by D. L. Carter
For the most part, the Synod acknowledged that it would be difficult to perform the ritual confirming a new High King without the missing crown – not that they were willing to have that ritual performed until they were the one under said crown.
And now here was Chandri, hinting that it had been found.
It was not to be borne. If Chandri had the crown, how did he get it? And if it was a forgery it was Eioth's responsibility to see the deception did not carry all the way to a coronation!
Elemental magic could not provide a good method of long distance spying, but Sex Magic had the Ritual of Far Seeing, which fortunately was also his favorite posture. All that was required now was a partner.
Eioth didn't have to wonder where Halidan would be. He went arrow direct to his personal library where he found Halidan standing in the midst of piles of books, while his empty shelves were dusted and polished by a few sullen servants whose slow movements showed this was not where they wished to be.
The servants turned from their duties to make formal bows.
“Out, all of you,” said Eioth, crossing the room. As soon as the door was shut behind them Eioth took both Halidan's hands in his, drew a deep breath to cleanse his mind and calm his heart before speaking in soft tones. “Halidan, are we at peace?”
Startled, Halidan paused before answering. “I have been at peace all morning, High Lord. You, however, appear to be significantly disturbed.”
Eioth raised first one hand, then the other to his lips, kissing the palms and the pulse point of her wrists and smiling when she trembled.
“You are correct. I have received some information today that troubles me greatly and has given me reason to advance the pace of our relationship. I know I promised to give you time to consider the advantages of becoming my intimate companion. I wanted you to be comfortable with the idea and at peace with me before taking you to my bed, but I must ask for your answer now since I must also ask for your assistance with a magical ritual. If possible . . . tonight.”
Surprised, embarrassed, and shocked to find that she was also as warm and liquid as she had been after reading a description of one of Norfarland's amorous interludes, Halidan tried to free her hands, but Eioth held tight. Now faced with the necessity of putting her private decision to consent to the High Lord into words, Halidan found herself voiceless.
“Be assured,” said Eioth softly. “I shall treat you with the greatest of respect. I will not entertain any marriage negotiations while you live. You shall have the authority within my House of my Lady and because I have come to respect your mind I have confidence we shall do well together. I offer you all this, Halidan, more than I have spoken of before in the hope that you will consent to become my lover.”
This was never how she imagined being asked. Somehow she expected one moment of romance. Even lecherous Norfarland gave his lovers a few flowers. Being asked such a question in the middle of a sunlit room and knowing that servants were no doubt clustered outside the door and trying to overhear the conversation was beyond embarrassing. Arousing, confusing, embarrassing . . . yes, all these.
She was breathless and shaking now the moment had arrived. Her skin heated and her heart beat in her throat as she struggled to give voice to her decision. She tore her eyes away from his intent gaze and considered the uneasiness within her spirit. Yes, she had decided in the privacy of her own mind that she would consent. Yes, she was willing, even experiencing a little anticipation . . . yet, before she could give him the answer he desired she had her own issues to address.
“I have given a great deal of thought to your request. You have stated your desires comprehensively, but as yet you have not asked mine.”
“I thought I assured you your needs would be met.” Eoith’s lips curved and he lifted her fingers to his lips, again. “However, it shall be my pleasure to satisfy all your desires.”
Halidan colored, but kept her hand and legs as steady as her voice. “Thank you, but that is not to what I refer. You have offered me a home, a home from which I cannot be ejected and I appreciate that offer, but . . . High Lord, should it not be that all mortals should have that confidence?”
Eioth drew back, his smile fading, “I do not understand.”
Halidan tugged her hand free. “Only recently I was banished without warning from a House I occupied for several years. I was not of the family, but even so I should have been given an opportunity to gather my belongings, to ask reasons, and to depart in a dignified manner. What happened to me would not distress me as much if I thought it were an unusual event, but it is quite common. Mortals and half bloods have no redress under the law when faced with Elven Ritual, superstition, and prejudice. We can be mistreated on a whim. High Lord, this cannot continue. I would ask to use your authority to repair this situation for more than myself.”
The High Lord’s expression became shuttered and still. “Halidan, this is hardly the time for this discussion.”
“It is exactly the time since you have made a request of me and I have something I require of you.”
Now Eioth retreated a step, his arms folding across his chest. “Ah, it is ever so,” he murmured. “The seeking of influence . . .”
“Why are you surprised? You chose me for reasons of your own. You can hardly say that the reason you sought me out had anything to do with profound affection. Equally, I have my own interests to promote. I have an opportunity to bring the matter to your attention – and who else amongst the mortals has your ear?” She paused, “And do not think I offer my body as a bribe in this matter. I have a higher opinion of myself than to offer myself in that way!”
Eioth’s only response was to sweep his gaze over her from head to toe and raise an eyebrow. Halidan crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at him.
Eioth sighed. “If it must be so . . . if you must speak of this matter now, then say on.”
That was all the encouragement Halidan needed or could expect. She was sorry in some part of her heart and mind to have annoyed him, distracted him from his proposition, and yet, since he had approached her with so little romance, she felt it reasonable to speak of practical matters. To make clear her thoughts on their future.
“I have always known, but accepted as inevitable, that those of Elven blood, no matter High or Low, could do as they wished with their mortal employees. Part Elven blood gives no advantage since those with that burden are regarded as illegimite no matter what arrangements their parents have made. But, of late when House Pitchuri cast me out, it occurred to me, they should not have been able to do it. My protests should have been heard. My father’s right to a dignified passing should have been honored.”
“I agreed with you at the time . . .”
“But, there is more,” cried Halidan, a familiar frustrated rage welling up in her. “Morae, one of my assigned guards, did you speak to him? Did you know he was cast out, had his name and family torn from him because he is half blood when he was yet a child?”
“Yes, I knew,” the High Lord nodded. “Remember, I saw his papers the night we met.”
“Then did you also know that his mother was prevented from accompanying him, from staying with her child? He has no idea where she is or what became of her.”
His mouth twisted as he nodded, again. His voice was low as he replied. “Indeed, he was not the only one thus separated. I was already a member of the Synod when it happened. I remember being disgusted by Chandri’s actions.”
“But, you did nothing in response!”
Caught short by the truth, again he did not speak.
“It was only by the actions of the healers that Morae has any life at all,” continued Halidan. “He could have starved. A child out in the world, alone and helpless. The whole idea is repugnant! You know the Empire’s rules. Who would have employed him? He would be run out of any town he entered for not being able to prove his identity. Lacking any ancestors, who would appeal for him to Unity? His life was ruined by that High Lord’s whim!”
“I believe th
e High Lady Senoia gave permission for the displaced to remain in the South, gave them the right to call her demesne home. Issued new papers.”
“She should be applauded for her mercy, but what legal action did she take?”
“Little. None. What a High Lord chooses to do in his demesne unless banned by Emperial law is his own concern.”
“And thus we return to the lack of a High King,” said Halidan softly.
“Even so, He could have issued a reprimand, could have ordered compensation. Forbidden the purge . . .”
“If He had been so moved; I think I would trust to law rather than the whim of one person. What if the High King at the time bore a low opinion of half bloods and mortals? He would have done nothing. I cannot trust to a hope that when a crime of this nature occurs an honorable person will occupy the throne.”
Eioth’s lips curved at Halidan’s suggestion that the Synod’s members would be found wanting. “In that you would be wise.”
“But, matters cannot stay as they are. Do you not believe that mortals and part bloods are entitled to live a peaceful life, confident that their rights will be honored?”
“Of course, I told you so when we arrived here.”
“But, by your actions, by permitting Tribel to continue as House manager, you give a different impression to the world.”
“Halidan, have done. I told you why Tribel remains.”
“But, it cannot be permitted to continue. What should people know about you? That you respect the rights of mortals, or require them to live in barracks? That you refuse to permit them under your roof?”
“There at least I can reassure you. There are no barracks. Tribel has not left this House for decades. He does not know his silly rules do not apply outside these doors.”
“But, they do within. Tribel is the voice of your House. His prejudice is visible and that is how you will be judged. Any who come to this door go away convinced that Tribel’s opinions are yours.”
“And I am nothing? How I live, who I choose as my companions, this does not show my true thoughts?”
It was Halidan’s turn to fold her arms. “How many mortal friends do you have? How many mortals are mayors of a town? Or are in high position? How many live inside your demesne? Do you know? You cannot ignore us and leave us vulnerable. We need legal protection from prejudice!”
“Halidan, you have not been in my employ long enough to know all that I know. I do respect the mortals who live here and care about their lives. Come! Did I not offer to approach the family that offended you? To seek compensation for you?”
“You did as a private intervention. If you were truly sympathetic to the vulnerability of mortals and willing to use your office in their service, you would have sent a troop of guards to their House to arrest the Matriarch!”
Eioth opened his mouth to reply, then paused and settled into silence. Halidan waited, her heart pounding and hands clenched to her sides. Time stretched tight and tense and still Halidan waited. Eioth’s face gave no indication of the path of his thoughts and she hesitated to further anger him. After a time, Eioth shifted and turned to stare out the nearest window. In the rear courtyard his personal guard trained, the voice of their captain ringing above the tramp of feet.
When Eioth finally reached for her his movements were slow and unthreatening. He curved his arm about her shoulders and drew her to his side.
“Halidan, I will consider this matter closely, and while I may not promise to bring proposals before this year’s Synod, I shall give time and effort to satisfying your desire.” He looked down at her, his eyes unreadable. “Do you know why I do this?”
Several answers suggested themselves to Halidan, but she rejected them all. Instead she shook her head.
“Because,” said Eioth, “deeply offended as I am by the Matriarch’s actions, moved as I was to seek justice for your father’s suffering on the last day of his life . . . I cannot send the guard as I cannot think of a single law that was broken.”
“Ah.” Halidan’s agitated hand twisting stilled.
“Indeed. Her actions were morally reprehensible, yet not illegal. The High Lord who injured your guard, Morae, technically did nothing beyond his authority. I find I do not wish to have this state of affairs continue.”
A breath she wasn’t aware she was holding sighed out, to Eioth’s amusement.
“So, Halidan, again I must say you have proven yourself a most suitable companion for me. Other women might have sought promises of silver and gold on receiving my proposition, but you . . . you would argue for repair of social injustice.”
At her hesitant smile, he laughed and hauled her close to kiss. As his mouth claimed hers he exalted. He was right. She was the perfect height, the perfect armful. Her body leaned into his as he took the kiss to depths they had not before shared. His tongue invaded her mouth, tasting, exploring its sweetness. When she gasped and tried to escape, he held her face with both hands as he taught her, with his own tongue, the delicious sensations possible. When he drew back, she was trembling, eyes tight shut, her hands fisted into the cloth of his over robe.
Eioth sighed, kissed her forehead, and ran a soothing hand down the curve of her spine.
“You have heard my reply. As yet you have not answered me. Have I your agreement?”
It took Halidan a few moments to gather her scattered thoughts. When she did, she found she could not step back; he held her tight against his hard body, waiting.
“I hardly know, High Lord. Previously you have requested only my company in your bed. But, if I understand you correctly, now you expect my participation in a ritual. Surely you remember I am only mortal?”
“Trust me, I am aware of what you can and cannot do. There will be magic enough when we join. Your participation in the intimacies will give all that is required.”
Warmed by the intensity of his gaze, Halidan nodded. “I had already come to my decision, High Lord. I will . . . I will lie with you.”
His smile was immediate and broad. “Most excellent, Halidan. I shall labor to give you happiness and pleasure. And while I wish deeply to consummate our relationship here and now, I cannot. The ritual I spoke of is too important and requires preparation.”
Halidan nodded, grateful at some level for the reprieve even as her lips throbbed with the memory of his.
“There is a chant you must learn. I shall write it out for you. Tonight at dusk I shall come for you and if it is not too much of a burden, I would ask that you do not eat from now until then.”
At this Halidan scowled. “As Tribel is still pretending I am not in the house, I am certain he has no plans to feed me.”
“That we shall address tomorrow. For now, with great reluctance, dear Halidan, I must go.” With one last brush of his fingertips along her jaw he departed. As soon as the door shut, Halidan sank to the floor, her legs unable to bear her weight a moment longer.
Tonight.
She remained on the floor, distracted and stunned, wishing for magic ability sincerely for the first time in her life so that she could stop the passage of the sun across the sky or speed it along. She was no longer certain in her own mind which it was she desired.
Chapter Twelve
“We have awaited your arrival,” intoned the eldest of the gathered males.“We may now prepare for a ritual long delayed.”
Norfarland regarded them with curiosity, but no fear. Thus far, they had done nothing to his detriment. Indeed the food they had fed him was very fine, the clothing that now adorned his body, rich and luxurious. All the appointments of the chamber where he had awoken were of the finest materials. Nevertheless, Norfarland was suspicious. No one was ever this enthusiastic to see him, not even the dearest of his friends to whom he owed money. Still, it would not do to offend until he knew the extent of the situation.
Therefore, he bowed politely,“I am honored, if a little confused. I was not aware that any were waiting for me.”
“Indeed, I did not know until this day it was y
ou we sought,” replied the elder. “One disadvantage of prophesy is that they are often a little light on useful details.”
Norfarland was astonished. “Prophesy,” he cried. “Sir, surely you are in jest. There is nothing about me that could interest any of the Elements.”
“And yet we were commanded to seek out the man who was not born. You, sir, are a true bastard are you not?”
“Well, yes, I know not my mother’s, nor my father’s names. That does not mean to say that I was not born!”
“Can you gain their testimony that you were? Can any relatives or healers be found to give witness?”
Norfarland considered. The mystery of his birth was deep and complete. Not only did he not know his parents’ names, he did not even know the name of the town in which he was born.
Or the demesne.
Or the date.
After some thought, he replied: “Well, no. Obviously not.”
“Then we may proceed. First you should remove your clothes.”
The Adventures of Norfarland the Bastard ~ Book 33
Waiting is a most unpleasant way to watch time pass.
Halidan spent the remainder of the afternoon alone, waiting. When the shadows lengthened toward evening she dragged herself off to her chamber to bathe, then to sit and fret while she waited for her presumptive lover.
As the minutes passed her agitation grew. How dare the High Lord tell her she would become his lover tonight, then turn away and leave her alone with her thoughts for the rest of the day? Norfarland, lecherous and inconsiderate bastard as he often was, never did such a thing. To arouse and fluster his lady, then pat her on the shoulder and bid her a pleasant afternoon . . . no. No such thing.
Uncertain of how to prepare, Halidan dressed simply in day clothes instead of a nightdress and sat uneasily on the edge of her bed, hands folded in her lap. She should take her copy of The Adventures with her this eve. She should mark a page and show it to the High Lord. He bade her learn from the book and she had, but he could do with a lesson or two himself.
See, she would say, here is Norfarland with soft words and flowers. Here he coaxes a lady into an embrace with little more than the heat in his gaze! While Norfarland might make arrangements for an assignation by sending a note, he would never include a list of High Elven ritual words to be memorized!
