by L. S. Gibson
Another commissioner stepped closer and queried, "Does the emperor know you've returned, Your Highness?"
Patinus regarded the man for a moment before he replied, "No, Senthor, he does not, which is precisely how I want it." Senthor looked as if he wanted to ask more, but Patinus stopped him with a raised hand. "I will clarify when everyone is gathered," he repeated.
* * * *
Suvran strode into Emperor Bardius' audience chamber well aware the emperor was in a rage. He'd heard Bardius yelling and, from the noise, throwing things even as he climbed the stairs from the entrance hall. He straightened his back and stepped into the emperor's presence, waiting until he was summoned to the throne. He didn't have to wait at all. Bardius yelled at him immediately.
"Here you are at last. Why have you kept me waiting?"
"I came as soon as I received your summons, sire. I've come directly from the stable." He moved forward as he spoke, bowing as he stood just before the throne, in front of which Bardius also stood, his hand still raised as if he had just thrown something, which, from the postures of those few in attendance, he had.
Bardius still looked angry, as if he wanted to refute Suvran's word, but he lowered his arm, making a shooing motion, as he demanded. "Out! Everyone else get out."
"What is amiss, sire, that has caused you such distress?" Suvran hated that he had to pander to the man's unpredictable moods. The longer Bardius had been emperor, the worse his moods had become and the more conciliatory Suvran had to be.
"Have you heard nothing of the rumors? Surely the stories have reached as far as Colyon? How can you not have come across them on your journey here?"
"If you could be more precise, sire, it would help. I spent most of my time in Colyon questioning prisoners, and we had no time to listen to rumors on our journey to answer your summons."
Bardius looked frustrated. "Rumors that Timendra has mustered her armies together and is moving to the southern coast. Rumors that the Timendran fleet is gathering at all their southern ports."
Suvran frowned. "Are they truly just rumors or is there intelligence to back this up?"
"That's what I want you to tell me!"
"Of course, sire. But it would help if you could tell me where these 'rumors'"--the emphasis he placed on the word spoke of scorn--"came from."
"Stop asking me questions and give me answers!"
Suvran kept to himself the sharp retort he wanted to give. "I'll need time, but I will be as fast as I can."
He turned to leave, however, he stopped as Bardius added, "You can also tell me if the latest information I've just heard is true: that Patinus is back in Irobi."
"What?" Suvran turned to stare at the emperor at that unwelcome news.
Bardius smirked. "Shouldn't you already know the answer to that one? You told me you had him under your thumb."
Suvran strode from the room without a word.
* * * *
At last, everyone had arrived, and Patinus ordered them all to the Chamber of Commissioners. Patinus took his seat at the head of the table as usual. The three generals and Admiral Henoch sat on one side of the table, five of the commissioners on the other side, with the senior commissioner, Carbery, seated directly opposite the prince.
When Patinus asked one of the generals to place a chair at his side for his wife, a commissioner spoke up.
"The lady is to join us at the discussion, Your Highness?" Although it was posed as a question, the man's disapproval was obvious.
"Most certainly," Patinus replied. "Lady Gallia is not only my wife, but joins me in ruling this land. You will find she is very perceptive and has much knowledge to bring to the table."
As if to underline her right to be present, there was a loud metallic sound as Gallia placed her sword and scabbard on the table.
Nothing further was said on the subject, but the disquiet of some of those in the room couldn't be disguised.
"I made it clear when I arrived that I had much to say, but that I would enlighten everyone only when my advisers were assembled." He glanced around the table. "Now we are all here, I will begin. Some of you may find what I have to say difficult to accept, but I ask you believe that everything I am about to say is true."
Murmurs filled the room as the men whispered to each other.
The prince raised his voice. "And with that in mind, I ask for silence until I've finished. I know there'll be many questions, but you'll keep those until I have finished." His tone made it clear it was a command.
Patinus explained all that had happened as succinctly and as clearly as he could, well aware of the disbelieving expressions for parts of his tale. He told of the huge army gathering over the sea, and the tension in the room could have been cut with a knife. When he explained he'd disobeyed Suvran--and the emperor--and returned home to ready his own forces to join the battle, he heard gasps of dismay together with bangs of approval on the table.
As soon as Patinus finished, Commissioner Senthor said, "Sire, is it wise to disobey the emperor? Bardius is all powerful and he will make you--and us--pay for your actions."
General Halbour rose to his feet, so fast his chair rocked before it fell back into place with a bang. "Are you a coward, sir?" he asked Senthor. "I never wanted to kowtow to that usurper. And as for that mealy-mouthed--"
"Please sit, General," Patinus interrupted. He smiled at the general, adding, "I never wanted to kowtow to him either, but at the time, I thought it the only course for my people's safety." He turned his attention to Senthor. "I don't consider it being disobedient to ignore the demands of a man who wishes to conquer not only my country, but every other state in the known world. I'm being obedient to the vows I swore when I took on the role of your prince, one of which was to defend you to the best of my ability.
"I thought I had no choice but to follow his commands, however, I now know there's another path. I allied myself with the Timendran royal family--ironically, at the command of Bardius, who had no idea what he did when he issued that order. He sent me to the one place where I could find the solution to our problems."
Patinus took Gallia's hand. "He not only sent me to find the perfect woman to take to wife, he also inadvertently helped me meet the one man who could make our success a certainty. The Eynan."
Commissioner Carbery asked, "Are you really certain, Your Highness, that this man, this mage, is the Eynan?"
"Yes, surely it is only a legend?" Senthor added.
"I, too, thought it only a legend until I saw what he can do. Trust me when I say I know he is genuine."
There was more muttering among the commissioners, and finally Senthor said, "If I may, My Lady, but isn't this man, Jhond of Reeve, an old friend of yours?"
"He is, indeed. We were very close growing up."
"And you never had any inkling he was anything more than an ordinary person?"
Gallia smiled. "He was always special to me, but that was personal. If you mean was there any indication he was a mage? Then, no. Jhond explained it wasn't until he ventured into the Temple of the Magi that he understood he had talent."
Commissioner Carbery interjected, "You're wasting time going over what has already been explained. We have allies now, important allies, and we should be discussing plans to assist when both the army and the Eynan arrive."
"But still, the emperor will invade us now for sure, and you don't know exactly when this Timendran army will set sail," Commissioner Oldget said.
General Marnet frowned. "Do you not understand that Emperor Bardius always planned to take over this country? It was just a matter of when."
"Just so," Patinus said. "Bardius never intended to stop at our border. My obedience to him bought us a short delay, but the emperor was only waiting for a time that suited his purposes."
Admiral Henoch rose to his feet. "I have only one thing to say. I am proud to serve a ruler who knows when it's time to wait and when it's time to act. I bow my head to a prince who is not afraid to put pride aside when the need arises
and who knows when to reassert that pride in the name of his people." The admiral bowed low, and Patinus inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"Are there any dissenting voices?" General Halbour asked.
There was only silence.
* * * *
Jhond was deep in conversation with Ninian, and though Amired was hesitant to interrupt, he felt the need to act.
"Jhond," Amired said, "I know you're busy, but I require your help."
Jhond looked puzzled. "What's amiss?"
"I want to do something to help, but I feel at a loose end. I'm a ship's captain and my vessel is out of reach."
"You also have army experience from what Patinus said," Ninian said.
"That's true, but that isn't me any longer." Amired stepped closer to Jhond. He blew out a breath. "I know you have a lot of responsibility resting on your shoulders and I want to help. I want to make a real difference. I need to be on board my ship sailing it back to Tsarn so I can help take the army to the fight."
Jhond grinned. "You want me to take you to the Horologue. You only needed to ask, Amired. We owe you so much."
Amired wasn't looking forward to another trip via Jhond's pendant and ring, but better that than wondering what was happening with his ship and crew.
However, the look on Aldous' face when Amired abruptly appeared on the deck of his ship anchored out in the bay just beyond Buchern harbor was worth it. Aldous' confused gaze shifted from his captain to Jhond and then to Mathias before settling once again on Amired.
"I was going to ask what just happened, Captain, but I'm not sure I want to know," Aldous said.
Amired laughed. "It's good to see you, too, my friend. I'll explain it all to you later. Just now Jhond is going back for Ekin and Tulier."
Aldous groaned when Jhond promptly disappeared. "I'm just glad you're all in good health. There are some odd rumors flying around the port. But what of Lord Girau?"
"Girau is back in Timendra, part of what I have to tell you, but for now, let's just get the ship ready to sail."
"To where?" Aldous queried.
"Back to Tsarn. We are going to help bring an army over here."
Aldous' eyes widened. "I guess some of the rumors are true then."
A short time later, Jhond materialized again, this time with Ekin and Tulier. "It says something that I am getting used to it and no longer feeling so tired," he said to Amired, who just grinned. "Had a thought when I was collecting these two. No reason I can't help you get back to Tsarn quicker."
"Oh," Amired said, not sure if he was excited or nervous at the idea.
"What's he talking about?" Aldous whispered in Amired's ear.
"Something else you probably don't want to know. I think it's better if he just demonstrates."
Jhond glanced around the crew, who were watching with confusion and curiosity. "Captain, if you could get the sails unfurled, ready to leave and raise the anchor. I'll just be taking a short rest in your cabin."
Amired glanced at Aldous and he shouted orders to the crew, who swiftly ran to obey.
Once the ship was ready, Jhond came back on deck and called out, "Everyone hold on tight to something."
Amidst mutterings and unanswered questions, the crew grabbed onto sturdy parts of the ship. Amired ensured everyone was set before he nodded to Jhond, who had moved to stand as far aft he could.
The weather was fair that day, the sun a little weaker than it had been, though the sky was mostly clear with just a few small clouds drifting lazily overhead, and no more than a breath of wind. Jhond raised his eyes to stare at the sky. The slight breeze began to increase until wind filled the sails and the ship began to move. Then the sky darkened a little and the wind grew wilder and the ship cut through the waves faster and faster.
Amired expected rain to fall at any moment, but, though the wind blew harder, it remained dry. Soon the ship seemed to be almost flying over the sea, the waves lifting and throwing the vessel on, mile by mile. Some members of the crew were silent and wide-eyed, while others were crying out and calling for help from the Lords of Light. Amired ignored them all, hanging on for all he was worth. The sails were full bellied, so much so Amired feared the canvas might split under the stress.
His gaze was drawn to Jhond again and he was shocked to find he was now standing on the aft rail, his arms raised, his eyes staring straight ahead to the horizon as if he could see Timendra. Amired didn't understand why Jhond hadn't fallen into the boiling sea, but he seemed to maintain perfect balance, even though Amired was being thrown from side to side and was only hanging on by sheer stubbornness.
Unbelievably, the ship was moving faster and faster, the wind screaming all around them. Some of the crew had lost their grip and were rolling around the desk, lashed by the waves thrown over the ship's bulwarks. Only Amired's belief in Jhond's abilities made him trust they would arrive safely in Tsarn.
* * * *
"Rugarold, Your Highness? You want us to take the battle directly to Bardius' stronghold?" General Halbour asked. He sounded as uncertain as he did excited.
"That would be suicide!" Commissioner Oldget declared.
Patinus looked at each man in turn around the table. "The emperor likes to sit on his throne high up in the castle tower, imagining he is looking down on everyone else, waiting until the day he has everyone caught in his trap. He's like the spider waiting at the center of his web, waiting to suck the life out of every creature he can trap. I--"
"And you want us just to walk into that trap?" Commissioner Oldget interrupted.
Patinus glared at Oldget. "I want to spring the trap and show Bardius it is he who is enmeshed. He thinks he's so safe because he has a vast army, but that army is spread far and wide."
"He's over-confident." Gallia spoke for the first time. "He doesn't expect anyone to have the gall to attack him in his nerve center."
"I applaud the idea, Your Highness," Commissioner Senthor said, bowing to Gallia, "My Lady, but the army of Irobi couldn't travel all the way to Rugarold without word reaching Bardius. He has spies everywhere and if anyone is well aware of the skills of that weasel, Suvran, it is you."
"You are correct on both accounts--"
"You can't leave us undefended!"
"I would be grateful if you could stop interrupting me, Oldget," Patinus said sharply. "However, I don't intend that the whole army should go. I am ordering most of it to defend our northern borders immediately. I expect the fleet to arrive very shortly from Timendra and I will take one battalion of our army and we'll join with Timendran forces to attack Rugarold. I'd like nothing better than to be the one who strikes off the head of the beast."
Patinus decided the fact he'd not yet discussed this plan with anyone other than Gallia was best kept to himself. He had no doubt he could convince Girau and whomever else he needed to that it was a good plan. He was going to be at the dock to greet the fleet when it arrived and put his plan to Lord Girau.
Chapter 35
Girau had at last heard from the king that they should proceed to the coast and board as much of the army as was possible. He decided to ride on ahead of the main army to check for himself. The sooner he saw the reality of the situation, the easier it would be to make definite plans. Ninian asked to accompany him, and Girau was glad of the company.
"I did think Jhond would've been back before this," Girau said.
"Yes, so did I." Ninian smiled. "Amired can be a charming man when he wishes, and Jhond always wants to please people."
Girau considered that comment. "You know, it sometimes seems as if you know my son better than I do, even if you've known him for a comparatively short time."
Ninian shrugged. "We've gone through much in our short acquaintance and we have become very close. I guess it's fair to say he's the best friend I've ever had."
"I think I'm glad to hear that. He needs someone he can rely on. Somehow, he seems aloof, separate from the rest of us. Is that just me? Am I seeing things that aren't really there?" Gi
rau wasn't even sure he was making sense.
"You're not imagining it," Ninian said softly. "In a way, he is separate. He has to be; he is one of a kind."
"But he has you. You said yourself that you're a very powerful mage. Doesn't that mean something? Create a link of some kind?"
"Yes, he does have me, and I will always be there to help in any way I can. And yes, I do believe we can link our talent."
They were riding into the Tsarn docks and Girau wasn't sure what else he could say, so he let the conversation drop. His attention was soon taken by the number of ships tied up in the harbor and those anchored out in the bay. Girau had never seen so many vessels in one place at any one time.
"Lords!" Ninian exclaimed. "I can't even hazard a guess at how many there are."
"Wait! Look, out there, just coming into the bay. I haven't ever seen a ship move like that before. More than that, how is it moving that fast? There's hardly any wind today."
Ninian smiled. "Not here, but out there, there is. I recognize that ship, Girau. It's the Horologue."
"Amired's vessel?"
"Yes, and the only explanation is that your Jhond is bringing it in."
"Of course, I should've realized. At least now we know why he didn't return immediately."
Ninian laughed. "I wonder whose idea it was? Amired's or Jhond's."
"I just hope he's not overdone it, bringing the ship in after transporting the others like that."
"I expect he learned his lesson," Ninian said.
Girau stared out across the water as the Horologue slowed to a manageable speed and the crew maneuvered her into a position where she could drop anchor.
"It's going to take some time before they come ashore," Girau said. "Might as well spend it as I originally planned and speak to the port officials."
Ninian stared out at the ship, which looked to have dropped anchor. "Hmm, I hope he doesn't return to the tent. He won't know we're here in port."
"We'll see him shortly either way. Look, there's one of the port officials now," Girau added, changing direction to waylay the man.
About half an hour later, Girau and Ninian were walking along the harbor wall discussing what they had learned from the port officials and the two captains they had been introduced to. Neither Girau nor Ninian were particularly knowledgeable about ship operations and had to take the advice provided by those who did.