She hadn’t seen any stairs, however. Examining her map again, she noted the little crosses here and there. She moved to the location of one of them and examined the floor. Brushing dust aside with her toe, she uncovered a crack.
Dropping into a crouch, she pushed the dust away with light sweeps of magic. As she suspected, the crack turned at right angles, once, twice... forming a hatch in the floor. Standing back, she concentrated on the slab of wood, willing it to rise.
It hinged upward, revealing another passage below, and a ladder attached to the side wall. Smiling to herself, Sonea climbed down to the second floor.
The layout of the passages of the second level was almost identical to those on the third. When she had checked all of the side passages, she located another hatch and descended to the ground floor. Again, the ways were similar, though there were fewer side passages, but here she found staircases leading even farther down, under the ground.
Excitement grew as she discovered that the foundations of the University were riddled with tunnels and empty rooms, indicated by dashed lines on the map of the ground floor. Not only did the tunnels roam under the building, but they extended out beyond the walls and under the gardens. Heading away from the University, Sonea noted how the passage sloped down, deeper under the ground. The walls changed to brick, and roots hung from the ceiling. Remembering the size of some of the trees above, she realized she must be deeper underground than she had thought.
A little farther on the passage ended where its roof had caved in. As she turned back, she considered how much time she had spent exploring. It was late. Very late. She did not want to give Akkarin reason to come looking for her—or worse, to order her to return to the residence after classes each night.
So, satisfied with her success, she started back up into the University walls and emerged at a place where she knew the chance of being seen leaving the secret ways was remote.
30
A Disturbing Discovery
As Tania cleared empty sumi cups from the table, Rothen yawned. He was taking smaller quantities of nemmin now, but that meant he often woke early and spent the last hours of the night worrying.
“I spoke to Viola again this afternoon,” Tania said suddenly. “She’s still aloof—the other servants say she’s put a high value on herself since becoming Sonea’s servant. But she’s warming to me because I can tell her how best to please the High Lord’s favorite.”
Rothen regarded her expectantly. “And?”
“She told me that Sonea is well, though some mornings she looks tired.”
He nodded. “That’s no surprise with all the extra lessons. I’ve heard that she’s been helping Lady Tya, too.”
“Viola also said that Sonea has dinner with the High Lord on Firstdays, so perhaps he’s not neglecting her as much as you fear.”
“Dinner, eh?” Rothen’s mood darkened as he thought of Sonea eating meals with the High Lord. It could be worse, he reminded himself. Akkarin could have kept her close by, could have... but no, he knew how stubborn she could be. She would not allow herself to be corrupted. Still, he could not help wondering what they talked about.
—Rothen!
Surprised, Rothen straightened in his seat.
—Dorrien?
—Father. How are you?
—Well. And you?
—I am well, but some here in my village are not. Rothen could sense his son’s concern. We have had an outbreak of black-tongue disease here—an unusual strain of it. When it has passed, I will be coming back for a short visit, to bring a sample for Vinara.
—Will I see you?
—Of course. I could not come all the way without speaking to you! Can I stay in my old room?
—You’re always welcome to.
—Thank you. How is Sonea?
—Well, from what Tania tells me.
—You haven’t spoken to her yet?
—Not often.
—I thought she would be visiting you all the time.
—She is busy with her studies. How soon will you be visiting?
—I can’t tell you exactly. It could take weeks or months for this disease to run its course. I’ll let you know when I have a better idea.
—Very well. Two visits in a year!
—I wish I could stay longer. Until then, Father.
—Take care of yourself.
—I will.
As Dorrien’s mind-voice faded, Tania chuckled. “How is Dorrien?”
He looked up, surprised. “Well. How did you know it was him?”
She shrugged. “You get a certain look on your face.”
“Do I?” Rothen shook his head. “You know me far too well, Tania. Far too well.”
“Yes,” she agreed, smiling. “I do.”
She turned at a knock on the door. Rothen waved a hand and willed the door open, and was surprised when Yaldin stepped inside.
“Good evening,” the old magician said. He glanced at Tania, who bowed and slipped out of the door, pulling it closed behind her. Rothen gestured to a chair and Yaldin sat down with a relieved sigh.
“I’ve been doing some of this ‘listening’ you taught me,” Yaldin said.
Abruptly, Rothen remembered that it was a Fourday. He had completely forgotten about the Night Room gathering. It was definitely time to stop taking nemmin. Perhaps he would try to sleep without it tonight.
“Hear anything interesting?”
Yaldin nodded, his expression growing serious. “It’s probably just speculation. You know what gossips magicians are—and you have a gift for choosing novices who get themselves into trouble. But I wonder if he can afford such rumors surfacing again. Especially n—”
“Again?” Rothen interrupted. His heart had begun to pound at Yaldin’s words. Now he could hardly breathe. Had something happened in the past to cause people to question Akkarin’s integrity?
“Yes,” Yaldin said. “The Elyne court is all abuzz with speculations—you know what they’re like. What do you know about this assistant of Dannyl’s?”
Taking in a deep breath, Rothen let it out slowly. “So this is about Dannyl, then?”
“Yes.” Yaldin’s frown deepened. “You do remember the rumors that circulated about the nature of his friendship with a certain novice?”
Rothen nodded. “Of course—but nothing was ever proven.”
“No, and most of us dismissed the rumors and forgot about the whole thing. But, as you may know, the Elynes are more tolerant of such behavior. From what I’ve heard, Dannyl’s assistant is known for it. Fortunately, most of the Elyne court believe that Dannyl is unaware of his assistant’s habits. They seem to find this quite funny.”
“I see.” Rothen shook his head slowly. Ah, Dannyl, he thought. Isn’t Sonea enough for me to worry about? Must you cause me sleepless nights, too?
But perhaps this wasn’t as bad as it first sounded. As Yaldin had said, the Elynes tolerated much, and loved to gossip. If the Elynes thought that Dannyl was unaware of his assistant’s preferences, and thought his ignorance merely amusing, there mustn’t be any proof that there was more to the relationship.
And Dannyl was an adult now. He could handle himself in the face of public scrutiny. If anything, his past experience would have prepared him for it.
“Do you think we should warn Dannyl?” Yaldin asked. “If he doesn’t know about this assistant...”