The Spell of Undoing (19 page)

‘Where am I?’ Tab croaked.

‘In the infirmary. A private room, as befitting a hero.’ This was Verris, who came up behind Torby. Then Amelia and Philmon, and even Fontagu, crowded forward.

‘Hero?’ said Tab, her mind still fuzzy. ‘I think I drowned, didn't I?’

‘A nasty brush with the House of Death,’ Verris agreed. ‘Heroes often die young, but you have a few years ahead of you yet, I suspect.’

‘Hero,’ said Torby, shyly.

Tab reached out, took his hand and squeezed. ‘What happened? I'm a bit hazy on the details.’

Philmon laughed into his hand. ‘Like we're going to stand here and recount all your heroic adventures, just so you get to wallow in them all over again. What I want to know is, how come you left us out of it?’

‘Out of what? Hey, there was a dragon, wasn't there?’

‘Yes, there was a dragon, a dragon that seems oddly fond of you. Nearly burnt the whole place down when we tried to explain that you were indisposed. Had to carry you outside on a stretcher so she could see for herself. Stubborn creatures, dragons, if you ask me – Tolrush is welcome to them. But as for what you did, you single-handedly defeated Tolrush. More or less. Destroying its icefire gave us time to escape. Had Tolrush followed us through the vortex we would have fallen to her by now.’

‘Where are we?’

‘Take a look.’ Verris strode to the window and pulled back the curtains.

Tab's eyes widened. The sky was vermilion. ‘I've never seen anything so beautiful!’ she gasped.

‘A world of bounty. Already the Scouts’ Guild has discovered the sweetest water you've ever tasted; abundant fishing, herds of game as far as you can see. And even the natives are friendly.’

‘How long have I been here?’

‘Several days,’ Verris said. ‘You were in a strange kind of coma. None of the healers could wake you. Funny thing though, as soon as your young friend here arrived, you came out of it at once and began to recover.’ He ruffled Torby's head and gave the boy an odd, quizzical look.

Tab squeezed Torby's hand even harder. He looked down at his feet and squirmed.

Tab sat up, and several hands rushed to plump pillows and make her comfortable. Then hot soup and fresh bread were brought, and she realised she was starving. As she wolfed down the food she suddenly remembered the Grand Council, and her face fell.

She was no longer a magicians’ apprentice.

Just then, the door opened and in strode Stelka. With her was Quartermaster Dorissa. The latter gave Tab a bright smile. Stelka's face, however, was grim.

‘Ah, Stelka, excellent timing,’ said Verris.

Ignoring Verris, Stelka crossed the room and gazed down at Tab. She pressed the back of her hand to Tab's forehead. ‘You still have a touch of fever, child,’ she said sternly. ‘You must eat up and get well. I will expect you at the guild school come Monday morning. Please remember that I do not like tardiness.’

Tab blinked, sure she had misheard the woman. Stelka stalked back to the door. Verris cleared his throat loudly.

Stelka stopped, wincing theatrically.

Tab stared at her wide-eyed.

‘Oh, very well,’ said Stelka, giving Verris an exasperated look. ‘The Magicians’ Guild wishes to express its thanks for your – for your courage and loyalty.’ It was as if the words were being pulled out by tongs. ‘Accordingly, you have been awarded the Medal of Merit, and have been promoted a year. You will restart your studies in year two.’ As a parting shot, she added, ‘And don't forget your new uniform.’

With that she was gone. Dorissa gave Tab another fleeting smile then hurried after the Chief Navigator.

Tab couldn't believe her good fortune. ‘I'm a magician again!’ she shouted, deliriously happy.

‘You always were,’ said Verris.

Riding the thermals to starboard, Melprin honked her agreement.