“How do I know I can believe this stranger who shows up without warning, telling such a wild story? I mean, I do recognize Tvrdik, and my intuition is to trust him. He seems so genuine. But what if he is just a madman, or part of some malevolent plot? He could have killed Xaarus himself, or be in league with Drogue for all I really know.”
“Ask him to come to me tomorrow, and I will weigh his heart. I will know if there is madness or falsehood in him. I will certainly uncover any deception.”
“Thank you, dearest. I knew I could count on you. But, oh, Tash, if it is all true, do you realize what we are in for? Our lives will be turned upside down. I don’t know how I will ever sell this bloodless battle idea to anyone on the Council, or to the generals, and then, what if we fail? It’s too awful to even imagine.”
“One thing at a time, beloved. If it is written for you to do this, all things will then conspire to assist you. But first, we find out.”
“Why me? I never wished for all this responsibility. Why can’t I just climb on your back, and fly off far away, just the two of us? We could be happy, and leave the kingdom to its own devices.”
A deep rumble in Tashroth’s throat signified his amusement with her plan, “As attractive a notion as that might be, when destiny lays a task at your doorstep, you cannot outrun it or hide from it for long. It will always find you. If this work belongs to you, you know you will embrace it, and do your best to accomplish what is needed. This is who you are, and who you were brought up to be.”
“It’s Tvrdik’s mission.” she pouted.
“Think, girl. He has no authority to gather or sway anyone at court, or to rally support for a new idea. He knows no one, and no one knows him as yet. That is why Xaarus sent him to you. Look around…if not you, who can make such a thing happen?”
“It doesn’t seem fair.”
Tashroth chuckled again, knowing her moods so well, “You had the marks of greatness on your forehead from the moment of your birth, child. I have always known that. We have only been waiting for the circumstances which would put it to the proof. It may be that time is now. But remember, you are not alone in this. You will never be alone. There will be many who will rally to your standard …and I will always be with you.”
Finally sleepy, Jorelial Rey turned on her side, and snuggled into Tashroth’s warm scales.
“And that, Tash, is the rock to which I gratefully cling in any storm.”
Her eyes closed in exhaustion. It would be a while longer before the dragon also slept.
EIGHT
Taste of Luxury
TVRDIK WAS DISTRACTED FROM THE events of the evening by the comforts of the room he had been assigned in the palace. It had been twelve years since he had even seen a featherbed, much less slept in one, and the soft coverlets brought tears to his eyes. He freed Ondine from her confinement, and set her in the pottery washbasin that sat on a large wooden chest. But he had to warn her to duck and hide at the arrival of two palace servants, hand-picked for their loyalty and ability to keep their counsel, who asked if they could draw him a hot bath. Speechless with delight, he nodded, and they were off about their tasks before you could say “scrub-brush.”
Soaking in the hot, scented water was one of the most luxurious experiences he had ever had, as he felt the cares of the past weeks drift away, along with the tension and aches in his muscles. When he was fully immersed, and the servants had disappeared, he reached over and tipped Ondine into the tub for a brief splash about. Of course it was a bit embarrassing to be naked in a tub with a small blue girl who insisted on calling him, “Lovely Man.” But he drew up his knees for awhile and let her frolic in half the bath. She certainly appreciated the extra space for a change, but was appalled at the temperature, and kept calling it, “nasty, dead water.” Tvrdik realized how much she must miss the lively diversity of a natural stream or lake.
“I think we will be in this place for some time, and I suspect I will be on my own for much of tomorrow. I will take you down to the river in the morning and find a special spot to release you. I promise to come find you there every day and fill you in on whatever is new. We will have some waiting to do now, and then the real work of drumming up support will start. No reason you should stay cooped up in that old water skin.”
“Very good,” she replied. “I will explore. Try to find more like myself in waters by palace. Maybe cousin naiads still live near here. Will give you good reports.” She made a little salute.
Tvrdik smiled. “Sounds like a fine idea. We can use all the help you can rally.” He offered a single finger to her tiny hand, and they shook on their agreement. “Do you know, if I am lucky tomorrow, I might just get to meet a real dragon close up. Do you want to come along?” Ondine leapt backward, sending droplets everywhere.
“Dragon? No, no! See shadow of dragon fly over home sometimes. Very big. Frighten me. You go, Lovely Man. See dragon and tell Ondine story, yes?”
“I’ll tell you all about it, and maybe you can meet him yourself later.” Tvrdik then took the time to fill her in on everything that had happened in the last few hours, putting into words all his hope and intuition that Lady Jorelial Rey would indeed be won over to their cause.
“So, for now we wait. But, in luxury at least. I surely appreciate the bed and the bath – it has been a very long time.”
She giggled and shook her curls, spraying his face, “Silly man. Better to be outside in sweet air, green things all around. No good in small box – no sky, dead water.” She made a rude sound, and did a graceful somersault in the water. Tvrdik laughed despite himself.
“I’m sorry. This ‘small box’ is a real treat for me. Tomorrow we will take care of you.” He raised a hand in oath, “I swear, first thing.” Footfalls in the hallway interrupted their heart-to-heart, and he had barely enough time to scoop her back into the washbasin with a ploop. “Stay there,” he cautioned, “I think I can make you seem invisible.” A thought, a quick flick of the hand and some muttered syllables, and then he stretched out again, trying to look casual. The palace servants knocked and entered bearing a soft nightshirt, and a set of clothes for the morning, plain, but elegant. Leggings and a long vest in a deep stormy blue, and a long tunic in a pale shade to match his eyes. He touched the fabric and marveled at its quality. A plain belt and new matching boots were also provided – the kind that were more for comfort and show than hard wear. Oh, he was really going to feel like a courtier in this outfit. A quick glance told him that someone had a good eye, as it looked like everything would fit well enough. He did not dare ask what had happened to his old garments – probably gone beyond retrieval, even burned. They had served him well for so very long, he sent them a grateful blessing in his mind and let them go. That episode of his life was over. He had already stepped into a new world.
And now, cleaner than he’d been in ages, dried, and wearing his cozy nightshirt, he sat down on one corner of the bed, and watched the servants clear away the bath equipment. He had to bite his lip as the invisible Ondine (Tvrdik could see through his own magic) amused herself with bouncing in and out of the washbasin, making grotesque faces at them as they worked, oblivious to her presence right beside them. Someone appeared with a steaming cup of fragrant tea, asked if there were anything else he required, and when he assured them he couldn’t think of a thing, withdrew, shut the massive door, and left him alone. With a quick gesture, he lifted the invisibility charm and watched Ondine leap into the air in a pirouette, landing back in her basin with nary a splash. She blew him a kiss and settled down for the night.
The young mage let himself fall backward onto the bed, and stared at the ceiling. The overstuffed mattress felt wonderful against his back and weary limbs. He had not expected to be treated with such royal hospitality. When they entertained guests here, they were serious about it. And when Lady Rey gave an order…
His thoughts snagged on Jorelial Rey, and their first encoun
ter. He was ashamed to admit that he’d been wrong about her, just as Xaarus had said. Far from spoiled or egotistical, she seemed instead just an exceptionally capable girl overburdened with far more responsibility than she’d ever bargained for. She was doing her best to hold things together with as much grace and integrity as she could muster. She had remembered him. Under different circumstances, they might have grown to be friends. Perhaps, when all this unpleasantness was behind them, they still could be? Tvrdik realized with a dull shock that indeed he had been lonely for quite a long time, and was excited by the prospect of finding a kindred spirit. As quickly as that notion flared up in his consciousness, however, it went cold. What on earth was he thinking? This was a woman who was running the entire kingdom of Eneri Clare – as far above him as the stars in the heavens circled above the trees. Only a few short hours ago, he had not even been allowed to set foot in the same room with her. Come out of the clouds, Tvrdik, he thought to himself, you were sent here to give her the facts, and Xaarus’ guidance, and then to serve her in whatever way she needs. Tvrdik took off his precious glasses, and laid them with care on the chest. “And that I will do.” he continued out loud, to no one in particular.
On hands and knees, he crawled up to the center of the big, inviting bed, and weary beyond thought, collapsed into its downy embrace. From a high window drifted the relentless, regular sound of surf battering the gray cliffs below, teaching his breath a slower, deeper rhythm. A cool breeze from without teased his nostrils with a strange aromatic blend of lilacs and salty brine. Just before he dropped into a sound sleep, a dream of glowing dragons’ eyes piercing his soul like twin coals, furrowed his brow for a moment, and then released him into oblivion.
NINE
Day of Discoveries
TVRDIK COULD EASILY HAVE STAYED in bed all the next day, but morning came early at Theriole, and before he even realized he had fallen asleep, someone was knocking at the door to ask if he wanted breakfast. The young man sat up in bed, pulled the covers up around him, reached for his glasses, and shouted, “Come in.” A different servant from the night before entered the room with a large tray of enticing foods, and set it on a small wooden table at the opposite end of the room. The scent of fresh warm bread beckoned. It took all of Tvrdik’s skills of persuasion to convince the servant that he was fully capable of washing and dressing himself, and in the end, he had to promise to call if he needed anything at all. Alone once more, he got out of bed, checked on Ondine – who was humming, while doing the backstroke in the wash basin, – located the small alcove where he could take care of his morning ablutions, and changed into the outfit that had been left for him. Catching his own reflection in the polished glass on one wall, the young mage was startled to see a man he did not recognize. Tvrdik lingered a moment and frowned at himself, sizing up the picture he presented. He had to admit the fit, cut, and color of the clothing suited him quite well. Realizing that he was famished, he sat down at the little table to explore what delights they had sent up for breakfast. There were ripe berries, and warm bread with churned butter, fragrant hot tea, and some sort of sweet custardy pastry, which he did not recognize, but which he decided was now his favorite food. Tvrdik ate with gusto, savoring every flavor and texture with a new awareness, feeling alive and awake in a somehow fresh way.
Over breakfast, he chatted with Ondine about things of little consequence, sharing a few memories that had surfaced of life at the palace in his youth. Ondine rarely partook of human food; it wasn’t her preferred fare most of the time. But, aware that she hadn’t been out in a natural setting for a few days, and protective of her well-being, he insisted she take a little fruit and a taste of the custard, which elicited another of her charming pirouettes in the air, followed by a noisy splashdown.
Just as they were finishing up, there came another knock on the door. Ondine ducked, and the same servant who had awakened him stood there with a written note from Lady Jorelial Rey. Tvrdik unfolded and read it: Stuck in important meetings all day. Meet me on the roof of the north tower at the sixteenth hour. Ask Warlowe for directions. Tashroth wants to meet you. Keep a low profile until then. Jorelial Rey. Tvrdik thanked the lad, who promptly set about clearing the breakfast things. Well, here it is, he thought to himself. Both the audience he was hoping for, and a liberty pass for the rest of the day, delivered with perfect timing, just as he had been deciding what to do next. Most considerate of her. Now, he was free to sally forth and reacquaint himself with the grounds.
As soon as the young servant had received thanks and exited for the final time, Tvrdik sprang up and addressed Ondine. “Well, what do you say? Are you ready to go exploring? The day looks pleasant…..Hmmmm?” For answer she kicked up her heels, did several somersaults and flashed him her most winning smile. It seemed alright to leave most of his travel gear in the room; it could always be sent for if something changed. So he slung two water skins over his shoulder, one to actually drink from, and one loaded with an exuberant naiad. He opened the door of the room, stepped out into the hall, looked around, closed the door behind himself, and ventured out at an unhurried pace.
It took them a while to find their way out of the palace. Things were not too busy for the moment – at least, in his wing. Servants would hurry by at intervals on some mission or another, but no one seemed to pay any attention to the mysterious stranger in blue strolling through the halls. He was starting out in unfamiliar territory and made a few wrong turns along the way, until he happened upon the grand staircase that he knew ended at the Main Hall and the front door. Once he was in an area that he remembered from his youth, he recognized that very little had changed in twelve years, and his feet began to find their own way down the stairs and into the vestibule. Here, scattered groups of lords, merchants, and landowners congregated in low conversation. But these seemed too preoccupied with their own affairs to notice him. He quickly slipped over the threshold and out into the sun-drenched day.
He made his way through the palace gardens, which were vast and already filled with a profusion of stimulating colors and scents. Nobody he passed questioned that a young courtier should be out for an early morning stroll on the landscaped grounds.
The palace, christened Theriole by its original builders, was built on a small hill at the confluence of the river Maygrew and the sea. On the ocean side there were short cliffs and a panoramic view. Here on the backside, the land sloped gently down to the delta and a well-travelled riverwalk. Further upstream was the capitol city, Therin. It was little more than a fair-sized town supporting an array of shops, crafts, and services. Fertile delta and riverfront fields surrounding and radiating outward from Therin supported its residents with all manner of food and raw materials. Off to the west, rolling hills gave way to low ancient mountains and bluffs. Sheep and goat herders abounded in the hills, and there were some mining operations as well. Deep old forests spread off to the North, becoming less civilized and more impenetrable as one traveled further into them. This is where Tvrdik had found his refuge so many years ago, away from the bustling crowds of the capital and court.
From anywhere in the town, and far into the farmlands, one could see Theriole, turrets standing watch over a contented and prosperous society, and the sight inspired confidence, and a feeling of security. But, as Tvrdik stood and looked back at the magnificent building, he realized its design had been planned more for aesthetic and emotional effect than for strategic defense. He shook his head, wondering if he could make the whole thing invisible in a crisis… then decided that was a question for another day. He made his way down the slope on the winding path, lined with flowering shrubs and occasional sculptures, toward the riverwalk. Some of what he saw was new and unfamiliar. But his feet seemed to know the way of their own accord, though he was not conscious of a destination. It did not take long to discover the reason: there on the left, overgrown and almost invisible from the path, stood Xaarus’ old cottage, where Tvrdik had lived and studied and worked for six y
ears of his young life.
Always preferring to live a little apart from the palace proper, Xaarus had built a spacious country house, which contained his chambers, his library, his workshop and laboratories, as well as a later extension which provided a classroom and dormitories for the school. Everyone had called it “The Cottage,” not so much for its size as for its quaint character. On the grounds was an extensive herb garden, which provided every sort of vegetation used for food, seasonings, and potions. Tvrdik recalled many hours of backbreaking labor planting seedlings, harvesting, and weeding in that garden. Now it had gone to seed, and was covered in tough leaves, vines, and grasses. The house itself seemed still sturdy, but in disrepair. It was badly in need of re-thatching and a good whitewash, and there were bird and rodent nests in the eaves and gutters, and possible leaks in the roof.
Tvrdik stood still, silent, overwhelmed by memory and an emotion that he could not put a name to. As a small boy he had not been close with his parents and brothers, who were fearful and suspicious of his emerging talents. So when Xaarus tracked him down at the tender age of twelve, and took him to live at The Cottage with the other two students, it was the first real family he had experienced. Xaarus had not only been teacher and mentor, but surrogate father and mother to the youngsters. When Tvrdik’s genetically weak eyes worsened from hours of study by candlelight, Xaarus made sure the boy was fitted with glasses, though such a device was not common in that country. When any of them struggled through the night with fever and cough, Xaarus would sit beside them and apply wet poultices and healing herbs. The Master worked them hard, but he made them feel like they belonged somewhere and were cared for. Tvrdik found himself remembering all of these things in a sudden flood of nostalgia, scenes he had submerged or forgotten for years.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 10
