Strangeness and Charm cotf-3

by Mike Shevdon

  "Demanded?" said Teoth. "They are making demands, now, are they?"

  "A bad choice of words perhaps, my Lord," said Garvin, correcting himself, "requested then."

  "Hmmf," said Teoth.

  "Nevertheless," said Barthia, "our agreement with humanity is clear. If we cannot curb the excesses of the Feyre, then we are in breach."

  "But they are not fey," said Blackbird.

  Barthia shook her head. "It makes no difference. We are obligated."

  "Perhaps we should consider starting again," said Krane. "I know we've come a long way, but…"

  Mellion mimed the turning of an hour-glass.

  "There is not time," Yonna agreed. "Our numbers diminish each year, while the Seventh Court have only to wait."

  I cleared my throat. "By starting again, I assume you mean genocide?"

  "That's an ugly word, Dogstar," said Barthia.

  "It is an ugly thing, to consider wiping out a population because they do not fit your preconceptions," I said.

  "We have done worse," said Teoth.

  "That was long ago," said Kimlesh.

  "And yet the stain remains," Teoth remarked.

  There was a sober pause while I wondered what exactly they had done.

  "We are caught between the deep and the dark," said Barthia. "Blackbird is right. We should accept them into the courts and deal with the consequences."

  "That's not what I said," said Blackbird. "Can we not let them live peacefully?"

  "Bound by what?" Krane asked. "It is only a matter of time before one of them succeeds where the girl, Eve, did not."

  "She was an exception," said Blackbird.

  "I wish it were true," said Barthia. "We have not excelled in our duty to protect and preserve. We left them to their fate and these are the consequences. You are right, we cannot have them, but nor can we let them be."

  "Then we must grasp the nettle," said Krane, "and do what needs to be done."

  Mellion stood from his chair. They all watched, expecting some grand gesture, but he walked forward to Fionh, standing close and making quick elaborate hand gestures to her. She glanced at Garvin and then left quickly through the double doors.

  "My lord?" said Garvin.

  Mellion went back to his seat, interlacing his long fingers, and resting back against the chair.

  "Is there something you wish to put before us," asked Yonna.

  After a moment, the double doors opened and Fionh appeared with Tate, carrying a large chair from the dining rooms along the hall. Mellion nodded and they brought it forward, placing it alongside him, and withdrew.

  "What is the meaning of this, Lord Mellion?" asked Teoth. "We already have an empty seat, we do not need another."

  Kimlesh leaned forward, and then smiled. "Of course," she said. "It's perfect."

  "What's perfect?" said Yonna. Then she glanced back to the empty chair. "You're not suggesting…?"

  "A mongrel court?" said Barthia. "Lord Mellion, this is a radical suggestion indeed."

  He shrugged.

  "An elegant solution," said Kimlesh, "my compliments, Lord Mellion."

  "No!" said Krane. "This is preposterous. Who would lead such a court?"

  I glanced sideways, seeing no one move. I looked around the people beside me and saw what must be done. It would be risky, and dangerous, but it would secure my daughter, and all the others like her.

  I stepped forward. "My Lords, Ladies, I would be willing, if you will have me?"

  There was a long pause. Then Kimlesh spoke.

  "Warder Alshirian Dogstar, your offer is… generous, and warmly received I assure you, but it is not you we would wish to lead the mongrel court."

  I stepped back in confusion. I felt rejected, but also relieved. But then who?

  "There isn't anyone," said Krane.

  "It's Blackbird," she said.

  • • • •

  "Me?" said Blackbird. "Why me?"

  Kimlesh stood and approached her. "You are of mongrel heritage, are you not?" she said.

  Blackbird had a look of mild panic about her. "I am, but…"

  "And you are among the oldest of the mongrel fey?" she continued, walking around Blackbird.

  "Yes, but…"

  "You were brought up among the Feyre and yet you have lived among humanity for most of your life. You understand their customs, and ours."

  "I suppose, though…"

  "This cannot happen," said Krane. "Blackbird is a member of Yonna's court. We cannot have a mongrel court that is led by a member of another court, can we?"

  "I relinquish my claim," said Yonna, "in the interest of us all."

  "Wait," said Teoth. "This is madness. We cannot create another court. It's unheard of."

  "Why?" said Barthia. "Seven courts cannot have sprung from nothing. Who is to say that once there were not three, or four, and others were added as need demanded."

  "That's a huge supposition," said Krane.

  "It had to happen somehow," said Barthia. "The wraithkin have always claimed to be the oldest court, with the clear implication that the other courts followed afterwards."

  "A turn of phrase," said Teoth.

  "Our brother cannot have it both ways," said Barthia.

  Kimlesh took Blackbird's hand and led her towards the seat. It was neither as grand or as elegant as the seats beside it, but the symbolism was not in the least diminished.

  "Wait," Blackbird said, drawing Kimlesh to a halt. "If I am to do this, then I want your agreement. All of you."

  "That you will never receive," said Krane, "for our brother Altair would never agree to such a thing."

  "He is not here," said Kimlesh, "and we took the decision to go down this road against his wishes, even while he was present."

  "Then there must at least be a majority in support," said Blackbird. "I will need your support, if this is to succeed."

  "Then I will pledge my support," said Kimlesh.

  "And I mine," said Yonna.

  Mellion held his hand to his heart and opened it, then offered it to Blackbird.

  "I cannot, in good conscience, give my assent to something that I know will drive a further wedge between us and the Seventh Court," said Krane.

  "Nor I," said Teoth.

  "Then the balance is with you, Barthia," said Kimlesh. "With your support we will found a court for the mongrel fey, those that are of neither race or both, but who need a home nevertheless."

  "I cannot be my decision alone," she said.

  "Nor is it so," said Kimlesh. "Yonna, Mellion and I have pledged our support. With your assent we will have a clear majority, even counting Altair's wishes. Without it, we will be three for, and three against, with Altair holding the balance, though I think we all know which way that will go."

  There was silence, while they all watched Barthia. She chewed her pierced lip in consternation, looking from Krane to Teoth, from Mellion to Yonna, and then to Kimlesh, who still held Blackbird's hand in hers.

  "If we cannot make a decision," Kimlesh reminded her, "then we still have to decide what to do with the mongrel fey who wait at our door. They are few in number now, but they will grow, while we will not. It is why we first began this enterprise."

  "Altair warned us this would happen," said Krane. "It is the beginning of the end."

  "I have heard these arguments before," Barthia said, "when we first considered mixing our bloodlines with humanity. At that time I chose life and an uncertain future, instead of a the certainty of eventual demise." Barthia, folded her arms. "We will have an Eighth Court."

  "No!" said Krane, "We cannot make this decision without Altair having spoken."

  "We did it before," said Kimlesh, leading Blackbird to the vacant chair. "There is precedent for such a decision."

  Blackbird hesitated, and gently disengaged Kimlesh's hand.

  "Make no mistake," she said. "I understand that this is not the wish of you all, and I will do all in my power to make this work for you," she said. "But I am n
ot doing this for you. I am doing this for those waiting outside, and those waiting beyond these walls, who will face an uncertain fate if I do not."

  And she sat down.

  TWENTY-THREE

  As the news spread from the enclosed hall there was ragged cheering from the group waiting outside. It rapidly became apparent that continuing the High Court in session was not possible, especially when Krane and Teoth withdrew to consider whether the decision could be further challenged.

  Blackbird stood up looking bemused and worried, and was taken aback when Kimlesh, Mellion and Yonna all embraced her, kissing both cheeks formally. After a moment's hesitation, Barthia did the same, acknowledging Blackbird as Lady of the Eighth Court.

  Mullbrook appeared with vintage champagne and glasses, and the seven thrones and the single chair were moved away so that the other guests could spill into the hall. There was an urgent hubbub of conversation, speculation and deliberation, which was brought to a temporary hiatus by Yonna, who clapped her hands loudly for silence.

  She stood in front of Blackbird.

  "Child of the Court of Fey'ree," said Yonna. "Do you wish to be released from your vows, and let free of all obligation, let or lien, such that you no longer receive the protection of the Court or any of its bounty or benefit. You will be a free woman. Is that your wish?"

  "It is," Blackbird said.

  "Bring me a knife," said Yonna.

  Mullbrook appeared with an ancient wooden handled knife, crudely made, but with a keen edge that glinted.

  Blackbird offered her hand and Yonna drew the knife across her palm without hesitation.

  "By your blood you are released," said Yonna.

  "I am released," said Blackbird.

  "By your heart, you will serve none but your own, and owe allegiance to none."

  "I will owe no one allegiance," said Blackbird.

  "By your mind, you will abide by your own consideration, saving the advice of those you trust."

  "I will," said Blackbird.

  "Your power is your own," Yonna said. "None may bind you, none may hold you, and may none stand against you."

  She stepped forward and kissed Blackbird on both cheeks again. "You are free, sister."

  Blackbird looked pale, and for a moment I thought she might faint. I moved quietly round behind her to catch her if she fell, but she rallied as the cheers rang up around her from the assembly.

  "Is there a vow to swear me into the High Court?" she asked Yonna.

  Yonna shook her head. "No my child. We are owed allegiance, but we offer none." She turned to face the assembly. "Your Lady has sacrificed much, this night. More than many of you know. Vows will be made later, oaths that bind and promises that hold. That is for tomorrow. Who will come forward this night, and offer allegiance to the Eighth Court?"

  There was a muttering among the assembly. I saw Garvin glance across at me as if I might lead, but as a Warder my allegiance was to all the courts, not a single court.

  After a moment, Andy stepped forward. "I would offer my allegiance," he said. "How do I do it?"

  "A simple bow will suffice," said Yonna.

  He came and stood before Blackbird, who turned to face him.

  "I would offer my allegiance, Lady." He knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

  "Accepted," said Blackbird. "We will engage in formalities in due course, Andy, but for now be welcome to the Eighth Court."

  There was a round of applause, then a shuffling as others came forward.

  As they did, Garvin made his way around the group to stand next to me. Others copied Andy, descending to one knee before Blackbird.

  "You must be very pleased for her," he said.

  I glanced at him, then back at Blackbird. "Maybe when I find out what she's volunteered for," I said.

  "You will have plenty of time to think about it. You went against my wishes, this night," said Garvin. "You put the High Court in danger and you prejudiced a decision that will affect the balance and harmony of the High Court for years to come. You're suspended."

  "I'm what?"

  "From this night, you are suspended from duty pending consideration of your conduct."

  "Garvin?" said Kimlesh. "Is there a problem?" She appeared at Garvin's shoulder in the middle of his last statement.

  "Warder business, Lady. No cause for concern," he said, making sure he had eye contact with me.

  "Did I hear that you were suspending Warder Dogstar?" said Kimlesh.

  "My Lady, as always, your hearing misses nothing."

  "On what basis, may I ask?" she said, lightly.

  "On the basis that he went expressly against my wishes, and brought a group of people of unknown disposition and unqualified power into the High Court, placing the High Court in danger," said Garvin.

  "You believe I and my colleagues are endangered by a beekeeper and his friends?" said Kimlesh.

  "Any one of them could have been an assassin," pointed out Garvin.

  "Sent by whom?" said Kimlesh.

  "That doesn't matter."

  "I believe, that you expressly asked Warder Dogstar to bring the escapees from Porton Down before the Court as soon as possible," she said.

  "As ever, Lady, you are well informed. I asked for that, yes," he said.

  "Did you specify that they were to be brought individually?" she asked.

  "No, not exactly," he said, "but common sense dictates that…"

  "So he was following your orders," said Kimlesh, "which were unfortunately phrased."

  "I suppose," said Garvin, "but…"

  "And do you serve all of the courts of the Feyre," Kimlesh asked.

  "Indeed, Lady, but…"

  "I think you may reconsider the suspension, in the light of the decision of the High Court to recognise Blackbird as the Lady of the Eighth Court, which was undoubtably facilitated by Warder Dogstar. We are grateful for his unorthodox approach, and there was no actual danger, was there Garvin?"

  "The bees, Madam…"

  "…were an irritation at worst, and an excellent demonstration of how things are developing," she said. "Of course, the disposition of the Warders and the duties assigned remain entirely a matter for you, Garvin."

  "Of course, my Lady."

  "Good. Then we understand each other." She moved away to join the group that had already pledged their allegiance to Blackbird.

  I was tempted to speak, but held my tongue.

  "Warder Dogstar," said Garvin.

  "Yes?" I placed my closed fist over my heart.

  "The Eighth Court will be needing close attention in the months to come. Do you feel able to provide that protection."

  "I do," I said, making sure I didn't leak the least trace of a smile.

  "Then get to it," said Garvin. "I hold you responsible."

  "Indeed," I said, repeating the gesture.

  "And Dogstar?"

  "Yes, Garvin?"

  "I want you to remember that this was your choice. This isn't the end of it, not by any means, and I want you to remember that I tried to keep you out of it."

  "I don't want to be kept out of it," I told him.

  "As long as you understand," he said, turned and walked to the double doors. Fionh fell in beside him.

  As they left, I saw Yonna talking quietly with Mellion. Yonna shook her head and Mellion made a complex hand gesture ending with an opening hand stretched wide, palm down.

  They spoke for a moment more and then separated to speak with others. I was pulled away into a collection of people with questions for which I had few answers. More champagne was poured and Mullbrook and the stewards appeared with trays of snacks to keep the party going. It was a celebration to remember, and Blackbird was at the centre of it. I think she spoke with everyone there — fey, mongrel fey, warder and steward alike.

  Lesley appeared with our son, bathed and fed, and Blackbird held him for a while and then tried to gently pass him to me, but he clung to Blackbird and would not be parted, so she had to carry him aro
und a while longer. He earned much comment and gazed at everyone intently as if he must remember them all.

  Finally people dispersed, with Tate and Amber shepherding people out and back to their lives after promises to return and swear allegiance to the new court, and Mullbrook finding rooms for those who said they had nowhere to return to and would stay. I was surprised when Angela said she would remain at the courts, though she did check first to establish that she wasn't going to be locked up again before she let one of the stewards guide her to a bed.

  "I'm exhausted," said Blackbird as the last of the visitors left, "but you're still ready to play aren't you?" she said to our son. She handed him to me, and he finally allowed himself to be passed across. He must have been a little tired because he rested his head against my shoulder, watching the stewards move around the room.

  "I think we could go to bed," said Blackbird, "before it's morning and this one wants feeding again."

  "Where's Alex?" I said.

  Blackbird smiled. "Still fretting after all she's done? It's OK, she hasn't disappeared again. She just said she needed some air and said would take a walk around the gardens."

  "But it's raining," I said.

  "Then she is in her element. Come Warder Dogstar, take me to my bed before I fall asleep standing up. It's tomorrow already, and it's going to be a long day."

  She took my hand, and I carried our son up to the suite where he graciously allowed that he might sleep for a few hours. When I finally left him, I found Blackbird awake, staring at the ceiling.

  "How goes it with the Lady of the Eighth Court?" I asked her.

  "She's still trying to figure out whether she's done the right thing," she said. "How is our son?"

  "He's asleep, as we should we be. Oh, by the way," I asked her, "what does this gesture mean?" I copied the opening hand gesture I had seen Mellion make earlier.

  "Where did you see that?" she asked.

  "Mellion made it in conversation with Yonna at the gathering this evening."

  Blackbird frowned, a little wrinkle appearing in the centre of her forehead. "It's a gambling expression," she said. "It means to make your play, roll the bones, or something like that."

  "What a strange thing for him to say," I said.