Wolf's Eyes

by Jane Lindskold

  “That's a good thought,” Doc said. “I'll stay and keep Firekeeper and Blind Seer out of trouble. No one is waiting for me in Eagle's Nest.”

  Firekeeper heard the sadness in his voice. If Earl Kestrel did, he didn't comment.

  “I may be speaking out of turn, Cousin Jared,” the earl added, “but I was given the impression that you wdl be invited to the wedding celebration in Silver Whale Cove—as well as to the one in Eagle's Nest. Shad Oyster appreciates how your talent sped along his healing and that of his father. He wishes to offer you this mark of favor before his people.”

  Sir Jared's smile glowed. Firekeeper knew why. Elise would be at the wedding. The prospect of tjiat meeting—not the royal invitation—was the honor that lit his soul.

  Firekeeper shook her head, wondering if she would ever feel so intensely about a human. She could be fond of humans, yes. She was fond of Derian, of Elise, of all those she thought of as her human pack—even of Earl Kestrel. She would die for King Tedric as she would for Blind Seer.

  Her hand curled tightly in the wolf's raff, knowing that her silent wish was impossible, wondering nonetheless if somewhere, somehow, there was magic that would transform her so that she might ran beside Blind Seer, wolf and wolf.

  GLOSSARY OF CHARACTERS1

  Aksel Trueheart. (Lord, B.B.) scholar of Hawk Haven; spouse of Zorana Archer; father of Purcel, Nydia, Deste, and Kenre Trueheart.2

  Albert Eagle: (B.B.) son of Princess Marras. In keeping with principles of Zorana I, given no title as died in infancy.

  Allister Seagleam: (Duke, B.B.), called the Pledge Child; son of Tavis Seagleam (B.B.) and Caryl Eagle (H.H.); spouse of Pearl Oyster; father of Shad, Tavis, Anemone, and Minnow Oyster.

  Amery Pelican: (King, B.B.) Spouse of Queen Gustin H; father of Basil, Seastar, and Tavis.

  Anemone Oyster: (Lady, B.B.) daughter of Allister Seagleam.

  Aurella Wellward: (Lady, H.H.) confidant of Queen Elexa; spouse of Ivon Archer; mother of Elise Archer.

  Barden Eagle: (Prince, H.H.) third son of King Tedric of Hawk Haven. Disowned. Spouse of Eirene Norwood; father of Blysse Norwood.

  Basil Seagleam: see Gustin III.

  Blind Seer: Royal Wolf; companion to Firekeeper.

  Blysse Norwood: (Lady, H.H.) daughter of Prince Barden and Eirene Norwood.

  Blysse Norwood: see Firekeeper.

  Brina Dolphin: (Lady or Queen, B.B.) first spouse of Gustin III, divorced as barren.

  Brock Carter: (B.B.) son of Colby and Vernita Carter; brother of Derian and Damita Carter.

  Caryl Eagle: (Princess, H.H.) daughter of King Chalmer I; married to Prince Tavis Seagleam; mother of Allister Seagleam.

  Chalmer 1: (King, H.H.) born Chalmer Elkwood; son of Queen Zorana the Great; spouse of Rose Dawn; father of Marras, Tedric, Gadman, and Rosene.

  Chalmer Eagle: (Crown Prince, H.H.) son of Tedric Eagle and Elexa Wellward.

  Citrine Shield: (H.H.) daughter of Melina Shield and Rolfston Redbriar. Sister of Sapphire, Jet, Opal, and Rubu.

  Colby Carter. (H.H.) livery stable owner and carter; spouse of Vernita Carter; father of Derian, Damita, and Brock.

  Damita Carter. (H.H.) daughter of Colby and Vernita Carter; sister of Derian and Brock Carter.

  Derian Carter: (H.H.) also called Derian Counselor; assistant to Norvin Norwood; son of Colby and Vernita Carter, brother of Damita and Brock Carter.

  Deste Trueheart: (H.H.) daughter of Aksel Trueheart and Zorana Archer; sister of Purcel, Nydia, and Kenre Trueheart.

  Dia Trueheart: see Nydia Trueheart.

  Dirkin Eastbranch: (knight, H.H.) King Tedric's personal bodyguard.

  Donal Hunter. (H.H.) member of Barden Eagle's expedition; spouse of Sarena; father of Tamara.

  Eirene Norwood: (Lady, H.H.) spouse of Barden Eagle; mother of Blysse Norwood; sister of Norvin Norwood.

  Elation: Royal Falcon, companion to Firekeeper.

  Elexa Wellward: (Queen, H.H.) spouse of Tedric I; mother of Chalmer, Lovella, and Barden.

  Elise Archer. (Lady, H.H.) daughter of Ivon Archer and Aurella Well-ward; heir to Archer Grant.

  Farand Briarcott: (Lady, H.H.) assistant to Tedric I, former military commander.

  Firekeeper. (Lady, H.H.) feral child raised by wolves, adopted by Norvin Norwood and given the name Blysse Norwood.

  Gadman Eagle: (Grand Duke, H.H.) third child of King Chalmer and Queen Rose; brother to Marras, Tedric, Rosene; spouse of Riki Red-briar; father of Rolfston and Nydia Redbriar.

  Gayl Minter. see Gayl Seagleam.

  Gayl Seagleam: (Queen, B.B.) spouse of Gustin I; first queen of Bright Bay; mother of Gustin, Merry (later Gustin H), and Lyra, Note: Gayl was the only queen to assume the name “Seagleam.” Later tradition paralleled that of Hawk Haven where the name of the birth house was retained even after marriage to the monarch.

  Grace Trueheart: (Duchess Merlin, H.H.) military commander, spouse of Alin Brave; mother of Baxter.

  Gustin I: (King, B.B.) born Gustin Sailor, assumed the name Seagleam upon his coronation; first monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Gayl Minter, later Gayl Seagleam; father of Gustin, Merry, and Lyra Seagleam.

  Gustin II: (Queen, B.B.) born Merry Seagleam, assumed the name Gustin upon her coronation; second monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Amery Pelican; mother of Basil, Seastar, and Tavis Seagleam.

  Gustin III: (King, B.B.) born Basil Seagleam, assumed the name Gustin upon his coronation; third monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Brina Dolphin, later of Viona Seal; father of Valora Seagleam.

  Gustin IV: (Queen, B.B.) born Valora Seagleam, assumed the name Gustin upon her coronation; fourth monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Harwill Lobster.

  Harwill Lobster: (King, B.B.) Spouse of Gustin IV.

  Hazel Healer. (H.H.) apothecary, herbalist, perfumer; resident in the town of Hope.

  Holly Gardener. (H.H.) former Master Gardener for Eagle's Nest Castle; possessor of the Green Thumb, a talent for the growing of plants. Mother of Timin and Sarena.

  Hya Grimsel: (General, Stonehold) commander of Stonehold troops.

  Ivon Archer. (Baron, H.H.) master of the Archer Grant; son of Purcel Archer and Rosene Eagle; brother of Zorana Archer; spouse of Aurella Wellward; father of Elise Archer.

  Jared Surcliffe: (knight, H.H.) knight of the Order of the White Eagle; possessor of the healing talent; distant cousin of Norvin Norwood who serves as his patron. Widower, no children.

  Jem: (B.B.) deserter from Bright Bay's army.

  Jet Shield: (H.H.) son of Melina Shield and Rolfston Redbriar; brother of Sapphire, Opal, Ruby, and Citrine.

  Joy Spinner. (H.H.) scout in the ser-vice of Earle Kite.

  Keen: (H.H.) servant to Newell Shield.

  Kenre Trueheart. (H.H.) son of Zorana Archer and Aksel Trueheart; brother of Purcel, Nydia, and Deste Trueheart.

  Lorimer Stanbrook: (Lord, H.H.) spouse of Marras Eagle; father of Marigolde and Alben Eagle.

  Lovella Eagle: (Crown Princess, H.H.) military commander; daughter of Tedric Eagle and Elexa Well-ward; spouse of Newell Shield.

  Marigolde Eagle: (H.H.) daughter of Marras Eagle and Lorimer Stan-brook. In keeping with principles of Zorana I, given no title as died in infancy.

  Marras Eagle: (Crown Princess, H.H.) daughter of Tedric Eagle and Elexa Wellward; spouse of Lorimer Stanbrook; mother of Marigolde and Alben Eagle.

  Melina Shield: (Lady, H.H.) reputed sorceress; spouse of Rolfston Red-briar; mother of Sapphire, Jet, Opal, Ruby, and Citrine Shield.

  Merry Seagleam: see Gustin H.

  Minnow Oyster. (Lady, B.B.) daughter of Allister Seagleam and Pearl Oyster; twin of Anemone Oyster; sister of Shad and Tavis Oyster.

  Nanny: (H.H.) attendant to Melina Shield.

  Newell Shield: (Prince, H.H.) commander of marines; spouse of Lov-ella Eagle; brother of Melina Shield.

  Ninette Farmer. (H.H.) relative of Ivon Archer; attendant of Elise Archer.

  Norvin Norwood: (Earl Kestrel, H.H.) heir to Kestrel Grant; brother of E
irene Norwood; spouse of Luella Stanbrook; father of Edlin, Tait, Lillis, Agneta, and Blysse (adopted) Norwood.

  Nydia Trueheart. (H.H.) often called Dia; daughter of Aksel True-heart and Zorana Archer; sister of Purcel, Deste, and Kenre Trueheart.

  One Male: ruling male wolf of Fire-keeper and Blind Seer's pack.

  One Female: also Shining Coat; ruling female wolf of Firekeeper and BUnd Seer's pack.

  Opal Shield: (H.H.) daughter of Melina Shield and Rolfston Red-briar; sister of Sapphire, Jet, Ruby, and Citrine Shield.

  Ox: (H.H.) born Malvin Hogge; bodyguard to Norvin Norwood; renowned for his strength and good temper.

  Pearl Oyster. (Lady, B.B.) spouse of Allister Seagleam; mother of Shad, Tavis, Anemone, and Minnow Oyster.

  Purcel Trueheart: (H.H.) lieutenant, Hawk Haven army; son of Aksel Trueheart and Zorana Archer; brother of Nydia, Deste, and Kenre Trueheart.

  Purcel Archer. (Baron Archer, H.H.) first Baron Archer, born Purcel Farmer, elevated to the title for his prowess in battle; spouse of Rosene Eagle; father of Ivon and Zorana Archer.

  Race Forester. (H.H.) scout under the patronage of Norvin Norwood; regarded by many as one of the best in his calling.

  Riki Redbriar: (Lady, H.H.) spouse of Gadman Eagle; mother of Rolfston and Nydia Redbriar.

  Rolfston Redbriar. (Lord, H.H.) son of Gadman Eagle and Riki Red-briar; spouse of Melina Shield; father of Sapphire, Jet, Opal, Ruby, and Citrine Shield.

  Rook: (H.H.) servant to Newell Shield.

  Rose Dawn: (Queen, H.H.) common-born wife of Chalmer I; his marriage to her was the reason Hawk Haven Great Houses received what Queen Zorana the Great would doubtless have seen as unnecessary and frivolous titles.

  Rosene: (Grand Duchess, H.H.) fourth child of King Chalmer and Queen Rose; spouse of Purcel Archer; mother of Ivon and Zorana Archer.

  Ruby Shield: (H.H.) daughter of Melina Shield and Rolfston Red-briar; sister of Sapphire, Jet, Opal, and Citrine Shield.

  Sapphire Shield: (H.H.) daughter of Melina Shield and Rolfston Red-briar; sister of Jet, Opal, Ruby, and Citrine Shield.

  Sarena Gardener. (H.H.) member of Prince Barden's expedition; spouse of Donal Hunter; mother of Tamara.

  Shad Oyster. (Lord, B.B.) lieutenant, Bright Bay navy; son of Allister Seagleam and Pearl Oyster; brother of Tavis, Anemone, and Minnow Oyster.

  Steward Silver. (H.H.) long-time steward of Eagle's Nest Castie. Her birth-name and origin have been forgotten as no one, not even Silver herself, thinks of her as anything but the steward.

  Tavis Oyster. (Lord, B.B.) son of Allister Seagleam and Pearl Oyster; brother of Shad, Anemone, and Minnow Oyster.

  Tavis Seagleam: (Prince, B.B.) third child of Gustin H and Amery Pelican; spouse of Caryl Eagle; father of Allister Seagleam.

  Tedric I: (King, H.H.) third king of Hawk Haven; son of King Chalmer and Queen Rose; spouse of Elexa Wellward; father of Chalmer, Lov-ella, and Barden Eagle.

  Tench: (Lord, B.B.) born Tench Clark; right-hand to Queen Gustin IV; knighted for his services; later made Lord of the Pen.

  Thyme: (H.H.) a scout in the service of Hawk Haven.

  Timin Gardener (H.H.) Master Gardener for Eagle's Nest Castle; possessor of the Green Thumb, a talent involving the growing of plants; son of Holly Gardener; brother of Sarena; father of Dan and Robyn Gardener.

  Valet. (H.H.) eponymous servant of Norvin Norwood; known for his fidelity and surprising wealth of useful skills.

  Valora Seagleam: see Gustin IV.

  Vernita Carter. (HH.) born Vernita Painter; an acknowledged beauty of her day, Vernita became associated with the business she and her hus-band, Colby, transformed from a simple carting business to a group of associated livery stables and carting service; spouse of Colby Carter; mother of Derian, Damita, and Brock Carter.

  Viona Seal: (Queen, B.B.) second wife of King Gustin HI; mother of Valora, later Gustin IV.

  Wain Cutter. (H.H.) skilled lapidary, or gem cutter, working out of the town of Hope.

  Whiner a wolf of Blind Seer and Firekeeper's pack.

  Yaree Yuci: (General, Stonehold) commander of Stonehold troops.

  Zorana I: (Queen, H.H.) also called Zorana the Great, born Zorana Shield. First monarch of Hawk Haven; responsible for a reduction of titles—so associated with this program that over-emphasis of titles is considered unzoranic.” Spouse of Clive Elkwood; mother of Chalmer I.

  Zorana Archer. (Lady, H.H.) daughter of Rosene Eagle and Purcel Archer; sister of Ivon Archer; spouse of Aksel Trueheart; mother of Purcel, Nydia, Deste, and Kenre Trueheart.

  1Characters are detailed under first name or best known name. The initials B.B. (Bright Bay) or H.H. (Hawk Haven) following a character's name indicate their nationality. Titles are also indicated in parenthesis.

  2Hawk Haven and Bright Bay noble houses both follow a naming system where the children take the surname of the higher ranking parent, with the exception that only the immediate royal family bear the name of that house. If the parents are of the same rank, then rank is designated from the birth house, great over lesser, lesser by seniority. The Great Houses are ranked in the following order: Eagle, Shield, Wellward, Trueheart, Redbriar, Stanbrook, Norwood.

  Look for

  WOLFS HEAD,

  WOLFS HEART

  by JANE LINDSKOLD

  available in hardcover August 2002

  from Tor Books

  DESPITE THE STRONG, chill wind blowing in from I f the bay, the young woman remained perched upon the II castle parapet, her dark brown eyes gazing out over the waters of Silver Whale Cove. Perhaps for warmth, t perhaps for companionship, her right arm was flung around the neck of the enormous grey wolf seated beside her, his elegant head higher than her own.

  “So much water,” she said at last. “Derian told me it would be like this, and that the ocean beyond this bay makes the bay itself seem a cattle pond by comparison.”

  “And Queen Valora is fled over that ocean,” the wolf added, “taking with her these magical treasures we have heard so much about.”

  He laughed, a dry sound that to most human ears would have sounded like nothing more that a faint snort. His blue eyes danced with amusement as he continued:

  “And so this Valora steals a victory at a time when all expected her to flee tail-tucked, like a yearling too full of springtime strength who has been pounded by the One Male.”

  “I wish, Blind Seer,” the young woman said a trace reproachfully, “that I was as certain that what Queen Valora has done is amusing. Both King Tedric and King Allister are very stern these days. Crown Princess Sapphire hides her rage but thinly. I have heard that the seamstresses who are fitting her for her wedding gown tremble when they must approach her.”

  “True, sweet Firekeeper,” the wolf agreed. “Our friends are worried, but then there is nothing more humiliating than being bitten on the nose by prey you had thought dead. The kings are old Ones who think about the consequences, but Sapphire only feels the shame.”

  Firekeeper shared Blind Seer's laughter this time before returning her attention to the bay.

  “There will be no running after Queen Valora to bring the treasures back. I understand that now. I had not thought there was a river so wide that it could not be forded or swam, a pond so broad that one could not run around its edges to the other side.”

  A raised voice from inside the castle interrupted their discussion.

  “Lady Blysse! Lady Blysse!”

  Firekeeper, who had accepted Blysse Kestrel as a name to which she would answer, groaned.

  Blind Seer commented slyly, “Crown Princess Sapphire is not the only one who snaps at the seamstresses, eh, Fire-keeper?”

  In reply, the young woman punched the wolf in the shoulder. Swinging her long legs down from the stone wall, Firekeeper called to the woman inside:

  “I am here. Wait and I will come in to you.”

  A kerchief-covered head popped out one of the narrow windows in the castle's stone wall. The woman's face beneath the
covering was shriveled with age and lined from sour temper.

  “Lady Blysse!” she shrieked. “What are you doing out there?”

  Firekeeper answered, just a slight note of exasperation in her voice, “Looking at the water.”

  “Be careful! You'll fall!”

  Deeming this last not worthy of reply, Firekeeper paused in her descent only long enough to make certain that Blind Seer had leapt safely down from their shared perch. The wolf, however, experienced no more difficulty with the descent than she had, despite the fact that he was easily the size of a small pony. Nature had blessed him with dexterity, flexibility, and a singular lack of imagination regarding risk—traits Firekeeper shared.

  Thus, when Firekeeper and Blind Seer slipped through the window into their room, it was the waiting tirewoman who was pale and shaking.

  “I really must protest!” she began, her voice shrill.

  “I wouldn't, Goody Sewer,” came a male voice from the doorway. “She doesn't understand.”

  Firekeeper, who indeed had been growing frustrated, brightened at the familiar voice.

  “Derian!” she cried in relief. “The meeting then is over?”

  Without standing on ceremony—a trait Goody Sewer clearly disliked—Derian Carter strolled into Lady Blysse's room. He was a tall youth, recently turned nineteen, possessed of dark red hair tied back by a black ribbon into a fashionable queue and fair skin dusted with freckles. Hazel green eyes that could be as changeable as the sea twinkled now with laughter.