“Excellent.” She grinned happily. “After they are up, this place will be as safe and secure as the house. By next week we will be sleeping out here, Zez. What do you think of that?”
“You have to convince your father first,” I pointed out to cover the thrill of excitement that pulsed through me. Candra and I had been planning this adventure ever since there was a chance that the tree house would be finished this summer. A night spent snugly perched so high sounded wonderful. With the doors, shutters, and retractable ladder, we would be safe from anything wild or tame.
“I will tell you what,” Selwyn interrupted, “I will talk to your father myself. If he still isn’t satisfied with your safety, I will camp out beneath the tree. I am sure he will let you then.”
“Oh Selwyn,” Candra cried before launching herself into his arms. “If you do that, I shall love you forever,” she declared. A strange new emotion came from Selwyn as he awkwardly returned her embrace. I scanned his face, but saw nothing that I could identify. Of course, with the knowledge that he had been a defender, I doubted that I would be able to see anything.
“I will try,” he promised, carefully setting Candra away from him. “Now we should go see what colors I have to paint your shutters with.”
Happily diverted from the topic, Candra scrambled down the makeshift wooden ladder to the ground. I followed with my thoughts full of what these new discoveries could mean.
Chapter XIII
Hadrian
The Caelestis Novem celebrations were even more elaborate than normal. Every royal family was present from heir to youngest male child. Many of the kings also brought their daughters below the presentation age. Zezilia’s absence was surprisingly unnoted by the gossips, a detail for which I was infinitely grateful.
My quarters were moved to the farthest reaches of the High King’s manor. My baggage mysteriously disappeared and reappeared between the wagons and my quarters, obviously searched. Giles, my personal assistant, was in fits over the rumpled state of my robes for hours. Thankfully, Renato had the foresight to remove my personal papers from the luggage prior to leaving the compound; so, there was nothing of significance for the perpetrators to steal or use against me.
Although many of the nobles and kings, including the High King, greeted me warmly enough, some were reserved and Ilar and Sabine were downright cold. I had expected the frigid look from Sabine, but Ilar’s took me by surprise. I instructed Renato to set up a private meeting with Zezilia’s father. He obviously had something against me and considering my promises to him regarding her future, I needed to resolve it if I could.
The first day’s events, a sacrifice to the goddess, the presentation of the young women to the court, and the first dance of the week, passed with only minor problems. I missed my usual crowd of friends during the dance. Conversation with Korneli, Errol, Tristan, or even Horace would have broken up the boredom. As it was, I was forced to speak with a long line of young women and their motherly escorts as they each tried to break my cool exterior. None of them had anything interesting to say.
As a young, unmarried Sept Son, the high ranking mothers had apparently chosen me as one of the best catches for their daughters. I didn’t understand why. My time in office was quickly becoming one of the most rumor-ridden in memory. Scandal was following my every decision and my unpopularity with the Mesitas was reaching historical levels.
“You are rich, powerful, handsome, and young,” Renato replied when I voiced this to him. “On the list of available men, that combination ranks high for both mother and daughter.”
“So, I am going to be plagued by this everywhere until I marry?”
Looking sympathetic, Renato nodded. “If it makes you feel any better, I am in the same category.”
I lifted my eyebrow at him. He fit the handsome criteria, with his thick golden brown hair and hawk-like eyes. I supposed he was considered powerful as my right hand man. “So, how are you fending them off?” I asked.
“I am circulating the rumor that I am already engaged.” He looked proud of his accomplishment.
“Are you?”
He laughed. “I wish. No, I am not.”
I considered it a moment. “Somehow, I don’t think the same solution would work for me.”
“I guessed not. My mother is coming this way, Master,” Renato added. “She looks like she intends to speak with you.”
“Honored Sept Son.” Queen Nascio Ilar addressed me in even tones as she inclined her head as custom required. “My son,” she said, acknowledging Renato’s presence as he took his place behind my left shoulder.
“I am the one who is honored,” I replied. Offering her a formal salute, hand to shoulder, I studied her features. Her dark eyes met my gaze.
“I wish to speak to you in private if that is possible.”
“The gardens are available, Master,” Renato sent.
“Let us step into the gardens then,” I suggested. Renato preceded us as we weaved through the crowds of gossips and eager wallflowers. I avoided catching anyone’s eye, though a maiden did try everything short of tripping me to get my attention. Finally we emerged into the slightly cooler air of the night. In the distance, insects chirped and hummed.
We followed the path toward the day gardens, sure to be empty at night. Once we were well out of sight of the terraces about the palace, the queen turned and confronted me. “I understand you are the one to speak to about the rumors.” Her tone and inflection were completely within the rules of etiquette, but her body language, what I could see of it, made it clear she was demanding an answer.
“It matters which rumor, your majesty,” I replied. “There is quite a smattering of rumors tickling ears this Caelestis Novem.”
“I am referring to the one linking my daughter’s name and yours. Is it true that Errol Silas is training her to be your wife?”
I watched her moonlit features with interest. Here was a woman with spirit to match her beauty. I guess I should have expected that after my meetings with her daughter a year ago, but I had not thought of it.
“Master Silas is training Donellea Ilar in the basics of talent use. The same studies and training that each talent trainee must complete in order to become a talent.”
“Did you or did you not promise to marry her?”
I met the woman’s shadowed gaze, knowing fully that moonlight revealed my features to her as well. “I promised your husband that I would find Donellea Ilar a husband after her training. If I failed to do so, I would marry her myself.”
“And have you made efforts to find her a mate?”
“I have, but at present all of my attempts have fallen on infertile ground. I assume that you wish your daughter to have a love match, if possible.”
She favored me with a curt nod.
“Those I have had introduced into her circle of society have not caught her fancy.”
She studied my face, her face a mask, hiding her own thoughts. “You seem to be an upright man, despite the rumors flying about.”
“Thank you, Donelle,” I responded.
Renato’s musky presence flickered across my mind. “Someone is watching us. I am going to investigate.” He moved off into the darkness in the direction of the nearest tree line.
“Renato thinks he saw someone observing us.”
“It is probably one of my husband’s men.”
“Why would he follow you?” I couldn’t see the queen putting up with that kind of thing.
Stepping closer to me, she inclined her head confidingly. “I did not want to speak of this while Renato could hear. I am going to offer you an agreement, Master Aleron. I shall prevent the rumors of you and my daughter marrying from the circulation. In exchange, you will keep my daughter from her father’s control.” By her strength of character and her position as a queen and confidant of the High Queen, I had no doubt that she could seriously hamper the gossips campaign against me.
I couldn’t mask the surprise that shook me with her statement. T
his was hardly the response I had expected after her husband’s argument that she shouldn’t know what was actually happening with Zezilia. Nascio Ilar’s face transformed before my eyes, melting into concern and worry.
“Sabine has my husband’s ear, and I have heard the poison that he is pouring into it. The two of them are plotting something and it involves my daughter. Master, I know Sabine well. He offered for my hand a year before I married Ostin. He has no scruples, no conscience. I do not want my daughter in his control, and Ostin will not speak to me on the matter.”
I nodded my understanding. King Sabine gave me the same impression, but it was reassuring to hear it from the lips of one who knew.
“From her letters, I know that Zezilia is safe and happy. She paints pictures of a home life that I cannot give her here. The company of sisters will be good for her, and I have met Adreet Silas. She is a good woman.”
“I am pleased that you approve, madam,” I replied.
“Master Aleron,” she whispered harshly. Her hand gripped my arm. “Promise me that you will not let Zezilia fall into Sabine’s or her father’s hands while Sabine’s council is ruling him.”
“I promise.” I covered her hand reassuringly just as Renato emerged from the darkness at our side.
“They got away,” he sent before turning to his mother. “You should return to the celebration, Mother. Your presence will be missed.”
“Yes, I have been away too long already.” Composing her face, she smiled up at her son. “Escort me back, Renato.”
“Master?” Renato’s questioning sending passed across my thoughts.
“Go and then return. I shall be fine for a few moments. Your mother has given me much to think on while I wait.”
“But, the spies?”
I brushed away his worried query. “I am trained in self-defense, Renato. I am not a child who needs constant attendance. Go.”
Renato went with his mother on his arm, but not without a parting sending. “Be careful.”
I watched them as they gracefully followed the path in the direction of the palace and the brightly lit windows of the dancing room. They made a fetching image, the tall straight form of the son supporting his shorter and slimmer mother, outlined against the light. I wondered how I looked when I escorted my mother places. Mother was taller than Queen Ilar, but I am also taller than Renato. Perhaps we looked similarly.
Realizing where my thoughts had wandered, I reined them in to the problem at hand. King Ilar and King Sabine were going to be a dangerous combination. What Sabine lacked in influence, Ilar more than compensated. Well respected and revered among the kings, Ilar could cause a great deal of damage to me if he chose. Most likely the only thing that was hindering him from doing so now was my possession of his daughter. Zezilia was in my care and would remain there for another two years. Only then, once she is safely married and removed from my reputation, could he declare war against me. Until that time, he was limited in what he could say, for my reputation would reflect back on him since he and I were bound by my promise.
It is yet another thing to consider with each step, Almighty. When will the complications end? When will I be able to act without worry of people plotting against me? My heart ached for the days when I lived in ignorance. But even as I longed, my thoughts turned to the Revelation of the Almighty and His instructions. He only portioned out what I could handle with His grace. I was here for a purpose and his plan was not complete. Who was I to question the Master of the Universe? You are right, Father, I prayed. I stand admonished. Please forgive my lack of trust in You. I am your vessel; use me as You will.
A strange peace fell over me, washing me with calm. It was all in His hands.
“Someone was definitely watching us,” Renato declared as he approached, “Listening too, if I don’t miss my guess.”
“They stopped listening once you turned away to look for them, right?”
“Yes, I saw them running off.”
“I am beginning to wish I hadn’t asked you to make that appointment with King Ilar. It is going to be an awkward session.”
“Then you will be pleased to know I haven’t managed it yet,” Renato replied. He fell into step with me as we walked in the direction of my quarters. He didn’t question the direction, but I knew he noted it. I wasn’t about to return to the festivities now. I wouldn’t be missed until tomorrow’s breaking of the fast; so, I was going to retire. I needed time to spend in the Almighty’s presence before I faced the ceremonies and meetings of the coming day.
“For once I am going to thank you for inefficiency,” I told him with a small smile.
“Father seemed to be avoiding me. I am not sure if it was for your sake or mine, but every time I got near enough to speak to him something would call me or him away.”
“The Almighty’s providence,” I said.
“The Almighty’s providence or the goddess’ intervention, either way, I couldn’t catch his attention today.”
“Were there any deliveries this evening?” I asked.
“A few letters,” he replied. Removing them from the satchel at his waist, he frowned. “I fear that someone is intercepting your mail. The volume is significantly less than normal and the seals look tampered with.”
I frowned over the three envelopes he handed me. I had warned Errol against including anything of secrecy in his letters when the Mesitas first raided my personal belongings. Blandone, however, I could not warn. I needed every bit of information he could get me. Silently praying that Blandone’s letters would not end up among the pilfered missives, I turned my attention to wishing Renato a good night’s sleep.
Once he left me, I sought out my worn copy of the Revelation and immersed myself in the Almighty’s words. They alone shut out the worries and concerns that constantly haunted my thoughts these days.
THE SELECTION OF APPLICANTS for trainee that greeted me the next afternoon caused my heart to sink. Sullen faces, vacant expressions, and slouched forms were prevalent among the seven young men. They sat in their places, making no attempt to contain their sprawled limbs, and watched the proceedings around them without a hint of interest. I found myself thankful that a seventh son was not among this year’s group.
The ceremonial portion of the meeting passed quickly. Then the first of the applicants approached me. Standing in the open space before me, he responded to my brush across his consciousness with a shudder. He preformed each request with minimal effort. I passed him. Each of the following testing sessions passed with similar, unremarkable demonstrations. As the last saluted and withdrew to join his new trainer, Renato appeared at my elbow.
“Master Gulielmus, the graduate who was not able to come to the compound, is here. He requests that you test him today.” Renato’s agitation at the change in schedule came with the sending.
“Is there a reason that I should deny him?” I asked.
“Not that I can find, Master.”
“I sense that this is bothering you, Renato. What is wrong?”
“It is unprecedented.”
I turned to look at my assistant. He met my gaze with a frown. “Within the compound you are surrounded with men who are loyal to you. Here there is no one to defend you should the young man take advantage of you during the testing. All his papers are in place and all the arrangements have been made, yet I was given no notice of his presence until only a moment ago. I don’t like it, Hadrian.”
It did sound suspicious, but I couldn’t deny the young man testing simply on the grounds of a communication glitch. “Tell him to meet me in my quarters in a half hour. Then, I want you to contact King Adrasteia’s oldest son. Estes will be able to help you with the security for the testing.”
With a salute, Renato was gone. I leaned back in my chair and watched the ending ceremonies as the new trainees were admonished to study diligently with their trainers. Renato was correct to be suspicious of this sudden development, but these things happened. It could be only a hitch in communication, someo
ne forgetting to tell someone else.
Once the closing ceremony was over, I waited and watched as the new trainees met their new trainers for the first time. None of the trainers had quite the flair that Errol had. When I first met him that hot summer day in my fourteenth year, his hair had been tamer, but his personality was far from mellow.
“So, you are the seventh son of Orien Aleron,” he had declared. “It was about time someone of humble birth produced a Sept Son.”
I didn’t want to be the Sept Son. I wanted to be a defender like two of my older brothers, and I told him so.
“If the Almighty had meant for you to be a defender, he wouldn’t have chosen you to be born seventh. Count your blessings, boy. You could have been born without talent at all.”
I savored his words as they coursed through my thoughts. He was right. As much as my heart desired something else, I needed to be content with what God gave me. Being Sept Son gave me a great opportunity to show forth the Almighty’s wisdom, grace, and patience to the unbelieving followers of the goddess. It put me in the position to do His will in places and ways that I would have never managed as a defender.
“Hadrian?” Renato’s voice broke me from my thoughts. “Everyone has left and the graduate is waiting in your quarters. Are you ready?”
“Yes,” I replied. Rising from the uncomfortable chair, I straightened my robes. “Have you found out anything more about the missing letters?”
As Renato filled me in on his efforts to discover what happened to my missing letters, we walked out into the main corridor that connected all the meeting rooms in the East Wing of the High King’s palace. Government officials, servants, nobles, assistants, Segia, and talents of various ages and stations rushed along it from room to room. The week of the Caelestis Novem meant work for the nobles. Meetings, gatherings, and consultations filled everyone’s schedules. I would not be alone in my exhaustion by the end of the week.
I glanced in appreciation at the high ceilings; gilded and white, they arched gracefully above us. Built by talented craftsmen centuries before, they stood as a testament to those times of peace before the uprising that brought about the establishment of the Sept Son. I couldn’t help but long for those times when I would have been a talented crafter of objects, working with wood, metal, or stone to create things. Instead, I worried about war, strife, control, and politics.
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