Druid's Bane

by Phillip Henderson

  “What was so tragic?” Danielle asked, finally accepting Joseph’s handkerchief and trying to compose herself.

  He hesitated. “I’m afraid it’s not for me to say. Wyatt refuses to speak of the matter, and I have an obligation to respect his wishes.”

  Danielle stared at him in disbelief, her anger flaring again. “So, first I’m not considered trustworthy enough to tell, and now I’m told that they live but that they had good reason to lie to me for ten years, yet I have no right to know why?”

  “Lass, it wasn’t meant to hurt you. You and Faith were both children, too young to understand. It was feared that if you were told the truth you’d do something foolish. We know how attached you both were to Glomar and Wyatt. It was thought that however painful it was, a clean break was best. Also the safest—you know how the church was treating those closest to your father, and what they would have done had they got their hands on Wyatt.”

  “I understand that Wyatt might have had good reason not to trust Faith and me as children. But we ceased being children a long time ago, Joseph. So how many people know about this?”

  Joseph bowed his head in regret. “Danielle, I know you’re hurting and you’re angry…”

  “HOW MANY, Joseph? I want to know who’s been laughing behind my back all these years as I placed flowers on two empty graves.”

  “No one has been laughing at you…”

  “All the members of your father’s inner council except Eden,” Faith said. “Wyatt is also a secret member—the one we have heard referred to as the grey wolf of Noren and thought a spy.”

  Danielle came to her feet, saying as calmly as she could, “It’s a shame my own father couldn’t show me the same loyalty. Now, if we’re finished, sir, I have a celebration I’m obliged to attend.”

  “Danielle, please sit yourself down; we need to talk this through.”

  “Why? It’s clear that I’m not trustworthy, and frankly, how do I know that what you speak now is even true?” She stopped at the door. “Oh, and sir, you can tell my father that I will be returning to Illandia as planned, and may the gods help him when I get there.”

  Faith caught Danielle’s arm as she stormed up the stairs. “Dee, I’m sorry.”

  They hugged briefly, finding comfort in each other’s familiar arms.

  “I’m supposed to be on my way to Wanstead, but if you want me to stay, I will,” Faith said, easing back and brushing the hair from Danielle’s face.

  Danielle caught her wrists. “No, you go. I know you have a busy schedule over the next fortnight. I’ll be fine. Tonight I intend to think nothing more about it. And tomorrow my father and I shall have words.”

  ***

  “Is this the way it’s going to be between us now?” Danielle asked.

  The banquet had ended some time ago, and needing some space to think she’d taken a walk in the torch lit garden. Now she was standing at the edge of Austin’s pond, throwing stones across its silvery surface and watching the ripples widen and converge. James was leaning against a tree in the shadow behind her. She had heard him arrive a few minutes ago. But for a few polite words it was the first she’d managed to speak with him all evening. Not at all what she was used to when they were together.

  “I thought you might join in. Dance with me, have a little fun, not watch me from the fringes like some sullen faced servant.”

  “I thought I should be discreet.”

  She heard him approach and then his coat was placed over her shoulders. “You looked wonderful tonight. You also look cold. Are you sure you don’t want to go inside. A little sleep wouldn’t hurt either. It’s been a difficult day and tomorrow is going to be longer I suspect.”

  “Where are you sleeping?” She knew his answer would not be to her liking.

  When he hesitated she said, “Oh, I see.”

  “It probably isn’t wise. Not here,” he said.

  Danielle shook her head. “It can’t work this way, James. It’s no different than before. It’s a bloody torment.” She knew he wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

  “Then how do you want this to work?” he asked.

  She turned to face him. “I want to be free with you wherever we are and regardless of what we might be doing.”

  He frowned, troubled. “Dee, I have a duty to perform. You know that.”

  “A duty? I wasn’t aware Fairfax had started sprouting assassins?”

  He conceded that much with a half smile, and offered his arm so they could walk along the stony path that followed the edge of the moonlit pond. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I could have been a little less rescinded. I think this arrangement is going to take a little bit of time to sort out.”

  She looked away at the pond, thinking. A bullfrog was in full song and the chirp of night insects offered a quiet chorus. “This is a little odd isn’t it? Suddenly together.”

  “Definitely a change from all our skulking about,” he agreed.

  “You’re obviously worried about it?”

  “A little.”

  “So talk to me.”

  “I don’t want our familiarity to embarrass you or damage your reputation, and I do fear for your safety, even if you do not.”

  “I know.”

  Danielle wheeled in front of him, took his wrists and reached up and kissed his lips. He slipped his hands into her hair and return her affections. After a few minutes Danielle broke off reluctantly and laughed, saying, “You did look miserable skulking around the fringes, even with big breasted Lady Claylon and her friends watching you like hawks eyeing hapless prey.”

  “More like a pack of vultures. Quite intimidating I tell you.”

  “Ah, so you noticed!”

  They both laughed and kept walking.

  James slipped his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. “The only thing I noticed was when my angel left to stack her plate with those sweet cakes she swears she never touches.”

  Danielle playfully hit him. “It was not stacked. Much.” She grinned devilishly at him. “Besides, I thought I might need the strength later … for you.”

  The depth of his love and desire for her were there in his eyes and without a word he bent and kissed her mouth with vigour. His hands slipped around her and he pressed her back up against a tree. A little moan escaped Danielle’s throat and she wished he’d take her right here.

  “You pleased me today,” she said between kisses. I’ve missed you so much.” It was wonderful to have him close again, but even his presence and their raising passion couldn’t bury her troubled thoughts completely and it wasn’t too long before she broke off and rested her cheek against his chest.

  “Thought so,” James said, gently stroking her hair. “ You want to talk about it? What happened this afternoon in the library”

  “You know me too well. Joseph likely spoke with you before he left this evening?”

  James nodded and eased back so he could see her face. “He did. He is worried. Very worried. He thinks your refusal to stop these rumours could force your father’s hand.”

  “I know.” She had been giving that a great deal of thought.

  “I wish you’d relent. It has caused nothing but trouble. Joseph told me it’s dividing your father’s camp. Lord Fairfax and Lord Worthford both see the reason in it, as do several others, even if they think the method questionable, and they think your father is overreacting. Your father clearly sees it as contrary to that. All it is doing is playing to your brother’s advantage by keeping the lot of you focused on things that don’t actually matter.”

  Bastion had made a similar observation not a week past.

  “It wasn’t my intention,” Danielle said. She pulled his shawl tighter around her shoulders before taking one of his hands and drawing him over to a small garden bench and so they could both sit down. “It’s never my intent to cause my father to worry. But your right, it is all I’ve been able to manage of late.”

  James put his arm around her and drew her in close again
st him. The night air was cool for this time of year.

  “So why not listen to Joseph in this matter and stop the rumours and make the formal apology your father has asked of you?”

  “You mean swallow my pride.”

  He kissed her head. “I do.”

  Danielle thought on that some more then said, “You’re probably right. I also need to apologise to Joseph. I treated him poorly this afternoon, despite your warning that none of this was his fault.”

  “You think I am only probably right?”

  “Fine, you are right. I’ll pen a letter of contrition to father as soon as we go in. A rider can take it to Illandia tonight with instructions to Joseph to circulate it immediately. It should help begin to mend the rift and calm the waters a little before my early return likely stirs them again.”

  James pursed his lips. “We could remain here another two weeks. There’s a lot of privacy. Plenty of time to figure out how this new arrangement should work between us?”

  “It does sound wonderful, but you know I can’t. This Vafusolum proposal could mean the difference between life and death for tens of thousands of the Emperor’s subjects.”

  “You’re right,” James conceded. “Then I’d happily deliver the message for you tonight. And I’m sure Lord Fairfax would gladly provide you with an escort tomorrow if I have not returned from Illandia in time to see you home.”

  “Thank you. I’d appreciate that,” She yawned and lay against his shoulder. “I’ll rest easier knowing you are my envoy. We should go in. No point staying awake if we’re not going to, you know what.”

  As he went to rise she stopped him. “Actually, one more thing. Tell me about Wyatt and Glomar. I have been thinking about them all night. How are they? Tell me everything,” She said.

  “I know they have missed you sorely.”

  Danielle smiled at hearing this, before saying, “Along with Joseph, they were my saving grace after mother was murdered. Wyatt was like the father I wished my own would be, and Glomar was the irreparable clown. He was so irreverent and downright bawdy, more akin to a child in a grown body than a stuffy protector.” She laughed, exhausted and well aware she was babbling. “He’d steal food from the palace kitchen, chase Faith and I around the garden or through the passageways of the palace. She looked up at James. “Did he do that with you? Always fun?”

  “And then some. He was always dedicated to my happiness.”

  “What about his stories?”

  “Had you on the edge of your seat or rolling about on the floor in fits of laughter.”

  Danielle laughed, remembering all those memories, and then grew pensive again. “Gods, how I have missed them. James, I feel terrible for the way I behaved in the library this afternoon.”

  “You shouldn’t.”

  “I need to apologise to Joseph.” She was quiet for a while and then said, “Please tell me about them?”

  “Let’s just say I grew up feeling terribly jealous of you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They dote on you, Danielle. Always have. You are their little girl. Wyatt is always talking about what your talent and passion will mean for the reform of the realm and Reformist Goddians everywhere. He reads everything you write, and he’s never happier than when news arrives of your latest coup de force in the council meetings. Of late he’s even been going to Amthenium when the Grand Assembly is sitting, just to watch and listen to you from the citizens’ benches.”

  She had to admit, it warmed her to hear that. “So, did he ever marry?”

  James chuckled.

  Danielle glanced up at him. “What?” When he didn’t reply quickly enough she playfully smacked his shoulder. “James, tell me.”

  “Glomar said you always doted on Wyatt.”

  “I was eleven years old, for the sake of Helhar. He was dashingly handsome and courteous and kind, and he always made time for Faith and me, bringing us strawberries and other treats. What little girl wouldn’t fancy him?”

  “Then you’ll be pleased to know he’s still single and still has the handsome Sydney looks. The only change is that his black hair has greyed around the temples and he’s much more serious these days.”

  There was a hint of regret in James’s tone, as if he wished his father were otherwise.

  “He always had supreme dedication to his duty,” Danielle said. “Something to be emulated and praised, I think.”

  “Except when it becomes an escape from other things.”

  Danielle frowned, surprised at the edge in his tone. “Escape? You mean this business that drove him from Arkaelyon?”

  “Yes. It haunts him; I see that as plain as day. He buries himself in his work.”

  “Do you know what it was that forced him into obscurity and to make up this elaborate charade?”

  James chuckled sardonically at that. “I’m as blind as you about that matter. I owe Wyatt and Glomar everything I am, and I respect and trust no one as much as them, but some parts of their lives I am firmly barred from, and much of whatever took place during the year of the Amthenium Treaty negotiations falls into that category. That said, I think it was a woman he loved.”

  “He was in love with a peasant maid, I remember. I never met her, but I heard her spoken of a few times and recall being every jealous.”

  “I think she was murdered … but it’s pure assumption on my part and the truth is I don’t know.”

  “I know how that feels.” She took a deep breath and said, “So what about Glomar?”

  “I think it is fair to say that Glomar has been waiting for this day for a long time.”

  “You said he didn’t agree with the decision, but nor did he go against it.”

  “Not something a liegeman would do, though he had enough stand up fights with Wyatt over the matter across the years. He’s missed his little girl. When we got the message that I was to take up the position as your protector, you should have seen him. He beamed from ear to ear and skipped about the deck of the ship, shouting like a madman. The crew and I didn’t know what to think.”

  Danielle laughed; she could see her short squat red haired peasant behaving so.

  “I had no idea what had possessed him,” James continued fondly. “Anyway, after a while I managed to get him below, where he promptly sat me down, plonked a bottle of wine down on the table, and proceeded to talk about his association with you. Despite everything that had been arranged, it was the first I knew that he had been your protector. It was obviously a tremendous relief for him to speak of it. The memories are clearly very precious to him. I didn’t get to my cabin much before dawn the next day, and only then because Glomar was too drunk to continue talking. Every day since, he’s come out with a new story.” James smiled pensively at the memory. “He clearly loved being your protector, Danielle, and if anyone regrets what happened, it’s Glomar. He longs to see you again.”

  Danielle laughed, tears springing into her eyes. “I’ve missed him so much. So what of him? Is he married?”

  “He has a woman in Lipton, and Maran, Illandia and a few other places. He’ll never marry—his heart’s too big for just one person. Which reminds me…” James looked away self-consciously.

  “What is it?”

  “Glomar instructed me to relay a message to you, word for word.”

  Danielle felt her heart race and sat up. “And…?”

  “Promise you won’t be offended?”

  “I know what Glomar’s like, so speak freely.”

  “He said to tell you that he thinks you’re a…well, he thinks you’re a spoilt little brat who needs her bottom spanked soundly.”

  Speechless, Danielle stared at him, and as James began to chuckle she thumped his arm. “Rubbish! You’re making that up.”

  “Gods’ truth, I’m not,” James said, flinching under her playful but solid blow. “When Glomar found out you had faced your twin brother in the tourney without chain mail beneath your plate, he was livid. Called you every name under the sun, and no
ne of them polite. He’s promised to teach you a good lesson in common sense when he sees you again. Gods, Dee, you think your father’s protective—if Glomar had his way, you’d be locked away in the palace tower for all eternity.”

  Danielle grinned through her tears. “I want to see him—both of them. Do you think they would mind?”

  A proud grin spread across James’s face. “It’s already been arranged.”

  She gaped at him, then squealed like an excited child and threw her arms around his neck in a smothering hug. “When?”

  “You’ll see Glomar again once you get back to Illandia from your duty at the Grand Assembly. His ship will be docking at Illandia. Then Wyatt has suggested a two-week sojourn to Aflton Abbey after your official visit to Lunwraith. Lady Galloway is invited also or course. Together you might be able to mend some fences.”

  Overcome with joy, Danielle hugged him tightly and closed her eyes. It had been the best and worst of days, and she was so happy it had ended this way.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Kane sat on a fallen tree trunk, swatting irritably at a fly as he waited for Orson’s scout. Even in the shade of the wood and with a faint breeze blowing, the air was thick and hot. He looked moodily over to where eleven Surlemian mercenaries lay in the dappled shadows of the trees, their crossbows and swords put aside as they laughed and joked in their own language and played at dice. Their horses were tethered a little farther out, most of them half obscured by the undergrowth. On the grass beside Kane, Fren sat cross-legged; her aged features taut in concentration as she rattled the small, well-worn bones and tossed them onto a smooth patch of earth she had cleared of died leaves and scratched some odd symbols into.

  Kane leaned back against the tree trunk. “You waste your time, Fren.”

  “And you, my dear Kane, worry overmuch. The bones still say the bill will pass.”