Tempests and Slaughter

HarperVoyager

An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

1 London Bridge Street

London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published in Great Britain by HarperCollinsPublishers 2018

Copyright © Tamora Pierce 2018

Map copyright © Isidre Mones 2017

Jacket design © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2018

Tamora Pierce asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue copy of this book is available from the British Library.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

Source ISBN: 9780008304317

Ebook Edition © August 2018 ISBN: 9780008304331

Version: 2018-08-02

‘Tamora Pierce didn’t just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swathe through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Pierce is the real lioness, and we’re all just running to keep pace.’

LEIGH BARDUGO, No.1 New York Times bestselling author

‘Tamora Pierce creates epic worlds populated by girls and women of bravery, heart, and strength. Her work inspired a generation of writers and continues to inspire us.’

HOLLY BLACK, No.1 New York Times bestselling author

‘Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. Her complex, unforgettable heroines and vibrant, intricate worlds blazed a trail for young adult fantasy – and I get to write what I love today because of the path she forged throughout her career. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration.’

SARAH J. MAAS, No.1 New York Times bestselling author

‘I take more comfort from and as great pleasure in Tamora Pierce’s Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones.’

Washington Post

‘Tamora Pierce and her brilliant heroines didn’t just break down barriers; they smashed them with magical fire.’

KATHERINE ARDEN, author of The Bear and the Nightingale

To ladies of great generosity to stray and homeless cats:

Aurora Celeste (and her small future readers),

Jennifer Margaret Grosse,

Jonie,

Kat,

and Kate Kelley

with heartfelt thanks from my caretaking family and me

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Praise

Dedication

Map

Chapter 1: August 30–September 1, 435

Chapter 2: September 2–October 14, 435

Chapter 3: October 14–16, 435

Chapter 4: October 16, 435–March 436

Chapter 5: June 1–4, 436

Chapter 6: June 5, 436–March 18, 437

Chapter 7: May 23–August 24, 437

Chapter 8: August 25–28, 437

Chapter 9: August 31–December 2, 437

Chapter 10: December 3–31, 437

Chapter 11: January 1–9, 438

Chapter 12: February–March 438

Chapter 13: March 438

Chapter 14: April 438

Chapter 15: April–May 15, 438

Chapter 16: June–September 2, 438

Chapter 17: September 15–30, 438

Chapter 18: September 30–October, 438

Chapter 19: October 438–June 439

Chapter 20: Summer Term 439

Chapter 21: Summer Term 439

Chapter 22

Acknowledgements

Glossary

Also by Tamora Pierce

About the Publisher

The Lower Academy for Youthful Mages

SCHEDULE OF STUDY, AUTUMN TERM, 435 H.E.

Student: Arram Draper

Learning Level: 10

Breakfast – Third Morning Bell

Morning Classes

History of the Carthaki Empire

Essentials of Water Magic, beginning studies

Language: Old Thak

Lunch – Noon Bell

Afternoon Classes

Mathematics

Essential Earth Magic: Seed and Harvest (First Half Autumn Term); Stone and Earth (Spring)

Reading and Writing

The Tools of Magic: Bowls, Mortar and Pestle, Salt, Water, Vials

Supper – Seventh Afternoon Bell

Extra Study at Need

Arram Draper hung on the rail of the great arena, hoisting himself until his belly was bent over the polished stone. It was the only way he could get between the two bulky men who blocked his view. He knew it was risky, but he couldn’t waste his first chance to see the gladiators when they marched into the huge stadium. His father and grandfather were back at their seats, arguing about new business ventures. They weren’t paying attention, waving him off when he asked to visit the privies and never realizing he’d squirmed his way down to the rail instead.

Apart from them, he was alone. There were no friends from school for company. They all said he was too young. He was eleven – well, ten, in truth, but he