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    Silky 3: The Queen's Champion
    Silky 3: The Queen's Champion
    Silky 3: The Queen's Champion
    Ebook426 pages6 hours

    Silky 3: The Queen's Champion

    By Lazette Gifford

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    About this ebook

    In the final book of the Silky trilogy, Silky must face all his worst fears -- and a few new ones. With Anthica under siege, Silky, Magellan and Queen Maris take a perilous sea voyage to find allies they hope will help win the embattled country from the Jainta and their dark magic. During the journey Silky will battle his personal demons and new enemies . . . and find a lost piece of his soul.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherA Conspiracy of Authors
    Release dateApr 2, 2011
    ISBN9781936507030
    Silky 3: The Queen's Champion
    Author

    Lazette Gifford

    Lazette is an avid writer as well as the owner of Forward Motion for Writers and the owner/editor of Vision: A Resource for Writers.It's possible she spends too much time with writers.And cats.

    Read more from Lazette Gifford

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      Book preview

      Silky 3 - Lazette Gifford

      Part One: Exile of the Queen

      Chapter 1

      The ship rolled with the waves as a murmur of water slapped against the hull; a gentle movement that another might find relaxing. For Silky, it felt like the steady beat of disaster moving ever closer. He stood on the deck and stared off at the distance, wishing he could still see Anthica and home. Wishing they dared turn back and go to Haven, and find safety in the castle. He wanted --

      But he'd rarely been gifted with things he wanted. When he caught a glimpse of a Jainta ship in the distance, he wasn't even surprised to find them still following. He heard someone high up in the sails behind him give a shout and directions, and the ship twisted about with a bounce as Silky held tight to the rail, white-knuckled with fear of far too many things.

      They sailed off alone.

      He hated it -- both the sea and the enemy. He trembled at the whisper of the witch's voice, always there at the back of his mind, a portent of disaster reminding him that this was not his place, he was nothing, he would fail --

      It had only now occurred to him, and perhaps to the others as well, that they couldn't just run for the nearest port. The Jainta were between them and Anthica. He could feel tendrils of dark magic spreading out from many places across Anthica and knew they'd attacked more than Elgin and Haven.

      They were going to have to sail --

      He wasn't ready for this journey. He would never be ready for it -- not a journey by sea. The memory of being a child, swept up by slavers and torn away from all he loved, overlaid the panic of this recent sudden and frantic departure. For a moment gray overlaid gray -- fog everywhere, and no hope anywhere he turned.

      Fear for those they'd left behind rose in almost equal force with the pain of loss for those already dead. He couldn't imagine the Anthican Council without Lords Aaron, Keenan and Foxman -- or even Vinton, no longer there to open the door and announce them. It made him ill to consider the loss, and coupled with his fear of the sea -- he thought his pounding heart would burst. He wanted back on land, and not, for the love of all the gods, not to be sailing off into the ocean, and without even a destination --

      Silky?

      He spun at the sound of his name, dread rising so fast he couldn't breathe. Looking at Magellan didn't help. His friend appeared as lost and frightened as Silky felt. He needed someone to be stronger. He needed --

      Gods, Silky -- what's wrong? Magellan took several steps forward and caught him by the arm.

      He had started to fall and hadn't even realized it. He could have tumbled into the ocean -- and didn't know if that would have been worse, or if going on --

      Silky!

      Magellan shook him this time and finally got his attention. He found his voice -- nearly breathless, and spoke with a rush of words. I hate the sea. I hate the sea! Fear bubbled up so hard and fast he almost cried out with it. I hate -- they came. They took us to the ship. I cannot stand it --

      Oh, dear gods, Magellan whispered. His hand tightened and he stopped shaking his companion. Please, please Lord Silkation, don't --

      Magellan stopped speaking and Silky looked into his worried face, wondering what the man had started to say. Don't go crazy? He feared it far too late to stop that from happening. It had probably been too late from the first time he sailed on the ocean.

      She needs you, Silky, Magellan said softly, drawing his attention back to here again. We all do. I don't know if you realize how important you are --

      Not important, Silky said, shaking his head with absolute denial. No. You no need --

      I need you, Silky, Queen Maris said softly from behind the two. "I desperately need you, my friend."

      He glanced past Magellan to where the queen stood, her head a little bowed and her eyes red from tears. She looked up at him with the loss and fear they shared, more so than the others did. They had both left Dalton behind.

      Queen Maris. He bowed his head and took several deep breaths as he battled for control. The taste of salt water filled the air, and the breeze blew cold and damp against his back. He shivered for far too many reasons. I . . . I am undone by all of this. I apologize.

      She came closer and Magellan stepped aside, finally letting go of his arm. It seemed as though everything moved oddly and not just because of the rolling deck. He didn't feel part of the reality around him.

      You are strong, Silky. Queen Maris put one hand on the side of his face when he started to look away. He shivered at the touch. I know you are strong and I need your strength and friendship now. I'm not just saying that to make you feel better. I'm lost, Silky. I've never been on my own before. I lived all my life in the palace, and then, for too short a time, I traveled with the court and my beloved --

      Her breath caught and she stopped speaking.

      He blinked several times, feeling a pull back toward sanity. Help Queen Maris -- a link back to what he had been before this journey. It would help. He gave her a little nod, and she looked less worried for a moment, and then more so when she looked past his shoulder toward the sea.

      They can't take me, Silky. You know that, right? If they board and all is lost, then --

      No! The shock of what he knew she would say won through his fear like a bolt of fire. He looked back to where she did -- out to the sea and the three Jainta ships gaining on them.

      Silky --

      "Do not say such a thing to me. He looked into her face and she blinked in surprise. It was a coward's way out, to push such a serious matter onto someone else's shoulders. Magellan, he supposed, would have to accept the duty since he stood as her guard. I cannot -- I have so little control as it is, my queen, that I fear I shall not be able to manage --"

      Ah. She put both hands on his shoulders and looked into his face. I shall not mention it again.

      She wouldn't have to, of course. The fear of it would drive him mad if the ships drew closer. Better if they didn't. Better if he and his companions got away.

      They have magic, don't they? Magellan asked, moving to stand by the rail and look out toward the ships. He lifted his arm and then lowered it again with a worried shake of his head. They're coming too quickly and staying locked to us, no matter which way we turn.

      Yes. Silky took a deeper breath and finally glanced around the ship, up into the sky and sails, and finally back at the sea. He didn't feel any calmer, but he had brought controls back into play, and he could override his own fears to do this work. It wouldn't be the first time.

      We need a storm, Silky decided. The steadiness of his voice startled both the Queen and Magellan. Magellan didn't look as though he trusted it much, wise man. We need a storm, and perhaps a fog to block their view of us so we can change direction. I can bring something, I think -- but I cannot guarantee how much control I'll have.

      We should speak with the ship's captain, Magellan suggested. Shall I get him?

      Both the Queen and Silky nodded. He felt a wave of embarrassment to have presumed -- but he buried that part away and looked back at the sky once more. Clouds hung off on the right, dark gray and menacing. Normally, they wouldn't even consider turning toward such weather.

      The fog that had shielded them when they left Haven had nearly dissipated. He needed cold to bring it back.

      Your Highness, my lord. The captain stopped before them, bowing his head with a quick, nervous gesture. He looked like a worried man, who no doubt hadn't thought much about the trouble until he found himself here in this company. I'm Captain Blaine. You wished to speak to me?

      Silky nodded, biting at his lower lip and looking up at the sails again. We need to get away from the Jainta ships. I can help, but it will be dangerous. I don't have much control --

      Magic, my lord?

      Yes. Unless you can come up with a better answer, and quickly --

      Captain Blaine looked past Silky toward the pursuing ships. He shook his head with worry. The closest place with any good anchorage, aside from Anthica, is the Goddess Hold, still three days away, and that's no safety at all. It's only a group of desolate islands held by Holy women, dedicated to Kinmoda, Goddess of the Sea. No safety there, and besides, the enemy will be upon us before noon, sir. There's no hope that we could make it until dark and slip away, not at the speed they're traveling.

      Then we must use magic as well. Magellan? Can you help?

      Somewhat, he said and looked both worried and embarrassed. I was never very strong. Michael is stronger in magic, but I don't think his body could take the strain. I'm not certain about the Ladies in Waiting.

      We'll hold off on using the others, Silky said. I don't think I could work with too many new people just now.

      I can help, Queen Maris said. Silky looked at her, a little surprised by the offer, though he knew he shouldn't be. I do have considerable magic. And I have every reason to help us get away.

      Yes, Silky said before anyone else could protest. Magellan still looked unsettled. The guard would have to get used to them working together because they didn't dare waste her power. He nodded to the Queen and saw her head come up, looking prepared to face the trouble. Silky looked to Blaine who had, if anything, turned slightly paler. Captain, if you angle toward those clouds, they'll suppose we're heading for the storm in hopes of getting away, yes?

      Yes. It would be my suggestion, though I don't think we can get that far without your help.

      We need to hold back on using blatant magic for as long as we can, Silky said, concentrating on what he must do. When we're closer, I will do my best to pull the storm out and direct it towards them even as we head into it.

      You can do that? Without killing yourself? Queen Maris asked, a hand on his arm again, her fingers tightening. Because I don't want to see you dead, Silky.

      I intend to survive it, he reassured her, though his voice trembled a little. The amount of magic wouldn't be easy for him. I did something like this once in the Assembly Hall, when a storm threatened to make landfall and cause considerable damage. I think I can do it again. Magellan, you'll have to keep me on my feet.

      Magellan nodded silently and glanced sideways at the Queen. She looked to Silky, her head tilted a little.

      You, my Queen, are going to be using magic to steer the ship by directing the winds into the sails.

      Ah. She looked up at the sails and then back at him, frowning. I've never done such work.

      I'll help you as much as I can. Silky promised, already planning out what he would have to do.

      You need rest, Silky, Magellan said. If you're going to do this, you need rest now while you have the chance.

      I'll sit where I can see the ships. He lifted a hand when Magellan started to protest. No, don't argue. If I can't see what they're doing, I'm not going to rest well anyway.

      Of course, Magellan agreed. He looked around. We can get you a chair up at the aftercastle by the bonadventure mast, I think --

      Silky looked at him, a little shocked. It's as though you're suddenly speaking another language. How do you know these ship terms? I thought you said you didn't like the sea.

      I don't, but mostly because I already spent my time here. Magellan urged Silky and the Queen away from the railing as he spoke. I spent too much time on the ocean and I never liked it much, but I think it helped that I had already spent some time in the ranks, so to speak, so when I entered the guard, I didn't come in like all the other recruits that year, with no discipline at all. It helped me advance more than I think I would have, otherwise.

      And here you are, back on a ship, Queen Maris said, carefully lifting her skirt to step over a coil of rope.

      Yes and it means I can help, at least. Captain Blaine -- how many cannon does the ship have?

      Only four -- two on each side. We've never used them in battle, though I keep the balls and powder dry, especially in this age of trouble. I have a crew of fifteen, and sixteen with myself. I had five more, but they didn't have time to get to the ship, my lord.

      Excellent on the cannon and a shame about the crew -- and I'm not a lord.

      Ah, sorry, Captain Magellan -- but there's only one Captain aboard a ship, so I can't call you that, can I?

      Magellan will do.

      Silky saw the man give a quick, nervous nod. He suspected the Captain would remain nervous for a long time.

      The crew cleared the aftercastle of crates that quickly disappeared into the hold. They'd likely been meant for trade at Haven, and Silky felt bad that the man lost the chance, and then remembered it would have been worse if the Jainta had caught the ship in port.

      Silky settled on the chair they brought him, already feeling feeble and weak. He could see the pursuing ships far better from this spot. He couldn't say it made things any better as he kept the watch.

      Purpose, though gave him strength. He held to it all through the morning. Magellan brought him bread and preserves at nearly noon. The Queen's guard looked harried and worried.

      You are not my servant. And you should be with the Queen.

      She's in her room taking lunch with the Captain. We felt it better that Blaine doesn't think we mistrust him by having a guard at her back. Michael is there, and he has a dagger under his bandages. The Ladies are present and they're not helpless, either. And you need food, Silky. This is the best we can do right now. You need it more than the rest of us do. We dare not start any fires and warm food until we're certain there won't be any sudden changes in direction -- or that a storm won't suddenly come upon us.

      Wise, Silky agreed. I don't know what the Jainta intend, and there's no telling when I might have to use magic to move us. We've kept ahead of them, but not by much. He nibbled at the bread, and then seeing Magellan's look, he took a larger bite. It tasted fresh and sweet, and maybe it even helped.

      Magellan watched the ships while Silky ate, as though one of them must always keep an eye on them. Silky turned away from the sea and looked back over the ship, wishing he knew more about the crew and what they did. He had no time to learn. He ate the last of the bread and wiped his hands with a feeling of finality.

      Much is going to depend on you, Magellan, when we start the magic, he said. Magellan looked worried again. You are going to have to help me decide what needs to be done, as well as lending aid to the Queen in her work. I can move things, I think. I hope so. But I won't be able to tell the crew what I want the ship to do at such a time -- not in terms that they'd understand. You have to translate it for me.

      Ah. True. He looked around at the ship and nodded. I think I should spend a little time with the crew so that they know I have some knowledge of ships. How much longer, Silky?

      Not long. He pointed off toward the storm, rather than the ships pursing them. The clouds are moving off, and we dare not get too far away. The Jainta aren't using much magic to try and catch us. I suspect they're conserving power, because they don't think we have any. They think they have time to catch up with us and use the magic then.

      But you pulled the fog in around us back at Haven Port, Magellan said, frowning. So they have to know we can use magic.

      Someone on shore could have produced the fog. We were still close enough to land that they wouldn't have been able to pinpoint where it came from exactly. Silky stared off at the sea but didn't really see it now. We've mostly moved with the winds since then, and I've kept magic use low hoping it would go unnoticed and they'd lose interest, thinking we're only a merchant trying to outrun the invasion. I suspect they have orders to destroy all ships, though, just in case.

      Especially if they knew the Queen and Dalton were in Haven.

      Silky nodded, his mouth dry at the thought of Dalton left behind in the midst of war. His fingers found the chain and golden deer he always wore, that connection to Dalton again. He felt half ill at the thought of all that that could go wrong. Weakness slipped dangerously toward another fear and for a moment he saw her face again -- the old hag of a woman who had held him prisoner, who had tortured him --

      No!

      Silky! Magellan looked frantic.

      "I just -- I have to focus on here. I have to focus on the trouble at hand."

      Magellan stared at him, his eyes gone wide. He looked very much like Lord Jordan, his father. Silky hadn't noticed before.

      Silky looked back out at the ships. They're going to pick up speed soon if they think we'll get away. We need to draw them in closer to the storm, if we can.

      We can look like we're trying to skirt along the edge, using the natural winds to gain speed, Magellan replied. He looked at the clouds and then at the sails. And then we head straight in?

      Yes. Silky glanced at a few of the crew who stood nearby. None of them looked happy. The Jainta have killed everything in their path in Elgin -- sunk their own ships if they got in the way. We wouldn't be safe from them, even if we didn't have the Queen in our care.

      Some of them nodded, though he feared that a few didn't look like Anthicans and might not have the same inclination to protect his Queen. He didn't dwell on it. He had to trust the crew because he couldn't fight them and the true enemy as well.

      What is the name of this ship? he asked softly, embarrassed that he didn't already know.

      "Outbound, Magellan answered. She's registered out of Haven, so in truth you have some lordship over her. I suspect bringing it up now wouldn't be wise. We don't have the power to order them, so we have to hope they remain cooperative."

      True, Silky said with an emphatic nod.

      What do you need me to do?

      Get the crew ready to work with us and then go tell the Queen and the Captain that I'm about to begin. Come back as soon as you can. I am going to start trailing some of the winds our way and it may be rough, especially at the start. I'm not certain how long I'll need to get control.

      Magellan turned, shouting to the crew about what to expect. A moment later he disappeared down the stairs to the area below deck.

      This was a test, of course. Silky needed to know how the crew would react before he took them into the heart of the storm. He didn't know what he would do if they responded badly, but far better to know now and try to come up with some other plan.

      He also needed to know if he could do the work. It would be suicidal -- and murder -- to take these people into a storm if he had no chance of keeping them safe. Oh, he could tell himself that ships moved through storms all the time but they never would have purposely sailed straight into a tempest.

      Silky bowed his head and took a few deep breaths. Then he looked first to the ships -- they hadn't gained on them in the few moments they were out of his sight -- and then to the clouds, measuring their power with a little tendril of magic from his uplifted hand. It burnt to use even this little power, and he wondered how he thought he could hope to do more --

      For Maris. And for Dalton, the gods keep him safe. Silky steadied himself against the railing and reached for the storm, pulling just the slightest of its essence toward them. He didn't use much magic yet and he hoped it would go unnoticed. A little breeze, to fill the sails, to move them along. Maybe it would be all they needed. The breeze blew against his face, cool and promising of hope. He hadn't expected such a feeling here, upon the wide ocean.

      They moved.

      Chapter 2

      I fear they be starting to move, my lord, the man beside him said, a breathless whisper of worry, and an odd accent -- from the Fairfall Isles, Silky remembered him saying earlier. A place they might find safety, if they could get that far.

      It seemed unlikely. Silky opened his eyes and squinted out into the bright light, focusing, finally, on the ships. It took him a moment before he nodded agreement. They were starting to close in, seeing the Outbound slipping farther toward the storm.

      Get me Magellan, if you would.

      Yes, my lord. The man scurried away, sure-footed on the rolling deck. Silky watched him go and then turned back to the enemy. Oh yes, noticeably closer. They didn't have much time now.

      Good. He could make the decision, do the work -- stop thinking about it so much. He knew they had no choice, and no other chance. Unless one of the gods themselves stepped out of the clouds to stand between them and the enemy, he remained the Queen's only real hope of escape.

      He looked toward the clouds, hoping for such a miracle.

      Silky? Magellan said beside him. He hadn't heard the man come closer with the wind and the pounding of the waves against the ship. Time to work?

      Yes. Is everyone prepared?

      Yes, sir, he said and then gave a little smile at Silky's surprised look. You are in charge of us all right now, Lord Silkation, sir.

      I don't need that kind of pressure.

      But you do need that kind of control, Magellan replied, meeting his look. I'll help, but you must be the one to direct us now, Silky. And the crew has to know you have command. Otherwise they won't know to obey you when they need to.

      Ah. Of course. Silky looked up at the clouds and gave a final nod. Time to move. How fast can we turn the ship into the storm?

      It depends entirely on how steady the winds are, Silky.

      Something else only he could control. With a little nod, Silky turned to look at the storm and lifted his arm. It trembled a little, but he stopped that movement before Magellan could see and comment. It was pure self-control now, but he'd always possessed that ability.

      Years of working with magic, first with Reed and then in the Assembly Hall of the Lords, had finally inured him to some of the pain he always felt. He could push it aside for the time being and concentrate on little magics. Small steps. The first was to catch at some of the storm and trail it off in a wind that came as a sudden gust. He held to it and glanced back to see how it fluttered in the sails. He adjusted the direction, ever so slightly, so that the sails caught again and pushed them just a little faster along the edge of the storm.

      Excellent work, my lord, the Captain said, coming closer.

      Silky glanced his way with a quick, distracted nod. It won't be so smooth, I fear, when we head into the storm.

      Can't you just keep us like this, moving away from them? the man said, worry in his eyes as he looked back toward the ships. He frowned. They're coming faster, aren't they?

      They are, Magellan answered. All we have is Lord Silkation to keep us ahead of them. He cannot hold out forever, racing against the enemy. Our only hope, Captain, is to get into the storm.

      That's a dangerous place to be.

      I know. I was a sailing man before I went to serve in the Royal Guard, and then to serve the Queen. I sailed in such storms and even once lost a ship from under me, so that only five of us survived.

      Damn, Magellan, Silky whispered and lost a little of his control. The wind gusted, but he caught it back again. I don't want to risk --

      I know you don't, Silky, Magellan answered. Silky thought the use of the more familiar name might have shocked the Captain from the quick look he gave. But I know you don't want us to fall to the enemy. If it happens, you know what I must do --

      No!

      The wind gusted so hard that all three men caught at the rail and he heard shouts of distress behind them. Silky fought the control back, looked to judge the effect on the sails and adjusted again while his heart pounded with fear and his breath almost wouldn't come.

      Lord Silkation, Magellan said, looking troubled and pale. I have spoken more with Michael, and I know what the enemy did at Elgin. They massacred anyone they happened upon, but they were more concerned with forcing their way up to the palace. They wanted the Queen, Silky. They wanted her very badly. We don't know if even now they realize she isn't at the palace. The shields held, my lord. The enemy had not gotten through before Michael left.

      If she'd been there, she would have been safe.

      No, Magellan said and shook his head and even the captain mimicked that movement. She would have been trapped with only the supplies at hand.

      So she was in his hands. He wouldn't fail her.

      We must go into the storm, Silky said, looking back at the Captain. We must do so now. Prepare your men.

      The Captain stared for a few heartbeats, and Silky could see the idea of disagreement in his eyes. Magellan shifted slightly, but the contest was between him and the Captain of the Outbound. Blaine looked back at the pursing ships, mumbled something too low for Silky to hear, and then gave a quick bow before he hurried away.

      I fear he might be a problem, Magellan said with a shake of his head.

      Yes, but not now. Later. We can deal with it later. Silky lowered his hand for a moment and the breeze that had been playing fitfully around them died. Now, Magellan. We must go now.

      Magellan looked like the one who would argue, at least until he saw how much faster the three pursuing ships moved across the sea. No choice. he agreed.

      Silky braced himself against the railing once more. He could see movement on the ships now; not just the vague suggestion of activity, but the definite sign of crews going about their work, much as the men did here. He could also see someone high up on the mast of the closest ship. At first he had thought the man was a lookout of some sort, but he quickly realized it was a Jainta mage. Silky marked the place, and considered a similar position for himself -- but there was no time.

      He brought up both hands and reached into the heart of the storm.

      Silky had done such work at the Assembly Hall of the Lords, but there had always been others joining in, tempering the power of storms that would have caused devastation to Anthican coasts. And he had never stood by the storms themselves like this. Silky knew the feel of ocean-bred storms, though. He had even found them somewhat fascinating, as long as he didn't have to spend too much time working with them.

      He felt out the wild boundaries of the storm's natural power, slipping his own magic in along the lines of clouds, moving with the wind. Even concentrating on the storm, though, he remained aware that the other ships had moved dangerously closer.

      He heard the Captain shout for the men to get to arms, but Magellan countered and told them not to leave their posts. Silky didn't want a battle of wills between the two men. He reached out with his power and threw them into the heart of the storm.

      Chapter 3

      Chaos and pain swarmed up around him, mixed with the cold splash of water. He saw nothing but rain and sea, and heard nothing but the roar of the wind. Silky kept his hands up, feeling the storm between his fingers, like something alive. It wanted to escape him, but he held to it.

      He faintly heard Magellan shouting to the crew and realized they adjusted the sails to fit the wind pattern. He saw the flash of lightning, too close by, and shoved that part of the storm away again. He could hold this, for a while.

      And he felt the Queen's magic, softly, gently brushing against his power and helping to draw the winds to where Magellan and the crew needed them. She had a good touch. He had never known her to use magic before -- but of course she knew it, like all nobles of Anthica.

      It helped. He could pull the power to them, but he didn't have the fine control that she did. He felt relief and thought she must have sensed the emotion through the magic they shared. It made her stronger and more assured.

      Time stood still or moved too quickly: he didn't know which. He swept them into the maelstrom of the storm, fighting against the rush of water and wind that tried to drag him into the sea. Where were the other ships with their mages? He feared the enemy wouldn't let them get away so easily.

      Lightning came closer again. He waved it aside, annoyed that he had to waste the power. They didn't need that kind of trouble --

      When he touched the lightning this time, he felt the magic coursing through it -- the work of other mages, searching him out. He briefly touched upon their power, and in a heartbeat felt them -- three or four at least, all focused on a single purpose and that was the destruction of the ship and everyone aboard.

      Silky wouldn't allow it. He grabbed the lightning, melded its purpose to his own, and sent it back on its makers.

      He felt a brief flash of shock and dismay as they quickly tried to ward. He didn't know if they managed fast enough. The release of magical power broke the link between them, and Silky, shuddering for breath, thought that might be good. He didn't want to feel it as he killed someone, even an enemy mage.

      In those few moments, while he'd fought the enemy, he had lost hold of the storm. Panic made him grab at it again, feeling the tendrils of power start to whisk around him and grab at the sails, like fingers trying to tear the cloth apart. He shoved the winds back from the ship with Magellan's frantic help, and the Queen -- the queen calm and trusting, even now. He didn't know if he could have won control back without her trust in his ability.

      He swept the worst of the winds away. For a moment, they sat in a bubble of calm while the storm raged around them. He could hear the worried sounds of sailors who would never have purposely gone into this storm if it had been their choice.

      He would get them through this. He gasped for air, feeling as though the weight of water all around him dragged him down. The magic took everything from him, but he couldn't let go.

      Silky, Magellan whispered, standing closer to him than he expected.

      I think -- I think we are free from the Jainta, he said, forcing the words out. I need -- the storm --

      Carefully, Silky, Magellan said. Carefully. If you fall, then we haven't a chance at all of surviving.

      He tried not to shudder at the magnitude of danger just beyond the fragile shell of magic he had woven around them. However, he felt the Queen growing weaker, and he knew he didn't have time to look and study, trying to find the safest path. He focused on the heart of the clouds, no more than a mile from them, and gave a nod.

      I'll get us past, he said, glancing at Magellan. Keep the others safe. This will likely be rough, but quick.

      Magellan nodded.

      Silky carefully eased the bubble of magic away from them. He didn't know how he could still breathe, let alone stand, with the fire of magic burning through him worse than he had ever suffered it before. He held his place and he held the winds, though they came more strongly

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