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failed? He really had no idea what level of skill was expected, since he d
never seen what the other two could do except for Talanyr s expertise with the
truncheon in Guasyra and the normally cocky Rhiobyn looked like he d been
coldcocked with a staff, if not worse.
Taryl walked quickly, leading Rahl toward the weapons-training area and in
through the open door.
The only other figure in the chamber was a stocky and muscular man, slightly
shorter than Rahl with broader shoulders and short brown hair. Like all
mage-guards, he wore the khakis and black-leather boots and belt, with the
sunburst insignia on his shirt collar. His eyes were a brownish green, and an
aura of. controlled chaos enshrouded him.
Evaluator Jyrolt, this is mage-clerk Rahl, said Taryl evenly. v *
Ser. Rahl inclined his head politely, and when he straightened, Taryl was
leaving the weapons exercise chamber.
We ll begin with a few questions about what is expected of a mage-guard.
Jyrolt s tenor voice was higher than Rahl would have expected from such a
muscular figure. Rahl waited.
Most of the questions were similar to those that Taryl had already asked Rahl,
often several times in differing forms. A few were not.
Mage-clerk, why are those mage-guards who embody order both uniquely
qualified to serve the Emperor and fortunate to be able to do so?
Rahl had to ponder for several moments before he had an answer, although he
thought only half came from the Manual. Because a peaceful land must be
governed by order, and because it is difficult if not impossible for an
ordermage to escape poverty and want without power, and it is difficult for an
ordermage to obtain power without losing all or some of his skills.
What about a chaos-mage? asked Jyrolt dryly. They could certainly hold
power without losing their skills. They have for centuries in Fairhaven.
Rahl hadn t seen an answer to that question, or if he had, he hadn t
remembered it. A land must have order to remain peaceful. Too much chaos will
not allow order. Does not Fairhaven spread its chaos-mages all across
Candar?
Why does the Emperor allow his people to ridicule and criticize him, and why
are mage-guards charged with enforcing that freedom?
Rahl had read that section of the Manual and pondered it, but he d never asked
Taryl about it. He wished he had, because, again, he had to use his own
interpretation& and hope. Some people will always find fault. To punish them
would only suggest that what they say is true, and more punishment would then
be required, until all the mage-guards could do would be to punish those who
spoke out, and before long there would be no order in Hamor.
But would not too much criticism lead to unrest, mage-clerk?
It might, but if the unrest results in physical acts, then the mage-guard
must stop it. That provides a balance. People can say what they feel, but they
cannot act against the Emperor.
Jyrolt did not comment, and Rahl did not think that he had displeased the
examiner, but with the other s shields, it was hard to tell.
Truncheon, and to a lesser degree, staff, ser. I can use a falchiona for a
short period of time, but that gets most painful rather quickly.
Jyrolt nodded. Then we will begin with the truncheon. Although you may have
your own weapon, and may use it on duty, for purposes of evaluation, you will
pick one from the case there. He gestured to a leather case set on the bench
against the wall. You are to choose first.
Yes, ser. Rahl walked to the case, studying the truncheons. In the end, he
picked up the longest and the heaviest, although it was of light oak, and he
would have preferred dark oak or lorken.
Jyrolt picked one that was broader and slightly shorter, then moved to the
center of the floor. You are to wait until I attack the first time. Then you
are to do your best.
Yes, ser.
While Jyrolt was quick and skilled, after several passes Rahl realized that
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Taryl was better, and he began to see openings, although he could not quite
take advantage of them at first, because he was uncertain whether they were
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