Mage-Guard of Hamor Read Online Free Page A

on the quarterdeck, and they walked down the gangway to meet Tamryn.
    The silver-haired magister’s eyes again slid away from Rahl, and he said little to either mage-guard on the drive up to the training center. When he brought the wagon to a halt, Rahl studied the long, black-stone building, with the black-slate roof tiles. It was much as he remembered it, save that it looked smaller than he recalled.
    â€œThis way, envoys, if you please.”
    As Tamryn stepped into the building, Taryl murmured, “Remember, don’t use any shields when you speak. They have to feel as well as hear the truth of your words.”
    â€œYes, ser.”
    The chamber to which Tamryn escorted them was the same hearing chamber in which Rahl had been exiled. The same long, black-lorken table stood at one end, with the four chairs behind it. This time all were occupied.
    Tamryn stepped to one side and bowed before speaking. “Magisters Lecoyat, Severyna, and Myanelyt, and Magistra Leyla, might I present Envoy and Senior Mage-Guard Taryl and his assistant Mage-Guard Rahl.”
    Even before Tamryn had made his introductions, Rahl recognized one of the magisters and the magistra—the gray-haired Myanelyt and Leyla, although neither looked directly at him.
    Taryl stepped forward, bowing slightly, if gracefully. “Greetings. We are here on behalf of the Emperor and in the shared interests of assuring that our lands remain on amicable terms, and on behalf of His Majesty, we offer his felicitations and best wishes.” Taryl smiled, and paused before continuing. “If you have not already received word from your own traders, you will shortly, I am most certain. The Nylan Merchant Association compound in Swartheld was totally destroyed by an explosion and fire as a result of actions by the Association director there and Jeranyi merchant vessel crews smuggled into the compound. Many of the Jeranyi died in the explosion, and the subsequent explosion of one of their vessels, but before they did, these same Jeranyi had earlier killed all those in the Nylan Merchant Association to cover their trail. When I am done, Rahl here, with whom some of you are familiar, will explain how this happened in detail, since he is the only one left alive who was a witness.” Taryl paused just long enough to clear his throat. “That destruction was only the first part of a Jeranyi plan to burn the entire merchanting district of Swartheld and possibly even to set Hamor and Recluce against each other.”
    â€œBut…what would they gain?” murmured Lecoyat.
    â€œWhat you may not know is that the Emperor is dealing with an insurrection in the province of Merowey, and that insurrection is tacitly being supported by the white mages of Fairhaven, we believe, as well as the Jeranyi. Had the destruction of Swartheld’s harbor structures and warehouses been accomplished, the prices of Jeranyi goods would have increased markedly in value. More important, had you sent the black ships to Hamor, there would have been far fewer patrols to deal with Jeranyi pirates. As it is, the Emperor has been forced to cut back many of our patrols in order to shut down efforts to supply the rebels in Merowey.”
    â€œSo you want us to take up the entire burden of dealing with the Jeranyi cutthroats?” asked Severyna.
    â€œThe Emperor would not wish to imply or impose any duty on Recluce. All we can say is that at present Hamor cannot deal as aggressively with such pirates as we have done in the past.” Before any of the others could speak, Taryl stepped toward the long table and extended an envelope to Myanelyt. “This contains a more elaborate written version of what we have conveyed to you. It is a copy of the official and complete report on what occurred. The Emperor felt that you should have a copy as well.” He turned toward Rahl. “Now, Mage-Guard Rahl will provide some of the details. These should be of particular