by D. L. Carter
Halidan was certain that it was Mitash who first echoed the cry Eioth for High King! but it didn't matter to anyone, but Halidan as the words were caught up and repeated by dozens of voices. Those who had been ranked about the walls observing pushed forward and Halidan found herself struggling to stay upright. They pushed and shoved at her until she was driven all the way back to the walls of Synod Hall. Once there, she leaned against a fabric bedecked small pillar and gasped for breath.
They were going to grant Eioth the throne. They would.
No. They would not. Or, to tell the truth, Chandri would not.
One thing more was needed. The High King’s crown!
Keeping one eye on the massed and cheering crowd to make sure no one was paying attention to her, she worked her way along the wall until she was standing behind the throne. Kneeling she slipped her hand behind the pillar, stretching her fingers to their utmost. Just as she was about to give up and check the next pillar along, she felt her fingers slide over something hidden. Something smooth and hard. She pushed the pillar away from the wall, wincing at the scrape of stone on stone, unheard over the cheering, and the crown rolled into her hands.
Holding it tight against her hip hidden in the folds of her skirt she tried to work her way back into the crowd, closer to Eioth, but lacked the strength and will. The crowd churned before her, using all their strength to see what was happening. Realizing she had no hope of reaching him in this crowd she closed her eyes and with a prayer to the Elements tossed the crown high into the air toward the center of the room.
It landed with a resonant, rippling clang and the room fell silent, again.
“A gift. A sign,” cried an unfamiliar voice. “The Elements have returned the High King's crown!”
And the cheering burst forth anew.
Halidan rolled her eyes and sagged back against the wall. It was there that Mitash and Lenneth found her. Mitash's relief was such that he hugged her before backing away and wiping one hand dramatically across his forehead.
“The High . . . Kin . . . Eioth would have my eyes if you came to any harm.”
“I am well,” whispered Halidan. “But, I cannot see what is happening.”
Mitash's smile was dazzling. “They are about to crown Eioth, praise the Elements. Even Chandri cannot vote against with such a sign as the crown falling out of the sky.”
Halidan grinned, but did not explain the miracle. Instead she turned her attention to another mystery.
“Where did the girls come from?” she whispered.
“They were here already,” said Lenneth, softly smirking.
“What?” cried Halidan and Mitash together.
Lenneth smiled. “It was the least we could do, we of the Water temple, considering all the pain our greed has caused.”
“Our greed?” repeated Mitash.
“Or, at least, that is what I told my brothers-in-Water. It was the High Lord’s plan. As he instructed, our soon-to-be High King Eioth and I planned it all out last night. I went to the temple and told them all what you had discovered. Your theory. And its cost! Some were eager to continue in that old path, selling the secret during the Bachelor’s Moon. As Eioth directed, I gathered a group of my friends, we went to the Wicker Gate area, put everyone there to sleep and searched until we found Chandri’s children.”
“That must have taken hours,” cried Halidan. “How could you do that?”
“Many healers working together can accomplish amazing things, tor Halidan. Then, once we found them Lord Eioth escorted us through the wards of Synod Hall to the basement and there we waited. Once you had all arrived, we put everyone here to sleep, brought the children up, and gave them back to their father.” Lenneth preened and laughed at their stunned faces. “It is the least we could do considering what the Water priesthood owes the High King.
“I think that he would consider that you have redeemed yourselves after committing a great crime,” said Halidan. “But, if you did all that, why did you argue with him?”
“Consider it my penance, or the penance of the Water priesthood. A public statement of some of my brothers’ beliefs soundly criticized in public by the High Lord. It was earned.”
The familiar voice of the senior priest was heard calling for order.
“I have heard a call for Eioth to be acclaimed as High King,” cried the priest when the noise died a little. “I must call for a vote of the Synod. First, Trevan of True North.”
Mitash seized Halidan by the arm and began forcing his way through the throng. They reached the North West chair just as the vote began. Eioth stood in the center of the compass, quiet and impassive.
“I acclaim him,” said Trevan.
The priest called upon the High Lords one by one until, eventually, inevitably, it was Chandri's turn. Halidan held her breath until, slowly, Chandri closed his eyes, grimaced, then with the weight of all eyes upon him, inclined his head and voted yes.
With a shout Mitash seized Halidan about the waist and spun her about.
“You gave him the means, Halidan,” whispered Mitash when he dropped her back on her feet. “This is your victory as well as his. If I were not already your devoted slave before, I would be from this moment on.”
When the vote was done heralds ran from the room to announce the results to the waiting crowd outside. An echoing cheer went up and it seemed to Halidan that it would never end.
Within the hall, all throats opened with a cry of Long live High King Eioth that almost shattered the roof.
The priests beckoned Eioth to the throne. It was the priest of Water who finally found the courage to lift up the long missing crown from where it had fallen, place it on Eioth's head, and begin reciting the blessing.
“Those with Chandri banners are going to be surprised,” said Halidan, suddenly remembering the morning's terrifying ride to the Hall.
“Oh, no, we took care of them while everyone was asleep,” said Lenneth.
“How long were we asleep?” Halidan turned a shocked face to him. “The whole city? You put everyone to sleep?”
Lenneth smiled.
“With the aid of the Water priesthood, I put everyone in the city to sleep for an hour. Long enough to bring the girls up from their hiding place in the basement, and for every priest and acolyte in the city to run and collect those banners.”
“But, why?” whispered Halidan.
“To create the illusion of a miracle. A sign and blessing for the beginning of Eioth's reign. We weren't expecting the crown to fall out of the sky and validate his claim. The Water priesthood has much to make amends for and we thought this an appropriate gift.”
Their attention was caught by the descent of the Synod Lords to make their bows and give fealty to the new King.
The last was Trevan who rose from his bow, his face stern.
“Eioth, High King,” his voice full of emotion and tears running freely down his cheeks. “It is not our way that the High King is also Lord of a demesne. The obligations would drown him.”
“True enough,” said High King Eioth. “However, the magical commitments of the High King are more ceremonial than essential. I have power enough to continue my obligations to my home, but I have decided to turn over administrative duties and obligations to my Lady and that she should stand regent for our child until such time as he or she is able to attend to those obligations of High Lord. If that is acceptable to all? I say this only because I know not of an Adept of suitable ability to suggest in my place. Our numbers are currently so depleted.”
Chandri was on his feet in an instant.
“One of my daughters would serve as your Lady. They are of fertile stock . . .”
Eioth's face remained calm, although Mitash snorted.
“How kind you are, Chandri. I am overwhelmed,” said Eioth, “but your offer is unnecessary. My Lady, Halidan tor Ephram, is with child.” As gasps rose from the assembly, he laughed. “What? You thought I would not test this secret? Halidan will grant me a child before
next Spring Rising. Halidan, if you would come and give your oath as Lady Regent of the North West?”
He held out his hand toward her. There was silence as everyone looked about to see who Eioth was speaking to. Mitash pushed those blocking her path aside and led Halidan down to the speaker’s floor.
“She is mortal,” shouted someone.
Eioth glared about the crowd searching for the speaker.
“Of what significance is that?” he inquired in a calm voice.
No one answered. Really, what was there to say? Her role was administrative, not magical.
Once she was at the foot of the throne, Halidan looked up and met Eioth's eye for the first time since his acclamation. His grey eyes were shining with unshed tears, and as she approached, a broad smile lit his face.
“You've changed my job description, again,” murmured Halidan, when she was within earshot.
Eioth grinned at her unrepentantly. “Will you forgive me?” He whispered, then he raised his voice. “Halidan tor Ephram, will you serve as the North West's Lady?”
She almost didn't hear the words for her heart’s pounding. He could have put her aside without a word. No one would have protested. He could have accepted any of the marriage proposals that all the families in the Empire with daughters would have rushed to offer him. But, he was still watching her, smiling at her.
Loving her.
Eioth, her lover, the High King.
“I am the High King's most devoted servant,” she said, bowing, one hand pressed to her heart, then extended it, palm up in the traditional gesture. “As per our agreement, you have my love, loyalty and fealty lifelong. . . . and I shall tell you when I think you are wrong.”
No one but he heard the last few words. Almost as soon as the words were said, Halidan was again swept aside by the crowd. There were so many wanting to speak to Eioth, to try and weave a way into his good regard that Halidan resigned herself to waiting a long time before she next had his notice. Mitash and Lenneth settled her into the North West's chair and made certain she had everything she might need by way of food, drink, and protection. Her bodyguards appeared from who knew where and arranged themselves so that her person and privacy were ensured. Cris's chest was so inflated by pride at Halidan's latest elevation that Nittel whispered he feared that Cris would burst into flame.
Halidan turned her head just enough to watch Eioth and his new subjects. Even Chandri, Elements burn his ambitious soul, was waiting his turn to speak to the new High King, and trying to maneuver his way to stand at the right side of the throne. Trevan was having none of that and kept pulling him back to a more respectful place.
Halidan shook her head. Some things had changed, some things wouldn't. Her lover would have many more demands on his time now and his processionals would be correspondingly longer. And Halidan, librarian, Lady of the North West and soon-to-be mother, would see him less.
She sighed and pressed a hand to her belly. Mitash caught her gesture and frowned.
“Are you fatigued, Halidan? Should we take you home so you may rest?”
Before Halidan could reply, Eioth was on his feet. She would have been prepared to swear that he could not have heard Mitash over the noise in the chamber, but he was at her side in an instant.
“There will be time enough for all that must be done,” said Eioth to those who tried to claim his attention. He took Halidan's hand and assisted her to her feet. “Tomorrow, I shall begin. For now, I should take my Lady home.”
“Forgive me, High King,” said Trevan, “but some matters cannot be delayed. At the very least you should ride through Hub of Harmony and permit the people to see you. I suspect your House will be mobbed if you do not. It might be mobbed, even so. But, in the interest of persuading your subjects from tearing the city down in their celebration, you should be seen.”
“I should alert the House guards,” said Mitash, stiffening.
“I sent a troop to augment your House guards as soon as I heard the announcement,” said the chief of the city guard who was only a few feet away.
“Yes. Yes. Thank you,” Eioth sighed, and yielded. “Tell everyone who wishes to accompany me to wait outside. I must speak to Halidan a moment.”
It took several guards vigorously pushing to clear Synod Hall, but eventually the heavy doors were closed and Eioth and Halidan were alone.
“Forgive me for not taking you with me now, but I would feel better if you were safe. The next few days will be . . . disturbed. Understand it is not by any means that I am not proud to be with you.”
“You could have put me aside,” whispered Halidan. “In fact, in days to come there will be many who say you should.”
Too many changes in so short a time. No matter that it was the realization of an ambition, the reality was a heavy weight. Eioth kissed her and held her close just for the comfort, the strength her touch gave him. Eventually, he sighed, and released her reluctantly.
“Never. Never. For all the times in the future when the Empire takes me away from you, dear Halidan, I apologize now. Remember, you are first in my heart.”
Halidan considered that for a moment, her head tilted to one side.
“Yes. Your subjects are waiting outside to cheer and cry and show you their love. See to it that you remember that I loved you first.”
“You love me for who I am, dearest Halidan. The man, not the magician or the bearer of the crown. And I love you, for the strength of you, the heart of you, and the wisdom you have to disagree with me.”
He kissed her gently on the lips, and holding her hand, turned to meet his fate.
Epilogue
At the door their friends were waiting. “Mitash, Lenneth, stay close to Halidan,” said Eioth. “See her home safely. I shall return . . .” he looked out over the waiting crowd and gave a wry smile, “eventually.”
The crowd swelled, enveloped Eioth, and swept him away. Very soon, the hall emptied, as most who had gathered followed the new High King accompanying him on his first processional around the capital city.
Senoia and Federan remained, waiting for Halidan to gather her attendants and walk from the hall.
“You do not go to appear with the new High King?” asked Halidan of Senoia.
“As he said, tomorrow is soon enough.” Senoia released Federan's arm and seized Halidan's instead, pulling the girl close to her side. “Eioth's memory is long and I have no particular need to enhance my own status by going riding about in a mob at my time of life. Besides, you and I have something to discuss.”
Halidan colored and resisted an impulse to stroke a hand over her still flat belly, but to her surprise, children were not Senoia's topic.
“I must tell you, I was never more shocked than when Eioth started reciting from “The Adventures of Norfarland as if it were a book of wisdom.” The old Elf laughed. “How proud my great grandmother would be to know her book would one day aid a High King to his throne.”
Halidan halted and stared back at the elder High Lady.
“Your ancestor wrote those books! One of your female ancestors?”
Senoia laughed.
“Oh, of a certainty. In fact, when I was younger, I wrote stories myself. It was an inherited responsibility. Each of my female ancestors took her turn at tormenting poor Norfarland all the way back to the original.”
Halidan gaped at the Elf, a woman so old that age marching across her face had left clear footprints of all her years.
“What?” demanded Senoia. “Are you trying to imagine me as one of my heroines?”
Halidan blinked and shook herself out of her shock even as Mitash roared with laughter and Federan sighed.
“No. Yes. No. In truth, Lady Senoia I was thinking how Eioth would pay a great deal to know the truth.”
“There is no reason for him to know, and one reason why you should keep the secret.” Senoia grinned up at her grandson. “I have no daughter to teach, to accept the responsibility to continue telling the story of Norfarland's lechery and I w
ill not live long enough for Federan to give me one. If you are willing, I shall pass the torch to you.”
“Oh, no, I couldn't. I would not know how.”
“You should, my dear Halidan, for one very good reason. You used hints in Norfarland's story to discover the cause of our infertility and confirm the legitimacy of our children. I would tell you that I have read the stories many times and did not see the path you followed. Likewise, I shall tell you, as the books were written by a succession of females, none of whom were ever admitted into the secret of the Bachelor’s Moon. That was spoken directly by the Water priests to the men themselves. There was no way that my ancestor knew the secret. Your intuition is, therefore, more astonishing.”
Halidan's eyes opened wide.
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh! Dear Halidan, I have not the imagination left to write another tale, but even Eioth would agree that everyone should know how to balance magic with fertility. You have found the secret out, Halidan; you must pass it on.” Senoia grinned. “It's something Norfarland would do.”
“Poor Norfarland. He must do something responsible for once,” observed Federan. “How will the poor fellow stand the strain?”
Halidan and Senoia exchanged grins.
“Don't worry,” said Halidan. “I'll see to it that he extracts the highest possible price for his labor.”
Senoia patted her hand. “See that you do.”
“I think I shall have him become High King,” said Halidan. “It would only serve him right.”
