MADOUC

by Jack Vance

  II

  While King Casmir and Prince Cassander visited the stronghold Fort Mael, Queen Sollace, with her party, rested at Ronart Cinquelon, seat of Thauberet, Duke of Moncrif.

  King Casmir and Cassander inspected the facilities at Fort Mael, reviewed troops, and in general were satisfied with what they saw. They departed the fortress during the early afternoon, and by dint of hard riding reached Ronart Cinquelon at dusk.

  In the morning King Casmir discovered that Madouc was included among the company, coming upon her as she was about to climb into the carriage. Casmir stopped short in surprise and displeasure. Madouc performed a polite curtsey. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

  For a moment Casmir seemed on the verge of uttering a harsh command, but he turned on his heel and strode away.

  Madouc smiled thoughtfully and climbed into the carriage.

  The party set off up Icnield Way. The cortege now included King Casmir, Prince Cassander, the carriage, a pair of royal equerries, an escort of six knights, and a group of four men-at-arms who rode at the rear of the column and kept themselves apart from the others. Madouc thought these four a singular group, quite deficient in military discipline, casual and almost disrespectful in their attitudes. Odd, thought Madouc. After a few miles King Casmir became annoyed with their conduct and sent Cassander back to have a word with them, after which they rode in better order.

  On the third day after leaving Ronart Cinquelon the company arrived at Cogstone Head on the Cambermouth. A ferry propelled first in one direction then the other, by the ebb and flood of the tide, conveyed the company across the water to the northern shore. An hour later the party arrived at Avallon, the City of Tall Towers.

  At the city gates the party was met by a detachment of King Audry's Elite Guards, splendid in uniforms of gray and green, with helmets of glistening silver. To the music of fifes, pipes and drums, the party from Lyonesse was escorted along a wide boulevard, through the formal gardens at the front of Falu Ffail, to the main portal. King Audry came forward to pronounce a stately welcome.

  The royal party was then conducted to a set of chambers surrounding a garden courtyard in the east wing of the palace, with orange trees at the corners and a fountain at the center. Madouc's quarters were luxurious beyond any she had yet known. A heavy carpet of green plush covered the floor of her parlour; the furniture had been constructed to a light and graceful style, enamelled white and upholstered with blue and green cushions. On two of the walls hung painted representations of nymphs at play in an Arcadian landscape; on a side table a blue majolica vase displayed a bouquet of mixed flowers. Madouc found the total effect both unusual and pleasing. In addition to the parlour the suite included a bedchamber, a bathroom with fixtures carved from pink porphyry and a dressing room with a large Byzantine mirror affixed to the wall. Shelves displayed a variety of perfumes, oils and essences.

  Madouc discovered only a single disadvantage to the chambers: the fact that Kylas had been assigned quarters adjacent to her own, with a door opening into her parlour. For whatever reason, Kylas pursued her duties with full dedication, as if keeping a vigil. Wherever Madouc moved, the brilliant black gaze followed her.

  Madouc finally sent Kylas on an errand. Waiting only until Kylas had disappeared from view, Madouc ran from the chambers and with all speed consonant with dignity departed the east wing.

  She found herself in Falu Ffail's main gallery, which, like that of Haidion, ran the length of the palace. Arriving in the reception hail, she approached a portly young under-chamberlain, proud in his gray and green livery and loose flat cap of scarlet velvet, which he wore stylishly canted to the right so that it draped over his right ear. He took favorable note of the slender maiden with the copper-gold curls and sky-blue eyes and was pleased to inform her that neither King Aillas nor Prince Dhrun had arrived. "Prince Dhrun will be here shortly; King Aillas has been delayed and may not arrive until tomorrow."

  "How so?" asked Madouc in puzzlement. "Why do they not come together?"

  "It is a complicated business. Prince Dhrun arrives aboard his ship the Nementhe on which he serves as first officer. King Aillas, so it appears, has been delayed at Domreis. His young queen is eight months heavy with child, and there was some question as to whether King Aillas would come at all. But we have had late report that he is on his way. Prince Dhrun, however, should be on hand at any moment; his vessel entered the Cambermouth this morning on the tide."

  Madouc turned to look about the hall. At the far end, an archway opened into an atrium illuminated by high glass skylights. To either side stood monumental statues, ranked in a pair of opposing rows.

  The under-chamberlain observed the direction of Madouc's gaze. "You are looking into the Court of Dead Gods. The statues are very old."

  "How is it known that these gods are dead? Or truly dead, for that matter?"

  The under-chamberlain gave a whimsical shrug. "I have never gone deeply into the subject. Perhaps when gods are no longer venerated, they fade, or dissipate. The statues yonder were worshipped by the ancient Evadnioi, who preceded the Pelasgians. In Troicinet Gaea is still reckoned the Great Goddess, and in the sea near Ys is a temple dedicated to Atlante. Perhaps these gods are not dead after all. Would you like to see them more closely? I can spare a few moments, until the next party of dignitaries arrives."

  "Why not! Kylas will surely not come to seek me among the ‘Dead Gods'."

  The under-chamberlain took Madouc into the Court of Dead Gods. "See yonder! There stands Cron the Unknowable, across from his terrible spouse Hec, the Goddess of Fate. For a game they created the difference between ‘yes' and ‘no'; then, once again becoming bored, they ordained the distinction between ‘something' and ‘nothing'. When these diversions palled, they opened their hands and through their fingers let trickle matter, time, space and light, and at last they had created enough to hold their interest."

  "All very well," said Madouc. "But where did they learn this intricate lore?"

  "Aha!" said the under-chamberlain wisely. "That is where the mystery begins! When theologians are asked as to the source of Cron and Hec, they pull at their beards and change the subject. It is certainly beyond my understanding. We know for a fact that only Cron and Hec are father and mother to all the rest. There you see Atlante, there Gaea; there is Fantares, there Aeris. These are the divinities of water, earth, fire and air. Apollo the Glorious is God of the Sun; Drethre the Beautiful is Goddess of the Moon. There you see Fluns, Lord of Battles; facing him is Palas, Goddess of the Harvest. Finally: Adace and Aronice stand in opposition, as well they might! For six months of each year Adace is the God of Pain, Cruelty and Evil, while Aronice is the Goddess of Love and Kindness. At the time of the equinoxes they change roles and for the next six months, Adace is the God of Bravery, Virtue and Clemency, while Aronice is the Goddess of Spite, Hatred and Treachery. For this reason they are known as ‘The Fickle Pair'."

  "Ordinary folk change by the hour, or even by the minute," said Madouc. "By comparison, Adace and Aronice would seem to be steadfast. Still, I would not care to be a member of their household."

  "That is an astute observation," said the under-chamberlain. He inspected her once again. "Am I mistaken, or might you be the distinguished Princess Madouc of Lyonesse?"

  "So I am known, at least for the moment."

  The under-chamberlain bowed. "You may know me as Tibalt, with the rank of esquire. I am happy to assist Your Highness! Please advise me if I may continue to be of service!"

  Madouc asked: "From sheer curiosity, where is the table Cairbra an Meadhan?"

  Tibalt, with a brave flourish, pointed his finger. "The portal yonder leads into the Hall of Heroes."

  Madouc said: "You may conduct me to this hail, if you will."

  "With pleasure."

  A pair of men-at-arms, halberds at vertical rest, stood immobile by the portal; their eyes moved by not so much as a flicker at the approach of Madouc and Tibalt; the two passed unchallenged into the Hall of Her
oes.

  Tibalt said: "This is the oldest part of Falu Ffail. No one knows who laid these great stones! You will have noticed that the chamber is circular and commands a diameter of thirty-three yards. And there is the Round Table: Cairbra an Meadhan!"

  "So I see."

  The total diameter is fourteen yards and eleven ells. The outer ring is five feet across, and is constructed of rock elm laid on oak timbers, leaving a central opening about eleven yards in diameter."

  Tibalt conducted Madouc around the table. "Notice the bronze plaques: they name paladins of long past ages, and indicate their places at the table."

  Madouc bent to study one of the plaques. "The characters are of archaic style, but legible. This one reads: ‘Here sits Sir Gahun of Hack, fierce as the north wind and relentless in battle.'

  Tibalt was impressed. "You are adept in the skill of reading! But then, that is the prerogative of a princess!"

  "True enough," said Madouc. "Still, many common folk can do as well, if they apply themselves. I recommend the sleight to you; it is not so hard after the many peculiar shapes become familiar."

  "Your Highness has inspired me!" declared Tibalt. "I will begin to master this skill at once. Now then!" Tibalt pointed across the chamber. "There you see Evandig, the Throne of the Elder Kings. We stand in the presence of the mighty! It is said that once each year their ghosts gather in this hall to renew old friendships. And now what? Will you see more of this hall? It is a trifle gloomy, and used only at state occasions."

  "Will it be used during the present colloquy?"

  "Definitely so!"

  "Where will King Casmir sit, and where King Aillas and Prince Dhrun?"

  "As to this, I am ignorant; it is in the province of the seneschal and the heralds. Will you see any more?"

  "No, thank you."

  Tibalt led Madouc back through the portai and into the Court of Dead Gods. From the reception chamber came the sound of many voices.

  Tibalt spoke in agitation: "Excuse me, please; I am absent from my post! Someone has arrived and I would suspect it to be Prince Dhrun with his escort!"

  Tibalt ran off with Madouc following close behind. She entered the reception hall to discover Prince Dhrun and three Troice dignitaries in the company of King Audry, along with the Princes Dorcas, Whemus and Jaswyn, and the two princesses, Cloire and Mahaeve. Madouc sidled through the press of courtiers, hoping to approach Dhrun, but without success; he and his company were led away by King Audry.

  Madouc slowly returned to her own rooms. She found Kylas sitting stonily in the parlour.

  Kylas spoke in clipped tones: "When I returned from your errand, you were gone. Where did you go?"

  "That is beside the point," said Madouc. "You must not trouble yourself with details of this nature."

  "It is my duty to attend you," said Kylas stubbornly.

  "When I require your assistance, I will notify you. As for now, you may retire to your own quarters."

  Kylas rose to her feet. "I will be back presently. A maid has been assigned to your service and will help you dress for the evening banquet; the queen has suggested that I help you select a suitable gown from your wardrobe."

  "That is nonsense," said Madouc. "I need no advice. Do not return until I summon you."

  Kylas stalked from the room.

  Madouc dressed early, and after only a moment's indecision chose the gown of Black Rose velvet. She left early and alone for the Great Hall, where she hoped to find Dhrun before the start of the banquet. Dhrun was not on hand. Prince Jaswyn, Audry's third son, a dark-haired youth fifteen years old, came forward and escorted her to a place at the table beside his own, with Prince Raven of Pomperol to her other side.

  Dhrun at last appeared, and was conducted to a seat across the table and six places to the side. He had changed from his travel garments to an indigo blue doublet and white shirt-a simple costume which nicely set off his clear complexion and neat cap of dark blond hair. He noticed Madouc and waved his hand, but thereafter was held close in conversation by the Princess Cloire; and in the intervals when she relaxed her attention, by Queen Linnet of Pomperol.

  The banquet proceeded, course by course; Madouc presently stopped eating or even tasting from the dishes tendered by the stewards. The four goblets before her contained two sorts of red wine, a soft white wine and a tart green wine; they were filled and refilled every time Madouc sipped, and she soon desisted, lest her head start to spin. Prince Jaswyn was an entertaining dinner companion, as was Prince Raven, youngest son to King Kestrel and brother to the egregious Bittern, who had not come to Avallon by reason of a rheum and an asthma. On several occasions Madouc discovered Queen Sollace's frosty gaze fixed upon her, but pretended not to notice.

  King Audry at last rose to his feet, signalling the end of the banquet. Soft music of lutes and rebecs at once began to issue from the adjacent ballroom. Madouc made hurried excuses to Prince Jaswyn and Prince Raven, slipped from her chair and ran to circle the table, so that she might approach Dhrun. She was first impeded by Prince Whemus, who wished to compliment her and to initiate a conversation. As quickly and politely as possible, Madouc detached herself, but now, when she looked, Dhrun was nowhere to be seen. Ah, there he was, on the other side of the table! Madouc retraced her steps, only to meet Kylas, who brought an urgent message, which she transmitted with poorly suppressed satisfaction. "Queen Sollace finds your gown unsatisfactory."

  "She is mistaken! You may tell her that I am quite satisfied with it."

  "It is the queen who is not satisfied. She thinks the gown unsuitable for a person of your years and lack of experience. She wishes that you and I repair to your chambers, where I am to help you select a gown more modest and youthful. Come; we must go at once."

  Madouc spoke tersely: "I regret that the queen is displeased, but I am sure that you have misunderstood her instructions. She would hardly expect me to change clothes now. Excuse me, and do not approach me again." Madouc tried to sidle past, but Kylas stood in her way. "You have heard the queen's instruc tions! There has been no mistake!"

  Madouc restrained her vexation with an effort. "Explain to the queen that it would be most inconvenient for me to change clothes now, especially as this gown is quite suitable."

  "Not altogether."

  "In any event, stand aside; there is someone with whom I wish to speak!"

  "Who might it be?"

  "Really, Kylas! Your question serves no purpose!" Madouc dodged past, only to discover that Dhrun again was lost in the slow circulation of grandees and courtiers.

  Madouc went to the side of the chamber. She looked right and left, searching from individual to individual. Overhead a thousand candle flames in five candelabra enriched a thousand colors in the flux of fabric below: rose-madder and saffron; steel-blue and moss-green; lemon-white, maroon, umber and rose-pink; also the twinkle of silver and the glow of gold, and everywhere the glitter of jewels. Faces swam in the candlelight like wan jellyfish in a luminous tide: faces of all kinds, each a symbol for the soul it concealed! But none, either to right or to left, was the face of Dhrun!

  A voice spoke close by her ear. "Why do you avoid me so? Am I now your hated enemy?"

  Madouc whirled to find Dhrun standing beside her. "Dhrun!" She barely restrained herself from an over-impulsive act. "I have been looking everywhere for you! To no effect; wherever I went, you were gone; I was chasing a shadow!"

  "You have found me at last, and I have found you, and I am amazed!"

  Madouc looked up at him, smiling in sheer happiness. "Tell me why!"

  "You know why! If I told you more, I would be embarrassed!"

  "Tell me anyway."

  "Very well. Long ago I knew that you would become beautiful - but I did not think it would happen so soon."

  Madouc laughed quietly. "Are you embarrassed?" Dhrun also laughed. "You do not seem offended, or disturbed."

  "Then I will say something and perhaps I will be embarrassed."

  Dhrun took her two
hands. "I will listen, and I promise you I will take no offense."

  Madouc half-whispered: "I am happy to hear what you said, since I care for no opinion other than yours."

  Dhrun spoke impulsively: "If I dared, I would kiss you!"

  Shyness overtook Madouc. "Not now! Every one would see!"

  "True! But what of that?"

  Madouc squeezed his hands. "Listen now! I have something important to tell you, and you must heed me very carefully."

  "You have all my attention!"

  Someone stood close by Madouc's shoulder. Madouc looked around and into Kylas' inquisitive black eyes.

  Kylas asked: "Are you coming to change your garments, as Her Highness wishes?"

  "Not just now," said Madouc. "You may explain to Her Highness that Prince Dhrun and I are deep in consultation and he would think me eccentric if I suddenly ran off to change clothes." She led Dhrun away, leaving Kylas staring after her.

  Madouc said: "Kylas is something of a trial. She watches my every move and reports to the queen, for what purpose I cannot imagine, since the queen has no notion of what I am about to tell you."

  "Tell me, then! What is so important?"

  "Your life! I could not bear that you should lose it!"

  "I feel much the same. Say on."

  "Do you know of Persilian the Magic Mirror?"

  "I have heard the name from my father."

  King Audry approached the two and halted. He looked Madouc up and down. "Who is this bright-haired little slyph? I noticed her at the table, deep in conversation with Prince Jaswyn."

  "Your Highness, allow me to introduce Princess Madouc of Lyonesse."

  King Audry raised his eyebrows and tugged at his fine mustache. "Can this be the creature of whom we have heard such remarkable tales? I am astonished!"

  Madouc said politely: "The tales have surely been exaggerated, Your Highness."

  "All of them?"

  "At times, perhaps, my conduct has lacked full meekness and sweet reason; on this account my reputation has suffered."

  King Audry shook his head and stroked his beard. "A sad situation, to be sure! But there is still time for redemption!"