At least getting away seems to be going to plan. The team from Taneria have been reunited in Fundis. Jamie got the impression that Alex had spoken to Garvan and Brion, as they were careful about their teasing of Tarmon. He could remember vividly how they had also been told to take it a little easy on his less-experienced self when they had set out for their journey.

It is almost a disappointment, as Jamie is confident, even after only a couple of days of knowing the young mage, that Tarmon was capable of holding his own. He is inevitably slightly shy around strangers, but that’s something that will surely improve with time.

It took Alex only a short time to get their companions, but when Jamie took Tarmon into the city for an impromptu shopping trip, they left him behind. They didn’t really need to get much for travelling, but it served as a good chance to simply walk and talk. To Tarmon, it appeared to be a bit of a cosmopolitan culture shock. He’d never seen so many people in one place, let alone from so many different cultures.

“And Mekalla is even bigger and more crowded than this?” he asks as they wander through the main shopping streets. They are casual and comfortable, unrecognised except by some of the merchants and store-keepers that Jamie regularly deals with. Jack has ensured that a couple of guards accompany them, but they are out of uniform and discreet. Still, it’s clear that Tarmon feels a bit out of place.

“So Jin Chao tells us. Much bigger, in fact. We’ll see soon enough, I’m sure.”

“It all feels a little like a dream,” Tarmon continues. “I thought I might have to travel one day, but didn’t expect to be going so far so soon.”

“I know the feeling only too well,” Jamie agrees. “On our trip to find the Flame, I had no idea what to expect. I was also a Prince from a life of privilege. You have to lower your expectations quite quickly. I’m sure some weeks on the ship will be fine, but once we are riding north, then it will be harder.”

“Well, you are somewhat spoilt,” Tarmon suggests with a smile. “I’ve never even thought of living in such comfort as you do at the embassy. We have a bath-house in town back home, but it’s nothing compared to what you have here.”

“No, I am well aware. The indoor plumbing thing is one of Cato’s favourite projects. He is trying to get the palace in Tanis up to the same standards as we now have here, but it was very much easier for us, starting from scratch. It doesn’t take anything away from bathing in a stream, but you do get used to such luxury very quickly.”

“Cato seems very nice. I’m sure we will find much to talk about.”

“Oh, I’m certain of it. He will love to have a fellow scholar along for the journey. While I still like to study anything that interests me, I’m not as devoted to books as I once was.”

“I’m not so sure about the two guards,” Tarmon says quietly. “They both seem very intimidating. I’m not sure what to say to either of them.”

“Well, I understand that it can be difficult sometimes. Just remember that they are not bad men, even if they give of the impression of being moody and indifferent. The have to remain a little aloof, in order to do their jobs properly. When we get into a tight situation – and I do mean when – they will be totally reliable. Just remember that you’ll also see a very different side to both Alex and even myself. 

“Different?”

“Alex was a merchant’s guard before we sought out the Flame. That was how he came to be hired by my father. He knew that he could detect magic, but he had no idea that he had any abilities of his own. He is very good at playing the part of the relaxed lord and ambassador, but he can more than take care of himself – even without the help of his magic or of Shara. We’re not as idle as we like to appear, Alex trains almost every day.

“Get Brion to show you how good he is with a knife while we are on the ship. Then, remember that Alex is even better. With a sword, he’s practically unstoppable.”

“And you? You said you and Alex?” Tarmon asks, somewhat shocked.

“Not really with sword or knife, but I’ve been able to take full advantage of my magical strengths for quite some time. In a close fight, I can hurl a steel bolt so fast it cracks the air like a whip. I guess I’m fairly accurate. Then, I can move most other objects as well, with magic alone.”

“I’ve never felt the need to protect myself with my magic. Our community is pretty safe and self-policed. I do feel that I can do so, however, if the need arises.”

“I know. I’m pretty sure that, once we are on the ship, Alex will ask you to show us what you are capable of. He’s always been one to appreciate the strengths of others and integrate those skills into the group. That said, if what we have been told about the effects of the Star is true, your magical ability might fade to almost nothing once we are in the field of its influence.”

“Maybe. My studies suggest that the Star affects earth-magic users more than air-magic or fire-magic wielders. It may be that I am less restricted by it. It will be an interesting point of data either way.”

They wander from shop to shop for much of the afternoon, mostly looking, but buying a few items that Jamie assures Tarmon that he will find useful. Jamie is careful to make sure that there are plenty of clothes that are suitable for polite company on the ship and for the first part of their journey once they reach Mekala.

Jamie is also careful to ensure that they both return in plenty of time for dinner, a first chance for the six of them to get together in an informal and friendly manner.