Walking Mage

CH16

Lynn drank a strong rosehip tea and watched Master Awl and Head man Jan, as the two men played a game of Stones.  She hated the game because it was all about drawing your opponent in for a kill.  She liked the tea though, sweetened with some honey from the Far District.  The stinger bugs there made the best honey in the land.

The set was the most costly one that she had ever seen.  The stones had been carved and stained by a master artisan. The sets she had grown up  around had been made out of smooth river stones and polished by a local, or by the owner of the set.

The amount of coin used to buy this set could feed Runner's family for a full cycle.  Lynn had to admit that the system of working for your keep seemed to work, mostly.  At least until a local draught caused so many to abandon their towns for the cities.  Which had caused a overburdened system within the city of Farth.

Farth was the capital of the River Vally District, so more people had come here to seek help than the other cities.  The two cycle long draught had forced many to leave their village homes because of lack of food and jobs.

Bring allowed free aid for two moon turns before law dictated that all able bodied people work somewhere was a good way to run the city.  Lynn just did not agree with the politics of the class systems in the city.

Lynn kept feeling vibrations against her leg which distracted her from her thoughts.  She had ignored it at first but it was getting more intense.  The only things she had in that pocket was the two stones she always carried.  The gift from High Mage Corla, and Roar's control stone.

Pulling out both she was surprised that they were knocking against each other.  Like both had become alive and decided to dance together.

"What's all that, Mage Lynn?"  Johan asked with interest.

"Not sure, really.  They started on their own and are getting faster."  Lynn held the stones higher up for all them to see.

"The smaller one is a dragite link stone, Lynn.  Maybe Roar needs you?"  Jan asked with a shrug.

"What?"  Lynn had no idea what he was talking about.

"The link stone will alert you if your pet has gotten into trouble or is in need.  No one told you?"

"No.  Runner has been it's caretaker and I've been busy.  I honestly have no idea how the beast works." 

Then Master Awl asked, "Where is that pet of yours, Mage Lynn?"

Her heart dropped into her stomach.  Remembering that Corla had borrowed Runner and Roar because she wanted to show the map to Alton and the Girlfriend.  The stones continued their dance and Lynn felt sick to her stomach.

"How long would it take to get to Mage Alton's Home?"  She stood and said quickly to the two men.

Confused Master Awl looked to Jan.  The Head could see the panic on Lynn's face and stood as well. 

"At a dead run it would take half a sand turn."  Jan said and stood up himself.  "I'll have a flare sent up for the Patrol and Guard to head there now!"

Master Awl touched Lynn's shoulder, "I might have a way for you to get there quickly, Mage Lynn, but I have to be honest and tell you that it will not be a nice trip."

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Still dazed and completely deaf, Corla watched the three attackers enter through the now missing front door.  Two had swords drawn and the third followed close with a arrow knocked to his longbow.

Touching two silver pendants on her hip she willed a wall of wind to come up between the attackers and them.  A massive blue cave bear appeared and instantly went for one of the men.  A sleek blue cat appeared as well, but it went around the three men, to go after the Mage outside.