by Andre Norton
The establishment of Ravinga, the Doll Maker:
Ravinga put a second lamp to one side, and between that and its fellow she stood two dolls with steadied care. Then she sat and considered them for several long moments, before bringing out a second protective case. From this she took a third carefully wrought figure, one of the special ones—Yuikala, the Diamond Queen.
Again she sat in deep study, before she leaned forward and lightly tapped each of her choices, Hynkkel-ji, Allitta, and the Queen, on the forehead as if she were demanding their strict attention.
In the Royal Palace at the Feast:
At the feast in the palace, halfway across the city, the Queen smiled with carefully practiced charm at Allitta and held out her hand. The girl curtseyed and bent her head to kiss the massive diamond ring on the woman’s hand.
“Good indeed is the day,” the Queen said, “when an injustice is righted. To welcome back Vurope adds to the brightness of this occasion. Sit beside me child . . .”
There was no way of avoiding it, though Allitta was well aware that, in the past, Vurope was rumored to have been brought down by some action of Yuikala. She murmured dutifully and took the proffered place.
She concentrated upon the light conversation the other began, striving not to miss any word. For she was back where no word could be fully trusted, having not been schooled in the finest nuances of intrigue, and she knew the weaknesses of her own position.
So—this girl—this unseasoned girl, thought the Queen, has chosen to evoke power, which she certainly cannot successfully use. What had the latest whisper been? The child—she had indeed been a child when Vurope had fallen—overlooked at the clearing out of a rebellious lot—Where had she taken refuge? With that maker of dolls, as an apprentice—untrained in any courtly fashion—if she tried to get satisfaction for the past, she would fail even before she started. However it might be well to keep an eye on her.
Her thoughts turned now to a ploy of her own. The unwritten but never questioned Law of Custom presented her a chance to use her own Power to extend it—to become a most substantial shadow behind the throne. The Emperor could not formally mate. But that did not deny him a female Companion. She glanced at the figure who had taken his place facing her across the table. Sooner or later this also untaught, near barbarian outlander would be tempted to taste favors early spread before him.
Only, who was as beautiful as Berneen? And who in this court was as beautiful as Berneen? The Queen shifted the angle of her gaze to note that the dear child did make a splendid show tonight. Unlike most of the feminine company who glittered with jewels and near raw color, Berneen was dressed with a simplicity which was the perfect framing for her flawless features, the startling appearance of what could only be any man’s ideal. And she was suitably stupid, also. The girl had never had a complete thought in her life. But she had been carefully drilled to deliver the appearance of one well aware of any court need.
This Hynkkel-ji—he was, of course, an unknown problem she must solve. Again the Queen looked at him. However, he must be ignorant of all that would make his situation easier. He was used to a much more simple life and he could not help but make mistakes, perhaps grave ones. But let her establish Berneen as his close Companion and naturally he would welcome her grandmother and then—The Queen smiled—all she knew would be at his service. Yes, the future was most interesting. Queen Yuikala smiled, raised her goblet and drank a silent toast to the future.
In the Doll Maker’s Shop:
Ravinga studied the figure swathed in court robes, and also swathed in plans. Perfectly logical those plans were, only to be expected under the circumstance. However, that woman so steeped in courtly intrigue did not know the quality of those two she believed to hold no higher rank than game stones to be moved at her will. Only, there was the matter of time. Ravinga was well aware that the Dark One was speeding up his preparations—there was a hint that Hynkkel’s brother had joined with the gathering band of young, restless warriors who had gravitated to Shank-ji in the desert outlands. Also these new rats—there were many strange tales about them. The doll maker arose to return the figures to their cases. Time—it was settling on her like a burden growing heavier every moment. She must urge forward plans of her own.
Hynkkel-ji:
This was my first official feast and there was enough about me to distract attention. However there was the feeling that I was under observation. I was not sure. Murri was not here or I could have checked with him. The great cats have keener senses then men.
I looked down the line of faces of those before me—not really knowing what I was seeking. There was my father in his long-preserved dress uniform, which had been his constant wear in the past. And my sister smiled in a greeting I was swift to answer. There was Allitta, still somewhat of a surprise. And beyond her by several places—for once my eyes did not sweep on. I had already noticed, as what man could not—that there were many beauties from the five courts. But this one was indeed rare and I wondered who she was. She wore the diamond insignia of Valapa but no House order. Certainly she was very young and shy, hardly raising her eyes from her plate. I had an odd feeling that she needed support in this place—and in that way we were akin. Somehow—yes, I would like to meet her and discover what lay behind those down-turned eyes.
However such social aspirations were of no matter now. At times, in spite of the company about me and the need to be ever gracious and show interest in my neighbors, uneasiness clouded my thoughts. Tomorrow, as Chancellor Giarribari suggested, I would meet with the Queens in close conference. One of the most important needs was for me to learn all I could about the depredations of the new species of rats that were now ravishing the outer lands. Already caravans were being almost constantly harried, making the depended upon trade difficult.
Rats—the worst curse of our land—now this new kind, larger, stronger, and, though it was hard to believe—apparently having some mind power unusual for such vermin.
Almost I was thinking too much of this and was not as aware as I should be of what was going on around me, for I suddenly caught Giarribari’s eye and realized that time for Queen toasts had come, to honor the heads of the lands.
I gripped my goblet and arose, the rest of the company rising with me.
Allitta:
I gave a sigh of relief when I saw Hynkkel-ji move. This tedious festival was at an end. Throughout the feast I had been ever on guard. The more graciously Queen Yuikala noticed me, the more wary I had become. So far I could not guess her motive. Certainly she was not so engaged by my person that I should expect such interest from her. In regaining my inheritance, I wondered, into what web might I be walking? The royal toasts having been given and acknowledged; we were going to be free at last. I had determined that, when I was able to leave here, I would not go to the High House of Vurope but instead to Ravinga, in spite of the late hour. Upon her quick thought, her deep knowledge of Valapa and its people, I thought I could depend.
I managed to get away from the Queen at long last. She had abruptly shifted her attention to another lady. This one was also encased in courtly style but she was quite young. I myself do not claim to have many years behind me but also I have lived a life far removed from those now about me. (Suddenly I realized that my own lack of polish must be shared alone by Hynkkel-ji out of this company.) This girl curtseying before Yuikala was almost childlike in her action and appearance, wearing innocence like a crown. And—she was the greatest beauty I had ever seen.
Only I had no time for the strangers now—Ravinga—I must see her as soon as possible. There were still crowds in the street, late as it was. My escort made good time. I watched the officer leading and signaling a path free. As soon as possible I must make myself acquainted with those who dwelt under my new roof. We went to the back entrance of Ravinga’s shop. On the doorstep awaited three Kottis. One does not get a Kotti, as one might buy a mount. They, and they alone, choose whom they wish to honor with their presence. I wondere
d if ever one such would come to my house. Now they flitted ahead of me as Ravinga appeared from the shadows. I had eaten and drunk too well and so declined what lay on the plate and in the goblet she had set out when she indicated a stool on the opposite side of the now bare worktable. Seating herself across from me she did not speak for a long moment, but rather studied me as if I were only a half finished doll. Then she nodded—as if in response to some private thought—and began.
“There is a problem arising, one which was not foreseen.”
“That being?”
“Ambition and desire for power are potent evils. An Emperor without strong House ties, one nearly unknown to those he would rule, untrained to his position; such is strong meat to lure any hunting cat. What think you of Yuikala?”
“Rather what does she think of me?” I countered, somehow knowing that my uneasiness must be plain.
“She plans. I believe that she is so set on those plans that she seeks from the beginning to note any threat to them. Did you mark Berneen, who is her granddaughter and her prized possession?”
I was sure she spoke now of that fresh young beauty and nodded.
“Such as could be a noted Companion—” she paused.
Our Emperors do not lawfully mate any woman, no matter how beautiful and worthy of that position one might be. But they do not go unaccompanied throughout their reigns. To be so close to the throne is considered an honor. I knew enough of courtly custom to understand at once Ravinga’s suggestion.
“This Berneen will be set to catch Hynkkel-ji’s eye? Is she in heat?”
“Not yet. However there are ways,” Ravinga did not explain, rather she continued with what was a near order of her own. “Guile can be met by guile. I would have you aware of what this might mean but I shall leave to you what could be your coming role.”
I was already shaking my head. “I—it is not for me to play such a game. He—he is not what I want. As you know I am not in heat, nor do I want to be. My freedom of such ties is dear to me.”
She smiled suddenly. “As I say, choices are always ahead of us and our needs may change. This I do want you to do—be with him when you can and watch—there is a darkness spreading over the land and we may none of us do what we want to do, but rather, what is right and needful.”
I sighed. There had been a note in her voice—Ravinga was not one to fear rumors; somehow she believed in this danger before us and that it might curse us all.
CHAPTER 3
Hynkkel-ji:
Our council—Queens and Emperor—was duly held. I felt as I had when I fearfully walked through the saltpans during the trials—one false move and I would be in trouble. Thus I listened with care. Behind me Murri sat, intent upon us. How much he understood without direct contact between the two of us I did not know. However his presence was, in itself, something that erected a wall for my support.
Untangled from all the formality of a court conference the news was certainly not what one could welcome.
“Those of the caravans, August One,” Alompra, Queen of my own Kahulawe, flipped through a report of her own with slender sapphire laden fingers, “are protesting to the throne. The caravans are the life’s blood of the Outer Regions—without the linking they offer, no Queendom could stand and prosper. Here I have,” again she fingered those sheets of scraped thin oryxen hide, “the latest complaints. Trail Leader Kahlaeween, one whose words must be taken as true even as they are dour, has had one encounter which lost her not only several yaksen loads but even one of her people.” She pushed her report towards Giarribari.
Should that not have been offered to me, I wondered. Or was I so uncertain that I read sly disparagement into that simple action?
“There are the way guards,” I returned. “To aid the caravans is their first duty.”
It was not Alompra who answered that, rather Pamirra of Azhengir. “The guards are riding trails about each of our Queendoms, August One. But there are only so many trained men and the land is wide. In the past we had many valiant warriors but their numbers have dwindled—” She paused, as if waiting some comment from me. I had no idea of what to say.
So it went and I came to feel that between me and the five resplendent women before me there was indeed a barrier, which must be pierced. At length, having heard their reports, I turned to the Chancellor who had gathered all together.
“Let all the knowledge possible on this subject, past and present, be gathered for my consideration.”
Giarribari bowed, her expression impassive. I once more addressed the company.
“Crowned Ones, soon it is my duty to visit each of your holdings. Then decisions can be made and well understood.”
Each bowed her head and arose, facing me for a step or two as they retreated backwards, and I answered their curtseys by standing to watch them out, well aware that there was a very good chance that I had perhaps displayed an awkward handling of what might be now one of the most important problems facing me.
Allitta:
The hour was very early when I was borne into the courtyard of Vurope House. What occupied my mind was Ravinga’s reading of the future. Why had I ever listened to her from the beginning? I was going to tread a trail for which I had no guidance. No stone cat marked direction. However—As I descended from the carry chair, making sure to thank all those of my house following for their service, I was suddenly aware of another voice.
The carved door of the house was opened by two uniformed servants, bowing. However, before them was another on the fore step. For a moment I did not move—Then I knelt on the pavement and held out my hands.
“Welcome, Wise One!”
The Kotti came to me as if we had long been friends. It looked up at me with great golden eyes, somehow reassuring me that the day now dawning would be better than the night just past. Fur was soft and silken beneath my hands, a hue so gray it might be blue. The little one purred, rubbed its head against me, allowing me to continue to hold its soft body as I arose.
I looked closely into those gem like eyes turned up to me. “What is the name you bear, beautiful one?”
What I had often been told would happen at such an initial meeting came to me. A name suddenly occurred to my mind.
“You are Kassca—”
A strong mew answered me. Cuddling my new companion, I went on through the open door into my resurrected House.
Hynkkel:
Murri padded close beside me as I left the conference room. There was a goodly space left free for our passing. Sand Cats were the enemy—that verdict was wide spread. I wanted no trouble for one who had been my comrade during perilous times. There was a hiss—a whisper hiss—to my right and I knew without looking that the Blue Leopard must be appeased, and soon. I sent a thought to the silent one who was sitting there:
“Where be your warriors, Commander? Will you gather them so that matters can be made plain?”
We three had paused, and beyond, courtiers ringed us about. Those I did not desire to witness such a meeting. I signaled to the human captain of the inner guard. He came, keeping a respectful distance from Murri.
“Captain Yawkwee, I would give respect to the warriors in fur. Show me, by your courtesy, where is the proper gathering place.”
He made sweeping salute, touching his diamond dusted white fur headdress.
“There be their own council place, August One. By your favor I can guide you so.”
I looked to the rest of the gathered courtiers. And I think it was that sweeping stare alone which dispersed them. Whether I had again offended custom I did not know. The twists and turns of court etiquette might never be understood fully by me but there was no use wallowing in uneasiness and guilt. I must do my best and not concern myself with the wilderness of rules.
The captain took the lead and we traveled through a maze of hallways and rooms. This palace was in many ways a puzzle and one must surely have a trail map or guide to reach any goal. I was so ushered into a chamber, which appeared apart from the
rooms in which men and women gathered. This had much more the seeming of a cave in one of those rock islands, which formed the abiding places of the outer Queendoms. There was no highly polished floor, no windows—rather a gloom much like that of early night. Slightly to one side of the entrance, stones, which actually looked rough, had been built into a low platform.
The dusk curtained the other side of this cave room. Out of those shadows leopards now padded. For the most part they were black, hard to distinguish in this half-light. But there were other blues, matching their leader, who stood still to my right. I guessed that he had used some mind call to summon them. They continued to come and I marveled at this army, which, by custom, I could command to battle if I wished.
At last no more emerged from the shadows. It was notable that those close enough for me to see clearly, eyed Murri with no welcome. But the Sand Cat remained impassive. Those before him might have been a collection of carved beasts, which were to be seen in any occupied part of the Outer Regions.
I have always met animals with friendship. In my boyhood I had tended the herds. These beautiful cats—how could I justly answer their inborn suspicion of Murri?