Free Star of the Morning by Lynn Kurland Page A

do.”
    Cathar paused and considered. “What will you do, then?”
    â€œWe need the Sword of Angesand and the power it will bring. Once that power is seated again here in the kingdom, I will have a bit of leeway to investigate. I must go and hurry Adhémar along. I’ve heard nothing from him since he left.” He scowled. “I wonder if he’s actually making a search, or simply searching out all the alehouses between here and Melksham Island.”
    Cathar laughed. “Aye, I wonder as well. Surely he should have sent some sort of message by now.”
    â€œMy thought as well.”
    â€œSo,” Cathar said, taking a final drink of his ale, “when will you go?”
    â€œTonight.”
    â€œTonight is almost over, little brother.”
    â€œThen I’d best hurry,” Miach said with a smile. “You’ll hold things together while I’m gone, won’t you?”
    â€œMe?” Cathar asked in surprise. “But Adhémar left Turah on the throne.”
    â€œSo he did,” Miach said.
    Cathar looked at him evenly. “That would be treason, Miach.”
    Miach returned his look. “Clap me in irons, then.”
    â€œI imagine I can’t.”
    â€œI imagine you can’t either,” Miach agreed.
    Cathar frowned. “You know, in the hands of the unscrupulous, this power you have could be a very dangerous thing.”
    â€œHence the refining fire that makes a mage into an archmage,” Miach said easily. “I would be nothing but ashes if I hadn’t passed the test.”
    â€œThen your heart is pure?”
    â€œI wouldn’t go that far,” Miach said dryly, “but I am loyal to the crown.”
    â€œTo the crown, or the king?”
    Miach paused for several moments before he could manage a reply. “I think you wouldn’t care for the answer.”
    â€œTreason,” Cathar breathed. “And this time I’m serious.”
    Miach shook his head. “Nay, Cathar, I will be loyal to the king, the crown, and the realm, and I certainly have no plans to undermine any of the three. Regardless of what I think personally.”
    Cathar shook his head slowly. “Miach, it is no wonder Adhémar does not sleep well. I think you worry him.”
    â€œI likely should,” Miach said with a sigh. “I think I should go now. You will see to things while I’m gone? If Turah makes a poor decision, go behind him and remedy it, won’t you?”
    â€œAnd find my head on a pike outside the gate when Adhémar finds out what I’ve done.”
    â€œHe won’t find out because neither you nor I will tell him. You’ll make certain the kingdom stays safe and I’ll make haste.”
    â€œYou do that,” Cathar said. He paused, then looked at Miach seriously. “Be careful.”
    â€œI always am.” He rose and stretched. “I’ll continue to watch the borders while I’m away. I think I can manage that, at least.” He put his hand on Cathar’s shoulder. “Put the fire out before you leave, would you?”
    Cathar blinked in surprise. “You’re going now ?”
    â€œIs there a better time?”
    â€œBut supplies . . . a horse ...”
    â€œI won’t need them.”
    â€œMiach, you’ll need food. At least take a bow and arrow for hunting.”
    â€œI won’t need those either. I’ll just use my talons.”
    Cathar shuddered. “I detest it when you shapechange. How can you bear it?”
    â€œFlying is faster than riding,” Miach said. He walked to the door. “I’ll return as quickly as I can.”
    â€œHow will I reach you?” Cathar called after him.
    â€œYou won’t.”
    Miach pulled the door closed behind him, then loped down a single flight of his twisting stairs. He exited through a doorway that led him out onto the battlements. He paused to make certain all his spells were as