In The Beginning by Gail Daley (top 100 books of all time checklist .TXT) 📕

tried to read the inscription. "This is in that other language too," he said. "I can't read it, anymore than you could read the journal until Geri translated it."

She thumbed through the sheets she held. "I think there was a translation in these. Yes, here it is, but it just says 'Defender', so I guess we'll just have to put it on and see what happens."

He took a deep breath and bowed his head so she could slip the chain over it. "Here goes nothing,"

As soon as she dropped the medallion over his head, there was an eldritch flash of blue, accompanied by another surge of power this time it went all the way through Andre's bones.

"Does the journal say anything else?" he asked.

"Umm, the medallion is supposed to be worn all the time. If you need the sword, you can call it to you by touching the medallion."

He grunted. He drew the sword out of its sheath, testing it for balance. "Well, it seems to be well made, at any rate."

"It's late," Rebecca said. "Maybe we should put off looking for the War Room until tomorrow."

It was obvious he wasn't going to talk Rebecca into his bed tonight; she had other things on her mind. Wanting to study the sword in more detail, he agreed.

A Worm In The Apple

SARSEE JINKS AND HER crew had just served lunch when a gong sounded, signaling the arrival of one of Trebottom's messenger birds. It was a message from Gordon Trebottom, the Station Master. He had a family at the station who wanted to come to Ironlyn. He and Lewys hadn't had the time to finalize the arrangements for the cabin hideout yet, so the family was waiting at the Trade Station.

"Is it always this busy?" Andre asked when Owen returned with the missive.

"I was a child when we left," Lewys admitted. "But I don't think so. It's possible the dissatisfaction with the Shan's Magi Proctor system is growing and more Magi are deciding to run rather than be coerced into joining. This may be a family independent of our Cadre. I don't recognize the name they gave Trebottom."

"Is it likely they would be agents of the Proctors?"

Lewys looked troubled. "Trebottom says they are a family. The Magi Proctors don't keep families together, so I doubt they are their agents."

"Why don't I go with you? I can scan them for intent," Owen offered. "Unless they are particularly skilled at hiding their purpose coming here, I should be able to read if they have bad intentions.

"You said it is a family asking for refuge?" Rebecca asked.

"Yes."

"Another of the new cottages is ready. We will put them there. Andre and I don't want strangers about while we are searching for the war room," Rebecca said.

Her grandfather nodded. "Owen and I will go down after lunch."

On the way to the Station, Owen and Lewys both noticed the lack of pep in their mounts. "We need more unicorns," Owen said. "These are hardly rested from our trip here."

"We can't afford to buy more just now," his grandfather said. "I haven't found the strongboxes yet."

"Who said anything about buying them?" Owen replied. "Sorson Lindgrin says there is a wild herd up in the hills. Why don't we just go and round them up? According to him, the cattle are settling in nicely and most of his men are just loafing around."

Lewys rubbed his chin. "It's is a good suggestion. When we get back, I think I will put you in charge of that project. Think you can handle it?"

Owen straightened in his saddle. "Yes, Grandpa, I can handle it."

"Good. Don't be afraid to ask Lindgrin for his advice or suggestions."

Trebottom met them as they rode into the Trade Station Circle. He didn't look happy. "What's the matter?" Lewys asked him.

"I don't know," the Trade Master said. "Dracon, they had all the right recognition signals, but I don't trust them."

While Trebottom made the introductions, Lewys was taking stock of the family. It was a ragged looking bunch who looked as if they once had been accustomed to better times. Their rich clothing was dirty from travel and too infrequent changes. Simon McTavish, the father was a short, thin man with a slight potbelly. His wife Sophia had once been pretty, but life had soured her expression to one of constant discontent. The older son Oscar, looked like a younger version of his father. The girl Jeribella was about Owen's age. Nature had gifted her with a heart shaped face, melting dark blue eyes, and a full, red-lipped mouth. Her clothes, worn a little too tightly, showed off a well-developed figure. She caught Owen's eyes as he and Lewys dismounted and gave him a flirty smile. The youngest son, Geoffrey, was about Selene's age. He had a sly, almost furtive expression causing Lewys to frown.

"Owen!" Lewys voice jerked his grandson back to business. "Well?"

Owen attempted to exercise his talent, frowning when he couldn't get a good reading. "I honestly can't tell Grandpa. There is something there, but it's blocked. I'm sorry. Perhaps you should have brought Rebecca."

Lewys grunted. "Sorson McTavish, Trade Master Trebottom tells me you wish to take ship to Mearson from the harbor below Ironlyn. May I ask why you chose to cross the narrow sea here instead of at Villa Torrence? You would be more likely to find a ship there than at Lands End. Villa Torrence has a better harbor and more ships coming in than we do here."

McTavish scowled at him. "It's Dracho McTavish, not Sorson. I was told by my friend Mort Corkian Ironlyn was a special haven for those of us with some talents. Is it not so?"

Lewys stroked his chin. "Did Mort know you would be coming here?"

"I doubt it. The last time we spoke was several years ago; long before the Magi Proctor became suspicious of us."

"And why is the Proctor suspicious of you?"

McTavish hesitated. "I'm not sure. It just seemed wiser to leave. I remembered Corkian talking about