Free Sorcerer's Legacy by Janny Wurts

the stairwell. “All of Ielond’s papers were stolen from the desk. Someone now knows more of you, Lady Elienne, than is meet.”
    Kennaird staved off Elienne’s response with a raised hand. “Wait, Missy, until I finish. Ielond was not careless enough to leave written all the facts about you. There was nothing in his notes that would prevent your—”
    “Shh!” Elienne pointed down the stair and whispered. “The steward.”
    Kennaird obligingly lowered his voice. “They can’t stop your Consortship with the contents of those papers. But every facet of the culture you came from was outlined in detail, and among the documents taken was the written summary of the birth chart Ielond cast for you. He left out everything that pertained to your former marriage. But well outlined for my own purposes was a list of the dates and times your natal stars warn you will be vulnerable.”
    Elienne felt the constriction fall away from her chest. Astrology she understood. The Guild had placed great stock in the movements of planets and events, but Elienne had never paid much attention. No Guild seer had been required to foretell disaster in the path of Khadrach’s armies. She spoke at last, concerned mainly for Kennaird’s loss. He seemed greatly upset.
    “Can’t you recast the chart?”
    Kennaird shook his head. “Ielond spliced Time to find you, Missy. Ma’Diere only knows when and where you were born.”
    “Well then, look after Darion.” Elienne shrugged lightly. “There’s no use fretting.”
    Kennaird regarded her anxiously. “Lady, you had better hear me. Ielond knew his craft. Trathmere’s Loremasters were as blind men feeling their way among the stars in comparison. That list in the wrong hands could spell your bane in this world. Guard yourself well.”
    “I will.” Elienne needed no warnings to emphasize her current danger. Aggravation made her response more curt than she intended. “But since I am in no direct danger at the moment, see to Darion, I beg you.”
    Kennaird made no move to depart. “Beware of Minksa, Lady. She means you ill. I suspect she may have been involved with the theft of Ielond’s papers. Restrain your sympathies where she is concerned.”
    “All right.” Elienne bit back impatience. She failed entirely to see how a little girl could have broken a Sorcerer’s ward, but that small point was not worth delaying Kennaird with argument. Darion needed help, and in another moment she would disobey completely and search for him herself. But Kennaird was through lecturing.
    “Ma’Diere keep you, Lady.” The apprentice walked with her to the foot of the steps. Leaving her in care of the steward there, he hurried across the council chamber and disappeared through its wide double door.
    * * *
    The meeting of the Select did not adjourn until well into the afternoon. Escorted by the door steward, Elienne returned to the white and gilt paneled chamber in compliance with a summons from the Regent. She entered with reluctance. A surreptitious peek at the mirrowstone only minutes before had shown Darion’s condition unchanged. Kennaird had not yet managed to aid the Prince, and Elienne fumed inwardly at the barriers of formality that hampered her from taking action herself.
    As expected, Taroith and Faisix awaited her in the recently vacated council room. Elienne held her eyes downcast, but not through any maidenly deference. Though she wished to alert Taroith to the Prince’s present danger, she dared not risk eye contact with the Regent. On the ice plain, the man had displayed a mindbender’s skills without visible sign of effort. Better Taroith should remain ignorant than risk having awareness of Darion’s drugged state plucked from her thoughts.
    “Come here, Lady Elienne,” said Taroith. In response to her evident apprehension he added, “This examination will neither hurt you nor disturb your dignity.”
    Elienne obediently sat in the chair the Sorcerer offered. With the same rigid