Page 46 of The Exile's Curse

"Yes, I went to school there as a child and then completed my magical studies after my Ascension."

"See, Irina, everyone has to study. Not just you," Katiya teased.

Irina frowned. "But why must I study the useless parts? My earth sense is strong. I want to use that."

"Earth sense?" Chloe asked.

"Irina has an unusually strong talent for earth," Katiya said softly. "Most of us are more in balance. Earth sense is helpful here in the mountains. It helps to find caves or warn of cracks beneath the ice. It's mostly used in the mines, to follow the seams."

"But a daughter of Uleniska can't be a miner," Irina muttered. "They leave that to the men."

Chloe hadn’t heard of earth magic being used in that way before. How would it work? An extension of the senses a mage used to sense the ley line? More specifically attuned to the earth itself? But given Irina's sour expression, she didn't think it was the best subject to pursue. "Perhaps you can be a healer?" Chloe said, returning to their earlier conversation. "Plenty of married women are healers in Illvya. It's a handy skill in a family."

Katiya looked grateful for the change in topic. "Yes. Healing is one of the professions where it is acceptable to weave one band of talent more strongly in your power. We have stillrooms and a dispensary here in the place the healers use. I enjoy spending time there." She cast an assessing glance at her sister, who still looked somewhat disgruntled. "But, Lieutenant, why don't you tell us more of Illvya? Is it true the Academe has a tower of magical ravens?"

Chloe laughed. "Well, they're not magical as such. They're very intelligent birds though, and some earth mages bind them as familiars. Do you do that here?"

Katiya shook her head. "That would be out of balance to the creature, to bind it so."

"They benefit, too," Chloe said. "They live longer, for one thing. Do you not use bindings here at all, then?"

"Sometimes," Katiya said. "Between two people. That way it can be equal."

That was nice in theory. But no two people were perfectly evenly matched in power.

"Do you have a raven?" Irina asked as another servant appeared with a second tray of kafiet. She took one after glancing at Katiya, who, sighing, nodded permission. She took a second herself and gestured the servant toward Chloe. She was still warm and tingling from the first one, but maybe another would help her sleep. She took the glass and downed the kafiet in a quick gulp. Mint fire spun through her again, hitting faster this time. Definitely the last one for the evening.

"No." She shook her head, remembering what Irina had asked as the sting of the kafiet faded. "No raven. Maybe one day. I've always liked them. Do you have ravens here?"

"In summer," Irina said. "Most of our birds travel with the season. It's too cold in winter. Not enough food. There are snow eagles year-round. They're big enough to survive the storms and can fly down to Elenia to hunt in the worst of the weather."

Chloe wasn't sure she wanted to meet an eagle big enough to survive the kind of storm Andalyssia was reputed to have. "They sound impressive."

Katiya nodded. "Apparently people used to hunt with them. These days some of the men still use smaller birds. Hawks and such. Misha has a sun falcon who is quite beautiful."

"Bad tempered though," Irina said. "He bites."

Katiya didn't correct her, so presumably it was true. Having been nipped a time or two by an overenthusiastic young raven, not to mention having developed a healthy respect for what their talons could do, Chloe had no desire to tangle with a true bird of prey.

"I'll remember that," Chloe said, "should I chance to meet him."

"Well, there will be a hunt two days after the wedding," Katiya said. "The men will use their birds if the weather permits." She glanced over her shoulder. "Does Lord Castaigne hunt?"

"Well, not with birds, but he's a very good rider," Chloe said before she could think.

"Oh? Do you know him well?" Katiya asked, curiosity lighting her eyes. "Outside of the army, that is?"

"We're...acquainted," Chloe said, trying to be vague. Her cheeks were heating again. Damn Kafiet, making her careless with her tongue.

"He's very handsome," Irina said. "Is he married?"

"No-o," Chloe said, casting a wary glance at her. She didn't think, from what Irina had said before, that she was on the hunt for a husband, but she didn't want to cast Lucien to the wind as it were and declare it open season on him. Though perhaps his occupation—not to mention the fact that he was Illvyan—would make him less appealing.

"You should marry him, if you need a new husband," Irina said with a grin. "He has nice eyes."

"'Rina!" Katiya said. "That's hardly respectful. Nor is it a sensible thing to say when Silya is around."

"Why? They are nice. He looks kind. I didn't say I wanted to invade his bedchamber and have my way with him.Thatwould be disrespectful." Irina grinned at Chloe. "Though perhaps fun."

---