Seeker of Magic

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  “Good morning, my dear,” Hillary said. “Sleep well?”

  Nodding, Taliesin buttered a biscuit and stuffed it into her mouth. He handed her a napkin and brushed crumbs off the table. “You’ve gone out of your way to decorate the hall,” she said. “Wreathes of summer flowers and fresh straw on the floor. Must be someone important. Who is it this time? Orell or his brother?”

  “Secretary Glabbrio, the son of your favorite playwright,” Hillary said. “He’s not been to Raven’s Nest in ten years, but you’ve met him. A ponderous old fool who suffers from gout due to his gluttonous appetite. Black Wings scouts spotted his caravan entering the forest. They are but a mile down the road. I suspect Glabbrio was at the Gathering and stayed a few days in Burnlak before coming here. Eagle legionnaires travel with him, so you can be sure they know about the Wolf Clan’s visit.”

  “Glabbrio, son of Glabber the Glib,” she said, in a melancholy voice. “The man is nothing like his father. He hasn’t a shred of wit or charm.”

  “Do you need any assistance? Anything that needs to be...removed from Raven’s Nest?”

  “Just keep Minerva out of my room,” Taliesin said. The old man nodded. “And see if you can learn from the envoy’s servants if they returned for the bodies of Hrothgar and Jasper. I’ll feel less inclined to think ill of Secretary Glabbrio if he did.”

  Hillary bowed his head. “Of course,” he said. “You know me. I like to snoop.”

  Voices at the main doors caught their attention. The doors lay open, letting in sunshine and a warm summer breeze. Master Osprey and ten Black Wings entered the hall and walked toward her. She took several quick sips of tea, feeling nervous as Hillary scuttled between the aisles, chattering away to the guards. Osprey wore a moss-green robe and a long gold necklace with a ruby medallion. Clasping his hands together, Osprey stood in front of the table in front of Taliesin and stared at the biscuits and jar of honey. She slathered a biscuit with honey and offered it to him, frowning when he snatched it away in a frantic manner.

  “Is all well, father?” Taliesin asked.

  “Not in the least. I see I must use my instincts, along with my natural born skills of perception to root out the mushrooms growing in this manure,” Osprey said, in a tone that reflected loosely-controlled fear. “Twenty Wolfmen...that’s how many we killed and burned last night. Captain Grudge has tightened security. Wolfgar won’t return while the Eagle envoy is here, and Glabbrio will be eager to know everything that happened.”

  “If this is about Captain Wolfgar’s allegations...,” she sputtered, unable to finish.

  “The Eagle envoy will be here any minute,” Osprey said, raising his voice as he eyed the plate of biscuits, “and here you are stuffing your belly. Hillary didn’t mean for you to eat all of them, you greedy hen.” He crammed the biscuit into his mouth, crumbs falling on his robe and onto the floor. Falstaff appeared at the edge of the table and his shaggy head dipped as he lapped up the crumbs. “I’m a nervous wreck,” he whispered to Taliesin, speaking with his mouth full. “A complete and utter wreck.”

  Aware the guards were staring at her suspiciously, Taliesin calmly wiped her hands on a napkin, one of a few kept in the kitchen specifically for her, and offered it to her father. He shook his head and reached for another biscuit.

  “Please, let me speak with Glabbrio,” Taliesin said, “and I’m sure I can sort this all out, father.”

  “Not one word shall pass from your lips,” he said, crooning softly. “I am sure Captain Grudge and the Black Wings can handle what may arise from this visit.” He gazed toward the staircase and motioned the guards to go up to the second level. Three obeyed, swords drawn, moving up the stairs with urgency. “I have questioned Minerva and the others thoroughly and know what I’m looking for, but I wish to do so in silence. Now hush, child, and follow me.”

  Part shaman, part bloodhound, Osprey took his time to absorb the energies in Taliesin’s chamber as soon as they entered. The guards spread out to search her belongings. Taliesin stood by the door, arms crossed, furious with the manner in which the Black Wings tossed about her belongings, upset furniture, and turned her mattress. A large trunk was pulled out from beneath the bed, the lock broken, and the lid opened to reveal fine dresses made for a rich noble woman. Each was lifted out and tossed into a corner. Despite her protests, the guards treated her wardrobe in the same manner, throwing cloaks, boots, and tunics onto the floor.

  Osprey only took a few minutes of waving his arms and turning in a full circle before he pointed at the wall where the banners of each noble house and the royal family hung. The guards approached the flags; however, not one was touched. They turned to Osprey for instructions. A gnarled finger pointed at the flag of Prince Sertorius hanging among the others, yet the guards made no move to remove it.

  “There is the culprit,” announced Osprey. “Fetch it, girl! And be quick about it. Time is against us, and I must decide what to do with you. Quick, girl!”

  Taliesin hurried to her collection of flags and removed the royal banner of Prince Sertorius, wondering whether it had been Grudge or Hawk who’d betrayed her confidence. Holding the flag over her arm, Taliesin walked to her father under the disapproving looks from the guards. She offered the prince’s flag to Osprey. He merely slid his hand over the embroidered white lion, making a clucking sound as he flicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and shook his head in disbelief.

  “I am sorry, father,” Taliesin said, embarrassed. “It was wrong to take the flag. I have no excuse. To me it was but one more flag to add to my collection.” She said not a word about the scroll, not did Osprey. Her initial anger with Grudge and Hawk faded. Neither had betrayed her trust or Osprey would already have the scroll in his hand.

  “Alas, you took the banner of the most dangerous prince ever born into the Royal House of Draconus. It was careless of Prince Sertorius to leave this behind, but you see, my dear, it is he who paid Captain Wolfgar and the Wolf Clan to come here last night. I do not blame Chief Lykus for refusing to be bribed with the gold sword, but the problem is someone witnessed you picking up the flag. I’m sure that’s why Glabbrio is here.”

  “Sertorius doesn’t want anyone to know he was the one who killed Duke Hrothgar,” Taliesin said. “Giving the flag to the Eagle envoy will not change this fact. The King must be told Duke Peergynt and Prince Sertorius have sided with Prince Almaric. If you took the flag to King Frederick and explained...”

  A red flush appeared on Osprey’s wrinkled face. “Me? Go to the King?” He trembled from head to toe. “It cannot be done. The Raven Clan has never been involved in court politics, nor will we do so now by exposing Prince Sertorius’ crime. I will give the flag to Glabbrio and let him sort out this ugly business.”

  Grudge appeared in the doorway. Sweat lay thick upon his brow, and he appeared as if he’d been running, for his breathing was labored. “The envoy has arrived,” he said. “Hillary is serving the Eagles a large breakfast, but the envoy is eager to speak with you, Master Osprey. Is everything in order here?” He met Taliesin’s gaze. “Are you all right?”

  Taliesin nodded.

  “If that’s your sly way to inquire whether or not I intend to give this flag to Glabbrio,” Osprey said, “then the answer is ‘yes.’ Why? Don’t you think it’s a good idea, Captain?”

  “I think you should deny it to the grave,” Grudge said. “Our problems with the Wolf Clan have little to do with this flag. I suggest you hang the flag on the wall and don’t mention it. I’m certain the envoy is here about the golden sword. I can hear the elephant coming up the stairs. Quickly. Hang it up!”

  Osprey grabbed the flag out of Taliesin’s hands upon hearing the sound of approaching heavy footsteps. A beefy hand took it out of Osprey’s clutches, and Grudge gave it to Taliesin. At his nod, she hung the flag on the wall and turned around as two golden-cloaked Eagles appeared in the doorway. The footsteps grew louder, heavier, and the Eagle guards stepped aside, forming a line with the Blac
k Wings behind the Raven Master. Osprey stepped forward with Grudge at his side. Taliesin remained near the flags, watching a large, obese man waddle toward them. Two men followed the envoy, Hawk and Hillary, their heads barely visible behind his large body.

  “Greetings, Master Osprey!” The envoy wore an ivy-green cloak over a long yellow robe and dark green shoes. Eagle feathers were hemmed into his cape and a feather stuck out of his wide-brimmed hat. He wore gold rings on his stout fingers and rouge applied to his chubby cheeks. His girth required him to squeeze through the doorframe, and with a hand over his heart, he bowed his head.

  “Secretary Glabbrio! I was about to join you for breakfast,” explained Osprey. “There was no need for you to come all the way up here. Not in your exhausted condition.” He bowed his head and motioned toward the door. “Shall we adjourn to the hall and take refreshment, my Lord? I have yet to take my breakfast, and I hear Hillary has set out a large meal.”

  “There is always trouble in the hen coup when young chicks disobey the long-standing rules and regulations of their clan,” the envoy said. His piggish eyes turned on Taliesin. Great beads of sweat rolled from his forehead and throat like marbles. “Rules are made for a reason, girl. They bring order into a chaotic world. In the world we live in, we need rules least we become the ones preyed upon.” His stomach rolled as he bellowed. “And I will have order!”

  With one swipe of his arm, the Eagle Clan envoy moved forward, brushing aside Osprey and Grudge in order to reach a table. He peered at the books stacked haphazardly on the desk, and knocked everything to the floor with his hand, including a crystal decanter and small matching glasses that shattered when they hit the floor. His arrogance and flagrant disregard of her father’s courteous offer for breakfast made no introduction necessary. Taliesin had seen the corpulent, greasy-chinned fat man in a nearby town a year ago, at a play performed by a traveling troupe of actors. It seemed a cruel twist of fate the envoy was the son of Glabber the Glib. Secretary Glabbrio had never written a poem in his life. Nor did he have any appreciation for the theater or his father’s masterful plays. Despite her low opinion of him, Glabbrio was a powerful man and carried not only rolls of fat, but absolute authority to carry out any punishment he deemed necessary on behalf of Lord Arundel. If Glabbrio wanted her punished, there was nothing the Raven Master could do but obey.

  “Come here, girl,” Glabbrio said, lifting his hand.

  Taliesin knew what was expected of her and went to the envoy, sinking before him in order to kiss the signet ring. The stench on his hand came from a sweet-smelling perfume that was overbearing on purpose. Beneath the perfume came an odor from his body, stronger than horse manure, and twice as acrid as pig dung. Her eyes started watering and she stood up, suppressing her anger as the odious man leered at her. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Grudge shaking his head, cautioning her to remain silent.

  “What a beauty this one is, Osprey. I realize now why Chief Lykus has made such a fuss over her.” Glabbrio licked his puffy, pink lips. “You’ve kept her hidden from me for too long. I generally like girls a bit younger, as you well know. This one is how old? In her twenties?”

  “I am twenty-six,” Taliesin said, unable to hold her tongue.

  “And still not married?” Glabbrio said. He reached out and pinched her chin between his sausage-thick fingers. “You have spirit. I like that. Alas, your skin has already begun to wrinkle from age and from the sun.” His hand fluttered to his side. He eyed Osprey. “I already know Captain Wolfgar was here, so don’t pretend otherwise, Master Osprey. The Wolf Clan has sided with Prince Almaric and Prince Sertorius. We are at war, sir, and it’s time to pick sides.”

  “Is that why you are here?” Osprey asked. “What interest do you have in my daughter?”

  “The same as Lykus,” Glabbrio said, as he glanced at Taliesin. “I hear you have a knack for finding rare weapons, girl. Swords of quality bring a high price. You can make a fortune at the market, especially if you found a magical sword. I would see it.”

  Taliesin didn’t respond.

  “If you’re after the duke’s sword,” Hawk blurted, “it’s over there in the corner!” He ran to where the sword was hidden, threw the cloak aside, and grasped the hilt. He was unable to lift it and fell against the wall, breathing hard. “Damn. That’s heavy. How did you manage to kill a Wolfman with this, Grudge?”

  “Brute strength,” Grudge muttered, casting a murderous look at his friend.

  Taliesin, equally angry, glared as Glabbrio waddled over to inspect the weapon. A thick finger slid across the golden blade as he made a purring sound in the back of his throat. “This is lovely, simply lovely,” he said. “Did the girl say if this was Doomsayer, Master Osprey?”

  “I’m right here,” Taliesin said. “And it’s not Doomsayer.”

  Grudge walked over and grabbed Taliesin by the arm. She tried to shake him off, but he refused to release her. Osprey let out a weak giggle and walked to stand beside the envoy. He was as thin as Glabbrio was fat, making them an odd pair. The two Eagles moved away from the Black Wings and gazed at the sword.

  “It was my captain who actually found Duke Hrothgar’s sword, my lord,” Osprey said. “Answer the Secretary. Is this Doomsayer or not?”

  “It’s one of twenty gold swords owned by Duke Hrothgar,” Grudge said, speaking with authority. He released Taliesin and joined Osprey and Glabbrio. Using one hand, he lifted the sword, acting as if it were a normal sword, though Taliesin knew by his wince doing so gave him discomfort. “Duke Hrothgar used this gold sword in battle. If it were magical, he would have defeated Duke Peergynt. As you can see, Secretary Glabbrio, it is unmarked by its maker and it has a serious flaw.” He placed the sword across his left arm, lifting it for the Secretary to scrutinize, and pointed at an imaginary flaw below the hilt. “Do you see the crack? One more blow and it would have broken in half.”

  “I…I think I see it,” Glabbrio said, straining to see the imaginary flaw. “I think I see it. The crack is very small. But yes, now I see it. Good man. I’d never have noticed it. Of course, this is not Doomsayer.”

  Grudge nodded. “It’s damaged but still valuable. Gold is gold. If you are agreeable, my Lord, I suggest we melt it down. I will give you half the gold and keep the rest to sell at a market.”

  Taliesin suppressed her laughter behind her hand. Grudge had nerve.

  “Just who are you to make such an offer?” Glabbrio pressed his hands over his belly, indignant and unforgiving. “I do not know this man, do I, Master Osprey? What is his name?”

  “This is Captain Grudge, so named on account of his nasty disposition,” replied Osprey. He put on a faint smile. “Forgive my captain for his lack of couth, Secretary Glabbrio. Of course, you may take the sword with you to Eagle’s Cliff, as a gift for Lord Arundel. You will be compensated, Captain. Now, shall we all adjourn to the hall to take refreshments?”

  Grudge walked to the Black Wings. After whispering in Hawk’s ear, he sent the young man out with the rest of the guards and remained outside the doorway. The Secretary gave Grudge a disapproving look and addressed Osprey with a sniff.

  “It is a handsome offer and would please Lord Arundel,” Glabbrio said. “The sword is pure gold?”

  “I believe so,” Osprey said. “Please tell Lord Arundel this gift is a token of my esteem. You will also leave with a wagon filled with other fine weapons taken from the battlefield, as tribute to Lord Arundel. I will give you the Fregian Duke’s armor and a noble stallion found wandering the field. Please, give the armor and horse to Lord Arundel and ask him to accept our humblest apology for having caused any trouble.”

  “Come then,” Glabbrio said. “Let’s find a more suitable place to discuss business.”

  * * * * *

  Chapter Seven

  Osprey led the way to the main hall. Two guards stood at the doors, and servants were tossing fresh straw onto the ground. A contingent of twenty Eagle legionaries sat at one of the long tables, eat
ing their fill, as a fire crackled in the large fireplace. Hillary and his kitchen staff aimed to impress and had gone out of their way to set out a feast for the Eagles. A large roasted boar was placed on the main table beside bowls of steaming, buttery potatoes, peas, and carrots, with baskets of fresh brown bread and pitchers of ale. Several war hounds, Falstaff among them, wandered around the tables looking for scraps. The Black Wings and two Eagle guards sat at a table. Hawk and Rook joined them, but Grudge remained beside Taliesin. Osprey caught Glabbrio by his sleeve and pointed toward his office door. The Eagle envoy huffed and puffed, greatly annoyed to be denied a large meal, but waddled after the thin Raven Master.

  “We’re not having breakfast?” Taliesin asked. “But I’m hungry.”

  Grudge held her elbow and guided her toward the Raven Master’s office. A number of Black Wings and servants were watching them. She didn’t imagine they’d ever seen Grudge looking so clean and sharp. He held her in a possessive manner that raised a few eyebrows, she noted, and Hillary and Mrs. Caldwell watched from the doorway of the kitchen like two conspirators.

  “Act like a lady,” Grudge said, tersely. “Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to, woman. You’ve placed your father is a difficult position. Glabbrio has heard you are a witch, so be on your best behavior.”

  The office Osprey used for business and clan meetings was a large chamber with a vaulted ceiling supported by immense timbers where birds built nests. Wrens, thrushes, and blue jays flew in and out by means of an open window that overlooked the main courtyard. On a cushioned bench beneath the window, a large yellow cat lay curled in a ball, one green eye open to watch the birds. The birds seemed to know to keep to the fresh hay spread on the floor because no droppings could be found on any of the stacks of maps, shelves of books, or tapestries on the wall.