by Jack Vance
Madouc gave a stony shrug. "If you do not like what you see, look elsewhere."
Cassander threw back his head and laughed. "Your appearance is not so bad, after all; in fact, travel seems to become you! But your deeds do a disservice to the royal house."
"Ha!" said Madouc in scorn. "Your own deeds are not above criticism. In fact, they are a scandal, as everyone knows."
Cassander laughed again, if uneasily. His comrades joined the amusement. "I am speaking of different deeds," said Cassander. "Shall I enumerate? Item: you created a furore of hysterical inquiries. Item: you instigated a thousand recriminations which were discharged willy-nilly in all directions. Item: you have nourished a volume of angers, carks, resentments and sore emotions beyond all estimate. Item: you have focused upon yourself a full spate of bitter reproaches, not to mention threats, judgments and curses. Item:-"
"Enough," said Madouc. "It seems that I am not popular at Haidion; you need not proceed. It is all beside the point, and you yourself speak from ignorance."
"Just so. The fox in the poultry-run cannot be blamed for the cackling of the pullets."
"Your jokes are too airy for my understanding."
"No matter," said Cassander. He jerked his thumb toward Sir Pom-Pom. "Is this not one of the stableboys?"
"What of that? King Casmir allowed me horses and an escort. Our horses were stolen, so now we go afoot."
"For a royal princess a stableboy is not suitable escort."
"I have no complaints. Sir Pom-Pom, or Pymfyd, as you know him, has conducted himself well and our quests have been for the most part successful."
Prince Cassander shook his head in wonder. "And what were these marvellous quests, that His Majesty should approve them so readily?"
"Sir Pom-Pom went in search of holy relics, in accordance with the king's proclamation. I went to establish my pedigree, by the king's own order."
"Odd, most odd!" said Cassander. "Perhaps the king was distracted and paid no heed; there is much on his mind. We will travel to Avallon in a day or so for a great colloquy, and His Majesty perhaps did not understand what was afoot. As to your pedigree, what have you learned, if anything?"
Madouc glanced haughtily at Cassander's grinning comrades. "It is not a matter to be aired before underlings."
The mirth of Cassander's friends froze on their faces.
"As you like," said Cassander. He looked back to the three equerries. "You, Parlitz, dismount and ride behind Ondel; the princess shall use your horse. You, my lad-" he pointed to Sir Pom-Pom "-you may ride behind Wullam on the bay. Come now, promptly does it! We must be home by noon!"
Along the way Cassander rode by Madouc's side and tried to make conversation. "How did you learn your pedigree?"
"I consulted my mother."
"How did you find her?"
"We went to Madling Meadow, which is deep in the Forest of Tantrevalles."
"Aha! Is that not dangerous?"
"Extremely, if one is careless."
"Hmf! And did you encounter such dangers?"
"We did, for a fact."
"And how did you evade them?"
"My mother has taught me a few trifles of fairy magic."
"Tell me about this magic!"
"She does not like me to discuss such things. Still, some time I will tell you of our adventures. I am not in the mood to do so now."
Cassander spoke austerely: "You are a strange little creature! I wonder what will become of you!"
"Often I wonder the same."
"Ha bah!" declared Cassander in his most positive manner. "One thing is certain, if nothing else! Destiny frowns on unruly little itlings who expect everyone to dance whenever they play their tunes!"
"It is not quite so simple," said Madouc, without any great interest.
Cassander fell silent, and so the party rode on toward Lyonesse Town. After a mile or two, Cassander spoke again. "Do not expect a gala reception-if only because we depart for Avallon on the day after tomorrow."
"I have been wondering about this journey. What is the occasion?"
"It is a grand colloquy called by King Audry at King Casmir's suggestion, and all the kings of the Elder Isles will be on hand."
Madouc said: "I return at a lucky time! If I had delayed two days longer, I would have been too late for the journey."
After a thoughtful pause she said: "And the history of the Elder Isles might have veered in sudden new directions."
"Eh? What is that you say?"
"It concerns a concept which you mentioned only moments ago."
"I recall no such concept."
"You mentioned 'Destiny'."
"Oh, ah! So I did! I am still perplexed. What is the connection?"
"No matter. I spoke at random."
Cassander said, with pointed politeness: "I am obliged to mention once more that you are not in good odour at Haidion, and no one will be anxious to gratify your desires."
"To what effect?"
"It may be that you will not be asked to join the royal party."
"We shall see."
The group rode down the Sfer Arct, rounded the tree-covered bluff known as Skansea Vantage, and all of Lyonesse Town was spread wide before their eyes, with Castle Haidion bulking large in the foreground. Ten minutes later the troop turned into the King's Parade and halted in front of the castle. Cassander jumped to the ground and with a courtly flourish assisted Madouc to alight. "Now we shall see," said Cassander. "Do not expect a warm reception and you will not be disappointed. The most charitable term I have heard applied to you is 'recklessly insubordinate.'"
"Those ideas are not correct, as I have already explained to you!"
Cassander gave a sardonic laugh. "You must prepare to explain again, and with considerably more humility, or so I would suggest."
Madouc made no comment. In a not unkindly voice Cassander said: "Come! I will take you into the presence of the king and queen, and perhaps in some degree soften their shock."
Madouc signalled to Sir Pom-Pom. "You must come too. We shall go in together."
Cassander looked from one to the other. "That is surely unnecessary!" He gestured toward Sir Pom-Pom. "Be off with you, boy; we need you no more. Get back to your duties as quickly and furtively as possible and make what peace you can with the stableemaster."
"Not so!" said Madouc. "Sir Pom-Pom must remain in our company, for a most important reason, as you will presently discover."
Cassander shrugged. "Just as you like; let us go do what must be done."
The three entered the castle. In the great gallery they came upon Sir Mungo the High Seneschal. Cassander asked: "Where are the king and queen to be found?"
"You will find them in the Green Parlour, Your Highness. They have just finished their repast, and now sit over cheese and wine."
"Thank you, good Sir Mungo." Cassander led the way to the Green Parlour, only to discover that King Casmir's place was empty. Queen Sollace sat with three of her favorites, all nibbling grapes from a wide wicker basket. Cassander stepped forward, and bowed politely: first to the queen, then to the other ladies, and the conversation stopped short. Cassander asked: "Where, may I ask, is His Highness the King?"
Queen Sollace, still unaware of Madouc's presence, said: "He has gone early to his Seat of Judgment, that he may perform his necessary acts of justice before we leave for Avallon."
Cassander brought Madouc forward, and announced with rather forced facetiousness: "I have here a pleasant surprise! Look who we found along the way!"
Queen Sollace stared at Madouc with mouth agape. The ladies-in-waiting made small hissing noises and titters of wonder and surprise. Queen Sollace closed her mouth with a snap. "So the little miscrecreant has decided to show herself again!"
Cassander said in a courtly voice: "Your Highness, I suggest that for the purpose of your consultation with the princess, privacy is appropriate."
"Quite so," said Sollace. "Ladies, be good enough to leave us now."
The
ladies, with covert glances of curiosity toward Madouc and veiled annoyance for Cassander, departed the chamber. Queen Sollace again turned her gaze upon Madouc. "Now then, perhaps you will explain your truancy! It has been the source of our great concern. Tell us: where have you been hiding?"
"With all respect, Your Highness, I must state that you have been misinformed. I have not been hiding, nor have I performed any mischiefs. Indeed, I set forth on a quest which was sanctioned by His Majesty, the King, and I was expelled from your presence and from Haidion by your own words."
Queen Sollace blinked. "I remember none of this! You are formulating spiteful tales! The king was as nonplussed as I!"
"Surely he will remember the circumstances! At his behest I went to learn the identity of my father and the condition of my pedigree. I have acted only within the scope allowed me by Your Majesties!"
Sollace's face became mulish. "It is possible that one or the other made an absentminded remark which you chose to twist to fit your own wishes. I deplore such tactics!"
"I am sorry to hear this, Your Majesty, especially since these tactics have worked to your great benefit!"
Once again Queen Sollace stared in wonder. "Do I hear you aright?"
"Indeed you do, Your Highness! Prepare yourself for an announcement which will stupefy you with joy!"
"Ha!" said Sollace sourly. "I cannot say that I am hopeful on this account."
Prince Cassander, standing to the side and smiling in lofty amusement, said: "We are listening with keen attention! Announce away!"
Madouc brought Sir Pom-Pom forward. "Your Highness, allow me to introduce Pymfyd, whom I have dubbed 'Sir Pom-Pom', by reason of his bravery in my service. Sir Pom-Pom served as my loyal escort, and also went questing on your behalf. At Thripsey Shee we heard mention of the Holy Grail, and immediately became attentive."
Queen Sollace jerked herself erect. "What? Can it be so? Say on and quickly! You speak the dearest words my ear could hear! Was the information at all circumstantial? Tell me in exact terms what you learned!"
"We heard a rumour that the Grail was guarded by the ogre Throop of the Three Heads, and that a hundred brave knights had died in the attempt to liberate it."
"And where is it now! Speak! Tell me at once! I am beside myself with excitement!"
"Just so, Your Highness! Throop immured the Grail in a closet of his Castle Doldil, deep within the Forest of Tantrevalles."
"That is absolutely important news! We must assemble an army of gpodly knights and march on an expedition of deliverance! Cassander, go this instant to inform His Highness the King! All else is trivial."
"Hear me out, Your Highness!" cried Madouc. "I am not yet done! With advice from my mother Sir Pom-Pom and I presented ourselves at Castle Doldil; and there, with bravery unsurpassed, Sir Pom-Pom inflicted death upon Throop and won the Holy Grail, which he has carried back to Lyonesse Town wrapped in purple silk, and which he will now place before you. Sir Pom-Pom, you may present the Holy Grail."
"I cannot believe this!" cried Queen Sollace. "I am in a state of entrancement, or ecstasy of the ninth order!"
Sir Pom-Pom stepped forward and gravely removed the wrapping of purple silk from the chalice; on bended knee he placed the sacred object on the table before Queen Sollace. "Your Majesty, I hereby offer you this Holy Grail! I hope that you will cherish it with joy, and also that you will grant me the boon of my desires as stated in the king's proclamation."
Queen Sollace, her eyes fixed on the Grail, was numb to all else. "Glory of glories! I marvel that this unction has been yielded to me! I am confounded by rapture! It is beyond belief; it is beyond all ordinary scope!"
Madouc said primly: "Your Highness, I must call to your attention that you have Sir Pom-Pom to thank for the presentation of this Grail!"
"Indeed this is so! He has done a magnificent service for the Church, and on behalf of the Church I render him my full and royal thanks! He shall be well rewarded! Cassander, at this mo ment give the lad a gold piece as an earnest of my favor!"
Cassander brought a gold coin from his pouch and pressed it into Sir Pom-Pom's hand. "Do not thank me; thank the queen for her generosity!"
Queen Sollace called out to the footman who stood immobile by the door. "Bring Father Umphred here at once, that he may share our joy! Hurry, run on your fastest feet! Tell Father Umphred only that glorious news awaits him!"
Sir Mungo the High Seneschal entered the parlour. "Your Highness, I notified His Majesty in regard to the Princess Madouc. He wishes me to bring her and her companion to the Hall of Judgments."
Queen Sollace made an absentminded gesture. "You have my permission to leave. Madouc, you too have worked for the Good, and in my great happiness I discharge you of blame for your transgressions! But in the future you must learn tractability!"
Sir Pom-Pom spoke diffidently: "Your Highness, what of the boon promised by the king? When should I make my wants known, and when will the boon be granted?"
Queen Sollace frowned somewhat impatiently. "In due course any feasible arrangements will be considered. In the meantime, you already have what is best of all: which is to say, the knowledge of how well you have served our Church and our Faith!"
Sir Pom-Pom stammered something incoherent, then bowed and backed away. Sir Mungo said: "Princess Madouc, you may come with me at this time, along with your companion."
Sir Mungo led the two by a side corridor into the ancient Old Hall, through a portal in a dank stone wall out upon a landing, from which a stone ramp descended past monumental stone columns to give into the solemn spaces of the Hall of Judgments.
On a low dais sat King Casmir, wearing the traditional vestments of judgment: a black robe with black gloves, a square of black velvet on his head with gold tassels dependent and a gold fillet above. He sat on a massive throne with a small table before him; to either side of the dais stood a pair of men-at-arms clad in shirts and breeches of black leather relieved only by epaulettes and brassards of black iron. Helmets of iron and leather clasped their faces, lending them a sinister aspect. Those unfortunate individuals awaiting judgment sat on a bench to one side of the hall, in attitudes of gloom. Those who had already been tortured stared blankly into space, eyes as empty as knotholes.
Sir Mungo brought Madouc and Sir Pom-Pom before the king. "Your Highness, I bring you the Princess Madouc and her companion, as you have requested."
King Casmir leaned back in his throne and, frowning, considered the two.
Madouc curtseyed primly. "I trust Your Majesty enjoys good health."
King Casmir's face altered by not so much as a quiver. At last he spoke. "It seems that Prince Cassander surprised you beside the road. Where have you been and what has been your mischief, to the disgrace of the royal house?"
Madouc spoke haughtily: "Your Majesty has been shamefully misinformed! Far from being surprised by Prince Cassander, we were returning at best speed to Lyonesse Town. Prince Cassander and his friends overtook us along the way. We neither lurked, skulked, hid, lied, nor in any way compromised our dignity. As for mischief and disgrace, Your Majesty again has been victimized by misinformation, since I did no more than obey your instructions."
King Casmir leaned forward, the pink rising in his already florid face. "I instructed you to skite off into the wilderness, taking neither proper escort nor proper protection?"
"Just so, Your Majesty! You ordered me to discover my pedigree as best I could, and not to trouble you with the details."
King Casmir slowly swung his head so as to stare at Sir Pom Pom. "You are the stableboy who supplied the horses?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Your folly in this respect verges upon criminal negligence. Do you think yourself a proper and adequate escort for a royal princess under such circumstances?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, since that has been my occupation. I have long served the princess faithfully and there has never been aught but approval for the quality of my service."
King Casmir leane
d back once again. In a slow cold voice he inquired: "You perceive no more hazard in a long journey by night and day, through strange parts and dangerous wilderness, than an afternoon's outing in the meadows at Sarris?"
"Sire, there is a difference indeed. But you must know that, on the basis of your proclamation, I had already decided to go questing for holy relics."
"That is not germane to the wrongfulness of your conduct."
Madouc spoke out angrily: "Your Majesty, I commanded him to this conduct; he is guilty only of obedience to my orders."
"Ha hah! And if you had ordered him to set fire to Castle Haidion, so that it burned in roaring flames, and he did so, would that make him no more than a dutiful servant?"
"No, Your Majesty, but-"
"To fulfill his duty best he should have notified someone in authority of your demands, and requested official permission. I have heard enough. Bailiff, take this person behind the Peinhador for a flogging of seven strokes, for his better instruction in prudent conduct."
Madouc cried out: "Your Majesty, one moment! You are pronouncing sentence too roundly and too rapidly. Both Pymfyd and I went out on our separate quests, and both of us were successful. I learned the name of my father, while Pymfyd did you and the queen a notable service; he killed the ogre Throop and brought away the Holy Grail which he only just now presented to Her Majesty. She is ecstatic with joy! By your proclamation, Sir Pom-Pom has earned a boon!"
King Casmir smiled a small smile. "Bailiff, reduce the flogging to six strokes and allow this tow-headed gossoon the resumption of his post at the stable. That shall be his boon."
"Come, sirrah!" said the bailiff. "This way, come!" He led Sir Pom-Pom from the hall.
Madouc looked at King Casmir aghast. "But you gave me full permission to do what I did! You told me to take an escort, and always I had taken him before!"
King Casmir made a sharp gesture with his clenched right hand. "Enough! You must understand meanings rather than words. You thought to trick me and the fault is yours."
Madouc, looking into Casmir's eyes, saw new meanings and took new understandings, which caused her to flinch. She held her face composed, though now she hated Casmir with all her being.
