Orbelon's World (Book 3)

by Martin Ash

  'Has Giswel Holt fallen?' asked one of her senior knights.

  'No. The Karai still surround it, but the bulk of their army, with Anzejarl at its head, comes here. What is most important now is that we do not give way to fear or make any rash actions. The Karai will almost certainly be visible within three days. We know their reputation, we know their conquests. But they cannot enter Enchantment's Reach, no matter what they bring against us. And King Leth has made sure that we are secure here. We can survive within these walls for a long time.'

  'How long?' called Chandiston, head of the Golden Thought sect. 'It is the wrath of the Highest Ones that falls upon us now, for we have been forced to deny them. The gods will take Enchantment's Reach in retribution for our failure to acknowledge them. Our resistance is futile.'

  'I will hear no more of such talk!' declared Issul angrily. 'No one has been forced to deny the gods. Rather, we have admitted our ignorance of them, which is something of a wholly different order. That admission has enabled us to vanquish superstition and blind unquestioning belief, and to begin the process that may lead eventually to true knowledge and perhaps, we dare to hope, wisdom.' She hesitated, carefully considering her next words. 'But as it happens there is an element of truth in what you have said. I have learned that the Karai have indeed secured the patronage of one of Enchantment's most powerful beings.'

  There were cries now of astonishment and outrage. Several persons rose from their seats and began shouting. She had waited for the hubbub to die down, carefully pondering her next statement. What she was about to say was not wholly the truth, but more important than absolute truth just now was the need to instil within her people a feeling of hope and a belief in themselves, a sense that the dreadful threat that faced them could be overcome.

  'Yes,' she said, rising, 'and there’s more. I’ve learned also that there is a way of meeting the Karai on even ground, and perhaps more importantly of nullifying the threat presented by their supernatural patron. To this end I am undertaking a journey. The details must necessarily remain secret, but within hours I shall be leaving Enchantment's Reach again.'

  As she spoke these words Issul's eyes shifted to Lord Fectur. He had been sitting hunched forward in his chair, his forearms over his thigns, hands bunched before him. His eyes were slits, focusing on nothing in particular. At Issul's mention of the Karai god his head turned half-way towards her. But at her announcement of her imminent departure his body gave a small jerk and his thin eyebrows lifted in reflex.

  Issul met his gaze. There was uproar now, more animated than before. A hubbub of questions was being thrown her way, demands for more information on how she intended to foil the Karai and their ally, and of course, imputations and slurs couched less vocally, accusations that she was abandoning them now in their hour of greatest need, that she was interested only in saving her own neck. Issul half-closed her ears. She had anticipated every step. She concentrated solely on Lord Fectur.

  His eyes had, momentarily, a faraway look. Issul knew he was absorbing the full implications of her words. He was doubtless piqued that this information should have been declared in Assembly, without prior consultation with him. He was especially intrigued as to the nature of her business. But most importantly, he surely could not fail to grasp what must now follow.

  Fectur's eyes flicked back to her. Her lips compressed, almost in a tight, compact smile. She gave him the smallest nod. At once Fectur rose. He lifted his hands, bidding calm. 'Silence, please! Be silent! Let the Queen be heard!'

  Issul hid a smile; her heart beat fast. Fectur called again for silence, more sternly. The assembly quickly grew quiet.

  'Our Queen acts as she must, with the interests of the Realm at heart,' Fectur said, with a small, steely, ingratiating twist of the lips to Issul. 'Please, let us hear her out and support her as best we may. Let us not forget that these are desperate times, calling for desperate measures.'

  He passed his eyes around the Hall, daring anyone to challenge him. When no one did he sat again and gestured with the flat of his hand to the Queen.

  'I truly regret that there is no other way,' Issul said. 'And because of circumstances that I am not at liberty to explain, there is no other who can go in my stead. King Leth is unable. You know that, of course, for many of you helped vote him temporarily out of office.' She paused, letting that sink in. 'The onus then falls upon me. But I say again, if all is well then upon my return the Karai threat will be significantly reduced, even removed entirely.'

  Again she hesitated. This was economy of truth applied with a sweeping hand. She did not know what she would find in Enchantment, nor what she might achieve or return with - if she did return. But she had to persuade them, by virtually any means. She had to gain their support, and give them heart and hope and the strength to hold on to the very last. 'I may be absent a week, a month, I do not know. But we have the resources and the manpower to withstand whatever the Karai throw at us in that time. I will discuss particular strategies and contingencies with the senior knights, officers and military advisors before I leave. But the message is, remain within our walls. They will protect you.'

  Now she allowed the floor to rise again. A barrage of yelled questions came at her, most notably from the faction leaders. Military leaders, ministers and advisors of the government and Crown seemed in the main to be consulting between themselves. As the din continued she glanced to Fectur again. He was watching her intently, a glint both covetous and circumspect in his narrowed eyes. The tip of his tongue flickered briefly, lizard-like, as he wet his lips, and a quiver of a half-smile momentarily lifted a corner of his mouth. He stood once more, and raised his arms and appealed for silence. 'Please, let us listen respectfully to our Queen's words. You have heard what she has said: she is without choice in this courageous action. There is no other course.'

  The commotion began to diminish. Issul saw that numerous heads were turned to regard Fectur with curiosity. Fectur inclined his head and shoulders towards her unctuously. 'Your Majesty.'

  'There remains the appointment of a regent, a Protector of the Realm, during my absence,' Issul said. She kept Fectur in the edge of her vision, and saw his shoulders go back, his hands link behind him and his chin lift a fraction. 'I have given a great deal of thought to this, and have consulted long and hard. Those who can be seriously considered for such a vital and trusted role are obviously few in number. Under the conditions of such emergency as we now face the natural course is that the office be bestowed upon the Lord High Invigilate and Master of Security.'

  Her audience was silent. Fectur's chest swelled. He held back his elation, the muscles around his mouth slackening and his lips puckering slightly.

  Issul continued. 'Due to the particularly difficult circumstances now pertaining, inordinate demands are being made upon the Lord High Invigilate's time. His expertise and finesse, never in question, are required in a multitude of areas and situations as he applies himself with unwaning diligence to the security of our Realm. Under such circumstances I have come to see that to burden him further with such a taxing office would be unreasonable and not conducive to the greater welfare of the Realm. The Lord High Invigilate must be permitted to carry out his duties without further complication or demands that might distract him from his so essential task.'

  The first flicker of doubt glazed Fectur's eyes now. His head came slowly down and his broad shoulders began to tense and rise. Slowly he turned towards her.

  'I have therefore made the decision to entrust the office of Regent and Protector pro tem to another; someone known to us all as a loyal, trustworthy and devoted officer of the Crown, someone who, like the Lord High Invigilate, has the highest qualifications and who has also given a lifetime of service to the Crown and our beloved country. I refer to the revered Imperator of the Arcane College of Enchantment's Reach, Grand Master Pader Luminis.'

  It was as though a spell had been cast upon the Hall. No one moved or made a sound. Fectur's eyes were gimlets, his features
suddenly tumescent with suppressed rage. His arms had stiffened; Issul suspected he was gripping his hands tightly behind his back, lest they assume a volition of their own and reach out to encircle her throat and throttle the life from her, which was surely what he desired more than anything at that moment. She permitted herself no outward display of the satisfaction his displeasure gave her. She took her gaze from him and smiled at Pader Luminis.

  Pader was on his feet as his astonished audience began to break into polite and then enthusiastic applause. Issul nodded to herself: Pader was well-liked and greatly respected. Not a natural or aspiring statesman, he was nevertheless a popular, highly-esteemed figure. Though his status as Imperator of the Arcane College set him somewhat at odds with the factions, he had been careful at all times to distance himself from the political hagglings and in-fighting that characterized the relationship between factions and Crown. It could be said, then, that while Pader had opponents, he had no serious enemies - until now. Issul knew he would have support, at least in the short term. And the short term was all they had.

  Earlier, just minutes before the Assembly convened, Issul had gone to Pader's apartment high in the White Eaglet's Tower. In as few words as possible she had told him about Orbelon and the blue casket, about the Soul of the Orb, and her need to travel now to Enchantment in the hope of saving Leth, the children and Enchantment's Reach. She told him about Arene, the Hir'n Esh and the fortress of the Well of Immaculate Vision. She became almost distraught as she spoke; so much depended on so slender a thread. Finally she had asked him if he would take the office of Regent-Protector pro tem in her absence.

  'Pader, it’s dangerous. Be in no doubt of that. Were there an alternative I would not ask this of you. But there is no one else, no one I can trust.'

  Pader was at first taken aback and flustered. 'My child, I’m honoured, deeply honoured. But are you certain of what you do? I truly do not consider myself either equipped of deserving of the office.'

  'Oh, I am certain, Pader. I am certain. And I know too that Fectur will do everything in his power to undo you. But if I announce you before the entire Assembly he will find himself with very little space to maneuver. I will assign my Elite Guard to protect you at all times. You must go nowhere without them. Your food will be sampled before your eyes. Every possible precaution will be taken to ensure your safety. I fully believe you will have the support of the majority of the government. But it will not be a comfortable existence, nor an easy one. Should you feel that it is too much to ask of you, I will understand.'

  'And do what?'

  'I must go, so I can only legitimize Fectur's desire and appoint him Protector.'

  Pader Luminis drew in a sharp breath, and shook his head vigorously, as if to dislodge something on it. 'Oh no. No, no. No, no, no, we can’t have that. Not ever again.' He adjusted his spectacles, sat in thought for a few moments, then looked up and beamed at her. 'You know, it will give me great pleasure to look upon the Spectre's face when he learns that he has been passed over for a petty conjuror such as I.'

  'Then you will do it?'

  'Well of course! For you I would do anything. But hurry back, dear Issul, that’s all I ask. And bring your family with you. All of them. Orbia is not the same without them.'

  She had thrown her arms around him and hugged him and kissed him then, and Pader had beamed happily to himself, his face flushing with delight and embarrassment.

  Next they had put their heads together to determine how best to deliver the news to Fectur. Upon learning of Issul's imminent departure he would be all but adrool at the prospect of seizing power once more. Pader agreed that Issul's plan to make the announcement at the Emergency Assembly was the best. No one of importance would be ignorant of the appointment or its implications. It was Pader's suggestion that Fectur should be seen to apparently give his support to the arrangement. Fectur's humiliation would be the greater, and his ability to rally support should he seek to oppose the decision would be significantly restricted.

  'It will make of him an ever more implacable enemy, Pader.'

  'Child, how implacable can implacable be? We know him, we know what he is and what he desires. Nothing has changed.'

  Now, in the Hall of Wise Counsel, Issul addressed the Assembly for the final time. 'I have discussed immediate policy with Pader Luminis, as had King Leth before me. You may consider any orders he gives to be fully in accordance with the wishes of the Crown. I know I can trust you all to give him your unreserved and unqualified support. Now, I am to leave on the morrow. Those of you who need to speak to me to discuss anything in greater detail, apply to me now in my office.'

  She stood, taking no visible heed of the seething Fectur, and departed the Hall, Pader Luminis beside her.

  III

  The morning came, bringing with it a chill drizzle and bitter blasts of wind from the north, harbingers of a cruel winter not so far away. The wind sliced pitilessly across the great scarp and the city-castle perched upon its lip, penetrating every street and alleyway, every crack and crevice. The city seemed to roar as the multiform defences erected as protection against the slooths rattled, hammered, clanked, shook, swayed, creaked and groaned under the battering squalls. From her chamber window Issul looked out at the iron skies and swathes of slanting rain and wondered what effect an early onset of winter might have upon the Karai.

  Little, she decided. The Karai were a hardy race, not given to complaint. They had battled through the previous winter, conquering a major city in one of the Mondane Kingdoms with, if reports were to be believed, no great difficulty. If anything the worsening weather might spur them to greater efforts. On the other hand, a day or a week might see a period of calm and even balmy weather, and the Karai approaching almost at their leisure. Nothing was predictable in this late season.

  Could they take Enchantment's Reach? Issul felt the weight of it upon her. They could. She knew they could, in time. How much time she could not begin to estimate, for she was still far from certain of the forces they would pit against her.

  And if they had help from within . . . It was a notion that terrified her. The True Sept had made overtures - could they, from their burrows deep within Overlip, be aiding the Karai, preparing to rise up at a given signal and cause chaos and diversion within the city? Not only the True Sept. Any one or more of the most hostile factions might have seen an opportunity for gain by extreme measures, most especially if they believed a god rode at Prince Anzejarl's side.

  And what of Fectur? The thought had crossed her mind more than once that he, too, might seek to form some kind of allegiance with Anzejarl. To what end? To secure survival and power for himself after the conquering was done, even if it meant serving Karai masters. He was capable of that. Yes, Fectur was capable of anything.

  And Issul shuddered, her anger growing, and her fear for Pader Luminis. No matter the steps she had taken to try and keep him safe, was he really capable of standing against both Fectur and the Karai?

  'Are we ready?' Orbelon asked.

  Issul came from her grim reverie and gathered up her cape and swung it about her shoulders. 'Aye, we are.' She took up a small, sturdy wooden chest bound with studded iron straps, and carried it across to the oak chiffonier upon which the blue casket stood. 'Are you sure this is the best way?'

  Orbelon slowly nodded. 'There is no other. But remember, it is me who you carry. It is also my world, and your husband and children. If the casket is shattered, we are gone. Forever. Now, if you need to speak to me you have only to call, as before. But be certain you are not observed. And be strong, brave young Queen. As I know you can be. Be strong.'

  He faded slowly from her sight. Issul stared blankly into the space he had occupied. She could still not fully assimilate it all - that the casket was, somehow, Orbelon; that it was also an entire world, an entire universe, as was he; and that within it, within him, Leth, Galry and Jace roamed, lost and believing themselves abandoned.

  She unlocked and eased open the lid of t
he chest. Inside it was deeply padded with soft grey velvet stuffed with densely packed wool. With infinite care she took the blue casket in both hands both hands and placed it inside the chest. It slotted neatly into the centre, the padding cushioning it on all sides, base and, when she closed the chest's lid, the top also. Issul locked the chest, filled with a sensation of strange disquiet, anticipation, nervous hope. She pocketed the key in her tunic, then took up the chest and strode from her apartment. Outside Shenwolf waited with Phisusandra and a squad of six Palace guards. Shenwolf stiffened, clicking his heels, and smartly bowed his head. 'Are you ready, my lady?'

  Issul gave a nod. At Shenwolf's command the soldiers formed a guard around her. They marched through the corridors of Orbia, descending to ground level and passing from the royal household to the military wing, and thence to a barracks' yard set off the main parade-ground. Here Issul's full company awaited her - five knights and fifty proud men-at-arms, all mounted and clad in breastplates and mail, with waxed, hooded capes shielding them from the rain.

  Issul strode to her horse and strapped the chest containing the blue casket onto a special pad mounted afore the pommel of the saddle, on the horse's withers. Here she could keep the chest in view at all times when in the saddle. Then she turned to Shenwolf, and Phisusandra who stood beside him. 'Remember, if I should fall, this is to be protected at all costs. Shenwolf, you know what it means, and what you must do if I am prevented for any reason from carrying on. Phis, it is better that you do not know all at this point. But be in no doubt that your task is to protect this. I have instructed Shenwolf to reveal all to you in the event of my incapacitation, captivity or death. It is vital that at least one other knows what must be done.'

  'Do not doubt me,' said Shenwolf.

  'Nor I,' said Phisusandra.

  To one side of the yard Issul spotted Pader Luminis sheltering from the rain beneath a wooden awning, his eyes upon her. Half a dozen guards were ranged at his back, and Kol stood in uniform at his side, his feet planted firmly apart and his arms folded across his broad chest. She smiled, tears stinging her eyes, and walked over to embrace the little Murinean. 'Pader, you should not be here.'