Free Magi'I of Cyador by L. E. Modesitt Jr. Page A

great deal, and even the Lectors have indicated that my studies have been superior." Lorn lets a puzzled expression cross his face. "Have I not been diligent and enthusiastic in my studies?"
    "Mere excellence in studies is not enough for a magus, Lorn. Enthusiasm for studies alone is not sufficient, either. One must always carry the awareness that the Magi'i are what distinguishes Cyador from the barbarians or the Hamorians-and what distinguished the Rational Stars from the black angels. Without the understanding of chaos as the font of life and the core of prosperity, a flame lance is little more than a brighter, sharper barbarian blade. A firewagon is little more than a more powerful eight-horse team."
    "I have always understood and accepted that, Father," Lorn says truthfully.
    "Yes... you have. But you have not understood that there is a greater good beyond personal accomplishments." The older man offers a rueful smile. "Nor do you understand with your heart that golds are mere counters in child's game, or that all Cyador rests on how the Magi'i balance chaos and the black order."
    Lorn represses a frown. While his studies and his practical work as an advanced student magus have touched upon the balancing of chaos with the cold and deadly nature of order, this is the first time his father has directly mentioned such balancing-or even suggested that he has observed Lorn's clandestine merchanting ventures.
    "I have prevailed upon my friendship with Captain-Commander Luss'alt to have you accepted as a probationary officer trainee. Luss'alt is in charge of the Mirror Lancer operations throughout all Cyador, under Majer-Commander Rynst'alt. You also know, I am certain, that lancer training is well away from Cyad." Kien'elth pauses.
    Lorn considers both the words and the pause. Knowing that his father is a closer acquaintance of Rynst'alt than would be normal from their relative positions within the Quarter of the Magi'i, Lorn also understands that there is much he does not understand, except that his father thinks it is important that Lorn know a favor has been called in, and that Rynst'alt has not been involved. "Yes, ser."
    "High Lector Chyenfel'elth and Lector Hyrist'elth are most impressed with your talent, but not your attitude." The older man gestures as if to wave off any objection Lorn may raise. "Yes, you are most respectful. Yes, you learn everything before you, and more. Yes, you have greater mastery of chaos forces than any other student magus and probably a mastery greater than most of the fourth level adepts, and even some third level Magi'i. And you have greater potential than that, even if you receive no more training. However..." Kien'elth draws out the word. "Now is not the best of times for a talented magus to manifest less than perfect adulation."
    "So Vernt is safe, then?" inquires Lorn, understanding his own danger, if not precisely all the possible forms that danger could lead to were he to remain a student and become a full magus. If he were allowed that far. Then he realizes what else his father has said and nods.
    "He is safe. He does not have either excessive talent or excessive skepticism, and he will learn more, because he is patient, if not so precociously brilliant as his elder brother."
    "Is this because the towers are failing?"
    Kien'elth raises his eyebrows. "I should have guessed that you would puzzle that out." He pauses, steepling his fingers together. "It would not be wise for me, or for you, to discuss this farther. So let us talk of other matters. You may recall that the barbarian attacks are increasing, and increased attacks require greater chaos transfers for firewagons and fire-lances. A greater number of firelances must be charged and transported north and west. Likewise, more lancers must be raised and trained, and more cupridium blades must be forged." Kien'elth smiles, but his golden eyes remain concerned, and their expression does not match that upon his mouth.
    Lorn understands.