The group passed between the buildings and moved down the city street. Recognition struck Kael. Had he seen that boy before? Where was it? On the road? In Kelky? He spun to look at the boys, and the spot in the square where they had stood was empty. Kael searched the square beyond but within moments it was lost from view.
The street wound for several hundred yards. The group halted in front of a giant granite structure. Stonewalls lay buttressed to one another reaching up into the sky. The only ornament for gray rock was more gray rock. Parapets opened onto balconies that Kael could not see.
This experience was quite different than Luxlor. The Elven palace stood in an open clearing and Kael was able to view it from a short distance and get a feel for its beauty. Here, he turned a curve in the road and was on the place, a few feet from its massive foundation. The palace of Rindor was a huge gray rock like the island it sat upon.
A short flight of ten stone steps led the group into an alcove in the granite wall. Two soldiers in similar attire to their escort stood at attention in front of large wooden doors bound in iron. As the captain of the escort approached they saluted and opened the doors for entry. The group swept up the stairs and past the doors. A wide alabaster hallway stretched out in front of them. Beautifully embroidered tapestries lined the walls of the hallway. Small ornately carved side tables were placed strategically up and down its length. Each table held a stunning sculpture of porcelain or blown glass.
“Not much from the outside, but like most people, her true beauty lies within,” whispered Manfir as he walked next to Kael.
Kael smiled back at the prince. It was then that the boy was struck by his friend’s appearance. Shaggy, unkempt hair hung to Manfir’s shoulders. His dark beard nearly obscured his features. His traveling cloak and clothing were dusty and stained with sweat. The Elves were the only presentable members of the bunch.
The group walked into a round room no bigger than the common room at “The Singing Mermaid”. A number of plush chairs were arranged in a circle about the room. On the opposite side from the doorway sat a man and a woman. The man wore a uniform similar to the guards, except that the breastplate and helm were of a golden hue. Additionally, the helm upon his head displayed a much more pronounced crest.
The woman was of uncommon beauty for her age. She wore an alabaster colored gown of gauze and lace. Fresh water pearls draped the nape of her neck and formed a delicate tiara on her honey colored hair. The group entered the room and the man and woman stood.
One of two guards placed by the entry to the room stepped forward to inquire their business. Teeg quickly slid to the front with Eidyn in tow.
“Teeg Fin Ciar, the Grand Duke of Luxlor and Eidyn the prince heir of Luxlor, with their protective entourage, here upon their Majesty’s request,” stated Teeg.
The man in the golden breastplate hushed the guard as the servant tried to announce the group. He waved the wayfarers and their escort into the meeting room.
“Step forward so we may speak,” announced the king.
Teeg strode forward purposefully, attracting all eyes. Kael noticed how Ader and Manfir tried to stay inconspicuous and let Teeg and Eidyn lead.
“Greetings, Corad Kingfisher. The bounties of the great river remain kind to you these many years,” stated Teeg bowing.
“Greetings, Lord Teeg,” returned Corad. “I might compliment you likewise, but the ravages of age never travel amongst your people and the compliment would be lost. You also have changed little in lo these many years.”
“We all change your Majesty, on the outside or the in,” said Teeg turning to Lucyn. “Yet your bride is blessed by Avra and mirrors the image I remember from my last visit, upon your wedding.”
The Elf Lord swept forward and bowed to one knee before the queen. He lightly took her hand and pressed his lips to it. She returned the gesture with a nod of her head.
“You jest, Lord Teeg, you have not changed on the inside much either,” smiled Lucyn. “As I recall upon your last visit, you were the essence of decorum and the height of flattery, and you remain so.”
“Or shall we say your last ‘official visit’,” corrected Corad with a cough. “For if my information is accurate, you have visited our island quite a few times since the day I was blessed with the hand of Lucyn.”
The queen smiled back at the king, then both turned penetrating eyes on the Elf as he rose. Teeg arched an eyebrow and stroked his chin.
“Your Majesties hold me at a disadvantage. It is true that your island is a polished gem amongst the rushing waters of the Ituan, but it is quite difficult for me to make such a journey in my old age. The days of my wayfaring youth have sadly passed me,” frowned the Elf.
Corad scowled and turned to his wife. From beneath one of the gauzy waves of her sleeve, Lucyn produced a small parchment. She slowly unrolled it and perused its contents.
“Hmmm, let me see,” murmured the Queen. “Ten months ago you passed through the Southern gate as Demrol, a tinker. You took lodging at the ‘Broken Plow’ and journeyed on through the north gate three days later.“
She paused and glanced at the old Elf, letting her words sink in.
“A year before that, you arrived with a performing troop and spent three days in the square fascinating both children and adults with your slight of hand. Your tenure was short-lived however, and you left the troop once more through the north gate. An interview with the troop’s leader revealed several interesting facts. Shall I expound?” asked the Queen.
“By all means,” smiled Teeg.
Kael noted that the Elf truly enjoyed himself.
“You joined the troop in Quay. The leader stated that you interviewed with him by producing several of his own personal belongings, of which he was unaware of their disappearance. He was astounded by your abilities and immediately signed you on. He admitted that you added a good deal of profit when the troop arrived in Rindor either through your performances or, shall we say, through your ability to work the crowd while its eyes were occupied elsewhere,” Lucyn paused once more.
Teeg cleared his throat and frowned.
“When one assumes a role, one must immerse themselves fully,” mumbled the Elf.
“Shall I skip the details of your brief dalliance with the lovely contortionist of the troop?” asked Lucyn.
Teeg’s eyes shifted quickly to Eidyn then back to the Queen.
“Lucyn please, decorum, decorum,” groaned Teeg.
The Queen smirked and nodded her head in agreement.
“Six months before that you passed through after visiting my nephew’s properties in the north. After attending to his business there, you entered the city and lodged at “The Singing Mermaid”. Once again, after three days you departed....”
Forgive the interruption, your Highness,” begged Teeg. “But you make it shockingly clear that you are well aware of my movements in and around the realm of Rindor. I am nonplussed, and extremely impressed I might add.”
“It is I who am extremely impressed,” countered Corad. “For a man who finds it ‘difficult’ to journey in his old age, you get around fabulously!”
“I too am impressed,” stated Lucyn. “I watched your performance in the square. Most entertaining. The red hair and long beard were amazing. If I had not seen you so often, I might not have recognized you.”
“Seen me so often? I did not perform for your majesty that visit. 'Twas simple street folk and merchants in the crowd,” said Teeg.
Lucyn smiled with deep satisfaction.
“Come, come Lord Teeg. The Master of Spies isn’t the only person able to manipulate their appearance,” laughed the Queen.
Teeg frowned and searched his memory.
“The washer woman with the bundle of clothing balanced on her head,” offered Lucyn.
Teeg’s face registered recognition and he turned a deep shade of red as he rolled his eyes in embarrassment.
“Corad was never informed of the slight of hand you performed on my backside as
I thanked you for the performance and passed by,” laughed Lucyn.
“What?” exclaimed the King.
“Now, now Corad. As the grand Duke of Luxlor says, ‘When one assumes a role, one must immerse themselves fully’,” laughed Lucyn as she patted Corad’s shoulder.
“Your Highness,” exclaimed Teeg grimly. “My deepest and most humble apologies.”
With a flourish and a wave of his hand, the old Elf bowed deeply and once more kissed the queen’s hand. He arose still clasping her hand. A devilish smile played across the Grand Duke’s lips as he looked into Lucyn’s eyes.
“Something amuses you, Lord Teeg?” Corad stated curtly.
“Why yes. I am absolutely enchanted,” laughed Teeg.
“Strange,” stated Corad “It seems to me that my wife holds you at a distinct disadvantage. She is aware of your forays into our kingdom. She monitors your business and activity. She keeps tabs on you, and until now you were completely unaware. In short, she outfoxes the fox. What amuses you so?”
Teeg let Lucyn’s hand go and turned to face the king with the same smile still playing across his face.
“A job well done,” stated Teeg. “In my business, a business of information and supposition, it is quite rewarding to discover you have successfully completed a task. I feel particularly good about a certain task that was put before me years ago. I might go so far as to say I am quite smug over the results.”
“And what task might that be, Master Elf?” asked Corad.
“Your marriage,” stated Teeg matter-of-factly.
The room became deathly quiet as Corad reddened. Lucyn arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips. After a moment the queen addressed the smiling Elf.
“And how, pray tell, did our union figure into a task of yours?” asked the Queen.
“Oh, it did not ‘figure in’ to a task of mine,” smirked Teeg. “It was a task of mine.”
“Preposterous!” blurted Corad. “Remember whose hall you stand in, Lord Elf! I am a man of patience and virtue, but I will not tolerate a slander against my wife’s good name.”
“Ah! No slander was intended, my lord,” smiled Teeg. “However, the facts are the facts.”
“Explain yourself!” barked Corad.
“Your Highness was a young man of ... an independent nature, if you will,” stated Teeg happily. “An accomplished warrior. A well-read, learned man. A scholar. A man living life to its fullest. However, you lacked a grounding influence. You attacked life yet displayed no subtlety whatsoever. Myself, and a group of associates, felt you needed such an influence in your life. A partner to cover the areas of character that were, for a better word, deficient.”
Corad scowled at the Elf and Lucyn put a forefinger to her chin and studied the Grand Duke.
“Your introduction was arranged,” stated Teeg. “I was in charge of finding you a suitable partner. A task I was loath to perform. Not my area really. However, like all of my duties, I dove in headlong. I scoured the kingdom for a young woman I felt would round out the character of the royal house of Rindor. My assets pointed to the wealthy house of Everd. I observed Lucyn Everd for over a year before I judged her the perfect choice.
“'Twas difficult to determine the statesmanship of a young woman based on the inane list of choices and decisions she must make everyday. They certainly don’t match the difficult choices she will help to make as a monarch. However, often the trivial choices we make in life are the true indicator of our character. I reported to King Leinor and the others that the match was found. A woman of staggering beauty, but with her most valued assets in here.”
Teeg tapped a forefinger to his head.
“Ridiculous!” scoffed Corad. “You mean to tell me the King of the Grey Elves had a hand in my courtship of Lucyn? I don’t believe it.”
Kael kept his eyes fixed on Lucyn. Her husband blustered on, but the queen remained poised and thoughtful. Kael noticed the ends of her lips begin to slightly turn upward.
“Actually, today is a bit of redemption for me,” said Teeg beaming once more. “I predicted that Lucyn would step into an analytical role within Corad’s reign. I knew her intelligence to be great and felt she would become a trusted advisor to your majesty. Her organizational skills would truly benefit you.“
Teeg turned and frowned at the queen.
“Sadly however, my predictions did not come to fruition,” he said. “Lucyn and Corad were wed, and the beautiful young maiden assumed the role of loving wife and doting mother. She showed no interest in helping run the kingdom and spent days performing the innocuous tasks of the wealthy upper class. I was crestfallen. The report I issued to my associates was so positive, that missing the mark by such a great distance was nearly intolerable. It has been a nagging thorn in my side for lo these many years, until this day. I do not like to make mistakes.”
Lucyn’s mouth crept even higher and she studied Teeg.
“This is utter nonsense,” spluttered Corad glancing to his wife for reassurance. “Lucyn and I met by happenstance in the market. Complete luck. She hardly ever came to the island. Her estates were too distant. I happened to be down in the market by my parents request...”
“Ah, yes. I know you were,” smiled Teeg.
“And my lady in waiting ....” started Lucyn.
“Her name was Gia,” added Teeg.
“...demanded that we buy new linens,” continued Lucyn smirking. “She just had to go into the capital for them. They needed to be a certain type and quality. We were required to go immediately. No delay.”
“She tended to overplay her part a bit,” laughed Teeg. “Subtlety was not Gia’s strong point.”
Lucyn fought hard not to smile or laugh outright. Corad furrowed his brow and stared at the ground.
“I will be immensely pleased to return to my associates and inform them that not only did my predictions come true, but Queen Lucyn surpasses even my extremely enthusiastic expectations. Running a full blown intelligence operation, and an active member of that operation,” stated Teeg smugly.
“I take extreme offense in your government meddling in Rindor’s affairs. I have a mind to ban your people from our realm and King Leinor shall....” shouted Corad.
“Corad?” whispered Lucyn.
The King stopped abruptly and turned to her.
“Do you love me?” she asked smiling.
“Yes,” he stated softly.
“Do you trust me?” she asked.
“Completely,” he answered.
“Then why does it matter how we were brought together?”
Corad searched her eyes.
“It does not,” he stated.
The couple looked into one another’s eyes, and Lucyn finally allowed a broad smile to play across her face. With her eyes still locked on her husband, she addressed Teeg.
“Corad was sent to the marketplace to oversee a reordering of the booth spaces.”
“Precisely,” stated Teeg.
“That order came from his father,” said Lucyn.
“Correct,” said Teeg.
“You never meddled in Rindor’s business did you, Lord Teeg?” asked Lucyn.
“Absolutely not. I conducted their business for them.”
Recognition crept into Corad’s eyes as he gazed at his wife.
“My parents...” he began.
“Were just a few of my associates,” finished Teeg.
Corad frowned and pursed his lips.
“I feel manipulated,” he stated.
“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of your machinations,” said Lucyn. “But I must admit that I too feel manipulated.”
“Ah the human heart. Such an unrivaled mystery,” laughed Teeg. “It can have exactly what it desires yet still possess enough doubt to question how it was achieved. Forgive me if I think of you as a pair of silly fools but that is certainly what you must be. You do not doubt one another's love for a moment, but you doubt how it was founded. What matter how you met? The here and now are all t
hat matter. Do you think for one moment I could force either of you to love the other? I might as well try to catch sunbeams!
“If either of you didn’t love the other, the union never would have been met. I knew Lucyn was a perfect match for you, but not for matters of the heart. Your introduction was facilitated, but your love was your own, there for you and you alone to admit or deny. I hoped the fire would spark, but who is truly to know the fickle ways of the heart.”
“Were you a part of this group of ‘associates’, Lord Ader?” asked Lucyn unexpectedly as she turned to face the old man.
“Ader?” questioned Corad. “What’s this all about?”
Lucyn broke away from her husband and moved toward the Seraph.
“Come now, my lord. To my knowledge you haven’t visited our island for a lifetime of men, but that is certainly who you must be. Captain Caylit is a fine officer, and no other being could manipulate him so easily,” stated Lucyn.
“Leinor will be informed that Lord Teeg may have performed his task too admirably,” stated Ader flatly.
“Now I’m informed that one of the mystics enters my land unchallenged. What next?” scoffed Corad.
“Mystic?” mumbled Ader and clenched his teeth.
“Oh, and there may be more surprises to come, my love,” said Lucyn slyly, “but we shall see, we shall see. Our guests must first inform us of their intentions for visiting our lands.”
“We bring intelligence and an offer of support from my family to the crown of Zodra,” stated Eidyn curtly.
Kael noted uneasiness in the young Elf’s demeanor. Certainly, he was upset with being ignored throughout the conversation thus far.
“Ah, yes,” said Corad glancing at the Elven prince. “The prince heir travels in his family’s name.“
The Merchant and the Menace Page 33
