Dark Mirror (14 page)

“Who bespells the stones with stealth magic?” Tory asked.

“Mr. Stephens. He has a gift for concealment.” Miss Wheaton handed over a small drawstring bag made of raw silk. “You can store the stone here. The silk helps keep the spell strong.”

Tory slipped the stone into the bag and tucked it in her pocket. “I have to wait two days before I can have more lessons?”

The teacher laughed. “Time will pass soon enough. Sleep well. I send energizing magic through our closing circles to make up for the late night, but you’ll still probably be tired tomorrow.”

“It’s worth it!”

As Elspeth led the way toward the tunnels, she said, “We’ll take the silver tunnel, which leads to the cellar below the refectory. I like it because it’s covered all the way.”

“I looked in that cellar and didn’t see anything when I was searching.”

“Doors to the Labyrinth are all bespelled so they’re easy to overlook. Even when someone is looking, they’re hard to find.” As they headed into the blue tunnel, Elspeth pointed at a nearly invisible square opening in the ceiling. “That’s one of the vents that keeps the air down here fresh. On the surface, most are hidden in the old outbuildings.”

She turned into a tunnel that crossed the blue tunnel. Tory touched the small patch of color above into silvery brightness. “Why did you think it interesting that Allarde talked to me? It was only because he knew my brother.”

“I’ve never known him to talk to a girl without a reason related to lessons. He’s always the soul of courtesy, but he never flirts.” Elspeth gave her a sidelong glance. “He didn’t come speak to you because of your brother, no matter how fine a fag master Lord Smithson was. I saw energy pulsing between you. Surely you felt that.”

“I felt a twang like a harp string,” Tory said hesitantly. “What does that mean?”

She half hoped the other girl would say such a connection was powerfully romantic, but Elspeth replied, “There is a link, which could be for any number of reasons. Maybe you and Allarde have talents that will blend well.”

Tory had to admit that seemed more likely than a grand love affair. “If I start eating at the table with you, will Nell Bracken and her friends stop talking to me?”

“Probably, but you don’t have to turn away from them. Nell is very kind. She always takes new students into her group so they won’t feel so alone and frightened when they arrive.” Elspeth smiled wistfully. “We were friends until I visibly embraced my magic. Nell told me very politely that she was sorry, but she couldn’t jeopardize her chances to leave as soon as possible by spending time with a known magic lover. She wished me well, and we haven’t spoken since.”

“It isn’t fair that we should have to choose between friends!”

“It isn’t fair that we’re here at all. I don’t mind being ostracized by most of the girls, but you might prefer to act like Mary Janeway. Did you notice her tonight? She’s part of Nell’s circle as well as an Irregular.”

“That’s right! I knew she was familiar, but she’s very quiet at the school meals. Tonight she was laughing and talking.”

“It feels good not to hide one’s own nature. That’s why I flaunt my wicked ways for all of Lackland to see,” Elspeth said ironically. “But you might prefer being like Mary and quietly blending in.”

“You won’t mind?”

Elspeth shook her head. “You can cut me aboveground as long as you don’t turn into a snob in the Labyrinth.”

Tory didn’t like the idea of ignoring Elspeth, but neither did she wish to be cut by Nell and the others. The rest of the short walk was in silence.

The tunnel ended in a stone wall. Elspeth touched the last patch of silver, and a door-shaped panel of stone pivoted open silently.

“As soon as we pass through the door, the mage lights will dim to less than a candle,” Elspeth said softly. “After our next study night, I’ll show you a different tunnel. You’ll know them all soon enough. Can you find your way to your room on your own?”

There was just enough light for Tory to recognize the sacks of potatoes and turnips and other foodstuffs. A tabby cat ghosted silently by her ankles as it moved from the tunnel to the refectory cellar. As it leaped into action after a rustling sound, Tory said, “I’ll manage. I can also find my way down to the Labyrinth again in two days. Thank you so much for all your guidance.”

Elspeth gave her a fleeting smile. “You’ll have your chance to help others in turn. Mages help mages. Go along now. Carefully.”

The mage light faded just as Elspeth had predicted. By the time Tory was out of the cellar, it had disappeared entirely. But she could still feel the power of the stealth stone in its silken pouch. Lackland Abbey allowed more magic than its reputation suggested.

She moved through the school like a shadow, out of the refectory, into the dormitory, up the stairs. Outside her door, she hesitated. She couldn’t risk the sounds of undressing inside since that might disturb Cynthia. Quietly she stripped down to her shift, which she usually slept in anyhow, and bundled her clothing and shoes into her shawl. Then she turned the knob and crept into the bedroom.

Cynthia made a sound and rolled over in her bed. Tory froze, not moving until her roommate began breathing regularly again. Cynthia had taken the bed by the window because it had a better view, which was convenient now since Tory didn’t have to pass her roommate to get to her own bed.

After tucking her bundled garments in the corner between the wall and her wardrobe, Tory straightened out the lumped covers she’d left in her place, then slid into her bed. Now that she was back, she was bone-deep exhausted, but also exhilarated. What a night! She had discovered a whole new world, and a community of mages that accepted her warmly.

And a handsome young lord who never talked to girls … had talked to her.

*   *   *

Bong … bong … BONG!

The wake-up bell yanked Tory from sleep. She opened heavy eyes, wondering if she’d dreamed her visit to a school for magelings below Lackland Abbey.

Her gaze fell on the bundle of clothing tucked against her wardrobe. Her adventure had been real.

She swung her feet to the floor, glad that her mother had sent the small carpet Tory had requested. She was less tired than she should be after staying up half the night. Miss Wheaton’s extra energy had helped. In fact, she felt invigorated.

Cynthia was already up and struggling with her gown. “Fasten up the back,” she ordered. “Lucy has a streaming cold and I don’t want her near me.”

“Poor Lucy. You’re a hard taskmistress,” Tory observed as she moved behind her roommate to fasten the tie of the pretty blue poplin. “Have you thought of ordering gowns that you can put on without help?”

“I won’t lower my standards!” Cynthia snapped. She smoothed out the skirt of her expensive garment. “You dress like a servant.”

“I see you’re in your usual cheery mood,” Tory said with a laugh. She had the satisfaction of seeing Cynthia scowl. Good nature was the best shield against her roommate’s bad temper. “Do you need any other assistance?”

Cynthia touched her hair, as if considering asking for help, then shook her head. “No, but thank you.” The politeness was grudging, but at least she’d said thank you.

Tory finished dressing, collected her shawl, and headed out to the chapel. On the stairs she fell in with Nell Bracken and two other girls. One was Mary Janeway, the other Irregular. Mary’s eyes were watchful, as if she feared Tory might give her away.

Tory greeted the other girls in her usual fashion, paying no special attention to Mary. Nell Bracken said, “You’re looking happy this morning, Tory. Good news?”

Acting as if nothing had changed might be harder than Tory had expected. “I’d asked my mother for a rug to put by the bed, and it arrived yesterday,” she explained. “Amazing how much nicer a day looks when your feet aren’t icy.”

The other girls laughed. Nell added shrewdly, “You’re also adapting to Lackland, aren’t you?”

Tory nodded. “I had a good governess, but I find I like going to school.” She smiled at the others. “It’s nice to be with other girls like me. I even like most of the classes. With one exception.”

The other three groaned in unison. “Anything with Miss Macklin,” Nell said succinctly. “She’s making me hate Italian.”

Tory felt the same way. She sat in the back of Miss Macklin’s classroom and spoke very little and did her best not to be noticed. Sometimes it worked.

The other dark spot was the chapel services with the horrible curate. Tory had become adept at tuning out his rants and concentrating on energy exercises. This morning, though, she found herself thinking about the Irregulars. Enlisting with the other magelings to defend England had seemed romantic and right the night before.

Now, back in the normal world, she had doubts. What could a group of students do against Napoleon’s armies?

And, selfishly, she wasn’t yet ready to give up the dream of returning to a fairly normal life. Her brother and sister would still accept her if she left Lackland cured, but would that be true if she embraced magic? That might stretch even their tolerance.

She didn’t think Geoffrey and Sarah would cut her entirely, but if Tory was publicly known as a mage, she might not be as welcome in their homes. Particularly after the memory of Jamie’s rescue faded with time.

The decision was too large to make now. She bent her head as Hackett intoned the final prayer of the service. She would join the Irregulars and learn more about magic, and if the French came soon, she would do what she could to stop them.

But mentally she reserved the right to forswear magic if she changed her mind.

CHAPTER 15

Despite her misgivings, Tory loved her evenings in the Labyrinth. She learned interesting things in every session. From Miss Wheaton, she learned how to bring her thoughts and emotions to the center of her being when they were out of balance. And she learned how to focus her power to greater intensity once she was centered.

From Mr. Stephens, she learned illusion spells. She hadn’t great natural talent in that area, but learning how to conceal things she preferred to keep private was useful.

She also liked getting to know the other Irregulars. The Lackland students like Nell were pleasant and they made good friends, but Tory discovered there was a stronger bond with boys and girls who were using their magic rather than denying it. Perhaps it was the risks they were taking together that made the friendships deeper.

The only activity all the Irregulars did together was the final joining circle. Otherwise, students studied in small group tutorials led by the adult teachers or advanced students. She learned the elements of weather work from Jack Rainford, healing from Miss Wheaton and Elspeth, how to warm or cool from Alice Ripley, the best hearth witch, and how to move objects from Allarde.

Tory’s ability to blend the energies of others made her very popular in group exercises where students practiced working together. A week after she discovered the Labyrinth, she got the chance to help with some very practical magic.

Drenching rain had started in late afternoon. A few of the Irregulars had the ability to repel raindrops, but several village students arrived looking like drowned mice. Alice had to warm up the cook stones to dry wet clothing.

At joining circle time, Jack Rainford reported, “Upside is still wetter than my mum’s washtub on laundry day. I didn’t want to give myself a headache before class by trying to stop the rain, but if I can use the energy of the circle, maybe I can shift the clouds so we can be dry going home.”

“Rather than the circle, take Tory’s hand and see what you can do,” Mr. Stephens suggested. “Alice, you join in, too.”

Jack headed for Tory. “The best thing about these classes is the chance to hold a pretty girl’s hand,” he said. Then he reached for Alice. “Two pretty girls are even better!”

The female Irregulars groaned audibly. Jack was teased regularly about his flirting. Tory had never had classes with boys before. She found that the two sexes tended to treat each other like brothers and sisters. There were several romantic relationships, but much more friendly teasing.

Becoming relaxed with young men her own age would have been very useful if she was to have a London season, which she wouldn’t. Girls who had attended Lackland were not presented to good society.

She found that she liked having boys as friends. She wasn’t quite sure how to classify Allarde and Jack. Neither of them was anything as simple as a friend. Allarde didn’t single her out for conversation again, but sometimes she felt his gaze on her. And Jack—well, he flirted with all the girls, but there seemed to be a special warmth in his eyes when he flirted with her. Though maybe all the girls thought that.

Tory, Alice, and Jack joined hands. “Just send energy to me,” he said. “I’ll use it to move the clouds away.”

Tory closed her eyes and let the magic flow. Alice’s power felt like the heat she generated so well, while Jack was his stormiest self. As their power flowed together, Tory found herself shadowing Jack as his mind reached into the sky.

After surveying the heavens, he summoned a wind from the north. And Tory was there, part of his magic! She was almost as exhilarated as when she floated.

After ten minutes or so, the rain clouds began to break up and blow away. “The rain has stopped!” Jack said triumphantly. “It was really easy. That was a big weather working, but I don’t have any headache at all.”