‘What form would this hoard of knowledge take?’

‘That’s one of the difficulties,’ Phoenix confessed. ‘We might think of such a thing as a grimoire, a tome of spells or the like. A whole library. But it’s important to understand that the Founders didn’t think like us. It could well be something quite different. Something we can’t imagine.’

‘Whatever it is, you’re saying it could help me?’

‘

If

it exists that would be one of its lesser miracles.’

Caldason looked dejected. ‘You don’t even know if it’s real or just another fable.’

‘Granted we’re not entirely sure. For a long time we were convinced it was only a story, with no substance. Lately, our researches have led us to doubt that. If we’re right, the benefits would be enormous, not least in breaking the shackles of the empires. A great tyranny requires a great counter force to combat it.’

‘It all ties together, Reeth,’ Karr added. ‘You’d have a chance to lift the hex from your shoulders, and with Founder magic the Resistance would have a weapon that could give us a fighting chance against both empires.’

‘All right, I see where you’re going with this. But still no one’s told me where this source is.’

‘Have you ever heard of the Clepsydra?’ Phoenix asked.

Caldason shook his head. ‘No. Another fairy tale, is it?’

The magician chose not to be affronted. ‘We think not.’

‘I’ve heard of it,’ Kutch offered. ‘It’s known to everyone with an involvement in the Craft.’

‘What is it?’ Caldason said.

‘A myth.’

‘Don’t be so hasty,’ Phoenix cautioned. ‘We believe it might be real. As to what it is, it’s possibly the Founders’ most abstruse remaining artifact. Assuming it does remain. As near as we can tell, it’s some kind of device for measuring the passage of time. Not the trifling time of everyday concern, not the hours, days and weeks we’re ruled by. Oh, no. It’s said that the Founders had ways of divining when the world would end, and they created the Clepsydra to mark off the eons to the Day of Destruction. It may even have been intended to prevent that catastrophe.’

Caldason was growing visibly restless. ‘What’s the connection between this thing and the Source?’

‘There are stories linking the two. They could be together. Then again, the Clepsydra might

be

the Source. It’s said to have more than one function, a combination of what seems to be a practical and a religious significance.’

‘

Could

be together,

might

be the Source. More ifs and buts.’

‘Short of laying out for you all the research material we have concerning this, which would take weeks, for the moment you’ll just have to take my word. The evidence is circumstantial, but convincing.’

‘What good is any of this if you don’t know the Clepsydra’s whereabouts?’

‘That’s just it. We think we might have traced its location.’

The Qalochian looked very interested indeed.

‘Where?’

‘I’ll show you.’

Phoenix rose. Swiftly, his hands described a conjuration. A mass of green luminescence appeared in the air above the table. It formed itself into the shape of a large sheet or rug, wafer thin. At a further gesture it drifted down to the table top and floated just above it.

‘Bhealfa,’ the sorcerer announced.

Now that he’d identified it, the image made sense. A bird’s eye view of the island state, its lines and contours traced out in glowing green. The glamour map rippled gently in a breeze perfumed with incense.

‘We believe the Clepsydra is located off the northern tip of Bhealfa.’ Phoenix indicated the area. ‘Up here somewhere, in this scattering of islands.’

‘There are scores of them,’ Kutch said.

‘Hundreds, actually, though most are tiny. It’s a very inhospitable region, subject to storms, treacherous tides and no end of other natural perils. Plus it’s quite likely to be defended in some way, perhaps by Founder magic.’

Caldason stared at the dusting of emerald specks. ‘Then that’s where I’m going.’

Disgleirio responded with, ‘We, which is to say the United Revolutionary Council, want you to be part of finding it. You have the necessary skills and certainly the best motivation.’

‘I don’t need your permission,’ Caldason told him.

‘Think, Reeth,’ Karr said. ‘Even if we managed to narrow down the location, how would you reach it unaided? Even if you did, you wouldn’t know what you were looking for, or how to utilise it in the unlikely event of being successful. No, this has to be an organised, combined effort.’

‘What are you suggesting?’

‘The Resistance will undertake an expedition, properly crewed and provisioned, with adequate fighting forces and a complement of sorcerers on board.’

‘When?’

‘We’re as anxious as you to find this thing. But it takes time organising something like this, particularly as it all has to be done in the greatest secrecy.’

‘How long?’ Caldason insisted.

‘I can’t give you an exact answer. Weeks, certainly. Perhaps months.’

‘That’s not good enough, Karr.’

‘Not good enough be damned!’ the patrician flared. ‘The Resistance has other tasks that have to be carried out as a matter of urgency. Our resources are stretched. You’d get there no quicker under your own power, believe me.’ He calmed, and continued reflectively, ‘We have a deal to propose. We’ll move with all speed on mounting the expedition, and we guarantee you’ll be part of it. In turn, you undertake to help the Resistance.’

‘I’m not looking to be part of any movement.’

‘You’re a loner, we know that. But there are times when things can only be achieved through co-operation. And this makes sense because our interests coincide. You just have to have patience.’

‘That’s a counsel easier to deliver than receive. What is it you’d have me do as my half of the bargain?’

‘Chores well within the capabilities of a man like you, though I won’t pretend they wouldn’t be dangerous.’

‘A little more detail would be useful.’

‘That will be provided as and when you need to know it. You really don’t have a choice, Reeth, you must see that. Are you in?’

After a pause, Caldason replied, ‘I’ll think about it.’

‘Do that, my friend. Can we expect your decision soon?’

‘Give me a while to weigh the odds on all this.’

‘That’s fair.’

Kutch, still nervous at being in such exalted company, indicated the splash of dots on the map. ‘Er… Phoenix, how will you go about finding the Clepsydra’s island?’

‘A good question,’ the magician replied, ‘and opportune as it brings us to our next topic.’ With a wave of his hand the map collapsed in on itself as though crushed by a giant invisible fist. Then it faded and vanished. ‘One of our methods would be magical sensing. You know about that, don’t you?’

‘Well, I’ve read about it, and my master -’

‘I meant knowing in a more personal way.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘I believe we have two people with exceptional abilities here today, Kutch. Our Qalochian friend -’ he nodded towards Caldason ‘- and you.’

‘What… what do you mean?’

‘You were quick to see through my little illusion when you first arrived here. That, and what Patrician Karr told me about the executions you witnessed in Saddlebow, makes me think you could have a very rare and special gift.’

‘Me?’

‘I believe you could be a spotter.’

Kutch didn’t speak. But his face told a story of puzzlement and disbelief.

‘Is somebody going to tell me what a spotter is?’ Caldason asked. ‘And what the hell’s magical sensing?’

Phoenix smiled. ‘Magic gives off a distinctive psychic aroma, for those who can detect it. Such people are very few, and the skill is a birthright; it can’t be taught. The way in which these sensitives perceive the gist of magic varies. Rarest is the gift of spotting. A spotter can see through magic, literally. They can tell glamour from reality, no matter how sophisticated or expensive the spell. It’s an incredibly uncommon ability.’