A Parliament of Owls

by Beth Hilgartner

  ***

  It was a slow time at the Beaten Cur—mid-afternoon, before the drinking and dinner crowd arrived—when Ferret looked up as a shadow darkened the doorway. It was Mouse. She crossed quickly to Ferret's table and sat down.

  "Ho, Ferret."

  "Ho, Mouse. What brings you all the way to the Cur?"

  Mouse filled her in tersely, ending with her idea that Vixen serve as a decoy in the Ghytteve household. Ferret listened impassively, her hands toying with a stiletto dagger that lay on the table.

  "It might work," Ferret conceded as Mouse finished. "One could wish the timing were a little tighter—Owl hasn't been in Vixen's company since we hauled Arre out of Rhyazhe Dhenykhare's trap—but it might work. And Vixen will do it, especially if Lynx or the other bodyguards agree to help her acquire more fighting skills." Ferret smiled a little wryly. "I'll be sorry to lose her, but frankly, Mouse, she'd be wasted as a thief—especially in light of what's brewing, politically."

  "You don't think she'll want to come back when this blows over?"

  "Happen neither Cezhar nor Cithanekh—nor Donkey, for that matter—is fool enough to let her go once they get a sense of her mettle." Ferret's smile went a little crooked. "I'll try to be happy for her."

  "Gods and fish, Ferret! If you want a place at Court, just breathe a hint to Donkey and he'll snap you up so fast your head will spin."

  "And leave Sharkbait unprotected on the Waterfront? No. I'm not complaining, Mouse; I learned a long time ago I canna be in more than one place at a time, and Sharkbait won't leave his longshoremen until their position is really secure."

  Mouse nodded. "How soon do you think Vixen can be ready to go to the Ghytteve?"

  "If you can wait for a bit, I'll send her back with you when you go. In the meantime, Sharkbait and I are planning an assault on the Upper Town house owned by the Dark Lady's Temple. Happen you'd like to join us?"

  "Yes," Mouse said, her expression hardening. "Tell me what you have in mind, and when—and count me in, Ferret."

  ***

  Evening shadows had begun to gather in the sitting room where Owl, Cithanekh and Arre sipped coffee and traded stories of their day. Arre, who had gone first, had had little to relate beyond an unfortunate encounter with the Ambassador from the Federated States of Amarta. Owl had recounted his experiences and surmises, and had warned Cithanekh of Mouse's intention to plant a decoy among them. When he mentioned Vixen's name, Arre had laughed and said, "I think this may be fun. You'll like Vixen—and Cithanekh, you could do worse than to add her to your bodyguards once we don't need the decoy any longer."

  When it was Cithanekh's turn, he told them that Rhydev Azhere, looking poisonously smug, had managed to interject several references to "Cithanekh's charming brother" into whatever points he made in the Council's discussion; somehow, Cithanekh had refrained from throttling him. Near the end of the meeting, the Emperor had finally announced to the Council that he was appointing Akhatheraf Dhenykhare Admiral, and Dhyrakh had nearly choked on his surprise—or anger.

  "Yes," Arre said. "Kheth talked to Akhatheraf this morning. I don't know what he said, but I've never seen the man look so stone cold sober as he did when he left the Emperor's presence. I hope he has efficient bodyguards."

  "Doubtless, so does he," Cithanekh put in.

  Their voices faded from Owl's attention as an image intruded: the judge, sitting at his desk as he listened to an officer of the Queen's Guard. He frowned as the image faded. "Do either of you know a man named Krassykh Dhenykhare? He's a judge in the Fourth Court."

  Neither of them did.

  "How do you know his name?" Cithanekh asked.

  "The first time my Gift showed him to me, he was reading a letter addressed to the Honorable Krassykh Dhenykhare, Fourth Court. I suppose he could have stolen the letter, but he was wearing judge's robes both times I've Seen him."

  Just then, Yrhenne entered. "My lord, Amynne Ykhave is here with a young woman called Vixen. She said she thought you'd be expecting them."

  "Already? Goodness. Show them in—and tell Effryn to set two more dinner places."

  A moment later, Lynx brought Mouse and Vixen to join them. Vixen had clearly taken some pains with her appearance. Though her hair was loose, it was neatly combed and held out of her face with a black velvet ribbon. Her plain, cotton dress, though well-worn and a little small for her, was clean. When she spoke, her voice brimmed with amusement.

  "Mouse thought I should look young and helpless, in case anyone was watching. Ho, Arre. No one mentioned you'd be here."

  "A definite oversight. I live here," Arre told her. "I think Owl and Cithanekh are making a collection of interesting women."

  "At least this time we've added another animal to the menagerie," Cithanekh replied in a bantering tone. "Lynx, Owl, Vixen, Mouse—it's hard to know how 'Arre' got in here."

  "Maybe you should give me an animal name," Arre said. "Lioness, perhaps, for my queenly bearing?"

  "Or Goat, for your appetite," Owl suggested.

  "Unkind!" she laughed. "Although I'll admit, I was wondering how much longer it would be before—"

  At that very instant, Effryn opened the door and announced the meal, and they all burst out laughing.

  ***

  The evening light had faded in the Palace gardens, but still Lady Khycalle Ynghorezh Ythande sat silently in one of the fountain courts, listening to the water sounds. The kestrel on her shoulder was as still as a carving. Her quick ears caught words—voices and names she recognized. Swift as a hunting cat, she slipped from the bench and eased silently into the shrubbery.

  "But Rhydev—"

  That voice she knew: the youth Ancith, whom Amynne Ykhave had made so memorable.

  Rhydev's response was lower; she couldn't quite make out the words. But they were coming closer. Yes. She heard their steps on the paving stones of the fountain court. She hardly dared to breathe as they came around the fountain and sat on the bench she had just left.

  "I'm sorry," Ancith was saying, his voice almost a whisper. "You startled me; I'll keep my voice down. But I don't see how it will do any good. There's not much case against him."

  "There are two kitchen servants prepared to swear he—mmm—attempted to bribe them. And the case will go before a Dhenykhare judge."

  "I'm not sure I understand why that's a point for your argument," the youth said. "Are you planning to bribe him?"

  "Bribe a judge? Ancith—the idea. It's—mmm—redundant. They hate that poisonous, lowborn charlatan as much as we do. Besides, once he's in custody, he's—mmm—vulnerable. How many criminals do you know who get to take their bodyguards to prison with them?"

  "If there's one who does, it will be him. The Emperor's pet—"

  "Carefully, my treasure. We must be speak of our beloved monarch only with the most—mmm—profound respect."

  "The whole thing seems chancy," Ancith said. "It's a pity you couldn't find someone who'd testify that our enemy forced him to use the poison."

  "Ah, but that would be a death sentence for both of them. No one—mmm—sane will implicate himself to that degree."

  "I understand—but it would make the case so much stronger. When will the warrant go out? Do you know?"

  "Soon, I should think. Her Majesty wants to see—mmm—justice done."

  "I can well imagine," Ancith replied. "So do I."

  Rhydev took the youth's face in his hands. "I know," he murmured, low and breathy. "For your sake, I hope he'll suffer."

  They kissed. Khycalle wondered fleetingly whether she would have to watch the whole seduction, but no. After a few minutes, they got up, and arm in arm, strolled away. She considered whom to warn while she waited for the garden's calm to return. It wouldn't do for Rhydev or his lover to see her and make a connection. Finally, when she thought enough time had passed, she slipped through the shrubbery to another of the gravel paths and made her way back to the Palace.

  ***

  When Rhan opened the door to th
e imperative knock, he was unprepared to find the Ythande Councilor on the threshold.

  "I must see Owl or Cithanekh," she said urgently. "Now. It cannot wait."

  "Come in," Rhan said, ushering her in. With a nod and a curt, "Find them," he sent Yrhazh deeper into the apartments.

  Scant moments later, Yrhazh was back to escort Khycalle to the sitting room where Owl, Cithanekh, Arre, Lynx, Mouse and Vixen were having coffee. Cithanekh rose as she came in.

  "Lady Khycalle. Come in; sit down. Arre, pour her some coffee. What brings you here?"

  "I overheard a conversation which leads me to believe the Queen is planning to have Owl arrested." She took in their unsurprised expressions. "Ah. You've been told. Do you know how soon she plans to move?"

  "It's my understanding," Cithanekh said carefully, "that they don't have very much evidence: a pair of kitchen servants who were paid to say Owl tried to bribe them. I didn't think even Her Majesty would pursue the matter without something more solid."

  "According to what I overheard, they've chosen the court—a Dhenykhare judge, they said. It sounded serious. And they pointed out that in custody, Owl is vulnerable."

  "Who? Do you know who was talking?"

  "Rhydev Azhere and his bo—friend, Ancith."

  Arre got up. "The Emperor should hear this. Will you come with me, Lady Khycalle?"

  "Do you know where he is?" Cithanekh asked. "Will you be able to get in to see him?"

  "Oh, yes," she said with grim determination. "He's spending the evening with the children and the Queen. Are you coming?"

  Khycalle nodded.

  "Take Yrhazh and Rhan," Cithanekh instructed, "and be careful."

  When they had gone, Cithanekh touched Owl's shoulder gently. "I won't let anything happen to you," he said fiercely.

  "Oh, my dear Cithanekh, that is a rash promise," Owl murmured.

  "It shouldn't matter if you tried to bribe fifty people if they can't prove you were successful," Mouse said.

  "They don't have to prove anything if the Queen—or any one of my other enemies—manages to have me murdered after I'm arrested. Is there anything we can do—besides tell the Emperor what's happening—to safeguard me?"

  "Don't eat or drink anything unless one of us brings it to you," Lynx said.

  "Don't get near the bed," Vixen put in. "Someone could seed the mattress with poisoned needles."

  "What about the secret ways?" Mouse asked. "Could you escape, Owl, and take sanctuary at the Windbringer's Temple?"

  As hope flared in Owl, his Gift showed him Rhydev Azhere's man, Ghorran, pressing a purse into the hand of an Imperial Guardsman.

  "No," Cithanekh said. "The secret ways are patrolled, and if Owl is caught running, it won't look good."

  "Besides, even the Imperials can be bribed," the Seer added heavily. "When they come for me, I'll have to go without a struggle." He shuddered and Cithanekh pulled him close. An instant later, Owl tensed as his Gift seized him: two hentes of the Queen's Guard marching purposefully through the Palace corridors; Arre, furiously confronting the Queen while the Emperor, Lady Khycalle and Donkey stood by; the Dhenykhare judge drinking coffee and chatting easily with Dhyrakh and Morekheth; a burning building; a throwing knife, spinning out of capable fingers; Cithanekh, pacing; Lyssemarhe, trying to rouse an unconscious Klarhynne Dhenykhare; a snake, coiled to strike; the Queen's Guard, coming through a familiar door, shouldering Cezhar and Yrhenne out of the way. He broke free of the millrace of visions and hugged Cithanekh hard. "I love you, Cithanekh," he whispered. "Remember that."

  "Owl," he said, voice full of anguish. "I love you, too."

  They all heard it then: the tramp of marching feet, the rattle of chains. The sitting room door was flung open, and the troop leader said, "Owl Ghytteve. I have a warrant for your arrest. You are charged with bribery and attempted murder of the Queen."

  Chapter Twenty-seven—Fourth Attempt

  It had been the work of moments to make Thantor understand the situation. He cursed succinctly. "Damn that Ysmenarr. I should have anticipated he'd move tonight, while His Majesty is with his family. Doubtless there's a report in the dispatches for tomorrow morning. Come on; hurry. This will be easier if the Emperor intervenes before they arrest Owl."

  The spymaster took them to the Royal Apartments and at his word the Imperial Guards on duty opened the doors for them. "Their Majesties are in the gold parlor," one of the men said, and shedding the Ghytteve bodyguards, Thantor guided Arre and Khycalle through the Royal Apartments.

  The door to the gold parlor was not shut. As Thantor strode in, the Queen uttered a little shriek of alarm. Then, she saw Arre and her face paled with anger.

  "I'm sorry to intrude, Your Majesty," Thantor said, "but Lady Khycalle has information that will not wait."

  Tersely, Khycalle related the conversation she had overheard. When she had finished, the Emperor turned to the Queen.

  "What do you know about this?" he asked, his voice carefully calm.

  "Captain Ysmenarr advised me that his investigation had uncovered enough evidence of Owl Ghytteve's involvement that he should be taken into custody. I took his recommendation and signed the order."

  "When was he planning to move?"

  "At full dark. He wanted to be sure of finding Owl Ghytteve in his quarters."

  "Thantor and Bhenekh have kept me apprised of every stage of this investigation, my lady Queen," the Emperor said, his voice still terrifyingly calm. "The sum total of the evidence against Owl is the testimony of two kitchen servants, both of whom were seen—after the poisoning and before making their statements—bargaining with one of your cousin Rhydev's men. The veracity of the witnesses is doubtful, and in any case—in any case, my Lady Queen—they only testify that Owl tried to bribe them, not that he succeeded."

  The Queen spread her hands. "My dear Liege, if there isn't sufficient evidence to support the charge, then let the Fourth Court sort it out. There's no reason for you to be troubled with the matter—at this hour. The Queen's Guard aren't barbarians; they won't mistreat him."

  This was more than Arre could stand. She pushed forward and confronted the Queen. "Stop playing the fool! If there isn't sufficient evidence against Owl to support the charge, then there must be some other reason for bringing it—like to get him away from his protectors so they can murder him."

  "Murder him?" the Queen snapped. "You're being ridiculous! Who would bother to murder that lowborn charlatan?"

  "Oh, there's a list," Arre retorted bitterly. "But I hadn't realized we needed to add your name to it. There have been three attempts on his life already, and with this, you're making it easy for them."

  The Queen stared at her; then she said, very coldly, "How dare you speak to me so brazenly?"

  "It's one of my besetting sins," Arre retorted, "that I have no respect for rank alone. If you want me not to call you a fool, then don't act like one. Now, I'd like you to answer a question for me: What on earth did you think you were doing by arranging to have Owl arrested? You can't honestly believe he had anything to do with the poisoning attempt—so what were you really trying to do? Divert suspicion from Klarhynne Dhenykhare?"

  "Why shouldn't I believe he'd do such a thing?" Celave demanded angrily. "Courtiers commit any number of wild and dangerous acts to curry favor and enhance their position. Why should I imagine Owl Ghytteve any different from the rest of them?"

  "He's not a courtier," Arre said in a level, passionate voice. "He's a Seer, blessed by the goddess Talyene and trained at the Kellande School. He has neither reason nor need to bolster his reputation or enhance his position: he already has the friendship and trust of the Emperor. Have you seen him lately, Your Majesty? He's wearing himself out trying to keep the Emperor safe and the Empire out of civil war—and you have to let your petty jealousies lead you into putting him in desperate danger! I hope you realize that if he dies tonight, none of us will ever forgive you."

  The Queen tried to rally. "I understand that you're worried
, but really, you're overreacting. Owl Ghytteve is in the custody of the Queen's Guard. They aren't going to let anyone murder him."

  "Several of my sources," Thantor told the Queen, "accuse your Captain Ysmenarr of being in the pay of more than one of the Council Lords. If he has been bribed, Your Grace, what safety do you imagine Owl Ghytteve will enjoy in his hands?"

  "Ysmenarr is a longstanding and loyal servant of the Crown whom your sources are slandering shamefully. My dear Liege," she went on, her voice persuasive, "surely you don't imagine—"

  Khethyran cut her off. "You heard Arre: if Owl Ghytteve dies because of your meddling, none of us will ever forgive you. Further, if I find that you were anything other than an unwitting pawn in this, Celave, I will see you tried for treason. Do I make myself clear?" Though she was beyond speech, he waited until she nodded; then he turned to his spymaster. "Thantor, is Bhenekh on duty?"

  Thantor shook his head. "Not this evening. He can be found, though."

  "See to it. Have him and five hentes of the Imperials meet me in the dungeons." He looked at Arre and Khycalle. "Let's go."

  Arre grabbed his arm. "Kheth, have you lost your mind? We're waiting for the Imperials. There's no way I'll let you go down into Ysmenarr's reach without reinforcements."

  "He wouldn't—"

  "You're not giving him the chance!" Arre cried.

  "Very well," the Emperor said tightly. "Thantor, waste no time."

  The spymaster sketched a bow and went out.

  ***

  The manacles were heavy and bit into Owl's wrists as the guards on either side of him guided him through the Palace corridors. He offered no resistance, but went quietly, keeping track almost by reflex of the turns and stairways. No one spoke to him—or even among themselves—until they stopped at a guard post. Owl heard the exchange of passwords, a key in a lock, the rattle of chains, and the creak of heavy hinges; then he was guided forward again. As they continued down the passageway, he heard a metal gate clang shut behind him and more rattling chains. Finally, the guards halted.