“Yes, of course.”
“We planned to rescue you and then go to the Gobbler Castle after Myrtlebell and Mary,” said Razzmorten. “Though how much hope there is of success certainly remains to be seen. Since I'm sure you remember the menace of the Beaks when you were Captain, you undoubtedly know what I'm saying.”
“Uh, Wiz?” said Hubba Hubba, speaking up from Razzmorten's shoulder. “I hate to interrupt, but we've found Fuzz, and...”
“Indeed, I well remember numerous raids of theirs,” said Fuzz. “They've not one shred of restraint or humanity. They're certainly not to be trifled with. However, as much as I wish to join your quest, I fear my own preempts it at the moment.”
“More important than rescuing Myrtlebell?” said Rose.
Fuzz turned in astonishment to find her bearing a stony countenance, but felt circumstances too pressing to entertain her problem, but her look had grabbed his heart and taken him by surprise. He turned back at once to Razzmorten. “Surely you understand that I must find the Heart before all else. I sent it with two of my bats to take to the dragons, but they dropped it in the marsh. I'm praying that Taflu, Arwr and I find it before the Gobblers, or Beaks as they are now, or Fates forbid, Demonica. But now, when you tell me they've captured Spitemorta...”
“They have the Great Staff,” said Razzmorten as he glanced aside at Rose, Lukus and Tors. “Actually, Captain Fuzz, if you don't object, I think we'd emphatically like to join you. You're quite right. The recovery of the Heart must take precedence over rescuing Myrtlebell and Mary, as much as I do feel sorry for poor little Edward.”
“Taflu,” said Fuzz, checking to see if he were still on his shoulder. “What's become of Flit and Hedfan?”
“Circling right overhead,” gritted Taflu.
With a set to his jaw, Fuzz nodded and the diatrymas set out with their grim faced company for the marsh.
“Sorry, Hubba Hubba,” said Razzmorten.
“Hey, no problem.”
“So you're wanting to know what to do since we found Fuzz?”
“You got it, Wiz. But let me guess. Beaks and bats? Keep track of them?”
“That very well could save the day.”
“Say no more, Wiz,” said Hubba Hubba as he and Pebbles sprang into flight.
Fuzz glanced at Rose to find her staring straight ahead as Ceidwad bore her alongside Razzmorten. He forced himself to put aside these much stronger feelings than he could possibly have expected and concentrated on the task at hand.
They followed a long succession of hogbacks through the falling red and golden leaves of the choke oaks. Jays scolded overhead while far away, a parliament of crows broke out with a flurry of caws. The diatrymas jogged single file, stirring the pungent floor. Fuzz squirmed in spite of their making good time. He knew that they couldn't go faster than Tors, but his ride on Arwr earlier in the day had him spoilt and he was anxious to find the Heart before dark. The woods began giving way to low downs and soon, the marsh lay before them.
“It's really great to see you, Fuzz,” said Lukus, as Tors bore him alongside. “Maybe we can talk, now that we don't have to go single file. How long have you been changed back?” He realized that this might be an awkward question in the midst of asking it. “You've no idea how much Rose and I have missed you.”
“Actually,” said Fuzz as he stretched his neck, “my transformation is right recent and I'm not sure I've completely adjusted to the change. I was a bear for a lot of years, but I've no reason not to expect that things will all come back to me in time.” He nodded at Rose. “You know I'm finally beginning to question whether she's missed me or not. This change of mine still has me feeling awkward all over, but have I done something to offend her?”
“Don't you see?” said Lukus with an amused look.
“See what?”
“Rose is eaten up with jealousy.”
“Just how?” sputtered Fuzz. “Me? Surely not.”
“Absolutely,” said Lukus rocking forward with a chuckle.
“But my word. What could Rose possibly see in the likes of an old bear like me?”
“You're not a bear for one thing.”
“Well, I suppose not, but that is all she's known me as, Lukus, and I'm old enough to be her grandfather. She can't possibly think of me in any other way.”
“Ha! I don't remember a looking glass in your den, Fuzz, but if there is one, I'd lay great odds you've not peeped in it. You may be old as the hills in years, but you don't look much older than Rose. It looks like you stopped aging when Ugleeuh turned you into a bear. Why, you're downright handsome.”
“Well, yes, I guess that's what they used to say,” said Fuzz, with an uncomfortable blush, “but I'd still think that would be unlikely quick for Rose to...”
“Wrong again,” said Lukus, bouncing with glee on Tors's back, as Tors swung a sympathetic look in Fuzz's direction. “Remember Spark's glamourie in the Grog
Meadows?”
“Oh, you're right,” said Fuzz with very wide eyes. “She saw me as I was when I was still Captain of the Guard at Castle Niarg, when we were trying to deceive the Grogs.”
“Yea. And she's had a thing for you ever since that she refuses to admit...just like you've had for her. Ah...ah...ah, don't deny it. Don't you dare deny it, 'cause it was written all over your face back then, just as it is this very minute.”
“You seem to have turned into an Elf, Lukus, reading me like that.”
Lukus threw back his head with a vigorous laugh. “I'm married to one, actually.”
“My word. Could it possibly be the very one Rose would pester you about those years ago when we were fleeing together?” said Fuzz, as Taflu suddenly fluttered into the air, escaping his notice altogether.
“Indeed. She's my utter ecstasy. And we expect a son.”
“Oh, wonderful. I'm so very happy for you...”
“Yea, thank you. And you're dodging, Fuzz. I can't believe you didn't know Rose felt the same way about you.”
“I...”
“That's all right, Fuzz,” said Lukus with a merry smile. “I'm not trying to give you a hard time. Rose is doing that. And don't worry, she'll come right around as soon as you convince her that there's nothing between you and Myrtlebell.”
“Myrtlebell!” gasped Fuzz. “Of course there's nothing between Myrtlebell and me. She and Edward were in dire need and I took her in. I'm her friend, but only in a patronly sort of way, don't you know. Nothing more. Is that what she thinks, that Myrtlebell and I are lovers? Good word! I was beginning to think this was about Rotundra.”
Lukus threw back his head for another laugh as Fuzz peered at Rose in shock.
“That's what's got her all huffed up. But it'll work out, Fuzz. You'll see,” he said, on the verge of another eruption of laughter.
“I swear,” said Fuzz. “You've become more of an Elf than you may realize.”
“Up there!” said Tors, as he swung back to Fuzz, with a nod at the sky ahead. “Your bats are circling, yonder, maybe forty rod.”
“Good grief,” said Fuzz, peering from under the flat of this hand, as Arwr paused to wait for Lladdwr and Ceidwad. “I can't imagine having gotten this far into the marsh without my noticing. There's Standing Rock. Looks like Flit and Hedfan...and Taflu too...
My! When did he take off? ...are half way between here and there.”
“Arwr,” said Fuzz, patting him on the wing, “you are without a doubt the fastest, most splendid mount I have ever ridden. You're as comfortable as a hammock, even over rough country, and you correctly anticipate every move I'd have you make.”
“And you're easily the most gracious passenger I've yet to bear, Fuzz.”
Presently Lladdwr and Ceidwad drew alongside.
“Is something wrong?” said Razzmorten.
“Hey!” cried Hubba Hubba, as he and Pebbles streaked by. “The bats have found something over here.” Without a pause, they returned full speed to where the bats were circling.
“Do
you get the impression that something's watching?” said Fuzz.
Razzmorten sat up and looked about. “Yes, actually,” he said with an alarmed look. “I didn't notice until now. Do you know anything about it?”
“Demonica's demon spies.”
“And what are they?”
“I have no idea,” said Fuzz, “but you can't quite see them, if you follow me. You can see their movement, but you can't see them. It's more like you feel them watching you. Sometimes you look at a tree or a rock and it gives you the impression that it's about to make a sudden move, like a frightened dove or rabbit. It's most unsettling. Makes your hair stand on end, especially when they report everything they see to Demonica.”
“Watchers? Cias?” said Razzmorten. “Now I take you at your word, of course, but I've never known of any connection between her and them, and they've been bound for centuries.”
“I know of these beings,” said Arwr, as he brought his head around to gaze at Fuzz. “They're not at all evil. Some are practically child-like. These must be renegades. I can't imagine a connection with Demonica, but they have no substance, so they can cause us no harm.”
“Maybe not by springing on us,” said Fuzz, “but they certainly can cause us grief by reporting back to Demonica about our recovery of the Heart. Do you know of any way to put the creatures to rout?”
“No, but are there tidings I've somehow missed? I understood that Demonica is being held by the Beaks.”
“True enough, or at least as far as we know, Arwr,” said Fuzz, as he shared a relieved look with Razzmorten. “However, Demonica being who she be, there certainly are no guarantees. For all we know, she could be on our trail this minute.”
“We need to be moving, Fuzz,” said Razzmorten. “Whatever doom is on its way, our best plan is haste.”
At once, Arwr, Lladdwr and Ceidwad sprang away to where the bats hovered, fluttering in the sky, with Tors thundering furiously after.
The Heart was scarcely swinging in the breeze under the deepening blue of the evening sky, as it hung from the branch of a wayward choke oak seedling by one of the strings of Fuzz's pouch. The company watched in silence as Fuzz snatched it up, peeked inside and immediately gave it to Razzmorten, who at once slipped it inside the folds of his cloak, as everyone sighed with relief.
“This place is dangerous. I feel it,” said Razzmorten, as Arwr spun aside and began jogging south with Fuzz, toward the Gobbler castle, waiting for the others to catch up. They had barely picked up their pace as a group, when several Cias shot past them causing each of them to shudder.
“How many Cias did Demonica bring with her?” said Razzmorten, leaning aside from Lladdwr.
“So, that's what you think they are, then?” said Fuzz.
“Simplest explanation, but I can't imagine how she got them here. Any idea how many she brought with her?”
“I've only sensed the one back in my cave which Demonica herself was talking to, and then one that showed up a time or two, pacing me on the way here. Whether those two were the same one, I have no idea, but I got the distinct impression there were more. Oh yes. The one talking to Demonica referred to 'the others.' Sorry I don't know more.”
“It's something,” said Razzmorten. “The more we know, the better our chances.”
Fuzz turned aside to look straight into Rose's admiring gaze as she rode Ceidwad abreast of Arwr. She had quite obviously forgotten her anger at him for the moment, but saw her mistake at once and quickly looked away.
He knitted his brow. He would settle this thing between them right soon.
He turned back to Razzmorten to find Lukus there instead, having obviously caught the entire exchange with Rose. Lukus gave an encouraging nod and an exuberant thumbs up.
Fuzz sighed. This kind of thing was so very awkward. He wished he had half as much confidence as Lukus. Maybe Lukus was his confidence. After all, he was her brother and knew her right well, and maybe he had indeed picked up a thing or two from the Elves.
Chapter 67
“Good grief! That's disgusting, Captain,” said King Hebraun, setting his crown in his lap to rub his forehead as Queen Minuet gave a wide eyed nod. “So, you've arranged to meet this wretched soul this morning at half past eight?”
Minuet quietly rose from her seat to draw back the drapes, looking back frequently in order not to miss a bit of what was being said.
“Well, yes sire,” said Captain Bernard, “but I trust I wasn't overstepping my bounds.”
“Of course not. Now, you said you reckoned him to be from the Dark Continent?”
“Oh, without a doubt. In fact, I'd not only be confident that he came from Head, but I'd wager that he has peerage there.
Hebraun shared a look with Minuet as she returned to her seat, then smoothed back his hair and replaced his crown. “Very well Captain, have this...Yann-Ber, did you say?”
“That's how I understood it.”
“That's definitely a Headlander's name all right. Anyway, have him come round to the back gardens. I shall meet with him there.”
“We shall both meet him there,” said Minuet, putting her hand on Hebraun's arm as he smiled at her.
Bernard let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, bowed to them and left quietly to meet Yann-Ber. “Somehow I'm always surprised by the affectionate regard they have for each other, even though I've never seen them without it,” he thought, as he galloped down the first flight of steps which he came to. “It certainly goes hand and glove with how they've reigned. And my, but that was easy. I guess I'm always just as surprised that they never question my judgment.”
He checked the sun as he neared the steps to the gatehouse and saw that it was already time. He wanted to help Yann-Ber, but now that things were in motion, he did not like wasting the throne's time, and he was quite ready for things to be resolved. He trotted right up the worn stone steps to the gatehouse and peered over the embrasure to find a stooped, hooded man already waiting with his back to the early traffic, coming and going. “Yann-Ber!” he called out.
The figure turned and looked up at once from the hood which he held closed with a sallow hand that appeared to belong to a bloated corpse.
“Well good sir, I'm right pleased to find you here, since the king and queen have consented to give you audience at this time,” said Bernard, as he marveled at how revolting Yann-Ber's hand looked, even from so far away. “Have I kept you waiting long?”
“Not at all! Though indeed I came early, not wishing to be late, Captain Bernard!” he said, with a quaver to his voice, fearing that it might accidentally be so.
“Just stay put! I'll be right down to see you to your audience!” said Bernard as he turned for the steps. He was outside almost at once, motioning for Yann-Ber to follow. He could see by Yann-Ber's tottering gait that he would have to lead the way slowly. Before they had quite crossed the base-court, he caught the looks of passers by and turned back to catch a gagging whiff, worse than that of a ballooned carcass, making him truly question the sanity of setting up this meeting. He led Yann-Ber straight to the most seldom used of the side passages to find their way through the castle proper to the back gardens.
They were well along the narrow, poorly lit hallway, when a scullery maid entered the passage far behind them with a stack of dishes and began gaining on them. “Great stinking banshees!” she cried. “What idiot bwgan hauled the rotten cow through here?”
Her hurried steps grew louder until she suddenly rounded the corner directly behind them and with an audible gag, dropped her stack of dishes and screamed at her calamity.
Bernard jumped in spite of his soldierly bearing and Yann-Ber tottered and nearly fell.
Bernard held his breath as he held open the door to the garden for Yann-Ber with a new resolve. He now had a much better appreciation for the poor fellow's plight, and he was more determined than ever to show him compassionate dignity. “Right this way, good sir,” he said impeccably, as he denied each fiber of his body the urge t
o heave at the air that he had just drawn in. “King Hebraun and Queen Minuet will meet with you in the back gardens here, if you would be so good as to come this way.”
They meandered over the crunching gravel of the path flanked with low privet hedges, as it wound between a menagerie of ornamental willows and heavily laden fruit trees, until Bernard looked up with a hushed, but horrified gasp to see Hebraun and Minuet already waiting, quite comfortably settled in seats at the worst possible part of the table. “The stench from the wind will kill them,” he thought. He paused as frantic thoughts whirled through his mind. “If Your Majesties would forgive my unspeakable abruptness,” he said, scurrying up to them and bowing before them with a covertly pleading roll of the eyes, “I would be most relieved to seat you each at the far end of the table.”
The two of them sat blinking for a moment, utterly dumbfounded.
“Ah! Yes, yes,” said Hebraun, sitting upright with a jerk. “Your Majesty, shall we sit at the other end?”
He helped Minuet to her feet and escorted her around the table to Bernard's boundless relief, just as Yann-Ber shuffled up behind him.
“This, your Majesties, is Yann-Ber,” said Captain Bernard, as Yann-Ber bowed as best he could, “who has traveled here, all the way from Head, to seek an audience with Wizard Razzmorten.” He couldn't bear to look directly into Hebraun and Minuet's faces at first. He felt like the lead clown in a theatrical farce, setting the king and queen up for this, then stumbling into their garden and shooing them to the far end of their very own table. And what if the wind changed? He stole a wee glance at first Hebraun and then Queen Minuet to see what they made of this pathetic man to find both of them bearing looks of compassion. He gave a sigh of relief and admiration, proudly straightened up and stepped back, waiting to be dismissed.
Yann-Ber held his hood closed beneath his eyes as he stared rigidly at the table in front of Hebraun and Minuet, waiting for the invitation to speak. “Now you've really gone and done it, Yann-Ber,” he thought, as panic surged up within him. “Here I am, a desperate beggar, taking up their morning. Why would they have time for me? They're going to smell me. They'll resent my reminding them what they keep in their streets.
Heart of the Staff - Complete Series Page 73
