Eyes of the Alchemist

by Janet Woods

  Kavan lay upon the softest of beds and slept so soundly he could not be wakened. His body was a mass of burns cuts and bruises. She set about healing them so he’d wake to comfort.

  He was vulnerable in this state, his mind unguarded. In it she discovered an unexpected lowness of spirit.

  “What ails you, Lord?”

  “The gods have taught me a lesson in humility and I begin to doubt my ability to save our people.”

  A smile trembled on her lips. “The gods have their own agenda. Will you abandon yours and travel the road to failure because your ego has been dented? What happened to the arrogant lord who came to claim me as his own?”

  “Beaten down by his pride.”

  “Hah! I always knew your words were empty with bragging. You’re no longer the Lord Kavan I know, but the tail of a mangy cur which wags for the favor of his abuser.”

  His eyes snapped open. “I can hear you, but I cannot see you, Tiana. Swear allegiance to your lord and master.”

  She dared to place a kiss against the side of his mouth. “I swear allegiance only to my lord. Sleep in peace now, Lord.”

  “Stay with me for a while, light of my heart”

  “Is that what I am to you?”

  “And more. You’re the burning flame of my sun, the stars in the sky. Your eyes are greener than the ocean, your hair gossamer thread that the most skilled weavers of silk would envy.”

  She kissed each eyelid, closing them against the intrusion of light. “Your tongue is skilled in the art of seduction. What is it you feel for me, Lord?”

  His answer came in a sigh. “I revere you above all others, including myself. My life is forfeit to yours, my heart is yours to command.”

  “Then you agree you are not my master.”

  His spirit seemed to lighten with the amusement her words offered him. “How can I be when you’re the mistress of my heart?”

  She was contented with that.

  * * * *

  Kavan woke feeling refreshed. The palace servants scurried about him, their faces beaming with the joy of his safe return. First on his list was a relaxing wallow in a tub of hot water, followed by a hearty breakfast.

  His bathing ritual was interrupted by the court physician, who took advantage of his naked state and insisted on examining every inch of him. The man’s poking and prodding irked Kavan after a while. “Cease this torment. I’ve never felt healthier.”

  The physician was puzzled. “I don’t understand. Last night you were near to death. You’ve got a strong constitution, you’ve healed quickly.”

  A grin split Kavan’s face in two when he remembered the reason why. What impudence to infiltrated his subconscious and take over his will. She’d also placed her hands on him, not something most maids would do considering the battered, unwashed state he’d been in. “I had a little help.”

  The physician’s smile assumed a sly edge. “Whilst you engaged the forces of evil, your lady was in the market place practicing the laying on of hands.”

  “My lady does not need to practice, healing is as natural to her as breathing.”

  “She saved the lives of many of your troopers.”

  “They spake nothing to me of it.”

  “They have not had the time. Besides, she used the art of mesmer on them . . . not that it was effective at the end. Lady Tiana was so tired she was near to collapse. Luckily, a young man of magic came to assist her.” The physician snapped his fingers under Kavan’s nose, and then took the opportunity to prise his mouth open with a hooked finger. He gazed with some interest down his Lord’s throat. “The pair of them just disappeared, which was totally beyond my understanding.”

  “My nady is the naughter of a noddess and beyond nortal unnerstandin,” Kavan mumbled.

  “I admit she’s done a remarkable job on you, Lord,” the physician said, not quite able to conceal his grin. “When can we expect her to join you? The people wait the outcome of the seven dawns with high expectations.”

  Kavan pushed his hand away and closed his jaw with a snap. “She’ll join me when the gods see fit to release her to my care. You’re too inquisitive, physician. Declare me fit, then send one of my troopers to inquire after Shazah when you leave.”

  The physician signed a certificate, then bowed and backed hurriedly away.

  Pulling on his clothing, Kavan strolled to the window and placed an eye against the telescope. The High Place was powdered in snow. She couldn’t still be waiting in the alchemist’s tomb, surely? It was the one place he couldn’t go except in an emergency situation.

  “Come in,” he said when someone rapped at the door.

  It was one of his younger troopers. “Lord, I have a message for you from the Lady Tiana.”

  Hands on hips, Kavan fixed him with a stare. “When did you see my lady?”

  “Two yesters ago in the market place, Lord.” His eyes took on the glow of hero worship when he pulled open his tunic and displayed a long, red scar. “Your lady saved my life and I’m forever in her debt. She asked me to give you a message, but I couldn’t find you, Lord.”

  “Well, here I am,” Kavan roared, trying not to appear awed by the length of the scar. “Stop making goat’s eyes over my lady and deliver the message.”

  The trooper handed Kavan the insignia. “Lady Tiana told me to give you this and tell you she was proud of your troopers, and . . . um . . . of me in particular. She said she awaits the moment the rocks become sand.”

  “She did, did she?” He grinned at the youth, suspecting exaggeration. “Be careful, lad. I’ll be checking the commendation with her before you’re awarded any medal of honor.”

  The trooper couldn’t keep the grin from his face. “It’s the truth, Lord.”

  “I believe you.” He leaned forward to inspect the wound. “Hmm, that’s some battle scar. Now you’ve shown it off you can cover it again.” He waited until the trooper had adjusted his dress. “Did my lady say anything else?”

  “She was most eager to hear news of you, Lord.”

  “Of course she was. How did she look to you?”

  A dreamy look filled the trooper’s eyes. “Exquisite. Her eyes were truly beautiful and her mouth –”

  Kavan frowned. “It sounds as if you’ve fallen in love with her, lad.”

  “Yes, Lord . . .” The trooper reddened. “I mean, no . . . I wouldn’t dare do that.” He came to attention. “Is there anything else, Lord?”

  “Yes. I need to rest. Stand guard outside my door and don’t let anyone in unless it be Torma.”

  When the youth had closed the door behind him Kavan passed his hand over a carved tablet set into the middle of the floor, setting it in motion. He seated himself in the middle with legs crossed, a bowl of water cradled in his lap.

  He stirred the water with his fingers. When the ripples calmed he found himself gazing at the lake. The remains of two decaying war demons floated on the surface. Another was decomposing on the shore. He shuddered. Beltane’s threat had not been an idle one.

  He smiled when he saw a movement behind the fall. For once she’d obeyed him. It was now time to reel her in.

  He concentrated his mind on the rocks below the fall.

  * * * *

  Tiana was bored. Kavan must still be asleep, she thought, why else hadn’t he come for her? She was about to assume the meditation position to try and contact him when the music of the falls changed.

  Wonderingly, she strolled to the cave entrance and stared out. She saw nothing different until she happened to look down. Below the fall, the rocks had disintegrated into golden grains of sand.

  Her heart gave a giant leap and a smile edged across her mouth. Of course, Kavan would not come for her now there was no longer an emergency. Not only had he been banned from the tomb, such action would force him to lose face with his people.

  She panicked as she stared at her stained gown. She couldn’t go to him looking like a vagabond. Pulling the wishing dish towards her she gazed into the surface smile
d and did something so totally against her training she gave a quick involuntary glance around her to make sure none of the guardians were watching.

  “I wish to make myself beautiful for my lord.”

  Chapter Nine

  Kavan had been in a fever of impatience all day. In the manor kitchen a thanksgiving feast was being prepared and the manor was redolent with the smell of wild boar roasting on spits. The great hall was decorated with vines and sweet-smelling wax flowers

  The people celebrated his life but far from being elated, Kavan was frustrated. In exactly six orbits the calculations and planning he’d done over a lifetime of seasons would amount to zero – unless he found the eyes.

  And where was Tiana? He paced the length of his chamber and back again, scowling at the incense burner, which filled the air with a perfume so seductive it nearly robbed him of his senses. He snuffed it out, and throwing open the door strode up to the battlements. He hesitated, and then turned back. He refused to peer through the telescope like a lovesick youth, again.

  He stopped in front of the mirror to check that his hair was dressed high, that his tunic was spotless and his silver insignia polished to perfection. Mindful of Tiana’s revulsion for beards he ran a hand over his chin. It couldn’t be any smoother if the silversmith had polished it on his buffing wheel.

  His steps took him back to the battlements. Sighing, because the telescope drew him like a magnet, he swung the instrument towards the High Place and frowned. Darkness would fall soon. Where was she? His attention was drawn to the sky. It was strange how soft the light looked tonight. Streaks of dark mingled with the light, as if his sire and Lynx had stopped to chat. Perhaps they had now the ban on them meeting had been broken.

  “Lord Kavan,” Benlogan said from behind him. “The time for darkness is past and I’m told there’s a strange look to the light.”

  “This, I’ve just observed for myself.” He turned to smile at the man before he remembered it would have no effect. “The sun seems to be lowering itself to the horizon very gradually. I think the defeat of Beltane has something to do with it. But again, it might be something to do with the shifting orbit. On the morrow I’ll try and figure out the mathematics.”

  Kavan took the man’s arm and together they strolled back into his quarters. “I’ve come to tell you that the celebration feast awaits your presence, Lord,” Benlogan said.

  A celebration of what? Kavan thought. His safe return would mean nothing if it served no purpose. If he could not save the world there would be no god child.

  Remembering the words of Arcus to Beltane, he took heart. He’d thought he’d manipulated the augur to have his own way over Tiana but it was obvious the gods had manipulated him. If the god-child was destined and could not be stopped, then what preceded the birth must also come to pass. He must try harder to find the eyes, and Tiana would eventually be his. It was fated.

  Kavan took one last look at the High Place, the impatience in him growing beyond the limit of his endurance. He scowled. He was not prepared to wait much longer for her. Tomorrow, he’d brave the fury of the alchemist and despite the loss of face he’d experience, he’d drag her down from her perch by her hair. She wouldn’t be given the chance to make a fool out of her lord and master again. He’d take a strap to her hide, take her to his bed then send her back to her father in disgrace!

  He gave a soft oath when he remembered he’d said she’d be returned unharmed. He must stop making threats, when he knew he would die rather than harm one hair on her head. He had not been brought up to show humility, though. To let her Tiana go would be to admit defeat. He changed his mind again. Tiana would not be sent home. She was his, and would stay his. A bane on the wench, she had him in a tangle of knots!

  * * * *

  Tiana took a deep breath and wished. The pile of gowns she’d tried and discarded disappeared, so did the tub of steaming water, the scented soap and the privacy screen which had kept her invisible from prying eyes. She took one last look in the mirror, then that too disappeared.

  The enhancement of her image had taken her longer than she’d expected. Unused to rich fabrics and jewels her mind was befuddled with the different textures and colors. In the end she’d chosen a simple combination she thought might appease Kavan for her tardiness.

  She wished the dish back into the sack she’d left at the foot of the alchemist’s tomb. Carrying anything would spoil the effect she’d wanted to create. She’d retrieve it later, when she had time to think more clearly.

  The waiting charger knelt to her command and she mounted. They floated into the balmy air. Strange how golden it was, she thought, as if the sun was reluctant to leave the land. The clouds were streaked with its glory, the light flashed and sparked on the jewels woven into the charger’s mane.

  Something soft drifted through her hair and she knew it was Lynx when the air around her shimmered into rainbow whispers. “You go with my love into your new life. Be happy, my daughter.”

  Truarc was a distant, incandescent smile in the heavens. Did her sire think of the daughter he’d given to Kavan? Did he miss her?

  As she neared the manor she heard the sounds of music and laughter. The people were celebrating Kavan’s safe return. To be loved like that would be special, yet he carried a heavy burden on his shoulders. That, she would share with him if he would allow it, but if he could not find the eyes . . .?

  Something pricked at her brain, and then eluded her when she tried to capture it. She was too preoccupied to puzzle it out as she gently descended. The thought would surface unforced in its own time, it always did.

  The manor entrance was unguarded. There was a moment when she wondered if she wasn’t being too theatrical, but it was too late to change her mind again. Kavan’s patience wasn’t infinite. She grinned at the notion, and then guided the charger through the entrance, across the courtyard and up the steps. At her command it reared, its front legs rapped on the huge, manor door. Bells jingled and jangled on silver hooves. Empty theatrics when there was no one to see the show, she thought, her mouth now dry with apprehension as she awaited an answer.

  She was about to turn tail when a metal grill slid open and a trooper gazed at her. His face wreathed in smiles and his raucous whoop was taken up by other troopers.

  The hubbub alerted Kavan. Adopting a casual stance, he leaned back in his seat and continued talking to Torma. The heavy doors creaked open, candles flickered in their sconces from the draught they created. The noise of talking died down. Excitement hung thickly in the air.

  Torma stared towards the door his mouth almost hanging open. He began to smile. “My Lord, you must not miss this.”

  What had the maid been up to now? Kavan slowly turned, his eyes narrowing. But they didn’t stay that way, they shot open at the sight of his beloved and his heart ruptured into a thousand fragments of tenderness. He’d expected her to come to him penitent, not like a divine vision.

  The small, white charger she rode delicately high-stepped towards him. Its mane and tail were braided with jewels and bells, its wings extended up behind her forming a background that twinkled with crushed crystals and reflected light.

  Tiana had dressed in his colors and wore a simple flowing gown of silver gossamer under the cloak he’d sent her. Her hair was drawn up through a finely wrought silver headpiece edged with amethyst. Its length cascaded in ripples of light to her waist. Like a mountain cat, the expression in her eyes was mysterious and intense. She looked neither to left or right, but straight at him, the light in her eyes displaying an endearing mixture of determination and shyness.

  The honor she did him in her entrance pleased him. He rose to his feet when she came to a halt in front of the high table. She did not dismount to humble herself before him as others would have. A smile played around his mouth. Honor or no, she had a will of her own, and the Truarc love of pomp and drama. He stepped forward and held out a hand, palm extended.

  She placed her palm against his in the manner of an e
qual. Her eyes were uncertain now. These were her terms, presented for everyone to see. He could take her for his mate without making her his equal, but the small concession from him would please her and seal their contract without rancor.

  An awed gasp came from those present when he accepted her as such by extending his other hand. A current of awareness flowed between them when her second palm was placed against his. They were as one as their fingers entwined. “You’ve come then, Tiana.”

  “Did you doubt that I would accept your invitation, Lord?” she said, her eyes as warm and loving as a caress. “You gave me seven dawns. I did not wish to experience your wrath.”

  “Nor I your reticence.” He allowed the amusement in his eyes to show as he lifted her from the charger and whispered against her ear. “We are in accord then. Without my wrath and your reticence our relationship must consist of compliant loving, instead. I look forward to our first encounter.”

  Breath hissed from between her teeth and color bloomed in her cheeks. He smiled at his small victory. His lady was not as self-assured as her grand entrance had suggested. She clicked her fingers to cover her confusion and the charger disappeared in a crackling explosion of purple and silver sparkles that amazed even him. Exclamations turned into applause.

  “You’ve impressed them enough,” he murmured dryly and led her to the seat beside him. “We will let the people look at you before we retire . . . but first, you must be punished for keeping me waiting.” He tipped up her chin and kissed her long and hard, much to the delight of his people and the amusement of his troopers.

  As if the first kiss in the hall was not enough, Kavan paid so much attention to her that Tiana’s head began to swim. From his own plate he fed her the finest titbits, and bade her drink of the wine from his goblet. He was in fine command of himself. His eyes were full of laughter, his fingers only too eager to caress her hand or her wrist in possession.

  Now and again he bore her hand to his lips and gently pressed a kiss in the palm. She could feel the impatience growing in him as the toasts were drunk. The wine was sweet and heady, the music beat in time with her pulse and the dancers whirled in a dizzying display of colors. Enjoying the festivities, she relaxed.