The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran

by Valerie Lindsey

  Two buckets of clean water had been placed to the side for rinsing. I stood to rinse the oily water off and finish rinsing my hair. Before I could bend to lift the bucket, Ermes had materialized by the tub to expertly rinse and rub me down. I felt like a well-tended horse.

  I silently drew the line at my private parts by grabbing another towel to finish drying. I started laughing as I stepped out of the tub and Ermes wordlessly dried my first foot and leg. Ermes’ shoulders shook as he chortled in response.

  “I’m relieved to learn you have a sense of humor. It will serve you in good stead dealing with me,” I advised smiling.

  “I think I will enjoy serving you, Lord Conran.”

  I noted that he’d pulled the covers of the bed back and it looked like the pillows had been plumped. A linen nightshirt was laid out.

  “I come from humble beginnings, Ermes. I confess to being notoriously messy but I have been trying to be tidier. At any rate, I like to take care of myself and hope you find yourself actually getting bored.”

  “I doubt that, my lord. There was actually a competition as to who would serve you,” he said with a wide grin and a devilish sparkle in his eye.

  My curiosity aroused, I paused in tying the neck of the cotton nightshirt.

  “What was the competition?”

  “Oh, it was involved! First, it was who could restore a disorganized closet and room the quickest, followed by a footrace to the front door to retrieve a letter, consultation with the chamberlain and a dash to the kitchen to arrange a quick repast, ordering a bath and returning to this room! I won by six minutes,” Ermes concluded smugly. “But that wasn’t all! I learned how to maintain my composure and appropriately handle high stress, how to properly pack/unpack for traveling, etiquette and speech.”

  “How long did this take?” I asked, intrigued.

  “Over a week. A few days we had to operate with little or no sleep. Several dropped out after a few days. It was down to three of us.”

  I desperately wanted to sleep but this story was too good.

  “How many started the competition?”

  “Ten. It was a good way to rise above footman or being a gofer for others.”

  I nodded in understanding, but couldn’t prevent a huge yawn.

  “My apologies for yawning. Thank you for sharing all your efforts to become my valet. We will talk more after I have rested,” I commented as I slide between the cool sheets.

  Ermes drew heavy drapes across the large windows to darken the room. If either of us said more, I don’t remember as I fell into a deep sleep almost as soon as my damp head hit the pillow.

  It seemed far too soon when heavy curtains being dragged open woke me. I quickly turned my head from the bright light streaming in to find Bayard’s nose a few inches from mine. He tentatively licked my nose.

  “I’m getting up!” I insisted as I scratched his neck. Swinging my legs out, I stretched. I felt refreshed after the brief nap.

  “Ermes…” my voice trailed off when I realized he’d quietly slipped out.

  I did tell him I could dress myself, so he’d obviously taken it to heart. I turned to see he’d lain my dinner outfit across the top of the armchair. I was fastening the last button when there was a soft tap on the door.

  “Come in!”

  Ermes walked in softly. Like many of King Stefano’s retinue, he moved almost silently. The item swinging from his left hand caught my attention.

  “What is that?”

  “I had one of the groomsmen make a collar and leash for your dog. He fastened a loop for the leash to attach to. I hope you don’t mind. What’s his name?”

  “Bayard and I think that is so thoughtful and a great idea.”

  I took the collar from Ermes. Stooping down, I called Bayard over and fastened the collar around his thick neck. I made sure there was room for my fingers to fit underneath.

  “Fits great and there’s still a couple of holes if he gets bigger.”

  “Bigger?” Ermes squeaked. “He’s intimidating enough. Do you think he will let me take him outside to do his business before he eats?”

  “Only one way to find out,” I teased. “Come here and say ‘hello’!”

  The fear in Ermes’ eyes made me regret my approach.

  “He’s very good, Ermes. Nothing to fear. The important thing is not to be afraid as animals sense your feelings.”

  I rubbed between Bayard’s eyes and down his muzzle before scratching behind his ears as I spoke. Gradually, Ermes seemed to relax. He slowly approached.

  “Should I crouch down, too?”

  I nodded in response.

  “Ready?”

  I shifted my hand to start rubbing Bayard’s throat which caused him to lift his head. Ermes tentatively petted my dog’s head. Bayard flicked an ear but remained calm.

  “He’s softer than I expected.”

  “I thought the same. He must have been brushed a lot.”

  “I can brush him after he eats,” Ermes volunteered.

  “I’m sure he will like that, but I don’t have a brush and I should probably be with you the first time until he is more familiar with both of us.”

  “Their Highnesses have several dogs. I’m sure I can get a brush from the dog keepers.”

  I’d never heard of dog keepers but knew I didn’t have time to learn more without risking being late for supper.

  “If you find a brush, come find me after dinner and we’ll take care of him together.”

  “Very well, Sir,” Ermes said with a low bow.

  I smiled in return and gave a final pat to Bayard before turning to leave the room. A familiar quivering pulled my attention back to my newly acquired staff propped against the tapestried wall. The top pulsed. It was too tall for me to pretend it was a cane, but it seemed drawn to me.

  As nonchalantly as I could, I reached out and grasped the staff. I would need to hurry. With one hand on the stone banister, I sped down the stairs.

  I slowed before reaching the slippery marble floor at the base of the staircase. The last thing I wanted was to end up sprawling and spinning across the floor. Once I felt sure of my footing, I quickened my pace as much as I dared. I slowed once I reached the short hall leading to the grand dining room to sedately enter the brightly lit room.

  Wall sconces illuminated the beautiful room, reflecting off the gilded chairs arranged around the long dining table. Flowers and candles adorned the snowy linen tablecloth that had been set with floral china. I was relieved to see I was only the third to arrive. A familiar wavy black haired head was bent attentively to a blonde one.

  “Nicky, Kat! When did you arrive, Kat?”

  Impulsively, I lay a hand on each of their shoulders. Nicky quickly rose and gave me a rib bruising hug.

  “Oomph! Easy, Nicky!”

  “Our returning hero! Do you never tire of saving the realm?!”

  “I hardly saved the realm. In fact, I think Silvesto’s recommendations to the Commander was far more important than anything I did.”

  Nicky snorted. Before he could say anything more, I turned to Kat.

  “You are as lovely as ever. I know Nicky is happy to have you here and the rest of us are, too. Have you seen Jamila?”

  “I arrived just over two days ago and she’s been with me most of the time. It was kind of King Drexel to send me here.” She lay a hand on Nicky’s arm, her eyes glistening. “Jamila and I have been discussing wedding plans. She should be here shortly.”

  Nicky and I exchanged pained looks. More wedding discussions! Fortunately, Kat was admiring her engagement ring and didn’t notice our consternation. I sat beside Nicky, leaving the seat next to Kat for Jamila. That might provide some relief.

  “What are you carrying? Makes you look like a bona fide wizard.”

  I felt myself flush. I’d trusted Nicky with a lot but I didn’t want to say too much in front of Kat.

  “I found it on our way back. Sometimes my balance still isn’t quite right.” I hated lyin
g. I met Nicky’s eye and raised an eyebrow to let him know there was more. His mouth quirked up one side as he nodded.

  “Did Silvesto return with you?”

  “No, Lady Ilena was with us, so Silvesto stayed to escort her back. They may be back tonight depending on when they left.”

  I turned halfway in my chair so I could watch the door. I hadn’t seen Jamila in almost a week and my heart was quivering in anticipation of her arrival. Belatedly, I realized that Kat had asked me something.

  “I’m sorry. What was that, Kat?”

  “I asked what Vernonia is like? I heard it was a pretty coastal town.”

  “Honestly, I didn’t pay a lot of attention. Most of my time was spent at the shipyards and the Commander’s headquarters. Main street was full of shops that Lady Ilena planned on visiting before returning. I’m sure she will let you how they are.” I hesitated before slowly asking, “Have you shopped in town yet?”

  As I’d feared, Kat gushed and went into painful detail as to where she’d shopped and what she’d added to her wedding trousseau. Nick shot me a poisonous look when Kat turned to see who had entered the dining room. I smiled and nodded at the well-dressed couple who I’d spoken to a few times but couldn’t remember their names.

  My smile widened when I saw Jamila behind them. I started to stand until I saw Jamila pause to look back. Roberto quickly came up behind her, slipped her hand through his arm and bent to give her a quick kiss on her cheek. My smile froze on my burning face.

  Slowly I stood as I silently berated myself for thinking that Jamila had chosen me. I barely registered Nicky’s hand on my arm.

  “Let me give her my chair, so they can talk wedding plans and we can have a more interesting discussion.”

  Wordlessly, I nodded. I hoped my smile looked more sincere than it felt.

  “Conran, they are just friends though he’s been hoping for more,” Nicky whispered. “Don’t give up so easily, my friend.”

  I smiled my thanks and stepped forward to offer Jamila my hand as they approached.

  “Conran, you’re back!”

  Jamila slipped from Roberto’s arm and pushed my hand away to give me a hard hug.

  “We can’t wait to hear about your adventures!”

  “Who said I had any adventures?” I forced out.

  “You always seem to,” Jamila teased as she took the proffered chair and sat between Kat and I. Nicky quickly claimed the chair next to me and designated the one next to him to Roberto. With apparent reluctance, Roberto ducked his head, sighed heavily and reluctantly took the proffered chair.

  I silently thanked Nicky as I took my seat. Feeling a little bad for Roberto’s predicament, I leaned forward to make eye contact with him.

  “Good to see you again, Roberto.”

  “It was kind of Jamila to invite me to join you and your friends. I hope I’m dressed appropriately,” he mumbled as he looked around. Unfortunately, no one else had entered the dining room.

  “This isn’t a formal dinner but I can loan you a doublet if you would be more comfortable.”

  “Thank you, but everyone will have to accept me as I am.”

  I laughed and found myself remembering why I liked him. It would be easier if I didn’t. I pushed my tumultuous feelings down and looked at Jamila as she listened attentively to Kat. I couldn’t help studying her glowing face.

  I waited until there was a pause to interject. “What has happened here while I was gone, Jamila?”

  “Nothing much,” she answered, turning with a gleam in her dark eyes. “Always seems to be very quiet when you’re away. Almost dull.”

  “I’m glad I liven things up,” I joked back.

  The dining hall was rapidly filling with well-dressed, perfumed and chattering diners. Jamila’s voice seemed loud during an unexpected lull in the echoing hall.

  “What did you do in Seguna and Vernonia, Conran?”

  I sensed many ears tuned into our discussion. News of any kind was relished by the court. I didn’t want to recount the horror of Seguna during dinner.

  “Silvesto and I consulted with the Commander and his captains but Silvesto did most of the work. The threat from the sea is over. A small band got ashore, but we took care of them on the way here.”

  “How large a band?” Roberto asked eagerly.

  “Less than a dozen. The captain ensured there were no survivors,” I quickly added before he asked.

  While I’d been talking, I noticed Jamila eyeing my staff. Catching my eye, she nodded her head to it.

  “Is that one of your prizes?”

  Why had I brought it down with me?

  “I found it near where the land party attacked us.” I didn’t want to explain how it had drawn me.

  “He said it helps with his back,” Nicky interjected.

  “You need to let Lady Ilena know if your back is still bothering you, Conran.”

  “Just a twinge now and then, Jamila. Nothing to worry about. It is probably normal and I did hit the tree pretty hard.”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Jamila murmured with a dubious look.

  Eager to shift the conversation away from myself, I quickly leaned forward to catch Kat’s attention.

  “Has a date been set for the wedding?”

  Nicky jabbed me sharply with his elbow.

  “What kind of friend are you?” he hissed at me at Kat began rapturously detailing her plans without answering my question.

  I rubbed my ribs and whispered back, “I’m sorry, Nicky. I will explain later.”

  “It had better be good,” he grumbled in a low voice.

  A tap at my elbow interrupted any further interchange.

  “My lord, his majesty requests your presence at council.”

  “Of course. Please excuse me.”

  Nicky cast an envious look at my departure.

  “Now, you really owe me, Conran!”

  I held back a laugh as I rose. Without thinking, I took my staff. Oddly, it already felt a part of me. My cheeks flamed as I felt many pairs of eyes on me as I exited.

  I exhaled sharply once I was out of the room. In contrast to the silent page, my boots rang sharply and echoed in the wide hall. The noise dropped as we entered the wide corridor leading to the council room.

  Silvesto stood leaning against the wall outside the door. He straightened away from the wall and gave me a tight smile. The page waited patiently as I greeted Silvesto.

  “When did Ilena and you arrive?”

  “Less than an hour ago. I barely had time to clean up before I was summoned,” he grumbled in a low voice.

  I signaled the page to leave us and waited until he was out of hearing

  “I’m sure he just wants to discuss Seguna.”

  “With his entire council?”

  “They originally told me that he wasn’t going to meet with us until tomorrow,” I conceded. Suddenly, I felt my stomach tighten. Should I be worried?

  The carved oak door opened and Chamberlain Madrono stepped out. Seeing us, he smiled and opened the door wider. My clenched stomach relaxed.

  “He is smiling,” Silvesto whispered as we entered the council chamber.

  My brief relief fled as I saw the serious and strained faces of King Stefan and his council members. I took the vacant chair to King Stefan’s right while Silvesto took one further down. The king got right to the point.

  “Another seaport has reported the appearance of an armada that is heading to Florenza. Can you deal with it, Lord Pierce-Seahorn?”

  I knew what he was asking and didn’t bother with coyness. I nodded curtly.

  “Do you need anything from us?”

  “Can an order go out to clear the streets of all civilians? I would rather no one see what I must do.”

  “Does that include my army and the battlement guards?”

  “If possible, Your Majesty.”

  King Stefan looked at one of the men at arms by the door.

  “Captain Gabriele, have your men clear the streets within
the hour before reporting to their quarters.”

  The captain bowed before leaving. As the door boomed behind him, King Stefano’s eyes roved over his cabinet members.

  “Does anyone have any concerns they need to voice?”

  Michele Caron, a short, fat man coughed and ran a nervous hand through his greying, blonde hair. He fixed his watery blue eyes on me.

  “I think the council should be allowed to watch what Lord Pierce-Seahorn does.” His rabbity eyes looked around the table. “I’ve heard what he can do. I can’t be the only one who wants to see for myself.”

  I didn’t like the eager, blood thirsty look in his eyes. I glanced around the room and saw various degrees of interest. Icy cold swept over me. Fury followed as I thought of these men eager to watch the decimation of an armada.

  Disgust swept over me. My hands clenched and unclenched as I struggled to hide my feelings. Perversely, I almost wanted to let these men see death first hand. Maybe that would cure their craving for death. King Stefano stood abruptly.

  “You want Lord Pierce-Seahorn to take all the risk, fight our battle for us and entertain you as well?”

  The anger in his voice was palpable. Evidently, so did several of his council. Only Caron met his eyes but he looked ashamed. His mouth worked, but emitted no sound.

  “All of you are dismissed. If I see any of you on the battlements…” his voice stopped as he met my eyes. His eyes narrowed as he looked at each of his council members. “Expect to become casualties. Do you have any problem with that, Conran?”

  “None at all,” I replied, smiling in what I hoped was a scary manner.

  The scent of fear and sweat rose in the closed, warm room. We sat in silence for several long minutes. I glanced at King Stefano. He met my look and gave a sly wink.

  “You are dismissed. I expect you to retire to your chambers and homes after dinner.”

  Most nodded their agreement while they all looked relieved to be dismissed. I kept my seat as I rubbed the Druid’s Egg to ascertain when the invaders would enter the bay. I waited quietly until the chamber had emptied before turning to King Stefano. I bowed my head in obeisance.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. I was not relishing multiple deaths being a source of amusement.”