He shifted again, and sighed, “Where is the man? The message was clear. He should be here by now.”
“My lord, calm yourself,” Gargan rasped. “It has not been so long. He will come.”
“There are other matters wanting my attention, Gargan. Am I a servant, to sit waiting at another man’s pleasure?”
“My lord, the roads can be treacherous after dark. I am sure…”
A sound of rapid footsteps silenced Gargan, and Drogue rose from his chair, as all eyes turned to the hall’s open entryway. A cloaked and hooded figure crossed the long room in long strides, and fell to one knee before the raised dais. His hood fell back, revealing a sun-bronzed and pock-marked face with a bulbous nose, framed by dark curls.
“My lord.” The new arrival spoke in a high-pitched tenor, out of character for his appearance. He was out of breath. “My apologies. The roads at night…”
“Yes, yes, I know.” Drogue hissed, pacing and making an impatient gesture with his hand. “Do you bring me good news, at least?”
The man swallowed, lifting his head, but not daring to meet his prince’s eye. “My lord, the infant pretender and his illegal regent live. Our man came through, as he promised. He had a clear shot. Only, the most…” he hesitated, swallowed again, “the oddest thing happened. Right before the crowd’s eyes, this big bird swooped in, knocked the target down, and took the arrow instead. Then the bird…it…well, it turned into a man right on the steps there. The people are whispering sorcery.”
Drogue stopped pacing, his eyebrows raised in surprise. Then his eyes narrowed into slits, as he faced the messenger full on. “Is the bird…the man dead?”
“I know not, sire. There was blood everywhere, and screaming. I saw them carry him into the palace. I am sure he was wounded sore.”
Drogue exchanged a look with Gargan, “Captain, we must find out more about this mysterious shape-shifter, come out of nowhere. Who is he? Did he survive the attack? What is his purpose at Theriole? Mmmm?” Gargan, a man of few words, nodded. Drogue turned back to his courier, still on one knee. “And our man?”
“They got him, sire. That were another strange thing. It seemed he were sniffed out of the crowd by a big dog. It held him there like it knew what it was doing, until the guards caught up. I ain’t never seen anything like it, sire.” Drogue’s face wrinkled into an expression like someone smelling rotting garbage, and made a sound of disgust. The messenger went on, “By now, that man is in the dungeons, or dead, executed for treason. He could not have pointed a finger at you, my lord. If you recall, we never gave him your name.”
Drogue nodded, “And then what did you do?”
The man looked up, meeting Drogue’s eyes for the first time. “Why, my lord, it was getting dark. I blended into the crowd and passed the night in town. The next day I went to his house, where I first collected him. It was empty. No sign of his family, stuff just left out like they had run off in a hurry. I searched the place, but there was nothing there of value, and nothing to raise any suspicion of your part in this matter, neither. I questioned the neighbors, but none of them had seen anything, or had any idea where the wife was. There was one goat I cut loose and chased away, and I put the whole place to the torch as soon as the sun was down, my lord. A big blaze it were, too – maybe some of the neighbors’ cots might of gone up too, I fear.” He chuckled. “I didn’t stay to see, wanting to get back here and report to you quick-like, you know. There’ll be nothing left there to tell a tale, that’s for certain. I made sure of that.”
Drogue sighed again and sat down in his uncomfortable chair. “Well, at least I shall be saved the reward money for that particular piece of bungled business.”
The man on the ground looked alarmed, “Good my lord, begging your pardon, but I still get my piece, for all my efforts, eh? I did my part, all just as you told me. Fair is fair.”
Drogue rolled his eyes, and shot a quick glance to Gargan, who nodded and approached the messenger, as the mountain lord responded, “Yes, yes, you shall have your reward. Although, truth be told, it would have been more to your liking if you had succeeded in your mission, and actually rid me of that cursed child and his aggravating protector.”
Gargan had reached the man, and extended him a hand, raising him to his feet. The courier turned his gaze back and forth in confusion, between the man he served and his lackey.
“N-no-one could have known about that blasted bird, my lord, or the dog. That’s the truth of it. I done my part, just as you asked, and more.”
“Yes, yes,” Drogue intoned, soothing, “you certainly did, and I salute you. You have earned your share. Gargan, give the man his reward.” And with that, Drogue rose, turned his back, and started past the silent guards, toward the small door behind the throne. Gargan pulled a leather purse bulging with coins out of his breast pocket, tossed it in the air, and caught it again with his left hand, circling the man’s shoulders with his strong right arm in a gesture of camaraderie. The man smiled and reached for the purse. Gargan closed his right arm around the man’s neck and snapped it. He loosened his grip as the cloaked figure sank to the polished granite floor. Gargan tossed the purse up and caught it again, replacing it in his breast pocket. He motioned for the two guards to come and dispose of the body.
Lord Drogue turned back in the doorway, shrugged, and muttered, “Nothing left there to tell a tale….”
TWENTY-ONE
The Road to Healing
BACK AT THERIOLE, THINGS BEGAN to settle into a semblance of normalcy, as if that word were even appropriate for the current situation. But, after a very long sleep, hot baths, fresh clothes, and a good meal, both Tvrdik and Jorelial Rey began to feel human again, even energized. When she stepped in to see him late the next morning, he looked much improved, and happy to see her. She would not be able to stay long, but wanted to check on his progress before tackling the many obligations of her day. He had already tried lobbying to move back to The Cottage, but the doctor had been adamant that he was not to get out of bed, except for necessities, for another two days, and not to even think of travelling any distance for another week or two. Tvrdik sulked at the news, but Rel assured him that she would not be inconvenienced by his presence in her rooms, and in fact thought it better that he be close by while they were brainstorming their next move. She promised to send Stewart and Warlowe back to The Cottage at earliest convenience for more of the medicines that had helped him recover, and for books to keep him occupied now that he was awake, but confined. She put pen and paper near his bed and asked him to make a list of what he would like brought back.
She also remembered to tell him about Praeger, having forgotten all about him during the drama of the first twenty-four hours. Now it was necessary to fill Tvrdik in on her bargain with the accused archer. She had gambled on Tvrdik’s ability to see things as she had, and won that bet. Despite his own suffering at Praeger’s hands, the wizard was sympathetic to the man’s plight, and, of course, wished to see the little girl himself if possible – especially after being told that the palace healers had stabilized her for the moment, but were still at a loss as to what the cause of her distress might be.
Tvrdik found the idea of exacting a personal penalty from the man somewhat distasteful, but Rel reminded him that, while he was recovering both his strength and the use of his arm, he would need a great deal of assistance with everyday activities. Besides, she felt it vital to impose some consequence on Praeger, in order that he might see the real impact of his awful act, and to allow him to feel like he had made some restitution. Tvrdik agreed, and complimented her on her compassion and wise judgment.
Now that the Grand Council meeting and Coronation were past, all the delegates and their families who were visiting from far-flung corners of Eneri Clare were eager to take their leave and begin the journey home. Before departing, however, each wanted a final audience with King Darian and/or his appointed regent. It was i
mportant to keep communication lines open, and to strengthen friendships and alliances, especially now. So, Jorelial Rey resigned herself to a heavy schedule for a few days, in order to accommodate all the farewell audiences. Bargarelle, even more sensitive now to her needs, did what he could to keep the interviews fairly brief and on schedule, so that she could have strategically placed breaks, and time for herself at the beginning and end of each day. She was grateful for his extra care of her, and she knew that once the palace emptied out and all her visitors were safely on their way home, there would be at least a brief lull in her public responsibilities. Hopefully, by then, Tvrdik would be well enough to join with her in implementing their plan to rally support.
As she spent time with each group of dignitaries, Rel made a concerted effort to memorize who her subjects were, listen to their individual concerns, and feel out their quality. She had no wish to send folks off in alarm, or to dwell on anything negative, but where appropriate, she would bring up Lord Drogue’s recent bad behavior, and try to gauge each person’s reaction. In this way, she made a mental list of likely allies and possible adversaries in the event that conflict came. Most of those who came through just wished to pay their respects and swear allegiance to the new monarch, and perhaps to make a good impression in case they were ever in need of the Crown’s help in the future. The tantrums of some distant mountain lord barely registered in their consciousness, aside from the entertaining drama that it had provided during their visit to Theriole.
As the infant king was also often present for these interviews, or parts of them, it was a chance for Jorelial Rey to spend some time with him, teaching, modeling behavior, and explaining to him duties he would one day inherit. Even at his tender age, she was amazed at how curious and involved the little boy chose to be, how instinctively gracious he was to those who vied for his attention. There were times when he was just as happy to run around the room, shrieking with delight, or to dig in the mud like a normal four-year-old. But there was also this side to him – a side prematurely serious and quick to learn.
Wherever the two of them were, guards were now posted, standing silent and vigilant nearby. Rel couldn’t decide if they made her feel more or less safe, but she had to admit the wisdom of their deployment. She sent a note to General Boone, thanking him for attending to their protection with such diligence, and also for carrying out her instructions regarding Praeger and his family to the letter. She hoped the extra acknowledgement, honest as it was, would serve to diffuse a little of the tension which had arisen between them at the Cabinet meeting. From time to time, in the course of her daily activities, she would run into someone else who had been at that meeting, but no one dared bring it up. It was as if, by avoiding the entire subject, they might be able to chalk the whole experience up to a rather unpleasant collective nightmare, and perhaps it would just go away. Once in a while, someone would inquire into Tvrdik’s health, but it was always, “…that young man who saved your life,” or, “the youth who was wounded…” There was never any reference to his purpose in coming to court in the first place. Ah, well, she supposed she should be gracious about the expressions of concern, and thankful not to have to engage in any uncomfortable discussion just now.
Meanwhile, Tvrdik, who was spending an increasing amount of time in chairs, reading and studying, had asked if he could take a look at Praeger’s little girl. The Palace Physician, newly respectful of the wizard’s healing knowledge after watching his own miraculous recuperation, brought the child to Tvrdik’s room one afternoon for a consultation.
“Lynette, this is Tvrdik, who knows something about healing. Do you mind if he examines you?” the doctor said, leading her up to the mage’s chair. Tvrdik smiled, and held out his good hand in greeting. The little girl smiled back shyly and hesitated, but then came up closer and took the proffered hand. She was thin and drawn and an unhealthy color. Her eyes looked haunted, as she seemed to be in constant pain, which only increased whenever she tried to eat anything. As a result, she was basically starving to death. Quite collegially, and with real concern, the doctor told Tvrdik that they had tried everything they knew to combat digestive distress, with only limited or temporary success. The child would improve and feel more comfortable, only to experience another vicious attack soon after. None of the royal healers had any idea what to do next.
Hanging back in the shadows in abject mortification, Praeger himself accompanied the little girl. The man looked worn and miserable. His shadowed, frightened eyes were fastened on the young wizard, seeming to take in the real hardship his treasonous act had caused an innocent person. Every move Tvrdik made that was stiff or pained seemed to cut him to the quick, and he fidgeted and squirmed as if waiting for his punishment to materialize.
Tvrdik noticed all this, without remarking on it. In his heart he held no malice toward the pitiful man, and his interest just now was on the child’s welfare. He smiled at her again and used his hands with great concentration, both to ‘feel out’ her problem, and to send her healing energy, an awkward task, seeing as how one of his arms was in a sling and heavily bandaged. Somehow he found a position that made it work, talking to her all the while, and asking her questions. She relaxed under his touch and seemed to trust him. At one point, noticing his bandages, she asked what had happened to him, a question that horrified her father. Tvrdik glanced up at the anguished man, and then told the little girl that he had hurt his shoulder, and that they could work on getting stronger together. After a while, he gave her a little kiss on the top of the head and sent her back to her father.
“I can’t be one hundred percent certain, but I think your daughter’s problem is a severe intolerance to certain foods, which are injuring her inner organs. I did what I could to heal the damage today, and I want to give you some specific herbs she should take every day for a while. I’ll have to send for them from Xaarus’ stores, but I will get them to you as soon as possible. And then, you must not let her eat anything that is made from cow’s milk or grain. No wheat, rye or oats at all.”
“But, milk and bread have been the main foods we had to offer her. All the other children grow healthy and strong with these.”
“And that explains why she has been so sick. It’s alright; you couldn’t have guessed – I have only seen or heard of this condition very rarely. Goat’s milk and cheese is fine, and potatoes, beans, fruits and vegetables. The Lady Regent wishes to see her well, so you have had a stroke of good fortune there; I am sure she will help you to gain access to the right kinds of foods for Lynette. Stick to this diet, and let me see her again in one week’s time. If she has improved, we will know I am correct.”
The Palace Physician nodded and clapped him on the back, voicing his appreciation, and suggesting they share a meal some time just to talk about interesting cases, and trade healing secrets. Tvrdik had heard how different the man’s attitude had been just a few days before, but was happy to grasp the hand of fellowship offered. As they all left the room, the young mage felt his energy fading again, but he smiled to think he might have done some good.
Five days after the infamous Cabinet meeting, three big things happened: Delphine and Mark returned to the palace, having had their fill of the outdoors, but looking refreshed and happy. Everyone was overjoyed to welcome them back. Jorelial realized how much she had missed her sister’s infectious smile during those few days. That same day, the doctor allowed Tvrdik to be moved out of Jorelial Rey’s apartments, not to The Cottage, which was still deemed to be too taxing a journey, but to a nearby suite of rooms recently vacated by one of the departing ambassadors. The wizard was frustrated not to be allowed back to The Cottage where he could have his books and remedies to hand, but was deeply relieved to be no longer depriving the Lady Regent of her own quarters.
The third big thing was, that when everyone showed up to help Tvrdik move – Rel, Mark, Delphine, Stewart and Warlowe – there was a further surprise in store for him. In order to mark the occa
sion, and reward him for his heroic act, Jorelial Rey had arranged for a little presentation right there in her room. There was a medal for Tvrdik and one for Stewart, and a title for Tvrdik. Lady Rey actually took out her ceremonial sword and knighted him, granting him title to a fairly generous portion of the unspoiled lands in the ancient forest surrounding his waterfall and the little house he had built with his own two hands.
“So, now you can officially be called, ‘Sir Tvrdik,’ and if you ever go back to your cot again, you will at least know the place is yours, and no one will ever be able to order you off that land. The ancient forests have always been under the Crown’s protection anyway, so it wasn’t such a difficult thing for me to arrange. And I certainly trust you to be the best possible steward of a place so pristine and magical, at least as you describe it. It’s just my way of saying ‘thank you’ for risking life and limb to save the king. And me too.”
Everyone applauded, and a few shouted, “Hear, hear!” Stewart woofed loudly, standing proudly erect, tail wagging, his medal hanging around his neck. Tvrdik, sitting in the chair surrounded by his new friends, was nearly speechless.
“I…this…I am overwhelmed by this unexpected gesture, and, my Lady Regent, your extreme generosity. You – all of you – have already done so much while I have been…recovering…that I feel I should be giving you gifts instead of the other way around. I don’t know what to say.”
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 34