Free War of Shadows by Gail Z. Martin Page A

likely culprit.” He paused. “And Vigus has changed in another way. He never showed any interest beforein ruling the kingdom. He just wanted the mages to be free to practice their magic. But now…”
    Guran didn’t have to finish his sentence. They knew what he meant.
Now Vigus wants to be the kingmaker, and the power behind the throne
.
    Once Carensa was assured that Jarle was recovering, she returned to her quarters, deep in thought. Her small room looked much like Jarle’s. A few personal mementos were all she had of her life before Valshoa. There was a small oil painting of her son and husband, both of whom lay buried in the rubble of her family’s manor house. Beside the oil painting was a small silver box, and in it, the betrothal ring Blaine McFadden had given her before he had been exiled.
    Several books and scrolls lay neatly stacked on the shelf above the desk, along with a parchment and quill. Her cloak, hat, and scarf hung on a peg near the door, and underneath was a pair of leather boots. In the trunk at the foot of her bed were a few changes of clothing and a new set of bed linen and towels, all she needed in the simple life of a scholar. It would be easy to pack to go to Torsford, although Carensa felt heartsick at the reason for leaving.
    A knock at the door startled her, and she was worried to see Guran standing in the corridor. “Is Jarle worse?”
    Guran shook his head, and Carensa motioned for him to enter, closing the door behind him. Once again, Guran made a warding to keep them from being overheard. “I just wanted to come by and make sure you were all right. We were all pretty upset by what happened.”
    Carensa offered Guran the chair at her desk, and she sat on the edge of her cot. “I don’t understand why Vigus has decidedthat Blaine is suddenly the enemy,” she said with a sigh. “Just a few months ago, he was happy to help Blaine restore the magic. Why Rostivan? We don’t know anything about him.”
    “Before the war, Torinth Rostivan was a smuggler, and during the war he appears to have made a lot of money supplying both sides,” Guran said with distaste. “Now he fancies himself a warlord.”
    “Why him and not Blaine? Blaine already has an army in place.”
    Guran shrugged. “I think Vigus sees McFadden as a rival.”
    “You think Vigus has set this all up to go to war against Blaine?”
    “I think that’s exactly what he has in mind.”
    Carensa was quiet for a moment, thinking through what Guran said. “Why choose me for the group to go to Torsford?” Carensa asked. “I’ve got very little power. My magic helps me translate languages. That’s hardly battle worthy.”
    Guran’s gaze fell to the small paintings on Carensa’s desk. “Does Vigus know you were involved with McFadden?”
    “Yes.” She sighed, and drew her knees up, hugging them to herself. “Blaine’s exile dishonored his family, and me. My… notoriety… limited the potential suitors.” She shrugged. “I withdrew from everyone. My father got me tutors, trying to find something to interest me. That’s how I met Vigus. Then Father finally found an older man who needed my dowry money. I had no choice about the marriage. I never really loved my husband, but I did love our son.”
    “They died in the Cataclysm?”
    Carensa nodded. “I nearly did, too. The manor collapsed and I woke up trapped in the rubble. Vigus got me out and brought me here.”
    “So you had no idea McFadden had returned.”
    Carensa shook her head. “None at all, until he arrived here. I thought Blaine died in Velant.”
    “You helped McFadden and his friends defy Vigus to leave,” Guran said.
    Carensa lifted her head. “Yes, I did. I made my choice to be a scholar, and I have no desire to change that. Blaine’s made his choices, too. But I’ll always wish him well. He sacrificed everything to save his family from that brute of a father. I would do anything to protect him.”
    Guran met her gaze. “Be careful,