Cry of the Newborn (102 page)

'There at least, we can agree.' Roberto offered his hand and the commander took it. 'By nightfall. My cavalry will shadow you into Atreska. Don't turn back.'

Roberto inclined his head and turned away. Gesteris walked with him back to his lines.

'I'm getting too old for this,' he said.

'Nonsense,' said Roberto. 'You've just saved the Conquord, General. My mother needs men like you.' 'Behind a desk, I hope.'

'There'll be a job for you anywhere you choose.' Davarov had bustled his way to the front and stood square in front of Roberto, not quite managing to look fierce. 'Well?'

'Tend your blisters and secure your gear. War's over.'

Davarov enveloped him in a bear hug, overbalanced and the both of them fell to the floor. The cheers of the army couldn't cover their laughter.

The three days of joy and reunion had been tainted by the loss of Kovan and Gorian. Mirron hadn't the heart to tell Meera all that had happened and they had agreed to let it lie for now that he had run off and become lost after one too many arguments. It was close enough to the truth.

Those three days had passed in a fog for Mirron. Everywhere she went, the people of Westfallen were waiting to welcome her. The Marshal had brought them all to the safety of the palace complex. Mirron had never lived in such luxury before. Her own private baths, a servant her own age to whom she chatted to and never ordered to do a thing, and a bed so comfortable she had slept in it for a whole day before the sound of celebration reached her once again.

And now they were in the presence of the Advocate. The
Advocate.
Herine Del Aglios herself was sitting on an uncomfortable-looking throne. Mirron sat with Ossacer and Arducius on chairs in front of her, with the Echelon behind them. Arducius was still drawn. Ossacer had been too tired to help him at first and one of his legs was still splinted. None of them smiled, though. The memory of Kovan being snatched from their grasp was too fresh.

Jhered stood nearby, unwilling to be far from them even now they were in the bosom of safety. Only one other person was missing. How Father Kessian would have been proud to see this moment. Acceptance, if that was what it was to be, of all he had striven for his long life.

'The Conquord owes you a great debt,' said the Advocate. 'And it owes you an apology too. I owe you an apology. People fear what they cannot comprehend and I was victim to that, too. You were hounded from your homes and hated by everyone you tried to help. Yet here you are, saviours of our great empire. And that is something I will never forget.

'But with what you have comes a great responsibility, which falls upon my shoulders as it does yours. To imagine you will be accepted by all is naive. You have powerful enemies and so you will have my protection so long as you remain loyal.

'But we cannot let that cloud the great deeds you three have done. The countless lives you have saved and the maturity you have shown. The Exchequer was right to believe in you.'

The two of them shared a glance and Mirron failed to hide her smile from him. He winked back at her though his expression was stern and neutral.

'And I will never be far from you,' he said. 'I owe you my life. You will always have my arm and my heart. All of you.'

He thumped his right hand into his chest. Mirron's heart swelled.

'All that remains is to decide what to do with you,' said the Advocate. 'After all, abilities such as yours cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands or be abused.'

Mirron froze. Beside her, Arducius and Ossacer's life maps flared with their anxiety.

'I have here a report signed by senior members of the Conquord, including the Exchequer, recommending your being housed here in Estorr while you are investigated. I have accusations laid by the Chancellor. I have complaints by the dozen about sightings and troubles all attributed to you. And I will soon have the Order knocking on my door, demanding I arrest you for assuming the place of God by meddling with His ocean. These will be dangerous times for young Ascendants in Estorr. And, I as the appointed representative of God on this earth, have a duty to serve the Omniscient, do I not?'

Mirron found herself nodding.

'I cannot have you running around my streets. Not when there is somewhere far more appropriate and secure for you to go.' 'Prison?' managed Ossacer.

The Advocate's peal of laughter echoed around the room. 'Oh my child, what kind of monster do you take me for? I have only told you all this because you, and all those who stand here, must understand the burden as well as the joy you carry. It is a burden which you can never shirk and that is why you must be in the best care possible. Mother Naravny, please.'

They turned to look at Hesther who stood up and held out a hand.

'Come on, you lot. Time to go back to Westfallen. Time to go home.'

Mirron screamed with delight, hugged her brothers and burst into tears.

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