Reality's Plaything 3: Eternal's Agenda

by Will Greenway

  This lady knew her business, and she had only been here over night. “They are,” he confirmed.

  “Pay me to guard her, that way Janai won’t get a monopoly on me.”

  He sure liked the idea of that giant woman being between Sarai and any harm. His wife-to-be was fearless to the point of recklessness. Where would he get the money? Sarai would never agree to it… she would say the castle guards were good enough. Senalloy was like fifty guards, with experience and capabilities that dwarfed anything he could imagine.

  “Lady Senalloy, much as I appreciate the offer, I can’t imagine you really want to do this. Being a bodyguard is incredibly boring. I’ve been a guard for the Baron, I know.”

  “Ah, but being a guard for a princess is a different duty with a number of benefits, not the least of which is citizenship, lodging, and appropriate attire. I know this because I’ve inquired.”

  Corim frowned. “Senalloy, we should have discussed this… It comes as something of a surprise…”

  Dulcere told them, smiling.

  Senalloy blew a wisp of silver hair out off her forehead and looked sidelong at Dulcere, her violet eyes glinting. “Yes, I suppose that will give Corim some time to himself.” She dipped her head to look into the man’s eyes. “You don’t really object to me finding some honest work do you?”

  The burly man winced. “No…”

  “Lady Senalloy, I think I may have a way to take you up on your offer, but I can’t guarantee that I can make it happen. Let’s say we have an agreement, pending my arrangements.”

  “How long do you think you need?”

  He frowned. He needed to speak to Kalindinai. The Queen was his best bet. She would be for the idea he was certain. “A few days. I might know as soon as tonight, but I wouldn’t want to promise. I think you know my word is good.”

  “I trust you, Bannor,” Senalloy said, violet eyes intense. “I offered because of that trust.”

  “Good, maybe this will workout for all of us—”

  “And what, pray, would it be that will work out?” A strong female voice asked from across the yard.

  Bannor jerked, that penetrating tone and precise diction belonged to only one person—the Queen. He turned to see the high lady of Malan dressed in gold-chased blue robes, high dark heels clacking on the cobbles. She wore a jeweled platinum tiara with the symbol of Malan on it holding back her long dark hair. The lady’s burning amber eyes wore a serious expression. She didn’t ordinarily wear so hard a face when staring at Bannor.

  “Matradomma,” he gasped, bowing. “We were just discussing a proposition I was going to bring to your attention.”

  Queen Kalindinai walked into the yard spinning her black scepter, glowing eyes scanning everyone. At hearing Kalindinai’s voice Wren had gone to one knee and pulled the stunned Corim down with her. Dulcere made a deferential dip of her head. Senalloy too made a shallow bow.

  “Is that so?” Kalindinai said. “There must be some other reason this group is gathered in this out of the way yard like a group of conspirators.”

  “Matradomma,” Wren said, eyes still cast down. Though normally on familiar terms with the queen, she obviously detected, as Bannor did, the Queen’s formal tone and bearing. She was agitated about something. “I started it. I was practicing my fighting technique, and attracted some attention.”

  “Ah,” Kalindinai said, she put the scepter in her belt, reached out and one of the weapons in the box drifted to her hand. She examined the weapon. “Were these not a gift to you from Us?”

  Wren nodded. “Yes, Matradomma,”

  “We thought We remembered them.” She gestured and the wooden weapon drifted back to the box. She looked to Dulcere. “Arwen Dulcere, We trust your night was well.”

  Dulcere’s all-black eyes blended the early-morning shadows, only the star-like glints visible. Her gold face was smooth, but Bannor could tell from the furrow in her brow that she sensed the Queen’s tense bearing.

  The Queen pursed her lips, eyes narrowing.

  Bannor realized there were now considerably more life-forces around them. He glanced up to the edges of the yard and the rooftops overlooking it and saw metal glinting. There were at least a dozen silhouettes almost perfectly camouflaged against the architecture—archers. This situation was much more serious than he initially realized.

  Senalloy had glanced up as well. The woman’s body tightened.

  “Wren, would you introduce to me these two strangers. I believe I know this well made young man.” She stepped forward toward him. With the man kneeling she was still only slightly taller. She put a finger under his chin and tilted his face up. “Corim Vale, a tournament competitor that won here in Malan last spring and the winter games prior.”

  The burly man swallowed. “Yes, ma’am—” He gulped and winced at his blunder in court etiquette. “Matradomma.”

  “We just met Master Corim at Falcon Hall,” Wren added. “He’s a friend of Lady Dulcere.”

  Kalindinai nodded. She turned back to Dulcere. “Odd that Janai did not introduce him along with you.”

  Dulcere said.

  “Matradomma,” Bannor said. “He’s a good man. I’ve seen in him.”

  The Queen looked back at him and raised her chin. She focused her attention on Senalloy. She looked up at the massive Baronian woman. “Pray, one of you introduce me to this lady.”

  Dulcere said.

  “Assistant?” Kalindinai repeated with open incredulity. “That I find hard to swallow.”

  “Matradomma,” Bannor tried. “Has something happened? We’ve all been together here. To be quite honest, I was going to bring Senalloy to you to suggest she might make a good security officer. I wanted to employ her to guard Sarai.”

  The elf queen pulled the scepter from her sash. She looked back to Bannor and then to Senalloy. “Bannor, I trust you implicitly. However, this creature is more than powerful enough to fool your senses if she so chooses.” She tilted her head. “So, Senalloy is it. Where were you last night?”

  “Matradomma, I remained within the confines of Green Run almost the entire time,” Senalloy said in an even voice. “A great deal of last night I spent in the company of Arminwen Janai and ward prodigal Daena. I did venture into the yards and down by the River, to pick some of the flowers that bloom by the light of the moon. There is a patch of them that grow by a clutch of boulders there at a kink in the water-run. I have them in a vase one of the servants gave me in my chambers.”

  “I know the place,” the Queen said. “What time was that?”

  “The red moon was setting, and the blue moon was high in the night. The midnight bells had not rung yet. I sat on the rocks and listened to the water until a little after the midnight bell rang. The east gate guard let me back in shortly after, so you can ask him. He let me out as well. I couldn’t have been out for more than a quarter bell.”

  “Matradomma,” Bannor said. “What happened?”

  “Assassins,” the Queen said. “And they are somewhere still on the premises…”

  * * *

  Chapter Eleven

  Paranoia

  « ^ »

  In life, cynicism and mistrust are merely self defense mechanisms that when applied in moderation keep one out of unnecessary trouble. In politics, cynicism and mistrust are often the difference between success and failure, and in some cases, life and death…

  —Kalindinai T’Evagduran,

  Queen of Malan

  “Assassins?” Bannor breathed. The word made everyone stiffen. He felt bodies on the rooftops surrounding them tighten as well, making a queasy sensation in his stomach. “Was anybody hurt?!”
/>   “We have three servants dead and couple more injured,” the Queen answered. “We think the guards were alerted before they could reach their goal.”

  “But we didn’t hear any alarm sounded,” Bannor said.

  “No,” the Queen said. “These people were very deliberate, and spent some time within the confines of the outer sanctum. At least a bell, when the attempt was foiled, they fled, but were not seen leaving the citadel grounds. So, either they teleported away, or they are still on the premises. If they are still here, a general alarm might make them bolt and injure other people. I would much rather contain and capture them.”

  “If it is as you say,” Corim remarked. “These criminals are either very desperate or very confident.”

  “Indeed,” the Queen said with a scowl, looking toward Senalloy.

  “Matradomma,” Wren said. “I’m pretty sure it’s not Senalloy. She didn’t even know she was coming here. It was Janai’s idea in fact.”

  Kalindinai tapped the scepter on her shoulder. “Not impossible for a skilled mage. Mind-bending is a mage assassin’s skill. This one is definitely well versed in the arts. It shows in her aura.”

  “Matradomma,” Bannor said stepping close to the Queen. “Trust me when I say this. If Senalloy wanted to kill the royal family, she wouldn’t sneak in. She’d just level the castle.”

  Kalindinai raised an eyebrow. She looked back to Senalloy. The Baronian folded her arms. The elf lady focused amber eyes on Wren.

  The blonde savant nodded.

  The Queen focused back on Senalloy. “Do you know what blood sooth is?”

  The Baronian nodded, her violet eyes did not blink. “It’s truth magic that cannot be foiled by aura wards.”

  “Will you submit in order to clear yourself of further inquiry? You were outside, and unchaperoned when we think the break-in began.”

  “Certainly,” Senalloy said. “I will cooperate in any way that will satisfy you. I had nothing to do with any conspiracy here. I just arrived and am hoping to find work and make a home here.”

  “If she were doing security here, I don’t think it would happen again, Matradomma,” Bannor said.

  “Leave us not get ahead of ourselves, Son-to-be. She is not exonerated yet.” She looked up to Senalloy and held out her palm. “Your hand.”

  The Baronian woman shrugged and walked forward. The tension in the air became thick as bows groaned and arrows trembled, ready to fire. Brushing back her silver hair, she pushed back her sleeve and held out her hand.

  Kalindinai took Senalloy’s hand, and looked up at the woman. “I have to cut you.”

  The Baronian’s mouth quirked. “I gathered that.”

  The elf queen bent, pushed back the hem of her robe, a pulled dagger from her boot. The weapon’s blade winked in the light. She brought the weapon point down to Senalloy’s hand.

  “Ready?”

  Senalloy nodded.

  The Queen drew a stroke across the Baronian’s hand. Senalloy didn’t even twitch. Kalindinai frowned. The sharp edge had not even made a cut. The Baronian sighed.

  A muscle in Kalindinai’s cheek twitched. “I am beginning to see why Bannor was getting ready to suggest you be in charge of security.”

  The silver-haired woman nodded. “Perhaps I should do it.”

  The Queen narrowed her eyes and after a long moment handed over the knife. Senalloy took it, reversing the blade so that it was not threatening. “When I make the cut, do whatever you must do quickly, the wound will not stay open long.”

  Kalindinai’s features tightened and she nodded.

  Senalloy took the blade and pushed down in the meat of her palm. The weapon made a grating sound as she drew it across her flesh, making Bannor wince. Glistening crimson blood welled up out of the slash.

  The elf queen gestured, fingers passing over Senalloy’s palm, leaving a trail of sparkles that shimmered down over the Baronian’s hand. The blood bubbled and glowed.

  “Speak now,” Kalindinai said. “Did you collude, or plan to collude with agents who mean harm to Malan or the house of T’Evagduran?”

  “No. I did not, and do not, plan to act against Malan or house T’Evagduran. I actually rather like your daughter, Janai.”

  “Have you willingly or unwillingly come to Malan in order to oppose or otherwise interfere in the affairs of the Royal house?”

  “No. I have aims to become involved in the affairs of the royal house, but not in a way any of the house would find detrimental,” Senalloy responded.

  Already the cut in the woman’s hand was closing, the edges knitting and the flesh pulling itself together.

  “Do you intend to obey the laws of Malan, now and in the future?”

  “I’m not a strong proponent for laws, Matradomma, I obey them mostly to avoid annoyances. I believe in bending the rules at times.”

  “You wouldn’t be the first,” Kalindinai remarked. “At least you’re truthful.”

  “Don’t I have to be?” Senalloy said with a tilt of her head, violet eyes glinting.

  “Most people try to hedge their answer when speaking to the supreme power of the land,” Kalindinai returned.

  “I doubt being meek or ambivalent would buy me anything in this situation. I am the outsider and it’s an unfortunate coincidence that has me here the very day of this act. Perhaps, I can assist. I have some skills in magic as you have already noted. Bannor will vouch for me in-as-much as he knows me. Corim and Dulcere will probably attest to my character.”

  “Your offer is appreciated, Lady Senalloy,” Kalindinai said. “A recommendation from Bannor is something We cannot ignore. He has a way with attracting creatures of power; everything from elder dragons to gods and eternals.” She let out a breath. “If there is no progress in this investigation by this time tomorrow, I will bring Bannor and yourself into it. I am fairly certain his senses will ferret out the culprits.”

  “Then why not let me help now?” Bannor asked.

  “Because you are not officially a part of the family yet, Bannor,” Kalindinai said. “While our trials together have given me an unwavering faith in you, that feeling is shared by few outside our immediate family. This is an internal matter, and we must exhaust all other options before turning to those perceived to be outsiders. Remember, there is little love for humans amongst the nobility.”

  He sighed and nodded. “I understand. Before you go, Matradomma, I do have one question.”

  She eyed him. “That being?”

  “Your brother, Bertrand. He came to Sarai’s quarters looking for me while I was out yesterday. Can you think of a reason he would want to see me?”

  Kalindinai’s eyes narrowed and her body tightened. “Bertrand came to see you?” She paused. “That is—interesting. I cannot think of any good reason. He doesn’t like you.”

  Bannor rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve noticed. He’s outright hostile actually.”

  “My apologies, Bannor,” Kalindinai said. “He has had poor experiences in Corwin.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Bannor said. “Well, I hope your investigation is successful. You know I’ll help if I can.”

  Kalindinai nodded. She looked to the others. “My apologies.” She looked up at Senalloy. “Especially to you. This is not how We typically treat the guests of Our daughter.”

  “I understand,” Senalloy said. “Security is important. My offer stands with Bannor’s. You have my assistance if it is needed.”

  “Noted,” Kalindinai responded. She looked to each of the others and gave them a nod of courtesy, before sweeping out of the yard.

  Arms folded, Corim watched the Queen carefully with his head tilted to one side. When she was out of sight he looked over to Bannor. “She’s going to be your mother-in-law? She’s rather intense.”

  “Yes,” Bannor answered. “She used to terrify me.”

  Senalloy put hands on hips and looked at him. “And now?” She asked, looking at him through her eyelashes.

  “She still ter
rifies me—” He sighed. “But I’ve gotten used to it.”

  Wren shook her head. “Bannor, I never know when you’re joking. You’re not really serious are you? Kalindinai is really fond of you.”

  “I guess that means I’m safe until the novelty wears off.” He frowned. “Sometimes, I have my doubts I’ll live beyond the wedding.”

  “The formal marriage ritual seems complex doesn’t it?” Corim asked with a grin.

  Bannor scowled. “It’s not complex. It’s impossible.”

  “Let’s see, there’s the recitation of nature’s poem, the glade walk, the aria song, the pipes, the oath, and the dance,” Corim ticked off on his fingers. “The seasons ceremony, the family honors, and the joining. It’s not so bad. There are a lot of nuances I suppose…”

  He groaned. “A million nuances, and all of them a potential embarrassment that will get me snatched bald.”

  The burly warrior shook his head. “Friend, you just need to take a more studious approach, learn each thing in its turn.”

  Bannor sighed. “I’m not the studious type.”

  Corim narrowed his eyes. “You do know how to read, yes?”

  He blinked. “Some. I never had any real formal letters.”

  “I’ve seen you read,” Wren said, brow furrowed. “Then how?”

  “His ability to understand patterns,” Senalloy said. “He wouldn’t know the words, but he would know the intent and meaning.”

  “Does Sarai know you can’t read?” Wren asked.

  “I think she suspects, she wondered why I didn’t have any books or scrolls in my house.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “There’s been so much going on since, and she’s been so busy, I don’t think she’s had time to figure it out.”