A Shout for the Dead by James Barclay Page A

their talents. Some would be asked to become mothers and fathers of future strands. Some would refuse. The wheel turned so slowly.
    Jhered opened the door and Herine walked in, waving everyone back into their seats. There was a hush in the classroom.
    'I am sorry to disturb, Mirron. Do you mind if we sit in and listen?'
    Mirron smiled. 'No, of course not, my Advocate. It is an honour.' She turned back to her class. 'Real pressure on those answers now, eh?'
    The laughter was nervous.
    'Right. Back to the lesson. Not long to go now. Cygalius, you were in the midst of telling us the theory behind moulding the energy map of quick energy, like fire, from a slow energy. You correctly suggested a tree would be an ideal example. Continue.'
    'Um—' The flame-haired youth glanced around at Herine and blushed across his pale features. 'Well, I - um - like I was saying, they - um—'
    'Oh, I am sorry,' said Herine, suppressing a laugh. 'I've put you off. Please don't worry. You can say anything you like and I won't know whether you are right or wrong.'
    More nervous giggles in the classroom. Cygalius managed a smile, took a deep breath and began to speak. Herine sat back in her chair and listened. Next to her, Jhered settled uncomfortably into a chair far too small for him, grumbling very quietly. For his part, Cygalius grew in confidence under the encouraging nods of Mirron and by the end, he had plainly forgotten who it was sat behind him.
    'Very good,' said Mirron. 'Very good.'
    Jhered leaned into Herine. 'Just like old times. An Ascendant speaks and I have no idea what they're talking about.'
    'Quiet at the back there,' said Mirron.
    'Sorry, teacher,' said Jhered. 'It won't happen again.'
    The classroom dissolved into laughter. Mirron clapped her hands.
    'All right, you lot. As you can see, I have a meeting to attend so you can go. Now I want you all to study Arducius's texts on amplifying rain clouds and prepare yourselves for a practical with the man himself in two days. Today has been excellent. And before you ask, getting you outside to work for others is coming. Very soon. Now go.'
    Herine stood with Jhered while the students left the room, giving them a salute which Jhered returned. Their excited babble rose in volume outside in the corridor.
    'Do you mean what you said about working outside?' asked Herine.
    'We've been assessing them for a season,' said Hesther, taking the lead. 'Their development has been exceptional for a year. Psychologically, they are ready. It's fine control they lack.'
    'Good, good,' said Herine. 'We'll take that on in the meeting. Where are the others?'
    'In the Chancellery,' said Mirron. 'After you, my Advocate.'
    The Chancellery had lost none of its splendour. Tapestries and paintings hung on veined marble walls, depicting the glories of the Omniscient. Statues and busts stood in huge galleries around grand gardens where the sound of fountains lent an idyllic quality to the air. Tundarran weave and Morasian leather upholstered every piece of furniture. Scripture quotes topped every lintel. Sirranean timber formed every table, desk and bed frame. Felice Koroyan certainly had an eye for the finer things in life. None of the scriptures she chose for the Chancellery referred to abstinence. Leastways, not amongst Order ministers.
    They were shown into a dining room overlooking an open but netted rockery in which a dozen species of small bird fluttered and water tumbled over beautifully carved stone. Carp lazed in a deep pond.
    Food and wine were on the central table. Ossacer and Arducius were already seated and talking. Mirron sat with them as she always would. Herine placed herself in an upright chair while Jhered chose to stand and look out over the rockery. Hesther took her leave. The teaching day had not finished for all.
    'You still haven't changed anything in here,' said Herine, taking in statues, furnishings and wall coverings.
    'We are tenants,' said Ossacer. 'One day, a Chancellor will live here