by GJ Kelly
Jerryn nodded. “It’s been seen here before, a week ago, further south. We had word from a village two days’ ride beyond the vineyards. The dark wizard struck from the air, burning a granary and a number of dwellings. No-one was injured, though the fear of attack from the sky lingers. But come, her Majesty, Queen Hellin of Juria, awaits, and would welcome you more warmly than I can here on the steps of her Hall.”
oOo
20. Matters of Protocol
Gawain followed where Jerryn led, through the immense iron-braced portals into the Hall, where courtiers, nobles, and officials were milling around, talking in groups or sitting at long tables, scenes which Gawain remembered well from his youth in his father’s hall. Jerryn turned sharply to the right though, and led them to a narrow stone staircase which spiralled tightly upward, a single rope banister providing a hand-hold for the passage up to the first floor, and to the Crown’s chambers there. Gawain remembered them from his last visit here after destroying the Ramoth tower, though today they would not pass beyond the large and brightly-lit council-room.
Hellin was seated behind a broad and circular oaken table, food was being brought up from the kitchens in readiness for lunch, attendants scurrying this way and that, and the wizard Mahlek, First of Juria, seated a respectful distance from Hellin’s left, rose at their approach, rapping his staff politely on the floor. There was an officer at the table Gawain did not recognise, and four men, well-dressed and clearly of high standing in Juria, and all stood politely.
Jerryn halted a respectful distance from the table and bowed. “Your Majesty,” he announced, “My lords. His royal Majesty and Commander of the Kindred Army, Gawain, King of Raheen.”
“Welcome to my Hall, Raheen, and to my table,” Hellin spoke softly, but with a curious edge to her tone. “You were not expected, or we would have provided you a welcome befitting the General who lately brought about the destruction of Morloch’s vast army. And welcome, Serre wizard Allazar, your service in the north too is well-known to us, though your service of old also remains fresh in our memory.”
Gawain and Allazar bowed an acknowledgement.
“Thank you for your welcome, Juria,” Gawain replied, formally. “The warmth of your greeting and of your Hall would be a boon in any season, never mind in bleak midwinter. When news of Willam’s death reached me in Threlland, it was my intention to pay the respects of Raheen to Juria in the spring, to express my sorrow for the loss of a great king, and friend, in that fresh season. But other events have prompted the need to bring forward my sad duty, and my journey to the south, hence my arrival unannounced.
“I am sorry, Queen Hellin, for the loss of your father. I knew him long enough to know that he was a good man, and a great king, and even in the darkest of times, the light of the world shone brighter for his presence.”
“Thank you, Gawain. He spoke well of you, and with great admiration. Will you sit, and eat? And your friends?”
“This is Reesen, Kindred Ranger, once of Elvenheth and the thalangard. His grasp of the common tongue is improving, but slowly. And this is Ognorm of Ruttmark, in Threlland. Both served us well at Far-gor.”
“Then they too are welcome at my table,” Hellin waved towards the empty seats before them. “Please, sit. You too, Major. Whatever it may be that has prompted Raheen and his First Wizard to depart the comforts of Threlland in this darkest of seasons may well be of interest to our military.”
They sat, and Gawain thought he began to understand Allazar’s caution regarding Jerryn’s relationship with Juria’s Crown. Hellin was aloof, and distant, much farther removed from outward signs of affection than mere regal inscrutability demanded; icy, even, though her welcome to Gawain and his party was certainly sincere. While platters of meats and pitchers of wine were passed around the table and plates filled, Gawain studied her, and she him.
Hellin had seemed young and fragile when first he’d met her, she demanding that the famed longsword warrior leave the tower in Juria’s capitol untouched for the sake of her father, Willam, and he agreeing, falsely, so to do. She was pale skinned, her complexion unblemished, large eyes dark brown and intelligent, long ink-black hair tumbling over her shoulders and tamed by the circlet of gold which now marked her as queen of this land. But today she looked so much older, and in spite of a lingering sadness about those rich brown eyes, so much harder.
Mahlek introduced the noblemen also taking lunch at Hellin’s table, regional lords or earls, Gawain didn’t really pay much attention and had little interest in Juria’s internal politics and governance. He was more interested in the fleeting glimpses of worry he caught in the Jurian wizard’s expression, and the distinctly deliberate manner with which Hellin avoided looking at Jerryn. Besides, not one of those five Jurian men at the table had served with the Kindred at Far-gor; Gawain knew it, and so did they.
When the pleasantries were complete, lunch began in earnest, and though Gawain had eaten frak on the move as usual, he politely picked at the food on his plate and joined in with the idle but polite conversations around him. It was only when lunch finally came to an end and the Jurian noblemen took their leave that Hellin sat back in her chair, her hands resting on the table while she eyed Gawain expectantly, and frostily.
“Is your lady well, Gawain? I did not expect ever to see you without her by your side, not since last we met at Ferdan, at Kings’ Council.”
“Thank you, yes, she is. Elayeen remains in Threlland, to rest after what was a long and eventful year for her.”
Hellin nodded. “For all of us. And now, but a few days from the beginning of a new year, here you are, after enduring rain, wind, frost and ice on your journey. We know your history, Gawain, we know your qualities. You will not lightly have abandoned your lady to journey south with so small a retinue unless there was a need the like of which might threaten all lands. Not so soon after victory in the north.”
Gawain paused while attendants cleared the last of the salvers from the table and left the chamber, doors closing firmly behind them.
“In truth there is a need, though it’s far from being a threat on the scale of Morloch’s army in the north. In truth, it’s our hope that we can complete our quest without being noticed. The fewer who know of it, the less likely we are to attract unwanted attention to our purpose and destination.”
Hellin’s expression darkened. “And do you think speaking of it here in my private chambers represents unwanted attention, or the risk of it? Perhaps you think the wizard Mahlek, who regulated Kings’ Council at Ferdan and who slew my father’s assassin before my very eyes in the Hall below us, a traitor? Would you speak thus, if my father Willam were still Juria’s Crown?”
“I believe, lady, you have attached far more meaning to my words than they were intended to convey,” Gawain frowned, seeing the anger smouldering in Hellin’s eyes. “And yes, to answer your last question first, I would have spoken precisely thus to Willam as I have to you. To answer your second, no, I do not hold Mahlek a traitor and my opinion of him is the same as that which I reserve for all wizards. Finally, and in truth, lady, my business in the south is none of Juria’s.
“I don’t know the reason for your ire, Hellin of Juria, but were I you, I should be far more concerned at having a black-eyed bastard flitting around outside your walls raining destruction from the air and sowing all manner of chaos in your lands, than at the reason for my journey south.”
“There are those,” Hellin glowered, “Who say that this black-eyed bastard flits about my lands in retribution for Juria’s assistance with your deeds. There are those, Gawain of Raheen, who say that my father’s death is but Morloch’s spite for your actions in the north. I am not so weak-willed as to be swayed by the mumblings of such idiots, but retribution there doubtless shall be, and it is Juria which shall suffer it, along with all other lands south of the Teeth.
“Meanwhile, here sit you, Lord Vex, as they who survived the battle call you now, in my Hall, on the cusp of another adventure, this t
ime in the south, which shall doubtless vex Morloch once again and bring yet more of his retribution upon our heads. Since it is I, and my people, who shall suffer the inevitable consequences of your deeds, I do not think it beyond the bounds of my demesne to know the nature of those deeds. Or do you disagree?”
Gawain noted the flush of anger in Hellin’s cheeks, and the look of worry in Mahlek’s eyes. That Hellin was Queen of Juria was not in doubt. Nor was her anger, evinced by the slight flaring of her nostrils, the passion burning in her eyes, and the way her fingers pressed white upon the polished surface of the ancient table before her. Gawain felt the stirring of a familiar anger all his own, and understood at once the nature of her ire. She, like Gawain, had lost much, and though Hellin had been raised to ascend to the throne, doubtless neither she nor anyone else had imagined the crown would pass to her so soon, and at such cost.
“There is a device,” he said softly, “Of ancient design, once intended to shield all against the darkness of Morloch, but corrupted by whitebeard treachery into a thing of great evil. We go to destroy that device, and remove all possibility of it being used against our world. If word of our duty and our destination reaches the enemy, and if they achieve ownership of the device before we do, then, as Morloch’s Breath destroyed my land, so will this thing make of yours and all others a lifeless wilderness.”
Hellin’s eyes widened, and the anger seemed to drain out of her.
“In truth?” Mahlek whispered, though in horror at the thought of such a thing rather than any mistrust of Gawain’s words.
“In truth,” Allazar said softly.
Hellin closed her eyes, and let out her breath in a long, drawn out sigh. “I would I had not asked,” she whispered. “I would I had my father’s courage and his trust in your judgement. Yet I cannot but remember how you deceived me, on the open plains, in sight of the sun and of my lancers, the day you said you would spare the Ramoth tower here.”
Then she sighed again, opened her eyes, and straightened in her chair. “What do you need from Juria, to aid you in this quest?”
“Nothing. In truth. Too many and we draw attention. It’s my hope to go quickly and quietly and end this thing with no-one, friend or foe, any the wiser.”
Hellin shook her head. “If all lands are threatened by this thing, I would have Jurian hands aid in its recovery, and Jurian eyes witness its destruction.”
“I will go,” Jerryn announced, firmly and hurriedly, and Gawain saw a look of utter catastrophe flit across Hellin’s expression before her regal composure returned. “Mine shall be the hands and eyes, by your leave, your Majesty, and if you will have me, my lord.”
Gawain pondered a moment, and then nodded. “If the Crown demands I take a Jurian officer with me, then I can think of few if any yet living more honourable, Jerryn. But be certain, my friend of old. There’ll be no turning back once we leave for the south.”
“Would not a wizard serve your quest better?” Hellin asked, deadpan, inscrutable once again.
“We have one, thank you. And with a dark wizard on the wing at large in these lands, you’ll need all the friendly sticks on your side you can muster.”
Hellin nodded, light catching the hair cascading over her shoulder. “There are few enough we trust within the curtain walls of the Keep, and those new Rangers who have elected to keep watch over Juria are hard pressed with this new threat to our lands. They seek to determine the direction of the creature’s lair while at the same time watching for any threat it may deposit hereabouts. Our riders, too, have had little time for rest since their return from the north. They stand ready to advance, in whatever direction the Rangers determine they are needed.”
“Your Majesty,” Allazar announced quietly, “It is my hope that soon a courier shall arrive from Threlland, bearing copies of a document which Master Mahlek and the Rangers may find of use against the evil on the wing, and against any vile creations it might loose upon your land.”
“Thank you, wizard Allazar. Though your famed white staff would doubtless avail us more than the knowledge this document contains. The winged beast is elusive, and has been careful to remain beyond the range of the weapons at our disposal.”
“Alas,” Allazar sighed, but Hellin held up a pale hand to forestall any further apology.
“I have duties which command my attention below,” she announced, “And I daresay you are anxious to continue your journey south, Gawain. I am grateful, and honoured, that you have taken time from your quest to pay your respects to my father’s memory, and to the Crown. You are of course welcome to remain as long as you wish, though I doubt you have any desire to languish in such comforts as my Hall might provide; not while a threat as dread as that which you have described remains in the world. Major Jerryn will ensure you have what provisions you may require.”
“Thank you, Hellin,” Gawain acknowledged, recognising the unmistakeable tone of dismissal in her voice, “We shall delay only long enough for Major Jerryn to make what preparations and farewells he needs before we take our leave. His shall be a welcome addition to our company, and I have no doubt he will serve Juria with honour, as he did when first he and I met.”
“The Major’s qualities are well known to us, and thus require no further commendation, Raheen. I have no doubt he will continue to serve Juria’s best interests. I shall bid you all farewell, then, and for the sake of all lands, speed your journey. You may be sure none here shall learn the nature of your quest.”
Hellin moved to stand, and all others did, and bowed as she took her leave, a worried-looking wizard Mahlek close behind her. Jerryn’s eyes followed her progress across the rear of the council chamber to the Crown’s Door, and lingered there a moment when that door closed behind Mahlek. Then he took a deep breath, straightened his back, and turned to Gawain.
“My lord, I shall require an hour, by your leave, to make ready horse and provisions.”
Gawain nodded. “Take what time you need, Major. Is there somewhere I and my party might wait while you are making ready?”
“Her Majesty has matters of Court to attend to, and will be engaged in the Great Hall long beyond the hour of our departure. I am sure there would be no objection to your remaining here while I make my preparations. Is there anything else you need for our journey?”
“A bottle or two of Jurian brandy might come in useful, Jerryn. It’s cold out there, and unlikely to be any warmer where we’re going.”
The officer, tall and proud, nodded a bow, and with a glance at the others, took his leave, using the same spiral staircase they’d ascended earlier.
“Well,” Allazar announced softly, “I had not expected to find Juria so cold, nor to be dismissed in so perfunctory a manner. Much has happened, I think, since Willam’s demise.”
Gawain sat, the others following suit, but with Ognorm leading Reesen further around the table and away from the conversation between Allazar and Gawain.
“Hellin has lost her father, and in terrible circumstances,” Gawain said softly, “The full weight of the crown has fallen upon her, her land is under threat from a dark wizard on the wing, and something else too seems to be weighing heavily upon her.”
“Yes. I believe it is the matter I urged you not to mention when first we arrived. The haste with which Major Jerryn volunteered his services to our quest would seem also to confirm my suspicions.”
“Which are?”
“Matters of protocol. As wizard to Brock of Callodon I was obliged of course to make myself aware of court protocol here in Juria, given the long and occasionally troubled history between the two nations.” Allazar sighed again, his expression an image of sadness. “The love between Hellin and the dashing Major Jerryn was plain to behold at Kings’ Council in Ferdan last summer; and, at the time, perfectly acceptable given the quiet blessing of the Crown, her father. But now she herself is Crown, it is entirely out of the question. To preserve the noble heritage of the crown, the laws of Juria dictate she may now only marry one of noble bl
oodline, and Major Jerryn, no matter how honourable, is, I fear, of common stock.”
“But at Ferdan…”
Allazar nodded. “At Ferdan she was but Willam’s daughter, first-born it is true, but the law, with the king’s blessing, would have permitted their union. I fear, Longsword, they waited too long, or events intervened in their lives which prevented the union they both clearly desired. Now, with Willam dead, it is impossible for them to be together.”
“Then that is why, on hearing of the nature of our journey, Jerryn was so quick to offer his services. Curse all whitebeards, Allazar, for heaping such misery upon such noble heads. He can no more stand to be near Hellin and touch her not, than I can bear to be near to Elayeen, and never closer than a hair’s breadth.”
“Yet,” Allazar almost whispered, “You, Longsword, have the hope that once our lady’s unknown duty is fulfilled, you may be together once again as you were, and as you should be. For Jerryn, the moment Willam died and the crown passed to his unwed love Hellin, hope died too. For certainly, she must wed another, or spend her days, and her nights, utterly alone.”
“Then he knows a deeper pain than even I do, Allazar. And that is pain indeed.”
oOo
21. ‘Ot Soup
A page informed Gawain that Major Jerryn was ready to depart, and they found him adjusting the straps and waterproof coverings on the back of a pack-horse at the foot of the Great Hall’s steps. It had started to drizzle, and the sky was a uniform dull grey.
“Supplies, Jerryn?” Gawain asked.
“Aye, my lord. I expect you’ll wish to avoid habitations once we’re clear of the walls, so took the liberty. She’s a good horse too, and not heavily laden. Won’t slow us down any.”
Gawain nodded. “We’ve a long way to go, and yes, supplies may well be needed along the way. Have you said your farewells?”