‘Forgive me,’ Ellin said. ‘I didn’t mean to shock you.’
‘That’s twice in one day you’ve apologised to me, Your Highness.’
‘You deserve it. I’ve been behaving badly recently.’
He gestured for her to lead Flaxen down the hill ahead of him and Donkey. ‘You know these moors better than I,’ he said, generously. ‘I’ll follow you down.’
‘Thank you. We’re in no hurry, are we?’
‘For my punishment? Absolutely not, Your Highness.’
Pilo had made fast time back to the palace and headed directly to the King’s private salon. He had right of access to King Lute at any time of the day or night. Not even the dour chamberlain, Master Thurrabow, could prevent him from marching straight into the King’s private rooms.
Pilo was immediately assaulted by King Lute’s new companions, two enormous and exuberant puppies called Frog and Toad.
‘Hello, boys. Yes, I know you’re happy to see me,’ he said, almost knocked backwards by the boisterous welcome.
‘Don’t encourage them, Pilo,’ King Lute said, turning from the window he had been staring out of. ‘We’re all trying to be stern with them.’
‘You could have fooled me,’ Pilo grinned. ‘You were never stern, even with my old dog, Dragon. How are you, Majesty?’
The King yawned. ‘Forgive me, I didn’t sleep well.’
‘Or didn’t sleep at all, more like?’ Pilo said.
‘Still looking out for me, Pilo?’
‘Always, Majesty.’
The King nodded. ‘I do believe that’s true. Have you returned from your wanderings with any good news for me?’
‘What sort of news would please you?’ Pilo asked.
‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Lute said, absently pushing around paper on his desk. ‘What about news of Bitter Olof and Calico Grace? Have you heard from them?’
Pilo shook his head. ‘Not in several moons.’
Lute nodded, disappointed. ‘I envy them their carefree lives on the ocean, aboard the Silver Wind.’
‘Not so carefree, I don’t think,’ Pilo said. ‘They’ve been searching fruitlessly for the Witch Grevilya for many years now.’
Lute sighed. ‘I could use some allies around me at the moment.’
‘Is this because of the haunting I’m hearing about in the city?’ he asked, his gaze narrowing.
‘Yes, I leave the city for a few days and pandemonium hits. It seems a Rumpelgeist has found us. Do you know the last time Drestonia had a rattle-ghost?’ The King didn’t wait for Pilo to answer. ‘I had the historical records checked. The last recorded Rumpelgeist was more than two hundred years ago.’
‘Do we know why it’s here or what it wants?’
Lute shrugged. ‘It’s been creating disturbances across Floris for a number of days. To be honest, it’s more of a nuisance than anything else. It rattles gates, bangs on doors, stomps across rooftops, throws things, makes a lot of noise.’
‘Just mischief?’
The King shook his head. ‘I suppose. Although my personal opinion is it’s trying to get our attention.’
‘Well, it’s got your attention.’
‘Yes, and sufficiently that it’s got my people petrified.’
‘For what reason does it want our attention?’ Pilo wondered aloud. ‘Rumpelgeists are said to have a specific purpose.’
‘It’s a mystery at present.’ Lute yawned again. ‘Frog,’ he called, ‘here, boy! Leave Pilo alone.’ He sank into a chair. ‘I suspect it feels more frightening to those suffering it because it’s invisible,’ he said. ‘But I’m at a loss for what I can do to reassure the citizens. How am I, or my guard, supposed to attack an enemy we can’t even see?’
‘I have no idea,’ Pilo said.
‘Precisely!’ Lute said, flicking a hand as though his argument was fully presented. He rang a bell.
‘Only,’ Pilo said, leaning back in his chair and regarding his fingernails carefully, ‘I wouldn’t attack any enemy until firstly I knew it to be my enemy and secondly I knew precisely what I was dealing with. You know neither.’
They were interrupted by the arrival of Master Thurrabow.
‘Ah, Thurrabow, can you organise for some of Cook’s griddle scones to be sent up? I’m starving, I’ll never make it to the midday meal,’ the King said.
‘Very good, Your Majesty,’ the man said, sombrely. Thurrabow turned to Pilo. ‘Sir?’ he said.
Pilo gave the man an earnest look. ‘Lavender and thyme brew with a small sprig of rosemary and some clover honey would be lovely, thank you, Thurrabow.’
‘At once,’ the servant said, regarding Pilo with hooded eyes, and shuffled away.
Lute grinned. ‘A new addiction?’
‘Never tasted it before; I made it up,’ Pilo admitted. ‘I just wanted to see if Thoroughly-Boring would crack a smile. I would’ve even settled for a grimace.’
The King wagged a cautionary finger. ‘You know, I think it’s from you that Ellin learns her bad habits,’ he said. ‘Does she know you’re back?’
‘Yes, I saw her earlier.’
‘She’s been drifting around aimlessly for days,’ the King complained. ‘That would be well enough if she didn’t wear a permanent scowl. And now her mother’s gone off to help with my brother’s newborn. Was Ellin complaining to you?’
‘Ellin’s almost a woman,’ Pilo answered. ‘There is always something to complain about at that age, from why she has to practise her Percherese verbs to –’
‘Why I won’t let her go on a picnic with her young admirer?’ Lute finished for him.
Pilo pursed his lips, thoughtfully. He was about to reply when Thurrabow returned with a serving girl from the kitchens in tow. She held a tray of steaming griddle scones, which she shyly placed before the King.
‘Ooh, they look delicious, Keelie,’ Lute said, all but smacking his lips.
‘They’re fresh out of the ovens a few moments ago, Your Majesty, so they’re very hot,’ she warned, then promptly turned red, realising all three men were staring at her.
‘I shall be very careful,’ the King replied, kindly.
Keelie curtseyed as Thurrabow lifted the daintily lace-clad pot of floral smelling tea and placed it, together with a tiny porcelain cup, on the desk in front of Pilo.
He gave Pilo a sombre stare. ‘Your lavender infusion, sir,’ he said, not entirely masking his disdain. ‘I’ll let you stir with the rosemary twig.’
‘I think Thoroughly-Boring hates me,’ Pilo said when they’d left.
‘Thurrabow treats everyone the same way. Besides, you deserve his contempt.’
Pilo sipped his tea and pulled a face of disgust. ‘Truly awful.’
‘What did you expect? That’s what old ladies drink when they come to pay their respects to my wife,’ the King said.
‘How is Tria?’
‘She’s well, excited for Tess and still desperate to give me another child. She’s worried that Ellin is growing up far too much of a tomboy but made me promise that I’d allow her to at least meet with boys, which I’ve been loathe to do. Tria is blaming me for keeping Tess too cosseted.’
‘Well, now you come to mention that,’ Pilo said, ‘I happen to agree entirely with your decision not to let Ellin go on the picnic with d’Vorg. The boy is a dolt and his mother is worse.’
‘I gave a promise to his father on his deathbed. I assured him I would give his son the support of a royal education. That’s the only reason I’ve agreed to let him and his mother stay on at court,’ Lute said.
‘And you have been true to your word, Majesty,’ Pilo said. ‘But that doesn’t change the fact that Orin d’Vorg is a thoroughly unpleasant youth. I think you’re wise to discourage that friendship. However, I do like that young Flynn Jolien fellow, whom you’ve appointed as her horseman. A fine young man.’
‘Jolien?’ Lute frowned. ‘He is also without a father, is he not?’
‘Yes, but Flynn is a whole different propositio
n to d’Vorg. Your senior guard tells me he is adept with the animals. And Reeve believes Flynn to be the best of his fighting coterie.’
‘Well, he obviously has your approval, Pilo.’
‘The Jolien family has fallen on hard times,’ Pilo continued, ‘but they have always been intensely loyal to the Crown. Why don’t you come with me to observe Flynn at fencing practice today? Ellin will be there, too. You can meet the boy and also spend time with your daughter, who believes you pay her scant attention.’
‘Scant attention!’ Lute repeated, astonished. ‘My life revolves around protecting her.’
‘That’s not the same thing, Lute,’ Pilo said, carefully. ‘She wants your company and attention. Treat her as the adult she is rapidly becoming. You cannot keep her locked away like a little girl for much longer. If you do, you’ll become a stranger to her.’
Lute gave a soft snort, but didn’t say anything.
‘One more thing. You might like to talk to her about your Rumpelgeist,’ Pilo said.
The King cut him a sharp glance. Suddenly, without even having to be named, the subject of magic sat between them. ‘She hasn’t mentioned anything.’
‘Have you discussed it?’
‘Only in passing.’
Pilo shrugged. ‘I know you don’t like to admit it, but we agree Ellin may well be touched by the family magic.’ At Lute’s soft gasp, Pilo held up a hand. ‘I’m not suggesting she suffers Griff’s magic. I suspect she may possess a gift that isn’t being exploited. You should at least talk to her about it, instead of hoping that by ignoring its potential presence the threat may pass. Besides, you might find it is useful in this situation.’
Lute looked pained.
‘Hear me out,’ Pilo said.
The King nodded, clearly uncomfortable. He sighed. ‘Griff rejoiced when the voices finally left him alone. I hate the thought that Ellin may be afflicted by the same.’
‘I understand, but you can’t fight the natural world. And the wild magic is as natural as the colour of grass being green. If Ellin has the gift we don’t even know the extent of her powers or what they mean or when they’ll show. Here’s a thought. Why not ask her if she can converse with the Rumpelgeist?’
‘What?’ Lute snapped. ‘That’s preposterous!’
‘Why?’
Lute ignored his question, instead glaring at Pilo. ‘Has she said she can talk to it?’ he demanded.
‘No,’ Pilo replied calmly. ‘But we know she has the potential for magic. This Rumpelgeist haunting your capital is a magical being. Explore the possibility that Ellin can communicate with it. If she can, imagine how much stronger your position becomes. You won’t have to wonder about what it wants and you can take appropriate steps to end this haunting.’
‘I’ve got a meeting today with Ferris. Apparently there are children unaccounted for,’ Lute said, biting his lip in thought. ‘I can’t credit it.’
‘Ellin mentioned it. It sounds worrying but until you hear from Ferris the reality it’s best not to listen to the hearsay.’
Lute nodded. ‘We’ll have to throw everything at finding those children and worry about a disgruntled ghost later.’
Pilo stood and tipped his tea into a nearby vase. ‘Please lie to Thoroughly-Boring and tell him I found his tea delicious. And I shall see Your Majesty in the bailey for midday.’ He left before Lute could make any excuse.
‘My father’s in a filthy mood,’ Ellin admitted to Flynn as their horses walked slowly across the final field towards the palace.
Flynn sighed, sympathetically. ‘That’s what fathers are like. I suppose he has a lot on his mind. He’s the King, after all. It can’t be an easy job; everyone always wanting things from you, never having time for yourself, having to think about the needs of a realm and everybody judging your performance every moment of the day.’
She smiled at his loyalty and felt a sting of guilt that she hadn’t taken such a generous attitude. ‘A haunting is one thing but children disappearing is a whole other matter to challenge my father,’ she said. ‘I think they’re linked, although I don’t know how. It must be frightening him.’
‘But he’s not frightened of the ghost, is he?’ Flynn enquired, carefully. It was an odd question, as though Flynn had more to say, but had bitten back on sharing his thoughts.
‘No, of course he’s not,’ she replied. ‘I don’t think my father is frightened of anything, other than my mother perhaps.’
Flynn laughed. ‘Yes, I think my father was scared of my mother too.’
‘I’m sorry you don’t have your father, Flynn,’ she said, softly.
‘Don’t be,’ he replied quickly. ‘And that’s your last apology today, Your Highness. You don’t want it to become a habit.’
‘So you’re not afraid of the Rumpelgeist either?’ she asked, switching the conversation back to the mysterious ghost-rattler.
‘Pfft! Hardly,’ he replied, but again Ellin noted his tone was careful and hesitant. She wondered why.
‘No, I didn’t think so,’ she continued. ‘Me either.’
‘Why not? You’re a girl, aren’t you?’
She could tell Flynn was deliberately goading her, but she rose to the bait anyway. ‘You will pay mightily for that comment, Duke Jolien,’ she smirked.
He grinned. ‘You can add it to the list of punishments I am due for the day,’ he said, and then quickly held a hand up. ‘Please, do not start apologising again. It’s a bore.’
Ellin laughed, delighted to have someone parrying with her. The only other person she knew who could ruthlessly tease her was Pilo. Everyone else was either cringingly deferential or kept their distance.
‘Seriously, though, Your Highness, aren’t you worried the Rumpelgeist might pay you a visit?’
‘Rumpelgeist?’ Ellin swung around in the saddle. ‘I haven’t heard that term before. Is that what it’s called?’ she asked.
He shrugged. ‘Apparently “Rumpelgeist” just means ghost-rattler, but, who knows? Maybe this one has a real name.’
Now Ellin stared at Flynn, intrigued. ‘A ghost with a name?’
‘Why not?’ he said.
‘So you’ve felt the presence?’ she asked.
Flynn shrugged again. ‘Hasn’t everyone felt him?’
‘No, they’ve seen the results of his presence and heard his rattlings – but you can feel him.’
‘I’m just like everyone else,’ Flynn said hurriedly, not meeting Ellin’s gaze as directly as he had earlier.
‘But you seem to know it’s a him,’ she said.
‘Er, I just assumed.’
‘You sound defensive,’ she challenged.
‘Not really,’ he countered.
Ellin gave him a long look. ‘You know something, don’t you?’
‘I don’t. He’s frightening everyone.’
‘There you go again. Assuming it’s a he. How do you know that?’ Ellin asked, as they neared the palace gates.
‘Your Highness, please, I think it’s time we –’
‘Don’t fob me off, Duke Jolien.’
‘Stop calling me by my title – it’s meaningless.’
‘Then stop treating me like some sort of idiot princess who has nothing more in her head than what to wear for the day. I’m not that sort of girl.’
‘I’ve noticed.’
Ellin’s gaze narrowed. ‘Oh, have you?’
Now he blushed furiously.
‘And what else have you noticed about me, Flynn? I’ve had the strange sensation of being watched these last few days. Is it you?’
‘Me?’ he scoffed. ‘I can’t even keep up with you on horseback!’
At this she relaxed and gave him a tight smile. ‘Well, someone’s watching me,’ she said. ‘I can feel it.’
‘It’s probably d’Vorg!’ he quipped, but seemed to instantly regret his forwardness. ‘Forgive me, that’s no business of mine.’
Ellin stifled her smile. So Flynn had been paying close attention. ‘What do yo
u know about d’Vorg?’ she asked, her tone even.
‘That he has few good manners to recommend him and that he’s a strong swordsman but not a skilled one,’ Flynn answered, honestly.
‘Is that so? Perhaps I will come along and watch you young nobles practise, after all. But in the meantime I might accept his picnic invitation,’ Ellin said, playfully.
Dismay took him. ‘Don’t, I –’
‘Don’t?’ Ellin echoed, feigning surprise. ‘Is that an order?’
‘Forgive me,’ Flynn said.
‘Well, perhaps we can strike a bargain,’ Ellin offered.
He looked at her, perplexed. ‘What sort of bargain?’
‘Tell me what you know about the Rumpelgeist and I won’t go on the picnic with d’Vorg.’
He tried to mask his scowl but Ellin saw it anyway. She realised she could read Flynn Jolien’s honest face with ease.
‘I do know something,’ he said, sounding cornered. ‘Say no to d’Vorg and then I will tell you more, but after the practice.’
Flynn offered Ellin his fist to seal the pledge. Ellin clenched her hand and touched knuckles with him.
‘Done,’ she said. ‘See you at practice, Flynn. Afterwards, you will tell me everything you know. And now I must hurry back. I have a visitor to attend to.’
Up on the battlements from one of the disused turrets, another pair of eyes watched the two young figures on horseback disappear beneath the arched gates and the owner of the eyes scowled at the easy friendship they seemed to share.
5
Ellin washed, changed and waited in an itchy frock in one of the many palace courtyards for her visitor. She could have met him in her private courtyard that her father had built for her but she didn’t want Orin d’Vorg anywhere near her chambers. She didn’t especially like Orin; she found him overbearing. He was a boastful fellow and she had decided his conversation was sadly lacking. However, his invitation to the picnic had come at a moment when she’d been feeling particularly alone and she’d made herself a promise she was going to try and be more friendly with the people of her own age around the palace. Without considering the implications she’d agreed, but when her father had heard and tried to forbid it for reasons he couldn’t fully explain, other than his fears about the ghost and its intentions, she’d dug her heels in.
The Rumpelgeist Page 4