The White Robe

by Clare Smith

  “What do you do now, My Lady?”

  Tarraquin picked up the scroll which lay between them and tapped it lightly on the table in frustration. “They’re right of course, may hellden take them. We do need the trade agreements and the kingdom is in danger of invasion and insurrection. I had just hoped that they would have shown me a little support, that’s all.” She handed Istan the scroll.”Please take this to King Vorgret. It’s my acceptance of his offer of marriage, and a note to say I shall visit him to endorse the trade agreements you will have negotiated on my behalf within three cycles of the moon.”

  “You had already decided to marry him?”

  “Regretfully yes, but I’m not going to tell that miserable bunch of toadies and hangers on until I have an apology from each one of them. Now, Lord Istan, you’d better be on your way if my response is to be with King Vorgret before his deadline has passed and he changes his mind.”

  Istan stood and took Tarraquin’s hands. “Will you be alright, My Lady? I don’t like to leave you when you are so upset.”

  “Yes, I’ll be fine. I will return to my rooms and work on affairs of state to take my mind off this morning’s events. The goddess knows I have enough things to do what with attempting to unscramble some of the mess that Sarrat left behind, not to mention trying to fill the treasury without taxing people to death.”

  She smiled at Istan who kissed her hand and left. Tarraquin finished her wine and then walked to her chamber with her two personal guards trailing behind her. They were not from Leersland or the ones she used to have but Malingar had insisted that she have the best fighters possible to protect her and had assigned two of his own men. They were both quiet and conscientious and most of the time she forgot they were there. When she reached her work room, piles of scrolls and papers were waiting for her attention, so she settled into her work.

  There was always so much to do, but she stopped when Birrit brought her a light lunch, and once again, to discuss the cost of reopening a house for the sick, which Sarrat had closed with Master Zott, the newly appointed Lord of Counting. When it started to get dark, there was a sharp tap on the door and she looked up expecting it to be Sheevar or Birrit, come to light the lamps. Instead an excited looking page boy stood in the doorway eagerly hopping from foot to foot.

  “Your Majesty, Lord Malingar has arrived, he’s in the receiving room and he has asked to see you.”

  “Thank you, Benji, Please tell Captain Malingar I will be with him shortly.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  “Oh, and Benji. Make sure there is wine for Captain Malingar, then go to the kitchens and order some food. If there is cake to be had I think you should try a slice to make sure it is good enough for the captain.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Benji closed the door with enthusiasm and shot off on his errands.

  Tarraquin couldn’t help smiling although she wasn’t sure at what. She left the room in which she had been working and went to her dressing room where Sheevar helped her change from her court dress and heavy jewellery into something simpler. The blue dress with flowers embroidered around the hem and sleeves was one of her favourites. It fitted her well and the neck was cut just low enough that it showed off the silver pendant that Malingar had given her. She let her long auburn hair down and Sheevar brushed it through, and then dabbed her wrists with a little scent; it was her favourite, the one which smelled of applewood blossom and roses.

  For a moment she considered letting Sheevar paint her eyelids blue, lining her eyes with kohl and putting some red paste onto her lips, but decided against it, after all she was a queen, not a whore. She gave a small smile at the thought and left her rooms with her two personal guards falling in behind her. When she reached the receiving room, they opened the door for her and stood to attention outside. Malingar had been standing, staring into the fire but turned when he heard her enter, giving her a warm smile and bowed.

  “Your Majesty, you look as beautiful and as regal as ever.”

  Tarraquin blushed slightly. “Captain Malingar, I’m pleased to see that you have returned. I hope refreshments have been provided for you?”

  “Yes, My Lady, wine and an assortment of sweet things.” He nodded towards the dresser which was spread with an impressive selection of cream cakes, sweet pastries and honey coated biscuits.

  “Oh dear, young Benji has taken his duties seriously.” She laughed and went to the dresser pouring herself and the captain a goblet of wine. “Well Captain, what news do you bring from Northshield?”

  “I was received well by King Borman, who wishes to send his regards to the new Queen of Leersland, and offers his support as she establishes her reign. He is happy to provide you with the troops you have requested and has, in fact, doubled the number. They are encamped just the other side of the border awaiting your permission to enter Leersland.”

  Tarraquin smiled at the news. “You’ve done very well, Captain. What’s the catch?”

  “There is no catch, My Lady, except that King Borman would have them deployed in key places to ensure your safety. His offer of friendship is genuine.”

  She nodded thoughtfully. “When you were in Wallmore was there any sign of Great Lord Andron seeking King Borman’s assistance?”

  “Not that I could see, but I was only at the court for a short time, although I seem to have been away from your presence for an eternity.”

  Tarraquin smiled at the compliment and took a seat in one of the comfortable chairs by the hearth. Malingar sat opposite her. “Considering you were not at king Borman’s court for very long you have been away for quite a while. What else have you been up to?”

  “Ah, My Lady, it was my intention to return to you directly from Wallmore, but I needed to check that my men were all in their appointed place and still remembered who paid their wages.”

  “And were they?”

  “Oh yes, My Lady. They are just where I want them.” Tarraquin took a sip of her wine and unconsciously fingered the pendant she wore. “And what of you, Your Majesty, what has been happening in my absence?”

  Tarraquin took a breath and went to speak but was interrupted by a loud knocking on the receiving room door. She frowned in disapproval as one of her personal guards entered without waiting for her to respond and bowed to Malingar instead of her.

  “My apologies, My Lord, but a messenger has arrived with urgent news for the Queen. He asks to see her immediately.”

  “Does he now? Well if it is that urgent you had better show him in.”

  The guard bowed and stepped outside, returning immediately with a man in Leersland’s own livery. As he entered the room, the second of the guards followed behind, shutting the door, and both of them stood next to the kneeling man as if he posed a threat. The man’s cloak and boots were splattered with mud and he had dark rings under his eyes as if he had been riding hard with little sleep for many days. Tarraquin studied him and frowned, trying to place where she had seen him before. Then she remembered.

  “Squad Leader Shendar?” The man looked up and she was certain it was him. “Squad Leader, what are you doing here? Where is Lord Jarrul?”

  “Taken, Your Majesty and held prisoner in an impregnable fortress.”

  Tarraquin jumped to her feet, her fists clenched in anger. “Then what in hellden’s name are you doing here, you useless piece of garbage? Why aren’t you out there trying to rescue him?” She took a step forward as if she was going to kick him, but Malingar took her arm and gently eased her back into her chair.

  “My Lady, the man is exhausted, give him a moment and let him explain what has happened.”

  “Very well. Tell me what has happened, Shendar and why you have not protected Lord Jarrul with your life as you were ordered to do.”

  “Your Majesty, we escorted Lord Jarrul to the borders of Tarbis and then on towards Dartis and the palace as ordered. We were intercepted by the palace guards and were not permitted to accompany Lord Jarrul into the palace, but he told us to w
ait for his return which we did. When he didn’t return after a five day I demanded to see him, but was told that Lord Jarrul had been taken to see Prince Newn who was staying at his hunting lodge.

  “We, that is armsman Kadlin and I, persuaded some farmer’s boy to show us the way to where the prince was staying, but when we got there, it wasn’t a hunting lodge at all, but a fortress with high walls. The fortress was protected by fearsome stone creatures that moved and two huge raptors which guarded the gates. I tried to see Lord Jarrul, but couldn’t get near enough to the gates without being seen. When I made enquiries from the locals, I was told he was probably providing entertainment for the beast that lived behind the walls and was as good as dead. The fortress was so heavily guarded that you would need an army to get in, so I thought it was best if Kadlin stayed to watch and I returned here to report what had happened.”

  “Coward!” snapped Tarraquin. “You should have tried to rescue him.”

  “It was impossible, Your Majesty.”

  “How many soldiers guard this beast?” asked Malingar calmly.

  “I don’t know, sir but they don’t need guards, there were dozens of the stone creatures prowling on top of the wall. You would need an army to get passed them.”

  “Then we will take an army,” said Tarraquin. “I will not leave Jarrul to the mercy of some beast or whatever it is. Captain Malingar, get your men together we will leave as soon as they are provisioned.”

  Malingar frowned and shook his head. “That will not be possible, My Lady. If I take men from here you leave Tarmin open and vulnerable. When Great Lord Andron finds out that Tarmin is defenceless he will just walk in and take your throne.”

  “Then we will use King Borman’s men. Send word that they should move across country and we’ll meet them on the borders of Tarmin.”

  “That too is not possible. King Borman was very specific about the role his troops were to play. They have been sent to guard you and your throne, and their officers would not permit them to be deployed in another kingdom where their presence could be construed as an act of war.”

  Tarraquin stamped her foot in anger. “I will not just sit here whilst my best friend is tortured and murdered by this savage beast. He has saved my life in the past and the least I can do is try to save his. If none of you are brave enough to do this then I will do it by myself.”

  She slammed her goblet down on the table spilling red wine over the golden weiswald and started to storm out of the room but was stopped by Malingar calling her back.

  “My Lady, please stop.” Tarraquin turned and glared at him. “I’m not going to stop you going, as I think what you are proposing is a good idea. From what this man says you would need more men than we have to storm this fortress, but a woman pleading for the life of her friend would melt even the heart of a beast, particularly if that woman is as beautiful as you are.” Tarraquin looked surprised that her outburst had been taken seriously. “And being a queen would keep you safe; harming the Queen of Leersland would surely be seen as a declaration of war and the other kingdoms would come to your aid.”

  “Do you think it will work?” she asked hesitantly.

  “No, don’t do it, Your Majesty,” pleaded Shendar.

  “Quiet! Well, do you?”

  “Yes. This man could show you the way and you could take your two personal guards as an escort. If you travelled fast and light you could be there in time to save Jarrul from this beast.”

  Tarraquin smiled and her eyes lit up with excitement. “You’re right, I’ll show those doubting councillors what a woman can do, I will leave at first light. You, Shendar,” she prodded the kneeling squad leader with the toe of her boot. “Get a fresh horse and new provisions and be ready to leave at dawn. If you’re not ready then I’ll have you branded and sold as a slave.”

  Shendar rose slowly and left the room with shoulders bowed. Tarraquin watched him go. “Whilst you were away I dismissed the council, so while I’m gone you will have to reinstate them. I’ll have papers drawn up which I shall sign naming you as my regent until Istan returns, and then you will govern Leersland together. Look after my throne, Captain Malingar; I expect to find it still here and unoccupied when I return.” She turned back to her personal guard. “I have things to do. Get your gear together and get some sleep. We leave at first light.” She smiled once more at Malingar before sweeping out of the room.

  The guards closed the door behind her and stood to attention in front of their captain. “Guard her well and make sure she reaches her destination. Once she’s there it is up to the beast if she lives or dies, I don’t think my master will care which, just make certain that she never returns to Leersland.”

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Old Lives for New

  Jonderill rode through the wide open gates of Alewinder and didn’t know if he wanted to laugh or cry. Everything was so familiar and yet it was so different. When he had left the city he thought he would never return, but here he was, riding through the streets, wearing the robes of a magician and acting as if he had every right to be here. He even had an armed escort, and not just any armsmen, but a protector in full armour. People stopped to stare at the procession with the protector in the front and the two armsmen riding behind, one of them heavily bandaged and slumped over his horse. Jonderill kept his eyes fixed on Allowyn’s back and tried to ignore the whispers of surprise and the people who bowed to him as he rode by.

  They rode passed all the places he knew so well; the market he went to each day to buy eggs for their breakfast, the apothecary where he bought powders and potions for Animus’s latest experiment, and the scriptorium where he took Plantagenet’s notes for copying. He rode passed the Soldiers Rest where he and Barrin had drunk ale together, and finally over the moat bridge where he had saved the life of the Swordmaster’s nephew. Everything was familiar, but that was when he had been little better than a slave; now he was a white robe and everything had changed.

  The small procession passed through the palace gates, clattering into the cobbled courtyard and stablemen hurried forward to take the horse’s reins. For a moment he expected to see Tarris, but of course he wasn’t there anymore; he had died at Jonderill’s hand over four summers before. He wondered if the Princess… No, the Queen would remember him and what he had done. It was a foolish question and he laughed at himself. Of course she would remember him; he had stolen four summers of her life, not to mention true love’s first kiss. He dismounted and waited for Dozo to help Tissian, who was still heavily bandaged, down from his horse, before he joined Allowyn at the foot of the palace steps.

  Allowyn gave him a knowing smile, “You shouldn’t be nervous, Jonderill. This is your home and you’re amongst friends here.”

  The words didn’t help much. If it had been Daun or Pellum’s choice, he would have paid a heavy price for his part in kidnapping the princess, even if it did save her from Maladran’s enchantment. It was only King Steppen’s timely intervention which had saved him, but he wasn’t the king of Vinmore anymore.

  When the doors of the palace opened it wasn’t the Queen or her consort who came to greet them, but the tall magician in white who Jonderill remembered from his apprentice day trial. He stood at the top of the steps, looked at Allowyn and then at Jonderill and then back to Allowyn again, giving him a smile of pure delight. Allowyn dropped to his knee and bowed as Callabris almost bounded down the steps to greet him, pulling him from his obeisance and wrapping him in a warm embrace. For a moment Jonderill felt jealous and wished that he had someone who would greet him like that.

  “Allowyn, you are here at last. I thought something terrible must have happened to you. We’ve been separated and out of each other’s presence for far too long and I will not let that happen again.”

  The protector stepped back from the magician’s embrace with a broad smile on his face and looked relieved to be back with his master. He beckoned to Jonderill and he nervously stepped forward. “Lord, this is Jonder
ill who has at last grown into the robe you gave to him.”

  Callabris looked him up and down and laughed. “I think it is the robe which has grown into him. Jonderill, you are welcome, I have waited a long time to see the man you would be. I can see now that my hopes for you were not misplaced.”

  “My Lord Callabris,” said Jonderill bowing deeply.

  “No, not lord, just Callabris, we are of one family now. I look forward to spending time with you like brothers, talking about our calling and the other things we have in common.” He gave Allowyn a mischievous grin, “It’ll make a change from hearing about the latest weapons, fighting techniques and the newest pot maid at the city inn. Now tell me, who are your companions?”

  “This is Dozo, an armsman from the Enclave who has been of great service to us, and who, I regret, through no fault of his own, cannot return to the Enclave so seeks a new position, and Tissian, Jonderill’s protector.”