Troanna had other concerns. “This hall or whatever you call it would also be a place for the study of Artifice?”

“You’ve made it clear you consider such studies here a pointless distraction,” Planir answered tersely. “Besides, if such a hall were set up under D’Alsennin’s auspices in Suthyfer, the Emperor would have no reason to charter any new university. As a rival to Hadrumal, I’d have far more concern over a school of Artifice that we had no links with than over Shiv and Usara’s venture where tried and tested friends directed both disciplines.”

“We intend to explore every similarity and difference between aetheric enchantment and our own magic,” said Usara firmly.

Kalion snorted with contempt.

“You don’t think that’s a worthy aim?” demanded Planir. “You don’t want to know how to save yourself from the living death that Otrick suffered or the fatal shock that rebounded upon Larissa? I’ll wager every other mage in Hadrumal would be grateful for such knowledge. A good few will appreciate there being some other focus for Elietimm hatred, if it should ever emerge again. I certainly welcome some bulwark against attack or a sanctuary if Hadrumal itself should ever be struck down. We have all our eggs in one basket, Kalion. Hiding ourselves with mists and magic is all very well but you cannot deny it means we cut ourselves off from the mainland more comprehensively than is good for us. You’ve always been an advocate for greater involvement in the wider world.” He smiled to undercut the harshness of his words. “This argument’s becoming rather circular. Do any of you have anything to add?”

Usara rose to his feet in the resulting silence. “If you’ll excuse me, Archmage, I wish to speak with Aritane.” He couldn’t help glancing at Troanna. “Guinalle has learned something of an ancient rite of exile still practised among the Elietimm. She wishes to appeal to the Sheltya, to argue that they accept it as basis to sentence Aritane to less than death. Then she can come to Suthyfer as well.”

“Wait a moment.” Planir pointed to the table. “Kalion, if you’d be so good as to pass me that ring.” He sat forward, hand outstretched.

Kalion picked up the cord and frowned, examining the silver circle. “Otrick’s ring?”

“Azazir’s before him.” Troanna leaned over to look.

“You’ve ensorcelled it yourself.” Kalion narrowed his eyes at Planir who merely smiled and raised his hand to show the scar burned into his finger.

“Now it’s imbued with three elements out of the four,” mused Troanna. “Only fire remaining.”

“Which will double and redouble its power.” Planir cocked his head. “Kalion?”

“I haven’t that depth of affinity.” The Hearth Master handed it to Planir.

“You might surprise yourself.” The Archmage shrugged. “But I yield to your mastery. The question remains, what shall we do with it?”

None of the other three mages dared meet each other’s eyes. Usara slowly resumed his seat as Planir put the ring on his forefinger. “I know you’re anxious to assure us you’re not setting up in opposition to Hadrumal, ’Sar, but it occurs to me a degree of competition can be a healthy spur to learning. The scholars of Vanam and Col never make so much progress as when their rivals gain some new insight into a common pursuit.” He pursed his lips. “I’ll be interested to see if a mage fit to complete the square in this particular circle emerges from Hadrumal or Suthyfer first. Until then—” he tossed the ring to Usara who caught it, surprised. “You take it. You said it proved central to defending your mages against aetheric attack. You’ll be the first line of defence against that from now on.”

Kalion scowled. “If you’ll excuse me, Archmage. Usara, I’ll bespeak you when I have need of that ring.” He stomped out of the room.

“Don’t you approve, Troanna?” queried Planir.

“It’s little enough to me or my pupils, either way.” The Flood Mistress looked at Usara. “Do you still consider the Elietimm a threat?”

Usara hesitated. “For the present, from all Guinalle can read of the situation, no. Hopefully there’s no reason for us to be enemies now. There are four or five clans jostling for position among the Elietimm, well enough matched in men, land and adepts. They’re all wise enough to realise any one aiming for pre-eminence will be cut down by the rest uniting against any possibility of a new Ilkehan. They have as many misgivings about us as we have about them, so I don’t suppose we’ll ever be friends, though D’Alsennin’s sending the remaining prisoners from Kellarin’s mines back, as earnest of his goodwill.”

“That sounds well enough. You wanted to find Aritane. Don’t let me keep you.” Troanna made no move to stir from her chair.

“I’ll bid you farewell.” Usara stood and sketched a bow to both. “I need to see Strell as well, Planir. Temar wants her to know she can call on D’Alsennin for anything she might ever need.”

“I hope that’s of some comfort.” Planir plainly doubted it. Usara closed the door softly behind him. “You have something to say to me, Troanna?” The animation left the Archmage’s voice.

Troanna surveyed the room. “Even allowing for the diligence of your servants, there’s no sign you’ve been throwing crocks. Judging by the usual plentiful array of wines and cordials, you’ve not been drowning your grief. You’re thinner in the face but I’ve seen you dining with your pupils so you’re hardly starving yourself into a decline.”

“Your point?” Planir’s face was a chilly mask.

“I’ve buried two husbands and three children, Planir.” Troanna folded her arms. “I won’t say I know what you’re feeling because every loss is different and cuts as deep as any gone before. What I do know is you must grieve or Larissa will remain as dead to you as those ashes in that urn.”

Planir’s response was scathing. “You want me to picture her happily dwelling in the Otherworld, her virtues recognised by Saedrin as sufficient to save her from Poldrion’s demons?”

“Don’t be a fool.” Troanna was unmoved. “You’ve no more use for priests and their superstitions than I have.”

“Then what would you have me do?” snapped Planir.

“Acknowledge your loss and the unfairness of it,” Troanna told him forcefully. “In whatever way gives you release. Go to the highest point on the island and scream your outrage at the wind, the gods or whatever uncaring destiny visited such untimely death on the poor girl. That’s what I’ve done before now. Look honestly at the path that led her there and spare yourself endless reproaches over what you did or didn’t do. We’re not Aldabreshin barbarians to believe every twist of fortune is foretold by uncanny portents, that every evil can be averted if only we have the skills to read the signs. She died and you are entitled to grieve, but not to endlessly castigate yourself over a fate that was none of your making.”

“I set her on the path that led her to die,” said Planir harshly.

“Horseshit.” Troanna shook her head. “You diminish her by thinking so. Larissa was young but she was an intelligent girl and she made her own choices. I never approved of your association but no one can accuse you of influencing her decisions.”

“You’re too kind,” said Planir coldly. “Though that was because I loved her rather than out of any respect for your sensibilities. She is still dead.”

“Until you grieve, she will remain so.” Troanna ran a finger over the swell of the brightly decorated urn, apparently not noticing how Planir tensed. “There’s one notion the Archipelagans hold that I’ve come to share. No one is dead as long as one person who knew them in life still remembers them as they were. Do Larissa that honour.” She got briskly to her feet with a nod of farewell. “You know where I am if you want to argue this further, as light relief from twisting Kalion’s tail. Talk to Shannet. She’s outlived nigh on her whole generation and knows all about loss. This is possibly the only thing we’ll ever agree on.”