Burial of a Necromancer

"Why is he burnt like that?" Astra asked, in the hushed voice that seemed somehow appropriate in the presence of a corpse. "Something like that could happen through the power of the amulet," Simon said. "I hadn't anticipated such an effect, but perhaps I should have. Belboz must have thought that with his magic powers he could join the third piece to the amulet more safely on his own than if involving a second person, but it seems that he was wrong. But before we say any more about the amulet, let us give Belboz a decent burial."

In the lee of Belboz's hut they found the one substantial patch of earth that there was at the rocky top of Mount Cicatrice. It had been the necromancer's vegetable garden. There they buried him and Simon said a brief prayer. "He would never let me pray for his soul whilst he was alive, but he can't stop me now that he's dead," he said with an attempt at a smile.

When they came back inside, Astra said to Simon: "With the shock of Belboz's death to add to the draining you suffered first from the Tree and then from the joining of the first two pieces of the amulet, I'm concerned about you. How are you feeling?" Simon managed a rather wan smile. "I was feeling much better when I woke up this morning, that is for the few minutes until Aethir gave me the bad news. But I shall be all right. There's no need for you to worry about me, lass."

"But I do worry about you. I've grown very fond of you in the short time I've known you. And why I'm especially worried is that you and Aethir still intend to join that third piece to the two that are already joined, don't you, in spite of what happened to Belboz?" "I cannot deny it." "But that will almost certainly kill you. It nearly did the first time. Let me help Aethir instead. We are both young and strong." "Thank you, Astra, but I cannot let you take such a risk on my behalf."

"Oh yes, you can," said Aethir, who had come up behind them without their realising it. "She speaks good sense, Simon. For once in your life, consider your own welfare as well as that of others. Besides, we need you alive, especially now that Belboz is dead. You might not be a mage in the normal sense of the word, but your holy power is the next best thing." "It seems I am outvoted," Simon conceded reluctantly.

1. "Let's get on with it then," Astra said.

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