Path of the Magi (Tales of Tiberius)

by Stuart, Richard J

  “I’ll take that as a ‘no contest’. Very well, you’ll be held in our dungeons pending trial. I advise you to speak with someone before your trial, if only a priest. Get him out of my sight.”

  The guards took him away, but then Tiberius stepped up towards the lord.

  “Lord Brandon, a word," Tiberius said.

  "What’s on your mind, Tiberius?" he answered.

  "This man's a rebel to King Oberon of the elves. I think we should hand him over to the Alfaran authorities."

  "Give him to the elves?” Darras frowned. “Why? He's murdered our people; we have every right to try him here."

  "That's true. But I was thinking of our people. We want the Alfaran to deal gently with our people who trespass. We need to give them something. Returning a rebel would seem a gracious and appropriate gesture."

  Lord Brandon considered a moment. "It’s a good idea, but I’m not sure how to proceed. We don’t have any sort of formal extradition treaty with the elves. I suppose I could write to the capital.”

  “Pity Lord Gillyian’s run off who knows where,” Darras said. “He could probably give us some good advice.”

  "I've got a social contact among the Alfaran,” Tiberius said. “I can write and she can give us some advice. At least she could tell us who to talk to.”

  "All right. Make it so. But do it quickly. The less time this man spends under our roof the happier I'll be," Lord Brandon said.

  Tiberius dashed off a note to Salina. Her response was swift.

  "I have informed the Countess of your request. I have it on good authority that the Countess will look kindly on your case. I am permitted to inform you that you have leave to appear before court to present your prisoner. Lord Gillyian will meet you at the river and escort you, Lord Darras, and the prisoner to the local court. God willing, I will have a chance to see you there."

  He showed the note to Darras and Lord Brandon.

  "Hmm, bit doubtful about seeing you, isn't she? I'd feel better if we had more of a guide," Darras said.

  "I know Lord Gillyian, too. I'm sure he will assist us with protocol. As to my Salina, she told me the Countess doesn't like her being at court. Maybe doesn't like two people around with the same name? I don't know. I don't really know much about the Countess."

  "None of us do," Lord Brandon said with a frown. "We'll risk it, though. We need better relations with the elves if we’re to bring any sort of peace to this land."

  The next morning, Tiberius, Darras and the prisoner were across the river from Lord Gillyian and a small troop of Alfarans.

  The Rangers rowed them across the river. The prisoner took a glance at Lord Gillyian.

  “The King’s lackey himself. How our race has fallen.”

  “It’s on that subject the Countess would like a word with you. We’ll make sure you don’t get lost along the way, brother.”

  “Friends of animals are not my brothers.”

  “Mind your tongue, rebel. If we’re no kin, I’ve no cause to keep you alive,” Gillyian snapped.

  It was a long, quiet ride thought the forest. Darras had the impression that the paths they walked down were far from ordinary. They rode for hours but they seemed to be deeper into the woods than they could have traveled in that time. Still, it was hard to judge time or distance when surrounded by trees and brush. By evening they stopped at a small village.

  The Alfaran seemed strangely subdued here. The presence of the rebel seemed to disturb them all.

  The next morning they reached the Alfaran city. Tiberius had never been here before; indeed, few humans had ever been allowed this deep inside King Oberon’s territories. It was a wondrous sight, a mixture of classical architecture woven with greenery. It was as if the whole city was a garden.

  Some of the guards stopped them at the entrance. There seemed to be no central keep in this city, but they were led to an ornate building which seemed to be in the city's center. There were fountains in front of it at least, and guards at the entrance. The guards came up to them as they approached.

  "We will take custody of the prisoner,” the guards said. “The Countess wants a word with you before the prisoner is brought in."

  Darras looked at Tiberius who nodded assent. The prisoner was given to the guards and Darras and Tiberius were led forward.

  The formal chambers seemed much like any other courtroom hall, save that there were a lot of plants around. The countess was on a throne ahead of them. She was wearing a dress of white and gold and a matching white veil which was draped over her head, which was tipped down, so they still had no idea what she looked like. They were led forward to the very edge of the throne. Darras was very nervous; he'd had his problems with dignitaries and he certainly didn't want to make a bad impression now. The Alfarans were proud and powerful. Tiberius's face seemed a bit out of joint as they approached. Had he sensed some danger to them?

  One of the elves made the introduction.

  "Captain Darras Walker, representing the Stewardship, delivering a prisoner for justice, M'lady. Escorting him, Tiberius the Magus. Gentlemen, I present the Countess Salina."

  Darras stepped forward and bowed. "It is an honor and a privilege to make your acquaintance, Countess…"

  That was as far as he got in his speech as he realized that no one was paying any attention to him. As soon as he started to speak, the countess rose from her throne and threw off her veil. It was the Salina that Tiberius knew and loved. She almost skipped down the last two steps as she ran to him and threw her arms around him. Darras had the surprise of his life as the countess gave a passionate kiss of greeting to his companion, who returned her greeting.

  "I gather you've met?" was all he could say.

  "You look so surprised," Salina said, laughing, to Tiberius. Their lips had parted but she held onto his hand like a schoolgirl. "He thinks the woods are filled with Salinas!" she said to the court, who laughed at the jest.

  "You said you weren't the countess," Tiberius answered, still a bit stunned.

  "I said no such thing. I told you we were acquainted. We are acquainted, yes? It is, I permit, an intimate acquaintance. But I did not lie," Salina said.

  "You said she didn't like you being at court," Tiberius continued.

  "La, who likes work? Court for me is a job. I much prefer dancing. Don't be mad that I was evasive. I did not wish to talk politics with you, and you thought too highly of me already. This is your friend, yes?"

  She held out a hand, and Darras, with just a touch of hesitation, gripped hers in turn. A moment later she smiled at him. "A worthy companion. We should be dancing now, but that must wait. You bring me work, not presents," she said, frowning. Salina stepped back up to the throne, and tried to put on her business face. "Bring in the prisoner."

  A distinguished elf lord stepped forward and bowed.

  "Countess, will you not recluse yourself from the case? Obviously you are well acquainted with this gentleman who brings charges before the court," the distinguished Alfaran lord stated.

  "Certainly not," Salina said curtly. "Tiberius, will you take the rod and speak the truth under oath before God?"

  "I will," he said.

  Salina waved and the rod was brought for him to hold.

  "Do I give you everything you want?" Salina asked.

  "Assuredly not," he answered.

  "Do I ever hesitate to tell you when I think you are in error?" she said.

  "No."

  "Have you known me to place duty to my king before our friendship?"

  "Yes, frequently," Tiberius answered, yet again.

  Salina turned back to the distinguished elf. "La, you see. No more of this. Councilor will recall I have some history of placing the King’s wishes before my own desires. Bring the prisoner forward."

  Two guards escorted the prisoner down the aisle. Darras and Tiberius were led to the side.

  "You stand accused of treason and making war upon our friends. How do you answer."

  "I don't answer the c
harges of animals,” the Redcap replied, snarling at the Sons of Adam in the court.

  "It is your king who accuses you,” Salina snapped back angrily. “It is him you betray by your reckless actions. Do you wish to plead guilty?"

  "I've done nothing wrong," was the prisoner’s reply.

  "Is that so?" Salina said rising. She walked right up to the prisoner. "Give me your hand then."

  The prisoner tried to take a step back, but the guards restrained him. "Why? So you can betray me like you did your husband? Is it true that you sleep with animals, now that you've murdered him?" he said with a glance at Tiberius.

  Salina slapped him across the face. "You torture the defenseless?" he shot back.

  "You insult a lady. I treat you better than you deserve. Give me your hand," she ordered.

  Reluctantly he held it out. Salina grasped it only a moment before throwing it from her like some dead animal she'd stumbled across while cleaning.

  "Simply for seeing your heart is so rotted I would sentence you to instruction by the elders. Have you nothing to say in your defense?" She said, looking at him with genuine horror and astonishment.

  "I have nothing to say to those without honor,” the prisoner stated, his face filled with pride. “You lower yourself to the animals. You betrayed your love…"

  "HE BETRAYED ME!" Salina shouted. The fire in her eyes silenced the prisoner, as it did all in the hall. She was a woman of great passion and that passion had now been fully aroused as pure anger poured from her voice, trembling with rage. "He betrayed his king; he dishonored our home. I well know the signs of an animal. Creatures like you who will not look beyond their emotions. Consider his fate and know that I loved him far more than you!" she shouted.

  The hall was completely silent for another moment as Salina struggled to regain her composure. At last she took a deep breath and slowly forced herself to turn from him. "Take him to the…"

  Just then the prisoner surged into one of his guards. Knocking the guard down, he grabbed a knife and turned to Salina.

  “Venu!” Tiberius shouted, and the Redcap was spun around as the knife was ripped from his hand by Tiberius’ telekinetic command. The other guard decked the prisoner with a mailed fist. He was subdued in an instant. Salina turned back to the prisoner. She was speechless with fury.

  "Would you be a kin slayer?" she asked in a menacing whisper.

  "I would avenge and purify our species," the prisoner shouted back.

  "Purify your heart! I should mix your blood with the Sons of Adam. Maybe then you would treat them with more respect. You have a cousin, do you not? On the spot I should order her wed to this man," she said, pointing towards Tiberius.

  "You wouldn't dare!" the prisoner answered. For the first time, Tiberius thought he looked frightened.

  "Why wouldn't I? La, your blood is not fit for it!” She turned to the guards. “Get this creature out of my sight. Give him to the elders, if any are willing to look on him. If I do not hear good reports of your penance I shall ask the high king for your head!"

  The prisoner was lead away, none too gently. Salina resumed her seat. She called Captain Darras before her.

  "I am sorry I cannot return his head with you. I have not the power to order death of a kinsman for the slaying of outlanders. But he shall be punished. He will do many years repentance for his crimes. More than the lifespan of one of Adam's offspring. He will pay a blood price, too, that the kin of his victims will have some recompense. If they wish to pursue the matter something might be arranged. I can promise nothing but an audience with the High King, though. He has his own mind."

  Darras bowed. "We are satisfied with your own judgment, Ma'am. We seek only justice and peace with your people."

  She nodded and Darras stepped back; then she beckoned Tiberius forward.

  "Give me your hand a moment. I need to wash the feel of that viper from my skin."

  He put his hand in hers and she closed her eyes a moment. "That's better."

  "I'm sorry he upset you," he said.

  "My duties are not always pleasant. But at least they have brought you to me for a change. We will dine together in a bit. Go now, though. I have a trade case up next. This will be wearisome. Better you see some of our gardens."

  He smiled back at her. “I don’t know, it might be interesting to hear how the Alfaran settle a business dispute.”

  “La! You think I could concentrate on such trivialities with you in sight? Go! I must try to work!” she laughed.

  Gillyian led them away on a quick tour of city's extensive gardens. He was called away for a moment, and Darras and Tiberius were left alone together.

  Darras immediately stepped over to Tiberius. "You didn't know?" he asked with a mixture of amusement and amazement.

  "Know what?” Tiberius asked. “That she was the countess? No." Darras just shook his head in wonder but Ti continued talking. "I knew she was more important than she was letting on, but I didn't know she was the countess. She told me she wasn't. You heard her."

  "You never suspected? Didn't you read her mind or something?" Darras asked.

  "I didn't know how to do that when I first met her. It isn't easy with her anyway. Dallen must have known but decided to respect her privacy."

  "This puts a bit of a different spin on things," Darras said.

  "Yes, I guess," Tiberius said. He was still trying to make sense of this new development.

  "You guess?” Darras replied. “I think we can conclude you have some influence with her."

  "Yes, ok, I have her ear, obviously. It also means she can't have as much control over things as one might think of a countess. Otherwise she'd have done more to help us already."

  "I suppose that's true too," Darras said.

  "It explains some personal things, too. She's not exactly free to spend her time where and with whom she wishes is she?" Tiberius pondered.

  "I can see where that would complicate things. Some of her councilors looked none too happy that she had a personal relationship with you.”

  “Things never quiet go as I plan where women are concerned,” Tiberius said.

  “I think that goes for all of us,” Darras said, smiling.

  ∴

  Early in the evening they were led to their rooms to dress for dinner. Darras wore his dress uniform. At formal occasions in the castle, knights tended to wear their dress armor. That wasn’t always appropriate, especially at occasions in the capital. There, as here, a proper knight wore an scarlet unarmored dress coat with gold epaulettes and trim. Tiberius also put aside his armor and staff for the evening, wearing a soft and billowy green poet’s shirt with black pants. He wore the magi’s symbol on a chain about his neck.

  When dressed, they were led to a long low table set in a open air garden. It was within the elfin city, but like much of the city it was so lined with greenery that it was hard to tell where forest stopped and city began.

  Salina came up to greet them. She too had changed. She now wore a diaphanous robe of green silks that was transparent to the point of being in questionable taste, at least in a human castle. A glance around the room showed she wasn’t the only one free with her attire. The elves were dressed light and loose fitting silken garb which befitted a summer’s evening amid torches and starlight.

  The dinner conversation was kept light. Salina drew out some of Darras’ jousting exploits. Even here in the courts of the elves, some had heard of Walker the Hammer.

  As usual, Tiberius found Alfaran cooking a trifle exotic at times. The main course was a slow cooked pork which seemed to have a cinnamon flavor. There was a salad of wild greens with a light dressing, and wild rice and chestnut bread served with butter and honey. A selection of wines were served, which pleased Darras, as it gave him a subject he could at last talk sensibly about. The Walker Family Vineyards were known and respected here. Tiberius was served white tea and a naturally carbonated fruit drink.

  As usual the elves were wonderful hosts, but Tiberius could sen
se a certain tension in the air at times, which was not typical at the Alfaran meals he’d attended previously. Then again, he’d never been at a state dinner among the Alfararan before. He could tell Salina was not relaxed. She was working tonight, playing the politician, not simply enjoying the meal. She was making sure the conversation stayed on safe channels. Always there had been elves who were not friendly to humans. The Redcaps were not popular, being viewed as extremists, but there were elves who sympathized with their views, if not their methods. Some of the elves there viewed the Sons of Adam as lesser creatures, possibly as dangerous parasites, and certainly as uncouth meddlers.

  At length, the councilor who had spoken for Salina to recluse herself brought up the topic of the Rangers' work around the province of Vonair.

  “News has reached us of the exploits of the Rangers of late. You mean to drive the goblins from your lands it seems,” he said.

  “Are they your friends that you care for their welfare?” Salina replied with a forced laugh.

  “Of course not,” the councilor snapped. “But all the same, I am curious what the Stewardship’s plans for the future are. Change is not welcome to us, and you stir things up in the province of Vonair.”

  “Change is not always a bad thing. We shine light into the darkness. No more than that,” Tiberius replied.

  “But when your armies done slaying goblins, where will they turn next I wonder?” the councilor asked.

  “Back to sport I should think,” Darras said, parrying the verbal lunge. “I lost my last major tournament on a disputed call. I should like nothing better than the chance to avenge that loss. Before I do that, I must see to the safety and welfare of my fellow citizens.”

  “An admirable sentiment, Sir Darras,” the councilor responded. “But will you not turn to home and hearth as well? To raising families? Families that need room to expand.”

  “La, must you speak of country matters? I think talk of raising families is something I would discuss in private,” Salina said with a laugh.

  “The councilor is simply expressing his hopes for future peace between the Stewardship and the Alfaran race. A sentiment we all share,” Tiberius replied. “In three hundred years of living as neighbors, there have been no major incidents. I have every confidence that our peace will continue.”