The Quickening

by Fiona McIntosh

  ‘Tell me about Koreldy,’ Elspyth suddenly blurted.

  ‘I can’t imagine there’s anything I can tell you about him which you don’t already know,’ he responded cautiously.

  ‘Please, Lothryn. He’s a stranger. I’m having enough trouble working out what I’m doing here. Perhaps if I knew more, I could help with what you want,’ she offered.

  The man paused a while as if measuring whether she was trying to hoodwink him.

  ‘We want to see if Koreldy is a threat to our people.’

  ‘But you know him already, surely? And how can a single man be a threat?’

  ‘We knew him a long time ago. Cailech would like to know what he’s doing in Morgravia.’

  ‘Well, I can tell you that,’ she said, puzzled. ‘He’s somehow connected to that General who recently died.’

  ‘Thirsk?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Lothryn shook his head. ‘He was an old man, bound to eventually die on the battlefield. Connection or not, I suspect this is not what my King pursues.’

  ‘No. I’m talking about the son. His name was Wyl.’

  ‘Wyl Thirsk is dead?’

  It clearly came as a shock to him she realised. ‘Well, yes. My aunt and I heard about his state funeral on our travels back to Yentro from Pearlis. I remember her saying we haven’t heard the last from that one but I don’t know what she meant by that.’

  Now she had Lothryn’s interest piqued. ‘And what is Koreldy’s connection with Thirsk?’

  ‘I have no idea but my aunt may have known. She agreed to meet Romen only because he mentioned the name Thirsk.’

  ‘Then what are your aunt’s dealings with the former General?’

  ‘Very little. She did a “speak” for him when we were in Pearlis for the tournament.’

  ‘A “speak”?’

  ‘That’s her talent. She’s a seer. She speaks about what she sees in people, although I would not admit that on Morgravian soil.’

  ‘Do they still burn people?’

  ‘Not for several years now, but the old suspicions die hard in the south. In the north we believe in empowerment, we always have.’

  He grunted. ‘We too.’ Lothryn tossed his apple core aside. ‘So what did she see in Thirsk?’

  ‘Truly, I don’t know. I wasn’t present. It wasn’t anything serious — just a bit of fun fortune-telling to earn a few pennies.’

  Lothryn nodded thoughtfully. ‘What else do you know?’

  ‘That’s it. We arrived home and not long after Koreldy appeared in Yentro asking after the Widow Ilyk, my aunt.’

  ‘Perhaps we should have grabbed the old girl,’ Lothryn muttered ruefully.

  She took advantage of his mood. ‘All you had to do was ask me — I would have given you this information willingly. You didn’t have to knock me unconscious and drag me up here to learn it.’

  He did not respond, although she sensed his amusement. They continued walking.

  Elspyth tried again. ‘So what is Romen’s secret?’

  Lothryn looked at her with no understanding and she returned it with an expression of exasperation. ‘It’s clear he hides something which you know about. You two greeted each other amicably; how come a Mountain Dweller knows a Grenadyn noble?’

  ‘Grenadyn is but a short boat trip away.’

  Elspyth shook her head. ‘You’re avoiding my question,’ she admonished.

  ‘Perhaps you should let him tell you his past.’

  ‘Oh come on, Lothryn! You didn’t bring me out here for the fresh air. I suspect Cailech asked you to find out what I know. I’ve told you what information I have. I also suspect the walk helps take your mind off your labouring wife. First child? I’d say you have hours to go. We’re in no rush. Talk to me — I’ll keep you company but only if you’re honest. I’ve told you the truth.’

  She was easy to like, this one. Lothryn found her fiery nature attractive. He hoped Cailech would not order her defilement as some sort of example to the Morgravians, although he was more than capable of something that brutal, especially now the young Morgravian King had showed himself to be more aggressive than his father. Magnus had left it to General Fergys Thirsk to ensure the Legion’s presence at the border was a sufficient deterrent, but Fergys had never become heavy-handed with that weapon. In contrast Celimus had, and his recent act of slaughtering innocents who had inadvertently stumbled across the border had plunged Cailech into an unpredictable mood. It might have been eased had Celimus sent immediate apology but the silence from the south was both deafening and damning.

  Lothryn hoped his influence might count for something when he met with the King later — perhaps he might help avoid some brewing trouble. He came out of his musings, realising Elspyth was staring at him, waiting for his response.

  ‘All right. I’m sure it can’t hurt,’ he said. ‘Sit here.’ Lothryn gestured towards a low wall which led into some rockier pastures where the fortress’s goats were grazing.

  ‘He is from Grenadyn. He belongs to a wealthy noble’s family — I mean real riches. There were three children. An eldest son — the heir — and then twins, Romen and his sister. I gather that Romen was the wild one of the three and always leading his sister into trouble. His antics became more reckless as he grew up and it was the brother who saved Romen’s lot countless times.’

  Elspyth smiled. She had never had any siblings to know that kind of love. ‘They were close then.’

  He nodded.

  ‘I sense from your expression that this story doesn’t have a happy ending.’

  ‘No,’ Lothryn admitted. ‘Grenadyn’s south island is really not that far from our mainland. Cailech passed a law forbidding any visitors beyond our borders without prior permission being sought. He really meant it against the Morgravians and Briavellians who treated us Mountain Dwellers as nothing more than barbarians.’

  ‘If only they knew,’ she said, trying to ease his obvious wrath for the rich southern realms.

  ‘I don’t think he really worried about Grenadyn. They had no argument with us; never sought our lands, never gave cause for us to regard them as anything but friendly neighbours.’

  ‘Until?’

  ‘Until some of our people mistakenly got themselves washed up on a Grenadyn beach. Some panic-stricken idiot sent out the word that the barbarians were raiding. It was a ludicrous claim considering our people were in a smallish rowboat but it was night and the thugs the alarmist called were drunk. I presume they decided to take matters into their own hands. Our people fought back as bravely as they could without many weapons but they were slaughtered. The children too who were hiding in the boat. One of those children was the King’s cousin. He loved her very much.’

  Lothryn threw a stone into the distance. He stayed quiet for a few moments and Elspyth wondered if he would continue with the story.

  ‘Cailech did not respond as predicted — he took us by surprise, to be honest, and I imagine the Grenadynes held their collective breath waiting for the onslaught which never came. Instead he simply issued a warning. His instructions were clear. If anyone from Grenadyn was ever sighted on our land they were to be killed with the same speed and lack of sympathy as had been shown our people.’

  Elspyth did not need to hear any more. She could guess the outcome but Lothryn’s tongue was loosened now and he seemed compelled to tell it all.

  ‘We sent word to Grenadyn of his decision. Everyone sensibly heeded the warning — except Romen Koreldy. Arrogant and possessing that sense of invincibility which all young braves have in abundance, he devised a dare for the young folk of the south island. Bring back a bunch of Cailech’s prized grapes from his vineyards of Racklaryon and you won what he called the “dare gold”.’

  ‘You don’t need to go on,’ she said, touching his arm gently.

  Whether he noticed the gesture or not, he ignored it. ‘Several took him up on the dare but were unsuccessful. Thankfully that channel of water which divides us is usually perilous. But I g
ather from Romen that he goaded his sister unfairly, for this girl was not scared of anything, as I understand it — very much in his mould … a worthy twin, you could say. She was every bit the adventurer Romen was and always trying to prove her match to him.

  ‘The short of it is that Lily — that was her name — took the dare. And Romen, delighted and filled with bravado, said he’d join her. They rowed across the channel. It really isn’t that far and fate calmed the waters on this particular day. When the elder brother found out their folly he was understandably furious and rowed after them.’ Lothryn put his head in his hands. ‘You know she almost made it, that brave girl. She had the grapes in her hand when she was discovered. The elder brother had the presence of mind to bring his sword and he wielded it gallantly. I was there, I witnessed him fighting for their lives.’

  ‘And Romen?’ Elspyth enquired.

  ‘Ah, that’s the crux of this dark tale. He lost his nerve. Cringing in a copse near the vineyard, he shielded himself and watched us take his brother and sister. Cailech ordered their deaths instantly. Our King made the right decision — the only decision he could under the circumstances — but it made me feel we earned our title of barbarians that day. We crucified those two young people in the Racklaryon vineyard for nothing more than a bunch of grapes.

  ‘It was a bright, clear day and the Grenadynes could probably see the two crosses and their victims through an eyeglass. The brother died first but she lingered throughout the day and night, punishing us all. She called to Romen. Begged him to save her. Poor, tragic Lily. She fought death all the way to her last gasp and he would have heard every groan, would have watched every moment of her suffering.’

  Elspyth was rigid with tension now, both sickened and despairing of this sad story. ‘What happened?’

  ‘The next morning their stiff bodies were cut down and burned; their ashes scattered on the waters which brought them to us. Romen watched it all and when it was over, his fighting spirit, it seemed, made a return.’

  ‘What do you mean?

  ‘He tried to kill Cailech.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘It’s true. He’s a deadeye marksman with knives, did you know that?’ She shook her head. ‘Cailech was at the burning, or so people thought. Knives hit him clean in the chest and killed him outright … or would have if the man had been Cailech.’

  ‘I’m not following you now,’ Elspyth admitted.

  ‘Cailech had his Stones read the night before by Rashlyn, the King’s practitioner, and they told of an attempt on his life that next day. He is very mindful of any advice given through the Stones and took precaution. From a distance, any big man with long hair of similar colour could fool an intruder such as Romen. He threw true, killed his man and when captured was obviously stunned to learn the truth.’

  ‘How has he survived to this day, then?’

  ‘A miracle, I would suggest. Perhaps Cailech had had enough of the killing. He can be ruthless, don’t be fooled, but he is a deep thinker. My feeling is he admired the fact that the brother had finally found the courage to do what was right. They were of an age and he spared Romen, allowed him to live and work amongst us for a while and tried to help him come to terms with his loss. He never did, I might add. When he was ready to leave, he was given back his weapons and escorted to the southern border. He promised never to return to Grenadyn. Cailech told him that if he ever set foot near the Razors again, then he would die.’

  Elspyth ran her hands through her hair. ‘How long has it been?’

  ‘Has to be ten summers or so.’

  ‘And still you recognised him?’

  ‘A man as distinctive as Romen is not easily forgettable.’

  She nodded; he was right, of course. ‘And will Cailech kill him?’

  ‘That I can’t answer but now come, we must return. He will wish to see you.’

  ‘You expect me to believe that, although you were working for the Morgravian King, you have no loyalties to him?’

  ‘I do,’ Wyl answered carefully. ‘If I told you I could unite Briavel and your people against Morgravia, would you believe me?’ he challenged.

  ‘No,’ the King answered. ‘I would not trust them anyway. And I don’t trust you. Your tale is too far fetched.’

  ‘What can you not believe?’

  Cailech sat back in his chair, twirling his wine glass, highly amused. ‘You were hired by Celimus to assassinate Wyl Thirsk which you claim you have done. Then you took his body back to Pearlis to ensure the General’s name was cleared of wrong doing because you suspected Celimus would spread lies about Thirsk’s involvement with the Briavellians … can you hear how unbelievable this all sounds, Romen?’ Cailech scratched his head theatrically before continuing. ‘You witness the funeral … ah, no wait, another intrigue. First you rescue Wyl Thirsk’s sister from the dungeon where Celimus is keeping her. You spin him some story about wanting to shame the Thirsk name further by lying with her.’

  Wyl nodded grimly. It did sound far fetched when spoken aloud like this — how sad then that it was the truth.

  ‘But here comes the good bit. Then you escape from Stoneheart because you know Celimus would never keep his word — would most likely make another attempt at your life. And, of course, you’re right, but you escape death even though trained assassins follow you.’

  Wyl had mentioned nothing of Knave’s involvement. That really would be pushing Cailech’s indulgence.

  The King sipped his wine and smiled. ‘You kill them and then despatch the head of one to Celimus … why? Why would you let him know anything of your escape? But let’s move on to the most intriguing part of all.’ Cailech was enjoying himself, Wyl realised. ‘Your actual intention is to track down a seer who did this “speak” on you because you want more information.’

  ‘Correct,’ Wyl said, terrified by all the holes in the story he had related.

  Cailech exploded into laughter, getting up from his seat to return to the mantelpiece. ‘Priceless! But I’m afraid it’s too thin, Romen. You’re going to have to come up with something more plausible if you want your life spared.’

  A servant stepped up quietly and at the King’s permission whispered something.

  ‘Bring her,’ he said and the servant departed.

  Moments later Lothryn appeared with Elspyth who went down on one knee to the sovereign.

  ‘My lord Cailech,’ she whispered in no little awe.

  The King glanced towards Lothryn and Wyl was quick enough to catch the surreptitious nod from the man. What it meant he could not guess.

  ‘You are the seer’s daughter, is this right?’ Cailech asked.

  Elspyth remained bowed. ‘No, my lord. I am her niece, Elspyth.’

  ‘Ah, that’s right. Now tell me, Elspyth, what did your aunt say to Romen here the first time she met him? Please stand.’

  She did so, looking up at the mountain of a man before her. He was taller than Lothryn. A fierce intelligence lurked behind those shrouded eyes and they saw the puzzlement on her face.

  ‘My lord?’

  ‘Would you like me to repeat the question?’

  Wyl felt the hairs on his arms lift. This was dangerous. Think fast! He opened his mouth to say something but the King was quick. He held up his finger to his mouth to stop Wyl.

  Elspyth glanced nervously between both. ‘No, sire. I … I just don’t understand it. My aunt has only met Romen once.’

  Cailech glanced towards Wyl slyly but he spoke to Elspyth. ‘Ah! And I presume this occurred at your cottage … in the foothills?’

  ‘Yes, my lord. A few days ago.’

  ‘And to your knowledge your aunt has met this man only once.’

  ‘I speak the truth. She told me she didn’t know him, did not know his name.’

  Wyl knew Cailech would turn that hard gaze of his towards him now and whatever Romen said next would have to be convincing.

  He had no choice and adopted a tone of soft offence. ‘Well, she has lied to you, Elspy
th. I’m sorry.’

  Elspyth turned on Wyl and glared. ‘How dare you! Why would she?’

  He shrugged, palms turned upwards in a show of helplessness. ‘How can I possibly know her reasonings? She and I met briefly at Pearlis. It was early afternoon on the day of the royal tournament — the main break had just been called for the midday meal and there were plenty of people milling through the side stalls. You were definitely not around, though, or I would have recalled you.’ Wyl watched her anger stoke as he pressed on. ‘If my memory serves me correctly, I did see Thirsk with a companion, a man about his own age I knew to be Captain Alyd Donal. I don’t think they went into your aunt’s tent because I overheard them saying something about coming later, if all went well or something.’

  Fury turned to slow understanding on Elspyth’s face. She suddenly looked down, embarrassed. Lothryn felt sorry for her when he noticed her blush.

  ‘Sire, perhaps this is my mistake. Romen speaks true. My aunt mentioned that Thirsk came with a companion called Captain Donal and she also told me they had been at her tent earlier that day — she mentioned it only because she was surprised they did not visit her then and that she knew they would return.’

  ‘Where were you?’ Cailech asked.

  ‘I was at the tournament.’

  Trying to be helpful, Elspyth recounted for Cailech the Prince re-introducing the old rite of Virgin Blood.

  ‘And they call us barbarians,’ Lothryn muttered under his breath.

  Cailech’s wry smile was evident too. ‘Please go on,’ he encouraged, fascinated.

  ‘I was close enough to hear what followed the Prince’s victory,’ she continued, looking towards Romen whilst Wyl inwardly flinched at having to hear the torrid account again. ‘The General, I gather, thwarted the Prince’s plans by marrying off his sister the previous day. It was obvious the Prince wanted to bed her, not because he loved her I don’t think, sire. She is a beautiful woman, of course. But he loves only himself, my aunt says.’

  The King nodded. ‘So Celimus had good reason for hating Thirsk. Humiliation is a wonderful weapon, isn’t it, Lothryn?’

  The big man returned the nod.