Camrel rejoined Hillister’s indictment, “You judge a king’s right to wage war and condemn the casualties as wanton murder, then decide to murder the king yourselves? Who is the new tyrant, now? Do you also seek to make yourself king?”
Nevin could tell from Hillister’s body posture that Camrel’s accusation flustered him. Zamora acted next, gently placing her arm on Hillister’s to allow her step forward and address Gilsum’s minister and king. “Your view has been stated by some on our council, and it does prevail, in part. You take the lives of mages wantonly, out of ignorance and senseless fear. Few are left in the land to tend the sick and ailing. Anson, my son, would be another victim, as would Hillister and I, if you held sway.” Zamora stiffened, took a breath, and issued judgment. “Meire, we will not take your life to redress your atrocities. Rather, we will take away your ability to rule. Camrel, please step aside.”
Camrel reluctantly moved away, fearful over what would transpire next. After Zamora moved around the table to the Meire’s right, she beckoned to Hillister, “It is time. It takes two to carry out the council’s decision.”
Hillister nodded and moved around the table to the King’s left, so that he and Zamora were positioned on opposite sides of the king. Simultaneously, the two High Mages placed one hand on a shoulder and firmly held the king in place. Meire obviously resented their touch but that did not give way to the confusion in his eyes. With their other hands, the mages placed two fingers each on the king’s temples and whispered a brief incantation that caused the king’s body to stiffen slightly and eyes flutter. In a minute, it was over. The King sighed and slumped to one side.
Camrel sprang forward and knelt to aide her monarch. With her many years of familiarity with the man, she could tell instantly that his mind was diminished. She bore hateful looks at Zamora and Hillister.
Zamora spoke, “He did not feel pain, Camrel, but his ability to rule is gone. We take no pleasure from this retribution.”
Hillister added, “We have no wish to take his place or choose his successor. According to your laws, he remains king until he dies. It is likely that will happen soon as his body wastes away from what is called radiation sickness. Mr. Reasoner can tell you more about that, if you wish. With the state of his mind now, he will not suffer as he would have otherwise. We hope you can take some comfort in that.”
Camrel nodded sadly, indicating she knew Meire was struggling with illness for some time.
Hillister continued, “We do not know how long Meire will live, and, as Zamora said, his succession will be determined by your tradition. Our opinion, for whatever it is worth to you, is that a regency complies with your tradition. With you as regent, it will cause the least disruption to your kingdom and the best prospect for negotiating settlements with King Lucan. That said, we must depart.”
Hillister went directly out the door without a look or word for anyone. Zamora followed, stopping to embrace Anson again and whisper something meant only for him. After she exited, the four from Antrim came together and searched their faces in silence. They formed a circle, each with an arm cradling the one at their side in solemn humility for what they had accomplished. No words were said, as none were needed, and they quietly left as well.
Chapter 22
Academy
Camrel immediately posted proclamations in the Taunton city limits that there was a cease-fire in their war with Antrim. She explained to the Antrim delegation that she deliberately understated the end of the war because it was better politically to let the citizens of Taunton gradually adjust to peace.
Nevin did not understand the need for this strategy, but Corissa did. As King Lucan’s representative, she also agreed to have runners sent to all cities in Gilsum with this news, as long as it included official orders for Gilsum Guardsmen to withdraw from armed conflict with Antrim.
The First Minister’s proclamation also intimated that King Meire deserved most of the credit for creating the peace, but added that he had to withdraw from public celebrations because the strain on his health had left him in a delicate condition. Knowing the facts, Nevin expressed concern about falsely crediting Meire. Corissa took him aside and patiently explained that it instills confidence in the citizenry when their leaders are honored in this way, irrespective of the work by underlings. Did he seriously expect Camrel’s proclamation to give credit to Antrim’s king? What mattered most was that a senseless, debilitating war would cease, as would the hunt for mages. She assured him that Camrel knows how to edify her people and could be trusted.
Before they left Taunton, Camrel asked Nevin privately about radiation sickness. She said King Meire’s symptoms got noticeably worse after watching the creation of Stryker’s nuclear device. Apparently, he was doubtful it would do what Stryker predicted and wanted to see its making up close. For more than a week, she said, he suffered from terrible bouts of nausea and “flux.” Nevin felt he had to be honest with her, confirming the likeliness that Meire was suffering from acute radiation poisoning and might succumb very soon.
Camrel provided horses for the four travelers to make their return to Antrim. Though their pace was easy, there was little conversation among them. As their horses maintained an easy gait, each person had a lot to think about regarding the future.
Orris had lost his taste for soldiering, although nothing came to mind for a change in livelihood. He was not cut out for farming and had no other trade. He could probably serve in a ceremonial capacity for the palace guard, but he was done with uniforms and all that implied. He would keep his elvish sword, however. While he might not wear it, it would never be far away for all it meant to him.
Anson had no reservations about his calling. He would resume his role in Huxley, serving the townspeople with medicinal aid and moral support. He could move around more freely now to collect herbs and medicinals, and respond to ailments small and serious. That was familiar ground for him, but his kinship with Zamora and the High Mages was another thing entirely. She told him how to find her and promised to answer his questions about his origin and why they left him to make his own way. What else could this kinship bode for him, he wondered. The High Mages had some kind of council that assumed responsibility to observe the welfare of common folks, and that rose to a stewardship role when things grew dire. What would they expect of him now?
Corissa’s future was also certain. She would brief King Lucan on what happened in Gilsum and remain involved in working out a treaty. She might work behind the scenes or in the forefront, but she would work at her King’s right hand. She could not help feeling some smugness about her status in this outcome to counter the antipathy toward her from most of the men and women of the court. She would not let that recompense get the better of her; personal relationships never did. And that brought her thoughts back to Nevin, after putting it aside in the midst of their struggles. She knew he had feelings for her that could easily go beyond friendship. She did not where she stood on that. His large size was not an issue for her. He was clumsy and inexperienced with women, that was evident, but also decent, fair-minded and morally strong. What to do, she thought, what to do about that…
Nevin’s future was the least certain of all of them. Should he try to return to Hempstead? Every time he asked himself that question, he came up with the same answer: why? The more he thought about it, he was better off staying here. He did not have anything going for him back at the college. He was gradually coming to terms with his deliverance here, although he considered the ley line explanation still a weak theory. Plus, there were other experiences that still defied explanation and that interested him. He felt science could still be at the root of spellcasting; there was a lot to learn there, if he could experiment with it. No, he could not turn his back on that opportunity. And there was Corissa, too, but he was more uncertain about her than any of these other questions. He was practically jubilant about her improving health.
As Nevin silently nodded his decision, Corissa brought her horse alongside his and greet
ed him, “Nevin, I have a question for you.”
What timing, he thought. “Fire away. Uh…I mean, what’s on your mind.” He was sure she smirked at his clumsy response. She confirmed it with her reply, but at least she spoke quietly so the others did not overhear.
“It is not about us, Nevin. What came of the man from your land, Stryker?”
“Oh, John Stryker. I forgot all about him. I don’t know. It is a good guess he read the situation and took off. I’m pretty sure Camrel didn’t like him very much, so I presume he’s still around somewhere. Probably looking for an opportunity to better his welfare. It is surprising that Hillister didn’t say anything about him. Stryker showed himself to be a dangerous man.”
Corissa gave a nod of agreement and spurred her horse ahead, leaving no doubt she was in a hurry to get to Antrim.
* * *
At the end of the first day of travel, they gathered around a blazing campfire with no fears about giving away their presence. After small talk, Orris announced he had something important to say, “My friends, I am giving up the uniform. I still wish to serve Antrim and King Lucan, but it will have to be in a different calling. I do not know what that may be, but I will take some time to think about it.”
“That’s great, Orris. I hope it will bring you happiness and a long- life,” Nevin said. Anson and Corissa responded similarly.
“Thank you, but that means I will leave you in the morning so I can think about the future and my place in it. I am going to return to Glorhum and seek out Swiggum. That daft dwarf told me he wants to see more of Antrim and how we humans live. Like me, he is ready to change his life around and I like his company.”
In the morning, Orris left for his rendezvous with Swiggum amid backslaps and mutual wishes of good luck. His colleagues turned their horses toward Antrim and made their way without incident.
* * *
“King Lucan requests your presence,” the page announced. Nodding at the waist with great formality, he pivoted gracefully and beckoned Nevin to follow. They walked quickly through the castle halls over marble floors until they reached the secured area that included the King’s living quarters. They passed through several rooms, all opulently furnished. The proliferation of lush rugs, wall hangings and draperies, with blue as the predominant color, made the décor garish for Nevin’s taste. He tried to contain his antipathy, knowing, at least vaguely, that he was a bit jealous. Finally, the page stopped at a door and gently knocked. When a voice beckoned, he opened the door; with a bow and a sweep of his arm, he directed Nevin to enter and closed the door behind him.
The room was quite different from any seen previously. It was a sitting room with comfortable chairs and a few small tables conveniently placed; it was less lavishly decorated and cheerfully lit by candles in wall sconces all around. Topping off the comfortable setting, King Lucan and Corissa sat in adjacent chairs, both obviously glad to see Nevin. Surprisingly, Lucan stood and said, “It is good to see you again, Sir. Come and sit with us. Shall I call you Sir Nevin or Mr. Reasoner?” The King wore dark green breeches and a white blouse with puffed sleeves, open at the neck. His head was uncovered, revealing curly brown hair, and he was barefoot. A fancy tea set sat steaming on a small table between the King and Corissa.
“Uh, call me Nevin. I don’t really like the ‘Sir’ business…um, your majesty.”
“Well, Nevin, in here you may call me Lucan. This room is my sanctuary and, similar to you, perhaps, this is where I can tone down the royalty ‘business.’ Would you care for a beverage?”
“No thank you, your—Lucan.”
“Then let us get to the state of things. Corissa told me about your travails, but in the end it has turned as well as possible, I suppose.” For the next hour, they discussed the events that transpired with the King outlining his plans for a treaty with Gilsum. He said, “Corissa will be handling the negotiations on my behalf while I tend to restoring order throughout Antrim. I want to offer Orris a role in that endeavor, since he no longer wishes to serve as a Guardsman. Anson has his own plans, mysterious as they are. What about you, Nevin? Would like to serve Antrim in some capacity?”
“Well, um, thanks for the offer. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I could try to go back home, but I do like it here. A lot…actually. It’s a beautiful place, you know. Nice people and all…”
Nevin’s stammering seemed to make them all a little uncomfortable. Corissa tried to turn the conversation to small talk, but was not successful. Finally, Lucan stood, as did Corissa and Nevin, and the King offered, “I have some things I need to do, so you two may continue to share company, as you wish.” There may have been a hint of teasing in Lucan’s suggestion, but Nevin was pretty befuddled at the moment to figure it out.
As he moved closer and put an arm around Corissa and Nevin, Lucan said, “If you desire any refreshment, just ring for a servant. Nevin, you may have lodging here in the castle as long as you want, if that suits your plans. It is a small reward for all you have done.” Facing Corissa, he added, “My dear, we have talked enough for today. Get some rest and we will resume after court petitions tomorrow.” He leaned over and kissed Corissa lightly on the cheek and left the room.
The silence was instantly awkward between the two of them, both still standing. Corissa immediately tried to ease the tension by saying, “Would you like something to eat or drink, Nevin? Fruit, perhaps? Or something sweet?”
“No, that’s okay, Corissa. Um…It is nice to see you again. Lucan is a nice guy…Oh! I don’t mean to be disrespectful. I know he is a king and all that. He seems a lot more relaxed, and grateful, about all we went through. That was quite an adventure, wasn’t it.”
“Yes, and yes,” Corissa answered. She took a breath and suggested they both sit down. “Nevin, we need to talk about something.
“OK. Shoot.”
“Let us be blunt with each other, Nevin. I know we have an uncertain attraction between us. Well, maybe it is not so uncertain. What I mean to say is, I would like you to stay in Antrim and for us to be friends. If you seek more than friendship from me, I cannot feel that way in return without much thinking and time. I need time to do my duty for Lucan and Antrim. I need to resolve my anger and sadness over my husband’s death. But—I have learned from our adventure that I should move on with my life, not stay fixed on events past. We have a started a new age here and I want to see where that takes me and you. Do you understand?”
“Sure. I guess so. I get it. If you have something going with the King, I don’t want to interfere.”
“Oh, Nevin!” said Corissa, exasperated. “Is there such a thing as a stupid sage! Lucan is my liege, not a lover. He is happily married and I do not serve him in that way. Go, now. Before I forswear what I have told you.”
Corissa pointed at the door and Nevin demurely waved goodbye, adding, “Yeah, I’d better go. I need to check in with Anson, anyway. See you, probably…” Nevin quickly backed out, but his relief at ending the awkward moment was accented by the crash of crockery against the door.
* * *
The mage and sage sat at the table in the hut outside Huxley where they made their deliverance from Hempstead. Anson spoke, “Here we are, Sir Nevin, though this little “library” is far more modest than the one you left behind. Can you really give that up and all the other wonders to stay here?”
“Yes.” Nevin did not see any need to embellish his decision.
“That is good news,” Anson responded with a smile. “I have been thinking about a place for you. You can reside in this hut and we can ask the locals to add another building beside it.”
“What do you mean?”
“You said you were a professor once, and that is a kind of teacher as I understand it. We have a need for a teacher such as you, Nevin. Let us build an Academy of the Alliance right here. We can train others to care for the sick and serve the towns and villages in Antrim using the art of magery and your sciences.”
“I don’t know, Anson. Seems a littl
e far-fetched, doesn’t it?”
“Can you see any better way to study the relationship between spellwork and science?”
Nevin stared a moment at this question, then laughed hard. “The Academy for the Alliance, it is!”
End of Book 2
The Chronicles of Nevin Reasoner: The Complete Duology Page 36
