“Thank you again.”
“I was greeted with stunned silence. Lord Maygrew, who virtually handed me the Regency last week, asked me today if I was well enough to handle it, or would I prefer to step down for awhile. He was clearly implying that I had lost my mind. Somehow, I convinced him to reserve judgment until he’d met you in person, but he warned me that he would be difficult to persuade. General Boone was offended to the core at our assessment of his army’s chances for victory in any future conflict. Nine others were extremely skeptical, and probably believe I have gone insane.”
“That makes eleven…”
“Well, we do have one fervent supporter who claims he will follow us anywhere.”
“Who?”
“A great surprise. Verger, my Minister of Finance. It turns out he was a good friend of Xaarus and is a thoughtful and creative soul. He had no trouble embracing our cause.”
“Well, he certainly could be an excellent ally to have in our pocket. He holds the purse strings for the entire kingdom, and anything we plan will need his blessing.”
“At this rate, I am not even certain that I will be allowed to remain in office to press our case.”
“Jorelial Rey, you are now the elected and duly installed Regent of Eneri Clare, and it is each member’s sworn duty to back you up and honor your decisions no matter what he thinks personally. Even if you do not heed their counsel.”
“Unless I am insane.”
“You are not. You know that.”
“Ah, but how do I prove it? I told them all to go home and consider with an open mind until I could present you in person, and they could form their own impressions of you.”
Tvrdik’s mouth was set in a thin line. “I should have been there today. I should have gone with you into that lion’s den…”
“No, Tvrdik, don’t even think of it. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to speak with them later. And when you go, I want you strong and passionate and filled with confidence, the way I have come to know you. That is what will change their minds, I’m counting on it. So you must let yourself recover for the time being. Rest, and regain your strength. How are you feeling, by the way?”
“Tired and sore, and embarrassingly filthy, but otherwise much better, thank you. The doctor has been in to anoint and redress the wound, and seems to feel the worst is behind us.”
“If you feel up to it, I’ll try to arrange for a bath later. And we must get you some fresh clothes.”
He winced, as if it pained him to recall, “Dare I ask the fate of my beautiful silk jacket, Delphine’s gift?”
She hung her head and shook it side to side with an exaggerated expression of tragedy, but then her face brightened. “Don’t worry, Tvrdik. We’ll get you another, and what’s left of the original can be put on display in a glass case as a sort of badge of heroism.”
“Oh, please, no!”
They laughed, but she grew quickly serious. “Tvrdik, look at you there in that bed, barely back from a near fatal struggle, and yet you always manage to make me laugh, no matter what else is going on. How do you do that? I hardly ever laugh.”
“Well, that’s a shame in itself, Lady, since laughter becomes you so well. But, to tell the truth, as a rule, I share your affliction of too much gravity, and I rather thought it was the other way around. You know – you, who often make me laugh. Well, whoever is responsible for such a lapse in seriousness,” he lowered his voice to feign conspiracy, “I think it is a very good thing.”
That drew another small chuckle from her, but soon they settled into a sleepy silence. Tvrdik closed his eyes, and, shifting his position, couldn’t help wincing, this time for real. Rel caught the expression, fleeting as it was.
“Do you want something for pain?” she asked.
“No, no,” he replied. “It’s not so bad most of the time, and I need to be clear to think.” He drifted off again. A moment later he opened his eyes and looked straight at her. His face took on a new expression, lit from within by a dawning idea…
“Jorelial Rey, I’ve been lying here all this time wondering what I could do to help you convince the Cabinet, and what we could say to them to rally their support. Of course, we’ll have to keep trying, but it occurs to me now that we may be barking up the wrong tree, so to speak.”
Even in their brief acquaintance, she had come to know that look, and what it promised. Fully awake, now, she pressed him, “What are you thinking? Go on…”
“Well, here we are, proposing probably the most unorthodox and unconventional plan of action ever to be conceived, and to whom do we unveil it? Why, the most orthodox and conventional body in the whole kingdom. These are the pillars of society as it has been – the old guard. They represent everything the way it has always been done. They cannot help being resistant to the new, the maverick, the untried. It is, in fact, their express job to protect the status quo at any cost. There will always be the occasional exception, of course, like our Verger, but for the most part, one could predict that they would defend what has worked for them before.” The young mage was sitting forward now, almost trembling with excitement as ideas began to crystallize in his mind. Rel wasn’t quite with him yet.
“Tvrdik, that is not good news. We can never hope to turn a tide as entrenched as you describe.”
“Ah, but there is where we have both overlooked something. In order to accomplish our ends, we will likely need an army – but not the usual sort of army. If we can’t rally support from the old guard, we just create a new one.”
“Just how do we do that? Can you magic them out of little toy soldiers or something?”
“No, no, no! Although I commend you on your creative thinking. No, we go to our friends, those with whom we already have some credibility. Those who believe in us, and those who have a real stake in the shape of the future.”
She was beginning to catch his drift, “We reach out, and create our own network – our own force?”
“Precisely.”
“Oh, but Tvrdik, the Cabinet is so powerful. They could shut down anything that does not come through the proper channels in a heartbeat.”
“They might be able to resist the two of us, indeed, to dismiss us. But they will not so easily be able to dismiss hundreds of us. And maybe, backed by that much momentum, we will either be able to circumvent them, or, better yet, convince them to sign on after all.”
“Tvrdik, where ever are we going to get all these supporters you’re talking about? Maybe it’s you who has lost his mind.”
“Think, Jorelial Rey. You are more powerful than you know, and very well-connected. We have already enlisted some of the captains…”
“Huh?”
“Mark and Delphine will talk to the whole guild of Bards and Minstrels – creative folk usually detest war and violence. Warlowe has friends among the servants and palace workers. And if magical creatures may be at risk for their very existence in the future Xaarus describes, then we should enlist the aid of all magical creatures. Perhaps you could prevail upon Tashroth to meet with the remaining dragons, and Stewart knows all the talking beasts… Ondine has found a collective of unicorns up the river a bit, and even some local naiads who might listen to her. Perhaps Verger knows of others who remember Xaarus fondly, and might be pleased to join in his cause…and I have Xaarus himself.”
Jorelial Rey was staring at the wizard with wide eyes and every muscle taut, scarcely daring to breathe. Finally she found her voice, “Do you really think we can rally all of those to our cause?”
“What have we got to lose? If we can go to the Cabinet with backup like that, with a host of creatures and folks who believe in you, and believe that success is not only possible, but imperative – who will put their lives on the line to see it through – how can the lords and Ministers dismiss you as mad? How can they refuse you anything?”
“It would take some
time and hard work, but we just might be able to build a coalition at that!”
“I feel certain it is why Xaarus wanted us to work together, Jorelial Rey. We make a good team, and between the two of us, we have many contacts.”
“You have all the brilliant ideas, and I make things happen. A good team indeed.”
“To tell the truth, I am hoping the folk we recruit will have a few brilliant ideas of their own, but I do understand that my biggest job in all of this is to come up with a viable list of tools and strategies that we can all use to defend ourselves. I’ve already begun studying Xaarus’ books, and I have a few thoughts.”
“And now you see why I called you absolutely indispensible, and why you must stay safe, or all is lost.”
“All of this would have come to you eventually,” he reassured her.
“I doubt it. But I do think I can accomplish what you have imagined.”
“I suppose it is about time for me to contact Xaarus again as well and get his input. I think now might qualify as a moment of great need.” He sank back on the pillows, “The problem is it takes a great deal of energy and concentration to bring him through. Far more than I am capable of mustering at the moment, I am afraid.” His face was beginning to look grey again, and his expression somewhat pinched.
“Tvrdik, I want to explore this further, but right now my head is spinning…”
“And mine is aching.”
“Here, let me help you get more comfortable.” She urged him forward and plumped up the pillows. “You’ve given me a lot to think about. In fact, I feel sure you’ve discovered the key to how we move forward from here, but first, you need to sleep. Another day won’t matter much at this point. You’re starting to fade – I’m afraid I have worn you out.”
“No, it’s important to me to feel like I’m contributing something. I did come here for a reason, after all.” His expression softened as he searched her face, “You should rest, though, too.”
“Soon. I just have one or two more errands to take care of. And then maybe I’ll see if Tashroth is back from the mountains. I always sleep better beside him.”
“Tvrdik chuckled, “I don’t doubt it. No one would dare disturb you.”
She smiled, “There you go again, making me laugh. Do you need anything? Shall I send for anyone?”
“No, I’m alright. I apologize for drifting already.” His eyes were closing. “I take my leave of you, my lady, and hope that I shall be better company on the morrow.”
“Fair dreams, Tvrdik,” Jorelial Rey stared down a moment at the sleeping figure, then crept out quietly and forced herself to make one more stop before taking her own rest. She padded through the silent, post celebratory halls, to Steward Bargarelle’s rooms, and knocked softly on his door. It was dinner time at Theriole, and, though she had no interest in food herself, she hoped she might by some good fortune find him in. She was in luck – the door opened, and Bargarelle himself stood before her, looking startled, “My lady! What are you doing here? You should have sent for me, or had a message delivered…well…please, come in.”
She stepped into his office with reassuring gestures, “It’s alright. I’ll be brief. I was just on my way to the tower, and wanted to touch base with you on a few matters.”
“Please, sit down. How is the young wizard, eh?”
Amused, and a little surprised to hear the question, she nodded, “Sleeping now, and better, I think. Thank you for asking. Partly I have come here on his behalf…” She went on to ask if he could arrange for servants to bring Tvrdik a hot bath, a good breakfast, and a fresh night shirt for the morning, and she also made a request regarding a special idea she’d been flirting with for the last few hours – something to surprise and reward the mage for his heroism. Bargarelle, dependable as always, promised all would be taken care of.
“And, dear friend, would it disrupt anything of great importance if I asked you to clear my schedule for tomorrow as well? I haven’t gotten much sleep of late, and I could really use a day just to regenerate.”
He looked at her with concern, “No, of course, take whatever time you need, my lady. At this point, they can all wait for your pleasure, though I thank you for asking.”
“Good. Thank you Bargarelle, and for everything you do to make this place run so smoothly, and my life that much easier. It is truly appreciated.”
She rose to go, but he dared to address her once more, “Um, my lady, pardon me, but, uh, may I have a moment more of your time?”
He seemed hesitant, and she was concerned, “Of course. You can talk to me about anything. What is it? Is anything wrong?” She sat once more in the chair he had offered her, and waited for the man to begin.
“Lady Rey, did you truly mean what you said about my work a moment ago?”
“Why, Bargarelle, you are a veritable miracle worker. I haven’t a clue what I would do without you.”
“You know I have served your family for most of my life – happily – and my aim is to serve you as well to the best of my abilities, for as long as I may. I watched you grow up here, Jorelial Rey, and I feel I know you like a part of my own family…”
“I know, old friend, and I am grateful for your care. Have I neglected or offended you in some way?”
No, no. It’s just, well, last evening, when I saw how very close we came to losing you, my heart was in my mouth, both for myself, and for the entire kingdom. I believe the loss would have been staggering.”
“That’s kind of you to say…”
“You must know that very little gets by my notice in this palace. I have an ear to every stone, so to speak, and I have heard some things about the Cabinet meeting that took place today. Not the details of what was discussed so much, but whispers about your fitness to rule, questions about your mental state. I want you to know that I find it shockingly disloyal that so soon after you risked your life to bring order to this recovering land, they should treat you with such disrespect. Whatever was said at that meeting, I know you have your reasons, and that you are only thinking of everyone’s good. I have been hard on you at times, nagging you to make decisions, to get things done, and to stick to schedules. But it is only because I consider it my job to help you to stay organized, and to remind you occasionally of where your attention is most needed. I wish fervently for you to understand that I never mean any disrespect. You may always count on me for anything you need, and I will always be your man. I will support you in any way I can, and I will do my best in anything you ask of me, never doubt it.”
Jorelial Rey clasped the older man’s hands in her own and spoke to him, eye to eye. “I never have doubted it, and never will. Perhaps I have not expressed to you how fortunate I count myself that I have your remarkable skills to lean on, and your unwavering patience with my weaknesses. Please accept my gratitude now, and my pledge to reward your faithfulness with my absolute trust. In fact, you are right that today has not been my best day, and your words have been a great comfort just when I needed them most. As soon as Tvrdik, the young mage who pushed me from harm’s way, recovers some of his strength, we plan to hold a meeting of our own to let our friends know what is going on. I would want you there, of course, and suspect I would also need your help with quite a few details. I will hold you to your promise then.”
“Thank you for your confidence, Lady Rey. Consider me your friend always.”
“I will, and you will be hearing from me about that briefing very soon. Thank you, again, for everything, Bargarelle.”
“My lady.” He bowed to her and she rose to leave.
Warmed by that unsolicited vote of confidence, Jorelial Rey summoned her last strength to find her way to the north tower, and climb its steep, curving stairway. She had no idea if Tashroth would be up there, but the place where she usually met him was a comfort to her nevertheless. The sun was just beginning to sink as she emerged on the empty roof, the sky pain
ted in a glorious array of orange and rose. As if on cue, from far away she saw her closest friend winging his way to meet her at their usual place. Standing back to make room for him, she watched him touch down lightly on the rooftop and coil himself comfortably. As soon as it was safe, she ran up and threw her arms around the great, opalescent neck in a desperate embrace. It had been a challenging few days, but comfort and strength flowed freely into her from Tashroth.
“Mark and Delphine?” she queried anxiously.
“They are well, and send fond regards to you. They are enjoying their time at the lake with great delight, and will be fine on their own. Just to be sure, I will check on them again sometime tomorrow. Your address to the Cabinet?”
She sighed, “About as we expected, mostly awful. They all believe I have lost my grip on reality.”
“Give them time, little one; it is a great deal for them to digest. The young wizard?”
“We came very close to losing him last night, but thank the heavens he pulled through. He is recovering, but is still very weak. This day has had some bright spots, however. Tvrdik has already come up with an amazing idea, which he somehow found the strength to share. I have so very much to tell you, dearest, only do you suppose it could wait for a little while longer? I am so tired that I can barely put two words in a line. Could we just be together for now?”
“I have all the time in the world, little one,” the deep, musical voice lulled her. “Come, sit beside me.” The Lady Regent crept into her accustomed nook between the great dragon’s forearm and breast, and stroking his warm scales, leaned against his beating heart and fell asleep.
Lord Drogue sat in the big receiving hall of his mountain estate, in the grand chair he thought of as something of a temporary throne. Its hardwood seat galled him now, pressing on the bones of his spare frame, and making him uncomfortable. He shifted his weight, and leaned on the arm of the chair. The hour was late, and he was alone in the oversized room, save for two silent guards and Gargan, his current favorite henchman. Gargan had proved useful on more than one occasion of late, and seemed to understand Drogue. The man never shied away from what was necessary, however distasteful. Power came at a cost. Drogue had long ago reconciled his own conscience to that fact, and remained focused on his goal. But it was not always easy to find others who grasped the concept, who would carry out his wishes without questioning them.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 33