They all ate with good appetites, their spirits bolstered by the tremendous relief and sense of triumph they were all experiencing. Jorelial Rey noticed the mage had no trouble finding his usual gusto for the meal.
“I am happy to see you tackling your supper with such enthusiasm,” she remarked, chewing on some dark bread. “I confess, I was a bit worried how you would come out of this long ordeal.”
“I was famished,” the mage replied. “And my only complaints now seem to be weariness and stiff joints, from standing on stone in the same position for so long. Nothing worse. I think I might be growing used to these wizardly activities, or at least doing better at weathering them. Nice to hear you were concerned, though…” he quipped with his crooked smile, and batted his eyelashes at her.
She remained serious, “It’s not funny, Tvrdik. Tash came out feeling refreshed and energized when I woke him. But when I went to rouse you, I got no response. You have no idea how many things I tried – I tapped you and called, and then when none of that worked, I shook you and hollered, and poked you. Nothing. You really gave me quite a fright. If I’d had a bucket of cold water, I’d have thrown it over you, but there wasn’t any, and I would lay odds it wouldn’t have done any good.”
“Really? I had no idea it was so difficult. I must have been in a very deep state, and, of course, we never had the opportunity to discuss a plan. How did you manage to wake me?” the mage asked with genuine curiosity. “What finally worked?”
Remembering what she had done, Jorelial Rey turned a deep magenta, and lowered her eyes in embarrassment. By now, the rest of the table had abandoned all other conversations, and were riveted on this one.
“Yes, Rel, do tell.” Delphine goaded, eyes twinkling with mischief, “However did you manage it?”
“Never you mind. I don’t even remember, but I got him back, didn’t I?” the Lady Regent squirmed under everyone’s questioning eyes, sounding more petulant than she meant to, but wishing more than anything that the moment would pass.
“Wait a moment!” Tvrdik exclaimed, “I have a vague memory – it’s all starting to come back to me. I thought I was dreaming, but there I was, staring at ocean and fog and rocks, and then, I had the oddest sensation that someone had …well…had kissed me, and then I was looking at your face. That can’t be true, can it?”
“Rel, you kissed him awake?” Delphine squealed in delight.
“I was running out of ideas. I remembered something in an old fairy story from our childhood, and it happened to work. I told you, it would have been cold water had there been any…”
“Now, Lady, don’t deny it. You took advantage of my helpless state; was that fair?” Tvrdik teased, and everyone at the table was howling with laughter, buoyed by good spirits and good food. Delphine was choking back tears of merriment.
Her sister scowled, mortified, and shot back at the whole crowd, “You all are terrible. Terrible. Next time you can handle things without me.” At that moment, she thought she caught a look from Tvrdik, one meant for her alone – a look that held her breathless for an instant, one she couldn’t quite read. And then, he was laughing along with the others. Continuing to grumble, she turned her attention fiercely to the remaining food on her plate.
When the meal was done, Tvrdik excused himself to go home for the night. Delphine begged him to stay in the castle. “We could surely find room for you tonight. You must be so tired.”
“Thank you, Delphine, but I think a walk in the air will do me good, as will a good sleep in my own bed. Besides, I think I need to stop and see Ondine. No one has thanked her for her part in today’s affair. I don’t think it should wait until tomorrow.”
“But it’s dark out now.” Mark sounded concerned.
For answer, the mage made a gesture and a ball of soft, glowing light appeared over his head. “I’ll be fine,” he assured Mark, who grinned a sheepish acknowledgement.
Rel nodded, “It is important. Would you like me to come?”
“No, you have other things to attend to.”
“Actually, I did have things I wanted to discuss with Tash tonight…would you please convey my formal appreciation, then, and thank her and her friends from all of us? We are in her debt.”
“I will.”
“I will walk along home with you, Master,” Stewart offered.
“And grateful I am for your good company, friend.”
Brendelle chimed in, “I will be retiring too, then, if no one minds. I have some letters to write home; they will be most eager for the news, especially of today’s victory.”
Mark and Delphine held hands and looked into each other’s eyes. It seemed they were ready to withdraw as well. But as they all rose to go their separate ways, Delphine turned back to Tvrdik, “I have no words to tell you how grateful we are, and with what awe it fills me to see you in action. You amaze me, Tvrdik.” She finished by kissing him delicately on the cheek, the mage blushing as usual, and then hugging her sister and mother in turn. Rel promised to send word out that the next day would be a day of rest for the Legion members, since the trials had been cancelled, but that maneuvers would resume the following day under the scrutiny of no less than General Boone and Lord Corbin Maygrew. Warm goodnights were exchanged all around, as the friends parted company.
Wishing to avoid more long conversations with anyone tonight, Jorelial Rey took as many back corridors as possible, as she headed for the special turret where she knew Tashroth would be waiting. The emotional demands of the day had been draining, but as night fell, she sent up a silent, heartfelt prayer of gratitude for all of the wonders she had seen. So many things could have gone horribly wrong, which instead had turned in their favor. Disaster had been averted, and her kingdom was once again united in common purpose. She climbed the long, winding staircase to the roof with a somewhat lighter step than of late, and opened the trap-door to the warm, starry night. The great, green dragon was awaiting her as she had hoped, and she stumbled to her accustomed place near his heart and slid down to the floor, leaning on his warm breast. The enormous head on its long neck twisted around to nuzzle her ear and breathe gently on her face. She reached up, eyes closed, and locked her arms around that familiar neck in a loving embrace.
“It’s been a good day, Tash. We’re all going to sleep in our own beds, and Lord Maygrew and Minister Boone were so impressed with our victory today that they have cancelled the trials next week, and come on board with the Legions of Light. Not bad for a day’s work, eh?”
“Good news indeed,” the dragon rumbled, “but you are tired, little one.”
“And what about you? I was so relieved when you came back unharmed from holding that illusion.”
“I told you,” his voice smiled, “dragons are used to concentrating for long periods – time has little meaning for us. I was pleased our efforts bore fruit.”
“I still can hardly believe it, but it worked like a charm – which of course, it was.”
“How is the mage?”
“Oh, he took a little while to come to his senses, but he seems fine now. Another relief. He has gone to thank the little naiad for her part in our success.”
“That is good. My dear, do not underestimate his abilities. I feel we have only seen the edges of his true power.”
She frowned in thought. “Hmmm. Monday is his thirtieth birthday. He just told us.”
“An important milestone.”
“We are going to hold a little picnic at The Cottage to celebrate. Will you come?”
“It will be a pleasure. It is a good thing – both the gesture to honor, and the return of celebration – we are all in need of a joyful moment.”
“Yes. Stewart said the same thing.”
“He is wise for a young canine.”
“He comes from a remarkable family, I hear. Tash, I want to send an envoy to Lord Drogue and offer him terms to drop this w
hole thing. Not that I really expect him to, mind you, but after today…well, maybe once he sees it won’t be quite so easy to break us, he might reconsider. It’s a long shot, but at the very least, it might give us an idea of what is in his mind.”
The dragon considered for a moment, then replied, “It is a wise idea, little one. A great leader is generous and flexible, harbors no grudges, and seeks to avoid unnecessary conflict by any means. You should never cease to hope that your adversary will have a change of heart, nor cease to prepare for the possibility that he does not. But yes, offer him every opportunity, and sound him out at the same time.”
“Exactly. Thank you. I want to do it soon, on the heels of his defeat, in case we could stave off any further attacks. And, I was considering who to send. Drogue is subtle and dangerous. I cannot go myself, for obvious reasons, nor will I send anyone key to our operations, nor anyone whose weakness, or nearness to my heart I fear Drogue could use to his advantage. I could not send you, Tash, for that reason. He knows how dear to me you are. But…”
“You were thinking it should be a dragon, nevertheless…”
“You read my mind. What gave me away?”
“It makes perfect sense. You need someone who could communicate your message and your offer accurately, have the wisdom to negotiate, and would listen and observe in great detail. A dragon could also go and return quickly…”
“…and I would be less anxious that my envoy would be safe. Lord Drogue wouldn’t dare try to harm such an imposing messenger, and if he did I would feel confident that a dragon could take care of itself against anything he could conjure.”
“I agree.”
“Is there anyone you could recommend for the job? Someone you feel sure of, who might be willing to undertake such a mission?”
“There is Candelinda.”
“Who?”
“The white dragon who commanded our saurian forces today.”
“Ah, yes. I had not been formally introduced, but she did a magnificent job.”
“She is bright and powerful and canny. And she is devoted to our cause. She would be a good choice.”
Tashroth’s voice seemed to positively purr as he described the qualities of the white dragon. Rel wondered if she was picking up on something rare and unusual.
“Do I detect a note of – hmmm – admiration in your voice concerning this Candelinda, Tash?”
“When could I ever hide anything from you, dear one? Let us say that I have my eye on her.”
“Good luck. She is lovely; that much I noticed. I hope the lady finds you equally impressive. Though if she did not, I would have to seriously question the quality of her wits.”
Tashroth rumbled with laughter. Rel frowned.
“But if she is special to you, would you not worry about sending her into danger? I would not wish to upset you like that.”
“Drogue is no match for her, little one, no matter what his intention. She can take care of herself, and is eager to help. Shall I send her to see you tomorrow?”
“Make it the next day, if it is all the same to you, Tash. I have declared tomorrow a day of rest and regeneration; we are all in need of it. Do you feel up to a trip to the lake? I could be ready in half an hour, and we could stay most of tomorrow…it feels like we haven’t been there in such a long time…”
“I am overjoyed at the suggestion. We have spent too much time apart of late. Go. Run and get your jacket, and some provisions, and we can leave as soon as you return.”
“Thank you, dear heart. It will do us both a world of good.” She sprang to her feet, feeling newly energized, and dashed to the trap door. “I’ll be right back. Don’t leave without me.”
Tashroth winked one enormous eye at her as she disappeared down the stone stairs.
Tvrdik and Stewart took their time on the river path down to The Cottage, enjoying the occasional cool breeze, the clear, star-spangled sky, and a little friendly conversation. Tvrdik’s magic glow-ball hovered over them, lighting their way. The young mage reflected with satisfaction that there was no longer a need to keep such things under cover. When they arrived, they were greeted effusively by the Praegers – Lynette bestowing hugs and kisses on the hero of the day, and Mr. Praeger pumping his hand, congratulating him on the remarkable feat he’d accomplished in chasing off Drogue’s fleet. Mrs. Praeger gushed, and insisted that everyone sit down to a berry pie (made special so that Lynette could enjoy it as well), fresh from the oven, juicy and delicious. Even Stewart took a good-sized slice. “I enjoy a bit of a sweet now and then,” was all he said when the others stared at him in surprise.
Tvrdik felt a bit like he was walking around in a trance, and all the shining faces full of gratitude, and the words of praise that kept greeting him were all meant for some other person that he’d never met. But he managed to smile and accept the compliments with grace, at least on the surface. And pie was always good. He let them know the good news that the trials had been cancelled, and about Boone and Maygrew coming on board with the philosophy of the Legions of Light. He told them that official activities were cancelled for the next day, and that he fully intended to make use of the time to rest and recuperate, a statement with which Mrs. Praeger agreed.
“Don’t ye even stir from yer bed until yer body has a chance to recover, sir. We’ll do our best not to disturb ye. Ye can come and get me any time ye’ve a mind to have a bite to eat. Seems to me, ye’ve earned at least a day off.”
Then, attempting to appear quite casual about it, he mentioned, “Oh, and next Monday, the day the trials were to be held, happens to be my thirtieth birthday. Not a big deal, but the Lady Delphine suggested we might celebrate with a bit of a picnic right here on the grounds, if the weather holds. Would that be convenient, if I asked a few friends over, Mrs….?”
He was interrupted with a squeal of delight from the woman, “Your birthday? Oh, my heavens. Isn’t that wonderful. Nothin’ like a birthday for bringin’ folks together. Why, of course, we’ll make a really special day of it.”
“Please, please, don’t go to any trouble. Just a quiet little…”
“Nonsense. Yer thirtieth, did ye say? How exciting! A good old-fashioned birthday celebration would be just what we’re all wantin’ now. Let’s see…”
Stewart turned to the wizard and winked at him. Tvrdik sighed, “Well, you and the Lady Regent, and the Lady Delphine…”
“And me!” interjected the dog, reminding him of the designated committee members.
“…and Stewart can put your heads together and do whatever you will. I’ll just keep the day open, shall I, and you let me know where and when my presence is requested.”
Mrs. Praeger stopped bustling and looked at him with a frown, not knowing whether to take him seriously. Tvrdik was quick to salvage the moment, “Only kidding. Of course I’ll be delighted with anything you all plan. It will be a wonderful day, and many thanks.”
After that, the young mage insisted on going out alone to find Ondine, and wouldn’t hear of taking any companion, a decision that no one seemed pleased with. He tried to reassure them, “I’ll be fine, no worries. I won’t be gone long, and I’ll have my mage-light.” As if to illustrate his point, he pulsed the ball of glowing bright light over his head. “You’ve all been wonderful, but I need a little solitude to collect my thoughts, and I promised I would thank our naiad friends for all they’ve done. Everything is fine. You can go to bed without a care, and I’ll see you all in the morning. Thank you so much for the delicious pie. You really do spoil me, Mrs. Praeger. Good night.”
Still hesitant, the Praegers bid him goodnight, Lynette with a final hug around the neck, and retired to their completed quarters at the back of the house. Stewart came over and licked Tvrdik’s face once. “Take good care o’ yerself, sir. Ye were a hero today, and we’re all that proud o’ ye.” The dog circled several times on the rug before the massive hea
rth, and settled down for the night with a gusty sigh. Tvrdik reached for his staff, wanting it at his side always, now, and, adjusting the ball of mage light to a softer level, he headed out into the night, closing the door with care behind him.
There was a moon out, not quite full, but the path was well illuminated, and deserted at this late hour. As much as he craved the company of his new friends, there were times when the breathing-space of solitude seemed essential. After so many hours of intense, disciplined focus on the inner landscape of his mind, the rest of the evening seemed too loud and crowded and chaotic. He was probably just tired, but this walk in the clear night air felt somehow calming and refreshing to him, as he made his way along the riverwalk to his special secret culvert on the bank. He was fairly sure he could summon Ondine there, even at this hour. It was a little difficult finding the way through the bushes in the semi-dark, and a little less appealing to be pushing through shrubbery which might be crawling with nocturnal creatures, but with the help of the moon and mage-light, he found his way through to the flat rock, the gentle ripple of the moving water, the whisper of the trees, and the musical hum of cicadas. Checking the rock to make sure he wouldn’t be sitting on anything unpleasant, he lowered himself down, knees drawn up to his chest, and back braced against a boulder. He laid the oak staff down nearby, and reached his long arms around his knees, clasping his hands together. In this childlike pose, he sighed deeply, and tipped his head back to see the stars circling in their dance overhead. Sometimes they seemed to call to him as he watched them with a kind of nameless yearning. Tonight, they seemed to pulse brighter, as if smiling down on him in approval. But, of course, that was but a trick of his imagination.
The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare Page 57
