Armand nodded, then said, ‘Arutha?’
Guy shook his head sadly. ‘Nothing could have survived inside that. Nothing.’
Martin and Dolgan arrived at the head of a band of dwarven warriors. The King of the Dwarves of the West came to stand next to Guy and Armand. He spoke quietly. ‘Tis a thing of terrible and infinite beauty.’ Now the dome of light seemed to take on the appearance of a giant gem, as if composed of hexagonal facets. Each facet shone brightly but dimmed at a different rate, giving the dome the appearance of sparkling. The feelings of perfection were dimming, as was the surging joy, but still a calm wonder could be felt by all who looked upon it.
Martin tore his eyes from the sight and said, ‘Arutha?’
Guy said, ‘He vanished in there with three men who came by dragon-back. The elf knows their names.’
As the vision before them pulsed, Guy forced his attention back to mundane concerns. ‘Gods, what a mess. Martin, you’d better have some men chase those Dark Brothers home, before they can re-form and come back.’
Dolgan quietly removed a pipe from his belt pouch. ‘My lads are already seeing to that, but they won’t mind company. Though somehow I don’t think the moredhel and their servants will need much urging. Truth is, I doubt any here today have much itch for fighting left.’
Then, outlined against the glowing green sphere, through the dust, came the silhouettes of six men, half-walking, half-limping. Martin and the others were silent as the six came nearer, each rendered almost featureless by a thick mantle of dust. Then when they were halfway between the city gates and the onlookers, Martin shouted, ‘Arutha!’
At once men were hurrying forward, to give aid to Arutha and his companions. Each had a pair of soldiers offering to help them walk, but Arutha only halted and embraced his brother. Martin put his arm about his brother’s shoulder, crying in open relief at seeing him alive again. After a long moment they separated and turned to regard the glowing dome over the city.
A sudden renewal of the sensation of harmony with all life and love washed over them, a wondrous feeling of sublime perfection. Then it vanished.
The green lights of the dome winked out of existence, and the dust began to settle.
Macros spoke in a hoarse croak. ‘It’s finally over.’
Lyam moved through the camp, inspecting the ragged remains of those who fought at Highcastle and Sethanon. Arutha walked at his side, still sore and battered from the struggle. The King said, ‘This tale is astonishing. I can believe it only because proof lies before my eyes.’
Arutha said, ‘I lived it and can scarcely believe what I saw.’
Lyam glanced about. ‘Still, from everything you’ve said, we’re lucky to be seeing anything at all. I guess we have much to be thankful for.’ He sighed. ‘You know, when we were boys, I’d have sworn being King would be a grand thing.’ He looked thoughtfully at Arutha. ‘Just as I would have sworn that I was as smart as you and Martin.’ With a rueful smile he said, ‘The proof that I’m not was that I didn’t follow Martin’s example and renounce the crown.
‘Nothing but messes. I’ve got Hazara-Khan prowling about, engaging in chitchat with half the nobles in the Kingdom, and no doubt picking up state secrets like they were seashells on the beach. Now the rift is reopened, I need to communicate with the Emperor and see if I can arrange for a prisoner exchange. Except we don’t have any, having made them all free men, so Kasumi and Hokanu tell me we’ll probably have to buy the captives back, which means raising taxes. And I’ve got a hundred or more dragons, some not seen on this world in many ages, flying in every direction, who may land wherever they will – when they get hungry. Then there’s the problem of an entire city being ruined –’
Arutha said, ‘Consider the alternative.’
‘But if that isn’t enough, you handed me du Bas-Tyra to deal with and, from what you said, he’s a hero in the bargain. Half the lords of the Kingdom want me to find a tree and hang him, and the other half are ready to hang me if he tells them to do so.’ He regarded his brother with a sceptical eye. ‘I think I should have taken a hint when Martin renounced, and dropped the crown on you. Give me a decent pension and I still might.’ Arutha’s expression turned dark and cloudy at even a hint he would have more responsibility. Lyam looked about as Martin shouted greeting. ‘Anyway,’ he said to Arutha, ‘I think I know what I’ll do about the last.’ Lyam waved to Martin, who hurried over. ‘Did you find her?’
The Duke of Crydee grinned. ‘Yes, she was with a group of auxiliaries from Tyr-Sog that marched a half-day behind me all the way here, the ones who came along with Kasumi’s LaMutians and Dolgan’s dwarves.’
Lyam had been touring the site of the battle for a day and a half with Arutha, since he had arrived. His army had been the last to reach the battlefield, for winds from Rillanon to Salador had been unfavourable. With a jerk of his thumb over his shoulder, he indicated where the nobles of the Kingdom had gathered, near his pavilion. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘they’re all dying to know what we do now.’
‘Have you decided?’ asked Arutha of Martin. The Prince had stayed in council all night with Lyam, Pug, Tomas, Macros, and Laurie – while Martin had combed the camp looking for Briana – discussing the disposition of many matters, now that the threat from Murmandamus was averted.
Martin looked positively jubilant. ‘Yes, we’re to be married as soon as possible. If there’s a priest of any order left among the city refugees, then tomorrow.’
Lyam said, ‘I think you’ll have to stem your passion long enough for some sort of state wedding.’ Martin’s expression began to cloud over. Lyam burst into laughter. ‘Hell, now you look just like he does!’ and pointed at Arutha. The King was suddenly overcome with a deep affection for his brothers and threw his arms about their necks. Hugging them fiercely, he spoke in a voice thick with emotion. ‘I’m so proud of you both. I know Father would be.’ For a long moment the three of them stood with their arms about each other. Brightening his tone, Lyam said, ‘Come, let us restore some order to our Kingdom. Then we can celebrate. Damn me, but if we don’t have a reason, no one ever has.’ He gave both a playful shove and, with all three laughing, herded them toward his pavilion.
Pug watched as Lyam entered with his brothers. Macros leaned upon his staff beside Kulgan, with the other magicians from Stardock and the Assembly clustered behind. Katala hung on to her husband, as if unwilling to let him go, while William and Gamina clung to his robe. He tousled the girl’s hair, pleased to discover he had inherited a daughter in the time he’d been gone.
Off to one side, Kasumi spoke quietly with his younger brother. For the first time in three years they were together. Hokanu and the soldiers most loyal to the Emperor had been those sent to aid the Black Robes of the Assembly when they had come. Both brothers of the Shinzawai had been interviewed by Lyam earlier that day, for, as he had said, the return of the rift between worlds had created some difficulties.
Laurie and Baru joined Martin, who kept his arm around Briana’s waist. The redheaded warrior called Shigga leaned upon his spear behind them, quietly observing the proceedings, despite his inability to understand what was being said. They had arrived with Briana, as had other survivors of Armengar, marching with the army under Vandros of Yabon. Most of the Armengarian soldiers were out with the dwarves, chasing the host of Murmandamus back north. Next to them Dolgan and Galain watched, the dwarf seeming to have aged not one day. The only indication of his rise to the throne of the western dwarves was the Hammer of Tholin, which hung at his belt. Otherwise he looked exactly as Pug remembered him from the time they had braved the mines under the Grey Tower Mountains. He spied Pug from across the tent and gave him a smile and wave.
Lyam held up his hand. ‘Many things have been told to us since our arrival, wondrous tales of bravery and heroism, narratives of duty and sacrifice. With the upheaval here, some issues become resolved. We have spoken with many of you, taking good counsel, and now we have some proclamations to make. In the fir
st, though the people of the city of Armengar are foreign to our nation, they are brethren to our people of Yabon. We welcome them back as brothers returned and offer them a place alongside their kin. They may count themselves as citizens of the Kingdom. If any wish to return to the north, to settle again in that land, we shall aid them in whatever way we may, but we hope they will stay.
‘And we also offer deep thanks to King Dolgan and his followers for their timely aid. I also wish to thank Galain the elf for his willingness to help our brother. And let it be known that our lords the Prince of Krondor and the Dukes of Crydee and Salador have served their Kingdom beyond any measure and the crown is in their debt. No king could ever demand of his subjects what they so freely gave.’ Then, in a precedent-making display, Lyam led a cheer for Arutha, Laurie, and Martin. The pavilion rang with the cheers of the assembled nobles. ‘Now let Earl Kasumi of LaMut and his brother, Hokanu of the Shinzawai, approach.’
When the two Tsurani had come before him, Lyam said, ‘Kasumi, first of all relay to your brother, and through him to the Emperor and his soldiers, our undying gratitude for their generous and valiant efforts in saving this nation from grave peril.’ Kasumi began to translate for his brother.
Pug felt a hand upon his shoulder and turned to find Macros inclining his head. Pug kissed Katala and whispered, ‘I’ll be back shortly.’
Katala nodded and held on to her children, knowing that for once her husband was not just saying that. She watched while Macros took Tomas and Pug away a short distance.
Lyam said, ‘Now that the way has been opened, we shall permit those of the garrison of LaMut who wish to return to their homeland to do so, freeing them of vassalage to us.’
Kasumi bowed his head. ‘My liege, I am pleased to inform you that most of the men have elected to remain, saying that while your generosity overwhelms them, they are now men of the Kingdom, with wives, families, and ties. I shall also remain.’
‘We are pleased, Kasumi. We are very pleased.’
The two withdrew and Lyam said, ‘Now let Armand de Sevigny, Baldwin de la Troville, and Anthony du Masigny come forward.’
The three men came and bowed. Lyam said, ‘Kneel,’ and the three men bent knees before their King.
‘Anthony du Masigny, you are herewith granted again your titles and lands in the Barony of Calry, taken from you when you were sent to the north, and add to them the title and lands once held by Baldwin de la Troville. We are pleased with your service. Baldwin de la Troville, we have need of you. As we have given your office of Squire of Marlsbourough to du Masigny, we have another for you. Will you accept the post of commander of our outpost at Highcastle?’
De la Troville said, ‘Yes, sire, though if it pleases the crown I’d like to winter in the south, now and again.’
From the crowd a laugh answered, as Lyam said, ‘Granted, for we shall also grant you the titles formerly held by Armand de Sevigny. Rise, Baldwin, Baron of Highcastle and Gyldenholt.’ He looked at Armand de Sevigny and said, ‘We have plans for you, my friend. Let the former Duke of Bas-Tyra be brought forth.’ Guards in the colours of the King came with Guy du Bas-Tyra, half escorting him, half carrying him from within the King’s pavilion, where he had been convalescing with Amos Trask. When Guy halted next to the kneeling Armand, the King said, ‘Guy du Bas-Tyra, you have been branded traitor and banished, not to return to our nation upon pain of death. We understand you had little choice in the matter of your return.’ He cast a glance at Arutha who smiled ruefully. ‘We hereby rescind the order of banishment. Now, there is a matter of title. We are giving the office of Duke of Bas-Tyra to the man our brother Arutha has judged most fit for it. Armand de Sevigny, we hereby grant unto you the office of Lord of the Duchy of Bas-Tyra, with all rights and obligations pertaining thereunto. Rise, Duke Armand de Sevigny.’
Lyam turned his gaze upon Guy. ‘Even without your hereditary office, we think we shall still keep you busy. Kneel.’ Guy was helped to kneel by Armand. ‘Guy du Bas-Tyra for your deep concern for the welfare of the Kingdom despite her having cast you out and your bravery in the defence of both Armengar and this Kingdom, we offer to you the office of First Advisor to the King. Will you accept?’
Guy’s good eye widened, and then he laughed. ‘This is a grand jest, Lyam. Your father’s having a fit somewhere. Yes, I’ll take it.’
The King shook his head and smiled, remembering his father. ‘No, we think he understands. Rise, Guy, Duke of Rillanon.’
Next Lyam said, ‘Baru of the Hadati.’ Baru left Laurie, Martin, and Briana, and knelt before his King. ‘Your bravery is without peer, both in destroying the moredhel Murad and in accompanying our brother Martin and Duke Laurie over the mountains to bring us warning of Murmandamus’s invasion. We have thought long and hard and are at a loss as to what reward to offer. What may we do to show you our pleasure at your service?’
Baru said, ‘Majesty, I desire no reward. I have many new kinsmen come into Yabon and would make my home with them, if I may.’
Lyam said, ‘Then go with our blessings, and should you need anything within our power to grant, to ease the relocation of your kinsmen, you have but to ask.’
Baru rose and returned to stand by his friends, who all smiled. Baru had found a new home and a purpose in life.
Other rewards were given and the business of the court continued. Arutha remained apart, wishing that Anita could be with him, but knowing he was only days away from her. He saw Macros off in the distance, speaking with Pug and Tomas. The three figures stood in shadow, as the day was coming to a close, evening rapidly approaching. Arutha sighed in fatigue and wondered what they were concerned with now.
Macros said, ‘Then you understand.’
Pug said, ‘Yes, but it is still a hard thing.’ He didn’t need to speak any more. He had full measure of the knowledge gained when he and the sorcerer had been joined. Now he was Macros’s equal in power, and almost his equal in knowledge. But he would miss the presence of the sorcerer, now he knew his fate.
‘All things come to an end, Pug. Now it is the end of my time upon this world. With the ending of the Valheru presence, my powers have returned fully. I will move on to something new. Gathis will join me, and the others at my island are cared for, so I have no more duties here. I must move onward, just as you must stay here. There will be kings to counsel, little boys to teach, old men to argue with, wars to avoid, wars to be fought.’ He sighed, as if again he wished for a final release. Then his tone lightened. ‘Still, it is never boring. It is never that. Be sure the King knows what we have done here.’ He regarded Tomas. The human turned Valheru looked somehow different since the final battle, and Macros spoke softly. ‘Tomas, you have the eldar returning home at last, their self-imposed exile in Elvardein at an end. You’ll need to aid your Queen in ruling a new Elvandar. Many of the glamredhel will be seeking you out, now that they know Elvandar exists, and you’ll also find an increase in Returnings, I think. Now that the influence of the Valheru is confined, the lure of the Dark Path should weaken. At least, we can hope so. Seek inward, as well, Tomas, for I think you’ll find much of your power is now gone with those who were Ashen-Shugar’s brethren. You still stand with the most powerful of mortals, but I wouldn’t seek to master dragons, if I were you. I think they might give you a shock.’
Tomas said, ‘I felt myself change … at the last.’ He had seemed subdued since his battle with Draken-Korin. ‘Am I again mortal?’
Macros nodded. ‘You always were. The power of the Valheru changed you, and that change will not be reversed, but you were never immortal. You were simply close to it. But do not worry, you’ve retained a great deal of the Valheru heritage. You’ll live out a long life beside your Queen, at least as long as any of elvenkind are allotted by fate.’ At these words Tomas seemed reassured.
‘Keep vigilant, both of you, for the Pantathians spent centuries planning and executing this deceit. It was a plot of stunning detail. But the powers granted to the one who posed as M
urmandamus were no mean set of conjurer’s illusions. He was a force. To have created such a one and to have captured and manipulated the hearts of even a race as dark as the moredhel required much. Perhaps without the Valheru influence across the barriers of space and time, the serpent people may become much as others, just another intelligent race among many.’ He looked off into the distance. ‘Then again, perhaps not. Be wary of them.’
Pug spoke slowly. ‘Macros … at the end I was certain we had lost.’
Macros smiled an enigmatic smile. ‘So was I. Perhaps the Valheru’s manipulation of the Lifestone was prevented from reaching fruition by Tomas’s sword stroke. I don’t know. The rift was opened, and the Dragon Host allowed to enter, but…’ The old sorcerer’s eyes seemed alight with some deep emotion. ‘Some wonder or another, beyond my understanding, intervened at the last.’ He looked downward. ‘It was as if the very stuff of life, the souls of all that lived upon this world, rejected the Valheru. The power of the Lifestone aided us, not them. That was from where I drew strength at the last. It was that which captured the Dragon Host and the Dreadlord and closed the rift. It was that which protected us all, keeping us alive.’ He smiled. ‘You should seek, with care, to learn as much as you can about the Lifestone. It is a wonder beyond what any of us suspected.’
Macros was silent for a time, then looked at Pug. ‘You are as much a son to me, in a strange sort of way, as any I may have called that over the ages. At least you are my heir, and husbander of all the magic lore I have accumulated since coming to Midkemia. That last case of books and scrolls I held at my island will come soon to Stardock. I suggest you hide that fact from Kulgan and Hochopepa, until you’ve reviewed what’s there. Some of it is beyond any on this world but you, and whoever may follow you in our unusual calling. Train those around you well, Pug. Make them powerful, but make them loving, generous men and women as well.’ He paused as he looked at the two boys grown to men, those lads from Crydee whom twelve years ago he had begun to mould to save a world and more. At last he said, ‘I have used both of you, ungently at times. But in the end it proved necessary. Whatever pain you may have endured is, I like to think, offset by the gains. You have achieved things beyond your boyhood dreams. You are now the caretakers of Midkemia. You have whatever blessing I may give.’ With an unusual catch in his voice, his eyes moist and glowing, he softly said, ‘Good-bye and thank you.’ He stepped away from them, then slowly turned. Neither Pug nor Tomas could bring himself to say goodbye. Macros began walking toward the west, into the sunset. Not only did he move away from them, but with the first step he seemed somehow to become less solid. With each additional step he became more insubstantial, transparent, and soon he was like mist, then less than the mist. Then he was gone.
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