The Eynan

by L. S. Gibson

  The work of these men had become even more relevant to Timendra in recent times with the ever-growing threat of the Illurian Empire. So much so King Corianus had requested Girau to work closely with the ministry department and curry relationships with those contacts the department believed might provide information and assistance to Timendra when the time came for Bardius to dispatch his armies over the Estan Sea. Girau had managed to create friendships with quite a number of his counterparts, which was all the more remarkable as it could only be done by such secretive methods. It had come as no surprise that a great many of his contacts would do anything possible to help in Timendra's stated goal not only to remain out of the grasp of the diabolic emperor, but to do all it could to destroy the empire and so free the many states already gobbled up by it.

  Only the day before Jhond returned, the king had confided in Girau that he wasn't sure how much they could trust Girau's overseas contacts as the only link they had with each other was over such long distance. If only there was some way Girau could meet some of the men face-to-face to be certain of their intentions. Girau had asked the king if he was specifically asking Girau to undertake such a mission, but Corianus had been reluctant to order his trusted confidant to accept such a dangerous task. However, the king did add he wanted to think over the situation and perhaps discuss it with his council. Girau was a member of the council and he would, of course, be free to voice his opinion at any such meeting. Though he knew it would be dangerous, Girau had already decided he was willing to embark on such a mission if the king deemed it necessary.

  Girau now wondered if there was any way Jhond and his friends could perhaps assist him in actually meeting with these people. Girau realized he did indeed hope his son was the Eynan. With a kind of shock, he thought that perhaps he already did believe it was so.

  * * * *

  Around eleven the following morning, Jhond arrived at the small estate where Patinus and Gallia were presently staying. It actually belonged to Duke Vikor, given to the newlyweds as a marriage gift. The estate was located closer to the lake than Jhond's own home and was on the opposite side to where Jhond's family usually enjoyed their picnics.

  Even as he dismounted, the door opened and Patinus was striding down the steps to greet him.

  "I trust I'm not late?" Jhond enquired.

  "Not at all. Gallia will be down in no time. The groom will bring our mounts around shortly." Patinus hesitated and then added, "It will be good to see some of the places my wife enjoyed growing up."

  Jhond couldn't decide if Patinus was making a point Gallia was his wife or simply making small talk. On balance, he somehow doubted Patinus ever indulged in anything as petty as small talk. Gallia appeared just then so Jhond was saved from having to reply.

  "Good morning, Gallia. Lovely day for a ride," Jhond said, struck by the unintended formality in his tone.

  "Indeed," Gallia said, but Jhond still felt the distance between them.

  Just then, a groom appeared leading two horses, one of which Jhond recognized as a favorite of Gallia's. They soon mounted and were off, Gallia in the lead. For the next hour or so, Gallia took them to many of the places she and Jhond--and on occasion Jhond's siblings--had frequented as children and then as young adults. Jhond allowed Gallia to do much of the talking. Besides the fact he enjoyed listening to her voice, he wanted to hear her reminiscences as much as Patinus did, though for different reasons.

  The sun was high overhead when they rode into the glade near the lake, which had been their favorite spot.

  "Well, I can see why you chose this place," Patinus said, helping his wife dismount.

  Patinus untied the panniers containing the picnic repast from behind his saddle. Jhond saw to the horses, while Gallia spread out the blanket she had brought for just this purpose. Jhond saw it was not the blanket they had used for years when she'd lived with his family.

  Gallia's cook had provided a filling, varied menu for them to share. There were various cold cuts of meat, cheeses, breads, fruits, savory and sweet pastries of assorted flavors and fillings, with wine, fruit juice and water to drink. The conversation during the meal mostly covered what had been happening within the Reeve and Talchel families, though Patinus also threw in some comments about what was happening in the political circles in which he moved.

  Jhond was very interested to discover the depth to which Patinus was accepted in Timendran society and particularly in government circles.

  "I had no idea you were so enmeshed in politics, Patinus," Jhond commented.

  Patinus shrugged. "It's no secret I came to Timendra to try and make an alliance with the royal family in an attempt to bolster my country's position on the borders of the Illurian Empire. King Corianus was most welcoming and he was happy to approve my wish to wed the Lady Gallia." He kissed his wife's hand. "Of course, though the marriage began as a state affair, I won't deny to any who enquires that I have succumbed wholly to the delightful charms of my beautiful wife."

  "Patinus," Gallia murmured.

  "Oh come, my sweet. I'd shout it from the tree tops, but you won't let me." He leaned in close, whispering, "I love you," though he must have known--perhaps intended--that Jhond overheard.

  Jhond wasn't comfortable with that subject, so he attempted to steer it back toward politics, a subject he considered more important in relation to Prince Patinus. "But you have used your connections to gather intelligence?"

  "That's one way to put it." Patinus smiled. "I've been lucky enough to gain the trust of your brother, Rhou, and his position in the Ministry of Information has been extremely helpful."

  Jhond nodded, thinking he was going to have to resort to his talent to discover the truth behind this man's intentions. The man was a true politician.

  "Were you not concerned at the emperor's possible reaction to your marriage?"

  "Yes, but I have no chance of keeping him out of Irobi if he chooses to invade, and let's be honest, it's only a matter of time. I thought it was worth the risk to gain the backing of a state the size of Timendra." Patinus was aware the argument was somewhat weak, but there was little else he could say.

  "I see."

  "Jhond, may I ask you a question?"

  Jhond blinked. "Er, yes I suppose."

  "You've been silent on what it was you really discovered on your journey, but I know from what Rhou mentioned that you believe yourself to be a mage." Jhond frowned, but Patinus ploughed on, "I need to know how strong you are and what you know of Suvran?"

  Jhond leapt to his feet. "How do you know that name?" His voice was low, but there was no mistaking his tone.

  Patinus also stood. "It's not surprising I know of Suvran. He is the preceptor and chief advisor to the emperor. I've met the man on more than one occasion."

  "Why would you have met such a man?" Gallia asked, clearly surprised.

  Jhond stepped close to Patinus and glanced at Gallia for a moment before returning his gaze to Patinus. "I think it is you who should answer my questions before I consider answering anything you may wish to ask." Jhond drew on his power, letting it ease through him.

  Patinus sucked in a breath. "Lords of Light, it is true. I can feel it," he said through clenched teeth.

  Gallia was on her feet by now, about to draw nearer, when Jhond said, "No, Gallia. Stay where you are." Gallia's eyes widened, but she obeyed.

  "You said you have met Suvran...when and why?"

  Patinus spoke, his voice low and strained. "The first time was when I was called into the emperor's presence and he was there, too. I was ordered to obey Suvran's commands, but, in truth, I feared him more than Bardius."

  Gallia's hand flew to her face, covering her mouth, her eyes full of shock.

  "You are loyal to the emperor then?" Jhond asked.

  "No! I'm forced to obey because he holds my people as hostage for my actions. I hate and despise him."

  "Your country is not free then? That is mere illusion?"

  "Yes. As a lesson, he slaughtered people
of the surrounding small states who lived in the border city of Endymion; every single person within those walls died a terrible death. He promised he would not leave a man, woman or child alive in Irobi if I did not do his bidding. And as a personal warning to me, he took my beloved sister, Ilada, and forced her to become one of his concubines. I would kill him with my own hands if it were possible."

  "And me?" Gallia asked softly, emotion lacing her voice.

  Jhond saw the pain in Patinus' eyes and wanted to hear the answer himself. "And Gallia?" Jhond asked.

  "I was sent by Bardius to make an alliance with Timendra, a way to keep a close eye on Timendra for the empire. I married Gallia under his command." Jhond felt Patinus struggling against his control. Jhond recognized that Patinus wanted to look at Gallia, so Jhond released his hold a little to allow it. "I fell in love with you because I had not the power to resist you," Patinus told Gallia, and Jhond knew the truth of his words.

  "Why did you want to question me?" Jhond asked, forcing Patinus to look at him again.

  "Because Suvran has been in touch with me about you, wanting me to send him information and answer certain questions. I got the distinct impression he fears you. I've never known him to fear anyone or anything. If you truly are a threat to him...if it is possible he and Bardius could be defeated..." Patinus' voice faded and he looked about to collapse.

  Jhond abruptly released him and he fell to the ground in a heap, gasping for breath. Gallia moved to kneel at his side, but her gaze was on Jhond.

  * * * *

  Listening to what was being revealed about Jhond was both a shock and a relief to Gallia. A shock because she had never even suspected the person she had grown up with and with whom she had fallen in love was anything other than a simple, ordinary, if fascinating, young man. A relief because it now seemed he had always been destined for something special, something out of the ordinary, and perhaps now she could accept he had never been meant for her.

  Gallia had been grateful when she discovered she not only liked the man she was told she was to marry, but came to have real feelings for him. For a time--a time that stretched on and on--she thought her world was crashing down on her for a second time when it appeared Jhond, of all people, was revealing Patinus to be a liar and a spy. That he was a man who had never cared for her at all, but merely pretended so he could gain information for his evil master. However, through whatever power it was, Jhond revealed Patinus' inner thoughts and feelings, and now she knew for certain that whatever puppeteer operated his strings, Patinus loved her and wanted only freedom for his people.

  In that moment she finally let go of the last emotional tie she had to Jhond and crossed that last bridge between herself and her husband.

  She had always trusted Jhond and that would never change. Now she must let him do whatever was necessary. He'd returned home with a plan. She didn't know what, but she must trust that he--presumably with the help of his new friends--knew exactly what was necessary. After all, Jhond had known somehow, even before Patinus asked his questions, that Patinus was hiding something. It was a shock to learn her husband's secrets, but she realized Jhond wasn't surprised by Patinus' revelations, he must have guessed--perhaps known--her husband was a puppet for the Illurian Empire.

  Patinus collapsed, and she hurried to his side, worried and a little angry at what Jhond had done to him. She stared at up Jhond, and briefly she was afraid. Lords, how could she be afraid of the man she had loved for half her life? Because she no longer knew him. It hurt to admit that, but Jhond had changed so much in the time he'd been away.

  "He will be fine in a minute or so," Jhond told her.

  She sighed with relief, brushing the hair back from Patinus' forehead. Then she took a breath and asked in a low voice, "Why is the emperor and this Suvran afraid of you?"

  Jhond held her gaze. "Because I am the Eynan."

  Chapter 26

  "The Eynan? Oh Lords!" Patinus exclaimed.

  "What does that mean?" Gallia queried, looking from one to the other, frowning.

  "Look, we can explain everything to each other, but I'd rather do it just once," Jhond said. "Come back with me and talk to my friends. Lords, I think we should talk to everyone in the family, too, since it concerns them as well."

  Gallia still looked uncertain and upset, and Patinus was a little pale, but Jhond knew they would both be all right given time to process everything. Besides, he also wanted to return to the archive. He'd been out long enough and, when he'd left, Ninian had said he thought he was on the right track at last. Perhaps Ninian would have as much to tell them as they had to tell him.

  They quickly packed up, mounted their horses and rode back to the Reeve estate.

  Lady Narissa was surprised to see Gallia and Patinus return with her son, but she made them very welcome.

  Jhond kissed his mother's cheek before asking, "Where's the rest of the family?"

  His mother was curious but answered readily enough. "Your father and Rhou are at the ministry for some meeting or other. The rest of the family is around the house somewhere."

  "Do you know what time father and Rhou may return?"

  "I'm expecting them both for dinner." She frowned, glancing at Patinus and Gallia. "Is something amiss?"

  "No. It's just there's something we need to discuss and it would be easier if we could speak to everyone at once."

  "We?" This time she addressed the question to all three of them.

  "Yes, My Lady," Gallia said. "And Jhond's two friends, I believe."

  "I must go and speak to them now. Mother, would you take care of our guests while I speak to Ninian and Amired?"

  "Of course, my dear, but don't keep us waiting too long. I admit to being very curious."

  Jhond nodded, sketched a bow and strode away.

  "We expected you back before this," Ninian said, as Jhond entered the secret archive.

  "I know, but my prolonged absence was well worth it. I have learned much from Prince Patinus."

  "Good, I knew you'd be able to use your power to make him speak."

  "I have brought him and the Lady Gallia back with me."

  "Back here? Why?"

  "Because we were right to be suspicious of him, but not quite for the reasons we thought. I believe he could prove to be a very valuable ally to us."

  Ninian frowned. "Where are they now?"

  "With my mother. I want to explain what I learned from him and I'd appreciate your opinion, Amired, on what he says about the situation in Irobi. I also need my family, particularly my father and Rhou, to take part in the discussion."

  "It has been some time since I visited my homeland, but I'll do my best," Amired said. "I will say that Prince Patinus is well regarded; he has always performed his duties with honor."

  "I believe he's still trying to do just that," Jhond said.

  Ninian regarded Jhond intently. "I know your relationship with your father is...difficult, but did you get an impression there's something going on with him that he keeps well hidden?"

  Jhond sighed. "I admit reading my father is not something I can do with ease because my feelings color my reaction, but, yes, I did feel something...closed off." Jhond looked at the desk where the two men had been working and he saw there were fresh writings in Ninian's notepad. "Did you make any progress while I was out?"

  "Indeed," Ninian said, with a smile. "I'm sure now this is the correct volume. I've found an entry I'm certain refers to the pendant we found."

  "Really?" Jhond was excited at the prospect of at last getting some answers.

  "It certainly sounds like the same pendant and the description is very detailed. It also makes reference to another entry later in the book. I was just about to read it when you returned."

  "Let's see what it says."

  * * * *

  Girau and Rhou arrived home together a few minutes later and when Jhond, Ninian and Amired followed them into the reception room, it was to hear Patinus say they'd been waiting for them as Jhond w
anted to explain to everyone what was really going on.

  "Father, Rhou, if you'd sit, we will tell you everything."

  It took quite some time to lay everything out clearly for the Reeve family, and both Girau and Rhou asked some very probing questions of both Patinus and Jhond, but about an hour later, Girau said, "Well, I may understand everything a lot better now, but I still don't know what the next move is."

  "It might help if you told us what it is exactly that you do, Father?"

  Girau met Jhond's gaze for a second or two before he dropped his eyes. A slight smile graced his lips as he said, "The only person who knows is your mother and I know she wouldn't have said anything, so I assume this is something your mage senses tell you." He looked up then, a question in his eyes.

  "Something like that. Care to explain?"

  Girau glanced around at the others in the room, his gaze lingering the longest on Patinus.

  "I swear you can trust I will keep everything I hear in this room to myself," Patinus said.

  "You said this Suvran person can place thoughts into your head. So can he not take thoughts from you?" Lady Narissa asked.

  It was Ninian who answered. "No, My Lady. Suvran is using a particular spell to send specific messages to Patinus over a long distance. While it is possible for a mage to read emotions, even general intentions, when close to a person, it's very difficult to read actual thoughts. That takes a very strong mage. And to do so at a distance? No, this is not possible." He glanced at Jhond. "I doubt if even the Eynan could do such a thing."

  "The Eynan is that much stronger than any other mage?" Gallia queried.

  "The power of the Eynan is said to be magnitudes greater than any other mage who has ever lived. Jhond's power is still growing and he has yet to master all of the skills which have so far materialized. Neither have we yet found the answers to all the questions we have discovered on our journey, though we have found a very important lead only this afternoon."