The Children of the Wind (Seven Citadels)
Page 23
The nobles were murmuring at his discourtesy but the Queen said slowly, "You are the first man who has ever refused a gift from me." She turned to the page. "Take the collar away."
There was a nervous silence but Pellameera smiled at the Prince. "Will you also refuse to dance with me?"
"Never, if Your Majesty will teach me your Seldian steps."
"Gladly, Prince Kerish-lo-Taan."
The musicians hidden among the trees struck up a stately tune and the ladies of the court chose their partners. The High Stewardess asked Forollkin to dance but Gwerath was too shy to choose from among the dazzling courtiers. Her eyes followed the graceful figures of the slender white-robed Queen and the Prince of Galkis.
Forollkin was clumsier, looking beyond his partner and treading on the hem of her gown. The music stopped and with a rustle of alabaster silk, the Queen curtsied to her partner.
"We dance well together, Prince." Pellameera called to the musicians, "Play `The Weeping Queens'."
"Does Your Majesty prefer a melancholy tune?"
"I do, though men say I am never sad," murmured Pellameera.
"Men in Seld are not renowned for their wisdom," countered Kerish.
The music began again.
"I see your cousin is not dancing."
"She may only dance with a kinsman," improvised Kerish, "it is a custom of the Sheyasa."
"Then you must be her partner," declared the Queen, "and I will teach your brother to dance."
She gave Forollkin her exquisite hand.
Gwerath at first refused to dance but Kerish persuaded her. He led his cousin to the centre of the greensward. With solemn concentration, Gwerath copied the Prince's steps, never looking up into his face. Nor did Forollkin dare to gaze at his partner. She talked incessantly but afterwards he couldn't remember a single word she had said, or whether he had replied. Neither of the brothers noticed a royal messenger cross the lawn and wait beneath the silken canopy for the dance to end.
The music faltered. Laughing, the Queen called for another tune but one of the court ladies hurried to her side and whispered something.
"Prince," said Pellameera, "here is an envoy from your father's court, seeking an immediate audience."
Kerish saw the white cloak of the messenger and his hand tightened round Gwerath's wrist. The Galkian envoy, who had been staring at Kerish, bowed to the Queen and handed her a scroll of purple vellum. She scanned it frowning.
"The Emperor of Galkis announces his death. When did you leave his court?"
"I sailed from Ephaan two months ago, Madam."
"Then by now he is dead,” said Pellameera, “and my sister is Queen of Galkis.”
Kerish finally understood his dream in the Gap of Lamoth, and Forollkin thought numbly, `Our father is gone and Rimoka rules in the nine cities.'
Pellameera finished reading the scroll.
"The Emperor asks that we celebrate his death with the customary festival. Tomorrow will be a day of rejoicing."
"Your Majesty honours the memory of my father," murmured Kerish.
Forollkin came anxiously to his brother's side and Gidjabolgo had risen from his place among the courtiers, but the Prince did not need their help.
"If Your Majesty had known my father," said Kerish, "you would see that a festival is fitting. For him, death was the only gateway to joy."
"He was fortunate to believe so," answered Pellameera. "In Seld it is the gateway to extinction. More music! Shall we dance again?"
Kerish bowed.
"I will dance, but soon we must leave for the Red Waste."
"Are you so anxious to rush into danger? Djezaney shall guide you then. You have not told me what you seek in Saroc's citadel."
"No, Your Majesty."
Kerish offered the Queen his arm and they led off the dance.
Gwerath timidly approached Forollkin.
"Why did your father welcome death instead of fleeing from the Hunter or struggling on his spear? Was his life so sad?"
"He thought so."
"I'm sorry. " Gwerath was trying to read Forollkin's face. "His passing must hurt you."
Forollkin shook his head. "I hardly knew him. I had no part in his life, I can have none in his death."
He turned away to watch Kerish and Pellameera dance in the gathering dusk.
Three days later the travellers took the road to the Red Waste and Tir-Tonar.
END OF BOOK TWO
The story continues in THE DEAD KINGDOM
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