Bardess of Rhulon

by Verna McKinnon

  “The paralysis is only temporary. Your legs will return to normal very soon,” he assured her. Culain lifted her in his arms and carried her to a chair. “Fetch a glass of brandy,” Culain asked Sally.

  “Yes, Ambassador,” Sally nodded, hands nervously twisting her apron.

  Rose’s stomach curdled at the mention of alcohol. She leaned close to Culain’s ear, whispering, “No brandy, please. My stomach is shaky. I don’t want to throw up in front of everyone.” She looked away, mortified as another wave of embarrassment took her. He probably even smelled the rum on her breath.

  “Perhaps a glass of water might be better,” Culain suggested.

  “Thank you,” she replied in a small voice, mortified and nauseous. She blamed the rum more than the beast for her ill stomach. At least her headache had faded. He was being so nice to her. Why was he always so nice? She could not figure him out. That vexed her. She could always figure people out.

  Sally brought her a tall glass of water. Culain took it and held it to her lips as she sipped, because her hands would not stop shaking. The combination of shock and the dehydrating effects of alcohol made her quite thirsty. She drained the whole glass of water.

  “Better?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Is Miss Rose going to be all right?” Sally asked.

  “I’m fine, Sally,” Rose said. “I just need for my legs to work again and scour myself in a bath until I don’t feel so foul.”

  Culain examined the dagger, careful to keep the kerchief around it. “Your movement should return to normal within the hour. I must say, this is marvelous crafting. Where did you acquire this splendid dagger?” Culain asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “Meg Sparrow gave it to me for protection. She said a woman alone is in danger orsomething? I don’t remember. We had rum with our tea as we talked. I put the dagger under my pillow, mostly because she suggested it. I’m glad I did. When I finally remembered it was there, I grabbed it at the first opportunity. Then I stabbed it. I kept stabbing it too.” Rose saw the creature’s bloodstains on her hands and blanched. “What was it doing to me?”

  “Sir, they found six guards unconscious in the halls,” Robert reported, returning with a bowl of ice.

  “That explains why no one came when I screamed,” Rose commented.

  Culain’s expression was grave. “It’s wounded and dangerous. Judging by the trail of blood, it cannot have gone far in its condition. We’ll send soldiers to hunt it down. I want this one alive, Robert. I want to interrogate it.”

  “Do you think they’ll find it?” Rose asked.

  “They will. Don’t worry, Rose. I’m just relived you’re not seriously hurt.” Robert handed him a pair of gloves that Culain slipped on. Then he personally took a fresh steaming basin of water from Sally. He gently but thoroughly washed away the blood. He spoke to her in soft tones as he soaped her hands and arms. “I must thank your Ranger friend for her foresight,” he remarked. “I would hate for my Bardess to leave my employ so quickly by such wicked means.” He turned to Robert. “Take the blade to the palace alchemist, Robert. Don’t let it out of your sight. Tell him what happened here. Then gather testimony from the guards. The alchemist should be able to confirm what attacked her. The Emperor must be informed of this at once.”

  She hoped that bath would be ready soon. A very, very, hot bath. The image of the beast was branded in her memory, taunting her. Then she had a revelation and her head jerked up with clarity. “It was a changeling!” She could not remember until now. She blamed the rum for that too.

  “I know. But how did you know?” Culain asked curiously.

  The comfort of knowledge and reason restored her equilibrium. “I read a lot growing up, and much to my mother’s dismay they were not recipes. I read everything I could find in the Stone Haven library. I loved all subject and studied history, languages, mathematics, philosophy, poetry, and science. There was a book on demons and monsters that belonged to my Bard Master, Belenus Aylecross. He had a very impressive library. I remember seeing a drawing of a changeling in one of his books back home. I asked for a copy of it for Solstice. My parents thought I was mad. It was the Encyclopedia of Mythical Beasts by a professor named Marcus Sage.”

  “That is an excellent book,” Culain approved. “I believe my father has the first edition of the book in his personal library.”

  “Well, the changeling looked like that, only much, much worse in real life.”

  “They usually do,” Culain agreed.

  * * *

  Crimson cowered in the shadows, bleeding from the dagger wounds the mean dwarf girl inflicted. Her blood left a trail in the grass, but night would conceal those for the moment, though not the odor. She stumbled across the grounds, evading soldiers when they appeared. There were so many. She was too weak to fight and needed to hide from her enemies. She could not even shapeshift into her other form. She could not shapeshift at all. Too weak. Master would be displeased that she failed to bring the dwarf to him. She shivered, fearing his wrath.

  Feeble and crying, she sniffed the earth, slithering like a snake across the green until she found a metal circle on the grounds. The iron cover led to the underground sewers beneath the palace. She could hide there. Rats would be plentiful in the sewers. Bugs too. Could feast on rats and bugs to give her strength and help heal her wounds. Then find a human to feed on, to complete her healing. Rats would not be enough, but they keep her going until she found an unsuspecting human. But how to overtake a human in her wounded state? She must wait. Hide in the dark. Find plump rats and juicy bugs. She lifted the heavy iron cover and descended.

  Crimson trudged through the damp underground until she found a dark crevice. She curled up, whimpering. There was no one to help Crimson in this dark hole. In her agony, she blamed one thing for her failure. Rose Greenleaf.

  “The ugly dwarf girl caused my pain. Master will despise me now,” she whined, talking to herself. “Master wanted Rose. I failed him! I could have killed the Ironheart too. I could have been rewarded. Master’s wrath will fall on my poor head.”

  Anger consumed Crimson for the dwarf girl! Rose Greenleaf was so little. How could she fight her off? Where did that dagger come from? Deceitful little bitch. The changeling’s ability to take a person in their sleep was old as time as itself. Rose should not have woken up! Rose should have remained asleep as she cocooned her body. Master would have rewarded her for bringing dwarf. Now she would be punished.

  Crimson vowed to make Rose suffer for this agony and humiliation. She opened the grip of her grey hand, revealing her secret treasure, a few long strands of chestnut hair from the dwarf girl. This would be enough for Crimson’s revenge.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The Emperor was infuriated. He paced back and forth in the grand study, a towering giant in purple velvet robes. “This is unacceptable. How does such a miserable demon like that infiltrate my palace?” Aristide demanded.

  Rose could easily count each inflamed vein on his forehead. Aristide’s booming voice and ferocious gaze reminded her of a wrathful god, like Taranis, the ancient force of storm and thunder. His long stride punished the elegant carpets as he paced. A poem about him was actually forming in her head as she watched the Emperor with trepidation and intense curiosity. Aristide was a formidable man, and not just because he was over two feet taller than her.

  “We thought the same thing when it happened at Rhundoran Keep,” Culain confessed.

  “A changeling infiltrated the Keep?” Rose gasped.

  “A fact we have kept secret, so now you must, Rose. Do you understand?” Culain asked.

  “Yes, of course,” Rose agreed quickly.

  “Changelings are vile creatures, but not very bright.” Culain pointed out. “That’s how we caught ours. They’re unpredictable and vicious. The creature left a trail of bodies before we finally stopped it. We must act quickly. I would rather that not happen here.”

  “Nor I,” Aristide agreed. “I want th
is demon trapped and in custody before it kills anyone. Gods, what if it has already copied someone here.” Aristide paused and a flash of pain shadowed his features. “Or perhaps it has killed already?”

  Culain quickly raised a cautious hand. “Perhaps, but we will never really know if Prince Justin’s death was truly an accident or the machinations of a changeling. We cannot assume anything yet, Your Majesty.”

  The door unexpectedly opened and Darius rushed into the room. Robert was stubborn as he tried to block Prince Darius from entering. Robert’s expression was so cross Rose almost burst out laughing. The poor old valet attempting to keep a strapping tall folk man from entering was staunch loyalty indeed. She hoped the old valet didn’t sprain anything.

  “It’s all right, Robert. Don’t strain your back,” Culain sighed, rubbing his brow.

  Aristide’s tone did not reflect welcome at his son’s intrusion. “Damn it, Darius! I ordered that no on interrupt us! That included you. Now go. This is about state security.”

  Darius bowed deeply, but did not leave. “Forgive me, Father, but I just learned what happened. I want to help you.”

  “Not now,” Aristide replied. “Leave us alone. We’ll talk later.”

  “But Father, I can help you”

  “Damn it all, I’m busy. We’ve been breached by a demon at the palace and it’s still out there. Now is not the time for a lesson about kingship,” Aristide said bluntly. “We’ll make time for a chat later.”

  “This is the perfect time,” Darius insisted stoically. “I’m your son and heir. I must be useful.”

  “This is a security crisis, Darius. If you want to make yourself useful, go make sure your mother is safe and assign more guards for her protection. And stay out of my way.”

  “But Father, you can’t just”

  The verbal sparring between royals ended abruptly when Empress Isabeau entered the chamber, graceful in a gold satin robe. Not even Robert dared to stop her passing. Everyone bowed respectfully as she rushed to her husband’s side. “Aristide! I heard what happened. Is everyone safe? Will the poor guard recover?”

  “It’s being handled, my dear,” Aristide told her gently and kissed her hand.

  Rose was amazed at the transformation of the Emperor when he spoke to his wife.

  The Empress turned to Rose and went to her. Isabeau gently cupped her cheeks and a look of genuine concern was on her face. “My child, how frightened you must have been. I am so glad you are safe.”

  Rose curtsied. “I’m quite well and unharmed. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  “You’re so brave, my dear. I would be in pieces after such an experience. See she is well looked after, Culain,” Isabeau commanded briskly. “Rose is a treasure you should not risk.”

  “Her protection is my first concern, Your Majesty,” Culain bowed.

  Darius’ face could have been carved of marble as he stood there. Isabeau’s expression was full of understanding when she looked at her son. She extended her hands and asked, “Darius, would you mind escorting me back to my room. It is not safe with that demon on the loose. Then I am sure your father will charge you to assist him with this terrible situation.”

  “Of course, Mother.” Darius stiffly bowed to his father and tenderly took his mother’s hand. Rose’s heart ached for him as she watched them depart the chamber.

  Robert bowed his head to the exiled Prince and the Empress before closing the door and resuming his post, scowling, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

  Culain watched the tense exchange between the Prince and the Emperor, but his expression was neutral. He did not comment or interfere. She knew the princes were good friends, but boundaries and allegiances are tricky when dealing with an irate emperor.

  After Darius and the Empress departed, Culain did not remark on what just happened. He picked up the conversation right where he left off. She observed Aristide’s temper softened after a moment and returned to the business at hand. Culain’s calm tact and resolve was impressive as he handled this imposing ruler. Being the son of King Grimkel Ironheart must not be easy either. She wondered what her own king was like.

  “Your Majesty, my concern is that changelings do not infiltrate to this high level alone,” Culain suggested. “We know they’re useful because of their ability to shapeshift. They possess a slight cleverness, though they’re not very bright. Anyone or anything could be using it for other purposes that are a threat to all of us. It is not uncommon for humans to employ changelings. It is rare but it does happen. The rumors about the goblins stirring in Mordok bothers me. It may be nothing, but we must look at every aspect. In the meantime, we need to hush this incident and hunt it down.”

  “I agree,” the Emperor replied sternly, accepting the glass from Culain. “We must keep this quiet. I want that changeling found immediately, preferably alive so we can torture the details out of the despicable thing before we kill it.”

  “We must ascertain why it’s here,” Culain said. “Find out what its agenda truly is.”

  “Well, it just tried to kill your Bardess,” Aristide pointed out. “What would it have gained by that?”

  “No, it didn’t want to kill me,” Rose mumbled to herself, but tragically loud enough for the Emperor to turn his stare on her.

  “Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Your Majesty. The changeling could have snapped my neck quite easily. I think its plans for me did not involve killing me, but something worse.

  “Go on,” Aristide encouraged with a steely gaze.

  “The changeling held me prisoner. I’m only four feet tall and a girl of normal strength. It could have killed me. I gave it reason to, as I was not a cooperative victim. Death was not its motive. I believe it wanted to copy me. It was covering me with sticky webs secreted from its hands.” Rose shuddered at the memory. “It also was enthralling me somehow. I lost the use of my legs for an hour. I still feel wobbly. There are lots of legends about changelings. One is that it cocoons its victims. Sadly, a lot is unknown about the changelings. I am sure it wanted to take me. It seemed determined to do so. It may also have taken others.”

  “Rose is right,” Culain agreed. “Who knows what it does to achieve its deception.”

  “Your bardess would have been a prize for the changeling,” Aristide agreed. “Acting as a spy in the inner circle of your household undetected. You’re lucky, Culain.”

  “Indeed I am, Your Majesty. My research suggests they kidnap victims they plan to impersonate for long periods. They can also emulate a person for a short span with nothing more than some blood or piece of that person, like hair or a tooth. I’ve done some research, but not enough. It’s tricky to determine their weaknesses. The poor victims are rarely found. Even if they are, extracting them alive from the cocoon is chancy. Even a changeling’s blood is deadly.”

  “The blood is dangerous?” Rose gasped.

  “That’s why I was so careful to wash it away and make sure they removed all evidence of it to be burned, except for the dagger. But all we know is that it can cause a nasty rash.”

  “There have been stories and assumptions, but we need facts,” Aristide said coldly.

  “And quickly, since the changeling has infiltrated this deep into the palace,” Culain added. “It’s hard to know how long it has been here or whom it has impersonated. We need to learn more about it. That is our first step.”

  “Find the answers,” Aristide demanded. “Lead the investigation. Thank you for coming to me about this, Culain. Right now, I want every guard scouring the grounds and every room in the palace for it. It’s been exposed and such demons are dangerous. I want to keep this investigation between us. I will inform the Captain of my Imperial Guard, as well as my personal physician and alchemist to be at your disposal.”

  “Excellent.” Culain bowed and added, “My people will work tirelessly with them to find out more information about the changeling. In the meantime, one thing to consider is a blood test.”

  Aristide’s brow
creased and he looked confused. “I don’t understand?”

  Culain explained it “As you know, Your Majesty, Rose managed to stab the creature. The blood is a thick grey fluid, not red like ours. Though it may have the skill to shapeshift to look like us, can it change its blood too? I would suggest a tiny prick on the finger should prove if a person is human or changeling.”

  “Then see to it, if you think it warranted.”

  They were leaving when the Emperor asked, “Bardess Greenleaf, why do you keep a dagger under your pillow?”

  “My best friend is a Ranger named Meg Sparrow. She says a woman alone is never safe and should carry protection, even in a palace.”

  “Your friend is very wise,” Aristide confirmed with a dark grin.

  “If it pleases Your Majesty, Commander Sparrow would make an excellent candidate for my team,” Culain interjected. “She has a sterling reputation as an investigator and is ideal to protect Rose from further harm. Rose injured the changeling and it will retaliate. They are spiteful creatures. I would personally feel better if my bardess had a warrior woman who could protect her at all times.”

  She could have hugged Culain right there.

  “I will agree to this,” Aristide nodded. “Commander Sparrow is well known to me. She’s a fine warrior. She’s also coming from outside the palace, so Sparrow is a safe addition to palace security, since we have no idea how deep this goes. I will accept her inclusion in this private matter.”

  Rose was overjoyed. She curtsied deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  After they left the Emperor’s chamber, fatigue and excitement bubbling inside her simultaneously. Robert followed behind, huffing and puffing to keep up with Culain and Rose.

  “You should both get some rest,” Culain advised. “It’s only a few hours until dawn. First thing in the morning, we are going to comb the library for anything about changelings.”

  “The Imperial library?” Rose asked, feeling bright with anticipation.

  “That too, but White Thorn’s public library is one of the largest in the world. We’ll check there first. Royal libraries are more often about private editions in fine gold leaf and engraved leather bindings.”