（外文电子版资料）Lackey, Mercedes - Valdemar (2) - The Last Herald Mage 02 - Magics Promise.doc

Magic’s Promise by Mercedes Lackey Last Herald Mage 2 Dedicated to: Elizabeth (Betsy) Wollheim Who said - ”Go for it” One The blue leather saddlebags and a canvas pack, all a-bulging with filthy clothing and miscellaneous gear, landed in the corner of Vanyels room with three dull thuds. The lute, still in its padded leather case, slithered over the back of one of the two overstuffed chairs and landed with a softer pumph, to rest in the cradle of the worn red seat cushion. Once safely there it sagged, leaning over sideways like a fat, drunken child. The dark leather lute case glowed dully in the mid-morning sun still coming in the single eastward-facing window. Two years of mistreatment had not marred the finish too much, although the case was scuffed here and there, and had been torn and remended with tiny, careful stitches along the belly. Vanyel grimaced at the all-too-visible tear. Torn? No, no tear would be that even. Say cut, or slashed and it would be nearer the truth. Pray nobody else notices that. Better the lute case than me ... that came closer than I really want to think about. I hope Savil never gets a good look at it. Shed know what that meant, and shed have a cat. Herald-Mage Vanyel took the other chair gracelessly, dropping all his weight at once into the embrace of comfortable upholstered arms. Home at last. Havens, I sound like the pack hitting the corner. “O-o-oh.” Vanyel leaned back, feeling every muscle in his body crying out with long-ignored aches and strains. His thoughts fumbled their way into his conscious mind through a fog of utter exhaustion. He wanted, more than anything, to close his gritty eyes. But he didnt dare, because the moment he did, hed fall asleep. Someday Im going to remember Im not sixteen anymore, and keep in mind that I cant stay up till all hours, then rise with the dawn, and not pay for it. A few moments ago his Companion Yfandes had fallen asleep, standing up in the stable, while he was grooming her. Theyd started out