Iyaca interrupted, “I hate the fearsome foursome. The Council of Thynna denied us entry to the city of Magick. I hate them more!”
Rhiann asked, “Understandably so. What is your talent, Iyaca?”
Iyaca said, “Talent?”
Rhiann said, “Magick. What can you do?”
Iyaca said, “Magick. So far there’s no sign it touches me.”
Rhiann continued, “You said Magick does not touch you, but most everyone on Sagain has a talent of some sort.?”
Iyaca answered, “The Darktops say I’m good with words and letters. I enjoy reading and writing. I came to my parents late in their lives. Both had lived long. So I suppose I’m long-winded and probably long-living, provided I don’t run into a highwayman’s blade.”
Rhiann said, “I surely hope you avoid that fate.”
Rhiann’s seasons were limited but he knew well many of Mayard’s stories and relayed many to the youth. Daylight faded. Farriers bedded down the livestock and activity ebbed in the livery. Mayard and Longbeard Nineteen-lives remained away.
A voice boomed, “Where is Mayard Klarje? I hear he is in town, but he has not sought audience with me. Has he placed me on the pay-no-mind list?”
Iyaca Vassi jumped up and said, “Burgomaster! Sorcerer Klarje is not here!”
Rhiann reflexively jumped up also.
Burgomaster Storming Norman Twenty-four-names Darktop peered at Rhiann and said, “Oh, yet I see the mark of the Klarjes. Isn’t stable work a bit demeaning for a sorcerer of your caliber, young Klarje?”
Rhiann stammered, “Sir, your lordship, I’m Rhiann Klarje. Mayard is my great uncle. I’ve been enjoying the company of Iyaca and your excellent sarsaparilla and waybread. My uncle stepped out with Longbeard Nineteen-names.”
Norman bellowed, “Yeah, I’m sure they stepped away to the tavern. Mayard promised me some gems from the Gem Bush and a souvenir from one of the Seven Wonders of the Veldt. The bugger had best not try to hoodwink me.”
benjamintowe 