Bardess of Rhulon

by Verna McKinnon

Thera’s glance could have melted iron. “Do not speak like a guttersnipe.”

  “Sorry, Thera,” Lilias replied, all gentle and dainty again. “Forgive me. You are my only friend in this strange land. The wine has affected me more than I imagined. I will do better. I’m sorry. Please don’t be angry.”

  Thera’s ardent and inscrutable gaze forced Lilias to look away. “In the meantime, the Emperor has ordered that no one must be alone. Something strange happened here last night, but we are not privy to what.”

  “Goodness! That sounds frightening.”

  “I have errands I must attend to and have summoned escorts. Stay in your room until I return. I’ve instructed the maids to keep you company.”

  “Can’t I come with you? Please!”

  “No,” Thera replied firmly.

  * * *

  Culain instructed the servants to leave the library books on the dining table in his private chambers. They had gathered a vital collection of references on demons and monsters, but he could not focus on his successful acquirement of rare research. He was agitated and concerned about Rose. He prayed she was all right. Don’t let it harm Rose. Not her.

  Robert’s graveled, cranky voice rescued him from his revolving prison of guilt. Robert shuffled through the front door, grumpy and stubborn as ever, elbowing the poor guard who tried to help him. The old valet shooed him away like a fly.

  “Do you think I should have let Commander Sparrow take Rose?” Culain asked. “Rose’s vision was disturbing. Why did that happen to her? It’s nothing I’ve come across in my research.”

  “Sir, you have not stopped talking about Miss Rose since Meg and Darius carried her away. They will take care of her.”

  Culain impatiently shrugged off his coat and dismissed all but one of his personal Rhulonese guards. “Rose is my responsibility. I promised Belenus I would look after her. Maybe I should have followed my initial instincts and sent her home when I found her.”

  The young sentry stationed himself at the door. He almost blended into the wallpaper he was so silent. Culain wished the soldier would make a noise, anything to divert him from agonizing about Rose. Instead, he settled for a glass of wine and methodically began arranging the books, to keep his thoughts distracted. “When the tragedy happened in Rhulon, we were left with only a dead changeling, its slaughtered victims, but no answers. This time, I’m going to get those answers no matter what. Did you send the coded dispatch to the Raven about the current events?”

  “Yes, Culain,” Robert replied. “These events will not please the Raven, but it’s better to know the truth of the situation.” The old man shuddered. “Changelings! Repulsive creatures, but unlike other monsters or demons like goblins, trolls and ogres, they possess the ability to infiltrate human populations through shapeshifting.”

  “I’m sure there’s a powerful force behind the shapeshifters’ actions and I’m determined to find it. I only had time to briefly research demons before I left Rhungar. I despise the fact a demon infested my home. By the time we killed the changeling at the royal court, we saved my father’s life. The deaths of the four brave men who saved him gnaw at me. A hero’s funeral and pension for their families can never make up for their sacrifice. Then, I arrive in White Thorn the day after Prince Justin died. My timing is cursed.”

  Robert settled slowly into a chair. “Demon and monster lore and fact have always been ambiguous. There were volumes about goblins and ogresbecause we’ve had to fight them in the past. Changelings are more elusive. Still, we cannot keep this up for long,” Robert complained. “Especially at court. It will break down into chaos. The rumor mill is already churning.”

  “I know. Keeping people in pairs or groups by imperial command is going to get tedious and arouse suspicion. We need to catch the damn thing and put it out of our misery. What did the physician say when you told him about Rose’s symptoms?”

  “At first he was not certain, but after looking into some of his older medical reference books, the creature’s blood can have poisonous effects on a human, even if the victim was not bitten. The blood is toxic and can penetrate into the body through the skin with venomous effects. He is compiling possible remedies and doing more research, however, there is no reference on visions.”

  “Possible remedies? Research? He doesn’t even know?”

  “Sadly, he knows as much as we do. Most of the antidotes he looked up have a magical base and require a witch or wizard.”

  “I suppose that is reasonable. They are demons after all. Or monsters?”

  “Is there a difference?” Robert asked wearily.

  “Sadly there is. Demons have origins to the mystical dark underworlds, but exist in this mortal one. A monster is just a strange aberration of nature or even a creature of fey origin. A goblin of any species is a demon whereas a troll is a big ugly monster that mopes under bridges.”

  “Mysticism and otherworldly studies always give me a headache,” Robert replied.

  Culain’s expression tensed and he hesitated before speaking. “What about the stable boy Rose saw in her vision?”

  “They found the body of a stable boy, or rather what was left of him. It was unnatural. The poor boy was a dried up husk.”

  “Damn,” Culain blurted out and banged his fist on the table. “I had hoped it was a fevered whimsy.”

  “We all did, sir. The Emperor is keeping it quiet for now until we make headway, but he is angry. He is relying on you to put this fiend down.”

  Culain poured a glass of wine and handed it to Robert. “I will do that, with the utmost pleasure. I just hope that Rose recovers.”

  Robert sipped gratefully. “The royal physician is looking into any possible remedies ready should Rose need them. Be assured sir. We’re doing everything possible.”

  “Thank you Robert. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Culain’s facial muscles softened a bit, but he was still concerned for Rose. “I hope that Meg Sparrow knows what she’s doing. Maybe we should find Rose and bring her back here,” Culain wondered, pacing up and down the plush carpet.

  “We have no idea where Darius and Meg Sparrow took Miss Rose, but I think she will be safe in their care. Plus, it’s too dangerous here as long as that changeling is free. You took the proper course of action. That redheaded ranger is a formidable woman from what I have gleaned. Her honor is above reproach and she has received many honors for her bravery.”

  “What of Meg’s past? If we are going to recruit Meg Sparrow as well, I need to know everything about her.”

  “Her past is murky, but there are whispers she is from Juraca.”

  “Juraca? That is a grim place,” Culain shuddered. “No wonder she moved out west. Anything else?”

  “She has served with the rangers for ten years, rising swiftly in the ranks on her own merits. The other rangers respect her. She has a temper and enjoys rum and dice. I also learned that when she applied to serve with the Imperial Rangers, she had a letter of introduction from Emperor Aristide himself.”

  “That is impressive. Do we know why?”

  “I couldn’t find out why Emperor Aristide intervened for her, but she must have impressed him somehow. He does not grant favors easily, especially to commoners. Meg Sparrow is an expert fighter and a master of several weaponsand she’s reputed to be a witch, though she does not practice.”

  “That is useful to know. Meg Sparrow retains excellent skills that can serve our cause.” Culain loosened his collar and sat down across from Robert, “Rose and Meg are such good friends, though they have not known each other long. It is funny how women bond, isn’t it? I’ve never really bonded with anyone, not even my brothers and sisters.”

  “The price of protecting the crown requires sacrifice,” Robert told him. “Few know about what you have done to protect the Ironheart legacy, but I know, Culain, even if your numerous brothers and sisters are oblivious to your true calling.”

  Culain drained his wine glass, tempted to pour another, but refrained. He n
eeded his faculties to be sharp with danger and demons lurking. “I just hope Meg can help Rose.”

  “Sir, you must not despair, and in the interim we have work to do.”

  “You’re right of course,” Culain agreed.

  They cleared the dining table and divided the books and scrolls for study. They had just sat down when a knock on the door interrupted them. The amazingly silent sentinel answered it.

  A cloaked woman stood in the doorway, her face concealed by a deep hood, flanked by two Imperial officers.

  “I must speak with the Ambassador.” The voice was quite familiardeep and soft as velvet, with a unique accent.

  “Lady Thera, this is a surprise,” Culain said, rising from his chair.

  What could she possibly want? Culain thought suspiciously. He put his hands behind his back and bowed genteelly, his grip on the dagger he kept in a special sheath in his belt.

  “I must speak with you now,” Thera demanded, boldly gliding into the room, pulling back her hood. She turned and glared at her escort, “You may wait outside.” She then turned to Culain’s guard, “Close the door,” she commanded.

  The stunned sentinel had his hand on the door knob but stopped himself, glancing helplessly at Culain.

  Culain nodded and said, “It’s all right. Go ahead and close the door, but stay at your post.” He looked at Thera curiously. “I know you must be aware of the current rule about anyone being alone in the palace right now, Lady Thera, so my valet and bodyguard will remain present.”

  Thera eyed the room curiously. “It is wise, Ambassador. Your chambers are exquisite, and they have scaled the furnishings to your needs. It’s quite charming.”

  “We find it so, but let’s get to the point. I assure you that whatever secret you reveal to me will be bound by silence. Nowwhat do you want?”

  “Is all this because of a changeling?” she asked directly. “And of something that happened here last night?”

  “Yes, my lady, it is,” Culain replied darkly, his expression somber. “Why come to me? Why not the Emperor or even Uragon’s Ambassador?”

  “If I am wrong, I would bring shame to my caste and King Krell. I also know that you’re the one who, in Aristide’s name, declared the edict that no one be alone.”

  “Lady, you impress me with your inspective skills, but if you possess some knowledge about changelings, I suggest you tell me what you know now.”

  Culain released the dagger, pulled out a chair and indicated for her to sit down. Thera dropped her dark purple cloak to the floor, revealing a snug lavender gown with tight sleeves in the Uragon fashion that complimented every curve of her body. She gracefully sat down in the small chair.

  “What’s happened?” Culain demanded, impatience biting his tone.

  Thera looked at Culain without artifice. “I fear a changeling has stolen Princess Lilias.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  The strain of keeping her shapeshift weakened Crimson. She crawled back into bed after Thera left. She told the silly maids she had a headache, so they left her alone. Crimson needed to think. That cursed Thera was a problem. The woman watched her like a hawk. She suspected something. Crimson was sure of it. The breath of sleep was losing its power over her. It was ill luck an elemental priestess was the princess’s guardian. Those women felt the mystical more than others.

  Crimson touched the amulet she wore around her neck. Keeping the guise of the princess was so difficult now. It had to end soon. Lilias was boring anyway. All she did was needlepoint. Her dark enchantment was fading fast. Crimson must find a way to escape. Princess Lillias was dying. But added to this strain was the danger that was everywhere. She had exposed herself. Thanks to that stubborn dwarf Rose they would hunt Crimson. They would cage her. Torture her. Kill her. Saddened by her bleak fate, Crimson whimpered. The wounds the homely dwarf girl inflicted left her feeble. Feeding on the stable boy healed most of her injuries, but she required more sustenance.

  Crimson blamed Rose Greenleaf for her misery! Squatty bardess will die for causing her such agony. She licked her lips hungrily. Rose would be fine treat indeed, but her master wanted her alive. Why did her master desire this pathetic human? An insignificant dwarf who sings? She never expected Rose to fight back when Crimson came to her that night. Rose was unaffected by Crimson’s breath of sleep and remained awake no matter what Crimson did to her. She had to hold her down and beat her. And still the dwarf fought! And what meek dwarf girl keeps a dagger hidden under her pillow?

  Trapped by her human mask, Crimson could not escape to rekindle the bond with Lilias. Her master demanded she bring the dwarf girlbut how? Imperial command was firm. No one was permitted to be alone now in this vast palace. Armed guards roamed the corridors. Despite her despair, Crimson stifled a giggle because she was the origin of this panic.

  Servants entered her bedchamber carrying buckets of hot water. They filled the copper bathtub in the corner with steaming hot water and added oils and powders.

  Listless, changeling Lilias sat up, frowning at them. “Why are you doing this now?”

  “You ordered this bath, Princess,” one of the maids replied gaily. “You requested it yesterday.”

  “Very well, but after my bath, I plan to nap until dinner. I have the most dreadful headache. And I want to be alone when I bathe.”

  Changeling Lilias got out of bed and permitted them to disrobe her, but kept the amulet around her neck. “Now go away,” she imperiously commanded.

  Alone in the bedchamber, changeling Lilias sank into the steaming bubbles, enjoying the caress of hot water on her beaten body. It was the one aspect of humanity she enjoyed. After soaking for a time, she stepped from the tub, naked and dripping on the plush carpets. Crimson shed the restricting human facade of blonde hair, blue eyes, and insipid human features. She walked to the mirror and gazed hungrily at her true image, reveling in her natural shape of changeling perfectionmottled grey skin, long fingers with retractable curved talons, black eyes that enabled her to see at night, tufts of glossy sable hair that sprouted from her head all the way down her spiny back, the lean body, and long muscular legs. Crimson frowned when she touched the blackened scars on her body, the brands of Rose’s cruel dagger. Frail and broken, Crimson bowed her head and wept.

  The mirror whirled with shadows and the glass flared with incandescent dark fire. The reek of familiar unhallowed sorcery filled her nostrils; she tasted its smoky tang on her tongue, swooning with the effect. Crimson collapsed to her knees, grasping the mirror’s gold frame. The image of her hobgoblin king Morziel bloomed at the mirror’s heart. He had not abandoned his poor Crimson! He had come, knowing his handmaiden languished in distress. When he spoke, the words formed were inside her head, so snooping humans would not hear. He knew Crimson was surrounded by enemies.

  “Crimson, you have suffered much and proven your loyalty. I will reward you for your sacrifice. I know you crave vengeance on Rose Greenleaf. One day it will be yours. That is my promise to you.”

  “Yes, yes! I will eat dwarf girl’s bones.”

  “Not nowthat is my command. Rose Greenleaf is not to be harmed. I have plans for her. Promise me you will not harm her.”

  Crimson hunched over, shaking with frustration.

  “Promise me, slave!”

  “Yes, dread lord. I promise.”

  “Good. Your time in White Thorn is at an end. You have inflicted chaos and death on my enemies. Leave the princess to die. Leave the mask of Lilias behind. Go forth and kill one more for me as a final test. Then you may return to me.”

  “Who do you want in the grave, Master”?

  “Culain Ironheart.”

  Crimson grinned, rocking back and forth. “He will die tonight.”

  “Good. After you kill Ironheart, find Rose and bring her to my altar at the cemetery.”

  “My Lord, my magic does not work on her. What should I do?”

  “That is your burden, Changeling.”

  Morziel vanished fr
om the mirror, leaving her bereft. Crimson stroked the glass lovingly, absorbing the smoky traces left by the stygian magic, savoring its heat before it vanished.

  Crimson shapeshifted back into Lilias, draining the amulet dry. The princess was good as dead anyway. The glow in the stone dimmed. Getting away from her watchers required all of her demon powers at full strength. When her duty was done, she could at last feast on Lilias. She went to the vanity and took the folded handkerchief with the prized strands of Rose Greenleaf’s hair. Yes, with these she could kill Culain Ironheart. She was glad to kill an Ironheart, archenemy of the Hobgoblin King. Besides, Crimson hated dwarves.

  Crimson was still weak. She needed to feed and regain her powers. Fortunately, she did not have to skulk around to find revitalizing human flesh. They waited patiently in the next room. She smiled at her pasty human reflection, gratified it was the last time she would wear it.

  She rang the bell for the maids. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her blue eyes shifted to hungry black. Yes, the maids would do quite nicely.

  * * *

  Becky fussed over Rose and even Digby cracked a big greasy smile when she showed up at the Red Boar. Rose and Meg took refuge in her old room upstairs. Her head ached, so Becky brought her some willow bark tablets and some water. A fresh application of Zula’s ointment almost made Rose feel normal again. It was so stuffy she asked Meg to open to window for some air. Why was it so hot!

  Becky brought them a tray of hearty roast beef sandwiches and her favorite hazelnut pudding to ‘restore her strength.’ Rose and Meg dined together, sitting cross-legged on the bed like schoolgirls. Rose was so hungry. She gobbled huge bites, devouring her first sandwich and moving on to her second before Meg was halfway through her first.

  “Slow down, Rose! I think Becky will make more.”

  “Sorry,” Rose apologized between mouthfuls, “but being poisoned by a nasty changeling really ignited by appetite. I’m starved! Since last night, even the thought of food made me ill. I thought it was the rum, but it wasn’t, though I’ve learned that rum and cake do not mix well.”