Fletcher

by P. S. Power

  “She is most lovely. Perhaps I could find someone to aid with makeup, in the current fashion here? Showing that you would fit in like that might set minds at ease.” Not that he knew at all who did that kind of thing there. His Mother wore makeup and did her own. Anders thought that was the case. He’d never seen it happening, just the results of it. She didn’t have a lot of riches and there were no specific attendants at all for them, so it had to be that.

  Standing he smiled.

  “May I bring some people to you for that? I have some… friends, who were looking for a way to meet all of you anyway. The low spies, who will seek to find out what foods you like and what musical fashions will set you at ease. That kind of thing? If you befriend them directly, I won’t have to keep prodding you for information myself. Which is good. As it is, I bet I’m up late at my other tasks for the day.”

  That last part was a bit low of him to even mention, since he’d told the ladies to call on him at need. Eltha tightened her face, as if becoming angry. Her words sent the thought away from his direction.

  “Is there great threat, that you must guard against?” There was no sense of false flattery to the words, as if that kind of thing was the job that a child might be sent toward on a regular basis.

  Then, it was clear that they thought he was a Magician and possibly possessed by a great power. Instead the poor boy Anders was simply possessed in part by Farad the historian. Hopefully in a way that didn’t ruin his life.

  “Nothing that grand. I’ve been set a task of making arrows. Fifty before the morning or I get a beating for failing. I have thirty of them made, so it isn’t as dire as all that. If the gown is laid out I can see to cleaning it for you, if that is needed after your journey?”

  Depak Sona would be better for the task, he didn't doubt at all. Some of what he did with cloth and color was well beyond the simple mutterings of a child. That these people might not be directly comfortable with the Barquea Ambassador came to him then. There had been fighting down south in their lands, between them. Even if honest effort were applied by the Magician, they might fear sabotage or some kind of magical harm would be applied.

  The Princess nodded at him directly.

  “Would you find such, then, for us? These people, who are your friends? I would meet, if that is allowed?”

  It probably wasn’t, strictly speaking. Still, getting in the right people would be seen as a kindness in more than one circle.

  “Let me run and put that together. If we can’t… Well, you walking in as you are would be enough. That trick you were pulling… I did mention that to some people. Prince Erold allowed that it was very clever of you. Not that it would have worked. You were too kind on the meeting and he wasn’t going to reject you anyway.” Which was simply true.

  Mainly out of duty to his kingdom and people, certainly. It was still the case at hand.

  There was a real seeming smile from the girl, who was still too tall.

  “That… sounds better than thought, I must say.”

  He bowed and walked backward.

  “I’ll return as soon as possible. Would it be all right if I bring a man in with me? I’ll stay, so that he won’t do anything improper, of course. Master Belford, if he’ll come. He’s very knowledgeable in the ways of the court. My tutor in such things? I’ll even ask him not to bring his stick, so you won’t be bruised before the meeting with the King later.”

  The words got a laugh from the ladies. All of them. As if it were a jest.

  Duma Sett chuckled, a low thing in her throat.

  “You wish us to believe that one such as you is beaten for minor transgressions? We do not understand this.”

  “I don’t either. Still, that’s what happens. I’ll run now. I was supposed to bring in some messages about now anyway, so have a reason to know where to go.”

  As soon as he was in the hallway, he walked at the fastest pace his legs would allow him to. You weren’t supposed to run inside the castle, unless there was an emergency. This didn’t count on the same level that a fire or attack would have, so he moved at a speed that neared that of a jog, without being one.

  Meaning five minutes later, he was able to knock on the door of Master Belford’s chamber, only to find that there were three people inside the space when the door opened up.

  Belford, Lyse and Lady Martya.

  Anders bowed, using the first courtly, even if his own Mother was in the room. He was there on business. Master Belford was at the door, the others holding back, both bending their knees under their dresses in a small bob. It was different than a full curtsy, a thing that he didn't know at all. Belford cleared his throat, noticing them doing it.

  “Is that proper? Our man here has come to aid us. He’s not in our hire or a servant. True, your son, Lyse. That doesn’t excuse you though Martya, does it?”

  The words got a silly face made at the man by the woman being scolded. She did a proper curtsy then, though Lyse simply moved forward.

  “We were expecting you a little earlier than this. Did duty get in the way?” She seemed doubtful on that idea.

  Which was fair. Normally her son hid from work, seeking play instead. Four or five days of doing more than that wouldn’t be enough to change the direction of years doing something else.

  “Forgive me but it did. I was summoned by Duma Clarisse Sett, and asked if I could aid Princess Sweyn in her presentation to the King later. They had a plan, using magics to put on a bit of a display. Except that would require specific attendants…”

  Master Belford understood the idea first.

  “Which won’t be allowed, since this is a presentation for marriage. They need… What, exactly?”

  Anders nodded, thinking while he did.

  “Courtly makeup for the Princess. Possibly some tips on how to manage the presentation as well. I made plans to introduce you directly Master Belford. I’ll have to stay, in order to guard them from you, of course. Not that you’d do anything untoward. As for the other part…”

  It was Lady Martya, who brushed her brown hair out of the way, even if it wasn’t at all, who smiled then.

  “That’s my task here, much of the day. Lyse, would you act as my assistant? It wouldn’t serve to seem understaffed. I’ll need my kit. You can carry that for me, Anders?” She looked at him closely, staring a bit, and batting her eyes at him.

  Flirting, even if it was out of place and losing them time. He bowed then. Using the flirtatious version that had been taught him.

  “For one as lovely as yourself? That would be a pleasure.”

  The words seem to please her and Master Belford. Regardless, the lady dashed out on her own, not bowing first. Master Belford moved to his desk, presenting three folded letters to Anders, for delivery. That had been the original plan, after all.

  “Even if we are to meet, it will be best not to stint on proprieties. I only wish that we had time to freshen ourselves before going. That can’t be helped, there isn’t time.”

  Thinking, Anders waved a hand.

  “Hold still? Let me…” It took a full minute to come up with the variation of what he wanted to do. A long and very complicated spell for him, taking ten whole concepts.

  Focusing, he did Master Belford first, removing dust first, along with dirt and adding in something new, tried for wrinkles. Carefully. The man stiffened as it happened, noting the cloud that moved off to the dust box near the door.

  When he did the same for his Mother, she giggled.

  “That does tickle, doesn’t it? Do I still have my own makeup on?” She looked at him, which showed that she did.

  “I only did the clothing. It’s a good point to remember in the future.” When Martya came back in, Lyse smiled and moved to pat her child on the shoulder.

  “Stand still, Martya. If you will, Anders?”

  The work still took better than half a minute, since it was in three separate parts. Unlike his Mother, Lady Martya simply looked amazed by the happenings, even if the actual ef
fects weren’t that large. They were clean people, tidy as a rule. Not much showed as things were changed.

  “I need to make friends with you then, don’t I, Anders? I’ll need to take back that flirting from earlier or else Lyse will never let me near you again. Unfortunately, I have nothing else at all to attract your attention.” She grinned, which was more playful this time, as if she meant it.

  Then she handed the large and fairly heavy box over to him. It had a handle on the top and thick leather straps that wrapped the whole thing. From the soft clinking there was glass inside of it. Jars of unctions and potions, no doubt.

  As soon as they had that part in hand, with him carrying the burden for the lady, they moved at his best walking pace toward the correct hallway. That was on the other side of the castle. Of interest, the three with him seemed to change as they entered the correct space. The hall guard looked at each of them, the spear coming out to stop them.

  Which never happened if he was alone.

  “Have you gentles appointments here?”

  The question was addressed to Anders directly, since the man recognized him.

  “We do. Messages and some other things for Duma Sett and her students. This was planned.”

  They were all searched again, with the fellow’s eyes. Then he nodded.

  “By your word then, Brolly. We’ve had three different people trying to sneak in to gawk at the dignitaries so far. Just wanting to stand in the hallway to catch a glimpse, if you can believe that? As if the new Princess and her people are an amusement or entertainment for them?” The guard actually seemed annoyed by the idea.

  Which was probably all to the good.

  “Agreed. If they want to do that, they should at least get introductions first. Tell people to come to Master Belford, Lady Lyse or Lady Martya for that? I can walk them in or deliver missives, if they’re serious.” It sounded officious to him but Master Belford smiled at the idea.

  His real one that he used when he didn't want to make people think he was an evil person that hated them in secret.

  “That should work. We’ll need a list of desired gifts and trinkets to smooth the way. Shall we, if we’re allowed to go forward, that is?” The words were spoken to the man in gray, who narrowed his eyes a bit, then pulled the spear back.

  “I’ll pass the word then, on how to get in to see people. Does that work for the Barquea Ambassador? I’ve had tales of the guards being bribed to allow people in so far. That’s poor work on their parts. There will be some beatings for it.”

  The problem there was that no one else was being introduced to Depak Sona that day. Anders didn’t really want people seeking him out for introductions either, being too busy for that kind of thing.

  “Let me enquire after that. For now, put the word out that he isn’t to be bothered unless an invitation is sent first. I do believe he’s open to that, his schedule permitting. This is just to prevent that gawking you mentioned.”

  The words got a stiff, formal seeming nod and they were allowed to walk on, heading to the correct door directly. That of Duma Sett.

  As soon as they were there, Martya took her heavy box back, so that Anders could bow correctly. The others stood in the hallway, doing their bit as well, which had all the women inside responding in turn.

  Anders spoke first.

  “These are my friends. Master Belford, who as mentioned is well versed and practiced in the ways of the court. Lady Martya, who is masterful in the art of makeup, and her assistant for the day, Lady Lyse, my Mother.” He turned then and reversed the idea. “We have over here, Duma Clarisse Sett, who is an Illusionist and tutor to these others. Eltha Tennet, student of illusion and companion to the Princess. Lady Sandra, who is both a companion and I believe here to gather information on us, much as you three seek to do with them, and most importantly to the day, Princess Del’eth Nierth Sweyn.”

  He had to bow to each in order, so that the others would recognize who went with which name. On the last portion, when the Princess was announced, Lady Martya gasped.

  “You’re lovely!”

  No one moved or spoke for a moment, so Anders nodded.

  “She is. Also, rather kind and gentle. Anyway, I was thinking that I’d assign Sandra to my Mother, both to be watched and be given the correct introductions at court for her work there. Just to start things off, of course. Master Belford, do you speak the Modroc language?”

  That got a bow, then the man speaking in what seemed to be rather proficient use of that modern tongue.

  “I do. It has been my task to aid Prince Erold in learning such. Why do you ask, Anders?” The look he gave him was telling. Meaning that the man had either worked out or been told directly about more than was proper, to the mind of a certain young boy who didn’t truly wish to be known as more than that.

  Even as he went around sounding like an old man, doing things no child should know to even try. It was a rather poor way to hide, he had to admit.

  “I was thinking that it might serve to have you introduced to some of the others, who do not have Istlan down well yet. You might aid in such learning for them?” Turning to the ladies, he bowed again. “We also have need for a list of things that you might need or want. As gifts or tokens? People will wish to visit with you, and these three are being put forward as your guards, to keep away the most annoying ones.”

  Everyone in the room, except Master Belford turned to stare at him. Probably because his archaic pronunciation sounded funny and awkward to the ear of native speakers.

  Speaking in Istlan, Master Belford smiled at Lyse.

  “You spoke to me about tutoring the boy some years ago. I did. He speaks several languages as well as Modroc. Barquea and he plans to learn Yansian soon, isn’t that correct, Anders?”

  He bowed toward the lying man. Then nodded as he stood.

  “I’m sure to collect many bruises as we study that! You spoke to the Queen then? She suggested that very thing to me, just this morning.”

  Everyone stared at them, with Master Belford narrowing his eyes. The look was different, speaking of greater and hidden things.

  “Perhaps. Now, we should go over what will be needed for the presentation at court? It truly isn’t difficult. Odd to you, possibly, so a bit of refreshing and practice won’t hurt anything. Then we can see to that makeup for you Princess Sweyn?”

  Everyone seemed to find that well enough planned. After the first run through on what to do, Eltha stood and waved at Anders.

  “You wished to see the gown we have planned? We laid it out for your inspection.”

  That sounded far more formal than him cleaning it did. When he moved to the other room, the main bed chamber, his Mother followed along behind them. That got a smile from the illusionist. She didn’t call her on it or anything.

  The brown and green dress was made of heavy fabric and in a cut that was very exotic. It had wrinkles in it from being boxed up for travel. A line of dust on one side, that was a light tan and smeared enough that it clearly wasn’t just a unique part of the design. The whole thing was a bit faded seeming, as if it were old and while probably well cared for, it was hard to see it as such in the moment.

  Starting into work took care of the worst of it. There was a stain on the lower portion about the size of his hand. Even using a more complicated spell to remove the grime there didn’t do more than get it to fade. Mainly because in the four hundred plus magical instructions and words he knew, none of them were the word for oil, specifically. He could remove dirt, skin, hair and set the thing on fire, which wasn’t going to do much to fix the issue of the moment.

  The wrinkles were pulled out, by moving the fabric at a tiny level, so it was only that last bit that remained. Eltha closed her eyes then, seeming stressed.

  “The promise was that we’d use illusion. The thought was that we might not need a fine gown at all, what with Sweyn being sent back home as too ugly, almost instantly. What are we to do here? You cannot fix it?”

  Lyse wa
s standing back, seeming nearly worried about the whole thing. She fidgeted a bit, and her eyes were wide enough to show mild fear over it. She didn’t have any good suggestions, so Anders picked the thing up.

  “I might be able to have something done. Don’t ask how. Let me see to this…”

  For some reason the foreign woman seemed to trust him with the gown. The others looked at him as he walked through the main room, the lesson and review not being slowed at all. The trip down the hallway wasn’t a long one and when he knocked on Depak Sona’s door, the man called for him to enter instantly.

  Which meant bowing with a dress in his arms, toward both the Ambassador and Princess Aisla. They both stood, as if he might be someone important. After they saw who was there, which was normal for Depak. He didn’t know enough about the Princess to be aware if that was her way as well.

  “Hello! This dress has a stain on it, and I don’t know how to remove oil, specifically. It…” He shrugged then. “You might not want to aid with it. It’s for the Modroc Princess. They were intending to use illusion to make a spectacle, so weren’t worried about the gown under that too much. Only the Princess is expected to present herself alone, and…”

  There was a slow smile.

  “Yes. Many have difficulties casting magic at a distance like that. Still, even if there are difficulties between our peoples, it does no one good to allow the girl to be embarrassed. Great-granddaughter, you know the styles of Istlan. A traditional gown is welcome here? In that far removed fashion?”

  There was a nod, as the Princess stood up. She glanced at Anders then and crossed her eyes.

  Speaking calmly, she put her hand over the oil stain and muttered something. It pulled out of the cloth in thin tendrils of gossamer, ending on her hand, which she moved away to wipe off on a kerchief. A thing that had Depak Sona looking mildly upset.

  “Lazy work. Take the time to do it right, each time, unless an emergency presents.” It was a rebuke and spoken in Scara.

  She made an annoyed face at the man.

  “It isn’t as if I get regular practice here. They do not know that I have this training. Save this boy here. I don’t suppose you could spell him not to speak of this to anyone else? It isn’t forbidden to have magic, just not trusted all the time.”