The Eynan

by L. S. Gibson

  "Damn, we seem to be going in circles," Jhond said, as yet one more reference to library crystals only led back to a book they'd already searched.

  "You didn't expect it to be easy, did you?" Ninian smiled.

  Jhond sighed. "I reckon not, but this seems ridiculous."

  "You'd think when the Eynan finally comes searching, there'd be something to show him the way."

  Ninian frowned thinking back to the clue that had brought them here. "That language which only you could read, Jhond? What was it? Do you know?"

  Jhond stared at Ninian, but somehow Ninian didn't think his young friend was actually seeing him. His eyes seemed glazed, distant and then his lips began to move. He stopped, smiled and now Jhond was definitely looking at him.

  "Yes. It was called Iclonian." Jhond looked puzzled.

  "Never heard of it," Amired said.

  "Not surprising," Ninian said, "since the state of Iclonia was destroyed even before the time of the Withdrawal." To Jhond, he said, "See what you can find about Iclonia or its language. Anything."

  Jhond found three books with references to Iclonia. Two of them were ancient books from the time when the state had still existed; the third had been written around the time of the Withdrawal. They'd just brought all three books to the desk when a small bell on the desk rang.

  "What's going on?" Amired asked.

  "A warning signal. It means someone is in the main library. Let me see who it is." Jhond headed for the door to the main library, which was hidden in the rear of a storage cupboard.

  "Jhond," Ninian called, and when Jhond looked back at him, Ninian grinned. "You can see from here."

  Looking somewhat embarrassed, Jhond said, "Damn, I never even thought of that." A moment later, he added, "It's Blanel." Glancing at the clock, he said, "He's probably come to call us to lunch. Stay here, and I'll let him know we're coming."

  "Nice timing...I could definitely do with some food."

  * * * *

  She tried to refuse, knowing it would be a mistake, but the truth was she wanted to see Jhond. Patinus was surprisingly keen to meet Jhond, the man he was well aware his wife had once loved. Gallia didn't know if he thought she still loved Jhond. Perhaps that was why he wanted to see them together, to judge if there was still a strong connection between them. The truth was Gallia didn't know how she felt about Jhond any longer.

  For a time she didn't believe her deep feelings for her boyhood friend, her first--only?--love would ever go away, but after her marriage, her emotional attachment to her new husband gradually stole over her. Almost against her will, she had come to like Patinus before their marriage and, as a result, deeper emotions had crept up on her. She didn't feel the blistering passion Jhond had aroused in her, but she had come to understand she did love Patinus, albeit in a calmer, steadier fashion that she trusted implicitly. If she was asked, she wouldn't have been able to pin down the when or why of that love, but neither did she doubt it. But she now had cause to wonder how it would hold up under the return of Jhond, the thought of whom still caused her heart to flutter in her breast.

  Blanel showed them into the reception room, where Lady Narissa had greeted her warmly, before smiling graciously at Patinus. Lord Girau wasn't able to join them; he was attending the king, but the rest of the family was present. However, as yet, there was no sign of Jhond or his new friends. Gallia was longing to see him, but it would be improper to show such impatience. It would hardly fit with their separation or her loyalty to her husband. So she took a seat and made polite conversation, though it was difficult to stop her gaze from shifting to the door every now and then.

  When the clock chimed one, Lady Narissa rose, and the others followed suit.

  Patinus took Gallia's hand and looped it through his arm. Then he said to Rhou, "Is Jhond not to join us after all?"

  It was Lady Narissa who answered, "I'm sorry he's not been in attendance this morning, but there was something urgent he needed to take care of. He will join us at table you can be assured."

  Gallia had expected to be taken to the dining room, so it was something of surprise when they went outside to the terrace. It had been common when she had lived with the Reeve family for them to take luncheon outside during the summer, but somehow she hadn't expected such informality today. Perhaps she had forgotten how good it had been growing up in the Reeve household. The table was set with all manner of food, mostly cold, but some hot dishes were set out on warming plates. The seating was informal, and Gallia felt the years slide away as she remembered many happy days spent here with Jhond and his siblings. She glanced around, now smiling at first one familiar face and then another, but her smile faded as she didn't see Jhond.

  Then behind her a voice said, "Gallia?"

  She swung around and there he was, staring at her with as much shock as she was staring at him. He looked just the same--and yet somehow so very different. As she watched him step toward her, she realized he looked more self-assured in the way he carried himself, the look in his eyes. This Jhond was so confident it unnerved her.

  * * * *

  Jhond could hardly believe his eyes. He had calmly walked onto the terrace, still talking over with Ninian and Amired what they had found, planning to spend the afternoon studying the three books on Iclonia. He glanced toward his family with a smile on his lips, a smile which turned into a gasp when he saw Gallia talking to Rhou.

  "Gallia?"

  She twisted to face him, her expression stunned momentarily before she relaxed. "Jhond, it's so good to see you," she said calmly.

  Now it was his turn to be perturbed for it seemed clear she had known he was home. He glanced at his mother, his eyes asking what his voice could not. Why didn't you tell me?

  "I've not had chance to inform Jhond of your visit today, Gallia. Jhond, Rhou forgot to inform me until mid-morning that he'd invited Gallia and her husband to join us for lunch today." She inclined her head toward a tall, good-looking man standing slightly behind Gallia. "Oh, my apologies," Lady Narissa continued. "Patinus, may I introduce my youngest son, Jhond Reeve. Jhond, Gallia's husband, Prince Patinus of Irobi."

  Jhond's stomach felt as if butterflies were panicking in there, but he struggled to put aside his feelings, which ought to no longer have any meaning for him. Gallia had found it in herself to leave the past behind her and start a new life with someone else, and Jhond couldn't help but admire her for that.

  His own life had taken a completely different avenue than he could ever have expected and, with sudden insight, he understood if he had not fled his home in despair he would never have learned who--and what--he really was. If Ninian was only half correct, Jhond was important to the survival of more than his own country, but to other states wishing to remain free. He stared at the prince with a new vision and could only hope this handsome man truly cared for Gallia.

  Patinus stepped forward and held out his hand for Jhond to take, his gaze firmly holding Jhond's. His palm was dry and cool, his grip was strong and firm, and meeting his stare, Jhond felt the man had worth.

  "I have heard much of you, Jhond of Reeve, and it is good to finally meet you."

  Jhond couldn't help the wry smile that twisted his lips. "I'm afraid I know little of you beyond your name, Your Highness."

  "Something time can remedy," Patinus said.

  With a nod to Gallia, Jhond added, "Though I can offer my congratulations on your marriage, Highness."

  Patinus glanced at his wife, who dipped her eyes. "Thank you. I'm very happy." Patinus brought his gaze back to him and Jhond read the silent message there. Jhond smiled at the prince in acknowledgement.

  Jhond then introduced Ninian and Captain Amired to them, though he explained little beyond their names and that they'd met and become firm friends since Jhond had left to go travelling.

  Gallia opened her mouth, as if to ask a question, but she must have changed her mind because she closed it again and moved to the table instead to collect a plate of food. Patinus watched her briefly
before turning to Jhond.

  "Your journey took you far, sir?" he asked.

  "Yes, some distance."

  "A sea trip, I gather." Patinus inclined his head toward Amired. Abruptly, he frowned. He stepped closer to Amired. "del-Pul? Colonel Teree Amired del-Pul? Is that really you?"

  "Ah, Highness, I didn't think you'd recognize me after all this time."

  Jhond glanced from Patinus to Amired and then looked at Ninian, who appeared just as surprised by the revelation.

  "You are now a ship's captain? Quite a change from an officer in my army."

  "Yes, my prince."

  Amired didn't explain any further, and Patinus turned back to Jhond. "You were saying, sir?"

  Jhond was definitely going to talk with Amired later.

  "Er, yes. Partly by sea," Jhond said.

  Jhond felt Patinus' frustration at his vague answers, but the prince didn't press for more detail. Instead, he changed tack.

  "I believe you're the one I should speak to about the old fables."

  Jhond was taken aback, but kept his expression bland. "Old fables?"

  "Yes, Rhou mentioned to me that you hold a great interest in the old fables, that you would sit at your grandfather's knee and listen to him tell tales of the old times and the history of the magi."

  Jhond glanced at Rhou and his brother shrugged. "I wasn't aware you were such good friends with my brother," Jhond said, choosing not to respond to Patinus' comments.

  "Patinus has provided much information for us about the situation over the Estan Sea," Rhou said.

  "And did you return the favor and give him information, too?" Jhond asked.

  Ninian stepped up behind him and surreptitiously laid a hand on his back in an unspoken warning.

  Rhou frowned, but Patinus responded, "We've discussed the likelihood of war. Not surprising since I have experience of the empire's methods, of which Rhou knew only from second-, third- or even fourth-hand sources. And yes, for me to understand and help as much as possible, your brother had told me of a little of your preparations."

  "It is miraculous that your small state has managed to stay free," Jhond commented.

  "Jhond!" Rhou interjected.

  "I think miraculous is an excellent description, though I'm not sure I would say we are precisely free. The emperor keeps much too close an eye on us for that," Patinus spoke over Rhou. "I believe the only reason Emperor Bardius hasn't swarmed into my country yet is that he knows we are no threat to him. He has his eye on more important concerns."

  "Such as Timendra?"

  Lady Narissa walked among the three of them and said, "Enough, Jhond! This is a friendly get together, not a political rally. I thought you'd be pleased to see Gallia again and to meet her new husband."

  Jhond stepped back and gave a slight bow in Patinus' direction. "Of course, Mother is right, as usual. I apologize, but you can understand a lot has happened in my absence."

  "Of course, and no apology is necessary. Come, let us enjoy this excellent repast."

  Chapter 25

  Luncheon lasted longer than Ninian expected; there was so much to talk about. After Jhond's initial conversation with Gallia, he seemed uncomfortable in her presence and spoke mostly to Rhou and his mother, and surprisingly quite a lot to the prince. Patinus seemed quite happy talking with Jhond, apparently at ease with the man who had almost married his wife.

  Ninian decided he must say something to bring the gathering to an end, and he said to Jhond, "I'm sorry, but we really should get back to work."

  "Goodness, I hadn't realized how much time had passed," Jhond said, getting to his feet.

  "Work?" Patinus queried, also rising. "I had no idea you'd returned to undertake work of some kind."

  Jhond gave him a slight smile. "Perhaps work is misleading. We just have some facts to clarify. If you will forgive us? I'm sure we'll meet again during my stay."

  "Stay?" Gallia asked quietly. It was the first time she had spoken to Jhond since the lunchtime gathering began. "That sounds as if eventually you will leave?" She turned her statement into a question.

  Jhond looked in her direction. "Yes. It's unlikely I'll be here for very long."

  "So, your only purpose in coming home was to gather these...facts?" She moved closer to Jhond and spoke to him in a low voice, Jhond leaning in close.

  Ninian did wonder what Gallia had to say to Jhond that she didn't want overheard. Ninian had noticed the expression on Patinus' face as they conversed privately and if he'd had any doubts as to Patinus' feelings for his wife they quickly faded. Ninian easily sensed the man's jealousy as Patinus stepped up beside his wife and took her arm.

  "Jhond, if you're going to be home for a limited time you really must come and visit with us. I know Gallia would like to spend some time with you, talk about what has happened to you," he glanced at Gallia, "and to her, while you were away. Please say you will come?"

  "Yes, please, Jhond," Gallia added. "Come tomorrow. We could go riding and have a picnic at the lake."

  "Like old times," Lady Narissa interjected.

  "No, not like old times," Jhond said quietly. Then he gave a slight smile, adding, "But I think it would be good to visit some of the old haunts again. Lay a few ghosts."

  Gallia sucked in a breath, but made no comment.

  "Excellent," Patinus said. "We'll expect you tomorrow, say mid-morning."

  Jhond gave a slight bow before turning to Lady Narissa. "Mother, if you will excuse us."

  Ninian couldn't help but be aware of the emotions swirling inside Jhond, though his outward appearance gave no sign of his confusion. A confusion Ninian shared, though for different reasons.

  To give Jhond some time to recover his equilibrium, as they moved back into the house, Ninian remarked, "It seems you've been keeping a secret from us, Amired."

  "Yes, my dear captain, what was that all about?" Jhond added.

  Amired shrugged. "Not so much really. I was indeed an officer in the Iroban Army, but the writing was on the wall for my small country. It was frustrating to know there was nothing I could do about it and when the politicians started talking about conciliation, I resigned and left."

  Ninian felt the story was likely more complicated, but just commented, "From army officer to ship's captain, quite a change around."

  "I was fortunate. My uncle was a ship's captain, and growing up, I'd spent many a happy hour at sea with him. I went to Tsarn and shipped out with him. He died a few months later and left me his ship, the Horologue."

  Ninian walked back into the archive with a sigh of relief. At least now, back in the library, Jhond's attention could be re-directed. Or so he had thought, but as Jhond stood staring out the window, it was clear Jhond's thoughts were not on their research. Ninian sighed and decided it was best to get him to talk and clear his thoughts.

  "All right, Jhond, what was it she had to say that was so private?"

  "Hmm?"

  "Jhond! What did Gallia say to you?"

  "It wasn't something for anyone's ears but mine."

  "It is if it's distracting you from our purpose in being here."

  Jhond sighed. "You're right. It was nothing really...she just said she was glad I looked so well and that I'd found the purpose in life I'd always been searching for. I asked her if she was happy and she said yes, more than she deserved." He paused, and Ninian wasn't sure his next words were meant to be overheard. "I almost wished she'd said no."

  "You need to accept what is, Jhond, not dream about what cannot be."

  "I know."

  "Should we not get back to work?" Amired queried from across the room. "Lunch lasted longer than expected and the afternoon is already half gone. And Jhond has already promised to spend part of tomorrow visiting."

  "Yes, and I'm not sure if the invitation extended to us. Jhond?"

  "Oh, I never gave it a thought." Jhond blushed.

  "I get the feeling we're not invited," Amired said with a smile.

  "No, I think not. You su
re this is wise, Jhond?" Ninian queried.

  Jhond glanced at him and shrugged. "Possibly not. But then again, maybe it's best to say goodbye to those memories. As you said, Ninian, I must accept reality."

  "Perhaps you're right, my friend. Come...let's take a book each and see what we can discover."

  * * * *

  Girau wished he could spend more time with his son; there was much they needed to talk over. He'd only managed to eat one dinner and one breakfast with Jhond so far because he needed to spend most of his time at court. It wasn't ideal when he wanted to rebuild the relationship with his son. It didn't help he thought Jhond would be leaving again soon. It had been obvious from what Jhond and his new friends had said that they believed Jhond held a very important role in the fight against the encroaching Illurian Empire. Though Girau had been doubtful of all he had heard the first day, his doubts had faded as he thought over what he'd heard and what he knew of his family's history.

  Papa Marvek hadn't been able to draw him into his passion with the family history the way he had Jhond, but Girau had soaked up a fair amount of information growing up. Now, it seemed, to a greater extent than he'd realized. The more he went over Jhond's story, the further it fit into his understanding of his family's history and its association with the old fables of the magi and the time of the Withdrawal.

  Girau considered how advisable it would be to tell Jhond, and by association his friends, of his own involvement with the probable coming war with the empire. Only his wife was aware Girau used his position at court to cover for other work he did for the state as a kind of secret ambassador.

  Girau worked closely with a department of the Ministry of Information, officially known as Overseas Development, but which actually was a very specialized group of men who had spent many years developing contacts in just about every foreign state in the world. The contacts were men in a similar position in their countries, high enough to be in on any important happenings and knowledgeable enough about outside concerns to understand just what was important and what could be ignored, or at least stored away for a more appropriate time.