Sorcery, Schemes and Skelt: The Kinowenn Chronicles Vol II

by Rachel Ronning

  “Thera thinks she smells bad if she doesn’t smell like flowers,” whispered Heather in Lucy’s ear.

  “I’m Gail,” said the dark haired girl by the window. “Do you know what color is going to be popular next? I’m tired of wearing peach.”

  “I’ve never been good at predicting colors,” replied Lucy apologetically. “I can ask Maya. She’s a fashion genius.”

  “Ambassador and fashionable?” asked Heather. “We should have her join us this afternoon. She could probably teach us something.”

  The girls chatted like that until lunch time when they dispersed to their various rooms to be waited on. Dinner was commonly held in the dining hall, but the rest of the meals were served on trays in individual rooms. Lucy was able to get by on small comments and smiles. It was a relief to return to their rooms and see Maya and Gavin.

  “Status report?” Maya asked once they were seated.

  “I had fun this morning and managed to easily disarm everyone without hurting anyone,” said Gavin. “I even fought against a group of four for fun. I’m fairly certain we won’t need to worry about any group of four or less being sent against us,” he smiled. “I made a formidable impression. I wouldn’t rule out an archer or an assassination attempt, but I don’t think we have to worry about an ambush sneaking up on us.”

  “Stay close then. I may need your formidability,” she smiled. “Lucy?”

  “The girls seem chatty and sweet. I doubt any of them know anything useful unless they are hiding how smart they are.”

  “Never underestimate the ferocity and tenacity of a sweet seeming girl,” warned Maya. “Any one of them could be bribed, manipulated, or threatened to do what someone else wants them to do. Women can put on an amazing act, slip poison in your tea, and smile at you while you drink it. I’m not saying none of them are vapid, but watch your back.”

  Lucy nodded. “Lauralie seems kind and is definitely in charge. They all defer to her.”

  “As they should,” replied Maya.

  “She doesn’t seem like the defeated person I expected. I would assume being married to Neston and being a pawn is no picnic, but she hides it well.”

  “Or she’s an accomplice,” said Maya. “She could even be playing a game all her own.”

  Gavin nodded agreement as he ate his fourth wedge of cheese.

  “Also, there is a red haired servant with very observant eyes. I bet if anyone knows information, it’s her. I was going to try to talk with her tomorrow.”

  “Be careful. Anyone acting more alert than they should be could be a spy. She could be from somewhere else, trying to gather facts and intel, or she could be from here, trying to figure us out.”

  “Point taken,” said Lucy.

  “I wish Neston wouldn’t bring that cat with him everywhere,” groaned Maya.

  “What cat?” asked Gavin.

  “The gray one the King was petting when we were introduced,” explained Maya. Gavin shrugged, but Lucy nodded so Maya went on. “It seems to either be with the King or with Neston. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but after our interlude with the Skelt it kind of creeps me out,” ended Maya with a shiver.

  “Are you sure it’s a cat?” asked Lucy.

  “I’m sure it’s not an elephant,” Maya gave Lucy an exasperated look.

  “I mean, are you sure it’s only a cat? Could it be Skelt?” asked Lucy with a worried look. She hadn’t paid much attention to the cat earlier. She knew Skelt came in all sizes and varieties.

  “I don’t think so,” said Maya slowly, also looking worried. “I’ll try to pay attention next time, but without seeming like I am. If it is Skelt, it’s the most cat-like one we’ve seen. The obvious way to tell is to look into the eyes. Usually the cat’s eyes are closed. It’s either asleep or feigning it.”

  “So, it’s either hiding that it’s Skelt, or it’s simply a tired cat. Watch how

  much you stretch words, too,” warned Lucy. “If it is Skelt, it will know if you are lying. That could be the reason Neston brings it to meetings.”

  Maya nodded taking the warning to heart. After their last adventure with Skelt, it didn’t hurt to be too careful. They finished lunch and Lucy joined the ladies for a walk in the garden.

  Chapter 32

  The following morning, Lucy waited for the red haired maid. She appeared at the same time as yesterday. Lucy wasn’t sure where to start. ‘Are you a spy?’ seemed like the wrong starting point.

  “Hi, my name is Lucy.”

  “Tishanna,” she replied as she picked up the tray. She was about to leave again when she turned around and addressed Lucy, “Your man put on quite a display yesterday. Be careful. His strength won’t stop them.”

  “Who? Do you know what’s going on here?” asked Lucy taking a risk.

  “I don’t know enough yet, but watch out for Neston,” she whispered.

  “We guessed that already,” said Lucy wryly with a smile.

  Tishanna smiled back and left. Lucy took a minute to gather her thoughts. She had hoped to learn more or establish a rapport, but at least Lucy was reasonably sure Tishanna wasn’t a spy for Neston.

  Lucy took a wrong turn while trying to find the other ladies. She entered what she thought was the right room, only there were no ladies. An impeccably dressed man sat in a chair, booted feet on the table in front of him, reading through a pile of papers.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” said Lucy as she turned to go.

  “Wait, come back,” said the man. “I get few visitors and you are new here. Stay and talk a while.”

  Lucy nodded and dropped a curtsy. She wasn’t sure who this man was or what was the proper thing to do in this situation, but hopefully she could learn something.

  “You are Lucy, cousin to the ambassador,” the man stated.

  Lucy nodded. Whoever he was, he knew what was going on around here. She didn’t remember seeing him yesterday, but she had met so many new people they all seemed to run together in retrospect.

  “You have the pleasure of meeting Prince Andriss.”

  “Prince?” asked Lucy. “Then why aren’t you next in line for the throne?”

  Andriss laughed. “Yes, that would seem the obvious question to ask, this place being so very patriarchal. I’ll tell you a secret. I’m worse than the black sheep of the family.”

  “You don’t like to hunt?” guessed Lucy trying to figure out how to respond.

  “Oh, someone who likes to play,” Andriss laughed again. “I like to hunt. I also like to play. Here’s a riddle for you. You see, sometimes the prince rescues the princess. Sometimes the princess rescues the prince. Sometimes, the prince is a princess.” At Lucy’s confused look he laughed then added, “I happen to like men rather than women.”

  “So do I,” said Lucy, hoping that a man who liked to laugh would find the response funny. She had no idea how to read or respond to Andriss. She had never met anyone quite like him.

  “How refreshing and naive,” said Andriss, laughing. “That’s not the normal response here. I suppose you believe in love as well.”

  “Love has its benefits,” replied Lucy carefully.

  “Yes, it does. Also, its pitfalls. Let me tell you something. Love is for fools, sex is for fun. Right now, I like having fun. When I’m old, perhaps I’ll try being a fool,” he winked. Then, he continued with, “Father is not too happy with me, especially since my brother’s death. That’s one reason for Lauralie’s current predicament. Have to carry on the family line, you know. A stud that won’t breed might as well be tomorrow’s dinner,” he laughed again.

  Lucy wasn’t sure she found the idea funny. “So, you’re going to be dinner?” she asked.

  “No, I know too much for that. I believe in survival one way or another. Obviously, one way isn’t too bright, so I’ve lit my own candles. I have a head for finances and for finding out secrets. I’ll wait to see how the cards play out and then hope I know enough of the right secrets to stay alive. You’d be surprised who else around here has
deviant sexual tastes,” he smirked.

  “Why not leave?” asked Lucy. Surely, there was somewhere on Kinowenn where a man could love another man?

  “Understandable question. Perhaps one day I will. Right now, I’m choosing the poison I know rather than enter the unknown. I’m not sure how far I’d have to travel. Perhaps when I’m a fool, I’ll consider it. Travel is not my thing. Travel is your thing?” he asked.

  Lucy shrugged, “I’ve traveled here,” she smiled.

  “Yes, and you don’t mind things that you should mind. If you were really the cousin of the ambassador. If you were both really from Lerramorre,” Andriss said shrewdly.

  Lucy wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Obviously, her brief replies gave away more than she thought. She made a mental note to be properly appalled next time.

  “You also don’t know local sayings. I’m guessing you are from somewhere else. I’m guessing you are here as a favor to Joss. He has travelled also, that one. He has friends in many places and from many places. The only reason would be if he thought you could learn something, but you are not a spy. No, not a spy. You are too honest for that. I’m going to guess you are a magic user.”

  “Supposing that information is correct, what would you intend to do with it?”

  “Nothing, for the moment. I would hold that information in my hand and if I needed to escape, I would find you and have you turn me into a mouse.”

  “Interesting concept,” replied Lucy. “I’ve never turned a man into a mouse before. Anything could happen. If I am what you think and can do what you think, why should I wait until you ask? Wouldn’t it be safer for me to turn you into a mouse now?”

  “First truly intelligent thing you’ve said yet. They might miss me though.”

  “I could write a note. They’d believe all kinds of things about you, I’m sure. Perhaps, you’ve run off with a lover. Perhaps, you’ve decided you can’t carry on like this anymore and have left to kill yourself. You shouldn’t threaten someone you think can turn you into a mouse. They just might do so. Or, they might do something far worse.”

  “Fair point,” conceded Andriss with a wry smile.

  Lucy noticed he didn’t look worried. So, either he didn’t really believe she could do what he suggested she could do or, he didn’t care. Lucy wasn’t sure what to do. His knowledge about her was only a guess. He had no proof. For now. Who would believe him? Most people might not, but Neston might, and the cat might. Lucy couldn’t afford for either to pay more attention to her than they had.

  “It’s a good thing I’m only here as the cousin of the ambassador and not a magic user,” Lucy smiled and flashed her dimples. Lucy thought it was worth a try. Obviously, the dimples wouldn’t appeal to his sexual nature, but he might think her vapid.

  “Good thing,” agreed Andriss shrewdly.

  Lucy was sure he didn’t believe her. She left and managed to retrace her steps to where she had gone wrong the first time. Lucy joined the other ladies. Many of them were working on embroidery. Lucy had never embroidered in her life. She made an excuse of leaving her work in her room and hoped she never had to actually produce anything.

  Conversation was much the same as yesterday. Ribbons, music, flowers, and dress styles interspersed with comments about different boys designed to make different girls blush. Again, Lucy did her best to listen and appear interested without having to give away too much information about herself. Apparently, there was a dance in eight days that the girls were very excited about.

  Lucy continued to listen and study the other girls. It wasn’t long before she could see what Maya was talking about. To Lucy, they were still young, vapid girls, but they were also pawns in an ever changing game of power. They were used by fathers, uncles, and brothers as items to barter. Lucy could not tell how much they objected to their situation, but they were aware of it and they still played the game too. Lucy could see it in the glare directed at the back of the girl preceding another into dinner when lined up according to rank. She could see the malice among the simpering over a new dress and the triumphant looks from the one in the new dress. Gifts of new ribbons, fans, jewels, and lace were all part of the plays for power. The girls vied for the attention of the most powerful men. Young, good looking minstrels were out of luck here. Lucy knew they were part of the power seeking, but were they part of the plotting? Did they do as directed or did they have their own angles to play as well?

  It was clear everyone was afraid of Neston and no one liked him or his amount of power. Most of the court was probably in the process of plotting against him. Lucy couldn’t tell if there was anyone working with Neston or giving him instructions. Also, Lucy couldn’t see the connection between here and Larramorre. Most of the ambition seemed focused here. Then again, she had no idea what the men talked about behind closed doors.

  Lucy could tell the girls didn’t always know what to think of her. They weren’t sure where she ranked on the power scale and so were unsure of her value or usefulness to them. Lucy was unmarried and untitled, but she did have connections. She walked in to dinner each night with Maya and was seated at high tables next to prominent people. The girls wondered if Lucy was a possible help to power or a threat to their own. Did Maya’s ambassador duties extend to seeking a marriage for her cousin? Lucy had no idea how to explain Justin or their relationship to these girls so she smiled demurely, avoided the subject when she could, and tried to be vague when she couldn’t. Thus, the girls were friendly enough, but Lucy was sure she would never be part of their confidences.

  The men presented their own issues. Men and women did not mingle a lot here. Most interaction was at dinner or various other entertainment functions. The men were also unsure of Lucy’s rank, influence, or power. They did not know how to use her to their advantage. Still, she was a novelty. So, they talked to her, danced with her, and flirted with her, trying to figure out her place. Lucy felt every conversation was a dance of attempting to discover something about someone without giving away anything herself. She did not like the flirting, but she tried to be friendly. She flashed her dimples a lot. She hoped friendly might be a way towards trust and confidences. At the very least, Lucy tried to be interesting enough to prolong whatever plots were most likely afoot to have them killed. Most dinner conversations went something like this:

  “Lucy, right?”

  “Yes, and you are?” Lucy asked with a smile. She always tried to do Maya proud and use her dimples.

  “I am Count Roderick III,” the man would reply. Lucy had lost track of all the counts she had met. It seemed to be a very common title. “You are the ambassador’s cousin?”

  “Yes, Maya and I are very close. Who are you related to here? It seems like everyone at court is someone’s cousin,” Lucy replied. She always tried to answer a question while asking another one. Trying to figure out how all these people were connected was complicated. The girls helped with that, but it was interesting to see how a man talked about his relatives compared to some of the girls. Heather might talk about ‘dear cousin Roderick’, but if he doesn’t mention her, it gives her information to give to Maya. Lineage and relationships were very important to these people.

  “We do seem to be an inbred bunch to outsiders,” laughed Roderick. “Family ties that are overlooked as being distant here might be enough to claim close kinship in other places. You’ve met my cousin, Heather. She likes you. My Uncle Thadly is on the Royal council.”

  Lucy noted that he talked about his uncle’s position on the council, but he did not mention his father. Interesting. Heather might very well know more than she lets on.

  “Where did you and Maya grow up?” asked Roderick.

  “South and west of here.”

  “South and west is very vague,” chided Roderick.

  “I’m not very good with large masses of land,” replied Lucy with a laugh and a smile that hopefully came across as vapidly truthful.

  “Maya seems very good with maps,” replied Roderick.

/>   “That may be one of the many reasons Maya is an ambassador and I am only the cousin of one,” laughed Lucy. “Do you hunt?” Always a safe question here.

  “Yes, my friends, Effrom, Charles, Martin, Issac, and I went after feltor yesterday afternoon. You would not believe the adventure we went on.”

  Lucy took note that that meant those people were not at the meeting Maya was at yesterday and proceeded to listen to his story. It would be worthwhile finding out who the fathers of Roderick’s friends were. Again, were the young men merely hunting feltor (a herd animal, similar to deer, except with lion’s tails and manes that ran from nose to haunch) or exchanging information at the same time? Lucy made sure she smiled in all the right places. The longer she dragged this out the fewer questions she had to answer. They were only on the third course of food out of seven, a local pasta dish overflowing with a rich, creamy, cheese sauce. Also, simply by listening, she learned that Roderick was the leader of his friends, or at least, saw himself in that capacity. With girls, it was dresses. With men, it was hunting.

  Lucy was always tired by the end of the day. Still she did her best to relay to Maya any information she had heard or observed, no matter how trivial it seemed to her. Maya was good at putting all the information together with what she had learned. Neither Maya nor Gavin knew what to make of Andriss. They might not be any closer to finding out what things here had to do with Lerramorre, but Maya already had a good idea of where the next coup might come from and how it might fall out.

  “Are we in any danger of getting caught up in it?” asked Gavin.

  Lucy wondered if he was getting as bored standing guard over Maya as she was of hearing about ribbons and dresses. She was sure Gavin could do with a good fight. He hadn’t gotten to even practice with his weapons since he beat anyone willing to spar with him. Lucy could do with a day of physical exertion herself. Embroidery was not her forte. Perhaps she could try training a pet mouse to do tricks? Lucy hoped Andriss didn’t push her hand. She didn’t know how to turn a man into a mouse and back, but she was willing to try. The more worrisome issue was that doing so would likely alert any magic user in the area, and Lucy was not sure she was ready for that yet. She had managed to turn an erdette into a tree, but she had no idea what she was dealing with here.