“I have promised to dedicate every ounce of magical skill and knowledge I possess to protecting this kingdom and helping it find a tenable road to victory. And though we do not have Xaarus here with us in the flesh, we will have the benefit of his wise counsel, his hindsight from the future, and his creative thought to help us.”
Minister Alanquist, without moving a muscle, weighed in for the first time, “You keep claiming to speak to Xaarus. But there is no proof you have any contact whatever with him. You say you are in touch, and it is he who has sent you on this fool’s mission. But how do we know that any of that is true? For all we know, you could be some madman, leading us to our doom. I see no Xaarus, nor hear any directives from him. Can you prove to us that you are, in fact, Xaarus’ messenger?”
There were many shouts from the floor in agreement with this sentiment. Tvrdik exchanged a meaningful look with Jorelial Rey. They both knew what was coming next. Someone called out, “If Xaarus came to recruit and train you for a time, why can we not use magic to fetch him back here and help us sort out this mess?”
“I wish I knew how to do that, believe me. Time travel is an extremely delicate matter that no one has yet properly managed. Xaarus, for all his experience and brilliance, and his long study on the subject, botched his first try at it and got himself trapped. My knowledge of the subject at this time is so much less than his that there is no hope of my finding a way to retrieve him any time soon. Xaarus wanted to alert us to the dangers he saw, but knew the best he could manage would be a brief sojourn out of his cage. He judged the time would best be spent preparing a surrogate who could be with you in the flesh, and join forces with you for the long-term. It took every ounce of strength he had to accomplish that goal – to that I can attest. He will not be able to make that trip again in the foreseeable future. But what we do have is a sort of communication link between us over the centuries through which he can advise and guide us. It has already proved invaluable.”
During this explanation, Lord Maygrew seemed to be conversing privately with three or four other lords who were leaning in to him and whispering with great agitation. Now, he raised a hand to silence them, and again put himself forward as spokesman.
“Mage, could you summon Xaarus now, here, before the assembled Cabinet?”
“I can. He even predicted that you might ask me to do so, and stands ready on the other side. I must warn you that you will not be able to see or hear him, but you may question him and learn his responses through me.”
One of the lords became agitated again, “How can we trust that? It is still just taking his word for it.”
“Xaarus will find a way to let you know it is himself with whom you speak.”
Jorelial Rey jumped in, “I must inform you that we have recently discovered that Tashroth can also see and hear Xaarus when the link is forged through Tvrdik’s mind. It was a surprise to all of us, but a definite confirmation that something more is happening here than one man’s imaginings –unless any of you doubt the word of a dragon…?” There were mutterings all around at that.
Maygrew stepped forward, “We understand the limitations you outline. If you are willing, please proceed.”
Tvrdik nodded. He was beginning to close his eyes to concentrate when he heard Jorelial Rey’s voice, “Psst, Tvrdik! Don’t forget the shielding.” He nodded again to her and centered himself, right hand holding his staff firmly and fingers of the left in the pocket of his robe closed around the coin with Xaarus’ face on it. He focused his attention on all his memories of the Master Wizard. Meantime, Jorelial Rey was sending out a mental message to her dragon companion, “Alright, Tash. It’s beginning now. Lend us your help.”
There was no sound or motion from anyone present. The assembled lords and ministers stared at the young mage, barely breathing for fear of disrupting his process. Tvrdik’s sensations were beginning to be familiar. The sensory memories, then the actual feel of an additional powerful presence on the edges of his mind as Tashroth came on line, and finally the perception that Xaarus stood before him, as real as anyone in the room.
“How is it going, son?”
“About as well as could be expected. Most of them consider me a madman inventing an unbelievable tale.”
“Speak what I tell you to say, my boy, and I will do what I can to support you.”
“Go on, Master.”
During this brief interchange, what everyone in the room saw was a tall, serious young man in robes having an animated conversation with an invisible partner, or else with thin air. They could hear Tvrdik speaking just under his breath, pausing as if listening, and then speaking again. None of this did anything to dispel the notion of possible madness. But then the young wizard turned his attention outward, to them, and began to stroll around the room.
“Xaarus is here, and sends hearty greetings to all of his old friends in this room, from whom he has been parted for too long.” As Tvrdik passed Verger, he looked down and continued, “A special warm embrace to both Minister Verger and Steward Bargarelle, whose friendship and hospitality he says he always treasured.” The two men smiled at each other and at the mage. As he walked about, between statements, his eyes seemed to refocus inward, as if he were listening to some private music or instruction. Jorelial Rey considered that either he was hearing Xaarus and repeating what he was told, or he was doing a pretty remarkable job of acting the part.
“My master wishes to apologize for his untimely departure from Theriole, and his unintended long absence. He deeply regrets that haste and over-confidence caused him to make an error which has held him in exile. He takes full responsibility for leaving you all without his help and support during this most challenging of times. Such was never his intention. He says, in order to help make amends for being so far away at the crucial moment, he sends his apprentice, in whom he has absolute confidence, and bids you treat him with respect, and heed him well. He will speak to you with honesty, and serve you tirelessly…” Tvrdik’s eyes focused outward again as he turned a most interesting shade of pink, “I suppose he means me.” he interjected.
Xaarus said, “Repeat what I tell you, boy. Please refrain from editorial comment.”
“Yes, sir.” Tvrdik responded, to no one visible.
One of the lords whose name he did not know stood and gestured toward him in disgust, “Well, of course, a make-believe Xaarus would say these things, wouldn’t he now. ‘Sorry I can’t be there…please attend to my messenger.’ This proves nothing. We are wasting our time here.”
“Xaarus asks how your rashes have been, since he has not been around to treat them, Lord Leonti? As he last remembers, they had cleared up well, but he wonders if you still have any of the salve he gave you for that condition?”
The man turned white and stared at Tvrdik.“ I – I don’t believe we have been introduced, mage. How do you know my name? And how would you know about my…about that. That was a private matter…I told no one.”
“Well, how are they?”
“Excruciating, to be honest. The palace physicians do not seem to be as adept in their treatment, nor can they reproduce whatever it was he gave me that was working so well. Why am I talking to you about these personal matters? It is a trick. Xaarus must have told you these things years ago, and you recall.”
“Sir, I did not even know your name until this moment, and Xaarus is assuring you that, as a matter of ethics, he never divulged to his students the identities of any of his patients, even if he might have used their ailments as subjects of study. He only breaks confidentiality now to prove that it is indeed himself to whom you are speaking. And by the way, if you see me later about that…uh…uncomfortable condition, I believe I can help you.” Lord Leonti turned purple and sat down, his lips pressed together. There were a few muffled titters from the other Cabinet members.
Tvrdik then turned to the Minister of Justice, “Master Alanquist, do you still ke
ep your first wife’s jewels and dowry locked up in a special safe so that your second wife will not know of their existence?” A communal gasp went up from the floor, as Alanquist slid a little lower in his chair. “And, Lord Morrisey, did I not once accurately tell you where to search for a very valuable ring that had been lost since your father’s death?” The man looked down at his jeweled hand.
At this, Lord Maygrew stood to address the mage once more. He cleared his throat, and seemed uncertain how to begin. “I-uh-if-uh-if I do indeed have the privilege of addressing my old friend, Xaarus, then I want to welcome you with all my heart. Could you, would you satisfy me with some item of personal knowledge you might have of me, as you have for these others? Be gentle. I have, up till now, enjoyed some measure of respect here.”
This elicited a few chuckles from about the room. Tvrdik smiled. “He tells the story of how the two of you and Gareth Rey once stayed up all night in a pub discussing philosophy and the meaning of existence, and how you implored him to come home with you at dawn and tell your wife that he had detained you on essential royal business.” A much larger laugh went up from the assembled lords and ladies. Corbin Maygrew looked incredulous, and then, his round face broke out in a smile, “I admit I recall the incident well, and divulged it to no one else but Gareth Rey. I doubt he would have told his daughter, though I suppose it is possible…”
“Xaarus says that your wife was pregnant at the time with your only daughter, and that in her unusual moodiness, she told you that had it not been for Xaarus’ earnest testimony, she might have had you strung up on a pole by your private parts for causing her to lose a night’s sleep with worry.” Another laugh erupted from the floor.
Maygrew winced, “Ouch! I asked you to be gentle. Well, that part I am sure would not have been relayed to young Jorelial, and is absolutely accurate. I am convinced, old friend. It is good to see you – or hear you – or at least, hear from you, and to know that you are indeed alive and well. Those were good times. I hope we may recapture them one day, though Gareth’s absence will be profoundly felt.”
“He says, Truly, I pray someday we may sit together in that pub and raise a glass to his memory. I am greatly saddened by his death.” There was a general murmur around the room at that. Tvrdik stole a glance at Jorelial Rey, who was sitting in a shadowed corner with her head lowered.
Corbin Maygrew went on, “As strange as it may seem to us, Xaarus, I am now persuaded that I speak to you through this young mage. I have seen his quality; he put his own life at risk to save the Lady Regent from harm. I acknowledge that I am impressed with his foreknowledge of her election to the regency, and of the emergence of Lord Drogue, someone whom most of us have held of little account until his recent antics turned a spotlight on him. I am inclined to trust the judgment of the Lady Rey and her dragon companion. But you cannot expect me to comprehend all of this business about time travel, and following time lines, and our changing the nature of the future. It gives me a headache merely to contemplate. I admit there may be circumstances my simple brain cannot grasp. But, when it all comes down to a directive to leave ourselves wide open and vulnerable to a dangerous foe, without the protection of warriors or weapons, cannons or ships, but only of philosophy, you cannot expect me to readily agree to such a plan. Or any of us, for that matter…”
“Oh, Corbin, but I do expect you to agree, because I have never before led you astray, never advised you unwisely, never spoken to you falsely. I should think that I have enough credit with each and every one of you here to ask your trust and support, even on this strategy, as illogical as it may seem, as terrifying and uncertain. Because you all know I have always been committed to Eneri Clare and its leadership, its peace, its safety, and its folk. You know in your heart that I would never willfully cause it to be exposed to harm. And Corbin, you should agree because, by now, in your distinguished career, you will have learned that great achievement usually comes along with great risk. Finally, I expect you to agree because I know your heart, Corbin, and the hearts of all here present. You all serve in this Cabinet because you also love this kingdom, and you would each give anything and everything you have to see it safe, peaceful, and prosperous. All I am asking you to sacrifice are your old, rigid beliefs, your doubts and fears, and to open yourselves to a new way of thinking. It is quite a gamble, yes, and the stakes are high, but the rewards are far greater than you can imagine. I leave you to ponder all of this now. I must sever the connection. This is the longest we have ever attempted to hold this link, and it does wear on both of us. My friends, I have missed you and embrace you all in imagination until our next encounter. Be good to my messenger…”
TWENTY–FIVE
From Chaos to Compromise
JORELIAL REY’S EYES WERE FIXED on Tvrdik the moment Xaarus said he would break the connection. As the Master’s last words seemed to drift away, even though they were spoken with Tvrdik’s voice, she saw the younger mage close his eyes and relax his jaw. His head fell forward, and he began to sway on his feet, still gripping his oaken staff. Sensing what was happening, she sent a quick mental message to the dragon, wherever he was, “Tash, pull out. It’s over.” The instant her thought was complete, she leapt from her seat, dashed over to the mage and shouted, “Tvrdik, let go. Come back; let Xaarus go. Someone bring a chair quickly…” There was no mistaking the urgency and command in her voice. One of the younger lords jumped up and carried his chair over to where Tvrdik still stood, just in time for the Lady Rey to grasp Tvrdik’s arm and guide him down onto it. He opened his eyes then and looked up at her, “Thank you. I thought I was well prepared, but at that moment we were so united, so intertwined, that I almost forgot. It is such a strong impulse to want to follow him.”
“Are you alright?”
“I think so. Very glad for the chair, though.” He nodded in acknowledgement to the young lord who had delivered it.
Thirteen lords and ministers were watching this brief exchange in alarm, some even standing to see if they could deduce what the problem was. Jorelial Rey paid them no heed until she was certain that Tvrdik had emerged from the link unscathed.
Finally, Corbin Maygrew cleared his throat, “My lady, is the mage well?”
She glanced back at Tvrdik, who nodded, and gave her a wave of his hand. “Yes, my lord, he is fine. Sometimes, as Xaarus mentioned, holding this connection over such great time and distance can be draining on one’s strength. He may need a moment to recover.” She stood before them now and spread her arms wide, “What say all of you now?”
There was a silence in answer so profound and tangible, it seemed to be siphoning all the air from the room. People loosened their collars, shifted in their seats, and turned their eyes to the floor. Minister Verger, glancing about the room, summoned his courage, and rose from his seat. His voice was not deep or strong, but it rang with conviction, “I know not by what miracles we are put back in touch this day with our old friend Xaarus, but I, at least, am satisfied that we have indeed been in his presence and heard his wishes for us. In the past, when I have been fool enough to act contrary to Xaarus’ good counsel, I have in all cases regretted my willfulness and error. Therefore, no matter how unusual and daring his instructions for us now seem, I am ready to throw my support behind them, and to place all the resources of the palace treasury at the disposal of those who will implement his will.” It might have been the bravest thing the man had ever done. Every eye was on him, and beads of sweat stood out on his forehead. Would he stand alone? Slowly, Bargarelle rose beside him.
“I am not a regular member of this assembly,” he stated, “but what authority and resources I have as Steward of Theriole, this seat of our government, I offer the Lady Regent.”
Jorelial Rey, moved by their nerve, walked over and stood beside the two, regarding the rest of the assembly with a look of challenge. One other lord and one lady quietly rose and crossed to join the little band. With a gusty sigh, the sour-faced old
Alanquist uncoiled his lanky frame and stepped over to join the Lady Rey and her supporters, arms folded across his breast. Tvrdik took this as his cue, and, leaning on his staff a bit, he raised himself from the seat they had provided for him, and made his way over to stand beside Jorelial.
For a tense moment, the groups on either side of the room glared at one another, and then Corbin Maygrew, always one to speak his mind, broke the stalemate. “Now, wait just a minute, here. I, too, am a loyal supporter of the king and of his regent. Dragonsbreath! I am the one who put her up for the job, you’ll recall. But you’ve given us an awful lot to digest this afternoon. I am a simple man. Alright, I’ll stretch a bit and admit I might have spoken to Xaarus today. I like the young mage. Personally, I don’t think there’s a malicious or deceitful impulse in him, nor do I think he is mad. Something is going on here that is beyond the limits of our everyday experience, though I’m a flying pig if I know exactly what it is. I am convinced that Drogue is a dangerous adversary, and that we may be on the verge of a war. If so, I will be very glad indeed to have a real wizard at court again to help us. But I have been around a little longer than some of you, and have seen many things. And this notion that, if it comes down to it and we are threatened, we may not even defend ourselves in any way that is familiar to us – that makes me very uncomfortable. Xaarus or no, I am not certain that I can commit to it as our only course of action. There may be good reasons for it, and what you are talking about doing might indeed work. I just can’t put all my faith in it right now without a backup plan.”
At this, Minister Boone rose as well. He looked positively agonized, and were there tears in his eyes? “Gods forgive me, I have sworn an oath to serve King Darian and the Lady Regent faithfully, and to obey her commands. But I have also sworn an oath to protect and secure our kingdom and its citizenry in peace and in war. And I only know how to do that the way I was trained, as our forefathers have always protected us. How do I reconcile these sacred oaths? How do I tell my warriors that the day they have worked and prepared for all of their lives has finally come, but that their services will not be required? How can I stand idly by and just allow some bloody usurper to march in unchallenged and take the throne?”
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 39
