The Still

by David Feintuch

  “You’re a stupid boy, and demanding. Why do I follow you, when I esteem you not?”

  I framed a mean reply, but abruptly his eyes filled, and my harsh response died unuttered. He fled to his adjoining room.

  “He’s moody,” I told Fostrow. “Pay no heed.”

  The soldier yawned. “Bar the door, my lord. I’ll sleep on the bench.” He departed.

  I tried the door between our chambers. It was barred, from Rust’s side.

  The Earl of Cumber requested our company at his breakfast table. Rustin and I dressed with trepidation. This morning his mood was civil, but distant. I wore the fine new robe Rust had bought me, over my best clothes. We debated whether I should bear the crown, and decided not.

  “My lords.” The Earl rose. His table was set for an elegant repast, but for once his shadow Imbar was absent. He said, “Shall we have at it, Lord Rustin? Tresa tells me our prince believes in forthright discourse.”

  With a weak smile, I poured my tea. I’d heard nothing from Lady Tresa since my apology.

  “I’ll be frank: I believe the lad would be a decent king. Imbar was dubious, at first, but this morning he agrees. Of course, one must doubt what Rodrigo could accomplish without the Still of Caledon.”

  I said, “The Vessels haven’t been swallowed in the earth.”

  “But you don’t have them.”

  “I’ll find them, if I have to rack Uncle Mar. But their loss isn’t as bad as it might seem; they can’t be used against me, if I’m crowned.”

  Raeth snorted. “I find that less than reassuring. Even if you’re crowned, will you have the strength to hold your realm without the Still?”

  My voice was heated. “Long enough to find my Power.” I rested my arms on the breakfast table, leaned close to him. “Uncle Raeth, I will do what I must to become King. Your support will make it easier, but I’ll go where I must. I’ll raise armies, best my foes, even ...” I faltered.

  “Say on, lad.” He was attentive.

  “Even conquer myself.” I hadn’t meant to speak of what it cost to preserve myself for the Still, or admit I needed Rustin’s help to become a man. But, speak I did, of these things, and more.

  When I stumbled to a halt, Raeth raised an eyebrow, addressed Rustin. “As we agreed, Imbar and I. The boy would make a good king.”

  I said eagerly, “Then you’ll support—”

  “He’s a bit too impetuous, of course. As you see.”

  I colored at the rebuke.

  “Shall I support you, young Rodrigo? No.”

  My heart plunged.

  “Not openly. I can’t afford a rift with Mar while he’s regent, and won’t countenance one. But between us ...” He toyed with his napkin.

  I gritted my teeth, determined to wait him out.

  “It would depend on certain assurances.” His eyes met mine. “I would have to know, you see, that the promises you gave could never be treated lightly.”

  “You’d have surety for my word?” A repugnant concept. “You’d doubt a nobleman’s—”

  “Oh, don’t take it personally. We who hold power lie routinely. Perhaps churls do as well. But lords of Caledon have an advantage in dealing with our sovereign; his lie costs him dear.” A pause, for emphasis. “I’d have you swear on the True. An oath of my own devising, that assures me you’ll have no reservations, play no tricks, that your intent and meaning is identical to mine.”

  I found it hard to keep my voice from trembling. “And the content?”

  “Certain lands of Cumber, occupied these many years by the Warthen of the Sands.” A scroll appeared from under the table, with a map drawn. “The barony of which we spoke, and at least partial remission of taxes, for five years. I’m firm on the point.”

  I waved assent to the scroll, wondering what I was giving away. “And I agree to the barony. All except the taxes. I won’t begin my reign by fomenting civil war.”

  “Then we have no agreement.”

  I stood. “I’m sorry, Uncle.” I moved toward the door. “We’ll avail ourselves of the safe-conduct you offered, as soon as we’re packed. I bid you—”

  “Confound it, sit, and stop routing me at my own game. What would Imbar think if he saw me bested by a mere boy? Faugh!” A wave of disgust. “These pastries are specially made by a most talented baker. I taught him myself. I’ll live with your demon-inspired taxation.” He bit into a sweet.

  I gaped. “You’ll support me?”

  “Try the ones with cherry filling; they’re especially good. Not openly. You’ll flee Cumber, with a few of my troops in somewhat lazy pursuit. I’ll loan you funds, at a rewarding rate of interest, and a small complement of guards.”

  “How many?”

  “Say, five hundred men-at-arms.”

  I sat stunned.

  “I can’t raise more without being too obvious. A few personal servants, to do your cooking and the like. Twenty goldens a month will pay their expenses, and leave enough for you to progress in style.”

  I managed, “We’ll make do.” Five hundred men were a force to be reckoned with. A glance at Rustin. His eyes showed triumph, but also pain. Puzzled, I set it aside for later. “I must have your vote in Council to put aside the regency and ratify my crown.”

  “Name three firm votes, and mine will be fourth. For less, I dare not risk war with Mar.”

  Rustin said, “He’ll need the promise of your vote to convince the others.”

  “Then he won’t be King. I like the lad, but I won’t risk Cumber for him. How many votes have you?”

  “I’ve one—”

  “Two.” Rustin, too late.

  “One firm, and perhaps others. May I at least tell Soushire?”

  “No one. Especially not her; the woman eats garlic cloves whole. How can I have faith in her judgment?” The Earl wiped his mouth. “Are you prepared to swear now?”

  “Yes.” I took a deep breath, and sat straighter. “Raeth, Lord of Cumber, I do promise by the True of Caledon that I shall uphold fully and without deceit this vow: that as King I shall grant the petition you present me today—”

  “Promptly grant.”

  “Promptly grant, to redress inequities in lands heretofore divided between Cumber and the Sands. Further, that I shall, the day after my coronation, ennoble and make Baron your counselor Imbar.”

  “That there is no trick or deceit, or hidden meaning, or attempt to cavil or avoid these commitments fully.”

  “All of that I swear, by the True.” My hands shook; I steadied them over my tea.

  “That you will keep secret every aspect of my support, until revealing it shall do me and Cumber no harm.”

  “By the True I so swear.” My palms lay flat over the cup, as if it were the Chalice.

  “And one other thing; you’ll take my granddaughter to live at Stryx. Cumber’s too small a place for her.”

  I frowned, before I considered the insult he’d see in it.

  His lips turned upward. “She’s a decent sort. A pity you don’t like each other.”

  “It’s not that ...” I ran aground.

  “Well.” He pushed away his plate. “Now I’ve an investment in you, Tresa’s to see your wound. I won’t have you suppurate and die filled with pus.” He wrinkled his nose. “Upstairs with you, as soon as we’re finished.”

  I acknowledged his orders with a nod.

  “Now, as to your brother.” He raised an eyebrow. “He’s welcome to our hospitality, while you go about seeking your crown.”

  “It’s best if we’re together.”

  “Best he have a clean bed and decent food, which you can’t provide. We’ll keep good eye on him.”

  “Thank you, but Dame Hester has the care of him. She’ll want—”

  “The boy stays here. Damn, Rodrigo, why do you force my fist from its velvet glove? Won’t you allow me a touch of subtlety?”

  My lip curled. “Oh, no, Uncle, too many candles will gutter if he stays.”

  It took him effort, but
the Earl kept a firm check on his temper. Eventually he said quietly, “It has nothing to do with passion, you twit. Lord Rustin, explain to our prince that I’m tending my self-interest.”

  “You’d control me through my brother? That’s more vile yet.” I was too angry to care what havoc my words caused, until Rust scraped back his chair, wandered around the table, rested a gentle hand on my shoulder, squeezed a warning. Slightly calmed, I added, “What control would you gain, Uncle? Is not Elryc my rival? Would it not be a service to find him no more?”

  “Odd.” Uncle Raeth stroked his chin, a sardonic smile playing about his lips. “You showed no disaffection while you played chess with him last afternoon.”

  “Perhaps I dissembled.”

  “Then leave him with me, and remember the favor you’ll owe should you be rid of him. Ah, that displeases you? Then perhaps I gain power over you after all, by requiring his presence.”

  Again I stood. “Sir, your games are too subtle for my untutored mind. Elryc travels with our party, or there’s no arrangement for me to honor.”

  “I but said—”

  “If you seek hostage to my word, you err on three counts: to doubt my given pledge, to doubt that I treasure the True, and to doubt that I’d cast aside kingdom and life itself before allowing my brother harm. Come, Rustin.” As best I could with side throbbing, I strode to the door.

  From Uncle Raeth, a sigh. “How can a man negotiate, with you stalking off every time you’re thwarted? After a time it grows stale. Sit, Rodrigo.”

  “Not this time, my lord. Know thee that I take offense at thy conduct. We’ll pack, and be gone. Now, Rust.” My voice snapped like a whip.

  Together, Fostrow in tow, we mounted the stairs.

  In our chamber Rust sealed the door, put his lips to my ears. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “He wants the barony.”

  “Not so loud. He told you openly you’re watched.” Rust glanced about, as if in search of the spyhole. “You may have thrown away—”

  “Do you not listen? He wants the barony for Imbar above all things. As I told him, Elryc makes a poor hostage because my interests aren’t well served by keeping him alive. Don’t give me that look; I speak impersonally, as others would see it. Think you I’d betray my own brother, and my oath?”

  By way of answer, Rust dug into his purse, found a coin to flip. I put my hands around his throat, squeezed in sham fury. “About this, don’t jest. I want the crown, but I’m not afraid to lose it. I’ll certainly not have it by betraying my blood.”

  Rustin tickled me under my outstretched arms, and I leaped clear. “Roddy, I find it amazing that you’re two distinct people. In matters of statecraft, you’re mature. I hate to say it, but ... wise too. In personal affairs, you’re—”

  “I know. A dunce. But I try to be less duncelike each day. Fostrow, did I do right apologizing to you?”

  The soldier grunted. “The note was pretty enough.”

  “You mean I’m still in your bad graces. How do I get out?”

  “A serious query?” Fostrow studied my face. At last, satisfied, he said, “You’re Prince of the realm and I but a weary old guardsman. I accept that. But, laddie, I’m old enough to be your father twice over. Think you not every youngsire owes some courtesy to those who’ve aged before them? Is it not possible we ancients have yet some wisdom to impart?”

  I sat on the bed, unlaced my boots. “Very well, I’ll try to show your gray hairs more respect, since you have so many of them.” I lay back. “Rust, I’m glad you’re in better humor than last night. What was bothering you?”

  It was as if Rust’s mood were a delicate crystal I’d tapped too hard. His face clouded over, and he strode to the interconnecting door, passed through into his own room. “Leave me be, Roddy.” The bolt slid closed.

  I sighed. “What makes Rust so moody?”

  “What makes any of us what we are?” With a grunt of effort Fostrow rose, took his place in the hall.

  I sent for Hester and Elryc, to tell them of our debacle. We’d have to hurry our exit, before Uncle Raeth decided to deliver me to Mar. My faith in his promise of safe-conduct was less than I might like.

  Our next aim would be Soushire, where I’d attempt to persuade the fat old Duchess to support my cause.

  Hester, for once, listened without complaint of my behavior. “A difficult man. Always was.”

  “Even if he spoke in jest I couldn’t—”

  “Your mother never knew what to do with him. Glad she was he lived in the windswept hills of Cumber, and not under her nose. She was always polite to him, for Josip’s sake.”

  I put finger to my lips, to indicate listeners.

  Perverse, she raised her voice. “A difficult man, I said. He swore fealty to Elena, but toys with the ruin of her son.” She glared at my discomfort. “There is a time for candor.”

  “Thank you, Milady Chancellor.” My tone was dry.

  A knock. I opened, to Imbar, in a flowing multicolored robe.

  “Prince Rodrigo.” A formal bow, with a flourish. “Lord Elryc. My lord Earl is indisposed, and bids me convey his regrets.”

  Rustin peered through our connecting door. Frowning, stiff, he took his place at my side. Imbar patted his shoulder indulgently. I waited for Rust to whirl, draw sword, and strike off the lowborn’s hand, but he fastened his eyes on the far wall and said nothing.

  “Rae’s sent me to arrange details of your convoy.”

  “Convoy!” My heart pounded. “What about Elryc?”

  “He assumes you’ll want your brother along.” Imbar’s face was expressionless. “I’ll show you the captain who’ll have charge of our men.”

  “If they go with me, I’ll have charge.”

  “He’ll have charge of our troop, and carry out your orders.”

  I sighed. “Very well. Rust, let’s go.” I took a cloak against the still wind.

  Elryc demanded, “Let me meet him.”

  “No, you stay—”

  “Promises.” Just one word.

  I clenched my teeth, swallowed my ire. “Very well. Do we go outside, Imbar? Elryc, bring your cape.”

  Hester made a sound, almost a growl. Her rheumy eyes fixed Imbar, and held something sharp. “Tamper not with honor, or the lives of my boys, or I’ll rot the skin off your bones while you scream in your bed.” That odd gesture, she’d made once before. Involuntarily, I recoiled.

  Imbar seemed unmoved, though he licked his lips. “My lord Earl gave his safe-conduct. Besides, I’m among you. Would I risk my own life for so little gain?”

  A sentry came to arms as we neared. I wasn’t sure if he gave honor to the valet, or me. Surely, even Uncle Raeth wouldn’t have his men present arms to a valet. Yet Imbar comported himself as co-master of the house, which perhaps he was. He’d even laid hand on Rust’s shoulder as if they were equals.

  A grand stone edifice housed the Earl’s officers. In Stryx, soldiers lived in outbuildings, in the castle warrens, or in tents. Even officers lived so; to provide them better was to suggest they were the equal of their masters, and how then could they be asked to die for us?

  Imbar asked the sentry, “Is Tursel within?”

  “At the common room, sir.”

  Indoors, I blinked, waiting for my eyes to accustom. Even the trappings were above the station we accorded to our officers; well-made hangings, sturdy tables with extra touches of grace, comfortable chairs. It would cost Lord Cumber a pretty penny to maintain a troop to this standard, and I wondered why he’d do it.

  A door opened. A short man, hair close-cropped, a wide nose. “I’m Tursel. This way, my lords.” I studied him as we passed his extended hand. Younger than Fostrow—what soldier wasn’t?—but still old, at least twice my age.

  Imbar said with proper formality, “My lord Prince, may I present Tursel, formerly captain of the second household troop of Cumber.”

  “Formerly?”

  “He was dismissed as of last night, and his
oath of loyalty dissolved. He seeks a new master. Tursel, this is Rodrigo of Caledon, Prince and heir.”

  From Tursel, a formal bow, with due acknowledgment of rank. “My lord.”

  Elryc tugged insistently on my arm, and I turned aside while he whispered. “He’ll always be Uncle’s man, no matter what he swears.”

  “I know, but—”

  “If you put us into their hands, they’ll guard us from escape as well as from enemies!”

  I said gently, “We’re already in their hands.” Then, to Tursel, “How would you serve us?”

  “I’d escort you whither you would go, sire.”

  “Why would you serve us?”

  “For pay, and—”

  My lip curled in disgust. “You’re a mercenary?”

  He drew himself up. “My life has been in allegiance to my lord Earl. I would be so today, but for his request I serve you.”

  “You’d give me loyalty?”

  “I’d swear an oath so.”

  “And when my interests diverge from his, what then?”

  “I—” His eyes flickered, and fell. “I know not, my lord.”

  All at once, I liked him. Honesty was a quality rarely found in the halls of nobility. As must be; it was too dangerous to be bandied about without constraint. “Tell me this much: If the Earl and I become enemies, would you leave me, or destroy me on his behalf?”

  Tursel’s manner seemed to relax. “Leave, my lord. It would be the honorable path.”

  “You concern yourself with honor? Good. Know men that to betray me to my enemies, to Margenthar of Stryx, would be to destroy me utterly.”

  “If I enter your service I won’t do that, sire. Even at the Earl’s bidding.”

  “Imbar, does your patron know he’s unleashed a man of honor in our mutual service? Lord of Nature knows where it will lead.” I smiled for an instant, then squared my shoulders. “Tursel, I offer you service to my person and in my domains, as captain of my troop, as my principal lieutenant in matters of arms, upon your vow of loyalty to me and mine, until the death of one of us. Accept you this commission?”

  “I do.”

  Swiftly we went through the ritual of loyalty, in which he bound himself to me and I vowed to look after his material needs, as spelled out in the vows. A sordid bit of oath-taking, I’d always thought, but necessary, given man’s lust for material goods.