"Girl, if you were a creature of more interesting gender, I'd make you fall in love with me. Lift your glasses, my fellows. We drink to the Minstrel."
It was wine that had been poured, not the newly transformed Callahan water. Bryck dutifully took a swallow. Once, he'd taken real pleasure in drinking and in the carousing and camaraderie that went with it.
He hadn't divulged his name to the members of the Broken Circle. He hadn't even given them the alias he had lived under when he first arrived in Callah. And so he had become the Minstrel. That was fine. There was an anonymity about the sobriquet that he appreciated. After all, he wasn't doing this for glory.
They all continued to congratulate one another, and Bryck did nothing to interfere with their celebrating. As Gelshiri was finishing her glass, she asked, frowning as she concentrated, "If we do scare the Felk, won't we be scaring everybody else, too?"
Again Bryck didn't patronize. "But we can spread the word that this is the work of the Broken Circle. No Callahan need fear the water." It would have been a nice final touch if they could have left the Circle's sigil at each water site. But that would have called attention to them and lessened the chances of success for the operation dramatically. It was too bad Bryck couldn't follow each of them today and brand the slashed circle at each target, using that trick of magic that allowed him to make fire from nothing.
Bryck settled back and sipped quietly at his wine. He had plans for the days ahead. This band had performed successfully. He could have a little confidence in them; they'd earned it. But greater challenges and much greater dangers were ahead.
Tyber, Bryck noted, had a curious charisma about him, particularly since he was such an unsightly fellow. Yet, as Bryck watched, the celebration seemed to slowly gravitate toward him. He laughed and made the others laugh. He had a cheerful air, a winning self-assurance. He was the point of focus, the same position that Bryck had once so naturally and ably held whenever people gathered and the wine flowed.
It was when Tyber grabbed up three empty glasses and started deftly juggling them, as everyone applauded, that Bryck got the idea he'd been waiting for. Afterward, he pulled the man aside and asked, "Tell me, Tyber, do you know any magic?"
RAVEN (2)
Here he comes! Vadya said unnecessarily.
Raven could actually feel her host's excitement. She shared in it. The two of them had developed quite an affinity in a very short time. They shared thoughts easily. Now, they were occasionally sharing emotions, especially when both women were excited about the same thing.
Stepping out into the corridor, moving this new body with sensual ease, Raven glanced casually and "noticed" Lord Abraxis approaching. He was tall, lean, and had exceptionally long fingers.
"My Lord," Raven said, bowing a greeting.
He slowed, frowning, then halted. Next to Matokin, this was the most politically powerful mage in Felk. He was also said to be head of the Internal Security Corps.
"Who are you?" he asked, curtly.
"I am Raven, Lord Abraxis." She fluttered her eyelashes a bit. Vadya had already taught her many of the tricks of this shapely body and how to get the most use of her attractive face.
Surprise showed in the wizard's normally inexpressive eyes. Then he nodded, "Yes, Matokin mentioned he'd had you resurrected. Quite an effort. It was at Weisel's request, I understand?"
"Yes, Lord," Raven said.
"Well, that at least means you've succeeded in getting near him. Good work. When do you return to the field?"
"Soon." She was feeling better almost by the watch, adapting to her new form, and recovering from the physical and psychic shock of being resurrected.
"Good. You realize you're still under the constraints of the assignment Lord Matokin and I gave you?" Abraxis asked pointedly.
"Of course," Raven said. "Lord Matokin has already reminded me."
"That's fine then."
Raven had worn a gauzy gown for this stroll through the Palace corridors, picking a time and place when she knew Abraxis would be passing. The garment offered teasing peeks at her body. She knew just how pleasing a shape it was. She had studied it thoroughly in the mirror in her room, marveling at its perfection. Vadya had been only too happy to point out its many attributes, assuring Raven that she would have a power over men like nothing she had ever experienced before.
Judging by Raven's first experiments with the guards and messengers of this Palace, Vadya hadn't been lying.
"You're very kind to take such an interest in me," Raven said, moving a step closer to Abraxis and speaking in that low purring voice.
Again, reaction showed in Abraxis's apathetic eyes.
"I... that is, Lord Matokin and I... we only want you to perform to the best of your abilities," he said, somewhat haltingly.
"Oh, I'm happy to perform," Raven said, trying not to overplay it. Seduction was new to her, though certainly not to Vadya, who had cheerfully shared her experiences in detail with Raven. They were very exciting tales.
"Well, that's good..." Abraxis's eyes now moved down the front of her gown.
Raven pushed out her firm breasts. She moved even closer and brushed a lissome thigh against him. There was no one else in this stretch of corridor.
"Tell me, Raven," Abraxis said, his voice a little hoarse now. "Whose body were you reborn into? This face looks familiar."
Raven smiled, and it was a smile that was luscious and appealing and natural, very unlike when she had been in that other body, her original fat and awkward body. She found herself gladder by the moment that she was rid of it.
"Lady Vadya was generous enough to receive me into herself," Raven said. She lifted a hand and stroked Abraxis's forearm with her fingers, slowly, provocatively.
This time Abraxis's look of surprise was total.
"Vadya?" he gasped. "Why, she is the most renowned courtesan in all Felk!"
Raven smiled. "Did you ever wonder why she was so famous?"
"I... I have," Abraxis said.
"Then let me show you," Raven said, taking his arm, leading him back toward her room. Inside, Vadya was wild with glee.
* * *
Raven had, at first, been quite shocked when Vadya revealed those details about herself. Why, Raven wondered, had Matokin arranged for her to be resurrected within the body of such a woman? But the question answered itself.
Matokin had no doubt seen the situation as an opportunity to make her, Raven, more appealing to Weisel. It would certainly make spying on him easier.
Raven stretched her supple body the full length of the rumpled bed. Abraxis had excused himself, a bit dazedly, and gone off to what he claimed was an important council meeting.
It had been the single best sexual experience of Raven's life, which wasn't saying too much, considering the two previous trysts she'd had, both fast and unpleasant. It wasn't even that Abraxis was so much better a lover than either of the other two. More, it was that his excitement over her body filled her with a reciprocal excitement.
"It's amazing how different a man treats you when you're pretty," she murmured languidly out loud, stating the obvious.
Yes, it is, Vadya added, silently.
I feel wonderful, Raven said, now communicating on the same subvocal level. She rolled her naked body on the covers and giggled.
That's good. Bask in it. But don't take all day. It'll be time to get moving soon.
Raven stopped laughing. Where are we going?
Why, back to the field of course, to General Weisel. You've obviously recovered enough to travel.
For some reason, the thought of leaving Felk dampened Raven's spirits a bit. Strange, since she had felt no attachment to the city before. Then again, those years had been spent at the Academy, Matokin's school for magic training, a place of harsh authority and brutal discipline. Raven had still been learning the basics of magic when she was reassigned to General Weisel.
I'll be sorry to go, Raven finally said. Where else but at the Palace can you meet one o
f the most powerful men in the empire just walking down a corridor?
And where else can you drag him off to bed? Vadya asked wryly.
That, too. Raven giggled again. It was a new thing for her.
Vadya was right, of course. It was time to get back to work. She hopped off the bed and went to the mirror, pulling a chair up to it. As always at the sight of her new body, she smirked and ogled. Then she snatched up a brush and started combing her full, silky blond hair.
Have you spent a lot of time here at the Palace? Raven asked.
A lot. Yes.
Did you sleep with a great many men?
Well, not all at once...
Raven barked a laugh. Vadya was smart, and witty, and she acted very kind to Raven, instructing her in the ways of her new body. Mostly though, she treated Raven like an equal. She didn't talk down or make Raven feel bad about the graceless figure she used to have, or her social awkwardness.
Suddenly, Raven set down the brush. She stared into the mirror, into eyes that were bewitching and that were feeling more and more like her own. Really, though, they were Vadya's. Lady Vadya, renowned courtesan.
Tell me something... Raven hesitated.
Yes?
Did... Lord Matokin ever take you to bed? Raven's throat abruptly tightened.
I won't tell you that, Vadya said after a pause.
It wasn't an answer Raven had been expecting. What do you mean you won't tell me? She frowned.
Just that. And, guess what? You can't force me. Now, don't get upset. I'm still on your side. But I know who you think Matokin is. You think it often enough and "loud" enough that I couldn't help overhearing. He may very well be your father. I don't personally know. But I'm not going to spoil anything by letting you even entertain the idea that this same body has... has been... well, you know. So put the thought out of your mind.
Raven tried to do just that. Vadya was right. It seemed she was right a lot of the time.
Clothes had been fetched to the room. Raven sorted through them, picking the most practical items. One didn't wear diaphanous gowns in the field. She chose boots, a warm coat, but sensible as her choices were, she noticed that they still flattered her curvaceous figure.
Tell me something else, Raven finally said.
If I can, Vadya said, a bit cautiously.
Had you ever gone to bed with Abraxis before?
Old slim and sour? Vadya asked, amused. No. He never requested my services, and I certainly was never personally attracted to him.
But you encouraged me to seduce him, Raven said.
And it was fun, wasn't it? Confidence-building. It may also give us an edge with Abraxis if we ever need it in the future.
An edge? Raven asked, unsure.
Raven, Vadya said, I am a loyal subject of the Felk Empire. I believe in Matokin's plan to unite the whole Isthmus under one rule, to create one great land where there will be no further need for war.
I'm glad to hear it.
Yes, Vadya went on. But I'm also an intelligent, independent, and very experienced woman. I know politics as no other civilian can. I have seen firsthand how things are done, how decisions get made. I understand power and what it can do to a person. Abraxis is the head of Internal Security. It is a very important post. It will become more and more important as this war progresses and more lands fall under Felk rule and require internal policing. Abraxis is a man to watch.
Do you mean... he's a threat? Raven asked, astonished.
All power is a threat.
Raven absorbed that. It made her head whirl a little.
Matokin and Abraxis assigned you to watch over Weisel. They never said why. A good guess is that they are merely playing it safe, making sure the general doesn't exhibit any signs of disloyalty.
Raven swallowed. Weisel had, of course, already spoken treason against Matokin, to her.
It is sensible that we play it safe, too, Vadya continued. Abraxis is the number two man in Felk politics. Maybe he has secret thoughts of being number one.
What makes you say that? Raven asked.
Because of the human nature I've observed in my time here.
I have one more question, Raven said.
Go ahead, Vadya said, with no obvious sign of impatience.
Why did you agree to this?
This...? Vadya seemed confused.
Being my host. Letting my resurrected being inhabit your body while you remain passive. Obviously, you had a thriving career in Felk. Why give that up to allow me, a total stranger, the privilege of using your body?
Vadya was silent a moment. Then she said, Because Lord Matokin asked me to.
Raven sighed, I think it must have been something more than that. You're too intelligent and cunning a woman not to think how you could benefit.
I thank you for the compliment, Vadya said. But for the moment you will have to do with the answer I've given you.
It seemed plain that she would speak no more of it, no matter how much Raven prodded. She decided she would trust this woman to reveal everything later on.
Now, Vadya said, we really should get going.
Go they did. Raven brought along a small bag of field gear. She reported to one of the chambers where the Far Movement mages were transporting people to and from various points throughout the growing empire. She had already informed Matokin, via messenger, that she was returning to the field, after having received an authorization from one of the Palace physicians.
Vadya had never been Far Moved before. Raven rather enjoyed having had an experience her worldly host had not. She went through the portals quickly, without incident, glad not to have a recurrence of that one strange episode, when she had heard voices and had felt something closing in on her.
The army was on the move when she arrived. Luckily, Raven had been transported while the troops had stopped for a midday meal and rest period.
She presented her orders to an officer, who didn't try hard to hide the fact that he was more interested in her body than the scroll she'd handed him. Raven soaked up the attention. This was far more effective than when Weisel had ordered her groomed and put into more attractive attire. Now she was drawing stares from virtually every male.
This time, though, she had Vadya telling her how to best react, how to use her femininity and sensuality to her advantage. It was quite a game, with feints and ploys, veiled glances and cold silent dismissals.
Raven was enjoying it, immensely. Now she had the power of beauty, as well as the authority of her status as General Weisel's liaison to the magic-using units of this army. It was a position he had created just for her.
"The general wants you to report to him," the officer said. He pointed. "He's back that way."
"I'll find him," Raven said, and set off.
The sights and smells were definitely different from those of the Palace. A few more days there, and she would have gotten too used to its luxuries.
General Weisel was encircled by a squad of watchful guards when she located him. She knew that the assassin who had tried to kill him, and who had succeeded in killing her instead, was still at large. If the culprit hadn't been found yet, Raven guessed, then he or she had probably managed to flee.
It might have been an action on the part of the enemies of Felk. That assassin might have been an agent sent to kill Weisel, so as to slow the army's southward push. It was also possible, and more disturbing, that it had been done on the inside. Maybe some disgruntled Felk soldier had taken it on himself to murder Weisel. Maybe the assassin was from among the conscripted troops from the cities the Felk had already conquered.
Whatever, Weisel was being scrupulously protected now. Raven's identity was checked a second time, before she was passed through the vigilant circle surrounding the general.
"Raven!" Weisel said, in what sounded like a sincerely happy greeting.
She saluted. "General, I'm reporting as ordered."
Weisel was dressed in his riding gear. He took a sip from a cup of water
, gargled, spat, and handed the cup off to one of his retinue. He waved her nearer.
"You're recovered?" he asked. "I understand the experience can be... unsettling."
"I've been cleared for duty, General," Raven said.
"That's good." He took a moment to look her over. "I must say they certainly picked a pleasant body for you. Are you enjoying it?"
"I am," she smirked, unable to hide the expression.
Weisel laughed. "I thought you would be. Raven," he said, more serious now, "there have been some changes in strategy since your... leave of absence. We're no longer going ahead with the portal operation. You remember it?"
"I do, General."
"Instead, we're going to do something safer and perhaps a bit less flamboyant," he shrugged.
Raven knew enough not to ask why the operation had been canceled. If Weisel wanted her to know, he would tell her.
"But that's not why I wanted to see you," Weisel went on. "I know you had your position as a liaison thrust upon you without any notice—"
"I was honored to be selected," Raven burst out, then sucked in a startled breath at her own impertinence at interrupting the general.
Weisel ignored it. "But you've served well. And it makes me think you can handle even more responsibility."
This time she waited, to make sure he had really paused. Then she said, solemnly, "I am humbled, General Weisel."
"I promised you a reward for saving my life. This might not qualify, precisely, but I need someone I can trust who can handle a serious task. As you may know, my assassin or assassins have not been found. My senior staff has saddled me with this special guard, to keep me protected. But that doesn't solve the problem. One way or the other, a failure in security is responsible for that assassination attempt. It can't be repeated. I will tell you in confidence that I believe the one who fired that crossbow to be... Felk." His eyes bored into her.
Raven gasped almost inaudibly.
"That makes it a matter of internal security, within this army," Weisel said. He was speaking intently but softly, too low for his guards to overhear. "Do you understand?"
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