His impassioned cry seemed to stir something in the entire assembly, and everyone began to talk at once. In the blink of an eye, order dissolved, hands were gesticulating wildly, fingers pointing, voices rising. In the midst of this descent into chaos, Jorelial Rey saw everything with a new clarity. Stepping to the center of the room, in her most commanding and compelling voice of authority, she shouted, “Stop! All of you, now! Just stop!” The noise ceased as all attention turned to her. “Lord Maygrew, as usual, you are right. We are going about this all wrong, and it is my fault. I apologize. We are not enemies here. There are no enemies in this room. For the first time in memory, a real enemy is barking at our door, and look at us, tearing each other apart. Xaarus said it; every one of us is here because we love this kingdom, we are loyal subjects of our king, and we all want the same outcome for the future. We are only in disagreement about how best to achieve it. Now, if everyone could go back and find his or her seat, and we could restore some order, perhaps we might all take a deep breath and start over.”
At first, no one moved a muscle. But then, without a word, people began shuffling back to their seats. Someone brought in an extra chair for Tvrdik, and smiled at him as he gratefully accepted the seat and the gesture. In a few moments, the Cabinet members were all in their places, expectant faces turned to their leader, Jorelial Rey, who stood in an impatient posture before them.
“Now, I want to thank Lord Maygrew for reminding me that information I have been wrestling with in my own mind for over a month is new to all of you. As difficult a time as I have had believing and comprehending it, I can hardly expect your struggle to be easier. My goals for today were to acquaint you with the intelligence that has come to me thus far, the counsel I have received on it, and in what direction I am leaning in terms of action. I appreciate the support of those who already see things as I do. I had hoped to persuade some of you to go home and consider my arguments as you come to your own conclusions. I wished to introduce you in person to some of the figures who play an important role in the drama unfolding before us. But, I am bound to listen to those of you who still have reservations. That is why I am blessed to have a Cabinet to turn to, a collection of the wisest, most experienced, and knowledgeable minds in Eneri Clare, established to help guide me to the best decisions of which I am capable. It was my dearest hope today to convince you, but never my purpose to ignore your objections. It was certainly not my intention to alienate and torment a man of as much integrity and loyalty as General Boone. My apologies, sir. Your remarks are appropriate, your questions fair, and I have heard them. Lord Maygrew, you have been most generous in allowing that what I have brought you this day is at least plausible, and I do understand your reservations. Is there anyone else at this time who feels they have not been well-represented in this room? Who still needs to be heard?” No one twitched. No one spoke out.
“Right, then. Having heard reasonable debate on the subject, and having shared all that I know, and considered all of my options, I am prepared to offer a compromise position.”
Tvrdik’s eyebrows shot up, and he leaned forward, whispering, “Jorelial Rey, what are you doing?”
“Trust me,” she shot back, and he held his tongue.
“First,” she continued, “I still hold out hope that Drogue will reconsider his treasonous plans, and that what we fear is coming will never happen. However, judging from Xaarus’ record thus far, we may not be so lucky. If he is planning an attack, I hope and believe I am correct that time is on our side. We know much more than he thinks we do, and it should take him several months at least to levy, equip, and train enough forces for a credible offensive. During this interval, what is key to our own preparations will be intelligence. We must know what he is doing, and how far along he is at any given moment. I can ask Tashroth to speak with the other dragons regularly for news of what they see and hear. But most of what we know will be coming from your organization, Minister Boone. As I know you have already begun to set up a network, I willingly leave that arm of our defense in your capable hands. I will expect regular reports, yes?”
“Yes, my lady.” Boone seemed heartened by this public vote of confidence.
“As to further preparations, here is my proposal. Tvrdik and I have already been discussing the necessity of raising a force against Lord Drogue. But, we admit that the sort of resistance we are proposing would require a very different sort of force from any that, say, you would be training, General Boone. What I would suggest is that we each take six weeks to raise and train an army to do battle with the usurper as if ours were the only defense assigned to meet him. I would authorize, within reason, the resources of the palace treasury to supply and equip both groups during that time. My thought is that you, General Boone, would be able to begin immediate training for possible attack, as you would normally do, and the kingdom would have a safety net of our finest warriors, ready to meet the enemy in the traditional way. That should also satisfy those of you who at present only feel safe protected by sword and bow. Meanwhile, Tvrdik and Xaarus and I, and our adherents, get to experiment in recruiting, equipping, and training a force prepared to repel the enemy without bloodshed. If, in six weeks, we cannot prove to you that ours is the superior and more viable way to preserve Eneri Clare, or is at least as effective as yours, then I will turn the matter of defense entirely over to General Boone, to handle as he sees fit. If we manage to impress all of you with our competence, then I have the right to stand down or absorb all our traditional forces, and face Drogue with mine. I am counting on you all to be fair and even-minded in your judgment, and to spend that time contemplating the possible consequences that Xaarus has laid out for us today.”
Noticing the horrified expression frozen on Minister Verger’s face, she went on, “I realize this will be an expensive way to move forward, but I can see no other road which is fair to everyone present, and guaranteed to give us two layers of defense against our common enemy. Minister Boone, will you take my challenge?” She stood looking straight at the man, hands on hips.
After a moment’s consideration he nodded slowly, “Aye. We will.”
“Minister Verger, will you agree to my terms, and make appropriate allocations available?”
Verger swallowed hard, “Yes, my lady.”
“Good. Lord Maygrew, will you consent to head a committee to evaluate the results of our little experiment?”
He was still standing, and was presently shaking his head slowly back and forth in amusement, a spark in his eyes, “Willingly, my lady. I can see my confidence in you as a fair, if somewhat creative leader was well placed. It is a good solution.”
“In that case, can we take a formal vote here and now to accept or reject my proposal?”’
Bargarelle stood, “All in favor, signify by saying ‘aye.’” The room rang with voices assenting.
“All opposed, say, ‘nay.’”
There was no sound.
“The ‘ayes’ carry the day. Lady Jorelial Rey’s compromise proposal is unanimously passed.” Bargarelle resumed his seat.
Jorelial Rey smiled and let her gaze travel the room, meeting as many eyes as she could. “Right, then. Six weeks from tomorrow we will assemble for demonstrations of our accomplishments, and judgment of how we proceed from there. The gods grant that we are not called to battle before that time.”
Tvrdik’s eyes were as round as saucers. He had tried to get her attention in vain. Too late. It was already done. “Are you insane?” he whispered loudly, but she made a gesture with her hand to hush him, and went on.
“There may well be cause for us all to meet sooner and often, if Boone’s intelligence provides us with matters of importance to discuss. For now, I am indebted to all of you for your time, talent, patience, and commitment to the greater good. Together, one way or another, we will preserve Eneri Clare, and see it happy, prosperous, and safe from alarms once again.”
So swiftly had t
he last few decisions been made that there was a pause, as Cabinet members glanced around the room at one another, wondering if their business had indeed been concluded so neatly. After a moment, there were a few shouts of, “Hear, hear!” from the floor, and the general mood seemed much improved over what it had been only a few moments before.
Corbin Maygrew spoke again, “I think I speak for all in commending the Lady Regent for her even-handedness and skill in brokering an acceptable solution to our dilemma. I would also welcome our new Court Wizard to Theriole. It will be an adjustment to have a wizard at court again, but be welcome among us, Master Tvrdik…did I get it right?”
“Close enough, sir, and I am eager to be of service to any of you in whatever way I may.” There were a few more affirmations from the floor, and then the Lady Regent called out, “Meeting adjourned, ladies and gentlemen – go out and enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.”
In the confusion that followed, as Cabinet members rose and collected their belongings to leave, Tvrdik was the first to reach her. “Jorelial Rey, have you lost your mind? Six weeks? How can we have an army to show them in six weeks? How can I demonstrate anything, assuming there will be anyone to teach, or anything reliable to teach them?”
“Calm down, Tvrdik. Where is your usual confidence? We can do this. And it was necessary. Xaarus was right…and you were right. These are good men. They mean well, and we want them on our side. But we are asking them to take a huge leap of faith in a direction that is not natural. It is up to us to persuade them – to show them what’s possible so that they can believe in what we are proposing. Otherwise, it will never work.”
“But, what if they choose the other way in the end? Then we’ve failed.”
“Tvrdik, I am not one jot less committed to the cause. We just need to give them a chance to catch up to us. Heavens help us, it falls to us to be irresistible…and so we must be.”
“But, six weeks?”
“Tvrdik, six weeks ago, you were still in your ancient forest, and we had not yet met. Look how much has happened since then! I took a chance that we even have that much time before Drogue makes his next move. We always knew that time was short. I have just made it a little more concrete, is all, so we know our first deadline.” She put her hand on his shoulder, “A little luck, a little magic, and a bit of a miracle, and we can pull it off.” She smiled at him. At that moment, Minister Boone interrupted and bowed to her, “My lady, we will not fail you.”
“Of that I am sure.” He bowed again and walked away, but before she could say another word, Corbin Maygrew was at her side, his arm around her slim shoulders, “Rel, my dear, just when I thought we were headed for disaster, you come up with something like this: a brilliant way to invest everyone in the process, even when we disagree. You are, my girl, absolutely born to this job, and you have my vote again and again for it.”
“Ah, my lord, I am not sure whether to thank you or curse you.” They both laughed, and Maygrew continued.
“I am not making light, of course, of our situation. I want you to know you did an excellent job presenting your case today. I am at least partly behind you. But I am an old dog, and need a little more time and evidence. I feel better with Boone on top of his game, and I look forward to what you can teach me about these other possibilities. Jorelial Rey, your father would be proud.” He gave her a squeeze and removed his arm from her shoulders, extending his hand next to Tvrdik. “A pleasure, young man. Most impressive work today. I look forward to getting to know you better.” Smiling and shaking his head, he turned and strode away.
The room was emptying, a few of those gathered hanging about in conversation, or making their way toward the door. Jorelial Rey scanned the room and came back to Tvrdik, lowering her voice, “Do you see? Where Maygrew goes, they will all go. We have to court them and win them fairly. Today was a good start. You really got their attention.”
“Well, that was Xaarus, and he could always charm water from a stone…”
“No, no! Xaarus backed you up, but I’m talking about before that, Tvrdik. About you. You were positively glowing. How are you feeling, anyway?”
“A little tired, but nothing unusual for a long day. I’m fine.”
“Good. Are you hungry?”
“Famished, now that you mention it.”
“Well, then, what are we waiting for? We have to keep our strength up. Tomorrow will be another busy day. Assuming the palace healers agree, I think we should move you back to The Cottage. We will need a headquarters…”
“Yes, my lady.” She slipped her arm carefully through his injured one, while he carried the great oak staff in his right hand, and, arm in arm, they made their way out of the room.
“The bear was a nice touch,” she commented, as they strolled toward the kitchens.
He chuckled, “I honestly don’t know what came over me. Did I frighten you?”
“Frighten me? Don’t be silly.”
“Not even a little?”
“Well, maybe…a little.”
TWENTY–SIX
Coming Home
IN THE MORNING, TVRDIK PACKED up everything he had accumulated at the palace, which, with all that he had sent for over the past two weeks, had grown into quite a substantial collection. The Palace Physician paid him a call, checked him over, pronounced him well on the way to a complete recovery, made him promise to continue the exercises for his arm and hand, and released him to go home. The two shook hands, and Tvrdik thanked him again for his efforts during the crisis. The man demurred, but repeated his suggestion that they should share an ale sometime and discuss their profession. Tvrdik agreed. Then, on a whim, he asked if the man happened to be free that very afternoon for a gathering on another subject entirely. The wizard explained that he did not wish to divulge too much, but that a number of key people were being invited to discuss a matter of great importance. The physician seemed flattered and intrigued, promising that he would clear his schedule to be there.
The Lady Rey insisted on ferrying him back to The Cottage on Tashroth, who was only too happy to be of service. Tvrdik tried to lobby for the footpath, but she would have none of it, instructing him to save his strength for more important things. He found it impossible to communicate to her how challenging – no, terrifying – he still found dragonflight. But he knew better than to resist, once she had made up her mind. Mark and Delphine offered to gather his belongings in a little wheeled cart, and walk them over. They arrived at his suite midmorning, positively bouncing with excitement at his ‘release from prison,’ as they called it. While Mark packed up the cart, Delphine accompanied her new friend on one last stroll about the palace gardens, and caught him more than once stopping to glance back at the huge structure. At one such moment, she gave him a gentle shove, “What are you thinking?” He hung his head.
“Oh, well, I’ve been so eager to leave, and now I think I will miss this place. It’s funny, considering the circumstances, but, you know, I’ve led a rather… solitary… life. My memories of this time at Theriole will always be of my first real friends, and a feeling of home.”
“I shall miss having you right next door, any time of the day or night. But, it’s not like you are losing any of us, Tvrdik. You’re not going far, and we’ll all be coming to visit you at your place now. You’ll see. It’s only the beginning. You never even got the chance to settle in at The Cottage and make it feel like home. In a few weeks, it will be like you’ve always lived there.” Tvrdik’s mind wandered for a moment to a time when he had indeed lived there. His face clouded. Delphine could not help but notice the sudden change. “Have I said something wrong?”
Instantly he was back with her, smiling down at her, “No, my friend. I was just remembering things from a very long time ago, things best left forgotten. We have so much to do in the next few weeks; there will be no time for brooding over the past. You will come this afternoon? And Mark? I’m counting on
you to be there.”
“We wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world. Of course we’ll be there.” They stood together in the sunshine for a few minutes, breathing in the fragrant spring air, watching birds fly back and forth to their nests with food for their little ones. Now and then a little beak would be visible over the edge of twigs, or a scrawny, damp head. So much of the world seemed beautiful and fresh today, as the two friends shared their mutual sense of wonder without a word passing between them. A shadow passing overhead broke the spell, and they both looked up to see Tashroth coming in for a landing on the broad palace lawns.
“Time to go,” Delphine muttered. “I’ll bet Mark is ready and wondering what’s keeping us…”
Tvrdik nodded. Then, on an impulse, he turned to her, took her face in both of his hands, and kissed her forehead gently. She blushed as he released her, but they were both smiling as they turned back toward the palace. They made their way to the great stone steps of Theriole, in front of which Mark was indeed waiting, along with Tashroth and Jorelial Rey. Tvrdik’s things were stowed neatly in the little cart, and Rel was already seated on the dragon’s neck, ready to give him a hand up to the seat behind.
“Should I go in and check one more time? Is that everything?” the wizard stalled.
Mark shrugged. “I’m sure I got everything. Checked several times. And anyway, you’re only going down the riverwalk if we forget anything.” Tvrdik shook Mark’s hand and thanked him, winked at Delphine, and made a small reverence to Tashroth in greeting. There was no use delaying any longer.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 40
