Lady of the Lake

by Andrzej Sapkowski

  ‘You understand perfectly, Ambassador,’ said Leuvaarden, characteristically dragging out his syllables. ‘Indeed, I am full of admiration for your comprehension.’

  ‘The Great Sun, Lord Leuvaarden, do you in the capital ever meditate on the consequences of your decisions? The Nordlings are already whispering that our empire is a colossus with feet of clay! Even now they cry out that they won, beat us and drove us out! Does the Emperor realize that to give further concession will mean accepting their arrogant and unreasonable ultimatum? Does the Emperor understand that they will treat this as a sign of weakness which could have dire consequences in the future? Does the Emperor understand, finally, the fate of several thousand of our settlers in Brugge and Lyria?’

  Berengar Leuvaarden stopped rocking his cup and stared at Shilard, his eyes as black as coal.

  ‘I have given My Lord Baron an imperial order,’ he said. ‘When the Baron returns to Nilfgaard he can personally ask the Emperor why he issued such unreasonable orders. He may also want to reprimand the Emperor. Scold him. Why not? But alone, without my mediation.’

  Oh, thought Shilard. I know. Sitting here before me is a new Stefan Skellen. And I’ll have to deal with him just like Skellen. But it is clear he did not come here for no reason. The order could have been brought by a regular messenger.

  ‘Well,’ he said, outwardly calm and confident. ‘Woe to the vanquished. The imperial order is clear and specific, I will therefore execute it. I will do everything to make it look like

  the outcome of negotiations and not complete defeatism. I understand these things; I’ve been a diploma for thirty years. And my family for four generations. We are a significant, influential and rich...family...’

  ‘I know, I know, of course,’ Leuvaarden interrupted with a smile. ‘That’s why I’m here.’

  Shilard bowed slightly and waited patiently.

  ‘My dear Baron,’ began the envoy, rocking his cup again, ‘your difficulties in understanding the imperial order arose because you surmised that the victory in the war is inextricably bound up with an absurd waste of material resources and human lives and is achieved by someone waving a flag and shouting, “Everything I see is mine! I won!” A similar opinion is, unfortunately, fairly widespread. But for me and the people who have put their trust in me, we don’t think so. Victory is supposed to look like this – the defeated have to buy goods from the winners, and do it gladly, because the goods of the winners and better and cheaper. The winners currency is stronger than the currency of the defeated and the vanquished and they begin to have more confidence in their own. Do you understand me, Baron Fitz-Oesterlen? Are you slowly beginning to distinguish the winners from the losers?’

  Ambassador Fitz-Oesterlen nodded to confirm.

  ‘But in order to strengthen and legitimize the victory,’ Leuvaarden said dragging out his syllables, ‘a peace must be signed. A soon as possible and at any cost. Not a ceasefire or truce, but a real lasting peace. A strong contract that will build and exclude implementation of economic blockades, retaliatory tariffs and trade protectionism.’

  Shilard nodded earnestly.

  ‘We destroyed their industry and agriculture, according to a predetermined plan,’ Leuvaarden continued calmly. ‘We did this in order to deprive them of their own goods so they have to buy ours. But our merchants and products will not cross through closed or hostile borders. What will happen then? I will tell you what will happen, dear Baron. We will create the crisis of overproduction, because our manufactures are working full speed, hoping to export. Large losses will also be felt by the maritime trade, the result of cooperation with Novigrad and Kovir. Your influential family, dear Baron, have significant participation in such societies. And family, as you are no doubt aware, dear Baron, are the basic building blocks of such societies. Did you know?’

  ‘I know,’ Shilard Fitz-Oesterlen lowered his voice, even though he knew that the chamber was reliably secure against eavesdropping. ‘I understand. However, I would have assurance that I’m following the orders of the Emperor... And not some... corporation.’

  ‘Emperor’s pass,’ said Leuvaarden. ‘Corporations remain. And survive. I understand your concern, Baron. You can be sure you are fulfilling the order of the Emperor, which was issued in the interest and for the good of the Empire. I do not deny, however, that our Emperor was issued some advice from certain corporations.’

  The envoy unbuttoned his collar and pulled out a gold medallion, on which was displayed a burning star inside a triangle.

  ‘An impressive decoration,’ Baron Fitz-Oesterlen showed his understanding. ‘Without a doubt, very expensive... and elitist... Is it possible to buy it somewhere?’

  ‘No,’ replied Berengar Leuvaarden. ‘It is necessary to earn it.’

  ‘If the gentlemen and the lady will allow,’ Shilard Fitz-Oesterlen’s voice took on a familiar tone which testified to what he was about to say, was considered important. ‘If the gentlemen and lady will allow, I will read the content of the message from His Majesty Emhyr var Emreis, but the Great Sun, Emperor of Nilfgaard...’

  ‘No, not again,’ Demavend gritted his teeth. Dijkstra quietly moaned. None of this escaped Shilard’s attention.

  ‘The imperial message is long,’ he admitted. ‘I will summarize it, and limit myself to the most important points. The Imperial Majesty expresses his satisfaction over the course of the deliberations so far and welcomes the achieved compromises and reconciliations. His Imperial Majesty wishes to make further progress in the negotiations and to conclude them with mutual benefit...’

  ‘Let’s get to the point,’ said Foltest, ‘And quickly! Let’s conclude the mutual benefits and return home.’

  ‘That’s the spirit,’ Henselt said, who was farther from home than anyone. ‘Let us get this over with, or we’ll be here until winter.’

  ‘We have one more compromise,’ said Meve. ‘An issue that we have touched on only a few times in passing. Perhaps out of fear that it would cause us to quarrel. It is time to overcome that fear. The problem will not disappear by not talking about it.’

  ‘Right,’ said Foltest. ‘We must resolve the status of Cintra, the inheritance to the throne and Calanthe’s successor. The issue is complicated, but I have no doubt we can handle it ourselves, right, Your Excellency?’

  ‘Oh,’ Fitz-Oesterlen smiled diplomatically and enigmatic. ‘I’m sure the question of succession to the throne of Cintra will go smoothly. The solution is simpler than you probably expected.’

  ‘I submit for discussion,’ Philippa Eilhart announced in a tone that did not invite discussion, ‘the following proposal – the territory of Cintra’s trusteeship. I entrust this mandate to Foltest of Temeria.’

  ‘Foltest’s holdings are growing too fast,’ Sabrina Glevissig said with a scowl. ‘Brugge, Sodden, Angren...’

  ‘We need,’ said Philippa, ‘a strong state at the mouth of the Yaruga. And in the Marnadal Stairs.’

  ‘It cannot be denied,’ Síle de Tansarville nodded, ‘we need it. But they need Emhyr var Emreis. And I recall that our goal is to compromise, not conflict.’

  ‘A few days ago Shilard suggested,’ recalled Francesca Findabair, ‘that Cintra will be divided with lines into two demarcation zones, a southern zone and a northern zone...’

  ‘A foolish idea,’ said Margarita Laux-Antille. ‘Such a division does not have any meaning and only becomes the seed for future conflict.’

  ‘I believe,’ said Síle, ‘that Cintra should be turned into a condominium state. Administration of the territory should be engaged by both commissioners from the northern kingdoms and the Empire of Nilfgaard. The citadel of Cintra would acquire the status of a free port... You wish to say something Lady Assire? I’m used to representing my thoughts coherently and in full form, but for now... I’m listening.’

  All the sorceresses turned their sights to Assire var Anahid, the Nilfgaardian witch did not look the least bit embarrassed.

  ‘I recommend,’ she sai
d in her pleasant, calm voice, ‘that we focus on other issues. And leave Cintra alone. I have been told about something, which I have not had time to tell you ladies. The case of Cintra, dear colleagues, is already resolved and settled.’

  ‘What?’ Philippa’s eyes narrowed. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

  Triss Merigold sighed audibly. She already knew. She had already guessed what it meant.

  Vattier de Rideaux was sad and depressed. His beautiful and passionate lover, golden-haired Cantarella was leaving him, suddenly and unexpectedly, without giving a reason or explanation. For Vattier, this was a low and terrible blow, he had left crestfallen, nervous, distracted and dazed. He had to pay attention, be careful and on guard and not to say something stupid while talking to the Emperor. Times of great change did not favor the nervous and incompetent.

  ‘The merchants guild,’ Emhyr car Emreis said frowning, ‘we have already paid for their invaluable help. We have granted them sufficient privileges, more than what they got from the previous three emperors together. In addition, we are indebted to Berengar Leuvaarden for his help in uncovering the conspiracy. He has received a high and lucrative position. But if he is incompetent, despite his merits, he will be shot from a catapult. Make sure that he knows this.’

  ‘I will, Your Majesty. And what of Dijkstra? And his mysterious informant?’

  ‘Dijkstra would sooner die than reveal who his informant is. However, give Dijkstra a fee for the information, which literally fell from the sky... But what? Dijkstra would not take anything from me.’

  ‘If You Majesty will allow...’

  ‘Speak...’

  ‘Dijkstra would be happy to accept other information. Something that he doesn’t know, but would like to know. We could reward him with just such information.’

  ‘Excellent, Vattier.’

  Vattier de Rideaux sighed with relief. Because he had discreetly turned his head away, he was the first to notice the approaching ladies, the Countess Liddertal and the young blonde that was entrusted to her care.

  ‘They’re coming,’ he pointed out with a movement of his eyes. ‘Your Majesty, let me remind you... The reason of state... In the interest of the Empire...’

  ‘Enough,’ Emhyr var Emreis interrupted reluctantly. ‘I said, I will consider. Think about the case and make a decision. And then I will inform you what the decision is.’

  ‘Very well, Your Majesty.’

  ‘Anything else?’ The White Flame of Nilfgaard said impatiently, tapping his glove on his hip. ‘What are you waiting for, Vattier?’

  ‘The issue of Stefan Skellen...’

  ‘No mercy. Death to traitors. But after a fair trial.’

  ‘I understand, Your Majesty.’

  Emhyr deigned not to look at him as he said goodbye with a bow and withdrew. Stella Congreve was waiting. And so was the blonde girl.

  Here comes the interest of the Empire, he thought. The false princess, the false Queen of Cintra. The sovereign to the area around the mouth of the Yaruga River, which is so important to the Empire. Here she comes, looking down, terrified, in a white silk dress with green sleeves and a necklace in shallow neckline. At Darn Rowan I complimented her dress and jewellery selection. Stella knows my tastes. But what am I supposed to do with this doll? Put her on a dresser or mantle?

  ‘Honored ladies,’ he bowed first. Outside of the throne room of Nilfgaard, the rules of civility and courtesy to women were obliged, even by the Emperor. They answered him with curtsies and bows of their heads.

  They were standing in front of a polite, but still Emperor.

  Emhyr had had enough protocol.

  ‘Stay here please, Stella,’ he said dryly. ‘And you, girl, come with me for a walk. Take my arm. Cheer up. It’s just a walk.’

  They walked side by side down and alley. Imperial Guardsmen, members of the elite “Impera” brigade stayed away, but always at the ready. They were trained to protect the Emperor, and knew when not to interfere.

  They passed a pond, empty and sad. A very old carp brought by Emperor Torres, had died two days earlier. We will have to release a young, strong, carp, Emhyr decided. We’ll make a medal with his portrait and the date. Vaesse deiraedh aep eigean. Something end, something begins. This is a new ear, new times. Let there also be a new carp.

  Lost in thought, he almost forgot about the girl he was holding on his arm. He remembered her presence due to her warmth, the smell of lilies and the interest of the empire. In that order.

  They stopped by the pond, in the middle rose an artificial island, with a rock garden, a fountain and a marble sculpture.

  ‘Do you know what this figure represents?’

  ‘Yes, Your Majesty,’ she did not immediately answer. ‘It represents a pelican, whose beak tears at its own breast to feed its children with blood. It is an allegory of a noble sacrifice. And also...’

  ‘I’m listening carefully.’

  ‘Also of great love.’

  ‘Do you think,’ he held her by the shoulders and turned her to face him, ‘that a torn chest hurts less?’

  ‘I don’t know...’ she stammered. ‘Imperial Majesty... I...’

  He took her hand. He felt her twitch, the tremor ran through her hand, arm and shoulder.

  ‘My father,’ he said, ‘was a great ruler, but never paid attention to myths and legends, he never had the time for such things. He always confused them. Whenever he would bring me here, to the park, he said that the sculpture of the pelican was rising from the ashes. At least smile, girl, when the Emperor tells you stories from his childhood. That’s better, thank you. I would be sad to think that you are not enjoying your walk with me. Look into my eyes.’

  ‘I’m happy... to be here... Your Majesty. It is a huge honor for me... Also a large joy. I am very happy...’

  ‘Really? This is not just courtly flattery? Etiquette from Stella Congreve’s classed? Admit it, girl.’

  She was silent, her eyes downcast.

  ‘Your Emperor asked you a question,’ said Emhyr var Emreis. ‘And when the Emperor asked, no one dares be silent. Naturally, no one dares lie.’

  ‘Really,’ she said in a melodious voice. ‘I’m really happy, Imperial Majesty.’

  ‘I believe you,’ Emhyr said after a moment’s thought. ‘I think. Although, I am surprised.’

  ‘I also...’ she whispered. ‘I am also surprised.’

  ‘What? Speak up, please.’

  ‘I wish we could... walk more often. And talk. But I understand... I understand that this is impossible.’

  ‘You understand well,’ he bit his lip. ‘Emperors rule the world, but two things they don’t have control over. Their heart and their time. Both belong to the empire.’

  ‘I know that,’ she said, ‘all too well.’

  ‘I will not be here long,’ he said after a moment of heavy silence. ‘I have to go to Cintra, to grace them with my presence at the peace celebration. You will have to go back to Darn Rowan... Cheer up, girl. For the second time, lift your head in my presence. What is that I see in your eyes? Tears? This is a serious breach of etiquette, I will have show Countess Liddertal my highest displeasure. Lift your head, I said...’

  ‘Please... forgive Lady Stella... Imperial Majesty, this is my fault. Only mine. Lady Stella has taught me... and prepared me well.’

  I’ve noticed, and I appreciate it. Fear not, Stella does not run the risk of falling from grace. She never runs the risk. I was just joking with you. Poorly.’

  ‘I noticed,’ replied the girl, terrified by her own boldness. But Emhyr just laughed. Somewhat forced.

  ‘Well, I like you,’ he said. ‘Trust me. You are brave. Much like...’

  He stopped.

  Much like my daughter, he finished in his head. A feeling of guilt struck him like a dog bite.

  The girl held his gaze. It’s not just the work of Stella, thought Emhyr. This really is her nature. And despite appearances, she is a diamond that doesn’t scratch. No I will not authorize Va
ttier to kill this girl. Cintra, this business interests the Empire, but this issue seems to have only one sensible and honorable solution.

  ‘Give me your hand.’

  It was an order delivered in a stern voice and tone. But even though, he could not help feeling that she would have done it willingly. Without coercion.

  Her hand was small and cold. But not shaking anymore.

  ‘What is your name? Please do not tell me it is Cirilla Fiona.’

  ‘Cirilla Fiona.’

  ‘I feel like punishing you, girl. Severely.’

  ‘I know, Your Majesty. I deserve it. But I... I must be Cirilla Fiona.’

  ‘I think that you’ he said, still holding her hand, ‘regret not being her.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered. ‘I regret that I am not her.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘If I was... truly Cirilla, perhaps, Your Majesty would have been kinder to me. But I am just a fake. An imitation. A doppelganger who is not worthy of anything. Nothing...’

  He whirled around and grabbed her arm. Then he released her and stepped back.

  ‘Would you like a crown? A position?’ he spoke quietly, but quickly, pretending not to see her violently shake her head. ‘Tribute? Compliments? Luxury?’

  He paused. He did not see the that the girl shook her head, denying his unjust accusations, perhaps even more unjust by the unspoken ones.

  He breathed loudly and deeply.

  ‘Do you know, little moth, that what you see in front of you is the flame?’

  ‘I know, Your Majesty.’

  They were silent for a long time. The smell of spring suddenly whirled in their heads. Intoxicating.

  ‘Being the Empress,’ Emhyr finally said dully, ‘is not easy, contrary to appearances. I do not know if I’ll be able to love you.’

  She nodded to indicate that she knew this. He saw a tear on her cheek. Just like then, in the Castle Stygga, he felt like a sliver of glass was stuck in his heart.