“What has she taught you?” Eliel asked him curiously.
“Eliel thinks she has been teaching you all the ways to please her in bed,” Nigel said with a chuckle.
Thorel was aghast. “Eliel, did you really say that?”
“I suppose so..,” Eliel said slowly.
Thorel extracted himself from her grip and said: “I'm going to get my things, I'll be back,” he was irritated. Irritated by their ignorant disrespect for Ari. He needed to find a good way to speak his mind though. He would make a mash of it if he tried right this moment.
Thorel went upstairs and grabbed his bag while thinking on his irritation. Ari wasn't just a woman with a title. She was likely the most driven, intelligent and strongest person he had ever met.
He had not liked that she would plot against the High Lord, but when he considered it in depth he knew the truth. If she can supplant him she should, for the continued strength of the realm. To think, one day he might serve a High Lady!
He also knew that for every winner in such a conflict, there would be a loser. He'd read enough stories and had enough education now to know that the truth of what happened to them must be very unpleasant.
He walked back out to them, more composed now. Eliel and Nigel were talking amongst themselves.
“Hey man, I didn't mean to upset you,” Nigel said seriously.
“Me either, but I know she wants you, so that seemed to be a good joke,” Eliel said looking into his eyes.
Thorel took a deep breath before he replied. “I may not agree with everything Mistress Dothranan may say or do, but I don't have to. I, in my life, have never known a Noble before. I did not expect to meet someone who in her way is far more impressive than any story I have ever read. And I have read a few: between Korin and my Mother there were at least one-hundred books in my home.”
“Her stepmother murdered her father. Mistress Dothranan took vengeance for him. Her stepmother was not just some woman mind you, she was a feared battlemage; and a member of the Wizard's Council! Can you imagine what that must have been like? I can't, and I'm in the Wizards training! She has had to stand up and lead her house while people have been trying to kill her. All the while still going to school and doing well in her classes! I don't want to hear either of you being disrespectful to her,” He looked at both of them intently.
Thorel felt he had said too much, but he needed for them to understand his feelings on this. He had been feeling this way since he had learned of Ari's father's murder: but he had not put words to it until now.
“Well man, when you put it like that..,” Nigel drifted off, looking at the ground.
“Now all she has to do is get married so she can keep it,” Eliel spat out angrily.
“What do you mean?” Thorel asked, appalled that Eliel would actually disrespect his feelings on this.
“A woman can't hold a Noble house unless she is married. Didn't you know that?” Eliel said venomously.
“No,” Thorel answered honestly.
Nigel just shook his head and asked: “Then how is she holding title now?”
“I've talked to a few people. The way I understand it is that when little things happen like I don't know, death? And a woman finds herself in a position to lead they are given two years to get married. And if they don't, they lose their House,” she looked at Thorel intently.
“That may be so, but why do you think she wants me?” He asked seriously.
“I already told you all of it before. You didn't believe me then, but let me ask you something new: How did you know all the stuff you just told us about her?” She asked him challengingly.
“Well, she told me,” he replied, wondering what this had to do with whether or not Ari wanted him.
“Is that all she's told you? There's more isn't there?” Eliel asked, looking more serious than she ever had before.
“There is more. I shouldn't have said as much as I did, but the other things would be considered completely private,” Thorel shook his head. “What does this have to do with...”
Eliel cut him off. “You know more about her life than you do about mine. Don't you find that just a little bit odd? Why would she be telling you all of these private things about herself? I can tell you why: It's because she's a Lady and can't be honest about it like I can. I can come right out and say that I want to have your babies. That wouldn't be a very lady-like thing for her to say though, now would it?”
Thorel's train of thought stopped. He hadn't considered that question before. It seemed to him like his relationship with Ari was normal, but she did tell him things that could be considered deeply personal. Like her stepmother's abuse. After learning of that, he realized that she dressed in such a conservative way to conceal her scars from all observers. But she still shared it with him. Were they friends? He supposed in a way, they were forming an odd friendship.
“She's got a point there, Thorel. The Lady seems like a cold one to me, but it sounds like you've really hit it off with her,” Nigel looked appreciatively at Eliel.
“She's a Great Lady, and who the hell are you, Thorel? Farmhand, apprentice Wizard? The only reason she would even be giving you a moment of her time is because you are a simply beautiful, man. But it's not just a moment is it? She gives you her weekends, keeps you close so she can teach you things and talk to you? You're a damned blind fool if you can't see it, man,” Eliel met his eyes challengingly.
“She gave you a house, too,” Nigel said nodding in agreement.
“I don't know. It seems like we're becoming friends more than anything,” Thorel said, pondering these ideas more seriously now.
“Why would she want to be your friend, man? Lots of Lords and Ladies would give their eyeteeth to have her as a friend,” She said cutting straight to the bone.
That exasperated Thorel. “Why can't we be friends? I mean, I wouldn't have thought it possible but she is just a person at the core, Eliel. Noble or not,”
Eliel just threw her hands up in surrender. “You're as dense as a brick, man! I'm done here,” Eliel turned briskly and began walking away.
Thorel walked quickly to catch up with her. “I didn't mean to make you angry,” he said, even though he felt that he'd done nothing wrong.
“Fine. You think about what I said. I was serious, and I am right. I'll see you on Sunday,” Eliel spat out angrily.
“You should come with us,” he said keeping up with her easily.
“I don't even want to look at your dense fucking head right now,” Eliel shot back.
That stopped Thorel in his tracks, and he watched Eliel walk away. Knowing that she was this angry with him hollowed him out inside.
Then he suddenly heard Ari's voice inside his head. “We are waiting for you Thorel. Come to the carriage now.” There was no mistaking the touch of Magik. She had never done this before, but he wasn't surprised that she could.
He took one last look at Eliel stalking away and made his way back to Nigel at a run.
* * *
Thorel and Nigel found themselves in Ari's huge armored carriage alone. She had taken a small, unremarkable carriage, saying that she had an errand to run before she went to the Manor.
When Thorel confessed his fear that Eliel hated him during the ride, Nigel spoke seriously.
“Thorel, Eliel is right. You know how many times a Noble has talked to me before now?” Nigel asked.
“No,” Thorel said trying to reign in the heart wrench he felt.
“Well, I'm not sure either man, but the most meaningful conversation I've ever had was with the Great Lady. You were there for that. That consisted of: “Do you want to show me your skills?” And “Do you want to work for me?” All the rest of them have been: “Out-of-the-way, boy!” that kind of thing. She likes you, man. That's all there is to it,” he said looking into Thorel's eyes.
“That just seems crazy to me, Nigel. A Great Lady liking me?” Thorel shook his head.
“Man she's a beautiful woman, but I don't envy you this.
Think about Etiquette class. What is she going to do if she does like you, and you reject her?” Nigel asked.
That was an unpleasant thought for Thorel. What would be proper for her to do? Refusing her request could get him beaten within an inch of his life, or worse. He had already seen her threaten to castrate a man: and she had ordered a woman hung without any visible emotion whatsoever.
“I... don't know,” he said honestly, at a loss.
“You like Eliel, don't you?” Nigel asked.
“I do, but I don't understand her at all. The Mistress is less mysterious than she is,” he laughed nervously.
“Not really. Eliel and I have talked a lot. She hates her job, and she wants the kind of life that we were born to. I don't think she would know what to do with it if she got it, but that's what she wants,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“I didn't realize that. She acts like she doesn't care,” Thorel digested the new information.
Nigel smiled wickedly. “That's her 'tough girl' act she's always putting on. Don't get me wrong, I know she'd stab someone if she had to, but she puts on a big show too. I've seen it in people before: they're usually really scared of people, so they act tough so people don't bother them.”
Thorel nodded in at that. It made good sense to him. It was like an animal growling, they weren't usually hostile, just afraid and wanting you to leave them alone.
“So, what am I going to do?” Thorel asked at a loss.
“Which one do you like?”
“Well I like them both, but that isn't going to work,” Thorel said shaking his head.
“That's definitely not going to work if you want to keep your cock attached,” Nigel said with a grin.
Thorel cringed. “Did you have to say that?”
“Just telling it like it is man,” Nigel said wryly.
“What should I do?”
“Do you really like Eliel that much? Enough to marry her?” Nigel asked.
“Well, not right away man, I mean I don't want to be without her but I've never even kissed a girl before her. Well, not the way she kissed me, I should say,” Thorel said in confusion.
“Mother's kisses don't count in this conversation. I know what you mean, man. Do you want to be safe and have Eliel?” Nigel asked seriously.
“Does she even like me still? “I don't even want to look at you dense head right now,” Is what she told me.”
Nigel shook his head with a smile. “Thorel, she flares up quick in anger. The nice thing is she cools down just as quick usually. She's probably already over it and feeling just as miserable as you are. Not that she'd admit it, mind you.”
Thorel shook his head. Words could not express how grateful he was for Nigel's counsel right now. “So how would I get her and not anger the Mistress?”
“By starting your relationship now. Tell everyone that she is your girlfriend. That way, Great Lady Dothranan can't do a damned thing without making herself look like a man-stealing harlot,” Nigel said in a rock-steady tone.
Thorel's eyes bugged. “Man, I'm so confused. I like her too, and if she really likes me... I don't want to hurt her or make her mad.”
Nigel nodded. “Good, you're honest with yourself. Then I would say don't do a damned thing until you have your head and heart straight on this.”
Thorel had a new thought. “I know what I'll do. I'll ask her if she likes me.”
Nigel coughed and shook his head. “Man, that's the best thing you could do with anyone else. But to actually ask the Great Lady that? Fucking wow. You've got a huge brass-plated pair in your pants if you actually do.”
Thorel couldn't help himself. He started laughing and kept on laughing until his sides hurt. The nervous energy drained from him as he did. Nigel joined him merrily.
* * *
Ari rode in the small wagon to her destination in West Vallad. She had Thorel and his friend take her armored wagon and escort while she took this small unmarked wagon that had been hidden behind it. It should be enough to throw off anyone that might be trying to follow her.
Silene and another of her personal guard sat across from her on their bench. They had changed into the mercenary clothing that had been in the carriage.
She pulled the hood of the black cloak she had donned down to conceal her face as much as possible.
Silene was speaking quietly into a stone across from her. It sounded as if the full column of one-hundred-twenty men and women that had been assigned in case something went wrong were ready. Silene spoke and confirmed her supposition.
Ari felt the wagon come to a stop: The driver knocked three times on the cab to let them know they had arrived. She pulled the curtain slightly, so she could see the top floor of the Wayfarer's Inn. Ari saw the red ribbon that was the signal tied onto the window's shutter handle.
She gestured Silene to come close and pointed to the ribbon: “I will be in that room. I will contact your stone if you are needed. If I do, signal the others and come quickly. Do not harm the Crown Lady under any circumstances, but kill anyone else in your way.”
“Yes Mistress,” Silene saluted, fist to heart. “We will be just downstairs.”
Ari looked about with the sight and extended her senses. She saw no others with the gift about, none other than the Wizard in the room she was going to. She was not surprised by the Wizards presence, but she would be ready. Ari gathered power into herself and looked through the window with the red ribbon on it. She readied her defenses in case the Crown Lady would use this meeting as an opportunity to attack her. After all, she was one of the three who could advance if she were dead.
Then she shifted: she perceived the space before her slipping by in an instant. Apportation had been one skill she had been afraid to try a year ago: the accidents that had occurred with it were horrific. Fortunately, most of them were fatal. The technique no longer frightened her though; it wasn't difficult now.
Ari appeared in a fine room on the top floor of the Wayfarer's Inn. She and the middle aged Wizard standing beside Crown Lady Corina brought their defenses up simultaneously: his covered the Crown Lady as well though.
“I intend no attack. It may draw unwanted attention if there are two of us holding this much power here,” Ari said dryly. With the trouble she had gone through to get this meeting, she did not wish for it to be sabotaged before it began.
“Agreed,” Crown Lady Corina said with a look to her Wizard. She was somewhat plump, but not ugly. She was old enough to be Ari's Mother, but just barely: she was a few years younger than Siri still.
Mari Corina wore plain clothing and no makeup today. Honestly, it was hard to recognize her without the layers of ornate makeup she usually wore. Her brown hair was done in common fashion with plain sticks pinning a tight bun into place.
Ari released her shield, as did the plain-clothed Wizard. His disguise would not allow for his staff it seemed, and he only had two spirits. They released their power, watching each other closely. He could not compete with her without his staff, she was certain.
Ari pulled her hood back enough for Lady Corina to see her clearly. Corina visibly shifted gears from general suspicion to a tight mask of control. She stood and curtsied to Ari. “Milady. You honor me with this invitation. Your message was a bit bold in my opinion though.”
I have something that would embarrass you greatly. Meet me at an inn of your choosing. Do not tell Vallad. If you do, I will give him clear evidence to question you.
That had been the important part of the note. The note itself disintegrated after it had been read. Ari was familiar enough with Corina she had been able to tie the trigger to her actions. Corina penned her reply and handed it to the unmarked messenger since Ari had not named herself in the note.
Siri knew the messenger would be followed. She had arranged for others to bump into him and take the message. By the time Ari had received her reply, it had passed through many hands.
“It was necessary to get your undivided attention, Lady Corina,” Ari seated herself
.
“Milady, may I ask what this embarrassing thing is you claim to have found?” Corina said with a practiced smile.
Corina was no fool. She would not admit to the existence of an embarrassment; unless there was clear evidence of it presented. She was an intelligent politician.
“It is a person you convicted in your domain. They are innocent. It would cast doubt upon all of your judgments if brought to the High Lord. I would, of course, insist that an investigation must be done into your previous judgments. Even if they are all well and guilty, there would always be a lingering doubt about any that had been executed,” Ari looked coldly upon her letting the facts do her work for her.
Corina looked to the Wizard beside her. Ari saw him bring forth the truth seer and touch her with it. He nodded affirmatively to the Crown Lady.
Corina carefully kept her face neutral. “Yes that would be troublesome, wouldn't it?”
Ari smiled wickedly. “Yes, and suddenly you would find yourself the target of the lesser houses that are now allied with Quarrel. They will not dare touch me with Quarrel's surrender. But you are an entirely different matter.”
“May I ask Milady, which Houses do you speak of? I don't readily recall,” Corina said taking a drink of water.
“House Vorn and House Lodor. Just outside the gates of Vallad. You do realize they supported Quarrel with the idea of one of the Crown Lordships becoming vacant since they would be moving into a Great Nobles role. With a recommendation from the incumbent Great Lord, Quarrel, in this case, one of them would certainly have been given the position of Crown Lord,” Ari said simply.
“Your points are well spoken, Milady. While I'm certain I could defend my position, it is better to avoid an unnecessary battle. My question is, what is it going to cost to get this evidence returned to me?” Corina asked directly.
“This evidence is not going to be returned for a time. I will have some small favors to ask in return for its safe keeping,” Ari said with an unpleasant smile.
“Milady, I can assure you that no matter the evidence, or any threats I will not turn against the High Lord or the Crown,” Corina said firmly.
Spirit of Magik (The Dothranan Chronicles Book 1) Page 28
