“Well, you're right,” he said, squatting beside her and pulling a timothy head. “So what do you want to do?”
“Fight back!” she said, dropping to her knees beside him. “Or at least be able to. You know, I don't really understand why the Elves haven't wiped them out by now, Fuzz. Inney told me once about when they almost did. They tracked the monsters to their stinking caves and killed nearly every one of the curses where they slept before the handful which survived got away. And when they can do nearly everything just a little better than we can, why didn't they ever hunt down those survivors and end the menace? When I think of little Aalin, it makes me want to cry.”
“Tramman was telling me about that, once,” he said as he watched the ewe graze bite by bite to the foot of the target. “He said that they did indeed hunt down the trolls that got away and they were right certain they'd got all of them, too. So when the next troll raid occurred years and years later, they were completely unprepared and lost eleven children all in one night. Can you imagine?”
“Oh Fuzz, what are we going to do? It's a true paradise here without the troll raids. I've never in my life been around such wonderful, wonderful people. Inney's the sweetest kid I've ever known. And I really did want to have the baby right here. But the trolls scare me. And I find myself missing Niarg more, day by day. I keep thinking we should be there for the birth. It's where we really belong.”
Fuzz scooted closer, picked up her hand and closed his eyes as he kissed her wrist. “Then maybe we should go home, dear,” he said. “The Elves have told Karl-Veur and me that we might well hire a fishing boat from Gwael to take us across the sea.” He paused to look at her. “And there's nothing to stop us from doing it right now if we were to buy our passage with some of the jewelry that washed up on the beach in your trunk. Now believe me, I'd never just up and tell you to do such a thing...”
“I'll give every blooming jewel I thought was long lost if it takes it,” she said. “Well, not the emerald necklace from Mother nor your earrings that match. Well. You know, I'd almost give those to go home.”
“Then it sounds as though you might be serious. Well if you think it over and...”
“That would just waste time. I'm ready to go pack.”
“Then I'll go talk to Tramman right now.”
“Fuzz,” she said, putting her hand on his arm before he got to his feet. “I will stay if you want.”
“You really would, wouldn't you?”
“Of course I would.”
“That's why I'm crazy about you, Rose,” said Fuzz. “But I miss Edward. I mean, what must he think after all this time?”
Suddenly two half grown strike falcons appeared out of the grass and came dashing up to them across the butts with a rabbit apiece, startling the sheep.
“Carrey and Sidoor!” she said, shooting to her feet to hug Carrey's fluffy neck. “How'd they get out?”
“Sidoor kept putting images of fat rabbits in my head, so I thought about you out here and turned them out.”
“So what about our birds, Fuzz? We can’t leave them behind.”
“Of course not,” he said as he watched the birds drop their rabbits and rip them into pieces small enough to swallow. “They go with us, and that’s all there is to it. Now, I think we should find Karl-Veur and see if he wants to go with us or stay here.”
“Or go back to the Dark Continent. After all, you know he misses Yuna and young Yann-Ber. I think we should let him know that it’s all right with us if he changes his mind about trying to get into Demonica’s good graces.”
“Oh sure. But I’ve got a feeling he's set on doing what he came with us to do, in spite of the price he has to pay.”
“Let's go,” said Rose as she unstrung her bow and picked up her quiver.
“Then we talk to Tramman and Obbree about hiring a fishing boat,” he said, taking her by the hand.
“I’m for that,” she said, squeezing his arm.
***
The dry late summer breeze scrubbed the floor of the room with the fluttering shadows of maple leaves. Jays called. Spitemorta studied the gowns in Ugleeuh's wardrobe and hissed. “Looks like its time to see if my dressmakers are still alive. I'm tired of conjuring everything I wear since those damned Niargians set fire to the castle,” she said, angry once more at the thought of it. With a snarling huff, she yanked a black silk gown from the wardrobe and studied it. “What awful rot!” She threw it onto the floor for Bethan to deal with. She went on, pulling out a dress at a time and flinging it onto the floor until she found a black satin gown trimmed with vermillion lace which caught her eye just as she was starting to pitch it. “Hmmm.” She fingered the material here and there, looking for signs of wear. “This one just might do once or twice before I have to cover it with a glamourie.” She slipped off her nightgown to try it on before the rippling mirror which was the best old Peredur could find for her. She turned this way and that to see herself from every possible angle. “Well. The bodice is a bit daring for not needing a beau, but it will do.”
“Perfect,” said Demonica with an encouraging grin.
“Damn you!” cried Spitemorta, whirling away from the mirror to face her.
“That gown suits you better than it did your mother and it certainly shows your charms,” she said with a puckish gleam in her eye.
“My charms are my affair, Grandmother,” she said through her teeth. “I don't want any part of your opinion in the first place, so stop popping in on me all the time.”
“Well good morning to you too, dear,” said Demonica. “What is it this time? Had another spat with the right handsome General Coel? Well don't worry. That dress will make him forget all about it.”
“Beat it!”
“Now if you look inside your mother's ebony jewelry casket on her dresser, I think you'll find the perfect piece to accent that daring neckline.”
“What?” said Spitemorta with an incredulous look. “Are you here to accessorize my gown, or is there a point to your appearance?”
Demonica threw back her head for a laugh. “As I've tried endlessly to demonstrate for you dear, one always has a clear agenda in mind, if he's to be effective,” she said with a sudden sweet smile. “I've been thinking about your plan to take control of the Dark Continent, my Rouanez Bras, and while it may have its merits, I think you'll want to give serious consideration to consolidating your power here on this continent first. In fact, now is the very time to do so, since the fall of Niarg has undoubtedly demoralized their allies and made you appear as though you might be a good investment to yours. And if you are quick, you should be able to replace a fair number of the troops you lost to Niarg's army if you conscript the combined forces of the remaining kingdoms of Norz-Meurzouar.”
Spitemorta was already tramping about in an angry circle. “Once again Grandmother, you go blaming me for things other people were responsible for!” she cried with a fling of her arms as a wadded gown slipped from under her foot. “You told me yourself that the Gwaelean army was good enough to beat Niarg, but now you say it's my duty to replace all their losses,” she said as she scooped up an armful of dresses and heaved them out the window.
“Excuse me dear,” said Demonica as she sat on the edge of the bed, “but did you just miss the fact that the Gwaelean army did beat Niarg's army? Maybe they do need to replace the soldiers which were lost, but aren't the remains of Niarg's army now your prisoners?” She lifted an eyebrow to study Spitemorta for a moment, staring out the window with her hands planted on the sill. “Meanwhile, you need to get control of the rest of Norz-Meurzouar before you worry about Azenor. Besides, he'll give you far more respect if you rule this entire continent. And that fact won't be lost on King Vortigern, either. You may want him a bit wary of your might if you're unable to get your daughter back from wherever your help have stashed her. In fact, what would keep the wet nurse from doing in the little biter, dear? After all it's not like she'd have formed any sort of attachment to your toothy babe.”
> “So now I'm to blame for Nasteuh's deformaties too, aye?” she cried, giving the sill a furious slap. “Why don't you just shut your smug mouth and go back to where ever it is you go when you aren't tormenting me!”
“That would indeed save me all your childish dramatics, now wouldn't it?” said Demonica with a deep and thoughtful nod as she watched Spitemorta cross the room to the dresser. “But the sad truth is that if you don't do something decisive, you'll be lucky to even remain queen of Niarg-Loxmere-Goll...”
“And just what do you think I've been doing, Grandmother?” said Spitemorta as she opened Ugleeuh's ebony casket. “My word! Where did my mother get such an exquisite ruby necklace?”
“Well certainly not enough, dear. If it were me I'd have my soldiers out combing the continent for my missing daughter, for one thing. You owe Vortigern. I'd also be sitting up late, planning just how I'd conquer each of the remaining kingdoms here on Norz-Meurzouar. If you don't strike while the iron's hot, those wee realms just might unite against you, and considering the size of the army you have left, you may be hard- pressed, facing them as a unified force. And the ruby necklace was a birthday gift from your mother's uncle Razzorbauch. He dotted on her. I have no idea why.”
“But what about my castles?” said Spitemorta as she tried on the rubies in front of the mirror. “I need a proper castle to rule from.”
“I'm not sure I heard you, Rouanez Bras,” said Demonica, suddenly looking her up and down. “Surely not. And would you stop admiring yourself long enough to actually hear some of this? Until your new castles are up, you could rule from my keep on Head or from James's castle in Loxmere. I honestly don't see why you chose to come here to Peach Knob and take up residence at all. It makes you look small, to put it in your terms. Small and weak.”
“Well, I thought I should oversee the building of my castle here if you must know,” she said, avoiding Demonica's gaze. “I suppose I could let some of Coel's men see to all of that and move to Castle Loxmere, but I'd have all sorts of enemies there.”
“So? You like killing people. Make them take a vow of fealty and execute any who resist. Really! If I need to spell this out, you definitely aren't fit to rule the world, let alone even one country...”
Without warning there was a knock at the door. “Oh Your Majesty,” sang a voice from outside the door just as Bethan waddled in with a tray. “I heard voices, so I thought you and your company would like some tea and cinnamon buns just now out of the oven.”
Demonica vanished.
“Damn you, Grandmother,” said Spitemorta. “You would have fun making me look like a fool!”
“Why I...” said Bethan, stopping short to blink her wide eyes at the possibility of being regarded as “Grandmother” before gawking this way and that for the missing company.
“And you,” said Spitemorta, grabbing a bun for each fist off the tray. “If you want to go on amongst the living, that will be the very last time you ever walk in on me without my ringing for you first. Now take those dresses off the floor and that stupid tray and beat it. Oh. And pack your things. We'll be moving to my castle in Loxmere in a day or two.”
“Why I most certainly will mind that you ring first from now on, Your Majesty,” stammered Bethan, “but this is my home. I don't want to leave here. Who'll look after it?”
“Peredur,” she said. “And it's not open for discussion. You either die or come with me.”
Bethan gave a frantic curtsey and stumped about, picking up the dresses and getting out of breath. She gave another curtsey, grabbed up the tray and stepped out the door. She hurried down the hallway, shaking her head and working her mouth. Down the stairs she went, nearly losing her balance. In the kitchen, she gave way and sat the moment she set the tray on the board. “Oh Minuet, my honey dewdrop,” she sobbed. “How I wish you and your daddy was home.”
***
Rose and Fuzz set out hand in hand for the huddled houses of Balley Cheerey with their two tawny shawkyn spooghey, already as tall as they were, scampering along behind. Tramman and perhaps Obbree would be at the mews, this time of day. Across the commons cattle bawled, being driven to new pasture. Sheep bells tinkled. Meadowlarks called hither and yon. Fuzz stumbled into Rose as they walked, giving her a squeeze to go with her giggles. It was a gorgeous morning.
The mews had grown to twelve great barns standing together in the middle of the village in the midst of their respective lots to one side of a great circular arena. Back in the beginning of life on the Strah, long before Baile Tuath came to be known as Balley Cheerey, Olloo recognized that each austringa would need his unicorn immediately at hand when setting out with his strike falcon to face peril, so the floor of each barn was divided into a row of stalls stabling unicorns across the feed-way from the row of stalls for the birds, while there hung from the timbers down the isle saddles and bridles on one side and rufter hoods, jesses, bells and leashes on the other.
Carrey and Sidoor playfully scattered some chickens as they came to the third barn before dashing inside and down the feed-way to their stalls in the ambience of clean bedding and cooing pigeons.
“What do we do with our little unicorns?” said Rose as she closed Carrey's gate. “They're not even broke yet.”
“There's no reason why we can't start breaking them to ride, now,” said Fuzz, turning to study them. “They're big enough to bear our weight. And it'll probably be a while before we find a ship, but even if we do right away, there's surely time...”
“Hush!” said Rose. “Don't I hear children?”
“Sounds like they're in the fourth barn. Let's go see. Then, we should go find Karl- Veur.”
“He's standing right behind you with Coady,” said Rose.
“It's handy, having Coady's stall right next to Carrey and Sidoor,” said Kerl-Veur as he ruffled the feathers on Coady's neck. “He's constantly sharing mind pictures with them, even when they've got a good distance between them. He let me know that you were a-looking for me. By any chance are you all wanting to have your baby someplace else?”
“Yes!” said Rose. “They are getting good.”
“Well,” said Karl-Veur. “I'm surprised that I guessed right. The images he put in my head had you much further along, holding your middle as you ran about all over the place, peering into empty strike falcon nests. So. Is that really right?”
Rose nodded, still looking astonished at birds managing to do this.
“So that means on to Niarg, right?”
“Well,” said Rose. “Yes, but... You surely miss Yuna and Yann-Ber...”
“Absolutely. More than anything. I think about them every hour of every day, but I don't miss them enough to let Demonica ruin the world for them. I have a mission and it's time I went on with it. So when do we go?”
“As soon as we find Tramman and Obbree,” said Fuzz. “They spoke of fishing boats that might be hired.”
“Right next door in the fourth barn,” said Karl-Veur, motioning with his head. “They have a slew of seventh naming day kids with their new eyases in baskets, over there mucking out the mews.”
“So that's what we've been hearing,” said Rose.
They stepped into the fourth barn to the excited shouts of new austringas pitching out piles of manured bedding, and the thumping of running feet overhead in the mow as dollop after dollop of cured big bluestem grass cascaded down the hay-drop. Little eyases gawked one eyed from their pin-feathered heads from their row of baskets perched on the unicorn feed boxes. Presently they realized that Tramman and Obbree were quietly standing beside them, watching the pandemonium.
“Come for some extra training on the care of your shawkyn spooghey?” said Tramman.
“We wanted to speak with you two,” said Fuzz.
“Sounds serious,” said Tramman.
“Yea,” said Fuzz. “We've decided it's time for us to go on home.”
“That's terrible,” said Tramman, trading a disappointed glance with Obbree. “We've truly loved having you one
s here, but we knew this time was a-coming. Let's go see Olloo. He makes all the deals with the fishermen from Gwael.”
They found Olloo sitting in front of the sod cottage which had once belonged Oisin and Doona. The two geese sitting beside him sprang to their feet and came hissing, necks stretched out ahead of them. Wind chimes tinkled in the breeze. Old hens murmured, pecking at this and that. “Each of you, have 'ee a seat,” he said, standing up. “Roseen's in putting on the tea.”
“You couldn't have been expecting us,” said Rose.
“Oh, but he has been,” said Roseen from the doorway with a tray of biscuits.
“You have the gift of foretelling?” said Fuzz.
“Nope. Just a gossipy strike falcon with mind pictures.”
“So what all did our birds tell your strike falcon, Olloo?”
“Well, We knew you were coming for certain, but we're having to guess about lots of the rest of it...”
“These biscuits are wonderful,” said Rose.
“Secret recipe,” said Roseen.
“Poop!” said Olloo. “Zie's playing tricks. Elves don't have secret recipes. She probably does make these better than anyone else, but everybody makes these.”
“I'm about to stir up another batch,” said Roseen. “Just step inside directly and see what I throw together.”
“I'd be happy to speak with a Gwalean fishing captain or two about passage to Mooar-Rheynn Twoaie...” said Olloo.
“Mercy!” cried Fuzz, shooting to his feet and sitting right back down. “You're not having to guess about much of this.”
“Well here's the part you don't know,” said Olloo. “I would indeed be happy to speak with a captain or two, under one condition.”
“Yes?” said Fuzz, sharing a surprised look with Rose.
“Zie and I want to go with you.”
“What?” gasped Obbree.
“You can't be serious, Olloo,” said Tramman. “Who'd be captain of the austringas?”
“You, ding-dong. Just keep doing what you've been a-doing. You're already an excellent captain of the austringas. I haven't been anything but a figurehead for years and years. But do me a favor. Let Inney do something important. Quit protecting her so much. She's more than ready. Anyway. Roseen and I are ready for an adventure. We want to see old faces in Mooar-Rheynn Twoaie for a few years. We'll be back.”
Heart of the Staff - Complete Series Page 175