He returned her smile with one of his own. “My Dear, I’m not off to Taryn, so you need not worry that pretty little head of yours, besides you’ve made sure that I’m far too spent to visit her today anyway.” Bending down, he gave her a hasty kiss. “The Magus has requested my presence, which will take up most of my morning and likely part of my afternoon.” With his usual grace, he fastened his sword belt bearing his badge of command. “Besides, don’t you have the Queen to attend to, or is she still hiding from the Magus in her Royal chambers with the King?”
“Careful with your speech Elian, The Magus is powerful, but the Queen could command a dagger to find you in the dark. Besides, the Soul Seer is due to arrive in the course of a few fortnights and their power is renowned, please don’t make an enemy of our Queen.”
Elian put on his tall, dark boots. “Your Queen bent both of her knees to the Magus begging for his forgiveness.” He chuckled, “She wouldn’t dare try her hand again against him again for fear she could wind up with the same fate as her palace guard.” His smile was tight thin line. “Soul Seers if my memory serves, pray to your dead kin for you. You should decide who is worth serving, for whatever power you think this Seer has, it is nothing in comparison to what the Magus wields.”
Mary-Anne gave a heavy sigh, she needed his attention away from Taryn and aggravating the handsome Captain would not help her. “If these meetings are to continue it cannot be in the palace. It is unsafe, besides you have a much larger bed at your home in the Noble's Quarter.”
His smile was again easy going while giving her a flamboyant bow. “As you wish, until then I bid you well Milady.” Leaving her chamber, he pulled the door open with a sharp tug and walked out into the western hall of the palace. He was at the lowest portion of the palace near the royal kitchens and if he was not meeting Ru’ark he would have stopped by and convinced the plump cook to the Royal family to part with some of the food he could smell cooking for the King and Queen’s upcoming midday meal. The palace bustled with activity from before dawn and well into the dark of night. Making his way to the royal balcony, he passed by the many small antechambers leading to private gardens or other larger rooms, arriving at the open arches leading out onto the royal balcony. The palace guards at the entrance to the royal balcony paid him little notice as he made his way through. No doubt, they and Mary-Anne would report his presence to the Queen. With Mary-Anne and Taryn he was managing to stay on top in their little game, both women gave information hoping to outdo the other which proved useful for his own ends. He walked through the garden adjacent to the royal balcony. Summer had lasted longer this year, and he could feel the hint of an overdue fall breeze coming in off the Torbian Sea. His warm blue eyes peered over to the outstretched balcony where Adar and Nelina were training together in the morning light. Her weeks of rest had appeared to have left her well healed, which he was glad to see.
Stopping, he watched the two as they sparred, with the sunlight shining directly on Nelina. Smiling to himself, he knew the old man’s trick well, he had it played on him several times when he was still learning from him, before Ru’ark had helped him gain his position within the City Guard. She was not supposed to practice with him this day, for the Magus had other plans. It was rare when he was summoned to his private rooms, but when he had been in the past it always involved something of importance. His attention returned to his destination, he continued to walk through the garden and down the hallway leading to the Magus’s private chambers. In greeting, he gave a brief smile followed by a nod to the new hand-picked guardsman he had sent to watch over the Magus and his household.
The guard smiled back. “Captain,” he opened the door to the private study announcing Elian and then closed it leaving the two alone. Elian, in his usual good-natured manner, stepped over to the Magus’s desk where there was a large burlap bundle on top. “Magus Ru’ark, what can I do for you today?”
Ru’ark took out a sword wrapped in tan sack and handed it to Elian. “Have you laid your eyes on one of these before?”
Picking it up, Elian eyed the blade with appreciation. “Aye, this is a blood steel sword, they cannot be broken. It’s also known for having the sharpest edge of any blade, and is said to never dull.” He turned it around in his hand. “It’s magnificent, I’ve only seen two, this one and the one that King Agnar carries on his person.”
Ru’ark picked up the cloth and handed it to Elian to re-wrap. “It dates back to before the First Kingdom, and I’ve been acquiring a decent amount of them over the years.”
“Soul Seers fear these blades,” he re-wrapped the sword back up.
“Indeed,” Ru’ark gave a slight nod. “Speaking of them, one will soon be arriving in Danthamore within a full turn and a half of the moon from the Ruby Isles.”
Elian handed it back to Ru’ark. “Aye, Mary-Anne said as much to me this morning, but why the need for the blades and what will you do with them Magus?”
“Why, I’ll send them to the Ruby Isles of course.” Ru’ark’s sly smile indicated he had a greater purpose for the weapons. He set the wrapped sword against the bookcase and sat down behind his desk. “The Queen in one of her more recent excursions, chose to break into my private chambers. It’s also not a coincidence that a Soul Seer travels here either. I want to be able to strike against them should the need arise.”
Elian sat down in the chair across from Ru’ark. “Tell me what you need me to do.”
Ru’ark folded his hands on top of his desk. “There’s a man who goes by the name of one-eyed Ned, he deals in business on the docks and I want you to meet with him.” Picking up a small hammer he struck the bell at the edge of his desk, signaling the guard from outside to enter. The door cracked open, yet he did not let the guard get all the way inside before he gave his command. “We will have the noon day meal brought in early.” He dismissed the guard and returned his attention to Elian. “You will stay. I will hear your thoughts on my plans with the blood steel.”
Elian nodded, “Of course Magus.” He knew he had been correct earlier that he would spend the better part of this morning and early afternoon with the Magus.
Mary-Anne wasted little to no time after Elian left her, and with all promptness, dressed and readied herself to be presentable in the Queens presence. She then dashed out the door no more than a few minutes behind Elian. Her fastest way to the royal chambers above would be through the kitchens. She headed down the hallway to the royal kitchens which were a sight to behold, they were double the size in comparison the one in the eastern part of the palace. Mary-Anne stepped in through the oversized kitchen doors, where she dodged past the cooks and scullions trying to stay out of their way. The heat coming off the four huge cooking ovens was oppressive, the air itself was humid and heavy, bringing a sweat and moistening her brow. She stopped when she came upon the several large tables with half-finished platters. Some had fresh fowl and larger game being dressed and prepared for the evening meal while others were busy preparing the approaching midday meal. The rumble of her stomach tugged at her, for she had forgone her earlier meal to spend time with Elian. While that was enjoyable, it did nothing to satiate her hunger. The pastry table and the smell of the cooling raspberry tarts drew her over, these ones were not frosted yet, but she did not care. Reaching out, she grabbed one of the delicate tarts and popped it into her mouth, savoring its delicious warmth. Her hand went back for another until she was interrupted in a rude manner by a slave no less.
The older woman Gilda, was the head of the cooks. She waved her wooden spoon which she had just a moment ago snapped down on Mary Anne’s hand. “That be for the Queen and King, and I won’t have you fouling up this nice desert I be making for them.”
Mary-Anne scowled, “You’re a fat, old, mean woman Gilda.” Her hand was beginning to bruise.
“I bet you be coming from seeing that no good captain Elian,” Gilda gave a wicked smile, like a cat ready to pounce on a bird. “He’s quite the sight isn’t he? I wouldn’t mind some o
f him myself, even if he be with that evil Magus.”
Glaring at Gilda, she swiped another tart with defiance unafraid of the menacing spoon. “Oh, he is, and I can’t keep the Queen waiting any longer by dawdling here with you.” Leaving, she ate the warm tart and headed up to the second floor. The stairway came out into the preparation room used before bringing the meal into the royal apartments. Unlike the grand palace hall, which connected to the kitchens below, the upper floors held a cozier atmosphere yet retained all of its regal airs. She walked by other kitchen slaves setting up the empty glasses and plates for the midday meal, to be taken to the King and Queen. The hallways were empty except for the occasional solitary guard. However, their presence around the Queen was magnified after the Magus had made his vile spectacle of killing Caleb. The pile of bones that were once Caleb resonated in her mind sending a cold shiver through her, while she had not witnessed the Magus’s cruel act, she had seen the bones. The paintings in their gilded frames and elaborate tapestries adorned the hallways, her smile to the guards was polite as she continued on her way.
Gavin’s eyes followed Mary-Anne after he nodded to her. He and other palace guards understood her place as one of the Queen’s elite informants who reported to no one but the Queen. Aside from him and his fellow guards in the royal apartments, to all others, the attractive dark-haired woman was a favored Lady in waiting to the Queen.
There was a bounce to her step, being closer to the Queen’s private chamber. Her fingers glided over the decorative knotted embellishment hanging off her waist. It was detachable and never far from her. Thus far, it had eleven knots, and with any luck the twelfth one would be her final conquest of Elian. She smirked, it did not matter if he figured her out or not. He was her tool, reporting what she wanted him to, and running back to his aberrant Magus with it. She smiled to herself, the Queen had instructed her to tell him of the Soul Seer and he had taken the entire bait for it. She sighed inwardly, doubting her Majesty would be pleased by the Captain’s reaction. Instead of fear and worry, he had become irritable, as if the Seer was an inconvenient guest he had to deal with. Regardless, today she had information that would delight her Queen. The doors to the Queen’s private chamber under normal circumstances would have one only guard, but these days there were three. “Her Majesty is expecting me.”
“Lady Mary-Anne,” the guard with the heavy Cariff accent bid her to follow behind him. The door opened into Celeste’s sitting room which boasted a high ceiling giving it a sense of grandeur along with the tapestries and paintings lining the walls. He stopped when he was close to the Queen. “Lady Mary-Anne your Grace.”
“Ah, yes, you may leave us.” Celeste sitting on her plush settee with its polished wood gleaming in the morning sun waved her hand dismissing the soldier. Today, she was wearing a fine cut mahogany gown with embroidery and bead work across her bosom.
Mary-Anne stepped around the guard with a deep curtsy. “G’day my Queen,” she was fond of the sitting room with its sweet fragrances of fresh cut flowers from the royal gardens in the delicate hand-painted vases from the Ruby-Isles.
“What do you have for me?” Sitting with her back to Mary-Anne, Celeste’s view encompassed seeing the main gates and the King’s road snaking past the docks toward the Lower Kingdoms with its other half hugging the cliff side leading to Eiffest and the Upper Kingdoms.
“Significant information, after spending my morning with Magus’s Captain,” She kept herself poised and calm, although she was excited to share her findings.
The great Waste as always, was in the background as Celeste with a final look stood up. “Thats where the devil is from. The Magus is a devil of the waste.” She faced Mary-Anne with a smile, “They all fall to you, you are my best, and I expect no less from you than for this unruly Captain to come under your delicate heel.”
“Thank you my Queen, he’s no different than the other men who fall prey to following what lies between their legs,” she laughed. “The fool, believing that I want more of his manhood, was stupid enough to explain that he had a meeting with the Magus which would take up his time for the rest of the morning and the early afternoon.” She beamed with pride. “Just as you wanted, the Magus will not be watching his pet.”
This meant Celeste had a short window of time. Otherwise she would invite Mary-Anne to stay as she often did. “What about the Soul Seer?”
“As you commanded, I told him about the Soul Seer, his reaction was to tell me about his Magus being of a greater power, he thought her to be of little concern.” She chuckled, “He was emboldened to the point of telling me about choosing sides though.”
Celeste frowned she was doubtful to begin with if the Soul Seer could do anything against the Magus. “You’ve done well, is there anything else my Dear?”
“Oh, yes, one last thing, I arranged it so we will have our future meetings at his home in the Noble’s district.” Smugness etched her face. “That will keep your Lady Taryn far away, and it allows you to have him there whenever you me want to.”
Celeste rolled her eyes, “Until you have to go endure the Captain again,” she pulled out a wooden chip bearing her seal. “Take a rest and indulge in the royal baths, you may have use of the slaves, have a massage, plus whatever food you want.” She gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Find Vera and have her design you something fetching, I know how fond you are of her gowns.”
She too kissed the Queen’s cheek. “Your Majesty is always kind, thank you.” After taking the Queen’s seal Mary-Anne with a deep curtsy, departed.
At the doorway the guards nodded to the Queen’s favorite as she left.
“One of you go and get Orson at once, we are going to the Royal Balcony,” commanded Celeste.
The three guards looked between one another to who should go.
Celeste had no time for this. “One of you had better start going to get your commander, NOW!”
As if there was a sharp spike beneath him, the man who earlier had announced the Lady Mary-Anne jumped to obey. “Right away, your Grace,”
Celeste stepped out of her rooms into the hallway. “You two, with me,” she started making her way to the balcony.
Walking to the stairs, opening down into the lower floor, Orson joined Celeste with his hand coming to his breast in greeting. “My Queen,”
The Queen grinned to Orson. “He’s left his slave pet alone, and it’s time I’ve met her.”
Adar was positioning Nelina’s good arm when the Queen approached with her entourage.
Nelina watched Adar bow. She moved over to stand next to him and did the same. “Your Majesty.”
Adar and Nelina had thought that the Queen was passing by, but no. The Queen came to a dead stop in front of the two. “Rise,”
Both Nelina and Adar glanced at each other as they stood before the Queen.
The six members of the Queen’s personal Guard stood in formation around Celeste. Celeste dealt with Adar first. “Adar, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I know you can’t talk.” She waved her hand, dismissing Adar as if he was a sewer rat. “You may go, Nelina’s training is done for the rest of the morning. She’ll be having at minimum the mid-morning tea with me in the Royal Solar.”
“I-, Magus Ru’ark,” Nelina could not get another word out.
“I insist, as your Queen.” Celeste was not giving her an option to refuse.
Nelina could feel three of Adar’s fingers on her spine, pushing her forward while he stepped backwards. He was telling her to go.
Nelina bowed her head. “I accept your kind invitation your Majesty.”
Celeste turned to Orson. “She is my guest, Orson.”
The hard looking older man extended his arm in a friendly manner indicating she should follow behind the Queen. The moment Nelina did, the Queen’s Guard surrounded them as they left the balcony leaving Adar behind.
Once Celeste was at the door to the Royal Solar, she stopped. “Orson, keep the men outside of the room. She and I are not to be disturbed.”
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“Yes, My Queen,” Orson opened the door and waited until Celeste and Nelina were all the way in before closing it.
Celeste’s brown eyes ran down the length of Nelina from head to toe. “We’ll discuss things as proper women do, after you change. There is a dressing area there for you, I had it brought in.” Celeste motioned to a changing shade with painted flowers at the end of the room. “Since we share the same seamstress, I had the liberty of having a gown she had been working on for you finished early, you’ll find it and shoes there.”
“Yes, your Majesty,” Nelina stepped behind the shade and stripped out of her armor. It was demeaning in a way. She recognized the gown, she wondered when she was being fitted for it if Ru’ark would like the way it brought out her eyes. The black and green gown was striking with embellishments of emeralds along the swell of her breasts and bodice. After donning the dress as commanded, she stepped out to present herself and curtsied to the Queen. “Is this better your Majesty?”
Celeste had seated herself at the far end of the table. “By far, come over here and sit.”
Nelina did as the Queen bid her to, and sat down to the right of Celeste who sat at the head of the table.
Celeste gaze appraised Nelina with an exasperated sigh. “Your hair, you still have it coiled in that ugly pulled back braid, it reminds me of a snake nesting or some such.”
“I-” Nelina did not get any further in her sentence.
“Unpin your hair,” Celeste tapped her fingers on the table in irritation.
Nelina’s slender fingers unwound her braid. When she was finished, her flaxen hair fell in waves framing her face.
Celeste filled hers and Nelina’s cup with tea. “I don’t know why he hides you in that god-awful black leather armor that covers you up all the way to your neck.” She smiled. “That dress, was made by my royal seamstress Vera. Your dresses rival the splendor of my own gowns. Yet, you are not a Queen are you?”
The Magus (A Chronicle of Rebirth Book 1) Page 11