They did, though he fought them with all of his remaining strength. It did him no good, and his pitiful screams were heard all the way from the depths of the dungeons out across the courtyard, where many in Drogue’s employ paused an instant, and swallowed hard, before going about their tasks.
In his Hall of Audience, Drogue still paced the parquet floor, and considered a new plan aloud, although no one remained in the room to hear him. “I shall have to march on Theriole myself,” he mused. “We shall meet them head-on, and when I do, I shall have a little surprise for that meddling wizard.”
THIRTY-FOUR
A Good Deed, an Envoy, and a Secret Weapon
IT WAS ALREADY WELL INTO the next day when Tvrdik began to stir in his bed. The Praegers had tiptoed around, attending to breakfast and chores. Mr. Praeger had then gone out to work in the garden, while the Mrs. went off to the market with Lynette, excited about shopping for a birthday picnic. Stewart went off on some errand or another as well. But the mage allowed his body the luxury of whatever time it needed for rest and regeneration, and it took him up on the offer. His sleep was long, and deep, and dreamless, and when he finally woke, he started his day feeling slow and addled – not at all refreshed. He was grateful for a day that held no particular agenda, as he suspected it might take a while to reclaim his natural rhythm and energy.
He washed, dressed, and stumbled out into the empty house, wondering for a moment where everyone had gone. Sun was streaming in through the windows, and poking his head out to examine the sky, he was surprised at what time of day it was. He realized he was hungry, and looking around, found a generous tray of cold breakfast awaiting him on the kitchen counter. There was fruit juice, but he used a touch of magic to start some tea, thinking it’s warmth and herbal fragrance might perk him up a bit. He ate and drank in silence, his mind still unfocused, enjoying the flavors and textures, and the gift of a leisurely day. By the time he had finished eating, cleaned up and put away the breakfast things, he was feeling more himself, and had decided to devote the next few hours to a project he had tossed around in his mind for weeks, but had not had time to tackle. He rifled around a bit in Xaarus’ supplies for a few necessary items, and set to work.
Several hours later, as the Praegers were just arriving from their various occupations, he was leaving the house carrying the fruits of his labors. He stopped to assure them that he was feeling much better after his long sleep, and that he would not be gone long. With a cheerful wave, he made his way to the front gate and let himself out onto the path. He headed back toward the palace gardens, searching for a certain isolated corner, not far from the alcove where Delphine had held her wedding. This out-of-the-way meadow of wildflowers, surrounded by tall junipers and blooming rhododendron, was where the unicorn herd had chosen to make camp, in order to be nearer the center of activity. The mage, a small bundle slung over one shoulder, strode along the path, peering now and then between bushes and under limbs to find the place. Finally, when he was beginning to be concerned that he might not find them, he ventured down one last obscure side trail, turned a corner, and there they were.
It was now the hottest part of the afternoon, and they were all relaxing, some on the cool ground in the shade of leafy bushes, others standing about cropping grass, tails swishing back and forth in a lazy rhythm. Clearing his throat to announce his presence, the mage stepped into view. In an instant, all eyes were on him. Wynne, their leader, trotted over to greet him, “Welcome, Sir Mage.”
“I do not wish to disturb you, unbidden…”
“Please, come within. It is a pleasure and an honor to have you here among us. Is there something we can do for you?”
Tvrdik walked with Wynne deeper into the sheltered grove, and noticed there was a small fountain in one corner with a marble rim just tall enough for him to sit on. Indicating to Wynne with a gesture that he was headed in that direction, he replied, “Well, first, I came to thank you for your part in yesterday’s victory. I apologize that it has taken me so long, but I was recuperating myself. I wish I could have seen it, but by all accounts, what you did was magnificent. The Lady Regent sends her best regards and humble thanks, and she also thought you might like to know that, due to our resounding success, the rest of the Palace Council has had to admit we offer a viable alternative in defeating Lord Drogue. They have all come on board with our plan, and the trials that were to be our proving grounds next week are suspended.”
Wynne nickered, “That is wonderful news indeed. Though I confess, I half looked forward to seeing all of their faces when we revealed everything we have been working on.”
“That, you will still be able to enjoy. Field-work has been suspended today, as I am sure you have heard by now. But, Lord Maygrew and General Boone are coming tomorrow to take part in our maneuvers. You will be able to watch their reactions to all we have planned. But, they are also seasoned veterans, with valuable ideas of their own to add, no doubt. It is a very good thing to have all of our forces at last united against our common enemy: Drogue.”
“True, of course. Sir, we appreciate the respect you show us by coming here yourself to bring this news, and acknowledge our contributions, which were relatively slight, compared to your own. But I sense there might be another reason for your visit?”
“Well…yes, as a matter of fact. Since our Lady Regent decided that today should be used for rest and leisure, I found myself with the extra time to work on an idea I’ve had in the back of my mind for a while now. I think it’s ready – a little thank you gift from me. Or perhaps just another part of my healing work, if you prefer…”
“My dear mage, you have lost me.”
“Oh, sorry. I suppose I am rambling on a bit. I was wondering if it would be possible to see Shar?”
“Shar? For what purpose?” Tvrdik took the small bundle he had been carrying, untied the strings and unwrapped what was inside. He put aside a small bottle, some bandages, and two small knives. Then, with great care, he unfolded a bit of cloth that protected the last item. When Wynne saw what it was, he gasped, and looked startled. “Wait here a moment,” the unicorn spoke with quiet excitement, and trotted away to a shadowed corner of the meadow. A few moments later, he returned, accompanied by the darker, smaller unicorn to whom Tvrdik had been introduced when he first met the herd. Wynne stood by and watched as the wizard, doing a poor job of concealing his nervousness, addressed Shar.
“Hello, Shar. It is good to see you again. Ever since we first met, I have been thinking a lot about you – well, your injury, to be precise. Among my own people, I do a fair amount of healing, as well as magic – part of the job, you know – and I have been trying to think of a way that maybe I could help you. I’m afraid that no amount of healing skill, nor magic, will grow you a new horn. But, in my years of solitude in the wood, I also became quite good at whittling. I had to make myself bowls and spoons and utensils and other odds and ends.” He held up what had been in his lap; a perfectly carved, smooth and symmetrical spiral horn, made of wood, and just the right size for Shar’s head. The dark unicorn’s eyes widened in amazement.
“Of course, it wouldn’t have the same magical powers as your original horn, but wood has special magic of its own. This is made from ash, a strong, pliable wood that shares most of the letters of your name, so perhaps you will find a connection in spirit. I also knew that Xaarus had been doing some work on perfecting some very reliable adhesives, which I hoped would serve to attach it firmly. It might look better than the broken piece, and might help you to feel a little more like yourself. Would you…could I have your permission to try it out?”
Shar turned to glance at Wynne, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. The dark unicorn then lowered his eyes and spoke in a timid voice, “Master Wizard, I would be most grateful if you would see what could be done.”
“Very good!” exclaimed Tvrdik, delighted, “If you wouldn’t mind stepping over very close…I think this would w
ork best if I could carve out some notches in what’s left of your own horn, so we can get a secure fit. Would that be alright? I don’t think it should hurt…” Tvrdik continued, step by step, explaining everything he was doing to the beast as he worked. He had thought the process through, but found the actuality, of course, a little more challenging than he had imagined. Still, in the end, he had knit bone and wood together in a snug joint that revealed almost no seam, applied the special adhesive, and wrapped the juncture in a temporary bandage.
Shar gingerly dipped his head, then swung it back and forth in a broad arc, testing the new weight on his face. He stepped near to the fountain where Tvrdik sat, regarding his reflection in the still waters. And then, in a burst of exuberance, he kicked up his heels, tossed his head and gamboled across the meadow. Tvrdik rose and called after him, “Hey, hang on there, Shar! Be careful with that. It probably needs to set overnight before it’s strong enough for those maneuvers.” Despite the rebuke, he was smiling to see the little unicorn’s joyful reaction. Shar calmed a bit, trotted around in a circle, neck arched with pride. “Once it sets, we can take off the bandages, and then, if you like, we can stain it black, or white, or any color you prefer. We can even dip the tip in silver…I didn’t know what you might like best…” The mage stood there, anxiously awaiting some word of approval from either of the unicorns. Were they satisfied with his hair-brained scheme? He added, “And, if it doesn’t hold, or if it ever breaks, you can just come and find me, and we’ll fix it right up, alright?” Shar did not reply, and Tvrdik fidgeted with the bandage roll, his face the very picture of a question mark. Without a word, the dark unicorn trotted up to the young wizard, fixed him with a great black eye shining with emotion, and nuzzled his face. Tvrdik raised a hand to touch the place in wonder, as Shar trotted off to his accustomed corner of the meadow, head held high, making sure this time to nod and greet his fellows on the way. Wynne was staring straight at the mage, his expression unreadable.
“Shar is my kinsman. It has been many years since the …unfortunate incident that took his horn. Over the course of those years, there have been times when we have all wondered at the wisdom of Xaarus’ having saved the lad’s life. That is how devastating his loss was for him, as it would have been for any of us. But, even Xaarus never thought to try anything like this. Today, I almost do not recognize him. He stands tall, dances with joy, engages with the rest of the herd…one meeting only, and you could feel his pain, did not rest until you came to us with a solution. You truly are different, Master Tvrdik, most unique among men.”
Tvrdik was embarrassed, “Not so different. There are many who might have sought to help…”
“Not so many, in my experience, who would have taken the trouble to come back here and do something. It is a great gift you have brought. You have given him back his life. Mage, you inspire in me emotions for which I hardly know words. I am in your debt.”
“No, Wynne. Men were responsible for the problem to begin with. It only seems right that one of us should try to repair the damage.”
“Listen to me, mage. I am bigger than many of my fellows. When you have need, in the battle to come, I will be your steed. You will ride on my back against the enemy, on to glory and triumph.”
“Wynne, you are a king. It is not necessary for you to offer such a thing. It is payment enough to see Shar happy, and perhaps to earn your trust.”
“Master Wizard, I insist. It serves both of us for you to consider my offer.”
There was a pause as Tvrdik searched the unicorn’s face for clues as to how serious he was. Finally, not wishing to disrespect such a generous gesture, he nodded his head, “Yes, then. I accept your offer. You do me great honor.”
“The honor is all mine,” the unicorn said, lowering his head. Instinctively, Tvrdik offered his open right hand, and Wynne laid his muzzle gently in it. Tvrdik’s hand worked its way around to scratch behind the unicorn’s left ear, knowing that such was a privilege reserved for a very few, and that he was living a historic moment. In the distance, Shar seemed to be enjoying conversations with several admiring compatriots. Tvrdik smiled. He packed up his equipment, took his leave with a gracious bow, and made his way between the bushes back out to the main path. The young mage glanced up at the sun, which was now far advanced on its daily journey, but seemed to be returning his broad smile with its warm beams. He enjoyed an unhurried stroll back to Xaarus’ Cottage. When he arrived, and couldn’t stop smiling, both Stewart and Mrs. Praeger asked what he’d been up to. Tvrdik’s response was, “Ah, my old master often used to say, ‘a wizard’s ways are inscrutable – not to be questioned or understood.’” And, still smiling, he left it at that, his mystified housemates staring after him.
Jorelial Rey arrived from the crater lake late that night, feeling refreshed and renewed. A part of her knew it might be considered irresponsible on her part to absent herself for the entire day, just after an enemy attack on home ground. But her instincts told her she could have these twenty-four hours in peace, without incident, and that she would be a more effective leader if she seized the chance for a retreat.
Upon arriving at Theriole, she immediately sent Tashroth off to ask Candelinda to come for an audience, despite the late hour, with an eye toward a special mission. The two dragons appeared atop the crenellated turret only minutes later. Candelinda was even more beautiful in close-up, her hide glistening with faint, opalescent rainbows, and her dark, expressive eyes framed with long lashes. Jorelial Rey was even more impressed, however, with her intellect, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on responsibility, just as Tash had described. The Lady Rey began by praising the dragons, and Candelinda in particular, for their excellent work during the recent battle. She then went on to describe what she needed in an envoy to Lord Drogue, and asked if Candelinda were interested in the job. The response was a resounding, ‘Yes!’, and Rel felt confident that here was someone she could trust to communicate with clarity and eloquence, to observe with meticulous detail, and to take care of herself and come back unharmed.
With Tashroth adding his own sage advice, they discussed what the Lady Regent was prepared to offer Drogue, what she wanted in return, which were negotiable points or deal-breakers, and what information it would be useful for Candelinda to glean while she was there. Jorelial Rey was happy to grant this dragon broad powers, representing the Crown. She also warned her about Drogue’s rumored congress in dark sorceries, urging her to watch her back at all times.
“Do not forget that this man can smile and seem charming and reasonable when he is really plotting stratagems to serve his own agenda. I myself have been at least somewhat taken in by him until recently. I found him tiresome, but never guessed the depths of his ambition and his evil. Be careful. Be gracious and courteous, and generous if he is willing to be turned from his express intentions. But don’t let him get anything from you without concrete proofs of his intentions.”
Candelinda raised an eyebrow, very like Jorelial’s own habitual gesture, and nodded her understanding of all she had been told. She was eager to be off about her errand at once, which suited the Lady Regent as well. But it was agreed that she should take some time first in surveying the situation around Drogue’s compound, and not request a formal audience until she was sure his ships had returned with the news of their defeat. The Mountain Lord might be more open to discussion once he had been knocked down a peg in his own estimation. Jorelial Rey thanked Candelinda, and wished her success. But was it only her imagination, or was there indeed a private glance, a word, a brief touch between the two dragons on Theriole’s rooftop, just before the white beauty lifted off and winged away in the distance?
“You were so right about her, Tash.” Rel mused, watching the small shape recede into the starry deeps. “She is a perfect choice to entrust with such an important task.”
“She will do well, and return to us safely.” The deep voice answered her, while dragon eyes remained fix
ed on the distance.
Rel lowered her eyes and scraped a toe over the old stones beneath her feet, then decided to voice her suspicions. She looked up to meet her beloved companion’s gaze, “You know your happiness means everything to me. We’ve never had any secrets from each other, you and I. And she certainly is the rare one I’d even consider to be worthy of you.” Her smile held a touch of mischief, “So, is there anything you’d like to share, Tash?”
Tashroth seemed to be smiling, although a dragon’s expressions can be difficult to interpret, “We shall wait, and see. She has my attention, that one. Perhaps…” He spoke dreamily, as if he did not realize the words were sounding outside of his own head. He shifted his focus back to Rel, “I might mention a rumor I heard of a very novel tactic someone used to rouse the young wizard from his trance only yesterday, hmmm?”
Jorelial Rey pulled back, aghast. “He was…I was only…there wasn’t any…oooh, I am going to kill Delphine!” she spluttered, but the dragon was chuckling.
“Do not worry, dear one. We will always be joined, you and I. Whatever else comes, for either of us, is a cup overflowing.” His tone shifted, as he began to tease her, in his familiar way, “Your concern for me is most touching, Jorelial Rey, but I trust you will not be planning any unsolicited interventions on my behalf? You will leave things to me, dear, and to the lady?”
“I, interfere?” she jested back at him, “Why, I wouldn’t dream of such a thing. No, no, not a word from me. You can count on it.”
“Hmmmm… ” he growled, and the two of them smiled, faces pressed together in silent communion.
The next morning was Tvrdik’s healing day, but, luckily, the patient load was lighter than usual, and he had seen everyone who was waiting for his attentions by noon. Delphine was still helping him on those days when she could spare the time. But, for the last few weeks, he had also invited Andrus to come and work with him, whenever the physician’s duties at the palace allowed. Andrus had long ago abandoned his original posture of egotistical protectionism, and was only too glad to have access to Xaarus’ legendary pharmacopeia, and the opportunity to see it in action. He was a great help to Tvrdik, making the busy hours pass swiftly. And he was always overflowing with questions that were both insightful and caring. They worked well together, teaching each other techniques and tools from separate healing traditions.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 59