“Show off,” Sarai mumbled, smiling up at her with a drowsy expression.
“Bannor,” Wren told him. “Why don’t you get on the other side and hold her hand.” She looked down at Sarai.
Bannor went around the foot of the bed, scooted out into the middle and held her hand. Such a strange thing they were taking part in. Sarai looked down at him and smiled.
“Okay, I’m going to slip a hand under you,” Wren said. She pushed her fingers under the small of Sarai’s back. She then placed a hand on Sarai’s thigh. “All right, this is going to feel strange.”
Wren shut her eyes and leaned her head back. Through her closed lids, a blue glow illuminated her face. The savant’s skin appeared to change color.
Sarai jerked, her hand clamping onto Wren’s arm.
Wren relaxed.
The Queen leaned down. “Did she hurt you, Mimi?”
Sarai blinked with wide eyes and stared up at Wren. “N-n-no, just, ummm, surprised me.”
The Queen frowned. She looked at Wren sidelong. “At another time, you will have to demonstrate this to me so I know what the fuss is about.”
Wren’s eyes bulged. “Ummm, yes, Matradomma.” She looked back down to Sarai. “Ready?”
Sarai nodded.
Wren repeated the process. Sarai flinched but this time visibly made an effort to compose herself. After a few moments, Sarai bit down on a sound, her breathing speeding up.
“Whoa,” Wren murmured. “It’s like she’s hollow, where is it all going?”
“Baby,” Cassandra said placing a hand on Sarai’s abdomen. “She’s hungry. Mother’s been starving the poor thing.”
The Queen shot an irritated look at Cassandra.
“Keep going?” Wren asked.
“Keep going,” Cassandra repeated, feeling the side of Sarai’s neck and touching her shoulder.
A fine sheen of perspiration had broken out on Sarai’s forehead. Eyes shut tight, she bit down on a sound and rocked her head side to side. The color was returning to her skin, and the hand laced in his clamped down with more and more vigor.
“There,” Cassandra determined. “Ease up, Wren. Half a breath more.”
After a few moments, Wren relaxed with a sigh. She gently pulled her hands way and looked down at Sarai. “I’ve never seen anyone except maybe Desiray take that much of a charge!” She patted Sarai on the arm. “You okay?”
Sarai swallowed. She licked her lips and blinked. “F-f-fine. I feel—I feel much stronger now.”
“After a charge like that, you should feel ready to take on an army one-handed.” Wren responded.
“Mimi?” Kalindinai brushed at the hair on her daughter’s forehead.
“I feel much better, Mother,” Sarai answered, some vibrancy coming back to her voice. “Apparently, that’s what I needed.”
“You certainly look much better,” Kalindinai said, starting to look enthused for the first time. She turned to Wren. “Thank you, Arwen.” She nodded to Cassandra. “Lady Felspar. Now about this—device?”
“It is something similar to flux stone in design, much like these,” she indicated the red triangular jewels en-fleshed in her forehead, and an oval one a little smaller than a thumb glowing in the tissue right by her collar bone. “These are for the focusing and regulation of energy. A flux stone is a channel, a reservoir that helps a body that already generates energy manage and concentrate it for specific tasks. Matrixes like mine create energy by capturing it from the environment and dispersing it slowly in my body.”
“That wouldn’t help Sarai would it though?” Kalindinai said.
“Not really. She doesn’t have the adaptations necessary. However, there are devices that function on the same principle that generate a kind of power that can be utilized by a less evolved host body.” Cassandra saw Kalindinai’s frown and shrugged.
“Like Loric’s life-stones,” Wren said.
Cassandra nodded. “Precisely.”
“And how long would such a thing take to construct?” the King asked, coming to stand at Sarai’s bedside.
The gold mage massaged her throat considering Sarai with her dark eyes. “Not less than a tenday I would think. I need to observe your daughter and accurately assess the growth of the baby and determine if other safeguards are necessary to protect the health of both of them. There is also the matter of my work-spaces which are not here…”
“Lady Cassandra, your reputation precedes you. We know you truck with Ivaneth in good faith and there is an academy sponsored by you at our doorstep.” He paused and his voice dropped. “We are aware that this is a relatively unique case requiring specialized knowledge that you obviously possess, otherwise we would not impose. The resources of Kul’Amaron are at your disposal.”
“Your majesty,” Cassandra said. “This is a great deal of work, and I am on vacation for the first time in a decade.”
The King frowned. “This is a rather pressing issue, you have said so yourself.”
She nodded and blinked ebon-colored eyes at him. “Your majesty, I’ve been dealing with ‘pressing issues’ for more than a decade—that’s why I haven’t had a vacation.”
He put fists on hips. “All right, Lady Cassandra, we can smell a bait. What is it you would have of us?”
The gold woman ran fingers through her hair and pushed out her lower lip. “Fire wine. Dolandil Stock. I think a couple of casks would sooth my frazzled nerves while I work this—” She paused dramatically. “—Arduous task during my much-deserved time off.”
The King rolled his amber eyes, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “Dolandil? Our personal stock no less. Is that what it takes to lubricate your magical skills, Lady Cassandra?”
She smiled. “It does wonders, your Majesty.”
King Jhaan glanced at Kalindinai. “So, tell me, were it four instead of two would that put a hasten on your creation of the magic my daughter needs?” Cassandra looked down at Sarai. Glanced over to Bannor then back to the King. “It might at that, I could persuade my husband to lend a hand. He is very skilled in these matters.”
The King brushed at his long gray hair and looked down at his daughter. “Then do so. Four casks will be delivered to you this afternoon. Kalindinai will make available what magical resources we possess. You will be given a letter of charge for your comings and goings.” He paused. “That reminds me, we have a guest, a Lady Dulcere, your semblances are much alike. Are you familiar with her?”
“My daughters are friends with her,” Cassandra answered. “We’ve had occasion to work together a few times—more of those pressing issues that require vacating time.”
“Ah,” he responded. “Cassandra, how many of the Felspar clan are in Malan?”
“Currently, all but a few. I have a summer keep on the north side—near the vineyards.”
“Yes, interesting coincidence that,” the King said with a wry smile.
“No coincidence at all, actually,” Cassandra responded with a grin. “Your Majesty, all levity aside, I will take the utmost care in this process. Arminwen Sarai will get the care she needs. The only ready answer I do not have is after the baby is born. As I said, nursing the child is a problem.”
“You need an immortal that’s just given birth, right?” Bannor asked. “That’s why it’s hard?”
“Well, not necessarily that,” Cassandra said. “With the right magic any willing female immortal could suit the need.” She shrugged. “It’s the willing part that’s difficult.”
“Any, you say?” Kalindinai said with a raised eyebrow. At Cassandra’s nod she narrowed her eyes. “I know a certain well-endowed young immortal in a hurry to grow up…”
“Daena?” Sarai said. “I don’t know…”
“Who better?” Kalindinai glanced at Bannor.
“It’s jumping ahead a bit,” Cassandra said. “Let’s get Sarai up and going first. How do you feel now?”
“Much stronger,” she answered. She gave Bannor’s hand a squeeze.
“I
suggest you allow Wren to give you another charge in about a half bell, and then a second a half bell after that, and you should be good for the day. For tomorrow and onward you will need charges about once every four bells.”
Sarai’s eyes widened. “Someone has to do—that—to me three times a day?” Her voice rose as she finished her words.
Cassandra sighed. “Six. Don’t forget nighttime. Your baby doesn’t stop growing simply because you’re asleep.”
“Lady Cassandra, I can’t—Wren can’t—I—we—no. I have far too much to do among other things.”
“Arminwen, without those charges the only thing you’ll be doing is lying on your back and little else. Since you are uncomfortable with Wren doing it, I suggest you get Bannor trained to do it, and anyone else you would feel comfortable with. Although, I admit there are few enough people who can give them.”
“Cassandra,” Wren said. “Sarai got immortalized by Idun’s fruit, maybe little bits of it during the day? She is my grand mother I might be able to wheedle one out of her.”
“An excellent thought,” the mage remarked pressing a long-nailed finger to her lips. “My understanding is that process is very harsh, is it not?”
“It is,” Kalindinai said. “But it probably could be buffered, perhaps in a potion.”
“That sounds feasible,” Cassandra answered with a nod. “I will leave that in your hands. I must make preparations to make Sarai’s device.”
Bannor’s wife-to-be let out an exasperated breath. “Could we stop referring to it as a ‘device’. You make it sound like a marital aid.”
“I’m not sure ‘energy implants’ sound much better,” Cassandra stated in a wry tone.
“No,” Sarai scowled.
Cassandra rose. “I would like to finish breakfast and get about these new tasks. I will get back to Sarai to check on her progress.” She leaned close to Sarai. “I know it makes you uncomfortable. However you get it, every four bells—biophase—no exceptions or you are going to fall down and not be able to get up.”
Sarai rocked her head back.
“I will make sure she gets her treatments,” Kalindinai said. “Cassandra, with all your specialties in this field, you wouldn’t happen to know a spell that can do this?”
Cassandra smiled. “I might be able to dig something up.”
“All right,” Kalindinai said. “We’ll meet later to discuss price.”
The gold mage bowed.
“Sarai,” Wren said. “I’m going to breakfast with Zee and Rad. I’ll be back to fix you up, okay?”
Sarai nodded.
Ziedra patted Sarai on the arm, and Radian bowed, to Sarai then the King and Queen. The four of them filed out escorted by two of Sarai’s stewards.
“What a mess,” Bannor mumbled.
“Bannor,” Sarai said. “You have to learn how to do that. I do not want Wren doing that to me all the time.”
“Did she do something wrong, Mimi?” the Queen asked.
“No,” Sarai shook her head. “I—If you get her to demonstrate, you’ll understand. You saw her, she knows… that’s why she hesitated.” She looked to Bannor. “My One, help me to the lavatory. I need to take a bath. Have one of the staff bring my breakfast there. After all that, I’m starving.”
The Queen rose and put hands on hips. “We still need to talk about this plan of yours—” She shook her head. “It’s obvious now that it was a plan.”
“To put an immortal on the throne of Malan,” the King said. “A child that cannot be eclipsed by either of your sisters…” The King’s words hung in the air. “Yes, much to ponder. I don’t know whether to praise your ingenuity or scold your foolishness.”
“I know what I am to do,” the Queen growled. “I saved some of Idun’s fruit, I will see if something can be done with it to help your condition.” She pointed at Sarai. “Noon sup—our quarters—be there.” She turned to Bannor. “Make sure she’s there if you have to carry her.”
He dipped his head. “Yes, Matradomma.”
“Enjoy your bath,” the Queen said. She and the King left the room, taking their retainers with them.
Sarai watched them go with a sober expression on her face. When she heard the door to the front entrance click closed she swung her legs out of bed and hopped up.
“Hey!” Bannor missed grabbing her as she stepped away.
“Stop it.” Sarai said. “Don’t fret. That ‘treatment’ of Wren’s is powerful. I was ready to bounce off the walls.” She drew a deep breath. “Best I’ve felt in a fortnight.” She smoothed her clothing. “Uhmm, I need that bath.” She headed for the lavatory.
“Sarai, you’re acting strange,” Bannor said following her.
“I feel dirty, my One.”
“What, why?”
She turned her violet eyes to him. “I don’t want to feel like that with anyone but you.”
“Feel like what?”
She turned her face away. “Leave me alone for a little bit, will you. I’ll be all right, I promise.”
He caught her hand and turned her back around and stared into her eyes. “You promise?”
She nodded. She turned her face, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Promise.” For some reason, his heart was beating fast. He didn’t want to pry into her with his nola.
He held onto her for a few moments before letting go. “I’ll go get you breakfast.”
“Thank you.”
He stepped out of the bath and heard the door shut firmly behind him. He looked back. It was the first time in recent memory she had ever closed the door. He swallowed. He didn’t like that feeling.
He headed to the kitchen to get some breakfast for Sarai.
He leaned in the kitchen doorway where a half dozen maids and stewards were gathered around speaking in hushed voices. At his appearance, they all straightened up. He recognized Psendra and Giliaja the two who usually served meals and handled Sarai’s clothing.
“Psendra, Giliaja,” he addressed them.
The two matronly elf women rushed up to him with uncharacteristic energy. Under normal circumstances, he was lucky to get a second glance from either female. Truth be told, he had always suspected them of being the ring leaders of the ‘ignore Bannor campaign’ that had made his stay under Sarai’s roof all but unlivable. He wagered their sudden enthusiasm was because they wanted news of Sarai.
“Psendra,” he said in Common to the elder of the two. He knew she spoke fluent Common but always pretended she didn’t. “I know all of you are concerned about Sarai, Cassandra assures me that both Sarai and the baby will be fine as long as she gets the proper care. Right now, Sarai, wants breakfast brought into her bath. Can you help me with that?”
“Saar,” Psendra said in an Elvish drawl, not bothering to pretend she couldn’t speak common. “I will take care of it.”
“I’ll take it in, I just need to…”
“Saar,” she said, hands on hips. “I serve. You go.”
He rolled his eyes. “Look there’s no need for a fuss, she just…”
The maid pointed to the doorway. “Out.”
He turned around with a sigh. He found himself out in the hall now with nothing to do. Damn it. Next time he would just clear the kitchen and do it himself. That was the problem. He lived here on the T’Evagduran family property. He didn’t own anything. As far as the menials were concerned he was little more than a beggar. He didn’t have a job—except perhaps to take care of Sarai and their child.
He thumped down on the couch in the conference circle, feet up on a hassock and arms folded. He hated feeling useless. All that was left for him now was to wait…
* * *
Chapter Nineteen
Knowledge and Intent
« ^ »
What do I think of the Kriar? They are ancient, and distant, and mysterious. Yet, I find some of them to be startlingly ‘human’ which I know they would feel is an insult. It’s hard to think too cruelly of a people that value children so highly�
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—Bannor Nalthane Starfist,
Prince Conjugal of Malan
Slouched in the Sarai’s conference circle feet up on a hassock, Bannor was still fuming a half bell later when the doorman led Wren in. The blonde savant was alone. She had changed clothing and now wore a light blue blouse and black leggings. She’d braided back her hair, and wore a necklace and a few rings. He was still adjusting to seeing Wren’s feminine side. Almost all of his experiences with her had been as a desperate combatant coming up with clever ways to survive, whether by luck or just pure determination.
“Hey, Bannor,” she addressed him as she strolled in. “You don’t look happy, what’s wrong?”
He scowled. “The servants, they won’t let me do anything.”
“Oh.” She smiled and shook her head. “Get used to it.”
“Why?” He growled. “I’m not a damned invalid. I can put a little fruit in a bowl and serve it.”
“Of course you can,” she answered. “I had the same problem. Mother explained it to me this way. If we do it ourselves, then the people who get paid to do it don’t have a job.”
“That’s silly,” he grumbled. “Why pay somebody to do something you should do yourself?”
She studied the ceiling a moment obviously looking for an explanation. “Think of it like this. It’s a way to share the wealth.”
“Huh?”
“The servants live here don’t they?” Wren said gesturing to the hall. “They eat the same food you do. By giving them a function, however trivial, it feeds and clothes people that might not otherwise have a meaningful trade. My mother has family retainers that have served three or four generations. They see taking care of my parents as an honor and a privilege.”
“I can see it,” Bannor answered. “Your Mother and Father are very special people, humble, honorable, brave… Heroes really. They inspire others to excel by setting an example. I feel privileged to know them.”
Wren studied him with those intense blue eyes. She drew a breath and smiled. “That is such a nice thing to say.”
He rose. “It’s true. I can only imagine how I would have turned out with parents like that.”
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