Chapter 34: The Lonely Twins

Chapter 34: The Lonely Twins

The Lonely Twins

Halfway between Hemarland and the continent lay a pair of islands separated from each other by just a few short miles of sea. Elder Twin was large and surprisingly flat, and though it was forested, the trees looked strange to Kalens eyes.

Theyre so short! he exclaimed as he stood on the deck beside Yarda, trying to gawk and stay out of the crews way at the same time. I thought something was funny about the buildings, but its the forest. Every single tree is short.

There was so much greenerya beautiful thing after weeks without even a speck of the color on the horizon. But nothing taller than twenty feet grew anywhere on the island. Compared to the towering trees of home, Elder Twins forest looked like a beard whose owner couldnt resist trimming it before it had gotten properly underway.

Its a peculiar sight, Yarda agreed, gripping the railing tightly with her swollen fingers. Her spirits had never flagged once on the whole journey. Or at least she wouldnt show Kalen if they did. But the sight of land seemed to have put a fresh spring in her step, too. And a welcome one. My feet will be happier on dry land for a time.

Lets sleep onshore, Kalen said at once. There must be an inn or a cabin with an extra room.

He honestly felt like he could sleep wonderfully right on the beach. They would be in port for just a few days, and he wanted to take full advantage of the reprieve from the ships cramped quarters.

Ill not object to it! Yarda smiled down at him. Mayhap youll be able to practice your wizarning while were here, too?

I will actually. If the magic stays the same as it is now.

It was weak, but it wasnt nothing. There were flashes of pale color in the sky, almost invisible even to his eyes. It was more of the suggestion of an aurora than anything else, and he was glad to see it.

Kalens eyes tracked a bird as it winged its way from Elder Twin toward Younger Twin. The smaller island was also green and flat, and it looked almost perfectly round from this angle. The circular shape seemed unnatural, but Captain Kolto assured Kalen that it was just a normal patch of land, though only a few people made their homes there.

The whirlpool appeared twice a day between the two, just offshore of Elder. He was looking forward to watching the current finder swim in it.

The larger island had a town and a breakwater, but there werent many ships in the harbor and none half as large as Ester Ivory. When they were finally anchored, Kalen nearly flung himself at the jolly boat in his eagerness to make it to shore.

If you have that much fire in you, we ought to make you row, one of the Tiriswaithan sailors said cheerfully.

I can row, said Kalen.

He tried not to feel offended when the man laughed.

Soon, he was back on dry land for the first time since hed left home. One of the sailors who was familiar with the town gave him directions to the church so that he could check the mail and offered to lead Yarda to a boardinghouse where they might be able to find a room.

Kalen strolled down the narrow oceanside street, ignoring the swaying sensation as his sea legs tried to adjust to solid earth and admiring everything in sight. The buildings here were different than the ones he was used to. They were narrower, and they were made of brick or daub as often as wood.

Adults and children all stared at him openly as he passed, and for a while he worried he smelled so strongly of Yardas seal fat liniment that he was offending the locals. But after sniffing himself all over, he eventually decided it was just the fact that he was a stranger.

The church was easy to find, since it was the only large building in town made of stone. And over the door the words To All the Gods Known and Unknown were carved.

Well thats a good way to make sure nobody gets left out, Kalen thought as he pulled open the heavy door and entered. A boy and a girl around Landers age were scrubbing the floor. Or, rather, they had buckets and brushes as if they were meant to be scrubbing the floor.

He pretended not to notice their flustered appearance and swollen lips. The latest churchmail receipts were just shoved in a cabinet at the back of the church, and they showed it to Kalen without asking for payment. He scanned the list for his tracking verses and was sad to find that it was far more out of date than the list hed seen on Hemarland before he left. They had no record of his letters at all.

Is there any chance of a new list arriving this week? he asked hopefully.

Maybe that big ship that came in this morning has one, the girl suggested.

Im from that ship, Kalen said. He wondered suddenly if they were carrying letters, alms, and a copy of the list from Hemarland. It seemed likely, actually. He didnt know exactly how the churches decided which ships to send the mail with, but Ester Ivorys competent crew and nearly direct route from Hemarland to the continent must have made it a perfect choice. Were continent-bound so if we do have the list from my island onboard, its probably for a Church of Yoat there.

The boy scratched at his stomach. I guess thats how it works. Sometimes we get them in months late Ive heard. I think its because they forget us sometimes, since were dedicated to all the gods instead of just one.

If we do have a list on our ship, would you like for me to make a copy of it for your church? Kalen asked.

They both blinked at him.

I can write, he said, in case that wasnt clear. In a neat hand. And then youd have the updated receipts.

What he was really hoping for was to charm them out of some free paper in payment for his services. Hed written so many letters during his confinement in the cabin with Yarda that he would soon need more.

They exchanged looks. We dont really know anything about that, said the girl.

Youd have to ask the priest or his wife.

We just clean.

Oh. Kalen glanced around at the dusty floors. I guess Ill come back when the priest is in then. Have fun cleaning.

Hed been planning to mail a couple of their letters back home from here. He thought that since they had so many, he shouldnt wait until he got to the continent. If he sent them from multiple churches along the way, then their families would be sure to get word from them even if one of the deliveries went astray.

But he had some doubts about the mail system on this island now. He kept his letters with him and decided to wait until hed talked to someone more competent.

After he left the church behind, he explored the town. It was as large as Baitown, but poorer Kalen thought. He stopped and talked to a group of children who were jumping a rope behind a fish-smoking shed. He only wanted to ask about whether or not the island had a doctor or healer of some kind, in case they could offer Yarda something better for her legs and feet than what she already head.

But they kept him for over an hour, peppering him with questions and answering his own.

To his shock, even the ones close to his own age thought he was fascinating and worldly. None of them had ever left the Twins, and since Kalen had come from across the sea on a large vessel, he was an adventurer already in their eyes.

Ive really never been anywhere but Hemarland and here, he protested. I havent traveled far at all.

Well, unless you counted the previous life in the desert he couldnt remember. Or being portaled from the Orellen place into the sea. Or astrally projecting to the second world.

Kalen didnt count them himself. They were all terrifying accidents of fate, not proper travel.

At least he learned everything he could possibly want to know about Elder Twin while he turned the rope for them and talked about the height of the trees on Hemarland and the way longcabins worked.

There were midwives on the island. And an herbalist. And a man who was known to have a knack for setting broken bones.

A couple of practitioners lived in town as well.

Where? Kalen asked eagerly. Are they magicians? Mages? What kind of magic do they practice? Do they teach?

The children didnt know what the difference was between a magician and a mage. They said the practitioners were a married couple whod moved to Elder Twin a dozen years ago. They made small charmed objects.

Enchanters! Kalen cried. Ive never met one before!

Well, hed never met any real practitioner besides Zevnie, Arlade, and the Orellens. So he could have said the same about almost any type of magic theyd named.

I dont think they teach, a girl told him. Except their own son. Its not useful anyway, my father says. What their charms do a person could do better with their own head.

That hardly dimmed Kalens enthusiasm.

He hurried to the boardinghouse to check in on Yarda and found her taking up an entire cushioned bench in the main room. Her legs were propped on a chair, and she was regaling the owners and the sailor whod brought her with funny stories about her son.

Kalen devoured the remains of the houses lunch when it was offered to him, and after hed finished off a plate that was mostly boiled root vegetables and turnip leaves, he told Yarda he was going to talk to the enchanters. About minor practitioner things, he said.

He stressed the word minor as much as he dared. Yarda knew he didnt want anyone to hear about how hed smote the forest with his magic, but she seemed so boisterous right now he was afraid she might forget. Theyd discussed it at length before they ever left Hemarland, and she hadnt mentioned it to a soul aboard the Ester Ivory. The Captain and crew were all fine with him being a practitioner, but even they might find that story a little too much to tolerate.

Miraculously, they hadnt been informed of the situation when they made port in Baitown.

Kalen had been sure someone would spread the story to them, and his parents would have to beg and offer them a small fortune before theyd let him onboard. The uncharacteristic lack of gossip was likely due to the fact that Yarda Strongback was beloved by everyone who knew her. Half the town had come to see the ship off when they sailed, and none of them wanted her to have to travel alone.

She gave him a grin and a nod to let him know she remembered the need for secrecy. Feeling relieved, he headed back out.

#

The practitioner couple were welcoming, even after they realized that Kalen hadnt come to buy anything from the little shop they ran in the front room of their home. And they were real practitioners, born in small clans on the continent and trained for some years despite their lack of talent.

Kalen tried not to be disappointed in them.

The man was a low magician, like Kalen himself. And the woman was a mid-level one. They were open about the fact that theyd both given up on studying and advancing long ago. With job opportunities in short supply for such minimally skilled enchanters, theyd made the bold decision to move to this place, where theyd have no competition from others and be able to provide a unique service.

They sat Kalen down and offered him a cup of some bitter beverage that wasnt much like the tea he was familiar with. The cup had an enchantment painted on it that helped its contents maintain their temperature, and Polla took the time to explain how it worked.

You have a sharp hand and good memory, she said, while Kalen copied the runes onto a writing slate theyd loaned him.

My teacher insisted, he replied. He missed Nanu. And accuracy and memorization are some of the only things you can practice for free. What are these little hook symbols that repeat in between each rune?

Thats my husbands signature mark. She nodded at the mans back as he polished glass balls on one of the shelves. It lets people know who enchanted the object. It doesnt take away from the magic if you do it properly, and some practitioners find it helps them keep a good rhythm to add it in while theyre working.

I know Wrong word. Know sounded like he had personal experience, and he didnt want to bring up cantrips. I heard once that some spells have a sonic pattern, and rhythm would be important for those I guess. What does it have to do with enchanting though?

I think its something to do with tightening the connection between the working and mana itself, butits been a while since I was a student. And thats not something we worry about at our level, is it Ben?

I just like adding a signature so the world remembers me for a while after Im gone, the man said with a chuckle.

Kalen nodded.

Im sure this teacher youre traveling to meet will know the answer, Polla said encouragingly.The difference between a mage and a magician is night and day.

Kalen wasnt sure why hed let them think Arlade was a mage. Theyd just assumed it when he said he had an offer from a master and was traveling to meet her, and he hadnt corrected them. Now it felt like it would be awkward and self-aggrandizing to say that she was actually a high sorcerer.

He finished memorizing the enchantment and set his slate aside. It was useful, and he was very interested in the way a couple of the runes seemed to be simplified versions of ones he knew from the heating circles hed used at home.

Thank you for teaching me. Do youshould I teach you something I know, too? He felt his face heat even as he made the offer. They were adults, and even if they didnt have his ambitions, they had a lot more experience. But it was right to suggest it, wasnt it?

And trading knowledge could only be a good thing for him.

I think weve got enough of our own tricks, lad, said Ben. But if you happen to know any water magic? We have a couple of texts, but Id sell my teeth for a good beginners manual from the Helonda family. Theyre damn hard to find.

Weve been sending out requests to all our old friends ever since we tested Gare a couple of years ago. But nobodys been able to lay their hands on one, and good luck prying them out of the Helondas hands directly.

Gare was their seven-year-old son. Kalen hadnt met him yet. According to his parents, he was probably down by the shore, waiting for the tidal shift that would start the whirlpool this evening. Apparently he didnt get tired of it even though it was such a regular occurrence.

I dont have any water spells, Kalen said. I do know a thrawning that will let you hold your breath for longer?

Oh, that is a useful one for a water specialist isnt it? Hes too young for it Im sure, but if you wouldnt mind writing down the pattern for us?

I am. Lets try it.

The sunset was warm on his back as he knelt in a patch of wet sand and drew out the mirrored symbols, the younger boy had shown him. He patted down rogue clumps of sand as he went to keep it looking clean.

Youre fast.

Ive got to be fast at something, Kalen muttered to himself. Louder, so that Gare could hear him, he added, Youll have to be patient, all right? Since its a new pattern it might take me a few tries to get it right.

Assuming Gares drawing had been accurate, it would only take one try. It was just that the one try was going to take Kalen a long time to complete.

All right. Ill watch the whirlpool while you figure it out.

Oh! Is it here? Kalen jumped up and spun to look out at the ocean. I wanted to see it.

Gare pointed. Unnecessarily. Just a short distance away, the water was beginning to swirl and froth.

Its about to get bigger, the boy said. It gets really, really big sometimes. Youre not supposed to swim, but you can throw wood at it and it will pull it in.

Kalen was not too dignified to resist such a tempting proposition. He collected a couple of driftwood sticks and tossed them into the sea. They were pulled with uncommon swiftness away from the beach. They circled the growing vortex, disappearing for a time then reappearing suddenly before being pulled away again.

Then they just disappeared.

Its getting loud, Kalen said.

Sometimes you can hear it from the other side of the island. Im going to swim in it one day. When I learn all about water magic.

He had just finished telling Kalen that swimming wasnt allowed.

Youll probably like the animal our ships captain has brought with him. It swims in the whirlpool.

Is it a current finder? Gare asked excitedly.

Oh, youve heard of them?

A captain came with one last year!

Im sure it was the same captain. He probably makes port here regularly, and I dont think theyre common.

Is it out there now?! Gare dashed out into the water, and Kalen leaped after him to grab him by the collar of his shirt and yank him back.

Dont do that! Kalens heart was suddenly pounding. What if you get pulled into it?

Its fine if I dont go too deep.

What if you make a mistake? The current finders not here anyway. Hes letting it out tomorrow morning. You can see it then.

Gare stepped away from the water, looking devastated.

Its only a nights wait, Kalen said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. Come on. Watch me try your spell, instead. Give me tips while I do it.

He didnt think he needed tips. But he suddenly felt the need to make sure the boy didnt try anything reckless, and keeping him talking seemed like a good way to do that.

Over the next few minutes, he built the internal pattern. He had to make a couple of adjustments and guesses, but it seemed like it might work. He had plenty of magic for multiple attempts, and he could always draw more in if he ran himself dry. The power in the air was still thin but available.

Just like Gare had done, he placed his palm on one of the patterns in the sand. There were natural looking places for his fingers to fall, so he positioned them there.

Are you doing it? Gare asked, squinting at the circle where the mist should gather. I dont think its working.

Kalen wasnt used to getting questions mid spell. Keeping his grip on the pattern tight, he said, I havent pushed my magic through yet. Give me a second.

He debated the merits of slow versus fast. He wasnt sure what was ideal in this situation, but hed enjoyed watching the fog form so he went with slow.

As he flooded the pattern hed just shaped inside himself with magic, he had the sudden unusual impression that his hand was glued to the sand. Instead of trying to pull it away, he kept going, and mist began to spiral up in the containment pattern. It swirled and thickened, coalescing quickly even though Kalen had thought he was being miserly with the magic, and an instant later a silvery globe of water had formed, hovering less than a fingers width above the sand.

You DID it! Gare shrieked. He jumped up and down and pointed. You did it, Kalen!

Kalen cut his eyes toward him. Why do you sound so shocked?

You really are a practitioner!

He must have thought I was a very dedicated liar if he still wasnt sure about that.

I am. Is there a way to make the water ball float higher? It would be better if it floated higher. Then you could drop it on people.

I dont know! Thats bigger than any blob Ive ever summoned!

I am a lot older than you.

How big can you make it?

Kalen wasnt anywhere near his own limit, and there was plenty of water in the sand. But the spell itself would have limitations.

He kept pouring power into it at a steady pace, and the ball of water grew and grew until it reached the edges of the containment circle.

Kalen thought it would probably break if he tried to push it past them, but this spell seemed reallygood. He didnt know how else to think of it. It was so well designed. It did more than one thing without being stupidly difficult or magic hungry. It felt streamlined somehow compared to most of what hed cast before.

This is nice spell, he said as he watched the water ball hover.

Thats because its my first. Youre supposed to have a really good one for your first aligned spell. Papa and Mama said this one was perfect for a water affinity, and it would give me the cleanest foundation.

Kalen hoped he didnt look as pained as he felt. I wonder what kind of foundation blowing up a forest and shooting your soul to another world gives you.

They paid a whole bag of gold for it! Gare announced.

Kalen jerked involuntarily at that, and the water splashed down onto the sand.

Awww, did you run out of magic?

I did, Kalen lied. Gare, dont you think your parents might mind you sharing a spell that they had to pay that much for with me for free?

The boys brows drew down. Why? Its not like two people cant use it at the same time.

NoI mean, I agree with you. I feel exactly the same way, and Id be happy to teach you some spells I know. But some practitioners like to keep their spells private. And if your parents paid so much, I wouldnt want to

You wont tell on me will you? Gare asked in a panicked voice. I dont want to get in trouble.

Kalen was much more worried about him telling. Nobody was going to blame Gare when the strange foreign wizarn boy had come and conned him out of his special spell.

Ill never tell a soul, Kalen swore. And you shouldnt either. And when I get to the continent, Ill find you another water spell just as good and send it here for you.

Swear it! Gare demanded. Well swear it in blood! Let me find a sharp stick.

Kalen was about to agree to a blood oath. The same concept was popular with children on Hemarland, though hed never had occasion to swear one himself. But then an unsettling thought occurred to him, and he shook his head.

Im really scared of blood. Lets just promise it before the gods. Like at a wedding. Thats even stronger.

Do we tie our hands together like they do at weddings too?

Kalen wasnt familiar with that tradition. Yes, he said. That will work.

Kalen removed his shirt and tied their right hands together with the fabric. Oh gods, he said, hoping he sounded suitably solemn, I promise to keep the great secret Gare shared with me here and this beach, and to return the favor to him one day.

Until the last night falls on the world, and we crumble into dust, the younger boy added.

Their weddings must be a little grim here.

Yes, until then, Kalen agreed.

Gare beamed at him.

The whirlpool was at its peak now. It had a strange sound to it. The water roared, but it also screamed.

Its funny that youre scared of blood. You should try not to be, or people will think youre a coward, Gare told him seriously.

Ill try.

They watched the whirlpool until the sun started to dip below the horizon. Then Kalen walked Gare home.

Afterward, he headed to the boarding house. He doubted he would get to sleep on a real mattress, since hed be sharing a room with Yarda and she should have the bed. But he was looking forward to a night of rest on land.

Halfway there, he stepped over a broken piece of brick in the street. Then he turned back and picked it up. It had a sharpish edge.

Dont be stupid. Youve seen your own blood plenty of times before.

But now that the thought was in his head, it was easier to satisfy it than to resist. He dragged the pad of his thumb across the edge, nicking it, and watched his blood bead red against his skin.

It looked like it always had. Like everyones did.

Normal.

Lutcha had said that blood magic made Kalen and his siblings. And of all the things hed learned lately, that had seemed like one of the least worrisome. But then Gare had asked. And Kalen had been reading the healing magic book that was too advanced for him a lot lately, so the thought that some diseases were carried in the blood had flashed across his mind

It was dumb. Logically, he knew it was. Being an Orellen wasnt contagious or theyd have just gone around bleeding all over strangers to make more of them instead of doing creepy magic with souls and dead bodies.

But he still tucked his bleeding finger into his fist and stuffed it deep into his pocket.

He still took the piece of brick and tossed it into the sea.