To Be Grand Maestro (Book 5)

by John Buttrick

  Half a mark later, Daniel took over the controls. The manta ray passed otters, snakes, frogs, and fishes of all types as it cruised under the river and beyond countless tiny creatures in their own struggles between life and death. Soon enough Manta One was being escort by Wally and Katy through the curvy canal leading to the Benhannon Naval Facility.

  As he and the first voyagers emerged from the Manta, Jared Benfyllon and Accomplished Reginald Bercop, the Benhannon Estate Provisioner, were among the few standing around the dock. The tall young Ecoppian-born Accomplished had no lightning bolts on his silks because he lacked sufficient potential in his vat. His and the Account Keeper’s presence came as a surprise, but not the reduced presence of the original crowd who had witnessed the creation of Manta One. Leah had informed everyone connected to her array of the new threat and that explained the departures and saved Daniel from doing a lot of talking, which he appreciated.

  After the exchange of greetings, Jared handed him a white envelope with gold lettering. Daniel recognized it immediately, even before opening the correspondence. He read the message and turned to Sherree. “You and I have been summoned to appear before Queen Cleona ten days hence. Leah, I would appreciate it if you and Franklin begin the duplication process as soon as possible and decide on where to base our fleet of mantas. I also want you to assemble the Conductors, along with Chas Herling and Marcus Bower, and begin the preliminary work for countering the forces threatening Lobenia. Sherree, I think it is time for us to approach Queen Clarees, explain a few things, and give warning of the danger to her realm. It would be for the best if we can do this as soon as possible and especially before our appointment with Cleona.”

  Sherree nodded her head. “It is also about time for you to meet my parents.”

  Chapter Fourteen: The Queens

  Sherree stood in the middle of hers and Daniel’s bedroom deep beneath the Benhannon Estate. The lavender gown, with lighter and darker contrasts of green in the fabric, extended down to her emerald shoes. A matching hat with plumage completed the ensemble and was what she had read was currently fashionable with the Lobenian aristocracy, according to the latest correspondence she had with her mother. The letter had been waiting for her in Aakadon, many months back, when she returned along with Jerremy DeSuan and the members of the Tomlin project. The current fashion had been thrown in near the end, but most of the letter was about Sharon, her two year-old boy, Hector, and another child growing in her womb. Sherree’s sister, four years older than her, married Lord Howart Clowen three years ago, and by all accounts was proud and finally happy. According to Sharon, Sherree, the baby of the family, received all of the attention, and the jealousy only intensified when Little Sister’s Aakacarn potential had been revealed. The missive from Mother had been upbeat and ended with how proud she was to have a daughter among the Accomplisheds of Aakadon. That bubble of pride was destined to pop soon, if it hadn’t already.

  At the time, Sherree had replied with a letter full of pleasantries and well-wishes and made no mention of Serin Gell, Condemnation, or her marriage to Daniel. Sheena Oben Jenna was a proud woman, cousin to Queen Clarees, and always did what was proper. Unfortunately, Lobenia has always been a proud sponsor of Aakadon and all of its citizens know the customs and traditions of the Aakacarns, unlike the typical Ducaunan who has no interest in knowing how the spell-casters live.

  Sherree glanced at her husband, tall, strong, and inappropriately dressed in his blue silks. Love swelled in her heart at the sight of him and sometimes at the sound of his voice, and yet she knew her mother would have a difficult time accepting the marriage. Oh, she would not doubt they had been properly wed according to Lobenian and Ducaunan custom; it was the fact that everyone in Lobenia would know her daughter, who is an Aakacarn, entered into matrimony. Worse, she married a man considered by many to be one of the most infamous spell-casters in the world.

  “I don’t think your parents are going to be fond of me, we do not need additional complications, and family squabbling over our being married definitely qualifies as a complication. Might it be better if we visit the Queen in secret? It’s not that I don’t want to meet your mother and father, I just think we should put our backs into completing the chore, and afterward have dinner or something with them,” said the second most powerful Accomplished on the planet, the man who faced the displeasure of more than a few Maestros and the Grand Maestro with less apprehension. Well, probably not less, but she could tell by the look in his eyes he was nervous.

  Sherree turned her back to him. “I need you to button up my dress. That’s right,” she said as he completed the service requested. “Now, we will be conveying to the back terrace where I spent most of my life. I was born in that house, I grew up there, and it is where Finnius and Fano soar on a regular basis. The visuals given to me by the seagulls are accurate and current.”

  “Finnius or Fano can provide visuals closer to the palace,” Daniel suggested, clearly still seeking an alternative.

  Sherree faced him. “If you prefer, I can have them fly over my father’s hotel. Listen, I know how awkward the situation will be, but the reason for visiting my family goes beyond our relationship, it is the quickest and easiest way to accomplish the chore you are so eager to complete.”

  Her husband could be as stubborn and immovable as the mountain he was born on, but unlike Tannakonna, he would listen, and he did so now. She could tell by his dark entrancing eyes and the relaxed set of his jaw, he was giving serious thought to what she said. Had his jaw been ridged and his eyes hard as black pearls, it would mean his decision was made and he would not budge. The will to consider her point of view was confirmed when he replied, “If we appear anywhere else in the capitol, people will likely panic, because there isn’t a child in the world who could not recognize my face. Even though we can use spells to alter our appearance, as Franklin often does his hair, it is probably wiser to arrive at your family home where at least you will be welcomed.”

  “I knew you would see reason,” she said and touched his cheek. “Now that our arrival point has been established, are you seriously planning on wearing what you have on?”

  “You look beautiful in that gown,” he replied, and for a moment she was distracted by the compliment.

  “You tell me I’m beautiful no matter what I wear and even when I’m wearing nothing at all,” she responded. She was not accusing him of flattery, the praise he gave has always been sincere, and yet the timing suggested the former mountaineer was attempting to skip the conversation to another trail. He clearly needed more persuading. “The first glimpse of people wearing blue silks in New Oben will cause the very panic you are hoping to avoid. I am in this gown because all of us need to wear ordinary clothing.”

  A mischievous smile appeared on the face of her beloved. “I still have my buckskins in the wardrobe.”

  One good thing about high heels, she did not need to stand on her tiptoes to reach his lips. Well, he did have to bend down just a little. She kissed him and then pointed to the wardrobe. “You will be going as a Ducaunan Lord of the Land and must dress according to station. No,” she said as he reached for his knightly uniform. “Not as a Royal Knight of the Realm, you need to wear the other suit.”

  Hanging from the central pole was a full length coat the color of the sky that broadened out at the waist. The coat was of wool and well made, measured to fit him perfectly. The black-banded, wide-brimmed hat on the shelf was dark brown with gold scrollwork around it. Jared, the Benhannon Estate Account Keeper, had purchased a white silk shirt for Daniel and a pair of dark blue wool pants, Sherree watched as her beloved removed his silks and put on the suit fit for a royal audience. She never grew tired of watching him. He then picked up the case containing his six-string guitarn and said, “I am bringing this, not to be used as a type two crescendo, but as the instrument I enjoy playing.”

  She had no objection, since her flute was in the emerald purse that went with her outfit. “We could play, Flight of the Whi
ppoorwill. Mom’s composition is beautiful and soothing.”

  They both called his mother, Mom. The ever formal Sheena Oben Jenna insisted on being called, Mother, and Sherree had made this clear to Daniel, who was not quite finished accessorizing.

  The sheath containing the diamond-bladed crescendo was currently attached to the gold belt belonging to the Maestro of the Atlantan Guild. It could also be attached to the sword belt of the Ducaunan Royal Knight of the Realm. She clipped it to the ordinary black belt currently holding up his pants, and then attached the twin crescendo he had made for her to a gold chain, and proudly put that around her neck. The diamond and gold, together or apart, were worth a fortune, the seven bolts of amplification increased the value, but its greatest worth came from the fact that it represented her union with Daniel. She studied him from hat to boots and was satisfied. “My sister is going to be so upset.”

  Daniel’s right eyebrow arched up. “By the look in your eyes, I thought I just passed inspection.”

  “You certainly have. Come,” she replied, patted him on the cheek, and conveyed both of them to the upper room of the manor that was identical to the one they actually slept in.

  At the time, Daniel had made the decoy in the event his Aakacarn enemies might somehow get a visual and teleport into the room. He was also attempting to keep his ability to cast spells a secret back then. Even now, Jared and Marcus were the only other people aware of the place she and Daniel slept when at the manor, and they would never speak of it. The locations of their sleeping quarters at Shantear and in the Benhannon Northland Holding were not hidden and she supposed it was because those rooms had been created at a time when his ability to cast spells was well known. Whatever his reason, he never changed the sleeping arrangement in the manor, and Sherree did not care where she slept as long as it was with him.

  They exited the upstairs bedroom and went down to the first floor where Carlos, Sero, the Teki couple, and Simon stood waiting, all dressed as ordinary people. Simon had on a brown coat and pants, along with a white shirt and gold cufflinks, the suit traditionally worn by account keepers. Carlos and Sero had chosen violet suits, which were popular among the aristocratic males. Captain Tollkay was in his uniform and still unconscious, to be awakened after arriving in Lobenia.

  Simon smiled upon seeing them. “Good afternoon, Maestro, and to you, First Lady, I took the liberty of sending Chester to spy on Kall’s encampment. The falcon will get there first, in about a mark, but I also have a flock of buzzards on the way,” the Chief Aid greeted and informed them.

  “We’ve only been here a few marks, only learned about the threat a couple of marks before that, and yet you already have eyes near the region. Simon, you are still a wonder,” Daniel told him, to which Sherree agreed.

  “The moment I received the communication from Leah, I sent the birds,” Simon replied. “The action broadens your options sooner rather than later, so I figured it was worth doing.”

  “I’m sure Samuel will be sending scouts as well, but I am glad you took the initiative,” Daniel said while eyeing their apparel. “I see someone has spread the word about what is appropriate attire for this trip.”

  David, wearing bright blue pants, a bold yellow shirt with vivid red horizontal stripes, and a dazzling green coat, glanced at Sherree before opening his mouth to comment. “The Lady of the Benhannon Estate instructed us on how to dress and how wearing weapons in the home of her parents would be considered ill mannered. I am happy to see knives as decorations are not prohibited.”

  The former juggler and knife-thrower for the Reshashinni did not appear to be wearing any such decorations, but likely had some hidden within his clothing. Too bad he did not listen to her about choosing colors that actually went well together.

  “Silvia, can you see if this trip is going to be successful?” Sherree inquired after deciding she did not want to know how many knives were hidden in the clothing of the couple or speak of their color choices, being more concerned about the reason for the jaunt.

  The diminutive Teki with wavy black hair stood wearing bright green trousers, a tight yellow shirt with orange stripes that would probably glow in the dark, and a broad leather belt around her waist. She appeared a little uncomfortable without her favorite accessory, the miniature crossbow. “If the Chosen Vessel does not succeed today, it is unlikely he will win the trust of the Queen. This I have seen and so it will be,” she replied and bit her lip. “I wish the vision had been clear enough to see how the meeting will end, for good or ill, but it is not, and so I cannot say. I do not know if he will even be permitted to see the Queen.”

  “Then we will go with the hope events shall swirl to my favor,” Daniel replied with a shrug of his broad shoulders.

  Sherree concentrated on Finnius, becoming one with his senses. She could smell the saltwater as the wind held her aloft in the sunny skies over New Oben. Every building had the appearance of alabaster, including her father’s hotel located within a short ride of the palace. The home of the Queen took up the highest hill in the region and was trimmed with gold. The walls around the base of the hill were forty cubits high and ten wide with twelve heavily guarded gates.

  To the east she/he could see the Joren River flowing out into the bay and the docks of shipping companies and their warehouses lining both banks. Countless ships were sailing into and out of the great harbor that stretched spans out on the coast, left and right of where the river meets the bay. Vessels of all sizes, fishing boats, yachts, and freighters, some at anchor waiting for their turn at the docks, some moving into or out of their places along the many piers and wharfs or into private slips, were all a testament to the port that never closes. To the west, the home port of the Lobenian Royal Navy took up a large segment of the coast with warships coming and going. No private vessel dared to seek anchorage there.

  Finnius banked to the left, over buildings with spires, and around a bell tower, bringing into sight CriJenna, the mansion of Clarken Jenna, her father, arguably the wealthiest merchant in the city, if not the entire kingdom. The terrace in the back of the grand seven-storied estate was unoccupied and seemed like a good arrival point. No one was in the swimming pool, but she did see a small number of servants in white livery tending the well-manicured grounds, trees, hedges, and especially the maze. Winter’s touch on this city was mild and hardly noticeable.

  Sherree pictured herself, Daniel, and their entourage in the middle of the terrace, summoned the potential for, Conveyance, gripped the handle of the crescendo hanging from her neck, and focused the energy into and through the amplifier. Three heart beats later they were standing right where she intended.

  Men-at-arms in the fuchsia uniforms of House Jenna came running with clubs drawn and short swords sheathed at the hips. Not even her multi-talented and creative husband could come up with a way to prevent the snap-crack of air filling the sudden void in space on departure or the sudden displacement of air on arrival. The noise brought the guards as surely as an alarm bell. Even as the twenty men, all of whom Sherree recognized, encircled the intruders, clubs began lowering as they realized who had come to call.

  All of them were fair-skinned and had hair in varying shades of yellow and each were clean shaven and well-manicured. The master and mistress of the house would not tolerate anything less. The oldest of the group, Senior Man-at-Arms, Hue Timnin, smiled. “Mistress Sherree, what a pleasure it is to see you,” he said, and seemed to be looking for something. “It sounded like a lightning bolt struck the terrace, yet I see no damage, only you and these gentlemen and that Fon Kayan Captain asleep on the ground.”

  The Teki couple he ignored, Simon received a courteous nod, as did Sero and Carlos, but those pale green eyes full of delight at seeing Sherree, took in the sight of a wealthy young Ducaunan lord dressed in finery, and then narrowed into concern when they locked onto that face. Perspiration formed and dripped down the contours of his cheeks.

  “Hue, Scott, Phillip, Roddy, Jonny, you know me, and have to
know I would not bring harm to this house,” Sherree was quick to assure the men, and went on referring to each by name, and then explained, “This is Daniel Benhannon, a Ducaunan Lord of the Land, and these gentlemen are his associates. The fellow sleeping on the ground is Captain Tollkay. He has information of utmost importance to the realm. David and Silvia provide entertainment.”

  That last introduction made Daniel smile. “They travel with me most everywhere and are highly skilled at what they do.”

  David’s hand withdrew from his coat, where he had probably been gripping a knife. “I am honored to exercise my skills on behalf of the Creator’s Chosen Vessel.”

  Silvia opened her mouth and appeared to be on the verge of making a declaration, probably about standing aside or being smashed, so Sherree decided to speak up before matters reverted again to the drawing of clubs. “Hue, I need to speak with my mother. Is she here?”

  Silvia closed her mouth without saying anything, thank the Creator, and Hue’s pale green eyes went from Daniel back to the young woman he had seen as a child playing on this very terrace. “She is in the receiving room with your sister. They are entertaining some of the leading women of the city. I am sure she would dearly love to see you, even though the stories coming out of Aakadon concerning you have been most disturbing,” he replied, glanced at Daniel and then continued. “If what I have heard about this Lord of the Land is correct, he could instantly kill us and everyone in the city, so be assured we know our weapons are useless and none of us has any desire to provoke him,” he probably said that for the benefit of Powell, Jason, Paulen, and Greve, who were gripping their short swords.