as we strolled to the market.

“The girl will have quite a story to tell her friends,” I said to him.

“Why?”

“Since I’ve been here, a Stormdancer has never visited the Keep, and usually the students and magicians are too busy to entertain the staff’s children.”

“That’s a pity. Adults are so jaded when it comes to magic. Nothing compares to seeing a child’s wonder and delight over simple tricks. Makes me appreciate my skills and reminds me not to take them for granted.”

When we arrived at the market, Kade and I talked to the sand merchants while Ulrick kept watch. Fisk appeared to see if I needed anything, and he led us to two more dealers I didn’t know about.

The morning progressed with little success. None of the suppliers had filled an order for lava flakes in the past year. Kade would need to visit the merchants in Mica and Fulgor.

As we navigated the crowded square, a blacksmith hailed Ulrick. The jacks we’d ordered for the glass shop were ready. Kade and I waited outside while Ulrick inspected the tools.

“You both are happier today,” Kade said. “Did you settle your differences?” He kept his tone neutral.

“We did.” I studied him, looking for any sign he may be unhappy. Any indication that his reasons for coming to the Keep included seeing me.

“Good. You’re well matched.” His demeanor remained impartial.

Again I remembered Pazia’s criticism. Perhaps I had been the one to keep my distance from him. I took a chance. “We do have a lot in common. Same hometown. Same enjoyment from working with glass. But he lacks a certain…spark.”

Surprise touched Kade’s eyes for a moment before he resumed his bland manner. “Sparks are similar to lightning strikes and are harmful if you get too close. Also the problem with thunderstorms, they move with the wind and have other…ah…obligations. It’s best for you to bask in the steady sunshine.”

It was as I suspected all along. No interest in me other than dealing with the current problem. Even though I could rationally explain to myself how it was for the best, I couldn’t stop the brief stab of pain deep inside me.

When Ulrick returned, we walked to the Keep’s entrance. Kade wanted to talk to me in private. Ulrick scowled.

“Don’t worry,” Kade said. “On the off chance Tricky is lying in wait in the Citadel, I’ll be able to brew a strong gale. The weather is unsettled today.”

Apprehension and reluctance filled Ulrick’s eyes, but he left to deliver the tools to the almost-finished glass shop.

“I’ll catch up with you there,” I called.

He waved.

Kade was bemused. “He’s protective, a good quality in a bodyguard, but he needs to learn how to trust.”

“He just met you,” I said.

“I meant you. Trust you. You managed to escape Sir and Tricky without harm, so you do know how to take care of yourself.”

We sauntered through the southeast quadrant of the Citadel. The cold air kept most people indoors, and there were few citizens on the streets.

“You followed me last night, trying to protect me,” I countered.

“True. But you didn’t know about Indra and Nodin then. Now that you know, I expect you to take extra precautions.”

“Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”

“No. I had a chance to speak with Master Cowan this morning. She explained a few more details of your escape from Tricky. She wanted to know if I’ve heard of any Stormdancers who could pull another’s magic into an orb.”

“Have you?”

“No. But I wondered when you helped me with the storm, why didn’t my magic transform into glass raindrops?”

I thought back and reviewed the series of events. “Perhaps it didn’t happen because you were pulling in a real substance, while Tricky’s spiders were illusion.”

“A possibility. Once this mess with Varun and the orbs is settled, I’ll see about assigning one of my Stormdancers to help you with your experiments.”

Another jab of disappointment pierced me. I berated myself, thinking of Ulrick.

“The reason I wanted to speak to you alone is…” Kade hesitated. It was the first time I’d seen him uncertain. “I have a favor to ask.”

Intrigued and a little uneasy, I encouraged him to continue.

“It’s about my orb. I didn’t want to leave it with another Stormdancer, yet I don’t want to carry it with me on this mission. It could be used as a weapon in the wrong hands. Will you keep it for me?”

“Of course, but why didn’t you give it to Raiden?”

Kade fiddled with the sleeve of his cape. “Raiden would send it off to be used to fuel one of our factories. We’re short of orbs this year and he threatened to stop indulging me in my ‘maudlin behavior.’ The orbs are vital to the Stormdance economy, but I’m not ready to part with it just yet. And I knew you would understand why.”

The orb was his last physical connection to his sister, Kaya.

“Is that why you asked me? Because I’ve lost a sister, too?”

“No. Because I trust you.”

As we talked, Kade and I had wandered into the main section of the Citadel. Although a few people still shopped, most of the market stands were closed for the day. Twilight cast a pall on the marble walls. Strident voices pulled my attention to an alley on my right. Two men engaged in a verbal argument.

Kade and I were about to walk past when the snick of a switchblade reached us. I shared a look with Kade and he strode down the alley without hesitation. I followed.

“Excuse me,” he called. “I’m in need of directions. Can one of you gentlemen tell me where the Council Hall is?”

The smaller man tried to step away from his companion, but the other grabbed his shirt. “Go ask someone else. We’re busy,” he said.

The voice sounded familiar. I peered at the bigger man. In the weak light, the raw gash on his lower lip oozed black. Bloody Lip. My hands grasped the handles of my sais.

“Sir, do you need help?” Kade asked.

“This man is trying—”

“Shut up,” Bloody Lip growled. He raised his knife. “Leave now and I won’t hurt you.”

“We could say the same thing,” Kade replied.

A wind gust blew through the alley, sweeping trash into the air. I pulled my sais and held them in the ready position.

Bloody Lip met my gaze and pushed the man down, turning all his attention to us. “I know you. You’re that student who cost me my job.” His other hand moved and with another snick he brandished a second knife. “You won’t surprise me this time.”

He advanced. Another gust flowed around us. It whistled and slammed into Bloody Lip, but the air around us remained calm. He kept his feet as the litter in the alley shot past. The victim huddled low to the ground.

A banging noise sounded behind me and I turned in time to avoid a couple of barrels rolled by the wind. They hit the edge of a cobblestone and launched into the air, connecting with Bloody Lip. He tumbled to the ground, cursing as a knife skittered out of his hand.

The wind stopped and Bloody Lip crawled to his feet and ran away. Kade helped the victim to stand.

“Thank fate you came along. That man was trying to rob me,” he said. His voice quavered with a shaky indignation.

“Do you want us to escort you to the Citadel guards to report him?” I asked.

He flinched and attempted a smile. “No. No time. I have a delivery to make. Can you accompany me to the store? It’s not far.”

“Sure,” Kade said. He moved aside to let the man lead.

“My name’s Chun. Who do I have the pleasure of thanking for rescuing me?”

We introduced ourselves. Chun chatted about nothing in particular and once again thanked us when we reached his destination.

The storefront was unremarkable, but I recognized the place as belonging to one of the many black market dealers Pazia and I had visited. Chun’s reluctance to talk to the authorities was now understandable. His delivery was probably of black market goods.

We left and headed back toward the Keep. Two blocks away I made the connection.

Stopping in midstride, I said, “Chun entered Bloody Lip’s place.” I explained about Bex and Bloody Lip’s attempt to strong-arm me and Pazia into buying fake diamonds.

“Do you think Chun and he worked together?” Kade asked.

“No. Bloody Lip mentioned getting fired.” I thought it through. “Let’s go back and see where he goes.”

We found a small alcove near the store and waited. My attention tended to wander. The air between me and Kade felt as if a mini thunderstorm brewed within the narrow gap. A sudden desire to grasp Kade’s arm and share his energy swelled in my heart. I stifled it with difficulty.

Chun finally exited after the lamplighters had finished lighting the street. An errant gust had blown the lamp near us out. From Kade’s grin, I knew it wasn’t a coincidence.

Before Chun could move away, the door swung open and a man stuck his head out.

“I forgot about the midseason festival,” he said. “Bring us ten more crystals. The tourists will snatch them up. Everyone loves a bargain.”

They shared a chuckle, and I wondered if the crystals he mentioned were the fake diamonds.

Keeping a half-block distance back from Chun, we followed him to the Citadel’s north gate. He stopped at the public paddock nearby. Each of the Citadel’s entrances had a place where you could stable your horse or store a wagon. A convenience for those who only came for the day. The paddocks were run by the government and every large town in Sitia had one.

Chun hitched a dilapidated wagon to a brown horse. Spokes were missing from the wheels and the broken back gate was tied to the sides with knotted and frayed ropes.

“If he’s selling the fakes, he certainly isn’t putting his money into transportation,” Kade said. “Then again, what better way to avoid robbers on the roads.”

“Zitora didn’t seem as concerned with the fakes, but we should know who is producing them.”

We watched as Chun spurred the horse and drove through the north gate. Once he was out of sight, we questioned the paddock manager.

“Comes in twice a season,” he said, checking a ledger. “Nice guy. I know he’s a member of the Moon Clan because he told me about the troubles they were having with bandits and how he was unhappy with their Councillor.”

“Do you know why he comes?” I asked.

“Deliveries, I think.” The man shrugged. “Must be small because the wagon’s always empty. He pays his bill on time and never leaves anything behind. Wish I could say the same for everyone.”

I thanked him and we left his office.

“I bet he’s supplying the black market with the fake diamonds,” I said. “I wish I could follow the wagon.”

“I can,” Kade said.

“What about Varun?”

“There are sand suppliers in Moon lands.”

“And the lava flakes are shipped down from the Emerald Mountains.”

“Then I can interview the suppliers for clues to Sir’s whereabouts and follow Chun.”

A moment of regret consumed me. I had hoped he would stay a few more days, but it made sense for him to go. “What about your pack?” I asked.

“Keep it for me. I only have a change of clothes and my orb. I can buy what I need on the road.”

Kade rented a horse from the paddock manager. I wrote him a list of sand suppliers in Moon and Cloud Mist lands. To avoid traveling in the Avibian Plains, he would have to come back this way to reach the rest of the clans.

“I should be able to follow Chun. I’ll send word if I learn anything,” Kade said.

“Use the glass messengers. Every large town has a magician with one of them. Just tell him you have an important message for Master Cowan and he should deliver the information right away.”

“I could always threaten him with a hailstorm.” Eagerness laced his tone.

“That could land you in jail.”

“Not for long.”

I laughed at his boast. “Can wind unlock iron bars?”

“No, but metal gets very brittle when it’s cold.”

“And you know this from experience?”

“Let’s just say I have a stormy past.”

I groaned at the pun as he swung up on the horse.

Kade paused before leaving. His playfulness gone. “Be careful.”

“You, too.”

Back at the Keep, I wrapped Kade’s orb in a blanket and stored it under my bed. Over the course of the next few days, I would be overcome with the need to unwrap the orb and sit with it in my lap. The magic trapped within the glass sphere pulsed through my body as I listened to its song and watched the swirls of color inside. At night, even through the thick covering, I heard the orb calling Kaya’s name.

I missed Kade, yet I was enjoying Ulrick’s company. My dual emotions unsettled me until I realized those mixed feelings occurred all the time. I longed for my family, but was glad for Mara’s presence. I even wished for Aydan’s company, missing his gruff commands and kind gestures. My missing Kade was all part of being his friend. Nothing wrong with it. No hidden meanings in it at all.

Equipment for our glass shop arrived. Ulrick, Mara and I assembled and installed the various pieces. My excitement grew as we planned the first set of experiments and recruited helpers from the Keep’s students.

“Just need the kiln and we’ll be good to go,” Ulrick said.

We snuggled on the couch in my quarters. A fire roared in the hearth. The white coals from Gid had been delivered, and I was testing how long the coals would burn so I could determine how often the kilns would need to be fed. Once the kiln reached the correct temperature to melt the sand, the best course of action was to always keep it hot.

“I’ve managed to convince Seften to help us next week,” I said. “His magical illusions are very good.”

“You’re hoping to duplicate what you did with the spiders?”

“Yes.”

“What is he going to send after you? Snow cats would be useful or necklace snakes. No one would bother you if you had a snow cat following you.”

I laughed. “I think we’ll start with something a little smaller.”

The day of meeting with the jeweler arrived. I joined Pazia in Zitora’s office.

“We’ve been watching the store, and have followed a few people,” Zitora said. “We think we know who Elita’s main supplier is, but we’ll know for sure today. I want you to arrange to buy all his diamonds over ten carats.”

“All?” I swallowed. The cost would be unbelievable. Even Pazia paled.

“Yes. All.”

“Why?” I asked.

“So he knows you’re serious buyers. And when you ask him for more, he won’t hesitate to go straight to his source.”

“Why don’t you just arrest him and extract the information from his mind?” I knew there were a few powerful mind-reading magicians at the Keep.

“As soon as he’s arrested, word will spread and the source will disappear. Also only Third Magician Irys is legally allowed to obtain information that way, and she’s still in Moon lands.” Zitora handed Pazia a large money bag. “Make sure the diamonds you buy are real then return to the Keep. I’ve assigned another magician to follow the supplier.”

With no need to disguise ourselves, Pazia and I set off for the meeting. Ulrick hadn’t been happy about staying behind at the Keep.

“She’s no friend of yours,” he had said. “If you get into trouble, she’s going to protect herself first.”

Good thing the conversation had been interrupted by the arrival of the kiln from Booruby. Distracted, he had skipped his lecture on safety, settling for a promise from me to be extra careful.

My thoughts centered on trust as we hurried to Elita’s store. She had said to arrive before the lamplighters lit the back alley. The troop of lighters was already out on the streets, shimmying up the posts with their flaming sticks.

The door opened after our first tap. Hustled inside, we entered the same room as before. Elita waited with a man of average height and weight, although I would never forget him. His pure white hair was buzzed close to his head and was in stark contrast to his midnight skin. Elita introduced him as Mr. Lune.

Six diamonds sparkled on the velvet-covered table. They ranged in size from a thumbnail to a cherry. We all hunched over them as if they possessed a magical attraction.

“May I?” I gestured to the stones.

“Certainly. They’re as genuine as the mountains they were mined from,” Mr. Lune said.

“The Emerald Mountains?” Pazia asked.

“Nice try, sweetheart. I’m not stupid enough to tell Vasko’s daughter where I found my diamonds.”

I picked up the smallest one. It was a round stone with the bottom cut to a point. Numbing cold soaked into my skin where the diamond rested on my palm. My mind’s eye filled with a frozen and flat wasteland.

As I checked the others, my bones ached with cold. The snowy vision stayed and a few wooden structures came into focus. The wood, peeling and gray, appeared weathered by many storms. The buildings leaned as if constructed during a strong wind. Piles of snow decorated their roofs and icicles hung from the windows.

The gems were authentic. I signaled Pazia with a discreet gesture.

“How much?” Pazia asked Mr. Lune.

“For which one?”

“For all.”

Shock and then gleeful greed blazed on Mr. Lune’s dark face before he smoothed his expression into mild interest. His first amount was so ridiculously high, even Elita couldn’t suppress a huff of amusement.

Pazia handled the brisk negotiations. Feeling had returned to my palm and I wanted to see what would happen if I touched all six diamonds at once. I laid my hand over the gems on the velvet. Ice pierced my skin and spread throughout my body, driving the heat out. Once again the white expanse formed in my mind. This time I concentrated on the structures, searching for any clue to their location.

Gray smoke billowed from a chimney rising above the only stone building. Footprints tracked between doorways. Another set of tracks ringed one small shack. These resembled snow cat paw prints, which ended in a scuffed mess stained pink.

Unable to endure the icy grip on my body, I pulled my hand away from the diamonds. I glimpsed a deep pit before the vision melted.

Rubbing my arms, I shivered. The gems had been mined from the northern ice sheet above the Territory of Ixia, a vast expanse of snow and ice almost as big as Ixia. Mr. Lune had lied about the mountains.

“…pay Elita and the two agents who brought you here, plus my workers, there’ll be nothing left,” Mr. Lune said.

“I know how much miners are paid. My offer is more than generous,” Pazia countered.

The negotiations launched into another round. My thoughts shifted to Ulrick. He would be worried if we delayed too long. A deluge of emotions swirled in my chest. The thrill of holding his hand, the wonderment over his attraction to me, the annoyance about his protectiveness, and the worry we lacked a certain spark all churned. I shied away from the last thought. Since our brief touch in Zitora’s office, I couldn’t think of sparks without thinking of Kade.

“…five golds per carat, and if you can find me six more diamonds over ten carats from the same mine, I’ll up it to six,” Pazia said.

Mr. Lune blinked a few times. “Six more diamonds that big? They’re hard to find. Their rarity increases the cost more than a gold. The other gems will cost you twelve golds a carat.”

They haggled. A wild glint shone in Pazia’s eyes. She enjoyed the verbal battle. She offered a flat rate of nine golds per carat if he could secure six more large gems.

“Deal.” Mr. Lune shook Pazia’s hand.

She counted out twenty golds as down payment for twelve diamonds. Mr. Lune would send her a message when he returned, and they would complete the exchange.

By the time we left Elita’s shop, all the Citadel’s stores had closed. The taverns remained opened. Bursts of laughter and measures of music formed pools of warmth in the cold night air. Pazia walked through them without notice. She reviewed the bargaining session with glee, detailing the finer moments.

Her enthusiasm was infectious, but I kept watch for strangers following us or worse—someone I recognized.

She ceased her chatter and placed a warning hand on my arm. “Around the corner…a man…” Pazia pressed her lips together.

My insides felt tight. I reached for my sais.

With an exasperated huff she relaxed. “Ulrick. Guess you forgot to tie his leash.”

The instant vision of Ulrick chained to a post like a dog made me laugh out loud. To an outsider who didn’t know about the various threats, Ulrick’s behavior around me would appear guard doggish.

My laughter wasn’t the reaction Pazia hoped for. She frowned, flashing me a cold stare from her olive-colored eyes.

“I haven’t pushed him away, and you’re jealous,” I said.

“Of course. He’s gorgeous, smart and caring. He deserves better than you.”

“I was right. You do think you’re better than me.”

“No. You’re still wrong. I said he deserved better. Not that he deserved me. In one small way, Opal, I’m just like you. I don’t know who to trust.” She strode on ahead and rounded the corner.

I stared at her back for a moment before rushing to catch up. Ulrick was berating her for leaving me alone. She met his tirade with a bored air, answered him with a flippant response and sauntered away.

“She only cares about one person,” Ulrick said. “Herself.”

But I wasn’t so sure I agreed with him.

Once the kiln reached the proper temperature, the sand mixture was loaded into the inner cauldron. It would take another half day to melt into molten glass. In the meantime, we set a schedule for the three of us to keep the fire hot.

“We could use a few more people to help,” Mara said. “Leif would—”

“You can’t ask Leif to shovel coal,” Ulrick said.

“Why not?” she asked.

“He’s too important. It’s like asking Master Cowan to mend socks.”

Mara fixed him with a cold stare. “If Leif thought shoveling coal was too menial for him, I wouldn’t be here.”

“It’s just—”

I touched his shoulder. “You really shouldn’t say any more. You’ll just dig yourself in deeper.”

He threw his hands up in surrender and checked the temperature of the annealing oven. However, Mara was right, we did need more helpers. I wondered if I could send out a general request to the Keep’s student body. Perhaps a few would be interested in learning how to work with the glass.

Zitora approved the idea and I wrote a message on the dining hall’s announcement blackboard. In no time, a handful of students arrived at our glass shop, offering to lend a hand. Working with their class schedules, Mara added the five of them in when they had free time and promised glass lessons in exchange for shoveling coal.

I erased the request off the board. Five would be enough for now.

Finally the melt was ready. We had loaded the kiln with a sand recipe that was similar to the Stormdancers’ mix. The three of us had decided to craft a few orbs for our first project to see if I could channel another’s magic into glass as I had done when Tricky attacked me.

“It almost feels like home,” Mara said as she gathered a slug for Ulrick on the end of a blowpipe.

“Do you miss home?” I asked.

“Yes, but it really was time for me to move on. If Mother mentioned grandchildren to me once more, I would have…”

“What?” I smiled.

“Threatened to remain childless!” Mara shaped the molten slug into a sphere then handed the pipe to Ulrick.

“My nieces and nephews were constantly underfoot,” Ulrick said. He blew a bubble into the sphere.

Annoyance twinged at how easy he made it look, and I was sure by the end of the day even our new helpers could thumb a bubble. Swallowing my frustrations, I reflected on Ulrick’s comment.

“Do you miss your family?” I asked him.

Mara lifted the pipe from his workbench, and reheated the glass in the glory hole.

“Not at all,” he said.

My sister returned when the glass glowed yellow. Ulrick grabbed the jacks and, as he turned the pipe, Mara blew into one end as he narrowed the glass around the other end, forming an almost-complete ball. I hurried to get a small amount of glass on a pontil iron and formed a punty. Using the metal tweezers, Ulrick brought the punty to the end of the ball, then dripped water near the end of the blowpipe. One hit with the end of his tweezers, the orb cracked off the blowpipe and was now attached to the pontil rod.

The orb was inserted back into the glory hole to heat. When the tip was pliable, Ulrick worked to craft a lip for the orb. He used the orb I stole from Tricky as a guide to how to shape it. Since we didn’t plan to trap energy inside, we didn’t worry about finding a way to plug the opening.

We made four orbs and set them in the annealing oven to cool. It would be twelve hours before we could work with the orbs.

“I have twenty pounds of my special sand mix on order,” Ulrick said. “When it arrives, I’ll show you how I make those vases.”

While Ulrick helped Mara make a bowl, I showed Piecov how to gather glass from the kiln. The first-year student had signed up to help with the glass shop. He had watched us work, and now it was his turn to try.

“Watch, it’s very hot. You want to get in and out as fast as possible,” I said. “And keep the rod turning all the time or the glass will drip to the floor.”

He was quick to learn and asked all the right questions.

Overall, I was very pleased with the glass shop’s first day of operation. Everyone worked together well, and the equipment ran without problems. It was a shame the harmony didn’t last very long.

The next day we inspected the orbs. No cracks or flaws and the glass felt thick enough to withstand any jostling. Our creations matched the one containing the spiders.

“Do you think it’ll work?” Ulrick asked.

“Only one way to find out.”

We would have to wait for Stefan’s morning classes to finish. He promised to stop by and attack me with a magical illusion during lunch.

When the door to the glass shop opened, I expected to see Stefan. Instead an aggrieved Pazia stood in the threshold.

“Stefan’s not coming,” she said. She scanned the shop with distaste.

“Why not?” I demanded.

“Master Bloodgood needs him.” She joined us by the table of orbs. “Bain sent me to help.” Her stiff demeanor revealed that she would rather be doing anything but aid us.

“No,” Ulrick said. “We’ll find someone else.”

“As much as I would love to leave, there is no one better at illusions than me. If you’re going to experiment with magic, you might as well do it right or not bother at all.”

I considered. Master Bloodgood knew our plans. If he thought Pazia would be useful, then she would be. “All right. Do you know what we’re trying to do?”

“Opal, may I have a word with you?” Ulrick grabbed my arm and propelled me outside. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why not? She’s a very powerful magician and could be useful with our experiments.”

“What if she tries to sabotage them? She’s jealous of you.”

“Then we’ll ask her to leave. You have to keep an open mind.”

“I just don’t want her to hurt you.” He pulled me into an embrace.

I melted against him, enjoying the moment. “Do you think I would let her?”

“Not intentionally. You’re too nice, Opal. You always think the best of people so you’re always going to get hurt.”

I mulled over his comment. He was right in a way, but my interactions with people didn’t always lead to pain. Interesting how Pazia said I didn’t trust anyone and Ulrick claimed I trust too much. Who was right?

“Do you think she’s up to something?” Ulrick asked.

“Like what?”

“Spying on you, seeing what you can do with your magic.”

“For what purpose?”

“You have people after you. She could tell them how to neutralize your magic or where to find you.”

“I haven’t seen a sign of anyone in a while. Don’t you think you’re being a little paranoid?” I pulled away from him.

“I’m being smart. As time passes without any hint of danger, you’ll begin to relax. Eventually you’ll think the danger is past and then…Bam! Surprised and unprepared you’re caught. That’s what I would do if I were Tricky.”

He had a point. My skin felt hot and tight as if I was trapped in a spotlight. Could I ever relax?

“You shouldn’t trust anyone besides me and your sister,” Ulrick said.

“What about Zitora or my parents or Kade?” The Stormdancer’s name slipped out.

He frowned. “They all could be compromised. How do you know Kade wasn’t the one who spiked the glass with Brittle Talc? He could be working with Tricky for his own reasons. Maybe for revenge over his sister’s death. Maybe her death was really an accident and he wants to put a stop to all stormdancing.”

I couldn’t believe that scenario. “You can make up any story you want to fit, but it doesn’t mean it’s true. I could even come up with a reason for my sister and Leif to plot against me.”

“But it could be true. Perhaps you should trust no one.”

If my first four years at the Keep had been lonely, not being able to trust anyone would make my life worse. But then Pazia’s words about trust drifted through my thoughts again. She was wrong. I trusted Ulrick with my life, Zitora with my education, my sister with my dreams, and Kade with…With what? I didn’t have an answer.

Ulrick and I returned to the glass shop. Mara was giving Pazia a tour of the small shop. I explained to Pazia about the experiment, and showed her the glass orbs and spiders.

“We want to recreate the attack and see if I can defend myself again,” I said.

As she considered my request, the annoyance faded and genuine interest glowed in her eyes, making Ulrick suspicious. I believed if she offered to fetch us a drink he would still be unhappy.

“Do you want me to conjure spiders?” she asked me.

“How about something a little less creepy?”

“Snakes?”

“No!” Mara and I said together in horror.

Pazia rolled her eyes. “Puppies?”

“Butterflies,” I suggested.

“I’m good, but not powerful enough to make butterflies menacing. Try again.”

“Bees?”

“Better.”

“What type of bee?” Ulrick asked.

“I’ll decide. Opal wouldn’t get to choose if a magician were really after her. Better if she’s surprised. Ready?”

I picked one of our orbs, and held it between my hands. Pazia concentrated. The lines of her neck pulled taut as she gathered power.

A low hum sounded. I exchanged glances with Mara. She heard the sound, too. The steady drone increased in volume until the room vibrated with the noise.

“What the—” Ulrick batted at the air near his head.

At first, a few bees blazed by my head. I jumped back as another green-and-black bee flew by my ear. Mara cried out, swatting at her skirt.

A finger of ice brushed my spine when I recognized the Greenblade bees. All six inches of the hairy insect were striped with green and brown. Impossible to spot in their home forests, they attacked with relish and pumped lethal quantities of venom into their victims. Fortunately they lived deep in the Greenblade Clan’s forest and only awoke to mate every three years.

“Anytime now, Opal,” Ulrick said. He ducked to avoid a cloud of them. One landed on his shoulder and plunged its stinger into his upper arm. He grunted in pain.

Mara raced around the room, yelling. The air was thick with bees, many more than the spiders. A blanket of insects covered Ulrick. A twinge of doubt squeezed my stomach, but I concentrated on the orb. It waited as if interested in the commotion yet content to just watch. I rolled it between my palms, imagining it on the end of a blowpipe. Pulling the buzz closer to me, I channeled the magic into the glass sphere.

One ping, then another. Soon the ringing of glass dominated. The sound echoed in my heart and continued for a long time. Bees disappeared, and more were created. Because of the sheer numbers, it felt like years before Ulrick’s body was uncovered and the swarm around Mara was gone. Finally, all grew quiet.

My muscles strained to hold the full orb. I placed it on a table and a handful of the contents spilled. Trapped inside glass, miniature Greenblade bees sparkled. A success, but at what cost? I glanced at the others.

Ulrick moved closer to see the glass bees. Sweat soaked his tunic, but no other sign of the attack was visible. Mara’s disheveled hair stuck out in all directions, and she panted, winded from her exertions. Pazia had slumped to the ground.

Mara bent over her.

I joined her. “Is she okay?” I asked.

“I think she fainted.”

Her skin lacked color.

Mara settled on the ground and gently placed the magician’s head in her lap. “Should we take her to the infirmary? Maybe we should send for a healer.”

“Oh for sand’s sake, just throw water on her.” Ulrick picked up a bucket.

“Wait.” I grabbed the pail from him. “She hasn’t been overcome by the heat like in a glass factory. She might have exhausted her magic. Throwing water on her might just make her wet.”

When Zitora had used all her energy, she’d slept until her energy was restored. I dipped my fingers into the cold water and rubbed it on Pazia’s forehead. No reaction. “We should have a healer look at her just in case.”

Mara, worried and upset, left her in my care while she fetched a healer. She returned with Healer Hayes and Zitora. We followed as they carried her to the infirmary on the first floor of the administration building.

“She used her magic to create an illusion,” I told Zitora. The four of us stood around Pazia’s bed. “I didn’t think it would be such a big drain on her energy.”

“It shouldn’t. For a few younger students, they would be tired, but not Pazia. Something else must be wrong.”

“If there is, I can’t find it,” Healer Hayes said. His hand pressed against Pazia’s forehead. “She has all the classic signs of exhaustion. We should let her rest and she should be fine.”

“I’ll stay with her,” Mara offered. “Go see if your experiment worked.”

I returned to the shop with Ulrick, and examined one of the bees.

He put a hand on my arm. “Do you think they’ll obey you like the spiders? I’d rather not get stung again. Besides the whole dying from the poison aspect, it hurt like hell.”

“Only one—”

“Just do it.”

I broke a glass bee. A whoosh, a huff and a flash followed. The same energy burst as the spiders. One Greenblade bee hovered over the table, buzzing.

Ulrick poked it with a rod. It moved away, but didn’t attack him. “Feels real. Give it a command.”

“Sting that orange.” I pointed to a bowl of fruit. Mara always kept plenty of food around for the helpers who worked during mealtimes.

The bee flew straight toward the bowl, landed on the orange and stung it. After a few convulsions, the bee disappeared. Ulrick plucked the tainted fruit with care. He found a knife and cut the orange in half.

A rotten sour smell emanated. Brown mucuslike liquid oozed from the orange—the bee’s venom.

“Remind me never to get you angry,” Ulrick said.

Pazia didn’t wake while we experimented with the glass bees. I had hoped that with the release of the bees, she would recover faster. But her unconscious state remained despite breaking over a hundred bees. It appeared once the magic was trapped and transformed, it was available for me to use and no one else.

Zitora wanted a full report on our experiments. Ulrick and I briefed her in her office.

“You’ve discovered a great defense against a magical attack,” she said.

“Against illusions,” I agreed. “I was going to try channeling other types of attacks, but since Pazia’s collapse, I’m not so sure.”

“It’s best to wait until she recovers. I’m sure you have plenty to do in the meantime.” Zitora moved a few papers on her desk. “The Masters could use a few more of your messengers, Opal.”

Hint taken, I used my workshop time to craft a variety of animals for the Masters to use to communicate.

My worry for Pazia tipped toward panic as three days passed without any change in her condition. She had gone too far in sending so many bees against us, and conjuring Greenblade bees was just plain cruel. I could claim I acted in self-defense. Although I didn’t like her, I hadn’t wanted to cause her real harm.

During those three days, Ulrick’s special sand arrived and we loaded the mix into the kiln to melt, planning for him to demonstrate his vase-making method the next day. Just as we were leaving the shop, one of Healer Hayes’s assistants ran up to us.

“Pazia is awake. Master Cowan wants you to come. Now,” he said, before running back to the infirmary.

Thank fate! Relief gave me a burst of energy and I kept pace with the assistant, slowing only when we reached the door to Pazia’s room. Ulrick was right behind me.

A little color had returned to her cheeks, but exhaustion left dark circles under her eyes. She stared at me. Horror and accusation pulsed from her. Healer Hayes propped her against the pillows and Zitora positioned a tray of food on her lap.

“Eat. And it’s not a request,” she said.

I glanced at Zitora. Her concern was evident, but before I could explain, she asked me, “Did you feel tired after your experiment with Pazia?”

Surprised by the odd question, I needed a moment to collect my thoughts. “No. Why?”

Zitora looked at Pazia. She moved her fork to her mouth as if it weighed a hundred pounds.

“You must have used Pazia’s energy to channel her own magic.”

“Is that why she collapsed?”

“Not the whole reason. Pazia?”

She finished chewing, then paused as if summoning the strength to speak. “You stole everything from me. Every bit of magic. I have none left.”