“…and this would be the master bedroom, no pun intended. I could stay here now if necessary, but it really needs a new mattress and a coat of paint, some repairs on these old floor tiles…”
“Of course, you should be comfortable. You have done so much in only a brief time, and I am in no hurry to shoo you from Theriole. Please do not hesitate to use our resources to get what you need: new furniture, a mattress, hangings, equipment…. I am serious. That is, at least, one thing I can provide. How you have improved this place already, all by yourself, is nothing short of miraculous. I want to help in whatever way I can.”
As they turned to leave the room, Tvrdik caught sight of his reflection in Xaarus’ big glass hanging on the far wall. He stopped short to see the pale, disheveled young man in dirty homespun, hair tangled and sticking out at odd angles, smudges of dirt and grease on his face. Horrified, he reached up a calloused, dirty hand to smooth his hair. “Gods, my apologies! We have been at work all day, and your visit took us by surprise. Why didn’t you tell me?”
She caught his arm and pulled it down, “There is no shame in honest labor, and, just as you say, we did not give you any warning that we were coming. Please…” She was coaxing him away from the mirror and met his eyes with great seriousness. “Tvrdik, there is another reason I am here just now…the Grand Council meets tomorrow.”
“His eyes grew wide, “I had forgotten.”
“Is there somewhere we can sit a few moments and talk?”
He led her back through doors and corridors into the sitting room, where there were two big chairs (a bit threadbare, perhaps, but not uncomfortable), and a small table by the hearth. “Come into my ‘Hall of Audience,’ he teased, smiling in recollection of their first meeting. “Can I offer you a seat?” He batted at one of the old chairs and a cloud of dust engulfed them.
Rel laughed. “That will do for now.” She waved away the flinders and sat. Tvrdik glanced in turn through several windows on opposite sides of the house. Stewart, sensing the import of this visit, had posted himself just outside the front door, guarding the entrance like a stone lion, and Tashroth was doing much the same on the riverbank in the rear. Both seemed to have their heads cocked and ears pricked to pick up any stray conversation that might float by. Now it was Tvrdik’s turn to laugh.
“Our guardians seem to have things well in hand out there. I think we can speak in safety.” The light was fading by now and a chill breeze picked up outside. The temperature in the stone house had dropped noticeably in the past half hour. Rel shivered where she sat. Tvrdik waved a hand at the hearth. “Fire,” he said, and without delay, the stacked wood burst into a cozy blaze. Another motion lit the lamps in the room. Then he pointed to the kitchen door and moved a finger. “Tea,” he spoke, and a bright copper kettle floated out to the hearth stone, while through the kitchen doorway they caught a glimpse of two mugs, spoons, a little earthen teapot, a teaball stuffed with dried leaves and a small pot of honey all assembling themselves on a tarnished silver tray. It started to float in their direction on its own, but Tvrdik pointed at it one more time and said, “biscuits,” and it moved back to the kitchen, re-emerging moments later piled with some sweet pastries he had purchased. As the tray floated out from the kitchen again, and set itself down on the little table, and the copper kettle hung itself from a hook over the cheerful fire, Rel laughed in delight and clapped her hands.
“Your hospitality is impeccable. I rather like hanging around with a wizard.”
Tvrdik made a little bow, “It has its advantages. This should take just a few minutes. I hope it will warm you up a bit. Honey?”
“Excuse me?”
“In your tea…” They giggled at the old joke, while he spooned some into her mug, and poured the hot water from the kettle into the little teapot to steep. Then he took a seat, more dust exploding around him, causing another rash of giggles. But the gravity of the conversation to come sobered them in an instant. Tvrdik leaned forward toward the Lady Regent. “Now, then, tomorrow…?”
She sighed, “Yes, tomorrow…” She took a small corner of biscuit, and chewed thoughtfully, swallowing before going on. “The day has finally come when we will see if things head down the road you have predicted. Delegates and regional lords have been arriving all week. The open fields around the palace are overrun with campsites, and the inns in the town are full. As temporary regent, I must preside. Tashroth, who often acts as my extra eyes and ears, and helps lead me to my best judgment, cannot be in the room because of his size, and the inhibiting effect he has on some people. Tvrdik, I repeat my request for you to be there. I need you to observe, to watch and listen, keep me honest in my memory of what happens there, and to pick up on anything I might miss. A word, a glance, body language, even a hunch – whatever information you gather will be useful, as I will be in the thick of things, and am likely to miss a great deal. You have no official right to attend, nor do I think it prudent yet to present you formally as Xaarus’ student and heir. You will have to be there in secret. Yet I think for you to be invisible would not do. For my own peace of mind, I want to know where you are.” Tvrdik rose and poured the tea.
“I can come as an owl and perch on a rafter, or become a cat or a mouse; no one would question such a creature in a big, drafty, stone room. I could remain quite unobtrusive, while you would always know where I was if you needed me.”
“She stirred the contents of her mug, “Can you perceive…see, hear, comprehend in the same way in those forms?”
The mage made a dismissive gesture, “Oh, yes. It is but simple illusion we clothe ourselves in, but I am always present. You can count on me to catch a great deal as it goes by, and I have a very good memory.” He took a biscuit and a sip of tea.
“Tvrdik, it will be a long day. There will be a formal welcome, followed by reports from all the Ministers and the heads of the Guilds. We try to encourage brevity, but such events do not happen very often, and some of these personages are quite in love with the sound of their own voices.”
“Xaarus trained me well for stamina and concentration, my lady; I am sure I can handle it.”
She sipped at her tea. “Mmmmm. Lunch and refreshments will be brought in to the Council Chamber so as not to disrupt the flow of things, or lose half the participants partway through. You won’t get a real break all day.”
“I understand.”
“There will be a discussion of the recent state funeral, proposals on a date for the king’s coronation, and a vote deciding that. Only then will come nominations for the post of permanent regent. Several of the lords present will likely put themselves or their friends forward for the job in long, elaborate speeches, and there will be debate. Finally, there will be a vote, and we hope, a clear decision, and then…the fireworks.”
“Are you speaking literally, as in entertainment, or figuratively, as in Drogue stirring up trouble?”
“Tvrdik, you know what I mean. We have been waiting all this time for Lord Drogue to show his hand. I don’t wish for trouble to find us, but if you are right, tomorrow will be the day it comes calling.” He could hear the agitation rising in her voice, and could feel her about to jump out of her seat and begin pacing the floor. He reached over and laid a hand on her arm.
“Jorelial Rey, you were born and raised to this. You will weather it with grace and wisdom as always, and you will know what to say and do. I will be there, watching and listening. I will make sure I am always within view, and if you have need of me for something more tangible, you have only to say the word, and I can be a wizard again in a moment.”
She shook her head, “You will have to keep a low profile and resist the temptation to reveal yourself, no matter how outrageous the things you hear. It might be difficult…” She had not yet met his gaze. Now, he squeezed her arm, so that she looked up to find his reassuring, ice-blue eyes.
“So, are you trying to persuade me to say yes, or to ru
n away screaming? I was the one who brought you the unwelcome news of what you might be facing, and I have already promised that I will be here by your side to face whatever comes. I welcome this opportunity to actually be useful. So, tomorrow, we begin. Don’t worry, I can do this. I will not abandon or embarrass you.” She paused, held in his intense regard. Then, with a hint of a smile, and a long sigh, returned to her tea.
“I never meant to suggest that you would. I only wanted you to know what you would be in for. Last chance to escape….” He smiled and shook his head. She continued, “Tashroth will be waiting for us on the roof. Whatever happens, we can slip away when it is all over and meet him there for his input. We can compare notes up there and fill him in on everything important.”
“Sounds good. What time, and where?”
“Not the Hall of Audience, where you came to see me. This is in the Great Hall – a much larger room with pikes and banners and long tables and a platform up front for speakers. You will sleep tonight at Theriole, and in the morning, I will send you a hearty breakfast. Warlowe will come then to escort you to the hall. You can find a safe place out of sight to…to change, as soon as you know where you are going. If you miss the early speeches, it won’t matter, but remember, I shall be looking for you.”
“I shall strive to be there early. It will do me good to have a lesson or two in statecraft – a subject in which I am woefully deficient.” That should have been a cue for another laugh, but somehow, neither of them could quite muster one.
She set down her empty teacup, “Mmmm, this was good. Thank you so much.”
“The tea? I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for my house, and I hope you will be a frequent visitor here.”
“It’s getting late. I must be getting back.” She rose and started toward the doorway, then turned back, “Oh, one more thing, Tvrdik. I recall you said that you had made a friend of my sister, Delphine. I was wondering if you had seen or spoken with her in the last few days? We argued when we were together last, and I have been hoping to find her and set things right. But, she is nowhere to be found.”
“You have not spoken to her since then? That was the last I saw of her too, soon after your encounter. She was upset…told me of the argument. I did what I could to soothe her, and pointed out that she might give you a little extra understanding just now, as you had many weighty things on your mind.”
“Thank you.”
“But when I left her, she seemed eager to find you and make up. That never happened?”
“I am sometimes impossible to access, with all that is going on. Our argument upset me so much that I escaped with Tashroth to the mountains for a day. When I returned, there was more than the usual pile-up of situations demanding my attention. As soon as I could, I sent for her, I asked after her, and went looking for her several times, but no one seems to have seen her lately, or knows where she might have gone. It weighs on me that we have not yet forgiven each other. We are very close, and I do worry about her.”
“Hmmm. It is odd that your paths haven’t crossed, and that she didn’t respond to your summons. Perhaps I am partly to blame, as I encouraged her to give you a little space during these stressful weeks. She is probably just staying close in her room, or off with Mark somewhere…”
“Well, that doesn’t make me feel less anxious…”
“Working on music together, is all I meant…”
“I hope you are right, then. I would dearly have liked some time with her, but it’s not something I can do much about now for at least another day.” She sighed, “I will try to think good thoughts, and make a renewed effort to speak with her after the Council is over.”
“I am certain she is fine, and harbors you no ill will. But, if I see her before you do, I will speak with her, alright?”
Rel glanced out the window. “It’s awfully dark now – too dark to walk back on your own. Come on, I’ll give you a lift back to Theriole.”
“What? On a dragon?” Tvrdik’s stomach jumped into his mouth in a wave of panic, “Oh, I don’t know…”
“Don’t be afraid – he won’t bite, and there’s plenty of room.”
“I – I’ve never – well – flown before. I might fall off. Don’t worry about me. I am happy to walk…”
“Nonsense. You’ll be back in a flash. It’s very safe…he’s quite careful. You’ll see.” Tvrdik’s face turned a shade closer to Tashroth’s color even just thinking about the offer, but it seemed the Lady Regent would not take no for an answer. So he reluctantly brought the tea things into the kitchen, cleaned up and put them away, then stepped outside to speak with Stewart.
“Stewart, my friend, I thank you for your assistance and your good company all week. I am called back to the palace tonight…most likely will be back the day after tomorrow. Would you like to come along?”
Stewart shook his head, “Thank you, no. I’m rather beginning to feel at home here, if ye don’t mind. I’ll be fine.”
“Would you like me to leave the place open so you can come and go as you please?”
“I’m happy enough on the grounds, sir. I don’t think I’ll be needin’ to go inside.”
Tvrdik leaned close and whispered, “Well, if you should need to go in, just say, ‘bless this house’ out loud, and the door will spring open,” and he winked at the dog. Stewart fairly beamed. “Thank ye very much, sir. I’ll take good care of it, sir, ye’ll see.”
“I have no doubts, friend. Be well.” Stepping inside again for a moment, Tvrdik put out the fire with a wave of his hand, banked the embers, doused the torches, and glanced about for anything left untidy. He reluctantly leaned his beloved staff against the wall of the foyer once again, and stepped out of The Cottage. “Bless this house,” he murmured as he passed over the threshold, and never looked back as the door clicked shut. With a wave to Stewart in the dusky shadows, he followed Jorelial Rey around back to where Tashroth stood poised by the river’s edge, reading his rider’s thoughts, and eager to be away. Climbing up on a bent front leg, and grasping a leathery neck ridge, Rel sprang lightly into her accustomed seat just in front of the great beast’s shoulders. Then she turned back and offered a hand to Tvrdik, intending to pull him up behind. Tashroth turned his head and regarded them, never complaining at the prospect of carrying a second passenger. But the mage hesitated, paler than usual, if that were even possible.
“Come on – I’ll give you a boost.” Jorelial Rey shouted down. Tvrdik swallowed hard, clambered ungracefully up onto Tashroth’s forearm, and reached up. Almost before he could blink, he felt his own forearm being gripped, and he was sailing up to a perch between vertebrae just behind the Lady Regent. Breathless and terrified, he clung to the neck ridge in front of him with white knuckles as the great wings rose and beat the air. In a heartbeat, they were up and away, rising far over the treetops and leaning precariously, as the dragon banked to turn back toward Theriole’s shadowy bulk on the horizon. When he could bring himself to open his eyes and draw breath, the trembling Tvrdik had to admit that the view from up there was indeed rare.
THIRTEEN
The Grand Council
MORNING ARRIVED ALL TOO QUICKLY at the bustling palace; kitchen folk and chambermaids were at their chores before dawn, stable hands scurried to find room for the crowd of horses arriving. Neither Tvrdik nor Jorelial Rey believed they had slept a wink (save for the occasional brief, fitful nightmare), before the sun’s first rays called them from their beds. Rel raced down from her rooftop perch at Tashroth’s side and entered her rooms. She bathed, picked half-heartedly at some fruit and warm pastries, combed and braided her long, dark hair, and dressed. Despite the fact that this was a State occasion, or perhaps because of it, she refused to wear the flowing elegant gown expected of a court lady. This was one moment where she did not wish to feel sabotaged by her clothing. Instead, she chose straight black britches and a tailored, high-collared jacket of fine raw si
lk, in a rich purple color, ornamented with appliqué of gold braid and amethyst. Though she was slight, the effect of such an outfit was striking. Belted with the ceremonial sword of her office, she looked and moved like a young prince, secure in his authority. It was a look she cultivated on purpose, which served her to great advantage.
Tvrdik rose, washed himself of all the grime from the past few days’ labor, and put on the original blue outfit he had first been gifted with at the palace, freshly laundered. This was in case he was seen in the halls before or after his transformation, so that he would be taken for a courtier from some entourage or another, and left alone to go about his business. He shaved and neatly combed his hair, and sat down with a hearty appetite to the hot, delicious breakfast sent up to him. Then he sat on the edge of his bed in silence, closed his eyes, and focused, gathering all his strength, power, and skill, centering and calming himself, and setting clear intentions for the day. He fingered the coin in his pocket for a moment and debated summoning Xaarus for some words of advice before the big event, but decided it would be wasteful to squander that privilege until a more desperate time – or at least until after they saw what the Council Meeting would bring. At last, feeling prepared and connected, he rose just in time to meet Warlowe in the hallway and be conducted to the Great Hall.
When Jorelial Rey entered the vast, ancient room, she paused just inside the doorway and cast an eye over the noisy gathering already in progress. There were lords greeting one another with hearty claps on the back, family pictures, and jokes; delegates and guild leaders arguing vigorously, hands gesticulating to punctuate their assertions; ministers chasing after the trays of morning refreshments, carried about the room by attractive young men and women. There were lords and ministers poring over maps and documents unrolled at corners of the grand table, and those who were bunching closely together to discuss secret strategies, or the latest gossip at court. And, there was Lord Drogue himself, perfectly groomed and impeccably dressed in his accustomed black silk, standing apart from the crowd in a shadowy corner. He was surrounded by several lesser lords she imagined might be supporters. But she noticed that he was not so much conversing with them as watching the activities in the rest of the room with an intent expression. There was a small consort of musicians in one alcove – a tabor, harp, and flute – her idea, to begin the day with a pleasant, upbeat atmosphere. She peered at them, noticing Mark was not among them. They were playing their hearts out, but were barely audible as anything other than background against the dull roar of so much conversation. For a moment, her senses assaulted by the chaos all around her, it was all she could do to force herself not to turn on her heel from such a scene and run in the other direction as far as her legs would take her. And then, somehow, miraculously, above all that great din, she heard a sound that caught her attention – one that anyone else might have missed – like a soft cooing, or a gentle hoot. Without moving, she lifted her eyes to the ceiling, and there, perched on a cross rafter not so very high above them all was a white owl, peering down at her, from eyes that appeared oddly rimmed, as if with spectacles. It looked straight at her, cooing once more, and fluttered its wings once, edging back and forth along the rafter perch. Jorelial Rey’s face broke into a smile then, and lowering her gaze to the tall chair at the very head of the table, she squared her shoulders and strode into the room to take her place there.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 18