Passing all the guest quarters, and dropping down a short flight of stairs, he fished the keys to the master suite out of his pocket and unlocked the large double doors.
He turned the latch and stepped into the cool serenity of the private chambers he shared with Sarai. As the princess had promised one time during their adventures, her linen closet had been bigger than the log house he shared with her in the mountains.
Though Sarai herself was something of an austere woman, her quarters were anything but. She had a fine eye for creature comforts, many of which would never have occurred to him.
The hub of Sarai’s chambers was a tower shaped hearth of stone, glass, and crystal that was kept burning winter and summer. Bannor wasn’t sure what exactly burned in it, because he himself had never seen any wood thrown on the fires that flickered inside. The illumination from the hearth cast flickering reflections of blue, red, yellow and orange. In the summer, a crystal shroud was pulled around the cylindrical structure, so it would not heat the room. Bannor guessed that the hearth fires probably served other functions, like heating the water that flowed into the large tub in their bathing facilities.
Here in Sarai’s private retreat they had everything, a small kitchen, and little dining and sitting area, a lavatory and of course, sleeping amenities.
He pushed aside the curtains and entered the carved stone bathing alcove and vanity, stripped off his clothes, and went immediately to the large marble bathtub already filled with steaming water. He dipped his hand into the liquid. Hot. He didn’t care how the elves engineered it. He remembered scoffing about the wasteful luxury. A couple fortnights later though, he had grown to appreciate being able to submerse himself in warm clean water at the end of the day.
Sarai insisted that he bathe every day anyway. Something he hadn’t been able to do in the cabin, and something less than enjoyable because most bathing was done in an icy-cold stream. Warm water was bringing it up from the well or stream and heating it in the fireplace.
He scrubbed in the tub, getting the salt off his skin. Though he hadn’t physically fought, he had exerted his will enough to sweat everywhere. Channeling the Garmtur at that level was a serious drain on his body. The ache in his head was only beginning. He had learned to control backlash, but suppressing it only delayed the inevitable. He needed to bleed away the pent-up residual magic to relieve the pressure making his skull throb.
Bannor lolled his head against the marble, releasing his tension, relaxing his body and focusing the negative energies out of himself. The warmth working his way through his body was an extraordinary pleasure.
He lay there for time, letting the water lap over him, trying not to think of anything, just freeing himself from all concerns for this short time. He felt the backlash slowly fading. He sighed. He’d gotten a scare today, but on the other hand he’d learned new things, made new friends. Something told him that Corim would be a friend. The burly man had honest eyes, he’d seen few enough of those in recent moons. Wren’s friend Ziedra was an interesting lady, her passion for Wren was almost embarrassing in its strength. Beia was fascinating as well, a hero of a woman to be certain. As Aarlen said, their paths were likely to cross again.
After a while, he pulled himself out of the tub and dried off. He found some clean short clothes and slipped into them, and pulled on a shirt. It would still be half a bell or more before Sarai came back from her errands. He looked to the huge bed.
One thing elves knew how to make—that was a good bed. They did many things well, but bed crafting had to be one of their little-known secret arts. Sarai’s bed was absolutely decadent in its comfort. It actually kept him awake at times because some part of him was afraid he would sleep too deeply.
Not today.
He needed a nap to be alert later.
Bannor slid onto the deliciously soft comforter and settled his head on one of the half dozen pillows situated along the head of the three pace wide bed. He knew he wouldn’t stay awake long with his eyes already feeling heavy.
It was an indeterminate time later he felt a tickling on his ear. His eyes and body felt heavy with sleep as he brushed at the annoyance. The tickling came back. He rubbed at it again and captured a hand.
“Hmmm?” he wondered, still densely wrapped in a drowse.
Lips came down on his. He murmured and kissed back. Pulling the slender female body against him. She tasted of spice wine and smelled of nectar.
“Love you,” he murmured.
He felt her face against his neck. “Mmmn, you’re warm, love you too. I was going to apologize for being late, but I see I wasn’t missed. What are you doing in bed?”
“Waiting for you.” He forced his eyes open to take in Sarai leaning over him dressed in the lacy gold satin blouse he saw her dressed in earlier. She’d already let down her silvery-blonde hair, her carefully rouged and made up face beginning to show the stress of the day.
She sighed. “Bannor, you had a least a dozen things to do.”
“Uh hmmm.” He pulled her onto the bed on top of him. She didn’t resist, twining her arms and legs around him. “Being a spy was hard work.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” He blinked and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, then stretched to get the tightness out of his muscles.
“And…???” She nudged him.
He focused one eye on her. “Uhmm, you want me to tell you now?”
“Is it a long story?”
Bannor rocked his head back. “In a way.”
“Well, just tell me if they were going to Coormeer?”
“Yes, Daena can teleport, and they have been going to Coormeer.”
“I knew it,” Sarai said with triumph in her voice.
“There’s more.”
“Like where all Janai’s new guests came from? I caught wind of some ruckus at the gates, several people appearing from nowhere and scaring several of the nobility.”
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Yes.”
“Really long story?” Sarai asked.
He tilted his head. “Good dinner conversation.”
She grinned at him, hair falling down around her face. “I know a hint when I hear it. Mmmm, it feels nice just to lay down. I ache.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I must seem like a lazy laggard.”
“In a word—yes.” She poked him in the ribs. “Move over.”
He shuffled sideways in the bed while she kicked off her slippers and reclined in the coverlets next to him.
“Your uncle Bertrand came here to see me while I was gone.”
“Bertrand? What would he want with you?”
Bannor shook his head. “I have no idea, unless your mother hit him in the head or something.”
“Strange.”
“Apparently, Tymoril and Kegari came by to terrify the servants while I was gone too.”
“I wish those two would leave you alone. Pair of draconian harlots is what they are.”
“They’re hoping you’ll lose interest in me.”
“Riiight.” She pinched his arm. “You don’t discourage them. I think you like the attention. Them and Daena too.”
“Oh come now, Daena gave up on me.”
She shook her head. “No she hasn’t. Have you seen the shapes that girl has been taking?”
“Yes, and it’s not for me. I think Janai is using her to lead on some nobles down in Coormeer.”
Sarai’s violet eyes widened. “Do you know that for certain?”
“Not for certain, just a strong instinct based on the ball gowns I saw them wearing today. I think Janai is going to be watching for you now though, so I’m betting she’ll be extra careful in the future.”
Her brow furrowed. “I thought you said you were spying.”
“I did say that. However, you only asked me to find out if they were operating in Coormeer. I found out. You never said I was supposed inquire covertly.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Bannnor…”
; “It’s okay, I think Janai will have a new hobby, at least for a little while… her new guests should keep her interest.”
“Oh? And who are they?”
Bannor frowned and rubbed his stomach. “Can we eat something? I had like a pastry at lunch, and I’ve been using the Garmtur all afternoon… I need energy.”
“The Garmtur? What…???”
“Foood…” he groaned.
“Oh all right, I told the servants to send it in as soon as it was prepared, it will probably be waiting for us.”
“Good.” He hopped out of bed and scooped her up in his arms before she could move. He kissed her, she kissed him back with a murmur and grin. He set her on her feet. “Hold one moment, I have to get something.” He ducked into the bathing alcove, pulled on his breeches and grabbed the ring he earned today. He returned to Sarai who waited with a tilted head.
“I’m surprised you find the pants necessary,” she told him with a smile.
He grinned back. “I wouldn’t want to shock the servants.”
They strolled toward the private alcove where they sometimes shared meals. Bannor caught a whiff of what had to be some kind of roast foul. “Mmmm, dinner has been serv—” He stumbled, his knees abruptly like putty under him as if all the strength in his body had vanished.
Sarai caught him as he slumped. “Bannor? Bannor?!”
The room spun in his vision. Colors and threads of magic and reality danced in gyrating orbits, just adding to the disorientation. He blinked and shook his head. A deep penetrating ache started behind his left ear and he clawed at it in agony. He gritted his teeth as his Nola sight was flooded with images as uncountable numbers of life-forces buzzed around him like angry insects. His heart thrashed as a roar filled his ears, and everything in the chamber appeared to become glass. A pale green light suffused the confusion.
This time the word pounded into him like a giant fist. Creation. His whole body vibrated under the impact. More words thundered into him like whacks of a mallet. Annihilation. Perpetuity… As the sound of the words guttered out so did all the sensations, leaving him groaning on the floor clutching his head with shuddering hands.
“Bannor!?” Sarai’s words could reach him again, she was clutching his shoulder and shaking him.
“Ow. Not so loud.” He held up a hand. “I’m okay.” He shook his head. It felt like something rattled. That was probably a bad sign.
“What’s the matter?” Sarai asked, concern creasing her features. “What happened?”
“Vision,” he muttered. “I might have overdid today…”
“Vision?” She repeated, supporting him as he climbed back to his feet.
“I guess,” he mumbled. He wobbled on his feet but steadied. “I don’t know what else to call it.”
Sarai helped him to the dining alcove and he thumped heavily into the padded chair.
“What did you do today that you were using the Garmtur?” she asked.
“Making new enemies. Quite powerful ones actually…” He rubbed his face.
The servants had completely set the dark-wood table with crystal and silverware. He must have really been tired for them to come in through the locked door and place everything while he was napping. He grabbed a crystal goblet of water and took a long drink. The icy liquid slid down his throat and settled his quivering insides.
He took a deep breath, feeling his head begin to clear.
“Slow down, Bannor,” Sarai said, leaning across the table. “Making enemies? When did you have time to…”
“Remember Koass?” he interrupted her.
“The eternal? Of course, he’s the only reason we were able to come home.”
“Well, I was with Daena and Janai when Daena got a summons from Koass for being a bad girl.” He rubbed the back of his head, glancing at the food heaped on his plate. He still felt hungry but his appetite had been severely blunted by that experience. “Wren and I thought it was best that we go along to keep the two of them out of trouble. While we were there in eternity’s heart, Koass kind of drafted me into helping the eternals with a problem.”
Sarai’s violet eyes were wide. “Wait… eternity’s heart… drafted? What?”
“Don’t worry, it won’t interfere with the wedding… or at least I hope it won’t.”
She frowned. “It better not. You’ve done enough. You don’t need to help anyone!”
“Star, it’s a real big problem that could affect us.”
“My One, they don’t need you—they can get someone else. We’ve been through enough. We have a baby to consider… remember?”
He sighed. “I remember.” He took another sip of water. “Anyways, I think I helped them a lot today. I found a couple of the killers they were looking for.”
Sarai’s jaw dropped. “Killers? Bannorrr… what were you doing?!”
“There was a little mix up, but we took care of it. Daena and Wren got a little beat up, but they mended. It was all pretty exciting, we went to this other world to visit Falcon-Hall and speak with Aarlen Frielos, met some new races I’ve never heard of, the Kriar and Baronians. In Falconhall, we met Wren’s savant friend Ziedra who’s Aarlen’s niece and her husband Radian Felspar. We went to this titanic place called a way-point that had been overrun… It’s pretty complicated…” He looked down at his food, there wasn’t much steam coming off it anymore. “Can I eat now?”
Brow furrowed, Sarai waved to him.
Though he wasn’t as hungry as before, he knew he needed something. He adjusted himself better in the chair, knifed some butter onto a still warm piece of bread, and took a big bite of the slightly salty loaf. He closed his eyes, savoring the flavor of butter and grain.
“This all happened today after we talked?”
“Mmmm hmmm,” he nodded.
“This is far too elaborate to be a tease,” she said slowly, making herself more comfortable in her chair.
“Mmmf,” he agreed.
She took a sip of her wine. “Anything else you want to share with me?”
He nodded. He finished a bite and reached into his pocket. “I wanted to tell you I love you, and want you to have this.” He produced the jeweled platinum band with the glowing stones and held it up between them so that it glittered and gleamed in the candle-light sending a rainbow of sparkles scintillating across the table. “I wanted to ask you to marry me again.” He grinned. “Give you a chance to change your mind after you’ve seen what you’re in for.”
Sarai’s violet eyes were round. “Bannor, it’s beautiful,” she said in a voice both sincere and impressed. Smiling, she put both hands around his, and leaned close to examine it. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
He frowned. “I thought sapphires were the right stone for elven marriage.”
“They are, they are,” she confirmed, voice still heavy with surprise. “It’s just I’ve never seen blue sapphire with so much luster. Bannor, I love it.” She came around the table and kissed him. “Did you find this by yourself?”
“Someone helped me pick it out.”
“It couldn’t have been Wren…” Sarai said, taking the ring from him and putting it on her finger. The jewel lit up, gleaming in several shades of violet and blue. “Oooh. It’s a mood stone too.” She kissed him again. “Yes. I’ll marry you. Bad habits, Garmtur, and all. I wouldn’t want my life to get boring.”
“Star, your life will never be boring, I feel safe in that promise…”
* * *
Chapter Ten
Mock Battle
« ^ »
I followed Corim Vale for several fortnights before chance happened to deposit us on the world of Titaan in the capital city of Malan. I instantly fell in love. Never had I witnessed a more verdant, more alive and pastoral place. I know the Elves look on me as something of a giant brute. It doesn’t matter. It is a real world, full of natural things and possessing a serenity that I have dreamed of for all my millenniums long life. Staying here was a gift of Arminwen Janai T’Evagduran, it i
s a gesture I will keep with me for many summers to come.
—Senalloy Moirae Corresont
Mist shrouded the walks of Green Run, it was still before dawn as Bannor wandered down the path. He felt the cool fog against his face, and he inhaled the rich loamy scent of the damp air filled with the scent of grass and needleleaf. Senalloy’s ring had been a marvelous success, possibly the best-received gift he had ever given Sarai. She was still a little upset about his dangerous wanderings, but more happy just to spend an evening alone with him. It was good night. When he finally did get to sleep, it was deep and dreamless, but he woke up early with a tense stomach and an uneasiness that wasn’t readily explainable. He knew it was related to what he’d seen at the Kriar way-point, and the long haired Baronian warrior.
As he moved out of earshot of one of the little streamlets, he became aware of a hissing sound like something moving quickly through the air. Curious as to what would be making that noise this early in the morning, he followed the repetitive rushing sound toward its origin.
He crept up on one of the secluded stone courts and peeked through the gate. A small figure dressed in black wielding a bo-staff was whipping it expertly through a series of whirling maneuvers. As the person lashed and swung, driving back shadow opponents, she turned toward the gate.
He caught a glimpse of blonde hair and a full view of the person’s trim figure.
Wren.
He’d never seen the woman practice, though he’d come to respect her ability in battle. In all their adventures, he had yet to see her with a staff. She seemed quite proficient in it just the same as she whirled it and herself through acrobatic gyrations that must be the product of hundreds of bells of practice. He’d seen shadow combat before, but not styled like this. It was beautiful, especially performed by a lithe, vibrant woman like Wren.
Reality's Plaything 3: Eternal's Agenda Page 17