Gathering Storm (The Salvation of Tempestria Book 2) - Gary Stringer (read e book TXT) 📗

might be able to reclaim her horse, but Daelen gave them enough money to cover the costs for a whole year, if necessary. If the missing sorceress hadn’t returned in that time, then frankly it was highly unlikely she ever would. Catriona wrote a pair of quick notes, one for the Council of Wizards and one for Justaria personally, taking responsibility for the theft of the horse and the damage to her property. She didn’t dare risk saying too much beyond ‘emergency circumstances,’ but she vowed to volunteer herself for a Conclave when she returned.

“In the interests of increased understanding,” Daelen ventured as they walked down the harbour in search of the ship he kept on retainer, “before your staff nearly killed me, I was thinking I have seen it before, but I haven’t been able to quite remember where.”

“Well, it’s possible you were around one of the times in history when my Angel showed up and made the stars shift.”

“Yes, I suppose that could be it. Anyway, as long as you don’t touch me with it again, I’d be happy to take another look, maybe see if I can unlock its power for you.”

Cat looked troubled by this offer, however.

“If you have information, I will listen, of course, but if you intend to unlock the power itself, then I must refuse. That’s not the way – it’s not my way. No doubt an agent of Darkness would jump at the chance to increase her own power, and an agent of the Light would be glad of the prospect of using this power to save the world in the coming battles. But I am neither of these things. As an agent of the Balance, I do not seek power for its own sake, and I have no interest in becoming a hero. The edicts of Balance teach that power without context is dangerous, whether used with good or evil intentions. Even the best of intentions can cause great harm. The best way to fight that is with knowledge. For what purpose was the staff created and imbued with this power? Why was the power hidden and the knowledge scattered? Why is it that this power has never been used in the centuries that this staff has existed? Why did my Angel give it to me? I find it hard to accept that only I have the necessary skill and resourcefulness to put the pieces together.” With a smile, she added, “Frankly, I’m not that conceited. When I have a complete understanding of the power of my staff, then I will be qualified to choose how, and indeed whether, the power should be used.”

“Well, it’s your staff and your business, so I won’t interfere,” Daelen promised. “You must do what you believe is best, but I want to help if you’ll let me.”

“The best way to help is to do what we already planned: let me stop off at Calin’s Tower.”

“Why is this place so important to you?” Daelen asked.

Catriona was only too pleased to explain.

Calin was a sorceress of the Balance, who had sacrificed all pursuit of magical power, dedicating her life instead to collecting knowledge. Hers was the ultimate collection of rare magical texts in the whole world. She was also a strong proponent of druid magic being given equal status to wizard magic. Wizard, druid, cleric or just the curious, Calin did not discriminate. Her policy was free access to information for all.

“I could happily get lost in there for weeks, but I know we have our quest to think about, so I will just pay a flying visit.”

Cat already new the volumes she wished to borrow, and her staff had a way of drawing her to any others she needed.

“I’m used to studying as I travel, so I won’t slow us down. Since I’m the one who insisted on being your shadow, I won’t be the one to separate us. You can accompany me in your guise as a wizard. We can use the same rumours that have no doubt spread from the FaerWay Tavern, and say you are my current love interest.”

“Alright, we’ll do as you suggest,” Daelen agreed. “I would be honoured to be at your side…my love.”

Giving him the side-eye, Cat’s only response was, “I don’t think there’s any need to get into character just yet, Daelen.”

“Cat,” Daelen began, haltingly, “I know we’ve only just met, but…”

Before he could finish the thought, he was interrupted by the keening cry of a giant albatross, which promptly came in to land. Cat knew, without looking, who was riding this bird.

“Uh-oh,” she remarked. “Here comes trouble.”

Mandalee dismounted and sent the bird away, while Daelen, acting on instinct, flew into the air, powering up rapidly. Cat could feel Mandalee gathering her own powers in response.

“Go away, assassin!” he commanded. “Or I’m going to smack you so hard it’ll take you a month to fly back. If you survive.”

Her green eyes were glowing with fierce anger. “I’m not here for you!” she shot back. “Be thankful for that. I’m here for Catriona.”

“No!” Daelen thundered in response. “You will not harm her!”

“I have no intention of harming or even hurting her, I simply need to talk to her. Alone!”

“Request denied, I will not allow it! Go now, while you still can.”

Alone and ignored, Catriona looked upon the scene with dismay. They were both her friends, and she couldn’t bear to see them tear each other to shreds.

‘But how can I protect one without offending the other?’ she wondered.

Pyrah, sensing her friend’s thoughts, observed sympathically, ‘Not good.’

‘I know,’ Cat sent back, ‘I’ve got to stop it.’ Then she had an idea. ‘Well, a certain someone’s always telling me I have a flair for the dramatic. Maybe I should embrace that.’

Sensing Catriona’s plan, Pyrah wished snakes had eyelids so she could close her eyes to shut out what she feared would be a very messy scene.

Cat used her Windy Steps power to create a staircase of dense air which she then